Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in support of a charitable cause has become a widely embraced endeavor. It’s not just a remarkable personal achievement but also a powerful motivation to raise funds for those in need. Bushbuck Safaris collaborates closely with charitable organizations and can customize Kilimanjaro challenges tailored to your preferred cause.
Organizing Your Mount Kilimanjaro Climb for a Charitable Cause
The process is straightforward. First, you decide the type of Kilimanjaro expedition you wish to embark on. You can opt for a charity trip within our organized groups or request a private climb, whether for an individual or a group. There are three payment options to choose from:
Self-funding
Mixed-funding
Minimum sponsorship
Once you’ve determined your preferred payment route, inform us, and we will establish a formal agreement with your chosen charity for your Kilimanjaro charity challenge. Subsequently, your selected charity will reach out to you, providing a fundraising package to kickstart your campaign and offering strategies to meet your fundraising target.
We strongly recommend setting up an online fundraising account for its convenience. These platforms are not only easy to use but also offer tax benefits. Registration is swift, granting you a personalized page that you can customize to align with your Kilimanjaro challenge. Here are some options for online charity fundraising pages:
Virgin Money Giving
Just Giving
Bmycharity
From there, it’s your responsibility to spread the word. Utilize channels such as email, social media, events, collections, raffles, engagement with local schools, or involvement with your workplace. Numerous avenues exist to reach potential supporters, ensuring that you raise sufficient funds to undertake the Mount Kilimanjaro challenge while making a significant impact on the lives of others and achieving a monumental personal goal.
Prior to embarking on any mountain ascent, it’s paramount to prioritize proper nutrition to meet your body’s demands. Ensuring that you consume adequate calories to fuel your climb and maintaining a well-rounded diet is essential. Here’s a guide to help you make the right dietary choices:
Caloric Intake: Consume sufficient calories to provide the energy required for the climb. Opt for a variety of foods, emphasizing good protein sources, complex carbohydrates, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and fiber-rich whole grains.
Hydration: Adequate fluid intake is crucial. Aim to drink 2 liters of water per day before your climb, increasing it to 3 to 4 liters daily during the ascent. Start hydrating well in advance of your climb.
Diet and Fitness: Commence your dietary and fitness regimen as early as possible, as they complement each other in ensuring good hiking health.
Nutrient-Rich Choices: Choose nourishing foods and beverages as they provide energy for muscles, enhance endurance, aid muscle recovery, and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, a well-balanced diet supports a robust immune system, reducing the likelihood of illness.
Fruits & Vegetables: Opt for brightly colored varieties such as yellow, orange, dark green, and red fruits and vegetables, as they provide essential vitamins A and C. Freshly squeezed fruit juice is preferable to concentrate.
Carbohydrates: Stock up on carbohydrates, including whole wheat pasta, rice, bread, cereals (low in sugar), corn, barley, and oats. Prioritize whole grains for their superior nutritional value, fortified with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Protein: Protein is essential for muscle repair and contains vital minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium. Include lean meats, fresh oily fish, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and tofu in your diet.
Dairy or Alternatives: Milk or soy milk (or suitable alternatives) supply calcium, vitamins A, D, and B12, protein, and healthy fats. Calcium and Vitamin D support bone density, crucial when carrying a backpack for extended periods. Opt for low-fat dairy options.
Hydration: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an endurance test, making hydration imperative. Begin with well-hydrated body as you’ll lose fluid during the climb. Consume ample fluids before pre-climb training, during training, and afterward to replace lost fluid. Be cautious of electrolyte loss through sweating, and some sports drinks can help replenish these lost electrolytes. However, drinking 3 to 4 liters of water daily during the climb should suffice.
Supplements: While supplements can be considered, consult your GP for guidance, as essential vitamins and minerals should ideally come from your daily food intake. A high-quality multivitamin is a recommended supplement.
By adhering to a balanced and nutritious diet, you’ll ensure your body is well-prepared for the demands of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, enhancing your chances of a successful and enjoyable ascent.
