When people mention African safaris, a must talk is about the big five safari in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya or Tanzania. However after my recent visit to lesser known destinations like Uganda and Rwanda, i have learnt that an Africa safari is today much more than just the big five. There are lots of other amazing adventures that you can enjoy on a safari through the tropic region! With lots of forests and mountains, there are exciting things that are tailored into an African safari!
A safari in Africa today is much bigger than just enjoying game viewing of the big five! There are several animals that you should try to add into your itinerary. One of the thips that top the bucketlist of travelers to East Africa are the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. Watching these rare and endangered great apes whilst on safari will not only make your safari an interesting jouney but also memorable and of a lifetime. Taking a gorilla safari will mean that you will see the “Big Six” – You will enjoy viewing the lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes and the number six; the mountain gorilla? There are fewer than 880 mountain gorillas left in the whole world. These great apes are only found in three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Since the early 1990s, gorilla watching has climbed top among the best adventures to be added on the usual African big five safari and today it is among the top of any complete catalogue of must-see animals in Africa. On safari through Uganda, Rwanda or DR Congo, you will see the spectacular primates of Eastern Africa on a gorilla trekking safari that leads you into the wild tropical rain forests of the Virunga.
If you are looking to something different during your holiday in Africa, seek a truly humbling and affecting experience, try trekking through the dense and tropical jungles of Uganda, high into the mountains of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, or Volcanoes National Park looking for the endangered primates first premiered in the movie “Gorillas in the mist”. On a trek through the forest you will see a ghostly familiar figure; look into the eyes of our long lost ancestor, our evolutionary cousins, the great apes, a moving experience in the wild of Africa!
Though large and strong, the gorillas are peaceful, intelligent, gentle and vulnerable. Coming face to face with these elusive gentle giants is life defining moment. Stay for the night in the depths of the forest, comfortable and secure in your own private camp and in the morning you will be greeted by all the extraordinary sights and sounds of the wild. Uganda is a truly magical moment and one that will make any safari memorable for a lifetime.
