Lake Mburo National Park, located in Kiruhura district in the western region of Uganda, covers 260 km2, with the smallest portion of Uganda’s savanna. It was originally gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area and later upgraded to a game reserve in 1963. Later, during the reign of President Milton Obote, it was officially named a national park in 1983. The region was settled by Banyankole Bahima pastoralists who have Ankole cattle to date. Lake Mburo National Park is the closest park to both Kampala and Entebbe, which is about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Kampala. It is part of a unique system of wetland and savannah habitats, with Lake Mburo being the largest of the five lakes found within the park boundaries.

Lake Mburo is known for a tale: – A long time ago, in Ankole lived two brothers, Kigarama and Mburo, who stayed in the valleys within the national park grazing. One dark night, Kigarama had a very terrible dream where the valley was heavily flooded with water, and both he and his brother Mburo died, leaving everything destroyed. Out of fear, Kigarama told his brother about the dream and advised him to leave the valley and go somewhere in the hills, something Mburo refused to do, but Kigarama left the valley and went to the hills. Later, the dream became a reality, the valley was flooded, and Mburo was killed, and everything was destroyed, forming Lake Mburo, with the hills surrounding it named Kigarama in memory of the two brothers.

Lake Mburo National Park lies in the rain shadows between Lake Victoria and the mountains of Rwenzori. Unlike most of Uganda’s other national parks, Lake Mburo lacks elephants and lions, which has allowed a stable population of zebra, impala, eland, topi, and other grazers to thrive. Covered by open savanna, which supports a healthy population of buffalo, warthogs, bush pigs, and hippos. The wetlands inhabit 20% of the park’s surface, and the lakes in the park contain 6 different fish species like tilapia, lungfish, mud fish3c, catfish, and tiger fish, ideal for sport fishing activities and tournaments.

The landscape includes open savannah, rocky hills, acacia woodland, papyrus swamps, and seasonal wetlands. This diversity makes it an excellent area for both wildlife viewing and birding. The park supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it one of Uganda’s ecologically diverse savannah parks despite its size. It is home to over 69 mammals and over 350 species of birds. It is a distinct place with unique wildlife like Impalas, zebras, elands, buffaloes, leopards, oribi, warthogs, waterbucks, hyenas, reedbuck, topis, hippos, crocodiles, klipspringer, hyenas, side-striped jackals, and many more. Bird species like shoebills, African finfoot, papyrus gonolek, grey crowned crane, African fish eagle, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, double-toothed barbets, red-faced barbet, African wattled lapwing, martial eagle, ross’s turaco, yellow-breasted apalis, piapiac, bare-faced go-away-bird, tropical boubou, red-chested sunbird, pin-tailed whydah, kingfishers, saddle-billed stork, and many more. The many lakes add to the beautiful scenery, hence many tourists come and see the hidden treasures of the park.

A boat cruise is a leisurely trip on a boat that allows passengers to explore waterways such as rivers, lakes, or seas, often for sightseeing, relaxation, or wildlife viewing. It is typically guided and provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, wildlife, and scenery. Unlike fast-paced boat rides, boat cruises are usually slow and tranquil, making them ideal for enjoying nature, photography, and experiencing the water in a calm, relaxed manner.

Boat cruising in Lake Mburo National Park is a popular and serene way to explore the park’s aquatic life and scenic beauty. The experience offers visitors an opportunity to view wildlife, especially water-dwelling species, from a unique perspective while gliding along the waters of Lake Mburo, the largest lake in the park, making it the best place to view savannah wildlife in Uganda.

The boat cruise normally takes 1-2hours which provides ample time to explore the lake and its wildlife while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere with the morning or late afternoon more ideal as the temperatures are cooler, and animals are more active and near the water; the soft morning or evening light makes for a unique experience and photographic opportunities. The boat trips are launched every 2 hours starting at 8:00 am with the last one at 5:30 pm, which enables the sunset view; however, the duration is open to negotiations. During the trips, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will have all the information in regards to any questions that may arise from the guests on the boat and safety precautions to be followed while on the boat to ensure a smooth experience. The starting point for boat cruises is usually the Rwonyo jetty landing site on Lake Mburo. This area is easily accessible from the park’s main entrance and various accommodations within the park.

While on the boat cruise, visitors can spot mammals like hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, impalas, topis, and many more plus birds like African fish eagle, African finfoot, malachite and pied kingfisher, black-headed heron, grey heron, African jacana, papyrus gonolek, shoebill, black crake, yellow-billed duck, and many more. This boat cruise can be coupled with other activities like game drives, birding, guided nature walks, horseback riding, sport fishing, and cycling for a full experience.

A boat cruise on Lake Mburo is a peaceful and rewarding experience, offering the chance to view Uganda’s wildlife from a different perspective. Whether you’re keen on seeing hippos up close or are a bird enthusiast, this is one of the best ways to experience the aquatic ecosystem of Lake Mburo National Park.

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Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular tourist destination, approximately 400km by road southwest of Kampala Uganda’s capital city.

This National Park is Uganda’s second largest conservation area after Murchison Falls National Park with an area cover of 1,978 square kilometers which is a diverse ecosystem comprising of sprawling savannahs, shady humid forests, sparkling lakes, fertile wetlands, and many more that are habitats to the Park’s vast wildlife species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. Animals to look out for in Queen Elizabeth National Park include large herds of buffaloes, elephants,

Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, lions, spotted hyenas, side stripped jackals, leopards, sitatungas, hippopotamuses, oribis, topis, mongoose, giant forest hogs, servals, crocodiles mentioned but a few making the Park a perfect place for game viewing.

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are one of the most remarkable activities one should experience on a safari to Uganda.

Game drives are done in in a comfortable 4WD popup safari vehicle with the guidance of a professional driver guide and a game ranger who are always helpful in spotting different wildlife species as well as explaining information to visitors in detail.

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be done during the day as well as in the night. Day game drives include morning game drives that occur from 6:30 am to around 10:30 am3:00 pm and afternoon game drives running from 3:00pm to 6:00 pm which are all rewarding since animals are found very active in the morning before the sun heats up in the afternoon.

Afternoon and evening game drives offer a unique experience since animals are easily spotted grabbing their day’s last meal while predators and nocturnal animals find their way out of their hideouts to start hunting for prey.

During the evening hours, grazers such as Waterbucks, Uganda kobs, and many more are always seen gathering to match to their resting places which are so magnificent to watch.

Night game drives occur between 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm offering visitors an opportunity to explore the Park at night with the help of spotlight torches to easily see nocturnal animals that become active in the night.

Night game drives are specifically done with the guidance of armed rangers for security while visitors look out for animals like leopards, lions, hyenas, serval cats, side stripes jackals, hippopotamuses grazing, and several other animals roaming the wild while others are resting waiting to catch up with the day ahead.

However, night game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are only restricted to the Mweya peninsular because the Kasenyi plains and other game drive circuits are always flocked with frequent visitors during the day therefore night game drives are prohibited as a way to minimize disturbance and stress on the animals.

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kasenyi game drive circuit

This game drive circuit is just 30 minutes drive away from Mweya crossing the bushy plains running east from the Kasese-Ishaka road to Kasenyi fishing village along the western shores of Lake George.

Kasenyi game drive circuit is the most famous game drive circuit due to its resident herds of antelopes like Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, and prides of lions that prey on them making it one of the best sites to spot the magnificent African lions in their natural habitat.

Kasenyi plains is also a perfect place to see several hippopotamuses and colonies of water birds that are often hosted from the Bunyampaka crater that lies just 2 kilometers west of the Kasenyi village.

This circuit is not only best for game viewing safaris but also other tourist activities like birdwatching, and community and cultural tours to mention but a few.

Ishasha game drive circuit

The Ishasha game drive circuit is situated in the southern section of the Park popularly known for harboring the tree-climbing lions that are often perched up in the huge fig trees while lazily resting as they also try to trace for their prey from a distance.

The Ishasha game drive circuit is made up of two game drive circuits that run through Ishasha namely the southern and northern circuits.

The southern circuit offers the best and most rewarding game viewing experience since it offers a clear vision of distinctive tree-climbing lions.

