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  • How Can You Support Wildlife Conservation? 6 Ways to Start Today

    Wildlife of all types is in danger. More than 450 species have been declared extinct over the past decade, and that number isn’t slowing down anytime soon, unfortunately. The good news is that there are things that everyone can do to support wildlife conservation, and they don’t require a ton of time or money. Start doing the following to help support wildlife conservation and prevent more species from going extinct in the future.

    Purchase From Companies that Donate

    Pay attention to which companies offer to donate to wildlife conservation funds. Whether it’s purchasing jewelry that supports polar bear habitats to using websites that donate a portion of all proceeds to a wildlife conservation fund, everyday shopping can be a way to give more money to the cause without having to donate funds directly. For those who have limited funds to use for donations, this is a great way to help.

    Create a Safe Space for Wildlife in the Yard

    Using native plants and flowers in the yard creates a home and food for local wildlife populations. Even in yards that are fenced to keep out larger animals, providing native resources can help support local bugs that need help. Bee populations are rapidly declining, which impacts pollination and the ability for food to grow. By creating a safe space for bees in the backyard, along with other bugs and critters, it’s possible to help them thrive and encourage growing populations to benefit the future.

    Avoid Illegal Products From Endangered Animals

    Illegal items are for sale in many places. Whether someone finds items like tortoiseshell necklaces or ivory statues abroad while traveling or at home, it’s a good idea to think twice about buying the item. It may be marked as an antique to get it to sell, but it may not actually be legal to purchase or own. Many places, including the United States, have restrictions on items made from parts of endangered animals or animals that have been poached. Avoid buying these products, even if they appear to be legal to own, to avoid supporting poaching and other illegal activities.

    Give Money or Time to Support National Parks

    National parks not only provide amazing views and experiences, but they provide homes for animals, too. By supporting national parks, it’s possible to help various wildlife populations thrive. Supporting the national parks can mean volunteering for clean-up or other tasks, donating money that can be used to help preserve the area, or just visiting. Funds paid to visit national parks are used for basic upkeep and conservation in the park, so they go towards helping the wildlife that calls the park home.

    Opt for Sustainable Food

    Much of the food eaten today is highly processed and not sustainable. Eating more sustainably can come in many forms, from those who opt for a meatless diet to those who shop for sustainably caught fish for dinner. Other options for eating more sustainably include buying fruits and vegetables in-season and preserving them for later use, using less packaging where possible for foods, and avoiding processed foods when possible. Opting for sustainable food doesn’t mean making a drastic change today, but all of the small changes can make a big difference in the end.

    Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

    Reduce, reuse, and recycle are terms often learned by children in school, but many people forget this mantra once they move out and start living on their own. Though it has been around for many years, it is still a good way to help the environment and support wildlife conservation. When possible, reduce the amount of waste created, reuse any items that are not ready to be thrown out, and recycle as many items as feasible. Start composting to help reduce waste and find unique ways to reuse boxes and containers in the home. Look to the local guidelines from the recycling company for what can be recycled.

    Supporting wildlife conservation can be done without spending a lot of money. Though volunteering and donating are great ways to support wildlife conservation, small changes made at home can make a big difference, too. When more people make the small changes, it ends up having a much bigger impact and can help stop the destruction of wildlife habitats, the overhunting or overfishing of animals, and the loss of species when they can no longer thrive. Start using the tips here to live more sustainably and to support wildlife conservation so the animals can be around for future generations.

  • These African NGO’s are Using Innovative Ways to Give Back to their Communities

    In a continent that that is rife with injustices, and social and economic inequalities, it is only right that those on the privileged end of the chasm do what they can to help the underprivileged. The understanding of this moral obligation is what has prompted several people to start non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to give back to their communities across Africa.

    This article will particularly address some NGOs who are taking unique approaches to giving back. The founders of these NGOs have identified needs that have been unmet in their communities and are mobilising efforts and resources to meet them.

    Chess in Slums Africa

    As the name implies, Chess in Slums Africa is an NGO that works to bring the magic of chess to slums in Africa – so far, the movement has only been active in Lagos, Nigeria. The founder of Chess in Slums, Babatunde Onakoya believes that just as a pawn can go on to become a king in chess, kids in slums can go on to become kings and queens with just the right push by the right person. Since 2018, he and his team have decided to be those right people for over 200 children in impoverished communities They have used chess as a tool to improve cognition and empower the minds of these children, with the aim of having them become masters at the game who can compete globally and be exposed to a wealth of opportunities.

    Apart from chess training, their workstream includes mentorship by chess enthusiasts and other model members of the society, skills acquisition, and life-long educational scholarship programs. For the kids, chess has been more than just a game; it has helped them experience the thrill of winning something, the dignity of being treated as people and not just “street kids”, and the ability to become independent thinkers. It has shown them that “it is possible to do great things from a small place” as Babatunde Onakoya often says.

    Using social media as a bedrock, the team has been able to appeal to the hearts of thousands all over and even beyond the continent to be a part of the cause. A number of social media users have opened their homes up to some of the kids, promising to take them off the streets and provide them with accommodation and education. Chess in Slums has seen endorsements from several Nigerian celebrities, foreign media publications and even the likes of American celebrity Paris Hilton.

