Top Tanzania Tour Destinations To See Elephants. Discovery Journeys
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Top Tanzania Tour Destinations To See Elephants

Tanzania Tour Destinations are among the best places to see elephants. These giant land mammals are among Savanna’s Big Five and the world’s largest animals. Elephants are intelligent and have a good memory because of their large brain. The three main elephant species include the African Bush Elephants, the African Forest Elephants, and the Asian Elephant.

African Bush Elephants are common in the different Tanzania Tour destinations and can easily be spotted while on game drives. They were named after their eared-shaped African map. Male and female elephants have tusks unless on rare genetic occasions of not having any or when poachers have cut them off. Elephants are among the most vulnerable and threatened animals because of poaching. They are hunted down because of their Ivory which is perceived to be valuable.

Besides poaching, elephants and other safari animals are threatened because of habitat loss. Population density and tourism development have increased wildlife-protected land encroachment as people set up accommodation facilities. This has created a human-wildlife conflict in many areas as animals including elephants stray in people’s gardens destroying crops.

Tanzania has several protected areas that were gazetted with the primary role of acting as the home of these different animal species. Elephants and many other safari animals freely roam these areas for food and survival. Below are those top Tanzania Tour Destinations where you can see elephants.

Tarangire

Tarangire is among the prominent Tanzania Tour destinations. It is located in Northern Tanzania and covers a land area of 2,850 square kilometers. Tarangire has one of the highest elephant concentrations in East Africa and therefore the top Tanzania Tour destinations to see them.

Elephants live in herds led by a dominant female called a Matriarch. These mainly comprise subordinate females, males, and infant elephants. Male elephants play a role in protecting the herd and young ones. They are however forced to leave the herd after 15 to 20 years of living with their mothers. These join other bachelor males but feed within the territory of the matriarch and are never far.

Tarangire has the best elephant safari experiences and you can learn more about these giants there. Other notable animal species in the park include leopards, Zebras, and giraffes. Tarangire is renowned for its tree-climbing lions a rare occurrence in lions.

Serengeti

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s iconic and must-visit Tour destination. The park is located in Northern Tanzania stretching towards the Kenya border. It connects with Masai Mara National Reserve forming one of Africa’s best safari ecosystems.

Serengeti’s ecosystem comprises open savanna grasslands, woodlands, and scattered shrubs. This ecosystem is home to several wildlife species including elephants. Serengeti is most famous for the wildebeest migration, an annual mass movement of wildebeests, zebras, topi, and grant gazelles.

Elephants are not involved in the wildebeest migration but exit in large numbers and can easily be seen in herds moving over the Serengeti ecosystem. Serengeti safari adventures are remarkable because of the high numbers of the different wildlife species present in the park. Because of this, Serengeti stands out of all Tanzania Tour Destinations. Our 8-day Serengeti Safari covers the park extensively for the wildebeest migration and Discovery Journeys with elephants.

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere is East Africa’s largest protected area. It is located in southern Tanzania covering a land area of 30,893 square kilometers. The park was initially a reserve (Selous) and upgraded into a National Park in 2019. Nyerere is among Tanzania’s best-reserved safari tour destinations because of its remote location.

Southern Tanzania is generally less explored when compared to northern Tanzania destinations like Serengeti. With this, all southern Tanzania tour destinations Nyerere inclusive offer exclusive safari experiences.

Nyerere National Park is home to several wildlife species including the African wild dog, elephants, zebras, and lions all occurring in large numbers. The park’s large size gives it an advantage of enough space for even the land’s largest mammals. Part of the park was set aside for photography and is best recommended for those interested in wildlife photography and documenting.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is Worlds largest unfilled caldera. It is also located in Northern Tanzania and is among the top natural wonders on the planet. The crater floor is another top Tanzania tour destination to see elephants. It is home to all the big five mammals including buffaloes, rhinos, lions, and leopards.

Being a natural enclosure, it is easy to spot elephants and all other animal species in the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is best explored on game drives in the morning and late afternoon. It has a riverine swamp with hippos and water birds.

The Ngorongoro Crater is an impressive attraction in itself. It has beautiful scenic views of the different landscapes it has. Such a combination of landscapes and animal species including the African elephants is perfect for safari. It is the right experience you need on your Tanzania Discovery Journeys adventure. Ngorongoro can be visited alongside other Northern Tanzania Tour destinations in a 7 or 9-day Tanzania safari.

Mikumi

Mikumi National Park is located in southern Tanzania about a 4-hour drive from Dar-es-Salaam. It is among the less traveled paths in Tanzania perfect for viewing elephants. The park is home to rare antelope species like the greater Kudus and Sable antelopes. It is a major stopover for those visiting Ruaha and other southern Tanzania safari destinations.

The elephant population in Mikumi is stable and elephants are commonly seen while on game drives. Such moments enable you to closely observe and learn more about elephants and other animal species. The exclusive experiences in the park are the most underrated moments as you enjoy your safari with minimal interruption.

Our 10-day southern Tanzania safari features Mikumi, Ruaha, and Nyerere National Parks. It is among our top-selling Tanzania safaris that are ideal for honeymooners, photographers, and families. Beyond Tanzania are other Discovery Journeys experiences including gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures & Guidelines. Discovery Journeys
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Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures & Guidelines

Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures features Discovery Journeys and primate safari experiences in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is among the only three countries on the planet with mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are rare primate species of the apes family living in the forested mountains of East and Central Africa. They are limited to the Virunga Massif ecosystem and that of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and adjacent Sarambwe Reserve.

The mountain gorilla population is currently estimated at only 1100 individuals in the wild. With this, they are among the threatened wildlife species per the IUCN guidelines since they are nearly extinct. This population has only increased over the years thanks to the great conservation efforts of different stakeholders. At the moment, mountain gorillas remain among the most rare and sought-after primates. Because of this, many adventure travelers visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking tour adventures.

Below is some information you might need to know about Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures and guidelines.

Rwanda Gorilla Families

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda live in Volcanoes National Park which lies in the Virunga massif. The park has over 200 mountain gorillas which is the highest of all the gorilla parks in the Virunga Massif and conservation area. Volcanoes National Park currently has 24 habituated gorilla families 12 of which are open to tourism. The others are still under habituation and some are set aside for research purposes.

Mountain gorilla habituation is the process in which gorillas are accustomed to human beings’ presence. It takes a long process of monitoring and closely interacting with the gorillas for them to be fully habituated. This work is done by a team of well-knowledgeable rangers who have studied the gorillas for years.

