Mountain Gorillas: Unique Primates and Exciting Facts
Mountain gorillas are unique primates with exciting facts about them. With only 1,063 individuals remaining in the world, these gentle giants are critically endangered. They are one of the closest relatives of humans, sharing about 98% of our DNA.
Habitat and Distribution
Mountain gorillas are found in the Virunga Conservation Area, which spans across three countries in East Africa:
1. Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga National Park 2. Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park 3. Uganda: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Terrain and Vegetation
The Virunga Conservation Area is characterized by a mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from 2,200 to 4,300 meters above sea level. The region is covered in thick tropical rainforests, bamboo vegetation, and montane forests.
Types of Vegetation:
1. Bamboo forests
Dominated by bamboo species, these forests provide a primary food source for mountain gorillas. 2. Tropical rainforests: Characterized by dense vegetation, these forests offer shelter and protection for mountain gorillas. 3. Montane forests: Found at higher elevations, these forests are dominated by tree species such as Hagenia and Hypericum.
Favorable Habitat Conditions
The Virunga Conservation Area provides a favorable habitat for mountain gorillas due to:
1. Abundant food: The region offers a diverse range of plants, fruits, and bamboo, which are the primary food sources for mountain gorillas. 2. Suitable climate: The mountainous terrain and tropical rainforests create a cool and humid climate, ideal for mountain gorillas. 3. Adequate shelter: The dense vegetation and montane forests provide shelter and protection for mountain gorillas from harsh weather conditions and predators.
Overall, the Virunga Conservation Area provides a unique and favorable habitat for mountain gorillas, supporting their survival and well-being.
Family Structure and Social Behavior
Mountain gorillas live in complex social groups, often referred to as troops or families. These families are typically made up of several females, their offspring, and one dominant male, known as the silverback.
Dominant Silverback
The silverback is the largest and most dominant male in the group, responsible for:
1. Protection: Defending the family against external threats, such as other gorillas, predators, or humans. 2. Leadership: Guiding the family’s movements, foraging, and resting. 3. Mediation: Resolving conflicts within the group. 4. Mating: The silverback is typically the only male in the group to mate with the females.
Female Adults
Female mountain gorillas play a crucial role in the family’s social structure:
1. Childcare: Females care for their own offspring, as well as other infants and juveniles in the group. 2. Foraging: Females forage for food, teaching their offspring essential survival skills. 3. Social Bonding: Females form close bonds with each other, often grooming and interacting with one another.
Juveniles and Infants
Young mountain gorillas learn essential skills from their mothers and other adults in the group:
1. Development: Infants and juveniles develop important survival skills, such as foraging and social behaviour. 2. Socialization: Young gorillas learn social norms and behaviors, such as grooming and play-fighting.
Family Dynamics
Mountain gorilla families are known for their complex social dynamics:
1. Cooperation: Family members work together to achieve common goals, such as foraging or protecting the group. 2. Conflict: Conflicts can arise between family members, often resolved by the silverback’s mediation. 3. Affection: Mountain gorillas display affection towards each other, such as grooming, embracing, and playing.
Overall, mountain gorilla families are characterized by a complex social structure, cooperative behavior, and strong bonds between family members.
Physical Characteristics and Intelligence
Mountain gorillas share about 98% of human DNA, explaining their resemblance in limbs and high level of intelligence. They are the largest and most powerful living primates, with males reaching up to 161-170 cm in height and weighing 120-191 kg. Females are smaller, weighing 70-98 kg.
Diet and Eating Habits
Mountain gorillas are herbivores and spend most of their day eating. Their diet consists of bamboo shoots, roots, fruits, and invertebrates like ants. They use tools to dig and gather food, showcasing their intelligence and adaptability.
Bedding and Comfort
Mountain gorillas make themselves comfortable beddings every night, using roots, leaves, and grasses from the forest. This showcases their high level of love for comfort, similar to that of human beings.
Conservation Status and Threats
Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, threatened by human activities like poaching, habitat encroachment, and disease. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect these gentle giants and their habitats.
Best Time for Gorilla Tracking
The best time for gorilla tracking is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These periods offer limited interruptions from rain and steady grounds, making it easier to maneuver through the thick tropical rainforests.
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Mountain gorillas in east africa can be found in the virunga massif, also known as the virunga conservation area. it is important to remember that it is the only place in the whole world where one can get to observe the endangered mountain gorillas.
The virunga conservation area is shared between three countries – uganda, rwanda and democratic republic of congo with each country having at least a national park responsible for harboring the mountain gorillas including bwindi and mgahinga national parks in uganda, volcanoes national park in rwanda and virunga national park in democratic republic of congo. these national parks were gazetted with the major aim of protecting the gentle giants from the uncouth human behaviors which were leading to habitat loss and diminishing their numbers at a rapid speed.
the key mountain gorilla destinations popular for providing top notch gorilla trekking tours are;
Rwanda
Rwanda is a landlocked country situated in the eastern part of africa in the great rift valley of the great lakes region. the country is just a few degrees south of the equator and experiences a tropical kind of climate. rwanda has some popular safari destinations though the most sounding is that where gorilla tracking is done since it’s the most iconic activity.
