Uganda Gorilla Trekking Families. 10-Day Uganda Safari and Discovery Journeys
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Uganda Gorilla Trekking Families

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Families are fully habituated and open to tourism. Uganda is a leading primate safari destination and the best country to see the rare mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas live in the forested mountains of Bwindi and the Virunga massif. The Virunga massif is a stretch of Volcanic mountain ranges along the Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC border.

The current mountain gorilla population is estimated at over 1000 individual mountain gorillas with Bwindi having the highest population of 450. With this, the park is the best gorilla trekking destination given the high numbers of even the habituated families.

Gorilla Trekking Families Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has different sectors each with gorilla trekking families. They include Rushaga with 7 habituated families, Buhoma with 6, Ruhija with 4, and Nkuringo with 4.

The Uganda gorilla trekking families in Rushaga include the following.

Busingye

The Busingye gorilla family comprises 9 members. These include one silverback (adult male), 3 adult females, one blackback, 2 juveniles, and 3 baby gorillas. Busingye means Peace and such a name is often given to depict the character of the lead gorillas.

Bweza Gorilla Family

The Bweza gorilla family has 15 gorillas in total. They are led by Kakono, a male and dominant silverback. Bweza was initially part of the Nshongi gorilla family but separated in 2010. It is one of the best families to track given the high number of gorillas in the family.

Bikingi

Bikingi has 11 gorillas including two adult males. This particular gorilla family is still undergoing habituation. It is open for tourism but an experiential gorilla habituation experience. With that, only Four individuals are allowed to visit this gorilla family a day. The habituation experience is more exclusive and takes you behind the scenes following the daily routine of gorillas.

Kahungye Gorilla Family

Kahungye has the highest mountain gorillas in the whole of Bwindi. They are 25 in total led by Ruziika, a dominant silverback. It has a combination of females, infants, juveniles, and blackbacks. Trekking to such a large gorilla family gives you more chances for family moments and interactions you might not experience in any other family.

Kutu

The Kutu gorilla trekking family is also large with 20 gorillas. These are led by Kutu, the dominant silverback, and are among the most recently habituated gorilla families in Bwindi.

Mishaya

Mishaya comprises 8 gorillas that are led by a dominant silverback called Tinfayo. Others include 4 adult females plus one juvenile and infant gorilla.

Nshongi

The Nshongi gorilla family has 11 gorillas including an adult male (Silverback). It has adult females, infants, and juvenile gorillas. It was initially the largest Uganda gorilla trekking family with 36 individuals. These separated with time amidst the need for independence to form other gorilla families.

Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Families

Buhoma is the oldest and busiest Uganda gorilla trekking sector. It has the country’s first habituated gorilla family Mubare having habituated in 1993. Below is a brief about these families.

Binyindo Family

Binyindo comprises 6 individual gorillas. It is one of the longest gorilla families to trek to given its territory range. It lives near the Uganda, DRC border next to the Sarambwe Forest Reserve.

Habinyanja

The Habinyanja gorilla family comprises 17 gorillas led by an adult alpha male. It is among the largest families in the park and ideal to trek to for those interested in seeing many gorillas.

Katwe Gorilla Family

Katwe is among the recently habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. It comprises 11 members also led by a dominant male Silverback. Other members include infants and adult female gorillas.

Mubare family

Mubare is the oldest gorilla family with 12 individuals. It is the most stable gorilla family given its habituation age and therefore among the best you can trek to.

Muyambi Family

The Muyambi family is also among the recently habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. It has 6 gorillas and is among the intimate gorilla families you can visit.

Rushegura

Rushegura has 19 gorillas and is among the oldest gorilla families in Bwindi. It is easy to get to and enjoyable to visit given its family size.

Ruhija Sector Families

Bitukura

The Bitukura family has 11 gorillas led by a dominant silverback. It is an amazing family to trek to as you see other wildlife species in the park including birds.

Kyaguriro Gorilla Family

Kyaguriro is the oldest family in Ruhija with 15 gorillas. It comprises two adult silverbacks with Rukina as the family leader. Given its high gorilla numbers, it is an incredible family to trek to.

Mukiiza

The Mukiiza family also has 15 gorillas including one silverback, black back, adult females, and infants. It is ideal to visit when interested in seeing infants as it has some of the youngest gorillas.

Oruzogo

Oruzogo has 10 gorillas that are naturally led by an adult male silverback. It is peaceful to trek to and enables you to explore the park given its territory range.

Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Families

Nkuringo is also located in southern Bwindi. It is about a 45-minute drive from Rushaga and now a whole sector on its own. Below are the gorilla families there. It is however the most difficult sector to trek because of the steep mountain slopes.

Bushaho

Bushaho comprises 10 gorillas led by a dominant male called Bahati. It is a large territory area and sometimes closely interacts with the Nkuringo gorilla family.

Christmas Family

The Christmas Family has 9 gorillas and was initially part of the Nkuringo family. It is intimate and enjoyable to trek to just like many other families.

Posho

The Posho family also comprises 9 gorilla individuals. Its main silverback often thumps its chest to show dominance and claim over the territory.

Nkuringo

This has 12 gorillas led by Rwamutwe. It was initially led by Rafiki who was unfortunately killed by poachers. Nkuringo is the oldest family in the sector and therefore offers great experiences.

Gorilla Families in Mgahinga

Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the Virunga Massif’s extension to Uganda. It is located in the Kisoro district and completely separate from the Bwindi ecosystem. It has only one gorilla family called Nyakagezi with 9 gorillas including four silverbacks.

Visit Uganda on gorilla trekking Discovery Journeys featuring any of the above-mentioned Uganda gorilla trekking families. You can also join our other safari adventures to Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Eastern DRC.

Tanzania Safari Destinations for Adventure, Culture and History
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Tanzania Safari Destinations for Adventure, Culture and History

Tanzania safari destinations offer the ultimate African adventures and discovery journey experiences. The country is a leading East African safari destination with some of the highest tourist arrivals annually. All of this is thanks to the country’s diversity in terms of wildlife and culture. Tanzania has a rich history coupled with, trade, and the influx of Europeans and Arabs along the East African Coast.

Tanzania safari destinations feature diverse safari experiences ranging from game drives to balloon safaris and more. Photography safaris are now common and rewarding when done in Tanzania.

