Must Visit Kenya Coast Tour Destinations. Courtesy Photo
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Must Visit Kenya Coast Tour Destinations

Kenya Coast tour destinations bring in a different aspect of Kenya tour experiences. Kenya is a diverse East African country offering multiple tour experiences. The country is most famous for its open savanna wildlife destinations including Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park.

The Kenyan Coast however offers a unique touch and by far some of the best Coast Tour experiences. What makes Kenya Coast Tour expeditions remarkable is the Rich culture and heritage it has. Let us quickly look at some of the top Kenya Coast Tour Destinations you must Visit while on Kenya Discovery Journeys.

Lamu Archipelago

The Lamu Island is located in the Indian Ocean a few miles off the Kenyan Coast. Lamu is a historical island a World Heritage Site that was founded in the 12th Century. It is among the longest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa drawing from diverse cultures including the first European and Arab settlements.

Lamu Town has narrow streets and historical stone buildings with rustic curved doors. All these buildings are inspired by a mixed culture of Arabs, Africans, Europeans, Indians, and Persians who have lived on the islands for hundreds of years.

A visit to Lamu draws you centuries back in time as you explore and interact with some of the native people. Lamu has some of the best and most luxurious resorts in Kenya making it to the top of the list of best Kenya Coast Tour Destinations. Notable events that take place here include the Lamu festival which is a celebration of culture and diversity.

Malindi Marine Reserve

Malindi Marine Reserve is Africa’s oldest Marine park and protected area located in the Indian Ocean. The reserve lies a few kilometers off the Kenyan Coast at Malindi and it is an iconic Must Visit Kenya Coast Tour Destination.

Popularly referred to as the coral garden, Malindi National Reserve has more than corals. Notable marine wildlife species here include zebrafish, sea turtles, and dolphins among others. While on Kenya Coast Tour adventures in Malindi Marine you can engage in several activities that include birding, snorkeling, windsurfing, diving, scenic walks, or relaxing at the beach.

The Reserve can be accessed by road via Malindi town located about 110 kilometers north of Mombasa. You can also get there by Air landing at Malindi Airport and diving into your Discovery Journeys.

Watamu Marine Reserve

Watamu Marine Reserve is also among the leading Kenya Coast Tour destinations. The reserve is located on the north Kenya Coast and was established in 1968. Watamu is the haven of the green turtle and home to countless marine wildlife species.

Notable attractions to Watamu include the coral gardens, the Gede ruins, and Mida Creek among others. Tour activities to do here include diving, water skiing, windsurfing, glass bottom boat rides, and snorkeling among others.

Kenya Coast Tour journeys to Watamu are rewarding and the best combination with a Savanna Kenya safari. This marine safari destination can also be accessed by road about 120 kilometers north of Mombasa and 28 kilometers south of Malindi. The drive is scenic and impressive as you journey along the Indian Ocean. In case you do not want the road transfer you can opt to directly fly into Malindi and then connect to your resort by road. The road transfer may take a few minutes depending on where you are going. 

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is located in Watamu North of Mombasa Kenya’s largest coastal city. The forest covers a land area of 416 square kilometers and it is the largest remaining dry coastal forest. Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is a birders’ haven and home to over 230 bird species.

Other notable wildlife species here include buffaloes, and elephants though restricted to an area of the reserve. There are several butterfly species and smaller animal species like the golden-dumped Sengi. The caracal, Zanzibar bushbaby, yellow baboon, and red-legged sun squirrels are also present here.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is very exclusive and offers unique adventures of the top Kenya Coast Tour destinations. The reserve can be visited at any time of the year but for the best experiences, it is recommended to visit during the dry season.

Mida Creek

The Mida Creek is one of the wonders of Watamu. It is a water tidal creek that stretches inland into Arabuko Sokoke Forest. The creek is surrounded by mangrove and palm trees forming one of the most impressive sceneries. It covers an area of 32 square kilometers wide and its calm waters are home to various fish species.

Mida Creek is remote and exclusive and can best be explored by boat. There is nothing as refreshing as cruising in the waters of Mida Creek while listening to the sounds of birds. The creek is a major stopover for migratory birds from as far as Europe. Notable birds you can see here include flamingos, kingfishers, and fish eagles among others.

We have several excursions in Kenya and you can combine a visit to many of these Kenya Coast Tour destinations. You can directly Contact Us For the most exclusive East African Safari and Discovery Journeys. Our safaris extend to Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania staying at the exclusive and convenient safari lodges. The Uganda and Rwanda safari journeys mainly feature Mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking. Tanzania and Mainland Kenya are the classic savanna wildlife giants. Joining all these journeys of discovery will never leave you the same.

5 Best Uganda Safari Lodges. Discovery Journeys
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5 Best Uganda Safari Lodges

Uganda safari lodges form a great part of Uganda Discovery Journeys adventures. It is one thing to explore a beautiful destination and another to stay at an exquisite accommodation facility. All major Uganda safari lodges are amazingly beautiful and strategically located at destinations where you easily base to start your adventures. There are quite many safari lodges and camps but below are the top 5 best Uganda Safari Lodges.

Mihingo Lodge

Mihingo Lodge is a luxurious and eco-friendly safari lodge located outside Lake
Mburo National Park. The lodge was built on a rock and offers great uninterrupted views of the park. Mihingo has 12 luxurious tented rooms that are spacious and self-contained.

Each room has provision for both hot and cold running water plus an en-suite bathroom. The itinerary designs naturally blend with nature and the outside view is just refreshing. Mihingo Lodge’s infinity pool is the best place to chill as you get fully immersed in the beauty of the open savanna plains.

