Best Time to visit Tanzania-When to Go on Safari in Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season of June all through to October however in general there is no right time or wrong time to go on a Tanzania Safari as wildlife can be seen at any time of the year and the best time to visit Tanzania entirely depends on one’s interest.
Serengeti Plains
Simple Guide on When to Visit Tanzania
Between January and March is Wildebeest calving season and Serengeti national park attracts more predators such as lions, leopards among others in search of food hence this season becoming one of the best times to spot predators in the Serengeti national park.
Between June and July is the best time to witness the great wildebeest migration in large numbers in the Serengeti. However wildebeest migration can also be witnessed but not in large numbers in August till early November.
In January large numbers of migratory birds are arriving especially in Ngorongoro and Lake manyara and is the best time for birders to visit Tanzania as it increases chances of seeing variety of bird species. Tanzania Birding is also possible in November and May.
For Mountain climbers and hikes, the dry season of between and October is very favorable to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt.Meru.
All the above Tanzania safari activities can be done in the various national game parks in mostly Northern circuit parks of Serengeti, Lake manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
Tourists should not forget that whereas Tanzania can be visited all year round, the dry season would be the best time for anyone planning to visit Tanzania or go on a safari in Tanzania. This season enables animal viewing because as the grass dries up and the water holes too therefore, the animals have to move around the park in search for water and pasture and in most cases the animals tend to gather in an area having water in the national park therefore they gather around water holes rendering it the best spot for animal viewing. It also provides the best opportunity to catch the predators as they wait on the small animals coming to drink water along the banks of the river.
November 2024 is the time of the year when streams will return to their source as party goers and music lovers come to play and get lost with power, kindness, love and moves. They come together to celebrate music, culture and diversity and to celebrate each other in sound and nature at Nyege Nyege festival.
Born out of an act of sheer collective madness in the rainy season of 2015, Nyege Nyege festival is now considered the most important international music festival in East Africa for both its one of a kind curation and its unique East African party vibe. It takes place in Uganda at Nile Discovery Beach on the source of the River Nile from November 14th to November 17th .
This year’s edition of Nyege Nyege festival which is widely considered one of the most famous musical gatherings of the 21st Century in the world and will aim to continue showcasing African music in all of its dimensions to the world. It aims to include vital connections with Latin America and the Caribbean, explore secret sonic gateways, new voices and ancient traditions and attempt to leave you wondering what a festival just happened!
What is the price of Nyege Nyege Music Festival Ticket 2024?
Wondering what is the price of Nyege Nyege festival Ticket! The prices for Nyege Nyege festival 2024 are as follows;
Non East African Citizens Festival Ticket/Pass costs 125$ valid from November 14th to November 18th
East African Citizens Festival Ticket/Pass costs 150,000UGX valid from November 14th to November 18th
Note that Engabi Tours and Travel charges a surcharge of 20 Percent to help book your ticket
Wondering what other activities you can do before or after the Nyege Nyege music festival to get a memorable experience in Uganda!, Engabi Tours and Travel ltd has put together someSafari packagesyou can go for before or after Nyege Nyege festival 2024 to get the full experience of the Pearl of Africa and below are some packages:
4 Days Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara Tour
This 4 Days Tanzania safari is 4 days 3 nights safari tour to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park that brings you the best of a Tanzania Safari Holiday including the famous tree climbing lions and the shallow but wide soda lake, Ngorongoro Crater the home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa and the world’s famous Serengeti plains. The 4 Days Tanzania safari package can be booked as an add-on for a Uganda/Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, Kilimanjaro climbing safari or Zanzibar vacation trip. On this 4 Days Tanzania Safari to the Northern Circuit, you will experience a once in a life time excitement in some of the most spectacular wildlife parks in Africa.
