


Must Do Uganda Boat Safari Experiences
Uganda boat safari experiences are a game changer on Uganda safaris and Discovery Journeys. The country is most famous for mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking. Uganda Boat safari experiences are a great deal and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Uganda lies in the Great Lakes region with a network of Lakes, Rivers and swamps. Many of these are situated within national parks and Uganda boat safari experiences on them are rewarding. Let us look at the top must-do Uganda boat safari experiences while on Uganda Journeys of Discovery.
Nile Delta Boat Safari
River Nile forms a Nile Delta in Murchison Falls National Park as it enters Lake Albert. The River Nile in Uganda is in its early stages. It has its source at Jinja and the formation of a Delta at this River stage is a natural wonder.
The Nile Delta’s vegetation is Marshy and acts as a home to various wildlife species including Hippos. It is home to several bird species including the rare shoebill stork. The saddle-billed stork, African Darter, Giant Kingfisher, Osprey, and Long-toed Plover are other notable birds you can see on a Uganda boat safari to the Nile Delta.
Uganda boat safari experiences along the Nile Delta are truly rewarding and Must must-do. You can also have customized trips featuring fishing, birding, and rafting among other experiences.
Bottom of the Falls Boat Cruise
The River Nile boat safari to the Bottom of Murchison Falls is the most commonly done Uganda Boat safari in Murchison Falls National Park. The Nile River Plunges down a narrow gorge of about 7 meters wide forming the Murchison Falls.
Murchison Falls is iconic and a leading attraction in Murchison Falls National Park. It is the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls that you get to see these magnificent falls. This cruise apart from the falls gives you an opportunity to see many wildlife species along the River banks.
Nile crocodiles, Elephants, Hippos, Giraffes, and buffaloes are among the leading savanna species you see here. There are also various Bird species you can spot here including the King Fishers. All our Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls National Park feature a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls.
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
The Kazinga channel boat cruise is another must-do Uganda boat safari experience. Kazinga Channel is a 32-kilometer water channel that connects Lake Edward to Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel waters are about 8 meters deep and are very calm.
Kazinga channel has the highest Hippo population in East Africa and therefore the best place to see hippos. They are often spotted in the shallow waters of the channel banks in schools of up to 20 individuals.
The channel is a catchment area where safari animals like elephants go on a hot day to cool down. Buffaloes, crocodiles, and monitor lizards are also often seen here. The Kazinga channel boat cruise is so fulfilling that you can spot more wildlife species here than on a game drive.
Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Ride
Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern Uganda and is the country’s deepest lake. It is a lava-dammed lake with several islands inhabited by the local Bakiga communities. Lake Bunyonyi is a renowned honeymoon destination and a perfect place to relax.
Uganda boat safaris along Lake Bunyonyi are done in both dug-out canoes and motorized boats. The canoe rides are more authentic and enjoyable giving you a rustic and traditional boat experience.
The canoe rides are done to the islands and there you get to meet and interact with the local people. Community visits are engaging and give you real-time one-on-one moments you can not experience on other safari activities.
Lake Victoria Boat cruise
Lake Victoria is the world’s second-largest freshwater and another great Uganda boat safari destination. It is shared between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania and it is an important water body in this Great Lakes region.
There are many attractions that set Lake Victoria apart. The lake alone is an attraction. Major boat safaris done here are primarily to enjoy the breezes from the fresh waters. Lake Victoria has the source of the Nile at Jinja. This where River Nile starts its journey up north to the Mediterranean Sea. River Nile is Lake Victoria’s major distributary. A Lake Victoria Boat cruise to the source of the Nile is highly recommended.
Lake Victoria is crossed by the Equator and there are excursions from Entebbe to the Equator point. Uganda boat safaris and birding journeys to Mabamba wetlands are also done on Lake Victoria. Mabamba Wetland is most famous for the shoebill stork and has many other bird species.
The lake has several islands including Ngamba Island a sanctuary for chimpanzees. There are daily scheduled trips to Ngamba island for close-up moments with chimpanzees. Lake Victoria has not been fully explored. At Discovery Journeys we are ready to take you on exclusive boat safaris to this and many other less-explored destinations.
Other Safari Experiences
We customize safaris to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya safari Tours are even more enjoyable and offer remarkable Discovery Journeys. Masai Mara’s wildebeest migration safari is highly recommended. It involves over a million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles. Our Kenya safaris to Masai Mara features this, balloon safaris and the Big Cats experience.
Our Rwanda Discovery Journeys feature gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This is done alongside golden monkey trekking and mountain hiking of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Contact us for your tailor-made Uganda safari and Journey with us.

Where To Go on Tanzania Tour Adventures
Tanzania is a renowned destination and Tanzania Tour Adventures now top bucket lists of adventure lovers. The country is one of the largest in East Africa covering a land area of 947,303 square kilometers. This size gives it an advantage of diversity in Culture and wildlife and these are the backbone of Tanzania Tour adventures.
It is very hard to choose where to go on Tanzania Tour adventures but there are top must-visit destinations. In this article we are discussing these top five Must visit destinations in Tanzania for remarkable journeys of discovery.
Located in the northern tourism circuit of Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is the most visited protected area in Tanzania. The park is most famous for the big cats and the wildebeest migration. Serengeti has one of the highest lion populations plus other major big cats including leopards and cheetahs.
