Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates only found in Virunga national park in Congo, volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda.

Gorillas are divided into two species that is Eastern gorillas and Western gorillas and this are further sun divided into four sub species of Eastern low land gorillas, mountain gorillas, western lowland gorillas and cross river gorillas.

Gorillas usually live in troops of 5-40 individuals being led by an alpha male known as silverback. The Silverback is responsible for the groups safety, dictates where they sleep in, what time to forage and all other activities in the group. A silverback is the only male who has the rights to mate with all females in the group.

Gorillas usually forage all day starting from early morning until about midday when they take a rest and restart foraging again in the afternoon until about 7pm in the evening. Gorilla diet is composed of vegetation including bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, stems, roots and they occasionally supplement their diets with invertebrates like white ants

Gorillas were almost extinct in the late 19^th century but the efforts being put by primatologists and other conservationists is the reason we are able to trek gorillas in their natural habitat today. The main threat to gorilla population is poaching, habitat loss and diseases. Gorillas are rarely prone to natural predators but once in a while become victims of leopards.

Although they can walk upright for short distances, gorillas mainly move by knuckle walking. Wild male gorillas can weigh from 136kgs to 227kgs while females weigh from 68kgs to 113kgs. Males are also usually taller than female mountain gorillas. The heaviest mountain gorilla ever recorded weighed 267kgs and got shot in Ambam, Cameroon. The tallest gorilla recorded was 1.95 meters that was also shot in Alimbongo, North Kivu in 1938.

Mature mountain gorilla males normally leave their groups to form their own groups and in most cases they first fight the dominating silverback trying to take over the group and if lucky they can take over or grab some individuals to come their own gorilla families. Sometimes this fights are very dangerous leading to bad injuries that later cause death.

Female gorillas reach sexual maturity from the age of 9-12 years, they have only 1-2 fertile days in a month and once they conceive the gestation period is eight and half months. Female gorillas give birth to 2-6 off springs in their life time.  The mothers breastfeed and take care of their young ones until the age of 4-5 years, they even sleep in the same nest with their young then later separate nests although they still stay close to their mothers.

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Africa is the second largest continent in the world after Asia, covering an area of about 30.3 million square kilometers. Among all the continents, Africa is the only place where you can find the most amazing and interesting primate apes known as gorillas. Gorillas are simply defined as great primate apes with huge and developed brains but no tails.

Not only can gorillas be found in Africa, but also other memorable and interesting creatures such as chimpanzees, baboons, monkeys, and other wild animals like giant elephants, topis, lions, cheetahs, and many more. Africa is also endowed with rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and many other fascinating features that cannot all be covered in one article.

Many people wonder where they can find gorillas in Africa. By reading this article, you will learn everything you need to know. Africa consists of many countries where gorillas can be seen, but there are three popular countries that harbor these primates.

Among these countries, Rwanda stands out with its Volcanoes National Park, Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, protects them in two national parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which together harbor 459 gorillas, almost half the world’s gorilla population.

The Democratic Republic of Congo also has two national parks: Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

In addition, these gorillas are divided into two species: mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas are found in all three countries, whereas eastern lowland gorillas are found only in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite being different species, they share similar social behaviors and ways of living.

For example, they are all led by an alpha male called a silverback, and they occasionally engage in territorial and food-related disputes, although gorillas are generally known as peaceful primates that avoid conflict.

Each of these countries has different costs for gorilla permits. To see gorillas in Uganda, one must pay USD 700, in the Democratic Republic of Congo it costs $400 per person, and in Rwanda, which has the most expensive gorilla permits, it costs $1500 per person.

Other places in East and Central Africa where gorillas can be found include Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, and Gabon. However, most people prefer Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo for gorilla safaris.

For a memorable gorilla safari experience in Africa, remember to bring your camera to capture photos for memories, binoculars for viewing distant objects, rain gear like jackets and umbrellas due to Africa’s unpredictable weather, energy-giving snacks such as biscuits and cookies for hiking, good hiking shoes, and a waterproof backpack for carrying all your essentials.

Africa experiences two main seasons: dry and wet, each further divided into long and short periods. The short dry season runs from December to February, while the long dry season is from June to August. The long wet season lasts from March to May, with a short wet season from September to November.

During the dry seasons, most trails are easily passable, making it ideal to plan your safari in Rwanda for the best experience.

