Southern Kibale borders Queen Elizabeth National Park and collectively these conserved areas protect a 180 km long migration corridor for wildlife that stretches from the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in “Ishasha”, to “Sebitoli” in northern Kibale .Kibale national park’s vegetation offers different varieties of wildlife habitat, ranging from the moist evergreen forest (wet tropical forest) along the Fort Portal plateau, then through the dry tropical forest (moist semi deciduous), and then to the woodland and savanna along the rift valley floor. In the central part of the park, around Kanyanchu, the high forest consist of a mixture of evergreen trees and deciduous with the evergreen species being dominant. The vegetation rises to over 55m and establishes a semi-closed canopy of massive stratified tree crowns. With shade tolerant herbs, a variety of ferns, shrubs and broad leaved forest grasses, the undergrowth is sparse. 351 tree species have been registered in the park.

Wildlife in Kibale National

Kibale National Park has the highest  diverse number of primates in the whole of Africa. It harbours over 13 species of primates. The most popular of these are the chimpanzees with over 1450 individuals living here making it the best destination to enjoy a Chimpanzee Tracking Tour in Uganda. In addition Kibale is home to the uncommon L’Hoest’s monkeys, East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkeys, the black & white colobus, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabeys, bush babies as well as potto among many others.

There is a number of other wildlife in Kibale National Park however they are hardly seen. These consist of buffaloes, leopards, bush pigs, elephants, and duikers. A keen viewer may also be able to spot some amphibians, reptiles and a variety of colorful butterflies.

Although Kibale National Park is accessible throughout the year, the Best time to Visit the park is during the dry season when the trails are dry and passable. This runs from December to February and then from June to September. The wettest area in Kibale is the northern area, receiving an average annual rainfall of approximately 1700mm, mainly during March to May and September to November. The climate is usually pleasant with an average annual temperature range of 14C to 27C. The southern part of the park experiences the maximum temperatures and lower amounts of rains where the terrain drops onto the hot rift valley floor and forest provides way to open grassland.

What to do in Kibale National park

Kibale Forest Hikes/Trails

Stetching 12km,Kibale Forest walk trail is  long and the hike is usually done in the dry season from the month of June to September are mid-November to February, taking between 5 and 6 hours. Hiking Tours offer you an opportunity to discover the park’s assorted habitats such as river line forest, swamp, grassland and tropical rainforest.

Birding in Kibale

Kibale National park is a home to 325 different bird species, including 6 that are native to the Albertine Rift area like the dusky crimsonwing, black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, red-faced woodland warbler and purple-breasted sunbird. Other Kibale specials are the green breasted pitta, African pitta, black bee-eater, Abyssinian ground thrush, yellow spotted nicator, little greenbul, black-eared ground thrush, brown chested alethe, yellow rumped tinker bird, blue-breasted kingfisher, along with the crowned eagle.

The Bigodi nature walk offers the best birding safaris  opportunities in the park as the swamp alone has approximately 138 bird species. It’s also famous for wildlife such as chimpanzees, red colobus, black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, bushbuck as well as mongoose.

Cultural Tours around Kibale

Led by a local guide, you will get a chance to meet the native Batooro people as well as the Bakiga immigrants (from the densely populated southwestern part of Uganda) who stay around this park. During the Kibale Cultural Tours you will visit a traditional village to see the traditional lifestyle of the Batoro, visit the local church, primary school, traditional healer and get a closer encounter with these natives. You will also enjoy some energetic traditional dances and songs by the Bakiga.

Crater Lakes Tour

Home to over 50 different crater lakes, the Kasenda area is found in Fort Portal and is surrounded by steep sided volcanoes. A visit to this picturesque are will give you an opportunity to appreciate the unique landscape of this area.

Cultural Trails

The nature walk begins from Kanyanchu or Sebitoli and it takes about 2 to 6 days. The enroute will help discover the forest and late rest in the community-run campsites close to the villages of Kikoni, Nyakalongo and Nyaibanda.

Tsavo national park is one of the oldest national parks in Kenya which is located in the southeastern part of the country and it is made up of Tsavo west national park and Tsavo east national park which are separated by a railway line. Famous for man-eating lions, Tsavo national park also consist of a rugged landscape which is also made up of mountains as well as wooded grasslands in Tsavo west national park. In contrast, Tsavo east national park is characterized by semiarid grasslands and savannah where wildlife species can be seen. The man-eating lions in Tsavo national park came to be known as above when two maneless lions attacked construction workers during the construction of the railway passing through the national park. These lions are among the attractions that tourists visiting this national park are interested in seeing as they explore the destination.