While on game drives here you can see at least 5 prides of lions of up to 10 individuals. The big cats’ experience in Serengeti is unmatched and we highly recommend it for first-timers on Tanzania Tour Adventures.
The wildebeest migration animals numbers of the wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles are high making Discovery Journeys in Serengeti even more fun. The migration itself is incredible but also involves a number of occurrences including the calving period, River Crossings, and fighting for survival from the predators. All these make Tanzania Tour adventures to Serengeti memorable.
To fully explore Serengeti, you can visit the park on a 4-day Serengeti Safari. Our 8-day Serengeti Safari also fully covers all the sectors of Serengeti following the migration.
Lake Eyasi
Lake Eyasi is one of the great Rift Valley lakes located in Northern Tanzania. It is also a famous destination in Northern Tanzania that you must include on your Tanzania Safari. Even though Lake Eyasi is the largest water body in the Arusha region, It is seasonal and shallow and almost dries up in the dry months.
The Hadzabe people and their culture are the key tourist attractions to Lake Eyasi. They are indigenous to the lake and among the few African people who have retained their cultural practices. They are hunter-gatherers and demonstrate their ways of life on a visit to their community. It is usually humbling to meet and interact with these indigenous communities and gives you an insight into their routine.
A visit to Lake Eyasi can be combined with a safari to Serengeti and other Northern Tanzania destinations.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest and unfilled caldera. It is believed to have been formed million years ago when a Volcanic mountain erupted and collapsed on itself forming a Crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is a wonder and is very spectacular to Visit while on Tanzania Tour Adventures.
It has many other relief features including a Riverine swamp, a crater lake (Lake Magadi), and raised lands. All these make Tanzania Tour Adventures in the crater enjoyable. These diverse ecosystems are home to various wildlife species including Rhinos, lions, elephants, and wildebeest among others.
Game drives on the Ngorongoro Crater floor are as rewarding as you get to journey with the safari animals in the crater. This crater is among the top northern Tanzania destinations and is highly recommended to visit.
Zanzibar is the perfect escape after a Tanzania wildlife safari. The island is located in the Indian Ocean about 25 kilometers off Tanzania’s mainland. Zanzibar apart from the white sand beaches, is a historic destination with iconic places like Stone Town whose history and trade date back to the 16th Century.
It is because of this rich history and heritage that Stone Town was inscribed as A World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can easily combine a Safari to the Mainland for savanna wildlife and native African cultural experiences plus a beach holiday in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is an ideal honeymoon destination and has a number of resorts ranging from budget to high-end. A number of these offer ground packages and you can choose to only visit the island if you want to relax. Beach sports activities like volleyball, beach soccer, snorkeling, and diving are some of the activities you can engage in while in Zanzibar.
Nyerere National Park is located in Southern Tanzania and is one of the best destinations to visit down south. The is currently Tanzania’s largest protected area and is home to some of the rare savanna wildlife including the wild dogs. It was formally known as the Selous Game Reserve but later upgraded to the level of a national park.
Tanzania Tour Adventures to Nyerere are exclusive as few people visit the southern Tanzania circuit. The park’s vast size also makes safaris there exclusive as you take different trails while on game drives. Elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and elands are some of the notable animals you can see while on safari here.
Our 10-day Southern Tanzania safari is the most suitable itinerary to explore Southern Tanzania. The itinerary can be further customized in case you have limited time in Tanzania.
Beyond Tanzania, you can join our Kenya Safari adventures for more classic safari experiences. In case you are a primate lover, You can visit Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking. The park was recently inscribed as a world heritage site and is home to 12 other primates besides chimpanzees. Rwanda will also the World Tourism Council Global Summit from 1st to 3rd November.

Nyungwe National Park Inscribed as a World Heritage Site
The 19th of September is a historical day for Rwanda as Nyungwe National Park was inscribed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The news was widely celebrated as one of Rwanda’s iconic safari destinations got recognition for its diversity and natural value.
Nyungwe National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda about 6 hours drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital. It covers a land area of 1,019 square kilometers and is Rwanda’s most important birding area. This forested National Park even though popularly known for chimpanzees has 12 other primate species. These include colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’hoest monkeys among others.
Nyungwe National Park making it to the list of World Heritage Sites is not surprising at all as the park is truly diverse. The forest is among the oldest and well maintained tropical rainforests in East and Central Africa. The plant species here are underrated and not yet fully explored.
What is a World Heritage Site?
A world heritage site is an unspoiled area of Natural, Historical, and Cultural Significance. Nyungwe National Park is one of the well-maintained natural habitats in Rwanda and it is the primary reason for its inscription as a world heritage site.
For any country’s attraction to be considered for a World Heritage list nomination, they must have signed a World Heritage Convention. Here they pledge to protect their heritage. This can be natural in terms of wildlife or man-made relating to culture. After this, it is when proposals for the properties they hope to be listed are submitted.
After the submission, the next steps include a tentative list of the property by the country where it is situated. The nomination file is then prepared with guidance and advice from the World Heritage Centre. This covers important documents and maps of the property to be listed. Once fully exhausted, the files are submitted to the advisory bodies for evaluation. The next step is the evaluation by the World Heritage Committee which meets once a year to decide on the sites to be inscribed in the World Heritage Site.
Nyungwe National Park is not the only World Heritage Site in Rwanda. The Rwanda genocide memorial sites of Gisozi, Nyamata, Murambi, and Bisesero are also listed.
