What comes into your mind when you read or someone tells you about the “modern African tribes”? The marvelous Pictures and videos of the dark tall slender men and women in the red plaids bouncing high into the air. Maasai women dressed up in colorful beads from head to toe, singing loud ritual songs with repetitive verses. Dyed hair, bracelets, anklets, crouched huts, a lonesome shepherd tending his skinny humped cows amidst the savannah – these are the images that should come into your mind when describing the true African culture and being represented by one of the famous indigenous tribes, the Maasai. The well-known tribe of nomads and warriors who steadfastly refuse the temptations of civilization and have lived their ancestors’ way of life up to this day.
Through the eyes of a newcomer tourist
Once you land in Tanzania, you might be able to see local guys and young ladies, wowly dressed and welcoming almost all travelers. Given a chance to visit deeply in areas of Arusha and Zanzibar you can see people in traditional attires – red and blue plaids, with their arms and necks bead-covered. Treat them well and always be willing to pause for a photo if you can give a tip for it. There’re quite a several souvenir shops and other knick-knacks, Finding the distinctive colorful scarves and plaids known as “shuka” isn’t a challenge for whoever needs it since there’s high demand among tourists and the fact that local hawkers know better hat tourists love. the remote inner lands of Tanzania and Kenya are the world where-famous aliens from the old African world reside – the Maasai.
Tanzania and Kenya’s Indigenous Maasai People
Known for their deep respect for nature, nomadic lifestyle, and red robes, the Maasai are perhaps Kenya’s best-known tribe. “Maasai” literally means “one who speaks the Maa language.” This ancient language is currently used by at least half a dozen ethnic groups, constituting the sub-tribes of the Maasai people. It results in a wide range of sub-dialects changing from one Maasai settlement to another. However, many of the Maasai have had a command of English and Swahili ever since English and Swahili were introduced by the colonialists and Arabs. The closer settlements are near Maasai Mara which includes part of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya and Tanzania spreading from the Serengeti to Kilimanjaro areas and tourist areas. The Maasai is widely spread with about 3,000 tribes in modern Africa and They are not among the so-called uncontacted peoples who outright deny contact with the outside world. However, the modern Maasai do live isolated from their neighbors, speak their language, abiding
by their tribal traditions,
moving around freely with no passports in areas they consider their own.
Modern Maasai Life
Maasai warriors performing the Amudu dance
THE COOLANT/A TYPICAL MAASAI HOUSE
KRAAL – A TYPICAL MAASAI VILLAGE
Despite their long-standing intense image and observance of warrior customs, today’s Maasai is a fairly peaceful people. Although all men at some point become Morans (warriors) and proudly brush aside their daily work, it is more of a nod to tradition the Masai carry weapons like swords and sharp knives, though no one to fight or challenge. What we should realize about these present-day savannah dwellers – they continue to remain herdsmen. A modern Maasai settlement can remain in one location for a lot of time if there’s enough fodder for the cows, sheep, and goats. Lots of families simply follow a seasonal schedule as they guard and protect their pastures to return for the next season. They can as well tend to disappear as soon as someone dies there and the Elders tell them to drift somewhere else.
The ritual dance is performed the whole day long. Today, it has become a hallmark of not only the Maasai tribe but of entire Africa. It’s no surprise that the jumping dance is an obligatory performance before the tourists, especially when the cameras turn on. Everybody benefits from the popularity of the dance, and thus the Amudu can often be seen performed by other African peoples.
The Maasai huts provide reliable shelter from heat, rain, and wind. During hot days, the dung mixture very fast dries out and cracks. It’s a cooperation system where the huts will be smeared with dung again and this usually works for women and children.
A typical African stake wall is placed around the Maasai settlement, made up of thorny acacia branches at least a meter and a half high. As a rule, there’s only one entry and exit for livestock and people. And Such Maasai settlements are called bomas or kraals. This is done intentionally because it’s much easier for the Maasai to shift when the right time comes to move to new areas with greener pastures and water for livestock. This would only require dismantling all the poles and carrying them to the new location. This is a tradition of protecting animals from predators and fewer cases of extermination and ravage are reported the animal hides and skins were used in the construction of the bomas and it is still practiced these days where you can spot a very unique building. It’s to note that young boys at 3 armed and call for elders for intruders and at the age of 8-10, they are super warriors.
Maasai Routine
The tribe’s only concern is livestock. No poultry, it’s only sheep, cows, and goats. Farming is considered an unworthy occupation for these proud and free people of Maasai. The larger the herd the higher social status you gain and having cows is the true meaning of life.
