Rwanda is the definitive destination for a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventure. Often referred to as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ or the ‘Switzerland of Africa’, it’s a world of volcanic peaks, serene lakes and endless forested slopes sheltering some of the last remaining mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the world.
‘Trekking’ refers to venturing into the jungle to follow and observe these gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat. It’s a humbling experience and one of the greatest privileges on earth to come face-to-face with these primates who share 98-99% of human DNA.
Adventurers, romantic getaways and solo travellers
View of Volcano at Volcanoes National Park. Credit: Bisate Lodge
1. First Stop: Rwanda’s Bustling City Centre, Kigali
Travelling to the capital of Rwanda might seem daunting to some, but it’s actually one of the safest and most attractive capital cities in Africa.
Expect colourful markets, friendly locals, and an up-and-coming art scene. If you love your caffeine kick in the morning, you’ll be happy to know that Rwanda produces some of the best coffee in the world.
Welcome to Kigali.
Why We Love It
A thriving hub of culture, history and activities as well as close to popular tourist sites
The Kigali Museum and Genocide Memorial will give you insight to Rwanda’s history
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s leading safari destination and the only park in the country that’s home to the Big 5. It also has an inspiring history, as it went from almost being almost completely depleted of its animals, trees and wild savannah. This was due to the effect of the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda when refugees returning to the country resorted to hunting the wildlife, cutting down the trees for timber, and using the savannah for livestock feed.
Today, it’s Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and a wildlife sanctuary.
Giraffes roaming free in the Akagera National Park. Credit: Abhishek Singh.
Why We Love It
Big 5 safari destination
A real paradise for birders, with over 482 species
Black Rhinos were reintroduced after a decade-long absence
Next Up: Gorilla Trekking Adventure, Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places for mountain gorilla trekking because it’s home to 400 endangered mountain gorillas. It’s also the most accessible as it’s located only a two-hour drive away from Rwanda’s capital.
This park is where Dian Fossey did her studies of mountain gorillas and is the setting for the book and film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’.
There’s a multitude of other wildlife you can look forward to seeing. For instance, the golden monkey as well as elusive elephant and buffalo herds.
Gorilla Trekking at the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Credit: Virunga Lodge
Why We Love It
Over half of the world’s mountain gorillas live here
Other primates you can see while trekking include golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys and more
Last Stop: Chimpanzee Central, Nyungwe Forest National Park
Tea plantations, never-ending forest, and vocal birdlife, Nyungwe National Park truly is an enchanting place located in a unique location between the Nile and Congo Rivers. It’s home to a group of habituated chimpanzees, as well as other primates including the Ruwenzori colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys, as well as 85 mammals and 310 bird species.
The biodiversity of flora and fauna is also incredible, with over 1,050 plant species, including 200 orchid species. Those who are a bit more adventurous can go over the 200-metre long and 40-metre high suspended canopy walkway in order to enjoy a different view of the park.
A different view of the forest from the canopy walk. Photo Credit: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Why We Love It
Home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees
East Africa’s highest canopy walk can be found here
Biodiversity of flora and fauna, as well as over 85 species of mammals
Staying in the rainforest. Credit: One&Only Nyungwe House
Why You’ll Love this Tour
You get to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, as well as the Big 5 and other wildlife – all in one trip
Ideal for birding enthusiasts because of an incredibly diverse birdlife
Breathtaking natural landscapes
We know Africa inside out
To experience the best gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventure, contact one of our Travel Experts. Let’s start plan your dream African holiday today!
Chimpanzee in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Credit: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Our selection of off the beaten track destinations
As African experts, we’ve selected our 10 best “off-the-beaten-track” destinations for you. The destinations and properties we’ve chosen are the ones that have stuck with us from our travels over the years, whether for their sustainable approach, level of luxury or sheer beauty and remoteness. We hope you’ll enjoy exploring these unique off-the-beaten-track African destinations as much as we have.
Here they are, in no particular order:
The Great Migration contains over 2 million animals, including 300,000 zebras and a whole assortment of antelope
Destination #1: Serengeti
Why? The Serengeti plays host to the greatest mammal migration on earth with Big 5 sightings in bounds. See it from above in a hot air balloon as well as on a game drive.
Stay: Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp in the Grumeti Game Reserve – it’s Singita’s latest, mobile, luxury-tented property and ideal because it moves with the migration so you can see this animal spectacle in full glory. It’s also eco-friendly and designed to keep environmental impact at a minimum.
Incredible views from the island of Bazaruto, Mozambique.
Destination #2: Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
Why? The Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique is one of southern Africa’s premier beach destinations and contains its own collection of over 30 islands off the coast of Pemba. It is more private, exclusive, and off the beaten track than Bazaruto as it is harder to reach and there are therefore fewer tourists. Couple it with mangroves, coral reefs, and palms in abundance, and Robinson Crusoe himself would turn palm green with envy.
Stay: Medjumbe Private Island Resort– This luxurious hotel is located on a private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago a 40-minute flight from Pemba.
Tour: Sian’s Mozambican Escape
Baines’ Camp at sunset, Photo credit: Baines’ Camp
Destination #3: Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta
Why? The Okavango Delta is a must for African enthusiasts and absolutely had to be in our top 3 of the best off the beaten track destinations. We recommend exploring it from the Moremi Game Reserve. Moremi offers both, water- and land-based safari activities. Moreover, the game and birdlife viewing here is second to none.