It is made up of an open countryside with boundless horizons comprised of the antelopes’ breeding area best for spotting the lions’ trick hunting skills and the best techniques antelopes use to escape their predators.

However, the northern circuit is also perfect for game viewing since it offers an experience of Uganda’s wildlife such as red buffaloes that are related to forest buffaloes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, elephants, topis, waterbucks, kobs, and many more.

This is also a perfect place for birding since it is composed of papyrus-occupied wetland that runs to the north of Lake Edward.

This wetland harbors several bird species for example plovers, herons, shoebill storks, and many more. Other sections within the Ishasha game drive circuit where visitors can enjoy game viewing include the Ishasha River campsite and the Edward flats.

Channel game drive circuit

This game drive circuit is close to the Mweya peninsular running in a parallel direction from the Kazinga channel’s northern shores. This circuit provides excellent viewing of Uganda’s wildlife most notably animals like elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, and buffaloes that often find their way to the Kazinga water channel.

The Channel game drive circuit is also famous for hosting night game drives that are often arranged from the Mweya visitors’ information center for tourists interested in viewing the Park’s nocturnal animals.

Crater game drive circuit

This circuit is made up of a landscape north of Mweya dotted with dozens of volcanic craters that were a result of vulcanicity in the Albertine rift.

Game drives within this circuit run along a 27-kilometer track between Crater Gate and the Kabatooro gate following an awe-inspiring route close to the edges of crater lakes.

This section is also famous for the Queen’s Pavilion situated beneath the crater gate on the eastern rim of the crater area. A game drive in this game drive circuit is best in the morning when the rising sun brightens the forested craters.

The crater game drive circuit attracts large herds of elephants and buffaloes as well as the best place to spot woodland bird species.

Best time for game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is open to visits all year round though the best time for game drives and wildlife viewing is during the dry season in June to September and December to February.

During this period of the year, the Park receives less or little rainfall implying that access roads and game drive tracks and trails are dry, passable, and easy to penetrate.

Animals are also easy to locate and see because the vegetation within the Park is always sparse and thin compared to the wet season when the vegetation is dense and thick.

Animals also concentrate around permanent designated water places during the dry season which makes game viewing easy compared to the wet season when animals gather around several water holes deep in the jungle.

This season of the year also offers the perfect opportunity for wildlife photography and videography as one easily gets close to animals through the passable tracks.

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Overview

Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the northeastern corner of Uganda, is one of Africa’s most stunning and remote wilderness areas. It is known for its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and fantastic game drives. The park is situated in the Karamoja region, bordering South Sudan and Kenya and covers an area of approximately 1,442 square kilometers and is characterized by its dramatic landscapes, including vast savannahs, rugged mountains, and the seasonal Kidepo and Narus Rivers.

Kidepo is home to a wide variety of large mammals, including buffalo particularly known for the large numbers, elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and zebras. Kidepo is one of the few places in Uganda where you can see species like the cheetah, bat-eared fox, and ostrich. The park is also known for its populations of greater kudus, which are not commonly found elsewhere in the country. With over 475 species of birds recorded making it a birder’s paradise as you can expect birds like the ostrich, Karamoja apalis, fox’s weaver, lesser kestrel, pygmy falcon, red-throated bee-eater, golden pipit, Kori bustard and many more.

Game Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

A game drive is a guided excursion typically done in a wildlife reserve or national park to observe and photograph animals in their natural habitat and this is done with a specialized safari vehicle that is open roof and a 4*4 equipped with spotlights. Game drives in Kidepo national park can be done during the day for the diurnal animals and night drives for the nocturnal animals. Whatever the time one chooses, they still get to enjoy the different animals as available in regards to time.

Day Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

Day drives in Kidepo Valley National Park are an excellent way to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife throughout the day. While morning and evening drives are often preferred for animal activity, daytime drives offer unique opportunities to see the park’s stunning scenery and a variety of wildlife that may be more active or visible during the day. However some animals may be less active during the midday heat, many species can still be spotted including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, hartebeest, hippos, antelopes, raptors and avian life during a day or morning drive. During the day you can explore more areas of the park with its varied landscapes as the contrast between the green valleys and rugged mountains is very striking under the sun.

Some day drives have the option of visiting the nearby communities which makes for a special experience. With the Karamojong communities, one can also get experience the cultural encounter while out on a day drive and get involved in their traditional way of life as they have a rich cultural heritage. One can also include a picnic lunch depending on the length of the drive so as to relax, enjoy the views with a possibility of viewing some wildlife.

Day drives offer a comprehensive experience of Kidepo National Park, combining wildlife viewing with the enjoyment of its spectacular landscapes and cultural experiences.

Night Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

Night drives offer a very thrilling and unique opportunity to explore the park after the dark, allowing one to experience a different side of the wilderness and give one a chance to see nocturnal animals that might be rarely seen during the day. This is also the best chance to spot nocturnal predators like leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and lions as they hunt under cover of darkness. During the drives you can also spot other animals like porcupines, elands, warthogs, duikers, jackals, aardvarks, genets and birds like owls, purple heron, eagles, Egyptian vulture, and nightjars.

Being a night drive, a tourist’s senses are heightened making the experience more intense as the sounds of the bushes and everything else in the park becomes alive in the night including the roars of a lions and the bird calls. With the help of a spotlight to help locate animals as the light reflects off the eyes of the animals making it easier to spot the nocturnal animals. Kidepo is far from city lights, offering stunning views of the night sky. On clear nights, the Milky Way is often visible, providing a beautiful backdrop to the experience.

Night drives in Kidepo Valley National Park are a truly magical experience, offering a completely different perspective on the park’s wildlife and landscapes. The combination of potential sightings and the atmosphere of the African night makes this an unforgettable adventure.

All drives are done with the help of a very well informed guide who will avail the tourists with answers or information for any questions asked and these game drives take between 2-3 hours. Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park offer an unforgettable adventure, combining thrilling wildlife encounters with the park’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. Whether you’re tracking big cats, marveling at large herds of buffalo, or simply soaking in the vastness of the African wilderness, Kidepo provides a safari experience unlike any other.

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Taking a safari to one of Uganda’s prominent and most visited national park is the greatest encounter you would ever reward yourself. Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in Kasese district in western Uganda. The park can be accessed by both road and air from all parts of the country. It is endowed with different sorts of wildlife with its unique attraction being the tree climbing lions which are endemic to only this park in Uganda and Tsavo national park in Kenya. The Kazinga channel which surrounds the park is also another place that anyone visiting Queen Elizabeth National park cannot miss out to visit due to its breathtaking concentration of hippopotami.

Queen Elizabeth National park is surrounded by various categories of accommodation ranging from luxury, mid-range, budget and camping accommodation which makes it a suitable area of visit for every guest’s budget.

Mid-range Accommodation

Mid-range accommodation lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers relatively affordable and comfortable but better quality services to guests thus balancing costs. This type of accommodation is suitable for all travelers including families, business travelers, couples and tourists with rates ranging from 40$ to 200$ generally.

Enganzi Game Lodge

Enganzi game lodge is a mid-range accommodation established close to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, Kasese district with its cottages settled on the Kichwamba Escarpment of the East African rift valley, the lodge offers an extra ordinary look of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Enganzi game lodge was established in 2011 to provide a comfortable living for guests and close connection to nature. The lodge is a hide out for guests who prefer quiet and cool premises thus it provides a panoramic view of the park.

Services

Enganzi game lodge offers a variety of special services to guests including accommodation, swimming pool, laundry and ironing services, bar & restaurant, free Wi-Fi, barbeque facilities, free private parking, concierge services and luggage storage and a 24/7 security to ensure a seamless stay of the guests.

Accommodation

Enganzi game lodge has various room categories cottages including cottages that either have double or twin beds as well as suit bathrooms, double rooms for couples and guests who live enough space, single rooms fit for single travelers, twin rooms that are best for friends or family members as well as triple rooms with three beds that can accommodate three guests.

Rates

Enganzi game lodge offers affordable rooms since it is a mid-range lodge and also provides value for the experience to the guests. Average prices for rooms at Enganzi game lodge ranges from 72$ to 225$ depending on the room type and availability.

