Akagera Big Five Safari Tour Experiences. Photo By Eric Manzi

Akagera Big Five Safari Tour Experiences

Akagera is the only destination in Rwanda where you can have a Big Five safari tour. The Park is Rwanda’s only savanna wildlife protected area located in the Eastern part of the country. It covers a land area of 1,122 square kilometers and is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland.

Just like other protected areas in Rwanda, Akagera suffered a major setback after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis. Part of the park land was de-gazetted to resettle some Rwandan people who returned after the civil war. This meant is reduction in the land area for the different wildlife the park had at the moment. Even before that, several animal species had gone extinct because of poaching and human land encroachment.

The park was however fully restored thanks to the conservation and sustainability commitment from the Rwandan government. It partnered with Africa Parks a non-profit conservation organization that takes over rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with government and communities. This partnership saw the reintroduction of several wildlife species including the southern White rhinos.

Akagera is now a leading destination for the Big Five Safari tour experiences.

The Big Five Species in Akagera

Savanna’s big five animal species include lions, leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, and buffaloes. These were named the Big Five because they would give trophy hunters a hard time to take on. Safari and trophy hunting has greatly reduced due to its threat to wildlife survival. The Big Five mammal species however still stand out and have quite a safari presence in the wild.

Lions are among the deadliest and most feared predators. They live in Pride of up to 20 individuals in different territories in the savannas. The Lion population in Rwanda has steadily increased over the years thus making Akagera Big Five safari tour experiences more enjoyable.

Elephants are the land’s largest mammals. They are primarily grazers and are among wildlife species with a long lifespan because they have few predators. Elephants are impressive to watch while on safari and Akagera Big Five Safari tours featuring elephants will never disappoint.

Rhinos are the land’s second-largest mammals. They are highly threatened by poaching as their horns are perceived as valuable. Rhinos have a poor sight but a strong sense of smell. They too apart from humans do not have any serious predators. Akagera National Park now has both white and black rhinos that can easily be seen on game drives. Leopards are solitary and this makes them desirable. Buffaloes are also impressive to watch while on safari and Akagera has a reasonable number of them.

Best Time for Akagera Big Five Safaris

Rwanda lies within the tropics and the Great Lakes region and has one of the best weather. The country has two climatic seasons, the dry and wet season. The dry season starts from June to mid-October and from mid-December to February. Rwanda safaris and Akagera Big Five safari tour experiences are best enjoyed in this dry season. This is so because there are minimal rainfall disturbances. Major game drive trails are dry and easy to navigate and the natural lighting provides a perfect environment for photography.

The wet season starts from mid-October to November and from March to May. Even though there are high chances of rainfall, it cannot deter you from your safari adventure. These months also act as the best times for photography. It is in these months that migratory birds from as far as Europe set in. Akagera has over 450 birds making it an ideal birding destination. Native birds are active and in full plumage in the low season months.

Akagera Safari Packages

Akagera can be explored from a 1-day safari tour to more depending on your time and preference. It can be accessed by both road and air and it takes a 3-hour drive from Kigali to get there. For those with limited time say 1 day but would love to visit the park have to leave Kigali by 6:00 am. There you get to the park in time for game drives, have a boat cruise, and later transfer back to Kigali.

The 2-day Akagera safari tour is a bit relaxed. It features a night in or near the park and has more chances of seeing the big five mammals. The 3, 4, and 5-day Akagera tour options are more recommended. These options are extensive and the most recommended Akagera Big Five safari tour adventures. You can customize your adventure to focus on safari specials that can some or all of the big five mammals and birds.

Where to Stay

Akagera National Park has several accommodation options. They range from budget and convenient tented camps, lodges, and high-end facilities. It is always best to have accommodation within the park so that you easily dive into the adventure. Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, and Magashi Camp are among the options within the park.

Dereva Hotel, Akagara Transit Lodge, and Akagera Safari Camp are a few options outside the park. All of these offer great hospitality services serving organic food locally produced in Rwanda.

Rwanda generally offers diverse safari experiences to also feature primates. Mountain gorillas are the most prominent of all primate species and they live in Volcanoes National Park. This is located in Northwestern Rwanda and is part of the Virunga massif and conservation area. You can combine an Akagera Big Five safari tour with a gorilla trekking adventure. In case you are interested in other destinations in the region, Kenya and Tanzania got you covered in terms of savanna wildlife.

Kenya has city tour destinations offering savanna wildlife experiences. These include Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Manor, and the Sheldrick Elephant Center among others. Other destinations are evenly distributed throughout the country including Central Kenya. Uganda Tour experiences to Mount Elgon are also exclusive and remarkable. 

Top Nairobi City Tour Destinations. Discovery Journeys

Top Nairobi City Tour Destinations

Nairobi City Tour destinations are among the most underrated Kenya Discovery Journeys destinations. Kenya has iconic safari tour destinations including household names like Masai Mara and Amboseli. Such overshadow even the most impressive Nairobi City Tour destinations that offer amazing Kenya tour experiences.

The city is Kenya’s capital and among the fastest-developing cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is the region’s business hub with the most developed infrastructure. Nairobi has a rich cultural background and savanna wildlife touch making it among the best city tour destinations. Below are some of our favorite Nairobi City Tour destinations that you can consider to add on your bucket list.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is located south of Nairobi city center covering a land area of 117 square kilometers. It is the only wildlife-protected area on the entire planet within the city premises. The park comprises open savanna grasslands and woodlands with a backdrop of city infrastructure.

It is home to several wildlife species including lions, giraffes, hyenas, Rhinos, and over 400 bird species. Nairobi National Park is the only hope for savanna wildlife experiences for those with limited time in Nairobi. It has well-developed game drive trails and it is easy to spot the different wildlife species.

Since Kenya is the birthplace of Safari, it only makes sense to visit the park on your Nairobi City Tour. The experience here sets you in a safari mood ahead of your other Kenya safari tour expeditions. The Park can easily be accessed by road and can be visited at any time of the year.

Nairobi National Museum

Nairobi National Museum is among the historic museums in East Africa. The idea of having it was initiated in 1910 by naturalists who sought a place to keep their collections. The first museum was opened at Nyayo House and later at the current Nairobi Serena Hotel. All these filled up prompting the then colonial government to set up land for the construction of a large museum.

