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The great wildebeest migration is recognised as the most enjoyed, thrilling and breathtaking wildlife event in the whole world. This lifetime activity involves the migrating of animals in a large population following the rain patterns, searching for enough food and drinking water. This interesting wild event only happens in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.

About 2 million herds of zebras, impalas, wildebeests, Thompson gazelles and grants migrate in a clockwise direction from the southern part of Tanzania in Serengeti National Park to the northern part of Kenya in Masai Mara National Park before returning once again in Serengeti national park.

Right away after the calving season is when the migrating animals kick off their journey and most of the calves are born during this period around the end of February. By April and May, the migrating animals are already heading North before encountering the Grumeti River around June where the aquatic predators are always waiting to feast for a long and this is when the lives of these animals start to face threats.

River Crossing

The migrating animals are forced to congregate first in large numbers so they can all cross the rivers at once. A large number of them can be seen along the banks of the River still plotting on how to survive the death trap as other predators inform of lions and leopards also plan to play fast on them before they can cross the river.

Watching these migrating animals crossing the river is an unequalled experience yet exciting in the end. The animals are seen struggling for their lives as the Nile crocodiles patiently wait underwater for their long-awaited meal. It is at that point where the young and weak migrating animals as a result of long journeys fall into the predator’s teeth that touches the most.

A big number of these migrating animals will survive to their destination and just a few of them fall into the death trap. But as they struggle out of the river, a feeling of relief catches up with the viewers. From July to September, the migrating animals are welcomed in the Masai Mara National Reserve after encountering another death of the River Mara.

Planning For The wildebeest migration

The great wildebeest migration is such a not-to-miss wildlife event that gives such an ultimate full wildlife experience. During the peak seasons especially in dry seasons, the tourism destinations of Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve are almost inaccessible as visitors from across the world flock to these spots with great wildebeest migration first on their bucket list.

Visitors who wish to be part of this lifetime experience are advised to book in advance so they can get space with accommodation and other neighbouring spots.

The two countries of Kenya and Tanzania have attracted international attention and this has seen their tourism sectors and infrastructures progress. Masai Mara National Reserve is therefore the leading popular tourism destination in Kenya and attracts both international and domestic visitors from across the world and generates a lot of tax income for the Kenyan government.

The Best Time To Undertake The Great Wildebeest Migration Safaris

 The great wildebeest migration in both Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Park can be undertaken throughout the whole year however the dry period of the year remains the best time to undertake this great wildlife activity. During the dry season, visitors can have the most spectacular unremarkable views of the herds of wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas and more.

This is because during the dry season of months like December to February and July to September is when the migrating animals gather on the only remaining water sources of the Grumeti and Masai rivers for drinking water.

 When all the water is dried up as a result of the prolonged dry season, the migrating animals will seek the only remaining drinking water sources hence all gathering in one spot to give visitors the most remarkable breathtaking wildlife views. The dry season also concedes with the summer holidays of Europe and Western countries hence giving visitors on summer vacations an opportunity to be part of this breathtaking wildlife event. we always advise our travellers to consider the Africa gorilla safaris during the exploration of the pleasing nature. 

Its not only the Africa gorilla safaris, we also offer chimpanzee trekking activities, this entails a variety of exploration activities through the thick tropical rainforests of the region. Travelers have the golden opportunity to stare at the human’s closest species sharing up to 94.8% of our DNA.

Chimpanzees are such interesting, iconic animals in the rainforests in East Africa due to the gestures they perform and the sounds they make as they interact with each other. For a chance to observe them, one needs to obtain a chimpanzee tracking permit from the authorities through the registered tour operators and then peacefully embark on the wholesome experiences with them.

Guests get to witness the playful and intelligent behaviours of the chimpanzees in the tree branches up close. The trek through the rainforests itself is an exhilarating experience as it allows one to reconnect with nature and get relieved of the day-to-day noise of the bustling cities. The views of the various lush vegetation, butterflies, birds and other fauna species in the forests make it an experience worthwhile as one hits multiple birds with one stone!

