It’s time to live out your very own African wildlife documentary! If you think “wildlife documentary” the soothing voice of Sir David Attenborough is bound to come to mind. Ever since his debut series Zoo Quest hit the screen back in ‘54, this staunch conservationist has influenced a generation of documentary filmmakers and intrepid travellers.
Today Attenborough is hailed as the “father of the modern nature documentary”. His wildlife adventures have taken the world from the icy tips of the Arctic to Malaysia, Australia, and beyond. But there’s one place he holds dearest: AFRICA! His critically acclaimed series, Africa spent four years in the making and takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through the continent’s most diverse destinations & vast contrasting landscapes.
Now in his 90s, his love of the natural world shows no sign of abating. So, if in more than a half-century of broadcasting, he has inspired you to live out your own wildlife documentary then here are the top 5 destinations to go on safari in Africa to follow in his footsteps.
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Top-5-Destinations-to-go-on-safari-in-Africa-Botswana-9.jpg7551344Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2023-10-23 17:05:192023-10-23 17:05:40Top 5 destinations to go on Safari in Africa
If you’re dreaming of your next great travel adventure, a trip that pushes both borders and boundaries, look no further than AFRICA! Whether you’re a wide-eyed first-timer or a frequent visitor, this formidable continent will get under your skin (in the best possible ways, of course), sweep you right off your feet & ignite your adventurous spirit & thrill-seeking soul all in one go!
Embarking on the ultimate African adventure is high up on countless travellers’ bucket-lists – and why shouldn’t it be? From the wild & untamed natural beauty of the African wilderness to its magnificent wildlife sightings & encounters, diverse landscapes, thrilling safari experiences, and abundance of once-in-a-lifetime adventures – what’s not to love?
With so many different places & destinations to discover & explore, not to mention the abundance of exciting adrenaline-pumping experiences to be enjoyed in Africa, how do you ensure you get to experience the very best adventures Africa has to offer? Well, lucky for you, we’ve got your back! We’ve travelled the continent far and wide to find the most unforgettable and thrilling wildlife & safari experiences and adventures in Africa to get your heart pumping and adventure juices flowing. Without further a due, here are the Top 15 Adventures in Africa you must do at least once in your life.
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/15-Adventures-in-Africa-you-must-do-at-least-once-in-your-life-Mount-Kilimanjaro.png520858Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2023-10-17 01:06:452023-10-17 01:22:15Adventure Travel in Africa: 15 Adventures in Africa you must do at least once in your life
Are you thinking about going on your first safari in Africa? If so, we couldn’t be more excited for you! African safaris are high up on countless travellers’ bucket-lists. And why shouldn’t they be? From the untamed beauty of the African wilderness, magnificent wildlife sightings, diverse landscapes, and thrilling safari experiences – what’s not to love?
If you’ve never been to Africa before, you have so much to look forward to. Home to some of the most exclusive safari destinations and premier National Parks, game reserves, and conservation areas in the world, Africa truly offers wildlife and nature lovers a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. With so much to offer, deciding where to go on your first safari in Africa can be an intimidating experience.
Depending on the type of safari you’re looking to experience, you need to choose the country and safari destination you would most like to visit very carefully. Here are some of the best countries in Africa to enjoy an unforgettable first-time safari experience.
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Best-Countries-In-Africa-for-First-Time-Safaris-Botswana.jpg7551344Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2023-09-20 01:17:282023-09-20 01:17:54Best Countries In Africa for First Time Safaris
Every love affair must start somewhere. For most, their love of Africa starts before they even arrive, feeling the lure and excitement whilst planning their first ever African safari. From the moment you first set foot on African soil and fully immerse yourself in your safari experience it is officially game over – you will be forever hooked, hopelessly and head-over-heels in love with the wild untamed natural beauty and enthralling magic of the African bushveld, never wanting to leave, and always yearning to return.
From unsurpassed natural wonders, astounding wildlife, and a vast diversity of contrasting landscapes, ranging from searing deserts, freshwater wetlands, dramatic coastlines, and soaring mountain peaks to thunderous waterfalls, endless stretches of open savannah plains, and lush tropical rainforests, Africa is unlike any other continent. Here are our 10 best safari destinations in Africa for first timers.