    Sistah Sistah Foundation

    Sistah Sistah Foundation (SSF) is run by a group of young feminists in Zambia. Over the past 3 years, their work has mainly focused on sexual, gender based violence (GBV) and sexual reproductive health rights. They provide support for victims of sexual violence and GBV by helping them report their cases, connecting them with much needed legal and medical help, and helping them find jobs and safe homes.

    SSF’s programmes include an End Period Poverty Campaign which provides free pads to underprivileged girls and women as well as sex workers. Through workshops and rallies, they educate girls and young women on sexual reproductive health rights and the dangers of rape culture. Their Arts and Crafts programme helps children explore their creative side through art, dance, music, poetry, design and various crafts. Their Literacy programme also includes writing classes and book clubs for the kids. The Foundation also seeks to provide fun activities for the kids, helping them to experience a normal childhood; they organise movie screenings, parties, pageants and careers day events.

    The Foundation not only works to equip girls and young women with knowledge and needed resources, but also with a voice that has the strength to demand equality and an end to oppression. SSF organises protests, online activism and petitions to make sure the government is doing their part to empower women through the right programmes and policies. Through their various programmes and activism, the Sistah Sistah Foundation has been able to build a solid “Sistahood” for their groups in Zambia.

    Books2Africa

    The Books2Africa NGO was founded by African students in the UK in 2012. The organisation aims to promote a culture of recycling and improve the quality of education for students in Africa through the collection, processing and delivery of books, computers and other educational resources to institutions and communities all over Africa.

    The organisation’s foundational principles are African-led collaboration, universal education and sustainability. They achieve sustainability not only in the environmental sense by diverting quality books from UK landfill sites, but also in the financial sense as they use about 20% of donated books to generate funds through sales in their charity shop. In order to promote tolerance and inter-learning in the global community, the organisation sends foreign literary works to readers in Africa and promotes African literary works to readers in the UK. This helps to ensure that donors and beneficiaries are equal collaborators.

    Since their inception, Books2Africa has delivered over 2 million books to over 20 countries in West, East, Central, North and Southern Africa. They have four distribution centres in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana where individuals and organisations can browse and request for books.

    Ingressive for Good

    Ingressive for Good (I4G) – established in 2020 – is an edtech NGO which exists to equip African children and youths with tech skills, enabling them to contribute to the social and economic development of the continent. I4G hopes to achieve this through 3 main schemes: micro-scholarships, technical training and talent placement.

    The micro-scholarships scheme has them grant partial scholarships to computer science final year students in need at prestigious African universities. The scholarship also includes the provision of standard laptops to support their education. Their technical training scheme has them partnering with known tech trainers to offer relevant resources and practical training in coding and other tech skills. Their talent placement scheme involves providing their top trained and skilled I4G alumni in jobs at reputable tech companies.

    I4G’s specific goals are to empower 1 million African tech talents and to see to the employment of 5,000 of their alumni in jobs in the next five years. They are well on their way to achieving these goals, with thousands of beneficiaries all over the continent.

  • Best Destinations for Family Safaris in East Africa

    Family travels should be life changing, Interesting, exciting and engaging for all ages as they are designed to spark a passion, inspire a sense of wonder. When these experiences are shared with loved ones, they bring you closer together. Many book family safaris in Africa to different destinations year round during summer and winter but whoever visits Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania get memories that last forever. It’s very rare to find people with the same interest on a family trip yet it’s the order of the day in East Africa.

    However, family tours are fun in places with multiple activities such as wildlife parks, beaches, theme parks, zoos, etc since there is something for everyone. If you traveling with children it’s good to visit destinations with wildlife, sand, natural environment setting, though some destination activities are limited to some age of children for example a child below 15year of age isn’t allowed to trek mountain gorillas in both Uganda or Rwanda since the activity requires hiking in the jungle forest and in the Virunga Bamboo forest. But all family trips to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or volcanoes national park are always wonderful since even children are entertained by different forest walks ,community tours as they wait for their parents to return back from the Gorilla trek.

    Also family holidays are nice if you plan it with balanced room for leisure and adventure since they need to be full of complete fun and relaxation. Most accommodation facilities in different tourist destinations are built with room for family gate ways to cater for groups or guests who feel like sleeping close to each other or in opposite lodge rooms. Facilities are the same like that of the other lodge guests though family arrangements are made on request like special dining table for meals & drinks and even surprises if one of the family members is celebrating a birth day or any achieve. Take a quick look at some of the recommended travel destinations with awesome family adventures that will make everybody happy and relaxed in East Africa.

    Murchison falls Wildlife Park in Uganda
    This is a great place in Uganda full of nice family adventures for all ages and wildlife watching on land is every trip highlight to the Murchison Falls Park. Tourists view the park wildlife starting at 6.30am local time and the morning session always end at 10:30 am a time when they retire for breakfast at their respective lodges. You can also enjoy the evening session which start from 5.00pm – 7.30pm which is always done just after the afternoon 3hrs Boat cruise an activity which take you to the play ground of hippos, crocodiles and buffaloes, thousands of birds, including elephants along and others.

    Taking a five-hour Nile Delta boat trip downstream to the papyrus-filled delta where the Nile empties into Lake Albert is another family adventure which take you to the main birding point for shoebill, some wildlife can be spotted . You need to book early since different tour companies book it often. Other activities include Spot fishing, Chimpanzee tracking, Forest walks, Bird watching walks, Nile Navigation and nature walks. Plan a trip here and discover what makes the might falls unique in Africa.

