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Best 5 Conservation Safaris to Take in 2020

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Addo Elephants

Africa is one of the few remaining natural ecotourism destinations. There have been several conservation projects in various countries in Africa. Responsible travelers are encouraged to at-least take conservation safaris that can create a meaningful difference in the destination visited. Here are the top 5 conservation safaris to take;

WHERE: Kenya
WHO RUNS IT: Hidden Places

Hidden Places’ founders, veterinarian Dag Goering and author Maria Coffey, started the Elephant Earth Initiative to make life better for the world’s largest land mammal. Join them by raising pledges of $500 to $2,500 to walk with Samburu guides on a nine-day camel-supported trek across Laikipia Plateau, home to one of East Africa’s largest free-ranging elephant populations. Stay the first night in a luxury tented camp, then rough it for a week in expedition tents. January 23–31; from $3,450 per person.

Gorilla Trekking Safari

WHERE: Uganda, East Africa
WHO RUNS IT: Go Gorilla Trekking

There are as few as 880 mountain gorillas left in the whole world. Almost half of these great apes are found in Uganda. There are two national parks that protect the mountain gorillas; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Meeting the mountain gorillas in the jungles of Bwindi is one of the most thrilling adventures in the world! By taking a gorilla safari in Uganda, you contribute to the survival of these great apes. Gorilla tourism has proved to be a great tool in the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Climb Kilimanjaro & See the Big Five

WHERE: Tanzania, East Africa
WHO RUNS IT:
There’s an urgency to climbing Kilimanjaro—the famous “tropical ice” that covers the 19,341-foot Tanzanian peak has melted to 15 percent of its 1912 size, diminishing your chances to chip glacial ice for your sundowner gin and tonic after the summit push. Cheekiness aside, Africa is a place of great flux, with precious animal populations shrinking faster than high altitude glaciers. Make sure to see them both by combining a summit bid on Tanzania with a safari to see the continent’s Big Five—lions, elephants, cape buffalo, rhino, and leopard. Try Abercrombie and Kent’s new trip up the southern flank’s Umbwe route. It’s a far steeper approach than the standard—and crowded—Mishame route, but your group should have a campsite to itself. Combine a November ascent with a four-day safari to witness the great wildebeest migration on the Serengeti, one of Earth’s wildest spectacles ($7,924).

Africa Conservation Safari

WHERE: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa
WHO RUNS IT: African Safari Company

This 12-day itinerary offers a crash course in conservation. In Namibia, visit Na’an Ku Se—a wildlife refuge that so impressed Brangelina, the couple donated $2 million—then head to Okonjima Bush Camp and the AfriCat Foundation, home to cheetah rehabilitation. After a stop in Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve, the trip winds up in South Africa at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, where helicopter rides afford sweeping views of the park’s rhino-darting program. Proceeds from this portion of the trip support Kwandwe’s rhino project. From $7,750 per person.

7 World Heritage Sites in Tanzania

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Mount Kilimanjaro

Tanzania is a country that encompasses an extraordinary history and abundance of natural wonders; therefore there is no surprise Tanzania has eight world heritage sites. These chosen sites are a fundamental reminder why interaction between people and nature must achieve a balance of preservation and conservation between the two.

KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK:

The Kilimanjaro national park is located near Moshi, Tanzania. It is centered on the iconic and dramatic snow-clad slopes of mountain Kilimanjaro which covers an area of 753 km (291 square miles). In 1973, the mountain above the tree line was classified as a national park and was opened to public access in 1977,but it wasn’t until 1987 the park became listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

STONE TOWN ZANZIBAR

Stone town or Miji Mkongwe in Swahili meaning “ancient town”, is the old part of Zanzibar city. The old town is built on a triangular peninsular of land on the western coast of the island and was awarded World Heritage Site status in 2000. Justification for the inscription includes its cultural fusion and harmonization; its great symbolic importance in the suppression of slavery; and the intense seaborne trading activity between Asia and Africa, which is illustrated today in the exceptional architecture and urban structure of the stone town.

