Unmatched Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Africa
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Discover and enjoy Africa gorilla safaris while on a holiday with a certified and knowledgeable tour operator.
Traveling responsibly is at the heart of all we do, expediting deep into the cultures and traditions of the region as you gain more experiences with the local people.
Our top class itineraries will guarantee memorable experiences in the ancient forests with the hidden secret of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees having a blissful refuge.
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Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is an adventurous experience which entails traversing through thick forests in search of endangered mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking was not popular in East Africa until 1980s when Diane Fossey, a renowned conservationist and researcher initiated a proposal for the activity arguing that there were about 250 mountain gorillas living in the Virunga massive. Gorillas were critically endangered at that time due to the threats of human activities, like poaching, encroachment on natural habitats for purposes of settlement and agriculture.
Gorilla trekking was adopted in East Africa in the Virunga massive to help collect funds to support mountain gorilla conservation and reduce the negative impacts of human activities on the habitat of the gorillas.
To boost the Africa gorilla safaris and conservation awareness, Gorilla habituation was initiated in Uganda and Rwanda in early 1990s by the conservationists with support from respective governments and international conservation bodies. Uganda had the first gorilla family – Mubare habituated in 1990 and was open for trekking in 1993. Habituation activities continued in the rest of the conservation area and today gorilla tourism is the leading tourist activity in Uganda and Rwanda.
Facts About Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are unique primates and have exciting facts
There are only 1063 mountain gorillas left in the world today. these mountain gorillas can be found in the virunga conservation area in the east of africa.
Mountain gorillas live in isolated families. these mountain gorilla families are in a form of a human extended family kind of setting. they are comprised of the dominant silverback – who has the overall responsibility of taking care of the rest of the family members, female adults responsible for taking care of the juveniles and infants.
Mountain gorillas share about 98% of the human dna. this partly explains the resemblance in the limbs and the high level of intelligence the gentle giants showcase.
Mountain gorillas are the biggest and most powerful living primates on the planet. male mountain gorillas have a standing height of 161 to 170 centimeters, a girth of about 138 to 163 centimeters, arm length of 2 to 2.8 meters and weight of about 120 to 191 kilograms. females on the other hand are smaller with a weight of about 70 to 98 kilograms.
Mountain gorillas make themselves comfortable beddings every night. they usually make them from roots, leaves and grasses that they get from the forest to make themselves have a cozy night. they showcase a high level of love for comfort similar to that of human beings.
They can eat all day long. mountain gorillas feed on bamboo shoots, roots of plants, fruits and they also have an appetite for ants and some invertebrates. they usually dig grounds as they look for the invertebrates and ants.
Mountain gorillas are critically endangered species. they have over the years first day wrath of human beings and some have succumbed to activities such as poaching and encroachment on their habitat for establishments of settlements and farming purposes.
Wild mountain gorillas can only be found in east africa. mountain gorillas inhabit the virunga conservation area which is characterized of a mountainous terrain that is a favorable habitat for the gorillas. it is made-up of thick tropical rainforests and bamboo vegetation on its lower bases where the gorillas feed and live.
What is the best time to do an Africa gorilla safari?
Gorilla trekking adventure entails movement through mountainous regions, thick tropical rainforests, crossing streams and walking through valleys before one gets to meet the gorillas. this activity is a bit hectic in the rainy seasons and is characterized by interruptions from rain and slippery grounds.
The dry seasons therefore are the best times in which travelers can embark on gorilla trekking adventures. dry seasons in the virunga massive are categorized into two – long and short dry seasons. the long dry season runs from early june to september and the short dry season is always on from mid-december to early february.
Dry seasons are the best to embark on gorilla tracking activities because they are characterised with limited interruptions of rain and steady grounds which are good for manoeuvring through the thick tropical rainforests, which makes the Africa gorilla safaris extraordinary.
Mountain Gorilla Destinations
Where to find Mountain gorillas?
For a great Africa gorilla safari, Mountain gorillas are only found in the virunga massive also known as the virunga conservation area. it is important to remember that it is the only place in the whole world where one can get to observe the endangered mountain gorillas.