In today’s travel guide, we feature iconic Tanzania Safari Destinations best for adventure, culture, and history and they include the following;

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s largest national Park. It is located in Southern Tanzania and is part of the prominent Southern Tanzania Tourism circuit. It was previously known as the Selous Game Reserve before being upgraded to a national park. The Park is exclusive and its large size gives it an advantage of diversity. Four of the Big Five mammals are present here as well as the rare African wild dogs.

Other notable wildlife species here include zebras, wildebeests, hippos, and hyenas. Nyerere is home to over 400 bird species and therefore a great birding safari destination. The park can be best explored on game drives, nature walks, birding tours, and Balloon safaris among others. Such adventures make Nyerere National Park a must-visit Tanzania Safari destination.

Tanzania safari adventures in Nyerere are doable any time of the year but for the very best experiences, we recommend the dry season from June to October. December is also relatively dry offering great chances of wildlife viewing with minimal rainfall disturbances. The wet season months of March to May are best for birding.

Some lodges close down because of the rains and you might have limited accommodation options when visiting. Those that remain open offer discounted rates that enable you to save some money. The other major advantage of traveling in the wet season is the exclusivity in the park as there are usually few people visiting.

Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is the most prominent of all Tanzania safari destinations. It is located in Northern Tanzania and together with Kenya’s Masai Mara form an ecosystem where the wildebeest migration takes place. More than the wildebeest migration, Serengeti is home to Four of the Big Five Mammals. These include lions, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants.

Serengeti has the highest lion population and is the best place for a Big cats experience featuring lions. It is normal to encounter over 10 prides of lions with up to 20 individuals on one game drive in Serengeti. Cheetahs and leopards are also easily seen here unlike other Tanzania safari destinations. Other major safari animals in Serengeti include zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and hartebeests.

Adventures to Serengeti are epic and make the park the best of all Tanzania safari destinations. It can be toured throughout the year however for the wildebeest Migration experiences it is best to visit from October to July. Central Serengeti has high concentrations of wildebeests throughout the year. Wildebeest migration River crossings to Masai Mara sometimes start in July depending on the movement of the migrating herds.

November to March is a calving period. Here the wildebeests would have returned from Masai Mara sweeping through the Ngorongoro Conservation area, Ndutu, and southern Serengeti. Over 5,000 calves are born a day and it is when predators are most active. You can therefore plan your Tanzania safari to Serengeti depending on your wildlife interest.

Tanzania Coastal Destinations

Tanzania Coastal destinations are renowned for their rich historical background. These cover the coast of mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar Archipelago. Coastal destinations bring in the Marine wildlife aspect where you take on adventures featuring sea animal species. These range from dolphins, whales, several fish species, and turtles among others.

Tanzania has several marine national parks and reserves with Saadani National Park being the most prominent. Beyond the wildlife, Tanzania’s coast and Zanzibar have impressive white-sand beaches. These are often frequented by honeymooners and are great for destination weddings.

Coastal Tanzania has a rich history of the East African coastal trade that saw the influx of Arabs and Europeans in the 14th to 16th Centuries. With this, there is a mixture of people of different races each with a rich culture and heritage. It is always impressive to learn about this rich history and cultural diversity on a Tanzania Safari Tour. Coastal Tanzania safari destinations are a great addition to the open savanna adventures on the mainland. A 10 to 14-day Tanzania safari is enough for you to cover these.

Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi is a nature and cultural Tanzania safari destination. The lake region is home to one of Africa’s oldest tribes the Hadzabe. Hadzabe people are believed to be among the oldest living tribes on the continent. They have over the years continued to live by their African tradition customs of hunting and gathering amidst civilization. A cultural safari to this community takes you back in time and offers a great insight into the people’s ways of life.

All the major Tanzania safari destinations have provisions for community and cultural experiences. Central Tanzania has prominent tribes including the Wataturu and Northwestern Tanzania has the Sukuma and some Masai people. You can learn more about these by joining our Tanzania Discovery Journeys Adventures.

Visit Tanzania and other East African Safari destinations like Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi for the ultimate journey of Discovery. Contact Us now to get started.

Nyungwe Forest Birding Tours. Discovery Journeys
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Nyungwe Forest Birding Tours and More!

Nyungwe Forest Birding Tours are remarkable as you journey through one of East Africa’s oldest rainforests. The Forested National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital. It covers a land area of 1,019 square kilometers of Montane rainforest.

It also has other ecosystems including swamps, bamboo, and tropical rainforests. These are home to several wildlife species including the highest primate species in Rwanda. There are over 1,050 plant species, 85 mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Such diversity makes Nyungwe Forest iconic and it was on such basis that it was inscribed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Even better, Nyungwe forest lies in the Albertine Rift Valley. It is an important water catchment area with one of the furthest sources of the Nile River. The Forest is ideal for Rwanda birding tours and other Discovery Journeys expeditions. Below is a brief about Nyungwe Forest Birding Tours and other epic safari tours you can be part of on your visit there.

Nyungwe Bird species

Nyungwe Forest is Rwanda’s most Important Birding Area. It is home to over 300 bird species including Albertine Rift Valley endemics. The forested park is among the best places to see highland forest birds given its bird species diversity. 

Birding Tours and safari adventures in Nyungwe however mainly depend on calls. The forest is thick and it is not easy to spot bird species like it is in the open savanna ecosystem. Notable birds you can see in Nyungwe include the Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, and Rwenzori Apalis among others.

Nyungwe Forest Birding Tours are among the best Rwanda adventures you can ever be part of. Birding is done following the different trails with chances of seeing other wildlife species in the park. Other iconic attractions you can explore on Nyungwe Forest Birding Tours include waterfalls and caves.

Best Time for Nyungwe Birding Safari

Nyungwe Forest Birding Tours are best enjoyed from November to May. During this time many bird species are in full plumage. It is also the time migratory birds are present in Rwanda. These come from as far as Europe which increases the bird diversity and chances of viewing.

Since Birding in Rwanda mainly depends on calls, several birds are more vocal from March. With this, they can easily be identified saving time compared to just randomly hiking the forest without any guidance.

These months from November to May however also double as the wet season months when rainfall is highly unpredictable. December to March are relatively dry and the chances of rainfall are a bit minimal. The dry months from June to October are generally great for wildlife viewing including birding. They are dry and it is easy to hike through the forest with minimal rainfall disturbances.

