1 Day trip to jinja is a fantastic place in Uganda known for its stunning attractions and thrilling activities. One of the most popular activities is white water rafting on the mighty Nile River. Jinja is located in Uganda, about 80 kilometers east of Kampala. It is situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, near the source of the Nile River. As early as possible by 8am our driver guide will pick and start up your journey. Our aim is to beat the traffic jam through the town and save up with time and be able to all the day activities with no rush.

PROGRAM OF OUR 1 DAY TRIP TO JINJA

Pick up from Kampala to Sezibwa falls

Nature walks in Mabira Forest

Boat ride to the source of River Nile in Jinja.

Pick up from Kampala to Sezibwa falls.

You will be pick at exactly 8 am by our driver guide where you will get to your first destination at Sezibwa Falls… It’s a beautiful waterfall located between Kampala and jinja. Sezibwa falls is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance in Ugandan folklore. Sezibwa falls is a 45 minutes’ drive from Kampala city located on Jinja road after Mukono road.

Nature walks in Mabira Forest

On your second destination on your 1-day trip to jinja, you will explore the beautiful Mabira Forest. Mabira Forest is a lush tropical rainforest located along the Kampala-Jinja Highway. Its home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare bird species and various primate species.

Boat ride to the source of River Nile in Jinja 

After having your lunch around Mabira Forest, Your last destination of your 1-day trip to Jinja, will do a boat ride at the source of the River Nile. Its an iconic spot where the mighty Nile begins its journey. You will hop on a boat and cruise along the river, enjoying the breathtaking views and learn about the history and significance of the Nile. It’s a unique and memorable experience that will leave you in awe of the natural wonders of Uganda.

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Mgahinga Gorilla National park : Mgahinga National Park is located in the south- western region of Uganda in Kisoro district bordering Rwanda in the south and D.R. Congo in the west. The park is at an altitude of between 2227m and 4127m.  Mgahinga gorilla national park is the smallest park in Uganda because it covers about 33.7km /s. The park was put in existence so as to protect the rare mountain Gorillas that inhabit in dense forests and the endangered Golden monkeys.  In 1930, Mgahinga was a game reserve but later on in 1991 it was upgraded into a National Park hence becoming Mgahinga  gorilla national park. Since the park is on a small scale also the activities are limited but enjoyable and memorable making many and you to wish out this thriving park.

ACTIVITIES DONE IN MGAHINGA  GORILLA NATIONAL PARK.

We have the following activities that take place in the game park

Gorilla trekking

Volcano hiking /mountain climbing

Bird watching at the Albertine Rift Endemic

Batwa Trail Experience

Golden monkey Tracking.

BIRD WATCHING

Bird watching is done at Albertine Rift Endemic in the park. The national park has over 180 bird’s species that are being seen through the year. The park has numerous birds where by this makes it to do viewing without any hesitation. some examples are Black headed waxbill, handsome francolin, dusky turtle dove, Rwenzori turaco, olive pigeon, scarlet tufted sunbirds. Note before you go for bird watching, Binoculars are needed for the clear viewing of the birds as you go through the trails.

GORILLA TREKKING

Gorilla trekking is the most activity that attract tourists to come to Mgahinga gorilla national park. The park has endangered mountain Gorillas making it one of the parks with the primates.  Trekking of gorillas starts in the morning at 8:00am and tourists are grouped into a group of eight people making it easy for the guide/ ranger to control and lead. Each group is given a family to trek and it takes around 2 to 5 hours but if the family is found, you are advised to stand about 7 feet’s away from the gorillas and you are also given 1hr to spend it with the family. And a few guidelines are given out like the flash photography cameras are not allowed, no throwing rubbish with in the forest etc. people who go for gorilla trekking are supposed to be 15 year and above with a gorilla permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

MOUNTAIN HIKING /VOLCANO CLIMBING

Mgahinga gorilla National Park has three volcanic mountains e.g. mountain Sabinyo, mountain Muhavura, mountain gahinga. M.t sabinyo means” old man’s teeth”, Muhavula means “a guide” and Gahinga means “pile of stones”. Mountain Muhavura is the tallest amongst the three volcanoes. All these three mountains can be hiked up to their summits as long as you are in good heath and fit enough. The things needed while hiking are water proof hiking boots, and light clothes.

BATWA TRAIL EXPERIENCE.

The Batwa people used to live in the forests before the area was gazed in to a home for the endangered m.t gorilla. The Batwa people for a cultural cave where they used to hide from when the invasion of the Bantu many years. These people live around the park and they have trained some to become guides and porters.

GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING.

The Golden monkeys are very fast and small animals. These monkeys are very fast and hard to track where by they take 3- 5hours to track them. When going for golden monkey tracking you are advised to come with cameras so as to have pictures of the experience and they have to be non-flashy cameras. As you are going through the trail you are also to see the bamboo branches. These primates make Mgahinga National Park a good destination for all these wonderful wild species

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Journey around Tanzania in your select 8 days Tanzania safari ,  explore the great Serengeti national park  ,   experience the sceneries of  the great Ngorongoro crater dotted with plants and multitudes wildlife,  explore the Tarangire national park  and feel the thrill of  lake Manyara national park  and having amazing  memories of the tree climbing lions  that  make lake Manyara  national park such an amazing destination.

Brief Travel plan.

Day 1: Arrival and  Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha.

Day 2: Experience of Tarangire National park.

Day 3 & 4: Serengeti national park.

Day 5 & 6: Ngorongoro conservation.

Day 7 : lake Manyara  national park.

Day 8: Depart to Arusha.

 Detailed Travel Plan.

Day 1: Pick up from Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to Arusha to your hotel, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

 You will be picked from Kilimanjaro Internal airport and you will transfer Arusha, you will check in at the hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2:  Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Tarangire National park.

Early in the morning after breakfast you will  be the hotel by  Select Adventure Safari guide and you will later head  to  Tarangire national park, the drive will take you approximately  3 hours  to get to Tarangire, as soon as you get to Tarangire  you will head straight for lunch and later after lunch you will go for an afternoon game drive experience, the drive will expose to large herds of  elephants ,  along other wildlife , you will also be able to see the  giant baobab  which  make Tarangire  such a unique destination.  Later after the game drive, retire to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer Serengeti national park.

 Following the third day of the 8 days Tanzania safari, have breakfast and later embark on a drive to Serengeti national park, one of the most thrilling experiences the drive will take you approximately 4 hours to get to Serengeti National park.  Upon arrival, you will head for lunch and after lunch, you will commence your first adventure of the great Serengeti. Be treated to   several species of wildlife including the most sought after big five.   Later return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Full day experience of Serengeti National park.

Get up in morning have breakfast, later head for a game drive in the park in search for wildlife. Some of the most notable species includes lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, hyenas, rhinos, gazelles, among, giraffes, warthogs, hippos, wildlife and bird species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 5:  Morning game drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro crater.

Early in the morning, you will head for a game drive to be able to increase your wildlife count and later return to the lodge, check out and transfer to Ngorongoro conservation area, the drive to Ngorongoro will be a scenic one with view of incredible rift valley and awesome topographies.  The crater in Ngorongoro is the biggest attraction as it spans for a long distance and it host a huge population of wildlife.  Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 6: Full day experience of Ngorongoro crater.

Early in the morning after breakfast, embark on a game drive inside crater, note that crater is a non-flooding caldera and it covers large expanses of land hence giving room for the thriving of wildlife species including rhinos as well. Have a full day experience of Ngorongoro exploring all the wildlife potential, later you will head back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Drive to lake Manyara national park.

Early in the morning after breakfast, you exit Ngorongoro conservation and head lake Manyara national park ,  another hidden gems of Tanzania , the  drive from  Ngorongoro  conservation area  is 1 hour, upon  reaching  there, you  will embark  on a drive in search for wildlife. The park is famous for tree climbing lions and large herds of elephants that are not shy to even get close the vehicles while on a game drive, you will also visit the soda lake that is habitat for several bird’s species. Dinner  and overnight the lodge.

Day 8:  Return to your Arusha.

On your last day of the trip , enjoy  the last thrill   of  wild by just getting and having a relaxed breakfast, later check out of the lodge and transfer to Arusha , arrive in time  for  your flight home.

The trip includes.

Park entry and activities.

Accommodation on full board basis.

English/ Kiswahili speaking tour guide.

Transportation to and from the park  in 4×4 land cruiser.

Drinking water on board.

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5 Days Tanzania wildlife safari : Get to experience Tanzania in a whole new dimension in  5 Days Tanzania wildlife safari, the trip will see  you to some of Tanzania’s most kept secrets  in terms of adventure. You will visit Lake Manyara national park, Ngorongoro crater as the incredible Serengeti national park also known as the wildlife epitome. Some of the major activities you will indulge in while on the 5 days Tanzania wildlife safari includes game drives, nature   sightings among others.

Brief Itinerary.

