African Safaris Guide

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  • Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi from Kigali

    Is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali possible? Yes, you can fly into Kigali and also be part of the thrilling mountain gorilla experience in Bwindi National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali is perfect for trekkers who would like to get the best of magical encounter with mountain gorillas yet at a relatively pocket friendly rate. Fly to Kigali International Airport and have 4 hours’ drive in our comfortable 4×4 drive car to Bwindi National Park in southwestern Uganda to kick off with your lifetime gorilla adventure. Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Kigali-Rwanda is far better than, time saving compared to if you took a flight up to Entebbe International Airport then drive to Bwindi National Park which is 8-10 hours’ drive depending on the driver’s speed, route taken among other factors.

    Why go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali

    With about half of 1004 mountain gorillas that still exist on planet earth all confined within the lush jungles of Uganda, a glimpse at these massive creatures in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is worth starting your gorilla safari from Kigali.

    Unlike other gorilla parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a home to 20 families all set for tourism and research purposes. To trek the habituated groups in Bwindi National Park, visitors start their treks from Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo or Rushaga sector. In Buhoma sector, the groups to explore include Rushegura, Habinyanja, Mubare and Katwe; Nkuringo region; the groups to trek include Nkuringo, Christmas and Bushaho; Ruhija region consists of Kyaguliro, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Mukiza gorilla family whereas Rushaga region comprises of Bweza, Mishaya, Kutu, Rwigi, Mucunguzi Nshongi, Busingye, Kahungye and Bikingi.

    Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali takes trekkers fewer hours than if they traveled directly from Entebbe Airport. To reach Bwindi from Kigali, you need only 4 hours compared to 8-10 hours if you traveled from Entebbe or Kampala. From Kigali, you will be driven via Chanika or Katuna border area to Bwindi.

    Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park is relatively cheaper with gorilla permits costing about US$700 per person for foreign non-residents; $600 for foreign residents and Ug.shs 250000 for East African citizens to secure a gorilla permit in Uganda which still remains pocket friendly compared to Rwanda where gorilla trekking permits cost US$1500 per person.

    Several of the gorilla safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are accessible from Kigali and they range from budget to luxury which gets everyone covered.

    After your thrilling gorilla trekking experience, you can sum up your trip by embarking on canoe ride along the magical Lake Bunyonyi which consists of 29 scenic islands and free from bilharzias, crocodiles making it ideal for swimmers.

    This also means that it is possible for you to take a 1 day gorilla tour in Bwindi National Park and the more days you spend, you have variety to enjoy including gorilla habituation experience, hiking, biking, Batwa and Bakiga cultural experience, bird watching to mention but a few.

    Staring your gorilla trip from Kigali gets you a chance to also embark on a city tour in Kigali with a chance to visit Kigali genocide memorable site for you to learn in depth about what took place during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can incorporate other experiences like hiking/forest walks, biking, birding, Batwa encounter and others.

    How to get gorilla permits

    Gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be obtained through our reservation team or directly with reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority. About 160 gorilla permits are available for booking in Bwindi alone however, you need to book your permit in advance to avoid any kind of disappointments. Each gorilla trekking permit costs $600-for foreign non-residents; $500-foreign residents; UGX.250000-for East African citizens. However, come 1st July 2020, gorilla permits will be issued out at $700, $600 and shs.250000 respectively.

    Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park

    Bwindi National Park is open to visitors on gorilla trekking safari throughout the year. But it is perfectly explored during the dry season which starts in June, July, August and September. Or pay a visit to this park for gorilla trekking in second phase of dry spell which occurs in December, January and February. While weather conditions are ideal during the dry season for gorilla trekking, the wet or rainy season is also gives you get another option to realize your dreams. It begins in March, April, May and October, November although this period is characterized by heavy rainfall.

    What to pack on your gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park

    In your packing list for gorilla trekking, you need to consider essentials first including waterproof hiking boots, water, energy giving snacks, first aid kit, camera with no flashlight, long sleeved shirts/t-shirt, trousers, hat, sunscreen, walking stick-this can be got at the park or lodge, sweater, rain jacket/poncho and others.