The national park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Services which maintains different tourist facilities in Tsavo national park such as the roads leading to the national park, bridges among other facilities as well as promoting conservation at the destination.

Tourists can enter Tsavo west national park through different entry gates such as Maktau gate, Mbuyuni gate, Jipe gate, Ziwani gate, Chyulu gate and Kasigau gate. The national park can also be accessed from Mtito Andei route from Nairobi which is a main entry gate as well as the Chyulu gate.Tourists visiting Tsavo east national park can access the destination through Manyani gate, Voi gate, Buchuma gate as well as Sala gate.

What so see at Tsavo National Park

Tsavo west national park

Wildlife species

Tsavo west national park is among the wildlife viewing destinations in Kenya which attracts tourists to go to the destination to see the various wildlife species which include rhinos, hippos, elephants, buffalos, leopards, lions, hartebeests, impalas, elands, fringe eyed oryx, giraffes, kudu among others.

Mzima springs

Tourists visiting Tsavo west national park can also visit Mzima springs which are known to have clear water and hippos and crocodiles. The springs consist of four springs in the western part of the national park. Mzima springs get its water from a natural reservoir under Chyulu hills. The springs are a source of water for the wildlife species which graze around the savannah plains. The trees which surround the springs are home to vervet monkeys which feed on the fruits from the date trees, raffia palms, waterberrys and figs. A variety of bird species can also be seen in the trees around the Mzima springs.

Ngulia Rhino sanctuary

Another attraction in Tsavo west national park is Ngulia rhino sanctuary which is located at the base of Ngulia hill. It is home to a number of endangered rhinos which are kept and bred by the Kenya wildlife service and the African wildlife foundation. Due to the poaching of these rhinos, the sanctuary was made to protect them from getting killed. The black rhinos which are kept at the sanctuary are nocturnal species and this means that it is rare to see them however not impossible to see these rhino species. Due to the danger of extinction of the black rhinos, the sanctuary which is well fenced and guarded by rangers and staff boosts the rhino populations as well as other wildlife species such as elephants which can be seen in the national park.

Shetani lava flow

Tourists can also enjoy viewing the black folded lava which flows across the savannah as well as the amazing views in the surrounding. Different wildlife species can also be seen during a visit to the Shetani lava flows and these include predators which can be seen wandering around. Shetani caves which were formed as a result of volcanic activity are also found near the lava flows. Shetani means devil which according to the locals describes the time when lava was flowing from the ground and the locals believed that it was the devil himself coming out from the ground. The Shetani lava flow can be accessed from one of the entrance gates into Tsavo West national park which is the Chyulu gate.

Tsavo east national park

The adjoining Tsavo east national park also has various attractions which can be seen during a safari to the destination and they include the following;

River Galana

Different wildlife species gather around River Galana which is among the attractions in Tsavo east national park. The source of this river is the highlands in the south eastern part of Kenya and it flows through the national park and into the Indian Ocean. During a visit to River Galana, tourists can also see crocodiles as they explore the beauty of Tsavo east national park.

Yatta plateau

The Yatta plateau is among the relief features at this destination and is an attraction in Tsavo east national park which lies between River Athi and River Tavi. The plateau is characterized by plain wide valleys as well as shallow spaced valleys which were formed as a result of lava flows.

Lugard falls

Tourists can also visit the Lugard falls during their safaris to Tsavo east national park and it is an attraction formed along the Galana River. This attraction is characterized by rock patterns of cooled lava. The falls were named after Lord Fredrick Lugard as he made his way through the region. The rapids were formed as a result of interruption of the river flow by sculpted channels and rocks. At the bottom of the falls, tourists can see wildlife species buffalos and hippos as well as crocodiles in the pool formed at the bottom of the falls.

Mubanda rock

This rock stands out from the rest of the national park and is located near the Manyani gate in Tsavo east national park. During the dry season, wildlife species gather around the water catchment area near the stratified rock which makes it easy for tourists to see the various wildlife species during their safaris as they watch the wildlife drinking from the pool.

