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.

You can as well book through a tour operating company.

Best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

June to September, December to February are the best seasons for gorilla trekking. Here the rains are less, shrubs are shorter and trails passable.

Budget safaris for gorilla trekking

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.

Itinerary Details

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

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Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival and Nairobi national park visit (1 night)

) Depending on where you will have an overnight stay, the driver guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the lodge as you prepare for an evening game drive in Nairobi national park in search of, rhinos lions, giraffes, and many others, you will also have an option of visiting the giraffe center or go for shopping in the city malls.

DAY 2-5: Masai Mara (4 Nights)

Prepare and transfer to Mara plains, where you have the best wildlife game viewing, enjoying a friendly Sarova camp with babysitters, swimming pools, a spa for the old, and entertainment for both ages. Have a standalone Masai Mara photo as you stand in the middle of endless landscapes have plenty of fun with complimented bush picnics, and sundowners, and follow the sunrise catch-ups early in the mornings. Explore the Mara River as you may witness the world's renowned spectacle depending on the months of June-late September as the wildebeest and zebras roam the yards. Have the aerial of the Mara reserve as you use the air balloon to have the best drama. Explore the Masai Mara warriors to enjoy the high jumps, unique dressing codes, bracelets, and unique stories.

DAY 6-9: Mombasa (4 Nights)

Have an early morning breakfast and transfer back to Nairobi for your next flight to the Mombasa coastline, have lunch at the famous carnivore restaurant before your departure, and transfer to the coastline as you enjoy the endless dry plains of Tsavo and magnificent sceneries. Check-in at Sarova white sands beach resort where you will have the rest of the 4 nights. Have yourself a good time during this 10 day kenya family safari, swim, play beach soccer, enjoy the health spa has early sunrises, take a short city tour if you wish, and see the chaotic tukutuku and historical monuments, have that coconut as you bask in the white sands. It’s a place your family will have the best time on warm Indian Ocean waters with your family.

DAY 10: Kenya Family Safari Ends

Perhaps have the last stroll of the white sands and the low tide before you proceed to Nairobi on your scheduled flight. Have breakfast and say farewell to the historically second largest in Kenya’s city

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Ol Pejeta Conservancy is Located between the foothills of Aberdares and eye-catching snow-capped Mount Kenya with a great biome system of semi-arid grassland, woodland, riverine and wetlands is the Laikipia plateau’s prime sanctuary. Ol Pejeta offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with all the big 5.

The conservancy’s highlights include the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, southern white rhinos, and a refuge of the only 2 living northern white rhinos in the whole world. However, there’s also sweet waters chimpanzee sanctuary housing both abandoned and orphanage chimpanzees, this is the only place in Kenya where you can get a chance to at least see these apes. Ol Pejeta is among Laikipia’s bigger Ecosystems with excellent views of Mount Kenya and with several activities such as night drives, nature walks, birding day game viewing, birding, and lion tracking any travelers would consider participating in.

Ol pejeta conservancy is an avian center with over 500 bird species recorded and birding-watching activities are always operated both morning and evening. This bird watcher’s paradise has notable bird species such as.

Abyssinian scimitarbill

Amethyst Sunbird

Black-winged Lapwing

Blue-naped mousebird

Buff-crested bustard

Cinnamon-chested bee-eater

D’Arnaud’s Barbet

Kenya-rufous sparrow

Long-billed Pipit

Montagu’s harrier

Nubian woodpecker

Rosy-throated longclaw

Rufous chatterer

Taita fiscal

Temminck’s courser

White-bellied go-away bird

White-eyed slaty flycatcher

Yellow-necked spurfowl

Best time for birding watching.

The best time for bird watching in the Ol pejeta Conservancy is yearly, however, European migrants and North Africa are more active between November and April. This will coincide with the wet season as you enjoy birds with different plumages.

The overall wildlife viewing is between the months of July-September and January -march.

Getting there

It takes 3-4 hours from Nairobi to the conservancy, and taking a local flight to Nanyuki airstrip is the easiest way just 45 minutes’ drive away. 4*4 vehicles are recommended during the wet seasons.

Buffalo Springs, Shaba, and Samburu national reserves are a group of similar adjoining reserves, well known for their excellent wildlife viewing most of the occasional leopards.

