At Virunga Gorilla Tours, our safaris and tours are conducted in regional destinations to explore the breathtaking wildlife, adventure and cultural experiences in East and Central Africa. Our major tourist destinations include Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and DR Congo.
Uganda
Uganda, popularly known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is mostly appealing to primate and wildlife lovers. The country is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas which are found in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Majority of Uganda’s gorilla trekking tours take place in Bwindi which has over 20 habituated gorilla groups.
Kibale National park has also got over 12 primate species including a huge population of chimpanzees. The park is famously known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy thrilling game drives in Uganda savannah parks such as Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park and Lake Mburo national park. Visitors to these parks get a chance to encounter all the the Africa “Big Five,” including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros in large numbers alongside a variety of other wildlife species and birds.
Uganda is also not short of adventure experiences with breathtaking encounters like white-water rafting and kayaking at the source of the Nile river in Jinja. Mountain climbing at the Rwenzori, the third-highest mountain in Africa is also organised for serious hikers who want to explore its snow-capped peaks. With dozens of tribes across the country, visitors have a chance to explore Uganda’s diverse culture. The country has a variety of cultural and historical centres/sites located right from the capital Kampala to all other parts where you can visit and learn about its amazing history and traditions. Read more…
Rwanda
Rwanda, commonly known as the “Land of A Thousand Hills,” though tiny in the heart of Africa, has earned her reputation among travellers as one of the most attractive destinations in Africa. Just like neighbouring Uganda, Rwanda offers a mixture of primates, wildlife and cultural encounters to her visitors though the country is seen as more of a high-end destruction.
Majority of visitors to Rwanda go for the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park as well as other wildlife encounters like chimpanzee tracking and game viewing in Nyungwe national park and Akagera national park respectively. Cultural and historical tours are also very pronounced in Rwanda especially the visits to several genocide memorials across the country including in the capital Kigali. Visiting the Gorilla Guardian Village near Volcanoes national park also offers an insight into culture and the human-animal relationship in terms of conservation.
Rwanda has also positioned herself as the best destination in East Africa for international conferences, meetings, concerts and sports events due to the modern infrastructure put in place. These include beautiful and world class facilities like the Kigali Convention Centre, BK Arena and Amahoro National Stadium all located in the capital Kigali. Read more…
Kenya
Kenya is mostly known as a safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts across the world. With vast savannah parks across the country such as the magnificent Masai Mara which features the breathtaking wildebeest migration every year, Kenya remains as one of the best safari destinations in the world. The country is one of the few destinations in the region which offer hot air balloon safaris giving visitors a unique aerial view of hundreds of wildlife species at once.
In addition to wildlife, Kenya is also a rich cultural destination with over 40 tribes which over a diverse cultural experience to her visitors. Nairobi national park located just 7-8km from the city centre gives Kenya one of the most easily accessible national parks in the world. Visitors to the park can see four of the five big five big game including lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes. Other species in the park include cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, over 400 bird species, among others. Read more…
Tanzania
Tanzania, just like neighbouring Kenya has built a reputation as one of the best safari destinations in the world. Blessed with dozens of vast savannah parks such as the magnificent Serengeti, the country continues to attract millions of wildlife enthusiasts. The great annual migration of wildebeests originates from the Serengeti where thousands get a chance to take their first glimpse of this phenomenal.
Tanzania’s popular “Northern Circuit” safaris involve viewing the great migration in the Serengeti, visiting the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, hiking the Kilimanjaro and exploring the tropical beaches of Zanzibar. Like other East African destinations, Tanzania is also rich in cultural experiences which include visiting the amazing Masai people, local markets in Dar es Salaam, among others. Read more…
DR Congo
Although often not included on the regional itineraries due political instabilities in the Eastern part, DR Congo remains as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Africa. The country is blessed with unique wildlife species such as the lowland gorilla found in Kahuzi-Biega national park. DR Congo also shares the Virunga Mountains range with Rwanda and Uganda, a conservation area known for protecting endangered species such as mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Mountain gorillas in Congo are found in Virunga national park in the eastern part of the country. Read more…