Addressing Health Concerns During Your Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition
When embarking on a Mount Kilimanjaro climbing adventure, it’s essential to be aware of potential health issues that some climbers may encounter. When you book one of our mountain expeditions, we provide comprehensive information on first aid and a health guide to ensure your safety and well-being.
**Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)**
AMS, sometimes referred to as “Altitude Sickness,” can manifest with symptoms such as nausea, headache, exhaustion, rapid pulse, lassitude, insomnia, swelling of hands and feet, and a reduction in urine output. This condition typically occurs at very high altitudes, such as the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It can be swiftly treated by descending to a lower altitude, often just a drop of 500 meters is sufficient to alleviate symptoms. Preventive measures include maintaining a slow pace, allowing an extra day for acclimatization, and staying hydrated with 3 to 4 liters of water daily. Preventative medication is also available and should be discussed with your doctor. In severe cases, AMS can lead to edema, potentially causing lung problems and brain tissue swelling, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing this condition.
**Hypothermia**
Hypothermia is characterized by symptoms such as shivering (which may stop if severe), slurred speech, clumsy actions, confusion, and fatigue. It occurs when the body’s temperature drops significantly and can be avoided with proper clothing and equipment. To prevent hypothermia, it’s crucial to keep clothing dry, whether from perspiration or rain, and layering clothing is highly effective. Treatment involves moving the affected person to a sheltered area, removing wet clothing, and placing them in three sleeping bags with another person to help raise body temperature.
**Sunburn and Snow Blindness**
Even on cloudy and cold days, the sun’s rays penetrate clouds, posing a risk of sunburn. Sunburn is more severe at higher altitudes due to decreased ultraviolet light filtering. Protect your skin with a high-factor sunblock (SPF 30+) at lower altitudes, and total sunblock above 3,000 meters. Wear sunglasses with side panels to safeguard your eyes. Sunburn can lead to dehydration, so staying well-hydrated is essential. Additionally, climbers should be cautious of snow blindness and may need to bandage their eyes for at least 24 hours.
**Foot Problems**
Wearing suitable footwear is paramount. Ill-fitting or unworn boots can lead to foot pain and blistering. Keep toenails trimmed to prevent them from rubbing against socks. If a blister forms, treat it with appropriate plaster or zinc oxide tape.
**Fitness**
Prior to attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s advisable to consult your physician, especially if you have cardiac or lung issues. Physical fitness is crucial for a successful climb, and adequate preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable expedition.
Nestled within the expansive Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve spanning nearly 8,300 km², lies a world of breathtaking natural beauty, captivating archaeological treasures, and encounters with the local Maasai tribe. This remarkable destination also offers a stunning array of wildlife, encompassing volcanic terrain, lush forests, rolling grasslands, and the unique presence of the Maasai people.
Embark on a Safari in Ngorongoro Crater National Park
The Ngorongoro Crater, a true marvel of the natural world, takes center stage within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the crater, where its sunken floor teems with awe-inspiring wildlife sightings. Here, you may have the rare privilege of observing elusive creatures such as the black rhino, along with a multitude of diverse animal herds.
This ancient crater, which originated from volcanic activity some 20 million years ago as part of the Rift Valley, boasts towering rim walls reaching a lofty 2,220 meters (approximately 1.4 miles) above sea level. Don’t forget to bring a jacket or sweater, as the high elevation can bring a chill to the air. The steep crater walls, soaring over 600 meters from the floor, create a spellbinding panorama, captivating all who venture here.
Encounter the Abundant Wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater serves as a haven for over 30,000 creatures, including the famed “Big Five” – buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos. Beyond these iconic animals, the crater is home to cheetahs, hartebeests, hippos, hyenas, jackals, reedbucks, warthogs, servals, waterbucks, wildebeests, zebras, and hosts an impressive array of birdlife and insects.