Nyungwe Primates

Nyungwe forest is most famous for primate trekking. It has the highest chimpanzee population in Rwanda with 3 communities open for tourism. Apart from chimpanzees, the forested park has a high population of colobus monkeys, L’hoest, and Blue Monkeys.

Chimpanzee trekking is the commonly done primate safari adventure in Nyungwe. The two major communities that are tracked include one at Uwinka and the other at Cyamudongo. On the day of the chimpanzee trek you are expected at the park headquarters by 7:00 am. There you are briefed about the dos and don’ts during the trek. After the briefing, you are then guided by a ranger guide and hike for 2 to 3 hours until you meet the chimpanzees. This is a remarkable encounter though limited to only one hour. Chimpanzees have the highest DNA similar to humans at 98% and can easily adapt to human behavior if interaction is not limited.

Other primate treks are also guided by the well knowledgable range guides who have traversed the Forest for year. Primate trekking in Nyungwe is doable throughout the year.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Nyungwe Forest has a chimpanzee habituation experience in Gisovu. This is more experiential and takes you behind the scenes following the routine of the chimpanzees. It involves following a chimpanzee community observing and studying their routine with interactions intended to make them accustomed to human beings’ presence. The hike also takes 2 to 3 hours and on getting to the chimpanzees you can stay up to 4 hours in their presence.

This chimpanzee habituation experience has limited slots and it is therefore advised to book it in advance.

Other Discovery Journeys Birding Destinations

Rwanda has several other birding tour destinations. These include Akagera National Park which is Rwanda’s second most important bird area. It is also East and Central Africa’s largest protected wetland. Akagera’s ecosystem is also diverse with open savanna grasslands and woodlands as well. It is the only place in Rwanda where you can see the shoebill stork.

Nyandungu Eco Park is another Rwanda Birding destination. It is located in Kigali just a few minutes’ drive from the city center. The eco-park is predominantly a wetland that was recently restored after several years of degradation. It now boosts over 200 bird species including the Grey Crowned Cranes. The eco park can easily be accessed and it is the most convenient Rwanda birding destination. It works well for those with limited time in Rwanda.

Beyond Rwanda, Uganda has many Birding safari tour destinations. These include the Mabamba wetlands, Royal Mile, and Semuliki Valley among others. Kenya and Tanzania are also great birding safari destinations. They are the best savanna wildlife safari destinations for Big cats and Mammal experiences.

We feature all these destinations and safari adventures on our Discovery Journeys expeditions. All our tours are customized and range from a day depending on one’s preference and convenience. Contact Us now to have your Safari tour preparations.

Amboseli Tour Adventures. Courtesy Photo. 6-Day Kenya Safari
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Awe-Inspiring Amboseli Tour Adventures

Amboseli Tour Adventures are remarkable given the diversity of Amboseli National Park. The park is among Kenya’s signature safari destinations for wildlife viewing. It is located in southern Kenya about a 4-hour drive from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.

The park was established in 1906 as the Masai Amboseli Game Reserve and covers a land area of 392 square kilometers. It was elevated to the status of a National Park in 1974 and has since remained among the top-visited Kenya Tour destinations. Amboseli Tour Adventures are magical and offer experiential African safari experiences.

Below are a brief about the different wildlife species and activities you can engage in while on Amboseli Tour Adventures.

Wildlife In Amboseli

Amboseli is home to 4 of the big five mammals. These include lions, leopards, buffaloes, and Elephants. Leopards being solitary are rarely seen however elephants and buffaloes occur in large numbers. Cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeests, hyenas, and zebras are also present in the Park.

Elephants are the most impressive safari animals to see on Amboseli Tour Adventures. They are renowned for their long tusks and the red dusty coating they get from wallowing the soils of Amboseli.

Amboseli National Park stretches to the Kenya-Tanzania border and has the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Mountain is Africa’s highest mountain at an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. Much is the mountain is Tanzania, it can be best seen from the Kenyan side in Amboseli. It is one impressive natural wonder as the snow-capped peaks are seen towering over the skies.

Amboseli Tour Activities

Diving into the different Amboseli safari activities is always the best way to explore a destination. These make up the whole concept of Discovery Journeys when visiting a destination for the first time. Even for return visits, nature often has many hidden secrets and it is always rewarding for every visit you take. These are the best Amboseli Tour Adventures you can be part of while in the park.

Game drives

Game drives are the commonly done safari activities in any savanna park. Amboseli National Park has several trails that are followed featuring the different wildlife species. Game drives start early morning to catch up with the parks’ predators and early risers. During morning hours it is when animals are most active.

The sunset and golden hour times are also great for game drives. Here you can see the sun setting over the horizon of the open savannas. Game drives are the best Amboseli Tour Adventures as you journey with elephants and other safari animals.

Birding

Amboseli is home to over 420 Bird species making it a great birding tour destination. The park has two major swamps that are home to several waterbirds including pelicans and Grey Crowned Cranes. It is now among Kenya’s best places to see the flamingos compared to Lake Nakuru. The flamingo population migrated from Lake Nakuru to Bogoria because of the rise in the Lakes’ water levels. Amboseli has many of these along its water areas and they are impressive to watch with their beautiful pink color.

Other ecosystems of Amboseli include open savanna grasslands and woodlands. These are home to yet other bird species including hornbills.

Notable birds you can easily spot on Amboseli Tour Adventures include the yellow-necked spurfowl, African swamphen, Rufous chatterer, and Long-toed lapwing.

Nature walks

Nature walks bring you closer to nature. On these, you can see small wildlife you can not easily see in the car on game drives. These mostly include insects, reptiles, and several plant vegetation species.

Amboseli is an open park where wild animals freely move and nature walks are only done in places that are safe to walk. They are guided by an armed ranger to scare away animals in case they try charging at you. Nature walks are also best enjoyed in the morning or sunset hours.

Sundowners

Sundowners are the best way to end everyday Amboseli safari Adventures. They are organized in the evenings by the different safari lodges in the Parks’ proximity. Sundowners provide yet another opportunity to view Mount Kilimanjaro. By evening the clouds would have cleared offering the most impressive Mountain View.

Best Time To Visit

Amboseli Tour Adventures can be had any time of the year. Kenya thankfully has only two climatic seasons: the dry and wet seasons. Wildlife is generally great in the dry season from June to October and December to March.

