African

Ethiopia Tours & Safari Holidays, Trekking & Popular Destinations

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Ethiopia is a country well known for her beautiful landscape and in Africa it ranks as one of the top destinations for the different out-door activities. In most cases these out-door activities are carried out during the dry season because the rains sometimes block off some roads making it hard to access some of the Ethiopia tour  attractions where the activities can be carried out. There are different out-door activities that you can carry out when you visit the country and these include:

Trekking and Hiking

There are also foot paths that were put up so that tourists could enjoy their hiking and trekking and these lead to different tourist attractions that you can add to your ‘things to see’ list while in Ethiopia. The best time to visit and enjoy trekking and hiking is during the dry season especially after the rains because then the landscape will be filled with lush greenery and the trek routes will be free from mud and floods. There will be a tour guide who will take you through the hiking and trekking routes and on this trek you will learn more about Ethiopia and the places where you are trekking from. The different places where you can go for trekking include the following:

 

ethiopia tours

Top 5 places for Hiking in Ethiopia

The National parks like the Simiens National Park, the Gambella National Park, the Bale national park and many more others.

The Harar region where you will get to see the historical sites found in the area.

The Lalibela region where you will trek through the hewn churches.

The mountains that are located in the country.

Exploring the Great Rift valley on foot and many more other places

 

Running Through Ethiopia

Running is another outdoor activity that you can carry out when in Ethiopia. As other countries front soccer as their National sport, Ethiopia’s National sport is running and that is why the country has many athletes who have won medals in international competitions. Ethiopians are known to be good runners and there is an annual run that is organized every year in Addis Ababa and many people including top athletes in the country take part. Before the run you will find many athletes running every morning and evening from the Meskel square and during your visit, you can join them before participating in the annual run that takes place in November.

 

White Water Rafting

Rafting can be done on the Rivers that are found in Ethiopia. White water rafting in Ethiopia is mostly done on the Blue Nile due to the amount of water that it has. It can also be done on the Awash River and rafting can take as many days as you want as long as the weather is conducive. You should be well prepared with your equipment for all those who are interested in the water rafting game and it should be done after the rainy season because during the rainy season, the water in the Rivers is too much to allow rafting as the rapid are submerged. All white water rafting adventures are led by an experienced tour guide in case of any accidents during the excursion.

 

A Road Trip Through Ethiopia

Road trips have become popular with most tourists who visit Ethiopia because in most cases it is the only way you can visit and explore the corners of the country. The country has a very good landscape which will enable you drive your car from one corner of Ethiopia to the next and this is done using 4 by 4 wheel drive vehicles. A road trip in Ethiopia can easily be arranged as you drive from one tourist attraction and just connect to the next one and rest at the accommodations that are available in the destination places. Ethiopia has clearly mapped out routes that lead to the different tourist attractions and these will greatly help you during your road trip.

Top main road trip routes you can embark on your Tour in Ethiopia

  • The Addis Ababa Route

The Addis Ababa route passes through the capital city of Ethiopia and is mostly used by those that are going to explore the city center. Along this route you will be able to see the various museums that are in Addis Ababa like the National Ethiopian museum, the red terror museum, a few National parks and also give you an opportunity to view the annual run which takes place in September You will also get to meet the different locals that live in the capital city. Basically the route is for those that have a limited time to visit the country as a whole.

  • The Eastern Route

The Eastern route also known as the Bales Mountain route can also be used for your road trip in Ethiopia. It passes through the Bales Mountain hence the name and it also passes through the Holy city of Ethiopia known as Harar which ranks as fourth among the holy cities in the whole world.

  • The Southern Route

The southern route is also known as the Rift Valley and cultural symbol route and this is because it passes through the Great Rift Valley which separates the country into two. As you drive through the Rift valley, you will be able to admire all the unique land formations that came about in form of Mountains, crater lakes and the valleys and you can join in the many activities that are carried out here which include birding, animal viewing, relaxing on the shores of the Lakes, trekking, meeting the locals and many more others.

  • The Northern Route

The Northern route is also one of the many routes that you can use during your road trip in Ethiopia and while on this route, you will pass through the Simiens Mountains where you can rest and also enjoy some trekking, enjoy some local food, visit the Simiens Mountains National Park and visit the nearby areas.

  • The Western Route

The western route leads you straight to the Gambella National Park but that does not mean that on your way you will be bored. You will have a good view of the beautiful landscape that Ethiopia has to offer like the lush greenery on the hills, forests and when you get to Gambella National Park, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery provided by the birds, animals and trees.

The above routes are not the only ones you can use while on a road trip through Ethiopia but they are the major ones. The best time to go for a road trip is during the dry season because during this time the roads are passable and not flooded.

 

The Caving Excursion

Ethiopia has many caves that you can visit while in the country and most of these were formed during the formation of the Great Rift Valley. This is an out-door activity and it is mostly carried out during the dry season for obvious reasons. Some of the caves that you can visit include:

The Achare-Anyage caves and these are located on the slopes of Mountain Arba Gugu in the eastern part of the country. The cave has 7 kilometer underground routes and these can be explored by tourists for as long as you have a tour guide with you.

The Sof-Oma caves which are annually visited by Muslim pilgrims. They are easily accessed and you can join the many pilgrims on this journey to the caves.

The caves in the Aksum region which were constructed into churches can also be visited and explored with the help of a tour guide who will help you when it comes to translation and guiding you on which routes to use.

The Balloon Air Balloon Rides

This is where numerous balloons are filled with hot air and you get to view the landscape from the balloon as it rises into space. It is a fun filled activity which you get to enjoy with your loved ones but the best way to get on the balloon ride is by booking earlier on so that you do not find all the rides taken and it also depends on the type of weather. During the rainy season it is extremely hard for one to access the air balloon services which is the exact opposite when it comes to the dry season.

Rock Climbing In Ethiopia

Ethiopia is filled with a good landscape which allows the rock climbing activity to be carried out. Since part of the country was greatly affected by the Rift valley formation, you will find that there are many challenging rocks in the country where you can go and have fun like the Simiens Mountains, the hewn churches in Lalibela and the Bale Mountain. You will need rock climbing gears and a tur guide on all the excursions that you will carry out on the rocks.

 

Popular Destinations In Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country that is located in the Northern part of Madagascar and it is a country that is known for her rich culture. Ethiopia is known to have nine UNESCO world heritage sites that you can get to visit and learn more about the history of the people in Ethiopia. Heritage sites can be visited by anyone and it doesn’t have to be only those who are interested in history. These heritage sites have a lot to offer to all tourists and some of the things that made them UNESCO heritage sites and that is why they are visited by the different people from all over the world. Ethiopia has one natural heritage site which is Simiens national Park whereas the remaining eight all fall under the Cultural sites category. These sites are found in the different parts of Ethiopia which means that you will have to travel form one corner of the country to the next.

 

The Omo Valley

The Omo valley is rich in Ethiopian culture and one of the reasons as to why it is a UNESCO heritage site is because of the presence of the Fossils site that is located in the valley. There are several fossils that were found in the Omo valley and these were used to study the evolution of human life by different researchers. And besides the fossils that have been safely kept in the museum for all to see, the unique culture in the Valley is an experience that everyone should go through since the different ethnic groups found in the valley have different traditional customs.

 

Explore The Tiya Stelae

The Tiya stelae is found on the Soddo region two hours from Addis Ababa and it is filled with large monuments that rise up to five meters and the Tiya is just a few minutes away from the capital city of Ethiopia Addis Ababa and it has various mass graves that are marked with different symbols and the beauty about them is that no one actually knows who constructed these monuments. They are so mysterious in that these standing stones have no history written about them which makes it fun to go for a visit because then you get to come up with your story about how they were formed.

Some people believe that the graves belonged to the fallen soldiers both women and men who were buried in a standing positon but no one knows who buried them and some people still believe that they represent some of the Ethiopian culture.

Travel To Gondar City

Gondar city is referred to as the Camelot of Ethiopia and it is located near the Lake Tana. It has a lot of things that made it to become a UNESCO heritage site and these are the Fasil Ghebbi which was constructed by the Emperor Fasil during the 17th century and is located in the Gondar city where many more heritage sites can be seen. It was also a home to most of the country’s Emperors lived. The Fasil Ghebbi has seven other different sites which include the monasteries, a palace, churches, a thermal area and a bath. A visit to the Gondar city will take you back in time to see the how medieval Ethiopia looked like and how the Emperors lived during those times and therefore you cannot just leave Ethiopia without visiting the Gondar city.

The Konso Cultural Landscape

The Konso landscape is located in semi-arid area which has the oldest form of house settlement in the country. The most interesting thing to see in Konso is the Daga- Hela which is used by the locals to carry out rituals, the old houses that were constructed using stones and their unique architect design and the wooden statues that many locals especially the Waka people put up in remembrance of their dead relatives.

Visit The Harar City

The Harar city is located at the border of Ethiopia and Somalia and it is believed to have been founded around the 13th Century. The Harar city was a merchant city way back and the reason as to why it was made a UNESCO heritage site was because of the way the houses were constructed using rocks. They were uniquely designed and this earned the place to become a heritage site. There are several other activities besides walking through the town that you can carry out in Harar and some of these include feeding the hyenas although this is done in the presence of a tour guide, exploring the museums especially the Arthur Rimbaud museum where most of his art paintings of the old Harar town are displayed and when you visit the museum you will realize that little has changed about the Harar city according to Arthur’s paintings.

The Simien National Park

The Simien National park is the only natural site in Ethiopia that has been made a UNESCO heritage and it is a home to the Simiens Mountain. It was one of the first sites in the horn of Africa to be made a UNESCO heritage in 1978 and it because  heritage site due to the fact that it houses endangered species of animals that habitate in the Park like the Ethiopian wolf and the Walia Ibex. Note that the Ethiopian wolf can only be seen in Ethiopia and nowhere else on the African continent. There are several activities that can be carried out in this heritage site like the trekking, wild life watching, birding and camping but in the year 1996 the Simiens National Park was declared endangered due to the interference which is caused by the locals who keep on cutting down the trees in order to create land for settlement and farming. The government of Ethiopia however is trying their level best to try and stop the rampant deforestation so that they save the forest and all the endangered species that are in the forest.

The Ancient City Of Axum

The Axum city that is located in the Northern Part of Ethiopia is one of the UNESCO heritage sites that is found in the country. Aksum sometimes spelled as Axum is known to be a city where most Emperors of Ethiopia originated from and with the many historical sites that are located in the city, it is one of the reasons as to why it was made a heritage site. The various sites that can be seen in the Axum city include the Ark of the Covenant chapel located in Aksum is believed to be where the ark of the covenant of God was kept by the son of King Solomon and the queen Sheba. The chapel has one priest who keeps guard over it every day and tourists are supposed to watch it from a distance since it is out of bounds to the public. The other interesting thing to see in Axum is the King Gebre Meskel and Caleb tombs, King Caleb was the son of King Meskel and their tombs are joined together making them twin tombs. These were constructed with unique architecture with their own interlocks although the Caleb grave is not complete and some people believe that his body was buried elsewhere in a monastery. The King Meskel tomb has three sarcophagi that has been studied by different historians and one of them has the emblem of the old Axum kingdom.

The Awash Valley

The Awash valley located just about 300 kilometers away from the capital city of Ethiopia Addis Ababa is just like the Omo valley that is they both have fossils that were discovered some years back but the only difference is that the fossils are much older than those that were discovered in the Omo valley. They are believed to be the oldest fossils on the African continent. The fossils are believed to be dating back to over five million years ago and the bones that were discovered led to the reconstruction of Lucy, a skeletal formation of the human race and Lucy can be viewed in the National museum of Addis Ababa.

The Rock Hewn Churches Of Lalibela

The churches of Lalibela are located in the Amhara region and the unique rock churches that are found in the area are what made it to be among the UNESCO heritage sites in Ethiopia. The rock hewn churches of Lalibela also referred to as the New Jerusalem due to the beautiful and unique churches that are located in the area. There are thirteen churches that are located in Lalibela and these are separated into three sections that is the Northern churches, the southern churches and the St George church. All these have a lot of history especially when it comes to the Christian history that is in Lalibela and during some occasions, many pilgrims can be seen travelling to the Lalibela to pay homage. These churches were built using stones in the 13th century and it is one of the most holy places in the country.

Exploring western Ethiopia

The western route in Ethiopia takes you through many tourist attractions that are all unique from each other. As you pass through the Western side of the country, you will be greeted with vegetation that covers the larger part due to the presence of many forest and coffee plantations that can be seen on the various hills in the western side of the country. If you love exploring nature, then pack your bags and let’s head down to the Western route in Ethiopia as we discover what it all has to offer in terms of tourism.

Visiting the Jimma city

The Jimma city is the largest town in Western Ethiopia and it is one of the few places where most tourists stop as they head out to explore the rest of the Western side including the south western part. Jimma has a lot to offer to tourists like coffee trips and birding and this is due to the presence of the Kofe swamp and Lake Boye which act as habitats for many bird species in the country. While in Jimma, you will be able to also visit and explore the following:

The coffee farm in Bonga

Bonga is found in Jimma half way as you head to Tefari and it is believed that coffee beans were first discovered in this area. This is where the legend of the herdsman found the coffee beans after one of his animals ate them and started acting weirdly. And when you visit Jimma, you will be able to explore the coffee farms that cover a very large area in the Bonga and once there you might even get a chance to see how the coffee is picked from the gardens, dried before being processed. The good thing about visiting these farms is that you get to taste a freshly brewed cup of coffee before anyone else or before it is served in other parts of the country and outside Ethiopia.

Explore the Abba Jiffar’s palace

Jimma is a little known kingdom that was dissolved when their last king Abba Jiffar died. After the king died, the kingdom was taken up by the Ethiopian empire but the palace is still available in the Northern part of Jimma and you can easily see it when you are travelling through the city. And right next to the palace you will find the Jimma museum where you will learn more about the lost kingdom and their king.

As you are travelling through Jimma, you will need a tour guide who will take you through the city while explaining all that you will see and they also help with communication by translating whatever you do not understand especially if it is being said by the locals.