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In many ways, Rwanda and Uganda are similar. However, beauty remains a constant factor throughout. These two countries are located in the Eastern region of the African continent and share a border (Rwanda sits on the southwestern border with Uganda). They are blessed with generally green covers in most parts of each country, which have been of great importance in the conservation and flourishing of wildlife. Some of the wildlife in both countries are endangered, including the elusive mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the Genus Gorilla. These creatures are the world’s largest primates and have great similarities with their compatriots, the Eastern lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas are declared endangered species after many decades of being poached, killed for meat, and having their habitats encroached upon. Therefore, there’s much attention towards their protection and conservation in both Rwanda and Uganda.

Mountain gorillas are by and large interesting primates to meet, and it’s notable that such an activity is only possible in East Africa, where they can be trekked in their natural habitat and not anywhere else in the world. Mountain gorillas live in groups, which is the most central feature as regards gorilla tourism, since it guarantees the presence of specific mountain gorillas in known areas or sectors. The main tourism activities around these primates are trekking and habituation experiences.

Mountain gorillas in these two countries are conserved within gazetted national parks, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Located in Kisoro, Rubanda, and Kanungu districts, in the southwestern part of Uganda, it’s one of Uganda’s 10 national parks conserved under the stewardship of Uganda Wildlife Authority. Established in 1991, it comprises the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, from which the National Park’s name originates.

The National Park covers an area of 32,000 hectares. ‘Bwindi’ has strong cultural attachments from the people that dominated its vicinity, the Banyakitara (People from ‘Kitara’). “Omubwindi” became the commonly referred name to this forest expanse by the indigenous communities around it, which means “place of darkness.”

When viewed closely, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is filled with darkness as the eyes sketch the far compact forest, and other sections of the forest are made of bamboo vegetation. This mixture of vegetation has for ages made full penetration into the forest harder. This, in turn, led to the forest being crowned ‘impenetrable’ due to its thickness. The forest boasts about 90 fern species and an average of 150 unique tree species. Within the high and low-lying flora are the mountain gorillas, of which Uganda has half of the world’s population. The over 20 mountain gorilla families are memorable to trek and habituate.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

Similar to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s located in the western part of Uganda. Situated at the southwestern tip of Uganda at the border with Rwanda, Kisoro district is the closest gateway and precisely where the park is located. The park is home to 3 volcanoes: Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.

Mgahinga has only one habituated mountain gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi Gorilla family. It’s an awesome family whose trekking is often coupled with hiking the highlands therein and viewing the golden monkeys.

Volcanoes National Park:

Different from the preceding two National Parks found in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park is in Rwanda. It’s at the northwestern edge of the country and has 5 volcanoes that form the Virunga ranges. Their slopes are highly fertile with volcanic soils that have for many decades supported the growth of tropical rainforests and scattered alpine vegetation. The national park is the only spot in Rwanda from where tourists are able to visit and trek the numerous families of mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Other activities within these National Parks:

Birding:All the above-explained mountain gorilla locations in the two countries are highly forested and close to the Western Rift Valley, making it an attractive home for hundreds of bird species. The national parks also have highlands that are home to numerous highland birds such as the blue turacos and Rwenzori batis. Other birds include the Rwenzori Nightjar, handsome spurfowl, African Darter, African forest kites, forest Eagles, and many others.

Hiking adventures:Besides gorilla trekking, volcano hiking is a common experience here. It’s usually combined with mountain gorilla trekking; however, visitors can take on hiking adventures as a distinct activity altogether. This is common in Mgahinga National Park on Mountains Sabyinyo and Muhabura. Tourists are advised to be in good health and mental shape to achieve a fulfilling hike.

Nature walks:All the parks, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, present excellent trails for nature walks as tourists get refreshing views of the beautiful nature and topography. On the trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tourists can view other attractions such as thousands of plant species, rivers, streams, and caves.

Other primates:Trekking, especially in Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park, doesn’t end at merely trekking mountain gorillas. There are golden monkeys that are present only in Eastern Africa and nowhere else in the world. Trekking these creatures is interesting as tourists get to view their fascinating beauty. Additionally, there are other monkey species in all the national parks such as the blue monkeys, baboons, mangabeys, and colobus monkeys.

Best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking:

It is highly recommended to visit the three national parks in Uganda and Rwanda during June to September and December to February. These periods bring the best sunshine and generally perfect weather conditions for an interesting tour within the three parks. These periods within those months are the dry seasons within the tropics. Therefore, visitors should expect fewer weather interruptions during this season.