Construction works were eventually finalized with the museum opening up to the public in 1930 as the Coryndon Museum. This was later changed to the National Museum of Kenya when the country gained its independence from British colonial rule. The long history alone makes the museum among the must-visit Kenya City Tour destinations.

Nairobi National Museum has different galleries that showcase human evolution, wildlife, and the rich Kenyan culture. The Cradle of Human Kind gallery is among the most outstanding galleries there. It takes you back in time to the Stone Age eras as you discover how the early man survived. Other galleries include the cycles of life, the history of Kenya, and the story of mammals. Ensure to add this to your Nairobi City tour excursion if you seeking overall information about Kenya.

The Giraffe Centre is another amazing Nairobi City Tour destination. It is located about a 40-minute drive from the Nairobi City Center. It is home to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife a non-profit Kenyan organization. This was founded in 1979 by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville after realizing how the Rothschild had become critically endangered.

The Rothschild Giraffe population at the time had reduced to 130 living on the 18,000-acre Soy Ranch. Jock and Betty took in two young giraffes to their home in Nairobi where they started a giraffe breeding program. The breeding of giraffes eventually began and these were successfully translocated to different protected areas including Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is currently the only National Park in Kenya with Rothschild Giraffes.

Through the fund, Jock and Betty raised money to construct an Educational Center on their farmland. It is this that eventually became the Giraffe Center. It was opened in 1983 and is still fundamental and among the iconic Nairobi City Tour destinations. On a visit to the center, you get an opportunity to interact and feed giraffes learning more about them. You can stay at the historic Giraffe Manor (Jock and Betty’s Home) and still get to dine with the giraffes.

The Karen Blixen Museum is another amazing and highly recommended Nairobi City Tour destination. It is located about 10 kilometers from Nairobi city center and was opened in 1986. It was named after Karen and Baron Bror Blixen a married couple that lived in the historical colonial house from 1917 until they separated in 1921. After their separation, Karen continued living in the farmhouse until 1931 when she eventually returned to Denmark.

The house changed ownership for years until it was purchased by the Danish Government which gifted it to Kenya as an independence gift.

Karen is a celebrated author who published books including Out of Africa in 1937, The Seven Gothic Tales in 1934, and the Babette Feat in 1950. The Movie Out of Africa was inspired by Karen’s publication.

The Karen Blixen Museum has a rich colonial history and is a great place to check out if you are interested in Kenya’s colonial period. It has architecture and furniture exhibitions dating back to the early 1900s. The museum is located in a cool and chilled environment at the foot of Ngong Hills. A tour through the Museum and relaxing in the gardens is refreshing. There is provision for a guided nature walk where you get to see several birds and small animal species including the tree hyrax.

Nairobi Railway Museum

The Nairobi Railway Museum is a historical Nairobi City Tour destination. Railway transport itself is a classic means of transport that was introduced in East Africa during colonialism. It was mainly aimed at connecting to Uganda a landlocked country and former British protectorate. The two major British colonies were involved in large-scale agriculture growing cash crops including tea and cotton that had to be transported to Europe for processing.

East Africa had several minerals like copper and cobalt that required a reliable transportation network from the interior to the coast. All these factors saw the start of the construction of the Uganda Railway through Kenya since it has a seaport. The Uganda Railway was constructed through the Tsavo wilderness with the aid of Indian Coolies as laborers. These were often attacked by the Maneless lions for a meal and somewhat became a major obstacle in the railway construction.

Kenya alone has a well-connected Railway Network to the different regions that colonialists relied on for Agriculture and Minerals. You can learn about all these and more on a visit to the Kenya Railway Museum.

Destination Kenya is still an overall iconic safari destination. You feature a visit to these city destinations alongside other savanna wildlife destinations including the less traveled northern Kenya safari tour areas. Uganda and Rwanda are great for primate trekking featuring mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. For other signature savanna safaris, you can visit Tanzania.

Uganda Gorilla Tour Experiences. Discovery Journeys

Uganda Gorilla Tour Experiences

Uganda gorilla tour experiences are highly recommended for anyone on Uganda Discovery Journeys. Mountain gorillas are rare and endangered primate species that live in the forested mountains of East and Central Africa.

The mountain gorilla population is currently estimated at 1100 individuals in the wild. It drastically reduced in the 1980s and 1990s when the region had a series of civil wars. These were guerrilla wars operated in ecosystems that are home to several wildlife species including mountain gorillas. Uganda has fortunately had a peaceful period for decades and this has seen a population increase of the different wildlife species.

The country currently has the highest mountain gorilla population of all the 3 countries with mountain gorillas. There have been several gorilla conservation efforts and with time, the current population will steadily increase. With this, Uganda gorilla tour experiences are a Must. It is always amazing to hike the forested mountains and meet mountain gorillas in their preferred habitats. Below is what you need to know about Uganda gorilla tour experiences if you planning your first gorilla safari tour.

Uganda Gorilla Tour destinations

Uganda has two mountain gorilla tour destinations. They include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. They are all located in Southwestern Uganda at the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the most prominent Uganda gorilla tour destination. It covers a land area of 331 square kilometers of Afro-Montane Forests with over 400 plant species, 120 mammals including mountain gorillas, and over 400 bird species. Such wildlife diversity makes Bwindi Impenetrable Forest an ideal destination for major nature bucket list adventures.

Uganda gorilla tour experiences in Bwindi are exclusive and unforgettable. The forested park has 4 major sectors each with habituated gorilla families. Buhoma, the northern Sector is the busiest of all. It was the first sector to be opened up for tourism. This was in April 1993 when the Mubare gorilla family had been fully habituated and opened up to individuals interested in gorilla trekking. The other notable Uganda gorilla tour sectors in Bwindi include Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the other Uganda gorilla tour destination. It is located in Kisoro District and covers a land area of 33 square kilometers. The park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area along with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park.

Mountain Gorilla Families

Mountain gorillas live in families that are led by a dominant male gorilla called Silverback. Uganda currently has 23 of these with the majority in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and 1 in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Buhoma, the Northern and Oldest Sector of Bwindi has 6 habituated Gorilla families. They include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Muyambi, Katwe and Binyindo.

Ruhija, the eastern sector of Bwindi has 4 habituated gorilla families. They include Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Mukiiza, and Oruzogo. Nkuringo has 4 habituated gorilla families as well including Christmas, Bushaho, Nkuringo, and Posho.