The south western part trip

As you use the western route to explore the Western part of the country, this same rout leads you to the south western part of Ethiopia and what better way to enjoy all that the country has to offer other than by exploring the south western part since you will be using the same route.A visit to the Omo valley Most people believe that the Omo valley is where the earliest man lived since it is where fossils that are believed to be over 10000 years were found. Before these were located, the fossils of Lucy were believed to be the oldest but when the bones were compared, it was discovered that these fossils were much older than Lucy. When you visit the Omo valley you never know you might discover a few fossils yourself.

The Omo National Park

The Omo National Park is located in the Omo valley and it is one of the few tourist attraction sites that you will see when you get to the Valley in the south Western part of the country. The park has a variety of wild life that ranges from animals to birds and these can easily be viewed when you trek through the Park. And as you visit the Omo Park you will also get to visit the Omo River that was made a UNESCO heritage site and carry out some activities like fishing, boat riding and visiting the numerous tribes that live around the Park and get to know more about cultural practices and way of life.

Visiting the Suri people

The Suri people live in a settlement that is known as the Kibish settlement and they are part of the Mursi and Me’en people. All these tribes have similar characters and they speak the same language known as the Surmic language. They have unique cultural practices that you will want to experience or see for example, the men engage in a stick fighting competition and the participants come from different villages. It is a vigorous fight but fun to watch and when you meet the women, you will find them adorned with lip plates that they were made to put on from the time they were young and they also elongate their earlobes as a way of enhancing their beauty. They also do body painting so as to increase on their beauty and attract the opposite sex and you can also engage in the body painting because it is not harmful to the skin.

As you trek through the Suri village it might take you about a day or a week to explore the village and getting to know more about the whole area.

Exploring the Tea and coffee farms

As you head out to the south western part of the country, you will find the Tepi coffee farms and the Wushwush tea plantations. The Bebeka coffee farms are also located in the same area and these are known to be one of the largest coffee farms in the country. You will be able to know more about how coffee and tea is grown, harvested and processed from the locals that work on the various farms.

And you do not only explore the farms but you also get a chance to purchase the coffee and tea freshly produced at a decent price.

Note that as you go on you visit to the south western art of the country, you will need a licensed tour guide for all these expeditions if not for direction, then for the purposes of communication because most locals neither speak nor understand English.

Visiting the Gambella region

The Gambella region is one of the few things that you will be able to see on your trip to the Western side of the country. It has a good scenery that will blow your mind away especially for those that love photography. The Gambella region is a bit hot and therefore as you visit the area make sure that you pack appropriately so that you enjoy your trip without too much hurdles. Some of the tourist attraction sites that are found in the Gambella region include the following:

 

The Gambella National Park

The Gambella National Park is one of the best places to visit for all those who want to relax and watch the wildlife that streams through it. It is located at the border of Sudan and Ethiopia and its location has greatly affected the number of wildlife in the area. The animals have either shifted or been killed due to the ongoing war in the neighboring country but this does not make it an unsafe place to visit especially for the tourists.

Some of the animals that have remained and can be seen in the park include elephants, the white eared Kob, the roan antelope, buffalos and many more others. There are also some bird species that can be seen especially in their natural habitats and not forgetting the trek through the park with a licensed tour guide who will show you all the ins and outs of the Gambella national park.

Visiting the locals

Visiting the locals is one of the best activities that you can carry out when you visit the Gambella region. There are two tribes that live in the Gambella and these are the Anuak and Nuer people. These have similar characteristics to the people found in the neighboring South Sudan. Their appearance is quite different from other Ethiopians as they are dark skinned and extremely tall as compared to the rest of the people in the country.

The Anuak people are farmers whereas the Nuer are pastoralists who keep on moving from one place to the next in search of pasture and water for their animals. When you visit Gambella, you will get to know more about the locals and all that they have to offer and not forgetting their unique culture.

The tour to the western part of Ethiopia will be made one trip so that you get to see all these places following the same itinerary from Jimma to Gambella. This will help you to save on some money while experiencing all the good things that the west has to offer you.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ethiopia (Ethiopia FAQs)

 

Do I need a visa to visit to Ethiopia?

All persons visiting Ethiopia are required to have a passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of their duration in Ethiopia, as well as  a tourists visa that can be purchased on arrival from any of the border points or at the airport. A tourist Visa costs between $50 and $70

Is travel insurance needed when visiting Ethiopia?

Yes, whenever traveling to a foreign country, you are advised purchase a good travel insurance and preferably one that offers medical cover as well as repatriation incase of emergencies.

Is a yellow fever vaccine needed to visit Ethiopia?

Yes, everyone visiting Ethiopia is reuired to present a yellow card certificate to the immigrations officer as proof of receiving the yellow fever vaccine before being granted access into the country.

What is the local currency in Ethiopia?

The official currency of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian brr (ETB) and this is issued officially by the National Bank of Ethiopia.

Are credit cards accepted in Ethiopia?

A number of large hotels accept Credit cards however these cards are not popularly used across the country. ATMs are only available in the large centers and not in the villages so you are advised to change your money and make all necessary cash withdraw before heading out to the countryside.

Is tap water safe for drinking in Ethiopia?

No, tap water in Ethiopia is considered not safe to human consumption. it is for that reason that you should only drink bottled drinking water and ensue that the bottle seal is intact at the time of purchase or being served.

Is tipping accepted in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, it is not mandatory to tip however incase you receive some exceptional service it is ok to offer one a tip as a form of appreciating their great service delivery.

Is there internet access in Ethiopia?

Yes there is good internet access in most of the large tons across the country ith a number of top hotels, restaurants and café’ offering the service, hoever, henn you travel to the more remote destinations, especially the national parks, the service may not be there.

Can I use my cell phone in Ethiopia?

When in the urban centre; maybe yes, however, you are highly advised to obtain a local sim-card with any of the local telephone networks in the country such as Etthio Telecom, orange group, Tana Communications, Ethio Net, Tecno Telecom and Smadl to keep in touch with your people back home.

What is the electric voltage in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia runs on a 220V voltage supply with 50HZ and uses the types C, E, F, and L plugs. Persons visiting the country are advised to bring their on adapters and where need be a converter to step-down the electric voltage.

 

Best time to visit Ethiopia

 From October to March is considered the best time to visit this beautiful country when it’s dry and generally sunny. During this time the temperatures in the night drop dramatically and it’s for that reason that holidaymakers are encouraged to park enough warm clothing for the nights and early mornings. In general the climate of Ethiopia defers depending on the part of the country you are visiting. The wet season which begins around June to September is characterized by light rains that begin sometimes in mid March, and the wettest months however are June and July especially within the northern Highlands. In the South especially with in the Omo valley the country experiences two different rainy seasons so you should keep that in mind especially if you plan to visit that area.

Below we look at the best time for visiting the different parts of the country

Best time for hiking the Simien Mountains

Standing at a maximum height of 14,901 feet the Simien Mountains are a large mountain range and in fact the highest of the African continent. one of the most popular tour activities in Ethiopia are trekking adventures on this mountain where holidaymakers get an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, explore water streams, view deep gorgeous and even see some of the endangered wildlife species among which are the walia ibex and the gelada baboons.

This mountain range can best be trekked during the dry season especially in September and November when it is generally dry and the vegetation is still green. Visiting in October will also give you an opportunity to view the beautiful wild flowers that will be flourishing at the time

Best time to visit the northern Highlands

The northern islands of Ethiopia are best known for their legendary old churches that were cut from rocks and these can best be visited from October to February when the country is experiencing the dry season. Nonetheless budget travelers who wish to visit this island can also do so in the rainy months in March and April when most of the accommodation are offering discounted rates and many tour operators have discounted Ethiopian Tour rates as well; although it is raining at the time of the year the rains never last the entire day so you will still have a chance to go and enjoy your tour. In June and July because the rains are extremely heavy you are advised not to take you tour at that time as the climatic conditions would not be favorable at all.

Best time to visit the Danakil Depression

according to experts one of the hottest places found on earth is the Danakil depression where temperatures can easily shoot to over 122°F. a tour to this area will give you an opportunity to see ancient salt caravans, numerous active volcanoes as well as have a personal experience of the unique culture of the Afar people so the best time to visit this area is during the cold months from November to March when the temperatures are a bit lower.

  • Best time for a hot air balloon ride

one of the most unique and adventurous ways to explore Ethiopia and its beautiful landscape and scenery is by taking a hot air balloon ride this however can best be done during the dry season from October to February

  • Best time to enjoy Ethiopian festivals

This is one of the culturally diversified countries and for that reason has several festivals all year round most of which are religious and these may last for a number of days. the most prominent festivals are those of the Orthodox Christians as highlighted on the country’s calendar among which are the Ethiopian Christmas also called Ganna that is celebrated every 7th of January unlike the traditional 25th of December elsewhere in the world, and the Ethiopian New years that comes on 11th September and it is also locally known as Enkutatash.

 

Popular Ethiopia Tours

 

4 Day Simien Mountain Tour

Day1: Gondar

Day 2 & 4: Simien Mountain

Accommodation: Camping

Cost per person:  $550

 

5 Day Northern Ethiopia Tour

Day1: Addis Ababa

Day 2 & 3: Lalibela Town

Day 4 & 5: Addis Ababa City

Accommodation: Mid-range

Cost per person: $1,790 to $1,900

6 Day Danakil Depression Tour

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Day 2:  Hamada Ela village

Day 3: Dankil Depression

Day 4: Erta Ale

Day 5: Mekele city

Day 6: Addis Ababa

Accommodation Type: Budget

Cost: $2,500

7 Day Addis & Southern Ethiopia Tour

Day1: Addis Ababa

Day 2: Arba Minch City

Day 3: Jinka Town

Day 4: Turmi Town

Day 5: Oorate Ton

Day 6 & 7: Addis Ababa City

Accommodation: Mid-range

Cost per person: $2,600 to $3,580

East Africa Tourist Visa

Traveling to East Africa before was a bit hectic especially if you wanted to visit the whole region but it has been made possible in an inexpensive way through the introduction of the East African tourist visa.

And although it has not been easy and some countries like Tanzania have not yet joined the venture, tourists can now easily travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya easily as long as they acquire the tourist visa. So if you are thinking about having a safari in east Africa, grab yourself a tourist visa to ease your access when traveling. Other counties might also join in the near future to improve on the tourism sector in the country.

The East African tourist visa was made as a joint venture and it was spearheaded by the different heads of state of the three countries that is Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. This was made to boost create and increase tourist opportunities in East Africa and also to boost the tourism sector in the region.

The East African visa allows tourists to visit the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya freely and simultaneously and it is normally eligible only in the three countries and if you decide to go outside these countries, the visa expires immediately. The visa also expires within ninety days of its issuing.

East-African-Tourist-Visa

How does one apply for the East African tourist visa?

There are several steps that one has to do when applying for an East African tourist visa and we are going to look at how you apply in the three countries.

You need to submit an application of the East African tourist visa form one either manual or online. These applications can be made at the different diplomatic offices of the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Rwanda or at the different immigration offices of the respective countries. The application can also be made at the airports of the above countries and it should be made a day before you travel for better arrangements or when you arrive in the countries they are destined to visit.

Acquiring the tourist visa in Uganda

If Uganda is the first country of your visit to East Africa you can obtain the Visa on Arrival by asking for it, you can do so online, or apply at the Ugandan Embassy in your country. You can get the visa at the entry point at Entebbe International Airport and this is not expensive at all.

It is not expensive because the process does not involve filling in the forms online, no mailing fees and definitely no passport photo. And do not forget the yellow fever card as it will be asked for upon arrival at the airport if you choose Uganda as your starting point.

For other information on how to get the visa, the detailed information on how to apply for a visa is found on the consular local website of the Ugandan embassy.

Acquiring the tourist visa in Kenya

If you are beginning your journey in Kenya, the information is also found on the local embassy website of the consular. You will also need to acquire the visa before you get to Kenya but note that owning the East African tourist visa does not give you a free way to enter Kenya as you will need other documents that will be asked for by the authorities.

Acquiring the tourist visa in Rwanda

And if you are going to start your trip on Rwanda, then you will apply on the online platform which can be got on any local embassy of Rwanda. You will need to type in a search engine Application for the East Africa visa Rwanda and all you need to do is to follow the prompts till you finish filling in the form. And although some countries like Switzerland had been exempted from paying the tourist visa money, it is now mandatory for everyone to pay before they get one in Rwanda.

The requirements needed when applying for the visa

A colored passport sized photo with no head scarves, cap, glasses and a white background which is to be glued on the application form.

You need a visa application letter that is to be issued to the country that you are going to.

You will also need to show proof of financial stability in order to prove that you can sustain yourself during your tour in the three countries.

You will also need a visa fee of 100 dollars and a filled in application form of the East African tourist visa. And the visa is a single entry one.

Any travel documents are allowed as long as long as they are eligible but you should note that the documents expire after six months and all the people who are planning to travel to the three countries should apply for themselves and the visa cannot be extended.

Who is eligible for the East African tourist visa and the type of visa?

Everyone is eligible when it comes to getting the East African tourist visa irrespective of their origin and I have grouped them below with detailed information about each group, how eligible they are and what they need to acquire the tourist visa. The visa is a multiple visa meaning you can use them in the three countries.

The Nationals or Citizens

By Nationals I mean people from the three sister countries of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. These can use their National identity cards to travel as these act like travel documents as long as they are in the region. You can use your National identity cards to visit the countries for almost six months and this was put into effect in January 2014. This has eased the travel of the citizens.

The foreigners

The Visa is only eligible to foreigners who want other come and visit the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya at the same time and for tourism reasons only. The visas can be issued at any of the local embassies of the three countries in the respective countries. This type of Visa is a multiple entry visa which can be used in the three countries but it expires after 90 days and if you have come with an aim of working, it is not allowed.

The students

Students who are citizens of the three countries can use their National identity cards as well to travel in any of the three countries. Students tend to travel to the different countries some for studies, leisure and the introduction of the national identity cards in the individual states has allowed easy access to the East African countries.

The Expatriates

Expatriates are people who are visitors in a specific country but have lived there for a long time and have acquire secondary citizenship. these normally stay in the country due to contract work or through marriage. All the Expatriates living in any of the three countries have been exempted from acquiring the tourists visa and they can now get the inter- state pass to travel in any of the three countries and this expires at six months. And they will also need a valid resident permit in order to be considered for an inter- pass.