Lake Mburo National Park even though small is very diverse and offers great safari experiences. While here you can engage in several safari activities including game drives, nature walks, and a boat cruise. Some of the notable safari animals here include leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, and many bird species. Exploring such beauty is made complete with a stay at the exclusive Mihingo Lodge.

The lodge has horses and you can therefore enjoy horse ride adventures getting closer to the wildlife in the park. Our safaris to Lake Mburo feature a stay at Mihingo Lodge as we desire for you to have the best of your Uganda safari adventure.

Kyaninga Lodge

Kyaninga Lodge is a very outstanding Safari lodge located in western Uganda in the Kabarole district. The lodge has one of the most impressive views in Uganda overlooking Lake Kyaninga and a backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Kyaninga Lodge was built on a raised platform to reduce the impact on nature and has a total of 9 cottages.

Each of the cottages has a great view of the Lake, something everyone craves to wake up to. The cottages are spacious and self-contained each with a private deck where you can relax and enjoy the sunset.

The lodge’s pool was designed in the shape of a human foot and it is raised overlooking the Lake and nearby forest. Kyaninga is a true definition of luxury and we highly recommend a stay here. The lodge is a great honeymoon destination where you can just check in and relax. Some of the in-house activities you can engage in here include kayaking, guided nature walks, and birding among others.

Kyaninga Lodge is also located near Kibale National Park the primate capital of the world. The lodge is therefore ideal to base when going for chimpanzee trekking, habituation, birding, or exploring the Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Volcanoes Safaris’ Kyambura Gorge Lodge is an iconic Household name in Uganda’s tourism industry. The lodge is the most impressive of all the company’s chain properties. It is located at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. Kyambura Gorge Lodge has great views of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges and is just a few meters from the renowned Kyambura Gorge.

The lodge has 8 cottages with four being deluxe and the other four standard. All the cottages are very spacious with an en-suite bathroom. The cottages also have outside showers where you can enjoy your bath with a view.

While at Kyambura you can engage in several activities starting from chimpanzee trekking in the Gorge. You can also enjoy guided walks, birding, a coffee experience, or take part in the tree planting activity to safeguard the environment. You can still explore the diverse Queen Elizabeth National Park from here engaging in game drives, a Kazinga channel boat cruise, and crater drives.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge is truly exclusive of all the Uganda Safari Lodge and is our kind of property to work with.

Gorilla Forest Camp

Gorilla Forest Camp is located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is one of Uganda’s classic safari camps. The camp has 10 very spacious tents each with a stone-walled bathroom that has private sections. Gorilla Forest Camp’s location makes it even more secluded and enjoyable.

The camp’s interior design is rustic and laid back taking you back in time. The bar and dining cottage at the camp overlooks the Impenetrable Forest and there is also a provision of an open-air diner where you can star gaze and enjoy the moon while on campfire.

Gorilla Forest Camp is ideal to base from when going for a Uganda Gorilla trekking adventure. The camp is located in Buhoma the busiest of all the gorilla trekking sectors. It therefore easily gets fully booked in the peak tourist season and if you intend to stay here it is advisable to plan and book early enough.

Gahinga Lodge

Gahinga Lodge is also among the luxurious and best Uganda safari lodges. The lodge was established in 2002 and it is the only luxurious and exclusive lodge in Mgahiga Gorilla Park. It overlooks the famous Virunga Mountains

There are 8 Luxury Bandas at the Lodge each with a shower and a fireplace. Staying at Gahinga Lodge allows you to trek to the only Mountain Gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla Park called Nyakagezi. The park is also home to golden monkeys, several birds, and other mammal species. While there you can also visit the Batwa community where you would learn more about their ways of life.

Gahinga Lodge is also a perfect Getaway and honeymoon destination where you can just sit in and relax. Our 4-day Mgahinga Gorilla Tour features a stay here and can further be customized to add more nights and activities. Explore Uganda with us by staying at any of these exclusive Uganda safari lodges for your ultimate Discovery Journey.

East Africa as a whole has incredible and exclusive safari lodges that range from budget to high-end. The beauty of our Discovery Journeys is the flexibility and power you have to customize them according to your preference.

Tanzania the ultimate African Adventure Safari destination
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Tanzania the Ultimate African Adventure Safari Destination

Tanzania always emerge as the leading African adventure safari destination based on reviews and the country’s diversity. Africa has several incredible adventure destinations for wildlife viewing but Tanzania outshines many of them. Tanzania is mainly dominated by open savanna safari destinations with a few protected areas with primates. Unlike Uganda and Rwanda which are more famous for primate trekking safaris, Tanzania safaris are purely open Savana classics.

African adventure safari experiences are highly desired because of their amazing wildlife encounters. Tanzania markets a lot and hosts one of the leading tourism fairs in the region the KARIBU KILIFAIR.  It is sometimes a challenge to choose among the different appealing safari experiences. Here are some of the reasons why Tanzania tops the list of the Must Visit African Adventure Safari destinations.

The Unmatched Wildlife Wonders

Northern Tanzania is made up of the leading adventure destinations in the country. It has beautiful landscapes and perhaps the continent’s highest animal concentration. The Ngorongoro Crater world’s largest and unfilled caldera lies in this region. Ngorongoro is Tanzania and the world’s wildlife wonder because of its size and animal diversity. Beyond the crater being an outstanding attraction, there are many other landscapes within the crater. All the Big Five mammals are present here and the animals are easily spotted while on game drives since they are in one enclosure.