THE NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA;

The Ngorongoro conservation area (NCA) boasts the finest blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeological sites in Africa and is situated 180 km west of Arusha. The rich pasture and permanent water of the crater floor supports a large resident population of wildlife of up to 25000 predominant grazing animals. The conservation area is administered by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, and its boundaries follow the boundary of the Ngorongoro division of Ngorongoro district. It covers an area of 8,288km (3,200 square miles).

SELOUS GAME RESERVE;

The Selous game reserve covers a total area of 54600 km (21,081 square miles) and is one of the largest fauna reserves of the world, located in the south of Tanzania. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to the diversity of wild life and undisturbed nature. The reserve is home to typical savanna animals such as elephants, hippopotami, the rare African wild dog and crocodiles, which are all found in large numbers compared to any other park in Africa.

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

The Serengeti national park is Tanzania’s oldest park, and one of the world’s last great wild life refugees, hence its World Heritage site status. It is most famous for its annual migration of over one million white bearded ( or brindled) wildebeest and 200,000 zebra. The park covers 14,763 km(5,700 square miles) of grass land plains and savanna as well as riverine forest and woodlands. The park lies in the north of the country, boardered to the north by the national Tanzania and Kenya boarder, where it is contiguous with the Masai Mara game reserve.

KONDOA ROCK ART SITES

The Kondoa rock art site is a series of caves carved into the side of a hill looking out over the steppe. The cave site is 9 km off the main high way from kondoa to arusha, about 20 km north of kondoa. The site has a spectacular collection of images from over 150 shelters depicting elongated people, animals and hunting scenes. Today many of the shelters are still considered to have ritual associations with the people who live nearby, reflecting their beliefs, rituals and cosmological traditions.

RUINS OF KILWA KISIWANI AND RUINS OF SONGO MNARA

The remains of two great east African ports admired by the early explorers are situated on two small islands near the coast. From the 13th to 16th century, the merchants of Kilwa delt in silver, gold, pearls, perfumes, Arabian crockery, Persian earthenware and Chinese porcelain; much of the trade on the Indian ocean thus passed through their hands. Serious archeological investigation begun in the 1950’s. in 1981 it was declared a World Heritage Site, and noted visitor sites are the great mosque, the Mkutini palace and some remarkable ruins. However, the ruins are also in the list of the World Heritage in danger. The list constitutes a call to improve their safeguarding and is designed to rally national and international efforts for their preservation.

Go Game Viewing in South Africa

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Game Viewing in South Africa

Of the hundreds of awesome activities that South Africa has on offer, probably the most popular activity on offer is Game Viewing. Game viewing on any of the many game reserves in South Africa provides an opportunity to see South African wild life in all their beauty in their natural habitat. On a self-drive expedition, with a guide, on horseback, on elephant back – whatever your preference, you’re assured of a memorable game viewing experience.

Probably the most well known game viewing location in South Africa is the Kruger National Park. Home to South Africa’s Big 5, the Kruger National Park offers an incredible self-drive route through the open veld where you’ll see countless variations of buck, zebra’s, giraffe, leopard, lion, springbok, cheetah, eland and countless others. (There is a check list available at: http://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife/). Self-driven game viewing trips offer the benefits of being able to determine the pace of you journey, however without a guide who knows the area well, you might miss out on seeing something special.

The Kruger National Parks game viewing isn’t limited only to self-drive expeditions. The park has been very well developed to cater for many different preferences. Guided groups will be taken out into the bushveld, where you’ll camp overnight and experience the bushveld at night with all its fascinating sounds and sights.

The Eastern Cape offers much in the way of game viewing. Whilst most game reserves offer Big 5 game viewing, the popular Addo Elephant Park just outside Port Elizabeth lays claim to being the only park in South Africa that offers Big 7 game viewing! The 372 000 ha park is home to all of the South African Big 5 and in addition, there’s a 120 000 ha marine zone where you can spot the majestic whale and the much feared great white shark.