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Gorilla permits are key identifications issued to clients in the form of cards or documents, allowing visitors above 15 years to track mountain gorillas and enjoy one hour face-to-face with these large apes in their natural environment. A gorilla permit confirms a visitor’s authorization to visit a National Park for gorilla trekking. In Uganda, you can travel to see endangered mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

How to Obtain Uganda Gorilla Permits?

There are two ways to obtain valid Uganda gorilla permits. You can contact licensed tour operators or immediately visit the reservation office of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at their headquarters in Kampala. A valid passport is required as evidence of nationality and age verification (15 years and above). All visitor records are maintained at UWA, and due to high demand, permits must be secured well in advance and not left until the last minute.

Gorilla permits in Uganda, like Rwanda’s gorilla permits, are competitive, and it is recommended to secure yours at least 2-5 months before visiting Bwindi or Mgahinga to see the gorillas, especially during peak seasons (June to September and December to February).

The second option for obtaining Uganda gorilla permits is to deal with a reliable tour operator on the ground. Over 80% of Uganda gorilla permits are issued by local tour operators, with the remaining 20% managed by UWA. Planning your gorilla tour with a safari company or tour operator increases your chances of securing a permit.

How Many Gorilla Permits Does Uganda Have?

Each gorilla trekking family is limited to a maximum of 8 guests, translating to 8 gorilla permits per family. Uganda is home to over half of the 1063 mountain gorillas in its two parks, with up to 22 habituated gorilla families, totaling over 176 available gorilla permits for booking. This abundance provides ample opportunities for guests to visit gorillas in Uganda. Gorilla permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are 5 sites for tracking mountain gorillas: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo sectors, and Mgahinga National Park.

How Much is a Uganda Gorilla Permit for 2023-2024?

A single valid Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 350,000 for Ugandan or East African citizens. Note that Uganda gorilla permits are valid for single use only.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

The one-hour encounter during a normal gorilla trek may not be sufficient for some visitors who want more time with these rare apes. In such cases, undertaking a guided gorilla habituation experience is recommended. This experience is available only in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro in southwestern Uganda. During the gorilla habituation tour, visitors have a guaranteed 4 hours to enjoy up-close encounters with these unique primates.

How Much are Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permits?

Each Uganda gorilla habituation permit costs USD 1500 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens. Similar to normal gorilla trekking permits, gorilla habituation permits must be booked well in advance.

Where to Find Gorillas in Uganda?

Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks are the only places where endangered mountain gorillas reside in Uganda. These protected areas host half of the world’s 1063 endangered mountain gorillas, with 22 families available for visits during any Uganda gorilla safari tour. Some notable gorilla families include Bitukura, Mubare, Habinyanja, Katwe, Christmas, Nkuringo, Oruzogo, Rushegura, Mishaya, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bweza, Busingye, and more.

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Brief History about Rwanda – Archaeological excavations reveal evidence of scattered occupancy of the Iron Age, hunters and Stone Age settlers, who used iron tools, and locally crafted pots.

The hunters belonged to the Twa ancestral lineage, and still in existence up to date as pygmy hunters and gatherers. The historians also suggest other ethnic groups entered Rwanda in the earlier years, with the famous ones being the Tutsi and Hutu.

Forward to 1884, the Germans were assigned to the Rwandan territories in the Berlin conference, as part of German East Africa, thus the start of the colonial era.

In 1894, a famous explorer by the names of Gustav Adolf Von Gotzen toured the country through the southeast to Lake Kivu where he met with the king.

During world war 1, the Germans governed both Rwanda and Burundi following the League of Nations mandate which regarded it as Ruanda-Urundi.

There was a divide between the Hutu and Tutsi, a move that created a rift between two nations that were once inseparable; thus leading to the 1959 Rwanda revolution that saw the Hutu kill and displace thousands of the Tutsi.

The pro-Hutu Belgians held a referendum to abolish the monarch, and as well as separate Burundi from Rwanda.

On 1st July 1962, Rwanda gained its independence and the first president was Juvenal Habyarimana. Juvenal gained power through a military coup.

No situation changed the way through to 6 April 1994 when the Rwanda Genocide came to an end after a bloody battle between the Hutu and Tutsi that lasted for over 100 days and cost the lives of over 25,000 thousand Rwandans including the marginal Twa people who were not directly participating in the conflict.

As Rwandan Patriotic Front took control of the situation, there was a move for reconciliation between all conflicting parties.