The virunga conservation area is shared between three countries – uganda, rwanda and democratic republic of congo with each country having at least a national park responsible for harboring the mountain gorillas including bwindi and mgahinga national parks in uganda, volcanoes national park in rwanda and virunga national park in democratic republic of congo. these national parks were gazetted with the major aim of protecting the gentle giants from the uncouth human behaviors which were leading to habitat loss and diminishing their numbers at a rapid speed.
the key mountain gorilla destinations popular for providing top notch gorilla trekking tours are;
Rwanda
Rwanda is a landlocked country situated in the eastern part of africa in the great rift valley of the great lakes region. the country is just a few degrees south of the equator and experiences a tropical kind of climate. rwanda has some popular safari destinations though the most sounding is that where gorilla tracking is done since it’s the most iconic activity.
For a chance to trek gorillas in rwanda, visitors are required to have a gorilla trekking permit that is obtained through a licensed tour operator at a non-negotiable fee of $1500 per person. rwanda was nicknamed the heart of africa due to her stunning beauty and sensational hospitality showcased by her citizens from time to time.
Uganda
Also known as the pearl of africa, Uganda too is a landlocked country in the east of africa with a diverse landscape made-up of highlands, lowlands and flat areas. uganda is a home to mountain gorillas and has over half of the world’s total population of them. these live in the southern part of the country in the national parks of bwindi impenetrable and mgahinga.
Uganda is such a great place with thick jungles for one to experience gorilla treks and enjoy other endowments of nature. Uganda really has a lot to offer on the tourism arena and the fact that she’s got extraordinary warmness makes her a favourite spot to take your safari.
National parks where mountain gorilla trekking takes place; –
Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Occupying an area of approximately 331 square kilometers, a paradise of Africa gorilla safaris. Bwindi impenetrable national park is a renowned habitat for beautiful mountain gorillas and hundreds of other species of flora and fauna. it is home to the large and oldest thick tropical rainforest on the african continent which has harbored biodiversity for millenniums. bwindi national park is the pioneer of gorilla tourism in uganda that started way back in 1993 with mubare gorilla family.
Bwindi national park today has 21 gorilla families that are ready for gorilla trekking and one other that’s still undergoing habituation process. bwindi impenetrable national park is a favorite spot for adventure and presents a variety of activities to visitors including cultural encounters with the legendary batwa people, nature walks in the captivating eco friendly area, hiking adventures and sightseeing.
Mgahinga National park
Mgahinga is seated in the southern part of uganda and is the smallest national park in the country occupying an area of approximately 33.9 square kilometers. this astonishing national park is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. it is the host to 3 of the 8 virunga mountain ranges – mount muhabura, sabyinyo and gahinga that add up to the beauty of the park due to the stunning scenery they create.
The views of the volcano peaks as they protrude through the clouds is out of this world! these mountain ranges are a habitat to mountain gorillas that occupy thick rainforests at their bases. mgahinga national park has only one gorilla family called nyakagezi. nyakagezi is comprised of 9 individuals characterized by a calm demeanor and playful infants which are adorable to watch.
Nyakagezi gorilla family is open for gorilla trekking and only eight people are allowed to access it per day. this is to help curb the negative effects of human interference to the gorillas, entire habitat and also regulate exploitation of the area. gorilla trekking aside, mgahinga also presents chances for other exciting activities especially volcano hiking, birding for the albertine rift endemics, batwa trail experience, nature walks and golden monkey trekking. This is the reality of Africa gorilla safaris!
Volcanoes National Park
Located in the northwest of rwanda, volcanoes national park covers an area of about 160 square kilometers which is characterized by tropical rainforests and hosts five of the eight virunga mountain ranges including mount bisoke, karisimbi, mikeno, nyiragongo and nyamuragira. volcanoes national park is famous for its beauty and is also a one stop center for gorilla tracking in rwanda.
