Kwita Izina Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony
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Kwita Izina, Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony To Take Place On 18th October

Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s gorilla naming ceremony is back as they mark 20 years of mountain gorilla conservation. This year’s naming is scheduled for 18th October at the gorilla naming grounds near Volcanoes National Park.

Rwanda is among the three countries home to the rare mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are primates in the Ape family that live in the forested mountains of the Virunga massif and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Their population is estimated at 1100 individuals with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park having one of the highest populations.

Rwanda's Conservation Journey

Volcanoes National Park has 12 fully habituated gorilla families that are open to tourism. Mountain gorilla conservation is vital as mountain gorillas are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. The gorilla naming ceremony is among the most successful gorilla conservation approaches as the named baby gorillas are closely monitored as they grow. It makes it easy for the gorilla doctors and rangers to notice when a gorilla is missing or sick.

The Rwandan government expanded the Volcanoes National Park’s land area to create more space for the gentle giants. This is coming at a time when political stability has boosted mountain gorilla conservation efforts making, Rwanda a mountain gorilla haven. Kwita Izina proves this conservation success as only newly born mountain gorillas are named annually.

About the Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Kwita Izina was derived from the Rwandan traditional culture of naming newborns. It was adapted to name mountain gorilla babies as the rare primates are among man’s closest relatives. Mountain gorillas have over 95% DNA similar to humans and share characteristics with us.

They live in families of up to 20 individuals led by a dominant male called Silverback. The Silverback monitors its family’s territories and often determines the general routine of the subordinate gorillas. Female mountain gorillas have monthly menstrual periods like humans do and their gestation period is also 9 months. After giving birth, female gorillas breastfeed their infants that remain under their care until three years old.

It is newly born gorillas that are named during the Kwita Izina Ceremony. The gorilla naming goal is to monitor newborn for their safety as they grow in the untamed wilderness. It helps monitor population growth and come up with conservation strategies to ensure the mountain gorilla habitat is well preserved.

Where to stay During the Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Kwita Izina attracts wildlife enthusiasts and conservation players worldwide and getting accommodation becomes a challenge. The Volcanoes National Park area has several accommodation facilities with enough bed capacity. It is however advisable to secure your accommodation in advance for convenience and easy access to the event grounds.

Notable high-end luxury lodges you can opt for include Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Oneandonly Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, and Amakoro Songa Lodge. Deluxe lodging options include the Five Volcanoes, Da Vinci Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

The Kwita Izina naming grounds can also be directly accessed from Kigali. It takes a 3-hour drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and one can still have an overnight in Kigali.

Other Rwanda Tourism Events

Rwanda is an amazing safari destination famous for mountain gorillas and other wildlife. The country has over the years positioned itself as a leading tourist destination for wildlife, culture, and sports. Kwita Izina is the most successful wildlife tourism event with positive environmental impacts.

Tour Du Rwanda is a cycling event that covers iconic Rwanda safari destinations including the Congo Nile Trail. The event attracts professional cyclists from all over the World who eventually take on exclusive journeys of Discovery in the land of a thousand hills.

Ironman Triathlon is another adventurous Rwanda tourism event to look out for. It involves a series of long-distance triathlon races including swimming, bike races, and running. This year’s Ironman Triathlon was held in Rubavu District along the shores of Lake Kivu. Rwanda has several other sports events including Basket Ball, and Football that you can be part of.

Discovery Journeys Packages

Volcanoes National Park is home to golden monkeys, an old Monkey species endemic to the Virunga Mountains. The park has 5 of the eight Virunga Mountains that can be hiked. Mount Bisoke has a crater on its summit and offers one of the best mountain hiking experiences. Our 3-day gorilla tour features mountain gorillas and a golden monkey trek. The 6-day Tour features hiking Mount Karisimbi and an up-close encounter with mountain gorillas.

Akagera National Park is the country’s only savanna park in the eastern part. It is home to the Big Five Mammals including elephants, lions, buffaloes, Rhinos, and leopards. Our 3-day Akagera Tour is short but ideal for exploring the park on game drives, boat cruises, and balloon safaris.

Nyungwe Forest in the southwestern part is home to chimpanzees and 12 other primates. It is the country’s most important bird area because of its Bird diversity. The forested park is home to over 300 bird species including Albertine Rift Valley endemics. It is also Rwanda’s only natural World Heritage Site having been listed in 2023. Our 5-day Rwanda tour and 10-day Rwanda Safari feature Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking, birding, and more!

Other Featured Destinations

Rwanda is best explored alongside other featured destinations like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. There are direct connecting flights to each destination making accessibility easy. Uganda can be accessed by road and our 8-day Rwanda Uganda safari covers that.

As you plan your trip to the gorilla naming ceremony, you can have an extension to Uganda based on your preference.

Top Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations. Discovery Journeys
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Top Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations

Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations make Discovery Journeys to the country more desirable. Kenya is an African safari giant famous for its open savanna wildlife experiences. It is also culturally diverse with a rich heritage and history.

Kenya has several adventure holiday destinations that feature all bucket list adventures. These destinations can be featured on a customized Kenya safari tour. Below are the best and most recommended Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations to consider if you are planning your safari.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya about a 3-hour drive from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. The park covers a land area of 392 square kilometers stretching to the Kenya-Tanzania border. It is famous for its large herds of elephants, views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and several other wildlife attractions.

Amboseli National Park is currently on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of its diversity and unique wildlife. Once approved, it will join the list of Kenya’s natural World Heritage Sites. They include Lake Turkana National Parks, Mount Kenya National Park, the sacred Mijikenda Kaya forests, and the Rift Valley Lake system.

Kenya adventure holidays to Amboseli feature game drives, nature walks, community visits, and balloon safaris. Notable wildlife species you spot on safari include wildebeests, buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, hippos, and lions. The park is also home to over 400 bird species with migratory birds from November to April. Our 3-day Amboseli tour is short but ideal for those with limited time and who would love to explore the park. It can be customized to add more days depending on one’s preference.

