Tag: Serengeti National Park

Kenyan Food
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A Taste of East Africa: Experience the Culture and Cuisine

on February 21, 2023

No matter where your travels take you, it will be nearly impossible to match the rich culture and cuisine that is found in eastern Africa. For those who have traveled this route, they would agree that this side of Africa has electric energy made even more apparent by its perfectly-posed wildlife and fearless safari leaders.

Needless to say, it is important to get out of your comfort zone on your travels. Eastern Africa does this extremely well, introducing its culture to curious travelers wanting a peek at this side of the continent.

What Is Waiting for You in Terms of Culture

Peruse Local Markets and Historical Sites

While eastern Africa has a wide stretch of open land ideal for wildlife to thrive, it also has been habituated by a lively people group whose culture is evident for all. Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda, is an excellent example of this, with its modern feel connecting current residents to the city’s past. One event, in particular, that is honored here is Rwanda’s genocide, which visitors can learn about in more depth at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Diving deeper into the culture, travelers can stroll through the local craft market to purchase locally-created items ranging from baskets to dolls to bracelets. Support the local economy and learn about the story behind these souvenirs to make your visit even more meaningful.

Peer Into the Lives of Gorillas

Eastern Africa’s culture is very closely tied to its wildlife. You’ll have the chance to learn about this connection more intimately as you embark on a gorilla trek with experienced rangers. Having curated this activity to be as sustainable as possible, visitors are led on a hike lasting up to 7 hours, trekking through the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Many would argue that there is nothing more surreal than camouflaging with your surroundings while searching for a secluded gorilla family. After spotting a family of these great apes, you’ll be allotted an hour to watch them do life, which largely consists of eating and playing.

Say Yes to Monkey Business

Home to the distinguishable and, quite frankly, adorable Golden monkeys is none other than the highland forests of Volcanoes National Park. While you’ll experience a variety of wildlife on this trek, your main purpose is to catch a glimpse of these playful primates. Given their current endangered status, this remarkable experience will be one that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Experience Additional Wildlife on Game Drives

What brings most travelers to Africa is its plethora of safaris promising front-row views to hair-raising wildlife. If this was your motivation to travel to Africa, you’re in luck. Eastern Africa is home to a plethora of reserves and national parks that strive to protect these species while also providing a safe opportunity for foreigners to experience them up close and personal.

A few locations you’ll spot this wildlife in during your game drives include Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Amboseli National Park, and more. Keep your eyes peeled for rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards.

Before you leave, conquer your fear of heights by signing up for a sunrise balloon safari. Elevated above the vast landscape, you’ll be able to spot these majestic creatures from a new angle. If this isn’t convincing enough, you’ll also receive a champagne breakfast upon your safe landing.

What Is Waiting for You in Terms of Cuisine

Sample Local Coffee

Coffee has deep routes in eastern Africa, specifically in Ethiopia. Of course, this phenomenon spread worldwide, but it is still vastly celebrated in its more natural form in Africa. Kigali City in Rwanda has capitalized on this worldwide beverage, serving a sweet and savory flavor in its many coffee shops. During your travels, indulge in coffee the Rwandan way in one of its many aesthetic shops.

Take a Local Cooking Class

When in eastern Africa, you’ll likely feel inspired by the diverse cuisine. Form a deeper connection to the local culture by enrolling in a cooking class to discover how they prepare some of their most renowned dishes. You’ll gain a broad overview of the larger cuisine offerings, creating a bucket list of recipes to indulge in once more before your travels come to an end.

Indulge in These Favorite Dishes

Although your cooking class will provide a great introduction to the region’s famed dishes, there is never any harm in coming prepared with a list of recipes that you can’t leave without trying. One dish that reigns supreme in Kenya is matoke, a mixture of fried bananas, onions, tomatoes, and sauce.

In Tanzania, don’t miss out on a local favorite: mandazi. Bearing the appearance of a beignet sans powdered sugar, mandazi is fried bread that makes for a sugary treat. Some other popular foods to try throughout your trip include ugali, tibs, and mshikaki. Eastern Africa is an influential destination with a mixture of culture, cuisine, and wildlife that never ceases to inspire travelers. The aforementioned activities can all be experienced through our 15-day tour through Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, but there are countless other trips led through eastern Africa that share similarities with this itinerary, all of which are exuding with culture.

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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.

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The Ultimate Kenya and Tanzania Itinerary – Top Places to Visit

on February 14, 2022

Africa contains a beautiful conglomerate of culturally-rich countries and beguiling wildlife worth experiencing in one’s lifetime. Of all the countries to visit in Eastern Africa, Kenya and Tanzania stand out as the crowd favorite, given their abundance of fauna and thrilling scenery. Forming a game plan can be a tad bit overwhelming when visiting this region, which is why we’ve done the work of listing the top places to visit throughout these countries, all of which are included in our ten-day classic tour for this coveted vacation destination.

