Masai Mara Discovery Journeys and Exclusive Encounters
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Masai Mara Discovery Journeys and Exclusive Encounters

Masai Mara Discovery Journeys are epic of all Kenyan safaris and wildlife encounters. The reserve is located in southern Kenya in the Rift Valley region and it is Kenya’s most visited Safari destination. It is a renowned ecosystem with diverse wildlife species where Kenya tour adventures take place.

Kenya is believed to be the birthplace of safari and Masai Mara Discovery Journeys affirm this. There are several Kenya Signature experiences but those in Masai Mara are iconic. Below are our top and featured Masai Mara Discovery Journeys for those who are considering visiting.

Wildebeest Migration Discovery Journeys

The great wildebeest migration is one of the major mass animal movements on the planet. It is a natural wonder that involves wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and the topi. These herbivores and major grazers move from Serengeti in Northern Tanzania which is adjacent to Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Serengeti and Masai Mara used to be one ecosystem with no boundaries. The region was however divided during the Scramble and Partition for Africa held in Berlin in 1885. Present-day Tanzania went under German rule while Kenya became a British colony. The two colonial masters drew a borderline that saw the separation of communities and ecosystems to Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Animals unlike humans know no borders. They had for hundreds of years traversed this ecosystem following the rains and looking for pastures. These grazers still cross the border annually in the renowned Wildebeest Migration. Migrating herds comprise over a million wildebeest involved as well as hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. The Wildebeest migration is one top Masai Mara Discovery Journeys and adventures you must be part of. It is amazing to see such a huge population of animals in one place.

The Mara River crossings of the migrating herds are iconic. They jump over the steep edges of the River Banks and those that make it through proceed to Masai Mara. No words can describe how a phenomenon the wildebeest migration is. We just recommend you visit Kenya and experience this natural wonder.

Masai Cultural Experiences

Visiting a destination is valuable when you interact and bond with the natives of the area. The Masai are native to and guardians of the Masai Mara ecosystem. They have lived alongside the wildlife species of the Mara ecosystem for years and are the best safari guides. Safari lodges in the reserve have an architectural and interior design inspired by the Masai Culture. They also employ the Masai as site guides conducting guided nature walks and game drives in the reserve.

Masai community visits and cultural experiences are engaging as you directly interact with the people. There are several communities around the reserve with people who still observe and live by their cultural and traditional values. On a visit there, they take you through their Manyatta homestead which has an extended family setup. You get to observe and directly interact with them learning their values and rich heritage.

The Masai cultural experience is among the most authentic Masai Mara Discovery Journeys adventure. They have several handmade crafts that you buy as souvenirs. Money raised from this helps the community generate revenue.  For a more insight and understanding you can have a homestay with an overnight in the Manyatta. You can alternatively opt for a day excursion that is more feasible with the safaria adventures.

Mara Big Cats Safaris

Savanna’s big cats are a major wildlife draw to Masai Mara. The reserve has all three big cats including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. These unlike in other Kenya safari destinations occur in large numbers. It is normal to spot a leopard on a game drive in Masai Mara even though it is solitary in nature.

The lion population surpasses all the other big cats and forms a great part of Masai Mara Discovery Journeys. Lions in Masai Mara move in pride of up to 20 individuals. You can only spot two if it is a mating season or if they have broken away from their Pride.

Cheetahs are impressive to watch and are the ones becoming rare. Masai Mara still has a reasonable population of these but spotting them on game drives is not as common as it is with lions. It is therefore fulfilling to finally meet a cheetah that is also the land’s fastest animal. The Masai Mara ecosystem is an open space and a playground for a fast animal like a cheetah. You will truly have the best of the big cats experience in Masai Mara. Just prepare and visit Kenya for more.

Birding Discovery Journeys

Birding discovery Journeys in Masai Mara are the most underrated Kenya safari experiences. Masai Mara has a rich bird life of all bird species from vultures, scavengers, and herbivore birds. The Vultures and scavengers take advantage of the predator hunts to get a meal. Some vulture birds or prey are aggressive and directly hunt young antelopes.

It is easy to spot the different bird species in Masai Mara. You can do normal game drives featuring these, the big cats, and other safari animals. If you are an avid bird lover, you can dedicate your Masai Mara safari to birding. With this, you can fully explore the bird life in Masai Mara including endemics.

Masai Mara is visited by migratory birds from North Africa and Europe from November to April. These months are a low-and-shoulder tourist season. During this time the number of people on Masai Mara Discovery Journeys is not high compared from June to October. You can therefore enjoy exclusive birding and overall savanna wildlife safaris in the reserve.

Masai Mara Photography Safaris

Wildlife photography has started to be widely appreciated thanks to impressive and iconic safari destinations like Masai Mara. Masai Mara does not just have big cats and wildebeests. It is also home to safari animals like giraffes, dik-dik, hartebeests, elands, and zebras among others. All these animal species offer provision for photography safaris.

Masai Mara has diverse landscapes and ecosystems from open grasslands, rivers, shrubs that are ideal to capture on a photography safari. Capturing these moments and experiences makes Kenya Discovery Journeys exceptional. Some of the best wildlife documentaries were captured here and there is still a chance to cover more.

The best time for photography safaris is in the dry season from June to September. For more exclusive photography sessions and vibrant bird life, it is better to visit from November to May.

Masai Mara is not stand stand-alone Kenya safari destination. You can combine your visit there with other destinations like Amboseli and the Rift Valley Lakes. You can also opt for Rwanda Tour adventures or Uganda safaris depending on your preference. Our Tanzania Travel Guide is extensive and provides insight into destination Tanzania.

The Uganda Safari Giants and Ultimate Wildlife experiences. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

The Uganda Safari Giants and Ultimate Wildlife experiences

Uganda safari giants are the backbone of savanna wildlife adventures. Uganda is a diverse safari destination offering a wide range of exclusive and experiential safari moments. The country lies in the Great Lakes region and is popularly referred to as the Pearl of Africa. Uganda safari adventures feature several wildlife species but Uganda safari giants are exceptional.

Below the top 5 safari giants you should ensure to add to your Uganda safari adventure and Discovery Journeys.

Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are giant apes that live in the forested mountains of East and Central Africa. They are rare and endangered primate species whose population is still threatened by habitat loss. Mountain gorillas are vegetarian with a bigger percentage of their diet comprising plant vegetation.

A fully-grown mountain gorilla can weigh over 200 pounds making them one of the safari giants in the primate world. Mountain gorillas live in families that are led by a dominant gorilla called silverback. Silverback was derived from the back of an adult male that develops a silver lining as it grows in age. Males fight for dominance and have to maintain their superiority and protect their families if they are to remain heads.