Buffalo Safari Lodge

Buffalo safari lodge is located next to the mystical Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. The lodge was established on 26 private acres of land full of breath taking flora and fauna. The lodge was established in October 27, 2023 and it consists of 19 luxury rooms both standard and deluxe cottages.

Buffalo safari lodge is a 3-star lodge that has experienced staff, well filled bar and restaurant as well as a lodge that provides guests with a breath taking view of the park and nearby water bodies such as Lake Edward and George. The lodge can be accessed by both road and air transport and the drive from Kampala to Kasese takes 5-6 hours.

Services

Buffalo Safari lodge provides you a memorable stay in the middle of the astounding Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge has a devoted team which provides enhanced services to meet your needs.

Buffalo safari lodge provider luxurious accommodation, palatable dishes, guided outdoor services, recreational services and refreshing spa treatments to ensure a seamless stay and a memorable experience while viewing nature’s beauty.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Buffalo safari lodge gives you a feeling of independence and being immersed in nature. Every room has been put up in a way that you are able to take a glance at the striking view of the landscape surrounding the lodge from all angles. The rooms comprise of wooden crafted beds, sitting area, balcony and beautiful bathrooms. The lodge has single rooms for solo travelers, double rooms suitable for couples as well as cottages.

Rates

Since Buffalo Safari lodge offers mid-range accommodation, the rates are generally affordable with its standard singles costing 250$ per night and the deluxe single rooms at 400$ per night.

Tembo Safari Lodge

Tembo Safari Lodge is a 3-star hotel located within the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park in Katunguru off Kasese road on Mweya –Katunguru gate. The lodge is known for the majesty of elephants where it derives its name from the word “Tembo” which means “elephant” in Swahili language, a widely spoken language in East Africa.

Tembo Safari Lodge was established in the year 2007 in one of Uganda’s prominent safari regions to meet the growing demand for quality lodging in Uganda.

Services

Tembo Safari Lodge offers you a variety of services to make your safari experience interesting. They include accommodation ranging from luxury suites, on site dining and a fully stocked bar, opportunity for wildlife viewing, guided tours, boat trips, transport arrangements and special events such as wedding ceremonies and corporate retreats all combined to give you a memorable experience.

Rooms

The rooms at Tembo Safari Lodge range from deluxe king rooms which accommodates one guest with a single big sized bed for guests who prefer much bigger space to deluxe double rooms with lake view which accommodate two guests with two beds. This may be suitable for friends or family.

Rates

Tembo safari lodge room rates are relatively low ranging from 70$ for a deluxe double room with lake view per night for two people.

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Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established in 2005 to save white rhinos in Uganda after the poachers killed the last one in Murchison falls, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place where one can view or observe the endangered creatures in Uganda. Uganda was home to both black and white rhinos. However, due to poaching and habitat loss, rhino populations declined dramatically in the 20th century. By the early 1980s, rhinos were declared extinct in Uganda. In the late 1990s, the Ugandan government, in partnership with conservation organizations such as the Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU), embarked on a mission to reintroduce rhinos to the country. The goal was to reestablish a viable rhino population and restore the ecological balance of Uganda’s national parks.

The sanctuary began with the translocation of six southern white rhinos from Kenya and these rhinos were carefully monitored and protected within the sanctuary with a primary goal of breeding rhinos and ultimately reintroducing them into Uganda’s national parks. Over the years, the sanctuary has expanded both in terms of its rhino population and its conservation efforts. As the last update indicates 32 white rhinos from the 6 that started with the sanctuary through the Rhino fund Uganda and Uganda wildlife authority. Away from the rhinos, the sanctuary also has 40 mammals and about 350 bird species, savanna, woodlands, plants and wetlands that make it a perfect habitat for the wildlife.

In addition to rhino conservation, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary promotes tourism and environmental education. Visitors to the sanctuary have the opportunity to participate in guided rhino tracking experiences, nature walks, birdwatching tours, and more. These activities raise awareness about rhino conservation and generate revenue to support sanctuary operations.

ATTRACTIONS

Rhinos

The sanctuary serves as a safe haven for these rhinos, providing them with suitable habitat and protection from poaching threats making them the main attraction to be enjoyed. The rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary are carefully monitored and managed by conservationists and park rangers. Efforts are made to ensure their well-being, including regular health checks, habitat management, and security measures to prevent poaching. Currently standing at 32 rhinos as of June 2021, one has a good number whilst out tracking.

Wildlife

Away from the white rhinos, the sanctuary has about 40 other mammals and some primates that can be observed once at the sanctuary. And these include the elusive leopards, crocodiles, hippos, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks, kobs, bohor reedbucks, duikers and more with the inclusion of vervet monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys.

Birds

With over 350 bird species, birders are also sorted when they visit the sanctuary. Birds like Shoebill Stork: One of the most sought-after bird species in Uganda, African Fish Eagle, yellow-billed stork, grey-crowned crane, Red-throated bee-eater, pied kingfisher, marabou stork, African jacana, malachite kingfisher, hamerkops and many more.

Flora

The sanctuary encompasses diverse habitats ranging from savanna to woodland and wetlands; as a result, the sanctuary supports a rich variety of flora, including: Various species of acacia are common in the savanna, commiphora trees, ficus trees, wetland plants, savanna shrubs and woodland areas of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

ACTIVITIES

Rhino tracking

The sanctuary offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe rhinos up close in their natural habitat while contributing to their conservation. This is done on foot accompanied by guides and after a briefing has been done in regards to the safety rules and behaviors of the rhinos in the sanctuary. The tracking normally starts in the morning before the rhinos; once they are spotted one has the chance to observe them and take pictures from a distance to ensure minimal disturbance to the rhinos and this take about 2-6hours depending on the location of the rhinos.

Birding

The sanctuary’s diverse habitats of savanna woodlands, open grasslands, wetlands and water bodies support a variety of avian life offering bird watching opportunities with each attracting different bird species. With 350 bird species like African fish eagles, grey-crowned cranes, shoebill storks, herons, warblers, egrets, wood peckers, geese, turacos, sunbirds, Red-throated bee-eater, pied kingfisher, marabou stork, African jacana, malachite kingfisher and more, a birder with the help of a guide is has the opportunity to explore the sanctuary well. Whether experienced or not, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary will give you the chance to appreciate the avian life as you support the rhino conservation efforts at four different trails.

Guided nature walk

Guided nature walks give a tourist a unique chance to explore the diverse habitats with its flora and fauna. The walks always start with an introduction to the sanctuary with safety precautions highlighted to ensure a beautiful experience. As one traverses through the sanctuary, they will see different plants, trees, birds like African fish eagles, grey crowned cranes, and pied kingfishers; wildlife like bushbucks, waterbucks, kobs and primates like vervet monkeys. This is an experience that allows nature lovers of all ages to connect with nature and learn about how to preserve it or its heritage.

Shoebill canoe ride

This is an activity that offers one a chance to view the rather rare shoebill storks which is one of the most sought after birds in Uganda. With an experienced guide, you will head out in a canoe through the serene wetlands in search for the elusive shoebill and the guide will help you spot other bird species like egrets, herons, kingfishers and more. This takes about four hours, and a visitor will have a chance to take pictures once the shoebill is spotted inclusive of other avian life, wildlife and wetlands.

Night nature walk

These are walks that happen after 8:00pm with a park guide and takes about 3hours. It’s during this time that you will get a chance to see the nocturnal animals like leopards, aardvarks, porcupines, bushbabies, genets, civets, nightjars, owls, and various species of frogs and insects and others as you enjoy the night sounds and whispers which make for such beautiful memories with a chance to stargaze on clear nights. This activity allows you to connect with nature in a new profound way as you get exposed to the secrets of the night world.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope for rhino conservation in Uganda, demonstrating how dedicated efforts and collaboration can lead to the restoration of endangered species.