    Where to spend a night in Bwindi National Park

    Bwindi National Park has wide range of accommodation options for your overnight stay. You can opt for budget, midrange or luxury. Luxury options include Buhoma Lodge/Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Forest Camp/Chameleon Hill Lodge/Mahogany Springs Lodge; midrange options include Gorilla Mist Camp/Gorilla Valley Lodge/Nkuringo Gorilla Camp/Engagi Lodge; Budget options-Broadbill Forest Camp/Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Wagtail Eco Safari Camp.

    In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Kigali is exceptional in that trekkers are able to save not only time but also money for other safari activities or things.

  • Top 5 Budget Safari Destinations in East Africa

    Today most travelers want to see money value in every holiday vacation they take, making the demand of budget holidays high across Africa. Being one of the most beautiful continents with a lot to see and explore, many travelers find peace, joy and unforgettable experience every time they visit year round. Taking into consideration the prices of public transport, car hire services, accommodation, meals, park entrances and free attractions, East Africa is the most amazing and cheap region to explore for any exclusive Africa Safari holiday at any budget without breaking the bank.  The region has countries like Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania the most attractive in wildlife, gorilla trekking, mountain climbing, chimpanzee trekking, Bird watching, beach holidays and many more.

    Tanzania-Land of Wildlife and Mountains

    The Land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Serengeti  and a main tourist hub for those planning to visit for massive wildlife viewing, mountain climbing, beach break and cultural excursions. It’s one of the inexpensive countries in Africa offering friendly costs with value in every tour aspect of its visitors. Tanzania is a place that tourists enjoy before and after their Tanzania vacation holidays. Dare salaam and Arusha are the major cities for spending more time after Tanzania safaris and vacations. Did you know Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa covering 937,062 sq km south of the Equator? It borders Rwanda Burundi and Congo (DRC) in the west, Kenya and Uganda in the north and Zambia, Malawi in the south making it easy for interested in exploring other countries in the region. However, Tanzania caters for all travel interests like wildlife, beach holidays, honeymoon, family adventures, mountain climbing birding to mention but a few since its one of the great wildlife gems in Africa. Mountain Kilimanjaro is one in a million and the many wildlife parks like Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorogoro etc.

    Kenya- the Magical Land of Wildlife

    Kenya is the best budget camping and luxury safaris destination in Africa for wildlife lovers especially those to Masai Mara, Amboseli, Nakuru, Tsavo Aberdare and many other Kenya wildlife park. The Masai Mara community is something you can’t miss out while in Kenya on your Kenya wildlife safari. Also Kenya tour operators offer a wide range from Kenya Budget Safaris to Joining group safaris, budget camping ,student safaris, beach combined holidays among others at pocket friendly prices any time of the year. Also the country has several budget hotels of all kinds, campsites for those interested in backpacking travel. With affordable park fees, transport and accommodation all Kenya attractions are a quick add up for any budget Kenya safari any time of the year. However, to catch up with the great wildlife migration in Masai Mara, July-October is the best time to visit Kenya. Time when massive wildlife cross from Serengeti to Mara and make high risk river crossings.

    Rwanda-the land of thousand hills

    With its historical treasures and beautiful landscapes, Rwanda is a cheap, impressive country for travel in Africa. There is a lot to explore in Rwanda for free including the multiple cultural attractions, Lakes, Rwanda genocides, Butare Museum etc. Besides, even when it comes to world most exciting wildlife adventures, Rwanda offers the shortest and cheapest in volcanoes national park. Public transport is cheap, car hire services are available making it easy for tourists to move around and connect to different tourist destinations in a cheap and affordable way. However, I recommend private transport for those heading out to track Rwanda gorillas in volcanoes national park because it’s easy to connect to the park head quarters and where the trek kicks off from. Remember, Rwanda’s prime attraction is mountain gorillas and most tourists to the country come to see mountain gorillas on different Rwanda gorilla trekking holidays. If you travel during the low tourist seasons, you will certainly enjoy great discounts on hotel rates but not on Rwanda gorilla permits though the park has plans of revising the prices during low season months.

    Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

    Uganda is a home for many budget safaris though most famed to the world for being the best budget gorilla trekking destination in Africa year round. Great discounts for gorilla and chimpanzee permits are found here in all primate parks including Bwindi forest, Mgahinga national park, kibale forest National park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national park. However, other Uganda parks offer great affordable experiences to travelers across the world. Imagine rafting the all with a bungee jump break in the afternoon on the source of the Nile at less than $200 dollars, seeing gorillas at $450 dollars, trekking chimpanzees at $50 dollars and also viewing wildlife at $20 dollars. What a great destination Uganda is in Africa with lots of fantastic adventures.

  • Exceptional Primate Safaris in Rwanda

    Rwanda is mentioned as one of Africa’s bio diversified countries in Africa ranging from primate life to wildlife species. Whenever Rwanda is mentioned many peoples mind rush to the primate life than wildlife species. it’s true primate safaris are the most interesting trips one can ever experience in a life time while in Rwanda. Not like wildlife viewing which involves viewing these animals in a tourist vehicle, watching primate species is very unique as it involves spending some quality time with these apes in their natural habitat.

    The trek to find these apes sometimes is very hard like trekking the mountain gorillas, however trekking these apes is regarded as the most interesting adventurous activity on earth. mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzee tracking are the most interesting to watch primates species. Tracking these primate species involves penetrating through the ever-green thick forests in the volcanoes national park in the north western part of Rwanda and in Nyungwe forest national park. Rwanda is one of the few countries where one is assured of watching these primate species in their natural environment and a classic exposure is guaranteed when trekking them. However the uniqueness of primate safaris to this central African country makes it more rewarding and unchallengeable hence makes it the best safari destination for primate safaris.

    Rwanda primate safaris are the most interesting trips one can ever experience in a lifetime. One thing that is so unique with these tours is that a visitor spends some quality time with some of the hard-to find primates like the mountain gorillas, Golden Monkeys and Chimpanzees. Tracking these rare species is a thrilling adventure involving penetrating through the ever-green thick forests in Volcanoes National Park and Nyugwe National Park. Rwanda is one of the few blessed countries where one can be assured of viewing the primates in their natural habitats and a classic exposure is guaranteed while trekking them. However, the uniqueness of a primate trip to this East African country makes it more rewarding and incomparable. This explains why Rwanda is regarded as the best destination for primate lovers. Below is a simple write-up about primate safaris/activities and where they can be spotted on a primate safari to Rwanda.

    Mountain Gorilla tracking safaris: This is the leading primate safari in Rwanda, attracting the highest number of visitors from whole over the world to come to this small African country to have a glance at these remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Rwanda is blessed among the few African nations the rest are Uganda and the Democratic republic of Congo for housing these endangered gorillas with an estimate of over 380 individuals all being hosted in Rwanda’s volcanoes national park in the northwestern Rwanda. This is quite a huge number when compared to the world’s total of an estimated 900 mountain gorillas left in the world, and it’s undoubtedly that it’s known as the best gorilla safari destination in the world. The park can be reached in just about 2 hours’ drive from the capital Kigali to kiningi park headquarters in Ruhengeri musanze district. Before being permitted to track these interesting apes one must possess a gorilla permit which are sold at the RDB in Kigali or kinigi park headquarters at a fee of usd$750 per person per tracking. Stimulatingly, this activity can be done within one day because Volcanoes National Park is near Kigali (only 2hrs drive). if you sleep in Kigali Rwanda’s capital and largest city you have to walk up very early in the morning to arrive at the park headquarters in kinigi before 7:00am to receive short briefings, then after head to the forest, after the one hour with these apes drive back to your accommodation or at the airport to meet your departure flight back home, this means that one can save the costs associated with spending more days on a safari.