For a chance to trek gorillas in rwanda, visitors are required to have a gorilla trekking permit that is obtained through a licensed tour operator at a non-negotiable fee of $1500 per person. rwanda was nicknamed the heart of africa due to her stunning beauty and sensational hospitality showcased by her citizens from time to time.
Uganda
Also known as the pearl of africa, uganda too is a landlocked country in the east of africa with a diverse landscape made-up of highlands, lowlands and flat areas. uganda is a home to mountain gorillas and has over half of the world’s total population of them. these live in the southern part of the country in the national parks of bwindi impenetrable and mgahinga.
Uganda is such a great place with thick jungles for one to experience gorilla treks and enjoy other endowments of nature. uganda really has a lot to offer on the tourism arena and the fact that she’s got extraordinary warmness makes her a favorite spot to take your safari.
National parks where mountain gorilla trekking takes place; –
Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Occupying an area of approximately 331 square kilometers, bwindi impenetrable national park is a renowned habitat for beautiful mountain gorillas and hundreds of other species of flora and fauna. it is home to the large and oldest thick tropical rainforest on the african continent which has harbored biodiversity for millenniums. bwindi national park is the pioneer of gorilla tourism in uganda that started way back in 1993 with mubare gorilla family.
Bwindi national park today has 21 gorilla families that are ready for gorilla trekking and one other that’s still undergoing habituation process. bwindi impenetrable national park is a favorite spot for adventure and presents a variety of activities to visitors including cultural encounters with the legendary batwa people, nature walks in the captivating eco friendly area, hiking adventures and sightseeing.
Mgahinga National park
Mgahinga is seated in the southern part of uganda and is the smallest national park in the country occupying an area of approximately 33.9 square kilometers. this astonishing national park is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. it is the host to 3 of the 8 virunga mountain ranges – mount muhabura, sabyinyo and gahinga that add up to the beauty of the park due to the stunning scenery they create.
The views of the volcano peaks as they protrude through the clouds is out of this world! these mountain ranges are a habitat to mountain gorillas that occupy thick rainforests at their bases. mgahinga national park has only one gorilla family called nyakagezi. nyakagezi is comprised of 9 individuals characterized by a calm demeanor and playful infants which are adorable to watch.
Nyakagezi gorilla family is open for gorilla trekking and only eight people are allowed to access it per day. this is to help curb the negative effects of human interference to the gorillas, entire habitat and also regulate exploitation of the area. gorilla trekking aside, mgahinga also presents chances for other exciting activities especially volcano hiking, birding for the albertine rift endemics, batwa trail experience, nature walks and golden monkey trekking.
Volcanoes National Park
Located in the northwest of rwanda, volcanoes national park covers an area of about 160 square kilometers which is characterized by tropical rainforests and hosts five of the eight virunga mountain ranges including mount bisoke, karisimbi, mikeno, nyiragongo and nyamuragira. volcanoes national park is famous for its beauty and is also a one stop center for gorilla tracking in rwanda.
The national park is home to countless biodiversity including other primate species especially golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest’s, chimpanzees and pottos. this astonishing national park is famous for other activities especially canopy walks that present the beautiful view of the eco friendly forests in the region, golden monkey tracking, bird watching and hiking.
what is gorilla trekking?
All about Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure through dense forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trekking gorillas in Rwanda happen in volcanoes national park where experienced guides lead small groups of eight and encounter with these majestic creatures providing a unique wildlife experience. It is a conservation success story contributing to the protection of these primates.
Volcanoes national park is in Rwanda; a haven for bio diversity with lush landscapes and endangered mountain gorillas. The park encompasses a chain of volcanic mountains including Karisimbi and Bisoke, it is also a primate location where visitors get chance to witness these creatures within their natural environment as they enjoy beautiful views of the stunning scenery of the Virunga massif.
Trekking gorillas in volcanoes is a captivating adventure of guided hikes through the lush terrain to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The activity starts in the morning with a short briefing of the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, experienced guides accompany you and help in identifying your assigned gorilla family.
It takes about 2 to 3 hours and once you get to encounter these creatures, you get one hour to observe and learn their feeding ways and take a few snaps to keep for future memories. After trekking, you ought to go back to the starting point.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking happens in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks are in south western part of Uganda.
These destinations provide awesome and adventurous gorilla trekking experiences where you get to encounter gorillas in their natural habitat.
while Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park starts early in the morning with a short briefing about the dos and don’ts of trekking, into groups of eight and accompanied by experienced guides through the jungle in search of these creatures. Trekking takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on where gorillas will be found and once you get to encounter your respective family, you get to be with them for about 1 hour as you closely observe and learn about their daily activities.