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Some of the oldest human settlements have been unearthed in Tanzania. The oldest human fossils were found in and around Olduvai Gorge in Northern Tanzania, an area referred to as The Cradle of Mankind. It is believed to be the birth place of humanity. Fossils in this area include the Paranthropus bones thought to be over 2million years old, and the oldest known footprints of the immediate ancestors of humans, the Laetoli footprints estimated to be about 3.6million years old. Tanzania was populated by hunter-gatherer communities about 10,000 years who spoke Khoisan. They were later joined by Cushitic-speaking people who came from the north about 5,000 years ago who introduced basic techniques of agriculture, food production and later cattle farming. Bantu speaking people began arriving about 2000 years ago from western Africa in Series of migrations. They further developed iron working skills, introduced different ideas of social and political organization. Nilotic pastoralists later arrived and continued to immigrate into the area through to the 18^th century. Currently, Tanzania’s population is comprised of 1200 ethnic groups for example Alagwa, Akie, Barabaig, Bemba, Burunge, Hadimu, Gorowa, Ikoma, Hatya and many more and religious groups where Christianity is the largest with substantial Muslims and animist minorities. Tanzania is therefore the most linguistically diverse country in East Africa. Swahili is the country’s national language while English is used in foreign trade, in foreign coats, diplomacy and as a medium of instruction in schools and other tertiary institutions.

Today, Tanzania is a constitutional presidential Republic with the federal capital located in Dodoma while Dar-el-Salaam which is the country’s former capital retains most of the government’s offices and is the country’s largest city and leading commercial center. Tanzania is a one-party state with the Democratic socialist Chama Cha Mapenduzi party in power. This country has not experienced major internal strife since independence and is seen as one of the safest and most politically stable State in the continent.

Tanzania is generally mountainous known for housing Africa’s highest mountain known as Mountain Kilimanjaro in the northeastern region which is densely forested. Three of Africa’s great Lakes are partly with in Tanzania namely Lake Victoria which is Africa’s largest lake situated in the north, Lake Tanganyika which is Africa’s deepest Lake situated in the west and Lake Malawi lying in the south. Tanzania as well houses Africa’s second highest uninterrupted waterfall known as the Kalambo falls located on the Kalambo River at the Zambian border.

Weather and climate

Tanzania is located in the tropics therefore, it has a tropical climate. However Tanzania is just south of the equator and the climate varies due to its huge size. Generally, Tanzania’s main rainy season or the long rains last from March, April to May which are heavier tropical down-pours that are more predictable besides the coast and on the Islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures may reach up to 30 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius in the months of November and February which are the hottest in Tanzania. The long dry season lasts through June, July, August, September and October is when rainfall is unusual even on the Islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location though it is usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather. There is another rainy season with short rains during November to December which are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable. After these short rains, it then dries up for a few months namely January and February which is Tanzania’s short dry season before starting to fall again in March.

Why Tanzania is a popular tourist destination

Tanzania is a popular tourist destination not only in Africa but also the entire world because this country offers beautiful landscapes, amazing cultural experiences, beaches and wildlife encounters that are second to none. From the breathtaking wildebeest migration in the Serengeti National Park to the exotic beaches of Zanzibar, this country has it all. Tanzania is a home to many of Africa’s best and biggest National Parks, varied and unique landscapes from rock formations, grasslands and woodlands to mountain peaks that offer amazing opportunities for sightseeing.

Tanzania’s iconic tourist attractions and activities

Serengeti National Park

This National Park is arguably Tanzania’s most popular tourist attraction and among Africa’s best tourist destinations. The Serengeti plains is part of the wider ecosystem made up of Samiyu and Mara regions in Kenya. The Park’s Vegetation cover consists of savannah grasslands, acacia trees, woodlands, shrubs and small forested regions which are all habitats to countless wildlife with in the National Park. This National Park hosts one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles known as the wildebeest migration that involves millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras and gazelles moving from the Serengeti plains crossing the Mara River to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Drama is witnessed as they undergo great challenges while crossing crocodile infested Rivers and lion territories. Serengeti National Park is a home to several other mammals for example large herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, elands, impalas, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, lions, leopards, wild dogs, ostriches and many more that can easily spotted during game drives. There several other activities that one can indulge in such as hot air balloon safaris to have an aerial view of Serengeti’s endless plains.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is situated adjacent to Serengeti National Park 178 kilometers away from Arusha city. This Conservation area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the top 10 world’s natural wonders. The Ngorongoro Conservation area is famous for its large volcanic caldera which acts as a natural enclosure that keeps most of the Africa’s wildlife together. This caldera as well provides constant water supply throughout the year to the Park’s animals that prohibits them from migrating like those in Serengeti. Wildlife to lookout for includes lions, buffaloes, leopards, black rhinos, elephants, zebras, elands, gazelles, spotted hyenas, hippopotamuses, jackals to mention but a few.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest National Park situated in the country’s western region in Iringa. Ruaha National Park covers an area of around 13,000square kilometers and its part of the wider ecosystem that is made up of Usangu Game Reserve, Rungwa Game Reserve and many other small protected areas. This National Park is named after River Ruaha where various animals gather to drink water along the River’s banks and thus offering amazing wildlife views. Animals that can be sought after in Ruaha National Park include large prides of lions, wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, impalas, cheetahs, leopards, jackals, zebras, bat-eared foxes to mention but a few.

Mountains of Tanzania

         Mountain Kilimanjaro; Mountain Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest Mountain standing at 5,895 meters above sea level. It is as well the highest free-standing Mountain on earth meaning it isn’t part of a Mountain range. Mountain Kilimanjaro is one of Tanzania’s most visited tourism spots estimated to receive about 40,000 mountain hikers every year. While hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro, there are five routes used to get to its summit known as the Uhuru summit namely Machame, Rongai, Lemosho, Shirea and Marangu. Each route offers a totally different experience or challenge with Marangu being the most straight forward and popular route.

          Mount Meru; Mountain Meru is Tanzania’s second highest mountain standing at 4,565 meters above sea level. This Mountain is situated in Arusha National Park though it used to be an attraction of its own. Mountain Meru is an active strato-volcano with its most recent eruption in 1910 evidenced by its craters and volcanic cones that are seen close to the summit. Mountain Kilimanjaro offers steeper and more challenging hikes or climbs compared to Mountain Kilimanjaro. Getting to its summit, one has to go through a narrow ridge where some of the beautiful scenic views are captured.

Tanzania’s museums

Making a trip Tanzania’s Museums is the best way one can learn about Tanzania’s fascinating history and culture. The National Museum of Tanzania situated in Dar-es-Salaam is the country’s most important museum built in 1940 and later expanded in 1963. This museum shows everything from vintage cars, Africa’s finest art crafts, ancient rock paintings, footprints of the earliest man dating back to million years ago, discoveries from the Olduvai Gorge and many more. Other museums include Makumbusho Village Museum, Arusha declaration museum, princess Salme museum, Iriga Boma, Freddie Mercury museum, Olduvai Gorge museum, People’s Palace museum, Bujora cultural center and Sukuma museum, Chuma Art Gallery, Chagga museum, House of Wonders to mention but a few.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park is named after the Mahale Mountains found close to the shores of Lake Tanganyika with Nkugwe as its highest standing at 2,473 meters above sea level. This National Park is a haven to the country’s primates for example over 1000 chimpanzees, yellow baboons, colobus monkeys to mention but a few. Chimpanzee trekking is arguably the Park’s popular tourist activity. Other activities include hiking, Lake Shore activities along Lake Tanganyika, walking safaris, bird watching to mention but a few.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is situated close to Arusha and most of its area cover is made up of water and forests with Lake Manyara as the Park’s key feature. This alkaline lake one of Tanzania’s key birding spots. Lake Manyara National Park is a haven to over 400 bird species of which most of them are water associated bird types like the pink-pelican, pink-hued flamingos and many more. This National Park is also known for its diverse habitat where different bird species can be spotted along with a variety of animal types for example buffaloes, elephants, klipspringers, zebras, baboons, tree climbing lions, waterbucks, warthogs to mention but a few.