Aruba dam

Located east of the Voi gate, Aruba dam is a drinking point for the various wildlife species which can be seen in Tsavo east national park such as waterbucks, zebras, warthogs, elephants, duikers, hartebeest, dik dik, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo among others. it provides water for the wildlife species during the dry season of the year and was built by the park authorities.

Kanderi swamp

Another attraction which tourists can enjoy seeing during their visits to Tsavo east national park is Kanderi swamp. This swamp is also a fresh water source for the wildlife species in the national park. The swamp is also located near the Voi gate which is an entry gate to the national park.

Tsavo River

Tsavo River is another attraction which can be seen at this destination and it runs through Tsavo east national park. The river connects with river Athi to form Galana River.

What to do at Tsavo

Game drives

Tourists can engage in game drives as they explore Tsavo national park to see its different wildlife species and other attractions around the national park. These game drives take place at different times of day and they include morning game drives, afternoon or evening game drives as well as full day game drives. During morning game drives, tourists can see different wildlife species which are active at this time of day. They are recommended for tourists to get an amazing wildlife viewing experience in Tsavo national park and to catch sight of wildlife species as they graze around the national park such as elephants, buffalos, baboons, warthogs, waterbucks, impalas, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, kudus, antelopes, leopards among others. Full day game drives are also among the game drives which tourists can engage in during their safaris to Tsavo east national park. This form of game drive enables tourists to see wildlife species and observe their way of life at different times of day.

Night game drives can also take place in the national park to see the nocturnal wildlife species. Ranger guides accompany tourists during the night game drives during which photography and filming can be carried out.

Birding

Bird watchers are also not left out during their safaris to Tsavo national park as they get to see various bird species such as ostriches, starlings, storks, pied kingfishers, vulturine guinea fowl, African fin foot, reed warbler, corncrakes, lesser kestrel, martial eagles, northern brownbul, and red backed shrikes, black faced sand grouse among others. Mzima springs are a good birding location in Tsavo west national park where tourists can also enjoy amazing views and also see monkeys in the trees near the springs, as well as hippos and crocodiles.

Nature walks

Another unique way of exploring the beauty is a nature walk which involves moving around Tsavo national park on foot. This wildlife viewing activity gives the tourists a close interaction with nature around their surroundings.These nature walks take place in the company of a ranger guide who shares information about the different attractions which can be seen at the destination as they follow different routes in Tsavo national park.

Hiking

Tourists can also engage in hiking adventures during their safaris to Tsavo national park as they enjoy the beautiful scenery at the destination from a higher view point. The hilly and rugged nature of Tsavo west national park makes it possible to carry out the activity. During hiking, the climbers can also enjoy seeing wildlife species such as elephants roaming in the plains. The different rocks which are climbed give the tourists a unique climbing experience due to the nature of the climbs that can sometimes be difficult and strenuous and at times requiring less effort.

How to get to Tsavo national park

There are different ways which tourists can use to access Tsavo national park to see its different attractions and engage in various wildlife viewing activities and these include road means and air or flight means of transport.By road, tourists can drive along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway to reach Tsavo east national park. And by flight, there are different airstrips which tourists can use to fly to the national park and these include Voi airstrip, Aruba airstrip, Satao airstrip, Sala airstrip, Ithumba airstrip, Bachuma airstrip among others.

To access Tsavo west national park, tourists can use scheduled and charter flights. By road, tourists can drive from Nairobi.

Where to stay in Tsavo national park

During visits to Tsavo national park, there are different places where tourists can stay and these include luxury accommodations, midrange accommodation as well as budget accommodation. The choice of where to stay depends on different factors such as the budget of the tourists.

Luxury accommodations include Finch Hattons camp, Sarova salt lick lodge, Rhino valley lodge, Kiboko camp, Satao camp, Kiboko camp and many others.

Midrange accommodations in Tsavo national park include Voi wildlife lodge, Asnil Aruba lodge, Red elephants safari lodge, Severin safari camp, Lions bluff lodge.

Budget or basic accommodation includes Lake Jipe safari camp, Manyatta camp, Voyager Ziwani safari camp, Leopard lodge among others.

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The Maasai who migrated from the Nile Basin many years ago have lived in this area todate.The word Mara means ‘spotted’ in Maa, the local Maasai language. It refers to the many short bushy trees you see dotted over the savannah plains when you drive through the park.

