See Chimps in Tanzania
Tanzania remains one of the best destinations in the world to see chimpanzees and the Mahale National Park is a unique location for such a special encounter. Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Tanganyika, the park is a protected area for chimps and is home to around 1,700, including the Mimikire clan or M-group, a group of around 56 chimps who have become accustomed to humans.
With the park only accessible by boat, arrival is a memorable experience, with forest covered mountains tumbling to the white sand shores of the lake, the peak of Mount Nkungwe just visible through the mist, and the soundtrack of the forest wildlife to welcome you.
Plan a trip between July and October (dry season) for the best opportunity to spot chimpanzees. Stay at Greystoke Mahale, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, to enjoy some of the best chimp tracking in Africa.
Track Gorillas in Rwanda
One of life’s richest encounters is coming face to face with majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Covering 62 square miles of lush rainforest, Volcanoes National Park is home to no less than 12 groups. Gorilla trekking is not for everyone; there are minimum age requirements (no guests under the age of 15) and visitors are expected to have a good level of fitness for the trek, which winds through dense vegetation across steep inclines. But, when the ranger slows the group to a stop and the first glimpse of the troop is in sight, it’s a heart-stopping moment. Thanks to much of our DNA being linked, their human-like movements are compellingly familiar and the privilege of being so close is not wasted on anyone.
Permits are required and vary in cost depending on the season with a percentage of the fee going to local conservation projects. Whilst here visit the Karisoke Research Centre, founded in 1967 by the legendary Dian Fossey.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge sits in 7,000 acres of protected land and is the perfect base for a gorilla safari. Learn more about the gorillas in the lodge’s conservation lounge and enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients grown on site.
The Great Migration in Tanzania
While wildebeest are constantly moving across the African plains in a never-ending circle of life, the most dramatic movement occurs in the dry season (in July) when vast herds cross the Grumeti River in search of water and grassland in the Maasai Mara to the north. Numbers in excess of one million make this the largest animal migration in the world, even visible from space. Securing a ringside seat for this once-in-a-lifetime experience requires planning, with lodges and camps filling at least a year in advance. The thousands of thundering hooves which pound across the river can almost be felt at Serians Serengeti North Camp due to its perfect location.
See the Big Five in Kenya
One of the best places to witness the Big Five – lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard – on a Kenyan safari adventure is the iconic Maasai Mara. An early start is necessary as dawn is when wildlife is at its most active, before the heat of the day makes hunting impossible. You’ll be awoken before the sun rises to hop into a 4WD with a private driver guide and watch as the savannah wildlife, big and small, ventures to waterholes to slake their thirst. For a view of the plains unlike any other, take to the skies in a hot air balloon from Little Governors’ Camp. Or, experience the thrill of a safari free from the confines of a vehicle on a riding safari.
Rekero Camp is a great place for getting a ringside seat for the great migration due to its proximity to the wildebeest crossing point on the Talek River.
Fly Camping in the African Bush
For a real back-to-nature experience, sleep out under the constellations with just the simplest of essentials. Fly camping usually forms part of a walking safari experience, with a guide and ranger to accompany you. Standards of comfort can vary from just a sleeping bag, mosquito net and campfire for cooking for the very intrepid, to mobile camps with comfortable tents equipped with mattresses, cushions and hot water bottles pitched ready for your arrival.
Serian’s Nkorombo Mobile Camp is beautifully located next to the Mara River, where rhino, hippos and lion are regularly sighted. In Tanzania, fly-camping can be enjoyed on the Selous Game Reserve and Tarangire National Park, the latter known for its herds of elephant; in the Ruaha National Park, Jongomero Camp organises rewarding fly-camping experiences.
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July 2022