Day 1: pick up from Arusha and Transfer to lake Manyara national park.

Day 2: Game drive in lake Manyara and transfer to Serengeti national park.

Day 3:  Whole day experience of Serengeti national park.

Day 4:  Depart Serengeti and head to Ngorongoro crater.

Day 5:  head back to Arusha.

Detailed travel plan.

Day 1:  Pick up from Arusha  and transfer to lake Manyara national park.

Our safari guide will pick you from your hotel or residence in Arusha after a morning breakfast, you will later embark a drive to lake Manyara national park you will have your lunch and Enroute and upon arrival ,  check it at your lodge  and later you will embark on afternoon game drive in the  park.  The park contains a soda lake which harbors large concentration of birds, the park also has large numbers of elephants as well as the famous tree climbing lions   that can also be found in   queen Elizabeth national park Uganda at the ishasha sector among other wildlife.  Later depart game drive, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 2: Transfer to Serengeti National park.

Early in the morning after breakfasts, you will exit your lodge and head to Serengeti national park through the farmlands of Karatu and Ngorongoro conservation area.    You will arrive to Serengeti in time for lunch later you will depart   for a game drive in the park in search for wildlife.  the game drive will expose to wildlife such as the big five, birds among others. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Whole day experience of Serengeti National park.

Get up in morning, have breakfasts and later you will depart for a whole day experience of Serengeti national park   view sights and wildlife such as lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, wildebeest, gazelles, hart bests, jackals, hyenas, hippos   and several other birds’ species.  Later after the long days game drive, later retire to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4:  Transfer from Serengeti national park to Ngorongoro crater.

Early in the morning have breakfast and later head to Ngorongoro crater,  as  you drive to Ngorongoro crater , you will have  a have stopover in  Olduvai  gorge , whose history dates way back to humanity, the gorge is where doctor louis Leakey discovered the early man’s skull. Ngorongoro crater boasts of having high concentration of wildlife, later you will check in at your lodge for lunch and if time allows you will head for a game drive in search for wildlife.  Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Game drive and later drive back to Arusha.

Have your breakfast and later embark on a game drive to see the wildlife, you will head into the crater in search for the big cats and other wildlife. Later check out and transfer to Arusha.

End of Safari

 The trip includes.

Park entry and activities.

Accommodation on full board basis.

English/ Kiswahili speaking tour guide.

Transportation to and from the park  in 4×4 land cruiser.

Drinking water on board.

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The Sands at Nomad is an award winning boutique hotel, long recognized for its continued commitment to the environment and operating in a sustainable way that supports the unique surroundings of the resort.

The Sands at Nomad is Kenya’s leading boutique beach getaway located on one Diani Beach – one of the best beaches in Africa, the resort is the ideal destination to enjoy a hassle – free beach holiday with impeccable service on the Southern Coast of Kenya.

The resort is a perfect getaway for travelers interested in experiencing the breath-talking Diani Beach, indulge with first-class dining, enjoy the extensive collection of old and new world wine from the owner’s cellar, take part in scuba diving and discover the untouched reefs with the leading PADI dive center in Kenya or just relax around the resort and soak up Kenyan’s warm hospitality that the south coast has to offer and is famous for.

The Sands nestled in an indigenous coastal forest with a green and a palm-fringed beach and is located in Ukunda.

Accommodation at The Sands at Nomad

The Sands at Namad keeps up with the world – class style and innovative panache conception and the accommodation comprises an individualistic selection of comfortable rooms including exclusive beach cottages and luxurious suites, most of the rooms have private Jacuzzis, panoramic terraces and spacious sitting rooms.

All guest rooms are individually interior designed and furnished with an inspired combination of Swahili pieces, d’art furniture and the finest woodwork.

Guest rooms at The Sands at Nomad are categorized as follows

Ocean View Suite

This luxury Ocean View Suite boasts sweeping views of Kenya’s stunning Diani Beach, the suite offers a luxurious living space with spacious private verandas. These rooms are ideal for a couple looking for the ultimate beach getaway.

The suite has its own sunbeds in the private garden on the seafront

Features of Ocean View Suite

• 15 steps to the beach
• Mini Bar
• Room service
• King – size bed
• Air conditioner
• Free-WiFi

Sea Breeze Rooms

These Sea Breeze Rooms are an oasis of calm and tranquility with a soft breeze twirling through the air, they are situated just a few short steeps from the beach and bathed in vivid ocean blues with Lamu Ceilings. With a traditional vibe, the rooms face the ocean.