The national park is home to countless biodiversity including other primate species especially golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest’s, chimpanzees and pottos. this astonishing national park is famous for other activities especially canopy walks that present the beautiful view of the eco friendly forests in the region, golden monkey tracking, bird watching and hiking.
Wildlife Safaris in East Africa
Wildlife safari expeditions in East Africa are a whole combination of exploration and fun! Safaris in East Africa take travellers through the most stunning landforms one could set their eyes on in a lifetime.
From the dry savanna plains of the Tanzanian Serengeti to the highlands of Kilimanjaro, the captivating sceneries of Masai Mara to the astonishing mountains of Kenya, the remote journeys of Kidepo to the magnificent land of tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and the breathtaking natural wildlife habitats in Rwanda, East Africa is indeed a wonderful safari destination to explore.
East Africa is comprised of a variety of national parks, game reserves and other conservation areas that are home to various wildlife creatures that guests can set their eyes on especially oribis, giraffes, elands, common warthogs, zebras, Springboks, meerkats, aardvark, lions, leopards, jackals, servals, hippos, chimpanzees and gorillas the key spot of the Africa gorilla safaris.
Every country has a variety of national parks and the most astonishing fact is that all countries allow the guests to have the opportunity to observe the big 5 animals. The big five aside, other small sightings make the wildlife safaris in East Africa worthwhile especially having the opportunity to view the African wild dogs, caracals, common genets, spotted hyenas and cheetahs.
Wildlife activities to do in East Africa
Being endowed with countless attractive species of flora and fauna, East Africa has undertaken the use of that opportunity to allow travellers to have the best activities to do while in the natural areas. These activities encompass;
Game drives
These are exciting exploration activities conducted in the natural areas of East Africa to enable travellers to have a glance at the undomesticated animals. Game drives allow visitors an extraordinary game-viewing experience in the most beautiful parts of the East African region. The game drives are usually conducted in 4×4 vehicles which allow the guests to reach all corners of the National Park and therefore have more sightings of the animals.
The game drives are conducted during the day and night. The night game drives are normally done to target the sightings of the carnivores especially the lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs for an opportunity to watch them make kills. Such moments make the safari more satisfying! They are done under the guidance of an experienced tourist guide who provides information about the animals encountered. However, visitors who wish to go solo are also not barred from their will to explore alone.
Boat cruises
Boat cruises are yet another enormous way travelers can get to enjoy wildlife safaris in East Africa. The boat cruises are launched on magnificent water bodies especially lakes, rivers and their tributaries. They allow visitors to explore more of the national park’s endowments as they reach deep ends of the shores where vehicles cannot reach.
Boat cruises are conducted on water bodies such as River Nile, Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo and Kazinga Channel in Uganda, lake Nakuru, Manyara and Mara Rivers in Kenya, lake Ihema in Rwanda, Lake Tanganyika and along the coastal beaches. All these are a great add up for the Africa gorilla safaris.
Guided Walking Safaris
Guided walking safaris are a great way to immerse oneself in the hidden gems of nature in East Africa. Guests have the opportunity to discover the culture and learn about the history of African societies with the help of a guide. The adventure guide ensures that the guests are equipped with information about all attractions that are seen. It is yet another opportunity to learn interesting facts about the communities in East Africa and hear a bunch of captivating stories about their way of life.
The guided walking safaris take visitors through the breathtaking natural areas especially the thick rainforests, savannah grasslands and other lush vegetation which help the visitors to appreciate nature. Indeed, it’s a reconnection between oneself and nature. The feeling of listening to the natural sounds of wind in the forests, dry savanna plains and sounds of animals is worthwhile.
Hot air balloon safaris
Hot air ballooning is yet another incredible wildlife experience to look out for when in the captivating East African lands. The exciting activity comes in handy with the experience of floating peacefully in the sky, surrounded by the breathtaking views of savannah grasslands and animals therein. Guests have the opportunity to see the world from a whole new perspective.