Stay:Xakanaxa Camp, on the banks of the Khwai River and Xakanaxa Lagoon in the heart of the Reserve. It offers all activities, including Mokoro trips.
Dunes and dry grassland with mountains in the background in Namibian Damaraland
Destination #4: Damaraland and Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Why? Firstly, Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast in Namibia are spectacular self-drive destinations with several highlights and unique geology. Secondly, Damaraland is also the scene of our own Challange4ACause cycle, an annual event to raise funds to help protect the endangered desert-adapted black rhino, indigenous to the region.
Stay: In Damaraland –Mowani Mountain Camp – a luxury safari lodge built into and around the rocky mountainside that lays claim to the best view in Namibia. In Skeleton Coast – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. An honourable mention must go to Serra Cafema, which is on the Kunene River, on the edge of the Namib Desert and the Skeleton Coast Park.
A pool with a view of the bush, photo: Thornybush Game Lodge
Destination #5: Thornybush Game Reserve
Why? Most people think of the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve when it comes to South African safaris, but Thornybush Game Reserve is lesser known and therefore unique in its own way. It lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The game rangers and trackers here are among the best qualified and experienced in South Africa and it is one of the few places you can still see black rhino in South Africa.
Stay:Royal Malewane – this is an über exclusive luxury lodge with a spectacular spa
Why? Nosy Iranja in Madagascar consists of two idyllic islands some 30 miles south of Nosy Be. The island is famous for its turtle population and you can see babies hatching and scurrying across the sand. In addition, you can also watch lemurs playing. They can be seen further afield off Nosy Iranja at the Lemur sanctuary on Nosy Komba, and further east and south in the island’s lush forests.
Dolce vita, a must-do in Zanzibar. Photo credit: Mnemba Island
Destination #7: Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Why? Mnemba is renowned as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world with some of the world’s most beautiful dive sites. It is an exclusive island just 4.5 kilometres off the north-eastern tip of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean.
Stay: Mnemba Island Lodge offers rustic luxury surrounded by an atoll of breathtaking coral reefs and boasts some of Africa’s most wonderful dive sites.
Why? For the simple reason that the Kalahari always promises things you can never see elsewhere. This is why it’s one of our favourite off-the-beaten-track destinations in South Africa. Moreover, Tswalu Kalahari is malaria free and a great Big 5 safari destination. Additionally, it is also the largest private Game Reserve in South Africa. Watch out for meerkats, a family of these adorable little creatures may all of a sudden appear during your visit.
Destination #9: Whale Route on South Africa’s Garden Route
Why? Because the Whale Route runs from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas and offers malaria-free safaris, not to mention the Marine 5 spotting. If you’ve seen the Big 5, it’s time to add the Marine 5 to the bucket list too!
Stay:Grootbos Nature Reserve. Go whale-watching and on Marine 5 safaris, dive with great white sharks, go on guided horseback tours, and coupled it with walks and 4×4 tours through the reserve. Stay in either the Garden Lodge, Forest Lodge, or Villa.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Photo: Bisate Lodge
Destination #10: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Why? The Volcanoes National Park is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains, which are covered in rainforest and bamboo. Moreover, this is where you’ll be able to track gorillas on a safari through the forests.
Stay: The eco-friendly Virunga Lodge boasts one of the most stunning locations anywhere in Africa. Since it is just an hour from the Volcanoes National Park entrance, where all gorilla trekking activities leave from, you can easily include this destination in your Rwanda itinerary.
For more information or to book your stay at any of these off-the-beaten-track destinations, simply contact us. Our passionate team of Travel Experts is standing by to tailor-make your dream African holiday.
Jonathan sniffed the air, “Can you smell the dead animal?” A second later the smell hit our nostrils, too. It was the rancid sweetness of a rotting carcass, something I was about to become something of an expert at identifying. Over the next two weeks, we would watch the great circle of life unfurl alongside the greatest wildlife show on earth: the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Skulls in the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara during the Great Wildebeest Migration
I’d often heard the words ‘rancid’ and ‘sweet’ paired together to describe dead wildlife but it never quite made sense until I’d caught that first whiff myself. Needless to say, it matched perfectly. We’d arrived at a landscape flooded with never-ending lines of wildebeest soldiering across the plains, enduring a perennial pilgrimage as they searched for greener pastures – literally.
And while this spectacle was impressive all on its own, for us, seeing a Mara River crossing was first prize, and thankfully, our two-week trip was planned in a way to give us the best chance of seeing just that.
Wildebeest waiting for a Mara River Crossing
That morning, our small, light aircraft had bobbed through the air and landed on the rust-coloured brush stroke seen from the sky that was the Serengeti‘s Kogatende Airstrip. ‘Serengeti’ is a Maasai word meaning ‘endless plains’ and, as I watched the landscape from above morph from bushy greenery, cattle kraals and villages sprawled far apart, into a carpet of straw-coloured plains as far as the eye could see – I knew I’d arrived.
Serengeti plains in Tanzania dotted with wildebeest
The thought of an East African safari had always conjured up images of days spent exploring savannah grasslands and marvelling at the abundance of wildlife, but, even so, I wasn’t quite prepared for just how prolific the wildlife in Tanzania and Kenya would be.
