Serengeti & Gorillas

Your stay will be based at one or more of our many Usawa sites, which shift position every few weeks in response to the herds. Mornings and afternoons in the Serengeti can be spent on classic game drives across the plains, but the beauty of Usawa is that it also offers the choice to explore on foot. Walking safaris immerse you in the finer details of a safari: animal tracks, bird calls, and medicinal plants, and bring a different perspective to the Serengeti’s vastness. With over 500 bird species recorded, the skies are also as rewarding as the wildlife below. As dusk settles, return to camp for unhurried evenings around the fire. Here, stargazing takes centre stage: with no light pollution, the Milky Way blazes across the African sky, a reminder of your place in this timeless wilderness.

Experience of Serengeti National Park on this 1-4 hour guided walking safari, where every step immerses you in the sights, sounds, and textures of Tanzania. This intimate experience offers a unique perspective, connecting you with the land and its vibrant ecosystem in a way no vehicle can. Traverse diverse landscapes, from acacia woodlands and rocky kopjes to sweeping plains alive with resident wildlife. Witness the awe of the Great Migration on foot, as herds of wildebeest attract predators and other wildlife, creating unforgettable encounters. Led by expert guides, your walk combines safety with discovery, revealing the intricate details of Serengeti's flora and fauna. Feel the profound connection to this ancient land as you follow in the footsteps of our ancestors. Each moment is a reminder of the Serengeti's enduring magic; a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts.

Dive into the vibrant heart of Rwanda with a guided Kigali city tour, where history, art, and culture converge. Explore the city's origins at its first modern building and stroll through bustling neighbourhoods that reveal its transformation into one of Africa's safest and most welcoming cities. Wander through the colourful city markets, and walk the streets whirling with fruits, vegetables, textiles, woods. Visit the Museum of Natural History with panoramic views of Kigali. Then, pay your respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and powerful site that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide while offering insight into Rwanda's journey of healing and unity. Pack your walking shoes and get ready to experience Kigali's rich culture and dynamic energy.

Embark on an unforgettable trek through the emerald slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Guided by expert trackers, venture further into the mist-shrouded mountains in search of a gorilla family - each with its own unique hierarchy, personalities, and rhythms of life. Depending on where your allocated gorilla group is located, the drive can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. As you move quietly through the dense forest, the symphony of the jungle surrounds you: the rustle of bamboo, the songs of vibrant bird species, and the playful chatter of golden monkeys leaping through the canopy. Every step reveals a new facet of this rich montane ecosystem, from the whispering bamboo groves to open glades bathed in filtered light. When you finally encounter your gorilla family, time seems to stand still. For one precious hour, observe their gentle interactions - the watchful silverback, nurturing mothers, and curious juveniles - offering an intimate glimpse into one of nature’s most profound bonds. Return to camp exhilarated, carrying with you not just photographs, but an indelible sense of awe and connection that only a second day in the presence of these great primates can bring.

Take to the trails on a hike to the Dian Fossey Grave in Rwanda, a site rich in pioneering conservationist heroism, tragedy, mystery, and breathtaking beauty. This was the base of operations for Dian Fossey during her groundbreaking research of mountain gorillas in the wild. Here, amidst the verdant forests, Fossey studied the intricate behaviours of these magnificent creatures. Guided by park rangers, travel deep into the forest, encountering elusive wildlife and endemic birds along the way. Sweeping views of the Albertine Rift Valley and dramatic volcanoes can be seen ascending the mountain. The hike to the remote pilgrimage site is strenuous yet rewarding, lasting about two to three hours one way with rest stops. Upon reaching the gravesite, visitors can pay homage to Fossey's legacy and learn about her work with the magnificent creatures. Due to the nature of the forest, be sure to pack sturdy hiking shoes to support you through this journey.