The mountain gorilla population is currently estimated at 1100 in the wild with Uganda having the highest population. There are over 450 mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a protected area and a level of a National Park covering a land area of 331 square kilometers. The park is the ultimate gorilla trekking destination where you can meet with the Uganda safari giant apes.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another home to Mountain gorillas. It is also located in southwestern Uganda in the Kisoro district and is part of the Virunga massif. This gorilla park has only one gorilla family that offers an incredible Uganda Safari giants experience with the apes. Mountain gorilla trekking is an exclusive primate safari adventure and one of the best Uganda Discovery Journeys you can take.

Elephants

Elephants are the land’s largest mammals and Uganda has them in plenty. They are some of the favorite safari animals of the open savannas’. Elephants often move in herds that are led by a female Matriarch. These safari giants are impressive to watch because of their size alone. Elephants’ noticeable body features include the large ears that they keep flapping to regulate their temperature.

They have protruding tusks that are elongated canine teeth. Elephant tusks are used to forage for food, digging, and sometimes protection against predators. These tusks are however a curse as poachers hunt elephants to take them away. Elephant tusks are commonly known as ivory and are perceived to have great value. There are ongoing sensitization and elephant conservation efforts to ensure the safety of these safari giants.

Uganda savanna wildlife destinations have elephants in large numbers. They include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley National Parks. All these destinations are unique and offer great wildlife safari experiences with the Uganda safari giants and other wildlife species present. Elephants can easily be spotted on game drives because of their large sizes. They are also sociable and one of the best Uganda safari giants you should always look for.

Hippos

Hippos are the third largest mammals and to differ from elephants they live on both land and water. They are dwarfs compared to other savanna wildlife species but grow in large sizes regardless of their height. Hippos live in groups of up to 20 individuals popularly known as schools. They are some of the finest Uganda safari giants and make Uganda safari experiences more enjoyable.

The Kazinga channel is the best place in Uganda to see Hippos. Kazinga Channel is a water channel that connects Lake Edward and Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel has the highest concentration of hippos with its population believed to be the highest in East Africa. There are hippo pools along the Kasenyi sector and in Ishasha the southern sector of the park.

Murchison Falls National Park is another Uganda safari destination where you can see hippos. They graze along the open short grasses before heading to the Nile River waters for relaxation. The Nile Delta area has hippo pools and the River Nile banks also have several of these. Hippos in Murchison can best be spotted while on a boat cruise to the Delta of the bottom of the falls.

Hippos are mainly vegetarian but are some of the deadliest wild animals you can encounter. They are believed to kill more humans than lions and you are therefore required to be cautious when around them. The good thing with their large size they can easily be spotted several meters away.

Rhinos

Rhinos are rare Uganda safari giants that can only be seen at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Uganda is believed to have had a reasonable population of both white and black rhinos that unfortunately went extinct. Uganda currently has only white rhinos that were just reintroduced after extinction. They are 40 in total and there is hope that they will eventually be reintroduced back to the savanna parks.

There are 42 rhinos in Uganda with two at the Uganda Wildlife Educational Center (Entebbe Zoo). Rhinos are the second-largest land mammals and no doubt among Uganda safari giants. They are also part of the Big Five mammals along with elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. These safari animals were named the big five because they gave trophy hunters a hard time to kill.

Rhino safari adventures in Uganda are enjoyed on foot trekking to where they are. Rhinos have poor sight though with a great sense of smell. They are therefore able to detect you from afar and you are required to keep a distance of at least 15 meters. Rhinos are also sociable and live in groups called a crash. They have a life span of 40 to 50 years and are among the few wildlife species with no predators.

Human beings are the major threats to the survival of rhinos as they poach them to get their horns. The encroachment of the Rhino habitats because of the increase in human population has also led to habitat loss that greatly the survival of these safari giants.

Giraffes

Giraffes, land tallest mammals are our other featured Uganda safari giants. These are very impressive as they majestically tower the open savanna ecosystems. Uganda has the Rothschild’s giraffe species in large numbers. Murchison Falls National Park is the best Uganda safari destination with giraffes. They are mainly concentrated in the northern sector of the park and are easily spotted while on game drives there.

Pian Upe Game Reserve in Northeastern Uganda also has giraffes and other rare wildlife species like the roan antelopes. Giraffes were just reintroduced there in a bid to boost the reserves’ wildlife diversity. Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Parks also have reasonable giraffe populations and are great Uganda safari destinations to explore.

The giraffe’s height is iconic and enables it to forage on tree leaves at a reasonable tree height. Giraffes’ long necks enable them to spot danger or look out for feeding opportunities. They also use their long necks to fight and their long legs can kick even some of the savanna’s most feared animals like the lions.

All these safari giants make Uganda safari adventures enjoyable. Uganda has a lot of experiences to offer including birding and cultural and historical safaris. You are free to customize your Uganda safari featuring any of these species and experiences. For more savanna wildlife numbers you can combine a Uganda safari with Tanzania outdoor adventures. Tanzania unlike Uganda has numbers of the major savanna wildlife species. Contact us now to start planning your wildlife adventure.

Tanzania Outdoor Tour adventures. Courtesy Photo
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

The Best of Tanzania Outdoor Tour Adventures

Tanzania outdoor tour adventures offer the ultimate savanna wildlife safari. Africa is a leading destination for Big Five mammals, Big Cats, primates, and cultural Discovery Journeys. Tanzania is a tourism giant renowned for its incredible savanna wildlife experiences. It is ideal for classic savanna wildlife and primate journeys featuring chimpanzee trekking.

The common Tanzania Outdoor Tour Adventures are done in the open savanna national parks thanks to the easy accessibility. Apart from accessibility, these Tanzania Outdoor Tour Adventures are remarkable and form unforgettable tour experiences. The year has just started and this is the best time to plan for Tanzania Journeys of Discovery featuring the top outdoor tour adventures. Our top picks include the following;

Serengeti Big Cats

Serengeti National Park’s big cats experience is fulfilling. The park’s major big cats include lions, leopards and cheetahs. They are savanna’s most sought-after safari animals and Serengeti has the highest concentration of these. Serengeti’s big cats thrive on the abundance of prey that includes several antelope species and zebras. This is boosted by the wildebeest calving period where over 7000 calves are born daily between November and February.

All the big cats in Serengeti can easily be spotted on game drives in any of the regions in Serengeti. It is recommended to start these game drives as early as 5:00 am. This enables you to catch up with the cats as they start their hunting quests before the sun fully rises. Evening game drives are also ideal and rewarding with big cats and many other wildlife species.

Tanzania outdoor tour adventures featuring the big cats in Serengeti can be done any time of the year. The rainy season months of April, May, and November enable the growth of lush vegetation that is used as hiding places for the cats as they stealthily follow their prey. For the best experiences we recommend a visit during the dry season. Game drive trails are dry and there are minimal rainfall disturbances.

