Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari Season. Discovery Journeys
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Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari Season

The Masai Mara wildebeest Migration safari season is on as wildebeests continue with the River crossings into Masai Mara. This annual mass migration happens between Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve.

It involves over a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles searching for fresh pastures. These migrating herds are guided by seasons and form one of the largest savanna wildlife migrations on the planet.

Below is what you need to know about this prominent Masai Mara wildebeest Migration safari season.

About Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve is located in southern Kenya. It covers a land area of 1,510 square kilometers stretching to the Kenya Tanzania Border. Masai Mara is an extension of an open savanna ecosystem from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. This ecosystem is home to the savanna’s most sought-after wildlife species including large mammals and birds.

Notable safari animals in Masai Mara include elephants, giraffes, elands, zebras, and the topi. It is also home to the Big Cats including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Masai Mara has the highest lion population thriving on the abundance of prey.

The reserve is rich in bird life with over 500 species. Some are endemic to the Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystem like the Usambiro barbet. Kori bustards, Secretary birds, Rufous-bellied herons, African finfoot, and Bateleur are among the commonly seen birds in the reserve.

The Wildebeest Migration Season

The wildebeest migration safari season gives Masai Mara a great boost in wildlife numbers. It starts in Tanzania with the calving period where over 5,000 calves are born daily. During this time of the year, the migrating herds would have moved to southern Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater rim and Ndutu Conservancy.

They slowly drift to central Serengeti battling the land’s deadliest predators that take advantage of the newborns. Serengeti has the highest lion concentrations in Tanzania with prides of up to 15 lions. These hunt wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles for their survival. Live-action predator hunting is common in the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems.

Herds that survive the predators in Southern and central Serengeti continue their quest until they meet another obstacle. This is of the Nile Crocodiles in the Mara River that borders Masai Mara and Serengeti. Mara River banks are steep and some wildebeests fall off landing in the jaws of the awaiting predator crocodiles. The Mara River crossings happen from July to September depending on the speed of the migrating herds.

Many of these make it into the Masai Mara where they stay until November. They then start crossing back to Tanzania and the migration cycle begins again. The Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari Season is tough on the wildebeest as they fight for survival from the awaiting predators.

Best time to Visit

The Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari Season is from July to September making it the best time to visit. July marks the start of the Mara River crossings and is ideal for those particularly interested in that. As time passes the migrating herds scatter throughout Masai Mara and are seen on game drives.

The dry season in Masai Mara starts from June to September. There are minimal rainfall disturbances and game drives and overall nature viewing is great. Wildlife spotting and photography are easy thanks to the wildlife numbers.

The Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari Season doubles as the peak tourist season. Safari Lodges and camps get fully booked as many seek to be part of the wildebeest migration Discovery Journeys. Game drive trails are jam-packed with safari vehicles turning off travelers who prefer exclusive experiences. You can only have exclusive Kenya safari adventures in Masai Mara during the off-season months. This is from March to May and October to early December.

The off-season months are wet with more chances of rainfall. Game drive trails become impassable making it hard to access certain areas. Rains, however, favor the growth of lush vegetation creating impressive scenic views. This also provides pasture to the grazers including wildebeests and zebras. They stay near the game drive trails and are easily spotted. Predators like leopards hide in these grasses and easily take down their unsuspecting prey.

Where To Stay

Masai Mara has several accommodation facilities including tented camps and classic safari lodges. These differ in budget and cater to all tourists. Masai Mara safari lodges are strategically located in the way of the migration. This makes it easy to catch up with the migrating herds and execute safari adventures in the reserve.

Mahali Mzuri, Lyok Mara Camp, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Governors’ Camps, and Angama Mara are notable safari lodges you can consider. These however get fully booked during the peak season and it is recommended to book in advance.

Other Kenya Unique Experiences

Kenya is the birthplace of safari. It has other Signature experiences beyond the Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration Safari. Amboseli National Park safari adventures offer up-close encounters with elephants. The park is home to several other wildlife species including lions, hippos, giraffes, and hyenas.

Amboseli is located in southern Kenya near the border with Tanzania. It is the best place to see Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. It has a vibrant bird life and is among the best Kenya safari destinations to see flamingos. Lake Nakuru was the best place to see flamingos but they migrated because of the rise in the Lake’s water level.

Lake Nakuru National Park still has flamingos and water birds including great white pelicans. It is the only Kenya national park with the Rothschild Giraffes. Other notable wildlife species in Lake Nakuru National Park include Rhinos, zebras, buffaloes, and hippos.

We have curated several Kenya safari itineraries to feature the wildebeest migration and other safari experiences. The 3-day Masai Mara safari is exclusive to the reserve for Big Cats and the great migration. Our 6-day Kenya safari features Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and Masai Mara. The 10-day Kenya safari is the ultimate Discovery Journeys adventure with a visit to Samburu National Reserve.

Best Time To Go Gorilla Trekking. Discovery Journeys
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Best Time To Go Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking safari adventures tops the list of East African primate expeditions as people desire to meet mountain gorillas in their habitats. Mountain gorillas are rare primate species that live in the forested mountains of East Africa. Meeting these primates is unforgettable and many wonder the best time to go gorilla trekking. One’s interests and schedule determine this as you require a good time on gorilla trekking adventures combined with other Discovery Journeys.

The experience is doable throughout the year and there are several trekking destinations you can choose to visit.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Destinations

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest tops the list of the best gorilla tour destinations. It is located in southwestern Uganda and covers a land area of 331 square kilometers. Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo are the parks sectors with habituated gorilla families. Each has habituated gorilla families with 10 to 20 individuals. It is important to take note of these sectors if you are to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Mountain gorilla permit availability depends on this and one has to be at the right sector headquarters ahead of the adventure.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park is another Uganda safari destination with mountain gorillas. It is located in southwestern Uganda in the Kisoro district. Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Conservation with Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks. It is the smallest with only one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi. The park is also home to golden monkeys and other wildlife species including birds. Discovery Journeys here feature mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, birds, and the Virunga Mountains that can be hiked in a day’s excursion.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is the best gorilla trekking destination in the Virunga Massif. It has 12 fully habituated gorilla families with 96 gorilla permits available daily. The park is busy and these permits get fully booked months in advance. Book in advance if you are to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Best Time To Go Gorilla Trekking

East Africa has two main climate seasons, the dry and wet season. The dry season starts from June to September and from December to February. This is the best time to go gorilla trekking in any of the above destinations. During the dry season, trekking trails are dry and easy to navigate. Minimal rainfall disturbances during these months make the primate experience more enjoyable.

