Coming face-to-face with a giant male Silverback gorilla in the jungles of Africa is an experience that will remian with you for the rest of your life. On our recent trip to Uganda, a group of specially trained park rangers in Uganda led our team through the thick vegetation in the mountains to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. If you have ever plan a trip to East Africa to be face-to-face with these amazing animals here are ome useful tips to get you started and help plan your expedition of Gorilla tracking.

There are approximately just 700 Mountain Gorillas remaining in the world – living primarily in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo. Since the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not such a popular tourist destination due to recent political upheaval in the country so we will suggest seeing the gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda. All of the Gorillas live in a relatively small region of the Virunga Mountains which straddles the borders of all three countries. The mountain range itself is a chain of volcanoes with eight major volcanoes with summits above 3,000 metres.

The Mountain Gorillas spend most of their time in the region known as the Hagenia Forest which is between 2800 and 2400 metres (9,200–11,200 ft) where they can find an abundance of Galium vines to eat. Occasionally they move lower to eat the fresh bamboo sprouts when they are in season or they head up further into the mountains to feast on the giant Senecio Trees. The good thing for trekkers coming to see the Gorillas is that the forests are relatively cool given the high elevation.

How to Plan for Gorilla Tracking?

Even during the dry season, you will find that it frequently rains in the highlands of the Virunga Mountains so prepare accordingly. It’s best to wear clothes that are lightweight as it’s fairly warm but not hot. Also, since you are walking through the forest long sleeves and pants are best to avoid scratches and bug bites. Make sure to bring sunblock, rain gear, your camera and water for drinking. Be prepared to be out hiking for at least half the day.

Gorilla Tracking or a Gorilla Experience?

Typically the Gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda are issued for one hour with the gorillas although it might take several additional hours with your park ranger to find and spot them. Uganda has a new permit called the “Gorilla Habituation Experience” which allows up to 4 hours with one of the Gorilla groups. This is a pretty good deal considering that in Rwanda you would pay more for just an hour. Maybe not everyone needs more than hour with the Gorillas but once you encounter them the time goes by pretty fast.

Rwanda or Uganda: Which is the best place to see the Gorillas?

Both Uganda and Rwanda are excellent places to see the Gorillas in their natural habitat. However, the permits in Rwanda cost $1500 and are much more expensive than the $600 you will pay in Uganda. Additionally, it’s usually easier to get the government permits in Uganda than in Rwanda. No doubt Rwanda has done a much better job of promoting and advertising Gorilla tracking and has therefore attracted more tourists to its shores. All in all, Gorilla tracking in both countries is good and neither will disappoint. to be fair, Rwanda does have some advantages for those travelers who have a limited time since you can fly into Kigali and visit the Gorillas the same day. On the other hand, if you go to Uganda it’s a 4-hour drive from Entebbe airport to the border – so you will want at least a few days to explore the Ugandan countryside.

How long does it take to see the Gorillas?

The different groups of Gorillas roam about the mountains and have quite a large range. When you have issued a permit it will be to see a specific gorilla group and your ranger will guide you to this group. Depending on its location you could find it in the first hour or it may take as long as 3 or 4 hours to find the gorillas. The park rangers are in communication with several gorilla spotters and also are good at tracking the groups through the forest.

What is the best time of year to see the Gorillas?

It’s possible to see the Gorillas year-round but most tourists prefer the short dry season from December to February and the long dry season from June to September. Keep in mind that permits should be arranged well in advance especially in the peak season, specially in Rwanda. If you plan a trip during the offseason in Uganda it’s usually possible to arrange a permit without much notice.

Are Gorillas in the wild dangerous?

Gorillas by nature are not aggressive unless threatened. All of the gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda are habituated to people before guests are allowed to see them in the wild. What normally happens is that several of the park rangers will virtually live with a group of gorillas for up to a year so that they become used to being with people. All of the gorillas that are visited in the wild are habituated to people in this sense and not as dangerous as a totally wild gorilla might be.

Gorilla tracking is a great experience and well worth the permit fees. The high permit fees ensure that Gorillas will be an important part of the economies of Rwanda and Uganda and stay protected for years to come.

Botswana is renowned as the best destination in Africa’s for a wildlife safari. Although a landlocked nation, Botswana has been attracting tourists from all across the world in recent years.

The abundant wildlife and tourists attractions on offer in Botswana has made the country one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Southern Africa region.

Botswana is the land of the Big Five –  African Elephant, Rhinoceros, Lion, Leopard and the Cape Buffalo. Besides the abundant wildlife, 70 percent of Botswana’s territory is covered by the famous Kalahari Desert. Sandwiched between South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, the country has become a popular tourist destination – both regionally and internationally.