It’s the boys that look after cattle at a young age without elders and Milking, all housework, tirelessly repairing the huts cooking, fetching water, and many others is a woman’s task, it is also a role of a woman to satisfy a man in bed. The communal social system assumes that most families are united by blood and each clan member is to respect and partake in the common chores.
Maasai men kindling a fire
The Maasai believed that they have the right to own any cattle or goat on this earth and these esteemed Young men stealing cattle from other clans were always looked at as usual. All other crimes are punished by a fine, whatever the offense is, and cows were the best penalty.
Beaded Ornaments
Beadwork is favorite among many Africans, but the multi-skilled Maasai artisans seem to have outdone everyone in their impulse to stand out and become the most visible tribe on the African continent Obligatory attributes of any self-respecting Maasai are the Bracelets, necklaces, and ornaments for head and ears made of multicolored beads. Focused travelers must notice that the Maasai are always designed and with clean faces. Both sexes often decorate their ears and heads, wearing bracelets on their wrists and shins. In their free time, the Maasai women will make beaded ornaments for sale and wear. It’s the role of each wife to make the man look smarter.
PAINFUL CIRCUMCISION
The Masai Food
The Famous Jumping Dance
KRAAL – A TYPICAL MAASAI VILLAGE
Emorata is an initiation ritual that all adolescents must go through of becoming adults in order to prepare for marriage and childbearing. Whoever dodges this ceremony is less considered in the community and looked at as a curse and unable to give bear children. When such people die, their bodies are not returned to the Savannah areas but are buried in the ground in disgrace. At the age of about 12 or 14, the warriors must go under circumcision, this is the worst time in their lifetime, it’s so painful and takes a long to heal, the screams, crying and danger of infections are among the risks but healing is successful. genital mutilation is significantly more difficult in women, at 14, or even earlier, the girls’ heads and eyebrows are shaved clean. An experienced woman then takes a blade and cuts off a part of a young girl’s genitalia as the girl as this results in untold pain. It’s never good because these girls face a lot of challenges and are prone to diseases and might fail to give birth, however, there’s much sensitization against this.
Traditionally Milk and meat are the core of the Maasai diet. Goats and beef are the first choices for meat because it is almost a crime to slaughter cows for food. since it’s their gold. Some stories are true others are false, the Maasai have tasted fruits and vegetables mostly the young age who shift to different homes and need to live. It’s Recent, that proud Africans have also tasted foods that are not typical of their traditions. Such as cornmeal, which they buy and add to milk to make porridge. Potatoes, Rice, cabbage, and other agricultural products. You may wonder why the Maasai don’t like or support farming. The Maasai culture criticizes farming, which is examined as a crime against nature. Sheep fat, honey to make mead, selected tree barks, and roots can be chewed for a long time and these are considered supplements. Here is another one of the seemingly strange Maasai traditions: the women are not allowed to cook food for men, never be present when it is cooked, not even looking at it. In case this happens, food is regarded as defiled and will be thrown away. But this does not apply in all clans and is not practiced every day, it’s believed to be done by the shifting warriors to new places. When you talk to an original Maasai will tell you how modern technology can never affect their tradition and changing how they believe will require more than 1000 years as they are so passionate about what it is.
The dance is called the Amudu. Performed by the young warriors-to-be preparing to undergo the initiation rite. Putting on garments without restricting their movements, forming circles, and jumping as high as they can. Incredibly lifting their feet so high from the ground and landing on tiptoe without touching the ground with their heels. It’s a continuous rhythmic succession, where the young tall boys would show how skilled they are and would only take the best-trained warrior jumping higher than the others. This skill was probably crucial in times of uncontrolled wilderness. trees were very few on the vast plains that one could climb, so it was only jumping on the spot that would give information about what was happening around, paying a closer look at predators if they were approaching the herd, or maybe if the other warriors from hostile tribes were organizing an ambush.
A typical African stake wall is placed around the Maasai settlement, made up of thorny acacia branches at least a meter and a half high. As a rule, there’s only one entry and exit for livestock and people. And Such Maasai settlements are called bomas or kraals. This is done intentionally because it’s much easier for the Maasai to shift when the right time comes to move to new areas with greener pastures and water for livestock. This would only require dismantling all the poles and carrying them to the new location. This is a tradition of protecting animals from predators and fewer cases of extermination and ravage are reported the animal hides and skins were used in the construction of the bomas and it is still practiced these days where you can spot a very unique building. It’s to note that young boys at 3 armed and call for elders for intruders and at the age of 8-10, they are super warriors.