An international criminal tribunal for Rwanda and Gacaca, a traditional village court system was put in place to eliminate the conflicts.  Fortunate enough, the country’s economy was revamped from 2000, with improved security, a thriving tourism industry, and modern and cultural institutions, all under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.

You may wonder why Rwanda, with its small size, still ranks among the top holiday destinations, not only in Africa but the world as well.

A few yet very unique attractions set them apart. These included the good climate, un-segregative hospitality, variety of modern and traditional accommodation facilities, and Mountain Gorillas; a rare species of gorillas only found in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo and nowhere else in the world.

It’s now possible to visit Rwanda for any reason. This could be mountain gorilla trekking, bird watching, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, and much more.

Make it a point to include Rwanda in your bucket list, as an option for your honeymoon, summer or winter holiday, birding, research, wildlife, group, solo, or Business vacation.

The prime safari offer here is the Rwanda gorilla trekking experience. We implore you to choose a Rwandan gorilla package and get ready to create memories.

Most clients prefer to trek Rwanda gorillas because of the short distance to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali.

This is what makes Rwanda gorilla trekking even better. You get to travel less and enjoy more!

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Facts about Tanzania – Tanzania is regarded as a top safari destination in Africa because of the top notch opportunities for game viewing . From the grasslands to woodlands , rock formations , mountain peaks and beach retreats every opportunity is awe inspiring.

Below are the facts about Tanzania

1. Tanzania is a home to the tallest mountain in Africa ie Mount Kilimanjaro . The Mountain is about 5895 meters above sea level and interested tourists can climb up the mountain and have breathtaking views of nature and various wildlife.
2. About 30% of Tanzania ‘s land is covered by national parks . Tanzania has one of the best National parks in the world where tourists can view wildlife . Serengeti National park is the 7th world wonder in addition to being a world heritage site . The park has the highest number of large mammals and tourists are in position to witness the great migration where they see millions of wildebeests , zebras traverse the Serengeti plains un search for fresh grasses .
3. Tanzania is a home to the second largest lake in the world lake Tanganyika .The lake is biologically diverse with over 500 different species of fish and also contains 8% of the world’s fresh waters .
4. Tanzania is a home to a unique species of tree climbing lions . These lions are found in Tarangire National park and their reason to climb is unknown but some think its to catch a cool Breeze or avoid tsetseflies . However watching them in the branches is impressive.
5. Tanzania is a home to the oldest human fossils . The fossils are found in Olduvai Gorge and are dated back about millions of years ago and are used as evidence for the first human existence on earth .
6. Tanzania particularly at Zanzibar is known as the Centre for Arab slave trade . Among the most famous items were slaves at Zanzibar markets and here Arabs sold slaves to the rest of the world . Every year between 40 and 50,000 slaves were brought at Zanzibar .
7. Tanzania is a home to one of the best beaches in the world . The beaches at Zanzibar are unique and a beach retreat is just a way of complementing your African Safari . The beaches are the best because of their white sand , blue waters and swaying palm trees .
8. Tanzania is a home to a distinctive and delicious cuisine . If you want to enjoy various cuisines then you should visit Tanzania , you can eat wilf game like warthogs , antelopes , crocodiles amimg others and fish like tilapia , Nile perch etc . Fruits and vegetables also complement every meal in Tanzania .

In conclusion, Tanzania is a fascinating country , with beautiful landscapes , fascinating cultures and long and interesting history.

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Porters on Mount Kilimanjaro – Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is considered more accessible than other Seven Summits, as even disabled individuals, the elderly, and children have been able to ascend without technical equipment or mountaineering experience.

The success rate for reaching the summit depends on various factors, and porters significantly increase your chances by taking on the responsibility of carrying most of your equipment while you hike.

Mount Kilimanjaro rises to an impressive 5,895 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro typically requires 5 to 9 days on the mountain, during which trekkers cover long distances daily and mostly sleep in camps. The exception is the Marangu route, which provides huts.

Porters on Mount Kilimanjaro

Porters are dedicated individuals who assist tourists on their journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. Since there is no accommodation at the summit, tourists must carry tents, sleeping bags, personal items, utensils, and other essentials for their time on the mountain.

Porters usually precede you with your luggage, allowing you to carry only light baggage, making your climb more manageable and comfortable.

By the time you arrive at the campsite, porters have already set up your tents and other essentials.

The life of a porter involves a continuous cycle of ascending and descending Mount Kilimanjaro throughout the year, yet the compensation they receive is modest.

