Tag: Africa

murchison-falls
AfricaGate 1 ConnectionsRegions

A Wildlife Exploration Through Uganda

on February 15, 2022

Nestled into Africa’s cocoon of visually stunning countries is Uganda, home to diverse species and natural wonders. A variety of travel experiences are open for tourists within these borders, with active travel making up a significant portion of its magnetism. A visit to Uganda calls for an intentional pursuit of the wildlife explorations available at the tip of one’s fingers.

Throughout our 11-day tour, travelers will engage in the following immersive activities, many of which require a high level of fitness. Gain a preview of this action-packed tour of Uganda below!

A Date With the Nile

The Nile River is one of the most exalted natural wonders of this world. The name itself is enough to make one stop in their tracks, as it brings an image to mind of the globe’s supposedly longest river. During a wildlife exploration through Uganda, guests will be able to experience this famed attraction in a myriad of ways.

Upon first arriving at Murchison Falls National Park, tourists can ascend to the top of Murchison Falls, a cascading waterfall rushing through two closely-meeting rocks and flowing into Lake Albert. Perch yourself at the top of these rapids to gain an incomparable view of the landscape below.

A date with the Nile wouldn’t be complete without stepping foot on a boat cruise down the famed waterway. Sail down this channel for a mesmeric look at its inhabitants – the burly hippo and crocodile that rest in its sandbanks. As you voyage ahead, you’ll be greeted by sights of various species approaching the river for some refreshment. Time will seem to stand still as you come to terms with the wonderful reality you find yourself in.

While in the region, many individuals embark on a game drive through the national park to spot additional wildlife waiting in the wings.

Tracking Chimps in Kibale

Uganda is home to a lush rainforest accomodating a large population of chimpanzees. Found in Kibale National Park, these curious primates roam the terrain and mingle in the trees during their daily meandering. Given the high chances of sighting these primates in the wild, Uganda has become a popular tourist destination for adventurers bearing this goal.

As you pass through jungly terrain and hear calls of the wild ring through your eardrums, you’ll want to immerse yourself fully in the otherworldly environment you find yourself in. You’ll have a good two or three hours to do so as the trek passes through miles of luscious greenery.

A Diverse Encounter With Queen Elizabeth National Park

Embody your inner ranger by venturing into Queen Elizabeth National Park for a traditional game drive. On this traditional safari, you’ll experience savanna plains, lakes, primates, large-bodied land animals, and hundreds of birds. Existing as one of the most diverse safari locations in the world, given its seemingly contrasting ecosystems and its wide array of wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a countrywide treasure for local Ugandans.

Within the same park, its guides offer a twice-daily Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This attractive feature invites visitors to gain a unique insight into the less accessible regions of the park. From onboard, tourists are able to spot hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds that make up this special ecosystem.

Making Memories One Gorilla at a Time

As if spotting chimpanzees wasn’t enough of an adrenaline rush, a wildlife exploration through Uganda would not be complete without embarking on an acclaimed gorilla trek. Living large in the vibrant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is none other than the mountain gorilla, a powerful primate that also happens to be endangered. About half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas reside in this sanctuary, giving a dose of joy to individuals who are lucky enough to see them in person.

In an effort to protect this species, only a limited number of viewing permits are available for those who wish to commence this on-foot journey. Our tour takes care of the permits, giving travelers one less task to worry about.

This coveted gorilla trek is not for the faint of heart, as it is not unusual for this expedition to take nearly seven hours. From the start of the trek, it may take hours to spot one gorilla family. After this lucky spotting, you’ll be granted an hour to observe these primates in their natural habitat, enjoying their lives as they should. With only approximately 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, you can count yourself among the fortunate for having immersed yourself in their natural habitat during your lifetime.

This incredibly immersive experience is the grand conclusion to a life-changing wildlife expedition through Uganda. Upon returning home, you likely won’t be able to refrain from telling everyone from your closest friend to a complete stranger about the natural wonders and rare wildlife sightings you experienced in this diverse country.