Zebra and wildebeest waiting by the Mara River to cross
Kogatende is the unsung gateway to the Mara River in the northern Serengeti. A few hundred metres after leaving the airstrip, we crossed the river itself, greeted by its rushing rapids threatening to spill over onto the bridge and a bloated crocodile basking on the opposite bank. Jonathan, our guide, hadn’t wasted any time in asking us what we wanted to see.
A crocodile on the banks of the Mara River
“A river crossing?” came the obvious reply, and I wondered what else people came to the Serengeti to see around this time of year (plenty more, as it turns out). The wildebeest herds, trailed by zebra and gazelle, cross over to the Kenyan side of the Mara River sometime between the months of June and August, tending to move back to the Serengeti around October. “But the river crossing sightings aren’t as good in October,” Jonathan told us as we bumped along in our 4X4 to the banks of the Mara. I took his word for it.
Zebra stare nervously at the water as they attempt a Mara River Crossing during the Great Migration
The Mara River extends across the landscape for almost 400 km between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara and its banks are dotted with crossing points throughout. Some of these are more obvious than others, with the constant movement of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle creating a natural slipway on either end.
Wildebeest on the banks of the Mara River during the Great Migration
At other points, you’d be forgiven for missing the river and its crossing point completely. Parts of the waterway’s windy path lay shrouded in the secrecy of riverine woodland, framed by steep cliffs on either side, earning it the ominous name ‘death valley’. One thing is certain: crossing the river is a perilous venture.
A portion of the Mara River known as Death Valley
With the movement of the Migration herds strictly influenced by the rains and, Mother Nature being the fickle fiend she is, different parts of the ecosystem get rain at different times, causing green shoots of grass to pop up sporadically, tickling the nostrils of wildebeest from up to 30km away.
Wildebeest follow the rain and green grasses during the Great Migration
Our fly-in safari was taking us from remote airstrip to remote airstrip across different parts of this incomprehensibly vast landscape and, most importantly, to different parts of the Mara River, exponentially increasing our chances of witnessing a crossing.
Wildbeest staring down at the Mara River
We waited patiently by the river all afternoon, watching herds of wildebeest clamouring at its edge. But there was no crossing on our first day, and I soon learnt that seeing one wasn’t a guarantee, either. Indecisive lot that they are, the wildebeest tend to stall at the water’s edge, spooking easily at noises from the bush and ripples in the water. A few might tease you enough to put a tentative hoof in murky brown water before making an abrupt and hasty retreat.
Scared wildebeest looking at the Mara river
This can go on for hours. Even some of the largest congregating herds jostle each other and push one another towards the edge to such an extent that you’re convinced a crossing is inevitable, only to have a 200-strong herd back away and return to the plains. I soon realised that there was a definite art to catching sight of a river crossing, accompanied with a bit of good old right-time-right-place luck.
Massive wildebeest herd migration across the plains during the Great Migration
Even though our first day in the Serengeti didn’t feature an age-old pilgrimage from one side of the river to the other, it did feature plenty of other exceptional wildlife. From lions mating, a black rhino and her baby chomping away at the soft grasses of a marshland, to a late afternoon thunderstorm worthy of Toto’s Africa.
Afternoon thunderstorm in the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration
I was far from disheartened as we trundled to camp, the sun slinking behind the spindly halos of acacia trees, as Jonathan navigated our vehicle around islands of boulders floating amidst a sea of tall grass.
After all, this was Africa, and it was only day one.
The gateway to Kenya is undoubtedly its capital city, Nairobi. As the transportation hub of the country, the city’s airports, roads, trains, and bus stations are responsible for ferrying guests to the aquamarine waters of the coastline, the expansive Rift Valley Lake region, the wide open savannahs of the Maasai Mara and verdant landscapes of the central highlands.
However, visitors would be mistaken to leave the capital unexplored, as it has proven time and time again to be one of the African continent’s most dynamic cities. Read on to discover but a taster of what this magical East African gateway has to offer!
Tall giraffes in Nairobi National Park
Top 10 Things to do in Nairobi
1. Nairobi National Park
Whilst tourists flock to Kenya’s Maasai Mara in the hopes of spotting the Big 5 and the thundering Great Migration, its capital city is a safari destination in its own right. It is also the only place where you will find a national park abutting a capital city. Enjoy the novelty of reaching the reserve by taxi and photographing a giraffe against the city’s distinctive skyline.
Karen Blixen Museum is a good spot in Nairobi
2. Karen Blixen Museum
The famed memoir and film adaptation, Out of Africa, has generated many a romantic notion about Kenya and the continent at large. The house in which author Karen Blixen lived between 1917 and 1931 has been lovingly preserved as a museum in Nairobi, affording visitors the opportunity for an intimate look into a piece of personal history.
Ivory orphaned elephants being bottle fed, Image credit: Richard Probst
3. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Situated just outside Nairobi National Park, this wildlife trust has a carefully developed program for introducing baby elephants and rhinos back into the wild. Once a day visitors to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust can see these ivory orphans being bottle fed and taken for a daily mudbath. This makes for heart-warming viewing but be warned: things can get messy when these titan tykes come to feed and frolic.
Enjoy a cup Kenyan coffee at Been There coffee shop
4. A Kenyan Cuppa Joe
Now a critical part of modern life, coffee was first discovered in Africa. Although many attribute Ethiopia as being the true birthplace of coffee, Nairobi Java House is lauded as one of the best coffee chains on the African continent. This Kenyan stalwart is definitely worth a visit, and with an outlet conveniently situated at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you can expect to start your visit off on a high note!