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/15-Best-Safari-Destinations-in-Africa-for-first-timers-Moremi-Game-Reserve.jpg12751920Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2023-09-06 15:25:362023-09-06 15:57:0115 Best Safari Destinations in Africa for first timers
From watching herds of elephants striding across open plains, leopards lazily lounging on treetop hideaways, majestic lions basking in the glorious mid-day African sun, and massive herds of wildebeest and antelope running across the vast and wonderful savannah, to giraffes feasting on the lush tree-top greenery, hippos popping in and out of the water, and rhinos grazing in the distance, there are few things in this world that are more magnificent, memorable, overwhelming, and awe-inspiring than witnessing Africa’s remarkable and diverse wildlife roaming free in their natural habitat and the place they call home – AFRICA!
However, there is so much more to Africa than its astounding wildlife. You’ll discover unsurpassed natural wonders and vast and contrasting landscapes – searing deserts, immense freshwater wetlands, dramatic coastlines, soaring mountain peaks, thunderous waterfalls, endless stretches of open savannah plains, lush tropical rainforests, and so much more – Africa is unlike any continent you’ve ever experienced before. Or are likely to experience again. At least in our lifetime. You’re bound to fall head-over-heels in love with Africa and EVERYTHING it has to offer.
Here are some of the top things you can only do in Africa! What are you waiting for? Your grand African adventure awaits!
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Things-You-Can-Only-Do-In-Africa-1.jpg12801920Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2023-08-17 17:44:292023-08-17 17:44:51Things You Can Only Do In Africa
If you’re looking for the ULTIMATE African travel bucket list, look no further than our top 10 safari experiences in Africa! Declared one of the top safari destinations in the world, Africa offers some of the most astonishing safari, wildlife, travel opportunities, and adventures on the planet. With more luxury, privacy, world-class wildlife sightings, and once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences than anywhere else on earth, you’re bound to fall head-over-heels in love with not only the sheer unmatched natural beauty of Africa in its purest form, but the wild, vivid, and untamed African bushveld and everything it has to offer.
We’ve scoured our magnificent, vast, and diverse continent to find the most unforgettable wildlife and safari experiences Africa has to offer. So, if you’re looking to transform your dream trip to Africa from incredible to utterly life-changing, you better keep reading!
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Top-10-Safari-Experiences-in-Africa.png7461131Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2023-08-09 00:26:312023-08-09 00:28:05Top 10 Safari Experiences in Africa
Are you thinking of planning / going on the ultimate African safari getaway, trip, adventure experience or holiday but you’re not exactly sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! However, before you can get to the fun and thrilling part of planning your trip to Africa, determining / deciding when you want to go and how far in advance you should / need to book your African safari trip is crucial.
Offering travelers the best of the best, accommodation in Africa is set within the heart of the African bushveld and positioned to provide true away-from-it-all indulgence with panoramic views of the spectacular wildlife, stunning savannah, and magnificent surrounding wilderness. The only ‘interruptions’ you’ll encounter are wandering elephants, curious giraffe or, if you’re lucky, a lion basking in the midday sun. What more could you possibly ask for?
This means, if you’re looking to plan the ultimate African safari trip that ticks all your boxes (plus a whole lot more), you should start your planning and booking process well in advance. Ideally, we suggest you plan to book between 8 and 12 months ahead of when you want to travel / embark on your trip to your chosen African safari destination. This will warrant enough time to secure availability and ensure you’re at the front of the queue for the most sought-after experiences Africa has to offer.
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/How-Far-in-Advance-Should-I-Book-my-African-Safari-Zimbabwe-8.jpg14401920Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2023-08-02 20:17:252023-08-02 20:18:41How Far in Advance Should I Book my African Safari
Have you ever dreamt of experiencing one, or ALL (because why just limit yourself to one anyway), of Africa’s wildlife spectacles, wilderness phenomena, or extraordinary safari experiences first-hand? Well, there is NO time like the present!