    Serengeti National Park the wildlife Haven in Tanzania

    The land of endless plains is a home to several wildlife animals and fauna ready to entertain your family through your stay giving you a fantastic lifetime experience full of real leisure and fun. Every day will get a different and magnificent experience in Serengeti seeing the highest wildlife concentration large wildlife on earth. The big five are the park flowers and grass and watching the lions hunt and eat their prey is a very nice experience which I feel everyone should witness. Animals you must view include leopards, cheetah, lions, zebras, buffaloes, etc plus the sweet lovely sunset view. A Balloon ride is another way of making your wildlife viewing exceptional so take it on if you can. The accommodations are excellent with different cuisines for every taste.

    Masai Mara Game reserve
    Kenya a place full of freedom for the old and the young with many foreign investors who created a calm environment for children fun back then as they relocated to the country permanently with their families. Having been on a family trip safari trip in Kenya with two children I just advise you to use right travel experts who will design your trip in lavish way full of relaxation and fun no rush from one place to another. By the way there are adults who are delicate like children so family trips are the best and Kenya is a place to be.

    The country has all you need in the fun massive wildlife experience, birding, exceptional beach holidays etc. With accommodation there are several Masai Mara camps & lodges which are well stocked for families without forgetting the Ranches in Laikipia where parents who travel with children are given time to enjoy a moment together as the ranch guides entertain children with lots of activities like camel riding, swimming, fishing, game drives, among others.

    Queen Elizabeth National park in Uganda
    A family trip in Queen Elizabeth Game Park is unforgettable leaving your family with nice photo captions & stories to tell. A morning game drives starts your day at Queen Elizabeth an activity where you will catch up with all the early risers in Kasenyi area, the elephants, lions, kobs, buffaloes among others. The moment to remember is when you all sail on the Kazinga channel waters on a boat ride to the school of hippos, wildlife birds among others. Chimpanzee tracking at Kyambura gorge is something you don’t have to miss during your stay. Spend a full day adventure in the Ishasha sector of the park and view tree climbing lion up in trees as they play and rest in their lovely homes.

    While here you can just proceed to Bwindi forest in Buhoma and track the Mountain Gorillas a main highlight activity for many guests to Uganda. Enjoy a true African wild setting as you explore the pearl of Africa.

    Conclusion

    Before choosing a family destination flexibility and comfort is an important factor. Request for the best family arrangements from your expert making your trip inspiring and loving as you discover the destination treasures of a destination of your choice.

  • Sri Lanka – Jewel of the Indian Ocean

    Sri Lanka – Jewel of the Indian Ocean

    And so I begin to describe something that transcends words. I do not think anyone predicted what a magical experience this tour would be. Hats off to Cynthia and Larry for discovering such kind and inspirational, yet slightly crazy Sri Lankans. And then, accommodating us all through periods of various emotions, heartbreak, uncontrollable laughter and episodes of bad dancing during baila sessions. Both of you are so loving, caring and compassionate and I am so blessed to have met you.

    It is impossible now for me to think about Sri Lanka without smiling and almost crying at the same time. Sri Lanka is not a binary country, it is rich with culture, all sorts of wonderful smiling people with bigger hearts than you can imagine. I will describe one moment to you, somewhere where I felt I connected to something truly incredible. This place exists in a very sacred Buddhist town.

    On the side of the road, through a very unceremonious entrance we began our journey to something incredible. Much like you would see in a modern drama when people enter parallel worlds through portals. If you did not know that this place existed, you are more than likely going to miss it.

    With guidance, we climbed on steps carved out of the same rocks that we were climbing. There were amazing rock formations all around us; rocks on top of other rocks and rocks leaning on each other for support. Rocks formed shapes, providing shade from the alcoves. You could feel the coolness of the rocks against your hands and hear the summer breeze whisper through the trees.

    Already I felt like we were transported somewhere with incredible energy. This place was like no other place I had ever been. We came to a landing that had a lake to the side and ancient toilet technologies that were built in the past when students came to practise mediation rituals. Then we climbed some more and headed through another unceremonious entrance.

    Voila, we had arrived and it was incredible. There were carved rocks forming the roofs of small houses that monks stayed in. How amazing it was to see the ancient technologies that existed to carve rocks and for this technology to be so careful that cracks didn’t occur.

    All of these elements that I am describing are all physical attributes, but how I was feeling inside was indescribable. Have you ever felt connected to pure energy? This place truly silenced me, not because I could not describe what I saw, but because I had no words to explain what I felt. I felt connected to the past and the present and I was no longer thinking about the future. It only mattered that I was there; mind, body and soul in that very moment.

    Our guide told us that our ancestors were happy to see us here. At that moment I thought, this trip was planned a long time ago, not when we met, but a very very long time ago and was supposed to happen now.

    I felt pure energy connected to the very being of my person, how is that possible? I felt the very centre of my physical body awaken with the force of this energy. My heart was full with nothing and everything at the same time. I felt such incredible happiness; blessed that I was born to my parents, and for the sisters that I had. Blessed that I had met all of these wonderful people in the group. And, not to be drastic, but I wondered ‘can you die of happiness’? At that moment I felt transported and truly happy that if I died, I would have died happy.

    It had been five years since my last trip to Sri Lanka. This was the grand homecoming I could not have imagined. This particular moment was truly special as our group had already shared so many personal stories about overcoming tragedy, trauma and hopeless situations. We had already connected with each other on a very deep level. Everyone was aware of the personal struggles we had been through and the courage it had taken for all of us to be there at this point in our lives. It was not a moment shared lightly but an experience shared with full understanding and acceptance of each other, despite our differences and the scars we bared.