Ngorongoro Crater at glance
4 Days Tanzania safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: Approximately 2½ hours
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or after breakfast at your hotel, you will meet and greet with your driver from Engabi Tours and Travel who will transfer you to Lake Manyara national park arriving in time for lunch. After lunch you head out into the park for an afternoon game viewing experience. The shallow and alkaline Lake Manyara which covers the largest area of the park is the seasonal home to thousands of flamingos coupled with more than 500 other bird species as well as a variety of mammals. This park is home to giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and wildebeests, elephants and tree climbing lions.After the wildlife viewing experience you will retire to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2:Transfer from Lake Manyara National Park to Serengeti Plains National Park
Distance: 205 km
Travel time: Approximately 6 hours
After an early breakfast you will head towards the Serengeti plains National Park via the beautiful farmlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area arriving in time for lunch. After lunch you will descend into the heart of wild Africa-the Serengeti National Park specifically in central park area known as the Seronera area. This part of Serengeti is rich in wildlife and its home to Seronera River which provides a valuable water source to this area and therefore attracts wildlife well representative of most of the Serengeti’s species. After your afternoon game viewing session, you retire to your lodge for dinner and overnight
Day 3: Optional Balloon Safari and Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Distance: 145 km
Travel time: Approximately 4 hours
Today you may wake up to an optional early morning Hot Air Balloon(lasts for one hour) over the Serengeti Plains floating silently above the awakening bush while spotting wildlife and enjoying the amazing scenery of East Africa across rivers and over numerous small villages.
You will later return to the lodge for breakfast and thereafter depart to Ngorongoro Conservation area. You will stopover at Oldvai gorge where anthropologists Dr Lois and Dr Mary Leaky discovered the skulls of “Nut cracker Man” and “Handy man” also known as the “early Men”.
Upon arrival at the lodge in Ngorongoro,you will have lunch and later descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to view wildlife. You will later visit Lake Magadi a large but shallow alkaline lake to see the Flamingos, hippos and other bird species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 4: Transfer to Arusha and end of Safari
After a heavy breakfast, you will transfer to Arusha where you will arrive in time for lunch marking the end of you Tanzania Northern Circuit safari
3 Days Tanzania Safari- Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara Luxury Camping Trip
Our 3 Days Tanzania Safari package is a Luxury Camping Safari that mixes the best of the African bush with an exclusive and luxurious atmosphere. The 3 Days Tanzania safari tour brings you 3 days 2 nights in Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp which is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and situated in the Ngorongoro Crater rim valley giving guests unrivaled access to the crater floor.
This 3 Days Tanzania safari package is designed to provide you with a short but extreme Tanzania Northern Circuit safari experience in three of the most famous national parks in Tanzania (Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire) where you will see huge herds of elephants and flocks of flamingos among others.
Lions in Ngorongoro Crater
3 Days Tanzania safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
From your hotel in Arusha or on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will have a short briefing about your safari after which you will transfer to Lake Manyara National Park (one of the smallest but most diverse parks in Tanzania). The shallow and alkaline Lake Manyara which covers the largest area of the park is the seasonal home to thousands of flamingos coupled with more than 500 other bird species as well as a variety of mammals. This park is home to giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and wildebeests, elephants and lions. On arrival, you will embark on a game drive to watch the animals and absorb the landscape and after an extensive game drive and a picnic lunch, you will transfer to Ngorongoro conservation area the home of the crater. You will have dinner and overnight at your Campsite.
Day 2: Morning and Evening Game Drives in Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater which is approximately 600 metres deep and 20 km wide. The Caldera is home to different wildlife species and while in your game drive you will have the possibility of seeing all different kinds of mammals ranging from lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, spotted hyenas and a variety of bird species. After lunch you will embark on another evening game drive returning to the camp late in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Game drives in Tarangire National Park and transfer to Arusha
After a very early breakfast, you will transfer to Tarangire National Park arriving in time for a morning game drive. The park stretches along River Tarangire and is mostly composed of low lying hills of the Great Rift Valley floor. The natural vegetation of the park is majorly endless grasslands, huge baobab trees, the perennial Tarangire River and seasonal swamps which are home to the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania.
