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

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

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

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

Failure to Secure Your Visa

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

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

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

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

Late Tanzania Tour Booking

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

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

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

Traveling without a Local Guide

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

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

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

Not Packing appropriately for your Tanzania Tour

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

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

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

Under budgeting your Tanzania Tour adventures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures

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

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

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

Virunga Volcanoes Hiking Safari

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

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

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

Rwanda Cycling adventures

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

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

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

Golden Monkey Trekking Adventures

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

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

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

Twin Lakes Tour experiences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Kenya Hiking Adventures

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

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

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

Aberdares exclusive Safari Adventures

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

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

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

River Tana Rafting Adventures

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

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

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

Chimpanzee Safari Tours

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

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

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

Lewa Conservancy Safaris

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

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

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

Mount Elgon Tour Experiences and Discovery Journeys
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Mount Elgon Tour Experiences and Discovery Journeys

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

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

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

Mount Elgon Hiking

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

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

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

Birding

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

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

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

Nature walks

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

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

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

Community Tour Experiences

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

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

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

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

Filming and Documentary Tour Adventures

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

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

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

The Best of Serengeti Safari Adventures. Photo By Eric Manzi
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The Best of Serengeti Safari Adventures

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

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

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

Big Cats safari adventures

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

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

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

Wildebeest Migration Journeys

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

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

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

Balloon Safari Adventures

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

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

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

Birding Tours

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

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

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

Landscapes

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

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

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

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

Akagera Big Five Safari Tour Experiences. Photo By Eric Manzi
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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
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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.

Giraffe Centre

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.

Karen Blixen Museum

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
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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
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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
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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.