Tipping porters at the end of the trip is the best way to show gratitude, although it is not mandatory. Tourists can tip based on their budget and preference.

Porters are typically locals from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and are advised to carry a maximum of 20 kilograms of luggage during the hike.

Some porters endure poor working conditions, depending on the company they work for.

Others work as freelancers, with no health benefits or contracts, relying on the chance of finding work from hikers at the start of the trek.

The duties of a porter include ensuring access to clean water, carrying items, assisting the chef in preparing and serving food, washing dishes after meals, and providing encouragement to climbers for comfort and safety. They are always ready to help, even in emergencies.

Unfortunately, some companies mistreat porters, evident in the worn-out clothes and shoes they wear, which can sometimes lead to hypothermia.

Additionally, some porters lack adequate food and proper shelter during the climb, despite the physical strength required to carry luggage.

Another challenge porters face is low daily wages. The minimum daily wage for porters is only $8, and some companies pay even less.

It is recommended to tip porters after a climb to support their efforts.

Tanzania Porters Association (TPA)

The Tanzania Porters Association (TPA) was established to improve the working conditions of porters on Mount Kilimanjaro.

This organization has implemented rules and regulations to protect porters.

The vision of the TPA is to promote the welfare and rights of porters on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, ensuring fair pay and working conditions for all.

The organization’s objectives include educating porters about their rights and safety and addressing their socio-economic well-being while they work on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.

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Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya – The wildebeest migration takes place annually across Kenya and Tanzania in Africa. Over 1.5 million wildebeests, 300,000 zebras, and other antelopes like gazelles and topis migrate in search of better pasture and water. They are closely followed by predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, with crocodiles waiting at the Mara and Grumeti rivers.

The wildebeest migration is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It occurs across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Great columns of wildebeests can even be seen from space, with about 1,000 animals per square kilometer.

The migration repeats year after year, making it one of the greatest animal migrations on Earth. Each animal is said to cover about 800 to 1,000 kilometers during the migration.

Three groups of grazers participate in the migration: the first group consumes the initial vegetation, the second group eats the middle portion, and the last group eats what remains.

About Wildebeests

Wildebeests, also known as gnus, belong to the antelope family and are native to Eastern and Southern Africa.

There are two types of wildebeests: the blue wildebeest and the black wildebeest, also known as the white-tailed gnu. The two species are believed to have diverged about one million years ago. Wildebeests typically breed at the end of the rainy season and often graze with zebras.

Wildebeests are greyish-brown, even-toed, and horned. Males are larger than females, with broad muzzles, shaggy manes, Roman noses, and heavy forequarters.

Male black wildebeests stand about 111-120 cm tall and weigh around 180 kg, while male blue wildebeests stand about 150 cm tall and weigh around 250 kg.

Female blue wildebeests can reach up to 135 cm and weigh around 180 kg, while female black wildebeests reach up to 108 cm and weigh up to 155 kg.

The milk of female wildebeests contains lower fat, higher protein, and lower lactose than that of blue wildebeests.

The average lifespan of a wildebeest is about 20 years, though some can live up to 40 years.

Wildebeests do not mate for life; males usually form temporary territories to attract females. Up to 300 territories can be established in one square kilometer.

The gestation period for wildebeests is about 250 to 260 days, with an estrous cycle of 23 days. Calves are born weighing around 21 kg and begin moving with the herd within minutes.

Migration Safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara

Each year, over 1.3 million wildebeests, 400,000 zebras, 300,000 Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, and 12,000 elands enter the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.

The herds begin arriving in the reserve in July, staying until their return in October.

The river crossings are spectacular, although there is no specific timing for when the animals will cross, so spending several days at a lodge near the crossings is recommended.

Migration Safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti

The wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park begins in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, around the Ndutu region and southern plains.

New calves are primarily born between January and March.

The herds then move to the Seronera plains of Serengeti National Park.

By May, all herds start moving further north around Moru Kopjes and Seronera.

By June, the migrating herds reach the southern side of the Grumeti River and congregate in large groups as they prepare to cross.

Migration Routes

The wildebeest migration is not an easy journey, as the animals must cross dangerous rivers where predators like crocodiles await, while other predators, such as lions, follow closely.

The wildebeests generally follow established migration routes.