Along the River Tarangire, you will be able to see elephants, giraffes, bushbucks, hartebeests, dik-diks, waterbucks, warthogs and reedbucks all year round and in addition to the above you may see buffaloes, zebras and wildebeests which are always closely followed by a range of predators such as lions and Leopards among others. You will have an interval break for lunch and later in afternoon transfer to Arusha arriving in time for your onward flight.
What to Pack & what clothes to wear for a Tanzania safari .
What can i pack for a Tanzania safari?. Having paid for your safari, transportation and accommodation what clothes and shoes to pack for a Tanzania lingers in your mind. You now have to make sure that you have packed the right safari gear in terms of clothes,shoes,sun glasses,hats among others for your Tanzania safari trip. Safari clothes cut across all major national parks and reserves. The advice we have provided below is a Tanzania safari packing list and for Wildlife safaris across East Africa and therefore you might need more if you want to combine your safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda as an additional.
Tanzania safari packing list
Valid passport and Visa
Photo copy of passport
Airline ticket
International health card with immunisations (yellow fever)
Tanzania National Parks entrance Fees-TANAPA Fees 2022/2023
Tanzania National Parks entrance fees for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara Parks are charges set by TANAPA(Tanzania National Parks Authority) and NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority) that tourists are required to pay in order to access the parks and take part in different Tanzania safari wildlife viewing activities. Tanzania National Parks entrance fees is something any traveler heading to Tanzania should endeavor to know during the planning of their trips. The fees can be paid through the agent or at the gates using credit cards(Master cards and Visa cards)
In addition to Tanzania park entrance fees, tourists who overnight in accommodations or camps inside the park are required to pay Concession fees.
Tanzania Parks entrance fees Chart
Updated Tanzania National Parks entrance fees 2022/2023
Park Fees (Adults)
Arusha National park- $59 (High Season), $53.10 (Low Season)
Kilimanjaro National Park-$82.60 (High Season), 82.60 (Low Season)
Lake Manyara National Park-$59 (High Season), $53.10 (Low Season)
Ngorongoro Conservation area-$60
Serengeti National park- $82.60 (High Season), $70.80 (Low Season)
Tarangire National Park- $59 (High Season), $53.10 (Low Season)
Park Fees for Children
Arusha National Park-$17.70
Kilimanjaro National park-$23.60
Lake Manyara national park-$17.70
Ngorongoro conservation area-$20
Serengeti National Park-$23.60
Tarangire national park-$17.70
Concession Fees
Arusha National Park-N/A
Kilimanjaro national park-N/A
Lake Manyara National park-N/A
Ngorongoro conservation area-$70.80
Serengeti national park- $70.80 (High Season) $59.0 (Low Season)
Tarangire National park-n/a
Special Campsite fees
Arusha National Park-N/A
Kilimanjaro national park-N/A
Lake Manyara National park-N/A
Ngorongoro conservation area-$70.80
Serengeti national park- $70.80 (High Season) $59.0 (Low Season)
Tarangire National park-n/a
Ngorongoro crater fees-$295
Ranger fee -$17.70
Oldupai gorge-Adults($35.40) Children($11.80)
Letoli foot prints- Adults($23.60) Children ($11.80)
For Park Fees, the ‘High Season’ runs from 01/07/21 to 14/03/22 and 16/05/22 to 30/06/22; and the ‘Low Season’ from 15/03/22 to 15/05/22. For both Concession and Camping fees, the ‘High Season’ runs from 01/07/21 to 30/09/21; and the ‘Low Season’ runs from 01/10/21 to 30/06/22.
Note: Tanzania national park fees and rates published by TANAPA and NCAA may be subject to changes any time.
Contact usto book your Tanzania migration safari ,Gorilla safari, wildlife viewing safari and cultural tours.