Explore Empakaai & Olmoti Craters
Located near the heart of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, two smaller craters offer enticing opportunities for walkers and hiking enthusiasts.
**Empakaai Crater**
Spanning 6 kilometers in width, the Empakaai Crater boasts walls that soar nearly 300 meters high. Its floor is adorned with a salt-water lake, a favorite haunt of waterbucks and eland. As you journey along the lake’s edge, you’ll encounter buffalo, bushbucks, blue monkeys, and rare avian treasures like turacos and sunbirds. From the base of the crater, enjoy a breathtaking view of Oldoinyo Lengai, an active volcano. On clear days, you can even spot the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.
**Olmoti Crater**
The Olmoti Crater presents a contrasting landscape, featuring a shallow grass-covered basin. Here, you may encounter the Maasai tribe with their livestock, as well as wild buffalo, reedbucks, and eland. Crossing the crater is the Munge River, which cascades into a mesmerizing waterfall, plunging hundreds of meters in a spectacular display of nature’s grandeur.
Discover the Olduvai Gorge
In 1959, the world witnessed a groundbreaking discovery at the Olduvai Gorge when Dr. Louis Leakey and his wife Mary unearthed the remains of the first fossilized Proconsul skull, an extinct ape believed to be a distant human ancestor. This historic site offers a glimpse into our evolutionary past and the remarkable journey of humanity.
Discover the Best of Cape Town and Its Surroundings
Cape Town City Tour
Experience the essence of the “Mother City” as you delve into the magic of Cape Town.
**Tour Highlights:**
– Weather-permitting visit to Table Mountain.
– Explore The Castle, South Africa’s oldest building.
– Stroll through The Company Gardens.
– Scenic tour past Parliament Buildings, City Hall, and Slave Lodge.
– Discover the historic Malay Quarter and vibrant Bo-Kaap.
– Dive into the world of diamond cutting.
**Departures:** Daily – 0830 hours | **Duration:** Half Day | **Price:** On Request
Cape Point Tour
Embark on a journey through the captivating natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula, where you’ll be awed by the wild and rugged splendor at Cape Point, where two oceans meet.
**Tour Highlights:**
– Marvel at the Millionaire’s Paradise, Clifton Beach, and Camps Bay.
– Explore the working harbor of Hout Bay.
– Traverse the stunning Chapman’s Peak Drive.
– Visit Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
– Encounter the charming Boulders Beach penguin colony.
– Discover the Naval port of Simon’s Town.
**Departures:** Daily – 0830 hours | **Duration:** Half Day | **Price:** On Request
Stellenbosch Winelands Tour
Experience the heart of the picturesque winelands in historical Stellenbosch, surrounded by breathtaking wine estates and Cape Dutch architecture.
**Tour Highlights:**
– Enjoy a scenic winelands drive.
– Take a cellar tour.
– Explore Stellenbosch’s historic streets.
– Partake in wine tasting and the opportunity to purchase fine wines.
– Admire the Cape Dutch architectural gems.
**Departures:** Mon-Sat – 1340 hours | **Duration:** Half Day | **Price:** On Request
Walk To Freedom & Robben Island Tour
Immerse yourself in South Africa’s diverse heritage during a morning of exploration.
**Tour Highlights:**
– Visit the District Six Museum (closed on Sundays).
– Explore Langa, the oldest apartheid housing scheme in the Cape.
– Experience Tsoga Environment Gardens.
– Step into an informal spaza shop, a shebeen (pub), and a hostel.
– Later, discover the history of Robben Island in the afternoon.
**Departures:** Daily – 0845 hours | **Duration:** Full Day | **Price:** On Request
Winelands Tour
Indulge in a full day dedicated to the splendor of Africa’s premier wine region.
**Tour Highlights:**
– Admire the panoramic views from the Taal Monument near Paarl.
– Take a cellar tour.
– Savor the gourmet delights of Franschhoek at the Huguenot Monument.