Tanzania’s coastal islands

Tanzania is a perfect destination for beach holidays due to its sandy beaches, azure seas and various tropical islands off the coast which include;

Zanzibar Island; this is also known as Africa’s tropical paradise that offers a few of the world’s beautiful beaches. Along the Zanzibar Island you find a variety of white sandy beaches dotted with palm trees and surrounded by clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The Zanzibar Island as well houses the historic town of Stone town which is the cultural heart of Zanzibar.

Chumbe Island Coral Park; this is located a few kilometers southwest of Zanzibar near the Stone Town. The Chumbe Island Coral Park is Tanzania’s award winning private nature reserve that includes a Coral reef sanctuary and a forest Reserve.

Tanzania’s other beautiful Islands include Fanjove private Island, Mafia Island, Mnemba Island, Pemba Island, Unguja Island, Latham Island and many more that remain unspoiled by Tourism.

Other tourist attraction in Tanzania include Arusha National Park, Gombe stream National Park, Singita Grumeti National Reserve, Lake Natron, Katavi National Park, Lake Victoria, Selous Game Reserve historical and religious buildings, Tanzania’s cultural tribes like the Masai people to mention but a few.

Below are Tanzania’s iconic tourist activities;

Wildlife/Game viewing

Tanzania is among Africa’s most popular safari destinations with over 22 National Parks that harbor the big five, several other mammals and a variety of bird species. Animals to be looked out for during game drives include the lions, African elephants, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, cape buffaloes, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, waterbucks, sitatungas, bushbucks, hippopotamuses to mention but a few. Tanzania is also a place where one can witness one of the world’s seven natural wonders known as the wildebeest migration that involves millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and many other grazers crossing to Masai Mara of Kenya. Here drama is witnessed as millions of animals cross through the crocodile infested Mara River while other land predators wait to feast on the lazy ones and newly born wildebeests, gazelles and zebras.

Mountain hiking/climbing

One of Tanzania’s best tourist activities is Mountain climbing and hiking to the country’s mountains for example Mountain Kilimanjaro which is Africa’s highest, Mountain Meru and many other hills. Hiking to the top of Mountain Kilimanjaro, one is able to enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Furtwangler glaciers. There are seven routes that lead to the mountain’s summit known as the Uhuru peak which include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, Shira and the Northern circuit. The Machame route is the most spectacular path and provides an extra day to adjust to the elevation. Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro takes between 5 to 9 days to reach the summit and then descend back to the finishing point. The other mountain that is commonly hiked is Mountain Meru which is the second highest mountain in the country.

Bird watching

Tanzania is known to harbor over 1,156 bird species of which 29 bird species are endemic to the region, others introduced by humans as well as migratory bird species and thus making this country one of a few Africa’s birding spots. Tanzania’s National Parks are made up of a variety of landscapes including savannah grasslands, mountainous and moorlands, bush and shrubs with large Rivers running through them. These host an incredible array of bird species that include the giant kingfishers, blue-fly catcher, double-toothed barbet, Gabon Nightjar, Bare-faced go away bird, secretary bird, vultures, eagles and hawks, ground hornbill, red-throated tit, lesser and greater flamingoes to mention but a few. Tanzania’s best birding spots include Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, Serengeti National Park, Ngoro Ngoro crater, Ruaha National Park, Rubondo Island National Park, Lake Eyasi, Arusha National Park, Mountain Kilimanjaro, Usambara Mountains, Lake Victoria to mention but a few.

Hot air balloon safaris

Hot air balloon safaris in Tanzania offer a unique and awe-inspiring way to explore the stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife of this beautiful country. Drifting gently and flying above the country’s endless plains, savannahs and iconic National Parks, one is treated to breathtaking panoramic views and splendid wildlife sightings. From the majestic Serengeti National Park to the picturesque Tarangire National Park, hot air balloon safaris in this country offer a magical and unforgettable adventure that leaves one with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Aqua-Lung dive in Zanzibar and beach exploration

Zanzibar is indeed a heaven on earth due to its gorgeous white sandy beaches and Turquoise Ocean. This is a perfect destination for snorkeling since it offers the best diving on the entire East African coast. Zanzibar as well offers some of the world’s stunning beaches that are good for relaxation and holiday makers while the Stone Town offers a sense of old Arabia. Zanzibar’s beaches include the Matemwa, Jambiani, Nungwi, Paje to mention but a few.

Other tourist activities in Tanzania include nature walks or walking safaris, cycling, chimpanzee trekking, sport fishing, canopy walk in Lake Manyara National Park, cultural tours and visits to mention but a few.

Safety and security

Tanzania is relatively a safe country to visit which is even safer if your safari is booked with an organized tour operator. Most crimes in Tanzania occur in the cities for example petty theft and pickpocketing which can generally be avoided by following simple safety precautions. However it is advisable to inquire with your hotel whether the area is safe to walk and if not kindly arrange a taxi through your hotel or tour operator. It is also advisable to take a little cash with you, never to display any valuables and catch a taxi after the dark. On occasions demonstrations and political rallies across the country have turned violent resulting in fatalities and death. Police usually uses live bullets and tear gas for crowd control. Therefore if you are around areas where these demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of such riots and demonstrations.

Getting around Tanzania

There are several means of transport that one can use to travel around Tanzania depending on your budget, distance to be covered and time constraints. These include the following;

By road; there are several means of transport one can opt to use while traveling by road and these include;

• By Bus; buses are the best and cheapest way to travel if one is on a budget. Large buses and dala-dala (mini-buses) travel across the country and link major towns, and longer routes link Dar es Salaam with Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya. The most reasonably efficient and comfortable buses are operated by Scandinavian express and Royal coach that always run dedicated routes between Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
• By Taxi, tuk-tuk and motorcycles (boda-bodas); these are easily found along the streets and outside the hotels. Tuk-tuks can be used over short distances in the beach resorts along the coast. Motorcycles locally known as boda-bodas are a cheap and fun way to travel over short distances though you need to hang on tightly and have a helmet for your safety. Travelling with all these, prices should be negotiated before you set off.
• Private car hire; one can hire out a four wheel drive vehicle with an experienced driver from travel agents to be taken around the country. This is a popular way for independent travelers to reach the north or western coasts of Zanzibar from Stone Town.

By Plane; this is an expensive option however if you can afford it, getting around Tanzania by plane is the quickest and most comfortable option. There are a few domestic airlines that link the most popular safari destinations and provide services to the coast. Some of the more upmarket safari lodges have their own airstrips and use small planes operated by private air charter companies to ferry their guests in which is the best option to long drives on dusty roads. Airlines that operate chartered flights in Tanzania include Air Tanzania that operates flights between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and Mwanza, Precision Air that links major cities and flies between Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Bukoba,   Kigoma, Tabora, Lindi, Mtwara, Arusha, Zanzibar, Seronera and Grumeti in Serengeti National Park. the others are Air Excel that links Tanzania’s National Parks with the Coast and flies between Arusha, Dar es Salaam and several airstrips in Serengeti, Lake Manyara National Park and Zanzibar, Zan Air, Regional Air, Zantas Air, Kilimanjaro Air safaris to mention but a few.

By Train; there are two railways that cross Tanzania and offer three to four services per week. Trains usually get over crowded with not only people but sucks of fresh foods, vegetables and livestock. Theft is common here and if you insist to travel by rail, you should opt for first class and always lock your door and not forgetting to leave your possessions unguarded. The two Railways include the Tazara (Tanzania-Zambia Railway) that runs from Dar es Salaam through the south of the country to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia and the Tanzania Railway Corporation’s Central Line that runs from Dar es Salaam across the middle of the country to Tabora where it splits into two lines that end in Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika and Mwanza on Lake Victoria.

Visas and flights

Before thinking of entering Tanzania, one has to apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) online that was introduced and implemented by the United Republic of Tanzania in November 2018. This enables individuals from different nationalities to apply for their visas online without having to first visit the Tanzania Embassy or obtain the visa on arrival. A tourist visa can as well be applied for which enables one entry into the East African countries namely Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Its validity is 90 days for single entry and multiple entries valid for 1year. The other visa types include the Transit visa that is valid for 7dys and the Business visa that is valid for 90days. Several Airlines operate to and away from Tanzania and one can easily book a flight by applying for a flight ticket directly with the Airlines or through travel agents. Tanzania has to over 27 Airports with Julius Nyerere International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport and Tanga Airport standing out as the most common entry points into the country. Airlines operating in Tanzania include Fly Dubai, Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Kenya Airways, Oman Air, Ethiopian Airways, Rwanda Air Ltd, Turkish Airlines, Uganda Airlines, Qatar Airways, Swiss International Airlines, South African Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Air Seychelles to mention but a few.