With Africa boasting such a vast, diverse, and down-right magnificent array of once-in-a-lifetime, not-to-be-missed, leave-you-utterly-speechless, sweep-you-right-off-your-feet, jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, and beyond spectacular wildlife spectacles, phenomena, and great migrations, the only problem you’ll have is deciding which one to tick off your bucket-list first! Here are our top 10 Africa Wildlife Spectacles & Experiences you absolutely should experience on your trip to Africa.
The African continent is renowned for its once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings and encounters. However, few are as highly sought-after as Rwanda where avid wildlife enthusiasts from across the world have the opportunity of witnessing Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. In fact, Rwanda is deemed the best place in Africa to engage in what is arguably the world’s single most powerful wildlife experience and thrilling wildlife encounter – tracking mountain gorillas through the steep bamboo and forest-swathed slopes of the Virunga Mountains.
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Best-Time-To-Go-To-Rwanda-2.png12801960Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2022-08-04 16:09:122022-08-10 09:51:14Best Time To Go To Rwanda
Best Time of the Year for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
What Is The Trek Like In Rwanda?
How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda
Rwanda is Best for Traveler Types Who…
Best Places To See Gorillas In The Wild
The African continent is renowned for its once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings and encounters. However, few are as highly sought-after (or as frequently featured on traveler bucket lists) as coming face-to-face with Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Listed as one of Africa’s critically endangered species, there are approximately 1000 mountain gorillas left in the wild. These mountain gorillas can be found in the area known as the Virunga Mountains, and live in:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nearly half the planet’s remaining mountain gorillas. Carefully protected in the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi, this esteemed national park is one of only three places in the world where travelers can see these remarkable and rare critically endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
WHAT IS GORILLA TREKKING?
Imagine this: You follow a narrow hiking trail through the lushness of a tropical rainforest, wiping sweat from your eyes and feeling grateful for your hiking gaiters. Suddenly, a tracker returns from scouting ahead and excitedly halts your group – it’s time to move forward, slowly, with nothing but your camera and the thrill of anticipation. Grinning, your guide turns and whispers the words you’ve been longing to hear: ‘There they are’.
Gorilla Trekking is an extraordinary bucket-list worthy adventure where you hike, bushwhack, and trek deep into Africa’s Virunga conservation region and Bwindi impenetrable forest in search of rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trekking into their native forests is the only way to see these critically endangered gorillas, as they cannot survive in captivity. Trekking for gorillas in Africa’s emerald rainforests and observing the everyday interactions of these vulnerable primates is arguably one of life’s greatest privileges and most powerful wildlife experiences.
Follow gorilla families as they go about their daily lives. Observe how a mother tenderly feeds her young while being cognisant of the cautious stare from a 200kg (440lbs) silverback as he keeps a protective eye over his troop. Locking eyes with a distant relative is a profound experience that makes spending time with gorillas in Africa an unsurpassable wildlife encounter.
Gorilla trekking is best early in the morning. Typically trackers who know the gorillas well will head off into the jungle at first light to look for their gorilla family. Once they find them, they will radio through to the rangers, who will be waiting for you at the start point – This is when the gorilla trekking adventure begins!
There are a number of different gorilla families you can visit, living in various areas around the Virunga Mountains. In Uganda there are 19 habituated (meaning they are used to humans) gorilla families in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga. In Rwanda there are approximately 10 habituated gorilla families.
**Important Note: In order for you to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and/or Rwanda you need to apply for a gorilla trekking permit. These permits can be rather costly. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit various from one country to the next.
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA
Best time: Rwanda’s Dry Months | June – September | December – February
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is deemed one of the top year-round wildlife experiences in Africa. Despite it being an incredible experience year-round, Rwanda’s dry seasons are without a doubt the best time to go gorilla trekking.
Rwanda’s long rainy season lasts from about March to May. The long dry season then kicks off in June and lasts until about mid-September – this is generally the preferred time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. October to November sees a shorter rainy season, which is followed by a brief dry season from December to February. This is also a good time to see gorillas in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s dry seasons also offer travelers much easier hiking conditions as well as the lowest risk of malaria.
WHAT IS THE TREK LIKE IN RWANDA?
As Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is substantially smaller than Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the mountain gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda is generally shorter and less difficult; however, Volcanoes National Park is at a higher elevation.