The wet season months usher in rains that favor the growth of lush green vegetation. This brings in a natural blend of color and provides pastures for the park’s herbivores. It also means that such safari animals do not have to travel far in search of fresh pasture. Most importantly, the wet months are when migratory birds are in Kenya Amboseli included. Such diversity and increase in number make Amboseli Tour Adventures even more remarkable.

Other Magical Kenya Tour Adventures

Kenya has many tour adventures you can be part of. These start with the wildebeest migration journeys of Discovery in Masai Mara National Reserve. Here you take on wildlife journeys with over a million wildebeests and thousands of zebras and gazelles.

Central Kenya also has several adventures you can visit. They include hiking Mount Kenya which is Africa’s second highest mountain. You can choose to visit the Aberdare Mountain ranges for hiking and exclusive safari adventures.

Kenya beach holidays are also highly recommended. The country has some of the finest white sand beaches along the Indian Ocean. These are the perfect combination with a Kenya safari holiday. If you are interested in primates, you can visit Rwanda for mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking. Rwanda has one of the few ecosystems where mountain gorillas live. It stretches near the border with Uganda and DRC commonly known as the Virunga Conservation Area. You can also visit Uganda for Birding tours at Mabamba Bay.

Mabamba Birding Safari Tour. Discovery Journeys. 13-day Birding Safari
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Mabamba Birding Safari Tour

Mabamba Birding Safari Tour adventures are the ideal Uganda birding journeys of discovery for avid bird lovers. The Mabamba wetland is an extensive swamp along Lake Victoria. It is one of the few maintained wetlands in Uganda and also an internationally recognized Ramsar site.

The wetland is a prime Uganda birding safari destination thanks it its bird diversity. Mabamba is Uganda’s most Important Birding Area though threatened by climate change and human activity.

Mabamba Birding Safari Tour adventures are done using local canoes along the different waterways of the swamp marshes. The canoe ride along these swamps is remarkable and takes you back in time to ancient travel. It also brings you up close to nature and wildlife species in the wetlands.

The swamp is traversed by many native Ugandans as they connect to the different islands in the Lake. Many travel in local motorized canoes and watching that experience alone is humbling. Mabamba Birding Safari Tour experiences are not just about birds but a generic community and wildlife experience.

Bird Species at Mabamba

Mabamba is home to over 300 Bird species. These also include the rare and prehistoric shoebill stork and many other wetland birds. Mabamba is part of the wetland system on the planet that is home to over 38% population of the Blue Swallow. Other globally threatened birds at Mabamba include the Papyrus Yellow Warbler even though the shoebill stork is most outstanding.

Notable bird species you easily spot on a Mabamba Birding Safari Tour include the Grey Crowned Cranes, egrets, papyrus Gonolek, Goliath Heron, fishing Eagles, and Egrets among others.

Mabamba has the highest Shoebill stork population in the region. It is estimated that over 20 shoebills freely room the wetland ecosystem. Their survival is boosted by the abundance of prey especially the Mudfish that the Shoebill preys on. All the different Bird species at Mabamba as easily spotted while on canoe rides. You stand a chance of seeing over 20 species in an hour which is a good number.

Best Time to Visit

Mabamba Birding Safari Tour adventures are doable throughout the year. Uganda is blessed to have a temperate climatic condition with only two seasons, the wet and dry season. The dry season starts from June to mid-October and from mid-December to March. This also doubles as the peak tourist season for all Uganda tour destinations including Mabamba. Wildlife viewing is generally great but crowds can be discouraging especially for a small destination like Mabamba.

The wet season spans from March to May and from mid-October to November. During this time rainfall is very unpredictable and can happen anytime of the day. It is however not so destructive to stop you from enjoying your Uganda safari adventures including Mabamba Birding Tours.

If you are interested in less crowds, then the wet season months are ideal. We highly recommend visiting Mabamba early morning or late evening when birds are active. This is also the best time for photography golden hour moments and the best natural light.

Other Uganda Birding Safari Destinations

Uganda has many other top birding destinations starting with Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison is currently Uganda’s largest protected National Park and it is traversed by the Nile River on its way Up North. The Nile at Murchison forms a waterfall and Nile Delta which are pretty iconic natural features. On a Boat cruise to either of the River attractions, you get to see several birds, especially fish eagles.

The Nile Delta has a mashy and wetland ecosystem that is home to many wetland birds. It is also home to the shoebill stork and probably the second best destination to see this rare bird after Mabamba. Other notable birds you can see also include the saddle-billed stork, Grey-crowned cranes, and Herons among others.

Semuliki Valley is another incredible Uganda Birding safari destination. It is located at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges and among Uganda’s exclusive safari destinations. Semuliki has East Africa’s extension of Ituri forest and many of the birds and wildlife here are endemic to Central African Forests. Mubwindi Swamp, the Royal Mile, and Kidepo Valley are also great Birding destinations.

Uganda Birding Tour Packages

Uganda Birding Tour packages are all customized starting from a one-day excursion. Our 2-day birding tour features a visit to the Botanical gardens and Mabamba wetland. This is short and ideal for those with limited time.

For more birding chances, we recommend an extensive Birding tour of 5 days or more. This features visiting multiple birding destinations. With this, you stand a chance to see the diverse Bird species Uganda has. Our 7-day Uganda Birding Journeys features Mabamba, the Royal Mile, and the Nile Delta.

The 13-day Birding Safari covers the western circuit and also features chimpanzees and mountain gorilla trekking. Explore Uganda with us on the ultimate birding and Discovery Journeys adventures. We feature other East African destinations like Kenya and Tanzania for open savanna wildlife experiences. They are also great birding safari tour destinations with so much to offer.

Our Rwanda Journeys of Discovery feature Nyungwe Forest which is Rwanda’s most important birding area. We also have several customized safaris to Akagera National Park strictly for birding and savanna wildlife experiences. This is the best time to book your birding safari tour to any of the above safari destinations. The peak season is also setting in and there is still availability for both accommodation and permits. Contact Us now to start planning your safari.

Travel Mistakes To Avoid On A Tanzania Tour Adventure
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Travel Mistakes To Avoid On A Tanzania Tour Adventure

A Tanzania tour adventure is a Must for all safari lovers. Tanzania Tourism is currently top of all East African Discovery Journeys because of its remarkable experiences. The country has several safari destinations including the famous Serengeti National Park. Northern Tanzania destinations are incredible with high wildlife numbers.