    Golden Monkey Tracking: golden monkeys are also regarded as endangered apes they live in the bamboo forest in the volcanoes national park. These primate species are also known the most beautiful primate in the wild. They are very interesting to watch as they play and jump from one tree to another in the tropical rainforest of Volcanoes. Like tracking mountain gorillas, golden monkey tracking time is also unpredictable it can go from a half to full day and ounce they are met only one hour is allowed to stay with these primates. While moving through the forests of volcanoes, one stands a chance of encountering with these

    Chimpanzee tracking safaris: Nyungwe forest national park provides the opportunity for one to trek the chimpanzees. The park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda about 7 hours drive from the capital Kigali to the park. The park is a home to over 13 species of primates coupled with chimpanzees the closest relative of man sharing almost 98% of human DNA make-up. Chimps are fabulous fan to watch when jumping from tree to tree. Many other species that live in the forest include the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, grey checked mangbay, red tailed monkeys and many others.

    Many travelers visit Rwanda specifically to track primates making it number one tourist activity. Prepare your primate safari to this small gifted African country you will get the best

  • 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.

  • Visit the Virunga National Park of DR Congo

    Located between the Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains in Congo, the Virunga National Park is a protected landscape covering 3000 square miles of exceptional diversity. Set some 85 years back to be the nation’s first national park, Virunga is now a World Heritage Site although the civil war has swallowed many wild lives here.

    Among the tourists, the park is famous for its poaching mountain gorillas and the diverse ecosystems such as the Lake Edward’s western shores of Lake Edward, grassland plateau, marshland, plains, mountains, alpine meadows, volcanoes such as Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, lava plains, and glaciers. So, you are really bound to enjoy every bit of moment spent here, which will seriously get to you something new to see and do. Coming to the wildlife, the Virunga National Park is the home of several mammal, bird, and reptile species whose statistical figures with regards to the quantity are the highest as compared to the continent’s any other protected area.

    Spotting mountain gorillas is one of the most jaw-dropping activities here accomplished via the stunning Gorilla Safari. You can easily spot this creature despite the fact that it is now a rare creature and all thanks goes to the successful conservation effort of the park. If there is something that you will remember throughout your life, it will be your experience of spotting the Mountain Gorilla for the first time. And this is possible only via Gorilla Trekking wherein your park ranger will guide you to reach the current site of a Gorilla family. This site keeps on changing as these creatures do not bother of the zones or borders. And if you are lucky to come to the park when they thrive within the park borders, you can spend 60 minutes in just watching them. This trekking is only specific to Africa; so do take this chance as you might never get it again. Guided trek, mountainous landscape, rare, but a magical experience, and funny play of the creatures are some of the main features of this activity in the park.

    Besides gorillas, you can also look for savanna and forest elephants, Okapi, buffaloes, chimpanzees, giraffes, as well as endemic birds. For the bird lovers, the Virunga National Park is like a paradise with more than 700 species such as herons, darters, gulls, pelicans, weavers, warblers, egrets, ibisis, geese, ducks, bitterns, skimmers, cormorants, open bills, shoebills, francolins, and ospreys. To see these, look for wetlands and some dedicated areas by asking the park rangers. And then there is something for the botany lovers too: dense rainforest, mangroves, low level woodlands, additional savanna grasslands, and flooded forests.

    High concentrations of wild animals can be seen along the rivers. In the savannah, you will be able to spot buffalo, elephant, antelopes, hippopotamus, lions, and various monkeys; while lower Rutshuru shows off several pelicans. The slopes of the park mountains as well as the Semiliki Valley houses chimpanzees, gorillas, and okapi.

    Besides trekking, you can choose from a myriad of activities on your trip to the Virunga National Park; such as sand boarding, sky diving, and white water rafting for the adventurers and bird watching, hiking, and exploring the local culture for the leisure fans. Just remember that the adventure activities are optional and take them up only if you want a chill to run down your spine. While you are in this park, do spend some time to explore the adjoining Mount Hoyo zone as the home of the folks of the Bambuti Pygmy tribe, waterfalls, and caves.

    Concerns

    Intense poaching for the meat industry to prosper as well as land invasions were recently on peak, but now are under control.

    Reaching the park

    It is easy to reach here from the nearby Kinshasa International Airport in not more than an hour.

    Tip

    The park is in the east region of the state, which is very well known for crimes like hijacking. So, always come here with a guided tour.