Bird Watching
The bird-watching adventure is such a delightful tourist activity in East Africa. Bird-watching wildlife safaris are more like a treasure hunt in the natural areas. Visitors have the grand opportunity to observe and appreciate the beauty of countless bird species, especially the great lakes region endemics encompassing shoebills, secretary birds, scavengers, vultures, hammerkops, African fish eagles, great blue turacos, green turacos, Abyssinian ground hornbill, black be- eaters, cinnamons, egrets, yellow-billed ox-peckers and African jacanas. The bird-watching safaris are peaceful and give such a rewarding experience and yes the Africa gorilla safaris on top!
Chimpanzee trekking in East Africa
Its not only the Africa gorilla safaris, we also offer chimpanzee trekking activities, this entails a variety of exploration activities through the thick tropical rainforests of the region. Travelers have the golden opportunity to stare at the human’s closest species sharing up to 94.8% of our DNA.
Chimpanzees are such interesting, iconic animals in the rainforests in East Africa due to the gestures they perform and the sounds they make as they interact with each other. For a chance to observe them, one needs to obtain a chimpanzee tracking permit from the authorities through the registered tour operators and then peacefully embark on the wholesome experiences with them.
Guests get to witness the playful and intelligent behaviours of the chimpanzees in the tree branches up close. The trek through the rainforests itself is an exhilarating experience as it allows one to reconnect with nature and get relieved of the day-to-day noise of the bustling cities. The views of the various lush vegetation, butterflies, birds and other fauna species in the forests make it an experience worthwhile as one hits multiple birds with one stone!
Chimpanzee trekking destinations in East Africa
Chimpanzees are scattered all over thick tropical rainforests in the East African region. Several conservation areas have been gazetted to protect them and their habitat from extinction and also give opportunities for exciting activities such as chimpanzee trekking. The most outstanding chimpanzee trekking destinations in East Africa are;
Kibale forest
Kibale forest is an enchanting primeval forest in the western part of Uganda. This mysterious forest is perched in the captivating hilly areas in Bundibugyo in the southeast of Fortportal, the tourists’ city. Kibale forest is a renowned home to chimpanzees harboring about 1000 wild chimpanzees with 4 habituated chimpanzee families to enhance the tracking expeditions of guests.
Chimpanzee trekking is done in two shifts that is to say in the morning and afternoon. The morning session begins at 8:00 AM and ends at around midday while the afternoon session begins at 2:00 PM and ends in the evening. The guests on this adventure are accompanied by a team of Rangers to ensure that they are secure in the jungle. The Africa gorilla safaris are spiced by an up of the chimpanzee trekking and savannah exploration.
Budongo forest
Budongo is a mysterious forest in Uganda adjacent to the captivating Murchison Falls National Park. The forest is located on an escarpment in the northeast of Lake Albert and covers parts of the Hoima and Kikuube districts. It is seated on an area of roughly 825 square kilometres, covered with thick rainforests with towering canopies which form a favourable home to the chimpanzees.
Budongo harbours approximately 600 to 700 chimpanzees with 4 chimpanzee habituated communities that are open for tourism activities and others undergoing habituation processes. This a magical place for both Africa gorilla safaris and chimpanzee trekking experiences.
Kyambura gorge
Kyambura Gorge is a serene forest perched on the outskirts of the breathtaking Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The gorge showcases the beauty of a natural forest engulfed in a valley. The forest therein is a renowned home to chimpanzees with about 80 individuals. There are habituated groups that are up for tracking activities where travellers can have a great time watching the chimpanzees interact in their natural habitat.
The gorge goes up 200 meters deep and gives a wholesome tracking adventure. The breathtaking views of the gorge are an added advantage to the chimpanzee trekking activity making it a favorable spot for sightseeing and photography enthusiasts.
Nyungwe forest
The vibrant Nyungwe forest stands out as one of the oldest rainforests on the African continent. This captivating forest covers an area of roughly 1019 square kilometres in the western and southern parts of Rwanda. It is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site harbouring the endangered chimpanzees and their delicate habitat.
The forest is made up of bogs, bamboo and other Afromontane tree species that make a perfect habitat for the chimpanzees. Nyungwe has about 400 chimpanzees with about 60 habituated and ready to be visited.
