Uganda is one of Africa’s rewarding destinations for birdwatching. The country hosts more than 1,100 recorded bird species and a remarkable variety of habitats. From tropical forests and wetlands to savannahs, lake shores and mountains, each landscape offers a different collection of birds. Uganda Wildlife Authority describes the country as a birdwatching destination. With more than 1,100 recorded bird species, Uganda represents about half of Africa’s bird species.

Bird watching in Uganda can be enjoyed as a specialised safari or added to a normal wildlife trip. You don’t necessarily need to be an expert birder. With a good guide, binoculars and patience, even a first-time visitor can learn to recognise birds by their appearance, calls, behaviour and habitat. For serious birders, however, Uganda offers a chance to search for rare forest species, wetland birds and Albertine Rift endemics.

How to book a birdwatching safari from a company?

The simplest way to organise a birdwatching safari is to contact a licensed Ugandan tour company, such as Epic Uganda Vacations. When inquiring, provide the company with your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, places you would like to visit, and the type of birding experience you want. You can also explain whether you are interested in a particular bird such as the shoebill, or whether your goal is to see as many different species as possible.

The company will normally prepare an itinerary based on your interests and the amount of time available. A short birding trip might focus on Entebbe, Mabamba wetland and nearby forests. While a longer safari can include destinations such as Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Semuliki.

Before confirming your trip, ask what is included in the quotation. Depending on the company and package, the cost may cover transportation, accommodation, meals, park entrance fees, birding guides and selected activities. Uganda Tourism Board maintains a register of licensed tourism operators, so checking that your chosen company is properly licensed is an important part of planning.

How the company books and organises the safari.

After you approve the itinerary and make the required payment or deposit, the tour company begins arranging the individual services that make up your birding trip. This may involve booking accommodation, arranging a safari vehicle and a driver-guide. An organising specialist birding guides, and securing access or permits where they are required.

For activities inside national parks and wildlife areas, the operator works with the relevant authorities. He follows the applicable entry and activity procedures. UWA manages Uganda’s protected wildlife areas, while tourism businesses operate within the country’s regulated tourism system.

A good birding company should also consider the best locations and times of the day for the species you hope to see. Birdwatching is not simply about driving into the park and waiting for birds to appear. Experienced guides know habitats, bird calls, feeding areas, and seasonal movements, and these details can make a major difference in the experience.

Where is bird watching done in Uganda?

There are many places to go birdwatching in Uganda, but some destinations stand out because of their habitats and bird diversity.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the country’s important birding destinations and offers opportunities to see a broad range of savannah, woodland, wetland and riverine species. The shoebill is among the birds that attract specialist birders to the area.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is particularly important for people interested in Albertine Rift birds. The forest provides habitat for species that are difficult to find elsewhere, making birding here an excellent addition to a gorilla safari.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also provides opportunities to search for Albertine Rift species in a spectacular mountainous setting. The national park has a montane vegetation type that offers shelter to several birds.

Semuliki National Park

Semuliki National Park is another special destination. Its location and forest ecosystem give birders access to Guinea-Congo Forest species, some of which are difficult to encounter elsewhere in East Africa. UWA identifies Semuliki as a particularly important location for these regional species.

Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is best known for chimpanzee tracking and its remarkable primate diversity, but the forest and surrounding habitats also provide excellent birding opportunities.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park combines woodland, open savannah, wetlands and the Kazinga Channel. This creates a mixture of habitats where visitors can encounter numerous bird species alongside wildlife.

For travellers arriving from Entebbe, birding can begin almost immediately. Mabamba Wetland is one of the best-known wetland birding locations near Entebbe and is particularly associated with searches for the shoebill. Other birding opportunities around the Entebbe and Kampala area can be combined into a short introductory birding excursion.

How birdwatching is done.

A typical birdwatching day starts early because many birds are most active during the cooler morning hours. Your guide picks you up from the lodge, and the group travels to the selected birding site.

Once at the location, the guide chooses suitable roads, trails, wetlands, or forest sections. Birding may involve walking quietly through vegetation, driving slowly along the game track, stopping near water, or simply waiting in an area where birds are active.

Binoculars are among the most important pieces of equipment. A spotting scope can be particularly helpful for birds that are far away, while a field guide or bird identification application can help with identification. Birding is also strongly based on sound. A skilled guide may hear a bird before anyone sees it and then lead the group towards its location.

Patience is essential. A bird may appear for only a few seconds before disappearing into thick vegetation. The guide may therefore identify it from its call, flight pattern, shape, or movement before eventually locating it visually. Visitors can record their sightings in a notebook or birding checklist or photograph birds when conditions allow.

Best time for birdwatching in Uganda.

Birdwatching is possible throughout the year because Uganda has many resident species. However, weather can affect road and trail conditions. Uganda Wildlife Authority identifies late May through September as a generally favourable period, when rainfall is lower, and food availability can support bird activity.

Ultimately, the best time depends on the kind of birding you want to experience. Uganda’s resident species make year-round birding possible, while seasonal conditions can add different opportunities to the experience.

The post Where can I do bird watching in Uganda? appeared first on Africa Safari Tours | Gorilla Safaris | Epic Uganda Vacations.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the country’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. It takes visitors into the misty forest of the Virunga Mountains in search of habituated mountain gorilla families. Unlike a traditional game drive, gorilla trekking is a walking adventure. The time spent searching for the gorillas can vary depending on where the assigned family is.

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park in the country’s northwest. The park protects the Rwandan section of the Virunga Mountain range. This includes the montane forests, bamboo zones, and other high-altitude habitats. For travellers planning their visit, understanding the permit booking process is important.  This is because gorilla permits are limited and trekking is carefully managed.

A standard foreign visitor’s gorilla permit currently costs USD 1,500 per person. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years. Rwanda also has different rates for some Rwandan citizens, East African citizens, and qualifying residents. Though promotional rates have specific conditions and periods of application.

How to book a permit through a tour company.

For many international visitors, the easiest way to arrange gorilla trekking is through a reputable tour company, such as Epic Uganda Vacations. Instead of handling every part of the reservation process yourself, you contact the company and provide the information needed to design a trip for you.

The first step is to tell the company your preferred trekking date, number of travellers, nationality or residency status, and any other travel requirements. The company can then check the availability of gorilla trekking permits and build the rest of your trip around the trekking date. It is advisable to begin this process well in advance because the number of permits available each day is limited. Rwanda currently limits tourist access to individual gorilla groups, with a maximum of 8 people per group.

After confirming the date and price, the traveller normally makes the payment according to the company’s booking terms. The company then proceeds with the official permit reservation. Your passport details must be accurate because the Rwanda Development Board’s booking system requires the full client information when the reservation is made. Incorrect, incomplete, or false information can result in problems at the park entrance.

The company may also arrange accommodation, airport transfers, and transportation to Volcanoes National Park, meals, a guide, and optional services such as a porter. This turns the permit into part of the entire gorilla trekking rather than leaving the traveller to organise every component separately.

How the tour company books the permit.

Once a client has confirmed the trip, the tour operator works through Rwanda’s official tourism reservation system. The Rwanda Development Board provides an online platform through which tourism services, including gorilla and primate tracking permits, can be booked.

The operator selects the gorilla trekking product and searches for an available date and slot. The client’s details are entered into the system, and the required supporting documentation is submitted. The booking is made on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the relevant payment and application procedures have been completed, the system processes the permit.

For tour operators using the advance-booking process, Rwanda’s system provides a booking reference. The operator can subsequently use that reference to confirm the reservation, pay the remaining amount where applicable, and obtain the permit.

This is why travellers should give their company correct passport information from the beginning. A gorilla permit is not simply a general entrance ticket that can be transferred casually from one traveller to another. The information submitted during booking is important for verification at the park.

Where gorilla trekking is done in Rwanda.

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking takes place exclusively in Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Volcanic Mountain region. The Park is located around Musanze in Northern Rwanda, relatively close to Kigali compared with many other major wildlife destinations in the country.

Travellers normally travel from Kigali towards Musanze and continue to Kinigi where the gorilla trekking registration and briefing take place. Rwanda’s tourism information indicates that Musanze is roughly a 90-minute drive from Kigali, although actual journey time may vary according to traffic, weather and road conditions.

How gorilla trekking is done.

The experience begins early in the morning. Visitors are expected to report to the park’s registration and information centre at 7 am for registration, briefing and allocation procedures.

During the briefing, guides explain the rules for approaching the mountain gorillas. Visitors are reminded to maintain the required distance, avoid loud behaviour, follow the guide’s instructions and avoid visiting the gorillas when suffering from contagious illnesses. The current guidelines also limit the gorilla viewing period to 1hour and restrict each visiting group to a maximum of 8 people.

After the briefing, the visitors set off into the forest accompanied by trained guides and trackers. The distance and difficulty of the trek are not fixed. Some groups may be reached after a relatively short walk, while others can require several hours of hiking through steep terrain. Rwanda’s tourism information notes that treks can range from around 30 minutes to more than 4hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.

Trackers normally move ahead to establish the location of the gorilla family, while the visitors follow the guides. When the gorillas are found, everyone is reminded to remain calm and respect their space. The 1-hour encounter allows visitors to observe the family’s behaviour, including feeding, resting, moving through the vegetation, and interactions between adults and young gorillas.

After the viewing session, the group begins the journey back through the forest. A porter can be hired to carry a backpack and provide assistance on difficult sections of the trail. Comfortable hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, rain protection, water, and a small backpack are useful for the experience. Flash photography is not permitted.

Best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year because the gorillas remain in Volcanoes National Park regardless of the season. However, weather can influence the hiking experience.

The relatively drier periods are commonly preferred by travellers because the trails can be easier to navigate. Rwanda’s mountain climate remains unpredictable, however, and rain can occur even during the generally drier periods. Visitors should therefore carry rain protection regardless of the month they travel.

The wetter months can bring muddy and slippery trails, but they can also provide a quieter atmosphere and, depending on the circumstances, opportunities for travellers seeking a less busy travel period. Rwanda’s official booking information currently identifies November to May as the low-season period for certain promotional gorilla trekking arrangements, subject to the stated conditions.

Ultimately, the best time depends on whether a traveller prioritises drier hiking conditions, seasonal travel deals, personal schedules or combining gorilla trekking with other Rwandan experiences.

Where to stay in Rwanda.

Rwanda offers some of the finest accommodation facilities for gorilla trekking. These accommodation facilities range from luxury to midrange and budget. These lodges are spread around Volcanoes National Park. They provide quick access due to their strategic location. Some of these lodges include Isange Resort, Le’ Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Sambora Kinigi Lodge, etc.

What else to do in Rwanda.

Rwanda offers some of the best gorilla trekking experiences in the region. However, Rwanda is not limited to only gorilla trekking. It offers an incredible range of other tourist activities, including the following.

Game drives

Game drives or viewing are a basic safari activity that offers visitors a chance to spot some of the savannah animals. These animals include the big 5, which are the highly sought-after animals. These are lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Other animals to spot include hyenas, antelopes, warthogs, etc. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park and the only place to do a game drive.

Chimpanzee trekking

Rwanda also offers chimpanzee trekking experiences in Nyungwe National Park. This experience is pretty much like gorilla trekking. It involves visitors venturing into the dense jungles to find chimpanzees and spend an hour in their presence.

Other activities done in Rwanda include Kigali city tours, birding, boat cruises on Lake Ihema and Lake Kivu, and canopy walks, among others.

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Think of a place distant and untouched by the pressures of modern civilization. This is exactly how Katavi National Park can be described. Visitors to this park have described it as a place frozen in time. It preserves untouched wilderness dictated by the forces of nature and climate. This is what makes Katavi National Park one of the best safari destinations in the world. Its uniqueness is its treasure, since it is not highly explored and its natural state is preserved.