Some of the gorilla families you can encounter on Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures include Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Amahoro, Titus, Susa, Kwitonda, Umubano, and Karisimbi among others. These have up to 10 or 20 individuals comprising of females, infants, juveniles, Blackbacks, and silverbacks. Each mountain gorilla family is led by a dominant male gorilla called Silverback that fights any contenders to retain its top position. You can learn about these and many more gorilla attributes on Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures and Discovery Journeys.

Gorilla Trekking Permits & Fees

Only 8 tourists are allowed to track a mountain gorilla family a day. This means that Rwanda has 96 gorilla permits available per day since only 12 gorilla families are fully habituated and open to tourism. The number might seem high but Rwanda gorilla permits get fully booked a couple of months in advance.

Each gorilla permit costs $1500 for International visitors, $500 for African Citizens, and $200 for East African citizens Rwandans included. Part of the money collected is reinvested in gorilla conservation. The rest is used to develop local communities around the park as well as overall government programs. When you track gorillas you therefore directly contribute to all the above and make a life-changing impact.

There is provision for gorilla filming for those who would prefer to document the rare primates. You are however required to book all gorilla permits of the family you intend to visit and pay filming fees as an add-on. This gives you exclusive access to that gorilla family and time to get the content you desire. You however do so following set guidelines.

Gorilla Trekking Guidelines

Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures are done following set trekking rules and regulations. This was done to protect the gorillas given their status and to also ensure the safety of the people visiting. One is required to keep a 7-meter distance away from the gorillas while in their presence. This is because gorillas charge and can easily attack you when you encroach on their territory. The restriction of only 8 people trekking to a gorilla family a day is strictly followed. It is aimed at reducing the exposure of gorillas to human behavior as they can easily adapt.

Mountain gorillas have over 95% DNA similar to humans which makes them susceptible to change with exposure. One is also not allowed to make noise while in the presence of gorillas. Flash photography is prohibited as it can irritate the gorillas. Other general regulations include avoiding dumping in the forest and straying away from the ranger guides as you can easily get lost.

All these guidelines are communicated at the briefing point ahead of the Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures. On the day of the gorilla trek, you are expected at the park headquarters by 7:00 am for this briefing and allocation of the gorilla family.

The Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Rwanda has a prominent gorilla naming ceremony known as Kwita Izina. It is done every year in September to name baby gorillas that would have been born within a year. Kwiti Izina is one way of monitoring the gorilla population and newborns to ensure their survival. Important to note is that Mountain gorillas are still threatened by poaching and habitat encroachment which leaves babies prone to danger.

In every Kwita Izina, an update is given about the baby gorillas that would have been named the previous year, and then new ones a named. This enables the rangers and conservation teams involved to keep fast track of all the gorillas in the park.

The dates of this year’s Kwita Izina have not yet been communicated but we are looking forward to them.

Rwanda Gorilla Discovery Journeys

We have curated several itineraries that feature Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures. These range from a one-day tour that starts with a 4:30 am pick-up from Kigali. This is so because one is expected at the park headquarters by 7:00 am to catch up with the briefing before going for the gorilla trek. Our 2-day gorilla tour is a bit relaxed with a provision of an overnight near the park. On this 2-day tour, you can visit the Ellen Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and have a cultural visit as well.

The 3-day gorilla tour has a 2-night stay near the park and features mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Massif and Volcanoes National Park is among the best places to see them. Those who desire more time with the gorillas can opt for double gorilla trekking tours. This is done following two different gorilla families and can be included in the 3 or 4-day tours.

Our 5-day Rwanda Tour features chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe is home to 12 primates which is the highest of any one forested protected area. While at Nyungwe you can engage in chimpanzee trekking, a canopy walk, nature walks, and other primate treks. From there you transfer to Volcanoes National Park for your anticipated gorilla trek ending with the golden monkey adventure. The 10-day Rwanda Discovery Journeys is more extensive including a visit to Nyungwe, Akagera, and Volcanoes National Parks. Akagera is Rwanda’s only savanna park and is home to all the big five mammals and other safari animals.

You can combine Rwanda Gorilla Tour Adventures with other East African Discovery Journeys including Kenya Tours in Masai Mara. Tanzania adventures are equally rewarding. Contact Us now to get started.

Planning Your Kenya Tour Adventures! Discovery Journeys. Courtesy Photo
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Planning Your Kenya Tour Adventures!

Kenya Tour Adventures are the best savanna wildlife discovery journeys you can be part of in East Africa. The country has a high savanna wildlife density and diversity. It is because of this that Kenya is among the most visited tour destinations on the continent. Kenya offers a wide range of tour adventures and experiences from wildlife, history, and culture. All these can be experienced any time of the year depending on one’s preference.

Planning Kenya Tour adventures requires time to research the different destinations and experiences. This is because safari tours are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and when you get an opportunity to Visit Kenya it is only right to maximumly utilize it. In today’s guide, we will look at the different Kenya Tour adventures that you can be part of as well as important travel information you might need when planning your Kenya Discovery Journeys.

Top Kenya Tour Adventures

Kenya is the birthplace of safari and has several signature tour adventures you can take on. The wildebeest migration safari in Masai Mara tops the list as you journey with millions of wildebeests and other grazers in Masai Mara. The wildebeest migration is an annual mass movement that happens between Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park. It involves the land’s major grazers searching for fresh pastures over the ecosystem.

The animal numbers involved in this migration are unmatched and high for any safari destination. Savannah’s predators especially the big cats are equally active throughout the migration as they seek hunting opportunities. You therefore stand a chance to see live-action predator hunting and more real-time nature moments when you visit Masai Mara.

Big Five mammal experiences are other top Kenya Tour adventures you must not miss out on. Kenya has all the Big Five mammals occurring in large numbers. They include lions, leopards, buffaloes, Rhinos and elephants. These were listed as the Big Five because they gave trophy hunters a hard time to take down. Unfortunately, they are all threatened because of habitat loss due to human encroachment and a few cases of poaching. Kenya however still stands out as one of the best safari destinations for the Big Five Mammals. Other top Kenya tour adventures you should engage in include balloon safaris, birding, and cultural visits.

Kenya Signature Tour Destinations

Kenya has over 20 protected areas that are diverse offering incredible tour adventures. There are however some signature tour destinations that are a must-visit for the ultimate Kenya Tour adventures. Samburu National Reserve is among the top exclusive Kenya safari destinations. The reserve is located in Northern Kenya about a 6 to 7-hour drive from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city.