December is a festive month when many people go on holiday. It is a busy month for all safari adventures including those primate trekking. Anyone intending to go gorilla trekking in December should book their trip in advance.

Wet season months from March to May and October to November have higher chances of rainfall. The rains favor the growth of lush vegetation and animal species that depend on plant vegetation including gorillas feed from nearby areas. Trekking to the gorillas becomes easy since they do not have to move far for fresh edible vegetation. Lower tourist numbers make gorilla tours during the wet season exclusive and enjoyable. We recommend one to go gorilla trekking irrespective of the season as each has its advantages.

Gorilla Trekking Packages

All our Discovery Journeys packages are customized based on one’s preference and convenience. Gorilla trekking requires time and we recommend on to set aside at least 3 days if they consider to go gorilla trekking. Our 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Tour features a visit to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorillas and golden monkey trekking. The 4-day double gorilla trekking tour is ideal for those interested in tracking two gorilla families.

Gorilla tour adventures can be combined with other safari experiences like chimpanzee trekking, game drives, and boat cruises. Our 7-day Uganda Wildlife safari features a visit to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking. From there you proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive and boat cruise and then visit Bwindi for the anticipated gorilla trekking safari. Other notable gorilla packages include the 5-day Rwanda Tour, the 5-day Uganda Primates tour, and the 10-day Uganda Discovery Journeys.

Packing List

A successful gorilla safari adventure requires one to pack the right items. The experience is done on foot in forested mountains and strong hiking shoes are recommended. Rain gear including one for the camera is a must as rainfall can be unpredictable.

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are ideal to avoid skin irritation when in contact with plants. Hand gloves, gaiters, binoculars, extra batteries, and energy bars are other items you should consider for your gorilla trekking adventure. Walking sticks are provided at the park but you can come with one depending on your preference.

Where to Stay

Gorilla tour destinations are facilitated by different accommodation categories ranging from budget to luxury options. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda has the highest concentration of luxury lodges. These include Bisate Lodge, Kataza House, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bishops House, and Amakoro Songa Lodge. Deluxe options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, and Five Volcanoes Hotel.

The Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has luxury lodges including Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Gorilla Forest Camp. Rushaga, the southern sector of Bwindi is facilitated by Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Lodge, and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge. The Nkuringo sector is facilitated by Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Heights, and Clouds Gorilla Lodge. These are luxury lodges strategically located near the park headquarters.

Lodges get fully booked during the peak tourist season and festive days. Ensure to book in advance if you intend to visit during that time.

Memories Of A Tanzania Wildlife Tour. Discovery Journeys
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Memories Of A Tanzania Wildlife Tour

Tanzania Wildlife Tour Adventures tops the bucket list of most wildlife enthusiasts. The East African country covers 947,303 square kilometers with some of the largest protected wildlife areas. Nyerere National Park covers a land area of 30,893 square kilometers making it the largest national park in East and Central Africa.

Tanzania wildlife tour destinations are diverse with high densities of safari animals and birds. These inhabit the varying ecosystems from open savannas, forests, woodlands, and swamps. Discovery Journeys to Tanzania feature game drives, birding adventures, boat cruises and nature walks in these ecosystems. These leave you with lasting unforgettable African safari memories.

The allure of a Tanzania Wildlife Tour

Serengeti’s wildebeest migration is among the most fascinating Tanzania wildlife tour adventures. The migration involves millions of wildebeests and hundreds of zebras moving over the open savannas in search of fresh pastures. Wildebeest migration numbers are high for any safari tour destination. Journeying with them unmasks other wildlife mysteries of the predator live action, which rarely happens in other safari destinations.

Tanzania has the highest Big cat concentration including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The country is among a few savanna wildlife tour destinations where you are guaranteed to see all the Big Cats. Lions live in pride of up to 20 individuals and can be easily spotted while on game drives. Leopards are solitary and prefer to stay in thickets but come out to hunt. Cheetahs; the fastest land animals are endangered because of a high decline in their population but still many in Tanzania. This makes Tanzania the best East African destination for the Big Cats experience.

Tanzania has a diverse bird life with over 1100 bird species including endemics. Birding tour experiences in Tanzania vary depending on destination choice. Tanzania wildlife tour destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater have diverse ecosystems offering multiple birding experiences. Lake Magadi in Ngorongoro Crater is home to water birds including pink flamingos.

Best Tanzania Tour Destinations

Northern Tanzania has the most outstanding wildlife tour destinations. Serengeti National Park tops the list with the Big Cats experience, wildebeest migration, and overall wildlife density as the key attractions.

Lake Manyara National Park lies between Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, primates like baboons and blue monkeys, and other savanna wildlife species. The park offers exclusive Tanzania wildlife tour experiences and can be explored on day and night game drives, nature walks, and cycling.

Ngorongoro Crater is home to the Big Five Mammals and an iconic attraction. It offers the most up-close Tanzania wildlife Tour experiences to feature other savanna animal species including zebras, wildebeests, elands, and buffaloes.

Southern Tanzania is remote and less explored. Notable southern Tanzania wildlife tour destinations include Mikumu National Park, Nyerere, and Ruaha National Parks. River Ruhudji, Mnyera, and Kilombero offer fishing safari experiences with a chance to catch the Tanzanian Blue Tiger Fish.

Planning your Tanzania Discovery Journeys

It is important to note key aspects when planning your Tanzania wildlife tour. Destination choice, activities of interest, getting there, and accommodation choice determine the success of your safari. Tanzania can be accessed by air to Kilimanjaro International Airport for those interested in visiting northern Tanzania. The airport is served by several airlines including Air Tanzania, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airways.

Southern Tanzania is accessed via the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. There are internal flights that connect the north to southern Tanzania safari destinations for those who are interested in both destinations. Western Tanzania is more secluded and is only best accessed by charter flights.