Amboseli safari adventures are unmatched making the park top Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations for all travelers including honeymooners.

Mombasa

Mombasa is Kenya’s coastal and oldest Capital City. It is located along Kenya’s coast and is ideal for beach holidays and marine wildlife safari adventures. Mombasa is a historic city of the East African coastal trade. Its history dates back to the 16th century when the influx of Arab traders and European explorers was high.

Iconic historical attractions in Mombasa include Fort Jesus, a fort built from 1593 to 1596. Its architectural design was by Giovanni Battista a prominent Italian architectural designer.

Mombasa has white sand beaches where one can relax or engage in beach sports. Notable ones include Diani Beach, Bumburi Beach, Nyali Beach, and Mombasa Beach. These are ideal for honeymoon holidays, destination weddings, and other Discovery Journeys getaways. Mombasa is definitely among the must-visit Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations.

Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous Kenya safari destination. It is located in the Southern Part and is home to Big cats, birds, and other safari animals. Masai Mara has an open ecosystem connected to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. It is in this ecosystem where the great wildebeest migration takes place.

The great wildebeest migration is a mass animal movement that features millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. These grazers move over the open Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystem in search of fresh pasture. A Kenya safari to Masai Mara featuring the migration is rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts as you get to see one of the highest wildlife concentrations on the planet.

Masai Mara has other featured safari experiences including birding, cultural tours, nature walks, and balloon safaris. The reserve is a lion conservation unit with the highest lion population in Kenya. Leopards and cheetahs are also easily spotted in Masai Mara compared to other Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations. Our 4-day and 10-day Kenya safari feature Masai Mara. It is highly recommended that one explores the park’s wildlife.

Lewa Conservancy

Lewa Conservancy is situated in northern Kenya a 4-hour drive from Nairobi city. It is a refuge for the endangered black rhinos and Grevy’s Zebra. Lewa is among the most prominent Kenya Wildlife conservancies offering exclusive Kenya safari experiences.

It covers a land area of 65,000 acres of a diverse ecosystem including open savannas, woodlands, and shrubs. This ecosystem is home to over 450 bird species including Kenya endemics. Other notable safari animals at Lewa include lions, elephants, giraffes, and wild dogs.

Lewa Conservancy has several luxurious and remarkable accommodation facilities. They include Borana Lodge, Elewana Lewa Safari Camp, Elewana Kifaru House, Lewa House, and Sirikoi Lodge. All these are exclusive overlooking the conservancy wilderness and ideal to base from while on Lewa safari adventures.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is also located in Northern Kenya. The reserve is famous for its rare wildlife species including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffes, and the gerenuk. Samburu is home to several other wildlife species including the Oryx Beisa, Buffaloes, elephants, and over 390 bird species.

The reserve is among the most exclusive Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations. It is ideal for off-beaten-path adventures and those interested in intimate safari experiences. Samburu can be explored in a 3 to 4-day adventure independently or combined with Kenya safari adventures to other destinations.

A visit to Samburu is best enjoyed during the dry season from June to October and January to March. During that time game drive trails are dry and easy to navigate. During the wet season, the Ewaso Ngiro River floods cutting off access to lodges and game drive areas.

Kenya safaris are generally incredible and the best for first-time travelers seeking classic African adventures. Tanzania is another classic African destination that can be explored alongside Kenya. Our 10-day Kenya safari covers the best of Kenya featuring Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara. The 7-day Kenya wildlife and beach safari features savanna wildlife adventures and a beach holiday in Mombasa.

All these can be customized to add primate adventures in Uganda and Rwanda.

Trekking The Majestic Giants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Discovery Journeys
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Trekking The Majestic Giants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the most visited Uganda primate trekking safari destination. It is located in Southwestern Uganda stretching from Kanungu to Kisoro District. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is among Africa’s best preserved Afromontane lowland forests and ecosystems.

It lies along the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, covering a land area of 321 square kilometers. Bwindi is home to mountain gorillas and several other wildlife species. The forest, Sarambwe Reserve, and the Virunga Massif are the only ecosystems with rare and endangered mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are primates of the apes family. Mountain gorillas, Cross River Gorillas, Eastern Lowland Gorillas, and Western Lowland Gorillas are the 4 gorilla subspecies. These live in East and Central African forests but are among the most endangered wildlife species.

Gorillas are threatened by habitat loss due to increased human population, poaching, and diseases. They have over 95% DNA similar to humans making them among man’s closest primates. This however makes them vulnerable to human illnesses including flu. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest currently has the highest Mountain gorilla population. Below is what you need to know about this home of gentle giant apes.

Facts About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

It is home to over 450 mountain gorillas. The total mountain gorilla population in the wild is estimated at 1100 individuals. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has almost half of that number distributed in the different sectors of the forested park.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1994. This is because of the parks’ diversity and sanctuary to mountain gorillas. It is home to over 160 tree species, 100 ferns, 200 butterfly species, and over 350 bird species. Other notable wildlife species in Bwindi include chimpanzees, forest elephants, and l’hoest monkeys.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest dates back over 25,000 years. The forest has been a wildlife sanctuary and water catchment area for years. It was gazetted as a national park in 1991 to ensure its continued preservation and sustainability.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Sectors

Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga are the sectors that comprise Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rushaga and Nkuringo are located in the southern part in the Kisoro District. Buhoma the first and oldest sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi.

Ruhija is located in the East, about an hour’s drive from Buhoma. Rushaga has seven habituated gorilla families. These include Bikingi, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Kutu, and Busingye.

Posho, Christmas, Nkuringo, and Bushaho are the four habituated gorilla families in the Nkuringo sector. Ruhija comprises Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Mukiiza and Oruzogo. The Buhoma sector has 6 gorilla families, including Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Muyambi, Katwe, and Binyindo.