Katavi National Park ranks among Tanzania’s best protected areas. It is the third largest protected area in the country, covering about 4,471 square kilometers. Katavi is smaller than Ruaha National Park and Serengeti National Park. This national park is situated in the western safari circuit of Tanzania that hosts protected areas like Mahale Mountain National Park, Lake Tanganyika, and Gombe National Park. It is a prime safari destination harboring a variety of wildlife species.

It is located in the Katavi region, crossing the districts of Mlele and Nsimbo in the far western side of Tanzania. The park’s biodiversity is vast, dominated by savannah floodplains that transform into a lake called Lake Chada during the peak rainy/wet season. The River Katuma further drains Katavi National Park. There are also scattered seasonal lakes like Katabi, which are an important water source for the wildlife.

The park gets its name from the traditional spirit called Katabi, worshipped by the tribes of Pimbwe and Wabende neighbouring the park. This hunter spirit is believed to inhabit a sacred tree near Lake Katabi. These tribes and residents near the park still worship this spirit even today. They believe it heals diseases and blesses their lands. Katavi National Park is a place for visitors seeking a private safari adventure.

Brief history of Katavi National Park

From the time of its recognition as a wildlife sanctuary during the colonial era, Katavi was designated as a game reserve. This was done to protect the wildlife species that inhabited these lands. It was also done to conserve the natural habitat of the wildlife from encroachment by the early residents like the Rungwa and Kimbu people.

With growing numbers of wildlife and its massive size, this game reserve was elevated to national park status. This was officially affirmed in 1974, and by then it covered an area of about 1,823 square kilometers. The need for expansion came quickly after its establishment as a national park. Katavi National Park was then expanded to 4,471 square kilometers, where it is currently. When the country gained independence in 1961 and later, by 1964, unified as Tanzania, the management of the park fell to the Tanzania National Parks Authority.

What to see in Katavi National Park? – Attractions

Several attractions can be spotted and encountered in this national park. Katavi National Park has pristine jungle that features some of the unique species that are worth encountering. Below are some of these attractions available for exploration.

Wildlife species

Like most national parks, Katavi’s major attractions are the wildlife species. These wildlife species are the faces of the park and the reason for the high turnout of visitors. The park hosts a variety of wildlife, including the savannah grazers, apex predators, and the formidable aquatic species. Katavi hosts one of the largest concentrations of Cape buffaloes in the world, spotted roaming the floodplains. Several other common grazers to spot in the park include elephants, antelopes, zebras, topis, waterbucks, hartebeests, giraffes, elands, duikers, and impalas, among others.

The notable apex predators in Katavi National Park include lions, hyenas, leopards, wild dogs, and cheetahs, among others. These predators balance and maintain the population of the grazers by keeping them in check. Cheetahs are rarely spotted but usually roam and hunt from the floodplains, especially in the dry season. With a variety of freshwater sources dotted across the park, the aquatic life thrives. The aquatic life and deep waters of the park are inhabited by hippos and crocodiles. A freshwater lake like Katabi can host over 600 hippos once in a good season. Visitors are absolutely assured of spotting incredible animals once in the park.

Birdlife

The birdlife of this park is something to reckon with due to its unique species that reside there. Katavi National Park is a massive protected area with a variety of ecological systems. These range from the floodplains, the savannah woodland, and riverine vegetation. These ecosystems combined host over 450 bird species. The park is home to migratory or seasonal bird species spotted in specific seasons. The park also hosts endemic resident birds, present all year round. The common bird species to spot include the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-billed stork, African spoonbill, white-backed vulture, crested barbet, little bee-eater, saddle-billed stork, African fish eagle, Bateleur eagle, black cuckoo shrike, and red-billed hornbill, among others.

Katabi tree

One of the notable attractions in this park, and probably the most hilarious, is the Katabi tree. Many visitors are stunned by the uniqueness of this particular tree and how significant it is to the locals. There are several trees in this park, but this particular Katabi tree commands respect and attention. The Katabi tree is located near Lake Katabi, and it hosts the Katavi spirit. This spirit is a hunter spirit, as described by the locals. The locals believe it offers them good fortune when they pray and offer it sacrifices. The unique nature and its significance to the locals are one thing that strikes visitors.

Katsunga plains

Visitors interested in having a scenic and beautiful view in the park then the Katsunga plains are the place. The Katsunga plains are vast, stretching as far as the eye can see with savannah grassland and scattered woodlands. These plains attract large concentrations of wildlife, such as buffaloes, a variety of antelopes, elephants, and other grazers. This is because of the abundant pasture. The predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, follow closely, offering an incredible, action-packed adventure.

What to do – Tourist activities

The tourist activities in this park offer visitors a breathtaking, private, and more intimate experience. Some of the things to do in Katavi National Park include the following.

Game drives

Game viewing is the main tourist activity in the park. This is a great way to safely explore and spot several wildlife species. Game drives involve visitors navigating the vast plains of the park in the comfort and safety of a 4×4 safari vehicle. This ensures visitors get closer to some of the wildlife species while remaining safe. It is the best way to enjoy a hunting expedition as predators battle it out with their prey.

Birding

With over 450 bird species nesting in the various ecological systems in Katavi National Park, it qualifies as an important birding area. Birding seeks to uncover some of the many bird species in this park. Birding is done along designated birding areas that offer common sightings. It is carried out by experienced and professional birding guides that led visitors straight to some of the birding sights that have high concentrations of birds.

Guided nature walks

Guided nature walks are also done here in this park. These guided walks give an intimate and private exploration of the park. Armed professional rangers lead visitors during this experience. Visitors can have some of the best scenic views of the park and also spot some animals like elephants, antelopes, etc.

How to get there?

Katavi National Park can be accessed by both air and road. Traveling to the park by road is not very common, but it is possible. The journey from the country’s major gateways like Arusha and Mwanza takes about 16-20 hours. This means an entire journey from one of those major cities and towns can last days. The roads leading to the park are a mixture of paved and unpaved roads.

Flying from the major entry points of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, takes about 3-4 hours. Scheduled charter domestic flights can be arranged from either of these airports to Mpanda Airport in Mpanda district, and then drive to the park. Smaller aircraft can fly directly into the park to Sitalike and Ikuu airstrips. Traveling by air is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the park.

When to visit?

Depending on the particular activity a visitor is interested in, the park is open all year round. However, the best time to visit the park is always the dry season. This is because it offers the best conditions for exploration. The dry season is a period of prolonged sunny days and scattered light rains or no rain. This leaves the park tracks and floodplains dry, easing navigation and increasing visibility with the clear weather. There are chances of spotting many wildlife species since it is easy to find since they are always concentrated near the few remaining water sources in the park. From June to September and December to February is when the dry season occurs.

Katavi National Park can also be explored in the wet season. This season presents a challenging but very adventurous experience in the park. The wet season shows a completely new picture of the park as the floodplains come to life after filling with water and transforming into a seasonal lake. This is the best time for birding as the migratory birds are also present in the park since it is a breeding season. The wet season occurs in March, April, May, October, and November.

Where to stay?

The accommodation facilities in the park range from luxury and midrange to budget. This classification and categorization ensures that all visitors can find where to stay. Some of the accommodations include Katavi Wildlife Camp, Palahala Luxury Camp, Chada Katavi Camp, Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge, etc.

In conclusion, Epic Uganda Vacation is the best company that can make your exploration dream of venturing into Katavi National Park. This park is one of the best safari destinations in the world, situated in Tanzania. It has a variety of attractions, including wildlife species, birds, and the famous Katabi tree, among others. Venture to the park by road or air and explore its plains through different activities like game drives, birding, and nature walks in the dry season, since it’s the best time.

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Few safaris landscapes are as recognizable as an elephant walking across the Amboseli plains with the snow capped summit of mount a kilimanjro rising in the background, But there is much more to be the park this famous view. A day in amboseli can bring encounters with lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, entelops and many different bird species. If you are planning a short visit, this guide explains all but amboseli safari experience.

What is a one day-Amboseli safari like?

A typical one Amboseli safari early in the morning. If you are travelling from Nairobi, an early departure is important because the journey to the park takes several hours and you will want to maximize your time on a game drive

Once you arrive at Amboseli, you begin exploring the park with a profession safari guide. The morning is often one of the most rewarding periods for wildlife viewing because temperatures are cooler and many animals are active. You may drive across open grasslands in search of elephants, zebras and wildebeest before moving toward wetter areas where hippos and waterbirds can be found. As the day progresses, the landscape changes with light. The cool morning becomes warmer, animals may retreat into shade and later in the afternoon wildlife becomes active again. If the weather is clear you may also have opportunities to see mount Kilimanjaro towering over the landscape

What wildlife can you see in Amboseli?

Elephants are the undisputed stars of Amboseli. The park is famous for its large elephant’s population and provides excellent opportunities to observe family group moving across the plains. But elephants are only part of the experience. During your game drive, you may encounter creatures like lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos, warthogs, hyenas, gazelles and other antelopes.

Wildlife sighting are never guaranteed because Amboseli is a natural ecosystem. You safari guide will use knowledge of the park, animals behavior, track and recent sightings to help locate wildlife. The excitement comes partly from not knowing what will appear around the next corner.

Mount Kilimanjaro and the Amboseli landscape

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the defining features of an Amboseli safari. Although the mountain is in Tanzania, its dramatic presence can be enjoyed from the kenya side of border. One clear days, the snow covered summit rises above the plains, creating an extraordinary backdrop for wildlife photography. The mountain is often easier to see during the early morning before clouds gather around the summit. However visibility depends on weather conditions, so seeing a completely clear Kilimanjaro should not be considered guaranteed. The combination of elephants, golden grassland and Kilimanjaro is what makes Amboseli particularly appealing to photographers and first time safari travelers

Exploring amboseli different habitats

Amboseli is not simply one large open grassland. The ecosystem includes savannah plain, woodland, bushland wetlands and seasonal water areas. The different habitat support different species and give the safari variety. Wetlands are particularly important during dry periods because underground water feeds areas such as the parks swamps. These areas can attract elephants, hippos and many species of birds. Open plains meanwhile provides grazing area for zebras, zebras, wildebeest and other herbivores. Moving between these habitats during a game drive allows you to experience the different sides of Amboseli within a single day.

A typical one day Amboseli safari itinerary

Your exact itinerary will depend on your starting point and accommodation but a typical day look like 6:00am, leave Nairobi in the morning. You will arrive Amboseli National park and begin your wildlife search for elephants among others.

By road from Nairobi.

Road travel is the most common option for visitors coming Nairobi. One route travels through BEFORE Continuing towards Amboseli, while another approaches the park through the Namanga area. Kenya wildlife services identifies iremito, kimana and meshanani among the main access gates to the park.

For a one day safari from Nairobi, it is important to leave early. The earlier you arrive, the more time you have for wildlife viewing,

By air

Amboseli can also be reached by light aircraft. This can be convenient option for travelers combining Amboseli with other safari destinations or those who want to reduce road travel time. Flights may connect the park with Nairobi and their safari destinations depending on the operator and season

Where to stay in Amboseli national park

Although a one day safari does not require an overnight, adding a night or two can make the experience much more relaxed. There accommodations options inside Amboseli National park and in the surrounding area ranging from budget friendly camps to luxury safari lodges.

Are they lodges inside the park?