Rushaga sector in southern Bwindi has the highest habituated gorilla families. They are 8 and include Bikingi, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Kutu, Busingye, and one under habituation.

The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only one in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. All these gorilla families are tracked by only 8 tourists a day. It is only the gorilla group undergoing habituation that is strictly open to 4 people.

The Gorilla trekking experience

The Uganda gorilla trekking experience starts with a briefing at the park headquarters of the respective sectors. You are expected to be there at 7:00 am for a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. After this, you are guided to the forested mountains amidst sightings of other wildlife species. You hike for 1 to 4 hours or more until you get to the mountain gorillas.

While in the presence of mountain gorillas, you are required to keep at least a 7-meter distance away. Flash photography, noise, and any form of disruption are prohibited. For the normal gorilla trek, you stay in the presence of gorillas for an hour. During this time you observe, learn, and take photos of the mountain gorillas keeping your distance. An hour might seem short but it is magical as you face these rare apes and witness moments of truth between them.

After an hour has elapsed, you are then guided back to where you started and awarded certificates of Participation.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience

Gorilla habituation is strictly in the southern sector of Bwindi (Rushaga). This is more experiential and starts early in the morning as you follow the mountain gorilla routine. You start your gorilla trekking journeys right from the gorilla nests and follow and observe their behavior. On this Uganda gorilla habituation experience you stay up to 4 hours in the presence of mountain gorillas.

This experience is done on a gorilla family that is just undergoing habituation and you therefore participate in that. It involves observing the real-time behavior of the gorillas and knowing their daily routine. The habituation experience is led by a team of knowledgeable rangers who have habituated several gorilla families in Bwindi.

At some point, you might need to keep up with them as they are more familiar with the forest. This experience is among the best Uganda gorilla tour experiences you can ever have. It is ideal for researchers and people with a keen interest in primates and wildlife in general.

Gorilla Tour Packages

The only way to have an ideal Uganda gorilla tour experience is by choosing the right tour package. Uganda has several tour packages and many feature mountain gorilla trekking. The shortest is the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Tour with one day of gorilla trekking. This is recommended for those with limited time but would love to visit the gorillas. It however involves long driving distances for those who opt to visit the gorilla parks by road. The two gorilla parks are all located about a 9 to 10-hour drive from Kampala Uganda’s Capital City.

Flying safari tours are the best options for getting to the gorilla parks. You can fly to Kihihi which is near the Northern Sector of Bwindi and then connect to the park by road. Those connecting to southern Bwindi and Mgahinga can fly to Kisoro Airstrip.

You can have Uganda gorilla tour experiences alongside other safari adventures like chimpanzee trekking. Our 7-day Uganda gorillas and wildlife safari is ideal for this. It features chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, game drives, and a boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the gorilla trek is the safari highlight and it ends in Lake Mburo National Park.

All these gorilla tour packages can be customized further to include two gorilla treks or the habituation experience. Be part of these and our other Discovery Journeys to Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tanzania Tour Experiences To Be Part of This March

Tanzania Tour Experiences To Be Part of This March

Tanzania Tour Experiences top East Africa’s savanna wildlife experiences. Tanzania is the largest of the initial East African Community states with a land area of 947,303 square kilometers. It has some of the finest safari destinations and offers a wide range of tour adventures.

Being on a bucket list for many adventure lovers, Tanzania is flocked by travelers from different parts of the world. It has the highest tourist arrivals in millions yearly and the numbers peak in the dry season. The dry season is best for Tanzania tour experiences and overall safari adventures because of minimal rainfall disturbances. It stretches from June to October and from mid-December to February.

The tourist numbers reduce from March as the rainy season sets in. Despite these rains, you can still manage to enjoy your Tanzania tour experiences and safari adventures. Tanzania’s location within the tropics gives it an advantage of great weather that even the rains cannot stop your journeys of Discovery.

Tanzania tours during this season are even more exclusive with less tourist crowd. Below are some of our top picks and most recommended Tanzania tours you can be part of this March and the rest of the rainy season till May.

Wildebeest Migration Tours

Serengeti’s wildebeest migration is among the most desired Tanzania tours and Discovery Journeys. The migration is an annual mass movement of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and Topi in the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems.  Serengeti’s migrating herd move in millions and hundreds of thousands making it one of the planet’s largest animal migrations.

The wildebeest migration journey occurs throughout the year with each month finding the migrating herds at different locations. It is important to know where the herds are when planning your Tanzania tours and adventures.

March features the calving period and by this time of the year, the herds are evenly distributed in the northern slopes of the Ngorongoro crater highlands and southern Serengeti. It is estimated that over 7000 calves are born daily which rejuvenates the herds. This however attracts Serengeti’s leading predators especially big cats that take advantage of the newly borns.

March is therefore the best month to catch up with the calving period. There are high chances of witnessing a birth and predator live action.

Big cats adventures

Tanzania is an ideal destination for the big cats experience throughout the year. The country has the highest big cats population in East Africa with the highest concentrations in Serengeti.

Lions, leopards and cheetahs are the three major big cats in Tanzania. Their survival is boosted by the abundance of prey, especially the many antelope species including wildebeests. Lions are often seen in pride in their different territories taking down their prey or relaxing after a successful hunt.

Tanzania is one destination where you can see over 7 prides of lions in a single game drive. Even the leopards that are most solitary can easily be seen in Tanzania. These big cats in Serengeti are active in March as they come out to hunt given the many births of the herds. All other Tanzania safari destinations including those in the south also have a high big cats population. You can therefore never go wrong in planning your Tanzania tour experiences and big cats adventure in March.

Ngorongoro Crater Safari tours

The Ngorongoro Crater is located in Northern Tanzania and is the world’s largest unfilled Caldera. It is among Tanzania’s leading tour destinations because of its uniqueness and diversity.

The Ngorongoro Crater alone is a natural wonder and an iconic feature. More than that, it is home to all the big five mammals including elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Rhinos, and lions. These are easily seen while on game drives on the Crater floor. Wildlife viewing and spotting is easy in Ngorongoro since it is a natural enclosure.

Savannah’s big cats are also present even though leopards are rarely seen. Other notable wildlife species here include zebras, wildebeests, Hyenas, and Hippos. The Ngorongoro crater is one destination where you can enjoy Tanzania tours throughout the year. The rains in March favor the growth of green lush vegetation that is scenic and impressive.