The Maasai Hierarchy
The Morans or the warriors, take time to be exempted from a separated home, Maasai are polygamous, and men are prone to marrying 3-10 wives depending on the number of cows owned, a large number of cows the number of wives one can have. This gives a chance to rich men to marry even thirty wives. girls are soon given in for marriage and the fathers offered cows. By tradition and as a rule, young ladies must be married to men older than them.
A Maasai woman with a child
Maasai warriors wearing traditional shukas
In some Maasai clans, a woman may also have several husbands and this implies in the Maasai sexual traditions that allow men to offer their marital bed to peers of equal status. But if a woman gives conceives from such a casual union, her husband is considered to be the father.
At the age of 30-35 men go through more rituals that increase their status and are looked at as junior elders. And they are allowed to leave home and go to other areas to start a new life, On a few occasions they stay around and this means the juniors will face the orders since the elders are idle. Uniqueness is key the men have long braided hair which is still shaved off at 30-35 years of age.
The villages had chiefdoms and whenever one was needed, the young age would have the chance, the elders were to obtain community morale, and deal in other areas like marriage and migrations. The Maasai people know their place in the social hierarchy throughout their life and follow the rules; this is practiced from a young age as it helps the people to maintain their indigenous way of life that distinguishes them from all other tribal communities. The strict Maasai laws and the unquestioning obedience of elders, and the commitment to a nomadic way of life, allow the Maasai to live in their own way while other people have been seriously influenced by civilization.
This is a traditional Tanzanian fishermen’s attire that the Maasai found to their liking. Naturally, the dwellers of remote poor villages are unable to afford attractive shukas, so the hides will still do a great job. Due to long distances and living almost in the wild, the areas are always full of acacia and dry Savannah; the sharp dwellers developed noteworthy feature clothing for the footwear. The herdsmen wear sandals self-made from old automobile tires. A practical and unique solution, you bet!
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The Karimojong/Karamojong are found in the districts of Kotido, Moroto, Kaabong, Abim, and Nakapiripiriti,in the northeast part of Uganda. They are part of the Atekerin-speaking peoples of Uganda. The origins of the word Karimojong are quite uncertain but a legend from Teso and Karamoja itself asserts that the two names iteso and Karimojong were derived during their migrations-within Uganda.
THE ORIGIN
Although the Karimojong has common origins with the Langi and the iteso, some elements of their culture differ greatly from those of the langi. This is because the langi became more prone to foreign influences during their migratory cycle. Even among the Karimojong of today, the customs which depicted the mode of life of the traditional stock have slightly, if not greatly been affected by the forces of change such as intercultural adaptations. Nonetheless, the Karimojong still stands as a distinct group with some elements of their cultural heritage intact.
SOCIAL SET UP
The social system of the Karimojong was centered around the clan system and they shared similar cultural elements with the langi and the Iteso.
Marriage
Before the boy could announce his intention to marry, he had to prove to the elders o the village that he was already a man. In early times when lions and elephants still teemed across the southern Karamoja plains, the boy had to set out alone armed only with a spear to hunt and kill single-handed a lion or an elephant that roamed the plains. The worrier would prove the achievement by reporting to the clan/family elders at a formal meeting called a Baraza. He would show blood on his spear blade and also present the animal’s tail. The remaining problem now would be to fund sufficient cattle to pay the bride’s wealth. A bull was always killed and shared among the boys upon proving his manhood to his father.
From then on he was considered to have attained marriageable age and with the permission of the elders, he could begin to wear ostrich feathers. And the boy’s father would instruct him to look for a girl to marry. Sexual contact was a usual prerequisite for the actual marriage and cases were few in which the bride’s wealth was paid before such contact had taken place
Political set-up
These were a segmentary society. it was always the elders who were vested by Leadership and the clan was the basic unit of political administration. The heads of the different clans constituted the council of elders which was responsible for administering justice, settling disputes, maintaining law and order, and punishing lawbreakers. All the elders occupied a position of political importance in society. They also performed important tendering sacrifices to the gods.