Chimpanzee trekking is the major activity done in Nyungwe Forest. There are two major chimpanzee trekking sectors one at Uwinka and the other at Cyamudongo. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is enjoyable as you get to meet man’s closest primates.
Birding is another Must-do activity when visiting the park. The park has many species including 3 species that do not occur in any other place in the western arm the Albertine Rift Valley. March throughout May are the best times for birding safaris in Nyungwe.
There are a number of guided nature walks you can be part of. These include the canopy walk along East Africa’s only canopy walkway, a walk to the waterfalls, and others following the different trails in the forest. Nyungwe National Park safari activities are exclusive and among the best Discovery Journeys.
Nyungwe Safari Packages
The Parks’ diversity makes it a prime destination for safari adventures. Chimpanzee trekking tours top the list as people seek to meet one of man’s closest primates in the wild. The park recently introduced the chimpanzee habituation experience at Kiyovu. Chimpanzee habituation is experiential and allows you more time studying chimps.
We have a number of safari adventures to Nyungwe Forest that you can be part of. Our top seller safaris include chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The 5-day Rwanda Primates safari covers that with a canopy walk and golden monkey trekking safari. You can opt for a 4 to 5-day customized Nyungwe Safari tour if you only interested in visiting the forested park.
The 10-day Rwanda safari is extensive to features Nyungwe forest, Akagera and Volcanoes National Park. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savanna wildlife destination. It is East and Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and home to several bird species. Akagera is Rwanda’s second most Important Birding Area after Nyungwe forest. A combined safari to Nyungwe forest and Akagera is therefore ideal for birding Discovery Journeys.
Other World Heritage Sites
East Africa has several other destinations that are World Heritage Sites. These are diverse and offer exclusive safari experiences just like Nyungwe Forest National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda tops the list. The park is home to mountain gorillas with over 20 habituated gorilla families. Bwindi is not just home to mountain gorillas but also chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffaloes, birds and several plant species.
Our Discovery Journeys to Bwindi focus on mountain gorilla trekking and the habituation experience. The park can be explored in a 3-day gorilla tour or the the 3-day gorilla habituation tour. Mountain gorilla habituation only takes place in the southern sector of the park called Rushaga. 4 gorilla habituation permits are available per day and it is recommended to book in advance to avoid missing out.
For more extensive savanna wildlife safari experiences, you can join our Kenya family safaris and Visit Northern Tanzania. Kenya has several World Heritage Sites including Lake Turkana National Parks and Fort Jesus.
World Heritage Sites in Tanzania include the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro among others. The Ngorongoro Crater is World’s largest unfilled caldera. It is located in northern Tanzania and is home to several wildlife species including the Big Five Mammals. Tanzania safari adventures here are exclusive and remarkable.

Kenya Family Safari Destinations
Kenya Family safari adventures are perfect for a family treat. A vacation with family is everyone’s dream but there are a few family safari destinations. Most desired safari activities like chimpanzee and gorilla trekking have age limitations. It is Only individuals who are 15 years and above allowed to trek to these primates. This even though well-intended limits the number of families that love to hike with all their loved ones when some of the young ones are below the age of 15.
Kenya on the other hand is one of the best family safari destinations as its most adventurous and enjoyable safaris are a bit open. Just like in many other African countries, wildlife, and culture are the backbones of Kenya safaris and tourism. Thankfully, Kenya is very diverse with over 20 National Parks which gives one a wide range of options they can choose from.
Let us look at the top Kenya family safari destinations that can look at when planning a Kenya Safari.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in the Laikipia Plateau in Central Kenya. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to drive from Nairobi Kenya’s Capital city to this diverse wildlife Conservancy. Ol Pejeta Conservancy covers a land area of 350 square kilometers and is home to various wildlife including chimpanzees.
The Conservancy has many notable safari animals and its Rhino population and species diversity is unmatched. There are 3 rhino species here including the black rhinos, the southern White, and northern white rhinos. Ol Pejeta is among the few conservancies in Kenya with all the big five mammals occurring in large numbers. There are over 70 lions, 30 cheetahs, and about 20 leopards.
Other notable safari animals at the conservancy include elephants, wild dogs, hyenas, Grevy’s zebras, Hippos, and Jackson’s hartebeests among others. The conservancy is open to families giving an opportunity to young ones between the ages of 4 to 12 to be Ol Pejeta Junior Rangers.
The biggest advantage of a Kenya safari at Ol Pejeta is that you get up close with the rhinos an experience you will not find in other protected areas.
Masai Mara is one destination that pops up every time anyone mentions a Kenya safari. This diverse reserve comprises the Mara Triangle and a number of conservancies. It is home to four of the big five mammals and is among the Kenya Family safari destinations.
The famous wildebeest migration also takes place here. It involves over a million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, and over 300,000 Thompson Gazelles that move from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania over the open savannas looking for fresh pasture. Beyond the migration, there are many other notable safari animals here including elephants, giraffes, hippos, and various bird species.
Kenya safari experiences in Masai Mara are often enjoyed on game drives, guided walks, and community visits among others. All these can be enjoyed as family safari experiences as they are done with safety caution are are user-friendly even to young ones.
Samburu National Reserve unlike other Kenya safari destinations is exclusive. It is located in northern Kenya about a 6 to 7 hours drive from Nairobi. The reserve is most famous for its unique wildlife species including the reticulated giraffes, Grevys’ zebras, the oryx, and the dik dik among others.