There is still an ongoing gorilla habituation process aimed at making gorillas accustomed to human beings’ presence. We hope that the gorilla family numbers will increase with time.

The Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing at the park headquarters of the different sectors of Bwindi. You are told about the gorilla trekking rules and regulations during the briefing. After the briefing you are led by the park ranger guides hiking through the forest for 1 to 6 hours. This depends on the movement of the mountain gorillas since they are mobile.

On getting to them, you keep at least a 10-meter distance. You can only stay up to an hour in their presence taking photos and learning more about them. After this remarkable encounter, you are led back to the park headquarters, where you are awarded your certificates of participation.

Best Time To Visit

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be visited any time of the year. For the best experience, we recommend visiting during the dry season from June to September and December to March. During the dry season, the forest trails are relatively dry and easy to navigate with minimal rainfall disturbances.

Rainfall is still unpredictable and can happen anytime, given the forest coverage and nature land. It is important to have rain gear just in case it rains.

Getting There

Bwindi can be accessed by road and air transport. It takes about a 9 to 10-hour drive from Kampala to the park when you drive directly. It can also be accessed from Kigali in a 4 to 5-hour drive. Bwindi can be accessed from other Uganda safari destinations like Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Bunyonyi. These take 3, 4, and 2-hour drives respectively depending on the sector you are visiting.

You can also start your Uganda tour to Bwindi from Kigali or connect to the park from Volcanoes National Park. Our 8-day Rwanda Uganda safari starts from Kigali and features a visit to Bwindi. There are daily scheduled flights from Bwindi to Masai Mara via Kisumu for immigration. This option works well for people interested in directly connecting to Kenya for classic African safari adventures.

Where to Stay

All the different sectors of Bwindi have a wide range of accommodation options from budget to high-end luxury lodges. Buhoma has the highest number of luxury lodges including Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs, and Buhoma Lodge.

To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to book accommodation in the sector where you intend to track gorillas. We have customized several gorilla trekking packages to the different sectors of Bwindi. Notable ones include the 3-day gorilla habituation tour, the 4-day Uganda Wildlife tour, and the 5-day Uganda primates tour. These can be combined with a visit to Rwanda or our other featured safari destinations like Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, and Eastern DRC.

Luxury Safari Lodges in Lake Manyara National Park. Discovery Journeys
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Luxury Safari Lodges in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is among the most exclusive destinations in Northern Tanzania. It lies between Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro crater, about a 2-hour drive from Arusha. Exploring the Tanzania destination is ideal when staying at one of the exclusive luxury safari lodges in the park.

Lake Manyara National Park has diverse wildlife species and adventurous safari experiences. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, and leopards. Other notable wildlife species in the park include zebras, giraffes, hippos, and several bird species.

Special wildlife safari highlights include primate experiences with the olive baboons and blue monkeys in the forested area at the park entrance. Bushbucks, dik-diks, and klipspringers are also occasionally spotted on game drives.

Lake Manyara National Park has several luxury safari lodges within and outside the park. These give you easy access to the when ahead of any safari adventures, especially game drives, birding, nature walks, and more. Below are the top 5 highly recommended luxury safari lodges you can choose from when planning a visit to the park.

Manyaras Secret Safari Lodge

Manyaras Secret is an exclusive boutique lodge overlooking Lake Manyara. It is about a 20-minute drive from Lake Manyara National Park’s main entrance, making it among the most convenient places to stay when visiting the area.

The lodge has 5 Villas with a capacity of accommodating 38 guests. Each Villa is spacious with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. The honeymoon villa has a private fireplace and provision for private dining. Manyaras Secret 2 and 6-person Villas are fully accessible to disabled guests.

Other outstanding amenities at the Lodge include an infinity swimming pool overlooking the Lake. Wi-fi is accessed in all villas, and the lodge’s restaurant and bar are also incredible. Manyaras Secret’s ecosystem is breathtaking, comprising open savannas and the Lake and Baobab trees. Exclusive Tanzania luxury safari adventures start from the lodge and you will never regret your stay.

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is situated along the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment overlooking the park’s ecosystem. It has luxurious standard rooms and suites with incredible views of the park. Each room has a coffee/tea-making station, hair dryer, work desk, safe, and access to Wi-Fi.

Serena Safari Lodge’s dining experience is unmatched. It has provisions for bush breakfast and diners, sundowners on the escarpment, village lunch, and an on-site restaurant. While staying at the lodge, you can choose from the different dining options that offer remarkable experiences.

Notable activities you can engage in while staying at the lodge include night game drives, nature walks, mountain biking, village walks, and tuk-tuk village rides. These are done in addition to the national park experiences, including game drives and birding. Serena Safari Lodge is remarkable and among the best luxury safari lodges and brands you can opt for.

andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is another exquisite luxury safari lodge in Lake Manyara National Park. It is an intimate treehouse that offers an exclusive experience in the park. The lodge comprises ten stilted treehouse suites crafted from local timber and makuti palm fronds.

It overlooks the forest with an outdoor dining area and an interactive kitchen where guests observe their meal preparation. It was designed to exert minimal impacts on the environment making it among the most eco-friendly luxury safari lodges in Tanzania

Notable Discovery Journeys you can engage in at the lodge include a canopy walk, game drives, cycling, and community visits. The lodge has provision for a sleepout under the stars for those seeking the ultimate African adventure. This experience is limited to guests 16 years and older with a minimum number of 2 and a maximum of 4 people.

Manyara Best View Lodge

Manyara Best View Lodge is located on top of the Rift Valley escarpment. It is a solar-powered eco-lodge that operates sustainably with minimal environmental impacts. The lodge borders a wildlife-controlled area with wildlife viewing opportunities in the comfort of the lodge.