  • Kenya Wildlife Safari: Have Fun in the Wild

    When you make a trip to the beautiful African nation of Kenya, this would give you the most wonderful safari adventure ever. There are lots of photographic memories and you can also take pictures of your favorite Kenyan Adventure which would most probably hold a special place for you.

    There is a wildlife reserve in his country that and even otherwise the wildlife that you can see here is most extra ordinary.

    Safety happens to be quite a big issue otherwise there are numerous places in Africa that let you have a nice Kenya safari. And because of this you have to do your homework and find out the safer safaris and then after this you could make your informed decision.

    There are many countries that suffer political turmoil. These make it quite far from it being stable country it would be a good idea to avoid these disturbed part of the country or rather the entire country itself.

    It would be a good idea to have a good clear idea of the things that come along in the wildlife adventure.

    It would be quite helpful you have been a girl or Boy Scout when you were young as you would have some idea of what is needed.

    Let us looks at some of the basic things that you need to have packed away when you are embarking on a Kenya wildlife safari mission.

    The snake kit, ropes, few basic medicines, a fire kit and a knife are some of the essentials. And once you are done with there then you can dispel all types of allergies. The tents and backpacks could be keeping quite light. And when you follow into the adventure trail, this would just happen to be right on top of your priority list.

    If you have a heavy backpack, this would probably make you feel tired ad you won’t be energetic enough to be adventures about the many things that can and will happen on a Kenya wildlife safari, so make sure your backpack is not too heavy.

    It would always be a good idea to travel light and these tours are not something that happen everyday and so you could make the most out of your Kenya Safari.

    It would also be a good choice to think about carrying or not carrying your equipment around, things like your valuable and your camera. In fact if the camera is too heavy, then it would be best to leave it at home. It would be even better if you go for something that is light and powerful. It would be a good idea to go for the digital camera, the ones that are used by your friends and buddies.

    It would also be a good idea to carry along a pair of batteries as you would not have a chance to recharge your batteries here. or you could opt for solar batteries.

    When you move in front of and around bears and snakes and other such animals it means that you are probably getting yourself into trouble. Since it is not quite possible to get effective and quick medical help in the middle of a Kenya wildlife safari it would be best if you take extra precautions and be sure that you wont disturb these territorial animals.

  • 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.

  • A Safari in Iona National Park of Angola

    Come to the land of the best surroundings of the ideal adventure regions in this part of Africa. The Parque Nacional do Iona or the Iona national Park, is a verdant stretch of ideal travel pleasures to all who visit this part of the world. Ensconced in the best ambience of the Namibe province this is one region in Angola that would enchant the tourist to the maximum.

    Around 200 km from the Namibe city, Iona national Park is a lovely expanse of around 5850 square miles and is in fact the largest national park in the country. When Angola was not independent and fought the Angolan civil War, then Iona was a paradise for animals and was a game destination. But illegal poaching and lot of nefarious activities have damaged the beauty of the park. This park has a unique plethora of flora and fauna and also is famous for its rock formations. Iona is today Angola’s largest and oldest wildlife zone and has been proclaimed as a reserve in the year 1937. In the year 1964 it was upgraded to a national park. The Portuguese Angola authorities have recognized it thus ever since.

    Situated in the south western part of the province of Namibe, this is surrounded naturally by the Atlantic Ocean in the western side, the Cuenne in the south, the Curoca River in the north and the est. Iona national park forms a total blocked vegetative area along with Namibia’s Skeleton Coast and the Namib Naukluft National park and has many sand dunes and also has a beautiful coastline.

    The altitude here, alters from base sea level to around 800 m above at the Posto do Iona. The height is even greater in the Tchamalinde Mountains. There is a slope here, and the rainfall thus has a gradient and it ranges from100 mm to around 300 mm. The sand spit, the Baia dos tigres and the Cunene River cover the protected area and there is around 200 km of the coastline of the Atlantic. Many small semi desert ecosystems form the natural landscape of the Iona national Park and it is a lovely sight to see the calcrete plains, the open woodland, the desert grasslands and the beautiful regions of arid shrub land and the lovely savannah which dominate the entire area.