There are many other wildlife species here including lions, elephants, hippos, elands, and over 400 bird species. All these can be seen on game drives and other safari activities done in the park.
The Samburu community and its unique culture are another interesting aspect of Samburu National Reserve. While on a visit here you can enjoy a community visit where you get to learn more about the people’s ways of life. Community visits are usually engaging and family-friendly for all ages. All these aspects make Samburu one of the best family safari destinations in Kenya.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is probably the second most famous Kenya Safari destination after Masai Mara. This land of the giants is located in the southern part of Kenya and it is the best place to see elephants. The park has a diverse ecosystem comprising open savannas, semi-arid vegetation, wetlands, woodlands, and the mountainous bit. It is in these ecosystems where you will find the different wildlife species in Amboseli National Park.
Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s tallest mountain can best be seen in Amboseli National Park. The Mountain lies along the Kenya-Tanzania border and it is among the few snow-capped mountains on the continent. Its beautiful background makes Kenya Safari experiences and game drives in Amboseli very remarkable.
This is also a family safari destination that you can visit with young ones while on a family vacation.
Mombasa sometimes goes unnoticed because Kenya’s open savannas are famous and offer classic safari experiences. Fortunately, Mombasa offers a unique experience of beach holidays and relaxation along the Ocean.
The Mombasa region is historic with leading attractions Like Fort Jesus that was constructed between 1593 and 1596. It is a World Heritage Site and among the well-maintained fortifications of the 16th Century. This historical city is another place you can explore with your family while on a Kenya Safari.
There are a number of resorts including those that are exclusive with limited interruption of people. Here you can relax at the Beach sunbathing or get involved in Beach activities like Beach Volleyball.
East Africa has many other family safari destinations including Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Even though Rwanda and Uganda are most famous for gorilla trekking which has an age limit, the kids can have other simple safari activities arranged for them. Contact Us for a Custom-made Discovery Journeys adventure to any of these safari destinations.

A Guide To Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
Uganda gorilla tours are a must on a visit to the beautiful East African country. Mountain gorillas are rare and endangered but Uganda has the highest population of their remaining population. Their total population is currently estimated at 1100 individuals and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone has 450 of them. The rest of the population is shared in the Virunga Massif National Parks that Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DRC.
Where To Go On Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
There are two Uganda gorilla trekking tour destinations. These include Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are located in southwestern Uganda about a 9 to 10 hour drive from Kampala.
Bwindi Impenetrable National is the largest of the two gorilla parks. It covers a land area of 321 square kilometers and has Four gorilla trekking sectors. They include the Buhoma sector in the north, the Ruhija sector in the east, and Nkuringo and Rushaga in the southern part of the park. Each of these sectors has habituated gorilla families that are open to tourism and offer remarkable experiences on Uganda gorilla trekking tours.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi. Uganda gorilla trekking tours for this family are even more exclusive and enjoyable. Only 8 people trek the gorillas a day. This limit applies even in Bwindi but the fact that Mgahinga has only one family limits the visitors to the park for gorillas to only 8 a day.
The Gorilla habituation experience
Mountain gorilla habituation is a process under which gorillas are accustomed to human beings’ presence. Even though mountain gorillas have about 95% DNA similar to human beings, they are still wild and have to undergo a habituation process to get used to human beings.
All the mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks are fully habituated. There are still gorillas in the wild though and the gorilla habituation process still takes place. With this, you have an opportunity to go behind the scenes and get involved in the habituation process. You start the day early morning tracking where the gorillas spent a night. Mountain gorillas build nests every day and you track them early in the morning from their nests following their routine.
The gorilla habituation experience is more rewarding and insightful. By getting involved you are able to observe, monitor, and learn more about them. You even get to spend 4 hours in their presence which is more than the 1 hour of the normal gorilla trek. Important to note however is that this experience only takes place in Rushaga the southern sector of Bwindi. Only 4 Habituation permits are available and it is important to book them in advance.
Best time for Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
You can visit Uganda for mountain gorilla trekking any time of the year. For easy hiking through the forests and the best photography moments, it is however important to visit in the dry season. The dry season in Uganda spans from June to September and from mid-December to Early March. Here there are minimal rainfall disturbances and trekking is easy.
That does not mean that you can not go gorilla trekking in the wet season. Uganda gorilla trekking tours are very much possible in the months of April, May, and November. You just have to have the right rain gear and enjoy real jungle moments.
Accommodation Options
Each sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has accommodation options where you can stay. These sectors are even several kilometers apart and the accommodation you book has to be where you intend to track the gorillas from.
Notable safari Lodges in Buhoma include Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Lodge, and Bwindi Lodge among others. Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Heights, and Clouds Gorilla Lodge are examples of lodge options in the Nkuringo sector.
Bakiga Lodge and Agandi Lodge are in Ruhija while Four Gorillas and Rushaga Gorilla Camp are options in the Rushaga Sector. These lodges’ availability matches with gorilla permits’ availability as they get fully booked during the dry season.
Packing List
It is important to pack the right items ahead of any safari adventure. Mountain gorilla trekking is done on foot in the forested mountains and you need the right outfit for the experience. Strong hiking shoes, gaiters, long sleeved shirts and trousers, and rain gear are essential.
Photography is now part of partial of safari and having extra camera batteries is recommended. You can have different lenses to adjust depending on the subject and moment being captured.