Yes, they different lodges and staying in the park is convenient for travelers who want quick access to the wildlife viewing area. Popular options such Ol Tukai lodge and Amboseli serena safari lodge offer very comfortable accommodation and easy access to early morning game drives. Staying in the park can be particularly useful if you want to enjoy an early morning game drive without first travelling from a distant town. They are many more safari camps around the Amboseli around park gate and within the wider Amboseli ecosystem and other options like kibo safari camp, sentrim amboseli, AA lodge, Amboseli, kilima safari camp and others properties are offering different standards of accommodation, these can be suitable for travelers looking for midrange or more affordable safari accommodation.  For travelers seeking a more exclusive experience, the amboseli ecosystem also has safari properties and private conservancy camps and Tawi lodge, Elewana Tortilies camp, Amboseli and Elerai camp that will provide more intimate atmosphere, beautiful view and experiences depending on location. While considering accommodation, consider its distance from the park entrance, your budget, type of safari experience you want and whether you are planning one, two or more nights.

Best time to visit Amboseli national park

Amboseli can be visited throughout the year but the difference seasons offers different experiences.

Dry season.

The dry periods are popular for wildlife viewing because vegetation is generally less dense and animals may concentrate around water sources. The dry landscapes can also be make elephants and other wildlife easier to spot again the pen plains

Wet season

During the rainy season, amboseli can become greener and more attractive for photography and bird watching. Season waters areas can attract a variety of birds and the changing landscapes provides a different perspective of the park. However heavy rain can make some roads more different to navigate.

What to expect on day safari.

One day amboseli safari is exciting but it is important to have realistic expectations. You will spend several hours in a safari vehicle, sometimes on rough roads, you may experience dust, heat and long periods of driving between wildlife sightings. At time spend 20min watching a heard of elephant before driving for another period without seeing large animals. The suddenly you guide spot a lion resting beneath a tree or giraffe appearing in the distance. The day is therefore a mixture of exploration, patience and unexpected wildlife encounters.

What you should bring?

For comfortable amboseli, consider packing binoculars, camera and spare batteries, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, long pants, drinking water, insect repellent, light jacket, small backpacker and warm sweater

Is one full day enough for Amboseli?

Yes, one days can provide  rewarding Amboseli experience, particularly if you limited time. You can enjoy several hours of game viewing, search for elephants and others wildlife, explore the parks landscapes and potentially enjoy view of mount Kilimanjaro. However one day from Nairobi involves a long travel schedule. If you have additional time, staying for two days and one night allows you to slow down and enjoy more game drives. An overnight means you can experience Amboseli during different times of the day without spending as much time travelling back and forth.

Is One day in Amboseli right choice.

Yes it works well for travelers with limited time who want to add the park on the itinerary but a 2days with 1Night in Amboseli safari provides a more relaxed experiences, with enough time for morning and afternoon game drives.

A 3-Days amboseli safari allows even more time to explore the park and surrounding ecosystem and can be combined with other kenya safari destinations. If you are already planning longer kenya safari, AmboseIi can be combined with destinations such Tsavo, lake Naivasha, lake Nakuru and masai mara

Book your amboseli national park safari with us today

Ready to experience Amboseli/ whether you have only one day or would like to spend several nights in Amboseli ecosystem, you safari can be planned around your available time, budget and interest. We can arrange your safari from Nairobi or another location including transportation, park entry, game drives accommodation and other services according to your itinerary.

To plan your Amboseli safari contact us with your preferred dates, number of travelers and number of days you have available

We can then  help you choose suitable accommodation and create an Amboseli safari itinerary designed around your travel plans. Experience Amboseli elephants, explore the African savannah and if the skies are clear, enjoy the unforgettable sight of mount Kilimanjaro rising above the plains

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Zanzibar is a captivating archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It is part of mainland Tanzania, though it has an independent economy and governance. This island is among the leading destinations in the world. It is a place where time seems frozen as the natural beauty blends with the history and ancient streets locked in civilization. This island takes you on a stroll through the historical times of the slave trade that defined and changed the world until today.

Brief history of Zanzibar

Zanzibar was not very well known before the introduction of trade in the world in the 15^th century. It was still called Unguja Island through the evolution of trade until its independence and union with Tanganyika. These islands were a highly contested trade route that sat at the center of the world slave trade, connecting Africa to the world. The islands were first occupied by Africans as the indigenous people. Later, by the 15^th century, the Persians arrived, integrated with the Africans, and introduced Islam. It spread like wildfire, and before long it was the dominant religion on the island.

By 1500, as the world was being shaped and mapped by the era of exploration, the islands fell under Portuguese rule. The Portuguese were interested in controlling the Indian Ocean trade route. At the end of 1600, the Omani Arabs arrived on the coasted overthrew the Portuguese to take over control of the islands. By the 1800s, the Omani Sultan Seyyid Said moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar. It was a massive move that changed the islands into one of the global trading destinations. The Omanis introduced cloves and controlled the ivory and slave trades, leading to the construction of Stone Town that still stands today, over 500 years later. By the 19^th century, the British took over control of the island.

Zanzibar later gained independence from the British in 1963 but remained under the sultan’s rule. A year later, the Zanzibar Revolution broke out that ended the sultan’s rule. This war led to the unification of Zanzibar Island with the mainland Tanganyika. This gave birth to the United Republic of Tanzania.

Best places to visit in Zanzibar

The Spice Island, or Zanzibar, is a special destination with a variety of best places to explore. These best places to visit in Zanzibar are entangled in historical adventures that shaped the island. However, it is not all about ancient times on this island, as there are also exciting, relaxing places. Below are some of the best places to visit in Zanzibar.

Stone Town

Stone Town is the leading attraction of Zanzibar Island. It is popular for its cultural and historical artefacts that are dotted across the island. Exploring this town is like traveling back in time to the ancient years of the trade revolution. Stone Town was the main administrative city of Zanzibar Island. It was built by the 9^th century and modernized during the sultan’s rule and became the center of the clove trade and slave trade.

This is because it sat at the center of the Indian Ocean slave trade route. This town features a variety of ancient artefacts and buildings that were built over 500 years ago. Stone Town is an architectural marvel with a mixture of the European, Persian, Portuguese, and Omani styles of buildings. Some of the landmarks include the slave market, the Old Fort building, and old administration buildings, among others. Stone Town was recognized by UNESCO in 2000 and became a World Heritage Site.

Prison Island

Situated on Changuu Island, Prison Island is a historic destination that dates back to the slave trade period. At the peak of the slave trade revolution, Prison Island was designated as a prison for slaves who were deemed dangerous and violent. It was later turned into a quarantine area for yellow fever. This disease was spreading contagiously and with no cure at the time.

Currently, Prison Island stands as a unique destination and a sanctuary of the giant Aldabra tortoises. Visitors from across the world explore this island, venture through the ancient city, and also encounter the giant tortoises. These tortoises are believed to have inhabited the island from the time of the slave trade until now. Tortoises are known for their longevity, and these tortoises on this island have been alive since the time of the slave trade. Visitors can also visit the coral stone building constructed by the British in 1894.

Pemba Island

Life flourishes on Pemba Island, one of the best places to visit in Zanzibar. This island offers incredible beaches surrounded by green hills that brighten with the blue waters of the ocean. This island also harbors the clove plantations that began the clove trade during the sultan’s rule. Pemba Island has a channel that is a hotspot for marine activity like fishing and snorkelling. The island also has a vast population of birdlife with some rare species, such as the Fischer’s turaco.

Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park

One of the best places hard to skip when visiting Zanzibar is Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. This is the only national park on this island and offers shelter for a vast biodiversity of flora and fauna. It features a variety of ecological systems, ranging from wetlands to coral rag forests. Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park offers a glimpse of the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey. This is a recognized endangered primate species by the IUCN and endemic to Zanzibar Island.

Things to do in Zanzibar Island

With several of the best places to visit on Zanzibar Island, visitors have a variety of things to do while exploring this island. Some of these things include the following.

Explore Stone Town

Immerse yourself in history and ancient civilization as you explore Stone Town. Known for its historical slave and clove trade. Visitors can visit the popular slave market, which was the center of the slave trade in the ancient slave trade period. This is where the slave masters and traders exchanged goods and slaves. Explore the Old Fort building that was an administrative building of the town.

Snorkelling and diving

Snorkelling and diving are common activities done on Zanzibar Island. These activities are commonly done on Pemba Island. Snorkelling involves swimming underwater with a snorkel to breathe underwater as you explore the marine life. The Indian Ocean is rich with marine life, and snorkelling and diving are the best activities to explore this marine life.

Swimming in the ocean

Probably the most commonly done activity on Zanzibar Island is swimming. The Indian Ocean offers crystal-clear, pristine waters that yearn for a swim. The coastal tropical sun amplifies these desires, and many visitors don’t leave the island before swimming in the ocean.

Visit the spice plantations

Visitors can explore the spice plantations that make Zanzibar Island a prominent spice-producing island. Spice plantations were adapted from Arab and Persian cultures and are one of the remaining takeaways of this culture. The spice plantations don’t just beautify the island with incredible colors, but their aromas are also unmistakably rewarding.

Accessibility of Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island can be accessed by both air and water transport. Located a few kilometers from the mainland of Tanzania, traveling to the island by water means visitors take a ferry or ship from the coast. This is the most common and cheapest way for visitors coming from Tanzania. Visitors from the rest of the world and Africa can fly to Zanzibar. The island has a functioning international airport. Accessing the other scattered islands, such as Pemba and Changuu, is by boat.

Accommodation on Zanzibar Island

What Zanzibar Island has mastered is accommodation. Almost all the islands that make up Zanzibar have resorts and beach houses. The accommodation on Zanzibar ranges from luxury to midrange and budget. This allows visitors to choose their preferred option. Some of the resorts and hotels on this island include Tembo House Hotel, Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel, Zuri Zanzibar, Hotel Rui Palace Zanzibar, and Melia Zanzibar, among others.

Suggested itineraries to Zanzibar Island

Some of the suggested itineraries to Zanzibar Island include the following.

• 10 days Zanzibar Island
• 4 days Jozani Forest and East Coast – Paje/Jambiani
• 5 days Stone Town
• 7 days balanced Zanzibar tour

In conclusion, the guide to Zanzibar Island brings out a detailed way to understand the island’s potential as a destination. However, the best way to understand Zanzibar is to explore its best places and venture into the various things to do. It can easily be accessed by both water and air transport. Contact us at Epic Uganda Vacations for an epic time in Zanzibar, where we plan and organize your entire tour.

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Tanzania lies on the East African coast, bordered by the Indian Ocean in the east. This strategic location affirms Tanzania as a spectacular destination with both safari and beach activities. This country is the most complete tourism destination. Many scholars tend to limit Tanzania’s capacity as a destination by limiting it to the Great Wildebeest Migration only. However, while it offers an unbelievable experience with the Great Migration, it has something for everyone. From large historical cities, pristine white-sand beaches, untouched landscapes, highlands, and scenic wilderness, among others.

Tanzania is a unified nation after it united the mainland Tanganyika and the islands of Zanzibar. This union took place in 1964 after both these nations gained independence from the British. The unification led to the birth of Swahili as the national language. Tanzania has over 120 indigenous ethnic tribes, each with their indigenous language. The Zanzibar islands were, however, populated by Arabs and Indians by the time of unification. Due to intermarriages following the unification, Swahili became the main mode of communication.

Tanzania is named the Cradle of Mankind because it hosts one of the oldest human fossils in the world. It was discovered in 1959 in the vast savannah plains of Tanzania, believed to be about 1-2 million years old.

The best places to visit in Tanzania

As a top safari destination, Tanzania is an incredible sight for exploration. This is because of its vast and best adventure destinations. Some of the best places to visit in Tanzania include the following.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is probably the best safari destination in the country and the region. It is the home of the Great Wildebeest Migration. It is situated in the northern region of Tanzania directly on the border with Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. Serengeti spans over 14,763 square kilometers. It lies in the northern circuit of the country’s series of protected areas.