Once people get the East African tourist visa, they are allowed to travel in the three countries of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda freely and they do not have to pay for a return visa although once they leave and go to any other country that is not part of the arrangement, they have to pay once hey decode to make a return journey.

The visa allows you to visit all the tourist attraction sites in the three countries and the only thing you need is to pay for the safari company that is taking you around the different tourist attraction sites and you will need to note the following:

  • The trip to the three counties that is Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda is not fixed in a way that you can travel to any of these in any order that you want.

  • The yellow fever vaccination card is compulsory when visiting any of these countries and even if you have the tourist visa without the yellow card, you will not be allowed into the country.

  • The officials will also need to see a return air travel ticket because they need to record your entry and exit out of their country to avoid illegal stay in the country.

  • The application date for the tourist visa is two days especially in Kenya.

In conclusion, the system to registering and applying online for the tourist visa might have some hiccups, but it has greatly improved the travel arrangements of the different tourists and also improved the political relationships of the three countries. And we hope that the other remaining East African countries can join to provide easy access to the various tourist attraction sites in East Africa.

the virungas

The Virunga Mountains

The Virunga Mountains cover three regions which include the south Western part of Uganda which covers the Mgahinga National park, the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo covering the Virunga National park and the North Western part of Rwanda which covers the Volcanoes National park.

The Virunga Mountains also known as the Virunga Massif offer one of the most unique tourist attraction sites in Africa. It is commonly known for being a home to the golden monkeys and the endangered mountain gorillas. Many people come to the place to the place to trek the endangered species and also to view the unique Albertine birds that are found in the National parks surrounding the mountains and it is a good place for all those who love adventure.

The Massif has eight evenly distributed volcanic mountains and these can be found in the three countries of Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. These mountains include Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Mikeno all found in DRC, Mount Bisoke, Mount, Mount Karisimbi located at the border of Rwanda and DRC, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura at the border of Uganda and Rwanda.

All the above mountains are very open to hiking and visitation apart from the Nyamuragira mountain because it is an active volcano. When you visit the Virunga, you will be guided by a professional tour guide who will take you through the tour on the Virunga Mountains. Tourists should be able to carry necessary equipment and heavy clothes due to the cold temperatures in the Mountains.

When you visit these mountains, you get to do a lot of activities like hiking, mountain gorillas trekking, birding and visiting the villages to mingle with the local people know as the Batwa where you will get to know the different cultures that they practice and get yourself some souvenirs which are sold by the locals.

the virungas

The different Virunga Mountains have been written about in detail below:

Mount Muhabura

Mount Muhabura located at the border of Uganda and Rwanda and is the third highest mountain in Virunga. This volcanic mountain has steep slopes and hiking on it is very hard but you will be able to see the other volcanic mountains found in Virunga, the mountain gorillas which are known to be endangered species, the Bulera and Ruhondo twin lakes and the view of the crater.

Mount Nyiragongo

Mountain Nyiragongo is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is known as one of the most active volcanoes on the African continent. A desired trek to this volcanic volcano is extremely safe even after it erupting in 2002. You can also get to see the lava lake and the best view of the lava lake is during the night.

Mount Karisimbi

Mountain Karisimbi is the highest among the Virunga volcanic mountains. It is high with 4507 meters above sea level and if you are planning on a hike to this mountain, it will take you two days to complete the hike.

When you reach the summit of mount Karisimbi, you will be able to view the Nyiragongo Mountain and note that a hike to this mountain should be done during the dry season that is from June to August as you will avoid slippery routes and the temperatures that go to zero degrees during this period and at night. Therefore you are advised to carry heavy clothes to keep warm.

Mount Nyamurangira

Mountain Nyamuragira is the most active volcano on the African continent with many volcanic actions that have been seen taking place on this mountain and in more than 50 years, a lava lake has appeared at the mountain recently.

Mountain Sabinyo

Mountain Sabinyo covers three counting and that is Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. The name Sabinyo means an old man’s teeth and this was given to the mountain by the locals because it has an indented summit.

The mountain has a lot of forests surrounding it and you will be able to see the different Bird species known as the Albertine birds that are found in the area and not anywhere else in Africa and track the endangered mountain gorillas in the volcanoes National park.

Mountain Gahinga

Mount Gahinga is the smallest of the Virunga volcanic mountains and it is filled with volcanic caves. It has vegetation which is swampy in nature and it is also known to be a dormant volcano. If you are into hiking, the hike on Gahinga takes a day only.

Mountain Bisoke

This is another volcanic mountain in the Virunga. It is commonly known because of the Crater lake which is found at its summit and it is largely covered with differ types of vegetation that is the bamboo forests which make up the largest part of the montane vegetation.

Mount Mikeno

Mountain Miheko is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is known to be a dormant volcano. Mikeno is the second highest mountain in the Virunga standing at 4437meters above the sea level with very steep slopes making it to be the hardest Virunga Mountain to hike. You will be able to see the different Bird species in the area and the endangered gorillas and other wild animals.

The Virunga Mountains are surrounded by different National parks and there are various activities that you can carry out when it comes to these parks and these have been listed below:

Mgahinga National park

Located in the South Western part of Uganda, Mgahinga is better known for gorilla trekking. the gorilla group that lives in the park is known as the Nyakagezi , you will also be able to view the various birds that are located in the area and the different animal species that are found in the park. The activities that can be carried out in Mgahinga include:

  • gorilla trekking

  • birding

  • visiting the local villages

  • hiking

Virunga National Park

Virunga National park is located in the democratic republic of Congo in the eastern part of the country. The park has more than 300 endemic plants and 3000 animal species some of which include the Gorilla and the golden monkey. The activities that can be carried out in Virunga include

  • hiking

  • bike riding

  • gorilla trekking

  • birding

  • watching the golden monkeys

Volcanoes National park

The park is a two hour’s drive from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda and it has various flora and fauna which provides good scenery to look at. The different activities that can be done in this park include:

  • birding

  • gorilla trekking

  • Mountain climbing.

There are other activities that can be done in the Virunga Mountains and these are in the lead and they include:

viewing the golden monkeys

You can easily view the golden monkeys on a guided tour and the local tour guides will tell you all you need to know about this primate. The golden monkey is endemic and can only be found in the Virunga region and they are in both the Mgahinga national park in Uganda and volcanoes National park in Rwanda.

The Dian Fossey’s grave

Diana fossey was an American conservationist who advocated for the conservation of the forests so that the mountain gorillas could be saved. The mountain gorillas had been turned into an endangered species due to the constant poaching that was being done by the locals in the area.

She settled on the slopes of the Bisoke volcano in 1967 and started studying the way of life for the gorillas and this was done for about 18 years. She brought the mountain gorillas’ attention to the whole world by protecting them from poachers day and night until she was murdered by poachers in cold blood.

She was buried in the Virunga and you can trek to her grave to give respect to the lady who risked her life to preserve the life of the gorillas.

The Batwa pygmies

When you visit the Virunga, you will be able to see the Batwa people who are pygmies and are believed to have stayed in the Virunga area for more than 300 years. You will be able to experience the Batwa culture and enjoy their lifestyle and their history.

The Virunga Mountains are a sight to see and if you are coming from Uganda, you will be able to see them in the kanaba gap on Kabaale-kisoro road. You can view these beautiful volcanic mountains from any of the three countries and carry out the above mentioned activities especially for those who love adventure.

And in conclusion, I have listed a summary of the mountains in the Virunga region.

  • There are two active volcanic mountains which include the Nyiragongo Mountain and Nyamuragira Mountain and they are both found in the Democratic republic of Congo.

  • There are six dormant volcanoes and these include mount Sabinyo, mount Mikeno, mount Karisimbi with the highest peak, mount Muhabura and mount Gahinga which are evenly distributed across the three countries.

mauritius tours

Mauritius Tours & Holidays, Vacation Guide

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Mauritius is an Island which is known to have a lot of magical things to see. The tours of Mauritius are divided according to the different regions in the country that is the north, south, south west and south east and all these have a lot of tourist attractions that will captivate your mind and you will be able to enjoy your tour.

This Indian Ocean Island is one place that you will like to take a tour to because of the gorgeous beaches, lagoons and peaceful nature found in the country. There are several tour companies with well-trained tour guides who will take you through the tour all around the Island telling you the different historical stories surrounding the places that you visit.

During the Mauritius tours, you get to see the different tourist attractions in one day for as long as they are all located in the same region where you want to tour that specific day. You also get a chance to get souvenirs to take back home after your trip to Mauritius.

mauritius tours

Things to do in Mauritius

Mauritius is a beautiful island country found south east of the Seychelles and east of the Madagascar Island. It is popular for its beautiful beaches met with crystal clear waters and lined with fine water. There are several Mauritius tours & holidays sites worth exploring such as waterfalls, undulating landscapes, dormant volcanoes and various water adventures like snorkeling which make this country a true paradise for holiday and honeymoon tours.

Below are the major Tourist Attractions and the best sightseeing Destinations while on holiday in Mauritius

  1. Mauritius Botanical Garden

The Mauritius Botanical Garden, also referred to as Pamplemousses Garden or SSR Botanical Garden, is among Mauritius’ most popular and commonly visited tourist attraction. it is the southern hemisphere’s largest botanical gardens established  in 1767 by Pierre Poivre close to Port Louis covering an area of thirty seven hectares (37 ha). The gardens have beautiful large water lilies, a collection of eighty five (85) different types of palm trees from across Africa, Central America, the islands in the Indian Ocean and Asia.

  1. Visit the beautiful 7 Colored Earth and Waterfalls in Chamarel Park

The 7 colored Earth is a beautiful geological formation found in Chamarel geo-park on of the most commonly visited sites in Mauritius. The site is very extraordinary as the earth clay in this place has seven (7) different colors which include: yellow, red, purple, brown, blue, violet and green with the most dominant colors being red and purple.

Still within Chamarel park is the breathtaking waterfall of Chamarel found close to the 7 colored earths. As the fall plunges over a depth of 100 meters its separates into three streaming creating a breathtaking view.

 

  1. Eureka Creole House

Constructed in 1830, the Eureka House is a very beautiful house built with the Creole style of architecture. It is found within a splendid garden close to the Moka Range and the lovely falls on River Moka. With a total of 109 windows and doors this is among the largest houses in Mauritius, and after it being well refurbished in 1986 it was opened as a museum to the general public house a wide collection of very old maps, house ware of Indian and Chinese origin, musical instruments, unusual apparatus like a shower used back in the colonial tower as well as different art pieces.

  1. Black River Gorges National Park

The Black River Gorges National Park is found in a hilly region within southwestern Mauritius and covers an area of 67.54 square kilometers and was declared a national park in 1994 to conserve the natural vegetation in the area.  This park protects the last remaining rainforest on the island which serves as a habitat to various wild animals and birds such as the Mauritius bulbul, Mauritius fody, Mauritian flying fox, Mauritius olive white-eye, Mauritius kestrel, Mauritius grey white-eye, pink pigeon, Mauritius parakeet and Mauritius cuckoo-shrike.. There are guided hikes along the various trails that will take you across the beautiful terrain all the way to the Black River Peak which is the highest peak on this Island country. You can also enjoy remarkable picnics and checkout the visitors’ center.

  1. Enjoy the pristine beaches of Gabriel Island

Located on the northern most point of Mauritius close to Flat Island and Round Island, approximately 10km north of the Cap Malheureux, Gabriel Island covers an area of 42 hectares with the highest point on the island being 28 meters above sea level. The Island which is a well protected national nature reserve is best known for its unspoiled yet breathtaking beaches that are met with very clear waters that entirely surround it. This Island is highly recommended for holidaymakers seeking a quite getaway to relax while enjoying the beaches and soaking in the sun and even snorkelers this is a paradise worth exploring.

  1. Île aux Cerfs Island

Île aux Cerfs Island, which is also interpreted as the ‘Deer Island’ in English is a beautiful turquoise holiday paradise situated in the Flacq district close to Mauritius’ eastern coast and covers an area of approximately 100 hectares. Ile Aux Cerfs is best known for its breathtaking sandy beaches, with gorgeous lagoon as well as a wide range of activities like snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon that can be enjoyed by holidaymakers. There are a number of fine accommodation facilities as well. this is a beautiful place to enjoy a laid back holiday as you relax on beaches whose immeasurable beauty seem out of the world.

  1. Explore the unique wildlife at Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is a small beautiful islet with corals and covers an area of just twenty five hectares (25 ha) off the coastal town of Mahebourg in the east of Mauritius. This beautiful island went under the management of Mauritian Wildlife Foundation after it was declared as a nature reserve. Because of the outstandingly remarkable work done by this foundation, this island is now also used as a research center and receives a very large number of holidaymakers both international and local guests. it is home to a great diversity of some of the rarest bird species in the entire world such as the Kestrel, in addition to other species like the Aldabra huge tortoise, the pink pigeon as well as the green gecko phelsuma, plus a number of some of the few remaining plant species of the coastal forest that once encircled this island country.

  1. Explore the beautiful Capital Port Louis

Mauritius’ capital city is Port Louis. It was established in 1638, became a British Administrative center, gained the status of a city in 2011 and today is the main city in this island country. It is encircled by a beautiful mountain range – the Port Louis Moka Range. During your visit, you will be able to see a number of spectacular historical as well as colonial architecture including Fort Adelaide (La Citadelle) – a fortification that was constructed back in 1835 by the British, in addition to a number of places that attract a large number of tourists like: Mauritius’ China Town, the Caudan Waterfront, the ancient Port Louis theatre, Port Louis Bazaar, and the three main museum which include: the Mauritius Stamp Museum, Blue Penny Museum and the Mauritius Natural History Museum

  1. Trou aux Cerfs

The 605 meter high Trou aux Cerfs is an extinct volcano found within Curepipe, with a precise crater and cone, believed to have been active until pproximate700,000 years back. Its crater has a depth of 85 meters and a diameter of 300 meters with a small lake on its crater floor. This is the main tourist attraction in Curepipe and while on the crater rim you will enjoy uninterrupted views of this island country below.

  1. Visit the ‘Holy’ Grand Bassin

The Grand Bassin is considered a holy lake according to the Hindu faith in Mauritius. They claim that the water in this lake directly communicates with that of India’s Holy Ganges. It is said that the water inside the lake communicates with the waters of the holy Ganges of India. It is for that reason that Grand Bassin is also locally referred to as Ganga Talao. It is found 600m above sea level within the isolated mountainous region in Savanne District with Central Mauritius.

