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28 Jun 2023

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Arusha National Park

One of Tanzania’s most remarkable national parks, Arusha National Park is situated in the country’s northeast, close to Arusha Town and the Kenya-Tanzania border. It is 35 kilometers by car from Arusha City, 58 kilometers from Moshi, and 35 kilometers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). The second-oldest national park in Tanzania, Arusha International Airport, is spread across an area of 552 square kilometers and features a variety of scenery in all directions. These landscapes include the funnels of the Meru crater, the Jekukumia River, and Mountain Meru’s peak in the west; the savannah-dominated Ngurdoto crater in the south-east; and the shallow, alkaline Momella lakes in the north-east.

Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro, is part of the Arusha National Park. It is a volcanic cone that is thought to have erupted 3 million years ago. A spectacular crater called “Ngurdoto crater” is located atop this mountain, which is one of the most outstanding features in Arusha National Park. It is located at an elevation of 4,566 meters. The Ngurdoto crater, also known as the Little Ngorongoro, has a diameter of 3.2 kilometers and a depth of 300 meters. It is shaped like a basin and has extremely steep sides that are covered in dense jungle. Inhabitants of the marshy grassland at the bottom of the crater include buffalo, elephants, antelopes, baboons, leopards, monkeys, and many different species of birds.

Together with Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park is the second-oldest park in Tanzania. The park owes its founding and existence to Count Teleki of Hungary, who visited the Momella region in 1876. When he first arrived, the area’s large population of hippopotamuses and black rhinos captivated him. The Trappe family also visited the area in 1907 and later built a farm there that they utilized as a cattle ranch. The farm and Ngurdoto crater were included in the territory of the park when it was formed as a national park in 1960, and in 1967 Mount Meru region was also included to the park. The Warusha locals who formerly lived in the region that now bears the name of Arusha National Park are the source of the park’s name.

In addition to its stunning scenery and natural features, Arusha National Park is home to over 400 different kinds of birds and a variety of mammal species. Arusha National Park is one of the top 6 places to visit in the world for wildlife viewing due to the high concentration of animals there. Some of the animals in the park include buffalo, zebras, warthogs, hippos, reedbucks, duikers, bush pigs, giraffes, dik-dik, leopards, elephants, wildcats, spotted hyenas, blue monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys. The greatest places to see these creatures include the Mount Meru slopes, dark montane woods, the area around the Ngurdoto Museum, and Momella Lakes.

the number of birds Over 400 species, including forest species, migratory species that are present from November to April, woodland species, and water species along the Momella lakes’ coasts, may be found at Arusha National Park. These birds include flamingos, hammerkops, pelicans, white crested Tilt, African paradise flycatchers, grey headed bush shrikes, red-billed Oxpeckers, bronzy sunbirds, pied Avocet, black-winged stilt, African jacanas, African spoonbills, black-headed herons, Jacobin cuckoos, Levaillant’s cuckoos, crowned eagles 1690

Tourist activities in Arusha national park

Game viewing

One of the most memorable safari activities in Arusha National area is game viewing. The area is home to several kinds of large mammals that live in different vegetation types such savannah grasslands, woods, and along the Momella Lakes’ banks. During a game watching drive in an open-roofed vehicle, you can see a variety of creatures, including waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, dik-dik, zebras, and many others. There are three game viewing experiences available: morning, afternoon, and evening.

Bird watching

One of Tanzania’s most significant birding regions, Arusha National Park is home to over 400 different bird species, making birdwatching there a memorable experience. Flamingos, hammerkops, pelicans, white crested Tilts, African paradise flycatchers, grey-headed bush shrikes, red-billed Oxpeckers, bronzy sunbirds, pied Avocets, black-winged stilts, African jacanas, and African s The savannah grasslands, the shores of Momella Lake where flamingos congregate, and the slopes and base of Mount Meru all make excellent locations for bird watching.

Mountain Meru climbing

lovers of mountain climbing Mount Meru, the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and a magnificent mountain for mountain climbing adventure, is the ideal mountain for you to climb in Arusha National Park. The mountain’s Ngurdoto crater, inner wall cliffs, and steep rise from a circular base are just a few of its exquisite aesthetic features. Mountain climbing on Mount Meru is done by the Momella route, which is the only path leading to the mountain’s summit. This route begins at Momella gate on the mountain’s eastern flank and travels along the northern arm of the horsehoe crater. Utilizing the Momella route, Mount Meru may be climbed in 4 days, 3 nights.

Walking safaris

The Ujambo Wa Mbogo, also known as “the buffalo glade,” is the ideal place to conduct a walking safari in Arusha National Park. This area is dominated by marsh, bushes, and numerous streams that serve as a feeding ground for warthogs, buffaloes, and giraffes, all of which can be seen in this area. Walking safaris are a grand adventurous retreat that allow you to explore parts of the park that are not accessible by vehicle. Walking safaris are also conducted on a number of the park’s paths, including those that pass beneath Mount Meru and along the rim of Ngurdoto Crater.

Canoeing

Arusha National Park offers two sessions of canoeing on Momella Lake, each lasting about three hours and featuring beautiful scenery, wildlife, and a cool lake breeze. The morning session starts at 7:30 am, and the evening session starts at 4:00 pm. While canoeing, you can see Mount Meru clearly, as well as other wildlife including buffalo, bushbucks, giraffes, and hippos, as well as a variety of waterbirds like huge kingfishers, cattle egrets, and storks.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding takes about 5-7 hours, and while you’re on the back of the horse, you’ll see beautiful sights like Mount Meru and a variety of animals like elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and more. Horseback riding is a thrilling safari activity as well as an environmentally friendly way to tour and enjoy the adventure. A horseback riding excursion provides a wonderful opportunity to get up close to creatures like giraffes and to travel along areas that are inaccessible by car.

Accommodations in the Arusha National Park

The Arusha National Park is littered with several lodging facilities that provide travelers on safari with a place to stay. These facilities are available in luxury, midrange, and budget categories. Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, the Africa Tulip, Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort and Spa, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, Momella Wildlife Lodge, Mount Meru Game Lodge, Hatari Lodge, Itikoni Seasonal Camp, and many more lodging options are available in Arusha National Park.

Accessing Arusha National Park

About 35 kilometers to the north-east of Arusha, the region’s capital, is where you’ll find Arusha National Park. Both plane and road travel are required to get to Arusha National Park, which requires a about 40-minute journey. Both private and public transportation are available by road. There are multiple daily buses that travel from Arusha city to Ngare Nanyuki village and stop at Ngongongare gate. Kilimanjaro International Airport serves as the landing point for flights to Arusha National Park; the park is 46 kilometers away from the airport.

28 Jun 2023

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Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park

Tanzania is home to Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park. situated in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro area, 190 kilometers towards the southern hemisphere. It has a boundary with the city of Moshi and is 1,688 square kilometers in size. Mountain Kilimanjaro, one of Africa’s seven natural wonders, is situated close to Kenya’s northern border and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tallest peak in Africa is included in the national park. With its highest point at 5895 meters, Mount Kilimanjaro, also referred to as “the mountain of light,” is the highest point in all of Africa. The park is divided into five unique zones, one of which is the arctic zone, where there is a lot of snow over 5000 meters.

In 1973, it was gazetted as a national park. The German colonial rulers classified Mountain Kilimanjaro and the surrounding forest as a game reserve during the colonial era, when Tanzania was still known as Tanganyika. Up until 1973, when the Tanzania Parks Authority (TANAPA) designated it as a national park.

ANIMALS IN THE PARK

Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park is the ideal location for a traveler interested in wildlife safaris because it is home to a variety of unique wildlife creatures. The African big five can be found in the park.

ELEPHANTS

The elephant, or Loxodonta Africana as it is scientifically termed, can weigh between 6000 and 7000 kg and stand about 3 meters tall when fully grown. While female elephants are typically found in groups headed by a matriarch and surrounded by younger females and their children, male elephants prefer to live alone. The herds, which are headed by matriarchs, can have up to 110 individual female elephants, including moms, daughters, sisters, and aunts. Elephants live in the sub-Saharan flora and savannah grasslands. Elephants use extremely low frequencies that are inaudible to human ears to communicate over great distances. The mother elephant surrounds its offspring to protect them when they are in danger. Elephants can outpace humans despite their enormous size, and they are typically peaceful and kind until they are startled.

LEOPARDS

The leopard, often known as the “Panther Pardus,” is the best climber among the Big Five. The nocturnal carnivores emerge from hiding in the evening and night to search for prey, which they consume from the treetops to avoid attention from the lions and hyenas, as they spend the better part of their day hidden and finding it very difficult to do so during the day. Leopards frequently linger for a long time in one location. Because of the color of their skin, they can comfortably relax in the woods and caverns, which are their natural homes. They can readily catch prey thanks to their fast running speed of about 56 kph, their strength to jump over 3 meters in the air, and the fact that they are members of the cat family, which gives them keen eyesight. The leopards are excellent swimmers as well.