Kenya Elephants
AfricaGate 1 ConnectionsRegionsTravel Tips

A Thrilling Safari in Kenya: Where to Go and How to Do It

on February 15, 2022

Picture large umbrella trees with a backdrop canvas of a fiery sunset. Before the landscape sinks into this twilight, a wide array of African wildlife spends their day scattered throughout the terrain, spotted by tourists in this immersive scene.

While this picturesque scenery may at first only seem likely while in a dream-like state of mind, Eastern Africa’s territories are the tangible inspiration for this realm of wanderlust. In planning one’s trip to this decorative land, most individuals aspire to embark on a thrilling safari.

Making up the country of Kenya are 54 national parks and game reserves, giving tourists a network of Kenyan safari options to choose from on their travels. We’ve rounded up some of the best safari options and crucial tips for journeying through this region.

Where to Go On a Safari in Kenya

Upon picturing a safari, most people do not expect to cross paths with pink masses of flamingos famously balancing on one leg. However, this powerful image is exactly what is witnessed on a game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. In what consists of a soda lake, countless bird species, black and white rhinos, and other diverse mammals, this national wonder speaks to the incredible range of African scenery.

As you look out over the haven, shift your attention to the layers of colors, from a foundation of sage grass to ash gray rhinos feasting on its nutrients. Look up further to find a row of soft pink flamingos and a top layer of color in the blue lake. This impressive medley of colors is only the beginning of Kenya’s beautiful safari offerings.

Southwest of this impressive lake is none other than Maasai Mara National Reserve, a preserved savanna bordering Tanzania. A safari in this reserve will expose you to the sights you may typically picture when imagining this type of pilgrimage. Drive through golden hues under the warmth of the sun in search of striking wildlife. Expect to see zebras, elephants, hippos, lions, and cheetahs traversing through these wide-open spaces alongside your open-air vehicle.

In search of additional beauty, make a point to travel eastward to Amboseli National Park. Here, you’ll commence a safari like none other, primarily passing by packs of majestic elephants and other safari animals. Aside from the guaranteed elephant sightings, however, locals and tourists alike are stunned by the views of Mount Kiliminjaro and its snowy peak in the distance.

While reaching above the clouds and fog, the pinnacle creates a captivating cool-toned backdrop to the contrasting warm colors the sun bestows upon the terrain. Noted as the home of the African elephant, Amboseli National Park does not skim on splendor. Because of these massive attractions, the park has become one of Kenya’s premier destinations for safaris and wildlife viewing.

A Bonus Across the Border

Although not technically in Kenya, Serengeti National Park is a popular safari destination, just over the border and in close proximity to Maasai Mara National Park. The Serengeti is a hotspot for African wildlife and the inspiration for numerous documentaries and magazine covers. Often the setting of notable African sunset photography captured by lensmen, Serengeti National Park paints a beautiful picture for its visitors and the fauna that call this region home. These views are well worth the journey over the border, as a safari here unmasks unspoiled beauty that stands the test of time.

How to Do a Kenyan Safari

Many game parks in Africa give an option for self-driving. While this may appeal to locals and experienced tour guides, tourists will likely have a much more enjoyable time exploring these zones through embarking on a guided tour with trained professionals who know the landscape and have studied the animals’ patterns.

A safari’s schedule can differ from one day to the next, as animals do not follow the same time-restricted patterns that humanity has incorporated into its daily life. This type of travel will teach you the art of flexibility, although your tour guide will likely know the hotspots for sighting these creatures.

It is arguably the best route to choose a typical land-led safari in a four-wheel drive, open-sided vehicle. An experienced guide will navigate through this new environment so that your only worry is whether you remember to pack the correct camera lens or not. Choosing this approach to a safari will allow you to keep your eyes peeled for the eccentric wildlife you don’t normally see on a daily basis. On an extended safari tour like our trips offer, in which several days will be spent engaging in game viewing, the guides will have previously handpicked the best destinations and viewing times for unearthing Eastern Africa’s marvels.