You are free to take a few snaps to keep for memories, once you finish, you head back to the starting point for your certificate of participation.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park offers a unique and intimate experience because it is home to one habituated gorilla group namely Nyakagezi. If you are looking for a quieter, less crowded and private trek, Mgahinga should be your number one choice.
Trekking begins early morning with a short briefing of trekking guidelines and later guides accompany you through the jungle, dense forests and volcanic terrain searching for these incredible creatures.
Gorilla Trekking takes about 2 to 3 hours and you get chance to see other primates along the way like chimpanzees and monkeys, and once you get to find the Nyakagezi gorilla family, you are given one hour to learn about their feeding habits as you take a few snaps to keep for memories.
Once the trek is done, you can go back to the starting point and receive your certificate of participation.
How to book gorilla trekking permits?
In Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits are available through the Uganda Wildlife Authority through their email or physically contacting them. A tour operator can be the most efficient way to get these gorilla trekking permits.
In Rwanda
One may reach out to the Rwanda Development Board which is responsible for issuing gorilla permits through their contacts, website or email, you can as well book physically.
A budget safari is also possible when the rains are heavy. the demand is low and accommodation is available at discount prices.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits
In Rwanda
Gorilla permits cost USD 1500 to spend a precious hour in the company of gorillas. You can BOOK WITH US so we make your gorilla dream come true.
In Uganda
Foreign non residents pay USD800, Foreign residents pay USD700 and East African citizens pay UGX 300,000
Gorilla trekking packing list.
• Long sleeved shirts and trousers
• Waterproof jackets
• Hiking boots
• Water proof back pack
• Garden gloves
• Sunglasses and hat
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Camera or binoculars
• Passport
• Trekking permits
• Packed lunch and water
• Batteries
• Torch
• Exchanged money
• Hiking stick
• Portable charger.
Gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Uganda and Rwanda
Flash photography is strictly not allowed as it may disturb gorillas
Always keep distance of at least 7 meters away from gorillas
Visitors have one hour of visit to gorillas to reduce on stress of the gorillas
Eating and drinking or chewing in the presence of gorillas is not allowed to prevent potential contamination
Always follow the instructions of the guide or ranger to ensure a safe encounter
Stay in your group to avoid splitting away to maintain safety
Always cover your mouth and noise while sneezing, coughing and yawning to reduce transmission of diseases.
Dispose of litter appropriately and follow the “leave no trace principles.”
Respect the wildlife and their habitat to avoid unnecessary noise, and respect the natural environment at large
Gorilla trekking often has a minimum age requirement to participate of 12 years and above.
Overview
Explore Uganda’s top birding destinations during A 30 Day Birding and Wildlife Extensive Uganda Safari as you tentatively enjoy the Albertine endemic species on the western stretch, bordering Rwanda and Congo, push further to the north for savannah specials and stretch further to the east till the clock and map bring you back to the starting point Entebbe.
It’s a hard-core birding tour with a target species of 550-650 and has a spice of primates that’s mountain gorillas and chimpanzees and more wildlife encounters. Areas to visit shall be, Bwindi impenetrable national park, mabamba swamp, lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, semuliki national park, Kibale forest national park, Royal mile-Budongo, Murchison falls national park, Kidepo valley national park, moroto-Kenya road,matheniko-bokora game reserves, pian upe game reserve, mount Elgon forest.
Day 1: Entebbe International airport| Mabamba Swamp
You will be picked up by our safari guide at the airport and proceed to your lodge/hotel later on go for the shoebill hunt on the famous mabamba swamp, straight at the margins of Lake Victoria. This takes about 2-4 hours on the water and is still able to have more extra hours on land.
Note that your flight time determines this first day, but regardless of the time the shoebill search happens either on this day or before transferring to the next destination. However, the best idea is arriving a day earlier for relaxation and preparing for the next days.
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo national park
A 30 day birding and wildlife extensive Uganda Safari officially begins. Have an early breakfast as you enjoy the early morning bird calls, and then drive off to the whispers of the wild.
Have stopovers along the way as the country is full of lots of beautiful birding spots, it’s fascinating based on how you will find yourself having almost endless bird list just in a day till you arrive at your lodge.
Day 3: Full-day birding within and around Lake Mburo national park.
Start the day very early and enjoy the savannah specials, the park is well known for its richness in birds, have a nature walk in the park with a ranger guide, and do the extensive birding on a lucky day you will spot the Black-colored Barbets, crested Barbets
Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, the African finfoot while on a boat ride, Papyrus Gonolek and many other special birds. You will either have a packed lunch or hot lunch from the hotel, and the back for the evening treat as you look for last lifers and shots as the sundowner fancies the show.
Day 4: Birding in Mgahinga national park
Transfer to the land of Albertine endemics via the Ankole flat lands and mountainous Kigezi, and have enough stopovers along the way while birding, not forgetting the birding along the Echuya forest for the forest dwellers.