BLACK RHINOCEROS

The rhino is the second-largest mammal in terms of size, right behind elephants. As herbivores, rhinos live in meadows and travel in packs known as crashes. Their gestation period ranges from two to five years, and females usually give birth to single calves or occasionally twins. The bone calf is fed by its mother for roughly three years during its 18-month gestation period. Rhinos’ poor vision causes them to frequently knock things over. Rhinos have excellent hearing and smell senses despite having poor eyesight. When the female detects that the calf has been attacked, she can flee at a pace of 56 kph, weighing between 1800 and 2500 kg.

CAPE BUFFALOS

These animals are extremely deadly, always wandering alone. They are extremely hazardous because when they sense danger, they charge at breakneck speeds. The bulls stand when they are approached and then charge. The rainy season is when the buffaloes breed and give birth; the gestation period is 11.5 months. During its first five weeks, the baby is always hidden and cared for by its mother.

AFRICAN LION

The panther is known botanically. The most vicious animal in the jungle is the lion, Leo. These cats, who live in groups of up to 15, are gregarious creatures. Because to their strength, they are frequently referred to as the “king of the jungle.” Lions are significant in culture because they stand for power, bravery, and monarchy. While lions are gregarious creatures, they only prey on other animals when they need to survive. The thick mane and physical stature of the male lion help to differentiate it from the female, which appears to be smaller physically. Male lions weigh about 120 kg.

Giraffes, servals, hyenas, baboons, monkeys, antelopes, aardvarks, mongooses, honey badgers, tree hyraxes, and bush babies are among the numerous creatures in the park. Any traveler visiting the second-largest continent in the globe shouldn’t skip seeing some of the abundant wildlife that can be found there. The animals are divided into nocturnal and diurnal species. The majority of the animals eat and play throughout the day, making sunny afternoons the greatest time to watch them when they are forced to roam the park by the heat. The greatest time to see nocturnals is in the very early morning because they hurt during the night and have adaptations for that, making it dangerous for late-night game drives safaris.

BIRDS IN THE PARK

Because there are so many different flying species in East Africa, this area is known as a bird sanctuary. This is also true of Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park, which is home to several bird species that fill the air with music.

You can spot some of these common bird species when visiting the park.

TURACOS

These three species—Hartlaub’s Turaco, Schalow’s Turaco, and Violet Crested Turaco—are among those you might see at Kilimanjaro National Park. These sociable birds gather in groups of dozens and are frequently seen doing so. They mostly eat fruit and plant stuff for food. Gustav Hartlaub, a doctor from Germany, is the name of the Hartlaub. Hermann Schalow, a German financier, inspired the name Schalow.

AFRICAN PITTA

The “holy grail” of species, it is challenging to observe. It’s rare to catch a glimpse of it, despite its bursting bright colors. Their flanks, breast, and neck are mustard yellow, and their throat is a light salmon pink.Their dark green wings have accents of black, turquoise, and royal blue, while their underbelly and tail are scarlet.

CINNAMON CHESTED BEE EATER

species is found near the edges of forests, on wooded hillsides, in clearings, and in gardens. Because it eats other flying creatures like honeybees, moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles, it is sort of a predator.

NARINA TROGON

named for Frenchman Francois Le Vaillant’s mistress. The word for flower in Khoi Khoi is Narnia. The coloring of the sexes differs, with the soft brown and dull red of the females being less dramatic than that of the males.Males make a low, repetitive hoot when seeking to court females or protect their territory.

HORNBILLS

Additionally, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of these unique bird species. The omnivorous hornbill consumes fruits, insects, small birds, rodents, tiny reptiles, centipedes, and centipede eggs.Although they frequently roost in couples, they have also been observed in large flocks of hundreds of birds.

KINGFISHERS

such as the African pygmy Kingfisher and the Malachite Kingfisher. These beautiful blue or green birds are mesmerizing. These covert, quiet birds build their nests either into a ground termite nest or tunnels made by both sexes in sandy soil banks.Both parents provide for the children.

Numerous varieties of cuckoos, chats, barbets, woodpeckers, starlings, sunbirds, shrikes, and flycatchers are among the other bird species found in the park.

Mountain Kilimanjaro is the park’s other main draw. The mountain was home to the well-known volcanic cones “Mawenzi,” “Kibo,” and “Shira.” The highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, also happens to have the highest freestanding peak in the world at one of its summits. The Uhuru peak of the mountain is 5,895 meters high. The mountain Mount Kilimanjaro is also the most hiked. with a variety of unique ascent routes. This magnificent mountain’s presence gives the park extra flair.

ACTIVITIES

TREKKING AND HIKING MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO

One of the primary activities at the Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park is this. This mountain may be hiked in a very daring fashion because hikers can witness a lot of wildlife along the way. Depending on your itinerary, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can take you anywhere from 5 to 9 days. There are more than five ways to reach the top. Because this activity requires camping, it is typically done in groups. The mountain top is primarily covered in snow, and as the phrase goes, “the higher you go, the cooler it becomes.” Because of this and the fact that the temperature drops as you ascend, it is suggested to bring cardigans.

WILDLIFE SAFARIS

The park is blessed with all five of the big African mammals as well as many smaller unique animal species. Through the regularly planned game drive safaris, visitors can see some of the park’s animals, some of which were already described. Through these wildlife safaris, visitors led by rangers and guides get a peek of the park’s creatures. The Shira Plateau and Chala Crater Lake are two noteworthy natural attractions that can be seen by tourists.

COMMUNITY WALKS AND NATURE WALKS

Because they bring you closer to the park’s animals, the nature walks are led by heavily armed professionals. Because the tourists experience nature up close, it is quite daring.

On the other hand, community walks are a great way to become more familiar with the area around Kilimanjaro National Park, especially the fascinating masai people. Any traveler should visit these because of their extremely intriguing way of life and social structure.

The Park is reachable by both land and air. The experience would be more exciting on the road. It takes about two hours to drive through Moshi Town from Arusha to the Kilimanjaro National Park. It is a 50-minute journey from Moshi. It is accessible to tourists throughout the year, though it is advised to go during the dry season, which lasts from June to October.

ACCOMODATION

In and around Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park, there are several excellent lodging options. The choices range in price from cheap to luxurious, depending totally on the traveler’s budget. The venues include Kaliwa lodge, Shu’mata camp, Kambi Ya Tembo camp, Fortune Mountain Resort, Ndarakwai camp, Snowcap Cottages, Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, Babylon lodge, Aishi Machame hotel, Mount Kilimanjaro View lodge, Kibo Slopes Cottages, Kilimanjaro Halisi Retreat, Salinero Millie lodge, Kilinopark hotel, Kilemakyaro Mountain lodge, Kilimanjaro White House hotel among others.

28 Jun 2023

0 Comments By admin Tanzania Destinations

Serengeti national park

The Serengeti National Park, often known as the animal hub, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fantastic place to see wildlife. This park, which is situated in northwest Tanzania, is connected to Masai Mar National Reserve in the north by a boundary that runs along Kenya. The Serengeti National Park is bordered to the south and east by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maswa Game Reserve, the Ikorongo and Gumet Game Reserves, the Loliondo Game Control Area, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The 14,763 square kilometer Serengeti National Park, a popular safari destination in Tanzania, is made up of rolling grasslands, savannah, riverine forest, and forests. The Masai word “siringet” means “endless plains” or “the place where the land runs forever,” and the Serengeti national park is a true representation of an African wildlife safari destination made up of these endless rolling plains.

According to history, the Masai people used the Serengeti national park’s lands as grazing areas for their livestock for more than 200 years while grazing on the wide-open plains of the eastern Mara region. Sir Stewart Edward White was the first American to enter Serengeti National Park, and his explorations are recorded in northern Serengeti in 1913. Until professional hunters began visiting the area to hunt a variety of animals inhabiting the lands, little was known about the plains of Serengeti National Park. He went back to the Serengeti National Park in 1920 and slept there for three months close to Seronera. He and his companions killed roughly 50 lions during their visit, and as a result of the intense hunting, lions are now becoming rare in the region. Due to this, the British Colonial Administration established a 3.2 square kilometer partial game reserve; the Serengeti National Park as a whole was fully established in 1952.

After Bernhard Grzimek and his son Michael published the novel and the play “Serengeti Shall Not Due” in the 1950s, the Serengeti National Park gained considerable notoriety.

Serengeti national park comprises of a scenic landscape comprises of Lobo valley, Barfafu Gorge and Kopjes, Matiti plains, olduvai gorge, makoma hill, kusini plains, lake Ndutu, lower Grumeti woodlands, retina hippo pool, Seronera valley, Lamai triangle, upper grumeti woodlands and kopjes such as Moru kopjes, Masai kopjes, Gol kopjes and Simba kopjes.