Existing as an additional option is a hot air balloon safari, which is offered in select parks. These sunrise escapades provide a birds-eye view of the landscape and the animals’ morning habits. It makes for an excellent add-on to one’s safari experience, as sightseers will be able to observe a new perspective of the plains and celebrate their landing with a champagne breakfast.

AfricaTravel Tips

Virtual Travel Day 1: Morocco

on June 9, 2020

Since we can’t travel right now, we thought we’d check-in with one of our videographers and get his take on some of his favorite videos. Enjoy the first in this series, from Larry, one of our videographers:

Over the past 5 years, I’ve traveled on forty-five Gate 1 trips around the world as a videographer for Gate 1. I film the trips, interview the guests and edit the final video as a one-person film crew.

For me, these videos are very personal because every one of these shots has a memory associated with it. Whether it’s the local person I filmed or getting up at 4 am to go film a sunrise or the laughs I had with my fellow travelers. If you’ve been on a Gate 1 tour then you know how quickly you the group becomes like a family. I miss that connection.  

If you’re like me and you ache to travel again, I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the videos I’ve made and some of the experiences I had making the video.  Sort of a virtual vacation for the soul until we can travel again.   Today I will share with you a Discovery trip I filmed in Morocco.  Morocco is one of my favorite destinations in the world and is a paradise for any photographer. Each day, you feel like you are traveling through a movie set. The real challenge is having too many options for great shots and figuring out what you should focus on. So many rich colors and the architecture is incredible.  One of my fondest moment from this trip was our time in the Sahara desert. To film the camel ride through the Sahara desert I had to run alongside the people as they rode, which was one step forward and half a step back in the sand. And then there was the entertainment that night by the locals and the stars over our camp in a sky too big to fit your eyes around and the peaceful calm of the sunrise and filming the men walking their camels across the dunes, the sun rising behind them. It was as exhausting as it was thrilling to be filming it all.

Enjoy the video!

-Larry

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

Giraffes of the Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya

on January 3, 2020

If you are interested in seeing nature at its finest, then a visit to Kenya will not disappoint. The Maasai Mara National Park is a 580 square mile reserve encompassing plains, hills and rivers and is one of the largest reserves in the country. It is also the location of the famous Wildebeest migration that happens annually when the animals traverse through the plains. Find animals here such as lions, cheetahs, hippos, zebras, elephants, giraffes and so much more.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @cmpabroad using the hashtag #gate1travel. This stunning view was captured in Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Kenya trips here! 

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Morocco; Land of Sand and Sea

on September 11, 2019

Souks, kasbahs and ksars, oh my! Morocco is a magnificent country filled with reasons to visit that have long enticed visitors to this fabled country. With Gate 1 in Morocco, visit imperial cities with grand architecture and the High Atlas Mountains that have housed Berber tribes for centuries. Souks, or a market or bazaar, bustle with people looking to shop and walk around. Kasbahs, or the citadels of ancient cities, often protected the leader when the city was under attack. The ksar, or a Berber village or castle, rise from the sands like other worldly lodgings. See all of these unique Moroccan sights and so much more when traveling to Morocco with Gate 1.

Fez, Marrakesh & Rabat; Three Imperial Cities

Of Morocco’s four historic imperial capitals Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat & Meknes, Gate 1 Travel visits three: Fez, Marrakesh and Rabat. Fez, or the “Athens of North Africa” is teaming with sophistication and amazing history. It is also the second largest city in population after Casablanca and was the capital of the country for over 400 years. Visit highlights of this great city including; The University of Al Karaouine, the oldest university in the world; the Al-Attarine Madrasa, an excellent example of Islamic architecture; and the Nejjarine Fountains and Museum, a traditional fountain for caravans. The favorite site for many in Fez is the Fes el Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marketplace is thought to be one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, on par with Venice, making it ideal for a stroll. Find brass and leather goods, lush carpets, handmade slippers, and so much more at the medina. Just a short drive from Fez, the magnificent ruins of Volubilis reveal the ancient streets where Romans and Berbers once thrived and traded goods. Explore original preserved mosaics, a Roman Road and the city layout. Follow along the Moroccan countryside and pass by the Holy City of Moulay Idriss for a perfect photo op.

