African Safaris Guide

Category: Inspiration

  • Rwanda’s Positioning As A High-End Tourist Market

    With the sprouting of new luxury Safari Lodges within the Volcanoes National Park and the increment of Rwanda gorilla permits from US$750 to $1500 per person (with the effect of 7th May 2017), it’s obvious and clear that this country, also known as the land of a thousand Hills is positioning itself as a High-end tourist market.

    Gorilla trekking is a one in a lifetime opportunity that allows tourists to meet face to face with the critically endangered mountain gorillas. This activity is possible in only three countries that include Uganda (within Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks), Rwanda (within Volcanoes National Park) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (within Virunga National Park). This explains the reason why these three countries always appear on the bucket list of places for Safaris in Uganda.

    However, Rwanda has positioned herself as an exceptional destination targeting the wealthy tourists hence the high-end tourist strategy. This is a drawback for the budget tourists because only the elite will be able to track the country’s mountain gorillas.

    This tourism strategy is expected to increase revenues from tourism while at the same time boosting conservation efforts of the country’s attractions since fewer will afford safaris hence reducing their numbers. Mass tourism as it is in Kenya and Tanzania has negative effects on tourist resources, especially fragile environments like where the mountain gorillas are found.

    Just like Botswana and Bhutan, Rwanda’s tourism is a high-value and low impact strategy and is expected to work and prosper. As earlier mentioned, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are the other two countries in the whole World where you can actually go to encounter the only population of Mountain gorillas.

    Gorilla permits cost $600 and $400 for Uganda and DRC respectively, which are more than two times cheaper than it is with Rwanda yet the Rwanda Development Board officials were not worried that the country would lose visitors to the neighboring countries because the land of a thousand Hills offers an exceptional gorilla trekking experience that is incomparable to the other mentioned places.

    After the time of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide where more than 800,000 people lost their lives, the country is now a comeback kid and is praised for the drastic economic turnaround. Even now when you visit the country, you will be amazed by the cleanliness of the Cities, the level of organization, safety and zero tolerance of Corruption and Injustice.

    With the introduction of Lions and Rhinos (that were previously extinct) into Akagera National Park, Rwanda became a Big five destination which in turn doubled tourist numbers. Nonetheless, the mountain gorillas are the main reason tourists visit the country, thus the industry players became concerned about the impact the increase in gorilla permits would cause to the tourism industry.

    Surprisingly, bookings have increased by 22% more than were recorded during the same period (May) in 2016. Interestingly, the revenue from gorilla trekking safaris substantially increased by 39% in the same period despite the cancellations resulting from the price increase. Last year (2016) in May, the Rwanda Development Board collected about $4618 whereas this year the same period, about $6.2 million was collected. Therefore, the country expects to generate $444 from the tourism industry from $404 million collected in 2016.

    Accommodation

    Therefore, Rwanda has positioned herself as a high-end destination, which has yielded positive results regardless of the fact that tourism players had predicted otherwise.

    Today more high end luxury safari lodges have opened up in Rwanda to offer the ultimate comfort that luxury travelers seek for on an African Safari. Examples of such lodges include renowned chains like Singita, One and Only Resorts, Wilderness lodges, Governors Camp etc. You can easily choose to stay in chain lodges across East Africa. A perfect safari sold by Rwandan Tour Operators include the 10 Day Luxury Tanzania Rwanda Safari sold by Ecotours Rwanda with exclusive stays at the Singita’s Collection of Lodges and Camps in both Rwanda and Tanzania.

    You can undertake a luxury gorilla safari within the land of a thousand Hills and will have the most exciting moment of a lifetime.

  • Why Explore Uganda on Self Drive than On Customized Safari

    If Africa is your next destination to explore, Uganda should be on your bucket list. This remarkable locale has plenty to offer for adventure travelers. Varying from Wildlife, culture, delicious local cuisine, vast landscapes, and history to striking cityscapes.

    Hidden in the Eastern region of the African continent, this home of welcoming locals share borders with Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, Kenya in the East, Rwanda in the South west, South Sudan in the north and Tanzania in the South.