One of the greatest places for Tanzania wildlife safaris is Serengeti National Park, which is home to a variety of mammals, including the full Big 5, carnivore species, monkeys, and reptiles. Numerous species of antelopes, including dik-diks, fringe-eared oryxes, and common elands, as well as aardvarks, aardwolves, bat-eared foxes, ground pangolins, crested porcupines, three species of hyraxes, cape hares, and many others can be found in the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti National Park is home to a variety of reptiles, including puff anders, black mambas, crocodiles, African pythons, black-necked spitting cobras, leopard tortoises, and serrated hinged teerapins.

One of the top tourist attractions in Serengeti National Park is the big wildebeest migration, which elevates the park to a top spot for wildlife viewing. The biggest population of large mammals observed anywhere in the world, the wildebeest migration involves the movement of over 1.5 million people, including over 500,000 wildebeests wandering the Serengeti-Mara environment, 250,000 plains zebras, and 300,000 Thomson gazelles.

Serengeti national park is also one of the top listed Tanzania birding safari destination habiting over 500 bird species, these birds include Masai ostrich, marabou storks, black crake, lesser flamingo, Ashy starling, love birds, yellow barbets, crowned cranes, helmeted guinea fowls, southern ground hornbill, kori bustards, secretary birds, oxpeckers, small finches, hartlaub’s turaco and many more.

Safari activities to do in Serengeti national park

Game drives

One of the most well-known Tanzania safari activities is going on a game drive through the Serengeti National Park, which has four main regions: Seronera and the south, Grumeti and the western corridor, central Serengeti, and northern Serengeti. The game drives available are

The greatest time to see big cats, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, is during a morning game drive, when they are most active and likely to be sunbathing.
Afternoon game drives take place right after lunch Full-day game drives provide visitors the chance to explore the entire park and see a variety of creatures, including zebras, leopards, elephants, and many more.
The greatest time to see nocturnal species like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other big cats is during a night game drive that is conducted in the pitch-black hours of the night with the use of a spot light.

Generally game drives in Serengeti national park offers sights of many animals such aslions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, topis, elands, coke’s hartebeests, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, various species of antelopes such as roan antelopes, common eland, bushbucks, greater kudus, fringe- eared oryxes and dik-dik and many more.

Birding

Serengeti National Park is one of the top birding locations in Tanzania for birding safaris. The park is a refuge for birders and is home to more than 500 species of birds that thrive in its unique habitat. Birding in Serengeti national park offers sights of many species of birds such as Masai ostrich, marabou storks, black crake, lesser flamingo, Ashy starling, love birds, yellow barbets, crowned cranes, helmeted guinea fowls, southern ground hornbill, Kori bustards, secretary birds, Oxpeckers, small finches, Hartlaub’s turaco and many more.

The best time to go birding in the Serengeti National Park is from November to April, when most birds are in their breeding season and migratory birds from Europe and other parts of Africa are present in the park, though birding is possible throughout the year.

Hot air balloon safaris

As part of a Tanzania safari, hot air balloon safaris in Serengeti National Park are a spectacular and iconic way to view the park’s plains and attractions from the air. This breathtaking safari experience offers aerial views of Serengeti National Park’s wilderness, including animals like lions, elephants, buffaloes, and cheetahs as well as the magnificent landscape. Beginning as early as 6 am, hot air balloon safaris in the Serengeti National Park depart from authorized locations in the Seronera area. This experience lasts for about 1-2 hours and is followed by a champagne brunch in the bush.

Hot air balloon safaris designated sites in Serengeti national park are 3 sites and they include

Flying over the Seronera river valley in the center of the Serengeti allows you to see the animals congregating along the river.
For views of the wildebeest migration crossing the river in the months of June and July, fly above the Grumenti River in the Western Serengeti.
Flying above the southern Serengeti grasslands during the great wildebeest migration’s calving season can provide views of 8000 newborns.

Photographers who want to capture beautiful natural scenes can go on hot air balloon safaris.

Walking safaris

The best way to see every part of Serengeti National Park that a safari vehicle cannot access is to go on a walking safari. This thrilling experience gives views of Serengeti’s nature, including animals like lions, elephants, and many more. A game ranger and a guide provide guidance during walking safaris.

Cultural tours

The ideal experience if you wish to experience a traditional Maasai way of life is to take part in a cultural tour of the Serengeti National Park, which provides insight into the Maasai people’s traditional way of life. Before the parks were gazetted, the Maasai, a semi-nomadic people, lived in numerous areas of Kenya and Tanzania. Travelers have the chance to interact with the Maasai community when visiting Bomas, which are Maasai villages. Visitors can participate in typical Maasai activities including cattle husbandry and enjoy local dance and theatre. The practices, rituals, traditions, and more of the Maasai people are also made more accessible to tourists.

Where to stay in Serengeti national park

There are numerous safari lodges and camps in Serengeti National Park that provide lodging for park visitors. These lodges and camps are divided into three price ranges: luxury, midrange, and budget. They include Mwiba Lodge, Lake Ndutu Luxury Tented Camp, Namiri Plains Camp, And Beyond Under Canvas, Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp, Olakira Camp, Serengeti Bushtops Camp, Ndutu Wilderness Camp, Woodlands Camp

How to get to Serengeti national park

Serengeti National Park is a very accessible Tanzania safari destination for many places, including Arusha City. The park is reachable by both road and air transportation. It is situated in a rural area in north Tanzania.

By road:

There are four primary entrances and exits to the Serengeti National Park: Naabi Hill Gate, Ndabaka Gate, Klein’s Gate, and Bologonya Gate. The drive to the park’s main gates from Arusha takes about 6-7 hours. It is highly recommended to have a 4X4 wheel vehicle when traveling to Serengeti National Park by road.

By air:

Both international and domestic airlines fly to the Serengeti National Park. Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is located between Moshi and Arusha towns and is the preferred point of entrance to the park via international air travel, is 200 miles from the Serengeti National Park. International flights from KLM, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and many more are available at this airport. Kilimanjaro National Park also offers connecting flights to Nairobi.

Regional airlines like Air Excel, Coastal Aviation, and Regional Air provide flights to Serengeti National Park that take between one and five hours to complete from Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Airport to one of the park’s seven airstrips.

25 Jun 2023

0 Comments By admin Congo Destinations

Kahuzi biega national park

The French name for Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Parc National Du Kahuzi-Biega. Located in Bukavu Town, the national park is a distinctive tourist destination in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A Belgian photographer and activist named Adrien Deschryver first established the national park as a protected area in 1970.

Kahuzi and Biega, two dormant volcanic mountains, are the names of the national park. Kahuzi-Biega Park is comprised of Mount Kahuzi, which is 3,308 meters tall, and Mount Biega, which is 2,790 meters tall.

The Kahuzi-Biega park borders Rwanda and Burundi as well as the Congo River basin near Itebero-Utu in the northwest of Bukavu. One of the largest national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the park currently has a total surface area of 6,000km2.

Up until later in 1975, the national park only included the areas surrounding Mount Kahuzi. After that, Mount Biega and its surrounding territories were included. One of the few remaining habitats for eastern lowland gorillas is Kahuzi-Biega Park; the others can be found in West African nations including Gabon, the Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

The eastern lowland gorillas, also known as “Gorilla Beringei Graueri,” were put under protection in 1937 when the Zoological Reserve of Mount Kahuzi was established. This reserve was only 750 km2 in size.

The reserve was downsized to 600 square kilometers and renamed Kahuzi-Biega Park later in 1970. Later, in 1975, the national park’s area was increased to 6,000 km2.

Kahuzi-Biega was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, nevertheless. The national park is made up of a sizable rainforest, a diverse range of plant and animal life, as well as rare mammal species such east lowland gorillas.

Following the significant threats and dangers brought on by local political unrest, poaching, encroachment on private property, illegal logging, burning, and mining in Kahuzi-Biega, the national park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 1997.

At least 136 mammal species, 349 bird species, 1,178 plant species, and roughly 250 eastern lowland gorillas live in Kahuzi-Biega.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park activities.

Visitors to Kahuzi-Biega can partake in a wide range of activities, including boat tours, birding, hiking trips, and both mountain and eastern lowland gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega:

In Kahuzi-Biega park, visitors interested in gorilla trekking safaris in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can search for both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas. The Chimanuka and Mpungwe gorilla groups are two habituated populations of eastern lowland gorillas that may be found in the national park. In Kahuzi-Biega, a gorilla trekking permit costs USD $400 per person.

The first subspecies of gorillas that tourists who visited the national park tracked were the eastern lowland gorillas. Gorilla trekking operations in Kahuzi-Biega began as early as the 1970s.