Volunteer and Safari in Africa for free during your Volunteering Gorilla and wildlife safari holidays in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania
Volunteer and Safari in Africa for free: East Africa is a region under change and a lot has been achieved in terms of development. Through our safari packages that combine safari and holiday experiences with volunteering experience at a request, we give you an exciting opportunity to volunteer and safari in Africa for free in a humanitarian and environmental cause through which you can leave a lasting change among communities and individuals across East Africa. If you are planning a safari trip or holiday to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and would like to volunteer during or after your safari in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania , we have some planned volunteer and safari trips in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania for you that would interest your charity soul.
Going for a Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania Safari holiday is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle but i think you don’t actually get to explore the continent and its people to the fullest without being a volunteer in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania.
Many tourists and travelers wonder what kind of opportunities are presently available for them to take part in and at Engabi Tours and Travel we believe you can spend part of your Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania safari time taking part in different life changing activities in East Africa like building new relationships, life empowering buildings such as classrooms, medical facilities, wells, latrines, or teaching in a classroom, tutoring and much more.
Volunteer and Safari opportunities in Africa on a Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania safari tour.
Teaching Opportunities especially the English language
Tutoring in areas of Math, English, Reading, Writing and other basics.
Improving on Libraries and Reading skills
Sports Clinics of all kinds
Community Projects such women in business empowerment, literacy projects and ethical trainings among others.
Medical Volunteering
Slum Children Projects
Vocational Training
Vacation Bible Schools
.Construction Work and Building
Still thinking about it!! Below are some amazing reasons why you should involve yourself in a Volunteer and Safari program in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania with Engabi Tours and Travel.
It helps you fulfill a dream
Perhaps you have been dreaming of seeing an elephant? Then why spend money heading to a zoo or a safari!!.There are opportunities for you to volunteer with a charity that supports the welfare of these beautiful animals. With so many animals now on the endangered list, there is no better time to get involved.
Escape the tourists
We have all been on those holidays where we are abused from the airport to a hotel full of people with the same nationality.
If you want to meet local people and avoid the crowds then volunteering allows you to do that. Stay and work with local people making a genuine difference to their countries and avoid becoming a ‘typical’ tourist’.
Challenge yourself
Push your limits – try something new. Volunteering is not easy and it requires hard-work and dedication. At the end of each day you will be able to sleep happy knowing that you have done something worthwhile since you don’t just lounge at the pool – develop your skills.
Meet new friends
Volunteering is social because it involves the beauty of heading out on a volunteering project where you are guaranteed to meet people who are just as passionate as you.
Working closely with a group of people will mean that you will fly home having made some amazing life-long friends.
Gain a unique experience
No two volunteering experiences are the same. Each day you will get involved in different activities and meet new people. Each day’s activities will be governed by what is needed by the charity.
Become a local
After a few days living like a local, you will be surprised how quickly you are seen as a part of the community. Rather than being an outsider, looking in. Then why not become an insider and learn what really makes the community unique.
Below are the different safari trips that would compliment your charity soul for a once in a life time experience;
Gorilla Safari Lodges in Bwindi | Best Lodges For Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) include Four Gorillas Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge and Bweza Gorilla Lodge. These Gorilla Safari Lodges come with the best amenities to make visitors’ stay comfortable and memorable and the must-find amenities/facilities include hot showers, bathtubs, restaurants, fully stocked bars, and more.
Gorilla Safari Lodges are also strategically located across the 4 main gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi (Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija and Buhoma) thus guaranteeing you not only incredible chance to track different gorilla families, but also enjoy exceptional view of the surrounding areas.
This blog shows you the travelers most favorite gorilla safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda including Luxury, Mid Range and Budget Gorilla Safari Lodges.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is remarkably the most exceptional destination in Africa where tourists can find the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Over 459 of the 1063 mountain gorillas in the world all live in Bwindi and what makes it a complete destination is the fact that visitors have a variety of accommodation options to choose from.