The famous wildebeest migration also starts in northern Tanzania from the open plains of Serengeti National Park. This wildebeest migration involves the movement of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and the topi looking for pastures. Migrating herds sweep through all the sectors of Serengeti until they cross the Mara River to Kenya’s Masai Mara. If you ever want to see large herds of wildlife Tanzania is the place to be.

Southern Tanzania is also undeniably beautiful and exclusive. It has some rare species like the African wild dog that you will not easily in the north. Southern Tanzania national parks are large with provisions for multiple game drives and more chances of wildlife viewing.

Tanzania's Vast Size

Tanzania is among the largest countries in East Africa. It covers a land area of 947,303 square kilometers and a coastline of 1,424 kilometers long. With this vast size comes a great advantage of the numbers and diversity. All protected areas in Tanzania (National Parks and Reserves) are large with Nyerere National Park being the largest at 30,893 square kilometers.

This gives Tanzania a chance to offer more diverse African Adventure Safari experiences. It does not matter where you visit, you will always be assured of the ultimate safari in Tanzania. You get the best of your African adventure when you combine destinations like the ones in Northern Tanzania. It is advisable to at least stay two days or more at every destination and for the Serengeti up to 5 nights. This enables you to maximize wildlife viewing and relaxation from long-distance drives when connecting to different destinations.

There is provision for scheduled and charter flights to remote destinations but this comes at an extra cost. Flights save time as you get to your Tanzania safari destination early enough to start your African adventure safari expeditions.

A variety of accommodation options

The urge to explore Tanzania’s beautiful wild places has over the years attracted investors in the hospitality industry. With this Tanzania currently has some of the finest safari lodges and camps on the entire continent. These range from budget to high-end and very luxurious properties.

Safari Lodges and Camps in Tanzania are evenly distributed serving the different safari destinations. Even better, Serengeti has mobile tented camps that follow the wildebeest migration journey. With this, you can catch up with every bit of adventure no matter when you visit.

It is recommended to book your Tanzania safari in advance as camps and lodges get fully booked in the peak tourist season. The peak season starts from June throughout October and from mid-December to early March. The period from June to August is ideal for the wildebeest migration and River crossings. If you are interested in the wildebeest calving period then you can consider visiting from December to March. All lodges and camps offer discounted rates in the low tourist season in April, May, and November and you can save some money when you travel then.

The Indian Ocean's Experiences

Tanzania’s long coastline gives it direct access to the Indian Ocean and this comes in handy with several experiences. Marine wildlife is less explored and Tanzania is among the few places you can have exclusive marine safari experiences. Notable marine wildlife species along the Tanzania coast include dolphins, whale sharks, and several fish species.

There are also several white sand beaches and resorts where you can relax after your savanna wildlife safari. A number of these resorts have a rich history dating back the 14th and 16th century incorporating some of the early Arabian and European Settlers along the East African Coastline.

You can therefore combine your savanna African adventure safari with a beach holiday along the Tanzanian coast.

Some of our top seller Tanzania Discovery Journeys include the 5-day Southern Tanzania Safari. It features extensive game drives in Mikumi and Nyerere National Parks and is rewarding and exclusive. The 8-day Serengeti Safari fully focuses on Serengeti National Park and is the best for the wildebeest migration journey. The 9-day Tanzania Safari combines destinations in northern Tanzania giving you the best of northern Tanzania. All these Safaris can be done alongside Rwanda safari tours or combined with leading Kenya Signature experiences.

Rwanda Safari Tours and Must-Visit Destinations. Discovery Journeys
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Rwanda Safari Tours And Must Visit Destinations

Rwanda Safari Tours are a Must when exploring the land of a thousand hills. This small landlocked country is among the most scenic and diverse safari destinations on the African continent. Rwanda has a rich culture and heritage that is a strong backbone to Rwanda tourism and safari tours.

The country derives the reference of the land of a thousand hills from the many rolling hills it has. Journeying though these hills make Rwanda Safari Tours even more enjoyable before getting to the actual safari destinations.

Rwanda has over the years become a host of international events including the recently concluded World Global Summit. All these events revolve around tourism and you will therefore not avoid visiting Rwanda. Rwanda Safari tours and Discovery Journeys feature several iconic destinations. Below are the most recommended Rwanda safari Tours you Must never miss.

Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Tours

Chimpanzees are man’s closest primate species with over 98% DNA similar to humans. They live in forested mountains and Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park is among the best places to see them. Nyungwe is a forested National Park is located in the southwestern part of the country about a 6-hour drive from Kigali. The drive from Kigali to Nyungwe is remarkable as you journey through the many rolling hills.

On getting to Nyungwe, you are welcomed by the evergreen forest cover that is home to many other primate species. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is adventurous hiking through the jungle and also allows you to see other wildlife species.

There are two main habituated chimpanzee communities in Nyungwe one at Uwinka and the other at Cyamudongo. Uwinka is the main park headquarters facilitated by accommodation options including Nyungwe Top View Hotel and One and Only House. Cyamudongo is located towards Lake Kivu facilitated by Mantis Marina and Emeraude Resort accommodation options. Chimpanzee trekking in any of the two sectors is remarkable and rewarding.  

Nyungwe Forest was recently inscribed as a World Heritage Site because of its diversity and uniqueness. Visit the park on Rwanda Safari Tours for the best of Rwanda adventures.

Lake Kivu Boat Safaris

Lake Kivu is the largest and main waterbody in Rwanda. The Lake lies on Rwanda’s western border with Rwanda and it is among the iconic safari destinations in the country. Even though considered among the deadliest Lakes on the planet, there are several adventures you can engage in while there.