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Rushaga gorilla sector is located in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rushaga is part of the four sectors in the forest that ensure the protection of the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi is home to more than half of the world’s population of the mountain gorillas with Rushaga sector having the bigger number and more habituated families. Rushaga is the sector under which habituation of the magnificent apes is done. With 8 gorilla families calling it home, Rushaga having the highest concentration of gorillas does increase the chances of observing a family once picked. Rushaga is closer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and easily accessible from Rwanda. Rushaga is uniquely known for habituation as it’s the only sector where it’s done.

Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and immersive wildlife experience that involves hiking through dense forests in search of habituated groups of mountain gorillas. Before the trek, visitors receive a briefing from park rangers or guides. This briefing covers essential information about gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, and the trekking process. Gorilla trekking in Rushaga Sector offers a chance to witness the unique behaviors of mountain gorillas, such as feeding, playing, and social interactions, while also providing an opportunity to learn about conservation efforts aimed at protecting this critically endangered species.

Gorilla habituation is a process by which wild gorillas are gradually acclimated to the presence of humans, with the ultimate goal of making them comfortable enough to tolerate close observation by researchers, conservationists, and tourists. Unlike habituated gorilla groups, which are already accustomed to human presence and are available for gorilla trekking experiences, habituation involves working with wild gorillas that are initially wary of humans. Researchers and trackers locate a wild gorilla group in their natural habitat and observe the gorillas from a distance to assess their behavior, group dynamics, and the level of human tolerance.

Trekking and habituation takes between 30mins-8hours depending on the location of the targeted gorilla family and the tourists are given 1hour or 4hours with the family once found for intimate moments like watching them nesting, taking care of each other and their young, feeding and sleeping. In addition to gorilla trekking, Rushaga Sector also offers other activities such as birdwatching, nature walks, and cultural encounters with the local communities, providing visitors with a diverse range of experiences amidst the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The 8 gorilla families in the Rushaga sector are as listed below;

Nshongi Family

Derived from the Nshongi River where it was first sighted, this family has 26 members with Nshongi as the dominant silverback. Originally this was the largest family with 36 members until 2010 when the group split into two after a misunderstanding creating Mishaya family with 10 members and Mishaya as the dominant silverback leaving Nshongi with 26 members.

Mishaya Family

With 10 members and Mishaya as the silverback, the numbers in this family keep changing due to deaths, births and new entrants. Mishaya was known for his bold and independent nature, which led to the establishment of his own family away from the Nshongi family.

Kahungye Family

Currently with 13 members, a number that keeps changing also due to death, births and new entrants has Gwigi as the silverback. Originally 27 members until a conflict happened and birthed a new family Busingye with 17 members. The Kahungye family is relatively large and has several individuals, including infants, juveniles, and adult gorillas.

Busingye Family

With 9 members, Busingye broke away from Kahungye family in 2012 due to misunderstandings and Busingye is the silverback. The park rangers were hopeful for a reunion but no signs of that happening. Busingye was once a member of the Kahungye family but left to form his own group and the Busingye group is known for its calm demeanor and peaceful interactions.

Bweza Family

Has 7 members with Bweza as the silverback and is another group that broke away from the Nshongi family in 2012 after multiple fights. Named after the Bweza Hill in the vicinity, this family consists of several individuals led by a dominant silverback. Rangers also had hope of a reunion but Bweza stood its ground since the separation.

Bikingi Family

Habituated in 2012, name was derived from the first silverback and maintained even after its death to maintain the original version, the new silverback is also called Bikingi and the family has 11 members.

Rwigi Family

One of the newest families with Rwigi as the silverback, it broke away from the Kahungye family and has 10 members.

Mucunguzi Family

Split from the Bweza family, with 12 members and Mucunguzi as the silverback. Mucunguzi was the youngest leader and as such was chased away from the Bweza. He left with a few members forming the Mucunguzi family.

Once a gorilla group has been successfully habituated, it may become available for gorilla trekking experiences, allowing tourists to observe and learn about gorillas in their natural habitat. By habituating gorillas to human presence in a controlled and respectful manner, researchers and conservationists can gather valuable data, promote gorilla conservation, and provide sustainable tourism opportunities that benefit both gorillas and local communities. Revenue generated from gorilla tourism helps fund conservation efforts and supports local communities living near gorilla habitats.

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Kenya is officially referred to as the Republic of Kenya located in East Africa and a member state of the East African Community and the African Union. Kenya is bordered to the north by Ethiopia, to the west by Uganda, to the east by Somalia, to the south by Tanzania, to the northwest by South Sudan and to the southwest by the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s capital city is Nairobi which is the largest while its second largest city is Mombasa situated on Mombasa Island in the Indian Ocean and the surrounding main land. Mombasa is as well Kenya’s oldest city which was the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate from 1889 to 1907. Other important cities in Kenya include Nakuru and Kisumu. Kenya’s climate, geography and population varies ranging from cold snow-capped mountaintops that is to say Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana on Mount Kenya with vast surrounding forests, wildlife and fertile agricultural regions to temperate climates in western and rift valley counties and further on to dry less fertile arid and semi-arid areas and absolute deserts of Chalbi and Nyiri deserts.

This country’s earliest inhabitants were hunter-gatherers like the present day Hadza people. Cushitic speakers first settled in Kenya’s lowlands between 3,200 and 1,300BC according to archaeological dating of associated artifacts and skeletal material. Another phase known as the Lowland Savanna Pastoral Neolithic began migrating from the present day South Sudan into Kenya around 500BC. Bantu speaking people also settled at the coast and the interior between 250BC and 500AD. European contact began in 1500AD with the Portuguese Empire and immediate colonization of Kenya commenced in the 19^th century During the European exploration of Kenya’s interior. The modern day Kenya immerged from a protectorate established by the British Empire in 1895 and the subsequent Kenya colony which began in 1920. The Mau Mau rebellion struck in 1952 due to numerous disputes between UK and the colony. Kenya therefore got her independence in 1963 after which Kenya remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The current constitution was adopted in 2010 and replaced the 1963 Independence constitution.

Kenya is a presidential representative democratic republic in which elected officials represent the people and the president is the head of state and government. Jomo Kenyatta became Kenya’s first president after the Republic of Kenya was proclaimed on 12 December 1964. Kenyatta ruled until his death on 22 August 1978 after which Daniel Arap Moi took over becoming Kenya’s second president and retained the presidency, running unopposed in elections held in 1979, 1983 and 1988 all of which were held under the single party constitution. Several other presidents ruled Kenya during their terms for example Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and the current president William Ruto who formerly worked as Uhuru Kenyatta’s deputy president. In August 2022, Deputy President William Ruto narrowly won the presidential election by 50.5% and his rival Raila Odinga got 48.8% of the votes. On the 13^th of September 2022, William Ruto was sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president till date.

Kenya has two official languages that are widely spoken that’s to say English and Swahili. However, Swahili which is a Bantu language native to East Africa is more widely spoken than English. There are several other local languages that are spoken by Kenya’s ethnic groups for example Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin, Luo, Kamba, Masai, Kisii, Mijikenda, Turkana, Meru to mention but a few. Kenya’s foreign-rooted population includes the Somalis, Asians, Arabs, Europeans and many more.

Weather and climate

The climate of Kenya varies from tropical along the coast to temperate inland to arid in the north and northeastern region. This country receives a great deal of sunshine every month though it is usually cool at night and early in the morning inland at higher elevations. The wet season with long rains occurs from March/April to May/June. The country receives short rains from October to November/December. Kenya’s rain falls are sometimes heavy and often fall in the afternoons and evenings. Climate change is altering the natural pattern of the rainfall period causing an extension of the short rains which has begun floods and reduced the drought cycle from every ten years to annual events producing strong droughts like the 2008-2009 Kenya drought. Temperatures remain high throughout these months of tropical rainfalls. The hottest period is February and March leading into the long rains and the coldest period is in July until mid-August.