There are comfortable gorilla safari lodges inside and in the outskirts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for tourists to book for a night stay before or after gorilla trekking experience. What kind of accommodation facility are you looking for on Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi? Is it budget, midrange or luxury? All categories of gorilla safari lodges exist in Bwindi NP.
Travelers Favorite Gorilla Safari Lodges in Bwindi
Four Gorillas Lodge (Luxury Option)
Four Gorillas lodge Uganda offers the best Luxury Accommodation of all worlds to those who travel to Bwindi Forest National Park. In this oasis of privacy, serenity and rejuvenation, there are no crowds, just Mountain Gorillas as well as the soothing sound of birds, rustling trees, soft breezes and breath-taking views – the Four Gorillas Lodge is the closest to the headquarters of the Bwindi National Park, only 10 minutes away from the Gorilla tracking and briefing center.
Four Gorillas Lodge Room
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (luxury option)
Built on the Nteko ridge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is one of the beautiful gorilla safari lodges anyone on Uganda gorilla tour in Bwindi should expect to book for their overnight stay. This comfortable lodge is built suitably in an area where guests are guaranteed of splendid views over the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the surrounding Virunga Volcanoes.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge features 11 private cottages, 2 family-style villas, and 3 luxurious suites set above the Bwindi NP on a forested ridge with a unique elegance. This safari lodge comes with incredibly styled furnishings, luxurious rooms, cozy dining, reception, ceilings, volcanic stone fireplaces, African-styled furniture, garden of flowers and trees.
Stunning Views from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Buhoma Lodge (Luxury Option)
Boasting of its incredibly commanding views of the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is a luxury facility worth considering for a night stay. Located in the Northern sector of Bwindi – Buhoma region, Buhoma Lodge offers easier access to the park thus making it the ideal place to stay if you have plans to track mountain gorillas in Buhoma region.
Buhoma Lodge is an award winning facility; with about 10 chalets all providing the incredible views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The chalet feature private veranda and they en suite bathroom, good beds, hot shower, flushing toilet and more.
Fire Place at Buhoma Lodge Bwindi
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (luxury Option)
This gorilla lodge is found in Nkuringo area, the Southern gorilla trekking region of Bwindi. This is an eco-friendly facility, built on a forested ridge near the Nkuringo gorilla trekking trailhead. This lodge features 8 luxurious cottages constructed from local volcanic stones. It is strategically lying in an area with breathtaking views of the park and the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda, Congo’s Nyiragongo Volcanoes plus the Congo borders.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is a luxury lodge comprising of 7 guesthouses. Set at an altitude of 7000ft, overviewing the Virunga Volcanoes, Bwindi and has facilities including fireplace, en-suite bathrooms with accessible shower, separate lounge, outside veranda for relaxation, restaurant, parking, and more.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge(Luxury Option)
Lying in the Northern region, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge is an intimate luxury lodge offering guests truly distinct jungle safari experience. Overviewing the spectacularly primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge prides itself of its stylish setting perfect for relaxation before or after having your thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. There are 8 stone and timber glass-fronted bandas, overviewing the forest; en-suite rooms, showers (cold and hot), central lounge, gardens, comfortable beds, fully stocked bar, dining area and more. The amazing bit about spending a night at this facility is that guests have a chance to see gorillas that often come roaming around.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge(Luxury Option)
The Retreat Gorilla Forest Lodge is a remote and atmospheric facility set deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP. This luxury facility is run by Abercrombie and Kent, featuring 8 comfortable tents, Queen-sized beds, bathtubs overviewing the lush forest canopy; shower, lounge, fully stocked bar, fireplace, and other amenities fitted to make guest stay comfortable.
Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Mid Range Option)
Bweza Gorilla Lodge is on the boundary line of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, close to the starting point of trekking to the gorillas. The area is in the Kisoro region in south-west Uganda. Bweza Gorilla Lodge is in a remote area and the journey to paradise is long, but eye-opening and scenic. The quickest route is by air to the Kisoro airstrip.
Ichumbi Lodge(Mid Range Option)
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge provides Luxury Cottages, with en-suite facilities and a private balcony to enjoy the spectacular view of Bwindi Forest and beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge(Mid Range Option)
This is one of the best midrange lodges, set on 6 acre land in Rushaga region. This safari camp features 30 beds, six self-contained bandas, 2 family bandas, and it is built overviewing the stunning Rwenzori Mountains.
Gorilla Valley LODGE(Budget Option)
The Haven Lodge is built in a luxurious area above Buhoma village. This was officially opened to guests in December 2014, and has facilities plus services such as bar, cellphone, mosquito net, laundry services, parking area and more.
Other gorilla safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Jungle View Lodge
Gorilla Friends Lodge
Gift of Nature Lodge
Wagtail Eco-safari camp
Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort
Engagi Lodge
CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp
Silverback Lodge
CONTACT USfor price Quotation and information of an all Inclusive Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda.
How To Plan A Gorilla Tour In Uganda For First Timers (5 Steps)
Planning a Gorilla Tour in Uganda involves deciding on where you want see Gorillas from in Uganda between Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks, how long you want to stay on your Gorilla Tour in Uganda, choosing a reliable Gorilla Trekking Company or Tour Operator, knowing what to pack for a Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda and Finding out which travel requirements you need to travel to Uganda.
Some of the answers to your questions will be obvious and others you just have to search the internet or ask a friend who’s been to that destination before. Our guide to planning for a Gorilla Trekking Uganda Experience for first timers is designed to help you and make it easy for your to plan your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour.
Mother and Baby Gorilla
5 Steps to Planning a Gorilla Trekking Tour to Uganda:
Choose where to watch or trek Gorillas in Uganda
Decide how long to stay on your Gorilla tour in Uganda
Choose a reliable Gorilla Trekking Company or Tour Operator to book your tour with
Know what to pack for a gorilla Trekking tour in Uganda
Find out which travel requirements you need to travel to Uganda
1-Choose where to Watch or Trek Gorillas in Uganda
There are two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is arguably the more popular choice because it’s home to a large population of Mountain gorillas, has a wide range of accommodation, is easily accessible by air and can be easily be combined with a Savannah Safari for wildlife viewing lovers. On the other hand Mgahinga National Park is a popular option for cross-over itineraries with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and it’s also the only park in Uganda where you can trek Golden Monkeys making it the best place for an option of combining gorilla trekking with Golden Monkey Tracking. Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga can also easily combined with Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga (Bwindi) or Nkuringo (Bwindi) for Trekkers interested in double Gorilla Trekking.
Gorilla Trekking lovers should however note that the Price of a Gorilla Permit at 800$ and the chances of Seeing the Gorillas is the same for Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks.Contact usfor guidance on which park to visit
2-Decide how long to Stay on Your Gorilla Tour in Uganda
It is very important to decide on how many days you want to stay on a Gorilla Safari Tour in Uganda and this depends on a number factors including your budget, your schedules and the kind of experience and additional activities you want. For first time Gorilla Trekking Lovers, we think 3-5 Days will be perfect for a memorable gorilla trekking safari. However for Gorilla Trekkers interested in adding more activities such as wildlife viewing in Savannah Park or Chimpanzees Trekking, 5-21 Days are enough to Cover the best of a Uganda Safari. Gorilla Trekking Lovers should note a Gorilla Tour can be exhausting hence they need to have to themselves enough time to relax on arrival or after the long hiking encounters and long driving hours.