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The wildebeest migration usually starts in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, though not exactly at the crater. The migration begins around the Ndutu region, and this period, from January to March, is also the calving season.
• Serengeti Plains: The herds spread throughout the Serengeti National Park plains, heading northward, and arrive near the Grumeti River to prepare for the crossing.
• Masai Mara: By July, the herds begin crossing the Mara River and disperse throughout the Masai Mara National Game Reserve before returning to Serengeti in September.

Best Time to See the Migration

The wildebeest migration takes place every year, and visitors are generally guaranteed to see it. However, viewing depends on the wildebeests’ location at a given time.

Here are some guidelines on the best months to witness the migration and explore other tourist destinations in Tanzania and Kenya.

• Best Time to See Wildebeests in Tanzania: The best time to see wildebeests in Tanzania is from November to June. It is important to note that the migration gradually moves within the park, so it is advisable to book accommodations where the herds are located.
• Best Time to See Wildebeests in Kenya: The best time to witness the wildebeest migration in Kenya is from July to October, with the most spectacular sights occurring when herds are crossing the Mara River.

Migration Seasons

There are no distinct migration seasons for the wildebeest migration, as the wildebeests are constantly moving year-round.

However, we can look at the migration month by month.

January to March

The wildebeest migration usually begins in Tanzania, around the edge of Serengeti National Park, at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Olduvai Gorge.

During this time, most wildebeests are calving, giving tourists many opportunities to see newborn calves.

Approximately 8,000 new calves are born daily during this period.

Predators also take advantage of the calving season, creating daily spectacles as they hunt vulnerable calves.

April to May

At the beginning of May, the wildebeests slowly start moving northwest to the Serengeti plains around Central Serengeti National Park.

As May progresses, the animals gather in small groups and move towards the Moru Kopjes.

This period is also mating season, and it’s common to see male wildebeests battling head-to-head for females.

June to July

By early June, most wildebeests have moved to the western corridor of the Serengeti plains, heading towards the Grumeti River.

The animals gather in huge herds, preparing to cross the Grumeti River.

August to October

Starting in August, the wildebeests begin crossing the Mara River, creating one of the greatest wildlife spectacles to witness.

Survival becomes paramount as thousands of crocodiles patiently wait to feast on the crossing herds.

Some animals remain on the Serengeti side in August. By September, the last groups of wildebeests cross the Mara River, spreading eastward across the Masai Mara plains.

Some animals begin returning to the Serengeti in early October.

November to December

From November to December, the wildebeests are still moving from the Masai Mara, but some herds have settled in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area within Serengeti.

Migration Facts

It’s unclear what exactly drives the wildebeests to migrate annually, although it’s believed they move in response to weather patterns.

Some scientists suggest that the migration is triggered by short rains and the growth of new grass, while others theorize that the animals follow lightning and thunderstorms ahead.

Over 1.5 million wildebeests, 300,000 zebras, and various other antelopes participate in the wildebeest migration annually.

The Mara and Grumeti Rivers

Grumeti River

The Grumeti River is located along the western side of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

The first herds of the wildebeest migration reach the Grumeti River by June each year. It is one of the most exciting moments to witness, as the animals cross the river.

Booking accommodations near this area during this season is recommended.

Mara River

The Mara River flows through Masai Mara National Reserve and the northern Serengeti plains.

It is home to some of the world’s largest crocodiles, which prey on the herds as they cross.

The crossings at the Mara River are often more dramatic than those at the Grumeti River.

The crossing can be observed from Serengeti National Park or Masai Mara Game Reserve.

The timing of the wildebeest river crossings is unpredictable, but spending several days at a lodge during crossing seasons increases your chances of witnessing this spectacle.

The herds usually take their time before deciding to plunge into the crocodile-infested waters.

Adding Gorilla Trekking to Your Trip

Mountain gorillas, an endangered species, are only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They are closely related to humans, sharing over 90% of our DNA.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

You can trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the western part of the country.

Gorilla permits need to be booked at least three months in advance. Each permit costs $800 per person.

While in Uganda, you can also opt for gorilla habituation, allowing you to spend more time with the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla trekking experience, at $1,500 per person, in Volcanoes National Park.

It is recommended to book permits in advance to avoid disappointment.

The park has several groups of gorillas available for trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo provides the most budget-friendly gorilla trekking experience, appealing to budget travelers.

Tourists can fly into Rwanda and drive to Congo to trek mountain gorillas.

While at Virunga National Park in Congo, visitors can also visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, the only one of its kind in the world.

The post Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration Across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara appeared first on Magical Gorilla Adventures.