To start with is the boat cruise to the different islands including Napoleon Island. There is also an experience with the singing fishermen when you head out on canoes used by local fishermen. Here they actively engage in fishing as they joyfully sing songs to cheer them during their fish catch. This experience is very engaging and gives you an insight into the life of the fishing community in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu boasts several agricultural activities including tea and coffee growing. Some of Rwanda’s leading tea and coffee plantations are around Lake Kivu. 

Big Five Rwanda Safari Tours

Rwanda has only one savanna wildlife safari destination where you find the major Big Five and big cats. Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda and it is diverse with open savannas’, wetlands, and woodlands. Akegera is East and Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and is Rwanda’s second Important Birding area.

Notable safari animals you will see on Rwanda Safari Tours to Akagera include elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and elands among others. This park is among Rwanda’s conservation success stories as a lot of wildlife has just been reintroduced. Many wildlife species freely roamed the area but numbers drastically reduced because of poaching and enrichment with some becoming extinct. Lions and Rhinos are among the species that were reintroduced with the government of Rwanda’s collaboration with Africa Parks.

You can now enjoy game drives in Akagera assured of seeing all the Big Five mammals and more. There are well-developed tracks that you follow as off-track driving is prohibited to protect the ecosystem. Akagera has several lakes but Lake Ihema is the main one where you enjoy boat safaris. On a boat cruise safari along Lake Ihema, you also spot many wildlife species including hippos, Nile Crocodiles, and baboons among others.

Rwanda Gorilla Tours in Volcanoes National Park.

A Rwanda Safari without mountain Gorilla Trekking is considered incomplete. Rwanda is among the three countries on the planet with Mountain Gorillas. Mountain gorillas are rare and endangered but Rwanda has the highest gorilla population in the Virunga massif. This makes the country a prime gorilla trekking safari destination.

12 fully habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park are open to tourism and more will eventually be opened up. Important to note is that only 8 tourists are allowed to track a mountain gorilla family per day and the gorilla permits are therefore limited in supply. These get fully booked several months in advance due to high demand. It is therefore advisable to book your Rwanda Gorilla Tour early.

You can book a Rwanda Gorilla Tour starting from one day or more. The 2 and 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour options are short but relaxed compared to a one-day. Our 4-day double gorilla trekking tour features tracking two times following different gorilla families. The 5-day Rwanda safari, 6-day Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari, and 8-day Rwanda Primates combine gorilla trekking and other Rwanda Safari Tour adventures.

Our safari experiences are not just limited to Rwanda. You can combine a Rwanda gorilla Tour with a Kenya Safari for the ultimate Discovery Journey. You can also visit Uganda for gorilla trekking safari adventures or Tanzania for classic savanna wildlife encounters.

Southern Kenya Safari Destinations. Discovery Journeys
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Key Southern Kenya Safari Destinations

Southern Kenya safari destinations are impressive and among the most remarkable safari destinations in the Magical country. Kenya is relatively big covering a land area of 582,646 square Kilometers. It has a coastline of 490 kilometers bordering the Indian Ocean. Kenya is diverse and all the regions are impressive to Visit for wildlife, cultural, and Historical Discovery Journeys.

The southern Kenya safari region is however special having beautiful landscapes and attractions. Below are the top destinations you must not miss while on a southern Kenya safari.

Chyulu Hills National Park

Chyulu Hills are mountain ranges that stretch about 100 kilometers in southern Kenya. They are popularly known as the Green Hills of Africa because of their lush green vegetation cover. Chyulu hills are rugged mountains that were formed by volcanic activity and have their highest peak standing at 2,188 meters above sea level.

There are several attractions here starting from the hills that form an impressive pattern. Other relief features include the Kisula Cave which covers about 11 kilometers. Animal species present here include the African Rock python, elephants, leopards, Giant forest hogs, and Elands among others.

Chyulu Hills National Park can be explored on foot when on Mountain Hiking and bird-watching adventures. Mountain Biking, Horse riding, and game drives are also doable and very rewarding as you see the wildlife species present. The park also offers great views of Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s Tallest Mountain.

Chyulu Hills are the least explored of all the southern Kenya safari destinations and therefore offer exclusive safari experiences. Such experiences are our ideal Journeys of Discovery.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s top safari destination. The reserve comprises the Mara Triangle and the adjacent conservancies. It is famous for the wildebeest migration an annual mass animal movement that involves wildebeests, the topi, and zebras moving from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

Apart from the wildebeest migration, Masai Mara is a lion conservation unit with one of the highest concentrations of lions. Other big cats present here include leopards and cheetahs which are often seen while on game drives. Elephants, giraffes, hyenas, jackals, gazelles plus several bird species are also notable while on safari in Masai Mara.

The best time to Visit Masai Mara is from June to October when the Migration river crossings start. The months from November to May are great for birding and those interested in exclusive and less crowded safaris. Masai Mara is a must-visit of all the southern Kenya safari destinations as it offers a variety of experiences.

Tsavo National Parks

Tsavo National Parks comprise Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks covering a land area of about 22,000 square Kilometers. Being strategically located in the south, the two combined form Kenya’s largest protected area of rich wildlife and landscapes.

Red dusty elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, and Hippos are among the notable animal species in Tsavo East National Park. With Over 500 recorded bird species, Tsavo East National Park is a prime birding safari destination. While here you can engage in several safari activities including game drives, guided nature walks, and birding among others.

Galana River is the primary water supply and many animal species gather here on a hot day to freshen up. Another outstanding attraction in the park is the Yatta Plateau. It is extensive covering over 300 kilometers.