Chimpanzee Habituation at Lwiro Sanctuary:

Visitors to Kahuzi-Biega can observe habituated chimpanzees at the Lwiro Sanctuary for just $40 per person. Visitors to the primate rehabilitation center are given a tour of the facility’s history and conservation efforts.

Camping Safaris in Kahuzi-Biega National Park:

The national park also provides camping for visitors. Camping activities are available for purchase for visitors who enjoy being in nature and who want to explore the outdoors in Kahuzi-Biega. The fee of camping in Kahuzi-Biega is $50 per person per day, which includes meals and a park guide. But visitors who want to camp in the park must bring their own tent and sleeping bag or rent them from the park for USD $5 per person per night, for each.

Community/Cultural Tours:

Visitors to Kahuzi-Biega Park have the option of taking a cultural tour of the nearby native settlements inside and outside the national park. Visitors can enjoy a quick tour of the neighborhood, talk to residents, hear about their daily routines, and see entertaining performances by the local dance groups, including dances, storytelling, singing traditional songs, and playing traditional games.

Bird Watching:

Given that Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to over 349 kinds of birds, those who enjoy watching birds will find it to be the perfect location to engage in birding activities. Visitors taking a birding safari in the national park stand a good chance of seeing species like the trogon, Ruwenzori Turaco, and Congo pea fowl, among others.

Hiking Mountains Kahuzi and Biega:

For visitors to Kahuzi-Biega Park, the Mitumba Mountain ranges offer the most famous location for hiking safaris. Hiking through the forest vegetation allows visitors to explore the park’s stunning landscape and abundant wildlife. While climbing the mountains of Kahuzi or Biega will cost US$100 per person, tourists on vacation in Kahuzi Biega park can go to the Kibatu waterfalls for US$25 per person.

Boat cruise on Lake Kivu:

Visitors to Kahuzi-Biega Park have the option of taking a launch cruise over Lake Kivu. It is recommended to complete this activity after going gorilla trekking in the national park, which costs $50 per person.

Accommodation in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo.

The Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Hotel Begonias, Lodge Coco, Orchids Safari Club, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, and Hotel Exodus Bukavu are among the housing options available to visitors to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

How to get to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Rwandan citizens can travel to Kahuzi-Biega. route travelers from Rwanda will need to take the Rusizi I route from Kigali City to Kamembe in Cyangugu town, which will take them about 6-7 hours total. To reach Kahuzi-Biega National Park, tourists must drive for around 112 hours after passing through the borders at Goma and Bukavu. Visitors also have the option of taking a flight from Kigali Airport to Goma Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To get to the DRC, this is a fairly practical means of transportation. Travelers can drive 230 kilometres to Kahuzi-Biega national park from Goma.

25 Jun 2023

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Virunga National Park

One of the first national parks established, Virunga National Park is situated in Goma, in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorillas, which are in risk of extinction, can be found in the park, which has an area of 8090 square kilometers. Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are located close by the national park.

In order to safeguard and preserve its mountain gorilla population, Virunga national park in the Congo was designated as a national park in 1925. More than 706 bird species, 218 mammal species, including Forest Elephants, Buffaloes, Topis, Duikers, Hippos, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Giant Forest Hogs, Rare Ground Hogs, Lions, primate species including the famed Mountain Gorillas with about 8 habituated gorilla families that are available for trekking on a daily basis, Chimpanzees, Red-tailed Monkeys, Black and White Monkeys, Olive Baboon

Attractions and Activities in Virunga National Park, Congo.

Primates, Numerous primates can be found in the Park, including the 200 or so well-known mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, among others.

Mammals, Over 200 creatures, including buffalo, bush elephants, leopards, duikers, gigantic forest hogs, giant pangolins, marsh mongoose, bush squirrels, hippos, warthogs, and antelopes, among others, can be found in the national park.

Birds, Because it is home to 708 different bird species, including the grey-throated barbet, white-headed wood hoopoe, thick-bellied sea eater, blue-headed sunbird, black-headed waxbill, blue-spotted wood dove, and weird weaver, the park is referred to as a birder’s paradise.

The vegetation in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is primarily made up of tropical rainforest, with smaller amounts of savannah woodland and grassland, alpine vegetation, and swamp. The park’s vegetation provides the animals with food and a place to live.

a mountain in A live volcano can be found in Virunga National Park called Mount Nyiragongo. The largest lava lake in the entire globe is located beneath the mountain peak, which rises to a height of 6500 feet. With the most recent eruption occurring in 2002, Mount Nyiragongo has erupted roughly 34 times. The top of this site offers breathtaking views, including those of the Virunga forest, many animal and ape species that can be viewed when hiking, and more.

The only orphanage in the world that cares for gorillas is the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage. The orphanage was established in 2010 and is situated close to Mikeno lodge in the park’s administrative center. A medical gorilla doctor at Senkwekwe treats the orphaned gorillas there, among other things by giving them food.

Activities in Virunga National Park Congo.

Gorilla Trekking:

Virunga National Park charges $400 USD per person to go gorilla trekking. Activities for gorilla trekking in the park start at Bukima Patrol Post. Three to eight hours can be spent tracking, with an hour spent in close proximity to the gorillas. Visitors to the park can also search for the Bageni, Humba, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, and Rugendo gorilla families.

A third of the mountain gorilla population in the world is housed in the national park. There are 8 habituated gorilla families that visitors can track in the national park, with the Kabirizi gorilla family being the biggest and most popular group. There are 34 members in this gorilla group, which is located in the Bukima sector.

Chimpanzee trekking

Early in the morning, visitors to the Virunga national park in the Congo park receive a training before being divided into groups and given a park guide who will lead them throughout their journey into the jungle. Visitors will spend an hour with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat after they have been located because chimpanzees are a nomadic animal that like to wander from one spot to another in search of food.

Chimpanzee habituation

In the process of chimpanzee habituation, chimpanzees are taught to get accustomed to human presence. A naturalist named Frankfurt began chimpanzee habituation in the park in 1987, and it was made public in 2014. A group of researchers, park rangers, park guides, and tourists conduct chimpanzee treks. In contrast to chimpanzee trekking, which lasts only an hour, chimpanzee trekking is a full-day excursion that permits a maximum of four participants to spend four hours with the chimpanzees. Therefore, chimpanzee trekking provides people visiting the national park with exceptional and breathtaking experiences.

Mount Nyiragongo hike:

Nyiragongo Mountain can be hiked on by visitors to the Virunga National Park in the Congo. Tourists can go on hiking excursions to the lava lake on Mountain Nyiragongo, a stratovolcano located inside the national park. A 30-minute drive from Goma city and an hour from Mikeno Lodge, the Kibati Patrol post is where hiking activities to the mountain start. Excursions on foot begin at precisely 9:00 am and run between one and six hours.

Virunga National Park also offers guided nature tours, scenery viewing, bird watching, and mountaineering Mount Rwenzori.

Best time to visit Virunga National Park

The best time to visit the Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is between the months of June and September and between December and February during the dry season. Most activities, including going in search of gorillas, taking a nature walk, and climbing Mount Nyiragongo, among others, will be successful during the dry season, which is also known as the peak season because there is less rain. In contrast to the rainy season, which lasts from March to May and from October to November, when there is considerable rainfall that makes the trail wet, muddy, and slippery, the gorilla trekking, nature walk, and hiking trails are manageable during the dry season.

How to get to Virunga National Park in Congo.

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is simpler and more accessible for tourists from Kigali, Rwanda. To get to Goma in the Congo, travelers must drive for three hours from Kigali to Gisenyi town and then pass the Rwanda-Congo border at Le Grande Barrier. Goma to the park’s administrative center is a 1- to 2-hour journey.

As an alternative, travelers to the park can fly on Ethiopian Airlines from Kigali International Airport to Goma International Airport. All gorilla trekking excursions in the Congo depart from Goma.

Accommodation in Virunga National Park

There aren’t many lodging options in the Virunga National Park, but they do range from upscale to modestly priced. These include the Lake Kivu hotel in Goma, the Mikeno Lodge, the Bukima Tented Camp, the Tchegera Island Tented Camp, the Nyiragongo Summit Shelter, the Kibumba Tented Camp in the southeast of the Virunga, and the Lulimbi Tented Camp in the east. In addition to great scenic views of the forest and the nearby communities, views of wildlife species, spacious and comfortable beds, and preparation of both local and foreign dishes for the visitors to enjoy their stay during the safari in Congo, lodges in the park offer a quiet and conducive atmosphere for relaxation, especially after going gorilla trekking.