– Enjoy a lunch stop (pay directly).
– Traverse Helshoogte mountain pass.
– Stroll through charming Stellenbosch.
– Sip and savor wines at two renowned estates.
**Departures:** Mon-Sat – 0830 hours | **Duration:** Full Day | **Price:** On Request
Cape Town Day Safari
Venture less than 2 hours from Cape Town to the Aquila Private Game Reserve, home to the majestic ‘Big Five.’
**Tour Highlights:**
– Scenic drive to Aquila.
– Welcome refreshments and a full breakfast.
– Embark on a 2-3 hour game drive on a 4×4 vehicle with a game ranger.
– Encounter lion, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, rhino, ostrich, baboon, warthog, springbok, and more.
– Savor a buffet lunch.
– Relax by the pool (summer) or fire (winter) before returning to Cape Town.
**Departures:** Daily – 0545 hours | **Duration:** Full Day | **Price:** On Request
Hermanus Tour (Seasonal)
Explore the once-quiet fishing village of Hermanus, a premier destination for shore-based whale watching during the whale season from July through November.
**Tour Highlights:**
– Enjoy a coastal drive with breathtaking ocean views.
– Witness southern right whales at play.
– Lunch at your own expense.
– Scenic drive through Elgin, known for apple cultivation.
– Return to Cape Town via Sir Lowry’s Pass.
**Seasonal Departures:** Wed/Fri/Sun – 0830 hours | **Duration:** Full Day | **Price:** On Request
Crafts & Cape Collectables Tour
Embark on an afternoon of African crafts, antique artifact shopping, and a twilight visit to a magnificent estate under the shadow of Table Mountain.
Discovering the Ideal Time for Your African Safari and Beach Getaway
Africa, a vast and diverse continent, offers an array of climates, landscapes, and wildlife experiences. Typically, the weather is warm and sunny, with distinct wet and dry seasons that influence accessibility, comfort, and wildlife movements. Different regions, including coasts, mountains, and plains, present unique attractions throughout the year. Safari Seekers is here to assist you in determining the perfect time to embark on your African adventure, depending on your interests and local conditions.
**Exploring Southern Africa:**
Southern Africa experiences a hot, lush summer from November to April, followed by a cooler winter from May to August. September sees rising temperatures, peaking in October. You can enjoy a holiday in Southern Africa year-round, with a wealth of options, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi. Consider your priorities, whether it’s game viewing, trekking in the Kalahari Desert, gourmet dining in the Cape Winelands, witnessing the sardine run, or exploring Namaqualand’s colorful landscapes. Be mindful of seasonal factors like accessibility, rainfall, heat, and wildlife movements.
**Exploring Eastern Africa:**
Eastern Africa encompasses Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, and offers a wide range of experiences. The annual Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara is a remarkable event. You can witness this spectacle throughout the year, but its exact location varies seasonally. Expert guidance is crucial to ensure you’re in the right place at the right time. East Africa experiences two rainy seasons, from October to December (short rains) and from March to June (long rains). The best game viewing is from January to February, with the wildebeest migration returning between August and October.
If climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is on your list, consider doing so between July to October or in January and February. A beach vacation along the Indian Ocean coast is an excellent complement to your wildlife safari, with year-round options in destinations like Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu, Zanzibar, and more. However, avoid the long rainy season between April and June.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is a year-round activity but is more comfortable during the dryer, cooler months of June to September and January to February. Birdwatching is best from November to April, although rainfall is high from March to May. Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda is ideal for chimpanzee tracking during the rainy seasons when food is scarcer.
Navigating the intricacies of East African wilderness can be challenging, but Safari Seekers has the knowledge and resources to create your ideal itinerary. We understand the complexities and variations in the region, allowing us to offer exceptional service and craft a seamless journey tailored to your preferences. Your dream African adventure is our commitment, and your satisfaction is our pride.