Other essential items to consider include sunscreen, antibiotics, chargers, swimsuit, open shoes and any other personal items.
Other Discovery Journeys trekking Tours
More than mountain gorillas, we organize other trekking tours that include chimpanzee trekking and eastern lowland gorilla trekking. Chimpanzee trekking tours mainly take place in Kibale National Park Uganda and Nyungwe National Park Rwanda.
You can have a Uganda Safari combining the two primate trekking experiences. Our 7-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari and 10-Day Uganda Discovery Journeys are examples of such itinerary adventures. Uganda also offers exclusive cultural experiences.
For Eastern lowland gorilla trekking adventures, you would have to take on our Journeys of Discovery to Kahuzi Biega National Park in Eastern DRC. The park is the only place where you can see lowland gorillas in the wild on epic gorilla trekking safaris. We have many sample itineraries for these including a 3-day eastern Gorilla Trekking tour and a 6 Days Tour that also includes chimpanzee trekking In Nyungwe.
In case you are looking for ultimate savanna experiences then northern Tanzania safari journeys are recommended. These feature the best of Serengeti, Tarangire, Ndutu Conservancy, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Contact Us for full details and custom-made itineraries.

The Best of Northern Tanzania Safari Journeys
The northern Tanzania Safari circuit is the most renowned and desired by African safari enthusiasts. Tanzania has diverse wildlife with great exclusive safari opportunities but the Northern Tanzania Safari circuit stands out. The tourism circuit does not stand out just for show but for real-time natural wonder attractions and experiences.
There are four top iconic destinations that include Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu Conservancy, and Tarangire National Park. Lake Manyara National Park is equally great and famous for tree-climbing lions. The other four however offer by far some of the most life-changing African wilderness experiences. Below is a brief about the ultimate northern Tanzania safari journeys of discovery you Must do while in the country.
Wildebeest Migration Safari Journeys
The wildebeest Migration of Serengeti National Park is one natural wonder. It involves the movement of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras over the open savannas for pastures. This mass animal movement is in millions and amazing to watch as you rarely find such animal numbers in one place.
Wildebeests and gazelles or zebras are not the only animal species in the Serengeti. Major predators and carnivores are very much present as well. Their survival is even boosted by such herbivores that they hunt down for food. These predators especially lions, leopards and cheetahs take advantage of the migration numbers to hunt their prey. The wildebeest calving period ushers in hundreds of thousands of newborns that are weak and defenseless. They become easy targets of predators and carnivores as they all look for means to survive.
The Northern Tanzania Safari journeys are therefore not just about the wildebeest migration but also the predators and calving period. The River crossings of the Grumeti and Mara Rivers are even more spectacular. The migration herds face their other major predator obstacle the Nile Crocodiles. Those that make it through cross over to Masai Mara National Reserve from where they journey back to Tanzania and the cycle begins again. To fully explore and understand this migration, you can book an 8 Days Tanzania safari to Serengeti National Park. This features all the sectors of Serengeti and gives you a glimpse of the journey the migrating herds go through.
Savannas’ big cats include lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Because of poaching and habitat encroachment, the population of these cats drastically reduced in some areas. The story is however different in the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit. Serengeti National Park alone is a lion conservation unit and probably has the highest lion population in East and Central Africa.
A Pride of lions of up to 20 individuals is not breaking news while on game drives in Serengeti. Leopards are also easily spotted even though they are elusive in nature and are rare to see in some other destinations in the region.
Cheetahs, the land’s fastest animals are also very much present in Northern Tanzania, especially Serengeti National Park. For the ultimate big cats experience and Discovery Journeys look no further than this tourism circuit. Even better, you get to see live action of these predators hunting their prey. Even though very humbling, watching such moments is unforgettable and a life-changing of all the savanna wildlife encounters.
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the natural wonders of Africa. The crater is the world’s largest unfilled caldera that was formed million years ago. It is amazing how the Ngorongoro crater was formed and a drive down the crater floor is fascinating. The crater has a number of other landscapes including a riverine forest and another crater lake forming a diverse ecosystem.
The Ngorongoro Crater has a number of wildlife attractions, especially animals. These live on the crater floor and are easily spotted while on game drives since the crater is enclosed. Notable animals here include elephants, zebras, wildebeests, lions, and black rhinos even though rare they are sometimes seen. There are also a number of bird species in the open savannas of the crater and also in the swampy areas.
There is quite a lot to see at the Northern Tanzania Safari in Ngorongoro. Experiences here alone are fulfilling and work well when you combine the visit to other safari destinations. The 9 Days Tanzania Safari is most suitable for the combined Northern Tanzania Safari destinations.
Tarangire National Park is one place where you can enjoy up close moments with elephants. The park just like other Northern Tanzania safari circuit destinations is incredible to visit. It has various wildlife species including 4 of the Big Five Mammals.
There are Five savanna safari animals that were listed as the big five mammals. These gave trophy hunters back in the day a hard to take down because of their size, defensive mechanism, and true fierce characters. They include elephants, leopards, buffaloes, lions and leopards.
It is understandable why these safari animals made it to the list of the big five. Elephants for example are the land’s largest mammals. Their large size gives them an advantage and natural defense against any of their possible enemies including humans. They also have a large brain and great memory capable of remembering events that happened decades ago.