Best Wildlife Safari in Africa

In 2019, Botswana won the coveted title for the ‘Best Country for Safaris in Africa” for the second year running. The ranking, carried out by Safaribookings,com, considered and analyzed more than 4,000 reviews of safaris across Africa before deciding on a winner.

The famous Okavango Delta is undoubtedly one of Botswana;s main tourist attractions. A vast inland river delta located in the in northern half of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is known for its sprawling grassy plains with an abundance of wildlife. The Moremi Game Reserve occupies the east and central areas of the region where dugout canoes are used to navigate past hippos, elephants and crocodiles. An overland safari in the the region brings you face-to-face with a variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, giraffes and rhinos.

But, the Kalahari Desert, which is spread over 900,000 square kilometres, is also a major attraction for tourists. The Kalahari is home to desert wildlife such as meerkat, bat-eared foxes, cape fox and brown hyenas. All three African big cats can be found here – cheetah, leopard and the famous black-maned Kalahari lions.

The country has the largest population of elephants in the world, having more than 130,000 of them. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are now just 415,000 African elephants left in the world.

In Botswana, tourism is a key contributor to job creation, with the sector employing more than 90,000 people. In the northern areas, tourism provides 32% of jobs. It’s also a fundamental contributor to skills transfer and the development of new competencies. Few industries in the world cover the range of skills that are required in tourism.

Tourism also brings in massive resources to the country, with more than US$2 billion being poured into the Botswana’s economy every year. For every guest that comes into the country, staff are hired, and food and beverages are purchased from local suppliers, adding to their own revenue.

Tourism lies at the centre of Botswana’s future development, also creating opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises that can help to drive economic growth. Importantly, in addition to economic activity and direct employment for locals, tourism creates a sense of pride in communities, encouraging the preservation of natural resources, historic locations, and traditional cultural activities. It is vital that we, as a country, keep our focus on bolstering the long-term sustainability and profitability of our tourism market.

Africa is a tourist destination that never fails to amaze, boasting of moderate tropical weather conditions, friendly, hospitable people, and a plethora of interesting places to visit. However, there are some countries in Africa that are off the tourist trail and are like hidden jewels that are waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to stray off the tourist trail.

We have compiled a list of just those countries that are not so popular when it comes to attracting large number of tourists, but are, nevertheless, endowed with immense natural beauty.

São Tomé and Príncipe

The island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, located off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa, is the second smallest African country after the Seychelles, and the smallest Portuguese-speaking country with a population of just over 190,000 people.

In 2019, the nation welcomed less than 75,000 visitors, which is relatively low compared to the number of visitors other island nation countries received, including Seychelles and Mauritius. Factors contributing to the low number of visitors include the country’s fragile and volatile economy, which is still heavily reliant on international financing, absence of roads and communication infrastructure, and underdevelopment of many travel and tourism-related facilities.

Many tourists that visit the island nation, mostly Portuguese tourists, enjoy unspoiled landscapes and a warm, tropical climate. Interesting things to do include a visit to Obo National Park, which has over 700 species of flora and fauna, as well as white and black sandy beaches, a visit to various plantation houses that showcase the island’s colonial history, as well as various beaches that are far from being crowded and busy.

Burundi

Burundi is one of the smallest countries in Africa, located in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa. Just over 100,000 tourists visited the landlocked nation in 2019. A major reason for the decline in tourist arrival into Burundi is the political unrest that has plagued the country, including protests that broke out in 2015 after the ruling party announced President Pierre Nkurunziza would seek a third term in office and a failed coup that attempted to depose him. This led to as many as 100,000 people fleeing the country, causing a humanitarian emergency.

The country’s tourism potential is high as it is rich in culture and history and has great attractions, including the famous Lake Tanganyika, which is one of the deepest lakes in the world, and national parks like the Kibira National Park and Rusizi Natural Reserve, which are home to lush tropical forests and wildlife and flora such as chimpanzees, baboons, and tall palm trees of the Hyphaene bengalensis var ventricosa species.  

Comoros

Comoros, located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between Northeastern Mozambique and Northwestern Madagascar, is the third-smallest African nation by area and has a small population of over 700,000 people.

The country received approximately 35,000 visitors in 2019. The Comoros has potential for a thriving tourism industry like neighbouring islands such as the Seychelles because of its beautiful beaches and warm tropical climate. However, political instability stands in the way of this. The country has experienced 20 coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. If the country were to gain political stability, it would face stiff competition from more established tourism industries of neighbours such as Seychelles and Reunion Island.