Each year, the Hindu community in Mauritius makes a pilgrimage on the Maha Sivaratri to pay respect to their lord Shiva. On your visit you will see the temple Hindu temple dedicated to their lord Shiva, lord Lakshmi and Hanuman, as well as the 33 meter tall Shiva statue (which is the highest across the island country) that overlooks the Grand Bassin.

  1. Go Diving

Mauritius offers very thrilling diving excursions for all persons interested in exploring the underwater world of this island country which is met by crystal clear waters and beautiful corals. Irrespective of your expertise, experienced and novice divers can all enjoy this activity since there are also short diving courses conducted there.

  1. swim with the Dolphins and Watch the giant whales

More adventurous holidaymakers can set out on a swimming excursion with the dolphins and also get a chance to watch the whales within their natural habitat. This can be done when in the open sea or while on board of a lavish cruising vessel.

  1. Horse Riding

This is another fascinating outdoor you can enjoy as a couple on a lovely getaway, as a group of friends or as a family. There are various trips organized along the white sandy beaches, along the spectacular blue lagoon or on the lower slopes of the mountain ranges. Don’t miss out on the evening expeditions during which you will watch the sun set beyond the horizon.

  1. Take a Hiking and Trekking Tour

The varied landscape in Mauritius that includes forest, mountains, canyons, waterfalls and rivers all offer amazing trekking and hiking adventures during which you will explore and have up-close encounters with the gifts of Mother Nature. These activities are commonly conducted in Black River, Tamarind falls, Piton du Riviere Noire and Le Pouce Mountain. A number of these adventures end with a zip lining.

  1. Catch a speed boat to the Islands

For holidaymakers interested in exploring the waters, well set out on a cruising speed boat to explore the smaller islands like Coin de Mire and Gabriel Island. You will be able to also meet the local people who stay on these smaller islands and learn about their way of life.

Frequently asked Questions on Mauritius

mauritius holidays

Below are a number of questions that are commonly asked by holidaymakers that visit destination Mauritius. These have been professionally answer to help you better understand this destination.

Do I need a Visa when going to Mauritius?

In case you are visiting the country for tourism, you will not need a visa to enter Mauritius and on arrival you will be granted a visa for sixty (60) days. However you will be required to show proof of onward travel from Mauritius. Travelers should have a passport valid for the duration of stay in Mauritius and no additional validity time is needed.

What vaccines are recommended when visiting Mauritius?

According the World Health Organization, all travelers visiting the country are required to get the following vaccines: yellow fever, Hepatitis A, Meningitis, Hepatitis B, polio, typhoid, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), rabies, chickenpox, tetanus, pneumonia, shingles and yellow fever.

What is the local Currency in Mauritius?

The rupee (Rs) is the official currency used in Mauritius and its divided in 100 cents. it presents in banknotes  and coins. Banknotes are in denominations of 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25 while coins are in 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 cents, together with 10, 5 and 1 Rupees.

What is the electricity current for Mauritius?

Mauritius runs on an electricity voltage of 220V

What is the local time in Mauritius?

Mauritius is GMT +4 which means that it is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time

What to wear while in Mauritius?

Holidaymakers visiting Mauritius are advised to wear casual clothes and also pack beach wear. During the winter months from June to September, you are advised to park some warm clothing including jackets, a scarf, sweaters, socking and closed shoes.

Best time to visit Mauritius

Mauritius is one of those destinations on the African continent that can be visited all year round. This is because the weather is extremely pleasant and comfortable making it ideal to enjoy your holiday throughout the year. This island country is located close to the Tropic of Capricorn where the sun is usually at their highest a thing that best explains why the country experiences longer hours of sunshine throughout the year.

The Mauritius Summer (October to April)

The days are long, humid and hot however you should expect large tourist crowds on the beaches as this is the best tie for swimming. Activities to do in summer include: swimming, angling, various water sports and diving can best be done from December to March when there is good water clarity.

Winter in Mauritius (July to September)

During this time of the year the temperature are cooler, the rains are light and normally fall in the evening. This is the off peak tourist season with fewer holidaymakers in the country and many accommodations offer good discounts on their fares. Activities to do in the winter include inland activities like quad biking, trekking and hiking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

masai mara lions

Best Masai Mara Safaris 2022, Costs & Safari Planner Tanzania

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A complete guide to Visiting Masai Mara Game Reserve, costs, accommodation, best time to visit and itineraries to the most visited park in Kenya.

How Much Does a Masai Mara Safari Cost in 2022?

1. A Cheap Safari to Masai Mara Costs from $ 180 (USD) per day.
2. Mid Range Safari Tour To Masai Mara Costs from $ 240 (USD) per day.
3. Luxury Safari To Masai Mara Costs from $ 500(USD) per day.

 

Transport Costs By Road & Air To Masai Mara Reserve Kenya

1. Fly From Nairobi To Masai Mara
Cost: $400 (USD) per person
Flight Duration:45 minutes

2. By Road From Nairobi
Cost: $ 100 (USD) per person sharing (2 people)
We strongly discourage group tours at this time due to Covid 19

visiting masai mara

Best Masai Mara Safari Packages

3 Day Fly in Safari To Masai Mara

Duration:3 Days
Destination: Masai Mara
Accommodation: Lodge Safaris
Price from $ 1400(USD)

3 Day Masai Mara Safari in The Bush

Duration:3 Days
Destination: Masai Mara
Accommodation: Bush Camping
Price from $ 1300(USD)

4 Days Luxury Camping in Masai Mara

Duration: 4 Days
Accommodation: Luxury Camp
Price from $ 1500 (USD)

3 Day Masai Wildebeest Migration Safari

Duration: 3 Days
Price From: 900 (USD)
Accommodation: Mid-range

masai mara safaris

Park entrance fees to the Masai Mara National Reserve

Adults residents $70 USD
Adults non-residents $ 80 USD
Children (3 to 18 yrs) $40 USD

The entrance fees that admit tourists into this National reserve defer from whether one is a resident or a non-resident with special discount being offered to the local Kenyan people. Children who are 3 years and below are not charged on entry however there are a number of other affiliated costs including the cost of camping as vehicle entrance fee as we have highlighted in the tables below.

 

Vehicle entrance fees to Masai Mara National Reserve

1.  45 seats and more
KES 5000

2. 24 to 44 seats
KES 4000

3. 13 to 24 seats
KES 3000

4. 6 to 12 seats
KES 1000

5. Less than 6 seats
KES 400

Cost of Masai Mara Accommodation

  •  Super Luxury Lodges Costs from $1000 (USD) per night.
  • Mid Range Lodges Cost from $ 500 (USD) per night.
  • Mid Range Hotels Cost from $150 (USD) per night.
  • Cheap Accommodation / Camping Cost from $50 (USD) per night.

Masai Mara offers a variety of accommodation facilities that offer different levels of comfort so the cost of accommodation will be highly determined by the choice of comfort you wish to enjoy on your holiday. They range from the comfortable luxury facilities to the mid-range facilities and then the affordable budget facilities. There are also private and public camping areas best suited for Budget travelers visiting the Masai Mara; these camping areas are safe. looking at the mid-range options of accommodation, this is mainly offered in small lodges as well as tented camps and they offer a reasonable level of comfortable Safari experience on the other hand the luxury hotels and lodges are best suited for holidaymakers willing to spend more and they offer great comfort and amazing service to all their guests.

The Masai Mara safari is a bit expensive from the transport costs, food costs to the accommodation costs especially if you are visiting the reserve as a solo traveler. (A solo safari is where only one person goes for the safari without any other people). however some of the best ways of traveling budget in Masai Mara is by traveling as a group of friends, family, or lovers, or by joining a group / scheduled safari, or by taking a self-guided safari (during which you can get to do personal drives and these allow you to drive through the Masai Mara freely without being limited) in the reserve.

lions of masai mara

How Many Days Do You Need in Masai Mara?

A 3 Day safari to Masai Mara should be the minimum time spent on a trip.
The number of days you spend on Safari is one of the key determinants of the overall cost of your Safari holiday in the Masai Mara. With regard to this, it is quite obvious that the more days you will spend on safari, the more costly your itinerary will be; a 3 day Masai Mara Safari is cheaper than a 5 Day Safari in Masai Mara. This is so because you will spend more on accommodation, an on the various safari activities as well as on the meals

Cost Of Extra Safari Activities in Masai Mara

Masai Mara Balloon Safari Costs $ 450 (USD) Per Person
Bush Dinners Cost $ 60 (USD) Per Person
Masai Village Tours Costs $ 30(USD) For the entire trip mates

there are a number of activities that you can do in the Masai Mara game reserve and these are priced differently you are highly advised to pay close attention to the number of game drives and other activities included in your itinerary. While in this National Park if the overall cost of your tour is high then to get the best value for your money you should ensure that the number of safari activities that you will have are many as well.

Cost Of Hiring A Safari Guide in Masai Mara

An English Speaking Guide Costs about $ 30 per day.
Non-english speaking tourists are advised to book a guide that speaks your language and it’s with no doubt that this will increase the cost of your safari in Masai Mara. Having a guide will help you enjoy your safari experience as they will offer you all the information you need regarding the different animals, plants, history and culture of the people. An English speaking guide from the park headquarters costs about $30 per day while the luxury, professional guides who also serve as translators (for languages like German, Japanese, Russian, French and Chinese) may cost from $180 per day or more.

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Masai Mara

The time of the year you choose to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve is another determinant of how much it will cost on your Safari. The peak tourist season also known as the high season begins in the month of July to October. Fortunately this coincides with the internationally renowned great wildebeest migration. At this time of the year thousands and thousands of holidaymakers visit the Masai Mara which increases demand on accommodation and other services leading to an overall highly priced Safari tours. For that reason holidaymakers who are budget travelers and are interested in visiting during this time of the year are best advised to book their Safari several months in advance as the safari tour prices tend to increase as the day of the tour comes close. Alternatively Budget Travelers are also advised to visit during the low tourist season which runs from October to December when the country is experiencing the short rains. At this time of the year there are few holidaymakers in the reserve and the prices are normally discounted since the tourist crowd is less however the game viewing wing will still be rewarding.

The Masai Mara can be visited all year round since it offers very remarkable views of wildlife. However, to get a chance to see the great wildebeest migrations that includes nearly two million animals (such as zebras, wildebeests, gazelles and a large number of predators such as lions, hyenas and cheetahs that trail this herd), you can visit from the Month of July to October when the animals are within the reserve.

Masai Mara (Maasai Mara) is located in the South western part of Kenya and is part of the Great Rift Valley. It together with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park form one of the most diverse, very impressive and incredible eco-systems not only in Africa but the world at large. The Masai Mara National Park covers an area of 580 square miles (1510 square kilometers) at an altitude range of 1500m to 2170m above sea-level, and has different feature that are worth seeing like the unique landscape that includes hills, plains, marshes and the vast grasslands that serve as host to the very large numbers of wild animals, the wildebeest migration and birds making it one of the top wildlife safari destinations in the world.

The larger Mara eco-system is comprised of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, several Maasai Conservancies such as Kimintet, Koiyaki, Oloirien, Lemek, Kerinkani, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Ol Derkesi, Mara North, Naikara, Siana, Olkinyei and Maji Moto, as well as the Mara Triangle.
The Masai Mara is considered and all year round safari destination with very remarkable views f wildlife. However, holidaymakers interested in seeing the great wildebeest migration as well are advised to visit from the month of July to October when the migrating herd has crossed from the Serengeti. From October to March, the reserve is experiencing higher temperatures while from the month of June to August the weather is slightly cooler.
During the June to October season, the Masai Mara is experiencing the dry season and it generally receives minimal rainfall and the day temperatures are very favorable. The rains on the other hand are experienced in two (2) different seasons: the long rains which begin in March to April with the wettest month being April, and then the short rains that starts in November to December.

The Masai Mara national Reserve can be accessed by either road or air transport. it is approximately 40 to 45 minutes flight from Nairobi to the Masai Mara while by road transport the distance from Nairobi to Masai Mara is 270 km and this can be approximated to 4.5 – 5 hours drive. The park can be accessed through the Sekanani Gate as you drive from Narok town, and then through a dusty yet in good condition dirty road. Alternatively you may take the bumpy road through the towns of Lemek and Aitong.

Masai Mara also has a wide range of wildlife that you can view even before the Great migration starts and these include lions, leopards, buffaloes, black jackals, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, foxes, spotted hyenas and many more other species.
The abundance of wildlife in the Masai Mara is overwhelming as it is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five animals with guaranteed views of the African lions, the African elephants, the cape buffalo and leopards with the rhinos being somewhat challenging to see. In addition, the Mara reserve is popular for its numerous large cats in particular; it has one of the world’s highest lion populations in addition to large numbers of cheetahs and leopards plus other predators like the large bat-eared fox, spotted hyena and black-backed jackal. There are also browsers like the Masai giraffe along with numerous grazers such as impalas, topis, Thomson’s gazelles, elands and reed bucks that can easily be spotted on a Masai Mara Safari in Kenya.

Masai Weather

A Monthly Guide on what to do in the Masai Mara

Masai Mara is a good place to visit and you can take a safari to Masai Mara all year round and below is a list of what you can do throughout the year when you visit the Masai Mara.

Masai Mara Safari in January – Calving Time, great to see lions and birds.

If you are a fun of bird watching, this is a very good month to visit the Masai Mara. Although January does not receive a lot of rainfall like December, you will be able to see the different birds lazing around the park and some of these include the Little Bittern, African Darter, ostriches, long tailed cormorant, dwarf Bittern, little Grebe, Intermediate Egret, Rufous Bellied Heron and many more unique bird species and January is also known to be a birthing month for many of the animals, so this will give ample time and chance to see the baby animals taking their first steps on earth. This is also a good time to see various predators like lions making their catch. To some tour operators this is also regard as the lion month as there are easier to spot at this time of the year.

Masai Mara Safari in February – Bird watching & wildebeest calving

February is much the same like January receiving an average of 17 days in a month with rain. It is a very good time to see the different local bird found in the Masai Mara National park including the migratory birds from Asia and Europe, and if you are into game watching, you will be able to see the different baby animals in the area. But you should also note that there will be the thunderstorms during this time so it is advisable to carry appropriate clothing for the Safari and most of the wildebeest animals that take part in the great migration are born within this month.