Depart for Marrakesh and enjoy the ever-changing Moroccan landscape with valleys and the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Arrive in Marrakesh and visit the Saadian Tombs that date back to the 16th century. This is where the Saadian royalty can be found in their final resting place. Stop by the Koutoubia Minaret and the Bahaia palace on a city tour of marvelous Marrakesh. Next visit the Djemaa El Fna Square that encompasses the culture and personality of this lively city. As evening sets in, this place becomes a thrilling blend of snake charmers, fire eaters, kebab stalls and much more! It is a great place to explore during free time and experience all things Morocco.

Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, has been cited as one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. A walk through the Oudaya Kasbah and you will understand why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by the Almohad Empire in the 12th and 13th centuries and houses a palace, mosque and cobbled lanes. Nearby, the incomplete mosque has the Hassan Tower as its centerpiece. The mosque and its tower were intended to be the largest of their kind in the world when they were begun in 1195. The impressive ruins of the Chellah, Muslim necropolis, stretch even further back in time, to the days of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. It is now overgrown elegantly with fruit trees and wild flowers.

Rissani, Sijilmasa and Ouarzazate; Cities from the Sands

The Sahara often comes to mind when dreaming of travel to Morocco. Gate 1 introduces you to this spellbinding region where the regal Atlas Mountains taper off into sand dunes. On the road from Fez to Erfoud, you will witness some of Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes including the montane cedar woods that lead into the Middle Atlas Mountains and the lush Ziz Valley. Depending on your itinerary, you may even stop at a fossil factory to learn more about this unique activity which is famous in this area. Stop in Rissani, a town that balances mountains and desert and was once a busy caravan stop. Stop at the bustling souk here and also visit an 18th century ksar. Next visit the former Berber city of Sijilmasa with its storied trading town history.

Continue your journey and view some of the world’s most dramatic canyons that cut through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit the Todra Palmeraie Gorge that towers to 800 feet and then to the Dades Canyons before continuing on to the road of one thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate.

The medieval desert village of Ouarzazate, or “without noise” in Berber, is so well preserved that it has become the perfect movie location when an ancient town is needed. Ouarzazate is home to a 12th-century Taourirt village that is still inhabited today that you will visit. Nearby is Ait Benhaddou that is comprised of six kasbahs and fifty ksars. It has also had its fair share of film crews scouring its streets for the perfect shot. While here, take note of the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site before you and how it has inspired many film makers. Some of the movies and TV shows shot here include Game of Thrones, the Mummy, Gladiator, Babel and Prince of Persia.

Casablanca, Agadir & Essaouira; Morocco’s Coastal Gems

Speaking of film sets, Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most visited cities because of its setting for the classic movie of the same name. This commercial heart of Morocco lies on the coast of the country and set aside the beautiful Corniche seaside. Visit the incredible example of Moorish Revival architecture that is the Hassan II Mosque. It is Africa’s second largest mosque and the fifth largest in the world. It also boasts the second tallest minaret in the world at just under 700 feet! Built partly on the sea, the mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in its courtyard.

Further south, the resort town of Agadir is at the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. View the beaches of this former fishing village as well as the hilltop ruins of the old kasbah, a beautiful site.

Essaouira, formerly Mogador, is possibly Morocco’s most picturesque coastal city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of a typical North African fortified town, with its preserved walls, medina and bright blue fishing boats. Walk along the city’s ramparts just north of Moulay Hassan Square where artists sell their paintings. Continue on to the Skala de la Ville, the fortification built along the cliffs that once defended the city from sea attacks. It now provides visitors with an excellent view of the port and the picture-perfect bright blue boats. Stroll through the medina where artisans and craftsmen have practiced their trades for hundreds of years.