The groom and the zebra
The Karimojong were polygamous. The number of wives a man could marry was only limited by bride wealth agreements. Marriage between relatives was never allowed at all, no matter how distant the degree of consanguinity. Customarily, the girl was always taken through a large kraal entrance and led to her own house. Donning his leopard skin cloak, his knee bells, headdress, and zebra tail, the groom would circle the entire village pretending to be a brave animal, tossing his head and swishing his tail. People would gather in the cattle kraal as the ceremony is rounded off with a tremendous dance.
Economy
The Karimojong are pastoralists by nature and their love for cattle is intense. Cows are regarded as means of livelihood and for paying bride wealth. Among the Karimajong, the bride’s wealth was high and it was paid in cows. Brides were very expensive items. Bride-wealth ranged from fifty to one hundred heads of cattle. It was due to this and the custom of “spear-blooding” that Karimajong usually resorted to cattle raiding. To most of them, spear-blooding was necessary when a young boy had passed through what was known as the initial stage and desired to get married.
Food
Karimojong food consists of milk and defibrinated blood, which was usually supplemented with meat, millet, beans, and sorghum. When goats and goats die, they eat the meat but cannot naturally kill them for food. In ancient days, when they ate meat, they did it thoroughly; the whole carcass save hides, horns, and hooves was consumed.
The children were usually given milk from the age of six months when breast milk became inadequate. Feeding on blood mixed with milk was also a delicacy and this was never cooked, it was simply drunk. And was always enjoyable mostly In the dry seasons.
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Who Are The Samburu
The Samburu are a Nilotic people of north-central Kenya who are semi-nomadic pastoralists herding mainly cattle, and keeping sheep, goats, and camels. Traditionally, the Samburu are known for their striking dress, hairstyles, and strong warrior hood. Singing, Music, and dancing are important elements of their culture and can be experienced during the annual Lake Turkana Festival in Loiyangalani, Turkana County.
They speak the Samburu dialect of the Maa language that’s spoken by the other 22 tribes of the Maa community known as the Masai. This tribe is the 3rd largest in the Maa community of Tanzania and Kenya after the Kisonko of Tanzania and parks of Kenya and Tanzania.
Daily Life Style
Mostly the Samburu live in groups of five to ten families and it is by Tradition that Samburu men look after their cattle and responsible for the overall safety of the tribe.
Whereas the men are looking after the tribe, The Samburu women are responsible for gathering vegetables and roots, caring for their children, and collecting water and this is practiced daily. Girls usually help their mothers with domestic chores. By virtue The Samburu are a gerontocracy, the elders rule the tribe and decide when ceremonies will occur, such as weddings and circumcisions. Announcing one into womanhood and manhood is marked with a circumcision ceremony. Men and women are only able to get married once they have been circumcised, as before that they are still considered children.
Who is a Moran Warrior?
To be considered a Moran (a warrior) a boy must be circumcised. The men are categorized into age sets, and as a group move from one social position to another. From child to Moran, junior elder, and finally to elder. These greater cousins of the Masai have not used any instruments to accompany their dancing and singing. Traditionally the Samburu relied almost on their herds for food and economical survival before the coming of the colonialists. It is of great honor that men wear a cloth which is often pink or black wrapped around their waists similar to the Scottish styles. These traditional people adorn themselves with anklets, bracelets, and necklaces that truly beautify their appearances. Surrounding the buffalo spring and the Shaba game reserve these very unique people are rich in a culture based on their economic, social and political way of living.
The closest relatives of the stone age people in Uganda can be said to be the pygmoid Batwa and the Bambuti. They do not have permanent dwellings and they live by hunting and gathering. but they tend to be semi-sedimentary, camping for a time when food can be obtained. The Batwa, for example, live by begging from and working for the Bahutu and Batutsi. probably this is so because there is no longer much scope for survival by hunting and gathering because of increased populations and encroachments on gathering grounds. However, they still eke a bare subsistence, they pygmies are ethnically related to the pygmies of the Congo, the ndorobo of Kenya (now diminishing), and the koikoi and San(bushmen and Hottentots) of South Africa.
The Bambuti
The Bambuti can be traced to the present districts of Bundibugyo and Kasese. They conquer the tropical forests of the Congo river basin. They are found on the western Uganda-Zaire border particularly in the parts adjoining the Ituri forest the Ituri river which has its source in the bulega hills overlooking lake Albert and river semuliki. They are often referred to as the Pygmies and they are believed to have been the original inhabitants of the Rwenzori Mountains before the coming of the Bantu people. Congo forest is said to have been their original home speaking the Bambuti language which is said to be very complex and difficult to learn.