The rooms have a direct view of the sea and provide a charming coastal feel, each room has its own private balcony allowing you to enjoy the cooling ocean breeze of an evening.

Sea Breeze Rooms are ideal for families, groups and beach lovers.

Features of Sea Breeze Rooms

• 50 steps to the beach
• Mini bar
• Queen Size bed
• Air conditioner
• Free Wi-Fi

Family Ocean View Suite

Luxury Ocean View Suite at The Sands at Nomad boast sweeping views of the stunning Diani Beach, this suite is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a private stay on a beach holiday.

The Family Ocean View Suite is located on the ground floor just 30 meters from the white sandy shores of Diani Beach, as close as you can get to the waterfront without going for a swim. This suite features two bathrooms, a spacious living room and two bathrooms, a spacious living room and two bathrooms – one with a bath and one with a shower. There is also a sweeping private veranda offering glorious sea views.

The suite has its own sunbeds in the private garden on the seafront.

                                            Features of Family Ocean View Suite

• 15 steps to the beach
• Mini bar
• Room service
• King size bed
• Air conditioner
• Free Wi-Fi

 Beach Cottages

Perfectly positioned on a private beachfront lawn, the palm thatched (Makuti) roofs of the cottages wrap around the edges of each veranda offering complete peace and seclusion for a romantic stay.

Features of Beach Cottages

• 15 steps to the beach
• Mini bar
• Room Service
• King size bed
• Air conditioner
• Free Wi-Fi

Dining at The Sands at Nomad

The Sands at Nomad offers guests a first class dining experience with 3 superb resturants on site, serving a selection of dishes from around the world. Indulging in delicious, healthy food is an integral part of the Nomad experience.

In keeping with the resort’s “Thinking Green Philosophy”, food is expertly prepared in the resort’s kitchens by The Executive Chef and his team using local sourced ingredients. Fruit, vegetable, herbs, spices and eggs are harvested on the Nomad organic farm which uses the guiding principles of permaculture farming.

Fishing is freshly caught by local fishermen, seafood measuring boards are used to support sustainable fishing and to ensure that undersized seafood is returned to the sea.

Meals at The Sands at Nomad are served at various locations as shown below

By The Pool

Located next to the swimming pool and surrounded by a canopy of trees on the  edge of the Nomad Forest, Riva’s is exclusive to hotel residents and offers two very different dining experience with Riva’s Teppanyaki Table and Riva’s Grill.

Riva’s Pool Bar

Riva’s Pool Bar offers a range of snacks and light bites that can be enjoyed on the poolside throughout the day, perfect for those wanting a relaxed lunch or just something to keep them going in the afternoon.

Live Cooking at Your Table

Teppanyaki is more than just dinner, its entertainment and an experience bringing together the wonderful flavors of Asian Cuisine and skill of our chef’s as they prepare your meals at your table

BBQ At The Sands – Grilled to Perfection

Riva’s Grill offers a fantastic range of dishes for all tastes, the fresh ingredients are cooked over open fire and dinners can enjoy great flavors prepared in the traditional local way.

On The Beach

The Sands at Nomad is renowned as the best spot on Diani Beach, the Nomad Beach Bar and Resturant boasts panoramic views of Kenya’s dazzling Indian Ocean. It is also home to indulge Fine Dining, one of the leading fine dining experiences in Kenya.

Guests can opt for relaxed experience on the terrace or dine in style in the resort’s resort or at Indulge. The a-la-Carte breakfast is available from 08:00 am – 10:30 am serving locally grown fruits, cereals, homemade pastries, breads, hams, cheeses, fresh fruit juices as well as Kenyan tea and coffee.

Getting There

Kenya’s stunning Diani Beach is situated just over 30 kilometers from the historic port city of Mombasa and around a three-hour drive from Tsavo National Park, one of the largest game parks in the world perfect for combining an exciting safari with a relaxing beach holiday.

The Sands at Nomad can be reach on an 8-hour flight from most of the European countries and 10 hours flight from most Asian Countries.

Most major European and African airports offer direct flights to Nairobi and regular connections through international hubs in Dubai and Doha are also available on a daily basis.