Ballon Tour adventures

Ballon tour adventures are among the most recommended Tanzania outdoor tour adventures. All of Tanzania’s savanna destinations are remarkably beautiful with diverse wildlife species. Balloon tours are the only way you explore these with a panoramic view. They are more fun in Serengeti National Park following the great wildebeest migration. There is nothing as refreshing as seeing millions of animals move over the open plains of Serengeti.

Ballon tour adventures are also among the most exclusive Tanzania outdoor tour adventures. They are done with minimum numbers and can also be exclusively booked. Balloon safaris are ideal for all types of Discovery Journeys including families, Couples, adventure, and photography safaris.

These are also done any Time of the year but held in the early morning hours and late evenings. Our Serengeti safaris feature Ballon safaris and can be arranged multiple times on different days in case you are on a Tanzania filming safari.

Open Savanna Sundowners

Savanna wildlife sundowners are intimate bringing you closer to wildlife. Unlike the traditional game drives held in vehicles, Sundowners are held in safe open places within the vicinity of the wildlife. Animal sightings are a must and the beautiful sunsets crown it all with some of the best golden moments you will ever have.

Sundowners are organized by lodges and camps and can be used to commemorate events like birthdays and wedding anniversaries. They also offer the best of destination weddings and honeymoon safaris. Simple snacks and drinks are provided on sundowners and you therefore enjoy your evenings dining in the wild.

All Tanzania outdoor tour destinations are ideal for sundowners. They are also often guided by the native tribes including the Masai. This enables you to learn more about their culture and heritage and bond with the local people. Sundowners are authentic and our ideal Discovery Journeys experiences. When planning your Tanzania outdoor tour adventures ensure to add these at your every featured destination.

Southern Tanzania Boat Tour Adventures

Boat tour adventures offer the best marine wildlife experiences. In the major savanna national parks, Lakes and Rivers attract land mammals including elephants that go down the shores and river banks to take water on hot days. This makes boat tours enjoyable as you Stand a chance of seeing the different wildlife including birds.

Southern Tanzania offers some of the best Outdoor boat tour experiences. The region has a great River Network with some traversing through the major protected areas. River Rufigi for example passes through the northern Sector of Nyerere National Park and is home to crocodiles, hippos, and birds among others.

Boat tours are a great supplement to game drives and balloon safaris. They give you a different perspective of savanna wildlife and species that live on both land and water. On these Tanzania boat tours, you also get to explore the rich bird life that features swampy and water bird species. The 10-day Southern Tanzania safari features a boat cruise along the Rufiji River where you can have all these experiences. We also customized a 5-day fishing Safari that features spot fishing and game drives.

Ngorongoro Untamed Safari Journeys

The Ngorongoro Crater is one Northern Tanzania tour destinations you must never miss. This crater is the world’s largest unfilled caldera and is also home to several wildlife species. It covers a land area of 264 square kilometers that comprises other landscapes including a lake, a riverine swamp, and a Highland. This diverse ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater is home to various wildlife species including the big five mammals.

Game drives on the crater floor are rewarding as you easily spot the different wildlife species there. Apart from the big five, other notable safari animals in the crater include wildebeests, zebras, oribi, and birds among others.

The Ngorongoro Crater and other Northern Tanzania destinations Like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti form the ultimate Tanzania Outdoor Tour experience. You can have a customized Tanzania safari to any or all of these destinations. The Peak tourist season is already getting booked but there is still time for you to book your outdoor tour. You can always combine these with Tanzania beach holidays to Zanzibar and the beaches along Mainland Tanzania. Uganda Safaris featuring wildlife Giants like mountain gorillas are also great options to look into.

Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Tour Adventures. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Tour Adventures

Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Tour Adventures to Volcanoes National Park are the best Rwanda Tour experiences. They feature hiking the Misty Virunga Mountains to meet the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas live in the forested mountains in East and Central Africa and can only be found in three countries on the entire planet. These are Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mountain gorillas are currently among the most sought-after wildlife species. They were listed as critically endangered by the IUCN in the 1980s when their population had drastically reduced. This was due to civil wars, high levels of poaching and habitat encroachment. All these threats still stand but the mountain gorilla population has steadily increased over the years.

Rwanda currently has a gorilla naming ceremony (Kwita Izina) which is a gorilla conservation drive. Kwita Izina’s primary aim is to monitor the growth and survival of all the newly born mountain gorillas. With this naming, it is easy to know what is happening in the lives of these primates as you can easily identify them by name. This and many more experiences make Rwanda Mountain gorilla tour adventures exceptional.

The beauty of Mountain Gorilla Tour Adventures

It is on Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Tour adventures that you get to meet one of man’s closest primate species. Gorillas have over 95% DNA similar to humans and share a lot of similarities with us.

They live in families of up to 15 individuals or more. These families have a typical family setting comprising males, females, juveniles, and infant gorillas. Each Gorilla family is led by a dominant male called Silverback who oversees its family safety and mostly determines the day’s routine. For a male gorilla to assume this responsibility it must have defeated any other male gorilla contenders in its group. These can choose to stay and be subordinates or leave to start their own families.

Female mountain Gorillas are caretakers and ensure the wellbeing of the youngness. These just like female humans have monthly menstruation cycles and their gestation period is also 9 months. They breastfeed their young ones and these can stay up to 2 or 3 years under their mothers’ care. On the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tour adventures, you will observe and learn about some of these gorilla facts.

It is humbling to look into the eyes of mountain gorillas. This experience is often described as a once in a lifetime and often feels like looking at someone you know. When visiting Rwanda, ensure to visit the Virunga mountains and experience this on your own.

Where to go for gorilla trekking safaris

Gorilla trekking safaris are exclusive to the Virunga Mountains, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the adjacent Sarambwe Reserve. Virunga Mountains comprise a Volcanic Mountain range along the Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC border. There are 10 of these Volcanoes with two active ones; Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira.

The Virunga Mountains area is gazetted into national parks on all sides of the borders. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most prominent one and has the highest Mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Mountains. It has 20 habituated gorilla families but only 10 are currently open to tourism.

Virunga National Park is located in DRC and is home to the second-highest gorilla population in the Virunga massif. The Park is however currently closed because of civil wars in the area. Virunga National Park has had a challenge of rebel attacks that have led to the death of many rangers trying to protect the gorillas and their habitats. We can only that peace is restored in this park because it is only that which can guarantee the mountain gorilla survival.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the last gorilla park in the Virunga Mountains. It is located in southwestern Uganda and covers Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the other Uganda Gorilla Trekking destination. This has a different ecosystem from the Virunga mountains and is currently one with the highest gorilla population of all the gorilla parks.