Quality and value go hand in hand in Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco. Enjoy restaurants that introduce you to a newly refined take on Moroccan cuisine, and some of the country’s finest hotels. What’s more, our Tour Managers are among the most experienced and insightful around, with a boundless national pride that you’ll find contagious. Simply put, there is no other way to experience Morocco to its fullest than with Gate 1 Travel!

To reserve your Morocco trip today, just follow this link!

Please Note: Sightseeing varies per itinerary.

AfricaSmall Group Discoveries

The Great Migration

on August 17, 2019

“The only beginning is the moment of birth” writes East African author Jonathan Scott of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders: the wildebeest migration.

Many people imagine that a migration has a start and an end point. But for 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeest—and their supporting cast of 350,000 Thomson’s gazelle, 200,000 zebra, and 12,000 eland—the endless loop through the Serengeti and the neighboring Masai Mara literally never ends.

Like with every other beast in Africa, their behavior is driven by the search for food and water. This great mass of ungulates chase the cycle of rain from plain to plain, feeding on newly grown grass and quenching their thirst in newly fed streams and rivers. Naturalists say that this constant chase is the only predictable thing about the great migration, its exact route varies year to year, which is often a disappointment for safari-goers who long to witness this phenomenon.

It’s hard to believe that even a gathering of almost 2 million can be hard to come across but it’s all thanks to the massive stage across which the migration unfolds. Its 15,000 square miles, known collectively as the Serengeti Ecosystem, stretches from the Ngorongoro Crater, westward through the Serengeti, and into the Masai Mara in Kenya.

During January and February of every year, 300,000 to 400,000 calves begin their endless journey right out of the womb. Incredibly, the newborn can walk within just two to three minutes after birth. It gets its bearings enough to run with the herd within just five minutes. This birthing period lays out a buffet for predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Luckily, the huge numbers work in the wildebeests’ favor. There are far too many calves to go around, so most of them survive.

After birthing, the epic journey continues its endless cycle for the adults, but it’s just beginning for the newborns. Scientists aren’t exactly sure what guides the wildebeests toward the growth of new grass and sources of water. Some believe they react to thunder and lightning in the distance. Over millennia, they have learned that where there’s thunder, there’s rain and food. Others go deeper than this, pointing instead to an instinct etched into their DNA over countless generations. The herd as a collective whole has learned where food sources are abundant and where they are lacking. Basically, the wildebeests know where to go and where not to go.

They go where the land is fertile and teeming with life and nutrients. Generally, they follow a clockwise circuit from the southern Serengeti westward to Lake Victoria, where more than half a million cows mate within just a few weeks during May and June. As they head north into Kenya and the Masai Mara, they’re met with some of their most treacherous obstacles: the annual torrential swelling of the Mbalangeti, Grumeti, and Mara rivers. Wildebeest not only fear the water itself, but also what may lurk beneath its surface and amidst the vegetation on the rivers’ banks.

Scientists know that wildebeests fear the water because they’ve observed a great hesitation from them in crossing. Their numbers might build up by the tens of thousands on a river’s bank before they have no choice but to forge ahead. Then one of the greatest dramas in Africa plays out as crocodiles lunge and thrash for their meals, or as the weaker wildebeest are caught by the river’s current and washed away to their deaths. It may seem tragic that hundreds or even thousands are lost, but without this natural cycle, the wildebeest population would explode to unmanageable numbers in just a matter of a few years.

Come October, the herd has come full circle across the Masai Mara and back south into the Serengeti. Cows are heavy with calves waiting to enter the world. And the cycle begins anew. Come experience this incredible act of nature and see these incredible animals in the wild with Discovery Tours on the 11 Day The Serengeti & Beyond: A Tanzania Safari.