A main tourist attraction of the island nation is the large Karthala Volcano located on the southern half of Grande Comore. The volcano is still active, and volcanic activity on the island have left black rocks along the coast line, which create a beautiful contrast with the crystal white sand and blue water of the ocean.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone only welcomed approximately 30,000 visitors in 2019. The country’s 11-year civil war, which started in 1991, left the country in ruins, with over 50,000 deaths and many displaced throughout the region by the time it ended in 2002. Another factor that affected tourism in the country was the Ebola virus epidemic, which spread throughout the country in 2014 and killed over 3,000 people in the first 18 months. 

The country’s tourism sector has great potential due to its rich biodiversity. The 400-kilometre Atlantic Coastline is rich in marine life and boasts white sands and warm ocean waters, and there are lush rain forests that boast a myriad of wildlife, even though these are under threat from large scales of deforestation.

Niger

Niger, located in the Sahel Region of Western Africa, is a country that is rich in history and culture, once being home to the great ancient Mali and Songhai Empires, and being home to the nomadic Wodaabe Tribe. Niger is a developing country, which is not only less known for tourism and travel, but also ranks low on the United Nations’ Human Development Index. The country only received around 150,000 visitors in 2019.

Developmental challenges that the landlocked country faces include drought and desertification due to the Sahara desert being located there, inefficient agriculture, high poverty levels, and overpopulation due to high fertility rates.

Interesting tourist features of the country include the Termit & Tin Toumma National Nature and Cultural Reserve, which is one of Africa’s largest reserves, protecting several endangered animals including the dama gazelle and desert cheetah, as well as protecting the nomadic culture of several tribes while boasting a scenic desert landscape. It is also home to the Guérewol Festival of the Wodaabe, where young men dress up in elaborate ornamentation to sing and dance to attract the attention of marriageable young women

A visit to Africa isn’t complete without witnessing the wide variety of flora, fauna and wildlife the continent has to offer. Not only do the continent’s popular botanical gardens offer conservation efforts for flora and wildlife, they are educational and recreational, making them a must-see on your travel list and attract tourists from all across the world. Here are some noteworthy botanical gardens that are major tourist attractions in Africa:

Here are botanical gardens across the continent that you should visit.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Cape Town, South Africa

The garden is one of ten National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes and administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is located in Kirstenbosch on the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain and is one of the great botanic gardens of the world, spread over 528 hectares (1,300 acres). Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden was built in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the rich and diverse flora of southern Africa region and has since become a major tourist attraction in South Africa. The garden famous for growing South Africa’s national flower, the Protea, as well as many other flora including the Fynbos, Erica and Restios. As an added bonus, there are more than 125 species of birds make this garden their home, including the Sugarbird, the Sunbird and the African Dusky Flycatcher, as well as a variety of insects (including the beautiful Table Mountain Beauty butterfly) and amphibians (including the Cape River Frog and the Chirping Frog). Visitors can go on the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway of the garden or on a cycling route through the garden. A trip to Cape Town is not complete without a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Seychelles National Botanical Gardens

Mont Fleuri, Seychelles

The Seychelles National Botanical Gardens  is a popular tourist attraction in Pamplemousses, near Port Louis, Mauritius, and the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere. It is populated with more than 650 varieties of plants and is home to a wide variety of flora and wildlife, including the Coco Der Mer, which has the biggest nuts in the plant kingdom, the Koko Maron which grows on the forest floor and is used by locals to make ropes and brooms and a number of spice and fruit trees. The signature feature of the gardens is an orchid house which holds a collection of brightly coloured orchids including Seychelles’ own native orchids. Visitors can reach the gardens either by foot (a 30 minute walk) or by car from downtown Victoria. One of the main attractions of the botanical garden is the 85 different varieties of palm trees brought from different corners of the world. Other indigenous species of plants are also exhibited here.

Jardin Majorelle

Marrakech, Morocco

Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited sites in Morocco, located in Marrakech and a major tourist attraction. The garden was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1886 and purchased by French designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge in 1980. The garden displays more than 30 species of the cactus family as Majorelle was especially interested in the plant when he initially designed the garden. Bird lovers also love to visit the garden as it is home to a variety of bird species including the blackbird, sparrow and turtledove. The garden also displays bamboo imported from Southeast Asia, and features the Yves Saint Laurent monument which was erected in the designer’s memory after he passed away in 2008. A signature feature of the garden is the Berber Museum, which was opened in December 2011 to document the rich history of the Berber tribe. Visitors can learn more about Berber culture through a collection of photography, films, audio and music tapes. The garden covers an area of over  two-and-half acres.

Mauritius National Botanical Garden

Pamplemousse, Mauritius

Formally known as the Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden, the Mauritius National Botanical Garden, located in in the district of Pamplemousse, is one of the island’s most visited tourist attractions. The garden was initially the French governor’s private garden almost 300 years ago, but has since opened as the island’s national botanical garden. It is home to over 600 species of plants including the baobab, Palmier Bouteille and giant water lilies. It’s also home to talipot palm trees, which are native to Sri Lanka and the Malabar coast of India, the Jackfruit tree and the Indian almond tree, also known as the Bengal almond.