Southern Tanzania is diverse with less traveled paths and destinations. These include Nyerere National Park, Tanzania’s and East Africa’s largest protected area.

Tanzania has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean and therefore has several beaches. With this, you can explore marine wildlife and experience the rich historical background of the East African coast. Such diversity makes a Tanzania Tour Adventure remarkable and outstanding. There are however some travel mistakes that people make while preparing for or when on safari. Such mistakes can cost your highly anticipated Tanzania Tour adventures and safari moments. They are listed below and we hope you avoid them when planning your Journeys of Discovery not just to Tanzania but East Africa in general.

Failure to Secure Your Visa

Tanzania has an open and user-friendly visa policy. It varies depending on the bilateral and International relations your country of origin has with Tanzania. Individuals from the East African Community and some regional markets for example do not require a visa for Tanzania.

You can visit and stay up to 3 months in the country on a Tanzania Tour adventure to different destinations. When coming from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, you can travel to Tanzania with your National Identification but require an additional travel document verifying your identity. When traveling with your passport then you can just board the next plane to Tanzania without applying for a visa in advance.

Individuals from countries that have to apply for their Tanzania visas in advance are expected to oblige. Failure to do so leads to being denied boarding a flight to Tanzania even if you have fully paid for your Tanzania Tour adventures. Citizens of the United States of America are required to apply for a multiple-entry visa when visiting Tanzania. This gives them up to 12 months in Tanzania and it is worth the time and adventure.

You can read more about the Tanzania Visa requirements HERE to avoid being tossed around on your Tanzania Tour.

Late Tanzania Tour Booking

Tanzania is a busy African safari destination and accommodation options are fully booked a couple of months in advance. Northern Tanzania has the busiest tour adventure circuit. It features destinations like Tarangire National Park, Ndutu, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. All these are flocked by millions of tourists annually wanting to be part of the incredible Tanzania Tour adventures there.

Even though Tanzania has a high bed capacity, it still gets fully booked in the peak tourist season. The peak tourist season in Tanzania starts from June throughout October. December being a festive month, it is also busy as well as from January to March which are relatively dry months. It is therefore highly recommended to have your Tanzania Tour adventure booked early to avoid disappointment.

There are signature safari lodges and Tented camps where you would wish to stay for special occasions like anniversaries. These are however known by many and have a high demand. You are only assured of your stay there if you book in advance. Just ensure to book your overall Tanzania Tour adventures ahead of time to avoid last-minute changes and inconveniences.

Traveling without a Local Guide

The idea of self-guided safaris is great but can be problematic sometimes. A destination as huge as Tanzania requires a local guide for better planning. The internet has played a great job of enabling easy access to information but not everything can be found there. Several exclusive adventure experiences that are cultural and historical are known to a few local guides and tour operators.

Game drive tracks in open savanna parks are also not easy to navigate without a local guide. Tanzania tour destinations like Nyerere and Serengeti are vast. Their game drive tracks are not marked on Google and you can easily get lost moving in circles. As much as you get to see lots of wildlife, you lose a lot of time and miss your other planned adventures.

For those interested in experiential community and cultural Tanzania tours it is a must to have a local guide. Not everyone in the community can speak your language which is why having an interpreter saves time. It also enables you to get facts that natives are only comfortable sharing with one of their own. Booking your tours through a local guide and tour operator seems expensive but it is the right thing to do.

Not Packing appropriately for your Tanzania Tour

Tanzania lies within the tropics and generally has a temperate weather condition. It however varies for particular destinations like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater whose climate varies. Temperatures there sometimes drop to zero degrees, especially in the night and it can affect a traveler who did not pack appropriately.

Tanzania is an iconic photography safari destination not just for wildlife but for holidaymakers as well. It is therefore recommended for you to pack your best safari attire ahead of your Tanzania Tour adventure. Photography and documentaries are part and partial of modern society and holidays are the best places to create beautiful moments.

Tanzania hiking adventures to Mount Kilimanjaro and other highland areas also require packing appropriately. Mount Kilimanjaro is snow-capped with chilly weather the higher you summit it. The same applies to other mountains like Meru, Choqa, and Mawenzi among others. We often provide a packing list to all our travelers to enable them to prepare accordingly for their tour adventures.

Under budgeting your Tanzania Tour adventures

All Tanzania Tour adventures are budget-friendly. It is however a bit costly when you are visiting multiple destinations for several days. Tanzania Tour adventures are undeniably iconic and it is often hard to choose which ones not to visit. Whether planning a cultural safari, beach holiday, or savanna wildlife tour, you need an extensive tour.

For destinations like Serengeti, we recommend at least 5 days or more. With this, you can Catch up with the wildebeest migration in all sectors of the park. The Big Cats experience also requires a lot of time not less than 3 days in a destination. You therefore have to save up a little more for all your Tanzania Tour Adventures.

The accommodation options you choose to stay at are a game changer on your safari. They carry from budget camps to high-end luxury lodges and tented camps. When planning a longer safari you are better off staying in budget or deluxe accommodation options and discovering more.

Beyond Tanzania, you are welcome to join our Discovery Journeys to Rwanda. These feature mountain gorilla trekking, birding, chimpanzee trekking, and more. Eastern DRC is also home to several primates including the rare eastern lowland gorillas. These are endemic to Kahuzi Biega National Park and are relatively bigger than mountain gorillas. Contact Us now to get started.

The Best of Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures
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The Best of Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures

Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures are the backbone of Rwanda Discovery Journeys. Rwanda is a small landlocked but rich and diverse country in terms of wildlife and natural resources. It is among the fastest-growing economies in East and Central Africa and a leading wildlife safari destination.

The country has the savanna’s most desired Big Five Mammals in Akagera National Park. It is home to chimpanzees and several primates in Nyungwe Forest which was recently designated a World Heritage Site. These and many more safari adventures make Rwanda an ideal Discovery Journeys destination.

Northern Rwanda Safari adventures however stand out and are the most recommended of all Rwanda Tour experiences. Below are the Five best Must do.

Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures

Mountain gorillas are rare primates that are only found in three countries on the entire planet Rwanda included. They are among man’s closest relatives with over 95% DNA similar to ours. Mountain gorillas are limited to only two ecosystems including the Virunga Massif and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, plus the adjacent Sarambwe reserve.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga massif and has the highest mountain gorilla population in that massif. It has 20 habituated gorilla families with 12 fully habituated and opened up for tourism.

All Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures feature mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The experience is unforgettable and one of the best primate safari adventures you can ever be part of. On the trekking safari, you hike up the Virunga massif ecosystem to meet gorillas in their most preferred homes. There you can get to learn more about their habitat, routine, and lifestyle in general.

Virunga Volcanoes Hiking Safari

Rwanda has Five of the ten Volcanoes of the Virunga Massif including Mount Karisimbi, Muhabura, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. The Virunga massif is a chain of Volcanic Mountains along the Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC border. These mountains are also known as the Mufumbiro ranges and are an important ecosystem that is home to several wildlife species including the rare mountain gorillas.

Hiking safari adventures are possible on three of the Five Volcanoes in Rwanda. These are Mount Karismbi which is the highest with an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea Level. It takes 2 days to complete this hike with an overnight in the mountain. Mount Bisoke has an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level with a crater on its summit. This lies along the Rwanda and DRC border and Among the most impressive mountains to Hike. Mount Sabyinyo has an elevation of 3,674 and is shared among the three countries.

All these mountains are dominant Volcanoes and therefore safe to hike. On Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures and hikes to these mountains, you get to see several wildlife species. If you are lucky you can spot mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and forest elephants among others.

Rwanda Cycling adventures

Northern Rwanda is an ideal cycling destination. Rwanda is renowned for its beautiful rolling hills and impressive scenery that is best enjoyed on cycling expeditions. Cycling through the Rwandan countryside is just remarkable and engaging. It is an experiential Journey of Discovery that brings you in close contact with the people and nature.

The recently concluded Tour Du Rwanda featured a cycling adventure in Northern Rwanda. The expedition included cycling throughout Musanze to the Kwita Izina grounds just at the base of the Five Volcanoes.

Beyond the Volcanoes National Park, Northern Rwanda has remote villages that are easily accessed on cycling adventures. Cycle your way exclusively as you explore Northern Rwanda.

Golden Monkey Trekking Adventures

Golden Monkeys are rare primates that are endemic to the Virunga Mountains. In Northern Rwanda, they live in Volcanoes National Park alongside mountain gorillas and other mammals. Just like their name suggests, golden monkeys are covered in golden fur.

They live in communities of up to 20 individuals in the bamboo forest Zone. Golden monkeys just like other primates are vegetarian with most of their diet comprising plant vegetation. They are beautiful primates to hike and meet while on Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures.

Golden Monkey Trekking starts with a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. There you are told about the trekking rules and regulations for your safety while in the park. Golden Monkey trekking can be enjoyed any time of the year but for the best experiences, it is better to visit in the dry season.

Twin Lakes Tour experiences

Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes experiences offer a unique Northern Rwanda Safari Adventure adventure. They are strategically located at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains with the impressive scenery of the mountains in the Horizon.

Lake Burera has a surface area of 55 square kilometers. This makes it the second-largest lake in the entirety of Rwanda. It has several islands that can be visited on a canoe-riding adventure. Lake Ruhondo is relatively smaller than Burera and can also best be explored on a canoe ride.

Guided nature walks and canoe rides along these twin lakes are enjoyable. They bring you in direct contact with the local people who rely on the lake for water. The twin lakes experiences are also exclusive and among the enjoyable Northern Rwanda Safari Adventures.

All the above safari adventures are doable any time of the year. The gorilla trekking adventure is however in high demand and permits get fully booked especially in the dry season. Visit Rwanda and other East African safari destinations like Tanzania for endless Discovery Journeys.

The Best of Central Kenya Safari Adventures
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The Best of Central Kenya Safari Adventures

Central Kenya safari adventures are among the several safari experiences you can be part of when visiting the magical country. Kenya is a renowned safari destination famous for the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara. The country is a birthplace of safari offering more remarkable savanna wildlife experiences. These include journeying with the elephant herds in Amboseli and relaxing on the white sand beaches along the coast.

Such experiences make Kenya an outstanding destination for all tourist categories. Even better, Central Kenya safari adventures are exclusive and will make your Kenyan safari unforgettable. This part of Kenya brings in a different spirit of African adventure filled with thrilling Journeys of Discovery Moments.

Below are our top picks and most recommended Central Kenya safari adventures.

Mount Kenya Hiking Adventures

Mount Kenya is an extinct Volcanic Mountain and among the most prominent Central Kenya safari attractions. With an elevation of 5,199 meters above sea level, Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro.

The mountain is among the few snow-capped mountains along the Equator. It currently has about 12 glaciers that are receding because of climate change. Mount Kenya’s glacial features and landscapes are impressive and outstanding of any mountain in the region. Hiking through the different mountain zones and rugged mountain terrain to the summit is remarkable and adventurous. The mountain’s lower slopes are covered with montane forests and bamboo that are home to several wildlife species. These include the tree hyrax, forest elephants, black rhinos, and giant forest hogs among others.

Hiking to the summit requires a reasonable level of physical fitness if you are to make it to the summit without any difficulty. For avid mountain climbers, we highly recommend this mountain challenge when considering Central Kenya Safari Adventures.

Aberdares exclusive Safari Adventures

Aberdare mountain ranges form a section of the eastern rim of the Great Rift Valley. They are 160-kilometer-long mountain ranges stretching over several counties in central Kenya from Nyandarua to Laikipia. Aberdare mountains have a unique ecosystem and are the less-traveled Central Kenya Safari Adventures and tour destination.

The Aberdare mountain range’s highest point is at Oldoinyo Lesatima which stands at 3,999 meters above sea level. Ilkinangop is another incredibly high peak in the Aberdare at 3,906 meters above sea level. All these peaks are forested and the Aberdare mountain ranges are a water catchment area of Central Kenya and major Rivers including the Tana River.

Aberdare Mountains are home to several wildlife species that can be spotted while on a hike there. They include forest elephants, Hyenas, buffaloes, and leopards among others. Notable primates you can spot on an expedition there include the colobus monkeys and Sykes monkeys. The mountain ranges have diverse vegetation with over 750 plant species. These mountain ranges have quite a lot to offer and are the ultimate Discovery Journeys destination.