Birding Tours

Birding tours in Tanzania are excellent from November to May which makes March a Prime Birding safari month. All Tanzania tour destinations are great for birding because of their bird diversity.

Serengeti National Park alone has over 500 bird species 5 of which are endemic to the ecosystem. Nyerere National Park in southern Tanzania is home to 440 bird species. Even better, migratory birds from as far as Europe are present in Tanzania from November to May.

Birding tours and safari adventures are therefore most rewarding in March and we highly recommend a Tanzania tour then. The fact that birding is done in the usually open savannas, you stand a chance of seeing a variety of wildlife even when on a birding tour.

Photography safari Tours

Wildlife photography and documenting are among the latest travel trends. In this digital error, many people have access to the best quality cameras and phones which has made photography tours even more enjoyable. All these however only make sense when you are a diverse safari destination. Tanzania is just the perfect destination for photography safaris.

It is however recommended to always have rain gear for the camera as rainfall can occur any time of the day. The vegetation growth in March means that some animals do not have to go far looking for pastures. With this, you can easily capture them while on game drives. The evergreen vegetation also gives the ecosystems its natural green color which is impressive to capture during photography.

Tanzania Tour Experiences are top seller East African adventures and are perfect for nature lovers. Our other adventures feature the chimpanzee habituation experience in Rwanda, Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking in DRC’s southern Kivu, and cultural experiences. Join us as we uncover the region’s best-kept safari secrets.

The Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. Courtesy Photo

The Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

The Nyungwe forest chimpanzee habituation experience is an experiential primate tracking adventure. It is a new experience in Gisovu, the northern sector of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Nyungwe Forest is a renowned chimpanzee trekking safari destination in Rwanda with over 400 chimpanzees. It has Four chimpanzee communities with three fully habituated and open to tourism while one is still undergoing the habituation process.

In the Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee habituation, you track the chimps following their daily routine. With this, you get an opportunity to closely study their diet, behavior, and overall daily routine. Such an experience enables you get to accurate information you might not be able to get on normal chimpanzee trekking.

Important to note is that the Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee habituation is limited to Gisovu. It gives one more than one hour with the chimpanzees and is more exclusive.

About Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. It is situated in southwestern Rwanda and is home to 13 primates including chimpanzees. Even though most famous for chimpanzee trekking, other primate trekking safari adventures are amazing as well.

There are over 400 colobus monkeys that can be tracked. Other notable primates include the blue monkeys, l’hoest’s monkeys, colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys among others.

Nyungwe forest is home to over 345 bird species and is Rwanda’s most important birding Area. Some of the bird species here are endemic to the Albertine Rift and Central African forests. Notable birds in Nyungwe Forest include the Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, and Kivu Ground Thrush among others.

There are over 85 mammal species including large mammals like forest elephants. It is because of this diversity that Nyungwe Forest National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site. The Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee habituation experience is therefore among the many Discovery Journeys you can be part of in Nyungwe.

Where to Stay

Nyungwe forest is extensive covering a land area of 1,019 square Kilometers. It has different sectors each with accommodation facilities where you can stay. When going for the Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee habituation experience in Gisovu it is recommended to stay there. This sector currently has a guesthouse that is decent and affordable.

The forested park also has other accommodation options at Uwinka, Gisakura, and along the Lake Kivu shore. One&Only Nyungwe House is the most luxurious property in Nyungwe located near Uwinka. Other notable properties include Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Mantis Marina Bay, and Emeraude Kivu Resort.

Mantis Marina Bay and Emeraude are most convenient when tracking chimpanzees in Cyamudongo. These are about an hour’s drive from Uwinka but still convenient if you are to track chimpanzees there.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Habituation

The Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee habituation experience can be done any time of the year. Nyungwe Forest has cool weather and chimpanzee trekking and overall safari adventures there are not limited by weather. Being forested and hilly, rainfall can be unpredictable, especially during the wet season. You can however still manage any of the excursions irrespective of the rain.

Birding adventures in Nyungwe are best enjoyed from November to March. This is because being a forested park, birding there mainly depends on calls and it is from November to March when birds are more vocal. The migratory birds also set in during these months and you therefore stand a chance to see a variety of birds.

Other Nyungwe Safari Adventures

Chimpanzee trekking and habituation top the Nyungwe Safari adventures however there are many other expeditions you can be part of. These include guided nature walks following the different trails in the park. Nature walks here take 1 to 3 hours or more depending on one’s interest.

The guided walk to the Kamiranzovu waterfalls is the most famous one. On it, you get an opportunity to closely study plant and small wildlife species including insects.

The canopy walk is another amazing adventure you can be part of when visiting Nyungwe. The forest canopy walk is East Africa’s highest and enables you to see wildlife species in the top canopy layers. All these safari adventures are doable throughout the year.

Rwanda Discovery Tours Options to Nyungwe

Nyungwe forest can be visited exclusively or in addition to other Rwanda tour destinations. To fully explore the park, especially on a Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee habituation safari, we recommend at least 5 days. There you can check out at least two sectors for tracking and habituation plus birding and nature walks.

A 3-day Nyungwe National Park tour is also doable but short with limited adventure options. If you are into primates you can always add a visit to Volcanoes National Park. This is located in the Northwestern part of Rwanda and is home to mountain gorillas. The park has 12 fully habituated gorilla families that are open to tourism and offer the best gorilla trekking experience.

Beyond Rwanda, you can be part of journeys of Discovery to Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Uganda also offers great opportunities for chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking. It has both tracking and habituation experiences for both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Kenya and Tanzania savanna wildlife safari giants offering classic savanna wildlife experiences.

For exclusive Kenya safari adventures, you can visit the different wildlife conservancies the country has. These are diverse and less crowded when compared to national parks and reserves. Contact Us now to start planning your Rwanda safari to Nyungwe.

The Best Kenya Wildlife Conservancies. Courtesy Photo. 8-Day Kenya Safari

The Best Kenya Wildlife Conservancies

Kenya wildlife conservancies are iconic and among the most visited Kenya safari destinations. Conservancies just like other protected areas are home to several wildlife species. They are often smaller in size compared to National Parks and reserves. A Conservancy is defined as an organization that protects natural habitats to foster wildlife sustainability. Conservancies are usually private or community-run getting some of their income from donations.