Samburu is most famous for its rare wildlife species. These include the Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, Oryx Biesa, and the gerenuk among others. Samburu has many other safari animals including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 400 bird species. It is one of the most remarkable Kenya Tour destinations for exclusive safari experiences.

Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya is a must if you are to experience the magic of Kenya Tour adventures. The park is the land of giants most famous for its long-tusked elephants. Amboseli also has other wildlife species including wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, and birds. Kenya Tour adventures to Amboseli are more impressive as you get to also see Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Masai Mara is a safari household name that speaks for itself in terms of safari adventures. Hells Gate National Park, Tsavo, Lake Nakuru, and Aberdare mountains are other top Kenya Signature destinations you should check out.

Best time to Visit

Kenya has two seasons that are the dry and wet season. The dry season starts in June throughout September and from December to March. This is the best time to have your Kenya Tour adventures with minimal rainfall interruption. Photography safaris are on trend and require natural light and golden hour moments that are best experienced in the dry season.

The wet season in Kenya starts in April to May and from October to November. During the wet season, rainfall is unpredictable and can happen at any time of the day. The rains favor the growth of lush vegetation rejuvenating pastures for the grazing herbivores. With this, most safari animals do not move far away from the game drive tails and can therefore be easily spotted. The green vegetation also creates an impressive scenic beauty providing some of the best safari photography moments.

Some game drive trails however become impassable because of the rains. In flat areas like Samburu, rivers blast their banks which cuts off a connection to some safari lodges. Some end up closing and wait for the dry season to open up again. It is important to bear all these in mind when planning your Kenya Tour adventures.

Accommodation Options

Kenya has the highest bed rate in the East African region. The vibrant tourism industry and safari adventure experiences have over the years attracted investors in the hospitality industry. You therefore have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from.

These range from budget tents and lodges to high-end luxurious under-canvas camps. Each of Kenya’s safari destinations is facilitated by several accommodation options that fit all travelers’ budgets. Much as they are many, they get fully booked in the peak tourist season from June to October. It is therefore recommended to book your Kenya safari in advance if you intend to travel then.

Other Discovery Journeys Adventures

Kenya Tour adventures are supplemented with other East African Discovery Journeys. These include primate adventures in Uganda, Rwanda, and Eastern DRC. Mountain gorillas are currently the most sought-after primate species in the region and these live in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC. They however live in a restricted ecosystem of the Virunga massif and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and adjacent Sarambwe Reserve.

Mountain gorillas along with chimpanzees are among man’s closest primates with over 95% DNA similar to humans. You can visit them in a normal trek or habituation experience that is more experiential. We have customized several gorilla trekking itineraries that can be combined with Kenya Tour adventures.

Tanzania also offers impressive savanna wildlife experiences. The country is a tourism giant with beautiful wild places including Serengeti, Tarangire, and the Ngorongoro Crater. All these are habitats for several wildlife species that you get to see while on game drives and balloon safari adventures. You can also combine Kenya Tour adventures with experiences in Tanzania in an epic classic Discovery Journey. For the best of East Africa, you can extend these adventures to Uganda or Rwanda for a moment with primates. Email us now to start planning your safari tour experiences.

Sipi Falls Tour Adventures. Discovery Journeys
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Sipi Falls Tour Adventures

Sipi Falls Tour Adventures are done to Sipi Falls, a series of waterfall along the Mount Elgon Ridge in Eastern Uganda. The region is among Uganda’s less explored and underrated safari destinations. Sipi Falls are located in Kapchorwa District about a 5 to 6 hours drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. They are strategically located in the Mount Elgon conservation area that covers Mount Elgon, which has the World’s largest Volcanic mountain base.

We recently took a Discovery Journeys adventure to the region. Below are our top pick Sipi Falls Tour Adventures you can consider while on a visit there.

Hiking to Sipi Falls

The falls are the leading tourist attractions in the Sipi area. They include Simba, the smallest waterfall with a drop of 74 meters. Ngasire Falls are a bit uphill with an 85 meters drop and lastly are the Sipi Falls, the largest standing at 95 meters high.

On Sipi Falls Tour Adventures you hike and get up close to all the three water falls amidst sighting of different wildlife species. The hike is done in a true Ugandan countryside with farm lands which offers another amazing tour experience.

Sipi falls Hiking is strenuous and requires a degree of physical fitness. Some of the hiking trails are narrow and can be hectic to maneuver through on a rainy day. There are always young Sabiny vibrant boys you can hire to give you a hand while on the hike.

Coffee Experience

The Sipi area produces one of Uganda’s finest coffee. All this is thanks to the fertile Volcanic soils along the Mount Elgon region. The fertile soils and cool weather favor the growth of Arabic coffee that is widely grown by many homesteads as it is among the major cash crops.

Many of the homesteads have local coffee processing machines and produce coffees ready for consumption. On Coffee Tour you are taken through the coffee growing process right from the nursery till the coffee is fully grown and harvested.

Sipi Falls Tour Adventures featuring coffee experiences are engaging and experiential. They give you an opportunity to taste freshly made and one of the best coffee you can ever have. The coffee experiences can be done any time of the year and last for 1 to 3 hours depending on your preference.

Cycling Tour Adventures

Cycling is an adventurous way to explore Sipi. The Sipi region has some of the most beautiful landscapes and view points that are best got to on cycling expeditions. The landscapes are mostly hilly but the impressive scenic views of the Pian Upe Valley and other open plains are unmatched.

On cycling adventures you also get to closely interact with the native people are very friendly and welcoming. Cycling can be done at any time of the day because of the chill climatic condition of the Sipi region.

Sipi Falls Tour Adventures are more fun with cycling expeditions and we highly recommend them.

Community Visit

Community visit in any safari destination are amazing as they enable you to directly interact with the natives. The Sipi falls region has a mixture of Nilotic and Bantu communities. The Nilotic’s include Kalegins who are both pastoralists and substance farmers. Mount Elgon’s fertile soils favor the growth of different food crops including millet, beans, plantain and different kinds of green vegetables.

The Bantu communities in the region are mainly Bagishu are locally known as the Bamasaba. Bagishu are mountain people who have lived along the Mount Elgon slopes for centuries. They predominantly subsistence farmers who rely on agriculture for their livelihood. On community visits you therefore get to learn more about the different people’s ways of life of the different communities in the Sipi region.

Community visits are the only ways we get to understand our cultural differences and develop appreciation for that.