Photographers, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts prefer having visit to this particular area of the country. The Samburu warriors are found grazing in most areas of these reserves, it’s a great chance to combine wildlife viewing and cultural experience, witness the high jumps of the nomads, and incredible sounds from both men and women. Have the best treat with key Savannah specials that have well adapted to this dry land of Kenya, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe with its striking patterns, Grevy’s and Burchell’s zebras grazing closely together, Gerenuks-the long-necked antelopes that surprisingly stand on their behind limbs and feed on the dry plants, rare cheetahs and lions, plenty of elephants, diki diki and many others.

Together, Samburu, Shaba, and buffalo spring national reserves are rich in birds, with a long list of over 390 bird species, the open Savannah provides excellent birding opportunities to all bird lovers and photographers. Namely,

Chestnut weaver

Abyssinian ground hornbill

Acacia tit

Bare-eyed thrush

African palm swift

Ashy cisticola

Bare-eyed thrush

Black-bellied sunbird

Black-capped social weaver

Black-faced Sand grouse

Bristle-crowned starling

Brown-tailed rock chat

D’Arnaud’s Barbet

Chestnut-headed sparrow lark

Donaldson-Smith’s sparrow-weaver

Egyptian vulture

Fischer’s starling

Golden pipit

Golden-breasted starling

Greater Kestrel

Grey wren-warbler

Hunter’s sunbird

Lanner falcon

Mariqua sunbird

Northern brownbul

Palm-nut vulture

Pink-breasted lark

Pygmy batis

Red-bellied parrot

Red-necked falcon

Red-winged lark

Reichenow’s seedeater

Rosy-patched bush-shrike

Rufous chatterer

Secretary bird

Singing bush lark

Somali bee-eater

Somali ostrich

Spotted palm-thrush

Von der Decken’s hornbill

Vulturine guineafowl

White-headed mousebird

Yellow-vented eremomela

Best time to visit

Wildlife viewing in this dry open land is superb in the dry months of June to October and December to March. Between April and May, it’s a period of long rains that rain at any time and in November. These rainy months compromise your wildlife viewing because animals disperse which makes the viewing difficult.

Getting there

Jomo Kenyatta international airport (NBO) is Kenya’s biggest transport hub in Nairobi city 15km southeast of the capital. Most travelers all over the world prefer this major airport due to its efficiency. However, Moi international airport is 9km west of Mombasa and is the second largest in the country, so any travelers to Mombasa could easily have a stopping point.

Domestic flights

As your tour operator, we book any charter flights between parks as part of your tour package. Wilson Airport 6km/4 mi south of Nairobi is the closest for domestic carriers.

Tarangire is an amazing destination to watch birds, Its swamps, which are normally green all year round, are the commonest breeding areas for various species in the entire park. In addition, it is home to several dry bird species in Tanzania at the margin of their range, such as the pied babbler and the Vulturine Guinea fowl. Those interested in bird watching may be watchful for the large flocks of vivid yellow-collared lovebirds, the rufous-tailed weaver, as well as ashy starlings—all prevalent in the dry savannah in the north-central part of Tanzania.

migratory Birds

Bird watching in Tarangire National Park is rewarding in different months, from November up to April, you will be able to see various migratory bird species.

The Ostrich, the world’s largest bird, the Kori Bustard-the world’s heaviest flying bird, and smaller groups of hornbills inhabit the drier portion of the recreation area. The Tarangire National Park, with its various settings and food supplies, is a recreation location that every bird-watcher should visit. In the Tarangire National Park, you can also witness Tanzania’s three endangered bird species: the Rufous-followed weaver, the Ashy starling, and the Yellow-apprehended Lovebird. The wet floodplains in Tarangire’s southern and eastern parts are important breeding grounds for Eurasian transients. Tarangire’s hoopoes, Hornbills, White-bellied Go-away birds, and earthy-colored parrots inhabit the savannah and forested areas.

This area is also home to game birds such as yellow-necked spurfowl, Helmeted Guinea fowl, Francolins, Lilac-breasted Rollers, Barbets, and Mousebirds are common, as are striped swallows and Starlings, Swifts, Hammerkops, Bee-eaters, Cordon Bleus, plovers. The slopes in Tarangire Public Park are home to more than 50 raptor species, including Bateleur hawks, Steppe Falcons (which migrate from Russia), and monster Lappet-confronted Vultures, among others, and this is extremely wonderful.