 

Chimpanzee trekking destinations in East Africa

 

Chimpanzees are scattered all over thick tropical rainforests in the East African region. Several conservation areas have been gazetted to protect them and their habitat from extinction and also give opportunities for exciting activities such as chimpanzee trekking. The most outstanding chimpanzee trekking destinations in East Africa are;

Kibale forest

Kibale forest is an enchanting primeval forest in the western part of Uganda. This mysterious forest is perched in the captivating hilly areas in Bundibugyo in the southeast of Fortportal, the tourists’ city. Kibale forest is a renowned home to chimpanzees harboring about 1000 wild chimpanzees with 4 habituated chimpanzee families to enhance the tracking expeditions of guests.

Chimpanzee trekking is done in two shifts that is to say in the morning and afternoon. The morning session begins at 8:00 AM and ends at around midday while the afternoon session begins at 2:00 PM and ends in the evening. The guests on this adventure are accompanied by a team of Rangers to ensure that they are secure in the jungle. The Africa gorilla safaris are spiced by an up of the chimpanzee trekking and savannah exploration. 

Budongo forest

Budongo is a mysterious forest in Uganda adjacent to the captivating Murchison Falls National Park. The forest is located on an escarpment in the northeast of Lake Albert and covers parts of the Hoima and Kikuube districts. It is seated on an area of roughly 825 square kilometres, covered with thick rainforests with towering canopies which form a favourable home to the chimpanzees.

Budongo harbours approximately 600 to 700 chimpanzees with 4 chimpanzee habituated communities that are open for tourism activities and others undergoing habituation processes. This a magical place for both Africa gorilla safaris and chimpanzee trekking experiences.

 

Kyambura gorge

Kyambura Gorge is a serene forest perched on the outskirts of the breathtaking Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. The gorge showcases the beauty of a natural forest engulfed in a valley. The forest therein is a renowned home to chimpanzees with about 80 individuals. There are habituated groups that are up for tracking activities where travellers can have a great time watching the chimpanzees interact in their natural habitat.

The gorge goes up 200 meters deep and gives a wholesome tracking adventure. The breathtaking views of the gorge are an added advantage to the chimpanzee trekking activity making it a favorable spot for sightseeing and photography enthusiasts.

 

Nyungwe forest

The vibrant Nyungwe forest stands out as one of the oldest rainforests on the African continent. This captivating forest covers an area of roughly 1019 square kilometres in the western and southern parts of Rwanda. It is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site harbouring the endangered chimpanzees and their delicate habitat.

The forest is made up of bogs, bamboo and other Afromontane tree species that make a perfect habitat for the chimpanzees. Nyungwe has about 400 chimpanzees with about 60 habituated and ready to be visited.

 

Price of chimpanzee trekking permits

 

It is important to remember that for one to have the opportunity to trek the chimpanzees in all the destinations mentioned above, one ought to have fully paid for and obtained a chimpanzee trekking permit from the authorities. The chimpanzee tracking permits are obtained through registered tour operators. Each country has different prices for their trekking permits and they are;

The Ugandan chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale forest are priced at a non-negotiable fee of $200 for the foreign non-residents, $150 for the foreign residents and Uganda shillings 150,000 for the East African citizens.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is priced at $120 per person per trek and Kyambura gorge at $50 per person per trek.

Rwanda chimpanzee tracking permits are priced at $150 per person for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and East African citizens.

Tanzania chimpanzee trekking permits on the other hand in Gombe Stream National Park are priced at $100 per person per trek.

The primate exploration is always key as you consider the Africa gorilla safaris, this is the peak point of understanding the art of nature in the primate world. 

 

Uganda Culture Expeditions

 The “pearl of Africa” is one of the leading tourism destinations for the full ultimate cultural experience on the African continent and the whole world at large. From a wide range of tribes scattered in different parts of the country to several and many different languages spoken across Uganda.