Tsavo West National Park differs from the East and is prominent for its beautiful landscapes. Iconic attractions like the Mzima Springs, shetani lava flows, and rock outcrops will leave you wanting more adventures. Notable wildlife species here include black rhinos, elephants, lions, and leopards among others. Tsavo is also not so crowded even in the peak season and is therefore a great destination for exclusive safaris. While on your southern Kenya safari adventure, you can opt to visit one or all of the two Tsavo Parks for a true African Adventure.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is the special one of all the Southern Kenya Safari Destinations. The park is currently among the best places in Kenya to see flamingos. It is most famous for elephants and while on safari here you can journey with these largest land mammals with an incredible view of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Discovery Journeys to Amboseli National Park are rich and diverse. On game drives in the park, you get to see wildebeests, zebras, hippos, buffaloes, hyenas, lions, and leopards among others. Leopards being solitary animals they are rarely seen but on a good day, you can surely catch up with them.

Wildlife viewing in Amboseli is possible throughout the year with the dry season providing the best viewing opportunities. The dry season here is from June to October when temporary water places dry up forcing animals to gather around marshes and permanent water supplies where they are easily spotted.

Rich local cultural experiences

The southern Kenya safari region has a rich cultural and heritage background of the Masai people. These have lived in these ecosystems alongside the wildlife and are considered to be guardians of wildlife. A Visit to the Masai Community will enable you to learn more about the local culture and their ways of life. There is a provision for homestays in case you actively want to spend some days over and actively get involved.

Some of the Safari itineraries featuring southern Kenya and other leading destinations include the 8-day Kenya safari, the 7-day Kenya wildlife and beach holiday, the 6-day magical Kenya safari, and the 5-day Kenya safari. You can also combine any of these with a Uganda gorilla Trekking adventure in Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla Parks.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures
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Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures

Uganda gorilla trekking safari adventures are a Must while visiting Uganda on primate Discovery Journeys. The country is among the three on the entire planet with the last remaining population of mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are primate species that live in the forested mountains in East and Central Africa.

They live in  families of up to 10 individuals or more. Each family comprises males, females, juveniles, and sometimes infant gorillas. This is headed by a dominant male called Silverback. The title Silverback is derived from the color of adult male gorillas that develop a silver lining as they grow.

Uganda is currently the most reliable gorilla trekking safari destination because of the numbers the country has. The last Mountain gorilla census established the gorilla population at about 1100 individuals in the wild. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone has over 450 of these. The rest are shared between Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and DRC’s Virunga National Park.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda. It covers a land area of 321 square kilometers and has four gorilla trekking sectors. These include Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Rushaga, and Nkuringo in the south. Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures in any of these sectors is truly remarkable as you hike the forested mountains to meet the rare apes.

Each of the sectors has habituated gorilla families with Rushaga having the highest. Important to note is that only 8 tourists are allowed to track each gorilla family. You are also only permitted to stay in the presence of the gorillas for an hour keeping a 7 to 10 meters distance. This limitation is to ensure mountain gorillas’ protection from human diseases and behaviors since we share over 95% DNA with them.

Buhoma is the busiest sector of all. It is home to the first Mountain gorilla family to be opened for tourism in 1993. The Mubare Gorilla Family’s habituation process started in 1991 and 2 years later was opened up for tourist visits. Being the pioneer Uganda Gorilla Trekking Sector, Buhoma has over the years attracted several accommodation facilities. These include the most luxurious safari lodges in Uganda like Bwindi Lodge.

Mgahinga Gorilla Safari Adventure

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures to Mgahinga Gorilla Park are exclusive compared to Bwindi. Mgahinga Gorilla Park has only one habituated Gorilla Family called Nyakagezi. The park is part of the Virunga Massif along with the Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks in Rwanda and DRC respectively.

The Nyakegezi gorilla family was unstable for some time moving across the border to Rwanda but it now stabilized. Being the only gorilla family in the park makes it the most ideal to be tracked exclusively. The rule of 8 also applies here. It can therefore work well when having a group tour of 8 people traveling together.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park’s relief and vegetation cover is similar to Volcanoes National Park. The gorilla trekking experience of the two destinations is therefore similar. This is different from Bwindi which has a thick tropical rainforest. Since the price for a gorilla permit is expensive in Rwanda, Mgahinga would be the cheaper gorilla trekking destination to opt for when looking for the Virunga massif gorilla experience.

When To Go Gorilla Trekking

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures are doable throughout the year. For the best photography moments, experiences, and gorilla encounters, it is recommended to visit during the dry season. The dry season in Uganda starts in June and ends in mid-September. October is relatively dry because of climate change and it’s therefore also a great time to visit.

December, January, and February are also dry months that are ideal for your Uganda gorilla tour. These dry months have minimal rainfall disturbances which makes the whole trekking process easy. This does not that it is not possible to trek to the gorillas in the wet season. Even though rainfall is most likely to occur you can still manage the gorilla trek. Rainfall in case it happens can simply add to your real jungle experience.

The overall climate of Bwindi and Mgahinga is cool and given the vegetation and hilly nature of the area, rainfall can still occur any time of the year. It is from this background that everyone is advised to have rain gear whether in the dry or wet season.

Discovery Journeys Uganda Gorilla Safaris

At Discovery Journeys we tailor-make all our safari adventures including the Uganda gorilla tours and safaris. You can opt for a fly-in 3-day Uganda gorilla tour since the Uganda gorilla trekking destinations are located far from the city. A flying safari enables you to reduce the drive distance (9 to 10 hours). With this, you get to the park early enough and opt for a simple excursion ahead of your adventure the following day.

The 4-day Gorillas and Wildlife Tour features a gorilla trek in Bwindi and a Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In Queen Elizabeth National Park you enjoy a Kazinga Channel boat cruise where you see various wildlife species including hippos, Nile Crocodiles, and Elephants among others.