Masa Mara National Reserve harbours over 95 animal species and over 400 species of birds. The wildlife in Masai Mara is usually based on the escarpment of the reserve. Between August and mid October you can visit Masai Mara to see the great migration of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, antelopes and impalas. By that time they have most likely crossed over from the Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park on the other side of the border. This annual wildebeest’s migration involves over 2.5 million animals. The animals are crossing the dangerous Mara River in herds of thousands of animals in order to find fresh grass on the other side. Crocodiles are already waiting in the waters.

Masai Mara – Mara Triangle region

The Masai Mara Triangle is a great stop in the national reserve because it is one of the best points in the world to spot wildlife. The Mara River runs through the Mara Triangle.  It is the first area the great migration reaches once they come from Serengeti to the Masai Mara. With the famous Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo) being  part of the Masai Mara. And with a bit of luck you can see cheetahs, servals, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and black-backed and side-striped jackals. The Mara Triangle is also home to hippos, crocodiles, baboons, warthogs, topis, elands, Thomson’s gazelles, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, oribis, reed-bucks, zebras and many more animals.

WHAT TO DO AT MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Morning and Afternoon game drives

Game drives in the Masai Mara national reserve offer the best places for game viewing for an Africa Safari. The Mara Eco-system offers opportunities not only to spot Africa’s famous wildlife but also to take great photos and videos. Game drives occur throughout the year and are arranged in areas with the highest concentration of wildlife.

A typical game drive is carried out in standard tour vehicles with a pop up roof and can start in the morning or afternoon. The morning game drives start at 6am. It is the time when most animals are active and in very large numbers as they head out to eat. The afternoon game drive starts at 2:00pm and goes on up to 6:30pm. The best place to view wildlife during the afternoon game drive is at the watering holes as they come to quench their thirst.

Regardless of whether you go for the morning or afternoon session, expect to see all the big 5 mammals, zebras, giraffe, hyenas, elands and gazelles. Cheetahs are in plenty and well adapted to the Mara but you can also see black rhinos. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is the best place to observe cheetahs in Africa. The highlight of any game drive is observing one of the big cats pull down a zebra or wildebeest. After the game drive, an arrangement can be made to have picnic lunch in the middle of the African wilderness.

Night Game drives

Apart from the day game drives, it is possible to also go for a night game drive in the clear night skies. The night game drive starts at 6:00pm and ends in the dark hours of the night. Night game drives provide an amazing opportunity to observe leopards, lions and hyenas tracking their prey. You can also get to see nocturnal mammals and birds. Herbivores mammals remain alert and on tension in the night because they have to be alert for potential predators. Night game drives can only be done in the private Conservancies and with the help of Guides who know where to find the animals.

The Great Wildebeest Migration

 The best time to witness the wildebeest migration is between June and November. With Over 1.5 million wildebeest, Thompson’s Gazelles and Zebras cross the Mara river from the Serengeti in search of greener grass. They encounter many challenges along the way. Apart from stalking predators, the migrating animals have to cross the crocodile infested Mara river where thousands drown or get eaten by crocodiles. Those who cross the river have to contend with the Africa’s big predators. The scale of the migration is so large that it can be observed from space. Tourists visit to witness the great concentration of animals, the calving season, the battle between predator and prey.

Walks/Walking safaris

 Apart from the standard game drives with tour vans, tourists can also register for guided nature walks or a walking safari. These walking safaris offer tourists opportunities to spot birds, wildlife and the savanna on foot.  Nature walks also allow you to get close to the surroundings and fresh wilderness in a way that is not possible with game drives. Nature walks are more suitable in the private conservancies bordering the main reserve and are led by very experienced Maasai Guides or armed Rangers. The walks are conducted in areas that are less frequented by predators and the bigger Activities to do in the Masai Maramammals. The Guides will teach you how to track mammals but also let you know what to do in case you meet any dangerous ones.

Horseback safaris

 This particular activity is arranged in the conservancies and not within the main reserve itself. Participants are taken deep into the Mara on the back of a horse to view antelopes, leopards, wildebeest, hartebeests, giraffes, elephants, leopards and lions. It is the most ecological way to tour the reserve without emitting sounds and fumes. This particular activity is led by park Rangers, owners of the conservancies or local Maasai Guides.