Over the years, Conservancies have played a great role in wildlife restoration and Kenya is a model example in the region. Kenya wildlife conservancies are now home to wildlife species that you might not easily find in National Parks.

Kenya is among the destinations with the has the highest number of conservancies in East Africa and here are our top Best.

Ol Pejeta is an amazing Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. It is situated in Laikipia and it is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees. Ol Pejeta is among the most diverse Kenya wildlife conservancies and it is the largest black Rhino sanctuary in the region.

The conservancy covers a land area of 90,000 acres that is home to different wildlife species. It is home to all the big five mammals including elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, and lions. The rare Grevy’s zebra, common zebras, Oryx Biessa, and endangered African wild dogs are also present here.

Ol Peseta Conservancy has several Safari getaways and adventures you can be part of. They include lion tracking, Horse Riding with the Northern White Rhinos, guided nature walks, and birding among others. The conservancy is ideal for research because of its diversity. It lies at zero degrees along the Equator and while there you can be in the northern and Southern Hemisphere at the same time.

Ol Pejeta has different accommodation options and categories ranging from budget to high-end safari lodges. Examples include Hippo Hide, and Mbogo Campsite for those who prefer camping. Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Mutara Camp, Porini Rhino Camp, and Kicheche Laikipia Camp are among the luxury options.

Lewa Conservancy is located in Isiolo County and is home to the critically endangered black rhino. It covers a land area of 93,000 square kilometers of open savannas and woodlands. More than Rhinos, Lewa Conservancy has the highest population of the rare Grevy’s Zebra. It is also home to elephants, lions, giraffes, and over 450 bird species. This makes the conservancy one of the highest animal concentrations in Kenya. It is on this basis that Lewa was inscribed as a World Heritage Site

You can engage in several behind-the-scenes safari activities and Discovery Journeys when visiting Lewa. These are experiential and enable you to get a deeper understanding of wildlife and the community. Lewa is remarkable and exclusive of all Kenya wildlife conservancies and we highly recommend it.

The conservancy can be visited any time of the year but for the very best experiences, we recommend a visit in the dry season. The drive to Lewa is scenic and impressive with views of Mount Kenya. It also goes through several farms and plantations and finally down the Rift Valley floor. It takes a 4 to 5 hours drive from Nairobi to Lewa but there is an option of flying from Wilson Airport. The flight only takes 50 minutes.

Lewa Conservancy has several accommodation options. These offer great views of the conservancy and the best places to base from when on Kenya safari journeys there. They include Borana Lodge, Elewana Kifaru House, and Lewa House among others.

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Ol Kinyei is a spectacular Kenya wildlife Conservancy located in the southern western part of the country. It lies in the open plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystem where the great wildebeest migration takes place. This Masai Mara ecosystem is the most beautiful of all the savannas and is home to big cats and Four of the big five mammals.

Kenya Discovery Journeys to Ol Kinyei offer memorable cultural and wildlife experiences. It covers a land area of 18,300 acres of predominantly open savannas. This is traversed by streams and Rivers along with other beautiful landscapes including rolling hills.

Kenya Wildlife Adventures to Ol Kinyei Conservancy features game drives, community visits, balloon safaris, and birding expeditions. You can choose to have both day and night game drives. Night game drives are ideal for spotting cats and nocturnal animals. If you are interested in journeying with the wildebeests then look no further than Ol Kinyei Conservancy.

Selenkay Conservancy

Selenkay is a community-managed conservancy in the land of a thousand hills. This is among the most exclusive and remarkable Kenya Wildlife Conservancies. Selenkay Conservancy covers a land area of 15,000 acres and has Signature views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The conservancy is remote and a true definition of less traveled paths.

It features open savanna grasslands and woodlands that are home to the savanna’s finest wildlife species. These include lions, leopards, gazelles, and baboons among others. Many of these can be seen on safari excursions like game drives in the conservancy.

Selenkay Conservancy is near Amboseli National Park and you can supplement a visit there. Amboseli is the best in Kenya to see elephants and now has a reasonable flamingo population. With this, birding safari adventures are more enjoyable as you uncover the several bird species the ecosystem has.

Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy

This is strategically located at the foothills of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second tallest mountain. It was established in the 1960s as a home for animals that need rehabilitation after injury.

Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy has the best views of Mountain Kenya and is home to rare species including the Mountain Bongo. The Conservancy has some of Kenya’s finest golf courses and is among the best remote places to play golf. Apart from the usual safari adventures, you can engage in sports activities including playing tennis, sport fishing, fly fishing, and lawn bowling.

This Conservancy is also ideal to base from to hike Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy allows one to adopt a young animal species that is retained at the Conservancy until it is reintroduced back to the wilderness.

Other notable Kenya wildlife conservancies include Mara Naibosho Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy. They all offer great Kenya safari adventures and wildlife experiences. You can also add any of these to your Uganda gorilla trekking adventures that also feature a Kampala City Tour.

5 Best Kampala Fast Food Restaurants & Diners

5 Best Kampala Fast Food Restaurants & Diners

Kampala city is Uganda’s largest and main capital city. It has an estimated population of about 4 million people of native Ugandan tribes and other people from different countries across the world. Kampala Fast Food Restaurants and Diners are essential as they provide the needed food for city dwellers and those who work from the Central Business district.

Uganda is a food basket of East Africa and many people prefer going to local restaurants that prepare organic food. Nonetheless, Kampala fast food restaurants and diners also have a particular market of people they attract. These include elites, socialites, and the usual business class that desires fancy eating places.

Some Kampala Fast Food Restaurants have tried to incorporate Ugandan local cuisines in their menus due to demand but some have standard menus and Signature meals. Let us quickly look at the top 5 Kampala Fast Food Restaurants and Diners you can conveniently go to when in need of a meal.

Cafe Javas is a locally owned Restaurant chain with 8 locations in Kampala City and 1 in Entebbe. It also has 3 locations in Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital city. The restaurant is among the most convenient and user-friendly Kampala Fast Food restaurants and Diners.

Each of their locations features a unique ambiance with over 300 selected menu items. These feature Uganda’s organic foodstuffs including fresh vegetables and fruits that are healthy and highly recommended.

Cafe Javas also serves Uganda’s finest coffee that is freshly made by the restaurant’s well-skilled and knowledgeable baristas. This restaurant is ideal for all people from singles, couples, and families. Payments for your meals are done in cash or use of a credit card. For cash payments, Uganda shillings are preferred since it is the country’s official currency.