Manyara Best View Lodge’s room categories include silver, golden, and platinum. Silver rooms are self-contained with a private verandah and a king-size bed. Golden rooms are more luxurious with an outdoor shower and better views of the escarpment and Lake. Platinum rooms have an outside bush bathtub, butler services, and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. They are more luxurious compared to gold and silver.

The lodge has well-experienced chefs who prepare both local and international cuisines. Its restaurant overlooks the pool and parks’ ecosystem offering one of the best dining experiences.

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge is nestled on the rim of the Rift Valley. It offers views of Lake Manyara, Mount Meru, and Kilimanjaro on a clear day. It comprises 50 deluxe rooms and 2 luxury bedroom villas. Each room is spacious and self-contained with an indoor and outdoor shower, fireplace, Wi-fi, and private balcony.

The lodge’s main area has a spacious dining area, an outside fireplace, an infinity pool, and a children’s activity room. Lake Manyara Kilimamoja’s location is ideal for exploring prominent northern Tanzania destinations, including Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Ngorongoro highlands.

While at the lodge, you can engage in several safari adventures, including game drives, village walks, birding, and more. Tanzania has the highest luxury safari lodges in East Africa offering the ultimate Discovery Journeys. The country is famous for open savanna wildlife experiences complemented by primate journeys in Rwanda and Uganda. Our 9-day Tanzania safari features Lake Manyara and can be customized to have an overnight at any of the above lodges.

Family Friendly Rwanda Tour Experiences. Discovery Journeys
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Family Friendly Rwanda Tour Experiences

Rwanda Tour Experiences are among the best East African Discovery Journeys adventures. The country is a renowned safari destination offering exclusive wildlife and cultural encounters. It is popularly known as the land of a thousand hills because of its hilly landscape. Rwanda journeys of discovery are impressive and best enjoyed with family.

You can be part of several adventures but below are our most recommended family-friendly Rwanda Tour experiences.

Akagera Tour Experiences

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savanna national park. It is located in the eastern part of the country, about a 3-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. Akagera has a diverse ecosystem comprising Lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and open savannas.

It has an extensive network of swamps, making it East and Central Africa’s largest protected wetland. The different ecosystems in the park are home to several wildlife species. These include savannas’ Big Five Mammals, giraffes, zebras, elands, topi, hartebeests, and birds.

Akagera’s wetland areas are home to hippos, crocodiles, and several bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The park is explored on game drives, nature walks, boat cruises, and balloon safaris. All these adventures are open to all tourist categories. They are more enjoyable in groups and among the best family-friendly Rwanda Tour experiences.

Akagera can be visited independently on a 3-day Akagera tour. This can be customized to add in more days and Rwanda tour destinations. Our 10-day Rwanda safari features Akagera, Nyungwe, and Volcanoes National Parks.

Nyungwe Birding Experiences

Nyungwe forest is Rwanda’s most important birding area. It is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, about a 6-hour drive from Kigali. Nyungwe Forest is home to over 300 bird species, chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, and other primates. It has several plant species and other iconic natural attractions including a waterfall.

The forested park is among the best-preserved tropical rainforests in the region. Based on this diversity, Nyungwe was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It offers the best Rwanda safari getaways for birders seeking to explore the bird species in the Albertine Rift Valley. The forest is explored on foot, and such Rwanda Tour experiences are ideal for families and groups.

Rwanda Tour Experiences to Nyungwe Forest are impressive, starting from the scenic drive through the Rwandan countryside. The drive is long but features en route stopovers at the Nyanza Royal Palace for a cultural experience. It becomes exciting when you start the forest drive through the dense canopy on either side of the road. This prepares you for the birding and primate trekking adventures awaiting.

Nyungwe forest lies along the Congo Nile Trail which is also family-friendly and exclusive. Rwanda Tour experiences along the Congo Nile trail feature cycling and guided walks from the south to the northern Kivu basin.

Lake Kivu Excursions

Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest water body. It lies along Rwanda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Kivu has one of the highest methane concentrations and is considered among the most dangerous lakes on the planet. This is, however, being pumped and burnt to generate power used by local communities and factories.

Lake Kivu is a main water source for agriculture and other related activities, including fishing. It has over 28 fish species, including Cichlids that are endemic to the Lake. Fishing on Lake Kivu is done on both large and small scale by local fishermen. You can be part of this experience with the singing fishermen as you learn more about their ways of life. Lake Kivu fishing experiences are interactive and engaging. They are among our most recommended family-friendly Rwanda Tour experiences.

Lake Kivu has several islands that can be explored on a day’s excursion. They have coffee farms where you can learn about the growing process and taste locally-made coffee. You can alternatively relax at the beach sunbathing and enjoying the scenic views.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking tops the list of many adventure travelers. Gorilla trekking is an exclusive primate adventure where you hike the forested mountains to meet some of the most rare primate species. Mountain gorillas are endemic to the Virunga massif, the Bwindi Impenetrable forest, and the adjacent Sarambwe Reserve.

The Virunga massif comprises a chain of Volcanic Mountains along the Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC border. It is in these mountains where mountain gorillas and several wildlife species live.

There are three national parks in the Virunga massif namely Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in DRC. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has the highest mountain gorilla population with 12 habituated gorilla families.

What to Expect

Each mountain gorilla family trekked to by 8 tourists a day, spending an hour in their presence. The 8 can be friends or family members depending on one’s preference. Mountain gorilla trekking has an age limit, with individuals above 15 allowed to trek. The trek is remarkable and among our highly recommended family-friendly Rwanda tour experiences.

You can visit Volcanoes National Park in a 2 or 3-day tour adventure. The 2-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour is short and ideal for those with limited time but would love to trek to the gorillas. The 3-day tour features mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking.