Traditional Maasai Jewelry at Triangle Curio Market, Nairobi, Image credit: Laura Komanga
5. Maasai Market
A stroll through Nairobi’s Maasai Market is the ultimate stop for keepsakes from your Kenyan adventure. It also gives you a chance to marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of local artisans and their distinct brand of artefacts. With its venue changing every day of the week, this colourful open-air market is certainly something to track down while in Nairobi, and is a fascinating (and somewhat chaotic) way to spend a day. Remember to bring your bargaining A-game!
6. Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park
The arid and sparse open landscapes that make up Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park are known for excellent hiking opportunities, and the magnificent views of Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro. Located less than two hours from Nairobi, this park is the perfect one-day excursion and escape from the hustle and bustle of Kenya’s capital city. Visitors are likely to be treated to sights of colobus monkeys, baboons, impala, and a variety of birds.
Try the Kenyan meal, Bama chComa, Image credit: Otuebo Harrison
7. Try Local Cuisine
What is a visit to East Africa and Kenya’s hub without sampling the local fare? Nairobi is packed with local culture and cuisine aplenty. Nyama Choma is one of the most popular dishes in the country and consists of meat slow-cooked over hot coals until tender and juicy, accompanied by rice and a tomato relish. Other favourites include Mandazi (a sweet doughnut) and roasted makai (made from maize and available from vendors on many street corners).
Water bucks on Lake Naivasha , Image credit: McKay Savage
8. Lake Naivasha
Less than two hours from the thrumming streets of the capital, Lake Naivasha stands sentinel over the Kenyan Rift Valley. As its highest point and forming part of the Great Rift Valley, this expansive lake is an easy day venture for visitors from Nairobi. The lake’s glassy waters are adorned with abundant flora, waterbuck, and lazy hippo pods while its shorelines attract giraffe, zebra, and some of the 400 different species of bird found here. The entrance to Hell’s Gate National Park and the home of Joy Adamson are also nearby, offering plenty of other activities in the area.
Feeding a giraffe at the Giraffe Centre, Image credit: H. Dahlmo
9. Giraffe Centre
With their distinctively mottled coats and adorably long limbs, giraffes are undoubtedly some of the most easily recognisable animals in Africa. Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre is dedicated to the protection of the endangered Rothschild giraffe – a species endemic to the open grasslands of East Africa. Visitors to this non-profit can feed and interact with the centre’s giraffes and keep an eye out for the several warthogs that live here, too.
Ngong Hills is surely a treat to see, Image credit: Siegmund Kamau
10. Ngong Hills
“I have a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills”.
Do you fancy yourself a modern-day Meryl Streep or Robert Redford? Journey to the horizon that inspired Karen Blixen’s bestselling novel and movie, Out of Africa: the Ngong Hills. Visitors can enjoy an escape from the city and an opportunity to relive history on this 13km hike found only an hour from Nairobi. Bonus: on a clear day, expect to be treated to magnificent views of the Rift Valley floor.
Right, you are an avid reader of National Geographic, your TV is set to the Discovery Channel and you’ve seen Out of Africa more times than any other movie. So you finally decide to tick your greatest dream off of your list and go on a East African Safari. But where do you start? How do you get around? And what time of year is best?
In this guide, we will discuss the big questions that first-time visitors to East Africa face, the different options available and how to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
How To Go on a East African Safari
One of the first things you will need to decide on is how you are going to get around. There are four options available; scheduled, road, fly-in or a mix.
Scheduled Trip
A scheduled trip is one where you can join a group with a maximum of seven people where you will share the vehicle and driver-guide costs between you and the group. This is the most affordable way of travelling. This scheduled safari is done by road with a predetermined route and no flexibility. With a scheduled safari, you will save on costs but will be limited as you have to follow a set itinerary and stay at predetermined lodges.
Road Trip
The second option is to do a private safari by road where it is only you and your travel party in the vehicle with your personal driver-guide. This is a more expensive way of doing it but then you have the flexibility to stay at different lodges and you get to determine which national parks you would like to visit.
Fly-in Safari Experience
The third way is to fly into the national parks (or as close to the national parks as you can in some cases) and then be met and transferred by the lodge’s vehicle to the lodge. The game drives are then conducted in the lodge’s safari vehicles. This is the most convenient and allows you to see the most variety of lodges.
Mix Experience
You are also able to customise your trip in a way that it is a mix between a private road safari and flying.
Wildbeest in Serengeti’s Plains at sunset, Photo Credit: Philip MarazziImage credit: Great Plains Conservation
Where To Go for an East Africa Safari
East Africa is an unbelievably rich region of abundant wildlife and fantastic wildernesses. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda all possess their own unique wonders. Africa’s tallest mountains, biggest lakes and richest savannahs are prominent features, but there is an almost infinite supply of attractions on offer to visitors. These are just a few of the region’s chief attractions, that we listed below:
The Great Migration
The Great Migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti The vast Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, shared by both Kenya and Tanzania, is home to the largest concentration of large mammals on earth and plays host to “The Greatest Show on Earth”, The Great Migration. The Masai Mara is situated in the south-eastern corner of Kenya while the Serengeti is in the north of Tanzania. Both of these incredible parks offer great viewing at any time of year due to the abundance of the wildlife and immensity of the parks.