10 Minutes outside of Port Elizabeth, is the Seaview Lion and Game Park. Although it’s doesn’t offer game viewing of all the South African Big 5, it does offer the incredible opportunity to interact and play with lion cubs. R40 will get you up to about 30 minutes playtime with either the very young cubs, or the slightly older and more boisterous cubs. It’s an unforgettable experience and definitely worth doing. As you drive through the park, you’ll pass by giraffe, zebra and all sorts of buck. The Seaview Lion park also offers the rare opportunity to view the unique White Lion as well as the beautiful tiger.

Kwa Zulu Natal also has many choices for exceptional game viewing. The St Lucia National Park offers not only beautiful game viewing, but is also known as a birder’s paradise because of a the enormous variety of birdlife. Swaziland’s game viewing is one of the top in the country because of its raw beauty and rugged terrain. The Swaziland game viewing parks are not overly commercial and thus offer game viewing in its most natural form.

One of the hardest animals to spot when you’re game viewing in South Africa, is the leopard. Because of its reclusive nature – spending most of the day in the trees out of sight – game viewing trips don’t often get to see this incredible animal. However the game viewing parks in Mpumalanga offer some of the highest concentrations of leopard per square kilometer in South Africa. A day or night spent in most of the game parks in Mpumalanga is bound to include a number of leopard sightings – definitely worth the trip

Game viewing in South Africa offers more diversity of wildlife and more excitement than any other country in the world – make sure you don’t miss the wonders of game viewing in South Africa.

6 Basic Tips to Save Money on Safari in Africa

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Save Money on Your Safari

In many parts of Africa, safaris can be pretty expensive. Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana are all countries that charge a lot of money to go searching for animals.

In most destinations, a typical safari will run about $100 per day per person and that is pretty average to low end. That safari can end up biting a huge portion of your already slim budget. Are these costs justified? Sure!

Huge portions of the fees go back to the government to maintain the roads, stop poaching, and help fund other education projects in the area.

But for a traveler with little money, it can sometimes be too expensive.
But how often to you make it to Africa? How many times can you see actual animals in the wild? Probably not too often! You still want to take advantage of witnessing an elephant rolling in water, right? Or, better yet, watching a lion and her cubs share a fresh meal?

  • Ask Locals
    If you are in an area that is known to have animals and you see villages or settlements, this is where you should stop. Locals are the always the best source of information for finding animals. Although sometimes it can be difficult communicating with them, simple animals signs can make them understand, and more often than not, someone will know English or French. If not, crawl around on the ground pretending you are a lion and see what they do.
  • Use the 24-Hour Rule
    If you absolutely have to go inside a national park, check to see how long you are allowed inside. Often times there is a 24-hour rule; meaning you have 24 hours from the time you entered until the next day. Often this is a great way to do more than one safari and not have to pay the entrances fees again. Arrive at the crack of dawn the next day, and enjoy a morning safari before you must depart. Then, like I mentioned above, cruise around the outskirts of the park

Best Luxury Gorilla Safari Lodges in Rwanda

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Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

You can find several tour options in Rwanda including luxury, budget, city tours, cultural, beach & birding tours, genocide tours among others. All tour operators work out different safaris in Rwanda with stays in  different lodges and prices visitors and at least one of them will quench your thirty. Accommodation is an essential aspect in all tour arrangements which are chosen depending on location, price and area of the tour. Every one wishes to sleep in comfort and style though staying in comfort hotel requires you to tighten your belt as you part with some good amount of dollars especially in tourist destinations which are which are busy year round. In Rwanda the most visited destinations include Volcanoes national park (for Gorilla tracking, Golden monkey trek, and cultural adventures), Nyungwe National park (chimpanzee trekking, forest walks, birding, canopy walks etc), Kigali city ( city tour adventurers including the genocide sites), Lake Kivu (leisure activities swimming, sun bathing, boat ride, fishing etc)among others. If you want to sleep in full comfort there are a number of luxury lodges to chose from bellow depending on your budget and preference.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

The high quality lodge in Rwanda and a best option for a Luxury Rwanda Gorilla safari. The lodge has eight well spaced cottages with lovely magical view of the virunga volcanoes. The Cottages have 24 hrs electricity, large bathroom with bath showers of hot & cold water, the dressing room, bed room and the sitting room with a fire place to keep you going as you chill outside your bedroom. If you want to relax from outside, a well positioned private balcony is available on each cottage where guests relax and as they read books or novels. Some spend time here chatting with their friends or listening to music.