    You can easily get there by air transport means and you will land at Entebbe International Airport. Some documentations (valid passport, yellow fever vaccination card and Visa) are required for entry permission, therefore don’t forget to pack them.

    To give a brief highlight, with travelers opting for self drive in Uganda usually hire a car to get around different spots in the country. Then for a customized Safari everything (safari logistics) is arranged with a local tour operator.

    Once you ask travelers, of the two which one is the best? Some say a customized safari and other say Self-drive. It is hard to choose for the best because travelers’ interests differ, but listed below are the main reasons why you should appreciate Uganda’s natural scenery by Self-drive other than a customized safari.

    It offers Privacy

    If privacy is your thing then you should opt to renting a Car and drive yourself to the country’s points of interest. Without presence of anyone else, you can do everything you would wish.

    Cost Friendly

    Once you choose to hire a car for self-drive, the things to cater for include fuel, car costs and accommodation. There are no costs for the driver guide and other simple things.

    If you want to make your budget even more pocket friendly, you can hire camping gears and camp in the reserved camp grounds mostly found in National Parks, game reserves and sanctuaries.

    Opportunity to discover hidden spots

    Self-drive usually creates more time for travelers to discover numerous hidden spots including the off the beaten path draws which is not the case for a customized safari. With a customized Safari, you have to follow the customized itinerary and no changes to the program once it’s confirmed.

    Flexibility

    With Self-drive, it is you to decide what to do, where to go and where to be at any period of time for your rental. Therefore, this gives you more freedom to do whatever thing you want during your vacation. Program alteration is also common since it is you to make the decision.

    Adventure at your own pace

    Not like a customized Safari that you have an itinerary to follow, with Self-drive it is you to control yourself.

    Uganda has a lot of things to see, therefore reserve more time for your Self-drive vacation and you will have plenty to relish. Once you are delighted by a certain spot, you are free to change the plans and stick to what is more inspiring you.

    Real life Experience

    There is no better way to engage in real life like driving along the muddy and slippery roads in Uganda than Self-drive. While deep in the villages, you will associate with locals, taste some delicious local cuisine and as well feel the real experience once the car get stuck in mud. Don’t forget the gumboots, gloves and other protective gears. This is really a great adventure you shouldn’t miss once in a lifetime.

  • Meet the Bonobos of DR Congo

    Bonobos also known as the Pygmy or Dwarf chimpanzees are exceptional primates with so many interesting facts worth discovering during a safari in Africa. Bonobos are great Apes-scientifically known as Pan Paniscus and are close relative to the Common chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes).

    These Primates were discovered in 1929 as the last great apes to be scientifically described and are continuously mistaken for the Common Chimpanzees yet are different and totally new and interestingly, they are actually native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Specifically, the Bonobos are found within the Southern and western side of the Congo River and they are major highlight for primate safaris in Congo. Make sure that you select  a primate safari package that including watching the Bonobos in Lola ya bonobos sanctuary.  Their numbers are currently estimated at between 30,000 and 50,000 individuals in the whole World and mainly occupy the lowland rain forest. Efforts to study and survey the Bonobos over the past years have been barred by the remote nature of their habitat as well as their patched distribution and the years of civil unrest within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    There are several extraordinary characteristics that set the Bonobos apart and these include; their bodies are more human-like in that they have smaller and rounder heads, and have longer rear legs. The creatures have difference in weight between the female and male Bonobos and are also able to stand more upright like humans. Interestingly, these Apes are identified by their red lips. Just like the Common Chimpanzees, these primates share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives than the gorillas.

    These exceptional great Apes are characterized by female dominance but the young male Bonobos are more dominant over the female ones. Surprisingly, homosexual behaviors are mostly common among the female Bonobos, which they always use to generate strong emotional bonds and maintain social dominance over the male Bonobos. Another interesting fact about the female Bonobos is that they keep relationships and settle conflicts with their partners through sex.