We recommend long safaris like the 5-day Rwanda Tour and the 10-day Rwanda Safari for the ultimate Rwanda Tour experience. Rwanda is prominent for primate trekking and can be visited alongside Kenya or Tanzania by those who prefer classic savanna wildlife experiences.

Kenya Mountain Biking Safaris. Discovery Journeys
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Kenya Mountain Biking Safaris

Kenya mountain biking safaris are among the best extreme adventures you can be part of. The country is a renowned safari destination famous for the wildebeest migration, Big Cats, and other exclusive experiences in Amboseli and Samburu.

Classic Kenya safari adventures feature game drives, nature walks, and balloon safaris. These attract many tourists during the peak season, leading to mass tourism. With the ongoing climate change crisis, travelers are more sensitive and leaning towards exclusive adventures, including Kenya mountain biking safaris. This provides the best Kenya safari alternatives and will, in turn, reduce the pressure exerted on the savanna ecosystems.

Kenya Mountain biking safaris are remarkable and offer more up-close moments while on tour. Kenya is blessed with diverse landscapes offering impressive scenery ideal for biking safaris. The biking experience involves physical activity that, in turn, leaves participants physically fit. Such an experience is a game changer as more people are also seeking wellness travel where they can exercise and relax.

Kenya Mountain Biking Safari Destinations

Loita Hills tops the list of Kenya Safari destinations ideal for mountain biking. The hills are a low-lying range located north of Masai Mara. They are a major grazing area for the native Masai people who have lived there for centuries.

Loita Hills are exclusive, providing the best opportunity for mountain biking with impressive scenic views. On a biking safari there, you can visit the Masai community with the majority still holding on to their African traditional values.

Mount Kenya is another outstanding Kenya mountain biking safari destination. Cyclists take on heli-biking adventures from the mountain as they descend, journeying along exclusive trails. Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain with glaciated peaks and the most impressive mountain scenery. It is home to several plants and animal species explored on heli-biking safaris.

Heli-biking safaris involve a helicopter ride to a certain altitude where cyclists are dropped off to start their Mountain descent. Kenya has several conservancies that also offer mountain biking opportunities. On Kenya mountain biking safaris in the conservancies, you journey with safari animals, including zebras and giraffes.

Other Exclusive Kenya Safari Adventures

Kenya is a magical safari destination offering the finest open savanna wildlife adventures. Notable ones include the Samburu National Reserve expeditions in the north. Samburu is home to rare wildlife species like the Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and gerenuk that do not occur in other Kenya safari destinations. It is also a birders paradise with over 300 bird species. Our 10-day Kenya safari features extensive game drives in Samburu, where you spot the major wildlife species.

Tsavo National Parks are historic and among the most exclusive Kenya safari destinations. The parks were made famous by the maneless lions that attacked the Indian coolies during the Uganda Railway construction in the 1900s. Lion and overall animal populations in Kenya have declined over the years, but the Tsavo ecosystem still has a reasonable number.

Notable animals you can spot on game drives include the red dust elephants, kudus, buffaloes, and hippos. Tsavo West has impressive scenery, from open plains to lava flows explored on biking safaris. Our 6-day Magical Kenya safari features Amboseli, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West National Parks. This can be customized to add in more experiences in any of the three destinations.

Best Time To Visit

Kenya can be visited at any time of the year. For the best biking and overall safari experiences, we recommend visiting during the dry season from June to September. December to March is also relatively dry and ideal for biking safaris.

Biking safaris rely on weather and are more feasible and enjoyable with limited or no rainfall disturbances. Mount Kenya biking trails, given the terrain, can only be best accessed during the dry season. Rainfall in mountainous areas is unpredictable and one needs to have rain gear.

Where To Stay

Kenya safari destinations have a wide range of accommodation options that one can choose from. Mountain biking safaris are mostly done in remote destinations where one is likely to camp. Camping is an adventure in itself as you get up close to nature. Those who prefer safari lodges and luxurious camps are still catered for. It is however important to book in advance as lodges get fully booked in the peak season.

Exclusive Safari Add-ons

The East African region has other exclusive safari add-ons to incorporate into your Kenya mountain biking safaris. Most recommended are mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. Our 8-day Rwanda Uganda safari starts from Kigali and Ends in Entebbe. It features golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The safari ends with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park home to chimpanzees and several other primates.

Rwanda has a well-developed cycling adventure route along the Congo Nile trail. This can be extended to Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas. After gorilla trekking you can cycle along the Congo Nile Trail featuring Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest.

Uganda birding safaris are also exclusive and recommended for those seeking unique experiences. Notable birds on a Uganda birding safari include the Shoebill stork, great blue turaco, and grey-crowned cranes. Uganda Airlines will launch a direct flight to London, opening up travel opportunities.

When visiting from London or any nearby European city, you can start with the Ugandan leg of the safari and then proceed to Kenya. All our safari packages are customized and can be altered to include any safari adventures. Contact Us now to get started.

Uganda Airlines To Launch Flight To London. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Uganda Airlines To Launch Flight To London

Uganda Airlines recently announced its plans to launch a direct flight to London. The airline is among Africa’s youngest and fastest-growing airlines. This development is a game changer in Uganda safari experiences and Discovery Journeys.

Uganda Airlines was revived in 2019 after over 18 years of closure due to financial and political compromises. Since its revival, the Airline has embarked on a strategy to expand its routes and flight coverage. It has so far covered the East African region well and is expanding to cover the European Market.

The airline secured a slot at London Gatwick International Airport, the UK’s second busiest airport after Heathrow. Uganda Airlines also added Airbuses to its fleet to cover such long-haul flights. The news of the new route and fleet was joyfully received in the travel industry as the United Kingdom is among Uganda’s Key source markets. Flights Entebbe and Gatwick are anticipated to start operating by the end of the year. There is hope for increased tourist flow between the two countries as travelers enjoy the advantage of a direct flight saving a lot of time.