Not like other lodge which put restriction on room service but here it’s just a call away. The lodge location on the edge of volcanoes national park in Ruhengeri & just close to the park gorilla briefing point in kinigi is another advantage for gorilla tracking guests making it easy to access the briefing point without any hassle. Make the best use of the other lodge facilities like the bar, restaurant, game room and the conducive calm environment. Can’t stop typing if have not mentioned the well trained helpful Staff which makes the accommodation more beautiful in Africa? Remembering the meals make me run short of world but what I can say they are extremely incredible.

Volcanoes Virunga Lodge

The lodge location on the peak between lake Burera and Ruhondo explains why most guests are mainly for Gorilla tracking in volcanoes National park. it’s just a five kilometer drive to the park head quarters of kinigi so guest move at their pase to the park headquarters for briefing the day for the Gorilla tracking on a fare road.All bandas are designed in sympathy of the surrounding which make the lodge look like a true sanctuary in the middle of the forest. Besides, all flash toilets & bathrooms have hot water a cry for every guest especially in cold places of Ruhengeri making bathing a little bit spicy.

Guests who sit close to the calm fire in the bar and lounge area play board games or read novals and books provided by the lodge for its guests. The lodge also uses things made from local material that’s furniture, wild gardens, solar power, the staff is local and the chef’s cook great meals. It’s a nice luxury eco-friendly lodge despite the short rides on the morning of the Gorilla tracking mission. Sleeping at this lodge is like sleeping on the top of the world.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

This is the perfect lovely lodge located in Ruhengeri with good food and enough room for guests to enjoy their stay. The friendly staff makes you feel like keeping around since they treat you like a queen. The stunning setting suites its location at the foothills of volcanoes forest, the quietness and coolness of the villas, the cozy bed room, the wild wandering around Making it Unique from all other lodges in Africa .Never worry of what to eat because of late arrival since the lodge makes sure everyone has got a bite at a right time.

Expect to enjoy thoroughly every moment at mountain Gorilla view since you will even get in touch with the people back home using the lodge free Wifi at the restaurant. Don’t miss the daily dance performance from locals and get a chance to watch the Kinyarwanda dance liv. Book your gorilla trip and just leave the night for this lodge to offer you what they got in stock & no regret at the end.

Other Gorilla safari lodges in Rwanda both within and near Ruhengeri include  Kigali Serena Hotel, Kivu Serena Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge,  Hotel La Palme,  Laico Umubano Hotel, Hotel Beausejour, Jack Hanna’s Cottage,Laico Umubano Hotel, Gorilla’s Nest,Mountain Spots view hotel,chezlando etc.

5 Best Cars for Family Travels in Rwanda

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Family Travel in Rwanda

Planning a family trip in Rwanda but you are not sure of which cars to hire? Whether you are looking for a 4×4 car hire in Rwanda or a mass transportation vehicle, here are some of the best choices for family travel. Get on a family road trip in Rwanda in a comfortable way in one of our luxurious family size car rentals.

Safari Land Cruiser

Our fleet of safari Land Cruisers range from hard top to extended type, VX and V8. They are all ideal for family vacations in Rwanda especially if you plan for wildlife safari to Akagera National Park. They take from 5 to 8 people and perfect for outdoor camping tours in any part of Rwanda. Our luxurious Safari Land Cruisers consist of a pop up roof making them the best for game viewing. They also come with a mini fridge and air conditioners.

Toyota Prado

We have wide range of Toyota Prado car rentals for family trips in Rwanda ranging from TX, TZ and GX type. They have capacity of 6 seats with features such as MP 3, CD, FM radio station, air conditioner and many more. Whether you are planning to embark on a self-drive road trip, wedding, guided tours, conference, family vacation or airport transfers in the peal of Africa, our Toyota Land cruiser Prado will get you to that dream destination and at end of the day, you live within your dream. With pop-up roof/sun roof, you have amazing views while you are on a game drive in Rwanda’s savanna grassland protected areas.