Each tribe carries its different background, cultural norms and traditional beliefs. While on Uganda safari tours, cultural encounters are some of the most breathtaking tourism activities in the country.

Baganda of Buganda

 

One of the most noticeable and common languages while visiting Uganda, especially in the capital city of Kampala and the Central part of the country, is the Luganda language. Most of the Baganda people live on the shores of Lake Victoria in the central part of the country.

 Luganda is the official language of the Baganda people and the Baganda tribe is the most prominent and popular tribe in the country. To date, a big part of Baganda still hail their King and believe in traditional beliefs. The history of the Buganda kingdom is such an interesting and captivating one and the King of Buganda is commonly known by the local people of Buganda as “Kabaka”.

 Several cultural sites for Buganda can be sighted especially in Kampala including the Kasubi tombs at the King’s palace that has long been acting as the burial grounds for all the former Kings of Buganda. Kasubi tombs are highly respected by the Baganda people and internationally recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage as one of the world’s cultural heritage generally built in African architecture. 

Karamojong

Just like the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania, the Karamojong have a lot in common as far as cultural values are concerned. The Karamojong are situated in the Northern part of Uganda and span districts of Arua, Gulu, Soroti, Kitgum and more in the Northern region. They are popularly known for their nomadic pastoral way of living while moving for longer distances from one place to another with their cattle in search of greener pastures and drinking water.

 The Karamojong largely feed on flesh meat, blood, and milk from their cattle. The popular Uganda’s isolated national park known as Kidepo National Park is also situated in the Karamojong region. Travelers and tourists are always seen engaging in several cultural activities with the northern people including grazing, traditional dances, local arts and crafts, cow milking and other thrilling cultural activities.

Batooro

While visiting the western part of Uganda, a large number of the Batooro can be encountered in Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Bundibugyo and other small areas. Their language is somehow similar to that of Banyankole but the Batooro are characterized by their calm nature.

Fort Portal is an interesting cultural and historical town that is a must-visit while on Uganda cultural safari tours. The Banyoro people are the closest relatives of the Batooro and cover districts of Kibale, Kakumiro, Kagadi, Kikuube, Masindi and Hoima District.

Banyankore of Ankole

Banyankore is yet another popular and prominent tribe situated in the western part of Uganda. The history of these people is quite fascinating and involves captivating stories of their Kings. Unlike the Buganda Kingdom which is still active, to date the Kingdom of Banyankore is no more and less recognized regardless of their big number.

Bagishu and Basoga

The two tribes are situated in the Eastern part of Uganda and are closely related. The Bagishu are famously known for their circumcision ceremonies where the boys are circumcised as a sign of manhood once they reach a certain adulthood age. Another interesting ceremony with the Eastern people is the Akadodi dance, especially in Circumcision ceremonies.

Culture Tours in Kenya And Tanzania

 

For a fulfilled Kenya safari experience, Masai cultural tours are one of the most thrilling tourism activities on the Kenyan land. Just like the Karamojong in Uganda, Masai people in both Tanzania and Kenya have almost similar cultural values from the way of dressing to feeding habits.

The Masai people occupy most of the areas of the northern part of Kenya and the tribe is one of the oldest in both Tanzania and Kenya. Masai tribe is one of the most recognized in Africa and dominates the endless plains around Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.

 Another popular spot to catch the Masai experience is Ngong Hills in Kenya. While on Masai cultural tours in Tanzania and Kenya, visitors can engage in several tourism cultural activities including, traditional dances, and local foods for example sword roasted camel and ostrich while learning about their history background and way of living.

Visitors can also grab some locally made materials including art pieces, jewelry for memories back at home and a way of promoting community efforts. Another key feature in the Masai land is their grass-thatched houses painted with cow dung known as “Manyata”. Other known tribes in Kenya and Tanzania include Luos, and Kikuyu, to mention but a few.

 

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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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Where to find Mountain gorillas?

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; –

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.