    Average male Bonobos weigh about 39 kilograms/85 pounds while the females weigh around 30 kilograms/65 pounds. In terms of height, male Bonobos measure up to 1.2 meters/4 feet while their female counterparts measure up to 1 meter/3.5 feet. They are very peaceful and matriarchal mammals although aggression is spread through play and sex. This doesn’t mean that their lives are entirely violence or conflict free, because just like other primates when two groups encounter one another, they engage in serious fights which can lead to injuries or more seriously to death.

    These primates are mainly frugivorous (depend on fruits) while they can also feed on other plant parts such as leaves and shoots. Their gestation period is about 7.5 months (32.5 weeks) and usually give birth to one baby although twin cases also happen. Bonobos can live up to 60 years in Captivity, which is exceptional of other primate species. These creatures can be seen in Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve, Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve, the Lac Tumba and Lui Kotale in the Wild while Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary (90 minutes west of Kinshasa, about 8 kilometers off Matadi road) the of the only destination in the whole world where these mammals can be seen in captivity

    In conclusion, the Bonobos-Pan Paniscus are interesting primate species native to the southern and western side of Congo River within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although mistaken for the Common Chimpanzees, a safari to this country will make you understand and differentiate the primates.

  • Top 3 South Africa Romantic Vacation Ideas

    Our Top 3 Romantic Vacations, Ideas & Honey Moon Safaris In South Africa

    • The Outpost – This was one of our favorites. Romance, scenic splendor, great wildlife & great food …we could have stayed here a week or more. Perched on a cliff where the eagles soar below you – that’s right the eagles soar below you – this lodge is located in the extreme northern edge of Kruger National Park. Stunning vistas of mountains in the distance, a river valley below, very good game viewing and excellent food. We can’t wait to go back! The problem is that there are so many wonderful places to put on your list of South Africa tours to do. Though in early 2007 it had a change of ownership.
    • Illyria House – A very small luxury hotel with fine art, classical music, and exceptional food and service. This place is ideal for a romantic getaway or a prelude to your safari – the perfect place to recover from the international flight into South Africa. So this is a great place to start or end South Africa tours that include Pretoria. Also a very strong recommendation if you are going on either of South Africa’s world class luxury trains, The Blue Train or The Rovos Rail. Both luxury trains arrive in or depart from Pretoria.Though this is a Pretoria hotel but it is the same traveling distance from Johannesburg International Airport as are the best Johannesburg hotel.
    • The Blue Train – this is an exceptional experience. We’ve been on South Africa tours that included the Blue Train three times and never tire of it. You have five star luxury as you roll through some of South Africa’s most beautiful areas. You have a 24 hour private butler, exquisite meals and some wonderful excursions when the train stops. Even if you don’t think you like train travel, this is an unparalleled experience you should try. I am a very active person – I like to work out, run, etc, but I really liked this experience.

    Click here to learn more about the Blue Train

    Click here to learn more about Rovos Rail, the other great South African luxury train

  • Top 5 Destinations for Golfing in South Africa

    The Best South Africa Golfing Accommodation – Our Top 5

    • Sun City – With major golf courses like Gary Player’s The Lost City Golf Course, Sun City offers 3, 4 and 5 star accommodation. The neighboring Pilanesberg National Park also offers wonderful game lodge accommodation, so you can grab a round or two of golf while on a malaria free safari. This is one of the top South Africa tours spots.
    • Fancourt – If you love playing golf on a diversity of exceptional courses, this is a winner. It also has the advantage of being able to be a base from which to explore the famous Garden Route. You also have a splendid spa here too. Another benefit is that you can experience Fancourt and enjoy the splendors of South Africa tours along the Garden Route.
    • Steenberg – A wonderful wine estate, splendid golf course and excellent hotel all in one. It is just outside of Cape Town – in the Cape’s Constantia Winelands (a highlight of many South Africa tours)- and has a good spa as well. Located on the beautiful Cape Peninsula, the course is exposed to the changeable Cape Town South Africa weather.

    Learn more about the best South Africa golf courses & the best South Africa golfing accommodation