Price of chimpanzee trekking permits
It is important to remember that for one to have the opportunity to trek the chimpanzees in all the destinations mentioned above, one ought to have fully paid for and obtained a chimpanzee trekking permit from the authorities. The chimpanzee tracking permits are obtained through registered tour operators. Each country has different prices for their trekking permits and they are;
The Ugandan chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale forest are priced at a non-negotiable fee of $200 for the foreign non-residents, $150 for the foreign residents and Uganda shillings 150,000 for the East African citizens.
Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is priced at $120 per person per trek and Kyambura gorge at $50 per person per trek.
Rwanda chimpanzee tracking permits are priced at $150 per person for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens.
Tanzania chimpanzee trekking permits on the other hand in Gombe Stream National Park are priced at $100 per person per trek.
The primate exploration is always key as you consider the Africa gorilla safaris, this is the peak point of understanding the art of nature in the primate world.
Our Journeys & Beyond
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Wildbeest Migration Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania
The great wildebeest migration is recognised as the most enjoyed, thrilling and breathtaking wildlife event in the whole world. This lifetime activity involves the migrating of animals in a large population following the rain patterns, searching for enough food and drinking water. This interesting wild event only happens in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
About 2 million herds of zebras, impalas, wildebeests, Thompson gazelles and grants migrate in a clockwise direction from the southern part of Tanzania in Serengeti National Park to the northern part of Kenya in Masai Mara National Park before returning once again in Serengeti national park.
Right away after the calving season is when the migrating animals kick off their journey and most of the calves are born during this period around the end of February. By April and May, the migrating animals are already heading North before encountering the Grumeti River around June where the aquatic predators are always waiting to feast for a long and this is when the lives of these animals start to face threats.
River Crossing
The migrating animals are forced to congregate first in large numbers so they can all cross the rivers at once. A large number of them can be seen along the banks of the River still plotting on how to survive the death trap as other predators inform of lions and leopards also plan to play fast on them before they can cross the river.
Watching these migrating animals crossing the river is an unequalled experience yet exciting in the end. The animals are seen struggling for their lives as the Nile crocodiles patiently wait underwater for their long-awaited meal. It is at that point where the young and weak migrating animals as a result of long journeys fall into the predator’s teeth that touches the most.
A big number of these migrating animals will survive to their destination and just a few of them fall into the death trap. But as they struggle out of the river, a feeling of relief catches up with the viewers. From July to September, the migrating animals are welcomed in the Masai Mara National Reserve after encountering another death of the River Mara.
Planning For The wildebeest migration
The great wildebeest migration is such a not-to-miss wildlife event that gives such an ultimate full wildlife experience. During the peak seasons especially in dry seasons, the tourism destinations of Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve are almost inaccessible as visitors from across the world flock to these spots with great wildebeest migration first on their bucket list.
Visitors who wish to be part of this lifetime experience are advised to book in advance so they can get space with accommodation and other neighbouring spots.
The two countries of Kenya and Tanzania have attracted international attention and this has seen their tourism sectors and infrastructures progress. Masai Mara National Reserve is therefore the leading popular tourism destination in Kenya and attracts both international and domestic visitors from across the world and generates a lot of tax income for the Kenyan government.
The Best Time To Undertake The Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris
The great wildebeest migration in both Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Park can be undertaken throughout the whole year however the dry period of the year remains the best time to undertake this great wildlife activity. During the dry season, visitors can have the most spectacular unremarkable views of the herds of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas and more.
This is because during the dry season of months like December to February and July to September is when the migrating animals gather on the only remaining water sources of the Grumeti and Masai rivers for drinking water.
When all the water is dried up as a result of the prolonged dry season, the migrating animals will seek the only remaining drinking water sources hence all gathering in one spot to give visitors the most remarkable breathtaking wildlife views. The dry season also concedes with the summer holidays of Europe and Western countries hence giving visitors on summer vacations an opportunity to be part of this breathtaking wildlife event. we always advise our travellers to consider the Africa gorilla safaris during the exploration of the pleasing nature.
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