From Nairobi, there domestic and charter flights to Diani Beach (Ukunda)

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 Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a safe home for orphaned chimpanzees located on Ngamba Island, the sanctuary was started by Dr. Jane Goodall and a small group of pioneering leaders rescued 13 chimpanzees in 1998.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is recognized as one of the leading primate sanctuaries in Africa, currently the sanctuary supports over 50 chimpanzees and it is one of the best places to see chimpanzee up-close during your Uganda safari. The sanctuary is managed by Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wild Conservation Trust (CSWCT), in the management of the sanctuary there are more 6 organisations that work with CSWCT which include Uganda Wildlife Education Center, New South Wales Zoological Park, Uganda Wildlife Society, International Fund of Animal Welfare, Jane Goodall Institute, Born Free Foundation and Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda.

Ngamba Island is located on Lake Victoria – the largest lake in Africa about 23 kilometers by boat south – east of Entebbe, near the Equator in Uganda. The island spans about 100 acres of which 95 acres is forested and separated from the human settlement by an electric fence.

Ngamba Island is one of the nine islands of the Koome group of islands found on Lake Victoria, other islands making up the Koome group include Kiimi, Nsazi, Koome, Bulago and Damba Islands.

All chimpanzees at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary have been rescued, some from poachers, others were ill or mistreated and none of the can ever go back to the wilds. However, here at the sanctuary they are cared for and are allowed to roam freely, fed twice daily and provided with medical care and love. Stories of these chimpanzees are fascinating and seeing them up-close as they happily enjoy each other’s company within a semi-natural environment is fantast

Things to do on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Chimpanzee Experience

Chimpanzee excursion on the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is offered as half day excursion or a full day excursion.

On the day of your chimpanzee trekking, you take a boat cruise across Lake Victoria which will take you to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, on arrival visitors are welcomed by the staff of the sanctuary and will take you to the visitor center.

You will be given an introduction about the sanctuary, its history, the inhabitants of the center and their experiences in the wild. After the informative briefing, you will have a tour of the grounds and you can watch the feeding of chimpanzees from an overview platform.

If you are visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary for a whole day, then you will experience two feeding moments.

Care Giver for A Day

Ngamba Island Sanctuary offers a unique experience where vsitors have an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a chimpanzee caregiver by being care givers themselves. As a chimp caregiver, you will get the exciting chance to not only view the chimpanzees feeding, but to participate in preparing their food and feeding them. You can assist the staff at Ngamba Island with any activities happening at the sanctuary that day, this may include

• Medical checkups
• Research and monitoring
• Preparing the holding areas for the chimpanzees
• Administrative work where you can help to type in the chimp storie

This program aims at helping the sanctuary’s visitors understand and appreciate what it takes to look after the orphaned chimpanzees – our cousins on Ngamba Island as well as raising funds for their well-being.

The staff at the sanctuary will work with you to show you just what is involved in taking care of these animals, how individual they are and what makes them so special.

As a caregiver, you get to meet and interact with all the chimpanzees on the Island but Direct Contact with them is not guaranteed but possible under close supervision of a resident caregiver.

Lake Victoria Boat Cruise

If you are staying overnight at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, then it is possible to take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria in the evening. You will then see the fishermen wake up and set their nets for the night, while you cruise over the equator enjoying the setting sun and a refreshing drink.

Spend the Night on Ngamba Island

For visitors who want to explore Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary even more, spending an overnight at Ngamba Island Eco – Lodge is the best choice. Not only will you experience several feeding moments, you will also be able to help prepare the nests for the chimpanzees and you will learn to look critically at the behavior of these beautiful apes.

Volunteering At Ngamba Island

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary offers one and four –week volunteering programs where you can directly contribute to the conservation efforts of the chimpanzees, while volunteering you will have an opportunity to gain hands – on experience by preparing their chimpanzee food, feeding them, cleaning their sleeping area and taking part in enrichment activities and behavior observations.

There are volunteer dormitories or Ngamba Eco Lodge for an overnight.

Getting to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary can be reached by either taking a speed boat, Air or Ferry

By Speed Boat – one can take a speed boat or a motorized canoe ride, it is a 45-minute speed boat ride from Entebbe to Ngamba Island. It is a 45 minute speed boat ride from Entebbe to Ngamba Island or a 90-minute motorized canoe ride from Nakiwongo Dock and the Chimpanzee Sanctuary arranges the transfers for guests.

By Ferry – one can choose to board a ferry from Entebbe to Bugala and after reaching Bugala which is the main island, then take on a taxi to Ngamba Island

By Air – one can book a charter flight by either Aerolink or Bar Aviation from Kajansi Airstrip direct to Ngamba Island

To Visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, one must have a ticket, you can either purchase the tickets at Ngamba Island reservation office in Entebbe or you can purchase them on – site at the island or you can find a local tour operator who will assist you with purchasing the ticket.