Masai Mara Safari in March (heavy rain) –bird watching

A safari to the Masai Mara in March is good especially for those that do not want a lot of crowds. The Masai Mara receives a lot of rain during this month almost every day and it makes the roads to be inaccessible due to the heavy rains and they become muddy. Some camps and lodges also close during this month due to the bad weather but you can get to see the different migratory birds that fly into the country.

Masai Mara safari in April – perfect for budget travelers

April is the month when the herds start moving North wards from Ndutu and Serengeti after calving. It also receives heavy rainfall and it is known to be the wettest month of the year and if you are not a fan of many crowds, this is the best time to visit. April is the month that receives the lowest number of tourists and once you visit during this period, you will get a glimpse of the start of the migration and a few sightings of animals with a less crowd and not forgetting the discounts given to people from the different camps and lodges.

Masai Mara safari in May (heavy rain)

A safari to Masai Mara in May is not advisable as many of the roads leading to the park are muddy and extremely impassable. The only good thing about May is that the lodges reduce their prices but some of them close due to the heavy rains. Therefore if you are planning your safari to Masai Mara, do not plan for the May month.

Masai Mara safari in June

June is a bit drier as compared to the past three months. The days during June in Masai Mara are cooler and this marks the start of the busy season. You can view the different wild life found in the area although by this time most of the animals from the great wildebeest migration have not yet arrived in the Masai Mara National park.

Masai Mara safari in July – beginning of peak season

This is also a very busy month in the Masai Mara but one of the best months to visit the area as this is the time that some of the animals from the great wildebeest migration start arriving in the area. You will get a glimpse of the world’s 8th wonder when you visit in July. The problem with visiting during this time is that the sightings can be extremely crowded and the prices of the camps and lodges hike due to the large numbers of people who visit during this period. Some of the optional activities to enjoy at this time of the year include hot air balloon rides.

Masai Mara safari in August – wildebeest migration viewing

August is the most expensive month and busiest when it comes to a safari in Masai Mara. During this period, the Great wildebeest migration is at its peak and tourists can easily see the animals as they trek from one place to another due to the thinning vegetation in the area. The thinning vegetation is due to the dry conditions in the area and this causes the animals to move from one place to another in search of food and water giving the tourists the best game view in the Masai Mara. Some of the optional activities to enjoy at this time of the year include hot air balloon rides.

Masai Mara safari in September- wildebeest migration viewing

September has a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius making it slightly hotter than August. The weather condition during this period leads to many animals moving around the Masai Mara and you get a good and clear view of the Great wildebeest migration in full swing as most of the animals by this time have crossed from Serengeti and are traversing in the Masai Mara. There will just a little rain which might disrupt the game viewing for a short time and when visiting during this period, make sure you pack appropriately and note that the camps and lodges also hike their prices during the September month due to the large crowds found in the area. Some of the optional activities to enjoy at this time of the year include hot air balloon rides.

Masai Mara safari in October – game viewing

October marks the end of the dry season and the start of the short rains in the Masai Mara. During this time, the herds will start making their way back to Serengeti in Tanzania through the Loliondo Game Reserve controlled area although some animals can be found still cross marking the Mara River into Kenya. October has very thin vegetation which will help you view the animals with ease and you will also be able to sight some animals still crossing the River. Note that the great wildebeest migration starts leaving Kenya after the start of the rains.

Masai Mara safari in November – bird watching & cultural tours

The November month is the beginning of the heavy rains and this is the time when the Great wildebeest migration returns to Serengeti in Tanzania and you might get a glimpse of these animals trekking back. It is also a good month for bird watching and you can also walk to the neighboring villages and mix with the locals and get to know about the various cultures they practice and get you various souvenirs.

Masai Mara safari in December

December also receives heavy rains which lead to the wild growth of the vegetation and this makes it hard for one to see the animals during this period. This season however is extremely good for birders as you get to see the different bird species in the Masai Mara although you should pack appropriately for the weather and note that Christmas period is always busy.

Birding  in Masai Mara

Besides the numerous wild animals, there are over 500 different species of birds found in the Masai Mara living within its diverse habitats such as the grasslands, riverine forest and the swamps and these include: the kori bustards, long tailed cormorant, dwarf Bittern, little Grebe, Intermediate Egret, Rufous Bellied Heron, ostriches saddle-billed storks, ground hornbills, Ross’s turaco, different vultures, several species of kingfishers, 57 different species of raptors and a variety of migratory birds that arrive in this reserve starting in the month of November.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the most renowned and spectacular wildlife phenomena in the world that takes place annually. every year, close to 2 million animals including 1.5 wildebeests, 300,000 gazelles and about 200,000 zebras cross into the Masai Mara reserve from the neighboring Serengeti National Park and this massive march includes the animals crossing the hungry crocodile infested river Mara – a very dramatic scenery and perfect for photography! Consequently, a very large number of holidaymakers visit the Masai Mara on a Kenya Safari Holiday to marvel at this richly endowed destination. This large herd is trained by numerous predators offering holiday makers a very remarkable wildlife encounter experience.

What to pack on a safari to Masai Mara

A good guide book
Comfortable and durable footwear / hiking boots for the outdoor activities such as cultural visits and guided nature walks, and a pair of Flip flops for the evenings back at your lodge
Camera to capture great memories on your safari (with extra batteries) and binoculars
Sweater/fleece jacket for the cold evenings and early mornings
Comfortable and appropriate safari clothing depending on the time of the year you will be visiting. Avoid white and other bright colored clothing that may easily catch / show dirt as the Masai Mara is found n remote Kenya.
Raincoat / wind jacket especially if you are going to travel during the cold rainy months
Sun hat & sunglasses to protect against the strong hot African sun
Sunscreen to avoid sun burns
A touch especially for the nights
Face masks & hand sanitizers; pack extra face marks and an alcohol-base (60%alcohol) sanitizer.

Great Wildebeest Migration Safari Tanzania, Kenya 2024

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THE SERENGETI WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

The Serengeti wildebeest migration is Africa’s great migration and happens every year where by large numbers of wildebeests(over 2 million) and other animals like the grant’s gazelles, impalas, zebras(over 200,000), elands, and Thomson’s gazelles migrate from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. They move clockwise over 1,800 miles annually which makes their migration easy to predict. They mainly migrate in search for better water quality and new grazing grasslands. The annual migration safari of over a million wildebeest occurs every year in 2 prominent parks, Kenya’s Masai Mara National Park and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

 

Animals in the Great Wildebeest Migration

The wildebeest migration is one of the most amazing events one should never miss out, nothing is thrilling like watching the these animals in big numbers running up and down in the grasslands and crossing rivers, it gives an unforgettable experience in the wild.

Below are the animals that take part in this migration:

Wildebeests

Wildebeests are mammals and belong to the antelope family, and it is estimated that there are about one and a half million (1.5 million) wildebeests that take part in this migration. They are classified into different species of which all of them are native to Africa; they include the Western-bearded wildebeest these are the ones that migrate within the Serengeti and Masai Mara, the Eastern white-bearded wildebeests found in Tanzania and Kenya in the East of Gregory rift and the Blue or brindled wildebeests found in the south of River Zambezi. The other name to refer to wildebeest is “Gnu”; they are herbivorous animals and basically live in the open woodlands and savannah grasslands which is where they get what to eat.

million wildebeests

In most cases over 250,000 wildebeests die during the migration from Serengeti to Masai Mara, as they cover a large distance so some end up losing their lives due to exhaustion, hunger, thirst, also others are eaten by predators.

 Zebras and other antelopes

It is estimated that there are 250,000 Burchell’s zebras in addition to about 300,000 various types of antelopes among which are the Thomson’s gazelles, impalas, Grant’s gazelles and elands that take part in this migration.

Predators

The great migrating herd offers plenty of prey for the different predators living within the areas that this herd matches through among which are big cats like lions, leopards and cheetahs; hyenas and crocodiles targeting the river crossings.

The wildebeest migration is one of the most amazing events one should never miss out, nothing is thrilling like watching the these animals in big numbers running up and down in the grasslands and crossing rivers, it gives an unforgettable experience in the wild.

great wildebeest migration

WHEN AND WHERE TO BEST OBSERVE THE MIGRATION

 

January-February-March (The Calving Season)

During this time many herds of wildebeests and zebras are around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and in the Southern plains of the Serengeti, the grass there is short and rich, so most pregnant wildebeest find there stay here. The calving season starts at the end of January to mid March; around 600,000 calves are born in this time. Them being born in large numbers it is easier to survive predators than those born few and earlier.

During this time from January to March, these wildebeest migration can be viewed comfortably at a mobile camp, though most mobile camps are faced with the issue of flies so clients who are in for camping are advised to go in for Lake Masek Tented camp, then also midrange travelers can opt for Ndutu lodge as they observe the migration. Those who are into the luxury basis can go for Mwiba lodge, which is located a few kilometers away from Ndutu area so private vehicles can be offered by the lodge to take you to the area to observe the migration.

northern serengeti

April-May

By the end of March to early May, this is considered an off season for observing wildebeests and other animals at large because there are heavy rains in Tanzania by this time. The grass during this time grows so tall and also roads become hard to pass through since the soils are slippery.

At the start of May the grass is already reduced since the population of the animals is a lot, so they choose to migrate looking for more grass. Most of the wildebeests and zebras move to the North via Seronera and the West near Lake Victoria and Serengeti’s western corridor, by this time these areas have enough water and longer grass.

In April, there is a possibility of observing the migration and the better place to stay would be Kusini Camp but there are many tsetse flies so the other option would be Ndutu Safari lodge. Other facilities include; Serengeti Kati Kati camp, Osupuko tented camp, Serengeti Serena safari lodge, Serengeti wildlife lodge

We generally don’t advise you to travel during April and May.

great migration

 

June

Early June the wildebeests start to move westwards because there is no enough food where they were. They tend to move to River Grumeti, which is surrounded by a forest and in this forest there are lots of elephants, buffaloes and in the river are a number of hippos and big-starving crocodiles that are ready to eat the wildebeests that come to drink water from the river.

There are different places where one can stay and catch the migration. They range from luxurious lodges such as Sasakwa Hill Lodge, Faru Faru River Lodge and Sabora Plains Tented camp; while here you not only watch the migration but also can have drives off the road, wildlife viewing walks and night drives. Other accommodation facilities where to see the migration include; Kirarwa and Grumeti River camp but while here you cannot do night drives or off road drives.

wildebeest migration safari

July-August-September-October

By this time, the water and grass has totally reduced in Grumeti and in the Western Corridor so wildebeests start moving to look for more grassland. So there are chances of watching migration around the Singita Grumeti reserve in July but these chances reduce as the month ends.

At the end of July to mid October, the herds of wildebeests divide themselves into smaller groups residing in the North of Serengeti and in the Masai Mara, during this time if it’s a dry season the wildebeests gather around water bodies particular the Masai River, whereby this river also has hungry crocodiles ready to prey on those that come to drink water.

In mid to late October there are short rains; because of this the wildebeests start moving south of the Masai Mara in Kenya. So by this time the best place to view the migration is the Masai Mara though this reserve is smaller than the Serengeti. So while here, you will not only observe the migration but also you could visit the nearby Maasai communities that have been there for very many years.

During this period, you can observe the migration while staying at different lodges and Camps. Staying in northern Serengeti is advisable since most herds are there and also are in the Masai Mara. For those in need of a luxurious treat the Singita’s Mara River Tented Camp can work for you, another is Sayari camp which is a few minutes away from the wildebeest herds. Other accommodation facilities include; Nomad’s Lamai Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills, Olakira, Serian, Kimondo, and Governor’s Camp (found in the Mara) among others.

serengeti migration

 

November-December

The rains continue throughout November so the wildebeests continue to move south and east. By December they start moving back to Southern Serengeti to the rich and short grasses. Most herds arrive by the end of December towards beginning of January which marks the end of that cycle.

Other areas in the Serengeti have tall grass growing at a fast rate hence making it difficult for wildlife viewing. So you are advised not to travel at this time of the year especially if you are interested in game safaris.

annual migration safari

If you choose to travel during this time of the year, you can catch the migration while staying at Namiri Camp, staying in this area is an added advantage because it has different animals such as the cheetahs and lions. Nonetheless, it worth mentioning that because of these predators there are not many herds of wildebeests seen in this place. Also Klein’s camp could be better for viewing the migration but it has some tsetse flies.

After this cycle, the migration cycle begins again when the female wildebeests give birth to very many calves.

 

Choose to have a combined tour

The migration is an amazing and an unforgettable experience for every traveler but you could choose to add a standard safari to the viewing of the Great migration. This involves various activities such as night game drives in the Serengeti, cultural encounters by visiting the Maasai communities, Serengeti hot air balloon rides, visiting the beautiful coastal sand beaches near the ocean, and many more things. Plan your safari with us! I addition this safari can be combined with other popular safari destinations both in Kenya and Tanzania among which are: the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park and even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

masai mara eco systems

How To Get  To Masai Mara National Reserve

It is easier when you arrange your safari with tour companies especially concerning the great migration since it could give you hard time to tell where to find the herds, where to stay, what you need and many more.

So how to get there will depend on whether you are to watch the migration in Serengeti or in the Masai Mara. Before beginning your travels make sure you have all that you need such as the immunization cards required, visas among other things. Make your safari bookings in advance through a trusted travel agent / company and just wait for that day! when Wtching the migration from the Masai Mara in Kenya, it will involve flying into Nairobi the capital of Kenya, and then taking a scheduled flight into the Mara Reserve, or you may take a road trip to the reserve.

northern tanzania

Where to stay for The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

While on a Tanzania Safari to see the Great wildebeest Migration that includes close to 2 million animals the most recommended type of accommodation is staying in any of the Serengeti mobile camps. during the year, these mobile camps have particular locations (which may be 2 or 3) where they are pitched or set up depending on the movement and location of the migrating herd to offer guests the best views of these animals. The advantage of staying at the mobile camps is that you will get a chance to stay very close to the animals and follow the herd. Some of the most prominent mobile camps in the Serengeti are the &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas and the Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp.

between July and November as well as from December to March, other mobile camps such as Kimondo Camp, Alex Walker’s Serian, Ubuntu migration camp and the Olakira Migration Camp also offer great accommodation however you should keep in mind that in the months of April, May and June these camps are normally closed so keep this in mind while booking your safari. Nonetheless, for the less adventurous travelers, you can choose to stay at any of the permanent lodges found in the Serengeti which will also give you a chance to see the great herd.

northern serengeti hotel

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara – Kenya

The wildebeest migration is known by many to be one of the top Seven Wonders of the World as you will never get to see a huge number of animals moving in harmony with each other for a long time and distance. It is referred to as the world cup of wildlife and it happens between two countries that is Tanzania and Kenya. As they cross from the Serengeti National park in Tanzania, they head out to Masai Mara National Reserve found in Kenya after crossing the Mara River.