Namanga Border – Namanga is a town located along the border between Kenya and Tanzania. In Kenya, it is situated in Kajiado County, while in Tanzania, it is found in Longido District.

Namanga is predominantly a Maasai area, but over the years, people from other tribes have also settled here.

The Namanga border offers stunning views of Mount Meru on a clear day and beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, located in Tanzania.

Due to many migrants settling in Namanga for business opportunities, the town has experienced significant growth, and its population has rapidly increased.

Tourists often travel through Namanga by road as an entry and exit point between Tanzania and Kenya.

Namanga is generally safe for tourists to cross and travel through; however, travelers should be cautious, particularly around money changers who may try to convince you to exchange money or offer insurance services, sometimes even providing counterfeit currency.

Tourists traveling between Tanzania and Kenya can return to the other country without needing a return visa, or they can opt for a single-entry visa.

East African citizens traveling through the Namanga border will need a passport or alternative travel documents, such as their national identity cards.

All visas must be up-to-date, and passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Tourists entering Kenya or Tanzania through the Namanga border will need a visa.

A visa can be obtained at the border, or you can apply for an electronic visa online, wait for approval, and print out the visa form to show at the border to cross.

If you are driving a vehicle with a foreign license plate to Kenya or Tanzania, you must fill out a form at the border.

You will then receive a permit for seven days of free driving, after which you will need to pay $20 per month.

The receipt will allow you to drive temporarily within the country.

Certain East African countries—Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda—have an agreement that allows their citizens to move freely to promote trade.

This has been further enhanced with the introduction of a One-Stop Border Post, where documentation can be processed in one of the participating countries.

Travelers using public transportation must fill out exit and entry forms at the border. Yellow fever vaccination documentation is required for all travelers.

East African citizens traveling with their cars must provide a logbook, insurance, and a valid driving permit.

If the car is not yours, a valid power of attorney document from the car owner is required.

When driving a vehicle with foreign plates, ensure that the fire extinguisher is not expired, and have two reflectors and a first aid kit.

This can help avoid issues with the police, who often stop vehicles with foreign plates.

All travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate that is no more than 14 days old.

Kenya and Tanzania are generally considered safe for visitors. However, travelers should exercise caution, particularly in crowded places or towns.

Keep valuables secure and avoid going out alone at night.

If you plan to stay in Namanga, you can book accommodation at one of the many budget-friendly hotels on either side of the Kenya-Tanzania border.

While in Namanga, here are some activities you can enjoy:

• Explore the Namanga Town: While in Namanga, visit the town stalls that sell various arts and crafts, which make for great souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. You can also explore the local markets and sample traditional African cuisine.
• Visit the Maasai: The Maasai are nomadic pastoralists living in Kenya and Tanzania. They have a distinctive culture, traditional dress, and unique customs. The Maasai often live near national parks in both countries, making them widely recognized internationally. You can visit Maasai villages to learn more about their culture and way of life.
• Oldonyio Orok Mountains: The Oldonyio Orok Mountains, also known as the Namanga Hills, straddle Kenya and Tanzania in a triangular shape. The highest peak stands at 2,548 meters above sea level. The Oldonyio Orok Forest Reserve is a designated wildlife area covering 117 square kilometers. It is home to various plant species, primates, birds, and other animals.
• The Prayer Cave: There is a prayer cave within the Namanga Hills where individuals or groups often go to pray overnight or during the day. The cave walls are filled with scriptures, making it an interesting site to visit for those with a religious interest.

The post Namanga Border Crossing – Travel Between Kenya & Tanzania appeared first on Magical Gorilla Adventures.

Zanzibar National Parks – Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar, covering an area of 50 square kilometers. It was first gazetted as a forest reserve in 1960 and later established as a national park in 2004 to protect the Zanzibar red colobus monkey.

The mangrove forests within the park provide a habitat for various marine species.

Jozani Chwaka Bay holds the largest remaining stand of near-natural forest in Zanzibar, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

BirdLife International has designated Jozani Forest as an Important Bird Area. From 1995 to 2003, CARE International sponsored a development project for the wilderness area and surrounding communities.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is home to the Kirk’s colobus monkey, the Zanzibar elephant, 49 bird species, about 50 butterfly species, 100 tree species, and 291 plant species.

The park is also home to the Zanzibar tree hyrax, the first of its kind to acclimate to the forest. Jozani Chwaka Bay is on its way to becoming a Ramsar site and is on a tentative list of World Heritage sites.

