East Africa boasts of its most intriguing and unique wildlife experiences. On East African safaris, gorilla trekking and wildebeest migration are some of the must enjoy experiences. They are considerably bucket-list adventures when it comes to African safaris to destinations such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Besides wildlife, East Africa is most popular for its incomparably breathtaking landscapes characterized by rolling hills, mountain ranges and tropical forests and sweeping savanna and arid plains. A combined gorilla safari and other wilderness experiences in other parts of East Africa guarantee enthusiastic nature lover’s life changing experiences.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is East Africa’s leading primate adventure and offers travelers a great chance to enjoy a close encounter with not only mountain gorillas but also lowland gorillas. The must-visit East African safari parks to see gorillas include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-BINP (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park Musanze -(Rwanda) and Virunga National Park Mikeno (DRC). These four parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the grauer’s gorillas thrive in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is carried out in the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest –Rushaga sector, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma region. The fifth sector is situated in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and that is Ntebeko area where briefing is done and you begin the trek to see Nyakagezi gorilla family.
Gorilla permits and their prices
The gorilla permits in Uganda are issued to visitors at USD 700 (foreign non-residents), USD 600 (foreign residents) and East Africans pay Shs. 250,000. The rates of gorilla permit are same across all the gorilla safari parks in Uganda –Bwindi or Mgahinga NP. Booking Uganda gorilla permits is easier with a reliable tour operator who also will go ahead to plan the whole safari holiday, book lodges, transportation etc, or contact Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Essentials to have on Uganda gorilla tour include two pairs of long trousers, long armed sweater, good cameras, safari hat, waterproof hiking boots, rain coat, insect repellents, gardening gloves, and others.
Where to stay on a gorilla trip in Uganda (2023/2024)
Some of the places to retire for a night on gorilla tour in Uganda include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Broadbill Tented Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman.
Wildebeest migration
Wildebeest migration in East Africa is worth considering among your bucket list experiences on African safari holiday. The Great wildebeest migration in East Africa (E.A) is best enjoyed while on Tanzania vacation in Serengeti National Park -SNP and Kenya safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve.
During the Great Migration, over 1.5 million wildebeest accompanied by thousands of zebras, elands, impalas, and other antelopes move long distances in search of pasture and drinking water. This powerful experience is excellently enjoyed from July to September and a huge concentration of wildebeests will be observed crossing the Masai River.
The Great migration and mountain gorilla adventures can be incorporated thus presenting you a chance to explore Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, Tanzania. As wildebeest cross the Mara River in Northern Serengeti, the giant Nile crocodiles can be patiently waiting their arrival. During the river crossing, it is all about survival for fitness and aside from crocodiles, the predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs can be hunting for wildebeest, etc.
Big Five safaris
East Africa is most famous for its memorable big five game safaris. The region is a complete big five game destination. The big five safaris in East Africa is a great chance to see huge mammals such as the cape buffaloes, leopards, lions, rhinos, and elephants. Other wildlife species to view besides the big game include giraffes, African wild dogs, cheetahs, Uganda Kobs, oribis, topis, hippos, and more.
Chimpanzee tracking
If you enjoy primate watching, then you have every reason to consider East Africa on your bucket list. The must visit locations to see chimpanzees in East Africa include Gombe/Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania; Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda, in Uganda, chimpanzees exist in Kibale National Park –the primate capital of the world, Budongo, Maramagambo, Kalinzu, Kyambura Gorge and others. In Kenya, travel to Sweetwater’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Birding
Bird watching is another excellent way to experience the best of East Africa. A huge concentration of birds can be spotted on a birding tour in this region including bateleur eagles, yellow billed oxpeckers, grey crowned crane, malachite kingfishers, helmeted guinea fowl, Kori bustards, ostriches, flamingos, pelicans, shoebill storks, secretary bird, bare eyed thrush, bare faced go away bird, and more.
Beach holiday
There are many relaxation or beach holiday opportunities along the finest coastlines of Tanzania and Kenya. The main areas of interest when it comes to beach experience in East Africa, Mombasa- Kenya safaris and Zanzibar –Tanzania.