Masai Mara is also know for the high density of lions that it has and when the wildebeests cross to Masai Mara, they are hunted down by predators especially the big cats and this reduces the number of wildebeests that cross back to Serengeti.

The wildebeest migration takes place every year between two countries that is Tanzania and Kenya. There are approximately 1.5 million animals that cross from the Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara in Kenya and some of these include zebras which are estimated to be about 200,000, the Thomson Gazelles amounting to 350,000 and many more other hoofed animals. A million wildebeests can be witnessed during the great migration Most of these animals migrate in search of pastures and water and this migration has been termed as one of the best sceneries that one cannot afford to miss.

migration safari kenya

For us to get a clear picture of what the migration will be about, we are going to look at the birthing process and how the wildebeests come to life to start the long trek across the plains. The birthing process takes place between January and February with an estimate of over 300,000 to 400,000 calves born within a short interval of the other. The birthing of these calves mostly takes place on the slopes of the Ngorongoro crater mountain, the vast plains around Olduvai Gorge and Serengeti.

The birthing of the many calves bring about the prescience of the many predators like lions, leopards that mostly come out to hunt for the young ones who can hardly fend for themselves and they end up killing many especially those that don’t have the older animals protecting them. Much as many are killed during infancy, others grow and they become one of those that join in the great migration year after year.

These animals are believed to be moving towards a certain direction because they follow the weather and the March begins at the end of the month of March when the dry season starts in Serengeti National Park heading out to Masai Mara where the rains are abundant and the grass is enough for all the animals and these animals always stick together when they are traveling.

The animals walk miles and miles during this wildebeest migration and by visiting the two parks where the migration takes place, you get a clear view although you need to book early so that you get a clearer view since the place can be very crowded. During the migration you can also get to see other animals and bird species that are located in the area. The animals in the Serengeti national park can travel for more than 26000 square kilometers as they move from Serengeti to Masai Mara and then back to Serengeti.

Since the great wildebeest migration starts from Serengeti, we are going to be looking at the migration takes place and progresses month per month.

 Arrival in Serengeti

The herds start arriving in Serengeti around November and December due to the start of the rains during this period. They settled around Ndutu area the North of Ngorongoro and the Seronera part which is south of Serengeti. The animals stay in this area through January to March and then spread throughout the Serengeti Park. Towards April, they start moving towards the Northern part of the park.

The animals start moving North in May while some of them move West wards in search of water and pasture. Tourists can easily see herds of animals in large columns moving to the Moru Kopjes and the North of Seronera.

mara river crossings

The rutting season

When the rains start, many of the herds are seen heading to koppies and Simba. Between May and June, this is known to be the rutting season and many of the animals are mated in this period and they can be seen in the Serengeti western corridor and the shores of Lake Victoria. When the animals leave the western corridor, they head out to the Masai Mara in Kenya. In June the herds can be seen moving to the Western corridor near the Grumeti River.

The herd congregates near the River for sometime in the south as they wait for others that were left behind. Once they are all in there, they cross the River in large numbers. The Grumeti River is famous for the numerous crocodiles that keep on feasting on the animals as they cross and the different channels that it has but still this does not stop the animals from crossing the Grumeti River and continue North wards.

The Wildebeest migration then continues to the North after crossing the Grumeti River in the months of July and August. During these months the herds separate as some of them head to the central part of Serengeti National Park while others head to Ikorongo and the Grumeti Reserve. While crossing the river, many animals lose their lives due to the predators that are found in the River and the wild currents.

grumeti river

The Mara River Crossing

In September, the herds cross over to the Northern part of the Serengeti National Park up to the Mara River. This is one of the hardest Rivers to cross and some animals can be seen struggling to cross the gushing Waters in the Mara River. This is a very spectacular view that you should not miss once you visit the Serengeti National park. And these animals can be seen crossing back to the south just after a few days.

Seemingly vicious fighting between dominant or territorial males takes place during the rut, though there is generally little actual violence or serious injury. And in spite of these energetic duels, the males have little say over their choice of mates, for it is the females who do the actual choosing.

masai mara national reserve

Arrival in Masai Mara National Reserve

From the western part of Serengeti, the herds head north to Masai Mara in Kenya. The Wildebeests cross the Mara River and Grumeti Rivers before they reach the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The rivers at times are easy to cross but there are times when they become violent and end up killing many wildebeests. The Rivers mostly the Grumeti has crocodiles which await the animals as they cross the River leading to the loss of many of the wildebeests.

The rivers have a lot of thick vegetation which may hide predators and yet the animals cannot change their course when it comes to trekking and therefore end up using the rivers even if they have the terror for water and predators. But despite all this, the crossing of these rivers is quite a sight that one cannot miss it.

When the animals reach the Mara River, they gather as they wait for the herds to increase and then cross at the same time. The crossing points for the animals differ every year and this may cause them to choose a suicidal place where hundreds of animals will drown.

African safari

 Closing of the Migration Cycle

In October, the Wildebeest migrate to the south, move throughout the southern part of Loliondo to the Lobo area in the Serengeti Park before returning to Serengeti in November and then the great migration begins all over again.

The wildebeest migration is a repeated cycle by the different animals that trek and it is done every year. When planning a safari, this is one place that you should not miss. The animals move according to weather and they have the routes that they use in their instincts because it is hard to find when they have changed the routes.

Where to Stay During the Great Migration in Masai Mara – Kenya

Kenya is home to a great diversity of accommodations where holidaymakers can stay during this thrilling wildlife spectacle. These range from the luxury facilities, to mid-range facilities and then the budget facilities. Below are some of the most popular ones.

Royal Mara Safari Lodge is situated along the route used by the migrating herd of near two major areas where the animals cross the Mara River. It has eight (8) marvelously constructed suites.

The Kichwa Tembo Camp located in the middle of this Masai Mara Game Reserve is another amazing option and offers its guests forty (40) luxury tented camps. This is the best recommended place to stay especially for holidaymakers visiting the reserve for the first time.

Little Governor’s Camp is a remarkable camp offering seventeen (17) luxury tented camps with en-suite facilities pitched close to a big water-hole.

The Mara Serengeti Safari Lodge offers some of the best accommodation facilities within the Mara reserve as you enjoy views of the migration; it offers seventy four (74) beautiful rooms.

Cost of taking the Great Wildebeest Migration Safari

The matter of how much will it cost to see the great migration will depend on the number of days you plan to spend on your safari, which additional destinations you will be visiting as well as the type of accommodation you will use on your safari. See Tanzania safari cost in detail.

In the table below are estimated prices for two (2) people highlighting the number of days on safari, destinations visited and cost of safari.

Wildebeest Migration Safari Cost 2022

Safari Duration Safari Destinations Accommodation Type Safari Cost per person

8 Day Migration Safari

 Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area & Arusha National Park Mid Range lodges $2780 – $ 3,050

8-Day Camping Serengeti Migration

 Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater, Tarangire NP, Arusha Camping & budget Lodge $2,050 – $2,150

7 Day Tanzania Migration Safari

 southern Serengeti, Arusha & Serengeti National Park Luxury tented camps $3,820 – $5,150

6 Days Wildebeest Migration

 Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha Mid Range Lodges $ 4,150 – $4,750

5 Days Tanzania Migration Safari

 Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands & Crater, Arusha Luxury Lodges $2,900 – $3,250

4 Days Kenya Migration Safari

 Masai Mara National Park, annual migration luxury $1,050 – $1,550

4 Days Kenya Migration Safari

 Masai Mara National Park Mid-range $950 – $1,190

 

The Botswana Wildebeest Migration

There is also another little known wildebeest migration but this involves Zebras mostly as they trek across the county in Botswana to the border of Namibia. This is recorded to be the wildebeest migration in Botswana, and it is known to be the longest wildlife terrestrial migration in Africa. The animals can be seen moving along the River systems from Chobe, Kwando Lenient and the Okavango to look for greener and comfortable wet weather conditions.

The migrations have been known to happen in Botswana till time memorial although the pattern has just been registered in 2012 and it was noted that these animals move through Botswana till the edge of Namibia. The migration in Botswana crosses over different National parks and this mainly consists of Zebras that are seen moving in the same direction in search of food and water. the animals march across the Nxai National park and the Makagdikgadi National park in Botswana. And these animals also follow the weather patterns that are dry and wet seasons as they traverse from one place to another looking for pastures and water from the water sources.
lion kenya safari

Best African Safari Countries & Beautiful Destinations , Top Picks 2024

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Thinking of where to go for a safari in Africa, we have compiled the best safari countries alongside their best tourist destinations which you must not miss.

These African safari   countries are said to be some of the most beautiful and  loved and toured safari destinations in Africa.

  1. Uganda
  2. Tanzania
  3. Rwanda
  4. Kenya
  5. South Africa
  6. Botswana
  7. Namibia
  8. Zambia
  9. Zimbabwe
  10. Morocco

Find more about Tanzania safari cost information

Uganda Safari

mountain gorillas uganda

Uganda also referred to as the Pearl of Africa is one of the countries where one can get the Best African safaris. Uganda has a lot of natural features that attract tourists Form Mountains, lakes, hills and the diverse cultures that are found in the country, the different national parks with wildlife and birds and rivers.

Uganda is a home to more than 1100 Bird species and 365 animals, the longest river in the whole world known as the River Nile, the largest free standing volcano in the world known as the Mountain Elgon, the highest peak in Africa known as the Rwenzori mountain plus other beautiful sceneries in the country.

Uganda has more than 10 National parks like the Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo, Kibale national park, Bwindi which is a home to the largest population of the mountain gorillas in the world and many more other national parks and you can carry out the different activities in all these which include watching birds, kayaking, biking, watching the different wild animals among others. You can also see the different waterfalls and mountains in the country. The main activity in this country is gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

Kenya Safari

cheetah safari Kenya

Kenya found in the sub Saharan part of Africa offers 16 national reserves, 6 marine parks and 25 national parks. It is very hard to talk about a safari minus talking about Kenya. Kenya has many wild animals that you can see when it comes to safaris and you get to see the great migration while you are in the country.

The great migration involves various wild beasts moving to a different location in large numbers I search of better weather and food. You will also get to visit the Masai Mara and experience the unique culture of the Masai people and other cultures that are located in the country.

Masai Mara National Park

This National park is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Kenya. It was named in the honor of the Masai people. The park is also famous for its unique and exceptional Masai lions, the African leopards, Tanzania cheetah, the annual migration of zebras, wildebeest as well as Thomson’s gazelle. The National park was established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary and it covered an area of 520 square kilometer. Lately the National park covers an area of 1510 km in the south western part of Kenya. It is also bordered by Serengeti National park in the south, pastoral ranches in the North and East and in the West it is bordered by Sina escarpments.

This park is also regarded as one of the greatest game parks on planet earth; it’s also popular in Kenya, which is Africa’s top safari destination. The park is also filled with Savannah plains crowed with the wild animals and many tourists get stuck with its untamed African strength of Mara.

The main highlight of coming to this National park in East Africa is its Great Migration. This yearly wildlife migration sees lots zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest all over the plains as they search for greener grass from July to October. The park is also habitat to some of the large predator populace and also about 450 species of birds. On your safari encounter, you will meet the native Maasai tribes in their light robes who live within and around the Masai Mara as well as the wildlife species.

Tanzania Safari

serengeti safari lions tanzania

Tanzania is bordered by Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda and has some good things to see and do once someone visits the country. Tanzania is majorly known for the different national parks located in the area but most importantly the Great migration where large herds of animals are seen moving towards a destination that is conducive for them in terms of food and weather.

Tanzania has 16 national parks and some of these include Gombe stream national park, Ngorongoro national park and others. You will also be able to view over 1100 bird species found in the country and over 25000 animals during your stay in the country.

Serengeti National park

This park is located north of Tanzania and is a classic safari destination which is home to many of the major population of mammals

on the earth. The major attraction here is the annual wildebeest Migration. The park covers an area of never-ending plains which are scattered with lone trees. Each year between the months of December to July, many hoofed animal species wander athwart the Serengeti ecosystem, as they move in-between Masai Mara and Serengeti Park that is also shared by the unfenced borders.

Wildebeest Migration Tanzania

Serengeti National Park harbors large wildlife populace including the big five of African safaris , these include; lions and its considered to be hosting the largest number of lions. It also has over 500 bird species including the raptors. The national park is also filled with vast plains as well as open horizons which make the unmatched African safari experience of a life time.

Botswana Safari Africa

botswana elephants safari

Botswana is a good safari place as it is known for being one of the countries that is good and big on wildlife conservation and that are why it has many game parks where the animals are located at. The country has an anti-poaching policy that has very harsh repercussions if one is found poaching.

Botswana has one of the largest populations of elephants which are located in Chobe National park, the Moremi Nature reserve where one can find the big five, the central Kalahari game reserve and the Nxai National park. Botswana also has one of the best cultural experiences in the country and this makes it a good destination for safari lovers.

Chobe National Park

This national park is located north of Botswana and is a dwelling place to the most concentration of game, with its area boasting the biggest population of elephants in Africa. The park covers an area of about 1200km2 and covers an ecosystem ranging from dry plains as well as dry channels of fertile grasslands, watery swamps, dense woods etc. its unique habitant also supports rich and high diversity of birds and wild animals as well as 40000 elephant herds.

This national park is also well known for its excellent and unique game viewing as well as boat cruises down River Chobe. It attracts lots of birds and animals. Savuti Marsh also lies in the south western part of the park and hosts variety of wildlife mostly the predators and the elephant bulls. The best time for one to go game driving in the Chobe Park is during winter (April to October) since you are able to view lots of animals like; the zebras, buffalos, giraffes, antelopes, as well as the wildebeest that get together at the water source.