Serengeti National Park was established in 1940 and has vast savannah grassland and scattered woodlands. The park hosts all the Big 5 animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. These are the most sought-after animals to witness during the wondrous Great Migration.  This migration attracts various visitors from across the world to witness over 2 million wildebeest and tens of thousands of gazelles and zebras cross from the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara and back. Other animals to spot include cheetahs, spotted hyenas, jackals, and antelopes, among others.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most biodiverse destinations in Tanzania. Ngorongoro is one of the largest craters in the world. This crater hosts one of the largest animal concentrations in the world. Ngorongoro is home to thousands of lions, the most in the whole region. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive caldera. Scientists believe it was formed when a vast volcanic mountain erupted inward over a million years ago. This crater hosts over 30,000 population of large mammals. Ngorongoro offers scenic wildlife viewing since it has numerous animals. It is also known as the place where the oldest human fossils were found.

Kilimanjaro Mountain

The skyline of Tanzania is crowned by the tallest mountain in Africa, Mountain Kilimanjaro. It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It is situated in the northern region of the country close to the border with Kenya. Its massive size and height make it an undisputed place to explore in the country. It is snow-capped, offering hiking adventures to visitors from across the world. It stands at a height of about 5,895 meters above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro can be spotted in Kenya on a clear day.

Olduvai Gorge

Located in the center of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge museum is among the best places to visit in Tanzania. The Olduvai Gorge is the exact place where one of the oldest ancient human fossils was found. A human skull believed to be over a million years old was discovered at this gorge in 1959 by Doctor Leakey. This skull is found at the Olduvai Gorge Museum along with other fossils that were discovered here. The Olduvai Gorge later became known as the Cradle of Mankind.

Things to do in Tanzania

With many places to explore in Tanzania, there are a variety of activities and things for visitors. These things to do in Tanzania include the following.

Game viewing

Game viewing is the most common and major tourist activity done in Tanzania. This is attributed to the many savannah protected areas it has. Game drives and viewing involve exploring the vast savannah plains in a safari vehicle to get safely close and spot wildlife species. Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Park, among others, are some of the areas to do game drives in Tanzania. These areas host a variety of animals, such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, and antelopes, among others.

Chimpanzee trekking

As it may appear a surprise, Tanzania offers chimpanzee trekking. This activity involves traversing the tropics through uneven terrain to encounter chimpanzees. Tanzania hosts chimpanzees in Gombe National Park and Mahale Forest National Park. Chimpanzee trekking offers visitors a rare opportunity to encounter chimpanzees for an hour in their natural habitat.

Beach activities

It is not all adventure and savannah activity in Tanzania, as the country also offers beach activities, such as scuba diving, surfing, snorkelling, and swimming. These activities are available on the Zanzibar islands that are dotted with crystal-clear water beaches. Such activities are perfect for relaxing after long days of safari.

Accessing Tanzania as a tourism destination

Several means of transport can be used to access Tanzania as a tourism destination for exploration. These means of transport include the following.

By water/sea

Tanzania is one of the easiest countries to access in the world of the East African region and on the continent. It is strategically located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, easing access by water. Ships sailing from any part of the world can dock at the Dar es Salaam coastal port and thus arrive in the country.

By air

The country can also be accessed by air through the country’s main gateway, Kilimanjaro International Airport. Tanzania also has various scattered airports like Arusha and many airfields across major protected areas. This has helped ease accessibility across the entire country, opening the country to the outside world for exploration.

By road

Accessing Tanzania can also be by road. The country has many land borders; thus, visitors can drive into the country from the neighbouring countries. Depending on where a visitor is coming from, it is an ideal way to access the country. It is also the most scenic, offering visitors a more participle explanation into African life.

Safety and accommodation in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the safest places/destinations in Africa. The country has not had any political instability for decades. Internal security is also perfect, with a very low level of urban crime such as theft and robbery. This is attributed to the country’s vigilant, friendly population and also the security forces.

However, visitors are urged to follow the safety rules and governing laws in the country for a seamless stay. These rules include avoiding moving with your valuables at night and avoiding dark areas, especially during the night. Such areas are sometimes used as blind spots where some petty crimes like theft happen. However, Tanzania is generally safe and secure for visitors.

Accommodation is one of the priorities for every visitor embarking on a safari in Tanzania. The accommodation facilities are scattered across the major cities, towns, and protected areas, such as national parks. All these facilities range from luxury and mid-range to budget. This classification of accommodation ensures that every visitor, regardless of financial status, will have a place to stay.

Some of the hotels in big cities include Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, the LandMark Mbeza Beach Resort, Serena Hotel Das es Salaam, Zanz Bay Hotel, and SpringHills Hotel, among others. Some of the lodges in various parks include Kirawira Serena Camp, Karama Lodge, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, and Tindiga Tented Camp, among others.

Suggested itinerary and estimated travel costs

Tanzania is a vast destination with a variety of attractions and places to explore. Therefore requires a relatively long period to explore the whole country. However, depending on what the visitors are interested in, even a few-day itinerary is ideal. Below are some of the itineraries best crafted for exploring Tanzania’s safari destinations.

• 7 days Tanzania safari: Serengeti and Ngorongoro
• 9 days Tanzania northern circuit safari
• 5 days Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari
• 3 days Gombe flying chimpanzee safari

The estimated travel costs for embarking on a safari in Tanzania vary according to the specific activities a visitor is interested in doing. The costs usually cover the accommodation, the park entrance fees, activities, car hire, fuel, and the guiding fees, among others. A visitor can spend between USD 300 and 500 daily while on a safari in Tanzania.

In conclusion, Tanzania is a worthy destination for exploration for any visitor across the world. It offers incredible activities and has some of the best places to visit. The country is safe to explore with outstanding accommodation facilities. Tanzania is easily accessed by road, water, or air. Contact Epic Uganda Vacations for a well-crafted and costed itinerary to explore Tanzania’s hidden treasures.

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Nyungwe National Park was established in 2004 as a national park. This was after an assessment that highlighted this protected area as a wildlife sanctuary. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to up to 13 primate species. Among these primate species, chimpanzees are the face of the park and highly sought-after.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is basically done in two habituated groups of chimpanzees. These chimpanzee groups, or communities, are situated in Nyungwe and Cyamudongo forests. These two forests make up the larger Nyungwe Forest National Park. Chimpanzees are very intelligent primates that share over 98% of the DNA with humans. This is why they are unique, and encountering them offers an intimate experience.

This chimpanzee trekking experience in this park takes place in habituated chimpanzee communities. Habituation is the process that trains wild chimpanzees that have never seen humans to get accustomed to them. Even if chimpanzees are habituated, they remain wild. However, they don’t show aggression or fear towards humans, as could be the case with non-habituated ones.

Trekking chimpanzees measures up as the best experience in this park. This experience sees visitors venturing through the dense forest canopies under the guidance of the rangers. These primates are constantly monitored as a conservation measure; thus, the trackers help to locate them. The forest is vast, making the treks appear long and exhausting. However, the encounter with chimpanzees is always worth it.

Why is briefing important before chimpanzee trekking?

Before visitors can venture into Nyungwe Forest National Park to embark on a chimpanzee trekking experience, a briefing is delivered. The pre-trekking briefing is very important as it prepares the visitors for this trekking adventure. Nyungwe Forest is a vast jungle and habitat for several species. The briefing brings out the details of most of the park’s inhabitants and their behaviors.

The briefing entails the rules and regulations of the chimpanzee trekking experience. These are the guidelines that must be followed. These rules ensure the safety of visitors and the primates too. Safety is a priority for both visitors and chimpanzees. Briefing puts in account the expected code of conduct of the visitors once in the presence of the chimpanzees.

This briefing also brings visitors up to speed with the facts of this chimpanzee trekking activity and the destination. This is done so that visitors can be well versed in the environment they are in and seek to discover. The pre-trekking briefing is the first step for chimpanzee trekking and also most other primate activities like gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. This is why it is an important step in chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

How is chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe done?

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe kicks off with a briefing entailing the dos and don’ts of the activity and the expected code of conduct. It is a detailed breakdown of the activity, the destination, and also how the visitors must behave. From the briefing, visitors are grouped into groups of 6-8 people and allocated to a chimpanzee group.

Chimpanzees are social beings that live in groups known as chimpanzee communities. Every day, about 6-8 visitors are allocated to a chimpanzee community to trek. This is a conservation measure to avoid stressing the chimpanzees with large crowds. Large crowds can also negatively affect the chimpanzee habitats by trampling over the young vegetation. This contradicts the conservation efforts of only leaving a green footprint.

After the grouping is done, rangers lead the visitors into the tropical forest to track the chimpanzees. The length of the trek is dependent on the distance of the chimpanzees or how far they are. Averagely, the chimpanzee trekking experience takes about 4-6 hours. The terrain is very uneven and requires visitors to have good equipment or gear for this activity. Visitors must be physically fit and able to walk for long distances in rough terrain. This is why we advise visitors to always do physical exercise a few months before the activity.

Nyungwe Forest is relatively dense, with thick undergrowth that poses a challenge to the trekkers. However, the experience is manageable, and venturing through the rough terrain and thickets is all worth it when you encounter the chimpanzees. When visitors finally find the chimpanzees, they are given an hour in the presence of the chimpanzees.

During this time, visitors are free to live in the moment as they take pictures and record videos for memories. Words may not bring out the actual picture of how incredible this experience is, but is one-of-a-kind venture of a face-to-face interaction with the chimpanzees.

How much is a chimpanzee permit in Nyungwe?

The costs for a chimpanzee permit are set by the Rwanda Development Board, a body in charge of the management of the protected areas. Chimpanzee permit prices are categorized according to the origin and nationality of the visitors. As visitors embark on a chimpanzee trekking experience, they must present a chimpanzee permit. This is a document that grants visitors access to the chimpanzee destination to track chimpanzees. The costs for a chimpanzee permit include the following;

Foreign non-residents – USD 150

Foreign residents – USD 75

East Africans/Rwandans – USD 25

The above prices don’t include the entrance fees, which cost about USD 100. This means the entrance fees must be added to the permit prices for the total fee. The money collected from the purchase of the chimpanzee permit goes to funding conservation efforts. Conservation is a broad effort that involves protection of the primates and their habitat, the destination.

It involves funding constant monitoring and tracking of the primates and also sensitization of the local communities to eradicate the poaching mindset. This is done through community development by building infrastructure like schools, roads, and health centers. This reflects the benefits of the chimpanzees and the forest to the community. Visitors on a chimpanzee trekking experience can also explore the communities and purchase goods from the local markets. This strengthens the communities to protect the chimpanzees and the destination.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe can be best done in the dry season. It occurs from June to September and December to mid-February. Several other activities like birding, canopy walk, and ziplining can be combined with the chimpanzee trekking experience. Epic Uganda Vacations helps you purchase your chimpanzee permit from the Rwanda Development Board. Hence, enjoy an uninterrupted experience.

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Destinations; Bujumbura, rusizi river, Gishora drummers, tea plantations-Kigali, volcanoes national park-Bwindi-Queen Elizabeth national park-kibale –Murchison falls-ziwa rhinos-mabamba swamp and Entebbe.

Day 1: Arrival in Bujumbura-Burundi

Upon arrival at Bujumbura international airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred t your hotel. Bujumbura, located on shores of lake Tanganyika, offers a beautiful introduction to Burundi depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a relaxing visit to lake shores where you can experience the peaceful atmosphere of one Africas largest freshwater lake and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Later you will have a welcome diner introducing you to Burundian hospitality and local cuisine. Overnight a Hotel club du lac Tanganyika

Day 2: Rusizi river boat experience and bujumbura city tour.