River Tana Rafting Adventures

River Tana is Kenya’s longest River covering a distance of 1,000 kilometers. It draws its waters from the Mount Kenya and Aberdare mountain ranges area draining into the Indian Ocean. The River is known as the Sagana River in the Mount Kenya region and eventually becomes Tana in its middle and last courses. It is a major water source with several tributaries from Mount Kenya and the Aberdare.

River Tana is a renowned rafting adventure destination in Kenya. It has different grades of rapids from two to Five. The rafting adventure starts as you slowly peddle from the calm waters of the Rivers. This is followed by a 3-kilometer easy grade two and three rapids. Here you familiarize yourself with the waters gaining paddling experience ahead of the thrilling Grade Five rapids.

In between the Grade Three and Five rapids is a 6-kilometer calm section. This still provides you with enough time to practice or even take a swim as you enjoy the scenery of the surroundings. The grade-five rapids are the most anticipated and thrilling of all. Paddling through these rough waters is adventurous and one of the best Central Kenya Safari Adventures. The rafting area along the Tana River is just a 2-hour drive from Nairobi. It can be visited on a Day excursion in case you are limited by time.

Chimpanzee Safari Tours

Central Kenya has the only chimpanzee sanctuary in the country at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Ol Pejeta is located in Nyanyuki along the Equator and is home to chimpanzees and several wildlife species. The chimpanzees at Ol Pejeta were brought in from Burundi in 1993 when the civil war broke out. They have since then found refuge and a safe place at the conservancy.

Ol Pejeta currently has 35 chimpanzees including many rescued from traumatic experiences. These at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary are rehabilitated and nursed till they fully recover. After this, they are then introduced to the already existing community at the sanctuary and they gradually bond. They spend most of their day in the open socializing and this is where you get the opportunity to meet them.

Chimpanzees are man’s closest primates with over 95% DNA similar to humans. It is always amazing catching up with them and Ol Pejeta is that one Central Kenya Safari destination where you find them.

Lewa Conservancy Safaris

Lewa Conservancy is an exclusive Central Kenya Safari Adventures destination. It is home to some of the savannas’ rare wildlife species including the Grevy’s zebras. The conservancy is also home to elephants, lions, giraffes, African wild dogs, and over 450 bird species.

Lewa offers great opportunities for savanna wildlife adventures in Central Kenya. Safari experiences here are experiential and eco-friendly. They also fully engage the community giving you an insight into the local peoples’ ways of life.

The Conservancy has several accommodation options ranging from budget to high-end luxury lodges. Elewana Kifaru House, Borona Lodge, and Lewa House are among the luxury options. The conservancy can be visited any time of the year depending on your preference and convenience. Other exclusive safari adventures in the region include the Mount Elgon Discovery Journeys and Southern Tanzania tour expeditions.

Mount Elgon Tour Experiences and Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Mount Elgon Tour Experiences and Discovery Journeys

Mount Elgon Tour experiences enable you to take on journeys of Discovery to Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda. The mountain is a designated Transboundary Biosphere Reserve and among the oldest mountains on the continent. Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano believed to have last erupted several million years ago.

At over 4000 square kilometers, Mount Elgon has the world’s largest Volcanic base. It is believed to have been Africa’s highest mountain, higher than Kilimanjaro but erupted and has over the years eroded. Elgon is currently East Africa’s 4th highest mountain with its peak Wagagai standing at an elevation of 4,321 meters above sea level.

Mount Elgon tour experiences and Discovery journeys are deep-rooted in natural history and rich in diversity. The mountain is among the less traveled Uganda Tour destinations and offers exclusive tour experiences. Below are our most recommended Mount Elgon Tour experiences you can engage in while in the area.

Mount Elgon Hiking

This is the primary and key tour experience in the mountain. Mount Elgon hiking is very adventurous as you trek through the different vegetation zones of the mountain. The lower mountain slopes are covered with a temperate deciduous forest that is home to several wildlife species including forest elephants. This slowly transcends into bamboo forests and eventually the moorland zone.

Mount Elgon’s moorland zone is among the most impressive mountain zones to explore. It contains several plant species including tree heaths, giant lobelias, and groundsels among others. As you hike to the summit, you go through the mountain crater. This has swamps where some major rivers and streams flow from. Hiking through this alone is breathtaking before you finally make it to the summit top that rises from the Crater.

The Mountain Elgon hike is not as strenuous as other mountain hikes in the region. Its rich wildlife and diversity make this mountain hiking experience a journey to remember. There are still so many hidden wildlife treasures to uncover in this Discovery Journey and we highly recommend it.

Birding

Mount Elgon Tour experiences featuring birding expeditions bring in another incredible Uganda safari adventure. The mountainous national park is home to over 300 bird species including endemics. Birding in a mountainous and forested area like Mount Elgon differs a lot from the open savannas.

With the vegetation cover, birding mainly depends on calls and you therefore need to be very vigilant. It is however adventurous as you can easily spot a completely new species that has never been discovered.

Notable bird species in the mountain Elgon area include the Lammergeier, the Hartlaub’s turaco, and the eastern bronze-naped pigeon among others. Birding journeys are doable all year round but more rewarding from November to May when there is an influx of migratory birds. It is easily done in the dry season when the trails are dry and a bit easy to navigate.

Nature walks

Guided nature walks are the best way to connect with the Mount Elgon wilderness. Being an off-beaten path, Mount Elgon tour experiences feature hidden nature secrets that you easily uncover on nature walks.

Several developed trails lead up to the crater and summit in awe and appreciation of Mother Nature. On these trails, you encounter mountain wildlife species like antelopes and if lucky can spot the forest elephants. Many of these (Forest Elephants) moved to the Kenyan side to the Kitum Cave but you can never rule out the possibility of meeting them.

Mount Elgon has many caves that were once inhabited by the migrating Nilo-Hamites and Bantu people. Many of these have rock paintings showing narrations of these communities lived in such hilly areas and their origins. Their legends have been carried over to the younger generations and you learn more about them on guided walks to the caves.

Community Tour Experiences

The Mount Elgon lower slopes are inhabited by the Bantu-speaking Gisu community. They are predominately farmers growing Uganda’s finest coffee, millet, and corn. Also locally known as the Bamasaba, the Bagisu consider Mount Elgon a sacred home of their founding Father Masaba.