Kentucky Fried Chicken is an international fast-food restaurant chain with a specialty in fried chicken. It has over 15 locations in Uganda with the majority in Kampala city, 1 in Entebbe, and another in Mukono. They are building another branch in Kitende on the outskirts of Kampala City.

KFC is among the most recognized Kampala Fast Food Restaurants & Diners. The KFC chicken is its signature meal that is served hot and freshly prepared by their chefs. This is mainly rooted in the original recipe of the founder Colonel Sanders.

All major KFC restaurants are strategically located near shell fuel stations and are convenient and easily accessed. They do deliveries as well depending on your order thereby able to even reach more people. The most important aspect of KFC is its brand and Signature chicken. You are assured of the same quality chicken at KFC irrespective of the location you go to.

The 7 Hills Revolving Restaurant is another great Kampala City Fast Food and Diner. The restaurant is located at the Golf Course Hotel in the heart of Kampala. Just like its name suggests, the 7 Hills is a revolving restaurant that enables you to view the major hills of Kampala City.

There is a lot of culinary diversity at the revolving restaurant. It features both local and international dishes that are also freshly prepared using organic recipes and ingredients. 7 Hills Revolving Restaurant also serves all kinds of drinks including coffee that is locally grown in Uganda.

This revolving restaurant is also among the easily accessed Kampala Fast Food Restaurants and Diners. It is a world-class stop center and best serves people exploring and working within Kampala City.

Seven Seas Restaurant

Seven Seas Restaurant is an iconic Kampala city restaurant situated at the Sheraton Hotel. This restaurant specializes in Seafood and offers a variety of these. Some of the featured seafood at the Seven Seas Restaurant include prawns, lobsters, sushi, and fish Among others.

Steaks and Pasta are also served here alongside organic vegetables for those who may prefer that. Seven Seas Restaurant is ideal for lunches and Dinners for normal meals or special occasions including dates and anniversaries.

The restaurant is open every day from Midday till 11:00 pm. The dishes here are served with a wide selection of wines from the finest wine producers. Seven Seas Restaurant is exclusive and can work well for those who prefer intimate moments.

Piato is another amazing Kampala city restaurant. It is located along Lumumba Avenue just next to the French Embassy. The restaurant prepares both local and international cuisines with several Signature Cocktails.

It is among Kampala’s corporate restaurants with just the perfect ambiance and calmness you need. The restaurant also serves all kinds of drinks from coffee to Gins and wines. Piato is open to all customer types including families with dish options aligned to that. Kampala has many other restaurants where you can dine and enjoy the hospitality of Ugandan people.

Many of these options can be looked into when going for a Kampala City tour. Kampala city tour is iconic and features religious, cultural, and economic attractions. Some of the featured attractions include the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Bahai Temple, the old Kampala mosque, and Owino Market among others.

You are welcome to join other Discovery Journeys beyond Kampala. These include gorilla trekking safari tours, chimpanzee trekking, birding, and open savanna safaris. We customize all our safari itineraries to feature these and other East African tour destinations. For the ultimate East African adventure safari you can add a visit to Kenya, Rwanda, or Tanzania depending on your preference and convenience. Contact us now to start planning your next safari tour.

5 Things To Know Before Taking on Tanzania Discovery Journeys. Discovery Journeys

5 Things To Know Before Taking on Tanzania Discovery Journeys

Tanzania Discovery Journeys are the ultimate and classic African adventures everyone wants to be part of. The country has diverse beautiful wild places ranging from open savannas, forested highlands, and Marine Wildlife ecosystems that are home to several wildlife species. Discovery Journeys to Tanzania are mainly nature-based but the country’s rich History, culture, and heritage also make it more desirable.

It is never easy organizing for a Tanzania safari and Discovery Journey. Choosing between the many safari destinations alone is a challenge given the limited time and schedule and going over all the travel logistics does not seem easy either. In this travel guide, we will therefore look at the 5 things you must know before taking on Tanzania Discovery Journeys for your proper guidance.

Bucket List Discovery Journeys Destination

Tanzania is East Africa’s top bucket list destination for savanna wildlife and Beach holidays. Many of the region’s most visited Safari destinations are located in Tanzania. These include Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Nyerere, and Ruaha National Parks.

Northern Tanzania is the most visited of all and this means it gets so busy and lodges get fully booked. Tanzania is among the countries in East Africa with the highest bed capacity but still lodges get fully booked. Some Tanzania Discovery Journeys like the wildebeest migration adventures are often crowded during the peak season. The high tourist numbers in the north do not deny you the ultimate safari experience you paid for.

Southern Tanzania is less crowded when compared to the north and also has some of the largest national parks. These include Nyerere National Park which is the region’s largest protected area. Nyerere which is formally Selous is home to the savanna’s finest wildlife including the rare wild dogs.

Zanzibar Island is fairly popular for honeymooners and some resorts also get fully booked. You should therefore bear all these in mind when in your initial preparation of your Tanzania Discovery Journeys. It guides you on the best destinations to visit depending on your adventure preferences.

Weather Seasons

Tanzania has two weather seasons: the dry and the wet season that directly affect on travel. The dry season spans from June to October and from mid-December to February. During this dry season, there are minimal rainfall disturbances and chances of wildlife viewing are perfect. Wildlife photography is great with a boost from Natural light.

Major game drives and hiking trails are dry during the dry season which makes safari expeditions easily executed. Several animals gather at waterholes and can easily be spotted.

Tanzania Discovery Journeys are also possible during the wet season from March to May and from October to November. These months are best for birding as it is when several bird species are in full plumage. Migratory birds from as far as Europe as also in the region which increases the bird species diversity and viewing. The rains favor the growth of lush vegetation and a steady supply of water. With this, some animal animals do not have to move far and can therefore be easily spotted.

Some lodges close during the wet season and those that remain open discount their rates. If you are on a tight budget and would like to take on Tanzania Discovery Journeys the wet season is ideal.

Tanzania Visa Policy

Tanzania has a friendly visa policy. East African citizens and those coming from countries with a bilateral understanding with Tanzania do not require a visa. Other nationalities have the option of applying for a Tanzanian visa online. The best tourist visa to apply for is a single entry that is valid for 3 months days since many safari tours rarely exceed 30 days.