After breakfast, begin your guided exploration of Bujumbura city tour that will introduce you to rich history and daily life through visits to important landmarks, local markets, monuments and shores of lake Tanganyika. Later take a boat excursion on the river rusizi. This beautiful wetland area connects lake tanganyika with the northern waterways and provides an opportunity to experience natural environment, you will encounter hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird life while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the river ecosystem. Later return to hotel for relaxation.

Day 3: Bujumbura-tea plantation-gishora drum sanctuary and Gitega

After breakfast, depart and continue towards Gitega, you will stop by tea plantations where you will learn about tea farming, harvesting and processing and you continue towards Gitega, Burundi cultural capital this takes you through beautiful country side landscapes, green hills, agricultural communities and rural villages. On way you will stop visit Gishora drum sanctuary, one of Burundi most important cultural attractions. The royal drums of Burundi are internationally recognized for their powerful performances and their role in preserving Burundian traditions. During your visit, you will enjoy a traditional drum performance, learn about the history and symbolism of the drums and experience one of Burundi most unique cultural experiences. Have a night at Hotel Tropitel Gitega

Day 4; Gitega-Kigali Rwanda.

Today after breakfast, depart gitega and continue towards Rwanda through Burundi scenic highlands. The route takes through some of Burundis most beautiful landscapes characterized by rolling hills, valleys and tea growing areas. Continue to the Rwanda boarder and proceed to Kigali, Rwanda capital city. You will stay at Kigali serena hotel /Marriotte hotel

Day 5: Kigali city tour

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour exploring Rwanda history, culture and modern development. You will the Kigali genocide memorial, an important historical site that provides insight into Rwanda past and its journey towards reconciliation, continue kimironko market where you will experience local life through colourful displays of fresh produce, fabrics, crafts and everyday activities. The afternoon will include visits to Kigali art galleries and craft centres before returning to your hotel

Day 6: transfer to volcanoes national area

Today after breakfast, depart Kigali and drive north towards the volcanoes national park region. The journey takes you through Rwanda famous land of a thousand hills offering spectacular views pf terraced farms, valleys and rural communities. You will arrive at My hill eco lodge Ruhondo, beautifully located on lake Ruhondo with stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes arriving afternoon for relaxation. Overnight at My hill Eco lodge Ruhondo

Day 7: Golden monkey trekking in volcanoes national park and transfer to Uganda

After an early breakfast, transfer to volcanoes national park offices in kinigi fir briefing before beginning your golden monkey trek adventure, unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking take place mainly in bamboo forests of Virunga mountains. These rare and playful primates are known for their bright golden orange fur and energetic behavior. The trek allows you to experience the beautiful forest environment while searching for golden monkey troops moving through the bamboo vegetation. Afterwards, kick start drive to Bwindi impenetrable national park –Uganda trough Chanika border reaching late afternoon. Overnight at Gorilla leisure lodge

Day 8: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national forest park

After breakfast, transfer to the park offices for briefing before entering Bwindi impenetrable nationa;l park ancient rainforest. The treks take you through one of the Africas oldest forests, filled with unique vegetation, bird species and primates. The duration of the trek depends on the location of the gorilla family but may take several hours. Once you find the gorilla, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, interact and move through their natural environment. Later return to your lodge for relaxation.

Day 9: Bwindi to queen Elizabeth National Park.

After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth national park. The journey passes through the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda, including the kigezi highlands and Crater Lake region. Upon arrival, You will explore ishasha sector of Queen elizabeth national park famous for tree climbing lions. The game drives takes you through remote wilderness landscapes where you will search for lions resting in fig trees, large elephant herds, buffaloes and different antelopes species Overnight at Embogo safari lodge

Day 10:   Ishasha game drive and kazinga channel boat cruise.

Begin the day with an early morning game drive across ishasha savanah plains. The park is famous for its rich biodiversity, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Uganda kob and many other species.. in the afternoon, enjoy cruise along kazinga channel, one of the Uganda most rewarding wildlife experiences. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and hundreds of bird species.

Day 12: morning primate nature walk and afternoon game drive

Today you will participate in kyambura gorge know for chimpanzees and other primates, relax at lodge afterwards. After lunch, you will later embark on late evening game drive as you look out for what you might have missed in previous days.

Day 13: queen Elizabeth – kibale national park

Today after breakfast, depart for kibale forest national park as the primate capital of the world. The drive takes you through tea plantations, crater lakes and beautiful countryside. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional bigodi wetland community walk offering an opportunity for bird watching, cultural interaction and primate sightings

Day 14: Chimpanzee trekking-transfer to Murchison falls.

After breakfast, enter kibale forest for chimpanzee trekking. The forest is home to Africa largest populations of chimpanzees. During the trek, you will search for habituated communities while enjoying the sounds and beauty of the rainforest. After the activity, begin your journey north towards Murchison falls national park.

Day 15: Arrival and exploration of Murchison falls national park.

Continue into Murchison falls national park, Uganda largest protected area. Visit the famous top of Murchison falls where the powerful Nile river squeezes through a narrow gorge creating one of Africas most dramatic waterfalls. Enjoy photography scenic views and relaxation at your lodge.

Day 16: Murchison falls game drive and Nile boat cruise.

Enjoy a morning game drive searching for elephants, giraffes, lions buffaloes, antelopes and other wildlife. In the afternoon, takes a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile towards the bottom of Murchison falls. The cruise offers excellent views of hippos, crocodiles, water birds and animals along the river banks.

Day 17: Full day Murchison falls wildlife experience.

Today is dedicated to deeper exploration of Murchison falls national park. Depending on interests, activities may include another game drive, exploring the Nile delta area, bird watching or photography. The extra day allows guests to experience the park at a relaxed pace.

Day 18: Murchison falls – ziwa rhino sanctuary-Entebbe

After breakfast, depart Murchison falls and drive towards Entebbe. Enroute. Visit ziwa rhino sanctuary, Uganda successful rhino observation project, guests will enjoy guided walking rhino tracking while learning about efforts to restore Uganda rhino population. Continue to Entebbe for your final nights

Day 19: shoebill experience and lake Victoria

After breakfast, enjoy an optional shoebill stork experience at mabamba wetland, one of the best places to see Uganda prehistoric looking shoebill bird. Alternatively, guests may enjoy a lake Victoria boat excursion or visit Entebbe botanical gardens

Day 20: relaxation day in Entebbe

Enjoy relaxed final day before departure. You may choose to rest at the hotel, explore local markets, purchase souvenirs or enjoy optional activities around Entebbe

Day 12 departure from Entebbe airport

After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe international airport for your onward international flight.

End of service

Trip inclusions.

Mountain gorilla trek permits

chimpanzee trek permits

4×4 safari build car

all park entry fees

All meals at lodges mentioned and accommodation

water in the car throughout the transits

english speaking guide

fuel and all ground transfers

Exclusions;

Visa

Insurance

Tips

international flights

The post 21 Days  Burundi-Uganda-Rwanda culture, golden monkey, gorillas trek, chimpanzee trek and wildlife expedition. appeared first on Africa Safari Tours | Gorilla Safaris | Epic Uganda Vacations.

Strategically, Tanzania could not have been a primate destination by natural had other ideas. The general terrain of the country is relatively flat, with vast savannah grasslands and woodlands. The chimpanzee presence in the Mahale Mountains is also more of a credit and gift of nature because this may not be the most ideal habitat for chimpanzees. This is because chimpanzees thrive in a more tropical rainforest setting.

Chimpanzee trekking in this part of the country in the Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the best experiences. It is a set-out adventure that welcomes and challenges visitors with an all-outdoor experience to uncover this destination by traversing the terrain to reach the chimpanzees. This set-out adventure lasts for different hours navigating the terrain and an hour in the presence of the chimpanzees.

Every tourist activity offers amazing differing adventures, but chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park offers an intimate affair. The long, unpredictable treks of unpredictability with a fuelling desire to encounter the chimpanzees for an hour, make the experience incredible.

The terrain of this destination is quite challenging but manageable. The terrain is quite hilly and with dense foliage that is very dense. This combines to make the habitat for chimpanzees. As always, a pre-trekking briefing paves the way for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountain National Park.

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountain National Park

Crafting an epic chimpanzee trekking experience is best done in the dry season. This is a time of heightened temperatures. These temperatures are attributed to the long days of constant sun with little or no rainfall. Such conditions are arguably harsh but surprisingly the best time for chimpanzee trekking in this park.

The dry conditions experienced during this time of the year occur from June to September and December to February. These conditions prepare the ground for exploration and an environment of adventure. The terrain in this national park is mountainous, and therefore this weather dries the ground for easier navigation. The dry season also affects the vegetation in this park, leaving it sparse and improving visibility.

As much as the dry season is the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park, it is also possible in the wet season. The wet season occurs from March to May and October to November. The wet season is the complete opposite of the dry season. During the wet season, there is a higher amount of rainfall received. The wet season brightens the park with fresh energy. The abundant rainfall facilitates the growth of vegetation, making it dense.

Constant or regular rainfall makes the tracking trails muddy and slippery. This poses a challenge for navigation. The dense vegetation also hinders visibility during chimpanzee trekking. However, this does not mean you cannot track chimpanzees in this season because the climate is quite unpredictable. This means it can rain or shine in any season throughout the year; hence, contact your tour operator for a comprehensive climate record before traveling. All in all, chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park can be done all year round.

Accommodation in Mahale Mountains National Park

The question of where to stay in Mahale Mountains National Park attracts many inquiries about safety, affordability, and comfort. Accommodation in Mahale Mountains National Park varies in luxury, midrange, and budget. The accommodation facilities are scattered across the different areas of the park.

This ensures a wide range of exploration of this great chimpanzee destination. Some of these facilities include Mbali Mahale Camp, Mahale Mango Tree Bandas, Grey Stoke Mahale Camp, and Mahale Classic Lodge, among others. The accommodation facilities offer several amenities, including free WiFi, an on-site restaurant serving both local dishes and continental meals, spacious air-conditioned rooms, etc.

Accessing Mahale Mountains National Park for chimpanzee trekking

Mahale Mountains National Park can be accessed by air, road, and water. This provides visitors with more options than being limited to a single option. Mahale Mountains National Park lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Accessing this park by water is strengthened by this particular factor. Visitors can sail through Lake Tanganyika on an engine boat, taking about 4-6 hours. This route is the most scenic of all the options. It provides visitors with incredible, epic views of the park and also the aquatic side.

This national park is located about 120-180 kilometers from the Kigoma Airport. This emphasizes that the park can be accessed by air. Visitors can fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport, the main gateway of the country, to Kigoma Airport. From Kigoma Airport, visitors can charter a small scheduled flight to Katumbi or Kalilani Airstrip.

Other activities in Mahale Mountains National Park

Although Mahale Mountains National Park is known for chimpanzee trekking, it has other interesting tourist activities. These include the following.

Nature walks

This national park welcomes visitors for a guided nature walk that opens the park to discoveries. Mahale Mountains National Park is vast, with a variety of interesting species such as primates like colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, etc. Nature walks offer visitors an unmatched experience of enjoying the beautiful scenic nature of the wild.

Bird watching

Mahale Mountains National Park is a vast jungle of birding opportunities. Its location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika makes it an ideal location for birdlife. The park has about 300 bird species recorded. Visitors are guided by experienced and professional birders with excellent knowledge of the birds in the park. Birding takes place along designated birding trails that lead straight to the habitats of these birds. Some of the birds to spot include bee-eaters, speckled mousebird, crowned eagle, red-winged starling, Ross’ turaco, red-collared widowbird, and violet-backed starling, among others.