Places to visit in Masa MaraHot Air Balloon Safari

If viewing game using a 4×4 vehicle is great then getting an aerial view of the vast Mara plains will take your breath away – especially if you do it during the great migration. The hot air balloon route follows the Mara river allowing you to get an aerial view of the forests, birds and aquatic mammals before going deep into the savannah for more stunning views of the landscape. The activity lasts for one hour and ends with a picnic lunch/breakfasts with champagne on the savanna plains. All participants are given certificates. Hot Air balloon safaris are excellent for families and couples on a honeymoon. It also allows participants to take great photos of the reserve.

Sundowners and Bush breakfast/dinner

If you choose to spend your honeymoon in the Maasai Mara game reserve, this is one thing you shouldn’t miss out on. Your hotel can arrange for a mobile dinning in the middle of the savanna with meals, drinks and wines. There is nothing better than watching the beautiful sunset in the wilderness and in the arms of your partner.

Camping and Photographic safaris

If you love camping during your free time, then you will enjoy your time in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The experience will be different because you will be Activities in the Masai Marasleeping in the middle of the African wilderness and wild animals not far away. There are many campsites within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Most are public but there are also private ones with facilities like kitchens and toilets. Some even have pools where you can relax with friends and family. What about photography? The Maasai Mara National Reserve is known for its amazing landscape, wildlife and flora. Some of the best wildlife photographers have visited the reserve just to capture its natural beauty and wildlife. You don’t have to be a professional photography to go for a photographic safari. Anyone with a good camera and love for photography can take part in the activity.

Maasai Cultural Encounter

The Mara not only offers great wildlife experiences but also memorable cultural encounters in Tanzania. The Maasai tribesmen are one of Africa’s most intriguing ethnic groups. They are known for their colorful dresses and height. The Maasai live in Kenya and Tanzania. Interestingly, the Maasai only migrated to Kenya 200 years ago. They are believed to have originated from Sudan. The Masai believe that all cattle in the world at one point belonged to their ancestors. Any that is not with them was stolen from them. Before governments took action, the Maasai would raid neighboring communities to reclaim their lost cattle in what is known as cattle rustling.

What to do in Masai Mara National ReserveThe Masai have a distinct dress code and keep domestic animals as a traditional. Most have embraced tourism and the opportunities that come with it. In fact, many of the Guides in the reserve are from the Maasai tribe. A visit to one of the Maasai Bomas is highly recommended especially if you are traveling with children. The children will be fascinated by the Masai lifestyle, culture and traditions. While with the Masai, you can learn how to milk goats, build houses using local material (mud, grass, trees and dung) and use traditional hunting tools. After the cultural encounter and entertainment (songs and dances), you can also visit one of the artisan shops for souvenir.

Stay in one of the private Conservancies or ranches

 The Maasai Mara National Reserve receives a lot of visitors between June and November. In order to avoid the crowds, you can choose to stay in one of the private conservancies owned by the Maasai themselves. The conservancies/ranches surround the main reserve and contain more wild animals than the reserve itself. The benefit of staying in one of the conservancies is crowd-free game drives and taking part in activities that are prohibited in the main reserve like night game drives, nature walks and viewing animals outside the main tracks.

The Mara River

The Mara river originates from the Kenyan highlands and drains into Lake Victoria. It provides water to animals in the reserve and is where the wildebeest cross as they migrate from the Serengeti National Park to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Mara river grows in size during the wet season and has some of the largest Nile crocodiles in Africa. Most game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve end in the river because it attracts a lot of birds, crocodiles and hippos.

]]> https://kalikasafaris.com/amboseli-national-park/ Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:23:53 +0000 https://kalikasafaris.com/?p=2086 AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Amboseli National Park is aso commonly known as “the home of Elephants” because of the massive elephant herds is one of the iconic safari destinations of Kenya. Amboseli has been marketed by Kenya as the best place to see the Kilimanjaro Mountain (the mountain is on the Tanzanian side), being located right below Africa’s tallest mountain which forms an epic backdrop to the stunning open wilderness of Amboseli National Park that is filled with animals including one of the biggest population of Elephants in Africa. A shot of the African Elephant strolling the plains of this beautiful wilderness, against a backdrop of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, is one of the trending photos of an African safari vacation. And, while most tourists visit Kenya to go to Masai Mara which is the prime destination, however, a safari in Kenya without a trip to Amboseli cannot be a complete safari in Kenya

Measuring just 390 square kilometers, Amboseli National Park is located in the south of Kenya, approximately 5 hour’s drive from the capital Nairobi. Amboseli sits below the leeward side (rain shadow) of Kilimanjaro Mountain which leads to the dry weather and creating desert like condition of the park. In fact, Amboseli is a Maasai word meaning “salty dust” During the long dry spells when the leeward side receives no rains at all, the park becomes a vast area of dried out grassland – almost likes a soccer field. However, Mountain Kilimanjaro contributes many rivers which flow underground and create large swamps and marshes and small lakes in the now desert habitat of Amboseli during the dry season. During this dry season, the swamps become an oasis of life where many of the animals go to graze and drink water. For the cats, it become even easier to find prey which are all squeezed around marshlands and swamps.