You are notified by email whether the visa process has been a success or failure. There is also an option of requesting a visa through a Tanzanian Mission or embassy in your home country.

Citizens of the United States of America visiting Tanzania are required to apply for the Multiple entry visa. This costs USD 100 per person and is valid for a year. When applying for these visas you are required to attach supporting documents including a passport with 6 months of validity.

Currency Used

When you travel you naturally spend on Meals, buying souvenirs, and other personal expenditures. The Tanzanian shilling is the country’s national currency that is widely used and commonly accepted. The US dollar, Euros, and pounds are also widely accepted in urban centers and Hotels.

It is however important to exchange some money to the local currency to ease your purchase and transactions. Credit cards are also used but not all facilities have provisions for that even in urban centers.

Tanzania Safari Packing List

Packing the right items for safari is important when taking on Tanzania Discovery Journeys or any other safari adventures. Tanzania lies within the tropics and has incredible weather throughout the year. Even during the wet season the sunshines and you therefore recommended to pack light clothes for your safari.

Some areas in Tanzania like the Ngorongoro Crater have their temperatures drop down during the night. You can always carry a sweater or warm poncho and scarf to keep warm.

You can always have both open and closed shoes. The closed shoes are suitable for hiking and nature walks while the open shoes are ideal for relaxing in. It is recommended to carry extra batteries for the camera since Tanzania Discovery Journeys are a blast and full of photography moments. Mosquito repellants and sunscreen are also good to have a long.

Tanzania is an iconic safari destination and you can explore this and many other epic adventures including Rwanda Gorilla trekking tours.

A 7-day Rwanda Flying Safari Tour. Photo By Eric Manzi

A 7-day Rwanda Flying Safari Tour

The 7-day Rwanda flying safari tour is an adventurous Rwanda journey of discovery to the 2 primate parks. Rwanda is a relatively small country but the drive distance to the different destinations is long. The drive to Nyungwe forest is the longest taking about a 6 to 7 hour drive. It is an impressive scenic drive through the hilly countryside but some people prefer to fly to save time.

On this 7-day Rwanda flying safari tour you start with a visit to Nyungwe National Park. The park is home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. It is Rwanda’s most important birding area and the best birding destination. From Nyungwe, you will proceed with your Rwanda Flying safari to Volcanoes National Park. This is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and many other mammal species including forest elephants.

Below is a detailed 7-day Rwanda flying safari tour.

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to your Kigali Hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are met by your driver guide for a transfer to your Kigali Hotel. If you arrive early there is an opportunity to go on a Kigali City tour visiting the genocide memorial. There are many other places of interest you can visit in Kigali including the local market and craft shops. Later return to your Hotel for a rest.

Day 2: Fly to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast at your hotel, you are driven to the airport for your flight to Kamembe Airport in Southwestern Rwanda. Kamembe Airport is located near Nyungwe Forest National Park and from there you drive just a few minutes to your lodge. The Nyungwe National Park area has limited accommodation options but with all budget categories from standard to high-end luxury lodges.

Oneandonly Nyungwe house is the most luxurious lodge in the area. It is perfectly located in the middle of a tea plantation and overlooks Nyungwe Forest. Accommodation rates here are all-inclusive and the lodge is cozy and exclusive perfect for honeymooners. Nyungwe Top View Hotel is a deluxe option that also overlooks the forest. This and the Nyungwe House are the two main options near the main Uwinka Park Headquarters. They are the most convenient options to stay at.

Nyungwe forest has an extension in Cyamudongo towards Lake Kivu. Cyamudongo sector has habituated chimpanzee communities that are also trekked to. The most convenient accommodation options near Cyamudongo are Marina Mantis Bay and Emeraude Kivu Resort. These two overlook Lake Kivu and have opportunities for boat cruise adventures along the Lake. Depending on the accommodation option you choose, you will get there in time for an excursion to officially kick start your 7-day Rwanda flying safari tour.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Adventure

You will have breakfast at your lodge and be driven to the chimpanzee trekking briefing point. This can either be Uwinka or Cyamudongo. There you are told about the chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations. After the briefing, you are then guided into the forested Park where you hike until you meet the chimpanzees.

Chimpanzees are more mobile compared to other primates like mountain gorillas. They often jump from one tree branch to another and you have to keep up with them. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is adventurous and remarkable as you get to see other primates and birds. You will finish your trek by mid-day and return to your lodge for a lunch break. Later go for a canopy walk adventure along East Africa’s only canopy walkway.

The canopy walk has some of the best scenic views of Nyungwe Forest and the Great Rift Valley. On it, you get to see some wildlife species that live in the top canopy layers of the forest.

Day 4: Flight to Volcanoes National Park

On this day you will have breakfast at your lodge and depart Nyungwe for Volcanoes National Park. This second leg of your 7-day Rwanda flying safari tour is the most anticipated with the gorilla trekking highlight. You will get to your lodge early enough for a rest and later can head out for an excursion along River Mukungwa (Kayaking) or visit the Ellen Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Safari tour

After breakfast at your lodge, you will be taken for a briefing at the park headquarters ahead of your gorilla trek. You will then be guided through the Virunga Mountains hiking for 1 to 4 hours until you meet the gorillas. Mountain gorillas live in families of up to 15 individuals or more. You will therefore hike to your allocated gorilla family that could have several babies, females, silverbacks, and juvenile gorillas.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is exclusive as only 8 people are allowed to trek to one gorilla family a day. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is among the few places on the entire planet with mountain gorillas. You will stay for an hour in the presence of the gorillas getting to know more about them. After this remarkable encounter, you will then be brought back to your lodge. Spend the afternoon at leisure or go for a cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardian village.

Day 6: Golden Monkey Tour

The golden monkey trek is another amazing primate trekking adventure on this 7-day Rwanda flying safari tour. Golden monkeys are covered with golden fur and are endemic to the Virunga Mountains. This means that Volcanoes National Park is among the few places where you can see them. Golden Monkeys live in the bamboo forest zones and you will therefore hike for an hour or more to see them.

The bamboo zone is light and offers a great scenic view of the Virunga Mountains. It is home to other wildlife species including birds and small insects and reptiles. You will return by mid-day and head back to your lodge for a rest. If you are more up for adventures you can go for a walk in the evening or a simple cycling adventure.