Hiking tours

Hiking tours are also available in Mahale Mountains National Park. The hiking experience in this park usually takes place along Mount Nkungwe. Climbing this mountain takes about 2-3 days to summit, with beautiful scenic views of the park. During this hike, visitors can spot different animals, especially primates and several birds.

In conclusion, Mahale Mountains National Park is situated along the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika. This park hosts about 1,000 chimpanzees in several communities, but one of the few habituated include Mimikire group that is mostly tracked. Chimpanzee trekking is the most common and major activity in the park. Other activities include birding, hiking, and nature walks, etc. The trekking experience is best done in the dry season, with access viable by water, air, and road.

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Chimpanzees are the most intelligent primates in the world. This has been visibly noted in their behaviors, such as the use of tools like rocks to open hard nuts, sticks to skin prey, etc. And this is not a practice that started now but long ago. It was first documented by Dr. Jane Goodall during her research in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. The intellectual abilities of chimpanzees are very much equalled to their shared DNA with human beings, totalling over 98%.

Trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge is both fun and very interesting, but also challenging. From traversing and navigating the steep walls of Kyambura Gorge through the rugged terrain trails after a briefing, visitors encounter the chimpanzees. Thereby visitors are awarded an hour in the presence of the chimpanzees.

The chimpanzee trekking experience in Kyambura Gorge is undertaken with a lot of care and alertness, with trackers guiding forward to locate the chimpanzees and rangers manning security. This destination is very different from most of the other chimpanzee destinations. This is mainly because this destination is situated inside vast predator grassland and woodland plains. Apex predators like leopards sometimes roam the gorge; hence, rangers are always armed to scare off these predators and dangerous animals like hippos.

Kyambura Gorge

Encountering chimpanzees during a chimpanzee trekking experience can be interesting. However, the fun and adventure can be doubled with an incredible destination, and Kyambura Gorge is just that. The most challenging chimpanzee destination in Uganda is probably Kyambura Gorge. But its nature as a huge gorge that curves into the earth’s surface gives an appealing look for adventure. Even with the gorge alone, the experience would be unimaginably good, with beautiful scenic views and wildlife.

Kyambura Gorge is more of a destination than a place. Words may not do justice to this incredible destination. However, stepping into Kyambura Gorge is like entering a nation far different from where you are from. This gorge seems to defy nature itself, because what better explanation is there for a tropical forest coexisting with a savannah grassland? It is like a crafted fiction art piece from an extremely talented craftsman.

The U-shaped Kyambura Gorge is also known as the Valley of Apes. This is attributed to its natural look of steep walls and a relatively flat base. Kyambura Gorge is located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Nature couldn’t be more rewarding than this: a rich savannah grassland and woodland of vast wildlife species, with an engraved tropical rainforest deep into its roots.

Kyambura Gorge and Queen Elizabeth National Park are a romantic story of two incredible vegetation types tied in a lifetime love story of beauty. These destinations reveal the gift God crowned upon the Pearl of Africa. Kyambura Gorge stretches for over 11-16 kilometers and is about a meter wide, with a 100-meter drop to the base of the gorge from the surface. Kyambura Gorge hosts about 100 chimpanzees.

Costs of chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

The costs associated with trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge vary depending on the visitor’s origin and nationality. Kyambura Gorge is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, meaning it is the responsible body that issues the chimpanzee permits. A chimpanzee permit costs USD 200 for foreign non-residents, USD 150 for resident foreigners, USD 100 for visitors from the rest of Africa, and UGX 50,000 for East Africans.

The collected funds help in the conservation and protection efforts of chimpanzees and the Kyambura Gorge as a major habitat. The most dangerous threat to chimpanzees across the country is habitat loss. All conservation efforts focus primarily on the restoration of chimpanzee habitats and also on protecting them from encroachment.

Through a 180-kilometer ecological system of tropical rainforests that stretch from Queen Elizabeth through Kalinzu to Imaramagambo Forest and Katsyoha-Kitoma Forest, this was a chimpanzee highway. Chimpanzees from Kyambura would go as far as these forests to mate and look for food, and then return. Human encroachment through deforestation and infrastructure development cut off this natural highway.

Therefore, this caused some chimpanzees to get trapped in the Kyambura Gorge. The only access they have now is through the dangerous savannah grassland plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is not an ideal route, as it can be fatal given the various predators like leopards, lions, and hyenas that scan the savannah. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge is the best method for conservation and protection of the chimps and their natural habitats.

Chimpanzee trekking periods in Kyambura Gorge

As an outstanding adventure in Kyambura Gorge, chimpanzee trekking is carried out in two sessions. These sessions include morning and evening. Both sessions offer an epic experience in the presence of chimpanzees. However, the experiences can also be unique, as dictated by the different times of the day.

Chimpanzee trekking done during the morning offers a closer look at the significant morning routine of these primates. The morning trekking period offers visitors a firsthand experience in the morning as chimpanzees begin to wake up from their long nights in their nests. It is the best time to see chimpanzees at their most active, looking for food and feeding. During this period, chimpanzees appear to focus most on feeding, with less attention to the visitors. The noise is very limited as every chimpanzee is busy feeding. The cool hours of the morning also re-energize visitors for even the long, challenging treks. This session of chimpanzee trekking begins as early as 8 am after a short briefing.

Chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon or evening usually begins at exactly 2 pm in the afternoon. As always, a pre-trekking briefing is carried out before heading into the gorge to trek the chimps. The afternoon is generally a period of humid temperatures, usually on hot, sunny days. Therefore, such conditions are favorable for trekking chimpanzees. On the other hand, these hot conditions also increase the intensity and make the trekking tiresome and challenging. Trekking chimpanzees in the afternoon is very interesting. Visitors usually find the chimpanzees resting on the ground, bellies full from a half-day of feeding. The chimpanzees are less active but interesting, as they are usually resting in nests on the ground or in the trees. The afternoon gives better opportunities to encounter these chimpanzees up close on the ground.

Accessing Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking

Kyambura Gorge is located about 389 kilometers from the capital, Kampala. The gorge can be accessed by both air and road transport. Traveling by road takes about 7 hours, with incredible scenic views of the local trading communities on the roadside. Witness the changing terrain during your drive from the capital to the gorge. The development road network, which features a paved road from the capital to the gorge, offers a smooth and seamless ride. The shortest route is the Masaka-Mbarara-Kasese highway.

Flying to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield is the quickest way. It takes about 2 hours for a scheduled chartered domestic flight to land at the Mweya or Kasese airstrips. Later, connect to the gorge by road, which takes about 30 minutes from Mweya or an hour from Kasese.

Finally, contact us at Epic Uganda Vacations for an exclusive adventure to encounter the chimpanzees of Kyambura Gorge. Witness the uniqueness of the gorge in the eyes of nature as best told and explored in the dry season. Its strategic location eases accessibility either by road or air for a seamless travel experience for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge.

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What is chimpanzee trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking involves traversing the tropical rainforests and dense foliage through the uneven tracks to encounter chimpanzees for an hour. Many scholars have probably written much about chimpanzee trekking. But none tends to bring out the participatory part of it, yet it is the most important. Chimpanzee trekking is a memorable adventure that enables visitors to come face-to-face with chimpanzees.

The takeaway point here is the participation of the visitors in encountering the chimpanzees in their natural environment. Most game or wildlife viewing activities also involve visitors in a safari vehicle to see the wildlife. However, with chimpanzee trekking, the script is rewritten into an outdoor hiking/trekking adventure. This activity demands that visitors head into the tropical forests and environments that harbor these chimpanzees. All trekking is guided by an experienced team of trackers and rangers who guide the visitors to the primates.

What does the chimpanzee trekking experience entail?

Many people tend to think that the chimpanzee trekking experience starts with the process of encountering the chimpanzees. However, this leaves behind a lot of other important processes that enable the chimpanzee trekking experience to take place. The forefront of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is a pre-trekking briefing.

Pre-trekking briefing

As the name suggests, a pre-trekking briefing is a session of insightful discussions that elaborate on the entire chimpanzee trekking experience. This briefing process is managed or handled by professional rangers. These highlight the specifics of trekking chimpanzees, such as the safety measures, rules and regulations, and the expected code of conduct. The aim of this pre-trekking to mentally and physically prepare the visitors for the trekking experience.

This briefing session is also informative, detailing the primate numbers in the forest and providing an overview of the habitat and experience. Safety is at the apex of this experience, and this is why visitors are also accompanied by an armed ranger. Kibale Forest National Park is a vast habitat that also harbors dangerous wildlife species like forest elephants that are aggressive but very rare to encounter.

The second step in the trekking experience is assigning visitors to a chimpanzee community. Chimpanzees live in communities headed by alpha males, and this is one of their characteristics as social beings. A particular number of visitors is assigned to a chimpanzee community. The number of chimpanzees determines the number of visitors to be assigned. However, these usually range between 6 and 8 visitors for a community of about 20 or more chimpanzees.

The trackers, in coordination with the rangers, guide visitors to the chimpanzees after a relatively long or moderate tracking period, depending on how far the primates are. At the moment of encounter and first sight of the primates, the clock ticks for an hour until the trekking process is done. Visitors can take as many pictures and videos for future memories.

What to know about Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is the true reflection of chimpanzee trekking in the world. This is it earned itself the title of the primate capital of the world. Kibale is at the apex of all chimpanzee trekking destinations in the region and beyond. This is attributed to its unwavering ability to harbor over 2,000 chimpanzees. This is the largest recorded chimpanzee population in a single destination in the world. Such numbers earned Kibale a seat on the world stage by hosting numerous documentaries and films like Planet of the Apes and Chimp Empire. These recognitions further cemented Kibale as the greatest primate capital there is.

Brief history

However, before the fame, we need to go back to the brief history of Kibale and the evolution of the chimpanzee trekking experience.

Kibale Forest National Park is a protected area situated in the western region of Uganda. It stretches across 766 square kilometers, covering Kamwenge and Kabarole districts. There are smaller portions of the forest that are believed to penetrate the Kyenjojo and Kasese districts. Kibale was established as a national park in 1993 from a logged forest reserve gazetted earlier in 1932.

The park hosts over 120 mammal species that are dominated by primates, including chimpanzees, olive baboons, white and black colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, among others. Forest elephants, giant forest hogs, forest buffaloes, sitatungas, bushbucks, and African golden cats are among the many mammals here. The list widens to the bird species, with over 325 recorded here. The notable ones include the great blue turaco, masked apalis, Rwenzori apalis, Nahan’s francolin, red-faced woodland warbler, dusky crimsonwing, and black-capped apalis, among others.

The most notable activity in Kibale is chimpanzee trekking, which accounts for the high visitor turnout per year. With Uganda hosting over 5,000 chimpanzees, Kibale accounts for close to a third of the population, with 2,000 chimpanzees. All these chimpanzees are scattered across the different chimpanzee communities in the park.

Chimpanzee communities in Kibale Forest National Park

The notable communities include the Ngogo community, Kanyawara community, and Sebitoli community. The Ngogo community is the largest, hosting about 200 members at the center of the forest. It is the most popular, featuring in documentaries like the Chimp Empire. This community recently underwent a series of chimpanzee civil wars, a one-of-a-kind event that shocked the world. This changed the world’s perception of these primates. It shaped an understanding of the politics and the leadership charm of this community.

Kanyawara community lies on the extreme northwestern side of Kibale. It harbors about 50-60 chimpanzees. The chimps in this community are more reserved and easier to deal with than the Ngogo chimps. Sebitoli community is also an interesting community with over 80 members. All these communities are basically for research and conservation.

