On the western side of Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo lies one of the most famous National Parks in Africa. Its history is rich and its roots lie in the previous colonialism that ran through the country. It was in this park that Princess Elizabeth was holidaying when she became Queen. The terrain is unlike many that we have seen. Crater lakes dot the landscape and two larger lakes on each side of … Read More »
The life-giving waters of the River Nile are depended upon by millions of Africans across the Continent. It brings life to farms, it’s power creates electricity and it sustains countries of people. As it moves through Uganda from its source in Lake Victoria it spans between 40 and 50 meters, its waters moving purposefully northwards. About 400km north of The Lake it reaches an area made of dense hard rocks. So hard, that even its … Read More »
Following the River Nile from its source at Lake Victoria and heading north west up through the greenery of Uganda we arrived at the town of Masindi, gateway to the Budongo and Murchison National Parks. Budongo Forest is home to some 800 chimpanzees and is a great place for tracking these intelligent primates. Setting out early in the morning we entered into the thick lush forest and began meandering along tiny pathways through the giant … Read More »
The town of Nakuru is a welcome surprise for those having travelled for longer periods. A relatively sophisticated mall housing decent technology shops, pharmacies, and a wonderful food supermarket, seem a lot more exciting than previously, and one leaves feeling re-stocked and ready to go again. The city is the fourth largest in Kenya, well laid out, modern and friendly, and is a great place to take stock and re-group. Less than a kilometer … Read More »
The Masai Mara, with its huge animal populations and tall stately tribesman, wearing bright colours and sporting long sharp spears, has long been an iconic destination. It became ever more popular when the series ‘Big Cat Diaries’ began, and the fate of the Marsh Pride was introduced to the world. The Mara and its lions were jettisoned to stardom and became a household name. As such it was with a certain level of expectation that … Read More »
The mere mention of the word Serengeti conjures up visions of scenes from ‘Out of Africa’ and ‘Born Free’. Vast open plains of pale brown grass, dotted with iconic acacia trees and rock formations. Skies that roll out forever, alternating between vivid blues and angry stormy purple. As far as the eye can see, herds and herds of wildebeest, in their everlasting circular migration, dust clouds rising up around them as they travel in their … Read More »
Rising in the darkness and stumbling into a 4×4 safari vehicle, blurry eyed and desperately in need of coffee, it takes the 20 minute drive to the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservancy. As that gate appears, and the baboons in the parking lot greet you with mischief and madness, the anticipation starts to build. The World Heritage and incredibly famous Ngorongoro Crater is THE safari stuff of dreams! A 600m deep and 20km across extinct … Read More »
Located just a couple of hours drive away from Arusha, Tarangire National Park’s 2850m2 wonderland is yet another often-overlooked Tanzanian Park. The landscape is one of open savannahs and classic African Acacia trees, with tall palm trees popping up along the banks of the winding Tarangire river. What is a wonderful sight, are the many vultures that have made their homes in the palm trees, a strange mix of tropical beach mixed with classic African … Read More »
Lake Manyara is a small National Park on the way to the famous Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, and as such is often overlooked. It shouldn’t be! The park is a stunning combination of densely wooded areas that open up into wide open plains running along the banks of the lake. Within the forested areas are elephants hiding in plain sight and large troops of baboons that often bring travel to a stop as they take … Read More »
Leaving the sun drenched white beaches of Zanzibar behind us we continue our journey north west towards the safari lands of the Serengeti. Between us and these iconic National Parks lie some of the continent’s most renowned mountain peaks. The Usambara mountain range is a little known lush corner in the north east of Tanzania. Only minutes after turning off the main road one finds themselves climbing rapidly through a series of thick green forests, … Read More »