The Significance of Uganda Airlines

Uganda Airlines is significant as a national carrier. It is a big brand that provides opportunities for tourism advertisements aboard all flights to its featured destinations. Airlines deal with hundreds of passengers daily with a large platform good enough for a destination like Uganda seeking publicity.

National Airlines are effective when traveling to their home countries because they operate direct flights there. Airlines when operating a connecting flight first fly to their home countries. This is as per the International Air Transport Regulations but wastes time as passengers wait in transit.

A national carrier like Uganda Airlines saves as you book direct flights if you intend to visit Uganda. Uganda Airlines operates flights to Eastern DRC and Burundi, opening up opportunities for exclusive Discovery Journeys. This has connected Uganda to other regional safari destinations combined on East African safari adventures.

Other airlines that serve the Pearl of Africa include Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airways, and Emirates. Kenya Airways has direct flights from New York to Nairobi. This is just an hour away from Uganda with easy flight connectivity. One can directly fly from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Wilson Airport in Nairobi via Kisumu to clear with immigration.

Must Visit Uganda Safari Destinations

Uganda is a renowned safari destination famous for primate trekking adventures. Kibale National Park has 12 primate species and is Uganda’s best chimpanzee trekking destination. Notable primates in Kibale National Park include the red-tailed, Olive Baboons, Colobus, and Blue monkeys.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is home to mountain gorillas. The park has half of the remaining mountain gorillas with four sectors, each with habituated gorilla families. Uganda safari adventures to Bwindi feature mountain gorilla trekking or the habituation experience. Our 5-day Uganda Primates Safari, 7-day Uganda Wildlife Safari and 10-day Discovery Journeys adventures feature Kibale and Bwindi for the ultimate primate trekking experiences.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s best savanna national park. It is Uganda’s largest savanna park, bisected by the River Nile on its journey to the Mediterranean. It has a waterfall that can be viewed from a scenic viewpoint at the top or while on a boat cruise to its bottom. Other significant features along the Nile in Murchison include the Nile Delta. Murchison Falls National Park stands out for its wildlife diversity. It is home to four of the Big Five mammals, giraffes, waterbucks, and several bird species, including the shoebill stork.

Other outstanding and must-visit Uganda safari destinations include Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley National Parks.

Best Time to Visit

Uganda can be visited at any time of the year. The country has two seasons, the dry and wet seasons. The dry season starts from June to September and from mid-December to February. Dry season months double as the peak tourist season because of the minimal rainfall disturbances. Wildlife photography is most rewarding during the dry season because of the natural light and golden hour moments.

The wet season months are equally great for wildlife viewing. The rains favor the growth of lush vegetation that offers impressive scenic views ideal for photography. Major herbivores have plenty of pasture and water and do not move far from the game drive trails. This makes it easy for wildlife to spot while on game drives.

Uganda Safari Packages

We have curated several packages featuring bucket list adventures. These include mountain gorilla trekking, birding, and historical and cultural experiences. Our Uganda safari journeys are experiential, offering the best safari moments and encounters. Notable exclusive Discovery Journeys include the 4-day Kidepo tour, 3-day gorilla habituation tour, 11-day Rwenzori Hiking Safari and 4-day Mgahinga Gorilla Tour.

These packages can be combined with other East African safari adventures to Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Such add-ons are longer and require at least up to 2 weeks.

Where to Stay

Uganda safari destinations are served by accommodation options ranging from budget to high-end luxury lodges and camps. There is provision for camping for those who would prefer that option. Notable safari lodges include Mihingo Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, and Ndali Lodge. These are strategically located within the safari destination areas and are ideal to base from ahead of any safari adventures.

Contact us now to start customizing your Discovery Journeys for exclusive wildlife experiences.

Tips for a Memorable Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Tips for a Memorable Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure

Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventures offer memorable savanna experiences in East Africa. Tanzania is among the largest countries in the region with several protected areas. Its size gives it an advantage in the wildlife numbers and diversity.

The country offers many experiences from the Big Five, birding, the great wildebeest migration, and more! All these Tanzania wildlife safari adventure experiences are desired by many wildlife enthusiasts who eventually end up visiting Tanzania on Discovery Journeys.

It is always challenging planning an African safari even when you have visited before because of the logistics involved. It is tricky for a country like Tanzania with bucket list adventures where you make tough decisions on selecting the ones you are zeroing down to.

Today’s Discovery Journeys guide will share tips for a memorable Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure to ease the Tanzania safari planning process.

Choosing Your Tanzania Safari Destination

Tanzania has several wildlife safari adventure destinations that are great and highly recommended when visiting the country. Northern Tanzania is the most visited with renowned protected areas like the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti National Parks.

Serengeti is the most famous of all because of its Big Cat concentration and the wildebeest migration. The park is a lion conservation unit with over 3,000 lions. Lions in Serengeti live in prides of up to 20 individuals in their different territories in the ecosystem. You can therefore easily spot lions on game drives in Serengeti compared to other safari destinations.

The Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest unfilled caldera. It is an outstanding Tanzania wildlife safari adventure destination that is also home to the Big Five mammals and several other safari animals. The crater is the only Northern Tanzania destination with the Big Five Mammals concentrated in one enclosure.

Southern Tanzania is exclusive with large and less explored destinations. It has Tanzania’s largest protected area – Nyerere National Park which is home to rare African Wild dogs, elephants, and more! When planning your Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure it is important to identify your safari interests and choose the most suitable destination to visit.

Best Time for A Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure

Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure experiences are doable any time of the year. The country lies within the tropics and has only two seasons, the dry and wet season. Safari experiences in the dry season are remarkable with minimal rainfall disturbances and the best light ideal for photography.

Game drive trails are dry and animals gather at particular water points where they can easily be spotted. National parks are however crowded as this is the time tourists visit in large numbers.