25 Jun 2023

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Volcanoes National Park

The majority of the tourist activities available at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda may be found there. The 160 square kilometer-large Volcanoes National Park is situated in Musanze, the northernmost province of Rwanda. Along with the Congo’s Virunga National Park, the park is a part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

Rwandan mountain gorillas were placed under protection at Volcanoes National Park in 1925. The park is home to five of the eight lush volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi (4507 meters above sea level), Mount Muhabura (4127 meters), Mount Gahinga (3474 meters), Mount Sabinyo (3634 meters), and Mount Bisoke (3711 meters). All of these volcanoes have white-capped peaks, gorgeous rainforests, and bamboo vegetation on their slopes, as well as small tranquil lakes. After Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park has the second-highest mountain gorilla population.

The Volcanoes National Park received more attention after Dian Fossey arrived there in 1967 to conduct research that led to the creation of the Karisoke Research Centre. However, Dian Fossey saw the necessity for mountain gorilla protection because of the numerous deaths brought on by poaching and wildlife trafficking that were occurring in the park. Poaching decreased as a result, but her problems began after that, and they eventually resulted in her death in 1985. Even after her passing, gorilla conservation projects were able to continue because of the increased cash brought in by her conservation efforts.

Along with housing roughly 30% of the remaining mountain gorillas, the Volcanoes National Park is home to lovely golden monkeys who eat the lower altitude plants, such as bamboo shoots and other plant life. The park is home to chimpanzees, several other primates, and large creatures like forest elephants, buffaloes, leopards, forest hogs, and many more. There are several bird species, 200 different species total, that can all be found in the park, including the Rwenzori Turaco.

Since Volcanoes National Park also has a variety of other attractions to offer, wildlife alone does not do the park justice. The park’s rugged terrain, lush forest cover, lakes, and numerous small rivers also add to its allure.

Activities in Volcanoes National Park

The most popular activity in Volcanoes National Park is gorilla trekking, although there are a variety of other activities that visitors can partake in. Mountain gorilla tracking is one activity that needs to be scheduled in advance, but the rest may be done whenever you are in the park. The following are some of the things visitors can do in the park:trekking with mountain gorillas

Trekking through lush foliage in pursuit of endangered mountain gorillas is known as “mountain gorilla trekking.” In addition to the three national parks in the Congo and Uganda that were previously mentioned, mountain gorilla trekking is also possible in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Ten habituated mountain gorilla groups can be trekked with the assistance of knowledgeable and trained park rangers at Volcanoes National Park. The gorilla groups include the fully habituated Titus, Amahoro, Susa, Kwitonda, Agashya, Umubano, and Sabinyo gorilla groups as well as the Hirwa gorilla troop, which migrated to Uganda in 2019 but is anticipated to return. Depending on where the gorilla group is, trekking with mountain gorillas can be rather taxing.

To undertake mountain gorilla trekking, one must first obtain a permission from the Rwanda Development Board or from a reputable travel operator. The information from a traveler’s passport is typically needed to pay the $1,500 Rwandan gorilla permit fee. Booking must be made three to four months in advance to ensure a spot.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park frequently begins at 7 am with a briefing by the rangers at the park’s Kinigi headquarters. The rangers make plain the rules and regulations for both the protection of the mountain gorillas and the safety of tourists. The eight-person groups are then established and given gorilla tracking groups. Travelers are only permitted one hour with mountain gorillas when they come into contact with them, during which time photos and movies may be taken. Depending on the mountain gorillas, the gorilla trekking experience in the Volcanoes might last anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours or longer.

Seniors and anyone with restricted mobility can also embark on a mountain gorilla expedition. Regardless of your age or skill, all you need to do is get in touch with a reliable tour operator to assist you plan a gorilla trekking safari. Do this far in advance. However, it is not permitted for anyone under the age of 15 to go gorilla trekking. at order to have a successful gorilla trekking safari experience at Volcanoes National Park, visitors are also urged to bring the basics for gorilla tracking.

Golden monkey Tracking

Golden monkeys are a stunning sight, and you may see them at Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking is the most popular because golden monkeys are also an endangered kind of primate. A must-do activity while visiting Volcanoes National Park is to get the chance to see these golden monkeys jumping from one bamboo tree to another while they feed and groom. Golden monkeys live in groups of up to 100 people and are typically led by a strong male. They graze on bamboo shoots that grow at the volcano’s slopes.

Mountain hiking

Mountain hiking is a must-do in the park due to the presence of several volcanoes. Any of the volcanoes’ vistas are so breathtaking and picturesque that they are worth the difficult ascent. No matter which volcano you choose to ascend, make sure to get a view of the other four in the park. Be sure to use the opportunity to see animals, including mountain gorillas, and other primates during the hike. Birdwatchers should keep a sharp eye out for some of the park’s birds.

Bird Watching

One of Rwanda’s three Important Birding Areas is Volcanoes National Park. With over 200 different bird species, you can be sure that with the assistance of a knowledgeable bird guide, who will show you where to look and help you spot many of them, notably the endemics of the Albertine Rift, you will see a number of them. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.

Visiting Dian Fossey tombs

Great primatologist Dian Fossey made it possible for thousands, if not millions, of people to see her prized mountain gorillas. The world became aware of Volcanoes National Park in particular thanks to her study and conservation efforts. ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ was really filmed right here in the park where she had lived for roughly 18 years prior to being killed. Travelers will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Dian Fossey and learn more about her work and the conservation efforts that resulted in a significant decrease in poaching in the park by hiking to the Dian Fossey graves. Hikers who make the journey to her former residence and current gravesite will witness her tenacity and devotion to these mountain gorillas. In reality, Dian Fossey was interred beside her gorilla companion Digit and roughly 20 other gorillas who had died as a result of poaching and other causes.

Visit Musanze caves

These caves were formed underneath and feature a space where people can easily enter them. Given that there are numerous volcanoes in the park, their formation as a result of volcanic eruptions explains their existence. There, people can go and unwind.

Another thing that travelers can do is go to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, especially after a strenuous mountain trip, gorilla excursion, or golden monkey hunt. They are the ideal setting for a relaxing afternoon of picnicking or boating through the deep waterways, both of which will reward you with stunning scenery, wildlife, and waterfalls.

The Iby’Iwacu cultural encounter will also allow visitors the ability to learn about the way of life of the residents, participate in their local activities, and hear about their rich heritage and culture that set them apart from other Rwandans.

The dry months of June through October and mid-December to mid-February are the best times of year to visit Volcanoes National Park since the roads are more accessible and the vegetation is not as overgrown. Although the other months are regarded as wet, it should be remembered that as the park is a rainforest, it may still rain during the dry season.

It barely takes two hours to drive from Kigali to Musanze town, which is where Volcanoes National Park is located. If you’re taking a one-day gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park, you can reach the park via Kigali or Gisenyi to the Kinigi park headquarters or to your lodging inside the park, from which you can carry out the activities listed on your schedule.

In addition to gorilla trekking, which is the park’s main draw, Volcanoes National Park has a lot to offer. Spend some time creating the ideal vacation schedule with a dependable tour operator that will go above and beyond to ensure you have the greatest time possible in Volcanoes National Park.

25 Jun 2023

0 Comments By admin Rwanda Destinations

Akagera national park

One of the national parks that Rwanda is happy to claim as her own is Akagera National Park. The national park is the only place in Rwanda where people may observe the Big Five, as well as the only refuge for savannah animals in the nation.

In the northeastern region of Rwanda, in the Kayonza district, is where you’ll find Akagera National Park. It has a radius of 1,122 square kilometers, making it Rwanda’s biggest national park. Following a cooperation between the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, an NGO that oversees other national parks on the African Continent, in 2010, the national park is now run by the Akagera Management Company.

The River Kagera, which runs through the national park, gave it its name. Visitors enter the national park through the Kayonza district’s southern gate of Akagera Park, however they only leave the park through the northern gate, which is located in Akagera. The district of Nyagatare is home to the park’s northern gate.

The Belgian colonial administration first established Akagera Park in Rwanda in 1934 to safeguard the park’s surviving threatened wildlife species. The national park used to be 2,500 square kilometers in size, but once Rwandan refugees who had fled the 1994 Rwandan Genocide returned, the majority of the park was destroyed.

The park once served as a haven for a variety of wild animals, including lions, savannah elephants, buffalo, rhinoceroses, and wild dogs. Due to the abundance of wild dogs in Akagera Park, it was formerly known as the “Park of Lycanos” or, more precisely, “Parc aux Lycanos” in French. The last of the species were spotted in the park in 1984, but the majority of these wild canines perished in the park due to an infection.

Over 50 black rhinos were residing in Akagera Park in the 1970s after being moved there from Tanzania. However, most of these rhinos were killed in the years after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, to the point where the rhino species went extinct in the national park. After the genocide, a sizable number of refugees from Rwanda went back home and made their way to the national park. Due to this, a sizable section of the park’s woods were felled for their lumber, wildlife was hunted for their bush meat, and the savannah woodlands of the park were converted into cattle grazing areas.