    I know that even through describing this one extremely special moment, I am not doing it justice. For all of these amazing experiences are based on my own narrative. We are our own unique protagonist and only I can know the extent of what I felt.

    Two days do not pass without me talking to my new friends from this group. I have become very close to them because being with them reminds me of our amazing time in Sri Lanka and enables me to remember everything there is about Sri Lanka – my homeland. We share with each other our hopes and plans for the future.

    We were an exceptional bunch of people, who came together at a time that was right for each other’s lives. This tour happened at the perfect time for me as I was in the right mindset to fully embrace the experience rather than reject it. Once again, I must thank Uniting Journeys for making this wonderful journey happen for all us. We are so grateful that you made it possible for new friendships to blossom in such a safe and nourishing environment. The experiences we shared, the people we met, their stories and struggles will stay with me for a long time to come. I will use these stories to inspire me to do something positive, to leave Sri Lanka a little bit better than it is now.

     

  • How to Protect Endangered Gorillas

    How to Protect Endangered Gorillas

    Mountain gorillas are primates that are highly endangered and currently inhabiting the forested jungles in only three countries on earth (Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo) at an estimated population of 900 on the whole planet. The number of mountain gorillas was greatly reduced by the increased poaching as well as civil wars in which national parks would be turned into fighting grounds and hiding places for the soldiers and in the process destroying wildlife mountain gorillas inclusive.

    Mountain gorillas are very magical and unique animals that offer incredible wildlife experiences while on mountain gorilla safaris and therefore there is need for mountain gorilla protection to ensure sustainable mountain gorilla tourism in east and central Africa. The protection of mountain gorillas is a collective effort that can be done by all the participants and it can be done in the following ways.

    Going For Mountain Gorilla Safaris

    This is usually the first and major step to ensure protection of mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla permits are sold at $1500, $800 and $500 in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo respectively. The money collected from these gorilla permits is used in ensuring conservation, paying the game rangers some of whom are ex poachers and a given percentage taken for local community development. Giving back to the community enables the local people to realize the importance of the mountain gorillas and in turn they are used as conservation agents.

    While on a mountain gorilla safari, an encounter with these incredible animals makes one get to know more about them, which also acts a motivator for conservation.

    Supporting Local Community Projects Near The National Park

    There are many local people who live near the mountain gorilla national parks and many of them engage in small business that can enable them earn a living like producing a number of hand made crafts, while others have small eateries that prepare local cuisines. Supporting the local people enables them to directly get income, which prevents them from doing illegal acts like poaching as they seek to earn a living.

    A case in point is the Ibyiwacu cultural village in Rwanda (at the outskirts of Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park) where a number of former poachers are employed as cultural tour guides and entertainers.

    Not Going For A Mountain Gorilla Safari When Sick

    Over 98% DNA of the mountain gorillas is similar to humans, which makes them very vulnerable to contracting humans diseases especially airborne and contagious diseases like flu. For many years, researchers have discovered that many mountain gorillas actually die because of infectious human diseases. For the well being of these endangered species, it’s not good for some one who is sick to go for gorilla tracking.

    Keeping A Reasonable Distance Away From The Mountain Gorillas

    On encounter with the mountain gorillas, tourists are recommended to keep at least a 7 distance meters away from the mountain gorillas. This is done to minimize chances of disease transmission between the gorillas and tourists and to also minimize chances of natural behavioral change of the mountain gorillas. There are instances when the mountain gorillas come towards the tourists especially the young mountain gorillas but however much you may want to be close or touch them, you should just move a way from them and avoid touching them.

    Avoiding Buying Products Made Out Of Wild Animal Body Parts

    There are some poachers who hunt die wild animals mountain gorillas inclusive. After killing these wild animals, they use their body parts especially the skin to make crafts. Buying these products encourages poachers to continue their illegal activities, which threatens the life and well being of the wild animals.

    Donating to mountain gorilla conservation projects and also spreading the mountain gorilla conservation message as a way of sensitizing people are also ways that can be used to protect mountain gorillas.

  • Best 5 National Parks in East Africa

    Best 5 National Parks in East Africa

    East Africa is the beating heart of the world’s safari adventures. Here, untamed wilderness meets timeless traditions. This region, home to some of the planet’s most famous and revered national parks, promises more than just the thrill of wildlife watching—it offers a deeply immersive experience into the rhythms of nature, untouched by modernity. From the vast, open plains of the Serengeti to the lush, misty mountains of Uganda, East Africa’s landscapes are as diverse as the animals that roam them.

    What truly makes East Africa the ultimate safari destination is its remarkable biodiversity. Here, you’ll find the “Big Five”—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—in their natural habitats, often just a few feet away. But beyond these famous icons, East Africa is teeming with cheetahs stalking prey in golden grasses, giraffes grazing on acacia trees, herds of elephants migrating across the savannas, and rare, colorful birds filling the skies. The sheer scale and variety of species make every safari an unpredictable adventure, with surprises waiting around every corner.

    Beyond the wildlife, East Africa’s safari experience is deeply intertwined with local culture. The Maasai people, who have lived harmoniously alongside wildlife for centuries, offer a unique glimpse into an ancient way of life. Their vibrant traditions, clothing, and ceremonies enrich the safari experience, allowing visitors to understand the connection between humanity and nature in ways few other places can offer.