Day 5: Whole day extensive Albertine endemics search
The real game for the Albertine endemics starts now in the smallest national park of the country at 33.7km2, have a full day in one of the famous national parks rich in wildlife and home to over 180 bird species, and look for those key specials like the Rwenzori Batis, Kivu-ground Thrush, Blue-headed Weaver, Regal Sunbird, and many others.
Day 6: Gorilla trekking and transfer to Ruhija – all in Bwindi’s impenetrable national park
.
Wake up early have breakfast and organize all the requirements as briefed by your safari guide, like rain gear, packed lunch, drinking water, and many others, all the rest of the dos and don’ts shall be communicated by the ranger guide as you head in the jungle. The experience takes between 2-7 hours and with 60 minutes of viewing. After the epic primate experience, transfer to the Ruhija sector the land of African-green Broadbill and Doherty’s Bushshrike.
Day 7: Whole day birding within Bwindi forest
Well known worldwide for its possession of the endangered African-green Broadbill, and the famous mubwindi swamp, the sector has several rare species and has a chance to see the Doherty’s Bushshrike, Black-billed Turaco, Regal sunbird, Narina Tragon, Handsome Francolin and many colored Bushshrike and, many others. The list shall be awe at the end of the day as call it a day.
Day 8: Birding to the Buhoma sector-part of the Bwindi forest
After your sumptuous breakfast, you drive through the forest and partly on the margins with key spots for birding as this gives you a high chase to enjoy more of the forest dwellers like the Cassin’s flycatcher, Black-billed Weaver and much more that shall make the list interesting.
Day 10: Birding to Ishasha sector – Queen Elizabeth national park
Have an early morning breakfast, and set off to the medley of wonders, have a few stopovers along the way as you connect to the southern sector of the park, you will drive through the home of the tree-climbing lions and shady acacia forests take an eagle eye In all corners, you will as well have an evening birding within the sector as you as well enjoy the sundowner.
Day 11: Birding to northern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park
After your very early breakfast enter again the sector and search further the beautiful birds doing keen birding as the place is truly rich in wildlife and birds that share premises with the bordering Congo and as it’s still the Albertine stretch and has several marshy areas for sporting more water birds both big and small such as the Shoebill, Red-collared Widowbird, Barbets, warblers, starlings, fish eagles, and more big birds; like raptors and vultures and many others You will then still drive through the different reserves that connect to the north via the Maramagambo forest.
Day 12: Full-day birding and wildlife viewing/boat cruise on the Kazinga channel.
Enjoy the birding as the sun rises, and have a great lookout for cats like leopards, lions, serval cats, elephants, and many others. The park offers a variety of savannah specials, flycatchers, lapwings, weavers, Thickness, Bush shrikes, mannikins and finches, snipes, eagles, vultures, kingfishers, and many others. Later on, after lunch, go and enjoy birding on the Kazinga channel as you search for lots of kingfishers, fish eagles, Bee-eaters, and storks not forgetting a big population of big game on the shores of the channel. (you will have a packed lunch)
Day 13: Birding to Semuliki National Park
Birding in Semuliki national park will start in the mid-morning upon arrival and also in the early evening before retiring to the lodge.
You will be escorted by an experienced bird guide where you will be able to view different bird species including Red Throated Bee-eater, Purple Glossy-starling, Black-wattled Hornbill, Long Tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, and so much more.
Day 14-15: Extensive birding within and around semuliki national park
Have 2 full days of birding and in search of rare primates in this beautiful land and later transfer to the primate capital, the Kibale forest. The list is endless while in semuliki, however like any other birder/photographer, waking up early and moving with parked lunch shall be routine, you shall be having a ranger guide good in birds and more accompanied by a driver guide to enhancing the birding. Just think of the Dwarf Hornbills, White-crested Hornbills, Piping Hornbills, Black-casqued Hornbills, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, African Piculate, Congo-Serpent Eagle, the famous and rare DeBrazza’s monkey, Mona monkey, the Ugandan red colobus monkey, gray checked Mangabey, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, and many others mention a few. The park has its natural setup of the beautiful hot springs which at times are key spots of the Painted Snipe.
Day 16: chimpanzee trekking and community outreach / Bigodi swamp
Having had great days in semuliki, the primate capital shall add more wonders. After your breakfast, drive to the briefing grounds, where you will be distributed into different groups.
Carry with you enough drinking water, and a snack and wear as recommended, you will be led by a ranger guide to the jungle and this shall take 2-4 hours and with 60 minutes of viewing. Enjoy the bird calls, ancient tree species, and primates like the red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, red colobus monkey, and many others. Afterward, you shall have a community walk around the surrounding swamps and key birding spots to enlighten the day.
Day 17: Birding to Masindi via Hoima city
It’s a 5-7 hour drive, meaning that waking up shall be a major aim. Have enough stopovers along the road, the place is so beautiful in landscapes formed by tea plantations, sugarcane plantations, and marginal forests that shall be key stopovers for birding. Any garden bird can be spotted and the raptors as well, getting closer to Budongo more of the forest species can easily be seen on the forest margins.