Our 8-day Rwanda Uganda Safari starts in Rwanda but has the gorilla tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can book any of these safaris or even customize them more to add another gorilla trek or the habituation experience. Destination Uganda just like Tanzania also has provision for group tours. With the gorilla trekking regulations you simply have to book in advance.

Top Tanzania Group Tours Destinations. Discovery Journeys
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Top Tanzania Group Tours Destinations

Tanzania group tours are the best tour options when exploring Tanzania on a budget. The country is a renowned safari destination but a bit expensive to fully explore. Entrance to the major wildlife and safari destinations in Tanzania is fine but the challenge comes with accommodation and Transportation.

Tanzania has some of the most luxurious tented camps and lodges. They are worth the price because of the first-class hospitality services they offer. Not everyone can afford to stay at luxurious and high-end accommodation facilities. The standard tourist vehicles used in Tanzania are extended and their cost is usually higher when traveling solo. This is where the aspect of Tanzania Group Tours comes in to save the day.

Group Tours provides for sharing of Transportation and accommodation costs and it is most effective when traveling on budget. Tanzania does not have limited participation in safari tour activities which is the case for Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Tanzania Group Tours therefore become the best options to go for. Nothing is as interesting as being on a Tanzania safari with a group of people you care about. You would still have a great time even when they are strangers you are meeting for the first time. Below are some of the leading Tanzania Group Tours Destinations you must include on your Bucket List.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is one destination that is probably on every adventure traveler’s bucket list. It is an open savanna national park is located in Northern Tanzania. Together with Kenya’s Masai Mara, they form an important ecosystem where the wildebeest migration takes place. Serengeti has many drawing adventure factors. These include the big cats experience, the wildebeest migration, balloon safari adventures, and a rich cultural heritage.

We acknowledge that sometimes traveling solo enables exclusive safari experiences but Group Tours here are incredible. Game drives which are the main safari activities in Serengeti can start as early as 5:00 am. This is to catch up with the early risers and the major wildlife species since they are most active in the morning. It feels fun and comfortable waking up that early with a group of other travelers you are with on Safari.

To fully explore Serengeti you would need at least a minimum of 4 days. Here you can explore all the sectors of Serengeti Journeying with the Wildebeests from the southern to Central and Northern Serengeti. Our 8-day Serengeti Safari is a great option for such an adventure and it is available for Group Tours.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is another incredible Destination for Tanzania Group Tours. Just like Serengeti, Tarangire is also located in Northern Tanzania. It is the best place to see elephants which are the land’s largest animal species. More than elephants, the park also has other Wildlife species and animal migration.

Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, buffaloes, and zebras are among the major grazers in the park. There are over 500 bird species here making it a prime birding safari destination.

Save a couple of dollars by joining a group Tour to Tarangire. You would have a great time even when in a group of 10 people or more.

Ndutu Conservancy

Ndutu lies between Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater making it a prime wildlife destination. The best part of Ndutu is its exclusivity since it is not crowded like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. You can therefore have exclusive safari experiences even when on a Tanzania group tour in Ndutu.

The major wildlife species in Serengeti and Ngorongoro are present in the Conservancy. You can effectively explore Ndutu on game drives, guided nature walks, and balloon safari adventures among other activities. To have the best of the northern Tanzania tourism circuit you can combine a Tanzania Group tour combining all these destinations. Our 9-day Tanzania safari is an option to look at.

The 11-day Kenya Tanzania is another adventure Discovery Journey to look at. This features a visit to Kenya’s Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and Lake Nakuru.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is the ultimate southern Tanzania safari destination. The park’s vast size gives it an added advantage of wildlife numbers and diversity. The southern Tanzania tourism circuit has also not been fully explored which gives more room for Discovery Journeys there.

Southern Tanzania is a bit remote and secluded, so it only makes sense to explore it in Group Tours. In Ruaha and other Southern Tanzania destinations like Nyerere National Park, you would still have an exclusive safari even when traveling in groups. The Peace here is only right to be enjoyed with your family and friends.

Southern Tanzania has fishing safari experiences with chances of capturing the rare Tiger Fish. The best time for safari adventures here is in the dry season from June to October and from December to Early March. December to May are also great months for birding safaris and it is when the migratory birds are in the region.

Zanzibar

Off the Tanzania mainland is Zanzibar Island in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is most famous for its white sand beaches and the rich history of the early Asian and European settlers along the East African Coastal areas. The islands have a vibrant life and culture that is also ideal to explore in groups of families and friends.

There are marine wildlife species here that you can explore in case you are interested in Marine wildlife. You can engage in water sports activities like Kayaking and snorkeling while on holiday here or just relax at the Beach sunbathing.

Never feel discouraged from visiting East Africa in group safaris. At least the major savanna wildlife destinations offer provisions for that. There are several private conservancies you can opt for in case you feel the parks are fully crowded. Contact Us for tailor-made safaris to Tanzania and beyond.

Volcanoes National Park's Bald Mountain Gorilla. Discovery Journeys. 6-Day Rwanda Tour
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Volcanoes National Park’s Bald Mountain Gorilla

The Bald Mountain gorilla is the most fascinating individual you will meet in Volcanoes National Park. The park is Rwanda‘s leading safari destination and the best mountain gorilla trekking destination. Volcanoes National Park has over 20 gorilla families, with 12 fully habituated and open to tourism. Mountain gorilla families comprise up to 15 individuals or more. Each gorilla family is led by a dominant male gorilla called silverback.

