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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. 

 

Gerenuks in Africa

Gerenuks in Africa are notably tall, slender antelopes that resemble gazelles, and appear by its long, slender neck and limbs. The gerenuk is a specialist in browsing and often stands on its behind legs to reach further for the soft leaves.

Quick facts about gerenuk

Scientific name: Litocranius walleri

Habitat: Flat, dry thorn bush

Adult weight: 28–52kg

IUCN status: Near Threatened.

Gerenuk is diurnal, highly social creatures forming small single-sex herds of 2-6 individuals. Females sometimes contain juveniles in their herds as males prefer living a solitary life. They are so peaceful animals and rarely fight, gerenuks are sedentary meaning there are no travel intentions and this helps them to preserve foraging energy.

The gerenuk males defend their territories by scent marking with their special secretions from the preorbital glands. As they age, the gerenuk is less mobile, and eating from closer rangers is always the best choice. With about 25-44 cm of horn length,3-6km2 of home range, and 2m of feeding height these are ideal to spot.

Where to see gerenuk in Africa

These are animals that can be identified at a distance due to their height and rotations, scanning around thickets and not getting too closer are the best way to spot these giraffe antelopes.

Gerenuks are so wise and use several vocalizations, such as a whistle when annoyed, a buzzing sound when alarmed, an extremely loud bleat when in danger, and a soft bleat when females communicate with their young ones

Top tips for viewing gerenuk

Highly adaptable and loves bushes and thickets avoids dense bushes and avoids too open areas.
It’s widespread in the horn of Africa and pushes to Kenya and some parts of Tanzania.

Holiday ideas to see the gerenuk

The desert specials can be seen in the drier countries of the northeast of Kenya-Samburu national reserve, parts of Tanzania, and other Laikipia golden locations. It’s our sincere, mandate to bring out the best in these desert dwellers.

OUR SAFARIS

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Getting a closer look at the male chimpanzee in the kyambura gorge uganda

Kyambura Gorge-Uganda

Where is kyambura gorge located? Kyambura is a 100-meter-deep gorge comprising lush tropical vegetation in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kyambura is situated in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park one of the… Kyambura Gorge-Uganda

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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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: 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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SIPI FALLS

Famous from the slopes of mountain elgon that arise in a series of massive basalt cliffs both north and west with often kilometers beautified by the rapid flowing rivers that plunge the rapid flowing rivers as spectacular waterfalls.  sipi falls is divided into 3 major waterfalls on kapchorwa road, the lowest of these falls beautifies the 100m cascading on the incredible cliff.

The second known as simba plunges 69 m over the entrance to the cave. visitors can easily stand in the cave and enjoy a view of the back of the falls, standing in the splashing water and having yourself is much more acceptable when the waters are not that much stronger. the third waterfall also known as the ngasire gushes over an 87m high ridge. 

Activities In Sipi Falls

Abseiling

This thrilling tow hour activity is carried out beside the lowest of the sipi falls. This is where you drop 100m overlooking the ridge as you descend next to the pool, it’s more teasing for someone who has never had such an experience, its one of a kind as you fight your fears, scream louder, and call your friends as the instructor tells how to hold the rope and proceed with adventure. Celebrate as you take a dip in the pool before the ascent back to the top of the hill, it’s worth trying as you will always have the best story to tell once you think about Uganda. 

Nature walks

Community walks are organized by the local guides, for a few hours up to a full day around the viewpoints In Kapchorwa, a 20-minute sunrise and sunset trek depending on where you had your overnight. Have a relaxed morning or evening as you take a glass of wine or have breakfast as the sun comes over the mountains.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing has 14 climbs requiring various levels of rock scaling techniques. All equipment is found with the sipi falls tourist guides association.  35m is the toughest climb while the easiest is 15m. Both of these climbs command a picturesque view of the main falls.

Mountain biking

This activity runs from the Sipi trading center to Chema hill In Kapchorwa Town, taking 1.5-2 hours. This provides various views not leaving behind the beautiful falls, having a chance to interact with the community and enjoy to the fullest in this peaceful environment.

Sport fishing

This is done above the highest of the three waterfalls, it provides exciting challenges to the anglers who take pride in battling with the rainbow trout because of its beautiful coloration and fighting ability.

Fishing is restricted to designated areas, you are not supposed to book in advance but rather done during the day. All sport fishers should bring their equipment and secure a permit from the responsible offices around Sipi town. Have yourself a chance to catch the 3 kgs fish which is the biggest around the area.

Getting there

There are several routes connecting to this beautiful destination, less than an hour from Mbale the nearest big town, and closer to the Pian Upe game reserve connecting to Moroto.

One can as well drive straight from Kampala via Jinja, Mbale for about 6-7 hours by road, the area is closer to the Kenyan border meaning using the Busia border can also be easier for those coming or going to Kenya.