Day 18: Full day birding in the Royal mile | Budongo forest
Located in the Budongo forest situated at the edge of the Albertine rift south of Murchison falls national park. It’s one of the famous birding areas highly recommended with some unique species like the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Dwarf kingfisher, the Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, and more sought-after species.
Day 19-20: Birding to Murchison Falls National Park | Full day of epic adventure within the park
Check out from your lodge around the Budongo forest and face north of the park, lots of raptors are seen being a lucky day, bee-eaters, storks, and many others. Later go to the top of the falls which is Uganda’s secret wonder, and have a walk around the falls for some rare species like the Rock pratincole, Bat hawks, and many others. It’s so fascinating while at the falls as the Nile squeezes itself into the 8 meters wide devil’s cauldron. After the epic adventure proceeds to the open savannah with Borassus palms, cross the Nile, and feed your eyes with the savannah specials, you shall have a morning drive and afternoon boat cruise on the Nile, and all this is a key chance for lots of birds like the Black-billed Barbet, silver bird, sunbirds, and many rare and common species. a great experience during a 30 day birding and wildlife extensive Uganda safari.
Day 21: Birding to Kidepo valley national park
After your breakfast, transfer to Africa’s true wilderness, and have a few stopovers along the Pakwach-Kitgum highway as you are connecting to the endless landscapes of the northeast. It’s different from the rest of the areas, flat, hilly, and well artery designed by mountains. Have a great time for the dry land specials towards the park like the Goshawks, pygmy Sunbird, starlings, Grass-hopper Buzzards, kestrels, and many others. Have a different touch of the people and vegetation cover.
Day 22-24: Extensive birding | big game viewing
Hosting about 75 mammal species and over 470 bird species, bordering South Sudan and western Kenya, the park is rich in some rare species that migrate between those two countries and is among the most eye-catching destinations in the country.
Have a chance to spot the Rose-ringed Parakeet, Secretary bird, Fox kestrel, barbets, Clapperton’s Francolin, and lots of vultures having in mind that the park has the highest population of vultures in the whole country.
These two full days shall be like no other and packed lunch will always be the way to manage time. It’s to note that the area is made of more wildlife like lions, leopards, cheetahs, elands, elephants, reedbucks, giraffes, and many others.
Day 25-26: Transfer to Moroto-full day birding on the road to Kenya and Mt Moroto foothills
Check out of Kidepo and drive further on the margins of the northeast, to Toronto for about 6-7 hours Pass by the matheniko-Bokora game reserves, these two provide an epic encounter of birds shared with Uganda and Kenya, it’s truly amazing, like the Purple Grenadier, Straw-tailed Whydah, Eastern-paradise Whydah, Steel-blue Whydah, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Boran Cisticola, little-rock Thrush, White-headed buffalo Weaver, and many others.
Have an extensive stretch on the road to Kenya for more life and discoveries while already in Moroto. This area is famous for the indigenous Karamojong people, with lots of cattle, lamb, and goats living in round huts.
Day 27: Birding to Pian Upe game reserve
There’s no way one would miss out a Remarkable paradise for avid birders due to the various bird species that dwell within the area, during a 30 Day birding and wildlife extensive Uganda Safari. The reserve is remarkable for Fox’s weaver, Karamoja Apalis, and other specials like the Green Pitta, ostriches, Secretary Bird, and many others. Carry packed lunch and hit the road ready for the bird.
Day 28: Early morning birding and Transfer to Mt Elgon National Park
Wake up very early have breakfast go those rare species and have a mixture of wildlife like cheetahs if lucky, oribis, Gunther’s dik-dik, buffalos patas monkeys, and many others later on transfer to the Mount Elgon foothills as you enjoy the well-decorated landscapes.
Day 29: Birding in the Elgon Forest
Hosting over 300 bird species, 40 bird species are restricted in the park. Wake up early in the morning have breakfast and enter the forest, birding shall be conducted on the main trails and accompanied by the ranger guide. Carry with you packed lunch and all the required equipment, and have fun with the forest dwellers like the Jacksons Francolin, Tacazze Sunbird, Black-collared Apalis, Hartlaub’s Turaco, and many others.
Day 30: Transfer back to Kampala city-Entebbe international airport.
It’s on this day that seemed a long trip gets shorter and done, have your breakfast early in the morning and drive to Entebbe airport or a hotel for your final packing before the flight. it will be a fare thee well for d 30 Day birding and wildlife extensive Uganda safari.
Meals (half board)-accommodation (optional)
Note: we are much flexible for changes that suit your expectations
Let us know in case of any itinerary changes needed
END OF TRIP
Reasonably traverse the Savannah landscapes of Masai Mara, have the best experience from the best rhino park in the world, drive towards Africa’s tallest snow-capped mountain Kilimanjaro plains as the mountains beautify in the backdrop, transfer to the pearl of Africa, get closer to the living dinosaur, have the best experience from the primate capital of the world as you drive south for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience.