The Bambuti’s economy
The Bambuti’s economy is just as simple as generalizing their way of life. by nature, they are wanderers with no fixed place to inhabit. Their main means of subsistence is meat and blood plus the forests where they live abound with elephants, monkeys, lizards, buffalos, antelopes, and birds. They prey on these animals and several others that the forest contains and are seemingly content with what they have . the Bambuti aren’t troubled at comfort homes, provided they can drink and eat.
On normal travels, the women carry all the family property and are entitled to do all the work including the construction of the huts. The men only carry their spears and arrows. They are experienced hunters and it’s what they are entitled to do for the families to have what to eat.
The Pygmies and Bambuti are nomads always on the move from place to place, hunting and gathering. They are said to be cannibals and they average under 4 feet 6 inches (137) in height. Having a light bronze color and beautiful complexion with the same curly, woolly hair as their Bantu neighbors. Their faces are broad thick lips and wide nostrils. They have temporary huts due to their nomadic lifestyle.
Dressing Code
Their dressing is composed of a belt wound around the waist, with a piece of bark cloth attached to the belt in the middle of the back, brought down between the legs, and fixed against the belt in front. This type of cloth suits both men and women, though it’s unusual for the Bambuti to put on clothes. They usually go half naked though, occasionally, some of them may be found with a brass-wire bangle.
In April 1993, The Mubare gorilla the group was the first to become available for tourism in Uganda, it’s great news that more than nine groups are now habituated to tourism, and one group for research. Scattered over a series of steep ridges and valleys, the impenetrable forest is a home of 5 unique rivers, flowing into Lake Edward.
The Park is located in southwestern Uganda at the extremity of the Rift Valley, with almost 400 species of plants. More famously, the Bwindi forest also protects estimated 600 mountain gorillas – marking up roughly half of the world’s population, with many habituated mountain gorilla groups, easily tracked.
This biologically diverse region is also home to 120 mammals, including several primate species such as red-tailed monkeys and chimpanzees, elephants, and more antelopes. Bwindi national park harbors over 350 bird species with about 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Bwindi is believed home to 220 butterfly species with the most eight Albertine rift endemics. Also home to many reptiles.
Activities
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
A gorilla tracking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a lifetime dream for almost every traveler and has been classified by many adventurers as the best wildlife experience on this planet. The face to face with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, witnessing the absolute gentleness of the giant silverbacks, infants, and juveniles the mighty nature entertainers incredibly brings up an unforgettable experience. Gorilla trekking begins at 8 AM
every day with a briefing after which groups of a maximum of eight enthusiastic Tourists trek into the mysterious jungle accompanied by experienced ranger guides and a team of advanced trackers, this can last anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas will be. as you challenge yourself in the jungle you are chanced to feed your eyes with several other fauna and flora species along the way culminating in 60 awe minutes in the company of one of habituated mountain gorilla families.
Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi National park
Unlike gorilla trekking, the habituation requires following one of the families that are in the process of being accustomed to tourist visits. Habituation is essential in ensuring that the families are made relatively used to tourist visits for their safety reducing their shyness. The experience requires 4 tourists that will spend more time with the family of gorillas (a total of 4 hours is allowed) as our team of rangers and researchers perform their daily tasks of grooming the family.
Forest/Nature Walk in Bwindi National Park
Enjoying the cool breath and uncountable jungle calls are the true rewards of nature in this UNESCO world heritage site. A ranger is allocated to move around with tourists since it’s still a national park with wildlife for safety measures, rich in streams and waterfalls, tourists can easily bask in this home away from the environment, Butterfly species and other invertebrates, birds, primates, and vegetation can also, be sighted.
Birding in Bwindi National park
With at least 23 Albertine rift endemics and over 351 bird species, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a favorite spot for birders, with its sheer diversity. Birding trips are led by one of the expert guides along the trails through this ancient forest.
Tourists may be lucky to spot some of the park’s other wildlife and this is what makes Bwindi and Uganda’s birding safaris even more interesting.
Community Visits around Bwindi National Park
The Bakiga and Batwa people are immediate neighbors of Bwindi, both fascinating groups of People with unique traditions. Enjoying the traditional dances, and storytelling skits, way of living, ironsmith can be any in the Cultural tours. Community tours can either be held the day before your gorilla trek or after and can be the Much-needed cherry on the cake to crown off an unforgettable encounter with the great apes of the impenetrable forest.