Among the habituated gorillas families in Rwanda is the Sabyinyo family where the bald mountain gorilla belongs. The family comprises 15 individuals and our beloved bald Mountain gorilla is second in command.

About The Bald Mountain Gorilla

Big Ben is among the prominent male gorillas in the Sabyinyo gorilla family. He was born in 2004 and has steadily grown to dominance in the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park. The 19-year-old despite not being the lead silverback is loved by the other subordinate gorillas in the family. There is a chance for Big Ben to become the lead silverback of this lovely family.

For any male gorilla to become the dominant Silverback it has to defeat the reigning Silverback. Some after being defeated break away from their families to start new lives with a few gorillas that believe in them. Not all Silverbacks get involved in succession battles and it explains why it has been peaceful for the Sabyinyo Family.

We will keep on monitoring the activities of this family and will surely be excited when the Bald Mountain Gorilla finally takes power.

The Significance of Being Bald

It is not every day that you encounter a bald mountain gorilla which is why Big Ben is incredibly outstanding. Among human beings, being bald is not common either but at least there are several bald people you meet. Some may wonder why the comparison of mountain gorillas to humans and the answer is in the DNA. We share over 95% DNA with these rare primates. This is the reason why we have a lot in common including the aspect of being bald.

Baldness is hereditary or can be caused by aging and changes in hormones. Some humans cover this with treatment and you may never notice even when one is bald. The story is quite different from our Primate cousins who do not use such kind of treatment and simply let nature take its course. It is just fascinating to see Big Ben and look into his eyes. Such moments of truth will never leave you the same and are the ones we value on our Discovery Journey adventures.

Volcanoes National Park Discovery Journeys

Volcanoes National Park is our top-seller safari destination in Rwanda. The park is home to not just mountain gorillas but also golden monkeys, birds, and other mammal species. Mountain gorilla trekking is the most commonly done activity followed by golden monkey trekking.

Now that you have heard about the bald mountain gorilla, this is the best time to book your gorilla trekking Discovery Journeys. It does not matter whether you trek with the Sabyinyo family to see the bald mountain gorilla. You will have a great time with any of the gorilla families you visit while in the park. Mountain gorilla families are allocated at the park headquarters and sometimes one’s physical fitness is a determinant. This is because some gorilla families can be got to after longer hours of hiking and not everyone is physically fit for such hikes.

Where to Stay

Volcanoes National Park has several accommodation options where one can stay. These include high-end  lodges like Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Most of them get fully booked during the peak tourist season and it is advisable to book them in advance.

Best Time to Visit

Volcanoes National Park can be visited any time of the year. For the best experience with the Bald Mountain gorilla and overall trekking we recommend visiting during the dry season. The dry season spans from June to September and from mid December to early March. 

This doubles as the peak tourist season and gorilla permits get fully booked a couple of months in advance. You can still visit the park during the wet months of November and April to May. Rainfall is however more likely to occur during these months. It is always better to have a rain gear even in the dry season. This is because rainfall can be unpredictable given the relief and vegetation.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours

You can book your gorilla tour starting with a one-day gorilla tour adventure. The 1-day Rwanda gorilla tour starts with a pick-up from Kigali at 4:30 am if it is where you prefer to start your tour. From there you are driven to the park by 7:00 am in time for a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. After the briefing, you are led to the forested mountains hiking until you meet the mountain gorillas.

The 2-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour is a bit relaxed in case you are not comfortable with the early morning pickup. You can also opt for a 3-day Rwanda gorilla tour that also features golden monkey trekking. There are longer Primate Discovery Journeys like a 4-day Rwanda Tour, a 4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking Tour, and 10-day Rwanda Safaris that also feature chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park. Contact us for customized Rwanda Gorilla tours to meet the Bald Mountain gorilla and other adventures. Our other adventures include Kenya Signature experiences and Tanzania Classic safaris.

Kenya Signature Safari Experiences. 7-Day Kenya Tour
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Kenya Signature Safari Experiences

Kenya Signature safari experiences are a Must for the best Kenya Safari adventure. The country is diverse with several attractions and experiences you can be part of. There are particular Kenya Signature safari experiences that are highly recommended and include the following.

Big Cats Safari Experiences

Savanna big cats include lions, leopards, and Cheetahs. These are among the most sought-after wildlife species in all Savanna destinations. Kenya has one of the highest Big Cats concentrations. Masai Mara National Reserve has all three and they can be seen while on game drives.

Lions are commonly seen in the Mara plains in Pride of up to 20 individuals. This high lion population in Masai Mara is boosted by the abundance of prey whose numbers increase more with the wildebeest migration. The cheetah population is not as high as that of lions but you still have a great chance of seeing them.

Leopards on the other hand are solitary in nature. There are particular tracks with thickets where you can see these to fully complete your big cats Kenya Safari. The best time to see the big cats in Masai Mara is from March to August. Kenya has many other destinations where you can see the major big cats. They include Samburu National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo National Park among others.

Kenya Flying Safaris

Some of Kenya’s iconic Safari destinations are located in remote areas. They can be accessed by road but takes a couple of hours to connect to them from Nairobi. Even the renowned Masai Mara and Amboseli are over a 4-hour drive from the city. The drive is enjoyable with scenic views of the farmlands and relief features but tiring. Based on this, Kenya Flying safaris are recommended and form part of Kenya Signature Safari experiences.

There are well-developed and maintained airstrips in all Kenya safari destinations. Departures to these are from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and take between 45 minutes to an hour depending on the destination you are going to. Flying safaris enable you to get to the preferred destination early enough to start your adventures.