Transfer from the busy Nairobi city to the Mara land, drive through scenic landscapes, arrive at lunchtime, relax, and later have a descent evening drive.
Have a full day packed with activities, on the second day, wake up early and search for lions, cheetahs, gnus, zebras, hyenas, birds, giraffes, elands, ostriches, and much more.
Proceed to the Mara River and have a glimpse of the Mara river conquerors-the crocodiles living with a school of hippos, chase the sunrise and sunsets
Bush breakfast and packed lunch shall be possible to ease game viewing.
Dinner and Overnight :Mtiti Mara Camp or equivalent
Day 3: Masai Mara | Lake Nakuru National park
Have an early morning breakfast and say farewell to the Mara land and drive to the home of black rhinos, white rhinos and flamingos, you will arrive in lunch hours and after lunch, proceed for a sensational drive till the evening, look out for white and black rhinos, have a beautiful view of Makalia waterfalls, by a chance encounter, serval cats, elands, buffaloes, lions, pythons dangling in the trees.
Dinner And Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 4-5: Nakuru – Amboseli national park
Transfer from Nakuru and drive to the home of big Tuskers well known in the world. Have fantastic sceneries and scattered Masai homes along the way, arrive at lunchtime and enjoy a hot meal, re-freshen, and later drive for an evening drive, this will be the opportune moment to have the beautiful view of the Kilimanjaro mountain in the backdrop of the park.
Have a few highlights as you will have a whole day for a great adventure. On the second day, have it all in the wild, wake up so early and target to see the mountain before it’s covered up, take great pictures of the massive elephants in the forefront, and proceed to the marshes where elephants and other animals lazy in for cool pastures and water, encounter more animals and birds, and a great life experience. Dinner and Overnight: A A Lodge
Day 6: Amboseli – Nairobi – Entebbe International Airport
Have an early breakfast and drive to Nairobi for your connecting flight to Uganda
You will be picked up by our driver guide from the Entebbe airport and taken to a hotel where you will have your night stay.
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale national park
Wake up early enough and have a sumptuous breakfast and drive for about 6 and half hours to the primate land. It’s interesting on how green the country is, from central to the far west, with endless tea gardens, trees, and plantain, scenery makes the route fancier, have stopovers for photography, lunch, and toilet breaks.
Once you check in at the lodge, have a simple walk or relax and enjoy the forest view Dinner and Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park
It’s a day to witness and get rare eye contact with our closest cousins, have an early morning breakfast, and carry with you a lunch pack, enough drinking water, a walking stick, good hiking shoes, a rain jacket, a camera, fully charged phone and much more.
You will have a general briefing by the ranger guide from headquarters of the park and later distributed into a particular group, enter the jungle, the activity usually takes, 2-5 hours depending on where the chimps are located, and after transfer to Queen via the beautiful crater lakes, this will be a breath taking moment for summing up the day. Dinner and Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 9: An early Morning boat ride On Kazinga channel and transfer to Bwindi
Have your breakfast just within the boat as you encounter several wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes on the channel banks, birds like the African Fish eagle, and much more. Kazinga channel is the biggest nature channel in the world connecting two lakes that’s George and Edward covering a length of about 40 km and 8m deep, great to have a sunrise shots while on the boat. You will later drive further south of Bwindi via the Ishasha sector home of tree-climbing lions, leopards, topis, buffaloes, and lots of birds.
Day 10: Gorilla trekking | Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi
Have a beautiful day, and trek to the gorillas, after your early breakfast, drive to the briefing grounds with enough drinking about 1.5 liters, a snack, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, and a walking stick. You will be told dos and don’ts and later start your journey to the ultimate experience. This experience takes 2-8 hours depending on where the apes are located, I hour is recommended while viewing and leaving them to enjoy their privacy.
Take enough videos, selfies, and photos, and have the dense forest treat as you listen to the jungle calls. Your ranger guide will lead to and from the apes and back to the starting points, hiring a potter is recommended for pulling and pushing, and lifting your bag packs this is also a way of supporting the community. You will be given tracking certificates after a successful tracking and later drive to lake Bunyonyi where you will have a relaxed evening just on the lake shores.
Dinner and Overnight: Birdnest Resort
Day 11: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park | Evening Game Drive
Tour around the lake as you are being told about the history of some islands like the punishment and upside down island . The lake has 29 islands which might not be possible to visit all of them , you will have 1-2 hours on the local motorised boat before driving to Lake Mburo park for an evening drive. Lake Mburo park is known tone the sanctuary of zebras, elands, impalas, and also having a chance t o see giraffes, buffaloes and leopards and much more. Once your evening drive is done, check in to the lodge for an evening relaxation.