The Okavango Delta is also located in the northern Botswana and is the top safari destination in Africa, even though not found inside the park, the delta offers beautiful and unique safari adventures and is usually visited in combination with Chobe National Park.

South Africa Safari

safari in south africa

South Africa is where one can get to experience the best African safaris. After the end of the apartheid in the country in 1994, the country has been a budding destination for all those who want to experience an African safari at its best. For those that want to relax, Johannesburg and Cape Town provide the best beaches where one can relax from while on a safari.

you will find many safari companies with trained tour guides that will take you on the best safari adventures through the Kruger national park where you will see various wild animals during the drive through, the kwazulu natal where the Isimangaliso and Hlihluwe-Imfolozi park are located with the various animals and birds and you will be able to see the big five.

Kruger National Park

This park is South Africa’s top destinations and among of the world’s best game parks. It covers an area of about 19485kms of undestroyed bush and is habitat to the unrivalled variety of wildlife. It harbors over 145 species of mammals with over 500 species of birds. It’s also home to the best Africa’s big five and other wildlife species including; the hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, giraffes, cheetahs as well as antelopes. This national park is also maintained and can easily be accessed as a head in massive conservation practices.

Namibia Safari

namibia safari

Namibia is located in the southwestern coast in Africa and it is one of the least populated countries in the world. Namibia is largely covers with the Namibia desert and Kalahari. It has two million people living in this country which is streaming with a large number of wild life animals and birds despite the desert conditions.

Namibia has 12 parks which are all filled with different wild animals and birds that offer much to see and the orange sand dunes in Sossuslvei are what you should not miss as this is an experience that everyone should not miss.

Once you decide to safari in Namibia, be sure that you will see the cape cross real reserve which has a population of over 500’000 wild animals and it is where you will find the largest  cape fur seal colonies in the while world. The different parks in Namibia like Bwabwata National. Park which is a good park for birding especially since it is surrounded by a wetland, Etosha National park is known to be one of the most dry parks and it is a home to a wide range of wild animals including the Big five and Kahaudum National park which is a home to hyenas, the big five and Roan antelope. And not forgetting the Namibia cultural desert life which needs to be experienced by everyone.

Etosha National Park

This national park is Namibia’s top game reserve and is also said to be one of the finest national parks in Africa. This park covers an area of about 22270km of the wilderness in the northern Namibia and is also centered on the stark white Etosha Pan with wide horizons and dancing mirages. Its setting is great for spotting wildlife at the watering hole especially because of the arid and open landscape.

Etosha National Park is habitat to rare and unusual wild animals as well as the Big Five found in Africa including the tallest elephants around the globe. After the rains, the cracked clay land transforms into the expanses of blue green algae, lush grasslands, woodlands which attract an abundance of game as well as birds like the water birds and flamingos. More so, the most common wildlife sighting also include; Rhinos, elephants, lions, Giraffes, antelopes, leopards, cheetahs. Winter is also the perfect time for going game viewing, since the undergrowth is thin and the animals gather at the watering holes.

This unique list of Africa’s top national parks provides an opening to variety of Africa’s wildlife safaris and is also a good beginning point for preparing your safari to Africa. Each of these national parks gives you a fantastic and exclusive safari experience filled with beauty and strength, which makes it one of the best game reserves in Africa.

Rwanda Safari Holidays

rwanda safari

Rwanda is majorly known for the mass genocide that rocked the place in 1994 and the aftermath which left many dead while others were exiled from the country. But still this does not mean that the country is not a good destination for a safari.

You will be able to see different types of gorillas that are located in the volcano es National park and you will view the big five in the Nyungwe National park. The safari in Rwanda will show the different museums that show you what really happened during the genocide, the remains of some and the mass graves where others were buried.

The Rwandan government has seen to it that many of the tourist attractions sites have been upgraded and that the tourist sector is in a conducive state which has led to the increase in tourists and it has also led to the country to be considered as one of the best safari destinations in Africa.

Zambia Wildlife Safaris

zambia safari

Zambia might not be as common as other safari destinations but it definitely ranks in the top best African safaris. Zambia has 20 National parks which include the South Luangwa National park which is a good birding spot for birding with over 400 bird species and other wild animals, the Lochinvar National park, Kafue National park where you will be able to see different animals in the area.

A safari to Zambia will give you an insight on what the African culture is all about and you will be able to experience the good hospitality of the locals found in the area and get the different souvenirs that are sold at the different tourist entrances ranging from art craft to beads and others.

Malawi Safaris & Tours

safari in malawi

Malawi is a small country in Africa which is located in between countries and it might be hard to locate on the map but it has an impressive wildlife which makes it a good place for a safari. Malawi is known to be one of the largest biodiversity countries in the world as Lake Malawi covers almost a third of the countries land.

The lake acts as a habitat to over 650 bird species and other aquatic life and it also has over 200 animals that are found in the different parts of the country.  You will be able to see animals like Lions, hyenas, elephants which are estimate to be about 14000 in number, monkeys and the country is also known for her abundant fauna which covers most parts of the country and the fauna is calculated to be at about 5500 species that are all different from each other. Malawi also has other parks that you can visit like the Vwaza Marsh, Mulanje mountain forest reserve, the Kasanka National park which is privately owned, the Lake Bangweulu basin with over 400 bird species, among others and not forgetting their indigenous culture that they have not forgotten and keep on practicing.

 

These best national parks can be joined with the safari places of interest and game parks within the best African safari nations. For example; the Okavango Delta and Chobe Park in Botswana, the Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti of Tanzania, and Masai Mara and the Amboseli in Kenya. You can also decide to visit all the above best 5 national parks at once on the same African Safari or opt out of and go for Cape Verde tours.

Safari is a Swahili word which means journey. It’s is noted that African safaris have existed for close to 200 years after being created during the Victorian era by William Cornwalls Harris and it became popular through Ernest Hemingway and  Jules Verne who were authors.

African safaris have evolved with years form just hunting to watching, enjoying drives and taking photos to remember the wonderful experience and most of the safaris that are enjoyed by tourists are wildlife safaris due to the large number of wild animals the different game parks located in the different parks in Africa and all these safaris can be enjoyed according to your budget.

What is an African Safari?

The word ‘Safari’ is a word in the local Swahili African language which means ‘journey’. In other words it’s an expedition to see or even hunt different will animals in their natural habitat. It’s is noted that African safaris have existed for close to 200 years after being created during the Victorian era by William Cornwalls Harris and it became popular through Ernest Hemingway and  Jules Verne who were authors.

 

African safaris have evolved with years form just hunting to watching, enjoying drives and taking photos to remember the wonderful experience and most of the safaris that are enjoyed by tourists are wildlife safaris due to the large number of wild animals the different game parks located in the different parks in Africa and all these safaris can be enjoyed according to your budget.

When is the best time to take an African Safari?

 generally speaking, the best time to enjoy an African Safari is during the dry season from July to end of October when most of the vegetation is sun burnt offering easy opportunities of game viewing and most of the water sources are dried out which causes most of the animals to move to the few remaining water holes, still making it easy to view them. However, i should point out that choosing when to go on a safari greatly depends on the country you are going to visit and which activities you are going to engage in.

 

Below is a table showing the top safari countries, best time to visit and what to do

Country Best time to visit What to do
1. Uganda June to October gorilla trekking, game viewing, Mt Rwenzaori Climb, white water rafting, cultural tours
2. Tanzania June to November Game viewing, wildebeest viewing, Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb
3. Botswana June to September Game viewing, canoeing on the Okavango
4. Kenya July to October Game viewing, wildebeest migration watching
5. Zambia April and September Game view, exploring Victoria falls
6. South Africa

 

 May to September Game viewing
7. Namibia

 

 July to October Game viewing, hiking
8. Zimbabwe

 

 May to October Game Viewing
9. Rwanda

 

 May to October Game viewing, gorilla viewing
10. Morocco Mid-March to May / September and October Climb atlas mountains and enjoy festivals

 

What to pack on your African Safari

the duration of your Safari in Africa, as well as the time of year you will be visiting (either during the sunny dry months / the cold rainy months, will determine what and how much you will be packing on your safari. However the most important thing to keep in mind is to always PACK LIGHT to avoid any disappointments as per luggage restrictions (as most of the flights and domestic flights) offer luggage restrictions, and also to make it easy for you to move between destinations as per your itinerary. Only pack what you will need but not what you want!

Well looking at the essential items you will need on your safari, these can be divided into three (3) main categories and these include: clothing and accessories, First Aid and Toiletries, and electronics as highlighted in the table below

Clothing And Accessories First Aid and Toiletries Electronics
3 t-shirts

2 long-sleeve shirts

2 comfortable shorts

2 cotton trousers/pants

a sweatshirt / fleece

a lightweight raincoat

3 pairs of socks

Enough cotton underwear

Pajamas

a wide brim sunhat preferably with straps

a swimsuit

durable hiking boots

a pair of flip-flops / sandals to wear at the lodge / camp

a pair of sunglasses with UV protection

Money belt

Ziploc bags to store dirty laundry

 Personal toiletries travel size shampoo

toothpaste & toothbrush Conditioner

soap

deodorant

moisturizer

Sunscreen (at least SPF 30+)

After-sun cream

Hand sanitizer

Face Masks

Sanitary products for ladies

Insect repellent

Anti-Malaria pills

Painkillers

Antiseptic cream

Band-aids

Prescription medicines

A spare pair of glasses

 Camera

Spare batteries

Spare memory cards

Spare camera battery

Binoculars

Electrical adapter

Small flashlight

 

Cost of an African Safari?

The cost of a safari in Africa will depend on which activities you are going to engage in, the type of accommodation you will b staying at and the time of the year they will be visiting. These may range from $150 per night on an average budget safari, $350 per night on a mid-range safari and from $750 per night on a luxury safari

 

Budget Accommodation Mid Range Accommodation Luxury Accommodation
Private Group Private Group Private Group
Botswana $375 $300 $525 $400 $750 $650
Uganda $275 $225 $425 $275 $600 $550
Kenya $200 $175 $300 $300 $550 $475
Zambia $225 $175 $400 $250 $575 $500
Namibia $225 $175 $225 $175 $575 $525
South Africa $225 $175 $225 $200 $550 $500
Tanzania $250 $200 $400 $350 $600 $525
Zimbabwe $250 $225 $375 $275 $550 $525

 

Victoria Falls Safari Zambia, Cost, When To Go, Safari Packages

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Victoria Falls Safari

The Victoria Falls is a massive waterfall also locally known as Mosi-a-Tunya which means “The Smoke that Thunders”. It’s located at the Zambian and Zimbabwe border on the Zambezi River in Southern Africa. It is a Natural Wonder with the largest falling water curtain in the world, it about 350ft tall and a more than a mile in width. Therefore, it has drown tourists from different parts of the world over the years.

In1989, This site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is spectacular that you see the mist from the falls while you are far away from the waterfall itself.

The waterfall was discovered in 1855by a Scottish Explorer/Missionary known as David Livingstone. Some say he may not have been the first to set his eyes on the mighty falls, nevertheless, it is credited to him for naming the waterfall after the Queen of Britain- Victoria, and also for including it on the Map both figuratively and literally. A safari to the Victoria Falls is unforgettable and worth having it on your bucket list.

victoria falls

Things to do at Victoria Falls

Get closer to the Waterfall

As earlier said that the Victoria Falls are shared by two countries, to be exact they are situated in 2 National Parks where one can get up close to them. The parks include; Victoria Falls National Park(Zimbabwe) and the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park(Zambia). The experience you get in either of the parks is quite different but either ways you can still get so close to the thundering water.

Depending on which time of the year you travel, the experiences from the Victoria Falls are also different. In months like April, May and June Zambia is at the peak flow, this time there are about 5 different sections of the falls roaring. And in the dry season around November, some of these sections dry up.

On the side of Zimbabwe, you will find a trail just opposite the large stretch of the water hence during the peak flow, 4 of the 5 different sections are spotted; the Main falls, Devil’s Cataract, the Horseshoe falls and the Rainbow falls.

Fly above the fall

When you visit Victoria Falls when the water flow is high it is fun but for those interested in flying above might miss out on the clear view of the falls since the smoke formed by the water covers the area. But you really need to fly above the falls.

The available options to fly above are two; fly by microlights or helicopters. All you get are amazing and the best views of this Natural Wonder, you can also view well the stunning scenery around the Mosi-oa-Tunya. A 15minute flight/ride above these falls is absolutely exhilarating!

Kick-start your Adrenaline

Victoria Falls is ahome of a number of adventurous activities and Bungee Jumping is one of them. Bungee jumping is done while you jumpfrom the Victoria Falls bridge (on Zambian side) towards the mighty moving waters of the Zambezi River. It is safe to jump off the bridge since record show its safety as 99.9% and over 50,000 people enjoy bungee jumping every year.

You can also opt for the Gorge swing from the bridge, it scary but notably cheaper than the bungee jump. You can do the two at once to double the fun!

Enjoy an adventure on the Zambezi

Victoria Falls is one of the best places to experience white water rafting in the world and this activity is not to be missed while on safari, it’s a thrilling experience.

Canoeing down the ZambeziRiver especially when the river is too high. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river banks, you will spot some hippos, birds and other wildlife species.

A sunset cruise along the Zambezi can be opted for since this setting is truly magnificent with spectacular sunsets. In the evening after an action-packed day, you can sit on the boat with a drink and cruise along the river gazing at the sunsets plus looking out for different wildlife along the River banks.

Set out for a Canopy Tour on the Victoria Falls

This activity works for even those on family safaris since it is mild adventurefavorable for both children and adults. You take the Canopy walk through the forest over rivers and trees of the Zambezi gorge. During a canopy walk you can have great views of the Vic Falls Bridge, Zambezi River and the Curtain of The Victoria Falls. These tours usually take about 2 hours and 30minutes.

Swim in the Devil’s Pool

If your safari to visit theVictoria Falls is the dry season, you can have an opportunity to go swimming in the Devil’s Pool. This is a natural pool is formed at the top of the Victoria Falls when the water is low. You can jump in the pool for anexciting experience of swimming, it is only a small rock that separates and the deadly trembling water of the Zambezi.