Many refer to the mountain as Masaba and still take on pilgrims to the mountain. This is done during initiation from one stage of life to another or when on prayer requests for rain or bumper harvests.

Mount Elgon Tour experiences to the community as unmatched. One of the most prominent community practices is the Imbalu, a community male circumcision that initiates young boys to males. It involves a traditional dance throughout the community as the people gather to witness the occasion. A man is considered brave when they do not make a movement or shake during the rather painful circumcision. It is such a man who will win the most beautiful bride because of his bravery.

Apart from learning about the rich culture, you get to taste locally made coffee and the local millet brew.

Filming and Documentary Tour Adventures

Mount Elgon’s exclusivity makes it an ideal filming and documentary tour destination. The whole Eastern Uganda tourism circuit is less explored and yet full of amazing adventures. With this, we recommended Mount Elgon tour experiences featuring filming.

You can start with the vibrant cultural practices and traditions of the Bamasaba and other communities around the mountain slopes. The wildlife in the park is also great whether you focus on birds or mammal species.

There is little known about the mountain in general and filming tour adventures there is a big deal. Beyond Mount Elgon on your way up north is Pian Upe Game Reserve. The reserve is Uganda’s largest protected area and home to the rare Roan Antelope. Such exclusive Uganda tours are the best option if you are to break away from the usual Tanzania safaris.

The Best of Serengeti Safari Adventures. Photo By Eric Manzi
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

The Best of Serengeti Safari Adventures

Serengeti safari adventures are the ultimate Discovery Journeys and African Adventure experiences. They are the perfect and ideal classic wildlife safaris you can ever be part of. Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is the most visited Tanzania tour destination.

The Park covers a land area of 14,763 square kilometers of open savanna grasslands, woodlands, and several relief features. These include Kopjes, valleys, and a backdrop of hills. A combination of all these makes Serengeti Safari adventures unique and impressive.

Serengeti is an all-season destination and below are our most recommended safari adventures to engage in while there.

Big Cats safari adventures

Serengeti has the highest big cats concentration of any savanna wildlife destination. Lions are the highest of all with a possibility of seeing over 50 in just one game drive. They live in pride comprising lionesses, cubs, and alpha Males. Seeing lions on Serengeti safari adventures is like seeing any other safari animals like wildebeests. The beauty is that every encounter is unique and gives you a memorable experience.

Leopards even though solitary are many in Serengeti. They are stealth hunters and the strongest of the big cats. Serengeti has several antelope species that are prey for the big cats hence boosting their survival. Leopards easily hunt these and often carry their food up a tree where they prey on it with minimal disturbances.

Cheetahs are the last of the prominent big cats. They are the fastest land animals and often rely on their speed to hunt. Cheetahs loose a lot of energy chasing after their prey and some of their hunts are unsuccessful. They are currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and face a risk of extinction. The cheetah population in Serengeti is believed to be high but they are rarely seen when compared to other big cats. Serengeti safari adventures however still offer you great chances of seeing them, unlike other Tanzania tour destinations.

Wildebeest Migration Journeys

The wildebeest migration is an annual animal mass movement of wildebeest, zebras, topi, and gazelles between Serengeti and Masai Mara. It is currently the largest savanna animal movement that features over one million wildebeests, thousands of topi, and zebras. The migratory animals are believed to be guided by the weather and seasons as they look for fresh pasture.

Serengeti’s open ecosystem makes the wildebeest migration even more enjoyable. Migrating herds scatter all over the savannas attracting the land’s most deadly predators including all the big cats. Other carnivores like hyenas and major scavenger birds also hover around expecting to get some food.

The migrating herds cross River Grumeti and Mara on their journey where they face another face of death. These River banks are steep and some herds easily break their legs as they try to keep up with the crowd. River Grumeti and Mara also have Nile Crocodiles that are always readily waiting to hunt them. These crocodiles are some of the strongest and largest having been surviving on the plenty of prey in Serengeti. Serengeti safari adventures featuring the wildebeest migration are a safari masterpiece. Catch up with every moment of the migration from calving, predator hunting, and River Crossings.

Balloon Safari Adventures

Balloon Safaris adventures are among the latest additions to African safari expeditions. They only make sense in open savanna ecosystems and Serengeti is just the perfect and ideal Balloon safari destination. Balloon safaris offer panoramic views of the ecosystem. This is an amazing experience for a destination like Serengeti which often has millions of safari animals migrating.

They are best done in the early morning or late evening since balloons are easily managed in cool weather conditions. With this, can catch up with the early risers including big cats that can be seen when flying at a lower altitude.

Serengeti safari adventures and journeys of Discovery are just incomplete without balloon safaris. Ensure to add these on your visit to the park.

Birding Tours

Serengeti National Park’s diversity is also witnessed in its bird life. The park is home to over 500 bird species including many endemic species. Together with the adjacent Masai Mara, the ecosystem is among Africa’s endemic bird areas. Some of the notable birds here include the Secretary bird, Usambiro barbet, fisher’s lovebird, and Silverbird among others.

Birding in Serengeti is great all year round but more diverse and enjoyable from November to May. This is a nesting time for several species and when migratory birds are present in the region.

The beauty of Serengeti birding safaris is that it can be done on normal big cats and wildebeest migration adventures.

Landscapes

The Landscapes of the Serengeti ecosystem are the most underrated and yet form the backbone of safari adventures there. Even without the wildebeests or any migrating animals, this ecosystem is perfect and offers impressive scenic views. The flat open plains with isolated trees draw you into Mother Nature. Such an ecosystem and landscapes are ideal for picnics and sundowners.

Serengeti also has waterholes, Rivers, and valleys that east as home to different wildlife species. These are a great contribution to Serengeti wildlife wonders and will always leave you with a lasting impression.

Game drives and guided nature walks are the best ways to explore these impressive landscapes. These are doable throughout the year but can best be enjoyed during the dry season.

We have curated several Serengeti safari adventures starting from a 4-day Serengeti Tour. To fully cover all sectors of Serengeti, we recommended an 8-day Serengeti safari and wildebeest migration tour. The 9-day Tanzania safari is also enjoyable and features other northern Tanzania tour destinations. For more exclusive savanna wildlife experiences featuring the Big Five, you can visit Akagera National Park spending at least 4 nights in the park.