Aswan Botanical Garden

Aswan, Egypt

The Aswan Botanical Garden, also known as Kitchener’s Island or El Nabatat Island, is Egypt’s world class botanical garden that is located on an island in the Nile River at Aswan. The island was previously owned by Lord Kitchener in the 1800s as it was given to him as a gift when he served as Consul-General in Egypt. The garden is not only a great leisure spot for families, but also serves as an important centre of botanical research in Egypt. There are many types of rare and exotic plant life to view at the garden, including the Royal Palm tree and the Sabal Palm tree, as well as plenty of bird life. The garden is reached either by public ferries that run between Aswan, Elephantine Island, and Kitchener’s Island or by hiring a felucca.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Entebbe, Uganda

The Entebbe Botanical Gardens are located on the shores of Lake Victoria in the Ugandan town of Entebbe, just outside of the capital Kampala. There is a huge variety of plantations and trees on the island. Some of which were naturally found on the island, before it was converted into a botanical island, and others have been brought in. There is a number of rare palm trees such as the Royal Palm tree, the Sabal Palm tree, and the Phonic Pam tree. The gardens are also popular for the wide variety of bird species that are found there, including eagle owls, sunbirds and black weavers. On and around the shores of the lake, a variety of wildlife can be spotted, including the African Open-billed Stork, yellow billed duck and grey headed gull. The gardens house a small patch of rainforest which is home to thick forest underbrush, bamboo and medicinal plants and magnificently tall trees.

Aburi Botanic Garden

Accra, Ghana

The Aburi Botanic Garden, located just outside the capital city Accra, is one of Ghana’s most beautiful tourist attractions which overlooks the Accra coastal plain. The garden plays an important role in encouraging cocoa production in the southern region of Ghana by supplying seedlings and information about scientific farming methods. The garden has many species of flora for conservation purposes, including mimosa pudica, the Ficus tree and medicinal plants. There is also an abundance of bird and butterfly life that make the garden an ideal setting for picnics, nature lovers and wedding pictures. The garden has had many roles over the years, including plant introduction, teaching methods of modern agriculture and played an important role in cocoa production in South Ghana.

Sarius Palmetum Botanical Garden

Abuja, Nigeria

Sarius Palmetum Botanical Garden, located in Maitama, Abuja in Nigeria, is home to over 1000 different species of plants, including about 450 species of palms. The garden houses Nigeria’s popular palms including oil and coconut palm as well as Bismarckia, golden and royal palm. The garden houses several of the nation’s endangered plants including the pepper fruit, succulent sea grapes, or coccoloba uvifera and pitanga cherry or eugenia uniflora. The garden was started by one of Nigeria’s first ladies Ajoke Muhammed out of her love for plants and a need to conserve Nigeria’s indigenous flora. Abuja is known for its numerous amusement and relaxation spots, yet this botanical garden appears to offer a unique experience. A scene for a Nollywood movie has already been shot on its terrain and an event called ‘Tamerri Festival’ which writers, poets, artists and filmmakers are expected to attend will take place there soon. 

Jardim Tunduru

Maputo, Mozambique

Jardim Tunduru, located in the heart of Mozambique’s capital Maputo, is a beautiful botanical garden that allows visitors a break from the bustling city. It was reopened in 2015 after undergoing rehabilitation to fix its greenhouse, fencing and public benches as well as improve its sanitation and irrigation systems. The garden has a rich collection of trees, shrubs and flowers, including the Jacaranda tree, magnolia and a range of Palmae plants.  The garden is home to several wildlife including birds, butterflies and a colony of bats that rest in the treetops. The gardens were designed in 1885 by Thomas Honney – who in his career also designed gardens for the King of Greece and the Sultan of Turkey – and are exquisitely laid out, if at times a little overgrown. A fantastic place to go on a picnic, or just to escape the midday heat, the Tunduru Gardens also feature a tennis court and a statue of Mozambique’s first president Samora Machel.

Nairobi Botanic Garden

Nairobi, Kenya

The Nairobi Botanic Garden, located at the Nairobi Museum ground in Kenya, is a beautiful garden that is ideal for a picnic or a quick getaway from the bustle of the city. The garden fulfills the functions of education, research, conservation and recreation, and is home to about 600 indigenous and 100 exotic plant species creatively laid out in thematic garden displays including the herb garden, which has the country’s indigenous medicinal plants, the succulents garden, which has a significant amount of succulent species found in Kenya and the quarry garden, which features a variety of papyrus plants, water lilies and other water plants. The garden is also open for hire for events such as parties, photo sessions and leisure activities. The garden is laid out in thematic displays. The themes integrate Kenya’s natural, historical and cultural heritage with plants and habitat displays.