A young gorilla munches, Image credit: Porco Rosso
Gorilla Trekking
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are the two premier places in the world to come into contact with the magnificent and endangered mountain gorilla. Trek through the lush and ecologically diverse rainforests to enjoy an experience with these remarkable creatures. Gorilla Trekking is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Ngorongoro Crater National Park
Africa’s Garden of Eden, the Ngorongoro Crater National Park, is a natural amphitheatre which plays host to a procession of wild animals. This unique and fascinating place is the world’s largest unbroken caldera which was formed when its volcano top erupted, leaving fertile plains in its place. Before this happened, it was actually the highest mountain in Africa, towering over the nearby Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Parl
From its snow-capped peak to elephants and giraffe basking in the forests and plains below, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the truly iconic images of Africa. Wild animals roam the plains below the dormant volcanic mountain while adventurous hikers attempt to summit the roof of Africa.
Zanzibar Archipelago
Tropical paradise of Zanzibar’s turquoise beaches
Zanzibar Archipelago is a dream destination. With a fascinating history, the mesmerising Stone Town and stunning beaches, Zanzibar offers visitors an ideal holiday destination. A popular way to end a safari is to spend it on one of Zanzibar’s magnificent beaches or untouched islands along the Indian Ocean.
When To Go on an East African Safari
The seasons are fairly complex in East Africa and deciding on when to go depends on what safari experience you would like. There are two rainy seasons in the northern circuit of Tanzania and Kenya. One from November to December, and another from March to May. July to October is the most popular time to visit these areas. However it should be noted that there is a considerable benefit to travelling in the off-season period. The reserves are much less crowded, especially the popular Ngorongoro reserve, which allows for much better and easier access to the animals.
Best time to witness the Great Migration
Each year around 1.5 million wildebeests and 300,000 zebras – along with other antelope – gather up their young and start their long trek. From Tanzania’s Serengeti Plains, further north to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, millions of animals are on the move. The animals cross the plains and rivers in search of food and water as the seasons change. This is considered the main attraction of the migration. The spectacular sight of thousands of animals galloping across the plains and fording the raging, crocodile-infested rivers.
These river crossings are best seen between July and September. The animals actually cross back and forth continuously between the two areas during this time. In September, the animals cross back into the Serengeti. After September, there is still a tail end of the migration which lags behind the main herds.
A lion attack in the Maasai Mara Plains
If you are late you can still hope to catch the last of them. The animals then go back down to the Serengeti plains from where they came. In January and February, the annual rains hit the Serengeti allowing the female wildebeest herd to start giving birth. By March or April, the area has dried out and become desolate again. This forces the massive grouping of animals to move northwards towards Lake Victoria where they begin the mating season. After this, they once again head back towards the Masai Mara around July and attempt the river crossings once again, and so the cycle continues.
In Tanzania, the best time to witness the migration is probably in February and March. The animals are grazing now and can be seen in their immense numbers. It is good for seeing the animals give birth and to witness the baby animals find their feet. It is at this time that the predator activity is at its highest too.
Best time to visit Kenya
Kenya has an incredible array of excellent parks and the best time to visit these would be during the dry seasons. Dry seasons in Kenya are January through March and July through October. At that time of year, the climate is mild and dry and the game viewing is at its peak. The animals gather in large numbers around the water holes, rivers and lakes, so they are easier to find. The vegetation is also less lush which allows the animals to be seen easier from a distance. As we said earlier though, the off-seasons can be equally rewarding.
Best time to visit Tanzania
June to November is Tanzania’s main dry season and is the best time for general game viewing. That is also the best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya and the two can be easily incorporated into one itinerary.
Tanzania has two different circuits with differing weather patterns. In the south, there is one rainy season, from November to March. The perfect time to visit is during the June to November dry season as the animals tend to congregate around permanent water and it isn’t so hot and humid.
In the north, there are two rainy seasons, from November to December and from March through May. The
heavy rains fall in April and May, and the lesser rains in November and December. When the heavy rains fall the roads get washed out and the animals become harder to find.
Giraffe and zebra in Tanzania
Best time to visit Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a year-round activity. But when you’re hiking the rainforests it will be more enjoyable to go in the drier and cooler months. January and February and again from June to September are therefore the best time we recommend you to visit Uganda. Although rain is likely all year round, the rainy seasons (March-April and October-November) make the trek up to the gorillas particularly difficult.
Best time to visit Rwanda
Like Uganda, gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done all year. However, there are times that are more suitable than others. The best time to visit Rwanda for a gorilla trek is during the short dry season from mid-December to early February. You might also want to go over the long dry season months of June to September. These periods offer the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest malaria risk.
A hippo emerges, Image credit: Great Plains ConservationCheetah hidden in the savannah’s bush
Different Tour Options for an East African Safari
Classic Kenya – From the open plains of Masai Mara, the shimmery pink waters of Lake Nakuru and the swamps of Amboseli, this safari takes in three of the most picturesque regions in Kenya. It also provides the perfect opportunity to spot the Big 5 and to capture some diverse scenery.
Dee’s Ultimate Tanzania Experience – Experience the phenomenal Serengeti Migration and Ngorongoro Crater and then depart wildlife central to laze on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar Island. Dee’s luxury 12-day extravaganza has it all!
East African Explorer – This is a 13-day scheduled tour that visits the best that an East Africa safari has to offer. In Kenya, the tour visits the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli National Park. The tour then crosses over into Tanzania where you will visit Lake Manyara with views over the Great Rift Valley. You’ll enjoy the abundant wildlife of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and finish the tour at the elephant rich Tarangire National park.