Planning your gorilla trekking safari

Planning your gorilla trekking safari is important. This is primarily because there are limited gorilla trekking permits a day. Only 8 tourists are allowed to trek to a mountain gorilla family in all the trekking destinations. This is aimed at protecting the mountain gorillas and their ecosystem.

With the high demand for Rwanda Mountain Gorilla trekking tour adventures, you are highly recommended to book your Safari months in advance. The peak tourist season months in Rwanda are very competitive as gorilla permits get fully booked a couple of months before. This peak season starts from June to September and from mid-December to February. If you plan to visit Rwanda in any of these months ensure to double check gorilla permit availability.

What to expect during a gorilla trekking safari

The Mountain gorilla trekking activity starts early morning. You are expected to be at the park headquarters by 7:00 am for a briefing about the trekking regulations. It is here where you are also allocated to a gorilla family you are to trek to and your head ranger guide.

After the briefing, you are then led to the forested mountains amidst sightings of other wildlife species. The trek takes 1 to 4 hours depending on the movement of the mountain gorillas. It is you to trek to the gorillas and keep up with their pace of the day. Some gorilla families can be got after longer hours of hiking but it is still adventurous and remarkable.

On getting to the gorillas, you can only stay in their presence for an hour keeping a distance of 7 to 10 meters. During this time you get to observe and learn more about these apes. Photography is possible but flash photography is strictly not allowed. This is to avoid irritating the gorillas as they can easily charge at you in defense.

Other wildlife encounters on gorilla trekking safaris

Rwanda offers many other wildlife encounters. These include chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest in southwestern Rwanda. The park is home to many other primates including L’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys, grey-checked Mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys among others. Nyungwe is also Rwanda’s most important birding area because of its bird diversity and the number of endemics. It is therefore best for primates and birding encounters.

For savanna wildlife and journeys with the Big Five mammals, Akagera National Park got you covered. Akagera is the only savanna national park in Rwanda and thankfully has all that you would desire to see in an open savanna park. It is also diverse with various ecosystems including swamps where you can spot several bird species.

Visit Rwanda for not just gorilla trekking but also other incredible Discovery Journeys adventures. You can extend these to Kenya and Tanzania depending on the time you have and your preferences. Contact Us now for a customized safari itinerary or clarification in case you have any queries.

Birds on Lake Naivasha. Key Kenya Rift Valley Safari destinations
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Key Kenya Rift Valley Safari destinations

Kenya Rift Valley safari destinations are among the most iconic Kenya natural wonders. Nature and wildlife are the backbone of Kenya safaris the Kenya Rift Valley safari destinations offer you the best of nature.

A Rift Valley is a depression or lowland area formed when tectonic actions pull the earth’s plates apart. The Great Rift Valley is one of the planet’s prominent natural formations. It covers a distance of over 7,000 kilometers from Syria to Mozambique.

It is believed to have been formed about 35 million years ago and it is a center of Volcanic action till the present day. The East African Rift Valley has two arms the Western and Eastern Arm. It is the Eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley that goes through Kenya. Here you find several features from Lakes, Rivers, and Volcanic mountains among others.

The Kenya Rift Valley safari destinations are attractions themselves but also home to several wildlife species. Below are some of our top five and most recommended for the ultimate Kenya safari adventure.

Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru is the most prominent Kenya Rift Valley safari destination. It is located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and stands at an elevation of 1,754 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by bushy savanna grasslands and wooden vegetation along the slopes of the valley.

Lake Nakuru was initially home for flamingos but that changed because of the increase in water levels. Flamingos have since migrated to Lake Bogoria another Rift Valley Lake in Kenya. There are still flamingos you can spot while on the Lake but they are not as many as they used to be.

Lake Nakuru was gazetted into a national park in 1961 to mainly protect the lake and wildlife species around it. The Lake itself is the primary attraction but the savannas are home to rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras among others. Lake Nakuru National Park is the only National Park in Kenya with the endangered Masai Giraffe. It is still an incredible Kenya birding Safari destination with over 400 bird species. Great White Pelicans, grey-crowned cranes, and pallid harrier are some of the birds you can spot here.

While visiting this Kenya Rift Valley safari destination you can engage in several safari adventures. They include game drives, birding safaris, and hiking among others. Our 4-day Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara feature a visit to the Lake for game drives and birding excursions.

Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo is another outstanding Kenya Rift Valley Lake and safari destination. It covers a land area of 130 square kilometers at 970 meters above sea level.

The Lake has three major tributaries that include River Ol Arabel, River Molo, and River Perkerra. There is no known Lake Baringo distributary and it is assumed that the water is instead drained down the volcanic cracks in the Lake.

Lake Baringo is a freshwater Lake and is also home to several other bird species. It is home to over 470 bird species. This makes the Lake a birders paradise and one of the best birding destinations in East Africa. The local community depends on the Lake for food (Tilapia) and a source of water for Livestock.

When visiting the Kenya Rift Valley safari destinations ensure to add Lake Bogoria to the list. That visit makes more sense as you spot the major bird species and other wildlife including hippos and crocodiles.

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is the second and last freshwater Rift Valley Lake. It makes it to our list of Kenya Rift Valley safari destinations because of its nature and wildlife. It has the highest elevation of all Kenyan Rift Valley Lake standing at 1,884 meters above sea level.

The lake covers a surface area of 198 square kilometers having increased from 139 because of rising water levels. Just like other Great Rift Valley Lakes, Lake Naivasha has a vibrant bird life. The Lakes ecosystem has several wildlife species including hippos.

Lake Naivasha has a crescent island that you can visit using a boat. It is among the few Kenya safari destinations where you can have a boat cruise adventure. The Lake acts as a major stopover area from or to Masai Mara. This enables one to reduce the drive distance but also be able to explore the lake and its other attractions.

Do not miss a mix of an epic boat ride on Lake Naivasha and a wildebeest migration safari in Masai Mara.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is one Kenya Rift Valley safari destination with a lot of Volcanic action evidence. The park has ridges and Volcanic bedrock with some of the most impressive Volcanic features.

It covers a land area of 68 square kilometers and is one of the smallest National Parks in Kenya. Despite its small size, Hell’s Gate National Park offers some of the best hiking adventures. It can be explored on foot on hikes and guided nature walks, drives to see the wildlife, or on cycling adventures.

Some of the notable wildlife species you can see here include zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes. Of all the big cats, Leopards and cheetahs are present but rarely seen. You can however compensate for that with a birding Discovery Journey as the park is home to over 100 bird species.

Hell’s Gate National Park is close to Lake Naivasha and you can combine a visit to the two Kenya Rift Valley safari destinations.

Menengai Crater

Menengai Crater is our final and unique Kenya Rift Valley safari destination. It is believed to have been formed a hundred thousand years ago when an eruption happened. Menengai Crater is Kenya’s largest Volcanic Caldera and the second largest on the continent.