Toyota Super Custom

Our Toyota Super Custom car rentals are the best 4wheel drive and they accommodate about 7 people. They are perfect for safaris the fact that it also features a pop-up/sun roof which is ideal for game drive. They also comprise of air conditioners front and rear as well as a luxurious boot which accommodates all that you plan to use while on your safari. They are the best for you to navigate through the remote areas where Rwanda’s attractions are located.

Toyota Rav4

The Toyota Rav4 equally comes in 4wheel and 4 doors accommodating about 2-4 people. They feature air conditioners and a comprehensive insurance. Our compact Rav4 come with adequate space for you to pack your property and pocket friendly the fact that it doesn’t consume much fuel. They are perfect for family trips, self-drive, conference meetings and others.

Safari minivan

Need to get the best of sightseeing tour in Rwanda? Embark on a family trip in our safari minivans and get your dreams achieved. They take up to nine visitors and feature a pop up roof making it a perfect choice for wildlife viewing experiences. It also features air conditioners, comfortable seats and adequate room for your cargo.

Coaster minibus

Planning a wedding, introductions or company getaway and you do not have any idea of how your people can get to reception or church? Our spacious Coaster minibuses are worth hiring. They accommodate between 25 and 35 people.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

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Bwindi Mountain Gorilla

It’s no a secret that Uganda is a paradise for great wildlife experiences in Africa with gorilla trekking as its number one  best wildlife encounter for all visitors to the country. Uganda is a home to the big five, lakes, rivers, landscape, culture but a visit to the country without gorilla trekking is taken to be incomplete. Uganda gorilla trekking tours are full of treasured memories and moments especially those captured during the one hour duration of photography and observation of the beautiful primates. It’s a year round activity so you can join those looking at experiencing the spectacular jungle forest of Mgahinga, a home to five volcanoes and Bwindi forest.

Considerations for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Tourists need a minimum of three days (2 nights) to track Uganda gorillas in both gorilla parks- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park that is if trips kick off from Kampala Uganda’s Capital. But those coming from Rwanda need only 2 days and one night to experience the life time adventure.

However, one is free to land either in Entebbe international airport or Kigali international airport since the two countries are close to each other. Besides all tourists must spend a night before the trek close to the park briefing point to avoid early morning drives and inconveniences.

The trekking day starts with breakfast at your lodge of residence to give energy during the trek, followed by briefing from park rangers on how to behave with gorillas and how to search for gorillas in the jungle forest without cause harm or danger to the well conserved natural jungle forest. Respect gorilla trekking rules and regulations for issues of safety since gorillas are wild animals that can change or go wild any time if provoked. The silver back look tough and terrific and they move all over providing the necessary safety to its family members.

Gorilla Trekking Check List

This is a very common asked question by many tourists planning and heading out on gorilla safaris in Uganda. I believe my gorilla trek check list will help you to have a very fabulous adventure to the gorilla parks in South Western Uganda.

Have a small note book to note down interesting and surprising facts about gorillas that you didn’t know, insect repellent that are super effective to help you keep and protect your skin from insect bites, Camera with an extra battery and lens for emergency purposes, Water resisting comfortable walking boots, sandals, swim suit, gloves, waterproof jacket, a hut for sun protection, 5 light pairs  of trousers, some short sleeved T-shirts, at least two long sleeved T-shirts, gorilla permit, drinking water, lunch boxes,sun cream, cotton socks, skirts for ladies, toilet paper, first aid medicine, flashlight and binoculars, shades and much more.

Before you book your gorilla trek request for a new check list from you trip planner and compare if they do match so that you can carry just right staff for use.

Top 10 Destinations for A Summer Holiday in Africa

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Botswana Safaris

Africa is of no doubt that one exceptional summer holiday destination in the world. This remarkable continent boasts not only for its pleasant weather and climatic conditions but also for its majestic mountains, rolling hills, great wildebeest migration-lifetime experience not to be missed in Africa, mountain gorillas, wildlife species and not to forget the warm and most welcoming people. In other words, there are a million reasons why should be a must to visit summer destination.