Explore Your Day Tour Experiences in Kenya’s Vibrant Cities and Towns
Nairobi Excursion – Discover a wealth of attractions catering to all tastes in Nairobi. Whether you’re drawn to museums, art galleries, giraffe feeding, supporting orphaned elephants, or cultural and historical venues, Nairobi has it all.
Mombasa Adventure – Embark on an adventure around Mombasa Island and its surroundings, where a diverse range of attractions awaits. Explore the 16th-century marvel, Fort Jesus, wander through the historic old town, enjoy a dhow dinner cruise, try your hand at fishing, or dive into the underwater wonders while snorkeling and diving at Kisite and Mombasa Marine Parks.
Lamu Odyssey – Your journey to Lamu promises an unforgettable blend of seaside serenity and rich culture. Dive into the charm of the old town, explore the underwater world through snorkeling, set sail on a dhow safari, engage in deep-sea fishing, or partake in exhilarating watersports such as kitesurfing and waterskiing.
Watamu Discovery – Watamu offers an array of tour experiences to suit your preferences. Whether you’re into water sports, marine exploration, historical and cultural sites, or delving into the local flora and fauna, Watamu has something special in store for you.
Malindi Expedition – Set out on an exploration of Malindi’s captivating attractions during your beach getaway. From fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving at its marine park to day tours of prime spots like the Vasco de Gama Pillar, Malindi promises a memorable adventure.
Kilifi Exploration – Venture to Kilifi and immerse yourself in its unique offerings. Explore the 14th-century archaeological site of Mnarani Ruins and delve into the wonders of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu. Additionally, enjoy golfing, quad biking, and horseback riding at Vipingo Ridge.
In-Depth Guide to Kenya’s Towns & Cities – For a comprehensive overview of Kenya’s coastal and metropolitan towns and cities, delve into our guide to uncover a wealth of information.
Discover the Optimal Seasons for Your Unforgettable Safari and Beach Vacation in Kenya
Embark on an unparalleled adventure that combines the allure of Kenya’s wildlife-rich savannas with the allure of its pristine beaches. The Kenyan climate lends itself perfectly to a year-round exploration of both the African bush and the sun-kissed coastal havens. With a moderate to equatorial climate, you can revel in comfort during your daytime game drives and outdoor pursuits. As the evening and early morning arrive, a light jacket or warm fleece is ample to ward off the gentle chill in the highlands of the Great Rift Valley. Throughout the year, temperatures and rainfall exhibit fluctuations.
Understanding the rhythm of wet and dry seasons empowers you to plan an East African journey that aligns with your preferences. While we provide these insights as general guidelines, rest assured that your AfricanMecca travel planner can furnish you with more intricate details tailored to your chosen destination, wildlife interests, marine exploration, and preferred activities in Kenya’s natural realm.
It’s crucial to consider the influence of climate change on weather patterns, including those in Kenya. Our continuous communication with camps, guides, rangers, and tour staff in the field ensures that your AfricanMecca travel planner’s advice is well-informed and not solely reliant on historical data.
From July to October, Kenya experiences its longest dry season, characterized by cooler temperatures during the initial months. This period boasts heightened wildlife activity with animals congregating around permanent water sources due to the evaporation or recession of temporary waterholes.
Moreover, the sparse vegetation prompts herbivores to venture into open plains in search of nourishment, subsequently attracting predators that depend on these grazers and foragers. The peak visitor season aligns with the long dry season, ensuring optimal wildlife encounters, albeit at a premium cost. This period coincides with the European and American summer school break, contributing to higher visitor numbers. Additionally, the scarcity of stagnant water leads to fewer insects and mosquitoes.
Following the long dry season, a short rainy season occurs in November and December. While the rains rejuvenate the landscape, the increased vegetation disperses animal populations, necessitating more effort to spot them. The short rainy season sees a slight drop in visitor levels, except during Christmas and New Year’s.