Africa is home to some of the largest, deepest, and all-round awe-inspiring lakes in the world. Most of the major lakes on the African continent are part of what is known as Africa’s “Great Lakes”. These are a series of lakes that lie along the East African Rift Valley and connect with both the Nile and Congo rivers.

Here is a list, in order of depth, of Africa’s deepest lakes that are home to several unique aquatic species and offer unrivaled holiday experiences for travellers to Africa.

1. Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is not only the longest lake in the world (673 kilometres), but it’s also the second-deepest (1,470 metres) after Russia’s Lake Baikal. It’s also one of the oldest, dating back to 13 million years. The lake straddles the borders of Tanzania, Burundi, Congo DR, and Zambia.

Considered one of the most biologically unique habitats in the world, Tanganyika is home to an exceptional diversity of fish, supporting more than 250 species of cichlids – 98% of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world. There are also about 75 non-cichlid fish species in the lake. The fish from Tanganyika is exported throughout East Africa and beyond. The lake’s warm blue waters make it an excellent destination for diving and snorkeling. Bird watching is also superb at Tanganyika.

Over 250 species of cichlid fish live in the lake and 98% of these are endemic, meaning it has the highest number of endemic cichlid of any lake in Africa. The cichlid genera has multiple variations and Lake Tanganyika offers snorkelers and scuba divers an extremely diverse diving experience. Colorful, gleaming fish can be seen all over the Lake and charters to explore these areas are available from many of the lodges and camps dotted along the water’s edge.

To fully explore the area there are plenty of options. From kayaking along its shores and islands, to quad biking in the hills around your lodge and even boarding a reinstated WW1 German auxiliary warship (MV Liemba) to travel from port to port. Every day presents a new opportunity to see more of this beautiful area. Then end each day sipping on a cocktail whilst watching the sun dip below the horizon over the lake.

2. Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa or Niassa

Located between Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, Lake Malawi is the southernmost lake in the East African Rift system and is the third-largest in Africa. A part of the Malawian section of the lake was turned into a national park, while the Mozambican portion was declared a reserve in 2011.

Lake Malawi is home to 800 to 1,000 species of fish – the largest fish population of any lake in the world. There are numerous fishing villages around this vast body of water, where many people benefit economically from the lake.

Legend has it that when the explorer David Livingstone arrived on the shores of Lake Malawi, he observed thousands of lanterns on fishing boats shimmering across the vast expanse of water, and called it "The Lake of Stars". Today you might not find quite as many fishing craft on the enormous, freshwater lake, but you will find hundreds of colourful cichlids flitting beneath the gin-clear water, crescents of golden-sand beaches and a smattering of idyllic lodges cocooned on the shoreline. Snorkelling, diving, boating and kayaking are all on offer to pass your days, or you can simply sit back and gaze at the sun-dappled lake in all its calm, serene and peaceful glory.

Every year, the lake attracts hordes of local and international tourists who visit the charming palm-fringed beaches on the shores of the lake. Just like all the best places, Lake Malawi can be a little taxing to reach. Roads are bumpy, the journey by car is long, and flights can be expensive. But if you’re booking a safari package that includes Zambia or Zim, costs can be reduced, so don’t let the access to this paradise of a lake put you off.

3. Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu lies in Central Africa on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, covering a surface area of over 2700 square kilometres. This fresh lake is believed to be one to five million years old, and has a depth of 485 metres. What’s fascinating is that the great lake contains high amounts of methane and carbon dioxide in the depth of its waters.

Running for almost 100kms along the Congolese border, Kivu takes its place among the 20 deepest and 20 most voluminous freshwater bodies in the world. With no hippos or crocodiles and crystal clear, clean water, it is also one of the safest lakes in Africa. Rubavu (also known as Gisenyi) is a waterfront town located on the shores of Lake Kivu and at only an hour away from Volcanoes National Park, Rubavu is a great place to unwind after Gorilla Trekking adventures. Here you can sit on the beach, watch fishing boats plying the water, find interesting villages to explore, as well as see amazing birdlife set amongst true peace and tranquillity.

It is also one of the world’s only 3 known exploding lakes; it’s not going to happen today though, so no need to worry. Further economic importance derives from the lake’s estimated 65 billion m3 of dissolved methane gas which is extracted to run boilers at the Bralirwa brewery in Gisenyi.

Sitting on its shores, the resort towns of Cyangugu, Kibuye and Gisenyi are ideal rest and recreation transit points between the primate tracking destinations of Nyungwe Forest and the Volcanoes National Park.