Best Time to Visit Ngamba Island

The best time to visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Island is during the dry months of June to late October, in these months there is much less chance of rain interrupting your daily activities and chances of observing other wildlife around the island is higher than during other months.

Where to stay on Ngamba Island

For visitors who wish to spend a night on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the Ngamba Eco Lodge is the recommended place to stay at. The lodge is strategically located at the extreme edge of Lake Victoria with stunning views of the lake, providing the ideal setting to relax after a day spent with the chimpanzees at the sanctuary.

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Often described as the most underrated national park in Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is one of the less known gems in Africa and a must visit destination for your safari in the northern circuit of Tanzania.

Tarangire National Park is famously known and loved by travelers for boasting a variety of wildlife and diverse landscape, the park also boasts the largest population of elephants in Tanzania marking it arguably the best place in the world to see African elephants.

Tarangire National Park ranks as the 6^th largest National Park in Tanzania covering an area of 2,600 square kilometers, the park is located between the meadows of Maasai Steppe to the south east and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west, about 120 kilometers outside of Arusha.

Tarangire National Park gets its name from Tarangire River that cross through, this is the only source of water for wild animals during the dry seasons. The river is usually very dry, it is drier than the Serengeti.

The Wildlife Migration of Tarangire

As one of the most seasonal parks in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park gas a lot of migratory movement within the Great Tarangire Ecosystem. During the dry season between June and October, the most of the Tarangire Region is completely dry with just a few surviving water sources, the wildlife migration happens though it is not as dramatic as the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti.

As the Tarangire River remains the only source of water, it attracts large numbers of animals including wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras, hartebeests, buffaloes and various predators like lions that come to drink and graze around the river banks.

During the rain months of November to May, the Zebras as well as large herds of wildebeests move into the north-western direction towards the Rift Valley floor amongst the largest numbers of animals that spread across the large open areas of the Maasai Steppe and dispersing all the way to Lake Manyara.

Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa with several herds of up to 300 members per herd, other animals found in Tarangire include large numbers of impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, the greater and lesser kudu and on rare occasions, the unusual gerenuk and fringe –eared Oryx are also seen.

Tarangire National Park is also home to a few black rhinos.

While in the park, you will see big numbers of elephants as well as wildebeests and zebra, other common animals are leopards, lions, hyenas and cheetah that are very popular within the southern open areas. Wild dogs are also occasionally seen in Tarangire National Park.

Birdlife in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park hosts over 545 species including crested francolins, hoopoes, yellow necked spurfow, hornbills, guinea fowl, steppe eagles, brown parrots, the gigantic lappet-faced vulture, white-bellied go away bird, bateleur eagles, mousebirds, Kori bustards, yellow-collared lovebirds, bee-eaters, lilac breasted rollers, swifts, hammerkops, striped swallows and starlings among others.

Plant life in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire’s Vegetation is much greener especially with lots of elephant grass, vast areas with mixed acacia woodlands and baobab trees, acacia and the Iconic Baobab Trees which are known as the Tree of Life.

The baobab tree gets its shape from the fact that it can store anywhere between 300 and 1000 liters of water with its trunk, the trees have a life span of up to 600 years. Baobab trees are commonly in Tarangire National Park, also there are a number of wide swamps which dry into green plains during the dry season in the south.

The dry open woods like acacia thickets make up most of the vegetation of Tarangire National Park.

Safari Activities To Do in Tarangire National Park

Game drives

Game viewing is the most popular Tanzania safari activity in Tarangire National Park, the park has 5 routes that lead to most parts of the park providing the best option for game viewing including the Lemiyon route, The Gursi and Lamarku routes, the western lake Burungi route and Kitibong Hill route.

These routes offer opportunities to see various animals such as lions, leopards, hartebeests, rhinos, wildebeests, gazelles, elands among others.

In addition to day game drives, there are also night game drives in Tarangire National Park offering visitors opportunity to see the nightlife of the park and reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa.

Bird Watching

Tarangire National Park is an amazing bird watching destination in Tanzania with more than 500 species of birds, the best time to see birds in Tarangire is from November to April when resident species begin nesting and at the same time migratory species begin arriving from Europe and North Africa.

The best place to spot birds in Tarangire National Park is at the woodlands, swamps and near the Tarangire River. Some of the commonly seen birds include Yellow-necked spurfowl, Helmeted Guineafowl and Crested Francolin. Commonly seen birds are also Lilac-breasted rolers, barbet and mousebirds, striped swallows and starlings, swifts, hammerkops, bee eaters, cordon bleus and owls plovers. Raptors to lookout for include the Bateleur eagles, the Steppe Eagles (which migrate from Russia), the giant Lappet-faced Vultures and the tiny Pigmy Falcon among others.