Discover Journeys to any Tanzania safari destinations are customized based on one’s preference. For these best safari adventures, we recommend 10 days or more. Our 8-day Serengeti Safari covers the Wildebeest migration safari in the different sectors of Serengeti National Park. The 9-day Tanzania safari features Northern Tanzania tour destinations including Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti National Park.

The 5-day Tanzania fishing safari is recommended for those interested in sport fishing. Our 10-day Southern Tanzania safari covers the less traveled destinations in the south.

What To Expect

Tanzania is a busy wildlife safari destination throughout the year. The peak season months of June to October have the highest tourist numbers. It is likely to have over 100 safari vehicles in one game drive. It pressurizes safari animals like lions bearing high tourist numbers. High tourist numbers are a turn-off for ecotourists with high regard for nature.

To avoid crowds and inconveniences it is recommended to visit during the off-season months from January to May and November. These months double as the wet season with rainfall most likely to occur any time of the day. Some lodges close as others discount their rates making Tanzania safari adventures more affordable.

The country can be visited alongside other East African destinations like Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Uganda and Rwanda are famous for primate trekking including mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Kenya is the birthplace of safari iconic for its savanna adventures in Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu National Reserve.

Where to Stay

All Tanzania safari destinations are facilitated by a variety of accommodation options. These range from budget to deluxe and high-end safari lodges and camps. These lodges get fully booked in the peak tourist season from June to October. It is therefore recommended to book your safari in advance to avoid any inconveniences. 

Serengeti National Park has temporary camps that move with the migration. They are set in the different sectors of the park depending on the wildebeest migration journey. These have limited capacity and best booked ahead of time. Contact Us for more information. 

Best Rwanda Luxury Safari Lodges. Discovery Journeys
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Best Rwanda Luxury Safari Lodges

Rwanda luxury safari lodges are a game changer in Rwanda tourism. The country positioned itself as a luxury safari destination and attracted the most luxurious brands in the world. These are evenly distributed in the different Rwanda safari destinations.

Rwanda is famous for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The park is among the three protected areas with the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda has three other national parks: Nyungwe Forest, Akagera, and Gishwati Mukura Forest National Park. These are home to several wildlife species that nature enthusiasts visit Rwanda to explore.

Several luxury safari lodges facilitate Rwanda safari destinations. Rwanda luxury safari lodges offer all-inclusive rates catering for meals, soft drinks, and house wines. With this, you do not have to make unnecessary payments once checked in. There are many Rwanda luxury safari lodges but below are our most recommended.

Bisate Lodge

Bisate is a premium luxury safari lodge in Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is perched in the Bisate Forest reserve area with six en-suite forest villas. Its architectural design was inspired by Rwandan Traditional royalty. Each villa is spacious and self-contained with uninterrupted views of the Virunga mountains. Bisate Lodge’s other amenities include a wine cellar, vegetable garden, library, spa, and restaurant.

Bisate Lodge is under a 10-minute drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. This makes it an ideal location to base Rwanda safari adventures in the park. While at the lodge you can engage in several activities including tree planting, guided walks, and community visits.

Bisate Lodge’s rates range from 2600 per person per night in the low tourist season. The lodge is highly demanded and gets fully booked regardless of the season. Book it in advance if you intend to stay there on your Rwanda Discovery Journeys.

Magashi Camp

Magashi Camp is the only luxurious safari camp in the Northern sector of Akagera National Park. The lodge is on a private concession overlooking the park’s open savannas and Lake Rwanyakazinga.

Magashi has eight tented suites facilitated with amenities that make your stay in the wilderness more enjoyable. The camp has a WIFI connection, a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant. Magashi’s dining experience is amazing featuring both local and international cuisines.

The Northern sector of Akagera National Park has the highest wildlife concentration. Magashi camp enables you to dive into the Rwanda safari experiences in the park. Notable safari animals you can spot on game drives in the area include elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, and leopards.

Akagera National Park is East and Central Africa’s largest protected wetland with over 300 bird species. It is Rwanda’s second most Important Birding Area after Nyungwe Forest. Magashi camps’ location near the lake makes birding tours to the park more rewarding as you can easily spot water birds.

One&Only Nyungwe House

One&Only Nyungwe House is among the most prominent Rwanda luxury safari lodges. It is located in Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The Park is a renowned primate trekking destination home to chimpanzees and 12 other primates. Nyungwe National Park protects one of East Africa’s oldest rainforests. It is diverse and home to birds and other large mammal species including forest elephants. Nyungwe National Park was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of this diversity.

Exploring the vast Nyungwe ecosystem is enjoyable while staying at an exclusive resort like One&Only Nyungwe House. The luxury safari lodge has spacious self-contained villas overlooking the forest. Each Villa has an en-suite bathroom, Smart Television, and a private balcony.

One&Only Nyungwe House has an infinity pool where you can relax. The Lodge is bordered by a tea plantation where you can learn the tea-growing process. Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, birding, and colobus monkey trekking are some of the exclusive Discovery Journeys you can be part of while at the lodge.

Ruzizi Tented Camp

Ruzizi Tented Camp is another Rwanda luxury safari lodge in Akagera National Park. It is strategically located near Lake Ihema, the largest water body in the Park. Ruzizi Tented Camp is an eco-friendly safari lodge with nine tents including a tree house.

Each tent is private and self-contained with provision for hot running water at one’s convenience. Ruzizi’s tented camps location makes it ideal to explore both the Southern and Northern sectors of Akagera National Park. Lake Ihema boat cruises’ are also easily arranged from Ruzizi Tented Camp.

Our 3-day Akagera Tour features a stay at Ruzizi Tented Camp. The itinerary can be customized to add more nights at the camp for more chances with the Big Five Mammals in Rwanda’s only savanna national park. Ruzizi can be accessed by road in a 3.5-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. It is about 6 kilometers from Akagera National Park’s southern gate.

Virunga Lodge

Virunga is the most classic of all Rwanda luxury safari lodges. It is located in the Volcanoes National Park’s area overlooking the Virunga Mountains and the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. The Lodge has the most exclusive location for Rwanda primates and Discovery Journeys adventures.