HOW TO GET TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Getting to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park can be by air transport or road transport. By air, travelers can get to Bwindi by using chattered flights from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip or Kihihi airstrip and 4*4 vehicles recommended while connecting to the destined locations. By road travelers can get to bwindi by driving from Kampala via masaka, Mbarara, Ntungamo-Rukungiri, Kabale or Kisoro which are the easiest used routes, this can cost you about 8 hours. Travelers from Kigali can access Bwindi impenetrable forest national park by using Katuna border in Kabale or Cyanika border in Kisoro.
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Our exclusive lodge contains only eight secluded luxurious bandas, each designed to be your home away from home, throughout your stay giving you the ultimate privacy and comfort. Each Banda is composed with a thatched roof, spacious seating area, day bed, a generous mosquito net, en suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private viewing deck with a swing chair and deck chairs. Your banda is your window onto some of the world’s more spectacular scenery.
deluxe banda
There are six Deluxe bandas overlooking the River Nile. Your king-bedroom is an intimate sanctuary bought to life with unique design and décor. The bandas are a perfectly secluded hideaway.
Exclusive Banda
The perfect room to spend a romantic getaway, with its breathtaking views. Its the ideal place to relax with a drink or a book. Its uniqueness is in its private plunge pool and daybed overlooking the River Nile. A special offer to couples who want to enjoy some private time together.
Family Villa
Ideal for families and small groups, this flexible two-bedroom haven balances privacy with shared living space, including a private swimming pool, Child-friendly, and outdoor viewing terrace. The lodge is ideal for a family gate away.
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EXPLORE UGANDA
Explore Uganda
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” is a treasure trove of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of East Africa, Uganda is a premier tourist destination, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Uganda’s natural beauty is breathtaking. The majestic Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” offer stunning views and exciting hiking trails. Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, and the Great Nile River provide breathtaking scenery and exciting water sports.
The country’s diverse wildlife is another major draw.
Uganda is home to over 1,000 species of birds, including the iconic shoebill stork and the grey crowned crane. National parks like Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Bwindi Impenetrable offer a chance to see iconic African wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Uganda is also home to a large population of mountain gorillas, with guided treks available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda’s rich cultural heritage is also on display. With over 50 ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs, traditions, and languages, visitors can experience the country’s vibrant cultural scene by visiting local villages, attending cultural festivals, and learning about the country’s history and traditions.
In conclusion, Uganda is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and wonder of Africa. With its incredible natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Uganda offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.
The pearl of Africa is a safe country and always open to all safari goers, we bring closer to magic starting from the village level to the maximum of your expectations. While Uganda, always has a 360 rotation both destinations are worth visiting, the country has 10 major national parks and several wildlife reserves, it’s rich in primates and Savannah specials, forested and mountainous, which creates a magical view while in this country. People are friendly and always engage your safari guide for more ideas, tipping is a culture in the country so we encourage anyone to always appreciate the locals.
You will be given your own safari guide, who will have to play a big role to enlighten your trip you will build a relationship with your guide, see hundreds of animals and beautiful sceneries, move further, north, and proceed to the south all flexible movements.
All travel destinations have smooth and rough roads depending on where you are heading to. Other areas have trains connecting to leisure areas like Mombasa -Nairobi, those who don’t wish to move on the road for a long time can use local charters and this applies in all east African countries
Uganda Destinations
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Kenya safaris are most popular for their intimate awe-inspiring and signature travel experiences.
In Kenya alone, there are over 40 National Parks and Game Reserves all offering refuge to diversity of wildlife species. Each of these protected areas has something distinct for Kenya safari holidaymakers to explore and experience. Safaris in Kenya offer the unbeatable Great Migration, Big 5 game viewing and authentic African experiences.
The savanna wilderness experiences are accompanied with beach experiences in the country’s finest coastal beaches, landscape exploration characterized by the Great Rift Valley, mountains and vast rainforests. This is an all year-round destination, an African safari destination that guarantees exhilarating wildlife experiences, thrilling outdoors and breathtaking landscapes. Combine your diverse experiences with the enriching cultural encounters as you unearth the unique cultures and traditions of the Kenyan people.
The Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Kenya
Nothing leaves you mesmerized like embarking on the Great wildebeest migration safari. This is remarkably complete immersion into the wild, encounter millions of wildebeest accompanied by 1000s of zebras, gazelles, and other species. Kenya’s Great Migration takes place in Masai Mara in the Southwestern part of the country.