Tourism and trekking are dedicated to the Kanyantale, Buraiga, and Kisongi communities. The Kanyantale community is one of the pioneer trekking groups. Tracking chimpanzees in this community began in 1993 at the establishment of the park. There are over 90 members in this particular community. This community is situated in the Kanyanchu section of the park.

Buraiga and Kisongi communities are on the side of the Buraiga sector of the park. Although these communities are relatively newly habituated, they offer incredible chimpanzee encounters.

How much is a chimpanzee permit in Kibale National Park?

A chimpanzee permit in Kibale Forest National Park costs USD 300 for foreign non-residents, USD 200 for foreign residents, USD 100 for the rest of Africa, and UGX 180,000 for East Africans. The chimpanzee permit is obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a trusted tour operator like Epic Uganda Vacations.

A chimpanzee permit is a document that grants visitors access to Kibale to trek chimpanzees. The costs generated from the sale of permits go directly to funding the protection and conservation of the chimpanzees and their habitat. Conservation also involves the development of the communities around the park to show the benefits of these primates to the communities around. This development is through the construction of infrastructure like roads, health centers, and schools. This is a form of giving back to the community since the park is located in these local communities.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale is best done in the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. This is a time of favourable weather characterized by dry and sunny days with little or no rainfall. This eases visibility in the forest and navigation.

In conclusion, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is a phenomenal experience of encountering chimpanzees for an hour in this forest. Visitors can best explore this forest for chimpanzees in the dry season. Accessibility is by both air and road networks.

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The habituated chimpanzees are particular chimpanzees that have undergone a habituation process. This process is meant to help wild chimpanzees get accustomed to human presence. Although chimpanzees are intelligent, they are still wild animals and can show aggression to intruders. This is why the chimpanzee habituation experience is very important, as it gently introduces these chimpanzees to humans.

From the first session of the habituation process, chimpanzees usually flee to trees and make aggressive and alarm sounds. As the process continues, the aggression stops, and curiosity kicks in. With time, the chimpanzees get used to people and continue with their daily quests. This is when the chimpanzees are declared habituated and available for trekking.

Trekking experience

The chimpanzee trekking experience in Kalinzu Forest starts with a pre-trekking briefing. This is all after the booking process and purchase of the chimpanzee permits. The briefing process is termed the first step to chimpanzee trekking. This is because this briefing process entails the most important bits of the trekking experience.

These bits include the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking and also the expected code of conduct. For any outdoor experience that requires hands-on work and experience to achieve a goal, a briefing is vital. The pre-trekking briefing is done by experienced and professional rangers who manage the forest. They understand the forest and the animal behaviors of all the species in this forest.

The reason for the pre-trekking briefing is to give a detailed insight into the forest to the visitors. It also brings out what the visitors should expect once in the forest and how they should conduct themselves. Unlike other activities like game viewing, where visitors are in safari vehicles, chimpanzee trekking is different. Visitors are in the forest together with other species that they have come to encounter, among others.

Nature is quite unpredictable, and this is why visitors must adhere to the ranger guidelines at all times. The safety of the visitors and also the other animals in the forest depends on the conduct of the visitors. After briefing, visitors are arranged in groups of 6-8 people and assigned to a chimpanzee community.

Visitors then navigate the tropical forest following rangers and trackers to the chimpanzees. Upon locating them, visitors are given an hour in the presence of the chimpanzees. While here, they are allowed to take pictures and videos as per the rules and regulations. Chimpanzees stay in groups called communities, just like most primates, since they are social animals.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve

Situated in the southwestern region of Uganda in the District of Bushenyi, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is a popular chimpanzee destination. Chimpanzee trekking is the major tourist activity in Kalinzu Forest Reserve. This forest hosts about 300 chimpanzees, thus making it a major destination for chimpanzee trekking. It was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932.

It spans about 147 square kilometers along the highway to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kalinzu Forest forms an ecological extension of tropical forests, combining with Imaramagambo Forest and Kyambura Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These form a unique vegetation cover that is a primary habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including chimpanzees.

Among the 300 chimpanzee species hosted in Kalinzu Forest, about 50 are habituated. These habituated chimpanzees can be trekked daily in the forest. Kalinzu Forest is under the management of the National Forestry Authority. This authority is in charge of the protection and conservation of all forests in the country.

It is also important to note that Kalinzu Forest is not only a chimpanzee destination but also hosts other species. There are over 378 bird species, 414 tree species, and other primates like colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys. These make Kalinzu Forest a popular hotspot for a variety of activities.

Obtaining a chimpanzee permit to Kalinzu Forest

A chimpanzee permit is a document that allows visitors to track these primates in their natural environment. This document is only issued by the National Forestry Authority through a trusted operator like Epic Uganda Vacations. Since there is a limited number of habituated chimpanzees, the demand for permits is high. This is why visitors are advised to book at least 3 months before the trekking date.

The cost for chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest varies from origin to nationality of the visitor. For example, foreign non-residents pay USD 140 for a permit, foreign residents pay USD 120, and East Africans pay UGX 80,000.

Getting to Kalinzu Forest for chimpanzee trekking

Kalinzu Forest can be accessed by both air and road transport. Travelling to Kalinzu Forest for chimpanzee trekking by road is the most common and cheapest means. The strategic location of Kalinzu Forest on a major highway makes it even easier to access. The main road to the forest is tarmacked and improved for quick access. Kalinzu Forest is situated along the Bushenyi-Ishaka highway. Getting to the forest by road from the capital, Kampala, takes about 6-7 hours of driving since the forest is about 375 kilometers away.

Accessing Kalinzu Forest by air is one of the most appealing and quickest ways. Scheduled flights are arranged from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to either Kasese or Mweya airstrips. The flight time from the capital takes about 60-75 minutes. The forest is then accessed by road for an hour.

Both air and road transport give a memorable experience where visitors can enjoy the aerial views or experience the road trip across the local communities. Therefore, traveling to Kalinzu Forest is always a merry-time experience.

Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest

The dry season is the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest. This is an overwhelming decision because this season provides the best conditions for this activity. As mentioned earlier, chimpanzee trekking is an outdoor activity. Therefore, requires comfort and conducive weather for its success. And the dry season provides exactly that.

The dry season is a period characterized by prolonged sunny days and few showers with humid temperatures. Such conditions are perfect for outdoor adventure activities like chimpanzee trekking, as they leave tracking trails dry and vegetation sparse. This allows easy navigation and clear visibility of the chimpanzees. The dry season runs twice a year, from December to February and from June to September.

However, chimpanzee trekking can also be done in the wet season. It runs from March to May and from October to November. During this period, there is prolonged rainfall and scattered sunny days. The climate in Uganda is very unpredictable, as there can mixed climate of rain and sunny days. This means it can rain in the dry season or shine in the wet season. Such weather allows visitors to track chimpanzees at any time of the year. However, the dry season is always the best time.

In conclusion, chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest is an unbelievable experience that allows visitors to encounter chimpanzees in their habitat. With Epic Uganda Vacations, visitors can obtain a chimpanzee permit to access these primates. Kalinzu Forest is among the many chimpanzee destinations in the country, such as Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, and Budongo Forest, among others.

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Overview of chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is the magic of stepping into a vast jungle of tropical vegetation to explore and encounter chimpanzees for over an hour. Among the few chimpanzee destinations in the region, Gombe National Park makes the list. Chimpanzee trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that stretches visitors to venture into the tropics to find the chimps.

Unlike the famous safari activities that require vehicles to get close to the wildlife in a game drive, chimpanzee trekking is different. Visitors must ditch the vehicles and trek the tropical jungles on foot. This is why the chimpanzee trekking experience is known as an intimate adventure. It allows visitors to actively participate in achieving their goal, which is encountering the chimpanzee primates.

Trekking experience

The experience of trekking chimpanzees starts with a pre-trekking briefing that commences this adventure. This briefing highlights and emphasizes the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking. It points out the required code of conduct for visitors in the presence of the chimpanzee primates. This particular briefing is very important for the safety of both the chimpanzees and visitors.

Visitors are then assigned a chimpanzee community in groups of up to 8 people. This grouping enables visitors to traverse the tropical jungles without negatively affecting the vegetation. Large groups of visitors may stress the chimpanzees; hence, only a handful is allowed. Visitors must endeavour to leave only a green footprint in the chimpanzee habitat.

Chimpanzees are one of the most intelligent creatures in the world. This is thanks to their DNA being about 98% similar to that of humans. Chimpanzees are social animals that live in groups called chimpanzee communities. A chimpanzee community can have up to 40-50 chimpanzees, depending on the conditions and the number of chimpanzee primates.

Each chimpanzee community is led by a dominant alpha male. The alpha male is responsible for defending the chimpanzee community against other rival males. It is also responsible for identifying food and leading the group to find it, among other roles. The chimpanzee community can have multiple males, but the alpha male is always one.

About Gombe National Park

Gombe National Park is the only chimpanzee destination in Tanzania. It is situated in the eastern region of the country. It stretches along the hills of the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, the deepest lake in Africa. Gombe National Park is the smallest protected area in the country, stretching for only 52 square kilometers.

This park spans the Kigoma region of Tanzania. Gombe National Park was established in 1968. It was named Gombe Stream National Park because it is covered by water and only accessible by boat. The park has a vast ecological system made up of steep valleys, grasslands, woodlands, and tropical forests.

Gombe National Park’s fame and rise to the world stage are mostly attributed to the great conservationist Jane Goodall. This protected area first hosted Jane Goodall in 1960 when it was still a game reserve. Jane Goodall did her research on chimpanzee behaviour, where she discovered the use of tools in chimpanzees. This research changed the public perspective of chimpanzees to intelligent creatures.

Gombe National Park’s visibility was further extended to the world stage through documentaries and books that were a result of this research by Jane Goodall. The Kasakela chimpanzee community was at the heart of this research. It was the chimpanzee community that Jane Goodall focused on during her research.

This national park also hosts many primates that colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys, among others. This is in addition to other species like leopards, which are the major predators in this park. There are also bushpigs, hippos, and small antelopes, summarizing the mammals in the park. About 200 different bird species are recorded in this park, along with various reptiles like snakes.

Other activities in Gombe National Park apart from chimpanzee trekking

Gombe National Park is famous for chimpanzee trekking. However, this does not take away the fact that this park also has a variety of other activities, including the following.

Bird watching

Birding is a common activity to add to your bucket list while visiting Gombe National Park. It involves sighting and identifying various bird species in the park and capturing beautiful photos. The park has about 200 recorded bird species that enable visitors to spot them in their natural environment. Gombe National Park hosts both migratory and endemic birds that can be spotted all year round. The migratory species fly in at specific seasons of the year, such as the wet season, especially for breeding.

Some of the bird species to spot in Gombe National Park include the African broadbill, black saw-wing, Livingstone’s turaco, crowned eagle, palm-nut vulture, and red-capped robin-chat, among others.

Guided nature walks

Guided nature walks are also common in this park, allowing visitors to venture into this protected area. This guided nature walk is an adrenaline-rush experience as visitors maneuver the hilly terrain of the park. During this adventure activity, visitors can visit the old working station of Jane Goodall, where she conducted her research and formulated her findings. It on this exact area that Sir Henry Stanley, a British explorer, met Dr. Livingstone in 1871.

Several other activities to do in Gombe apart from chimpanzee trekking include sport fishing, hiking, kayaking, etc. Visitors can combine these activities with chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park for an exclusive adventure.

Accessing Gombe National Park for chimpanzee trekking

Gombe National Park is situated in a challenging terrain that is surrounded by water and is only accessed by boat. This further adds to the chimpanzee trekking adventure, enabling visitors to have an excellent time in the park. There are no visible roads that can be used to access Gombe National Park. This leaves the park with only two accessible means: boat and air.