Virunga Lodge has 10 Bandas with four deluxe and six standard room set-up. Each Banda is spacious and self-contained with an en suite bathroom. The lodge has a spa offering complimentary massage for all in-house guests.

Virunga Lodge has butler services enabling guests to get personalized services per their preferences. The Lodge has a Dian Fossey Room where you can learn about Dian Fossey’s work and contribution to Rwanda’s Mountain gorilla conservation journey. Virunga Lodge’s all-inclusive rates cater to all meals and soft and premium drinks except French Champagne.

Rwanda has budget-friendly deluxe safari lodge options for those who cannot afford the high-end luxury lodges. Notable ones include Da Vinci Lodge, Le Bambou Lodge, Tiloreza Eco Lodge, the Five Volcanoes, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. We customized several safari packages to feature any of these lodges. The 3-day tour is ideal for those interested in Volcanoes National Park. The 10-day Rwanda safari is longer and features Nyungwe, Akagera, and Volcanoes National Park.

Kenya White Water Rafting Tours. Discovery Journeys
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Kenya White Water Rafting Tours

Kenya White Water Rafting Tours are the best Kenya extreme sport adventures. The country is famous for savanna wildlife tours in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu, yet with much more to offer. Most visited Kenya Tour destinations get crowded in the peak season which is a turn-off to those seeking exclusive experiences.

Kenya’s extreme sports including white water rafting tours are the solution and exclusive getaways. They are done in less-traveled paths with maximum numbers regulating people’s participation. This makes them ideal for families, group tours, and social networking events for capacity building.

White water rafting tours are thrilling as one peddles through the different grades of a River. Kenya has a great River Network but not all are ideal for this epic Discovery Journeys adventure. Below are the best and most recommended Kenya White Water Rafting destinations.

Kenya White Water Rafting Destinations

Tana River

The Tana River is Kenya’s longest River. It flows 708 kilometers from the Aberdare Mountain Ranges draining its waters in the Indian Ocean. It flows through different ecosystems from the hilly landscapes, the semi-dessert plains, and the coastal areas.

River Tana has several rapids in its early stages as the fast-flowing waters overcome hard rocks and boulders along its path. It forms a waterfall at Kitaru and several dams were constructed along its course to generate electricity.

The Tana River remains the best Kenya white water rafting destination. While on the Tana rafting adventure, you journey through the grade 3 and 4 brownish waters and rapids. Notable rapids along the River Stretch include the Devil’s Toilet Bowl, Captains’ Folly, and Sphincter Flexor.

The River Tana rafting area can be accessed from Nairobi in a 1.5-hour drive. It is one of the best Kenya tour excursions for those with limited time. The River Tana area has other epic Discovery Journeys adventures including zip-lining and a climbing wall. All these can be done in a day’s tour from Nairobi.

Mutonga River

The Mutonga River rafting adventure is more exclusive as you journey through the lowlands of Meru. It is a tributary to the Tana River forming part of the Central Kenya River network.

Mutonga River lies in a dry savanna climate zone and its waters fluctuate depending on the season. Therefore, White Water rafting depends on the water levels and season for safety.

Rafting Mutonga Rivers requires a 1-night stay near the River bank from where you set off to start the awaited rafting expedition. The River has grade 3 and 4 rapids ideal for those interested in fun-filled adventures. Kenya white water rafting tours along Mutonga are more exclusive and experiential.

Yala River

The Yala River is situated in western Kenya flowing from the Nandi escarpment of the Rift Valley Area. It is a tributary of Lake Victoria flowing for 219 kilometers with a River basin of 3,351 square kilometers.

Yala River is among the most prominent water bodies in western Kenya. It discharges an average of 27.4 cubic meters of water per second into the Lake. Yala River forms a 20-meter waterfall in the ancient Kakamega Forest where it flows.

White water rafting along Yala River’s course is remarkable and exclusive as you peddle through the forest stretch and rocky river beds. While rafting through the forest you see several wildlife species including birds and monkeys.

The River Yala rafting tour requires a 2-night stay that you optimally utilize there. Western Kenya safari destinations offer the ultimate Discovery Journeys as the region is less explored.

Best Time for White Water Rafting Tours

Kenya white water rafting tours are doable throughout the year with a few exceptions of the Mutonga River. The best experiences are in the dry season from June to October and December to March.

The rainy season months see an increase in water volumes that often lead to flooding making some rivers inaccessible. Kenya tours featuring white water rafting are conducted with safety precautions and any hiccup is communicated in time.

Other Kenya Sport Adventures

Kenya has several extreme sports adventures you can add to your bucket list. They include Mountain biking in the different wildlife conservancies, Kite surfing, Motorbike tours, and Mountain Hikes.

All these can be done independently or alongside any preferred Discovery Journeys experiences.

The Best Kenya Safari Tours

Kenya is the birthplace of safari and still stands when it comes to open savanna experiences. The wildebeest migration safari in Masai Mara is iconic involving millions of wildebeests and hundreds of zebras. These cross the Mara and Talek Rivers from Serengeti National Park in search of fresh pastures. While in Masai Mara, the migrating herds mix up with other savanna safari animals including the Topi, gazelles, elephants, and birds. A game drive in the reserve featuring all these is incomparable and by far the best savanna wildlife adventure.

Masai Mara is also ideal for birding, wildlife photography safaris, cultural visits, and more. Our 4-day Masai Mara tour features the reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park. It can be customized to add more in Masai Mara for those keen on the wildebeest migration and Big Cats experience.

Amboseli National Park offers exclusive Kenya tours with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is located in southern Kenya about a 3-hour drive from Nairobi city. Amboseli is the land of giants and the best place to see elephants. It is also home to birds including flamingos, hippos, wildebeests, zebras, and lions. Amboseli can best be explored alongside Tsavo National Parks in our 6-day Magical Kenya safari

Northern Kenya safari destinations offer the best off-beaten path experiences. They include Lake Turkana National Parks along the World’s longest desert Lake. The Lake Turkana area is an archaeological site with historical findings dating back a million years. Lake Turkana can be explored alongside other northern Kenya tour destinations Lake Samburu National Reserve.

Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale National Park Uganda. Discovery Journeys
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Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale National Park Uganda

Uganda is Africa’s leading chimpanzee tracking destination. The country tops the bucket list of all primate lovers because of its diversity and wildlife numbers. Several primate lovers visit Uganda on exclusive Discovery Journeys to meet chimpanzees in their natural habitats. Chimpanzee tracking is done in Kibale National Park, located in western Uganda. The park covers a land area of 776 square kilometers and is home to 13 primates including common chimpanzees.

Other notable primates in Kibale National Park include the Uganda Mangabey, L’hoest monkey, and blue monkeys. Kibale National Park is forested comprising an evergreen rainforest of lowland and montane landscapes. This forest ecosystem is a perfect habitat for chimpanzees as they live in harmony with other wildlife species.

Kibale National Park is most famous for chimpanzee tracking and the chimpanzee habituation experience. It has 5 fully habituated chimpanzee communities in the Kanyanchu and Buraiga sectors.

The Chimpanzee Tracking Experience

One is expected at the park headquarters for a briefing about chimpanzee tracking. Here you are told about the rules and regulations to follow while in the forest and the presence of chimpanzees. This is a safety precaution as the experience is done in a forest with other wildlife species that can charge if they feel threatened.

Chimpanzees are also sensitive and can charge or move deeper into the forest areas that humans can not easily access. The briefing process is therefore important as regulations regarding the distance to keep in the presence of chimpanzees and codes of conduct are communicated. One is for example expected to keep at least a 7 to 10-meter distance away once one encounters the chimpanzees.

After the briefing, you are led to the forest on a guided nature walk amidst sightings of birds and other primates. The hike takes 1 to 4 hours depending on the movement of chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are mobile compared to mountain gorillas and often jump from one tree branch to another. You might have to keep up to catch up with their routine in the forested mountains. You are allowed to stay in the presence of chimpanzees for an hour learning more about them and taking photos.

Kibale National Parks’ chimpanzee tracking experience is rewarding and offers the best primate experience in Uganda and East Africa.

The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

The Chimpanzee habituation experience takes you behind the scenes of the habituation process undertaken by rangers. Chimpanzee habituation is done to accustom these primates in the presence of humans for tourism and conservation purposes.

Chimpanzee communities open to tourism undergo the habituation process. Here a team of qualified rangers and veterinary doctors closely follow and monitor a chimpanzee community observing its routine and actively engaging with it. This exposure makes chimpanzees familiar with human beings’ presence and behaviors. It makes it easy to open such a community to the general public for tourism or conservation studies.

Other Chimpanzee Tracking destinations in Uganda

Uganda has several other chimpanzee tracking destinations to consider on a Uganda Discovery Journey. They include Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Bugoma Forest, and Kyambura Gorge Forest.

Budongo Forest Reserve

Budongo Forest Reserve is located in mid-western Uganda in the Murchison Falls National Park and Conservation Area. It covers 82,530 hectares of tropical rainforest home to several wildlife species. Budongo has an estimated population of over 600 chimpanzees, 350 birds, 450 tree species, butterflies, and 24 mammals 9 of which are primates. It is one of Uganda’s best-preserved forests ideal for chimpanzee tracking adventures.

Budongo Forest has provisions for the chimpanzee habituation experiences that allow more time in the presence of the primates. This is more experiential and recommended for researchers and primatologists.

Driving through the forest canopy as you head to the savannas is impressive amidst sightings of baboons and birds. The 4-day Murchison Falls National Park tour can be customized to feature a chimpanzee trek in Budongo Forest. Sambiya River Lodge is the most convenient accommodation to book when exploring the Forest. The Lodge is situated on the Southern Bank of the River Nile about a 30-minute drive from Budongo Forest. You can alternatively stay at Masindi Hotel and access the park in an hour’s drive.

Kyambura Gorge Forest

The Kyambura Gorge Forest is an underground forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Gorge is traversed by River Kyambura a primary water source for all the wildlife species. Kyambura Gorge forest is home to chimpanzees, birds, and other wildlife species. Chimpanzee tracking here is exclusive as you journey down the Valley of the Apes. Our 4-day Queen Elizabeth Tour features chimpanzee tracking and other safari wildlife adventures in the park.

Accommodation options along the Kichwamba Rift Valley escarpment facilitate the Kyambura Gorge visits. They include Katara Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Twin Lake Lodge, and Parkview Safari Lodge.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Kalinzu Forest is located in Bushenyi District a few kilometers from the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It covers a land area of 137 Square kilometers of dense tropical rainforest. Kalinzu is home to chimpanzees and other wildlife species including Blue Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, and blue monkeys. It can be visited for chimpanzee tracking, Nature walks, and Birding Discovery Journeys.

Mountain gorillas and golden monkey tracking are other exclusive primate adventures you can be part of. Mgahinga Gorilla Park in southwestern Uganda is home to the two rare primates and several bird species. Our 4-day Mgahinga Gorilla Park covers that but can be customized to add chimpanzee tracking in any of the above destinations.

For the best Uganda primate experiences, we recommend the 7-day Uganda primates and the 10-day Uganda safari. An extension to Rwanda for more primate adventures or a visit to Kenya and Tanzania for classic savanna encounters is highly recommended.

Best Northern Tanzania Safari Experiences Off-season. Discovery Journeys
CategoriesTravel Guide By Vea-admin

Best Northern Tanzania Safari Experiences Off-season

Northern Tanzania Safari Experiences are the backbone of Tanzania Discovery Journeys. The region is diverse with outstanding wildlife safari destinations home to savanna’s sought-after safari experiences. This however means a great influx of tourists during the peak season from June to October and December to March.

Discovery Journeys to northern Tanzania are rewarding with minimal rainfall disturbances during those months. The crowds however exert pressure on the wildlife especially Big Cats surrounded by tourist cars as everyone tries to capture a moment. Such Tanzania safari experiences are not ideal for those seeking exclusive moments, especially honeymooners and other wildlife enthusiasts.

We recommend considering Northern Tanzania safari experiences during the off-season months when the tourist numbers are few. These months include November and from March to May. Tanzania safari experiences during the off-season months are affected by rains but that can not stop you from exploring. Below are some safari experiences to consider for a memorable Tanzania Discovery Journey.