It’s also home to 31 species of fish, including Nile Tilapias, Lake Rukwa Minnows and various types of catfish. Fish that serve as a popular source of food for locals is the Tanganyika sardine. The lake empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika.

Malawi is an offbeat tourist destination that has some of the best scenic splendours in Africa. Nyika is the largest national park in Malawi, that has a pictursque plateau on the shores of Lake Malawi. One side of this magnificent plateau forms the wall of the Great Rift Valley. The great domes of underlying hills have gentle slopes teeming with wildlife – making Nyika perfect for wildlife safaris, trekking and mountain biking. While in malawi, you must visit Mulanje Massif mountain standing at around 3,000 metres.

The dominating mountain is distinguished by giant basins of rock and narrow gullies cut by fast-flowing streams. Expect to encounter monkeys, hares, voles and a carpet of wildflowers as you meander through the valleys. Lake Malawi is one of the largest lakes in the world. The lake has more tropical fish than any lake in the world and the freshwater diving is great. The biodiversity has been recognized by UNESCO, which has made Lake Malawi National Park, the world's first freshwater park, a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy a pictorial journey compiled by our team to highlight this hidden gem in Malawi.

Situated next to Lake Victoria on one side and Lake Albert on the other, the landlocked country of Uganda is not only one of the most tourist-friendly country in East Africa but also one of Africa’s most picturesque destinations. Uganda boasts some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes, crystal clear lakes, high mountains, tropical rainforests, open savannas, primates, birds and much more. Winston Churchill described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” comparing his visit to Uganda as a fairy tale. Indeed, you really need to see the country for yourself to fully understand why Winston Churchill described it such.

This mystical fertile land is also home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, who live in the high-altitude cloud forests of the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Mgahinga Gorilla Park. A densely-populated country with most of it population living in rural areas, Uganda has shown great resilience in recovering from the unfortunate events of the Idi Amin days. Today, Uganda is a stable, well-run and peaceful country that ranks among Africa’s safest destinations.

Uganda is home to the highest concentration of birds in Africa boasting over 1,040 species of birds. In Uganda you will find migratory birds from north Africa and Europe. The Queen Elizabeth National Park is the country’s leading bird-watching destination and home to over 600 species of birds. All national parks offer birding opportunities while you also see the world’s biggest bird in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Uganda is very rich in wildlife ranging from the tree-climbing lions to crocidiles in the River Nile. Other animals in Uganda are; lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, bush bucks, water bucks, reed bucks, hyenas, hippos, bush bucks and many more. In Uganda, you can be sure of seeing the Big five of Africa. The abundant wildlife can be found in the 12 game reserves and 10 national parks with over 1500 mammal species.

Get the most out of your trip to Uganda with our holiday guide. Find out more about:

• How to get there
• Best time to visit
• Travel requirements
• Getting around
• Suggestions, highlights, & travel tips
• Suggested itineraries
• Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

HOW TO GET THERE

Most travelers arrive in Uganda via Entebbe International Airport, the main gateway for all destinations in the country. More and more airlines now offer direct flights to Kigali, including KLM, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, flydubai and Emirates.

It’s also possible to arrive in Uganda overland as part of a multi-country itinerary. Uganda is bordered by South Sudan to the north, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Visiting Congo and Burundi is off limits these days (due to unpredictable security situation and the potential for violent civil unrest), but the land border crossings with Rwanda and Tanzania are open and many tourists combine these countries with Uganda in one single holiday.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading our tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

BEST TIME TO VISIT UGANDA

In the heart of Africa, just south of the equator, Uganda’s relatively high altitude provides it with a remarkably pleasant tropical highland climate, albeit also with plenty of rain. Although it’s regarded as a year-round holiday destination, there are quite some some differences in the weather patterns throughout the year.

The best time to visit Uganda is during the short dry season from mid-December to February or over the long dry season months of June to September. These periods offer perfect hiking conditions (for gorilla trekking) and the lowest malaria risk. The dry season does not necessarily means sunny season as there is often a light cloud cover, which helps to moderate the temperatures.

Uganda’s long rainy season lasts from about March to May, when the rain is heavy and persistent. This is the worst period of the year to visit the country as walking trails are extremely muddy. October to mid-December is defined as Uganda’s short rainy season, and during this time you may encounter occasional light showers, mainly in the afternoon. Uganda’s rainy season has one advantage: it’s the best season for spotting chimpanzees as they are easier to locate (in the dry season, when food is harder to find, the chimpanzees often withdraw far into the jungle’s interior).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR UGANDA

Requirements for entry into Uganda differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Uganda.

You need a valid passport. The passport must be valid for six months after entry into the country. You need one blank page on your passport for entry stamps.