When the rains come, the park gets a new look of lush green. The wildlife also spreads out to all areas of the park. The swamps expand and become lakes and the low areas fill up too forming shallow lakes. The lush greenery, sparkling lakes and the stunning backdrop of the Kilimanjaro Mountain whose white snow now expands to nearly half way the mountain, is quite a sight to behold!

Amboseli National Park is a surprise gem when it comes to wildlife, so much so that many people who have visited the much more popular Masai Mara wonder if Amboseli offers better sightings of most animals. The desert-like conditions which force animals to gather around the water and green spots during the dry spells make finding wildlife easy and offer great close-up sightings.The only missing member of the famous Big Five animals is the Rhino, but all the other members; Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Lion, are present in Amboseli National Park.  The elephant is the iconic animal of the Amboseli and is one of the best places on earth to see Elephants due to the huge population.

Amboseli is Hyena country! With plenty of prey to feast on, you will see many hyenas (Spotted Hyena) lazing up in the marshes and on the shores of swamps in the afternoon after filling up their belies from a morning successful hunt.Other common animals you will not miss seeing in Amboseli include wildebeest, zebra, Masai giraffe, Thompson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, reedbuck, and warthogs.

The park also has the unique Yellow Baboons, a different species from the olive baboons you may have seen, found almost everywhere else.

WHAT TO DO AT AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Game drives

The game drive is the most popular and best way to explore the Amboseli National Park. There is a good network of drive trails throughout the park going along the swamps and marshes where a lot of wildlife can be seen. The game drive in Amboseli lasts a full day starting at 7 am till 6 pm, you will have to go out with a lunch pack. You will be able to access most areas of the park during the dry season, however during the rainy season the swamps and lakes overflow and cut off many areas of the park and the game drive will be limited in a few dry areas.

Balloon safari in Amboseli

Amboseli National Park offers one the best Balloon Safari experiences, offering incredible views of the breathtaking wilderness and especially great views of the Kilimanjaro mountains and the magical African sunrise.

The Balloon Safaris start at 5 am, and the flight will take about one hour over the Amboseli. The balloon safari will enhance your wildlife experience as you will access areas that are not reachable by car thereby increasing your chances of seeing more wildlife. After the balloon safari, you will continue with the game drive at about 7 am.

Bird watching in Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of the best, if not the best, birding destinations of Kenya boasting a whooping 600 species of birds. The diverse habits and the good trail network around the marshlands, swamps and lakes provide a good birding experience with closer views of many birds.

Wetland and water birding is at its best in Amboseli National Park as you can see many local species. You will be able to see the flamingos, herons, ducks, ibises, storks, cormorants, lapwings, plovers, egrets, etc…The Goliath Heron and Great Egret easily stand out in the open marshlands and can been seen many meters away. The open plains, savannah and woodlands provide plenty of birds, more so those birds of the semi-arid region. The Ostrich and Secretary Bird can be seen strolling through the open field. The trees host plenty of White-headed Buffalo-Weavers and White-browed Sparrow-Weavers. Amboseli offers one of the best sightings of the rare Taveta Golden Weaver.

The park is great for birds of prey as well, and if you are looking for vultures you will not search so much as you will crowds of them at leftover kills, along with eagles and storks hoping to find a few pieces left after the rowdy vultures have had their fill.

Picnic on the Observation Hill

The Observation Hill is a picnic spot in Amboseli National Park that provides panoramic views of the plains below and stunning the peak of Kilimanjaro Mountain in the background. Hiking to the observation hill is normally a climax of the safari drive in the park where you go to relax and enjoy your lunch while taking the incredible views from up there.

It is a light hike that does not need any fitness levels. There are steps to the top.