Cave Tour Adventures

The Sipi region has several natural and man made caves. These were home to the migrating groups of people centuries backs before they permanently established their homes for settlement. Many of these caves have historical paintings that give a narration of the people who lived there.

Caves also have a traditional healing importance to the local people as some are perceived sacred. Some people still make pilgrims to the different caves to isolate themselves while on prayer requests or when seeking for traditional healing and power. On Sipi Falls Tour Adventures you get to visit some of these caves and learn about the history and traditional importance.

Abseiling & Rock Climbing

Rock climbing and abseiling are the most thrilling activities on Sipi Falls Tour Adventures. Abseiling is done along the Sipi Falls Ridge and brings you an up close view and contact of the falls. Rock climbing is also incredible but requires a degree of fitness and experience.

There is also an option of Hiking Mount Elgon that is located a few kilometers from Sipi. Mount Elgon has the world’s largest mountain base and is the second highest mountain Peak in Uganda called Wagagai. This comes after the Rwenzori Mountains Margherita peak that is snow capped standing at 5,109 meters above sea level. All these adventures can be done alongside other Discovery Journeys to Kenya and Tanzania. Our 8-Day Eastern Uganda Safari features Sipi Falls and other less traveled paths in Northern Uganda including Pian Upe and Moroto. It is custom made and suitable for all tourist categories. Book it now and start the epic Sipi Falls Tour Adventures.

Epic Mainland Tanzania Safari Expeditions
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Epic Mainland Tanzania Safari Expeditions

Mainland Tanzania Safari Expeditions are the core of East African Discovery Journeys. Tanzania is the largest of the initial East African community members with a total land area of 947,303 square kilometers. This large size gives the country an advantage of many and large protected areas along with wildlife numbers.

Discovery Journeys to Tanzania are epic and adventures as they feature the diverse ecosystems the country has. There are several Tanzania safari destinations that are still intact despite the big threat of climate change and habitat loss. This makes Tanzania safari expeditions remarkable and more experiential compared to other East African destinations.

Below are epic and exclusive Tanzania safari expeditions you should be part of on a visit to the Vast East African destination.

Mahale Mountains Chimpanzee Trekking

Tanzania is mostly renowned for its open savannas but it also has primates in Mahale Mountains and Gombe National Park. Mahale Mountains are located in North western Tanzania and they over look Lake Tanganyika.

The mountains are home to a high population of eastern chimpanzees, birds and many other wildlife species. Chimpanzees in this forested mountainous park were made famous by Jane Goodall who spent a lot of time in Tanzania and East Africa in general studying chimpanzees. The exclusivity of the park is what makes chimpanzee safari expeditions here remarkable.

Mahale Mountains is among the least visited and accessed protected areas in Tanzania due to its location. With this, you get the very best of your Tanzania primate safari expedition. The chimpanzee trekking experience is done on foot through the thick forest amidst sighting of other wildlife species especially plants and birds.

Wildebeest Migration Safari expeditions

You can not talk about Tanzania safari expeditions and fail to mention the great wildebeest migration. This mass animal migration involves over a million wildebeests, zebras, topi and gazelles moving over the plains of Serengeti and Masai Mara in search for fresh pastures. This in turn attracts the lands major predator big cats that take advantage of the number to hunt.

Serengeti is the core of the great wildebeest migration as it starts and ends there. The wildebeest migration cycle starts with a calving period from November to March when the migrating herds would have returned from Masai Mara. During the calving period over 7000 calves are born a day which rejuvenates that herds. These eventually start drifting slowly through the Ndutu area, to Central and Northern Serengeti where they cross the Mara river to Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Tanzania Safari expeditions featuring the wildebeest migration are surreal. It is unbelievable how one safari destination can have such magnitude of wildlife moving in large number. Serengeti has the highest big cats population especially lions that are seen in pride of over 15 individuals. Witnessing such real time moments makes Tanzania Discovery Journeys unmatched.

Exclusive Ngorongoro Crater safari Tours

The Ngorongoro Crater is natural wildlife wonder and among Tanzania’s exclusive Safari destinations. It is large Volcanic caldera that is believed to have formed million years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed on itself.

Ngorongoro is world’s largest intact Volcanic caldera covering a land area of 8,292 square kilometers. The crater floor covers an area of 260 square kilometers with steep slopes that 610 meters deep. Ngorongoro Crater is an iconic attraction and also has several other attractions and beautiful landscapes. The Crater floor has a lake and Riverine forest that are to several wildlife species.

Savannas Big Five Mammals are present in the crater and can easily be spotted while on game drives. These include lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and Rhinos. Other safari animals you can see on Tanzania safari expeditions to the crater include zebras, wildebeests, ostriches, and cheetahs among others. The Ngorongoro crater being a natural enclosure, it easy to see the different wildlife species grazing or hunting. Ensure to add the crater visit on your Northern Tanzania safari tours.

Wildlife documentary adventures

Tanzania is a perfect destination for savanna wildlife documentary adventures. Wildlife filming and photography has gained momentum over the years because of the digital era and with the improvement in technology. Now some people take on virtual tours to beautiful wild places like the ones Tanzania has. All this is only possible because of wildlife filming and documentary.

The diversity of Tanzania and wildlife abundance makes it an ideal filming destination. Beyond the wildlife Tanzania is culturally diverse and the country’s cultural experiences are also remarkable. There is quite a lot to document on Tanzania safari expeditions from the wildebeest migration, balloon safaris, nature walks and other exclusive Discovery Journeys.

Tanzania wildlife filming can best be done during the dry season from June to October and from December to March when there is minimal rainfall disturbances. The rainy months are equally great for filming and documentary as the rains favor a growth of a lush vegetation. With this, it becomes easy to spot safari animals as they do not move far to get food and water.

Big cats and predator safaris

Savannas Big cats include lions, leopards and cheetahs. These make safari adventures complete as they are sometimes rarely seen in destinations where they are few in number. The situation is however different for Tanzania as the country has the highest Big cats and predator population.

Serengeti National Park alone is a lion conservation unit with over 3000 lions. This high and steady lion population is boosted by the presence of prey for the lions. Leopards are also in plenty and often seen on early morning and evening game drives. Leopards are solitary in nature but are many in Tanzania wild places and ecosystems like Serengeti are open which enables the easy spotting of even the most rare and solitary animal species.

Cheetahs are vulnerable because of the constant reduction of their population. Tanzania still has a reasonable number of these in the different savanna ecosystems. You can never go wrong by choosing Tanzania for Big Cats safari expeditions and overall safari tours. Visit East Africa for these and much more expeditions. If you are more keen to primates especially mountain gorillas you can visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park.