The crater has a cultural and spiritual significance in the Masai community. Some people still visit the crater area for prayer and meditation. The key attraction here includes the crater itself with viewpoints for scenic tours. There are caves and several trails you can follow to explore the crater area.

While visiting the Menengai Crater you can engage in activities like birding, nature walks, biking, and photography tours among others. Kenya is a true birthplace of safari and many of these destinations including the Great Rift Valley make it exceptional.

Our safari calendar is open and you can plan your journeys of discovery to any of the above destinations. We offer safari options beyond Kenya to the neighboring Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. In Uganda, you can always have a trek to the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees.

Baby Gorilla in Bwindi. Uganda Tour Adventures to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Uganda Tour Adventures to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Uganda Tour adventures to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are for gorilla trekking experiences. The park is located in southwestern Uganda and is home to the rare mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not just home to mountain gorillas but also other primates and large mammals.

The forested park covers a land area of 321 kilometers squares of Afro Montane Forests that are among the best preserved in Uganda. There are over 27 reptile species, 200 tree species, and over 1000 flowering plant species. It is because of this diversity and the park being home to the mountain gorillas that Bwindi was designated a World Heritage site.

The major Uganda Tour adventures feature this Uganda safari destination as many like to hike and meet the mountain gorillas. Beyond the normal gorilla trekking adventure, you can engage in several other activities there. Below is a list of these tour adventures.

Gorilla Trekking Tour adventures

Mountain gorilla trekking is the major primate trekking activity you can engage in Bwindi. The park is divided into four sectors where you can trek to the gorillas. Buhoma sector in the north is the oldest and busiest sector of Bwindi. The first mountain gorilla family to be habituated and opened for tourism is in this sector.

Buhoma currently five habituated gorilla families here. They include Mubare, which is the oldest family having been habituated in 1992 and open for tourism in 1993. Rushegura, Habinyanja, Muyambi, and Katwe are the other gorilla families.

The Buhoma sector has several accommodation options ranging from Budget to high-end safari lodges and camps. They include A&K Gorilla Forest Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Ride4AWoman among others.

Other Sectors of Bwindi

Other sectors of Bwindi are Ruhija in the eastern part of the park and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern part. When going for a gorilla trek in any of these sectors you are expected at the park headquarters at 7:00 am. Here you are briefed about the gorilla trekking rules and regulations before embarking on your ultimate primate adventure. The trek takes 1 to 4 hours or more depending on the movement of the gorillas. On this trek, you are permitted only an hour in the presence of the gorillas.

Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience

The mountain gorilla habituation experience is more extensive and gives you more time with the gorillas. This experience takes you behind the scenes following the actual gorilla habituation process.

Bwindi Impenetrable forests still have gorillas that are not habituated and this process is aimed at making them accustomed to human beings presence. It also starts early morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. After this, you directly head to the forested mountains with your packed lunch.

The trek to the gorillas also takes 1 to 4 hours or more. Once you get to them you stay up to 4 hours observing and learning more about them as the rangers do the habituation process. You are supposed to keep a 7-meter distance away from the gorillas for your safety and that of the gorillas.

There are only four slots available for the gorilla habituation experience a day. It is also only done in the southern sector of Bwindi (Rushaga). It is therefore advised to book your adventure early enough and the most convenient accommodation option in the Rushaga sector.

Birding Tours

Birding is a great part of Uganda Tour adventures. There are several Uganda birding safari destinations Bwindi Impenetrable Forest included. Bwindi lies in the Albertine Rift Valley and you find Albertine endemic bird species there. There are 23 of these Albertine endemics the highest of any other destination in the rift.

Bwindi offers Africa’s finest montane forest birding experiences. It is also a center for migratory birds that are usually present from November to April.

The Mubwindi swamp is a major wetland in the park that offers a different birding experience. Just the forest, the swamp can be accessed on foot. It is the only place where you can find the African green broadbill. This birding adventure is even more remarkable as you stand a chance to see other animal species present in the park including forest elephants.

Nature walks

There are several trails in Bwindi where guided nature walks are done. Nature walks are some of the most recommended Uganda Tour adventures as they bring you close to nature.

Doing a nature walk in a destination like Bwindi enables you to see some of the small animal species. The major reptile species are best seen on these walks. Some of the notable ones you can see include the three-horned chameleon. You also stand a chance to see birds even if you are not on a specific birding walk.

Some of the most recommended walks in Bwindi include the Buhoma-Nkuringo Walk. These take 3 to 4 hours or more depending on the speed of the hikers. The walk connects the northern to the southern sector and on it, you see several birds and primates in the park. If lucky you can even see mountain gorillas. As you get to Nkuringo you get an incredible view of the Virunga Mountains in DRC.

Community Visits

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is surrounded by the Batwa and Bakiga communities. The Batwa are initial forest dwellers who entirely depended on the forest for survival. They are hunter-gatherers who would gather all their food, water, and medicine from the forest.

All of them were unfortunately evicted to pay way for wildlife conservation amidst poaching claims. The Batwa now live on the outskirts of the forest and have been forced to adapt to a new way of life. On a community visit to the Batwa, you will get to learn more about their culture and heritage.

For a better batwa community experience it is better to visit Mgahinga Gorilla Park. This is also located in southwestern Uganda and is part of the Virunga conservation area. The Batwa in Mgahinga were evicted from the park as well but still have an opportunity to go back into the forest. In the Batwa trail experiences, they lead you to the forest demonstrating their initial ways of life. The trail goes up to the Garama cave which is sacred to them.

Be part of all these Uganda Tour adventures in Bwindi and more. For proper exploration of the park, you can stay up to 4 nights engaging in the different safari activities. Since this is coming to an end, this is the best time to book your Uganda tour adventures to Bwindi. You can also visit other Uganda safari destinations or the Kenya Rift Valley for birding and Tanzania for journeys with the wildebeests.

Must Visit 2024 Tanzania Tour Destinations
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Must Visit 2024 Tanzania Tour Destinations

This year is ending and adventure travelers are gearing up for the 2024 Tanzania Tour destinations and safari offers. Tanzania is renowned for classic savanna wildlife offers and it tops the bucket lists of adventure lovers. It offers a variety of experiences from the commonly known to the exclusive and less traveled path safari adventures. 

If you are considering an African safari next year, here are the top 2024 Tanzania Tour Destinations you can check out.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is one of the most prominent Tour destinations in Northern Tanzania. It is the 6th largest in Tanzania covering a land area of about 2,850 square kilometers. Tarangire is famous for its elephant herds and many other wildlife species present in the park.

Buffaloes, Zebras, and wildebeests are abundant in the park while hippos and elephants are commonly seen. The park is rich in bird life with over 500 bird species present. Some of the notable birds here include the red-bellied parrot, white-headed buffalo-weaver, ashy starling, and the ostrich among others.