You need a visa to enter Uganda. 30-day tourist visas are available on arrival for US$30. You can pay in cash (sterling, US dollars or Ugandan shillings) or by Visa/Mastercard. Payment by credit card may not be available at all land border crossings. 
Make sure you read our 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND UGANDA

It’s pretty easy and straightforward to get around in the small country of Uganda, with most places of interest located within a few hours drive from the capital Kampala. Uganda has one of the best road systems in East Africa, with a well maintained network of paved two-lane roads. However you will find gravel roads in the more remote areas or within the national parks.

When you book a trip to Uganda, you’re most likely to do so via a tour operator that will arrange a driver who doubles as an informal guide. Most tourists in Uganda explore the country’s 10 National Parks with a driver in a four-wheel drive vehicle. For our own travels, we used Uganda Safaris and Gorilla Tours and were extremely happy with their service (we highly recommend them).

If you have money to burn, private flight and helicopter transfers are also available from Entebbe Airport (and can be arranged via your tour operator or lodge).

SUGGESTIONS, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are many reasons why Uganda should be on your bucket list:

• Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park
• Observe chimpanzees in the wild at Ngamba Island
• Visit the Murchisson Falls
• Visit the Source of the River Nile
• Unwind at Lake Bunyonyi
• Take a tour of a tea or coffee plantations
• Go on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Visit the tree-climbing lion is Ishasha
• Stay at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES FOR A VISIT TO UGANDA

Uganda is a small country and it’s easy to explore all of its highlight within a short time frame. I suggest the following one week itinerary in Uganda:

Day 1 & 2: Arrival & exploration of Kampala (including tour of the Entebbe Botanic Gardens).
Recommended Hotels: Kampala Serena Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel or Protea Hotel by Marriott.

Day 3 & 4: 3 hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and exploration of the park (home to the Big Five) by game drives and boat.
Recommended Lodge: Mweya Safari Lodge by Marasa Africa

Day 5 & 6: Take the six-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with gorilla tracking the next day
Recommended hotels: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, or Silverback Lodge

Day 7 & 8: 4 hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi, with a boat ride on the lake the next day.

If you have more time, I highly recommend to spend some additional nights to unwind in Lake Bunyonyi and trek around the lake.

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS

We recommend to visit our list of the most fabulous hotels in Uganda if you are eager to know how we rank Uganda’s top hotels, based on our own experience.

• Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
• Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
• Speke Resort Munyonyo
• Urban by CityBlue, Kampala
• Speke Resort Munyonyo
• Enjojo Lodge, Bwindi

Here is what you can expect on a holiday in Zimbabwe. A visual destination report compiled by Dubai-based Holiday Guide magazine for those planning a holiday in Zimbabwe. 

Our editorial team travelled to Zimbabwe to attend the Sanganai/ Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo and took the opportunity to explore the various tourist attractions in Zimbabwe. We also talked to officials and major players in the tourism and hospitality industry to know about Zimbabwe’s booming tourism industry. A report by Nomad Naved…

Zimbabwe Holiday Guide

Travelling through Zimbabwe, epicentre of Southern Africa’s wildlife and tourism activities, is one of the best journeys one can make in a lifetime, specially for desert-dwelling travellers from the Middle East. It’s a country that offers breathtaking natural splendour, exciting wildlife safaris, mystical ancient towns and a plethora of UNESCO world heritage sites. Witness the largest herds of elephants as they lazily hobble across the African savannah and herd around a watering hole for a communal gathering.

However, Zimbabwe has more to offer than just a Big Five safari experience. Africa’s largest waterfall, the Lozi: Mosi-oa-Tunya (smoke that thunders), also known as the Victoria Falls, is a major tourist attraction that attracts visitors to this landlocked country from all across the world. With a span of about 1.7 kilometres (over a mile long) and a drop of 108 metres, the Victoria Falls is indeed a sight to behold.

Most visitors to Zimbabwe end their unforgettable safari and African adventure with a serene and relaxing cruise on the calm waters of the famous Lake Kariba that takes you to far-off, isolated and uninhabited islands situated on the lake. Zimbabwe also harbours some of the world’s finest and most luxurious hotels & lodges, matching the country’s breathtaking scenery.

Get the most out of your holiday in Zimbabwe with our travel guide. Find out more about:

• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Travel requirements
• Getting around
• Activities
• Recommended hotels
• Photos
• Editor’s Note

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa and enjoys a pleasant climate year round . While there’s little fluctuation in monthly temperatures, the seasons do differ in the amount of precipitation received, which will affect your holiday, whether you are looking for a exciting fun-filled trip to Victoria Falls, a cruise holiday on Lake kariba, or a safari in the national parks.

The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the long, dry season, from June to October, when most days are sunny and substantial rainfall is fairly unusual. It is also the best time to get away from simmering heat in the Middle East countries during those months.