Rwanda Safari Experiences To Be Part of This May. Discovery Journeys
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Rwanda Safari Experiences To Be Part of This May

Rwanda Safari Experiences are some of the best Discovery Journeys adventures in East Africa. Rwanda is a small landlocked country in the region. It neighbors Uganda to the north, DRC to the west, Tanzania to the East and Burundi to South. Despite its small size, Rwanda is diverse in terms of wildlife and safari experiences.

The country is among Africa’s fastest growing economies and also a leading safari destination. It positioned itself as a luxury safari destination and has over the years attracted some of the most high-end safari lodge and camp investments. On Rwanda Safari Experiences, you get to visit some of the leading safari destinations for the ultimate African adventures.

Below are our top recommended Rwanda Safari Experiences you can be part of this coming month.

Nyungwe Birding Safari Experiences

Nyungwe is a forested national park located in the southwestern part of the country. The park was inscribed a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its wildlife diversity and need for sustainability. It is home to 13 primates including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys and blue monkeys among others.

Nyungwe is Rwanda’s Most Important Birding Area with over 300 bird species including the Albertine Rift Valley endemics. Notable birds you can see a Nyungwe Birding safari experiences including the Great Blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird and Black Saw-wing.

Birding safaris are doable throughout but the best experiences are had from November to May. This is when birds are most vocal and can easily be spotted in a forested area like Nyungwe. Migratory birds are present in the area during this time and you therefore stand more chances of seeing more species. The dry season months from June to September are great too as there are minimal rainfall disturbances during the birding adventure.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking is the top and most recommended of all Rwanda Safari Experiences. This is done in Volcanoes National Park that is located in northwestern Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is among the four national Parks on the planet where you can see the rare mountain gorillas. The others including Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Virunga National Park.

Virunga National Park is situated in DRC and is currently closed because of insecurity issues. The other three parks are however open and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is among the most reliable gorilla trekking destinations. It has the highest gorilla population in the Virunga massif with 12 fully habituated gorilla families. These are open for tourism with a provision of 8 gorilla permits per day. Rwanda being a bucket list destination for many, gorilla permits get fully booked a couple months in advance and it is highly recommended to book your safari in time to avoid missing out.

Our Rwanda gorilla tour packages to Volcanoes National Park are customized starting from a one day excursion. For those interested in filming and making documentaries, you can book for a gorilla filming package that is exclusive and gives enough time gorillas. The double gorilla trek can also work for those who prefer to learn more and would need more than the one hour with the gorillas.

Akagera Big Five Safari Tours

Akagera National Park is the only savanna national park in Rwanda. It is located in the eastern part and is home to all the Big Five mammals and several other safari animals. Akagera is among Rwanda’s conservation successes as most of its wildlife have been restored thanks to the great conservation efforts.

Some of the park land was de-gazetted and given to the Rwandan people who had returned from exile after the 1994 genocide against the Tustsi. Many wildlife species had gone extinct given the human wildlife conflict and high levels of poaching especially when Rwanda was politically unstable. With the restored peace and stability, the government of Rwanda started a conservation and wildlife sustainability journey. This saw the reintroduction of several wildlife species in the park including lions and Rhinos.

Akagera currently has a reasonable lion population, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and both black and white rhinos. Other safari animals present include zebras, the Topi, giraffes, elands and many other small antelope species, These are often seen on game drives and other Rwanda Safari expeditions in the park. Hot air balloon safaris were also introduced and these offer panoramic views of the parks wildlife. Akagera safaris are remarkable and Must do Rwanda Safari Experiences.

Gishwati Mukura Primate Safari experiences

Gishwati Mukura National Park is an important Rwanda safari ecosystem. It is Rwanda’s smallest and fourth National Park covering a land area of 34 square kilometers. The park is an important water catchment area in Rwanda and also very diverse in terms of wildlife species.

Gishwati Mukura is Rwanda’s second important chimpanzee trekking destination after Nyungwe. It is home to a community of over 20 chimpanzees. These live alongside other primates including golden monkeys, blue monkeys and L’hoest monkeys among others. This makes the park one of the best destinations for Rwanda Safari Experiences featuring primates.

Birding safari experiences are doable and rewarding in Gishwati Mukura forest. There are over 350 bird species that are easily spotted while on guided nature walks or birding excursions in the park. There are well developed hiking trails in the park that you can follow while on journeys of Discovery there. Gishwati Mukura National Park can be visited independently or alongside other national park for the best Rwanda Safari Experiences.

Lake Kivu Safari Tours

Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest water body located along its western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It covers a land area of 2,700 square kilometers and it is among destinations with adventurous Rwanda Safari Experiences. Rwanda safari tours to Lake Kivu are mainly for relaxation and adventure. They feature a visit to the Islands, Kayaking, and an experience with the singing fishermen.

The Singing Fishermen experience is done in the Gisenyi area as you directly interact with the local fishermen as they take you through the fishing experience.

Lake Kivu has well developed beaches and resorts where you can choose to relax and enjoy the view. The lakes acts as a breaking point for Rwanda Discovery Journeys between Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park. It can also be visited independently for those seeking simple Rwanda Tour getaways.

Rwanda’s small size gives it an advantage of easy accessibility when compared to other featured destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. We nonetheless less customize all our adventures to these destinations for exclusive safari experiences. Contact Us now to book your ultimate Discovery Journey.

Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures To Be Part Of. Courtesy Photo
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures To Be Part Of

Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures are the best safari tour moments you need to experience on a visit to the magical country. Kenya among the most diverse countries on the continent renowned for its open savanna ecosystems and Discovery Journeys adventures. It is referred to as the birth place of safari because typical African safari experiences started from there.

Kenya has a rich culture and heritage that can equally be experienced on Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures. There are quite many experiences you can be part of but below are our top picks and most recommended ones.

Masai Mara Tour Experiences

Masai Mara national reserve is the most famous and visit Kenya tour adventure destination. The reserve is located in southern Kenya with an open savanna ecosystem where the great wildebeest migration takes place. This ecosystem is connected to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park forming one of the most important wildlife conversation area and tour adventures destination.

Masai Mara is home to several wildlife species including all the Big Five Mammals. The Mara triangle has four of the Big Five that are elephants, buffaloes, leopards and lions. Rhinos are present in the conservancies but few in number. Other wildlife species however occur in high number with the wildebeests and antelopes having the highest populations. Masai Mara also has one of the highest lion population concentrations and you are assured of seeing them on safari.

Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures feature game drives, balloon safaris, guided nature walks, birding and cultural visits. These can be done any time of the year but for the best safari tours we recommend visiting the dry season. Masai Mara is an open destination for all tourist categories be it solo or group travel.

Mida Creek Boat rides

The Mida Creek is a 32 kilometer tidal inlet along the Kenyan coast in Watamu North of Mombasa. It is natural water harbor that is surrounded by extensive mangrove and palm trees. Mida is home and breeding ground for several wildlife species including sea turtles and fish.

It is also a renowned birding destination and major stop over for the migratory birds. Some of the notable birds you can see on outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures here include flamingos, grey plovers, Sanderlings and Dimorphic Egrets among others. This makes the Mida creek one of Kenya’s most important birding area. It is on this basis that Mida Creek together with Arabuko-Sokoke Forest were declared a Biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

The creek is best accessed and explored by boat that is motorized or a local dug out canoe. Being a tidal inlet, Mida is an exclusive destination where you get minimal interference while on tour. On Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures here you experience the true definition of our exclusive discovery Journeys.

Samburu Reserve Tour experiences

Samburu National Reserve is located in Northern Kenya in Samburu County. It is among the most diverse but less explored Outdoor Kenya Tour destinations. Samburu is most famous for its unique wildlife species that do not occur in other Kenya Safari destinations. They include the gerenuk, reticulated giraffes, Oryx Beisa and grevy’s zebras among others.

Northern Kenya is relatively dry and a semi desert compered to Central Kenya and the Kenya highlands. The region therefore has semi-desert adaptive wildlife species including the dik dik and ostriches. Other safari animals like elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, leopards and small antelopes are also present in the reserve.

Samburu has one of the highest bird diversities including endemic and migratory birds this making it an iconic Kenya Birding destination. The reserve is also best explored during the dry season from June to September and December to March. The rainy season brings in a lot of waters from as far as the mount Kenya region flowing through the many seasonal rivers and the Ewaso Ngiro River. All these burst their banks cutting off roads to lodges and game drive areas.

Giraffe Center excursions

The giraffe center is located in the heart of Nairobi in the Karen Surbub. The centre is attached to the Giraffe Manor and is home to giraffes whose breeding began in the early 1980s. At the giraffe center you get to experience up close moments feeding and interacting with some of the resident giraffes.

A visit to the giraffe center makes more sense when you have had an overnight at the Manor that is one of Kenya’s oldest boutique hotels. The Manor has more giraffes that you dine with as learn about their restoration success. It should be noted that the number of RothChilds giraffes had drastically reduced in Kenya due to poaching and habitat encroachment. A giraffe breeding program was however start at the Manor that saw the reproduction of more and an increase in the overall numbers in the country as some were reintroduced in the parks and conservancies.

Lake Nakuru National Park is currently the only national park in Kenya where you can see the Rothschilds giraffes. A visit to the giraffe center and manor will give you a more insight into this wildlife conservation journey and success. The Center is open daily and can be visited on a Nairobi City Tour excursion.

Amboseli Elephant Journeys

Amboseli is diverse and among the most recommended Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures destination. The Park is home to lands’ largest mammals, the elephants that are famous for their long tusks. Amboseli is located in southern Kenya about a 4 to 5 hours drive from Nairobi Kenya’s capital. It is the best Kenya Tour destination to see elephants and other safari animals including wildebeests, buffaloes, lions, leopards and giraffes among others.

Mount Kilimanjaro is another safari landmark in Amboseli. The Mountain has Africa’s highest peak standing at an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. It is located in Tanzania but can best be seen in Amboseli National Park. Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures is Amboseli as just incredible as you journey with the wildlife with a view of mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

The pack can best be explored on game drives, walks and balloon safaris. It is also a great birding destination with several bird species including flamingos. Lake Nakuru was initially the best place in Kenya to see flamingos but these migrated because of an increase in water levels. A birding safari to Amboseli is therefore more rewarding when you decide to focus on flamingos and other water birds.

At Discovery Journeys we tailor make Outdoor Kenya Tour Adventures to all Kenya destinations of your preference. Our experiences are eco-friendly focussing on less environmental impacts because of the urgent need to wildlife conservation and sustainability. Our other eco-friendly and less traveled paths experiences are to Uganda‘s Kidepo National Park. Contact us now for more information about these or any other destinations you might have in mind.

Kidepo Safari Adventures and Discovery Journeys
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Kidepo Safari Adventures and Discovery Journeys

Kidepo Safari adventures are the most exclusive Uganda Discovery Journeys. They are done in Uganda’s most isolated Park and protected area, Kidepo Valley National Park. The Park is located in Northeastern Uganda in the Karamoja region in Kaabong district. It was established in 1962 and covers a land area of 1,442 square kilometers. The park is referred to as a True African Wilderness because of its intact wildlife ecosystem. It is also among the national parks in Uganda with a high wildlife density. 

We recently took on Kidepo Safari Adventures via Sipi falls in Eastern Uganda and had an incredible experience. Below are our most recommended Kidepo Safari Adventures one can be part of when on a Uganda safari and Journeys of Discovery.

Birding Safari adventures

Kidepo is home to over 450 bird species 60 of which endemic to the park and therefore not occurring in any other destination in Uganda. All bird species in Kidepo have not yet been fully discovered. You therefore stand a chance of spotting Bird that have never been recorded.

The park has different ecosystems ranging from open savanna grasslands to woodlands. This is more visible in the Kidepo Valley region that has an ecosystem comprising the open savannas, palm tree vegetation and the woodlands. All these are home to different bird species especially raptors.

Some of the notable Bird species you can spot on Kidepo Safari Adventures include the Abyssinian ground hornbills, Kori Bustard, and rufous chatterer among others. Migratory birds are present in the park from November to April and you can spot many including the Egyptian Geese. Kidepo Birding safari adventures are best enjoyed in the dry season when there are minimal rainfall disturbances.

Cultural Safaris

Kidepo National Park lies in the Karamoja region that is home to several Nilotic tribes. These include the Karamojong and the Ik all with several clans. The Ik are mountain people who are predominantly hunter gatherers. All these groups initially depended on the park for food and survival until they were evicted when the park was gazetted.

The Karamojong are among the few groups of people in Uganda who still live by their traditional ways of life. On the visit to their community you therefore experience an authentic African culture as they take you through their routine. The Karamoja region is generally the best Uganda cultural safari destination.