Serengeti Balloon Safari Experiences

Serengeti National Park has an open ecosystem where the wildebeest migration takes place. The ecosystem comprises open savanna grasslands, woodlands, rock outcrops, swamps, and Rivers home to several wildlife species.

The Great Wildebeest Migration stands out as it involves over a million wildebeests and Zebras. During the off-season months from March to April the calving period sets in where over 5000 calves are born daily. This rejuvenates the herds as they drift from southern Serengeti ahead of their long quest to Masai Mara.

Serengeti Balloon safari experiences during this time are rewarding as you catch up with the migrating herds in the early stages of the wildebeest migration. The calving period attracts the predators like lions and leopards and you stand a chance to see live predator action. The sunrise over the Serengeti horizon prepares you for the epic balloon safari adventure.

Serengeti balloon safaris are among the most highly demanded Northern Tanzania safari experiences. Having this experience during the off-season months is the only guarantee of exclusivity as tourists are often few.

Ngorongoro Crater Birding

The Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest unfilled caldera. It is home to the Big Five Mammals and other prominent safari animals including Elands, wildebeests, and zebras. The bird life in the crater is something to look out for while seeking exclusive Northern Tanzania safari experiences.

Ngorongoro is home to over 500 bird species including those endemic to Tanzania. Lake Magadi situated within the Crater hosts flocks of pink flamingos. Storks, herons, and waders are also easily spotted around the Lakes’ proximity.

The Ngorongoro Crater has open savanna grasslands home to the Kori bustard, Ostrich, and Grey-Crowned Cranes. Ngorongoro Craters’ forest rim is another incredible birding ecosystem home to several high-altitude birds. Birding in the crater is doable all year round but for the best experiences you can visit during the off-season months.

Migratory birds from as far as Europe are present in the crater from November to April. That is when resident birds are in full plumage and exciting to watch.

Tarangire Safari experiences

Tarangire National Park is a northern Tanzania safari giant. It is famous for its large elephant herds, beautiful landscapes, and overall wildlife diversity. Tarangire is the gateway to Northern Tanzania safari experiences. Discovery Journeys to the park feature game drives, birding expeditions, balloon safaris, and community visits.

Tarangire River is the park’s major water supply where animals gather on a hot day to refresh. It makes it easy to spot some of the savanna’s most desired safari animals, especially elephants.

Tarangire National Park has an animal migration involving elephants, wildebeests, and zebras. It is less crowded when compared to the Serengeti Wildebeest migration and is ideal for exclusive safari experiences.

Tarangire’s Baobab trees are historic and believed to be among the planet’s longest-surviving species. Boabab trees live for over 200 years more than any average living thing. Tarangire National Park has several of these, home to birds and other small reptiles. For best Tarangire and overall Northern Tanzania safari experiences visit during the off-season months.

Big Cats Experiences

Northern Tanzania has the highest Big Cats concentration offering the ultimate Big Cats experiences. Lions top the list and are evenly distributed in all northern Tanzania safari destinations. Serengeti National Park has the highest lion population. They live in Pride of up to 20 individuals and can easily be spotted on game drives.

Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The park is small but diverse and offers remarkable Big Cats encounters. The Tarangire River bed is another great spot for the Big Cats experiences. Lions and leopards hide in the nearby woodlands and shrubs ready to take down their prey.

The Big Cats experience is only enjoyed when done exclusively. Elusive cats like leopards come out stealthily which is feasible during the off-season months with few tourists visiting. Other natural occurrences like the Serengeti calving period and the growth of lush vegetation encourage more predator action. You can therefore have the best Big Cats experience during the off-season months.

Lake Manyara Discovery Journeys

Lake Manyara is northern Tanzania’s most underrated safari destination. It is strategically located between Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area. This makes it prime for exclusive Tanzania safari experiences. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and wildebeests.

Lake Manyara has a diverse Bird life with over 400 bird species. Notable birds include the crowned hornbill, little bee-eater, pink-backed pelican, and silver-cheeked hornbill.

The park’s wildlife highlights include blue monkeys and baboons along its forest patch at the entrance. It is also home to the Bushback, dik-diks and Klipspringers. Lake Manyara National Park is best explored on game drives, nature walks, cycling, and community visits.

Its diversity and uniqueness attract a reasonable number of tourists making it look crowded in the peak season. It is therefore best to explore it during the shoulder and off-season months for the ultimate exclusive Discovery Journeys. Our 9-day Tanzania safari features all the above-mentioned destinations. It is our best seller Tanzania Safari and can be customized to add experiences in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Contact us now to get started on your next Journey of Discovery.

Kwita Izina Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony
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Kwita Izina, Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony To Take Place On 18th October

Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s gorilla naming ceremony is back as they mark 20 years of mountain gorilla conservation. This year’s naming is scheduled for 18th October at the gorilla naming grounds near Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is among the three countries home to the rare mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are primates of the apes family that live in the forested mountains of the Virunga massif and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Their population is estimated at 1100 individuals with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park having one of the highest populations.

The park has 12 fully habituated gorilla families that are open to tourism. Mountain gorilla conservation is vital as mountain gorillas are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. The gorilla naming ceremony is among the most successful gorilla conservation approaches as the named baby gorillas are closely monitored as they grow. It makes it easy for the gorilla doctors and rangers to notice when a gorilla is missing or sick.

The Rwandan government expanded the Volcanoes National Park’s land area to create more space for the gentle giants. This came at a time when the stability in the region saw more mountain gorilla conservation efforts that made a haven for mountain gorillas. Kwita Izina proves this conservation success as only newly born mountain gorillas are named annually.

About the Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Kwita Izina was derived from the Rwandan traditional culture of naming newborns. It was adapted to name mountain gorilla babies as the rare primates are among man’s closest relatives. Mountain gorillas have over 95% DNA similar to humans and share characteristics with us.

They live in families of up to 20 individuals led by a dominant male called Silverback. The Silverback monitors its family’s territories and often determines the general routine of the subordinate gorillas. Female mountain gorillas have monthly menstrual periods like humans do and their gestation period is also 9 months. After giving birth, female gorillas breastfeed their infants that remain under their care until three years old.