Bird watching is one of the tourist activities in Tarangire National Park, which is considered one of the top birding spots in Tanzania, with over 500 species. The range of animals is similarly diverse, as evidenced by its fluctuating surroundings. Damp areas provide ideal habitats for a diverse range of water birds, including pelicans, storks, and spoonbills. On drier soil, Kori bustards, ostriches, and raucous ground hornbills share space with beautiful, wonderfully shaded lovebirds, barbets, and weavers. It’s a birder’s paradise, with heavy weaponry, professional metalworkers, African Hoopoe, various martins, Vultures, Falcons, and Bateleurs

Experience the Rich Culture of the Maasai in Ngorongoro

Join our Envelope Africa Safaris on an unforgettable journey to Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Maasai people. The Masai in the Ngorongoro are a remarkable ethnic due to their love for nature and vibrant code of dressing.

A Brief History

For over 200 years, the Maasai have called Ngorongoro home, coexisting harmoniously with nature and wildlife. This iconic tribe has preserved their traditional lifestyle, moving seasonally with their livestock to optimize grazing.

The Maasai Today

With over 42,200 Maasai warriors residing in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, their presence is a testament to their resilience. They continue to practice pastoralism, rotating between the woods, mountain slopes, and plains according to the seasons.

Living in Harmony

For thousands of years, the Maasai have grazed livestock in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, living in balance with the environment. However, modern pressures threaten their way of life.

Cultural Exchange

Visit one of our authorized Maasai cultural bomas:

– Kiroki Senyati Cultural Boma (7 km southwest of Olduvai Gorge Information Centre)
– Irkeepsi Culture Boma (10 km before Olduvai Gorge intersection)
– Senate Cultural Committee (2 km northeast of Lemala Mini Gate)

Daily Life of the Masai in Ngorongoro

Witness the dramatic red fabric cloaks and spears of Morani warriors, and the exquisite beaded collars of their children and wives.

Traditional Roles

Men provide security, while women and girls build dwellings, gather resources, and prepare food. Boys shepherd, and some families now pursue modern careers.

Support Local Communities

Visit villages, schools, and health centers, and enjoy indigenous songs, dances, and ceremonies.

Responsible Tourism

Remember to respect local customs and request permission before taking photos.

Plan Your Visit

Contact us to arrange a guided tour and immerse yourself in the captivating culture of the Maasai.

Would you like to explore the Masai in Ngorongoro conservation area, we are ready to take you around.

Situated in the northern part of Tanzania just about 170 kilometers from Tanzania’s Capital City Arusha, Ngorongoro crater is the largest inactive caldera in the whole world. Ngorongoro Crater lies in one of Tanzania’s popular national parks and a protected conservation area also known as Ngorongoro conservation area.

Ngorongoro crater dominates as a key attraction in this particular conservation area. Travelers and tourists come from across the world for walking and hiking safaris in Ngorongoro holding the world’s largest inactive caldera. Reaching the summit of the Ngorongoro crater is one of the most breathtaking and thrilling moments while on Tanzania safari tours.

The conservation area of Ngorongoro where the Ngorongoro crater is sheltered is one of the world’s largest protected areas and covers about 8292 square kilometers of the land area. The protected area is dominated by savanna woodlands, forests, huge highland plains and Ngorongoro crater. The world’s biggest intact and inactive volcanic caldera has about 265 square kilometres of a bowl and is 610 meters deep with soda lakes like Lake Magadi. The Ngorongoro crater is where the park derives its name “Ngorongoro” and remains a key attraction in this area.

Hiking safaris at Ngorongoro Crater Lake shall enable visitors to encounter the salty Lake Magadi, one of the world’s popular tourist attractions that attracts both domestic and international visitors from across the globe. Visitors shall also be amused at the number of flamingo birds that this particular lake attracts. Several other animal species including lions, rhinos, elands, and leopards can also be sighted on the shores of Lake Magadi.

WHAT TO SEE WHILE IN NGORONGORO CRATER

Ngorongoro crater bears a wide range of habitats where several wildlife species find shelter and the area’s ecosystem is also exceptional. Some of the ecosystems of Ngorongoro crater may include Magadi Salt Lake, hippo pool, lerai forest, forested crater wall, Mandusi and Gorigor swamps. Ngorongoro Crater conservation area also attracts over 550 different bird species including rare and migratory bird species.