Below is a list of best African destination for a summer getaway

South Africa

South Africa is exceptional summer destination and remarkably it is where blend of Africa meets the west. If it is sun, lasting memories or fun that you need to have in life then count Cape Town-South Africa a must to visit. Summer holiday in South Africa allows you to experience the exceptional vineyards, majestic mountains and stunning coastline with beaches including Camp bay, Clifton, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Bakoven beach and others. Besides, experience the unique cultures and pristine Kruger National Park.

Kenya

Kenya is undoubtedly one of the most famous African destinations. It is a home to numerous wilderness areas including the pristine Masai Mara National Reserve-an incredible area to witness the great wildebeest migration. Besides, Kenya also inhabits the popular giraffe manor, big African game and several wildlife species. A larger area of Kenya also lies along the coast, comprising of unspoilt beaches. A summer holiday in Kenya gets you a chance to indulge yourself in the white sand beaches at coastline especially in Mombasa, Diani, Malindi beach and others. The activities to take part while on summer holiday in Kenya include snorkeling, scuba diving and these ideal for visitors within Mombasa. Others activities include swimming, sailing, romantic sunset cruises and many more.

Uganda

Uganda should be a must to visit destination for your summer holiday getaways. Dubbed the pearl of Africa, Uganda lies in East-Central Africa and it is bordered by Rwanda, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania. Boasting of its extensive savanna grassland, exceptional wilderness areas, off-beaten natural beauty, hospitable people, safety and security, Uganda is of no doubt that one magical destination for your summer holiday in Africa. A safari in Uganda gets you the best of a memorable holiday in Africa whether you are interested in hiking adventures to view mountain gorillas or get close to nature while on camping tour.

Mozambique

Mozambique is exceptionally that one magical destination worth exploring while on summer holiday in Africa. It boasts of its extensive unspoilt beaches, tropical islands, adventures (including diving, hiking and many water sports), fresh seafood and others. While on summer holiday in Mozambique, don’t miss to visit the Bazaruto archipelago and take part in water excursions, motorized and non-motorized water sport experiences that offered here including wakeboarding, knee boarding, tubing, skiing to mention but a few. Other exciting water sport experiences not to be missed in Mozambique include snorkeling, scuba diving and others.

Seychelles

Seychelles is best described as paradaisicial land on the planet and for honeymooners; it is one place not to miss to pay a visit to while on safari in Africa. Seychelles is situated in East Africa and features about 115 magical islands as well as varied natural reserves, ideal weather and climate throughout the year. A visit to Seychelles also allows you take part in hiking especially in the mountainous trails or chill around its beautiful beaches, botanical gardens and others. The most famous sites to visit in Seychelles include the Morne Seychelles National Park, Marine National Park and Anse Intendance.

Mauritius

Mauritius is the best place to be especially if you need to fulfill your dreams when it comes to tropical island adventure. Besides beaches and exceptional landscape, Mauritius is also blessed with unique culture and historical traditions. While here, you also have opportunity to explore several landscapes in the island, visit the Gabriel Island, Casela Nature Park, Black River Gorges National Park or take part in hiking, sunbathing and others.

Morocco

Morocco is popular for its spectacular coasts, unique architecture and busy markets. Besides, it features a unique culture which has been crafted from varied influences of the Berber, Europeans and Arab. It boasts of its many high end restaurants, up market hotels and others.

Namibia

Namibia is famous for its pristine national parks, three of which are the largest in Africa. A visit to Namibia gets you a chance to explore the magical wilderness of Etosha National Park, Namib Naukluft National Park, Namib Rand Private Game Reserve, Fish River Canyon Skeleton Coast to mention but a few. It also boasts of its picturesque landscape which you can best explore while in the Kalahari Desert or Namib Desert.