**Extra Tip: Rwanda is a little more open and therefore it is easier to get a good view.
HOW DIFFICULT IS GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA & RWANDA?
While extremely exhilarating, gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda can be pretty tough. The trekking journey can become incredibly challenging, especially if the gorillas are constantly on the move. Mountain gorillas are remarkably fast and move through the jungle with great ease and speed, so trying to keep up with them takes quite some effort. For this reason, a moderate to high level of fitness is typically required to take on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
If you’re not exactly in tip-top gorilla trekking shape and your fitness level isn’t quite where it needs to be, you can request at the gate to be put in a group that will be trekking one of the nearer gorilla families. While it’s not always possible, it is certainly worth asking.
Regardless of your fitness level, it is important to keep in mind that you are literally trekking ‘through’ the jungle (which in itself is beyond impressive and an INCREDIBLE feat), with the rangers sometimes having to navigate and cut their way through in order to create a path. You need to remember that these are called ‘mountain’ gorillas for a reason and the terrain is pretty steep and can be slippery, especially in the rainy season. Good hiking shoes/boots are essential.
If you need help or require some assistance, you can hire porters to help you either by carrying your bag / bags, providing you with support, or assist you in navigating the hard and challenging sections of the trek.
If you have limited mobility, you can also hire a ‘gorilla chair’ and the porters can carry you through the jungle on your gorilla trekking journey – There is absolutely no reason why anyone, irrespective of their abilities, should miss out on this truly extraordinary experience.
WHICH IS BETTER FOR GORILLA TREKKING – UGANDA OR RWANDA?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are renowned for their bucket-list worthy gorilla trekking experiences, offering visitors spectacular sightings of these remarkable and critically endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
However, in the great Uganda vs. Rwanda Mountain Gorilla battle, Rwanda claims the title of being Africa’s most accessible gorilla trekking destination. Not only is Rwanda smaller than Uganda (which means there is less square footage for the mountain gorillas to roam), the mountain gorillas in Rwanda are deemed easier to trek, spot, and get to than the Ugandan mountain gorillas. Rwanda also has more than twice the number of habituated mountain gorilla groups than Uganda and so permits are generally more easily available.
**Important Note: In order for you to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and/or Rwanda you need to apply for a gorilla trekking permit. These permits can be rather costly. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit various from one country to the next.
HOW TO BOOK GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS IN RWANDA
In order to apply for and book your gorilla trekking permits independently, you can do so through the following channels.
You can arrange, purchase, and secure your Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Permit independently via the IREMBO website. Alternatively, you can email the Rwandan Development Board on [email protected].
Similar to Uganda, if you are booking your Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit via a company or on a tour, your chosen tour operator will navigate the entire process for you.
RWANDAIS BEST FOR TRAVELER TYPES WHO…
If you have limited time to travel, then Rwanda is exactly where you need to go to see gorillas in Africa. You can simply land in Kigali, be driven to your lodge, go mountain gorilla trekking the next day and leave for the airport the following morning. This way it’s possible for you to wrap up your gorilla trekking trip in five days or less.
Best Places To See Gorillas In The Wild
Here is a guide outlining where the best places in Africa are to see gorillas in the wild:
Uganda
Rwanda
Congo
Gorilla Species
Mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas
Western lowland gorillas
Best gorilla trekking destination
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Best time to go
All year round, but driest from June to September and December to February
All year round, but driest from June to September and December to February
All year round, but driest from June to September and December to February
Trekking time
Up to 5 hours, depending on weather, fitness levels of guests, and proximity of gorilla families
Up to 5 hours, depending on weather, fitness levels of guests, and proximity of gorilla families
Up to 5 hours, depending on weather, fitness levels of guests, and proximity of gorilla families
Trekking terrain
Hiking at altitude through thick forested slopes
Hiking at altitude through thick forested slopes
Hiking on ground level through thick rainforest
Time allowed with gorillas (excluding trekking time)
https://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/How-to-Go-Gorilla-Trekking-in-Uganda-4.jpg10801920Bianca Bungehttps://secretafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Secret-Africa-Landscape-Logo-SM-AFRICANEW.pngBianca Bunge2022-07-05 09:30:012022-07-28 16:57:56How To Go Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda
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