Unlike other animal communities and families like Mountain Gorillas which are led by males, elephant herds are led by female Matriarchs. Learning and observing these gentle giants is remarkable and Tarangire and the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit got you covered on this.
Exclusive Ndutu Safari Journeys
The Ndutu area is another stop center for wildlife Journeys of Discovery in Northern Tanzania. The strategic location of the conservation area between Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park makes it a prime area for wildlife activity.
Ndutu is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation area but stretches up to Southern Serengeti. All the wildlife wonders including the great wildebeest migration go through Ndutu. That whole area connecting Ngorongoro and Serengeti has big cats as well. The biggest difference with wildlife Safari journeys here is the exclusivity.
Many people rush for the big names especially Serengeti and Ngorongoro leaving out this game area. With this, you enjoy exclusive safari experiences seeing the same wildlife species you would see in Serengeti.
Away from the classic African safaris in Northern Tanzania, you can enjoy primate safari adventures as well. Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the best primate trekking destinations. Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari adventures to Volcanoes National Park are incredible. Combining a Rwanda and Tanzania safari is fun and gives you the ultimate Discovery Journeys adventure.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Adventures
The future of Rwanda gorilla trekking safari adventures is bright as the country’s conservation efforts have greatly paid off. This Friday is Kwita Izina the annual mountain gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda where baby mountain gorillas born in a year are named. It will be the 19th edition and 23 baby gorillas will be named.
Rwanda Gorilla trekking Safari adventures are done in Volcanoes National Park. The park is located in the northwestern part of the country. It is the Rwanda extension of the Virunga massif and conservation area. Volcanoes National Park has the highest mountain gorilla population in the Virunga massif. It is one of the best places for gorilla trekking safari adventures. Kwita Izina is held near the park except in 2020 and 2021 when it was held virtually because of COVID-19.
This year, tourism has fully opened up and Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari adventures are still in high demand. Let us look at a brief guideline for the planning of a Rwanda Gorilla trekking adventure.
Planning your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari
Volcanoes National Park has 12 habituated gorilla families that are open to tourism. Important to note is that only 8 tourists are allowed to trek to one mountain gorilla family a day. This means that 96 gorilla permits are available per day. Even though 96 seems like a high figure, Rwanda Gorilla trekking Safari adventures are in high demand. The 96 permits therefore get fully booked a couple of months in advance. When planning your Rwanda Safari you Must ensure to book your tour in advance.
Rwanda has over the years become a leading sports destination hosting major tournaments on the continent like Basketball. Many conferences also take place in Kigali time and again attracting many local and international tourists. These usually end up visiting the gorilla park irrespective of the season.
If you are attending a conference in Kigali you stand a chance of getting a discount on the gorilla permit. You are however required to present a conference invitation letter to qualify for this. Visiting Rwanda for a conference, therefore, gives you a chance to track gorillas at a cheaper price. You are still required to apply for this in advance as it could take time to process the discounted permit.
What to expect on a gorilla trekking safari
The gorilla trekking adventure starts in the morning and you are expected at the park headquarters by 7:00 am. Here you are divided into groups of 8 people for the different gorilla families you will be trekking to. The head ranger guide of each group then starts a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules and regulations. Some of the rules include minimizing noise, and keeping at least a 7-meter distance away from the gorillas. Flash photography is also strictly prohibited.
After the briefing, you are guided into the forested mountains by the ranger guide. You are escorted by other armed rangers with firearms that are used to scare away other animals that could be hostile. This is because the park has many other wildlife species including forest elephants and buffaloes that sometimes scare away people when encountered. There are porters for hire to help carry the luggage during the trek.
The Trekking Experience
Gorilla trekking takes 1 to 4 hours or more depending on the movement of the gorillas. This trek is rewarding as you get to see other wildlife species in the park, especially birds and plant species. Once you get to the gorillas, keeping the 7 meters distance away you stay in their presence for an hour. Here you get to observe, learn more, and get photo opportunities.
The 1-hour encounter is a life-changing experience and unmatched in all major wildlife Journeys of Discovery. After this beautiful encounter, you are then guided back to the starting point and awarded certificates of participation.
Essential items to pack
Gorilla trekking is done on foot in the forested mountains and it is important to park right for the trek. Strong hiking shoes, gators, hand gloves, and long waterproof pants are highly recommended. With the nature and relief of the park, rainfall is unpredictable, and having rain gear is important just in case it rains. There is a provision for hiring hiking boots at the park at around $5.
Because photography is key, we recommend packing extra batteries. In case you intend to use your phone then ensure to fully charge it the night before.
The trek to the gorillas is a bit physically demanding and it is recommended to have a packed lunch and drinking water. It can take over 5 kilometers of trekking and drinking water and lunch is a must.
The peak tourist season in Rwanda is from June to September and the festive days of December. January to March is also reasonably busy and when planning a gorilla tour then, book at least a month in advance.
Other Rwanda Primate trekking Safari
Golden monkey trekking is an underrated primate trekking experience in Rwanda. Golden monkeys just like their name are covered in golden fur. They are endemic to the Virunga massif and Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places to see them. You can visit the park not just for gorillas but for golden monkey trekking as well. The 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour caters to this perfectly.
Rwanda beyond the gorillas and golden monkeys has chimpanzees. These live in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwestern part of the country. You therefore have an opportunity to combine a mountain gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee trek when on a Rwanda Discovery Journeys adventure. The 5 Days Rwanda Primates and 10 Days Rwanda Safari options have these primate encounters.