Another popular time to visit Zimbabwe is during the short dry season from January to February when dry weather prevails although humidity is picking up.

During November and December there’s another rainy season, the so-called ‘short rains’, but these are much lighter, less frequent and less reliable than the long rains.

THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA FALLS

Visit the park to see the Falls from the Zimbabwe side. The park entrance fee is about US$ 30 – remember take some waterproof clothing!

Walk across the frontier into Zambia to see the Zambian part of the Falls. Between the Zimbabwean and Zambian frontier posts you cross the famous steel bridge carrying the road and railway across the Zambezi between the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the river.

Take afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel, the poshest hotel in town. The hotel is right next to the railway station.

For those interested, there are a whole range of adventure activities available such as white water rafting down the Zambezi, or for the complete adventure junkies, bungee jumping off the Zambezi bridge.

Go on an afternoon river cruise on the Zambezi. Many operators offer similar trips, which includes plentiful drinks and snacks. You will most likely see hippos, elephants and crocodiles.

BULAWAYO: TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Bulawayo is a pleasant town, well spread out with wide open streets and relatively little traffic. There is an excellent railway museum, which features Cecil Rhodes’ private railway coach. You should not miss a day trip to the Matobo National Park, some 25 miles South of Bulawayo, where Cecil Rhodes is buried. Day tours generally visit the Whovi Game Reserve in the morning (famous for its rhinos), then the haunting hills of the main park in the afternoon.

HOW TO GET THERE

Zimbabwe receives numerous international and domestic daily flights via its three main airports:

Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport (HRE) is the international airport of Harare, the largest city in Zimbabwe and its capital. It is located about 11 kilometres (7 miles) from the city centre. The airport has flights to destinations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It is named after Robert Mugabe, the nation’s second president.

Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) is the main airport in the Victoria Falls region. It is about 18 kilometres (11 miles) south-west of the town, also known as the Victoria Falls. In April 2013, Exim Bank of China had provided a $150 million loan to build the airport’s new runway, taxiways and a new terminal to increase the airport’s capacity from 500,000 to 1.7million passengers annually.

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) is the international airport in Bulawayo that serves the cities of Arusha and Moshi and is located 25 kilometres outside the city. Originally known as Bulawayo Airport, it was renamed in honour of the late Dr Joshua Nkomo, the leader and founder of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union in 2001

If you want to travel the entire country, it’s best to either arrive in Harare and depart from Victoria Falls, or the other way around. Some airliners offer multi-city tickets at often the same price for a round-trip ticket. KLM, Emirates, and Ethiopian Airlines currently have the best connections to the country from the Middle East.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

You need an international passport with at least six months validity to enter Zimbabwe.
Most nationalities get a visa on arrival to enter Zimbabwe. Or you could get one from your nearest Zimbabwe embassy or consulate before you travel.

GETTING AROUND

Self-driving in Zimbabwe is not as problematic as some people think. The main cities are connected via good asphalt highways – you can also get around by making use of one of the several modes of transportation that are available.

When you book a safari, the operator or lodge will always arrange a driver who doubles as an informal guide. Most tourists will explore the National Parks with a driver in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Domestic flights are the quickest and most comfortable option if you want to visit several parts of the country during your journey. There are several domestic airlines that link the most popular safari destinations and provide services to the coast. Some of the more upmarket safari lodges have their own airstrips and use small planes operated by private air charter companies to ferry their guests in, which is a good alternative to long drives on dusty roads. These are some of Zimbabwe’s domestic airlines that offer online bookings:

• Executive Air
• Fastjet Zimbabwe
• HAC
• Guthrie Aviation

ACCOMMODATION

Zimbabwe offers several accommodation options. It boasts of a wide spectrum of lodges to hotels, safari camps and luxury accommodation for those that really want to spoil themselves. Many lodges and hotels provide scenic views, exciting activities, ideal locations and untouched wilderness. There are new properties popping up all the time and the older more traditional properties have all seen a recent makeover, and continue to win prestigious awards.

For a luxurious option in Hwange National Park we recommend staying at Hwange Safari Lodge! If you’re headed to Lake Kariba then Caribbea Bay Resort is well worth considering.

RECOMMENDED HOTELS & LODGES IN ZIMBABWE

Consider visiting our top rated hotels, based on our first-hand own experience:

• Cresta Oasis (Harare)
• The Kingdom Hotel (Victoria Falls)
• Holiday Inn (Bulawayo)
• Caribbea Bay Resort (Lake Kariba)

EDITOR’S NOTE

Emerging from a period of economic and political turmoil, Zimbabwe is certainly one of the most underrated countries in Africa and offers a plethora of gems ready to be explored.