    After the poaching and other activities were curbed, the Big Five of Iona national park include the Springbok or Gazelle, the Ostrich, the Kudu, the Oryx and the cheetah, the mountain zebra, the klipspringer, the impala, and the quelengue. Though there is an empty landscape, yet the park has some animals found the favourite sight here being the Springbok.

    With an intriguing collection of flora, the fascinating Welwitschia Mirabilis which is one of the oldest living plants in the world, this is also a lovely hub of rock formations. The park is very well known for its avifauna and has the best sights of great sand dunes which lie near the coast. The birds are normally sighted near the river basins and the coastal regions.

    The Mucubal and the himba are the main tribes living here in the park. The Kimbundu groups are also a group to reckon with here. With the farmers and herders who live here in this secluded region, the area is supposed to be the most culturally intact in the African region.

    With beautiful sights and the loveliest travel delights, the Iona national park comes across as a great destination for all those who come to this part of the world. Visit the Iona national park and enjoy the sights of the wildlife and flora here.

  • Where to See Mountain Gorillas: Best 4 Locations

    Gorilla trekking is described as a life changing experience. Mountain gorillas are listed as the world’s most critically endangered apes by IUCN. Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo are the only countries in the entire world where these charismatic wild creatures are protected. There are lesser than 900 individuals that still live in the wild today, all of which distributed within the very few remaining tropical rain forests in Africa.

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    Uganda offers visitors two options to track the critically endangered primates in the wild. Several operators offer gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda occur only in the thick tropical rain forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The two protected areas are found in the misty valleys of Kabale, Southwestern part of the country which is about 9-10 hour drive from Kampala. Gorilla trekking is only done in habituated groups whereby there are 11 habituated families that have been set for tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and only one is found in Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi has four tracking areas and they include Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo sector. Each of the tracking sectors features gorilla groups.

    Buhoma area is one of the busiest sectors of Bwindi National Park both in terms of tourist activities and accommodation facilities. The habituated gorilla families for tourists to trek include the Mubare aka Mubale gorilla family also known as the M. Group, Habinyanja (H. group) and Rushegura also known as the R. Group.

    Ruhija sector is still a developing area especially in terms of accommodation but it also features three gorilla families for tourists to trek while on safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The habituated gorilla groups to track in this area include the Oruzogo, Kyaguriro and Bitukura gorilla family.

    Rushaga sector features as the exceptional gorilla trekking area in Bwindi. It is in Rushaga that Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place. For gorilla trekking safaris, the habituated groups include Nshongi gorilla family, Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye and Mishaya gorilla family.

    Nkuringo sector of Bwindi has only Nkuringo gorilla group for visitors to track and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park there is Nyakagezi gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris and tours in Uganda is relatively cheaper, the trekking permits are sold at US$700 per person for foreign non residents, US$600 for foreign residents and US$80. This mainly applies in the peak season especially in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During these months, the demand for gorilla permits is high and visitors are encouraged to book for their permits early enough.

    During the low season Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offers opportunity to other visitors who may not be in position to track gorillas during the peak to also achieve their dreams in Uganda. In April, May and November, permits in Uganda are obtainable at US$450 for foreign non residents, US$400 for foreign residents and shs.150000 for East African residents. For visitors who may need to extend their stay in Bwindi, there is Gorilla Habituation Experience where you will spend all the four hours with the apes in the wild. For this adventure, the permits cost $1500 foreign non residents, $1000 for foreign residents and shs.750000 for East Africa residents.

    Volcanoes National Park

    The Volcanoes National Park is the best tourist destination for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Located in Northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is accessible about 2 and half to three hour drive from Kigali International Airport to the park. There are ten habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes national Park set for gorilla tourism. They include Sabyinyo, Ugenda, Umubano, Hirwa, Susa A and Karisimbi (Susa B), Bwenge, Kwitonda, Amahoro and Agashya (Group 13). A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda cost $1500 per person and applies to all visitors.