It is newly born gorillas that are named during the Kwita Izina Ceremony. The gorilla naming goal is to monitor newborn for their safety as they grow in the untamed wilderness. It helps monitor population growth and come up with conservation strategies to ensure the mountain gorilla habitat is well preserved.

Where to stay During the Gorilla Naming Ceremony

Kwita Izina attracts wildlife enthusiasts and conservation players worldwide and getting accommodation becomes a challenge. The Volcanoes National Park area has several accommodation facilities with enough bed capacity. It is however advisable to secure your accommodation in advance for convenience and easy access to the event grounds.

Notable high-end luxury lodges you can opt for include Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Oneandonly Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, and Amakoro Songa Lodge. Deluxe lodging options include the Five Volcanoes, Da Vinci Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

The Kwita Izina naming grounds can also be directly accessed from Kigali. It takes a 3-hour drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and one can still have an overnight in Kigali.

Other Rwanda Tourism Events

Rwanda is an amazing safari destination famous for mountain gorillas and other wildlife. The country has over the years positioned itself as a leading tourist destination for wildlife, culture, and sports. Kwita Izina is the most successful wildlife tourism event with positive environmental impacts.

Tour Du Rwanda is a cycling event that covers iconic Rwanda safari destinations including the Congo Nile Trail. The event attracts professional cyclists from all over the World who eventually take on exclusive journeys of Discovery in the land of a thousand hills.

Ironman Triathlon is another adventurous Rwanda tourism event to look out for. It involves a series of long-distance triathlon races including swimming, bike races, and running. This year’s Ironman Triathlon was held in Rubavu District along the shores of Lake Kivu. Rwanda has several other sports events including Basket Ball, and Football that you can be part of.

Discovery Journeys Packages

Volcanoes National Park is home to golden monkeys, an old Monkey species endemic to the Virunga Mountains. The park has 5 of the eight Virunga Mountains that can be hiked. Mount Bisoke has a crater on its summit and offers one of the best mountain hiking experiences. Our 3-day gorilla tour features mountain gorillas and a golden monkey trek. The 6-day Tour features hiking Mount Karisimbi and an up-close encounter with mountain gorillas.

Akagera National Park is the country’s only savanna park in the eastern part. It is home to the Big Five Mammals including elephants, lions, buffaloes, Rhinos, and leopards. Our 3-day Akagera Tour is short but ideal for exploring the park on game drives, boat cruises, and balloon safaris.

Nyungwe Forest in the southwestern part is home to chimpanzees and 12 other primates. It is the country’s most important bird area because of its Bird diversity. The forested park is home to over 300 bird species including Albertine Rift Valley endemics. It is also Rwanda’s only natural World Heritage Site having been listed in 2023. Our 5-day Rwanda tour and 10-day Rwanda Safari feature Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking, birding, and more!

Rwanda is best explored alongside other featured destinations like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. There are direct connecting flights to each destination making accessibility easy. Uganda can be accessed by road and our 8-day Rwanda Uganda safari covers that.

As you plan your trip to the gorilla naming ceremony, you can have an extension to Uganda based on your preference.

Top Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations. Discovery Journeys
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Top Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations

Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations make Discovery Journeys to the country more desirable. Kenya is an African safari giant famous for its open savanna wildlife experiences. It is culturally diverse with a rich heritage and history.

Kenya has several adventure holiday destinations that feature all bucket list adventures. All these destinations can be featured while on a Kenya safari tour. Below are the best and most recommended Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya about a 3-hour drive from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. The park covers a land area of 392 square kilometers stretching to the Kenya-Tanzania border. It is famous for its large herds of elephants, views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and several other wildlife attractions.

Amboseli National Park is currently on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of its diversity and unique wildlife. Once approved, it will join the list of Kenya’s natural World Heritage Sites. They include Lake Turkana National Parks, Mount Kenya National Park, the sacred Mijikenda Kaya forests, and the Rift Valley Lake system.

Kenya adventure holidays to Amboseli feature game drives, nature walks, community visits, and balloon safaris. Notable wildlife species you spot on safari include wildebeests, buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, hippos, and lions. The park is also home to over 400 bird species with migratory birds from November to April. Our 3-day Amboseli tour is short but ideal for those with limited time and who would love to explore the park. It can be customized to add more days depending on one’s preference.

Amboseli safari adventures are unmatched making the park the top Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations.

Mombasa

Mombasa is Kenya’s coastal and oldest Capital City. It is located along Kenya’s coast and is ideal for beach holidays and marine wildlife safari adventures. Mombasa is a historic city of the East African coastal trade. Its history dates back to the 16th century when the influx of Arab traders and European explorers was high.

Iconic historical attractions in Mombasa include Fort Jesus, a fort built from 1593 to 1596. Its architectural design was by Giovanni Battista a prominent Italian architectural designer.

Mombasa has white sand beaches where one can relax or engage in beach sports. Notable ones include Diani Beach, Bumburi Beach, Nyali Beach, and Mombasa Beach. These are ideal for honeymoon holidays, destination weddings, and other Discovery Journeys getaways. Mombasa is definitely among the must-visit Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations.

Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous Kenya safari destination. It is located in the Southern Part and is home to Big cats, birds, and other safari animals. Masai Mara has an open ecosystem connected to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. It is in this ecosystem where the great wildebeest migration takes place.

The great wildebeest migration is a mass animal movement that features millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. These grazers move over the open Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystem in search of fresh pasture. A Kenya safari to Masai Mara featuring the migration is rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts as you get to see one of the highest wildlife concentrations on the planet.

Masai Mara has other featured safari experiences including birding, cultural tours, nature walks, and balloon safaris. The reserve is a lion conservation unit with the highest lion population in Kenya. Leopards and cheetahs are also easily spotted in Masai Mara compared to other Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations. Our 4-day and 10-day Kenya safari feature Masai Mara. It is highly recommended that one explores the park’s wildlife.

Lewa Conservancy

Lewa Conservancy is situated in northern Kenya a 4-hour drive from Nairobi city. It is a refuge for the endangered black rhinos and Grevy’s Zebra. Lewa is among the most prominent Kenya Wildlife conservancies offering exclusive Kenya safari experiences.