Over 25% of the Akagera national park’s woodlands were destroyed by ongoing poaching and land expansion, and the last rhinos were last seen there in 2007. Up until July 2015, when seven lions were moved from the South African Phinda Private Game reserve, there were over 300 lions living in Akagera at one time, but years of hunting caused the extinction of the species. An NGO in South Africa named And Beyond gave the five lionesses to Akagera Park in Rwanda. Later, Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, donated two male lions to Akagera. After a period of 15 years, lions were successfully reintroduced to Akagera National Park as part of this conservation effort.

18 black eastern rhinoceroses were moved from South Africa to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park in May 2017. In this 2,485-mile translocation, which took place after a 10-year hiatus, rhinos were brought back into the national park. This was a significant accomplishment for the Akagera National Park staff and conservationists, made possible by a partnership between the Rwanda Development Board, African Parks, and the Howard Buffet Foundation.

Akagera Rwanda Park activities.

Visitors to Akagera National Park can engage in activities like;

Game Drives in Akagera National Park.

Any traveler who wants to see Rwanda’s wildlife, notably the Big Five mammals, should go to Akagera National Park. Over 8,000 large game species, including elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, leopards, and buffaloes, can be found in the national park. A variety of animals can be seen by visitors to the national park, including the Burchell’s zebra, giraffes, antelopes, impala, topi, Sitatunga, jackals, and hyenas.

One of the pleasures of any Rwanda safari is seeing the Big Five in Akagera Rwanda Park. The park offers both daytime and nighttime guided game drives, with the latter providing an opportunity for tourists to see nocturnal wildlife like leopards, lions, civets, hyenas, bush babies, and serval cats, to name a few.

A few night birds, such Owls, can also be seen by visitors to Akagera National Park. The cost of a night game drive in the park is USD $40 per person and they last between one and two hours. The cost of a day’s worth of guided game drives is USD 30 per person, and they are offered in the early and late hours.

Boat Trips in Akagera.

A boat tour on Lake Ihema, famous for its remarkable populations of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds, is available to visitors to Akagera Rwanda Park. Any person who like birds must engage in this pastime. Four boat cruises are offered each day at 7:30 am, 9 am, 3 pm, and 4:30 pm at Akagera National Park. Visitors who want to take private boat journeys on the lake can also take advantage of non-scheduled boat trips that are offered in the park. On a boat tour in Akagera, visitors can see a variety of bird species, including the endangered Shoebill stock. The park charges USD 35 for the morning boat tour and USD 45 for the evening/sunset boat excursion for booked boat cruises. However, for a price of USD $40, the park also provides private boat tours; these launch trips are not scheduled.

Birding:

Over 750 different bird species can be found at Akagera National Park, including marabou stocks, egrets, crowned cranes, and herons. This national park is a great place for birdwatchers to visit while on safari.

Fishing in Akagera National Park:

Fishing is frequently done on Lake Shakani in Akagera National Park, which is well-known for its variety of fish species, particularly tilapia and catfish. Visitors can unwind and go fishing on the lakeshores, then prepare their catch at their campground over an open fire. The cost of fishing in Akagera is $25 for adults and $15 for youngsters aged 6 to 12. Visitors must, however, bring their own fishing gear.

Guided Nature Walks:

Visitors interested in nature walks at Akagera Park can do so under the guidance of a knowledgeable park ranger. View the many plant, bug, and bird species in Akagera National Park when out on a stroll.

Behind the Scenes in Akagera national park.

Now, tourists who visit Akagera National area can gain insight into the operations involved in managing the area. The “behind the scenes” tour of Akagera takes guests into the park’s administrative building, where you can get to know the employees and find out about fascinating conservation initiatives taking place in the park. In Akagera, a behind-the-scenes tour costs USD 25 per person for a minimum of four persons and USD 15 for kids between the ages of 6 and 12. For a group of up to 8 people, the charge is USD 180. A maximum of one and a half hours are allotted for this tour.

The Akagera National Park also provides camping, line walks, and visits to local cultural institutions.

Best time to visit Akagera National Park.

If you’re thinking about visiting Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, the best months to go are between December and February and June and September, which are the park’s primarily dry months. The national park’s grass is short at this time of year, which makes it much simpler to see wildlife. Additionally, in selected regions of the national park, wildlife typically congregates near water sources, which makes it much simpler for tourists to see wildlife. Additionally, the roads in the area are not muddy at this time of year, making it simple for people to get throughout the park.

Accommodation in the park.

Accommodations can be found in places like Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Safari Camp, Karenge Bush Camp, and Ruzizi Tented Camp, to name a few, for visitors who prefer to stay longer in Akagera National Park.

How to reach the Park.

From Kigali City, one can go by road to Akagera National Park. It takes about 2.5 hours to go the 110 kilometres from Kigali. The roads leading to and within the national park are characterized by murrum or, rather, dirt roads, so tourists are encouraged to rent 4×4-wheel drive cars for your safari. Visitors also have the option of hiring a helicopter to get them to the national park. Charter flights are available from Akagera Aviation to the park.

For any person who wants to discover the virgin savannah lands in the national park and wildlife animals in the nation, Akagera National Park in Rwanda is the best spot to be.

25 Jun 2023

0 Comments By admin Rwanda Destinations

Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest national park : Indeed, Rwanda is the “land of a thousand hills.” Many tourists are frequently charmed by Rwanda’s beauty, which is largely due to the country’s stunning and well-terraceed hills, brilliant lakes like Lake Kivu, clean streets, and hospitable residents. From the bustling capital city of Kigali to its national parks, which include Nyungwe National Park, visitors to the Central African nation have a lot to discover while there.

One of the four national parks that Rwanda is delighted to boast about is Nyungwe Forest National Park. In Rwanda’s southwest is where the national park is situated. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Lake Kivu are its western neighbors, and Burundi is its southernmost neighbor.

The renowned Nyungwe forest, which is thought to be the biggest tropical rain forest in East and Central Africa, contains the national park. It is thought that this woodland has been around for a very long time. The park is ideally situated in both the Nile River basin and the Congo River basin.

The Rwandan Nyungwe Park has a radius of 970 square kilometers. It was designated a national park in 2004 and is primarily made up of bogs, grasslands, bamboo, wetlands, and rain forests.

About 14 primate species, 300 bird species, 2000 plant species, 90 animal species, and 38 reptile species may be found at Nyungwe Forest National Park. This national park is genuinely blessed by nature, and visitors to the park will find plenty to see and do there.

A forest reserve was established in Nyungwe by the German colonial government in 1903.

Due to forest fires, extensive deforestation, and wildlife hunting, this tropical African rainforest’s overall land area significantly shrunk between 1958 and 1973.

Poachers murdered the last buffaloes to live in Nyungwe Forest in 1974.

After being named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 travel destinations in 2004, Nyungwe National Park became the first national park in the country.

However, Nyungwe Forest National Park was designated as a protected area in 2005, and it was at this time that the number of visitors rose.

The chimpanzees in the national park are its biggest draw. The Cyamudongo forest is the most popular hiking location for tourists in the tea plantation-surrounded Nyungwe national park, which is home to a total of 1000 species. Golden monkeys, the Isumo waterfalls, and the Canopy walkway are just a few of the national park’s breathtaking sights.

Activities carried out in Nyungwe National Park.

Chimpanzee Tracking;

25% of all ape species in Africa are found in Nyungwe Forest National Park, where most of the chimpanzees are habituated. There are roughly 500 chimpanzees living in Nyungwe Forest National Park, making chimpanzee tracking one of the pleasures of a visit there.

In Nyungwe National Park, chimpanzee tracking permits are available for USD 60 per person, and the activity lasts for 2- 6 hours. Tracking starts at 8 a.m. from Uwinka, Kitabi, and Gisakura, three important locations.

Those interested in participating in chimpanzee trekking activities in Nyungwe National Park should try to arrive there by 5am to register and receive a briefing from the park’s head ranger.

Hiking to Isumo waterfalls:

A guided trip to the renowned Isumo waterfalls is available to visitors to Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park. Visitors can enjoy fantastic views of various caverns and even the Kamiranzovu marsh from the 17-meter-high falls. A visitor may witness snakes, birds, butterflies, wildflowers, and unusual tree and plant species along several hiking trails.

There are hiking trails that start at parking lots 1 and 2, and they could be shorter than other head trails in the national park.

Tourists can also go on a three-day guided hike along the Congo Nile, camp in the forest, and engage in other activities while visiting the Park.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk:

As a brand-new tourist attraction in the park, the forest canopy walk was unveiled in October 2010. The canopy walkway is 90 meters long and rises 200 feet above the forest floor.

The 2-hour Nyungwe Forest canopy trek starts at the Uwinka headquarters. For individuals who want to participate in this activity, it will cost USD $60 per person. Tourists can also explore the higher forest canopy while enjoying stunning views of the forest’s topography thanks to the canopy walk.