Swimming in the pool is not for the faint hearted and it is very dangerous but rewarding.

Where to stay

Where to stay depends on which side of the falls you are, because in both countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe there are a number of guesthouses and lodges to spend a night it, they are with qualifies staff, good meals and above all comfortable. The accommodation options range from Luxury to budget lodges.

Some on the side of Zimbabwe include; Ilala Lodge, Batonka, Guest LodgeVictoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge,Sprayview Hotel,Bayete Guest Lodge, and The Elephant Camp.

Those on the Zambian side include; Avani Victoria Falls Resort Kayube Estate Zambezi River, Wateberry Zambezi Lodge, Camp Nkwazi, Victoria Falls Waterfront, Tongabezi Lodge and many more.

The Victoria Falls are located at the Zimbabwe and Zambian border which is found on the Zambezi River in the southern part of Africa. The Victoria Falls are locally known as the Mosi-a- Tunaya which can be losely translated as The smoke that Thunders. The Falls are over 350 feet and run over a mile in width.

The Victoria Falls were discovered by a missionary explorer known as David Livingston in 1855. He might not have been the first person to view the Falls, but he was the one who named them after the Queen of Britain Victoria and also included it on the world map. A safari to the Victoria Falls is an experience that one should not miss when they visit either Zambia or Zimbabwe.

They are one of the largest Falls in the world and can either be viewed from Zambia or Zimbabwe although most people believe that Zimbabwe has the best view of the Falls although Zambia also offers different spots where you can view the falls from.

victoria falls africa

There are activities that one can do when they visit the Victoria falls and I have listed a few of them below.

The Victoria Falls bridge and the Falls

The victoria Falls bridge is commonly known for bungee jumping especially for those who love thrilling experiences. The bridge was designed from England and transported in pieces and was pieced together on site.The bridge is a link along the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia and was completed in 1906. If you love bungee jumping, this is the right place to visit.

The Falls are over 17 kilometers wide and they fall to over 70 to 108 meters per minute into the chasm below. They are made up of five main Falls which include the Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the Devil’s cataract all found in Zimbabwe and the Eastern Cataract found at the border of Zambia.

Visit the Devil Cataract

Due to the depth of the Falls which fall to over 70 to 108 meters below into a chasm, it is believed that before the arrival of the missionaries this place was used as a scribing all alter by many locals who were seeking for blessings, riches and many more other blessings. But with the arrival of the missionaries the act of sacrifices was frowned upon and called a devil’s practice and this is how the place got it’s name. Visit the place and see the wonderful place and get to know about it’s history.

The Eastern Cataract

The Eastern Cataract are located on the Eastern side of the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. The Falls are the deepest at a height of 101 meters and they have a good view from the Zimbabwe side. Visit the place and get a breathtaking experience.

The Main Falls

The main Falls give off a magnificent view with their wide water curtain which flow into the chasm at 93 meters. This is the point which provides the best view of the Victoria Falls beacuse the water flows at a 700,000 cubic square meters every minute.when you are inthis area, you will experience what they call one of the wonders of the world and view the vast rain forests that are found in the area.

The Horseshoe Falls

This section of the Falls is shaped like a horse shoe and it is 95 meters deep. It is not as common as the rest of the Falls because it dries up around October and November the dry season. So the best time to visit to the Horseshoe Falls is during the rainy season.

The Rainbow Falls

These got their name due to the presence of a rainbow that is very visible when you are at this point on the Victoria falls. These falls arun for 108 meters deep and these are the deepest Falls among the others.

Ride on the Zambezi River

If you are a fun of adrenaline games, this is the best place to visit. A safari to the Victoria Falls will also let you enjoy white water rafting on the Zambezi River and canoeing. As you canoe along the Zambezi River, you will also be able to see the different aqua life in the water like hippos, crocodiles and many more bird species including migratory birds.

You will also be able to enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Zambezi River as you watch the sunset . The rafting and canoeing are some of the activities that one has to experience in their life time so you should not miss a safari to the Victoria Falls.

Visit the Falls and get a closer look

A visit to the Victoria Falls also depends on the time that you have visited and since the Falls are in two counties, the Falls cover game parks which you can visit when you go to the Falls and these include

The Mosi-ow-Tunya National Park in Zambia

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is located at the Northern part of the Zambezi River . It is a small Park that has only harbivores and no predators lurking around the park. The park has numerous animal species which include the Zebras, warthogs, elephants, antelopes, giraffes and many more other animals.

The park also has a variety of bird species and these amount to over 350 species and some of these include the Balck stork, corncrake, African skimmer, Taita Falcon, Salty Egret, African finfoot, Pallid harrier, Great snipe and many more others.

You can enjoy game drives in the park as you view the different animals that are found in the area and also enjoy the view that is given off by the Victoria Falls.

The Zambezi National park

The Zambezi National Park has a variety of animals that can be seen and these include zebras, elephants, lions, Impalas, Rhinos, sable antelopes, waterbucks, leopards, buffalos and other animal species. Since the park borders the Zambezi River, one can see the different fish species that are in the River especially the common Tiger fish species.

You can also enjoy game drives through the Zambezi National Park and also enjoy guided walks through the Park especially in the evu as you wind down the day.

Visit the Devil’s pool and the Boiling pot

The Devil’s pool is a natural pool which is formed at the top of the Victoria Falls especially when the water levels are low. You can go and have a swim during the day season and cool off from the heat if the day. An dwhen you are up here, you get to see the wonderful Zambezi River which is sepertaed from the pool with just a mere rock.

The boiling point is found in the place where the Victoria Falls collide with the Zambezi River causing the water to have smoke like features. The way the water forms makes it look like the water is bioling and hence the name boiling pot.

Explore the Rain forest and Big tree

The big tree is a big baobab which has been in the place since time I’m memorial and is located near the Falls. It is known to be twenty meters in height and 16 meters wide. It is a good place to rest from before you continue your tour around the Victoria Falls.

The Rain Forward I’d due to the flowing water from the Falls and the Zambezi River. There are different species of Flora and fauna found in the Rain forest like the palm trees, fig trees and many more other tree species. You can also view the difference bird species found in the forests like the African skimmer. Enjoy bicycle rides in the rain forest and guided walks in the forest.

A visit to the David Livingstone statue

The David Livingstone sattue is found near the Devil’s cataract at the left side of the Falls. This is the statue of the first explorer who came and discovered the falls in 1855. It’s a very large statue and the local tour guides can tell you of the history of the place as you enjoy the breathtaking view of the Victoria Falls.

The best seasons to visit the Falls is during the rainy season as the water Falls will keep on having a constant supply of water. Although you can still visit the falls all throughout the year and enjoy the Victoria Falls.

The best view of the Victoria Falls is from above in a helicopter or microlights. You will be able to see the Falls and how they Cascade down into the chasm and enjoy the smoke that is formed when the water flows down. The helicopter ride is not more than 15 minutes and you will enjoy this wonderful experience of the Falls from above.

There are good accommodation that facilitate all budgets facilities that one can sleep in when they visit the Falls.

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 Yves P 
 
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Een aanrader ondanks het prijskaartje.
s' Morgens na een welkomstdans van plaatselijke bevolking (mag ik hopen), een duidelijke briefing gekregen en werden we verdeeld in groepen van max. 9 personen. Onze tocht duurde in totaal zowat 5 uren ( het was zoeken en de gorilla's werden niet direct gevonden door de trackers) . Gelukkig geen regen gehad, anders heb je toch wel een ander verhaal qua moeilijkheidsgraad !!! Stevig schoeisel is hier toch echt aangeraden. De permits bedragen momenteel $ 700 en zouden binnenkort worden verhoogd naar $800 !!! Geld dat rechtstreeks naar de regering gaat. Een deel zou naar de plaatselijke bevolking, gidsen, trackers en dragers gaan. Ben benieuwd hoeveel procent ??? Voor mensen met mindere fysiek is een "drager" echt wel aangewezen. Energie-gelletjes zijn bruikbaar. Laat u niet teveel leiden door filmpjes op You Tube van close encounters met gorilla's die aan je oor komen prutsen als kennismaking met mensen. Die encounters zullen wel bestaan, maar zijn eerder uitzondering dan regel ! Maar al bij al een topervaring.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 jemba najib 
 
 
 jemba najib 
 
2024-02-08
 
 
  
bwindi impenetrable national park gorilla trekking
My expedition to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park transcended the ordinary, offering an unparalleled encounter with nature's grandeur. As I embarked on gorilla tracking, venturing deep into the heart of the dense forest, each step felt like a pilgrimage into the realm of the extraordinary. The sheer magnificence of witnessing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat left an indelible mark on my soul, a testament to the park's unrivaled conservation efforts. Every aspect of the journey, meticulously arranged by the experts in gorillatrackings.com epitomized excellence, from the knowledgeable guides to the seamless logistics. In the presence of these majestic creatures, time seemed to stand still, and amidst the ancient trees and mist-shrouded valleys, I found a profound sense of connection to the primal rhythms of the natural world.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Christina G 
 
 
 Christina G 
 
2024-02-04
 
 
  
Gorillas in the mist
Seeing mountain gorillas had been on my bucket list forever and finally, and I was so glad, to fulfill my dream in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. To be honest, I kind of psyched myself out by reading too many descriptions about how strenuous the hike would be. Considering I was still suffering from some after effects from Covid, I eventually told my guide to ask to put me in a lower group…well, beware that low groups can be very low…we spotted ours after barely half an hour. But while my heart initially dropped, I ended up having the best experience! Our group was called Busingye - translating to „peace“ and we indeed had a very peaceful silverback who let us take pictures of all three babies. One of them climbed up on a branch, then back down to its mother’s back, letting itself fall back to chuckles from everyone. Another one was being nursed. The two babies ended up playing with each other…it was simply magical. The hour flew by, especially as the gorillas kept moving and we had to follow them. When it was time to pack up, though, we were granted a small encore as 2 gorillas came to our path and we passed directly underneath one/ by one…officially you need to keep a 7 meter’s distance at all time, but oh well - no-one told the gorillas and I don’t think there was a meter between me and the last one. Honestly, this might have been the best hour of my life! I do hope to regain all of my fitness and one day return for the 4 h habituation experience. As for now, I‘m grateful to the trackers, my guides and my porter Meron. - Take garden gloves!! You will be grabbing on to thorns and vines - Be honest about your fitness but don’t be scared…some of the gorillas are very close to the town - Hire a porter, even if you are fit! Providing employment opportunities to locals is the best way to help protect gorillas - Bring some cash to also tip the gorilla trekkers and buy some souvenirs - Wear enough insect repellent - the forest is crawling with bugs - Put the camera away for a bit…even if it’s hard…you will want to remember more than just staring through your lense - Just go! If you’re thinking about whether it’s worth it - it absolutely is!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Fab 
 
 
 Fab 
 
2024-01-26
 
 
  
Voyage janvier 2024
Traking des gorilles, la marche pour rencontrer ces animaux est véritablement technique, entre le sol glissant, les lianes qui s'accrochent à nos chaussures, les racines qui nous tendent des croches pieds, la boue dans laquelle on s'enfonce... c'était hardu! Mon porteur m'a véritablement accompagnée. Tant pour le port de mon sac que pour m'indiquer où mettre les pieds. Les rangers sont des anges, très vigilants et connaissant cette forêt comme personne. Avis d'une valaisanne qui fait régulièrement des marches sur les sentiers de sa région.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Mignon V 
 
 
 Mignon V 
 
2024-01-08
 
 
  
Gorilla Habituation Experience - Worth Every Cent
This was an amazing experience. It was very different from what I have read up. Trackers get sent out in the morning from 6am to follow the family and to Habituate them. They use pangas and machetes and make grunting noises to get the family used to them. We entered the Forest were the gorilla family where being tracked, and needed to try and get to them. The terrain is difficult to navigate, as you are following the path that the gorillas are going and they really move off any beaten track. And these guys are on the move the entire time. We spent 4 hours following the family and got to see how they naturally move around the forest, eating and playing. They are truly majestic. You need to be fit for this experience, otherwise you will miss out. Wear long sleeves, pants, closed shoes, and have a face mask available. There are so many bugs. Bug spray is also a must. This is the more expensive option for tracking in Uganda, but well worth the money. The guides and trackers are very experienced and really ensured that we were safe and that we enjoyed the experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 emilie v 
 
 
 emilie v 
 
2024-01-02
 
 
  
Inoubliable
Une expérience inoubliable qui respecte animaux et population autochtone, les gorilles sont habitués à l'homme certes mais gardent leur comportement initial
  
 
  
 
 
 
 curiousworldwanderer 
 
 
 curiousworldwanderer 
 
2023-12-09
 
 
  
To do once in your life!
The name of the forest itself (impenetrable) sounds like quite an adventure. It is the home of half of the mountain gorillas remaining on earth, and, as such, was a must for me. I was expecting a lot of mud, a long trek, and a lot of uphill and downhill walk to see the gorillas. On that day, the weather was good and dry and the family we had been invited to visit was only 10 min. away from the parking place. While such a short distance may kill some of the glamour of the impenetrable forest, we did see a family of 10 gorillas (silverback male, females, juveniles, and babies). This was the main objective. We were a group of 6 people and spent one hour with the family. The trackers did a good job to show us the best angles to see and take pictures of the various family members and to explain to the gorillas' lifestyle. I will never forget this experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Benremp 
 
 
 Benremp 
 
2023-10-24
 
 
  
Incroyable
Après une marche splendide mais challenge nous sommes arrivés sur une famille de gorille Moment magique Attention les pentes sont très raides, il faut être en forme
  
 
  
 
 
 
 KTP310 
 
 
 KTP310 
 
2023-10-13
 
 
  
A wonderful hour up close with gorillas
After a welcome from a community group and a briefing, we were put into small groups of up to 8, together with our guide, 2 armed guards and porters (optional). We set off into the forest which was a very challenging trek and does require a certain fitness level. We trekked for about an hour through dense undergrowth, over streams and up and down steep inclines (I think for some groups the trek can be much longer). The trackers then guided us towards a group of gorillas - apparently there were 16 but we saw about 8-10 actively. We were able to watch from about 5-6 feet away and spent an incredible hour watching them eat, play and sleep. It was truly magical to get so close to them and see them in their natural environment.
Bwindi Forest National Park.
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