The Zanzibar leopard lives in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Although some believe the leopard is extinct, many locals suggest that sorcerers keep it as a pet, using it to scare others as they believe it appears as a spirit and vanishes into thin air.

Residents of Unguja Island believe the animal is not extinct, with a camera recording evidence of its presence in a 2018 American documentary television series.

The Zanzibar red colobus monkey, also known as Kirk’s colobus monkey, was named after Sir John Kirk, who first brought it to the attention of zoological science.

The Zanzibar red colobus monkey has now become a flagship species for conservation in Zanzibar. Part of the revenue from park entry fees supports local communities, helping build schools and hospitals.

Some animals you might see in the park include bush babies, the Zanzibar tree hyrax, Sykes’ monkey, dolphins, tuna, sharks, marlins, Aders’ duiker, the Zanzibar servaline genet, African civet, African forest elephants, and many more.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park supports a wide variety of bird species, including:

• Mangrove kingfisher
• Fischer’s turaco
• Brown-headed turaco
• East coast akalat
• Black-bellied starling
• Zanzibar red bishop
• Mouse-colored sunbird
• White-faced whistling dove
• Eastern crested guinea fowl
• African pipit
• Northern grey-headed sparrow
• House sparrow
• Richard’s pipit
• Pin-tailed whydah
• Common waxbill
• Green-backed twinspot
• Black and white mannikin
• Bronze mannikin
• Black-winged bishop
• Forest weaver
• Village weaver
• African golden weaver
• Variable sunbird
• Scarlet-chested sunbird
• Olive sunbird
• Red-capped robin-chat
• Spotted flycatcher
• Bearded scrub robin
• Pale-breasted illadopsis
• Pemba white-eye
• Southern yellow white-eye
• Common bulbul
• Somber greenbul
• Red-rumped swallow
• Lesser swamp warbler
• Tawny-flanked prinia
• Yellow-breasted apalis
• Eastern nicator
• Pied crow
• Paradise flycatcher
• Square-tailed drongo
• Zanzibar boubou
• Brown-crowned tchagra
• African golden oriole
• Green-backed woodpecker
• Lilac-breasted roller
• Blue-cheeked bee-eater, among others.

Guided Nature Walks

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park has several walking trails for visitors to explore on foot, led by experienced ranger guides who are knowledgeable about the forest and its wildlife.

One of the popular trails leads to the Mother Mahogany Tree, believed to be over 200 years old. The Mangrove Boardwalk is another fascinating trail not to be missed.

When to Visit

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is an all-year-round destination, but some months offer a better experience than others.

The best time to visit the park is during the dry months of June to September or December to February.

During this time, the nature walk trails are dry, making it easier to walk through the forest, and the vegetation is not as dense, allowing for better wildlife viewing.

Where to Stay

Tourists have various accommodation options near the park, including:

• Halas Bay Beach Bungalows
• Fatima House
• Panorama Ocean View Resort
• Deja Blue
• Makuti Beach Bungalows
• Evergreen Bungalows
• Golden Blue Luxury Hotel
• Five Palms
• Paradise Beach Resort and Spa
• Zanzibar Bay Resort and Spa
• Filao Beach by Sansi
• Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar
• Emerald Zanzibar Resort and Spa
• The Residence Zanzibar
• Melia Zanzibar
• Toa Hotel and Spa
• Zanbluu Beach Hotel
• The Z Hotel Zanzibar
• Ocean Paradise Resort and Spa
• Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort
• Tambo House Hotel
• Zanzi Resort
• Sandies Baobab Beach Zanzibar, among others.

How to Get There

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is accessible by road from Stone Town, about 35 kilometers away.

Other Top Things to Do in Zanzibar

• Visit Spice Farms: Zanzibar is known as the Spice Islands due to its many spice plantations. You can visit these plantations to learn how spices are planted, harvested, and processed. Some of the common spices include cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, white pepper, ginger, garlic, and more.
• Snorkeling: One of the best activities in Zanzibar is snorkeling. The climate provides excellent conditions for snorkeling, especially during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. While there are several snorkeling spots on the main island, you can also explore other smaller islands.
• Swimming with Dolphins: Swimming with dolphins is one of the most exciting activities in Zanzibar. The ocean is home to over ten species of dolphins, creating a memorable experience for visitors.

The post Explore Zanzibar’s National Parks – Jozani Chwaka Bay & Beyond appeared first on Magical Gorilla Adventures.