On flying safaris, you can explore multiple destinations that are several kilometers apart. A number of adventure travelers on Kenya safaris always like to combine Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park. This is difficult in a direct road transfer as the two destinations are about 8 hours drive apart. You somewhat have to cut your journey with a stopover in Lake Naivasha or Nairobi. With the flying safaris, you can however directly fly and easily connect to the two destinations.

Nairobi City Tours and Adventures

Nairobi is East Africa’s busiest city and economic hub. Beyond that, it has quite a number of adventures you can be part of. To start off are the savanna wildlife experiences in Nairobi National Park. The park is within the city’s proximity and is home to various wildlife species including 4 of the big five mammals. Nairobi National Park is among the best places to see white rhinos. Giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and various birds are other wildlife species you can see on game drives here.

The Giraffe Center is another incredible destination you can visit in Nairobi. Here you get up close and personal with the giraffes at the center getting to know more about them. Near the Giraffe Center is the Giraffe Manor a historical and iconic boutique hotel in Kenya. A stay here gives more chances to interact with the resident Rothschild giraffes.

Other places you can enjoy visiting in Nairobi include the Karen Blixen Museum, craft shops, and local markets.

Birding with Flamingos in Amboseli

Kenya birding safaris are rewarding as you get to see the various bird species the country has. The country is still the best place for flamingos that were previously easily seen in Lake Nakuru. Because of rising water levels, the population of flamingos migrated to Lake Bogoria. Lake Bogoria is among the Rift Valley lakes about an hour’s drive from Lake Nakuru.

Apart from Lake Bogoria, Amboseli National Park is now another great destination to see flamingos. It only makes sense to go for birding journeys with flamingos in Amboseli because of the park’s other attractions. Wildebeests, elephants, lions, and zebras are among the notable safari animals you will see here in addition to the vibrant bird life.

Lake Nakuru still has flamingos as well as other bird species including great white pelicans and fish eagles among others. You can combine a birding and savanna wildlife safari featuring Nakuru, Bogori, and Amboseli National Park.

Paddling with the Dolphins

Kenya’s marine wildlife is still not yet fully explored as many adventure travelers are distracted by the open savanna parks. The country has a number of Marine National Parks along the coast with remarkable Marine wildlife. Kisite Mpuguti and Watamu are the two major marine parks on the Kenyan coast. They are home to dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and various corals.

The Kenyan coast gives you a different Kenya Signature Safari experience. Here you can be part of various Marine activities that include kayaking, and snorkeling while seeing the various marine wildlife.

All these Kenya Signature Safari experiences can be enjoyed any time of the year. In case you want Discovery Journeys to other destinations in East Africa you are welcome to do so. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is among the upcoming exclusive destinations that you can look at in Uganda. There are various Tanzania safari adventures you can explore in the northern and southern parts of the country.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Courtesy Photo
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Wildlife Tours To Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is among the less explored Uganda safari destinations. The reserve is often described by nature enthusiasts as Uganda’s best-kept secret. It is located in eastern Uganda about a 7-hour drive from Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is among the iconic destinations that form the Eastern and Northern Uganda Tourism Circuit. This tourism circuit and wildlife Discovery Journey has more open savannas and it is most remarkable because of the impressive scenic views and big cats.

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve covers a land of 2,275 square kilometers and is Uganda’s second-largest protected area. The reserve once upgraded into a National Park will be Uganda’s largest.

Wildlife in Pain Upe Wildlife Reserve

Pian Upe has by far some of the most impressive landscapes and ecosystems in Uganda. The vegetation there mainly comprises open and wooded savannas found in no other protected area in Uganda. This acts as a habitat for various animal species including the roan antelope that can only be found there.

There are many other wildlife species here that make the reserve a must-visit for adventure lovers. Giraffes, the Uganda Kob, hartebeests, oribi, elands, and topi are among the species you will find here. The two major big cats present here are Cheetahs and leopards although leopards are rarely seen given their solitary nature.

The reserve is a great birding destination offering high chances of spotting the fox weaver that is endemic to Uganda. Other notable birds here include the Ostrich, Abyssinian ground hornbills, secretary bird, and African Hill Babbler among others.

Activities

Guided Nature walks are the main safari activities you can engage in while in Pian Upe. A walk here brings you closer to nature and on it, you even spot smaller wildlife species including insects that you could easily miss out on while on game drives.

The reserve is being restocked with wildlife species with giraffes being the most successful translocations. These and many more once roamed the reserve but had gone extinct because of poaching and habitat loss. A number of game drive tracks are being constructed as well and with time Pain Upe Wildlife Reserve will be Uganda’s finest savanna wildlife destination.

Hiking is another adventurous activity you can engage in while on Journeys of Discovery to Pian Upe. This can be to either Mount Kadam or Napak. On these hikes, you will naturally spot a number of wildlife species including birds. The scenic views are however very impressive and the reserve’s selling point.

Birding Discovery Journeys are a Must and you will graced with a number of endemics as well as migratory birds depending on the time of your visit.

Best time to Visit

Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve can best be explored during the dry season. The reveres major safari activities are best enjoyed with minimal rainfall disturbances. The dry season spans from December to Early March and from September to December. June to August receives a lot of rainfall and the major road through the reserve gets muddy and almost impassable.

We have curated some safari packages to feature Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Our 8-day Eastern Uganda safari is a sample but can further be customized depending on your interest and convenience.

We have a number of other safari adventures throughout East Africa including Day trips. The Giraffe Center in Kenya is one of the places you can visit in a day and get to learn more about the land’s tallest mammals. You can also Visit Tanzania for Safari adventures in the different safari destinations including the Ngorongoro Crater.