    East Africa is not just a destination—it’s a revelation. It is a place where the grandeur of nature, the excitement of the safari, and the depth of human history converge, offering an experience that is both profoundly moving and wildly exhilarating.

    Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

    Serengeti National Park is the crown jewel of Tanzania’s safari circuit, and for good reason. Spanning over 14,750 square kilometres, this vast ecosystem offers some of the most iconic wildlife viewings in the world. But the Great Migration, one of the most awe-inspiring natural events on Earth, draws adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a perilous journey across the Serengeti’s plains in search of fresh pastures, following the ancient rhythms of life and death.

    The sheer spectacle of the migration is breathtaking. Imagine endless herds stretching as far as the eye can see, moving across the golden savannas in unison. The drama intensifies when the herds reach the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, where they must brave crocodile-infested waters in a life-or-death struggle. For predators, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, the migration is a time of plenty, and safari-goers are often treated to thrilling hunts and interactions between predator and prey.

    The park is home to the Big Five, and the large lion prides that dominate the Serengeti plains are world-famous. The Seronera Valley in central Serengeti is one of the best places to spot these majestic cats lounging in the grass or stalking their next meal. Though more elusive, Leopards are often seen in the treetops, while elephants roam the park in large, matriarch-led herds.

    Best Time to Visit

    The Serengeti offers year-round wildlife viewing, but timing is key to witnessing the Great Migration. Between June and October, the migration is at its most dramatic, with river crossings and intense predator activity. The calving season from January to March is another excellent time to visit, as thousands of newborn wildebeests and zebras attract predators, creating plenty of action.

    Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

    The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous and revered safari destinations. Renowned for its wide-open plains, dramatic landscapes, and high concentration of wildlife, the Maasai Mara offers some of the most spectacular game-viewing experiences on the planet. What truly sets the Mara apart, however, is its reputation as “Big Cat Country.” Lions, cheetahs, and leopards thrive here, providing safari-goers with unforgettable sightings and thrilling predator-prey interactions.

    The Maasai Mara forms part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, sharing its southern border with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. As such, it is an integral part of the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles make their way from the Serengeti to the Mara every year, dramatically crossing the Mara River. These river crossings, typically between July and October, are among the most famous wildlife spectacles in the world, with crocodiles lurking in the waters and big cats waiting on the other side.

    The reserve is a year-round destination where wildlife roams freely. The rolling grasslands are the perfect hunting grounds for lion prides, often seen lounging in the shade or stalking their prey. The Mara’s lions are particularly famous for their size and strength, and encountering a pride on the hunt is a heart-pounding experience that brings the drama of the African wilderness to life.

    Cheetahs are also a highlight in the Mara. Their incredible speed and grace make them a favorite among safari-goers, and the open savannas provide ideal terrain for witnessing their lightning-fast chases. The elusive leopard, while more challenging to spot, can often be found resting in trees or prowling in the quieter areas of the reserve.

    A visit to the Maasai Mara is incomplete without encountering the people. The Maasai are one of Kenya’s most iconic indigenous groups, known for their vibrant red shukas (clothing), intricate beadwork, and semi-nomadic lifestyle. Many safari lodges and camps offer cultural visits to Maasai villages, where travellers can learn about their age-old traditions, cattle-herding practices, and deep connection to the land and wildlife.

    Best Time to Visit

    The Maasai Mara is a year-round destination, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from July to October. This is when the Great Migration is in full swing, and the grass is short, making it easier to spot animals. The period from December to February is also ideal for fewer crowds and excellent game viewing.

    Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

    Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers one of the planet’s most unique and profound wildlife experiences—mountain gorilla safaris. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient rain forest is home to nearly half of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas, making it a top destination for travellers seeking a close encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

    The forest itself is a marvel of biodiversity. Covering over 320 square kilometres of dense, impenetrable jungle, it is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, with over 120 species of mammals, 350 bird species, and a staggering array of butterflies and plants. However, the opportunity to track and spend time with mountain gorillas makes Bwindi a once-in-a-lifetime destination. The forest’s thick vegetation, steep ridges, and narrow valleys create an adventurous and challenging landscape that lives up to its name—Bwindi, meaning “impenetrable.”

    Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is both a physical and emotional journey. After an early morning briefing, small groups of trekkers, led by experienced guides and trackers, set off into the forest to find one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorillas, as these animals are constantly on the move. The hike is an adventure, traversing thick jungle, muddy paths, and steep inclines, but the reward at the end is unparalleled: coming face to face with a family of mountain gorillas.

    Observing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment is a profoundly moving experience. Watching a silverback, the group’s dominant male, command his family with quiet authority or seeing young gorillas playfully tumbling in the underbrush offers a rare glimpse into their complex social dynamics. The close bond between the gorillas and the peacefulness of their forest home is a humbling reminder of the importance of conservation.

    Bwindi’s gorilla trekking experience is tightly regulated to ensure minimal impact on the animals and their habitat. Only a limited number of trekking permits are issued daily, and groups are restricted to just one hour with the gorillas to minimize animal stress. These strict measures are part of the broader conservation efforts that have helped increase the mountain gorilla population in recent years, a true conservation success story.

    Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise, as the forest is home to several Albertine Rift endemic species, including the African green broadbill and the short-tailed warbler. While on a gorilla safari in Bwindi, visitors can also explore the local Batwa culture, one of the oldest indigenous groups in Africa. The Batwa pygmies lived as hunter-gatherers in Bwindi’s forest for centuries, and today, cultural visits allow travellers to learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and the challenges they face as modern conservation efforts reshape their relationship with the land.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, when the forest is less muddy and the trekking paths are more manageable. However, Bwindi can be visited year-round, as the rainforest climate means there is always the chance of rain, even in the dry season.

    Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

    Tarangire National Park is often overshadowed by its famous neighbours, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Still, those who visit this lesser-known gem in northern Tanzania are rewarded with an authentic and uncrowded safari experience. Spanning around 2,850 square kilometres, Tarangire is defined by its diverse landscape of acacia woodlands, baobab-studded plains, and riverine habitats, which provide a home to a wide variety of wildlife. However, the park’s immense elephant herds make it truly special—Tarangire boasts one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania.

    From June to October, Tarangire transforms into an elephant sanctuary during the dry season. As water sources dwindle across the region, wildlife is drawn to the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline, where large herds of elephants—sometimes numbering in the hundreds—can be seen drinking, bathing, and foraging. Observing these majestic creatures in such numbers is a breathtaking experience, especially when set against the dramatic backdrop of ancient baobab trees, which are iconic features of the park.

    Beyond elephants, Tarangire is a haven for other wildlife. The park supports many species, including buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and a healthy population of big cats, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Tarangire is also home to Tanzania’s largest African wild dog population, among the most endangered carnivores in Africa. It is a rare and thrilling encounter for those fortunate enough to spot these elusive animals.

    Another unique aspect of Tarangire is its extraordinary birdlife. With over 550 species recorded, Tarangire offers some of the best birding opportunities in East Africa. During the wet season, migratory birds flock to the park, adding even more vibrancy to its rich avian diversity.

    Unlike the more famous parks in Tanzania, Tarangire offers a more intimate and relaxed safari experience with fewer crowds and vehicles. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without the hustle and bustle of busier safari circuits. The park’s smaller camps and lodges also contribute to this sense of exclusivity, allowing for a more personalised and serene safari adventure.

    Best Time to Visit

    The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit Tarangire, as wildlife congregates around the Tarangire River, making it easier to spot large concentrations of animals, especially elephants. The wet season from November to May brings lush greenery and migratory birds, though wildlife disperses across the park, making animals slightly more challenging to find.

    For those seeking a safari experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary elephant encounters, and rich biodiversity, Tarangire National Park is a hidden treasure that should not be overlooked. It offers a quieter, more secluded side of Tanzania’s wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.

    Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

    The popular Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, is where the might of nature is on full display. Named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge and plunges 43 meters into a frothing pool below, this park offers visitors a combination of awe-inspiring landscapes and abundant wildlife. It is one of the most diverse safari destinations in East Africa, blending powerful natural forces with classic game-viewing opportunities.

    The park’s centrepiece is the Nile River, which cuts through the savanna and creates unique ecosystems that sustain a wide range of wildlife. Boat cruises along the river are among the most popular ways to experience the park, offering a different perspective on the wildlife. As you drift along the Nile’s calm waters, you’ll see hippos bobbing in the water, crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, and a host of birds, including African fish eagles, goliath herons, and kingfishers.

    The park’s vast savannas, woodlands, and riverine forests are home to an impressive array of species, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and lions. The open plains north of the river are particularly rich in wildlife, with large herds of Uganda kobs, hartbeests, and oribis grazing in the grasslands, often with predators like lions and leopards not far behind. Rothschild’s giraffes, one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies, are especially common here, offering safari-goers plentiful opportunities to observe these gentle giants up close.

    In the southern part of the park, Budongo Forest offers guided chimpanzee tracking experiences. Visitors can walk through the dense tropical forest to observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment. Budongo is one of Uganda’s most important rainforests and is home to various other primates, including red-tailed and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

    Another of the highlights of any visit to Murchison Falls is the opportunity to witness the raw power of the falls themselves. A short hike to the top of the falls offers a thrilling experience as you stand just a few meters from where the world’s longest river is squeezed through a gap only seven meters wide before it crashes down into the Devil’s Cauldron below. The thunderous roar and spray of the water create a dramatic and unforgettable atmosphere, with rainbows often dancing in the mist.

    Best Time to Visit

    The best time to visit Murchison Falls National Park is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to September when wildlife is more easily spotted as animals gather around water sources. Boat trips on the Nile are also more comfortable during this time. The park can be visited year-round, but the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) can make some dirt roads impassable.

    Conclusion

    An East African safari is a transformative journey through some of Earth’s most untouched and diverse landscapes. From the vast savannas teeming with wildlife to the misty mountains where endangered species thrive, East Africa offers an immersive experience that engages all the senses.

    Each destination provides a unique flavor of adventure. Whether captivated by the sheer scale of animal migrations, enthralled by the power of natural wonders, or seeking intimate encounters with rare wildlife, the region delivers moments of awe and connection with nature that are difficult to find elsewhere.

    Your safari adventure in East Africa promises to be unforgettable. You will leave with a deep appreciation for the majesty of the natural world and the importance of preserving these treasures for future generations.