Birding:

Over 300 different bird species can be found in the national park, including the Rockefeller’s sunbird, Chapin’s flycatcher, Strange weaver, and Archer’s Robin Chat. Nyungwe National Park charges USD 50 per person per day for bird watching.

Forest hiking:

A hiker’s paradise, Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in Rwanda. Hiking excursions in the woodland can last anywhere from one to eight hours and cost USD $40 thanks to the region’s 13 hiking paths.

Visitor options in Nyungwe Forest National Park also include camping, trekking the Congo Nile Trail, and finding golden monkeys.

Where to stay in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda.

Accommodations are available at the following establishments in Nyungwe National Park: Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guest House, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, One & Only Nyungwe House, and Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge, among others.

Best visit Nyungwe National Park.

Nyungwe National Park is best visited between December and February and from June to August, which is the dry season. You can, however, visit this beautiful national park at any time of the year.

Getting to Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda.

You can fly or drive to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park. In the southwest of Rwanda, in the Butare area close to Cyangugu town, is where you’ll find the national park. From Kigali to Nyungwe, a distance of 225km, it takes approximately 4-5 hours to drive. Alternatively, people visiting the national park on their own can rent a car or take a bus to the park’s visitor centers in Gisakura or Uwinka Center. Visitors can rent a car in Kigali City for between USD 32 and USD $50 per day.

The international airport in Kigali is another way to get to the national park. Visitors can take domestic flights from Kigali to the Rwandan cities of Cyangugu and Kamembe at Kamembe International Airport. Visitors can travel 32 kilometers to Nyungwe national park from the Kamembe airport. Alternative transportation options include renting a helicopter and flying to the park. Travelers can book chartered flights through Akagera Aviation to any of the nation’s national parks.

Those who love the outdoors should visit Nyungwe Forest National Park, which also offers wonderful activities that visitors may enjoy with their friends and families.

25 Jun 2023

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Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park Safari Attractions, Location and Park fees 2024

Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the rugged, semi arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with south Sudan in the north west and only 5km from the eastern border of Kenya & 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, the park has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species. Due to its distant location in the pastoral Karamojong natives, who are the “Maasai of Uganda” similar to Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania, it is referred to as the authentic African wilderness.

The park is one of Uganda’s largest national parks, with a total area of 1,442 square kilometers. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is in charge of running Kidepo National Park, which was founded in 1958 and declared a national park in 1962. It is distinguished by wide savannah grassland, rocky outcrops, and scattered Acacia trees. River Kidepo and River Narus, two seasonal rivers that provide water to the park’s wildlife, cross it as well. The rivers dry up during a protracted dry season, leaving a small body of water where all the animals congregates.

Even though Kidepo National Park is the only national park in the entire nation, it is still the best park. The greatest place for private Uganda safaris is a pristine tourist site that is less congested. With over 77 mother species present, the park is home to a greater number of rare and extinct wildlife species. Only in Uganda’s Kidepo National Park can one find numerous cheetahs. It is home to around 450 different bird species, including several ostriches and the largest flying bird on world, the kori bustard.

Due to its isolated location and separation from the Ugandan capital, the park is underutilized and less well known to visitors, making its value less accessible. The distance between the park and Kampala, the Ugandan capital, is 510 kilometers. In the northeastern region of Uganda, in the Kaabong area, is where you’ll find Kidepo National Park.

Accessing/getting to Kidepo national park

Along with a good road network, Kidepo National Park is accessible by air and by both road and road. The park is far away, but there are two ways to get there: one is via the northern route, which goes through Murchison Falls; the other is via the eastern route, which goes through Jinja, the capital of Adventure. Since the road network is weak after diverging off the main route, one must use 4WD to be safe, especially during the wet season.

To get to Kidepo Valley National Park, there are four different paths that one can take. Two of these roads come from the Eastern side, while the other two come from the Northern side.

Routes passing through the North

The quickest route is Kampala to Karuma to Gulu to Kitgum to Kidepo. The park is 571 kilometers away and can be reached in around 10 hours.
between Kampala, Karuma, Lira, Kotido, Kaabong, and Kidepo. The second shortest route, covering a distance of 705 kilometers, can be traveled in up to 12 hours.

The Eastern routes

It takes 12 hours to go 740 kilometers from Kampala to Mbale to Sironko to Moroto to Kotido to Kaabong to Kidepo. The River Nile, Sipi Falls, and many other tourist sites are located along this route, making it the most picturesque.
The second Eastern route goes through Kampala, Mbale, Soroti, Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong, and Kidepo. The longest tour, covering 792 kilometers, takes 13 hours.

The most popular routes are the Northern route for traveling there and the Eastern route for returning, with a stop at the Sipi Falls, or taking in the experience at Jinja and the Nile’s source. The trek can be divided into two halves by stopping briefly at one of the towns, preferably Gulu, or at the national park near Murchison Falls.

On the other hand, one can take a charter aircraft that takes around two hours from Entebbe or Kajjasi to Kidepo using Kampala Aeroclub or Eagle Aviation. Due to the park’s isolation, the government of Uganda is planning to turn the Lomej airstrip near Apoka into an international airport. This will cut down on travel time and make it simpler for visitors to reach the park since they may fly directly there from their home nations.

Attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo National Park, like the majority of national parks in Africa, is open all year round, however because to the park’s soil topography, the best time to visit is during the dry season. In the water catchment areas during the dry season, the grass is short and it is simple to see animals. Early in the morning, cheetahs can be observed sunning on top of the anti-hills. Even in the rainy season, storms do not last for very long, making it possible to carry out all activities even though 4WD vehicles are required.

Mammals

Kidepo National Park is home to over 77 different species of mammals, making it a biodiversity haven. With four of the African big five visible in the park and just rhinos absent, Kidepo is the ideal place to see wildlife. The park is the only place in Uganda to witness cheetahs, enormous lion prides, elephants, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hartebeest, reedbucks, and many more animals. The watershed regions are always the finest places to look for wildlife, particularly in the dry season.

Birds

Are you an expert birder looking for a place where you can quickly add more than 400 bird species to your list? The location you seek is Kidepo National Park. There is space for many different bird species in the large park with its varied vegetation zoning. The many habitats are essential to this unusual bird species. If you stay close to Apoka Rest Camp, you can go birding at your leisure. In Kidepo, this camp is regarded as one of the prime locations for birdwatching. Along the Narus river, in the Namamukweny valleys, and other places are good places to see birds. The most often sighted birds include the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Purple Heron, Abyssinian Roller, Kori bustard, Pygmy Falcon, Violet-tipped Courser, Clapperton’s Francoli (found exclusively in Kidepo National Park), and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.

Apoka Tourism centre

All of the documentaries on the Kidepo National Park are available here at the information center. Additionally, it serves as the beginning point for all park activities. If you arrived by personal vehicle, guides are available. At this point, if you don’t have a car, assistance will also be provided so that you can either rent a car or, if space is available, join the group. Additionally, there are craft stores with tourist guides, trinkets, ice-cold beverages, and much more.

Kidepo valley and Kanangorok Hot springs

The Kidepo Valley, where villagers travel to pick palm fruits, is located on the banks of the seasonal river known by the same name. Visitors enjoy coming here to interact with more people who are engaged in the local fruit picking industry. The Kanangorok Hot springs, which are 11 kilometers before the Kidepo river as one approaches the border, are another significant region along the river.

Mount Morungole

The 2,750-meter-tall Morungo mountain is located in Kidepo National Park. The two rivers that provide water for the park pass it. Given that the park’s elevation rises as one approaches it from the south, it is located in the southern portion of the park and serves as its boundary. Here, visitors can go hiking and see birds. Lomej Hills, which are located in the park’s center right next to the park headquarters, are one of the other hills there. South Sudan and Kitgum are divided by Lonyili Mountain. More bird species can be found here, along with certain primates like the Colobus monkey and montane forests.

Kidepo Valley National Park Safari Attractions, Location and Park fees 2024 — Mount Morungole

Activities in Kidepo National Park

One of the Uganda National Parks that is enjoyable and offers a variety of activities is the undeveloped Kidepo National Park. Spend more time exploring the park and the adjacent distinctive local villages, which have much to offer our visitors.

The attractions of your visit to Kidepo National Park are listed below. If you are physically fit, do not miss hiking any of the nearby hills.

Birding

One of the best places to go bird watching in Uganda is Kidepo National Park, which is situated in the far-off region of Karamoja. Your birding tour begins at the Apoka rest camp, which is located in an undeveloped area where birds are always visible. The only requirement is that you have enough time to enjoy your extensive list of bird species, which includes the ostrich, bee-eaters, vultures, kori bustard, common bulbul, African grey flycatcher, Karamoja apalis, white-bellied tit, black-headed plover, Bruce green pigeon, Fox kestrel, Abyssinian Ground bill, and Singing Bush Lark, to name a few. Near Narus or the Kidepo river, you can go bird watching along the Namamukweny valley of the Kidepo.