The most powerful of all is the River crossing; keep eyes on over 1.5 million wildebeest as they find themselves out of the infested Nile crocodile Mara River. The journey starts from Serengeti National Park and these mammals cross over to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
It is a circular journey, determined by rainfall patterns. The primarily reason why this world’s spectacle occurs is due to need for pasture and water by wildebeest.
Migration by months.
January, February and March (Birthing/Calving season)
The wildebeest move south from the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR), and Northern Serengeti. The migration continues up to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to Ngorongoro Crater. The grass grows longer and fresh after rains and wildebeest mothers in need for nutritious grasses are attracted to this area. The conditions of the environment aid in gestation and for the mothers to raise their newborns.
April, May and June (Mating season)
Unlike some calves, newborn wildebeests can stand immediately they are born and can start moving with the herd within a few days. Within a month/2, around April, the herds start migrating northwestwards the grasses of the Serona/central Serengeti NP. They are join 1000s antelopes and zebras.
The mating season starts around May and it is during this period when males can be witness battling for mating rights.
July, August and September (The Great Migration)
Huge herds of wildebeest can be witnessed heading to the North and spilt off with some taking the Grumati Reserve side while majority proceed to the Northern Serengeti National Park. It is this flock that is witnessed in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Around July, 1000s of wildebeest accompanied by zebras, congregate into huge numbers and this is an ideal period to witness the River Crossing at Mara River in Kenya. As they try crossing, there are crocodiles lurking beneath the waters. It is estimated that more than 250,000 wildebeest die during the migration months.
Around late July and August, most of the wildebeest herds cross the Mara and Talek Rivers. you can view several movement clearly along the Northern area. Around September, the River crossings get diminished and huge flocks are witnessed heading eastwards in search of new and fresher grasses.
Best National Parks to visit in Kenya
Masai Mara
Basting of its sprawling savannas, rolling hills and dramatic river crossing not forgetting the unforgettable big five game encounters, Maasai Mara National Reserve is amazingly East Africa’s premier travel destination. This powerful nature reserve is set in the Southwestern Kenya, expanding up to 1510sq.km and protects a huge concentration of wildlife and birdlife.
Masai Mara is contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti NP, and takes its name from the Maasai people. Established in 1961, Masai Mara protects variety of wildlife including cheetahs, leopards, lions, and African bush elephants. The reserve covers key areas such as Ol Chorro Oirowua, Kerinkani, Maji Moto, Lemek, Kimintet, Ol Derkesi, Koiyaki, Naikara, Mara North, and Siana. The popular experiences to enjoy while in Masai Mara include the Great Migration, game drives, birding, hot air balloon safaris and guided nature walks.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Most popular as a beautiful wildlife haven, Lake Nakuru National Park is along the Great Rift Valley region and features bushy grassland. This park is most popular for its huge flocks of the pink flamingos, majority of which concentrate around Lake Nakuru. Other species to look out for at Lake Nakuru NP include the Rothschild giraffes, impalas, lions, waterbucks, rhinos and plenty of other bird species.
Amboseli National Park
Lying at the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli NP is one of the most famous destinations in Kenya. This compact boasts of its huge herds of elephants, Kudus, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, and several bird species. Amboseli NP is in Loitoktok District which is part of the rift valley province. Game viewing is amazingly the must-do activity while on Kenya safari.
Flying Safaris in Kenya
Enjoy aerial views of Kenya’s most spectacular game parks on our extra-ordinary savanna fly in safaris. Flying safaris are the most excellent way to getting to your destination from the heart of Nairobi city or upon arrival at one of the airports in Kenya. There are several flying safaris that can be arranged in Kenya and include the Masai Mara safari, Amboseli fly in safaris, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Tsavo and many others.
What to pack?
The must-pack items for Kenya safari include safari hat, safari shoes, first aid kit, sun protection, a camera, insect repellents, bottle water, travel adaptors, binoculars, and other items.
Beach safaris in Mombasa/Diani
If you are looking for the most beach-friendly holiday destination, then you have every reason to be at diani. this is most popular for its coral reefs, myriad restaurants, hotels, black and white colobus monkeys, and is situated not far from shimba hills national reserve.
From mombasa to diani is about 5-5 minutes on a ferry. some of the experiences worth considering while at diani; deep sea diving, deep sea fishing, explore kaya kinondo forest, eco bike rides, visit the shimoni slave caves and others.
Tips for planning Kenya safaris
Curate your travel plans or itinerary.
Get the timing right depending on what you plan to explore –the Great migration, big five game or mountaineering.