The short, humid, hot-dry season of January and February coincides with winter in Europe and the United States. This time witnesses an influx of visitors seeking refuge from the cold weather. The short dry season is particularly favored by couples and honeymooners, offering excellent wildlife viewing conditions and manageable travel conditions.
April to June marks the long rainy season, with road conditions potentially affected. Despite this, Kenya’s vibrant flora comes to life, dispersing herbivore animals due to ample pasture and water. While predator tracking might pose a challenge due to tall grasses, this period coincides with the calving season of various mammals.
The magic of witnessing births and the first interactions between mothers and offspring unfolds before your eyes. Despite the rain, this is the most affordable period to visit Kenya. Flamingo enthusiasts should visit Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria in January, February, and October for sightings of these splendid birds.
For water lovers, the Indian Ocean’s allure beckons, with marine life, diving, and aquatic sports to indulge in along Kenya’s coastline and islands. Coastal areas offer a range of marine species and migratory visitors, such as humpback whales from June to December and fish species like yellowfin tuna and marlins at specific times.
Your AfricanMecca representative is your ultimate guide to tailoring a beachfront holiday in Kenya, aligning with your travel preferences. The coastal climate parallels that of the inland regions. January, February, and July to October shine as the best travel months – characterized by hot and cool dry seasons, respectively. November, December, April to June are marked by short and long rainy periods. Late March and October introduce the initial sprinkles of long-short rains, while late June and early January herald their arrival.
With Kenya’s welcoming weather, every moment is ripe for exploration, each season unveiling its unique wildlife spectacles. Let your AfricanMecca Safaris planner guide you through this remarkable journey of discovery.
Experience Fly-in and Helicopter Safaris Across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, along with Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Adventures
Our offerings encompass an array of exceptional experiences, including Fly-in and Helicopter Safaris throughout Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Moreover, we specialize in orchestrating gorilla trekking safaris to some of the most remarkable destinations. Prepare for an expedition of a lifetime as we guide you to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and the splendid Virunga National Park in Congo, renowned for both mountain and lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
Whichever destination captivates your wanderlust, rest assured that we stand ready to meticulously organize and arrange every detail of your journey. Our expertise extends to securing your coveted gorilla trekking permits, ensuring your adventure unfolds seamlessly. In Uganda, the gorilla permit costs $700 for Foreign nonresidents, $600 for residents, and an enticing $70 for East African Citizens (including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). Meanwhile, in Rwanda, the gorilla permit is priced at $1500 per person per trek, offering an unparalleled encounter with these majestic creatures.
Embarking on a gorilla trekking venture in Congo’s Virunga National Park offers two distinct seasons. During the high season, spanning from mid-December to mid-March, as well as June to October, the gorilla permit is $400 per person per trek. Conversely, the low season, spanning mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December, presents an opportunity to partake in this extraordinary experience for a reduced cost of $200 per person per trek.
At Safari Seekers, we take pride in curating the finest, budget-conscious, and eco-friendly gorilla safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Our commitment to sustainable travel ensures that your exploration does not come at the expense of the environment. Allow us to guide you on a journey that transcends mere travel and transforms into a profound connection with nature and culture.
For inquiries and bookings regarding gorilla permits, permit your aspirations to take flight by contacting us here. Your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure awaits.
Embarking on an Epic Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Congo from Kigali.
Are you contemplating an awe-inspiring Gorilla Trekking experience in Congo, commencing from Kigali? Look no further, as DR Congo has emerged as a premier destination for gorilla trekking. It boasts a unique blend of both Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park.
Understanding the Concerns:
The consideration of safety has overshadowed the allure of Gorilla Trekking in Congo for years. The nation has grappled with an array of challenges, including civil conflicts, rebel warfare, and outbreaks of diseases like Ebola. These concerns deterred many potential tourists from exploring Congo’s gorilla territories, which were unfortunately associated with the presence of dangerous rebel factions and health risks. However, recent times have seen a turn of events as DR Congo has been making significant strides towards stability and peace. The concerted efforts of the DR Congo government, local authorities, international security organizations, and health bodies have successfully reinstated a sense of security and normalcy. As a result, Congo is gradually regaining its reputation as a safe destination for gorilla trekking.