It is only recently that the air option has been used as an access route to Gombe National Park. This was after the construction of Kigoma Airport, an airfield in the Kigoma district of this region. This further eased access and increased the visitor turnout in this park.

Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Gombe National Park

The dry season that runs from June to September and from December to February is the best time to visit Gombe National Park for chimpanzee trekking. This season provides favorable conditions for chimpanzee trekking. However, chimpanzee trekking can also be done in the wet season, though it is more challenging.

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Achieving the ultimate goal of making it to the hour in the presence of the chimpanzee primates takes a whole groundbreaking process. Since chimpanzee trekking is not similar to heading into a zoo behind a protective wire, visitors have to first be engaged. Encountering these primates and having an hour in their habitat is fun and adventurous, but can also be timid and scary.

As it is with any safari tour, safety is not a question but a priority. Therefore, this is why chimpanzee trekking kicks off with a pre-trekking briefing. When trekking chimpanzees, the safety of the primates and visitors is taken into account. This is the main reason for carrying out an assessment through the briefing.

Pre-trekking briefing

The pre-trekking briefing is a detailed engagement of the Budongo Forest staff with rangers talking about chimpanzee trekking in this forest. This briefing entails the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo. These regulations emphasize the need for visitors to operate in the presence of the chimpanzees.

Every chimpanzee community marked for trekking it had passed through a habituation process. This process lasts about 2-3 years before a community is accustomed to human presence. With all this in mind, chimpanzees are very intelligent but at the same time still wild. This is among the reasons why visitors are cautioned to follow the highlight rules. The code of conduct is also very important and often talked about. This means the conduct of visitors in the presence of the chimpanzees.

The grouping of visitors in groups of 8 people is done for the allocation of chimpanzee communities. Like most primates, chimpanzees live in designated social groups called communities. The alpha male leads a community, and just like the social arrangements and politics in human communities, it is similar in primates. The recent chimpanzee civil war in Kibale Forest further affirmed this fact. This shows how close they are to humans, after having 98% DNA similarity. A chimpanzee community can have over 30-40 members under one rule, with multiple females and males that often work as scouts.

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo takes about 3-5 hours, given the exact location of the assigned community. This also includes the hour spent with them. The limitations of having only 8 visitors trekking a chimpanzee community are to reduce the large crowds that could potentially stress the chimps.

Trekking sessions

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is done in two sessions: the morning one and the afternoon/evening session. The morning chimpanzee trekking session in Budongo begins as early as 7:30 am with cultural performers taking the stage for 30 minutes. Briefing begins by 8 am and lasts for about 30 minutes. Visitors receive their assigned chimpanzee communities with guide rangers to assist and guide them to the primates. The trekking begins at 8:30 when the visitors head into the forest. The morning session offers an incredible experience as the chimps are actively feeding. They may be spotted in the treetops and also a few on the ground.

The afternoon chimpanzee trekking sessions in Budongo begin at 2 am with a short briefing. Visitors then head straight for the forest to traverse the canopies for a chance to encounter the chimpanzees. An hour is, of course, allocated to visitors once the chimpanzees are found. The afternoon session is a more intimate experience. This is because the chimpanzees are usually found resting on the ground as the infants and juveniles play.

About Budongo Forest

The Budongo Forest Reserve is a designated forest situated in the Murchison Falls Conservation Area. This conservation area is one of Uganda’s most sought-after destinations that attracts visitors from far and beyond. This is because this conservation area covers Murchison Falls National Park, which is a powerhouse wildlife protected area in the country.

Budongo Forest is the largest natural forest in the country, hosting some of the largest mahogany trees in East Africa. It is situated on the northeastern side of the Albertine Rift Valley. This forest is among the oldest forests in the country. It was gazetted in 1932 as a forest reserve and is managed by the National Forestry Authority.

This forest stretches for over 826 square kilometers, hosting about 600 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo starts at the Budongo Eco Lodge visitors’ center, where a briefing is given. These chimpanzees are found on the northeastern side of the forest of Kaniyo Pabidi. This is where chimpanzee trekking basically unfolds, though there are other areas of the forest.

Costs for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo

Trekking chimpanzees in Budongo Forest requires a visitor to have a chimpanzee permit. This chimpanzee permit is a document that allows visitors to access these primates in their habitat for an hour. It is purchased at a fee through a reputable local tour operator like Epic Uganda Vacations. The costs for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo are categorized by the origin and nationality of the visitor.

For example, international visitors or foreign non-residents pay USD 130, foreign residents USD 120, and East Africans and citizens pay USD 85. The money collected from the sale of chimpanzee permits helps in the conservation of the chimps and their habitat. This conservation involves funding protection efforts for the chimp habitats, paying the rangers, and supporting community projects like building schools and health centers.

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Budongo

Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo is best done in the dry season. The dry season is a time of dry weather and humid temperatures. This is attributed to the prolonged sun and little or no rainfall. These particular conditions favor the chimpanzee trekking experience because the forest is clear and the trails are dry. Such clear weather increases visibility, and the dry trails make navigation across the forest easy. The dry season runs from June to September and December to February.

However, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo in the wet season is also possible. From the climate calendar, the wet season is a period of relatively prolonged rainfall throughout the season. The wet season, just like the dry one, also has two periods: the short wet season that runs from October to November and the long one from April to May. The climate in Uganda is very unpredictable, as it can rain or shine at any time of the year. This is why it is very common to trek chimpanzees in this season.

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Some clients would prefer to combine gorilla trekking with a safari in Kenya and Tanzania or even the Great Wildebeest Migration. Such activities are located in other destinations far from the gorilla destinations. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible; no, it can be seamlessly done with an experienced operator in combined tours like Epic Uganda Vacations.

About gorilla trekking

As we break down how to combine gorilla trekking with other safari experiences, we need to understand gorilla trekking first. There could be much circulating information about the topic, but they don’t go deep into facts. Here we shall dive into the details that entail all you need to know about gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking involves encountering a family of wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat for an hour after navigating their challenging terrain. Unlike most other safaris like game safaris, gorilla trekking is a hands-on adventure. Visitors participate entirely in finding the mountain gorillas and chilling in their presence for an hour. You notice we mentioned a family of wild mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are wild social primates that live in groups called families. At the apex of every gorilla family is a dominant male called a silverback.

Although the gorillas encountered during this experience are wild, they have undergone the habituation process. This process familiarizes them to humans, and they get accustomed to the human presence. The habituation exercise usually lasts for 2-3 years, depending on the characteristics of the mountain gorillas.

Pre-trekking briefing

This experience kicks off with a pre-trekking briefing that highlights the rules and regulations of the activity. It emphasizes the idea of a code of conduct, especially in the presence of the gorillas. This briefing is meant to give all the necessary facts that help to protect the visitors and the gorillas. At the end of the day, we mean to understand that these primates are still wild and must be handled in a certain manner.

A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to trek a single gorilla family per day. This is meant to reduce stressing the mountain gorillas from frequent visits. Several visitors can also threaten the nature and vegetation of the gorilla habitat. This is because these habitats don’t have trails, and visitors force their way through the vegetation. As much as the experience is fun and adventurous, the priority is to conserve and protect the mountain gorillas and their habitats.

Gorilla destinations

The only known mountain gorilla destination is the Virunga Conservation Area. This conservation area is an extension of the remaining natural habitat of the mountain gorillas. It stretches across three specific countries are shown below.

Uganda

As an award-winning destination, Uganda is the leading gorilla destination. It is the only country in the world that hosts two distinct mountain gorilla protected areas. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are situated relatively in the same region.

Bwindi, a powerhouse of gorilla trekking, is about 331 square kilometers. It hosts the largest population of mountain gorillas on Earth. This is why it is a recognized UNESCO site, gaining this recognition in 1994. This was 3 years after its establishment. It harbors about 460 mountain gorillas scattered in about 50 families. However, only about 26 families are habituated and available to trek.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second gorilla destination in Uganda. It shares a border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the smallest protected area in the country but also the smallest gorilla destination in the Virunga area. Only about 100 mountain gorillas reside in this park, with one habituated gorilla family. Mgahinga is about 33.7 square kilometers big.

Rwanda

The land of a thousand hills is a modest gorilla destination. Its popularity is derived from selling luxury gorilla trekking tours. This is basically due to its improved infrastructure, from accommodation to roads. The country’s Volcanoes National Park is the only gorilla trekking destination. It offers an unwavering experience with the mountain gorillas.

The terrain in Volcanoes National Park is not steep, with sparse vegetation best for filming tours. This park is the oldest protected area in the region and possibly in Africa after being gazetted in 1925. About 300 mountain gorillas live in this park, living in about 13 families.

The Democratic Republic of Congo

All around the world, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been known for political violence and unrest. As much as this could be true, there is a positive side to the country as an established gorilla destination. The Virunga Conservation Area gets its name from the popular gorilla destination of Virunga National Park in the country.

Virunga National Park is directly on the eastern side of the country on the border with Uganda and Rwanda. The park is estimated to host about 200 mountain gorillas. It is the least visited destination for obvious reasons of political instability. However, that does not take away the fact that it is a gorilla destination that is worth mentioning.

Other safari experiences to combine with gorilla trekking.

The countries harboring the mountain gorillas don’t just offer gorilla trekking alone; there are other safari experiences. These safari experiences include the following.

Game viewing experiences

In almost all the gorilla destinations/countries, there are savannah protected areas. These protected areas are home to a vast concentration of wildlife. This wildlife can be spotted on a game viewing experience. Visitors can combine gorilla trekking and this game viewing experience to get an epic gorilla and wildlife experience. Wildlife species to spot during this adventure include the Big 5 animals: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. Other species include hyenas, waterbucks, kobs, oribis, cheetahs, giraffes, topis, warthogs, etc. Popular parks for game viewing are Akagera National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park, among others.

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is a hotspot activity to pair with the gorilla trekking experience. It allows visitors to explore the chimp habitats for a one-on-one interaction session with the chimps in the habitat. This experience has a lot of similarity to gorilla trekking, although the species and destinations differ. The chimpanzee trekking experience takes place in Kibale National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest, and Gishwati-Mukuru National Park, among others.

Boat cruise

The adventures don’t end with land but also in the water. This is why a pairing between gorilla trekking and a boat cruise is perfect. A boat cruise experience uncovers the aquatic life of the protected areas. Visitors can spot animals like elephants, buffalo, waterbucks, warthogs, and various birds during this adventure. Popular boat cruise areas include Lake Ihema in Akagera, Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo, Lake Kivu, etc.

Golden monkey trekking

Golden monkey trekking also involves tracking the rare golden monkey primates in their habitats. Like all primate experiences, this trekking is a hands-on interaction with the golden monkeys in their untamed wilderness. It is not as challenging, given their monkeys live on the foothills of the Virunga massif. They feed on bamboo shoots and usually leave a trail of leftovers that gives away their location. Their destinations include Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Canopy walking experience

The canopy walking experience is designated for Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda and can be paired with gorilla trekking. It takes place along the suspended canopy trails that are about 70 meters high. It is a good way to immerse yourself in nature while having aerial views of the park.

Cultural encounters

As a form of responsible tourism, cultural encounters aim at uncovering the unique culture and traditions of the locals. The gorilla destinations are situated in the communities, and during gorilla trekking, visitors can witness highlights of the cultures, especially on the pre-trekking briefing. However, culture encounters paired with gorilla trekking take visitors much deeper into the heritages of these people. For example, the Batwa pygmies in Uganda or the Iby’iwacu cultural village in Rwanda.

Conclusively, gorilla trekking can be combined with many other safari experiences all across the region. Visitors need to determine the particular activities they wish to combine with gorilla trekking for us to plan a perfect package.

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