    Virunga National Park

    In Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking is best done in the Virunga National Park Eastern part of the country. It features eight habituated gorilla groups for visitors to track and they include Munyanga, Humba, Kabirizi, Mapuwa, Rugendo, Lulengo, Bageni and Nyakamwe gorilla group. Gorilla trekking permits in DR Congo cost $400 per person. Besides, there is also Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The Virunga National Park is normally reached from Rwanda and visitors can spend about 4 to 5 hours drive. However, note that DR Congo is still recovering from political unrest.

    In conclusion, gorilla tourism is best done in Uganda Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. A trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas is a life time experience Gorilla trekking is a strenuous experience that requires you to be physically well to hike through the thick forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park.

  • Why Go on Safari in Serengeti National Park

    You always wish to venture into a place from where you can carry lot of interesting stories to tell your friends and kids. African Safari in someway or the other promises all the adventure that other destination just boasts, it is the place where you would find the wild side of the earth.

    Safaris are one of the most exciting and varied vacations that anyone could possibly imagine and the chance to do your own safari is one that no one should pass by. There are a great number of considerations that you need to make when it comes to organizing your safari and one of the most important relates to the exact location that you choose for your trip.

    There are a number of national parks to choose from all of which have their own characteristics and are home to different types of wildlife. Everyone has their own preferences and it really depends on the kind of safari you want and what you are hoping to see. The Serengeti is one of the most popular options as it is a beautiful place with some stunning and impressive animals.

    When it comes to choosing the location of your African safari, you will need to perform some thorough research so that you can make an informed decision. Serengeti is one of the best national parks that receives a good number of tourists all year round and here are the reasons as to why you should consider visiting this great world known park;

    You should come here not only to enjoy flora and fauna but also to witness the wonderful culture that prevails in the region. This is the place which you should visit if you want to see the real Africa. The place is really valuable rises from the fact that two World Heritage Sites and two Biosphere reserves have been established in this place. The place has astonishing charm and it has inspired numerous filmmakers, poets, photographers, writers and other people with creative head. The park witnesses migration of animals every year thousands of wild beast and zebras move from one place to another.

    Serengeti the Tanzanian National Park should be your place to visit if you want to fulfill your instincts of watching wildlife unperturbed. In the local Maasai language Serengeti means ‘endless plains’, the park covers an area of about 15000sq km. It is the largest reserve in Tanzania and also counted among the world famous national parks. It was first established as a game reserve in 1921 and then in the year 1951 it was proclaimed as a national park.

    Flora and fauna:

    Serengeti is home big groups of antelope which includes patterson’s eland, klipspringer, dikdik, zebra, gazelles, lion, impala, leopard, cheetah, hyena and other bigger mammals like elephant, rhino, giraffe and hippopotamus. The place gives you the chance to watch a great wildlife.

    You would even find here more than 500 bird species.

    Apart from great collection of birds and animals, you can also see agama lizards and rock hyraxes in and around the park. There are also 100 species of dung beetle which you can see in the park.

    Here you would also find diverse environmental conditions, you can see from savannah to grass plains and woodland to black clay plains.

    Famous activities:
    • Bird Watching
    • Adventurous Walking Safari
    • Interesting Safari Game  Drives
    • Memorable Balloon Ride

    Plan Your Safari

    Where it is located:

    It is in the northern part of Tanzania. The park is so famous that every Tanzanian citizen can show you the way.

    When to visit:

    There are shorts rains in the months of October and November and this is the ideal time for you to go and explore the wild Tanzanian Park.

    Where to stay:
    • Kleins Camp
    • Sabora Plains Tented Camp
    • Faru Faru River lodge
    • Sasakwa lodge
    • Migration Camp
    • Nomad Tented Camp
    • Olakira Camp
    • Sayari Camp
    • Ndutu Camp
    • Lemala Serengeti Camp
    • Grumeti  Camp
    • Suyan Camp
    How to reach:

    Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest airport to the National Park. There are charter flights available from Mwanza, Arusha and Lake Manyara. If you feel like coming from train then you can board a train from Moshi Station and then coming to roadways there buses available from Arusha Bus Station.