Tanzania’s wet season months from October to November and March to May are equally great for safari. The rains during these months favor the growth of lush vegetation providing fresh pastures for the herbivores. With this, animals are evenly distributed and equally be easily spotted. The green scenery is most impressive providing incredible photography safari opportunities.

The wildebeest migration follows seasons and the migrating herds move to the different sectors of Serengeti before crossing to Masai Mara. Ensure to note where the herds will be during your Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure to avoid missing them.

Where to Stay

All Tanzania safari destinations are supplements with several accommodation options ranging from budget to high-end exclusive camps. They are strategically located within the safari proximity making it easy to catch up with any scheduled activity.

Serengeti National Park has temporary under-canvas camps that follow the wildebeest migration season. This makes it easy to journey and catch up with the migrating wildebeests.

Tanzania safari lodges and camps get fully booked during the peak tourist season from June to October. December is also a busy month because of the Christmas holiday festival. Book your Tanzania safari in advance to secure a stay at your dream safari lodge.

Wildlife Safari Packages

Tanzania Wildlife Safari Adventure packages are customized based on one’s preference and time. Tanzania is large and it is ideal to opt for longer Tanzania safari adventures from 5 days and more. We have curated several adventures to include the 7-day Tanzania safari, 8-day Serengeti, and 9-day Tanzania safari. They feature northern Tanzania’s prominent destinations like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Our southern Tanzania safaris include a 5-day fishing safari and a 10-day best-of-south adventure. All these can be customized further to add or remove activities depending on one’s preference.

There is provision for flying safaris for those who dislike driving for more than an hour. Tanzania has several domestic flight operators with scheduled flights to different destinations.

Packing List

A packing list is an important guideline for any African safari. Packing the right safari items is essential to the success of any safari adventure. Tanzania is a classic savanna wildlife destination and major items to pack on your visit include light clothes, camera equipment, batteries, adaptors, open and closed shoes, and sunscreens.

Your travel documents are essential and must be valid for your intended visit. Other items you can pack include a swimsuit, raincoat, sweater, insect repellent, binoculars, and prescription medicines if applicable.

Visit Tanzania with us for the best savanna wildlife experiences. Tanzania safaris can be combined with other East African Discovery Journeys in Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. Uganda and Rwanda are ideal for primate trekking featuring mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking. Kenya on the other hand is famous for safaris with prominent destinations like Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park.

Top Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Top Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures

Rwanda Safari Adventures offer incredible off-beaten path experiences making Rwanda a leading safari destination. Rwanda is a small landlocked East African country popularly known as the land of a thousand hills because of its hilly landscapes.

It is among East Africa’s fastest-growing tourist destinations because of its diversity and unique culture. Rwanda is renowned for mountain gorilla trekking in the Misty Virunga mountains. There are several Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures that you can enjoy on exclusive Discovery Journeys. They include the following;

Nyungwe Birding Safari Adventures

Nyungwe National Park is Rwanda’s second most prominent safari adventure destination after Volcanoes National Park. It is located in the southwestern part and mainly comprises a tropical montane forest and swamp vegetation. Nyungwe is home to over 300 bird species and is Rwanda’s most important bird Area.

The forested park is outstanding for its Albertine endemic species, including the Albertine Owlet and Read-collared Babbler. Other notable birds present include the Great Blue Turaco, Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbird, and Rwenzori Nightjar.

Nyungwe Birding exclusively offers the top ultimate Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures. Birding in Nyungwe is best enjoyed from March to May when the birds are most vocal. Because the park is forested, birding is done based on calls. The months from November to May are equally great for birding as it is when the migratory birds are present. June to September is a dry season ideal for overall Rwanda safari adventures including birding.

The Congo Nile Trail Safari

The Congo Nile trail covers over 227 kilometers from the North to the southern Kivu province. It is the best cycling and hiking trail in East Africa and among the Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures. The trail features journeying through Rwanda’s hilly landscapes with incredible views of Lake Kivu.

The Congo Nile Trail is best explored in 5 days or more depending on one’s interests. You can start this exclusive Discovery Journey from Nyungwe Forest tracing one of the furthest sources of the Nile River. The region is a source of several other water bodies and also lies in the proximity of the Congo River Basin.

Cycling on the Congo Nile trail along the Lake Kivu shores is remarkable and among Rwanda’s underrated experiences. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest water body with several islands that can be visited in a day’s excursion. You can combine the Congo Nile trail with other Rwanda safari adventures like mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking.

Our 10-day Rwanda safari features a section of the trail but can be customized to include cycling.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Mountain gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park also qualifies to be among the top Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures. Mountain gorillas are rare primate species that live in East and Central Africa.

They are restricted to two ecosystems including the Virunga conservation area that covers Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in DRC. The other mountain gorilla ecosystem comprises the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda and the adjacent Sarambwe Reserve in DRC.

Mountain gorillas are endangered and their survival is still threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Their current population is estimated at 1100 individuals with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park among the best places to see them. Gorilla trekking Discovery Journeys are exclusive as only 8 people are allowed to track one gorilla family a day.

Volcanoes National Park has 12 fully habituated gorilla families with 96 gorilla permits available a day. These get fully booked months in advance during the peak season from June to September and December to March. You can book any of our gorilla trekking packages and visit Rwanda for an up-close moment for the rare apes. The 2-day and 3-day tour options are short and ideal for those with limited time. You can alternatively opt for a 4-day double gorilla trekking tour in case you want more time with the gorillas.

Nyungwe Nature Walks

Nyungwe forest is among the region’s oldest and best-preserved forests. Some of its wildlife species can be best experienced while on guided nature walks. These include the plant vegetation, insects, amphibians, and impressive scenery.

Nyungwe is a water catchment area with several streams that feed the major water bodies in the Great Lakes region. It has waterfalls and several swamps that can only be accessed on nature walks.