Landy’s Tanzanian Sky Safari – This spectacular fly-in romp through Tanzania’s premier game reserves provides the ultimate Tanzanian extravaganza of unparalleled wildlife and landscapes capped off with a stint on a secluded island paradise.
Luxury East Africa Safari – Spend 13 days experiencing the luxury that East Africa offers. Start your journey in Kenya’s capital before travelling to the Maasai Mara. Then head over to the Serengeti before visiting Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater. End your journey with a thrilling safari in Tarangire National Park.
Dianne’s Ugandan Expedition – Dianne’s tour takes you into the lush rainforests of Uganda to come in close contact with the magnificent endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. The tour also visits the Big 5 and the world-famous, tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Let’s book your East African Safari!
To get the best out of your trip, we recommend that you speak to one of our expert consultants who will be able to help you customise your own East African safari. Once all is said and done maybe you will be the one appearing on the pages of the next National Geographic.
After a hearty breakfast it was onwards to our next port of call – Sabora Tented Camp – that we headed, via a game drive en route. Again I emphasise the scenery is unmatched elsewhere and I can now fully understand and appreciate why movies like “Out of Africa” et al did so much for East Africa travel.
Driving up to Singita‘s Sabora, with beige canvas tents dotted in a line out across the plains, we realised this was going to be a completely different experience to that of Sasakwa – read the blog here.
Where at Sasakwa you looked down to the rest of the wildlife below, at Sabora you are one with it all. The terrain is flat, vast and interspersed with a few trees, frequented by buffalo and zebra who call Sabora home. The tents, reminiscent of a bygone era, are filed with antique chests, artefacts, Persian rugs and are very comforting. Even though the entire camp is made with canvas tents on slightly raised wooden platforms, they still offer the creature comforts of a gym, shop, spa (which I thoroughly enjoyed thanks to the fluid hands of the resident spa therapist Judy) and even their own tennis court, which was enjoyed one evening during a particular resplendent sundown as a drinks stop after a game drive.
We were here for two nights, so were able to fully enjoy the surrounds and relax in between meals and game drives (and spa treatments). Sadik and Rachel were our hosts here and did a fine job, but were, perhaps, overshadowed by our supremely efficient butler Moses. What a wonderful man, who grew to know each and every person’s specific foibles and how they liked their eggs, and he pre-empted their tipples of choice before dinner. He was so friendly and smiley… he personified the ubiquitous “Karibu” completely.
We dined in splendour here too. One of the nights we enjoyed dinner under the stars outside on the plains after a superb performance of drumming, singing and dancing by the lodge’s staff, while another we had a formal affair with starched white table cloths, crystal and finery coming into its own.
Other than being woken in the middle of the night by a resident buffalo scratching his back on my room’s decking, the stay was incredibly peaceful and our minds had now fully wound down enough to take in all that was on offer. There is a little feature of Sabora that I grew to love above all others… They have antique styled wrought iron beds and mattresses set up under an umbrella a few metres out on the plains outside each tent. There is no better place in this world to have an afternoon snooze after a great lunch. Zebras all around, the quietness of the Serengeti, the slow breeze cooling you down during the heat of the day… Sheer bliss!
Whilst staying at Sabora we were able to enjoy a trip a little off the beaten track to see what Singita does behind the scenes for its local communities. We were especially moved when visiting their Environmental Educational Centre. This is a non profit centre aimed at educating the most promising students from the neighbouring communities in environmental impact, recycling, and everything eco-centred. These bright little stars then take this knowledge back to their respective communities and teach it to their elders. From what we saw and heard, it is working incredibly well and to have seen first-hand how proud and enthusiastic the young students were gives us hope for tomorrow.
We then visited the local community market, which was initially started by Singita by training the locals how to grow a vast number of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. The community members are now able to enjoy the produce themselves and, even better, sell it back to Singita, who uses it at their various lodges. A full circle indeed.
Up next was a visit to a Waisenye tribal village. It was very interesting and we were treated to examples of local customs, rituals, incredibly spirited dancing and singing, bow and arrow shooting as well as fire-starting done quite proficiently with two sticks – quicker than when one has to struggle with a lighter.
Our stay at Sabora also featured a stop at the stables, where Singita proudly houses 19 horses from around the world and that are all in immaculate condition. The horses are available to experienced riders during their stay on the reserve as a way to experience a safari with a difference. On a game drive we actually came across three horse riders in the wild enjoying a sighting of giraffe and cantering across the plains. If I were a rider I would have been jealous, for sure!
Look out for Part 3 of this Singita safari. To go on your own East African adventure and stay at Singita’s incredible properties, contact us and we’ll help you plan a trip of a lifetime!
My colleague Dee and I were lucky enough to have been invited to Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania a few weeks ago (look out for more blog posts on the trip). We found ourselves with a day at leisure and thought what a better way to use our time than to explore the town of Arusha and pop into a number of its hotels and lodges that we regularly recommend to our clients.
We work very closely with our preferred ground handler in East Africa, Predators and as soon as we arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport their representative and our host for the day, John, was there front and centre to meet us in the arrivals hall. He escorted us to the awaiting vehicle and we made our way through the outskirts of Arusha city, with streets lined by Jacaranda trees in full bloom and amongst the bustling street vendors, buses, trucks, motorbikes and pedestrians, which for me was a complete eye opener as this was my first trip to Tanzania. The roads are hectically chaotic, with driving lanes being mere suggestions to its users and overtaking erratically the norm, but it seems to work. Think Paris circle around the Arc de Triomph or India city streets; similar for sure.