Game viewing

In the Kidepo National Park, game rangers accompany visitors on game drives. The gaming drives are all more enjoyable. With 77 species available, you will have the opportunity to witness rare mammals. You can view animals like jackals, leopards, elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, bush pigs, bush duiker, bush pigs, kobs, cheetahs, and many more with the assistance of the train ranger or an experienced driver-guide. Early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or even all day long, game drives are possible.

Hiking/ nature guide walks

Hiking or nature strolls are two other enjoyable things to do in the Kidepo National Park. The park can also be strolled through at our leisure under the guidance of a game warden. You need to be physically fit for this. You can take a stroll through the well-known Narus Valley and encounter the IK tribe, one of Africa’s most distinctive inhabitants. Go to the Borassus palm forest to see how the villagers gather fruit for the production of palm wine. This is fantastic for birders since you can breathe in the clean air of Africa.

Cultural tours

Without seeing the local IK and other Karamajong residents, your tour to the Kidepo National Park will be completed. When you visit the distinctive cattle pastoralists in Kenya, the Maasai people, you will have more amusement. They take up the majority of Uganda’s northeast. The Lorukul Cultural Group is located outside the park and offers tours of the distant tribe’s culture.

Are you sick of hectic, congested tourist destinations? Then stop searching and visit Kidepo National Park to enjoy the best pristine land. It is a very secure and distinctive national park that allows you to experience the full scope of authentic African wildness.

Contact Us for information or Inspiration for Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park

25 Jun 2023

0 Comments By admin Uganda Destinations

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park Uganda | Location, Park Entrance Fees, Animals & Activities

Murchison Falls National Park Uganda is found in the Murchison Conservation Area located in the northwestern side of Uganda in the Eastern African Rift Valley and its the biggest national park in Uganda covering a total area of 3,840 sq km. The Murchison Conservation Area is also home to Bugungu and Karuma wildlife reserves.

Murchison Falls National park Uganda is endowed with several attractions including over 76 mammal species with four members of the big five, the lion, the leopards, the elephants, and the Buffaloes. Other species in the park include bushbucks, Uganda kob, waterbucks and warthogs, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, hyenas etc. Along the shores of the nile and within the waters you will see lots of hippos and crocodiles among other resident creatures. There also several primates in the Murchison falls national park including baboons and several monkey species. The Park is also home to over 450 recorded birds species including the rare shoebill stork and the 23 Albertine rift endemics given its location in the western arm of the east African rift valley.

The highlight of your tour in Murchison falls National Park Uganda is visiting the “Murchison Falls” a point along the Nile within the park where River Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge 8 meters wide. The launch trip up stream is very interesting and offers magnificent views of the falls and several wildlife species found along the shores including Buffaloes, Hippos, Crocodiles, waterbucks and birds. Our top tours are the 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari, 2 Days Murchison Falls Safari and the 4 Days Murchison Falls Safari The Murchison Falls National Park is a well-liked vacation spot with a range of lovely activities both in the southern and northern sides of the park

Murchison Falls National Park Uganda | Location, Fees, animals — Giraffes in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park’s attractions include

Wildlife.

The national park that encircles Murchison Falls is home to a wide range of animal species. It is most popular for habiting four out of five big five Animals mammals such as Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, leopards, other animals like Rothschild giraffes, bushbucks, Hippos, Crocodiles, Waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, bushbuck antelopes, Oribis, primates such as monkeys, blue monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus and among others.

Birdlife

With over 450 bird species, divided between water birds and open land birds, Murchison Falls National Park is a birder’s paradise and a fantastic location for birding safaris. The eastern grey plantain eater, herons, marabou storks, shoebill storks, hornbill storks, pied kingfishers, yellow-footed flycatchers, grey-crowned crowns, grey-headed coucals, and black-headed gonoleks are some of the species that they consist of. Blue-headed Coucal, Blue-naped Moosebird, Bluff-bellied Warbler, Black-headed Gondola, Black-headed Plover, Black-lored Babbler, and Black-headed Gondola

Murchison Falls

These magnificent waterfalls are also known as Kabalega Falls and are one of the main attractions in Murchison Falls National Park because of the historical significance of the fabled Kabalega, king of the Bunyoro nation. When Sir Samuel Baker and his wife Florence Baker made the first European visit to the falls in the 1860s, they named them Roderick Murchison in honor of an English geologist and member of the geographical organization. The name of the entire national park, which was created in 1954, was inspired by the falls.

On the Victoria Nile, they are about halfway between Lake Kyoga and Lake Albert. The river Nile’s surges pushed through a gap in the rocks to create the 7-meter-wide, 43-meter-tall Murchison Falls.

Budongo Forest

Another one of the attractions in Murchison Falls National Park is Rabongo Forest. Four square kilometers of it are covered with a thick forest. A section of an unmanaged forest, the woodland is a haven for birdlife. Several endangered bird species, such as the Ituri batis and the yellow-footed flycatcher, call the Rabongo woods home. Many primates live in the jungle, including blue monkeys, baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

In the Budongo Forest Budongo Forest is a highly distinctive feature of the Murchison Falls National Park. Budongo Forest, located in the southwest of the park, is the greatest place to go on a safari to watch birds. There also reside numerous Ugandan monkey species. There are 800 chimpanzees and 360 different bird species living in the woodlands.

Paraa

A major draw for visitors to the Murchison Falls National Park Uganda is Paraa. The name is derived from the term Paraa, which in the native Luo language means “home of hippos”. Due to the abundance of safari hotels and lodges, Paraa is a well-known lodging area in the Murchison Falls National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park Uganda Activities

Game drives

In Murchison Falls, game drives are done in the morning and the evening. Thanks to this, visitors may see thrilling up-close views of a range of animal species. Excellent locations for wildlife observation include the Buligi Peninsular, the Delta region, and the southern portion of the park. It’s possible to see giraffes, warthogs, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, and waterbucks while on a game drive, in addition to a wide variety of bird species.

Sport fishing

Along the stony banks of the Nile beneath Murchison Falls, in the Murchison Falls National Park, sport fishing is practiced. You can use a variety of sport fishing techniques at the Banks to catch fish species include tiger fish, tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch. These techniques include the use of hooks, spinning techniques, and casting lures.

Boat cruise

On the Nile, there is a boat tour of the Murchison Falls National Park available. Boat trips are available in the Murchison Falls National Park that travel both upstream to the base of the falls and downstream to the Victoria Nile delta, which reaches Lake Albert’s shoreline. Large concentrations of hippopotamuses, crocodiles lazing on the coast, and animals like elephants, buffaloes, and waterbucks sipping water along the shores may all be seen by boat passengers.

Chimpanzee trekking

Budongo Forest, which is found in the southern region of Murchison Falls National Park, is where one can go chimpanzee trekking. The most well-known activity in Budongo Forest is chimpanzee trekking. This activity is preceded very early in the morning by a briefing at the headquarters on the rules for chimpanzee trekking. You will be partnered with a habituated chimpanzee family to travel with and a park guide who is familiar with the forest’s paths after the briefing. It may take from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are.

Park Entrance Fees

Adults: 25,000 UGX for East Africans, 45 USD for non-resident foreigners, and 35 USD for resident foreigners.

Children: East Africans must pay 10,000 Ugandan shillings, non-resident foreigners USD 25, and resident foreigners USD 15.

Vehicle: Taxes on cars registered overseas cost $10 USD, while those registered in Uganda cost 10,000 UGX.

Best time to visit Murchison falls National Park

You can visit Murchison Falls National Park any time of year. The dry season, which lasts from June to October and December to February, is the greatest time to come because there are fewer showers and less hazardous roads getting to the park. This provides wonderful opportunities to view wildlife and get stunning pictures.

Contact Us for Inspiration or Information for a Uganda Safari to Murchison Falls National Park

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Kidepo Valley National Park Safari Attractions, Location and Park fees 2024

Accessing/getting to Kidepo national park

Routes passing through the North

The Eastern routes

Attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park

Mammals

Birds

Apoka Tourism centre

Kidepo valley and Kanangorok Hot springs

Mount Morungole

Activities in Kidepo National Park

Birding

Game viewing

Hiking/ nature guide walks

Cultural tours

Murchison Falls National Park Uganda | Location, Park Entrance Fees, Animals & Activities

Murchison Falls National Park’s attractions include

Wildlife.

Birdlife

Murchison Falls

Budongo Forest

Paraa

Murchison Falls National Park Uganda Activities

Game drives

Sport fishing

Boat cruise

Chimpanzee trekking

Park Entrance Fees

Best time to visit Murchison falls National Park