Dinner and Overnight: Rwakobo Rock
Day 10: Morning Nature Walk | Transfer to Entebbe for departure
wake up early enough and go for a walk in the wild escorted by a ranger guide, this walk gives you a chance to get closer to the animals you were seeing the previous day while in your safari jeep. walk takes about 2-3 hours, get filled up with descent information for both flora and fauna, after that check out of your lodge and drive to Entebbe airport or a hotel of own choice via the equator point. have a stop at the equator Line for photos nd buying souvenirs and proceed to your next destination.
Explore the dry lands of Samburu and the Buffalo Springs national reserves. The reserves are located in the northeast of Kenya with key specials like the Oryx, gerenuks, reticulated, cheetahs, lions, ostriches, gravy zebras, and many others. At 165 km² in size, Samburu National Reserve is situated 350 kilometers from Nairobi.
DAY 1: Transfer from Nairobi City to Samburu National Reserve
Drive to the thorny landscapes of Samburu County and reach the dry lands, enjoy the camels and the herdsmen of the Masai people along the way, on arrival, have lunch, and later on proceed for an evening game viewing. Have a chance to see the Gravy’s Zebra, Gerenuk antelope, Beisa common Oryx, blue-legged Somalia ostrich, and many others. Have a great time for the sunset as the birds get ready for a nap and the winds blow strong as the cameras master the area. Meals and and Accommodation: Sarova Shaba
DAY 2: Full-day game viewing at Samburu National Park
Have an early morning breakfast and conquer Buffalo Springs, Samburu Shaba as the elephants raise their pitched sounds, Somali ostriches, and Oryx display. Have a chance to encounter rare bird species from the north and the magnificent Ololokwe Table Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. This dry land creates a great sunrise and sunset moment, it’s the best way to start and summarize the day.
Meals and Accommodation: Sarova Shaba
DAY 3: Transfer from Samburu National Reserve back to Nairobi city
The incredible Samburu will be left and drive to the city of Nairobi, have an early breakfast and go with your parked lunch, stopovers to buy souvenirs along the way at ease, and check in to the hotel(optional) or Airport according to your flight time.
End of trip
About 343 km northeast of Nairobi city lies the two outstanding wildlife reserves, buffalo springs, and Samburu wildlife reserves. Drive through the sharp corners and eye-catching Kenyan Great Rift Valley, proceed to the Aberdares, and explore the Mara land as you master the art of nature
You will be met by our representative at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transferred to your hotel where you shall have dinner and overnight stay, depending on your arrival time you shall have a self-conducted city tour with the help of the hotel or our driver guide.
Day 2: Transfer from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Have an early morning breakfast and drive to the dry lands of Samburu and Buffalo Springs approximately 343km northeast of Nairobi. Enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the Kenyan Rift Valley and relax upon arrival before having an evening drive, this will be the beginning of the desert specials such as the Oryx, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, and much more
Day 3: Samburu and Buffalo Springs Game viewing
Wake up early enough and start wildlife searching as the sun comes up, this will be a day of discoveries, have a chance to encounter the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, Beisa Oryx leopards, and many others, you will have two sessions both morning and evening with a lunch relaxation at the lodge.
Day 4: Samburu to Aberdares National Park
After breakfast, depart for Nyeri arriving at lunchtime, there are two different areas where clients can have their lunch, clients staying at Treetops have their lunch at Outspan Hotel and those at the Ark enjoy lunch from the Aberdare Country Club
After lunch, you will either transfer to the Ark or the treetops depending on where you will have your overnight stay, after relaxation you go for a night drive which will be a key aspect for nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, rare lions, genet cats, and many others.
Day 5: Aberdares to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya’s first rhino sanctuary and one of the areas with the highest concentration of black rhinos. You will be able to arrive at lunchtime, have a relaxed after lunch, and later go for an evening game drive.
Drive through the magnificent Nakuru park looking for rhinos both white and black, lions, Rothschild giraffes, gazelles, and rock pythons that hide in the thick woodlands or are seen crossing the roads and dandling from the trees. The park is also famous for, serval cats, zebras, the saline lake that attracts flamingoes, ostriches, bat-eared foxes, striped hyenas, reedbucks, and much more
Day 6: Transfer from Lake Nakuru National Park to Masai Mara National Reserve
Have an early morning breakfast and drive to the magical Mara land, you will be able to arrive at lunchtime, enjoy your hot lunch, relax, and later go for a simple evening drive. You may as well have an option of relaxing your body or visiting the Manyatas-the Masai homes to stimulate your massive experience.
Day 7-8: Exploring Masai Mara National Reserve
Have morning and evening drives, and discover the hidden secrets of the reserve, as you encounter, thousands of wildlife, giraffes, zebras, gnus, lions, savannah masters cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, lots and lots of bird species, and much more. Drive to Mara River by any chance to witness the crossing or have a look at the river’s beauty and hippos harmonizing with the giant crocodiles called the conquerors.