We were based at the Legendary Lodge, about an hour’s drive from the Kilimanjaro Airport and it was a superb base for us. So we dropped our bags, freshened up after a long evening of flying, had a quick bite and were off to our first stop.
Arusha Coffee Lodge is a favourite of ours, located on a coffee plantation, about 10 minutes from Arusha Airport. It has stand alone rooms and suites set out under the trees interspersed with rooms of coffee bushes. The main lodge houses a bar and restaurant, with the accommodation like little cottages scattered about. The rooms are spacious, offering an indoor fireplace and superb bathrooms, and the suites even better with lounge area and an outside fireplace, which was quite unique as it offered two loungers in your own courtyard area with accompanying fireplace, and modern finishes.
Arusha Coffee Lodge also houses an in-house Tanzanite Experience shop, endorsed by the Tanzanite Foundation where you can buy the exclusive gem and have it set to your liking or buy it ready made in an array of heavenly pieces.
We then ventured to Onsea House, which is located within the town of Arusha itself, set on the side of a hill with lush green trees, lawns and is surprisingly quiet for its location. Onsea House is a small boutique property, exuding an Italian town/Spanish Steps feel….with only a handful of rooms, each individually decorated. The focus here is on food too as they have their own fantastic restaurant, “Machweo”, receiving rave reviews in Arusha.
They have two styles of accommodation; the newest is quite modern, but homely, set higher up the hill, closer to the restaurant and pool and the older, original rooms are more private and secluded, further down the hill. So there are options for everyone. The rooms up top have a more European, modern design with the original rooms being African colonial mix… it might sound confusing but it works.
Next on the list was Mount Meru Game Lodge, based almost halfway between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Airport. It is rather large, so great for big groups of travellers and has the added bonus of having a watering hole with game right at the lodge entrance. We were lucky enough to be greeted by a zebra, peacock, waterbuck and an array of birds getting their daily drink. The lodge has a curio shop and an inviting bar area as well as a 2 bed-roomed family unit, which is not very common in Arusha it seems, so a great feature. The hotel is more on the standard side of things than the likes of Legendary or Arusha Coffee Lodge and is priced accordingly.
We had one stop remaining on our busy day and that was the Serena Mountain Village Lodge. The main lodge area, which houses the great restaurant, curio shop and reception, is a large rock and timber building, almost cathedral like. It is very beautiful and imposing on the horizon with a garden spilling out below towards the lake that borders the property, shaded by bottle brush trees. It is here that we enjoyed lunch – a 3 course buffet of salads, an array of BBQ grilled meats and local desert (turns out we had arrived on Zanzibarian day), washed down by the local beers, Tusker and Kilimanjaro.
The rooms here are set out in a line leading off from the main area, arranged in semi circle clusters of six rooms per cluster, each overlooking the gardens and lake below in the distance. The accommodations here are very basic, with no bells and whistles at all, but it serves well as a one night stop-over pre- or post-safari, which is at the end of the day where limited monies are often better spent.
A Final Word
Success! We had seen what we wanted to see, and experienced the city in all its glory, as well as visited a vibrant craft market, teeming with Masai men and women selling their wares and where you can bargain for any number of beaded works of art, masks, sculptures and more. We were also able to fit in a visit into Predators offices to visit the team that we work so closely with and see their operations, which seem to be the biggest and most professionally run in East Africa. We ended the day back at Legendary Lodge, tired, yet well happy with all that is Arusha and excited for what was to come.
Watch this space for more!
For more information and to book an exciting tailor-made trip to Tanzania, contact us and we’ll gladly help!
Yes they do, and I’ve heard that some bees do it. Perhaps you should do it too? With South African Airways and their latest 2 for 1 fare to Africa, flying south for the winter just became an option for those of us lacking in feathers.
This special promotion of 2 for 1 airfare from their gateways in New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD) to 18 destinations in Africa includes SAA’s exciting and adventurous destinations in Southern Africa, East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. And what a coincidence, Rhino Africa specialises in these very destinations! If I were you, I would book my inbound flight to South Africa and get one of our travel experts to take care of your luxury African safari!
Just West of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, lies one of the wildest conservation areas – the Selous Game Reserve. Four times the size of the Serengeti and largely undiscovered, this really is one of the last real wilderness areas. When I was given the opportunity to go and experience the Selous for myself I had no idea what to expect, having grown up in Africa and with a relentless passion for discovering Africa, I have had the good fortune to go on countless game drives… but no area has left me with such an authentic and original African wildlife experience. Knowing the sheer size of the Selous and that the reserve is off the beaten track, I was truly taken aback by what I found. Ultimate luxury and the total seclusion I had been craving!
Instead of telling you how mind blowing it is to go on a game drive for hours and to not see another vehicle, or how incredible the landscape is that I couldn’t have dreamed up anything more beautiful. I thought I would rather share one of the days with you from my diary…
In the morning..