Day 7: Flight to Back to Kigali

On this last day of your 7-day Rwanda flying safari tour, you start with breakfast at your lodge. From there you are driven to the airstrip for your flight back to Kigali arriving early for check-in at your hotel or airport for departure depending on the schedule.

End of Safari.

This 7-day Rwanda Safari tour is among our several Journeys of Discovery in East Africa. The safari can further be customized to add or remove activities. You can also join our exclusive journeys to Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Contact Us to start planning your safari experience.

Best Kenya Safari Tour Activities To Do With Kids. Courtesy Photo

Best Kenya Safari Tour Activities To Do With Kids

Kenya safari tour activities are remarkable and bring you up close to nature. The country is among the leading safari destinations in East Africa most famous for the Masai Mara wildebeest migration. Kenya just like many other East African safari tour destinations has nature-based safari adventures. These are mainly open savanna experiences and many fear that going on safari with kids might not be safe.

Thankfully, there are many Kenya safari tour activities and Discovery Journeys you can manage to do with kids. Kenya has a few activities that are restrictive to kids if compared to Mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda which have an age limit of 15 years. Below are our top-pick journeys of Discovery and Kenya safari tour activities we recommend for families with kids.

Nature walks

Kenya is a birthplace of safari.  This becomes a reality when you take on guided nature walks in the different Kenya safari destinations. Kenya has many open savannas with Masai Mara and Amboseli topping the list with the best scenery. Nature walks in such open savannas offer by far the most impressive scenic views and it is only right to have that experience with your kids. These nature walks are done with safety precautions often guided by an armed and experienced ranger.

Destination Kenya has several conservancies with habituated wildlife species including Rhinos. Such personal experiences make us appreciate wildlife and nature. Wildlife species are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Engaging your kids in personal wildlife experiences is one way of raising their awareness to ensure wildlife conservation. We pledged to climate and wildlife conservation for the sustainability of wildlife for future generations.

Nature walks enable you to see small wildlife species you cannot easily spot when on game drives. They include insects, reptiles, and several vegetation species. Many of these are harmless and are a key factor in drawing kids into the life of safari.

Game Drives

Game drives are typical of any African safari. With the diversity Kenya safari tour destinations have, you are assured of the best on game drives. Game drives in Kenya are done in safe and customized safari vehicles. They are extended and suitable for families and with large windows ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.

Safari game drives are highly recommended and the best Kenya safari tour activities you can take on. With or without kids, game drives are remarkable and enable you to journey with wildlife. The wildebeest migration in Masai Mara is an epic safari adventure you can maximumly enjoy on game drives. It involves millions of wildebeest, hundreds of zebras, the topi, and gazelles. These move over the open savanna ecosystems looking for pasture but in turn, draw the ecosystems’ most deadly predators. Live predator action might be sensitive and not right for kids but still a phenomenon.

Game drives in Amboseli are perfect with the view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli unlike other Kenya open savannas has safari enclaves and offers different exclusive experiences. Such moments witnessed on game drives including up-close experiences with the land’s largest mammals are memorable to the kids. Elephants are the most famous wildlife species among kids. Kenya safari tour adventures with kids in Amboseli are incredible as it is the best safari destination to see elephants.

Kenya Beach Tour Activities

Beach tour activities are open and the most user-friendly Kenya safari tour activities. Kenya has a long coastline of 1,420 kilometers along the Indian Ocean with white sand beaches and marine wildlife. Marine wildlife tours differ from open savanna experiences and bring in the perfect adventure balance. These are monitored and organized with safety precautions making them perfect safari tour activities for kids as well.

Some beach sports activities like Beach soccer and beach volleyball are easy to monitor when done as a family. Water sports activities like Kayaking, diving, and snorkeling are monitored by experts and often have standby rescue teams. One first undergoes basic training and some kids grow up around areas with such water sports amenities. With that in mind, you can always dive into Kenya beach tour activities with your kids without any fear.

The Kenyan coast has a rich history and heritage dating back as early as the 14th Century. It has a vibrant diverse culture of the native East African tribes, Arabs, and early European settlers. Exploring all that is great and among the most recommended Kenya Safari Tour activities with kids.

Boat cruises

Kenya has a Great Lakes and River network that is scenic and home to several wildlife species. Some of these include Hippos, Crocodiles, and birds among others. Safaris featuring boat cruises are also safe and ideal tour activities to do with kids. Lake Naivasha is the most popular Kenya safari destination with boat cruises. The boat cruise on the Lake features a visit to Crescent Island which is iconic with impressive scenery.

Boat cruises along the Kenya Coast are historic and often done in Dhows. These are done to the nearby islands or in the ocean and are pretty exciting. Boat cruises are experiential safari adventures that are ideal for all tourist categories.

Horse Riding

Horse Riding is a new open savanna safari adventure. It is enjoyable and among the best Kenya safari tour activities to do with kids. Horses co-exist with wild animals but are safe in conservancies with more habituated wildlife species. In national parks and reserves, horse riding is organized by lodges that have private land that is home to different wildlife species.

Some of the top Kenya tour destinations that feature horse riding include Lewa Conservancy, Masai Mara National Reserve, and Chyulu Hills.

Cultural Visits

Cultural visits are engaging and among the best Kenya safari tour activities suitable for families with kids. Kenya is culturally diverse with several tribes that have a rich culture and heritage. The Masai are the most common when visiting the Masai Mara and Narok regions. These are believed to be guardians of the Masai Mara ecosystem and have lived alongside the wildlife for years. Northen Kenya is home to Samburu, Pokot and many others. They can be differentiated by their cultural wear.

Kenya’s less-traveled journeys in the Turkana land introduce you to the Turkana people. They are Nilotic and live along the shores of Lake Turkana, the World’s largest desert lake. Turkana people among the most traditional Kenyans and a Kenya cultural tour there takes you back in time. All Kenya cultural visits have provisions for homestay and directly taking part in the home chores. Typical African home chores are not your usual ones and more adventurous and enjoyable. They include hunting in the bushes and herding cattle for cattle-keeping communities. Girls can take part in fruit gathering and food preparation.

Kenya Safari Tour activities never disappoint and offer the ultimate Discovery Journeys. You can always be part of other safari expeditions in the region to Rwanda and Uganda for primate trekking and Tanzania for more open savanna experiences.