  • Be Bold For Change with Visit.Org

    Be Bold For Change with Visit.Org

    International Women’s Day began in 1911, three years after 15,000 women in New York took to the streets and demanded equal wages, shorter working days and the right to vote. Since then, women across the globe have persevered to be seen as equals in the workforce and to be treated with respect in all social, economic, cultural and political aspects of life. There are numerous ways you can be bold for change this year (the IWD website has many actions to chose from here); but before you take off work to join a march or write a petition, start with planning a trip that will change a woman’s life. You can enact real change in real women’s lives when you travel with our partner Visit.Org.

    Visit.org has 500 immersive and impactful travel experiences in 63 countries hosted by do-good organizations. Many of these partners are benefiting and empowering women. By taking a tour or going on a Visit.Org trip, you are directly impacting underprivileged women through the organization’s immersive travel experiences. Here are a few examples:

    Asia Arts

    If you enjoy making arts and crafts, the Artisans Angkor in Cambodia is a great place to spend a morning. Learn how to make a colorful scarf on traditional looms, sculpt a piece of wood, make a bracelet, or even a silk painting. The $75 cost for this experience not only supports local artisans, it also funds education and training programs in the community.

    Children Art

    This next excursion in Chile has empowerment sown right. The Mapuche Discovery Tour, organized by the Fundación Chol Chol, gives visitors the chance to learn about the Mapuche people of Araucania through making textiles and pottery from sustainable materials. After learning a few new skills, guests are invited to a traditional Ruka hut for an organic family meal. Funds raised from this experience go toward local women’s programs and fair trade production.

    Peru Art

    Get your weave on in Peru with CTTC and the Peru Art Tour. Experience the Cusco weaving tradition and learn how to weave on a traditional backstrap loom while supporting Andean weavers and fair trade practices. Knit a bag for your cellphone or spare change or braid yourself a stylish honda (a traditional Andean sling made of llama wool). Funds from the tour is invested in educating young weavers in the community and ensuring fair trade practices so that local weavers have a stable source of income.

    The opportunities to empower women everywhere can be found in nearly every tour and experience offered by Visit.Org, but travelers can especially help empower vulnerable women in Colombia with the Cundinamarca Community Tour. Organized by the Fundación Soy Social, this two-day tour introduces travelers to the incredible and talented women of Vereda la Merced and Villapinzón. Learn how to weave, milk cows, tend to potatoes in the garden, make cheese, and prepare traditional dishes. (Our mouths are watering over here.) Revenue from this experience is invested in improving productivity and sustainability for rural women and their children in the municipality of Villapinzón through education and financial support.

    If these experiences sound like a great way to support amazing women around the world, you’ll love Visit.Org’s many other tours and activities.

  • 4 Reasons Why You Should Stay at Nautilus Hotel in Lanzarote

    4 Reasons Why You Should Stay at Nautilus Hotel in Lanzarote

    1. The Personal Touch:

    The Hotel Nautilus is a customer satisfaction leader in Lanzarote, which is a guarantee of a great vacation before you even leave home.

    2. A Commitment To Responsible Tourism:

    Since making its pledge to sustainability, the hotel has made a clear commitment to accessible tourism that enables their guests, regardless of age, physical and circumstantial limitations, to enjoy their vacation. Technical aides are available to visitors, including a hydraulic chair lift in the pool so that people with reduced mobility can enter and enjoy the weather as well. This is the first of its kind installed in the Canary Islands.

    3. The Decor:

    This beautiful hotel is decorated with original works of art belonging to the hotel’s private collection, allowing guests to enjoy fine works during their holidays, making them feel more at home.

    4. Major Goals:

    The next step for this hotel is to be focused on self-sufficiency by 2016, while 30 percent of the energy used by the Nautilus Lanzarote is currently clean. Moving forward in an environment like Lanzarote can be quite a challenge.

  • Climate justice is a Critical Issue for the Tourism Industry

    Each year, temperature records are broken and extreme weather events strike. July 22, 2024 now marks the hottest day on record, surpassing the previous heat records set in 2023.

    Extreme weather events are impacting many tourism hotspots, such as the recent Jasper wildfire, the April 2024 flooding of Dubai airport and the 2023 Maui wildfires. Yet tourism continues to grow, and travel levels are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels shortly.

    Climate change is an inseparable aspect of modern tourism. On the one hand, the key components of tourism — transportation, aviation in particular, as well as accommodation — are major contributors to carbon emissions. Aviation emissions alone account for an estimated eight to 10 per cent of overall greenhouse gas emissions.

    But, in turn, climate change also poses increasing and severe risks to tourism businesses. Beach holidays are threatened by rising sea levels, ski resorts can no longer depend on snowfall and some tourism businesses risk becoming uninsurable.

    Burned forest on the edge of Jasper, Alberta, on August 16, 2024. Wildfire caused evacuations and widespread damage in the National Park and Jasper townsite. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

    Until recently, the response to the climate crisis has focused largely on climate action. This includes addressing the impacts of carbon emissions through mitigation (using technologies to prevent emissions) and adaptation (adjusting to climate change) in impacted areas.

    However, our new report from The Travel Foundation argues the tourism industry needs to consider climate justice before undertaking any climate actions. We conducted in-depth interviews with a wide range of tourism experts to determine how the industry can play a role in a just transition.

    We’re running our annual survey to find out what you think of our content

    Climate justice

    The tourism industry’s engagement with climate justice is well overdue. The concept of climate justice first gained international recognition in 2000 when the first climate justice summit was held alongside COP 6 at the Hague.