Carry the right camera for photo taking.
Deal with an experienced tour operator on ground.
Get your paperwork in order.
Pack appropriately –include insect repellents, safari shoes, safari hats, etc.
Kenya Safaris
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THE BEST OF UGANDA SAFARIS
Uganda safaris are a captivating safari destination offering unique blend of diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife and rich cultural experiences. It is filled with breathtaking landscapes of Rwenzori mountains, rich wildlife diversity of array of wildlife. These include the big five, gorilla trekking experiences where you come face to face with the majestic primates.
Birding and culture safaris in Uganda
With over 1,000 birds, Uganda is birder’s paradise. Cultural richness with local communities such as Batwa and Karamojong, primate encounters, boat safaris and off the beaten path adventures filled with fun and memories.
What is the best activity on Uganda safaris
One of the iconic activities to do while in Uganda is gorilla trekking, this involves encountering with the endangered mountain gorillas within their natural habitat. This is a one life time experience drawing adventures and wildlife enthusiast from around the globe.
Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking is a rare and privileged opportunity to share moments with these gentle giants in their natural environment. This fosters a deep connection with nature as well as contributing to the ongoing conservation of these incredible primates.
Gorilla trekking Destinations on Uganda safaris
Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national park are the two notable national parks where you get to experience this awesome experience.
Bwindi impenetrable national park is a UNESCO heritage site located in southwestern Uganda is unique for its exceptional bio diversity and most notable as a sanctuary for endangered gorillas. It is home to almost half of the remaining world’s remaining gorillas and providing exceptional gorilla trekking experiences. In Bwindi, you are sure that you will see these primates since they are divided into various gorilla families within designated gorilla sectors.
How is Gorilla trekking done on Uganda safaris
Briefing before the trek
Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning with a pre trek briefing session. Here you are told on the do’s and don’ts during the activity. You then separate into groups of eight and assigned a gorilla family to trek.
Enroute with a ranger guide
An experienced guide leads you through thickets in search of these gorillas taking about 2 to 3 hours within the jungle.
Encounter mountain gorillas
Once you encounter these primates, you are given one hour to be in their presence as you observe and learn about different ways of how they do their daily activities of feeding and staying with one another.
Time with gorillas
You are allowed to take a few snaps without flashlights to keep for memories.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern Uganda found on the border with Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is characterized with stunning and lush volcanic landscapes dominated by dormant volcanoes of Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga at the backdrop.
Similar to Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga is home to Nyakagezi gorilla family and visitors come to this place majorly for gorilla trekking. You can as well engage in golden monkey trekking since its home to a variety of these primates.
Gorilla trekking begins in the morning at the foothills of Virunga amidst the three dormant volcanoes of Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura. The park is home to one habituated gorilla family which makes the experience more intimate, less crowded and exclusive compared to larger parks.
Tourists are accompanied by experienced UWA guides through the jungle in search of the gorillas amidst challenging terrain ranging between 2 to 3 hours offering insights into the park’s flora and fauna.
Once you get to encounter the gorilla group, trekkers are allowed one hour to be in their presence as you observe and take a few snaps of the gorillas giving you an up-close experience providing a profound connection with these remarkable creatures.
In Mgahinga, you get to experience a peaceful sound of the gorillas creating a unique and immersive atmosphere during the whole encounter.
TOP 10 ACTIVITIES TO DO WHILE ON UGANDA SAFARIS
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks.
Cultural encounters in Kidepo Valley National Park
Island exploration on lake Bunyonyi
Visiting Sipi falls on the slopes of Mount. Elgon.
Visiting the orphaned chimps at Ngamba island sanctuary
Rhino tracking in Ziwa rhino sanctuary
Visiting the powerful waterfalls in Murchison falls national park
Hiking mountain Rwenzori in mount Rwenzori national park
Horseback riding in lake Mburo national park
Birding at Mabamba swamp and Semuliki national park
Hot spring visits at Semliki national park.
Best time to go for Uganda safaris
The best time to do safaris in Uganda depends on one’s interests. The dry seasons of the year are the best seasons for safaris in general.
Best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is best during the dry months of June, August, December and February.
The best time to do bird watching in Uganda
Bird watching works best in wetter months of March, May, September and November.
The best time for photography safaris in Uganda
Landscape photography suits best in wet season months of March, May, September and November.
Budget and private Uganda safaris
If you are interested in a quieter experience with few visitors around, consider visiting Uganda during the months of November, March, May and September.