AfricaSmall Group Discoveries

A Discovery Tours Tanzania Safari Primer

on August 14, 2019

Many first-timers have lots of questions as their safari draws near. We invite you to review the Trip Preparation tab for our Serengeti & Beyond: A Tanzania Safari. In the meantime, we want to share with you what a typical safari day looks like, bearing in mind that the structure of your day will vary by exact itinerary and lodging you are staying at. We also be sure to share some safari-specific tips that will make your adventure safe and comfortable:

A Typical Safari Day

With years of experience, Discovery Tours driver-guides have learned where animals tend to gather, though they can never guarantee consistent sightings. One thing is certain, though: the thrill of any African safari is in the search. It also helps that the parks of Tanzania are graced with some of the most sweeping and spectacular vistas on the planet.

Rise and Shine

Wildlife is most active in the early morning hours, so we’re sure to get out and explore as soon as we can. On some mornings, we even squeeze in a game drive before breakfast, then return to our camp or lodge for a satisfying meal.

Break for Lunch & Relaxing

During full-day game drives, your driver-guides prepare a picnic that you’ll enjoy out in the bush. There’s something truly special about savoring a meal while scanning the plains for elephants or giraffes in the distance. If we’re only out for the morning, we return to the camp or lodge for lunch. Often, we spend a few hours at camp to avoid the hottest part of the day—a great chance to do some journaling or relaxing between adventures.

Close the Day with a Drink

It’s a long-held safari tradition: sharing a drink in the bush with fellow adventurers at the close of a thrilling day. Our driver-guides know the best spots to break out the cooler and mix some drinks or uncork a bottle. After lingering over a drink or two, we return to the camp or lodge for the night.

Helpful Safari Tips

1. There’s no need to buy new clothes. Unless bright and vivid colors are the only hues that hang in your closet, you probably have what you need for safari. Wear earthen tones during game drives; and if color is a must for you, keep it muted. You will want these neutral colors that adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Remember also to keep comfort in mind. Breathable, cozy outfits are an excellent choice for safari days.

2. Don’t fear the mosquito. The malaria mosquito is nocturnal. Even then, they don’t like moving air, so keep the ceiling fan blowing in your room. And remember that most bug-repellant clothing is not breathable, so use spray instead.

3. Repel the tsetse fly with your wardrobe. Navy blue and black attract the tsetse fly. Consider this when packing clothes and keep in mind earthen tones from tip #1.

4. We won’t be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro but… the crater rim surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater lies at about 7,500 feet above sea level and might cause some discomfort if you’re sensitive to altitude changes. If you’re affected, then avoid over-exertion, drink plenty of water, and eat lightly.

5. Be a welcome guest, not a loud and smelly one. Remember that we are guests in the animals’ home. During safari, avoid making loud noises, eating, or other behavior that will distract the animals. And because animals’ senses of smell are so strong, leave your perfume and cologne at home.

6. Protect your skin. Tanzania is near the equator, so the sun is strong here year-round.  Pack plenty of sunscreen and apply it liberally and often. One bad sunburn can ruin your whole trip and you do not want to be hurting during your trip to incredible Tanzania.

7. Take a break, and bring your humility. The savannas and forests of Africa do not have public bathrooms. When we stop for bathroom breaks, men retreat behind one shrub and women behind another. Be prepared.

8. Don’t over-vaccinate. Consult your doctor or travel clinic to make sure, but typically malaria and yellow fever shots are all you’ll need. See your doctor or travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your scheduled departure.

9. Bring cash for visas. Tanzania requires a visa for entry into the country. The cost is $100 U.S. cash. Though you may purchase it at the Kilimanjaro Airport upon your arrival, we strongly recommend you acquire it in advance. To pre-purchase a visa, contact the Embassy of Tanzania, 1232 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, telephone (202) 884-1080. More information can be found here: https://www.gate1travel.com/visas

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

The Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

on July 5, 2019

Sometimes adventure comes calling and the allure is irresistible. In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, you have the chance to come face to face with the endangered Bwindi gorillas that reside here. You will be guided through the terrain of the rain forest in search of one of the park’s gorilla families. When you find them, you will be in awe of these smart, incredible primates and will view them playing, eating and preening. This unique memory will last a lifetime and your time with the gorillas will be unforgettable.