Visitors at Ngorongoro crater shall also be able to sight the big five mammals alongside giraffes in one destination.

Visitors shall also be amused by the stunning landscape of Ngorongoro crater that shelters abundant wildlife including wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas, buffaloes and more. The Ngorongoro crater conservation area also shelters the highest number of lions in the world over 65 – 70 lions were last recorded in 2020 and most of these lions were born from there, grew and died in there.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO IN NGORONGORO CRATER

Bird watching. Ngorongoro crater is one of the best destinations for birders in Tanzania the conservation area attracts about 550 different bird species and some of these may include forest buzzards, golden-winged sunbirds, horn bills, vultures, ostriches, starlings, storks, crowned cranes, kori bustards, to mention but a few.

Walking safaris. Walking safaris are one of the best ways to explore and have the best out of Ngorongoro crater and conservation area as it offers a closer experience between visitors and key attractions surrounding the area. Several wildlife species can be seen while on walking safaris including elephants, buffaloes, elands, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes and more.

Game drives. Game drives are a popular tourism activity while visiting Ngorongoro crater and enable visitors to explore the area and have ultimate wildlife experience. Game drives enable visitors to descend into Ngorongoro Crater about 600 meters and a variety of wildlife species can be seen on the grassy plains of the crater including leopards, lions, rhinos, gazelles, cheetahs, elephants, antelopes, water bucks, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, to mention but a few.

THE BEST TIME FOR HIKING SAFARIS AT NGORONGORO CRATER

Ngorongoro conservation area is very rich in abundant fauna and flora species hence remaining open for tourism all year around. However, the dry season of the year remains the best time for exploring the Ngorongoro crater. The dry period of December to February and June to September is the most exciting time to visit the world’s largest inactive caldera.

The roads to the destination are absolutely dry and very accessible during the dry season unlike when it’s wet season when they are slippery hence making the whole walking and hiking safari experience a stressful one. The wildlife of Ngorongoro is also more visible compared to the rainy season when animals try to hide from rain and coldness.

Other than Serengeti National Park, visitors can also engage in hot air balloon safaris in Tarangire National Park, and this is extremely interesting and extremely wonderful. Hot air balloon safaris provide the best safari experience and make the safari the most wonderful, absolutely interesting, and wonderful. Hot air balloon safaris give you the best and absolute scenes for visitors to enjoy the wildlife
species in the air.

Tarangire National Park is one of the untamed wildlife viewing attractions found in Tanzania’s northern region. Various workouts are performed during Tanzania’s natural life safaris near Tarangire National Park. This movement provides an eye-catching perspective on the wildlife of the savannah fields surrounding the public park.

Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful untamed living objects, with a landscape that includes stone borders, stream valleys, marshes, acacia woods, prairies, and baobab trees all around the park.
This action begins near the Nyuki camping area in Tarangire National Park. The inflatable movement travels north to the Tarangire stream, a source of water for the various wildlife species in the area

Ballon safari Time

At 06:00 hours, the ground team delivers the bushel which hangs underneath the surging shelter. The balloon is quickly lifted high above the ground and for the following hour, your gifted and authorized pilot will utilize winning breezes. A pursuit vehicle follows circumspectly, prepared to help you securely back to earth and set up a festival champagne shrubbery
breakfast. Eggs, potatoes, waffles or flapjacks, and bacon, cooked on the inflatable’s burners, fulfill generous hunger. Happy globetrotters accept their flight testimony before a game drive back provides a different perspective on the ponders they saw from above. A balloon ride over Tarangire is not inexpensive. The cost of maintenance and replacement is high. Each flight requires 20 people, as well as a registered pilot with over 1,000 hours of experience. If you can afford it, it is a worthwhile Tanzanian aerial holiday treat, a once-in-a-lifetime unique experience.

The inflatable action in Tarangire national park requires around 1 hour and the way the tourist balloons rely upon the breezes. After landing, travellers partake in a shrub breakfast and champagne, Travelers after the tourist balloon action in Tarangire National Park likewise get testaments, which are a diary for the sight-seeing balloon safari. The adventurers drive back to the lodges/hotels after great sightseeing. There are quite a number of attractions within the park, Lions leopards, zebras, elephants, and many others that definitely cause attention while in the park which we believe are most seen in air and the ballon safari sin Tarangire National Park a re an ideal.