3-Choose a reliable Gorilla Trekking Company or Tour Operator to book your Tour With
To ensure a smooth planning, you need to choose and contact a reliable Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator with your dates of travel, your desired experience, number of travelers and your desired type of accommodation between Budget, Mid-range or luxury and they will help you to book your Gorilla Trekking Permit, Transportation means, accommodation and provide you with any additional local information and knowledge to ensure safety, responsible travel and easy communication in addition to saving you time and money by securing discounts in lodges and other activities. Engabi Tours and Travel Ltd is a reliable Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator Uganda with TripadvisorReviews from our past client. We also organize trips to Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
4-Know what to Pack for a gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda
Gorilla trekking clothes and what to wear cuts across for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park and the advice we have provided below is for gorilla trekking though one might need more if they have wildlife safaris as an additional. Read hear about Gorilla trekking safari packing list. Please note that it is good to pack ahead of time since it gives you enough time to shop for whatever item you may need for your tour without panicking.
5-Find out which Travel Requirements you need to travel to Uganda
Always find out if you need a Visa to enter Uganda as some countries are exempted. Currently Visas to Uganda can be applied for online only and we advise that you always use the country’s official Immigration website instead of commercial websites that charge extra fees. In addition to Visas, always ensure that you know which vaccine certificates are required and we advise that you get administered with yellow fever vaccine and other travel vaccines as per the rules of your destination and based on the recommendation of your doctor you should take anti-Malarial tablets
Finally since you are ready to go on your Gorilla Trekking tour in Uganda, don’t forget to travel responsibly because going on a Gorilla Tour is as much about the local people as it is with the wilderness. Therefore take sometime getting to know the local people and their culture. Try learning the local language and keep a diary so that all the wonderful things seen and experienced are kept and remembered. You can also inquire from your tour operator if there are community projects you can support or volunteer in while on your safari holiday.
CONTACT US for a Gorilla Safari Tour Price Quotation or information and inspiration
19 Facts about Mountain Gorillas | Why are Mountain gorillas endangered?
Facts about Mountain Gorillas and why are Mountain gorillas endangered?. Mountain Gorillas are some of the most exciting primates to spend your time with. The major exciting facts about Mountain Gorillas are that they are very strong, very good eaters, very similar to humans and have pretty much the smallest sexual organs( why mountain gorillas are unique). Whether you have already booked your permit or planning to book one, maybe you are just challenging yourself to have more knowledge about this exciting primate. You can probably find all the important information in this blog about nineteen facts about the mountain gorillas.
To save you the suffering of navigating several pages of textbooks and hours of internet surfing, we have narrowed all the information about a mountain gorilla in just nineteen paragraphs. You find it exciting. We hope!!
African Mountain Gorilla
The mountain gorillas are the largest and the rarest of all the three species. A male mountain gorilla can reach an average of 6 feet tall when standing upright and weigh 180 to 230 kilograms. Females are smaller with 4 ft. 5 ft. average height while standing and weigh between 70 and 120 kilograms.
There are three species of gorillas and the mountain gorilla is one of the subspecies of Gorillas that exist today; the western lowland gorilla which occurs in West Africa, the Cross River gorilla that can be found at the Nigerian/Cameroonian border and Grauer’s gorilla or the eastern lowland gorilla in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Males develop a streak of silver hair when they are mature and thus adopt the name silverback. The silvery appearance is caused by short, grey hairs which cover the back and extends to hips and upper thighs. The silver back develops when they are about 15 years of age in the wild.
Man is the Gorilla’s closest relative. The nuclear DNA differs by 1.6% between humans and gorillas and there’s 99% likeness between man and a mountain gorilla. Their hands and feet resemble our own so much and interestingly the distance between their big toe and the other toes is very short. Their teeth too very much resemble ours, except for the very long, the likeness is enormous.
A mountain gorilla is an endangered species and fewer of them are left today and only inhabit the tropical rainforest ecosystems of Virunga volcanoes of Rwanda, Zaire and Uganda with Uganda having the largest last remaining population of the mountain gorilla.