It covers a land area of 65,000 acres of a diverse ecosystem including open savannas, woodlands, and shrubs. This ecosystem is home to over 450 bird species including Kenya endemics. Other notable safari animals at Lewa include lions, elephants, giraffes, and wild dogs.

Lewa Conservancy has several luxurious and remarkable accommodation facilities. They include Borana Lodge, Elewana Lewa Safari Camp, Elewana Kifaru House, Lewa House, and Sirikoi Lodge. All these are exclusive overlooking the conservancy wilderness and ideal to base from while on Lewa safari adventures.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is also located in Northern Kenya. The reserve is famous for its rare wildlife species including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffes, and the gerenuk. Samburu is home to several other wildlife species including the Oryx Beisa, Buffaloes, elephants, and over 390 bird species.

The reserve is among the most exclusive Kenya Adventure Holiday Destinations. It is ideal for off-beaten-path adventures and those interested in intimate safari experiences. Samburu can be explored in a 3 to 4-day adventure independently or combined with Kenya safari adventures to other destinations.

A visit to Samburu is best enjoyed during the dry season from June to October and January to March. During that time game drive trails are dry and easy to navigate. During the wet season, the Ewaso Ngiro River floods cutting off access to lodges and game drive areas.

Kenya safaris are generally incredible and the best for first-time travelers seeking classic African adventures. Tanzania is another classic African destination that can be explored alongside Kenya. Our 10-day Kenya safari covers the best of Kenya featuring Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara. The 7-day Kenya wildlife and beach safari features savanna wildlife adventures and a beach holiday in Mombasa.

All these can be customized to add primate adventures in Uganda and Rwanda.

Trekking The Majestic Giants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Discovery Journeys
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Trekking The Majestic Giants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the most visited Uganda primate trekking safari destination. It is located in Southwestern Uganda stretching from Kanungu to Kisoro District. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is among Africa’s best preserved Afromontane lowland forests and ecosystems.

It lies along the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, covering a land area of 321 square kilometers. Bwindi is home to mountain gorillas and several other wildlife species. The forest, Sarambwe Reserve, and the Virunga Massif are the only ecosystems with rare and endangered mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are primates of the apes family. Mountain gorillas, Crossriver gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and western lowland gorillas are the 4 gorilla subspecies. These live in East and Central African forests but are among the most endangered wildlife species. Gorillas are threatened by habitat loss due to increased human population, poaching, and diseases. They have over 95% DNA similar to humans making them among man’s closest primates. This however makes them vulnerable to human illnesses including flu.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest currently has the highest Mountain gorilla population. Below is what you need to know about this home of gentle giant apes.

Facts About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

It is home to over 450 mountain gorillas. The total mountain gorilla population in the wild is estimated at 1100 individuals. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has almost half of that number distributed in the different sectors of the forested park.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1994. This is because of the parks’ diversity and sanctuary to mountain gorillas. It is home to over 160 tree species, 100 ferns, 200 butterfly species, and over 350 bird species. Other notable wildlife species in Bwindi include chimpanzees, forest elephants, and l’hoest monkeys.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest dates back over 25,000 years. The forest has been a wildlife sanctuary and water catchment area for years. It was gazetted as a national park in 1991 to ensure its continued preservation and sustainability.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Sectors

Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga are the sectors that comprise Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rushaga and Nkuringo are located in the southern part in the Kisoro District. Buhoma the first and oldest sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi.

Ruhija is located in the East, about an hour’s drive from Buhoma. Rushaga has seven habituated gorilla families. These include Bikingi, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Kutu, and Busingye.

Posho, Christmas, Nkuringo, and Bushaho are the four habituated gorilla families in the Nkuringo sector. Ruhija comprises Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Mukiiza and Oruzogo. The Buhoma sector has 6 gorilla families, including Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Muyambi, Katwe, and Binyindo.

There is still an ongoing gorilla habituation process aimed at making gorillas accustomed to human beings’ presence. We hope that the gorilla family numbers will increase with time.

The Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing at the park headquarters of the different sectors of Bwindi. You are told about the gorilla trekking rules and regulations during the briefing. After the briefing you are led by the park ranger guides hiking through the forest for 1 to 6 hours. This depends on the movement of the mountain gorillas since they are mobile.

On getting to them, you keep at least a 10-meter distance. You can only stay up to an hour in their presence taking photos and learning more about them. After this remarkable encounter, you are led back to the park headquarters, where you are awarded your certificates of participation.

Best Time To Visit

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be visited any time of the year. For the best experience, we recommend visiting during the dry season from June to September and December to March. During the dry season, the forest trails are relatively dry and easy to navigate with minimal rainfall disturbances.

Rainfall is still unpredictable and can happen anytime, given the forest coverage and nature land. It is important to have rain gear just in case it rains.

Getting There

Bwindi can be accessed by road and air transport. It takes about a 9 to 10-hour drive from Kampala to the park when you drive directly. It can also be accessed from Kigali in a 4 to 5-hour drive. Bwindi can be accessed from other Uganda safari destinations like Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Bunyonyi. These take 3, 4, and 2-hour drives respectively depending on the sector you are visiting.

You can also start your Uganda tour to Bwindi from Kigali or connect to the park from Volcanoes National Park. Our 8-day Rwanda Uganda safari starts from Kigali and features a visit to Bwindi. There are daily scheduled flights from Bwindi to Masai Mara via Kisumu for immigration. This option works well for people interested in directly connecting to Kenya for classic African safari adventures.

Where to Stay

All the different sectors of Bwindi have a wide range of accommodation options from budget to high-end luxury lodges. Buhoma has the highest number of luxury lodges including Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Mahogany Springs, and Buhoma Lodge.

To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to book accommodation in the sector where you intend to track gorillas. We have customized several gorilla trekking packages to the different sectors of Bwindi. Notable ones include the 3-day gorilla habituation tour, the 4-day Uganda Wildlife tour, and the 5-day Uganda primates tour. These can be combined with a visit to Rwanda or our other featured safari destinations like Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, and Eastern DRC.