Why Kenya is a popular tourist destination

Kenya is a top rated year-round beach getaway and one of Africa’s beast safari destinations boasting superb game viewing and wildlife encounters. Kenya is regarded as an ultimate safari destination that houses some of Africa’s best National Parks and wildlife reserves made up of vast favorable wildlife habitats, a vast range of thriving, complex and diverse landscapes and one of the world’s most remarkable and distinct wildlife populations. Kenya hosts one of the seven wonders of the Natural world known as the annual wildebeest migration. This wondrous animal migration involves millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras, gazelles and other grazers moving southwards from Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

Kenya’s iconic tourist attractions and activities

Kenya is made up of incredible tourist attractions that range from beautified landscapes comprising of prepossessing mountain ranges, beaches to National Parks and reserves that are commonly known for wildlife conservation and geo-conservation due to the geological formations for example hot springs, plateaus, escarpments, caldera volcanic craters, metamorphic rocks to mention but a few. Kenya is made up of 24 National Parks, 15 National Reserves, private conservancies and 6 marine Parks that are all worth it namely;

Masai Mara National Reserve

Masai Mara National Reserve is situated to the west of Kenya’s capital Nairobi at the Tanzania’s northern border. This National Reserve offers wonderful scenery and abundance of wildlife and big games, breathtaking vistas, panoramas of several rolling hills and plains. The Masai Mara National reserve is a unique wildlife conservation haven famous for its spectacular natural diversity of wildlife such as large numbers of lions, African buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, leopards, gazelles, wildebeests to mention but a few. Masai Mara National Reserve is a site for wildebeest migration during which large herds of animals including millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and predators like the big cats migrate north into the Mara from Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. Animals’ drama is experienced here as wildebeests and other grazers make dangerous crossings through crocodile infested rivers.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular National Parks well known as the home of African Elephants since it harbors large herds of elephants. This National Park is made up of several animal habitats that range from the dried-up beds of Lake Amboseli, Sulphur springs wetlands, savannah grasslands and woodlands. This is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in viewing Kenya’s animals such as elephants, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, lions, giraffes, mongoose, hyrax, lesser kudu, dik-dik, buffaloes to mention but a few. This National Park is as well a birders paradise due to its prolific birdlife that features over 600 bird species.

The Aberdare National Park

The Aberdare National Park is situated in the Aberdare mountain ranges east of the East African Rift Valley in central Kenya. The Park contains a wide range of landscapes from mountain peaks that rise up to 4,000meters above sea level to their deep v-shaped valleys intersected by rivers, waterfalls and streams. Wildlife present in this Park include mountain reedbucks, leopards, lions, wild dogs, elephants, bushbucks, cape buffaloes, side stripped jackals, elephants, waterbucks, common elands, duikers eastern black rhinoceros and primates like the black and white colobus monkeys, Sykes monkey, olive baboons and many more.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Kenya, northwest of the capital Nairobi encompassing an area of 73 square miles. This Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its countless flamingoes and abundant wildlife. Lake Nakuru National Park is ideal for game viewing, bird watching, hiking and picnics. This Park is famous for its greater and lesser flamingoes and over 450 terrestrial bird species that flock the Lake throughout the year. This protected area is a haven to over 56 different mammal species such as the white rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, zebras, reedbucks, waterbucks to mention but a few. Other attractions within the Park include the Makalia waterfalls, Hills like Enasoit hill, honeymoon hill, lion hill ridge and several viewpoints such as the baboon cliff, out of Africa to mention but a few.

The glorious coast with white sand beaches

Kenya’s south coast is renowned for its palm-fringed white sand beaches such as the Diani beach as well as the accessible coral reefs. Mombasa’s lively atmosphere has as well attracted beach lovers due to its popular stretches of coastlines like the Kilifi beach. Mombasa is also one of the few places where visitors can get a taste of both beach life and a safari holiday in Simba Hills National Reserve just 56kilometers south of Mombasa and directly inland from Diani beach. North of Mombasa is the ever popular Malindi a town at the center of not only the country’s finest tropical beaches but also the entire Africa. At Malindi, one is able to engage in deep-sea fishing as well as some excellent diving and snorkeling at the Malindi Marine National Park. In the far north of Kenya lies the Lamu Archipelago made up of magnificent islands of Lamu and Manda that provide idyllic and exclusive romantic getaways in the likes of Manda bay and Peponi.

Nairobi city

This is Kenya’s largest city as well as it capital city. It is modern multicultural and historic town with amazing attractions such as wildlife, museums and historical monuments. The key attractions in this city are the Karen Blixen museum, giraffe center, Nairobi National Museum, the Bomas of Kenya and Nairobi National Park. The Karen Blixen museum was the home of the renowned Danish plantation owner and author Karen Blixen. This was later turned into a museum to commemorate her life and times in Kenya.

Other tourist attractions in Kenya include the Samburu and buffalo springs National Reserve, Kigio wildlife conservancy, Tsavo National Park, Meru National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Naivasha, Mountain Kenya, Hells Gate National Park, the crying stones in Kakamega, Mount Kenya National Park to mention but a few.

Below are Kenya’s iconic tourist activities;

Wildlife viewing/game drives

Game viewing is done on an open roof tourist vehicle through vast plains of Kenya’s National Parks and Reserves such as Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, Aberdare National Park, Hells Gate National Park to mention but a few. During wildlife viewing, several animals are spotted for example the big five mammals, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, Dik-dik, reedbucks, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles to mention but a few. Witnessing the great wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s wildlife highlight that occurs every year. This unique animal event attracts visitors from all over the world to witness millions of wildebeests, thousands of gazelles, zebras and other grazers migrate between Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti plains in search for fresh pastures and water.

Bird watching

Kenya is a haven to over 1,000 bird species including endemic species to this region and rare treasures such as the great blue turaco, papyrus Gonolek, African grey-parrot, Sharpe’s long claw and the abbortt’s starling. The country’s National Parks and Reserves offer plenty of birding spots and opportunities for example Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha National Park, Sambura National Reserve, Aberdare National Park, Buffalo spring National Reserve to mention but a few.

Mountain climbing/hiking

Mountain hikes are usually done on Mountain Kenya which is the country’s highest mountain standing at an elevation of 5,199meters above sea level. Mountain Kenya has three climbing routes namely Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria. Hiking to its peak takes an experienced climber around 4 to 6 days to reach its highest peak known as Lenana. The Sirmon route is considered the least challenging and the best for acclimatization. Whereas the Chogoria route offers spectacular views of temple cliffs, Mugi hills, Nithi falls, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Giant’s table and the Gorge’s valley while the Naro Moru route is the fastest route to the summit.

Hot air Balloon safaris over the Masai Mara plains

A Hot Air Balloon Safari is an extraordinary way to enjoy the wide expanse of wildlife with in the Masai Mara National Reserve and its surroundings. The aerial view of the wildlife and the landscape below is incredible and offers a fresh perspective as one quietly flies over the Park’s endless plains and thus creating unforgettable memories waiting to enjoy a champagne celebration on landing.

Snorkeling at Kisite Marine Park

 The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is situated on the southern coast of Kenya and south of Wasini Island making it an ideal place for marine life for example green sea turtles, barracuda, angel fish, dolphins, clams, octopus, rays to mention but a few. This Park also has a stunning underwater kingdom with sculpted islands and living coral gardens where snorkeling can be done while witnessing a bounty of marine life hiding within the coral reefs.

Other activities include camping in the Mara plains, horse and camel riding in the Loisaba conservancy, adventure sports activities at Diani beach, Lake Bogoria hot springs sightings, boat rides along the country’s Lakes and Dhow trips to several Islands in the Indian Ocean, nature walks and biking with in Hell’s Gate National Park, cultural tours, visiting the David Sheldrick Animal Orphanage to mention but a few.