The canopy walk in Nyungwe is also impressive as it offers scenic views of the forest and surrounding areas. On this canopy walk you stand a chance to see birds and primates that live in the top canopy layers of the forest. All these experiences are exclusive and among the best Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures.

Virunga Mountian Hiking Adventures

Rwanda has 5 of the 8 Virunga Mountains along the Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC border. The Virunga mountains are home to Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, and several bird species. They are explored on foot and offer some of the region’s best mountain hiking experiences.

Rwanda mountain hiking is less explored and therefore among the Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures. The most remarkable Rwanda mountain hiking experiences feature Mount Bisoke which has a crater on its summit. Mount Karisimbi, the Virunga mountains’ highest Volcano can also be hiked from Rwanda. Its hike takes 2 days with an overnight in the mountains.

Our 5-day Rwanda Safari features the Mount Karismbi Hike, mountain gorillas, and golden monkey trekking. Mount Bisoke can be hiked separately in a day’s excursion or included in other Volcanoes National Park Discovery Journeys.

Other Off-beaten Paths Rwanda Safari Adventures include Lake Kivu boat experiences to feature the singing fishermen. Rwanda can be visited alongside other East African destinations like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Contact us to customize your Discovery Journeys.

The Best Masai Mara Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

The Best Masai Mara Luxury Safari Lodges & Camps

Masai Mara Luxury Safari Lodges make Discovery Journeys to the reserve unforgettable. Masai Mara is Kenya’s most popular safari destination located. The reserve has open savanna plains with woodland areas and shrubs.

It stretches to the border with Tanzania to join Serengeti National Park. Masai Mara and Serengeti form an ecosystem that is home to several wildlife species including wildebeests, Big Cats, and other safari animals. All these draw many wildlife enthusiasts who desire to journey with the migrating herds and be part of classic savanna wildlife experiences.

The wildlife activities and uniqueness of Masai Mara have over the years seen a rise in luxury safari lodges. This resulted from the high demand and increased number of tourists visiting the reserve. Masai Mara currently has some of the finest luxury safari lodges in Kenya and East Africa at Lodge. Below are some of the best and most recommended for those seeking exclusive Masai Mara Luxury safari adventures.

Sand River Masai Mara By Elewana

Elewana’s Sand River Lodge is located along the banks of Sand River towards the Tanzania border. It is secluded and rustic with 1900s tented camps inspiration touch. The luxury camp comprises 16 tents that are spacious and self-contained. Amongst these is a family tent suitable for those who prefer family safari adventures.

The tents at the Sand River Camp are divided into separate but adjoining campsites. Each has a private dining area providing the exclusiveness one needs. The camp is located along the wildebeest migration route and you can therefore watch the herds crossing the Sand River from your Campsite Verandah.

You can engage in several safari activities while staying at the Sand River Camp. These include game drives in an open 4X4 safari vehicle, balloon safaris, Bush meals, and sundowners. You can also visit a nearby community to learn more about the local people’s ways of life. The camp can be visited any time of the year depending on one’s Kenya safari tour interests.

Angama Mara

Angama Mara is one of Masai Mara’s Signature luxury lodges. It is perfectly perched on a Rift Valley cliff overlooking the open plains of the reserve with one of the most impressive views.

The lodge has tented suites that spread over two kopjes. Each suite is spacious with an incredible view of the open plains. The suite’s interior design has a modern and rustic touch creating the perfect safari ambiance.

Angama Mara is ideal for all travelers including solo and family safaris. It is exclusive and one of the best places to explore Masai Mara National Reserve. While staying at the lodge you can engage in safari adventures like game drives, balloon safaris, community visits, and photography safaris.

Ashnil Mara Camp

Ashnil Camp is another amazing Masai Mara luxury safari camp. The camp is relatively large comprising 50 luxury tents some of which overlook the Mara River. Each tent is spacious and self-contained with a wooden deck. The camp’s location along the Mara River makes it ideal for wildlife viewing.

It has a swimming pool, facilities for disabled guests, and provisions for hosting events like destination weddings. It is also located in a game drive area where you can spot the migration herds and other animal species.

Ashnil Camps’ restaurant serves both local and international cuisines. It also has provisions for bush dining and picnics when requested.

AndBeyond's Kichwa Tembo

AndBeyond’s Kichwa Tembo is located on a private concession on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment. It has 12 classic, 20 superior, and 8 superior view tents. These are spacious with large windows and incredible views of the surroundings.

The tent’s interior design is rustic and Masai inspired giving a relaxing feel of an African safari. Kichwa Tembo is strategically located on a concession with a high wildlife concentration. The wildebeest migration can also easily be experienced from the camp.

Game drives, nature walks, Masai Community visits, night game drives, and bush dining are notable experiences you can have while at the camp. We recommend 3 nights or more for one to get immersed in the Kichwa Tembo’s safari magic.

Sanctuary Olonana Lodge

Sanctuary Olonana is exquisite and with no doubt makes it to the list of Masai Mara luxury safari lodges. It is located along a private stretch of the Mara River. This gives it one of the most prime locations that is calm and soothing.

The lodge has 14 suites with a glass side offering uninterrupted views of the Mara ecosystem. Its interior design has a blend of modernity with several African art pieces. A stay at Sanctuary Olonana is cozy and the best experience in an African wilderness.

You can relax at the lodge or engage in different safari adventures like game drives and balloon safaris. The lodge can be visited at any time of the year and is suitable for all tourist categories. Other notable Masai Mara luxury safari lodges include Mahali Mzuri and JW Marriot Lodge.

We have curated several safari itineraries to feature this and other Kenya safari destinations. These include the 3-day Masai Mara safari, 5-day Kenya safari, and 10-day Kenya Discovery Journeys safari. All these can be further customized to add other East African Journeys of Discovery like mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda. Tanzania is also great for safari adventures and can be visited alongside Kenya. Contact us now to book your next epic safari adventure.