Guide to Going on a Gorilla Safari in Africa

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Virunga Gorilla

Visiting mountain gorillas in Africa in there natural habitats is one of the fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience everyone has to perform before he or she leaves planet earth. These mountain gorillas can only be visited in the destinations of Uganda in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes in Rwanda and Virunga in DR. Cong. As i have told you that one shouldn’t miss before leaving planet earth, it is the number one wish list of visitor who are planning a visit to East Africa.

Before planning a gorilla safari, there are certain things that you should bear in mind before visiting the apes.

What are mountain Gorillas?

There are only several hundred mountain gorillas remaining on Earth, and about half live in the forests of the Virunga mountains in central Africa. Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the eastern gorillas. A bit more than half of these gorillas live in the Virunga Mountains, a range of extinct volcanoes that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. The remainder can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Since the discovery of the mountain gorilla subspecies in 1902, its population has endured years of war, hunting, habitat destruction and disease—threats so severe that it was once thought the species might be extinct by the end of the twentieth century.

As their name implies, mountain gorillas live in forests high in the mountains. They have thicker fur, and more of it, compared to other great apes. The fur helps them to survive in a habitat where temperatures often drop below freezing. But as humans have moved more and more into the gorillas’ territory, the gorillas have been pushed farther up into the mountains for longer periods, forcing them to endure dangerous and sometimes deadly conditions.

Since they have 99% of the human DNA, mountain gorillas in families/ groups led by a dominant male silver back which ensures protection and safety of the family. The groups are also composed of females and the younger males, adult and juvenile females, and infants. The largest gorilla group or family ever studied is in Rwanda and is led by Cantsbee (now 38 years old!), who is the oldest known mountain gorilla in the whole world.

How is gorilla trekking like?

After your breakfast with your park lunch and depending on which lodges you would have slept in, you may drive or walk to the pack headquarters for registration and allocation of gorilla families depending on your interests and physical fitness. You will definitely be divided into groups of eight people per gorilla family and after briefing, each given a guide, a ranger and a tourism police officer who has to ensure that you are safe while trekking gorillas. You will then walk to the starting point as each gorilla family has a different starting point depending on its movements with in its territory. From the starting point, you will start your trek which may take from 30 minutes to even six hours and once you have seen the gorillas, you will then spend an hour with them before returning back to the park headquarters. At the park headquarters, each of you will be given a certificate in recognition of your contribution to the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas. The experience varies from one family to another, from one day to another and from hour to hour depending on the mood and activity of a given mountain gorilla family.

What is the best time to visit gorillas in Africa?

The gorilla trekking in Africa is done throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Africa for a gorilla trek is during the short dry season from mid-December to early February or over the long dry season months of June to September. These periods offer by far the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest malaria risk.

You can visit Rwanda, Uganda, DR. Congo and trek gorillas outside these optimum times of year but bear in mind that hiking will be more difficult in the rainy season as paths are steep and maybe muddy. It pays to be as fit as possible before you commence your trek.

What to have for gorilla Trekking in Africa?

  • Gorilla Permit: For anyone to go for the activity of gorilla trekking in the three destinations, you must have a trekking permit issued but different bodies in the destinations. Rwanda Development board{RDB} to issue gorilla permits in Rwanda, Uganda Wildlife Authority{UWA} in Uganda and Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), the Congolese wildlife authority. Rwanda gorilla permit is at USD1500, in Uganda is at USD600 and USD400 in Congo. For those who want to visit the apes for less, trek in the low season in Uganda and Congo where permit prices are reduced from USD600 to USD450 Uganda and from USD4oo to USD350 Congo. Note gorilla permits are given out on fast come fast serve basis so you are required to book in advance like one month before.
  • Tourist Visa: Like in any other country, a visa is a must have to give you permission to be on it premises. If you are to visit all the three locations Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, you will have to apply for east Africa tourist visa.

What to pack?