Safety and security

Kenya is generally a safe country to visit since the Tourism industry is very established and visitors are well looked after. However like any other nation, terrorist attacks are possible and could happen any time including in areas with foreigners and tourists though the Kenyan Authorities remain on high alert. These terrorist groups like the al-Shabaab come from Kenya’s neighboring countries like Somalia and thus making Kenya’s borders with Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan high-risk areas though tour operators will only take you to places that are considered safe. There are crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, carjacking, scams and many more in big cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, but most of them can be avoided by following basic safety precautions. Political demonstrations and protests can be expected across Kenya at any time, therefore you should stay clear of political demonstrations and avoid political gatherings as well as following advice from local authorities.

Below are some of the tips on how to stay safe in Kenya;

• Be wary of anyone asking for money or information even if they seem official since criminals often fake police, government and hotel identification to extort money from travelers.
• Avoid walking around after dark and try as much as possible to invest in strong personal security measures.
• Take official warnings serious, follow instructions from local authorities and ensure continuous monitoring of the media for threats.
• When heading out in the city, follow a few simple safety precautions and seek advice from your hotel before going out. Don’t wear valuables and only take the money you need with you.

More than a million tourists travel to Kenya every year, and the vast majority of the visits are trouble-free.

Getting around Kenya

There are several options to travel around Kenya depending on your time constraints and budget for example by road, by air and by train. While travelling by road, there are several means of transport as described below;

• Traveling by bus; Kenya offers a network of long distance bus lines though the journey can be tiresome, bumpy and dusty. Therefore it is advisable to choose a reputable bus company for long journeys. It is also advisable when using the bus to travel during the day rather than in the night due to threats of carjacking and road traffic accidents. Local buses in Kenya are provided by private transportation companies and they are affordable while offering comfortable seating. Buses have regular schedules of services in and out of Kenya’s city centers and seat 20 to 35 passengers which is an effective way of travelling through the cities of Kenya.
• By use of taxis known as Matatus; these matatus have a seating capacity of 14 passengers and only operate over short and medium distances. Matatus usually travel along set routes, however it is possible to charter a matatu for travel outside of major towns after you have agreed on the price before departure. Matatus are very cheap, quick and convenient means of transport to all major towns and many rural areas.
• Car hires/ by rental cars; these cars are operated by international car rental companies that have offices within Nairobi and Mombasa. These car rental companies offer expensive but reliable cars with full back-up network.

Travelling by Air; most travelers arrive in Nairobi via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. There re scheduled domestic flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kenya’s major cities for example Lamu, Mombasa, Malindi and Kisumu. There are also several daily scheduled domestic flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Samburu, Nanyuki, Mombasa, Lamu, Meru, Amboseli and Masai Mara. Domestic chartered flights are also available and fly directly to wither of the Coastal Airports of Malindi and Mombasa. Therefore, tour and travel operators are always available to help you book your chartered flights around the country as well as off Kenya’s boundaries to several other countries.

By train; the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway is Kenya’s major railway line that connects the Port city of Mombasa to Kenya’s capital city. This railway continues through Nairobi to Kampala in Uganda and famously known as the Lunatic Express.

Visas and flights

A valid visa of at least 6 months is one of the major requirements for one to fly to Kenya. However, beginning January 2024, all foreign nationals regardless of nationality can enter Kenya without a visa for tourism or business travel for stays of up to 90days. Therefore travelers must obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization online prior to travel. Travelers with already paid and issued visas like the single journey visa, multi-entry visa, East Africa tourist visa, transit visa and many more will continue to use them until the expiry of their validity. Flight tickets to and from Kenya can be booked through your travel agents or directly with your preferred airlines. Other requirements may include the yellow-fever vaccination certificate and filling out a health surveillance form which is obtained online.

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The Western lowland gorilla is one of the two critically endangered gorilla species that lives in Montane, forests and swamplands. They are found in Central Africa in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

This is a smallest subspecies of endangered gorillas with exceptional size and strength and they have a big sexual dimorphism. They have no tail but their bodies are covered by black hair except their face, hands and feet. The hair at the back and the hump of the male gorillas tend to turn grey or sometimes it’s lost as they get to their old age and this coloration is the reason as to why male gorillas are called silverbacks. They have proportionate hands and their nails all on like those of humans with very large thumbs. Their muzzles are short, they have prominent brow ridges, large nostrils and short ears and small eyes as well. They have large muscles of the broad jaws and strong teeth which are used to crushing fruits, vegetables and other edibles.

A male standing can be at a height of 1.8m (5 to 6ft) with a weight of over 260kgs and a female western lowland gorilla if erected standing can reach 1.4m (4ft) and can weigh over 14okgs. Western lowland gorillas usually stand upright but move in a hunched, quadrupedal fashion with their hands curled and their knuckles kissing the ground.

Behaviors

These gorillas always travel between 8 to 45 km² in an area and they do not always mark boundaries and the neighboring groups always overlap the ranges. The group usually prefers certain area in their home range and always follows a seasonal pattern depending on the availability of the ripening fruits and always move 3-5 km per day. Gorillas that feed on high energy foods that vary spatially and seasonally tend to have greater day ranges than those that feed on low quality but more consistently available foods. Gorillas that live in larger groups always tend to move longer distances looking for sufficient food.

Male gorillas can easily move a lone through the gorilla groups before reaching the sexual maturity. Males always leave their natal groups to start a bachelor stage that usually lasts for a several years either in solitary state or in a nonbreeding group of gorillas. This stage also the female gorillas go through it however for the females they have to be in the breeding groups. The breeding group always consists of a silverback which is a male gorilla, three adult females and their off-springs. The role of a silverback is to protect the family, females always make bond with fellow females that they are in the same natal groups only and form strong bonds with males and males always fight roughly to win the hearts of the female gorillas.

A group of gorillas that is led by one or more silverbacks and in cases where you find more silverbacks it is either a father and or a son. In groups where you find only one male it is believed to be basic of social group gradually expanding due to reproduction or other members migrating in. Western lowland gorillas live in a smallest group with an average eight members per group. It is always a duty of the male to organize group activities for example eating, direction to go to and nesting. Any member that might want to challenge the directives of the silverback, it always throws things at them, make rough charges, roars and pounds its chest although the silverback shows all these expressions, gorillas are known to be so calm and gentle unless they are interfered with. The young ones between three to six years like human children, spend most of their time chasing each other, playing and climbing tree branches.

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Regardless of continued efforts to evict the Benet people from Mountain Elgon, they still do settle on Mountain Elgon slopes in Kisito village Kween district that was initially part of Kapchorwa district and currently bordering Kenya in the south. Nevertheless a visit to the Benet communities on the lower slopes of Mountain Elgon rewards one with the most authentic, attested and interesting cultural experiences he/she will ever think of having in the Pearl of Africa.

A visit to the Benet community is made by making a hike known as the Benet hike through an 18km Benet trail. This trail is an off-beaten trail that has so far not been hiked by so many people and believed to have been developed for the love of adventure by Jan Bakker an international hiking expert together with a group of local guides and tour operators.

The Benet hike starts from Kapchorwa town through Kaptabomwo village where you enjoy the Sawuriako rock scenery proceeding to encounter two beautiful waterfalls referred to as Chepchebai and Kaptokwoi falls that cascade through the mountain rocks. At this point one starts to enjoy the sweeping views and captivating sceneries that overlook Kenya and the Karamoja region in Uganda. It is believed by the locals that the two waterfalls poses demons also referred to as their small gods that they go to worship and ask for blessings. You then continue through sophiscated plantations, cultivated land, patches of grass thatched houses arriving to their homesteads to be rewarded with the community tailor-made cultural experience. This experience is made of emotional stories about their history, local cultural dances, honey harvesting, custom local wine preparation known as the Lawek, processes undertaken in the cultivation and harvesting of crops such as onions, cabbages, Irish potatoes, barley to mention but a few.

Therefore, since it is a long hike to the Benet community, use of a boda-boda is a must to pick you from the end point of the trail in Benet back to the lodge of your residence in either Kapchorwa or Sipi.

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