Kenya Safari Adventure Experiences
Kenya Safari adventure Experiences are part of Journeys of Discovery that a number of adventure lovers embark on. This East African country is diverse and among the leading African Safari destinations. Even though most famous for wildlife especially the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara, Kenya still has a lot to offer. It is this diversity that makes Kenya Safari Adventure Experiences remarkable and outstanding.
This is the best time to start planning your Kenya Safari adventure Experiences for the coming year. The 2024 Kenya Safari calendar is open and at Discovery Journeys we customize safaris to exquisite destinations. Below are highlights of Kenya Safari adventure experiences with some recommendations of places you can visit.
Masai Mara tops the list of the must-visit Kenya Safari destinations. The reserve is located about a 5 to 6-hour drive from Nairobi Kenya’s Capital city. Masai Mara is home to 4 of savannas’ big five mammals, big cats, carnivores, birds, and common herbivores. Some of the commonly seen animals here include elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeest, Thompson gazelles, and buffaloes among others. Game drives, guided nature walks, and balloon safaris are among the major Kenya Safari activities done here.
Samburu National Reserve is another exclusive destination we recommend on a Kenya Safari Adventure. Samburu differs from other Kenya Safari destinations and has wildlife species that do not occur anywhere else. The reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk are some of the species that live in Samburu and not other protected areas. Both the Grevy’s zebra and common zebras are also present here. Other common Safari animals here include elephants, hippos, and leopards among others.
You cannot talk about Kenya Safari adventures and fail to mention the safari encounters of Amboseli National Park. Amboseli is the best place in East Africa to see elephants. Herds of these are often seen on game drives grazing in the open savanna vegetation. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain can also best be seen in Amboseli. Kenya Safari adventure experiences here are rewarding and a Must do when on a Kenya expeditions.
Kenya Safari Packages
We have customized packages featuring the top Kenya safari destinations. Our 3-Day Masai Mara Safari is a great option for those with limited time but would love to explore Masai Mara. The 5-Day Kenya Safari is a wildlife and birding safari option. It includes a visit to Masai Mara for the wildebeest migration and overall savanna experiences. The Safari tour ends with a visit to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha for birding and other wildlife viewing.
Our 10-day Kenya safari is the ultimate Kenya safari experience. It features Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha.
Accommodation Options
There is a wide range of accommodation options you can choose from on your Kenya safari adventure expeditions. Depending on your budget, you can stay in a camp, a safari lodge, or a high-end tented camp. Kenya has some of the most luxurious safari lodges in the region though a little expensive.
Whether you choose to stay in a budget or luxury accommodation facility, you will surely enjoy your Kenya Safari adventure. Many of them are strategically located within or near the leading safari destinations and you can therefore easily access your preferred destinations for the scheduled activities. These facilities prepare both local and international cuisine and everyone is therefore well catered for interns of meals.
We recommend a stay of at least 2 nights at any accommodation facility to maximize your chances of wildlife and cultural enjoyment.
Best time for Kenya Safari Adventures
Kenya Safari adventures are possible throughout the year but for the best experiences, it is better to visit in the dry season. The dry season spans from June to September and from January to Early March. In the dry season, there are minimal rainfall disturbances and a number of activities can easily be executed.
Safari photography is an important part of safari experiences but the best photography moments are had in the dry season. The best natural light for safari photography is in the morning and evening and way better when it does not rain.
The dry months however also double as the peak tourist season and a number of lodges get fully booked. We recommend you book in advance to avoid missing out on some best strategically located lodges.
The wet months even though with rains are still good times to Visit Kenya. The rains favor the growth of lush vegetation and water supply and a number of animals do not go far looking for water. With this, you can easily spot them and a number of migratory birds as it is the time they are in the region. Some lodges also give discounts in the wet months so you can have that advantage when visiting at that time.
Other Discovery Journeys Destinations
Kenya even though magical and diverse is not the only great Discovery Journeys adventure destination. The neighboring Tanzania is among the top contenders for classic safari experiences. Southern Tanzania offers exclusive Discovery Journey moments including fishing expeditions. Our 5-day Fishing Safari in the south is unique and also features a safari in Nyerere National Park.
In case you are interested in the northern circuit we still got you covered. The 9 Days Tanzania Safari features the top four destinations in Northern Tanzania. These include Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Ndutu Conservancy, and Serengeti National Park.
Away from the savanna experiences, you can enjoy lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The park is located in Eastern DRC southern Kivu area and it is the only place where you can see eastern lowland gorillas. The East African region also has mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Northern Kivu region of eastern DRC. Virunga National Park is currently closed because of insecurity issues though. The other gorilla trekking national parks in Uganda and Rwanda are open and you can visit them.
The 3 Days Rwanda Tour and the 7 Days Uganda Primates and wildlife safari are among our top primate sellers. Contact Us for more information.

Journeys of Discovery To East Africa
Today, Travelers do not just visit destinations but take on Journeys of Discovery to various destinations. Tourism in general is often perceived as a non-essential event but for many, it is very important as they travel for a reason. Adventure lovers especially take on Journeys of Discovery with a purpose. This can be to Discover new destinations, species, culture, photography and so much more.