Nature walks

Kidepo Safari Adventures are also best enjoyed on nature walks. The park has a flat landscape offering great views of the far horizons. There are also many small wildlife species you can easily spot on a guided nature walk unlike when on game drives. These include insects, butterflies, reptiles and several plant species.

Kidepo has a view point that raised on a rock where you can base from for a walk. Nature walks are also ideal for birders as you can get close to some birds. All nature walks are guided by an armed ranger for your safety in case the big game try to charge.

The best time for these exclusive experiences are early morning and late evening. On both you can capture great images of the sunrise and sunset of the true African wilderness.

Game drives

Game drives are the typical ways of exploring any safari destination. These are often rewarding in a destination with diverse wildlife and Kidepo never disappoints. The park has the one of the highest buffalo population the East and Central Africa of more than 20,000 individuals.

Zebras, elands, elephants, bushbucks, giraffes and waterbucks are also present there. There are also many other antelope species including hartebeests, Kobs and the common duikers. Kidepo Valley is relatively dry compared to the Narus valley and there you find semi arid adoptive species like the dik dik.

The big cats population has drastically reduced due to poaching. Kidepo has three of the Big Cats species that are leopards, lions, and cheetahs. Leopards being solitary animals are rarely seen. Cheetahs are also not common and the lion population is really low compared to Murchison Falls National Park. Nonetheless, you will still enjoy your game drives hoping to see the leopard at least and on a lucky day you can sport it.

Game drives in Kidepo are rich and extensive given the parks large size. They are highly recommended for the best Kidepo Safari Adventures and discovery Journeys.

Sundowner Safari Adventures

Sundowners are chilled and best ways to end a day while on Kidepo Safari Adventures. The parks open ecosystems makes it ideal for a sundowner setting. There are several renowned spots for this experience including a view point at Kidepo.

Sundowners are best for honeymooners and families who prefer to relax and have intimate moments while at a destination.
All the above safari adventures and discovery journeys can be at anytime of the year. The dry season months from December to June are better with minimal rainfall disturbances. Some of our best seller Kidepo Safari adventures include the 4-day Kidepo Tour and the 8-day eastern Uganda Safari. These can be further tailor made to suit ones’ preference and convenience.

You can also opt to be part of other Discovery Journeys in Uganda’s leading safari destinations like Murchison Falls & Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks.

Northern Kenya is also recommended for off beaten safari adventures like one’s in Kidepo. Southern Tanzania also offers such experiences and beach holidays at Zanzibar. Contact us to start planning your African safari adventure to any of these destinations.

Top Tanzania Family Safari Destinations. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Top Tanzania Family Safari Destinations

Tanzania safari experiences are desired by many who seek to explore the country’s natural wonders and beauty with their families. The East African Country is a leading safari tour destination most renowned for iconic attractions like the Ngorongoro Crater. Wildlife adventures comprise most of Tanzania family safari experiences but there is a lot to explore.

Tanzania is culturally diverse with a rich historical background offering some of the most remarkable discovery journeys. All these adventures are exclusive and can be enjoyed in different Tanzania family safari destinations that include the following.

Serengeti

Serengeti is the most famous and visited Tanzania safari tour destination. It is located in Northern Tanzania stretching to the border with Kenya’s Masai Mara. Masai Mara and Serengeti have an open savanna ecosystem that is home to the Big Cats, four of the Big Five Mammals, giraffes, and many other safari animals.

The wildebeest migration is the most iconic wildlife phenomenon that happens between Serengeti and Masai Mara. This annual mass movement involves wildebeests, zebras, the topi, and gazelles moving over the open plains looking for fresh pasture. On this epic journey, the migrating herds face several obstacles including river crossings of the Grumeti and Mara Rivers. These are home to the world’s deadliest crocodiles that await to take down their prey.

Serengeti is home to the highest Big cats population including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. These cats’ survival is mainly dependent on the abundance of prey that is rejuvenated by the wildebeest calving period. Safari experiences in Serengeti are raw but some of the best to experience when on a family safari tour. Lodges and Camps in and adjacent to the park have a child policy that varies depending on the age of the child if any.

It is also important to involve children when taking on such adventures as that is when they appreciate nature and the need for sustainability.

Dar-es-salaam

Dar-es-salaam is Tanzania’s oldest Capital and Largest city. It is located in the southeastern part of the country bordering the Indian Ocean to the East. Dar-es-salaam is a historical and culturally diverse city with a mixture of native African tribes, Arabs, and Europeans.

The city’s location along the coast makes it among the best Tanzania family safari destinations. It has well-developed and maintained white sand beaches that can be visited any time of the day. It is among the few Tanzania safari destinations where you can have a quick getaway. There is nothing that refreshes as spending some time by the sea with your family and friends.

Dar-es-salaam has well-developed resorts of all budget categories suitable for family safaris. You can have city tour excursions to some of the historical attractions or visit vibrant local markets with Swahili-inspired architecture.

Tarangire

Tarangire National Park is the land of giants. It is also located in Northern Tanzania and is among the best Tanzania family safari destinations you can visit. The park offers the best safari journeys with elephants, the land’s largest mammals. More than elephants, Tarangire has a mini migration in June that involves several antelope species, zebras, and elephants. These are often seen in large numbers grazing the savannas of the park.

Tarangire has a reasonable big cat population. It is most famous for the tree-climbing lions that prefer to rest in tree branches after a successful hunt. The park is also a great birding safari destination with over 500 bird species.

You can never go wrong choosing Tarangire for your Tanzania family safari adventures. The best part about Tarangire is the exclusive safari moments because the park is not as crowded as Serengeti. You therefore have more chances of creating your most desired family safari moments.

Zanzibar

The Zanzibar archipelago is among the exclusive Tanzania family safari destinations. It is located about 20 to 50 kilometers off the Tanzania mainland. Zanzibar being an island gives it an exclusive advantage if compared to other Tanzania safari destinations. It is ideal for honeymoon and destination weddings that often involve families coming together.

Zanzibar has a rich history with historical attractions like stone town one of the oldest Swahili trading towns. It has architectural buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th Centuries. These have been maintained with some blending into modern designs but still retaining the rustic touch.

On a visit to Zanzibar, you stand a chance to explore the marine wildlife. Tanzania is most famous for its open savanna wildlife but has an underrated marine wildlife experience. It is home to marine wildlife species including sea turtles, dolphins, and several fish species. All these are best enjoyed when with your family making Zanzibar some of the best Tanzania family safari destinations.

Arusha

Arusha is northern Tanzania’s city and tourism capital. It is a gateway to all Northern Tanzania safari destinations. These include Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Ndutu Conservancy among others.