View Mountain Kilimanjaro

The epic views of the Kilimanjaro mountain of Tanzania are one of the highlights of the trip to Amboseli. The world’s tallest free-standing mountain creates a stunning backdrop to the landscape of Amboseli. One of the best pictures taken on an African safari is one of the massive elephants strolling the plains of Amboseli with the snow-capped Kilimanjaro in the backdrop.

Best time to visit Amboseli National Park

Amboseli national park can either be visited during the long dry season or during the rainy season.The long dry season from June through to October (and the short dry season Jan – Feb), is a good time to visit Amboseli National Park because the drive tracks throughout the park are drivable. Also, during this time a lot of wildlife is easy to find because it is concentrates around the water sources and green spots.However many large mammals like the Elephants will migrate to the neighboring Tsavo West and Tsavo East in search of the more vegetation to feed on.The rainy season (March to May & Nov – Dec), on the other hand, though muddy and may prohibit the drive to different areas of the park brings a stunning scenery and the biggest herds of elephants you have seen in a single spot. Also, the best views of the Kilimanjaro Mountain are during the rainy season when there is a bigger snow cover!

The park lies within the Kigezi Highlands that were formed through up-warping of the western rift valley .The landscape is extremely rugged, with steep ridges and narrow valleys, and a general incline from the high deeply dissected south and southeast to the lower north and northwest.

The only level areas within the park are the Mubwindi swamp (approximately 1sqkm) and Ngoto swamp (approximately 0.1sqkm).

Bwindi Impenetrable forest was managed as a productive forest reserve from 1932.  In 1991, the forest gained national park status with the official name of ‘Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’. ‘Omubwindi’ refers to darkness in the local language.

It is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as part of the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area (BMCA). BMCA comprises Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (the Ugandan portion of the Virunga Mountains). BMCA is part of the Greater Virunga Landscape, which includes south western Uganda, eastern Democratic of Congo (DRC) and northwestern Rwanda.

Bwindi lies within a densely populated rural landscape with as many as 500 people/km2 in some areas. The steep slopes immediately surrounding the park are heavily cultivated and thus forest cover stops abruptly at the park boundary. The majority of the families belong to Bantu people such as Bakiga and Bafumbira and a few to the Batwa “pygmy” people.

Local communities are allowed to collect specific forest products from designated areas of the park called ‘Multiple Use Zones’. These products include weaving materials, medicinal plants and honey. Tourism is a major source of income to park authorities and provides employment to local people.

Activities to do at Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost half of the 1000 or so gorillas left in the world. Gorilla tracking is the biggest attraction for tourists to Uganda.

The activity of gorilla trekking involves several hours of hiking through dense jungles and even then you may not see them as they tend to move around. But if you do get to track them down, you can get real close to them as they are accustomed to humans. Remember to book your gorilla tracking permits in advance as only a few permits are issued per day. Your tour operator will give you the guidelines on what to carry for the activity through the rain forest.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga

It is only in Uganda that you can be with a Mountain Gorilla Family for 4 hours on a Gorilla Habituation Experience along with researchers in Bwindi’s Impenetrable.There are presently two family groups being habituated, meaning that they becoming used to human contact and will not run away from visitors trekking them.

You can fly into Kigali Rwanda and 3 hours later be in the Rushaga Region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.  You have the choice of budget, moderate and upmarket lodging and can stay either in Rushaga or scenic Nkuringo area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Bird watching

The diverse habitats in Uganda’s most ancient forest imply that is the perfect habitat for a diversity of bird species, with about 350 recorded different species, with 23 endemics.

Mountain Bike Rides in Buhoma Area

Ride 4 a Woman which is a community support group offers mountain bike rentals and guided bike in and around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Buhoma area of the park.

You can even do the Village Walk on a bike with guide.  There are Birding Bike Rides, or simply a ride into the Forest such as the Ivy River Trail.  The average Bike Ride is 3 hours or longer in length with much to see along the trail or road.The guides are all well-trained, some specialize in birding, others in culture but all know Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which they all love and want to conserve.

Cycling Tours

The mountain bike ride ventures in Bwindi are managed by a woman’s group which offers trained guides, a repair -shop  for these bikes and every participant that helps in this program receives direct reimbursement from visitors to Buhoma enjoying a ride on the bike.