Lake Elmentaita, Soysambu Conservancy

At the famed Lake Elmentaita, visitors will be stunned by the flocks of bird species gathering by the pink-tinted waters. Some might deduce that this hue is shadowed by the groups of flamingos gathering in its space, but the water actually gets its color from seasonal changes and continual algae growth. This scenic phenomenon pairs well with a game drive through the Soysambu Conservancy, home to 15,000 wild animals and green plains stretching for thousands of acres.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

A large aspect of both Kenya and Tanzania’s magic is the offering of renowned nature reserves. Maasai Mara National Reserve exists as a haven for a plethora of unbothered wildlife. Peer over your shoulder to find prides of lions, female-led elephant herds, hearty rhinos, and animals native to the region.

Up close and personal is often the preferred viewing point for these vast savannahs. To gain a new perspective, however, our tour offers an optional hot air balloon safari. This incomparable experience provides an aerial view of the wildlife as they embark on their daily morning escapades through the vast grasslands.

Karen Blixen Museum & Giraffe Centre

Where the Karen Blixen Museum is now based, there once stood a farm owned by a Danish author by the name of Karen and her husband. Gaining fame upon the release of Karen’s autobiography and the eventual film titled Out of Africa, the farmhouse still garners international attention and honors its historical significance, as it was eventually donated by the Danish government to the Kenyan government as an independence gift. History buffs delight in touring the rooms and grounds, which still bear witness to the property’s past with original equipment from Karen’s coffee farm.

Located in close proximity to the museum is none other than the Giraffe Centre, an established environmental conservation home to the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe. This sanctuary has played a large role in the regrowth of this subspecies, providing grounds for breeding and public education. Visitors have the opportunity to feed these long-necked animals from the palm of their hands while learning about the organization’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Tarangire National Park

Across the border, resting in Tanzania, is the Tarangire National Park, a playground for wild animals and home to august elephant herds. Exploring this countryside during the dry season guarantees a diverse wildlife landscape of elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and buffalo, as the reserve’s Tarangire River provides a permanent water source for its dependent fauna. As you journey along on your safari, feast your eyes on the massive Baobab trees native to mainland Africa. These skyscrapers of the savanna tower over the terrain as the backdrop to a remarkable safari.

Lake Manyara National Park

Continuing on in your pursuit of awe-inspiring views and wildlife, you’ll want to visit Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. What serves as the quarters for tree-climbing lions, the country’s largest elephant population, and countless pink flamingos, the highly-acclaimed national park is a one-stop destination for nature lovers.

Adding to its charm is its chipper birdlife, where enthusiasts can easily spot up to 100 species in a single day. This borderless atrium of sorts is the perfect place to pull out your binoculars and do some diligent birdwatching.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

An ultimate Kenya and Tanzania itinerary would not be complete without mention of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the residence of the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, and highly anticipated animal herds. Give your trip a proper send-off by descending to the floor of the crater to gain an even deeper look into the innumerable species residing in this space. Typical wildlife sightings include the huntsman lions, majestic elephants, striped zebra, and the occasional lucky spotting of the endangered rhino.

To truly dig beneath the surface of both Kenya and Tanzania, one must enlist in the aforementioned activities and soak in the enriching views accessible only by embarking on a trip hitting all these must-stop highlights. Africa is a continent best explored by opening oneself up to new cultural norms and fearlessly plunging into the diverse landscape and wildlife encounters.

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.

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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

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Perfect Sunset in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

on December 8, 2018

The Serengeti National Park is best known for its annual migration of wildebeest and zebra, but is is filled with unique wildlife, ecosystems and vegetation. Animals to be on the lookout while here include lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, crocodiles and honey badgers, to name a few! Some of the birds at the park include ostrich, secretary bird, kori bustard and many species of vulture. Plains, rivers, savannahs and grasslands are just some of the ecosystems that can be found here.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @pgbradley using the hashtag #gate1travel. This icy scene was taken in Perito Moreno Glacier at Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Tanzania trips here!

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A Cat Nap in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

on July 27, 2018

A beautiful leopard takes a rest in a tree in the Serengeti National Park located in Tanzania, Africa. The Serengeti National Park may be most famous for its annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebra. The park has a vast array of wildlife that you can see out in their natural habitat. The big five are located here, (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and African buffalo) as well as honey badger, Nile crocodile, Tanzanian cheetah, impalas, hyena, giraffe, kudu, monkey, East African wild dog, a 500+ array of bird species and so many more! Keep your eye out when visiting this park because you could miss an animal hiding in the trees, an animal with great camouflage or a small animal scurrying on the ground.

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This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ Tim Collins using the hashtag #gate1travel. This restfull view was taken of a leopard in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Africa. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Africa trips here!