Tanzania and Rwanda: Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Witness tree climbing lions, a rare sight if ever there was one, at northern Tanzania’s Manyara National Park. Manyara National Park occupies a vast area, spread over 330 square kilometers, and has a lake covering 200 square kilometers of this area. Explore the landscape and the rich flora and fauna at the park. Marvel at the African elephant, a zebra, or a majestic cheetah in pursuit of prey. Also train your sights on giraffes, impalas, baboons, buffaloes and monkeys. Observe hippos and crocodiles at the lake habitat. Enjoy some bird watching and catch cormorants and storks in flight. The months between July and October mark the dry season that is ideal for spotting mammals. Visit between November and June for birdwatching.

Drive down to the Ngorongoro Crater floor, with some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa that has in turn engendered one of the highest density of top predators in the continent! Expect some of the best game viewing opportunities here, with herds of zebras, wildebeests, large prides of lions, hyenas and rhinos, among many more animals and birds. Experience breath-taking sightings of massive herds of wildlife set against the volcanic crater and surrounding highlands of Ngorongoro. Enjoy thrilling game drives in this Unesco World Heritage Site, awash in otherworldly aqua shades. Break for a much deserved picnic lunch amid a magical landscape. Relish a generous and scrumptious luncheon spread, before heading back. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Meal included: Picnic lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, binoculars and don’t forget your cameras).

Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.

Explore the stunning beauty, diverse landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Serengeti on morning, afternoon and full day game drives.

Get close to the fine detailing on the canvas of central Serengeti on game drives that offer a spectacular combination of wildlife viewing and bird watching. Setting out twice a day from Dunia camp, these game drives give you a chance to immerse yourself in the African wildlife and experience the serenity among the multitude of animals. Guides with sound expertise will accompany you and give you insights into animal behaviour, without compromising on basic creature comforts. You can watch lions and cheetahs, smaller game, as well as the rare black rhino on a lucky day.

Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.

Explore the state-of-the-art Karisoke Research Center nestled in the heart of mountainous Musanze, your gateway to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Armed with a naturalist guide, learn about the endangered mountain gorillas and their natural habitat, thanks to the longest-running field study of primates here! Get an insight into the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International that continues facilitating research practices, tracking, and conservation efforts including anti-poaching patrols for gorillas across the region. Browse the excellent showcase spread across seven sections, which celebrates the life and work of Dian Fossey through historic photographs, notes, and original artifacts from her cabin. See nose prints, footprints, handprints, and skulls of gorillas, listen to gorilla vocalizations and watch several videos from the project’s timeline. Also, view the Virtual Virungas – an interactive 3D model that projects satellite imagery of Virunga mountains on a bed of sand. Interacting with the staff, stroll about, and expect to spot several other animals in the center’s forested surroundings. (Duration: 30-60 mins; Private activity; Shared transfer. Group size: max 8 ppl; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy.)

Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.

No other wildlife encounter in Africa matches the astounding experience of spending time face-to-face with some of the few remaining wild mountain gorillas. For a gorilla trek you need to be fairly fit for the humid, muddy conditions of a rainforest with high altitude hike. Even in the dry season, the rainforest is a challenging environment: it is humid, wet and muddy with some steep slopes and thick vegetation. If needed, you can hire a porter who carries luggage and assists you during steep or muddy terrain at a fee. It is absolutely worth the effort to spend time with gorillas in the wild, but be prepared to exert yourself on the trek. Your professional guide and tracker lead you into the forest’s secret paths, looking for a habituated gorilla family. Once found, approach the gorillas quietly and settle down to observe them from between 7 and 10m away. You will spend up to one hour with the gorillas, watching the adults forage and groom each other while the babies tumble and play. You will be under the watchful gaze of the great silverback patriarch whose soft brown eyes constantly sweep over his family protectively. Witnessing gorillas express typically human gestures and emotions is a truly profound experience! (Duration: half or full day; Time: morning suggested; Shared activity & transfer. Group size: max 8 ppl; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy; Min. age: 15.)