Tarangire together with other northern Tanzania protected areas form the northern Tanzania circuit. It is the most adventurous tourism circuit to take in the whole of Tanzania. Tarangire alone offers exclusive safari experiences if compared to other destinations in the north like Serengeti. This is the primary reason why you should add it to your 2024 Tanzania tour destinations.

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi is located in Southern Tanzania and it is the most easily accessible of all southern Tanzania tour destinations. Southern Tanzania is wild and remote with exclusive savanna wildlife experiences. This makes safaris there the best options for those who prefer less crowded and eco-friendly experiences.

The park has four of the big five mammals even though leopards are rarely seen. Elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, and giraffes are abundant and you can easily spot these while on game drives. Lions are present in the park but rarely seen and so are hyenas and the African wild dog.

Birders are well covered here as well as Mikumi is home to over 400 bird species. The park can best be accessed by road from Dar-es-salaam and by air when coming from Northern Tanzania destinations. Safari experiences have been changing over the years and experiential and more eco-friendly. Mikumi is one of the few destinations in Tanzania where you will have that. Let this exclusive wild place not miss on your 2024 Tanzania tour destinations list.

Serengeti

Serengeti is one undeniably unique and diverse Tanzania tour destination. It is located in northern Tanzania and together with the Masai Mara has an ecosystem where the wildebeest migration takes place.

The wildlife numbers in Serengeti are unmatched and you are assured of seeing the major safari animals here. Serengeti has one of the highest lion and big cat populations in Tanzania even the elusive leopard is often seen.

The great wildebeest migration is the biggest wildlife draw here. It involves millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles that over the open plains looking for pasture. Migrating herds draw the land’s deadliest predators especially the big cats that take advantage of the numbers. The wildebeest river crossings of the Grumeti and Mara Rivers are spectacular and here the wildebeests face another obstacle the Nile Crocodiles. This migration is a journey of life and death and a must for your 2024 Tanzania tour adventures.

Zanzibar Islands

Zanzibar islands are off mainland Tanzania and a perfect escape after a savanna wildlife safari. Zanzibar’s location in the Indian Ocean makes it exclusive and ideal for honeymooners. The islands have white-sand beaches where you can relax and enjoy the African sun.

Zanzibar islands have a rich history that dates back to the 16th Century. There is a rich culture and heritage of the native Tanzanian tribes, Arabs, and Europeans. Stone Town is one of the historical places in Zanzibar where you can experience true Swahili culture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical and cultural significance.

The perfect Tanzania safari itinerary usually combines a safari on the mainland and a beach holiday in Zanzibar. It does not matter whether you visit the south or northern tourism circuit. We customize all our safari itineraries and can work out the perfect Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach tour.

Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi is a cultural Tanzania tour destination. It is home to the Hadzabe tribe among the few African tribes that have retained their traditional practices.

The Hadzabe are predominantly hunter-gatherers who depend on the wild ecosystem for food and survival. They make a clicking sound when they speak and can be great people to listen to. Hadzabe homesteads comprise small huts and a visit to their community takes you back to the African traditional Society.

This community visit is one of the best and most authentic African tribal experiences and we highly recommend it. Tanzania has many other tribes where you can have community and cultural experiences. Others include the Masai, the Wataturu, the Sukuma, and the Datoga tribes.

Other remarkable and exclusive 2024 Tanzania Tour destinations you can look at include Katavi National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Nyerere National Park among others. You can always combine your Discovery Journeys adventures to Uganda for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rwanda is also another gorilla trekking destination and home to chimpanzees as well. A primate and open savanna wildlife safari is extensive and currently the best African adventure safari.

Rwanda Birding Tours and Safari Destinations
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Rwanda Birding Tours and Safari Destinations

Rwanda Birding Tours supplement the famous primate treks that feature chimpanzees and mountain gorilla trekking. Rwanda is a small land-locked country with few safari destinations. It is however diverse and offers some of the best East African Journeys of Discovery.

The country has a dark history of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis but has steadily recovered from that. The Rwandan people have gone through a trying reconciliation process. Rwanda’s current achievements today are proof of that and hard work from the Rwandan leadership and society in general.

The country’s fate changed from civil war to a leading safari destination on the African continent. It is clean and all its ecosystems have gone through conservation recovery registering the best conservation and sustainability successes. This article is just about the leading Rwanda Birding Tours and safari destinations and they include the following.

Nyungwe Forest Birding Tours

Nyungwe Forest lies on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley in southwestern Rwanda. It is Rwanda’s oldest and best-preserved forest that is home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. Even though most famous for chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe Forest is Rwanda’s most important birding area.

There are over 300 bird species in Nyungwe Forest including Albertine endemics. Nyungwe forest stretches on several highlands and you therefore find bird species unique to Highland forests. Notable Bird species you can see here include the great blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, red-collared babbler, and Albertine Owlet.

Nyungwe forest is a center for migratory birds that come from as far as Europe. The best time to see these is from November to May. Rwanda birding Tours to Nyungwe being a forested safari destination differ from open Savannas. Forest birding expeditions mainly depend on calls and the best months for this are from March to May. You can still enjoy birding tours to Nyungwe any time of the year even in the dry season. During that time birding and trekking trails are relatively dry and easy to hike through.

Akagera National Park's Big Five and Birding Safari Tours

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savanna national park. It is located in the eastern part of the country about a 3-hour drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital city. Akagera has a diverse ecosystem comprising swamps, savanna grasslands, and woodlands. The park is East and Central Africa’s largest protected wetland.

Rwanda Birding Tours to Akagera differs from Nyungwe Forest and introduces you to wetland and savanna bird life. With over 480 recorded bird species, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s second most important bird area. Of the 480 species 100 are endemic to Akagera and can not be found in any other destination in Rwanda.

Akagera is home to the rare and prehistoric shoebill stork. Other notable birds you can see on Rwanda Birding tours here include the African fish eagle, sooty chat, black-headed gonolek, booted eagle, and the grey crowned cranes among others. You can enjoy your birding safaris here while on game drives or a boat cruise along Lake Ihema.

Beyond the birds, Akagera National Park has all the big five mammals. These include elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and Rhinos (both black and white rhinos). Other wildlife species you will certainly spot on your Rwanda safari to Akagera include giraffes, the topi, zebras, elands, and many other antelope species. Rwanda birding tours and overall safari experiences in Akagera are possible all year round. The dry months from June to August are however ideal for wetland bird viewing and the wet season months offer the best chances for savanna wildlife bird species.