My room at Beho Beho is a palace on a hill, well my idea of a palace anyway. Not the shiny gold kind, but the kind I lay awake dreaming about…
Literally half my room was opened up to the bush, all that separated me from the bush was a wooden banister so from my king size bed I could look out over the bush, stretching for miles and after I’m nudged awake by the call of the fish eagle I laze on over to my outdoor shower where I probably spend far too long getting ready. We are then taken out on a boat cruise on Lake Tagalala, our Ranger warns us that sometimes the fish in the lake get a fright from the engine and can jump out of the water. So with elephants drinking in the reeds and crocs ducking beneath the water on every turn and fish jumping out the water beside the boat as we cruised along, this was truly an original and worthwhile alternative to a game drive! After the cruise we are treated to a feast for breakfast next to the lake under the shade of an old tree.
Once our bellies are full and settled we head off to Maji Moto (Fire Water), these are spectacular hot volcanic springs in the middle of the one of the world’s largest game reserves. When I thought about the Selous, I didn’t picture spending the morning swimming in warm volcanic springs surrounded by untouched African bush – but here we are, jumping from pool to pool, enjoying a warm shower under the waterfall and after what I am sure was one of the best mornings of my life, we head back to the lodge for a light lunch and an afternoon nap.
In the afternoon…
After such a spectacular morning, an afternoon game drive almost seemed mundane … how were they going to top it? We head out and not far from the lodge we come across a sleeping pack of Wild Dogs. Now I knew the Selous was home to a number of wild dogs, because the reserve offers them the space they require for their vast territories, but what are the chances we would run into a pack in such an expansive wilderness with us being the only vehicle on the look-out for miles? So when we stumbled across them, I was so excited I almost leaned over and hugged our ranger. He gives us a choice, stay and wait for them to wake up and perhaps catch them performing their “greeting ceremony” or carry on and try out one of the walking safaris the Selous is also famous for… Having to make this decision was probably the toughest thing I had to do all week – we decided to wait.
Our ranger pours us a G&T. About 5 minutes later the dogs are up and the greeting ceremony begins!!! What a sight – all the dogs are up and about, pouncing and playing. After the greeting is done the pups decide to stalk the Zebra in the distance and chase them as they learn how to hunt. When they get bored of that, they decide to come right up to our vehicle to check us out – all of us on the vehicle are novice photographers and this is a dream come true, we watch the dogs until the sun goes down. And best of all – no other vehicle in site! We had these amazing hours all to ourselves! Sitting on a hill, camera in one hand, G&T in the other, spending endless uninterrupted time with Africa’s endangered Wild Dogs… it truly doesn’t get better than this, or so I thought…
In the evening..
After an incredible afternoon, we head back to the lodge for dinner, I’m still on a high from the fantastic day we have just had and then the chef serves us fresh Lobster Thermadore flown in from Zanzibar that morning! There I am wrapped up in sheer luxury, in one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas eating possibly the best meal of my life – all while watching hippo and buffalo come to drink from the waterhole below…. Who would have guessed? I know I didn’t.
So apparently Kenya is the place to get engaged! This of course isn’t really news to Rhino Africa; we have always known this exceptional country moves the vows along. When most people think of Africa, they are really thinking of Kenya. The wide open plains and plethora of wild animals combine to create the perfect African safari and the luxury lodges are certainly romantic enough to get you down on one knee. Head to the Masai Mara or any one of Kenya’s game parks and you could spot the Big Five in a morning game drive and be relaxing poolside with a glass of champagne before the sun sets. And of course, you should time your trip to coincide with one of the world’s most unbelievable and epic natural spectacles – The Great Wildebeest Migration.
No one is one hundred percent sure at which Kenyan lodge Prince William popped the big question. The Queen has stayed at Treetops Hotel in the Aberdare Mountains and it was here that she received the news that her father had passed away and that she was now Queen! So the Royals have had a long and romantic history with Africa. Prince William has often stated that Africa is his other home – a large part of his heart is in Africa and he has traveled to South Africa on numerous occasions, most recently during the Fifa World Cup. Despite the English football team’s poor showing, he surely had a great time exploring Cape Town and some of South Africa’s other premier cities…
In the past, the Prince has stayed in the Lewa Downs Conservancy – a private conservation and safari reserve at the foot of Mount Kenya. While we don’t know exactly where this trip took the happy couple we can make some suggestions of our own for your romantic and potentially life changing trip to Africa!
Loisaba
Loisaba is outstandingly beautiful, its abundant wildlife is truly wild and its accommodation is luxurious and authentically African. Activities at Loisaba include helicopter trips and hot air balloon excursions over the exclusive private concession, with 60,000 acres of land there is plenty to see. There are also Spa and massage facilities as well as river rafting for the adventurous.
Take a camel back safari through the enchanting wilderness of this exclusive private concession on the Laikipia plateau. Experience a truly unique Kenyan holiday in comfort, privacy and excessive luxury! Sabuk’s cottages are open at the front with stunning views of the river and cliffs. Each thatched rondavel has its own unique design, crafted from local stone, gnarled ancient cedar and twisted olivewood branches, gathered from the local area.
With over 95,000 hectares of uninterrupted African landscape surrounding the lodge – the size of Malta and Seychelles combined – the sense of privacy as well as exclusivity is compelling. Activities include night and morning game drives in the Kalama Conservancy, rock climbing, professionally-led game walks, bush dinners and star gazing.
We can also recommend a number of other romantic destinations in Kenya, Tanzania and even Rwanda and Uganda! Or if East Africa isn’t your thing, head down South for some time in the sun in Mozambique or a luxury safari in the Kruger National Park. Get in touch with Rhino Africa to start planning your getaway.
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