The Rebirth of Congo as a Gorilla Trekking Haven:
DR Congo is steadily reclaiming its position as a sought-after gorilla trekking destination. More tourists are opting for Congo over its neighboring countries of Uganda and Rwanda, primarily due to the comparatively affordable gorilla trekking permits. safari seekers, a seasoned operator, has taken the lead by already facilitating Gorilla Trekking in Congo from Kigali. Our expertise extends to crafting and tailoring unforgettable journeys to Congo’s Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga National Park. With options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury, our diverse tour packages can be further personalized to suit your preferences. All it takes is an email to initiate the process, and we’ll ensure a seamless booking experience.
Tempting Congo Gorilla Safari Options:
Our meticulously designed Congo gorilla safaris encompass an array of captivating itineraries:
2 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Congo
4 Days Nyiragongo & Gorilla Trekking
5 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike
6 Days Lowland and Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Gorilla Trekking Hotspots in Congo:
Congo offers two distinct gorilla trekking locations: Virunga National Park for Mountain gorillas and Kahuzi Beiga National Park for Lowland gorillas.
Virunga National Park:
Virunga National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, adorned with a dense tropical rainforest and renowned as Africa’s oldest national park. It is most acclaimed for Mountain gorilla trekking. Virunga also hosts Nyiragongo volcano hikes, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and habituation experiences.
Kahuzi Beiga National Park:
Kahuzi Beiga National Park, established in 1970, is a sanctuary for Grauer’s gorillas, the largest gorilla subspecies. This park prides itself on offering exclusive Lowland gorilla trekking experiences. With 12 gorilla families, two of which are habituated for visits, this park is a haven for enthusiasts seeking a unique encounter.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs:
To partake in gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Beiga National Park, a gorilla trekking permit is mandatory. safari seekers simplifies the permit booking process, ensuring your journey is hassle-free. For Lowland Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park:
– Non-Residents: USD 400
– East African Residents: USD 200
– Congolese Nationals: USD 20
For Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park:
– High Season (December, January, February, June, July, August, September): USD 400
– Low Season (March, April, May, October, November): USD 200
When to Visit:
Congo’s tropical climate shapes its weather patterns. Dry seasons, spanning from December to February and June to August, are ideal for gorilla trekking. These months offer relatively drier trails and clearer visibility. The wetter months, from March to May and October to November, are characterized by dense vegetation and slippery trails, making trekking more challenging.
A Haven of Accommodations:
Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park host a variety of accommodations, tailored to different budgets:
– Budget Options: Ranging from USD 90-100 per night per person
– Mid-Range Choices: Priced between USD 100-200 per night per person
– Luxury Selections: Ranging from USD 200-400 per night per person
Accessing Congo for Your Adventure:
Your Gorilla Trekking adventure begins by flying into Kigali International Airport, followed by a journey to Gisenyi town. The border crossing from Rwanda to Goma town in DR Congo precedes a scenic drive to the park headquarters of Kahuzi Beiga National Park or Virunga National Park. This thrilling journey takes approximately 2 hours from Gisenyi town.
Choose Safari Seekers for a Seamless Experience:
Safari Seekers boasts a wealth of experience in organizing captivating gorilla safari excursions in Uganda, Rwanda, and now Congo. As a reputable and highly reviewed operator, we combine exceptional gorilla trekking experiences with eco-friendly adventure and wildlife safaris, fostering biodiversity conservation and community empowerment. Our Congo gorilla tours seamlessly blend adventure with unforgettable memories, enriching local communities and preserving the environment. Alongside the sought-after Congo gorilla experiences, we also offer diverse African safari adventures in Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, and more.
Contact us today to initiate your booking for Gorilla Trekking in Congo from Kigali. Your journey to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat awaits – let us make it an extraordinary reality.