During these days you can as well arrange a balloon fight that will enable you to have an aerial view of the reserve and take awe 360 photos and videos. The Masai village outreach is another option during these days, dance with them, participate and hear their stories, wear the shukas, and buy souvenirs. Have the best of the Masai Mara as you get the best sunsets and sunrise photos.
Day 9: Masai Mara to Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
After breakfast, we wave at Mara for Nairobi via Narok County and ascend the Rift Valley escarpment to the Central Highlands. Arriving later in the afternoon hours and Transfer to the airport or hotel of your own choice.
Start your journey from Nairobi city and drive to Amboseli National Park for about 4 hours, famous for its abundant and massive elephants as the Kilimanjaro Mountains create a scenic backdrop.
Proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park for the Great Rift Valley sceneries and having the best of rhinos and flamingoes in this better homage, the Masai lands await, the people wearing the Masai shukas in the dotted bomas waving and rearing the herds make it fancier. Have the best in Africa’s great animal kingdom and then go back to Nairobi city for your next flight back home.
Transfer from the bustling city and drive to the land of Tuskers, have an evening drive on your first day and a full day for wildlife and landscape photography and documentation as you have options of having bush breakfast and lunch picnics from the wild.
Enjoy the snow-capped mountain Kilimanjaro just as the backdrop of the park, look for wildlife with the help of a driver guide, and visit the Masai homes to have a closer cultural experience as you listen to stories and dance with the local folks.
Day 3: Transfer from Amboseli national park to Lake Nakuru national park – Kenya
Have an early morning breakfast and drive through the Amboseli, to Nairobi where you will have your lunch, and later proceed to Lake Nakuru the home of rhinos and flamingoes. The park is well known for its saline waters that attract thousands of flamingoes in search of dead algae, look out for zebras, elands, giraffes, waterfalls, and more bird species that count up to over 400 species. Have the best of the best in this park and later on drive to the lodge for evening relaxation.
Day 4-5: Lake Nakuru to the Masai land
As he gets better, drive to Africa’s wonder wildlife reserve, you will have the option to park lunch or lunch at the lodge and have an evening drive on arrival, exploring the reserve the whole 5th day, for big cats, birds, and landscapes.
Chase the sunsets and sunrises and enjoy bush breakfast and more picnics, drive to the Mara River and have a look at the famous river, and explore more for cheetahs, hyenas, and thousands of wildebeest roaming the yards. Have an option hot air balloon for better aerial viewing and this can be arranged privately once communicated in time.
Day 6: Masai Mara to Nairobi city
Have an early morning game drive and bush breakfast and drive back to the lodge, prepare and embark on the Narok-Nairobi busy road, you will be taken to the airport or hotel of your choice.
End of trip
The 5 days Serengeti and Ngorongoro Classic Safari is one of the amazing and most rewarding tour on your African safari where you create memories of wildlife and culture. These two destinations (Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro conservation area) are rewarding with the big five animals, big cats, culture, annual wildebeest migration and more. Get to know that you will take part in game drives, hot air ballooning Safari and cultural encounter.
Day1. Transfer to Serengeti NP from Arusha-Tanzania
Leave for Serengeti from Arusha after being picked up by the assigned driver guide. The journey will commence with a briefing by the driver guide and on arrival in Serengeti, take a game drive to begin the wildlife adventure in style. The beautiful savannah park is home to the big five animals and also hosts the annual wildebeest migration. Proceed to the lodge later on, and enjoy dinner at your own leisure . Into wIld Tented Camp
Day2-3. Explore Serengeti national park
Serengeti national park is among the world’s wonders, spend these days exploring the plains of this park in Africa as you take part in different activities that is game drives, hot air ballooning and cultural encounters and more. The game drives will introduce you to the big gem, different birds, big cats, and more. An optional hot air ballooning will offer you a chance to spot animals and the surrounding savannah with an eagle-eye view.
Animals you expect to meet are lions, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, leopards, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, wildebeests, bush bucks, kudu and more. During the culture experience, visit one of the communities and take part in the entertainment of music and dances, dress code, food and beverage, storytelling and more. Meals And Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Camp
Day4. Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Drive from Serengeti national park in the morning with a game drive and then transfer to the Ngorongoro crater area. This is another destination in Tanzania and Africa at large with beautiful sceneries and a lot to see. Arrive and take a 5 hours game drive where you will be able to spot animals like black rhinos, elephants, Kobs, Hippos, occasional giraffes, Cheetahs, black-backed and golden jackals, spotted hyenas and more. After the crater drive drive to the crater rim for your last photos and viewing before you exit. Meals and Accommodation: Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge
Day5. Head back to Arusha
Visit the Mto Wambu community as you take part in activities like cooking, beer making, craft making and much more. After the community interaction visit the Masai Bomas where you will have a chance to learn the culture of these warriors, dance and participate in other plays. After all this drive back to Arusha or be dropped at the agreed point to mark the end of the safari.