The population sizes and densities of mountain gorillas are difficult to ascertain for it is not possible to count non-habituated gorillas directly. What researchers and wildlife authorities do to obtain their numbers and population densities is that they make estimate based on the number of nest.As of 2019 the gorillas in Uganda are 459 mountain gorillas.
They create transects within the forest over a given distance and a walk along these transects and record all gorilla nests visible until the entire forest is covered. That’s how the population sizes and densities of non-habituated mountain gorillas are arrived at.
The mountain gorillas have shorter arms than the other populations and very long, silky hair, mainly on the arms. Though the hair on their backs is shorter than on most other body parts.
Mountain Gorillas are actually shy animals; they live in social groups of 2-35 individuals. These are called families however a collection of mountain gorillas is called a band. The silverback who is the dominant male is the leader of the group and commands all respect from all other group members, as a leader he’s responsible for the safety and security of the family.
Mountain Gorillas are herbivores and so eat a lot of vegetation they feed on roots, leaves, stems and bamboo. But the gorilla actually loves foraging on bamboo. They also eat soil occasionally. It is believed that the soil contains minerals that maybe missing in their normal diet, or the minerals neutralize poisonous substances in their food.
Gorillas live primarily on the ground. They spend only 5–20% of the day in trees and when they climb, they mainly do eat fruits and leaves on higher branches.
Mountain gorillas unlike other species occasionally climb beyond the tree line. The tree line is the altitude above which trees do not grow.
Mountain Gorillas leave their sleeping sites very early in the morning, feed and take rest around noon. In the afternoon they forage again before resting at night. The rest periods are for Social contacts, the females will be breast feeding and the older gorillas will play a little bit while the leader watches over. Occasionally the silverback participates and plays with the young ones.
The sleeping nests are made using the branches of bushes and other plants. The animals pull the branches into the center and plants are bent in to form a rim around the nest.
Mountain gorillas can never sleep in the same nest for more than one night. Every evening the gorillas construct a new nest, each animal constructs its own nest and it’s only the infant gorillas that share a nest with their mothers.
Man is the mountain Gorilla’s main threat, apart from you and I, gorillas do not really have enemies. And when there’s a threat, Silverback male(s) responds immediately by giving off an intense vocalization, gnashes the canine teeth and beats the chest.
The other group members drive the group away from the source of danger. The dominant male is entirely responsible for defending his family. There can be a show of strength when two mountain gorilla groups meet especially between the leading silverbacks.
A mountain gorilla that is under great care can survive up to 53 years in a zoo; however one in the wild can live up to 35 years. Like in humans, old mountain gorillas are susceptible to certain illnesses as well as body and muscular weaknesses.
They suffer from the loss of teeth and find difficulty in feeding. The other group members take the responsibility of nursing and looking after the aged members.
Mountain Gorilla Most Rare Facts
A Gorilla is one of the largest animals with very small sexual organs. Its testes and penis are as small as 3 cm long when erect averagely whereas its testes weigh between 30–35 g. whereas an average man’s penis 12.9cm long when erect and 10-15 grams of testicle weight.
The gestation period of a gorilla is about 257 days on average. It is also known that Twin births occur among gorillas as often as in humans. A new-born baby gorilla can weigh up to 2.4 Kgs on average.
Gorillas mainly use vocalizations for communication. This is because they live in thick forests and they use the vocalizations to trace group members they cannot see and can accompany social interactions.
On average, an adult silverback can make eight vocalizations per hour, most often during travelling.
A gorilla male achieves his high-ranking position not only because of his strength, which he proves when fighting against competitors, but also because of his experience and abilities.
If the females notice that their silverback is too inexperienced, they will transfer to another group where the silverback is more experienced especially in handling human enemies.
Contact usto book a Gorilla Safari in Uganda or Rwanda.
error: Content is protected !!
Open chat
WhatsApp
Hello, This is Chris Engabi Tours and Travel Tour Consultant. How can I be of help?