Please note: Viewing of the Gorillas is not guaranteed

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @gfbflash using the hashtag #gate1travel. This primate picture was taken in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Uganda trips here! 

AfricaGate 1 Connections

East Africa: Natural Wonders and Epic Wildlife

on May 12, 2019

The eastern coast of the African continent is a pure and largely untarnished region that not only contains some of the most fascinating creatures and thrilling landscapes in the entire world but is also not overrun with visitors like some of its more popular counterparts. Eastern Africa consists of sub-Saharan countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the islands of Zanzibar, part of Tanzania. The region is world-renowned for its incredible landscapes including some of the highest points in the world, like Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Seas, valleys, lakes and coastal plains can all be found here as well.

The climate in this region is tropical for the most part but the average temperatures are slightly reduced due to the high elevations in the area. Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya all receive ample rainfall during the year and thanks to this, they have plentiful grasslands and woodlands that draw in some of the world’s most fascinating beasts. Wildlife is found here in abundance and there is no place on earth quite like it. Where else could you find zebras, gazelles, lions, hyenas and leopards all in one place?

If going on a safari is your dream vacation, visiting Eastern Africa is a must for you. No other place allows you to get this close to these majestic animals in their natural habitats.

Kenya, Land of the Wild:

Kenya is among the top countries in the world a life-changing safari experience. If seeing the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo) is part of your bucket list, it is time to make it a reality in Kenya.

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, the country’s largest city and most likely the city you will arrive in to start your expedition. Discover this gateway to your safari that is home to over 3 million people. Nairobi is one of the most modernized cities in the entire continent and has a plethora of things to see. Enjoy a visit to the famed farm of Karen Blixen, the author of “Out of Africa.” Continue to the Giraffe Centre where you will stand on an elevated platform and hand-feed the Rothschild Giraffes. This species of giraffe is only found on the grasslands of Eastern Africa. Here you will learn more about them and the breeding conservation being done to help this endangered species.

To the north is Samburu National Park, a fascinating reserve known for its strange and unique species including the beisa oryx and gerenuk. Learn more about the Samburu tribe that calls this area home and the difference between them and the Maasai tribe. While both tribes have their origins in the Maa language, the Samburu live north of the equator and embrace a nomadic lifestyle while the Maasai live south of the equator and are known for their iconic dress and culture.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous safari parks for spectacular game viewing and will not disappoint. Located in the southwest corner of Kenya, its name is derived from the local Maa language for which “Mara” means spotted. Spotted describes the land of the park which is scattered with thorn trees and dispersed with animals. See the stunning wildlife in the park including lions, rhinos, elephants, gazelles and hippos. The Masai Mara is a must visit to try and spot animals that are on your “Big Five” checklist.

Tanzania, the Safari Champion:

If you have already traveled to Eastern Africa to visit Kenya, you might as well stay for the underrated gem that is Tanzania. Kenya may be the country more famous for safari experiences but Tanzania easily keeps up.

Explore Tarangire National Park which contains the Tarangire River, the only fresh water supply for the Maasai people and their land during the dry season. Because of the fresh-water river, a huge diversity of wildlife comes to drink and look for food. This includes elephant, giraffe, buffalo, eland, lion, rhino and cheetah, to name a few. Get your camera charged because you will love taking pictures not only of the animals by the river but the distinguished baobab tree silhouetted against the savanna landscape. Take in this site because it is unique to Africa.

Lake Manyara is another location home to a diverse ecosystem that depends on a fresh-water source. At the lake, find monkeys, elephants and bright pink flamingos drinking from the water. If bird watching is more your thing, there are over 400 species here – so bring your binoculars.

One of the most important sanctuaries for wildlife in the entire world, the Serengeti National Park, is found in Tanzania. Welcome to the park that houses the largest concentration of animals in the entire continent. Wildlife may bring you to this park initially but you will be amazed at the amount of geological wonders, including kopjes, the inspiration for Pride Rock in the Lion King, caves, boulders, grasslands and savannas.