Nature Walks

Tarangire National Park is a great destination for nature walks, this thrilling experience is done in morning and evening lasting about 1 to 3 hours with an experienced and armed guide who knows every corner of the park.

The nature walk takes you to scenic environments such as climbing to the top of the nearby mountain and bushwalking safaris where you get a chance to see a variety of birds and animals.

How to Get to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is located in the North of Tanzania in the Manyara Region and it can be reached via road from Arusha on a drive of 2 hours, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest international Airport to Tarangire.

The Best Time for a Tarangire National Park Safari

Tarangire National Park is an all-year-round destination, however the best time is during the dry season. Tarangire National Park has the highest concentration of animals in the country thanks to thousands of animals that migrate to Tarangire from Lake Manyara National Park from late June to October. These animals tend to congregate around Tarangire River which makes for one of the greatest safari experiences in Africa.

Note: Keep in mind that July to October marks the high season in Tarangire National Park and Tanzania as well with many tourists filling the park, while on the low season the park is less busy as it also comes with more rain and due to the tall grass animals are a bit harder to spot.

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Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda : Hosting huge population of majestic gorillas, Rwanda is a great place to trek through the magnificent mountainsides to catch glimpses of these spectacular creatures. Gorilla trekking is deem a once-in-lifetime experience and it can be a bit strenuous for some travelers. Also, it has a high price tag, however it is worth every single coin as you will get an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Rwanda and get to spent one hour with the world’s most magical creatures in their natural habitat.

Here is what travelers need to know before embarking gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda.

History of Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking was introduced in Rwanda and Uganda as a form of sustainable wildlife tourism to support the conservation of mountains which were categorized as “critically endangered at a time”. After its introduction, both populations of mountains (Bwindi and in the Virunga) have seen significant growth in numbers and now they are categorized as “endangered”.

Gorilla tourism remains an important foundation for much of the conservation and community development in both areas, with efforts to continue the preservation of these creatures, only 96 trekking permits are issued daily allowing groups of only 8 to visit the 12 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda.

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda inhabit the gentler slopes of Volcanoes National Park which are more open bush compared to the Ugandan counterparts (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), these are more difficult to trek.

Travel Tip – it is guaranteed that you will see mountain gorillas while trekking in Rwanda.

In Rwanda, the trekking permits cost US$ 1500 per person per trek, the price doubles the price of Uganda gorilla permits at US $ 800. Also, the altitude in Rwanda is greater as trekking generally takes place between 8,200 – 9,800 feet.

Where to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda

What to Expect

Before your gorilla trek, you will meet the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters for a safety briefing and to meet your group and guides. Your guide will then lead you to the starting point and enter into the forests looking for mountain gorillas, all tracker guides are experienced in looking for signs of gorillas’ location. They track the gorillas using footprint, dung, chewed bamboo stalks and abandoned nests.

Gorillas normally soil nests and then abandon them to build new ones each night and trackers are able to tell the age of the nests as well as which group made them (though this can be more difficult on rainy days).

While walking to your designated gorilla family, guides will generally allow time to stop and rest along the trail. They tend to hike at a steady pace throughout the excursion, for they must be mindful of the time to ensure that you will be able to reach the gorillas, spend a full one hour with them and make it back down the trail in a timely manner. The hour time frame is set to avoid causing the animals any undue stress or getting them overly used to human interactions which can disrupt their nature.

For guests with physical limitations or disabilities, there is the option to have porters who safely carry guests for the duration of the hike using specialized equipment. Guests are required to inform their tour leaders if they require these services ahead of time, to ensure all necessary equipment is onsite for your trek.

If for some reasons unable to complete the trek to the gorillas, you will either be able to return immediately to the base of the trail with a porter, or you will be asked to remain where you are with a porter until the group returns.

Reaching the Gorillas

Before reaching the gorillas, it is possible to smell them and for your guides and trackers to soft grunting noises as away of assuring the group that friends are approaching (the gorillas’ vocalizations are used as reassurance for other family members). It is most likely that you will view the gorillas during their midday lounging period, during this time the dominant male – the silverback lounges on trees while youngsters roll around in the vegetation and females nurse and play with the infants.