Nyandungu Eco Park Tours

Nyandungu Eco Park is situated in the heart of Kigali and is one of the best ecosystem restoration successes in Rwanda. This once-degraded wetland covers 121 hectares of forests and swamps. Nyandugu Eco Park’s restoration brought birding and wildlife adventures to the city center accessible to all.

The Eco park was open to public visits in 2022 and is still monitored to ensure more ecosystem recovery and wildlife thriving. There are over 100 bird species recorded here including the grey-crowned cranes, the black Cuckoo-shrike, weaver birds, herons, and kingfishers among others.

Nyandungu Eco Park can easily be explored on foot along the 10-kilometer walkways and bike lanes in the park. When in Kigali you do not have to worry about traveling several kilometers to Nyungwe or Akagera for Rwanda birding tours. You can simply dive in and start your birding journeys here in the city center.

Virunga Mountain Birding Safaris

The Virunga mountains in the Volcanoes National Park area in northwestern Rwanda are not overrated. These mountains are home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and several bird species. Virunga Mountain ranges lie in the Albertine Rift Valley and are ideal to explore the Albertine Rift Valley endemics.

There are about 200 bird species recorded here. Notable ones including the black-crowned waxbill, the common stonechat, the Rwenzori Turaco, and Rwenzori batis among others. Rwanda birding tours in Volcanoes National Park are best enjoyed during the dry season from June to August and from December to February. This is because the mountains are often covered in mist on cold days and early morning hours. This fades away on hot days enabling better visibility and photography chances.

You can still combine Rwanda gorilla trekking adventures with the birding tours. It would not make sense to visit the area without doing the gorilla trek. Your Rwanda birding tours to Volcanoes National Park are richer with Nyungwe or Akagera National Park on the same itinerary.

Giswhati Mukura Birding

Giswhati Mukura is a recently established national park in Rwanda. It was gazetted in 2015 and covers the Giswati and Mukura forests which are about 50 kilometers apart. This area between the two tropical rainforests is still not wasted as it is being restored and hopefully, the whole park will become one ecosystem.

Just Nyungwe Forest, Giswhati Mukura is a chimpanzee trekking destination. Where trees are, however, it is rare not to find birds as well. The Giswhati Mukura has so far 150 bird species and the list will increase as the forested park is explored further. The fact that this Rwanda safari destination is not yet fully explored, it offers exclusive primate and birding experiences.

Join our Journeys of Discovery not just to Rwanda but also to other destinations. You can visit Uganda for a hike to the Rwenzori mountains of the moon, visit Tanzania for journeys with the wildebeest migration or take on Kenya coastal Tours and beach holidays.

Kenya Coastal Tour adventures and safari. Discovery Journeys. 7-Day Kenya Wildlife
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Kenya Coastal Tour adventures

Kenya Coastal Tour adventures offer a unique Kenyan safari experiences. Kenya is among the few East African countries with a coastline. The country borders the Indian Ocean to the east with a coastline covering 490 kilometers. This coastline is a center of Kenya Coastal Tour adventures and it is rich in history and Swahili culture. Several Kenya Coastal towns have a history dating back to the 16th Century.

Kenya Coastal Tour Adventures covers tours to Islands that are part of the Republic of Kenya. Notable tour experiences you can engage in while visiting the Kenya coast include the following.

Watamu North Kenya Coast Tours

Watamu is situated north of Mombasa Kenya’s coastal and second biggest city. It is among the prominent Kenya Coast Tour destinations renowned for its Marine protected area, Watamu Marine National Park. The park is a haven for green turtles and several other Marine wildlife including fish. Watamu has unique coral gardens that harbor many marine wildlife species that pave the way for many sea discovery journeys.

Being by the ocean, Watamu has white sand beaches where you relax on Kenya Coastal Tour adventures to the area. Other main activities you can engage in while here include diving, snorkeling, water skiing, and windsurfing among others.

The famous Mida Creek is also found in Watamu. The Mida Creek is a 32-kilometer tidal water inlet surrounded by mangrove trees, seagrass, and several corals. It forms a natural water harbor that acts as a breeding ground for fish, and a feeding ground for sea turtles. It can be accessed on a dugout canoe and is ideal for birding, marine wildlife exploration. Kenya Coastal Tour adventures to Watamu are a Must and offer remarkable experiences.

Lamu Island adventures

Lamu Island is situated about 241 kilometers off the Kenyan coast Northeast of Mombasa. The island is a major port and historical town of Kenya having been founded in the 12th Century. It is one of Kenya’s best-maintained Swahili cultural towns and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2001.

This island has been inhabited by people from different walks of life. They include the native people of Kenya, Arabs, and Europeans each with a rich culture and heritage. All these cultural influences over the years led to a blend of a unique culture that you can only experience on Kenya Coastal Tour adventures in Lamu.

On a visit to the Island, you can tour the old Lamu Town for an understanding of the historical background of the island. A stroll in the streets takes you back in time and is more enjoyable as you interact with the people. You can visit the white sand beaches, especially in Shela, and relax or engage in beach sports activities. Wind and Kite surfing are other adventurous tour activities you can engage in while here.

Malindi Marine Park Tour Adventures.

Malindi is another incredible destination for Kenya Coastal Tour adventures. It is located north of Mombasa and is believed to be Africa’s oldest Marine protected area. Just like many other Kenya Coastal towns, Malindi has a rich Swahili heritage that is often portrayed in the architecture and people’s ways of life. A Kenya Coastal Tour here also pushes you back in Time providing once-in-a-lifetime historical tour experiences.

Malindi Marine Park is a coral garden with seagrass beds that are home and breeding grounds for fish, sea turtles, and other marine wildlife. The zebrafish is one of the iconic fish species here as well as some shorebird species. These hang around on the coast and prey on the young turtles that fight to make their way to the sea.

Notable tour activities you can engage in here include birding, diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and scenic walks . Experience the historical and marine side of Kenya’s coast by taking on Journeys of Discovery to Malindi.

Diani Beach tours

Diani Beach is a household Kenya Beach destination name. It is located south of Mombasa and renowned for its cool white-sand beaches. Diani Beach covers about 17 kilometers and it is a leading honeymoon destination on the continent. It also acts as a destination wedding area in East Africa where newlyweds immediately start their Kenya Honeymoon safaris.

This beach also has several marine wildlife attractions including sea turtles. It has several coral reefs where you find fish species of different kinds. Here you can enjoy Marine wildlife tours diving with these species and more. It is also one of the few coastal areas with primate-protected areas. The Colobus Conservation Center was set up there to protect Angolan Colobus. It is home to other six primate species on the southern Kenyan coast.

Diani has a historical touch with attractions like the Kongo mosque which was established in the 16th Century. Other unique natural and historical attractions at Diani Beach include caves. Caves are a natural landscape occurrence but often have a cultural and historical significance. The slave caves here were for example used as safe places for slaves before being sold to Zanzibar and other slave markets. The three sister caves were also used for the same during the slave trade era and now are home to flying foxes and bats.