Uganda, Home of the Great Gorilla Trek:

Welcome to your gateway to one of the most unbelievable adventures you can experience in the entire world, trekking among the Bwindi gorillas. You have arrived in the rising star of Africa that is Uganda.

First, visit the Murchison Falls National Park, home to 100 mammal species and over 450 species of bird. Many important international visitors have traveled to this park, including Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt and members of the British Royal family. View this magnificent waterfall that is created by the Nile forcing its way through a gap in the rocks.

A large part of the Nile River is located in Uganda and joins Lake Albert and Lake Victoria here. Along the Ugandan portion of the Nile you will find crocodiles and hippos relaxing along the banks of the river in the sun and looking for food.

Another highlight of your time in Uganda will be your Chimp tracking adventure in Kibale National Park. Your guide will take you on a hike that lasts about 2-3 hours looking for the primates in the lush green forest. Spot these intelligent animals feeding, patrolling, hunting, resting and taking care of their young.

In Bwindi National Park, you will be on the look out for one of the gorilla families that call this park home. Your trek can last anywhere from ½ hour to 7 hours, depending on their location. You will be permitted 1 hour to watch them play, eat and live their lives. This is a truly unique experience and you will never forget your time with these incredible primates in their territory. If you love animals and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime adventures, do not miss this opportunity with Gate 1 Travel.

Zanzibar, The Spice Island of the Indian Ocean:

Zanzibar is not your typical African territory but this island is too fantastic not to talk about! The Zanzibar Archipelago is a small set of islands located off the eastern coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. The main island, Unguja, is commonly referred to as Zanzibar. The archipelago is not actually its own country but rather a semi-autonomous region of the country of Tanzania.

Stone Town is where the majority of people visiting the island pass through and it is an excellent example of an East African cultural hub. Stone Town is also the former hometown of Freddie Mercury and his childhood home is still here. Swahili architecture, mazes of alleyways and historical buildings all await in this traditional city.

Take a guided stroll through the Jozani Forest, the only national park in Zanzibar, and keep your eye out for monkeys, chameleons and many species of bird-life. Keep on high alert for the rare red Colobus monkey and the even more rare Zanzibar Sykes’ monkey while exploring. This forest acts as a natural pharmacy and contains countless remedies. Many of the plants and trees you will see in this park cure a variety of ailments.

En route to the eastern coast of the island you will see Mtoni Palace, one of the oldest structures in the area; explore a lush spice farm, where you will learn how spices are used in medicine and foods; and visit the ancient Persian baths, built by Sultan Seyyid Said for his wife. On the coast, you will notice the incredibly blue water and the beautiful white sand beaches. Zanzibar is an up-and-coming honeymoon destination for couples and a true hidden paradise for anyone who visits.

Eastern Africa is a promising destination for travelers who love nature and it is easy to see why. Unmatched wildlife, photographic landscapes and natural wonders all await you in these countries. Africa contains some of the last unblemished ecosystems on earth. Nowhere else can you see hundreds of different species living their lives together. It truly is a powerful experience that not everyone gets to appreciate. You may even get to enjoy the company of a family of mountain gorilla, some of only a few hundred left in the entire world! Let Gate 1 Travel take you to Eastern Africa and we will make sure all of the details are taken care of. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zanzibar are all waiting – it is time to see what you will find.

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

Hanging with the locals in Boulders Beach, South Africa

on May 3, 2019

Boulders Beach is located on the Cape Town Peninsula and is a short drive from Cape Town, South Africa. It is home to some of the cutest locals in the world; the endangered African Penguin. A colony of the birds settled here in 1982 and have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area since! View the birds within a few feet of their beach habitat and be on the lookout for baby chicks as well.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @slfashe using the hashtag #gate1travel. This adorable scene was taken at Boulders Beach, South Africa. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s South Africa trips here!

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