Once you have reached the gorillas, everyone will crouch down while observing them so that the dominant male gorillas can see you all the time. This also ensures that you don’t pose a threat to, or overwhelm the gorillas. touching the gorillas at any point is strictly forbidden, even if one approaches your group.

Additionally, a traveler must never stare directly into the eyes of the gorillas as this is viewed aggressively. Looking sideways and maintaining a subservient stance is key especially if a gorilla comes charging (they do this as a way to release tension or display for the rest of the group).

What to Wear

Regardless of the season you are visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking, it is crucial to pack for all weather conditions as they can change rapidly in the forests. Prior to travel, check with your tour operator or lodging to see if they provide any complimentary trekking gear, so as to lessen your packing load.

Below is a list of items

• A small, lightweight, frameless, waterproof back/day pack – for personal items, cameras, jacket layers among other
• Waterproof hiking boots or shoes with treaded soles (high ankle preferred)
• Hiking socks (wools or polyester and long enough to tuck your pants into)
• For film and digital cameras, bring plenty of high-speed film or inform yourself how to alter the speed settings on your camera (no flash photography is allowed when visiting the animals)
• Heavy canvas (gardening-style) gloves, these will be available to borrow from lodges of you do not bring your own
• Waterproof or moisture wicking pants – lightweight but thick enough to avoid stinging nettles or thorny branches
• Breathable long sleeves to protect arms from thorns and nettles
• Wide hat for sun protection and coverage from branches
• Walking sticks, additional water bottle and packed lunches will be provided
• While staying at your lodge, comfortable clothing meals and relaxation, no dress code requirements
• Pack dull colored clothes such as green, black and khaki. Bright colored clothes are not recommended as they attract insects and distract the gorillas.

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What is mountain gorilla trekking? : Mountain Gorilla trekking is a highlight of most of the safaris to Uganda and Rwanda that are home to the rare mountain gorillas. However, what actually is gorilla trekking. If you have had the experience before then you know of the joy that comes with this lifetime activity, however, if you haven’t yet here is what gorilla trekking means;

Gorilla trekking is an activity where tourists take a hike / walk through the jungle forests in search of mountain gorillas. The trek takes about 2-6 hours and this time is when the trekkers move in the jungle searching for where the gorillas spent their previous night.

Gorillas are trekked in different locations each time because they make new nests every day and therefore sleep in different places each day. Gorilla trekking is referred to as a hike because you will have to walk on an altitude of 2,607 meters above sea level on a rugged surface with narrow valleys intersected by rivers and steep hills. 

Uganda gorilla trekking offers that up-close encounter with the still pristine jungles and this experience of fully being immersed and experiencing the wild that makes the whole experience unique. 

What to expect on a gorilla trekking safari

Before heading out to the jungle for gorilla trekking, expect to have a briefing session that starts at 8:00am both in Rwanda or Uganda’s national parks. Briefing starts from 8:00 am local time and at this time, you are briefed about the gorilla trekking etiquette be it for Uganda or Rwanda. 

During the briefing the park rangers reecho the guidelines on what you should and should not do in the jungle. Still as you have your Uganda gorilla safari briefing, you are allocated a gorilla family to trek.

Make sure to inform the rangers of your hiking ability such that you are allocated a family that you are able to trek. 

After briefing, you head out to the jungle for gorilla trekking. The time spent trekking gorillas in the forests is unpredictable since they are wild animals and keep moving.

The time you spend in the forest can be as less as 30 minutes or as much as 6 hours and more, it’s all about what Mother Nature decides to offer you. 

You will be accompanied by an armed ranger who will lead you to where the gorillas are and tell you much more of all the information about the gorilla family you are trekking as well as gorillas in general.

When you get to meet the gorillas, the excitement will be with a sigh of relief as your guide informs you to get ready to see the family and take pictures.

A maximum of 1 hour is spent in the presence of the gorillas as you have the opportunity to take all of those stunning memorable pictures of finally coming face to face with the giant apes of the jungle.

Make sure to take as many photos and record as many videos as you can, using a non-flash photography camera. 

After spending your valuable 60 minutes with the Ugandan gorillas, you then are led by your ranger guide back to the park headquarters.

The return is one with memories and not anxiousness as with the search. Arriving at the park headquarters, you are welcomed back and then given a Rwanda or Uganda gorilla trekking safari certificate which is recognition for a complete trek. 

With this you have an idea of what gorilla trekking is, however, this isn’t actually the same exact experience, it’s always different with each trek and therefore you can best explain yours when you book a trip with Ugandan gorilla Rwanda and go gorilla trekking.

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