East Africa has over the years become a center for such kinds of Journeys of Discovery thanks to the diversity of both culture and wildlife the region has. All the countries in the region are gifted by nature and unique on their own. Each of these countries offers exclusive Discovery Journeys experiences that leave many yearning for more. Let us look at the top Journeys of Discovery you must not miss while on a visit to the region.
Primates Journeys of Discovery
Wildlife Adventures are the backbone of East African tourism and primates especially gorillas and chimpanzees are game changers. These are outstanding because we share over 95% DNA similar to them with the chimpanzees being our closest relatives. Chimpanzees live in the tropical and montane rainforests in communities of up to 20 individuals led by a dominant male.
Chimpanzees are mobile even in the forests often seen jumping from one tree to another. Primatologists have over the years been studying these primates for a deeper understanding of their life in relation to ours. With this, many take on Journeys of Discovery to leading chimpanzee trekking destinations, especially Uganda and Rwanda. Kibale National Park located in western Uganda is home to chimpanzees and 12 other primates. The park has the highest chimpanzee population in the region and it is the best place for chimpanzee trekking Discovery Journeys.
Mountain gorillas are other rare primates that primate lovers visit of primates Journeys of Discovery in East Africa. Mountain gorillas just like their name live in forested mountainous areas. These live in families of up to 10 or 20 individuals also led by a dominant male gorilla called Silverback.
The mountain gorilla population was greatly threatened and their population had drastically reduced. Because of this, they were listed as critically endangered and later endangered by the IUCN. A number of mountain gorilla conservation efforts by been put in place to ensure long-term conservation of these rare primates. The Kwita Izina is one of these where baby gorillas born in Volcanoes National Park are named and monitored over the years as they grow.
Rwanda and Uganda Safaris featuring Gorilla trekking are adventures of a lifetime you should be part of.
Cultural Discovery Journeys
The African continent and the people are sometimes perceived to be the same and yet there is great cultural diversity on the continent. There are over 2,000 tribes and languages in Africa each tribe with a unique culture and heritage. East Africa alone has over 150 ethnic groups that have further sub-divisions in terms of language and people’s cultural values.
Cultural Journeys of Discovery is currently the most under-explored part of the East African wonders and attractions. The Nilotic tribes in South Sudan like the Mundari offer great cultural safari experiences that are worth being part of. They are most famous for their cattle and distinctive culture and language. The tribes in the Omo Valley in Ethiopia are fascinating and among the few African people are still practice their authentic African traditional Values.
There are eight major tribes in the Omo Valley which include Kara, Dassanech, Benna, Hamer, Mursi, Kwegu, Arebore, and Ari. The Omo Valley is a true definition of less traveled paths and tribal cultural expeditions here are very rewarding. Other prominent tribes include the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania who can be visited on community visits after savanna wildlife safari experiences. In Uganda, the Karamojong are very iconic people and a visit to their community will never leave you the same. We are curating a number of cultural safari itineraries that one can be part of.
East Africa beyond the primates a great place to see the big cats and predators. The region has the highest lion population in Africa with the majority living in Serengeti and Masai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya and Tanzania. The other two big cats are leopards and cheetahs. These big cats play an important role in the food chain keeping the population of some herbivores in check.
Big cats are impressive to watch and our Kenya and Tanzania Safaris focus on these. Cats because are nocturnal animals are most active at night and early morning. Our game drives and Journeys of Discovery to the Savannas feature both morning and night game drives. With this, you get to see and learn more about the life and routine of these deadly predators.
Serengeti National Park is currently our best big cats destination. You can join any of our safaris to the park from a 4-day Serengeti Safari and more. Other notable destinations in Tanzania are homes to these and a combined 7 Days or 9 Days Tanzania Safari option can be great to book. Southern Tanzania also has large prides of lions and other carnivores including hyenas and the rare wild dogs.
Historical Journeys
Historic Journeys of Discovery to East Africa span from centuries ago. These mainly focus on culture, the people, and the political journey the region has been through. A lot has been happening in the region including the evolution of trade and technology. You can only know about these on Historical Discovery Journeys adventures to the region.
Fort Jesus in Mombasa Kenya is one iconic historical attraction in the region. The fort is in the shape of a man when viewed from a panoramic view and was built between 1593 and 1596. The fort is among the well-preserved 16th-century fortifications and because of its status and historical relevance, it was listed among the world heritage sites in East Africa.
The Kasubi tombs in Kampala are another great cultural and historical site to Visit. The tombs are burial grounds for the Kings of Buganda and were built using papyrus reeds and other local materials depicting the great architecture of the African people. There are many other iconic historical attractions that we highly recommend to add on your list of Historical Discovery Journeys.
Wildlife Migration Journeys of Discovery
Wildlife migrations happen as a natural phenomenon as some safari animals move from one place to another. The great wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania is the most renowned wildlife migration. This annual mass movement involves over a million wildebeests, zebras, and Thompson gazelles. They move in search of fresh pasture but attract a number of predators of the land and the regions they move through.
All safaris to Northern Tanzania feature the wildebeest migration as wildlife enthusiasts wait to see the animals move. Our 8 Days Serengeti Safari features a visit to all the Serengeti National Park regions for migration. The wildebeest migration can also be observed from Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
There is another animal migration in Tarangire National Park from June that you can be part of. This is even more exclusive and a highly recommended Discovery Journeys adventure to feature.
-
Top Places To Discover On A Visit Rwanda Adventure April 10, 2026
-
Kenya Golf Safari Experiences March 10, 2026