The city is well organized with an eco-friendly background and has several attractions including a museum. Museums often have a collection of a country’s attractions giving you a great insight of what to look forward to when going on tour. Away from the city, you can visit Arusha National Park. The park is home to several wildlife species including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and primates. It is also home to Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro.

Arusha National Park has a vibrant bird life of both open savannas and forests that are easily spotted while on tour there. It is easily accessed from the city given its location just about 25 kilometers from the city centre. It can be visited in a day excursion and works well for those with limited time but would love to have a Tanzania Safari. The park’s easy accessibility makes it the ideal and ultimate Tanzania family safari destination.

Tanzania and the East African region in general offer the finest safari tour experiences. Kenya is magical with destinations like Amboseli, Samburu, and the coastal family safari destinations. Uganda and Rwanda are great for primates, especially mountain gorillas that live in the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable forests. Book your next family safari with us for memorable discovery journeys.

The Best of Virunga Volcanoes Tour Adventures. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

The Best of Virunga Volcanoes Tour Adventures

The Virunga Volcanoes are a chain of dormant volcanic mountains along the Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC border. They are believed to have been formed million years ago as a result of Volcanic action. Virunga Volcanoes Tour adventures enable you to take on Discovery Journeys to these mountain ranges. Thankfully, the mountains are diverse in terms of wildlife and are also attractions in their own right.

The Virunga Mountains are ten in total and DRC has the highest number of eight. Five of these are within the country while the three lie along the border with Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda has five all shared between Uganda and DRC. Uganda has 3 shared along the border with Rwanda and DRC. All these are epicenters for adventure and below are some of the best Virunga Volcanoes Tour adventures you can be part of.

Gorilla Trekking Tour adventures

The Virunga mountains are home to the rare mountains. These are the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest plus adjacent Sarambwe forest are the only places you find mountain gorillas on the entire planet. Mountain gorillas are giant apes and among man’s closest primates. They have over 95% DNA similar to humans and live in a family setup just like humans do.

Virunga Volcanoes Tour adventures featuring gorilla trekking can be done in the three national parks the massif has. These include Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla Park, and Virunga National Park in DRC. Virunga National Park is currently closed due to insecurity issues but the other two are open. Volcanoes National Park has the highest mountain gorilla population with 20 gorilla families. 12 of these are fully habituated and open to tourism.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park has one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi and offers exclusive Virunga Volcanoes gorilla Tour adventures. Gorilla trekking in the Virunga Volcanoes is doable any time of the year. For the best experiences and photography, it is however recommended to visit during the dry season. This has minimal rainfall disturbances and tracking trails are dry making it easy to hike through the forest.

Mountain Hiking

Most of the Virunga Volcanoes are Hikable. The only exceptions are the active volcanic mountains in DR Congo which include Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Nyiragongo. With the current situation in the country, it is not possible to do any tourism activities there.

The other mountains however offer incredible adventures and not just hiking but also with encounters of wildlife species. Mount Bisoke along the Rwanda and DRC border is among the most spectacular. It has a crater lake on its summit and while on its hike, you stand a chance to see mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other species.

Mount Karisimbi is the tallest of all the Virunga mountains. It stands at an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea level. The mountain hike is completed in two days with an overnight in the mountains. The hike to the summit is very rewarding and the overnight in the mountain enables you to discover more of the hidden wildlife wonders. Mount Karisimbi is another iconic Virunga Volcanoes to hike. It is the only Mountain shared between the three countries and its summit is a central point where the countries meet. Mount Sabyinyo is famous for its shape depicting an old man’s teeth and it is on this basis that it was named Sabyinyo.

Cycling Tours

Cycling is among the most underrated tour adventures. It is best enjoyed in a less crowded countryside with impressive scenery and the Virunga Volcanoes offer exactly that. The Rwandan side of the Volcanoes has the best cycling tour stretch offering views of the mountains.

Rwanda has over the years hosted cycling events including the recently concluded Tour Du Rwanda. One of the stages of Tour Du Rwanda was in Musanze, the heart of Volcanoes National Park. The Congo Nile Trail also starts from there and one can cycle towards Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu.

On the Ugandan side cycling tour adventures are also possible even though they have not been tapped into. The Mgahinga Mountains stretch has an impressive view as well and is just the perfect spot for cycling.

Boat ride tour Adventures

Volcanic action in the Virunga mountains area led to the formation of several lakes. The Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo in Volcanoes National Park are the most famous ones. Other include Lake Mutanda, Lake Chahafi, and Lake Mulehe in southwestern Uganda. These lakes offer boat ride adventures done in locally made dug-out canoes.

Some of the lakes have islands that can be visited on a day excursion. Most of the islands have historical tales and those that are relatively large are inhabited by local communities. You therefore stand a chance to have an authentic cultural and community experience on a visit to any of these islands.

The view of the Virunga Volcanoes in the background of these lakes is impressive and provides one of the best magnificent views.

Birding

Birding tours are other best Virunga Volcanoes Tour adventures you can be part of. Being mountainous and forested, the Virunga Volcanoes are home to diverse bird species. The whole massif also lies in the Albertine Rift Valley with chances of spotting some of the birds endemic to the rift.

Birding safari tours are very exclusive when compared to other Discovery Journeys adventures. Beyond birds, they offer a great chance of seeing other wildlife species since birding is done in a general ecosystem where these other species live. The best time for birding safaris is from November to May when birds are in full plumage. It is also the time when migratory birds are present in the region.

Golden Monkey Trekking adventures

Golden Monkeys are rare primates endemic to the Virunga massif. Just like their name suggests, golden monkeys are covered in golden fur and offer great primate trekking experiences.

They live in the bamboo zone of the Virunga Volcanoes and can easily be spotted while on a hike. Golden monkeys live in communities of up to 20 individuals. They are also vegetarian with their diet mainly consisting of plant vegetation and shoots.

Golden monkey trekking can be done alongside Mountain gorilla trekking in both Volcanoes and Mgahinga gorilla parks. They however all start in the morning and have to be done on separate days. On each trekking day, you are expected at the park headquarters at 7:00 am for a briefing before being guided to the forest by rangers.

Virunga Volcanoes Tour adventures are exactly what you are looking for in primate and overall adventure discovery journeys. They are among our best-seller-featured activities alongside savanna wildlife experiences in Kenya and Tanzania. These feature big cats, big Five mammals, and the wildebeest migration among others. Contact us now to have your tour adventure customized.