    Climate justice is an inclusive approach to climate action that centres the voices and needs of communities most impacted by climate change. Indigenous, Black and other marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable to the severe impacts of climate change.

    As, Daniela Subtil, the network co-ordinator for Stay Grounded, a network of organizations promoting alternatives to aviation to address climate change, said:

    “The impacts of the climate crisis that aviation contributes to are being felt… by marginalised, historically and systematically marginalised peoples. Yet there is a very tiny percentage of the world’s population flying.”

    Climate justice recognizes that these communities often lack the resources needed to deal with the impacts of climate extremes. Despite contributing the least to the climate crisis, both historically and in the present, many of these communities — particularly across the Global South — are bearing the brunt of its consequences.

    Our report highlights that low-income countries account for less than one per cent of travel and tourism emissions, but will suffer the most from climate change. Tourism emissions are disproportionately caused by a small percentage of the population that are primarily in the Global North.

    A 2020 study, for instance, found that a small group of “super-emitters” — just one per cent of the population — were responsible for half of aviation’s carbon emissions in 2018.

    A better approach to travel

    Demands for climate justice are just as relevant to travellers as they are to the tourism industry. Whether it’s the need to better prepare for climate disasters at destinations or the potential increase in levies that the industry will pass onto consumers, travellers are not shielded from the effects of climate change.

    Our report encourages a responsible approach to travel planning that urges travellers to take into account not only their carbon footprints, but also their broader impact on social justice.

    This begins with recognizing the communities and environments impacted by tourists’ travel choices. Tourists should be aware that their presence may not be welcomed in communities dealing with climate change-related disasters.

    A climate justice approach also normalizes the idea that tourism businesses can act as first responders in climate emergencies, bringing their skills and resources into action.

    Climate justice tourism

    There are already existing examples of tourism that better aligns with the principles of climate justice. Often it is Indigenous communities leading the way, from Traditional Owner communities in Australia to Indian Country in the United States.

    For instance, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel in Australia educates about the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage site, the impacts it faces from climate change and the Traditional Owners connected to the site.

    Canada is also fortunate to be home to some unique examples of this type of tourism in action, including the Haida Gwaii archipelago off of the coast of British Columbia, which has always been home to the Haida Nation.

    Given the islands’ distinctive natural and cultural beauties, Haida Gwaii has become a popular tourist destination. In an attempt to assert control over tourism to their homelands and ensure visitors are following a path of responsible tourism, the citizens of Haida Gwaii have initiated the Haida Gwaii Pledge.

    The pledge asks tourists to understand the responsibility of care that Haida have for their place and people. It invites visitors to join them in this care and be respectful guests during their visit. This is one example of transforming tourism relations for justice. It will become increasingly needed as climate change impacts hit harder and harder.

    Ultimately, climate justice is a critical issue for all of us. Recent events prompt us all to commit to climate action with concern for more just outcomes. This may also transform tourism for the better.

    Jeremy Smith, a climate specialist for The Travel Foundation, co-authored this article.

  • Planning a Gorilla Trekking Safari

    Planning a Gorilla Trekking Safari

    I have always wanted to do something unusual in my life. However, I have honestly never come across anything that is worthwhile and thrilling. Recently though, I read about some activity called gorilla tracking on the internet. The members of my chat room said only interesting things about this activity and it left me wondering whether I was the only one who had not done it.

    I knew at this moment that I wanted to do this on my next holiday vacation. I am not sure whether it was because of the need to keep up with the trend or for the thrill that the activity promised. However, now that I have done some research on the subject, I have come to realize that the activity is one of the most exciting and amazing activities in tourism at the moment.

    The prospect of seeing the mountain gorillas in the natural habitat on an activity commonly referred to as gorilla trekking and not viewing them in some enclosure at the zoo is exciting enough. The mountain gorillas are so rare in the world that they are found in two conservation areas in the world, Virunga and Bwindi areas. Yes, I did my research and I have a few of the facts at hand right now like the gorillas cannot survive in confinement and because of this reason, you will not see these amazing primates in a zoo or something like that.

    I have heard from some of the people who have been on such trips that you can get as close as 10 metres of the primates and who in their right mind would pass up an opportunity like this to interact with our near similar relatives. It is always good to enjoy these kinds of experiences with your friends by your side and because of this I hope to go with some of my friends. Knowing the kinds of people my friends are, I have a strong feeling that they cannot say no to this.

    I have also learned that tracking the mountain gorillas in Rwanda is on constant increasing demand and that I must book my gorilla tracking permit well in advance. Rwanda is also a very beautiful country and I have been assured that this will be a life changing experience as I will meet people who enjoy the forest life and in some way they are not obsessed with the luxury that life in the city offers.

    I am therefore in the process of booking a safari to Rwanda with the best deal that I got from Go Gorilla Trekking. I have been communicating with several tour companies organising safaris in Rwanda and i chose GGT because of their available discounts and quick communications that are straight to point. I have also been told that Rwanda has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and that I will enjoy my trip safely and without any interruptions.

    Also, from my correspondences with Go Gorilla Trekking, i have realized that Rwanda has very good hotels which is surprising for a country which in 1994 was embroiled in a catastrophic genocide. There are several luxurious, mid range and budget hotels. Though i have been traveling frequently on budget, am looking at staying in midrange accommodation. The trip promises an exciting and amazing experience and I am looking forward to enjoying my time in this small east African country and I promise to tell my story to whomever wishes to listen.