  • Hiking Boots: One of the most important items that should be included in your gorilla trekking gear are hiking boots. Because of the nature of the forests plus the altitude and terrain, you need light weight hiking boots for this activity.
  • Garden Gloves: You will be required gloves to protect your hands during your gorilla trek. As you move in this forest, remember that it can get slippery and somehow you need to hold on something just in case such happens. If you happen to touch some itching plants, trees or even climbing trees, you may be harmed. These gloves will therefore protect you from germs and other items that may scratch your hands.
  • Rain Jacket: Gorilla trekking is done in the tropical rain forest receiving rain throughout the year, mean you will never tell when it is going to rain so you need a rain jacket in order to be protected from rain. Many clients prefer traveling in drier months of June, July, August and beginning of September and try to avoid rainy seasons of March, April and May but being a tropical rain forest, it rains any time so park your jacket.
  • Long Sleeved Shirts/trousers: since you pass throw thick and impenetrable forests, long sleeved shirts and trousers are required to protect you from being scratched by the thorns and insects.
  • Cameras and extra batteries: Photography is an important component of your safari and thus make sure that you have your camera ready, charge your batteries very well and if necessary, carry extra batteries as you will need to take as many photographs in the one hour you will have with the gorillas. Please make sure that you switch off your flash while taking gorilla photographs.
  • Hat and Sun Glasses: If it is hot, please carry a hat to protect you from the strong sun rays. You may also need to carry some sun glasses too.
  • Pair of Binoculars: Don’t forget that you are on safari and you want to have clear views of everything. Not only gorillas, there are other things to see in the forest such as birds, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys among other primates, forest elephants and buffaloes so during your trek in search for the rare mountain gorillas, you will have a chance to spot some of the above.

What are the trekking rules?

  • People infected with flue and whooping cough will not be allowed to trek gorillas since they may infected with by human diseases.
  • Only one visit to any gorilla group is allowed per day and the number of tourists is limited to eight per group. This is to minimize behavioral disturbance, stress and possible risk of infection.
  • The minimum age for trekking gorillas is 15Year.
  • You are required to spent only and only one hour with the gorillas.
  • Flash lights are not allowed when taking photos as this may make the gorilla to charge.
  • All visitors must be a least seven feet away from the gorillas.
  • Visitors should not sit or crouch whilst watching the Gorillas.
  • Visitors should not clear vegetation close to Gorillas so that they get a better view.
  • If a silver-back gorilla charges at you, do not run away. The safest thing to do is remain quietly where you are.
  • Eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted near the Gorillas.
  • Keep silent when with the gorillas and even in the forest.
  • You are not allowed to dispose wastes in the forest.

What To Do With Kids on an African Safari

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admin
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Family Road Safari in Uganda

When we are traveling with kids, we are already expecting things to turn out quite =stressful. There is a big possibility of having a boisterous and frantic flight, with you having to take care of both your kids and your luggage. If the flight is too long or the journey too taxing, complaints may pour in and parents always dread it when their child gets unhappy while traveling in the air and with other people milling about you.

There might be some key pointers you are missing out while you are with your kids on a flight. Although these do not promise that you would have well-behaved and obedient child/children with you, it can definitely lift some stress of you.

1. Have an Early Start

The first step is to get to the airport early but don’t be too early enough to bore the child. We all know that airport processing can be time consuming with all the security and checking in procedures so it is best to have a head start on it. You won’t be as able to make a last minute dash to your gate as you would without a child (or children) in tow. The extra time at the airport will give your child a chance to exercise (find an empty gate area or ask if there is an airport play area) in between the long car ride and the flights.

2. Check In Properly

If the line is long, the open spaces in the airport can be a good place to let the kids run a little while one parent waits in line to check the bags. Remember to stay close in case the gate agent needs to see each of the passengers or check ID. Just make sure you keep a keen watch on the child as the airport can, despite the heavy security within, can still be crowded and dangerous

3. Review the Essentials

Aside from the children’s things and necessary paraphernalia for the flight, make sure you have packed your itinerary in the right luggage. Nothing is worse than to struggle with the details and information while the kids are pestering with tantrums and complaints.

4. Know children policy on airports

Check with your airline in advance about baggage restrictions. On international flights, some airlines like that in Singapore, Beijing, China and Manila, Philippines will allow a lap infant to check baggage; other airlines exclude baby items like a car seat or stroller as part of the parents baggage allowance.

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