The Batwa Forest Experience

The Batwa were the original people of the forest, they were here for thousands of years before the Bantu People, the Cultivators of the Land arrived. The Batwa People – are pygmies – were hunter-gatherers and lived in the forests of Southwest Uganda and beyond. They left a small ecological footprint on the forest and lived in harmony with nature.  You can visit the forest (actually outside of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) with the Batwa People and learn of their traditional ways of hunting and gathering. The Batwa Experience takes place in the Buhoma area.

The Buhoma Village Walk

Here you have a 3 hour cultural walk through the village – you learn the ways and culture of the people that live in the Buhoma area on the edge of Bwindi Forest. The Village Walk is with a guide who is friendly and knowledgeable about local culture and customs.

You will see how people make local crafts such as baskets with the most intricate designs beer made from Bananas, and a distillery that makes the local Waragi Gin from Bananas, meet a traditional healer and learn of what is gathered in the ancient forest and how it is taken and applied to ailments .See how the growing of local produce is done and harvested, food preparation over charcoal or open fire, visit a school, and meet the Batwa Pygmy community as they perform a dance for you just to name a few.  It is certainly a cultural learning experience and the cost of the walk supports the local community – so a win win for everyone.

Hiking through the Forest

The Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be one day or longer hike from the north of Bwindi to the South – called Nkuringo- there one can stay overnight and continue the next day down to scenic Lake Mutanda where you paddle across in a wooden dugout and continue to the town of Kisoro.

This is the most popular hike along two trails of Bwindi – there are however other trails and nature walks, most from easy to moderate in and near the Forest that can be explored on foot and requiring from an hour to all day long.

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Located in the eastern side of Rwanda,Akagera national park sits on 2500 sq km which is mainly Savannah land. The park is named after Kagera River that flows along Rwanda’s eastern boundary with Tanzania. Kagera river feeds into Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes in and around the park. Akagera national park is also considered as one of the most scenic parks in central-eastern Africa, Akagera’s extraordinary biodiversity ranges from herds of herbivores that graze the open plains to rare and elusive birds that frequent the swamps.Akagera national park is the only Savannah national park in Rwanda and the only place to sight most of the large mammals while on safari ,With forest elephants in the other parks, it is very difficult to sight them.

Akagera national park protects an African Savannah landscape of acacia and bush with patches of open grassland and a dozen swampy lakes. It has exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms a large protected wetland. Explore the park in the comfort of your safari vehicle while on a game drive.

WHAT TO DO AT AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Game Drives

Akagera national park gives you adventure at it’s best during day, evening and night game drive.Day game drives through the savannah grasslands give you chance to see a wide coverage of wildlife like;The Defassa Waterbuck, Topis, Bohor Reedbucks, Oribis, Semi-Aquatic Sitatunga, Eland, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Elephants, Lions and the recently reintroduced Rhinos are some of the mammals found in the park. Usually advised to use a 4*4 exteded pop up roof ladcruiser for fine viewing.

The night game drive is an experience in which you step into the wild to view the nocturnal animals especially the wide-eyed bush babies, serval cats, civets, leopards. You are usually guided by a well trained ad equiped ranger.

Boat Safari

A boat safari at Akagera national park is a relaxing and a rewarding way to view wildlife. The second largets lake in Rwana is known for its abundant hippo population and crocodile dotted shores. The boat safari on Lake Ihema offers the opportunity to take up-close photos of these animals. As other animals come to the lake for a drink or bath, you can take a look at those that you may have missed while out on a game drive in the wild.

Birding

Akagera national park is home to over 480 species of birds with many only found in this park in Rwanda. The diverse habitats for birds at Akagera National Park bring you close to different kinds of bird species. There will be birds in the savannah plains, in the hills, forests, by the lakes and at the river. The Red Faced Barbets, the Great Snipe, the Lesser Kesterel, the Armot Chat, Swamp Fly Catchers, the Papyrus Gonolex and the Shoebill are some of the most rewarding sights while birding.

Fishing

Fshing at akagera national park is a whole experience.It is done at Lake Ihema and Shakani. With birds and hippos in the vicinity, you will not miss out on the sounds while fishing. You are free to keep your catch to roast, fry or grill it and enjoy the taste of fresh fish from Rwanda.

Nature Walks

Akagera national park nature walks are in some areas that are not populated with the wild animals at cose range. This is usually done under the watch of a well equipped and trained ranger guide. On a nature walk you will encounter butterflies, insects and plants.