Ensure to add Diani Beach expeditions to your Kenya Coastal Tour adventures.

Kilifi Coast Journeys of Discovery

It is hard to talk about Kenya Coastal Tour adventures without mentioning Kilifi. Kilifi is another historical town along the Kenyan coast. It is located about 56 kilometers north of Mombasa and offers exclusive coastal tour experiences. Kilifi’s strategic location on a creek and estuary makes it naturally enclosed and exclusive.

This coastal town has a vibrant culture of the Mijikenda people who are predominantly of Bantu ethnicity. These were joined by Arabs and Europeans and have been living alongside each other for centuries. Some of the iconic historical attractions at Kilifi include the Mnarani ruins, tombs and mosques dating from the 14th Century.

Kilifi is however pretty outstanding because of the exclusive white sand beaches. It favorably competes with Diani Beach as a leading destination wedding and honeymoon destination on the planet. You can do diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and fishing on your visit to Kilifi.

Mombasa City and Beach Tour Adventures.

Mombasa is one of East Africa’s major coastal cities and formerly Kenya’s Capital city. It was founded around 900 AD and has been serving as a trade center and major seaport entry to the mainland of East Africa. This historical background of Mombasa covers all aspects from the people, the trade, and general socio-economic ways of life.

Fort Jesus is one of the most iconic features in Mombasa. It was built by the Portuguese in the late 1500s and it is one of the best-preserved 16th Century military fortifications. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it is among the few historical heritage sites in Kenya.

Mombasa also has white sand beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze. These however get crowned over the weekends and public holidays and may not be the best for those interested in exclusive experiences.

All these Kenya Coastal tour adventures are ideal for couples, groups of friends, and families. You can have your Kenya coastal tour any time of the year but most enjoyable in the dry season. Other tour experiences on mainland Kenya include safaris to Masai Mara, Hiking adventures to Mount Kenya, and Rwanda birding tour experiences. Contact us for your customized tours featuring some or all of these experiences.

Hiking Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Discovery Journeys. 11 Days Rwenzori Hiking
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Hiking Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon

Hiking Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains features on the bucket list of many mountain hikers. The Rwenzori Mountains are block mountain ranges along the Uganda and Democratic of Congo Border. The highest peak of these mountain ranges Margherita stands at 5,109 meters above sea level. It is Africa’s third highest mountain peak after Mount Kilimanjaro and Kenya respectively. Hiking these snow-capped mountains is truly remarkable and one of the best Uganda safari experiences.

These ranges are a water catchment area and are believed to be the highest source of the Great Nile River. Hiking Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains enables you to learn about the mountain’s significance in the climate and socioeconomic welfare of the people of East Africa.

Rwenzori Mountain ranges comprise several mountain peaks and a hike to any of these is adventurous. The mountains have glacial features some of which receding because of climate change. This is a very unique feature for a mountain range along the Equator within the tropics. It is only right to hike Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains to discover more about the wildlife and mountain ecosystem in general.

Rwenzori Mountain Hiking Itinerary Options

Hiking the Rwenzori mountains can be customized starting from a one-day Hike to more. It all comes back to your preferences and physical fitness. The one-day Rwenzori Mountain hike enables you explore the wildlife in the Afro-montane forest along the mountains lower slopes. This starts from around 1,450 meters above sea level. In the forest, you see several primates and birds and many other large mammal species if lucky. Some of the primate species you can see here include chimpanzees, blue monkeys, and reptiles including the rare three-horned chameleon.

This one-day hike is a steady ascent and mountain descent that also provides impressive scenic views. For more mountain exploration it is however recommended to have a 5 to 8-day Rwenzori mountain hiking adventure. Each of the Rwenzori Hiking expeditions is done to a certain mountain point.

The 8-Day Rwenzori Hike

The 8-day Uganda Rwenzori Mountain Hike is to the Margherita peak. It can be covered in 6 or 5 days by well-experienced and physically fit mountain climbers.

The 8-day Rwenzori Hike is a bit more relaxed and enables you to explore the mountain fully. Day one of this Uganda Rwenzori Mountains adventure starts at 1,450 meters. The adventure goes through the montane forests with an overnight at the Sine Hut at 2,596 meters above sea level. Depending on one’s fitness, there is a possibility of hiking to the Kalalama camp at 3,134 meters above sea level. At this mountain level, you would have already started having the incredible mountain views.

From the Sine Hut or Kalalama Camp, the hike proceeds through the bamboo zone to the Mutinda Camp. From Mutinda you hike through the boggy trail to Bugata Camp which is at 4,100 meters above sea level. On this trail, you will see giant lobelias and other unique plants. The hike gets more fun and adventurous as you ascend to Hunwick’s Camp which has incredible views of Mt Stanley, Mt Baker, and Weismanns Peak. Since the ultimate goal is to reach the summit the hike continues till one reaches peak, Margherita.

Hiking Gear for A Uganda Rwenzori Mountain Hike.

To successfully hike Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains you must pack the right hiking gear. Rwenzori Mountain hiking has become strenuous because climate changes lead to changes in landscapes because of the receding glaciers. The necessary Hiking gear include raincoats, heavy winter coats, hiking ropes, crampons, and torches Among others. Some of the hiking gear can be hired by the mountaineering service providers.

When planning to hike the mountain you do not just have to be physically fit but a little familiar with the use of ropes and crampons. The Mountain top is fully covered with ice and having an experience in the use of an ice axe is an added advantage. All Rwenzori hikes are monitored by experienced mountain guides and you can still be guided in case you are a first timer.

It is also vital to follow the guidelines issued by your hiking guide for your safety while on the mountain.

Best time for Rwenzori Hiking

Mountain Rwenzori can be hiked any time of the year but for the best experiences, it is recommended to hike in the dry months. These span from June to August and from December to February. Hiking in the dry season is a bit easy with minimal rainfall disturbances. It is also a great time for photography especially in the mountains that are truly less traveled paths.

We have led several expeditions to the mountains of the moon and can help you plan accordingly. Our 11-day Rwenzori hiking adventure is one of the best Uganda mountain hiking safaris you can take. This is fully dedicated to the mountain hike and on it, you can fully cover the major wildlife species and iconic features in the mountain. You can combine the mountain hike with other Uganda safari experiences including Primate trekking adventures with chimpanzees and mountain gorillas.

Apart from the Rwenzori mountains, East Africa has other mountain trekking experiences including Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in Tanzania and is Africa’s highest peak. Mount Kenya which has Africa’s second-highest Peak is another incredible mountain hiking and trekking adventure you can take. All these mountain hikes are at the center of open savannas where you can have a classic savanna wildlife safari.