https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog Field guides, seasonal advice and insider knowledge on gorilla trekking and East Africa safaris from Orika Africa Tours. en https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/lake-bunyonyi-uganda https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/lake-bunyonyi-uganda Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Lake Bunyonyi in southwest Uganda: 29 islands, 200+ birds, Punishment Island, the Bakiga and Batwa, the 2025 water crisis, and how to visit it well. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/uganda-vs-rwanda-gorilla-trekking https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/uganda-vs-rwanda-gorilla-trekking Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking? Compare permit cost (USD 800 vs 1,500), access, trek difficulty, scenery and what each suits, from a local operator. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/gorilla-trekking-safari-cost https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/gorilla-trekking-safari-cost Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT What does a gorilla trekking safari cost? Permits are USD 800 in Uganda and 1,500 in Rwanda, with lodge-led day rates from USD 400. Here is the full breakdown. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/luxury-safari-kenya https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/luxury-safari-kenya Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT Kenya sets the global standard for high-end safari. From private conservancies in the Maasai Mara to fly-in Laikipia camps, here is what a serious Kenya safari actually looks like. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/best-time-gorilla-trekking-uganda https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/best-time-gorilla-trekking-uganda Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT When is the best time to trek gorillas in Bwindi? Our field guide covers dry season, wet season, permit availability, and what most guides won't tell you. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/maa-trust-maasai-mara-community-conservation https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/maa-trust-maasai-mara-community-conservation Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT The MAA Trust works at the intersection of wildlife protection and community benefit in Kenya's Maasai Mara. Learn how this conservation model is redefining responsible safari. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/visiting-lake-natron-tanzania https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/visiting-lake-natron-tanzania Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Lake Natron is one of Tanzania's most extraordinary natural wonders. Learn why this alkaline lake attracts millions of flamingos and how to include it in your safari itinerary. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/empakaai-crater-hike-tanzania https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/empakaai-crater-hike-tanzania Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Hike to Empakaai Crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands, a stunning volcanic crater lake with flamingos, forests and panoramic Rift Valley views. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/visiting-olduvai-gorge-tanzania https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/visiting-olduvai-gorge-tanzania Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania is where some of the earliest human fossils were discovered. Find out what to expect on a visit and why it deserves a place on your Tanzania itinerary. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/stone-town-zanzibar-travel-guide https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/stone-town-zanzibar-travel-guide Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Stone Town is Zanzibar's historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover what to see, where to walk and what makes this ancient trading port unlike anywhere else in East Africa. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/ol-moti-crater-hike-ngorongoro https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/ol-moti-crater-hike-ngorongoro Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Hike the Ol Moti Crater in Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania, a rewarding trek through montane forest to a scenic volcanic crater with wildlife. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/the-fish-market-in-queen-elizabeth-national-park https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/the-fish-market-in-queen-elizabeth-national-park Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Discover the vibrant fish market at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, a bustling local hub where fishermen sell Nile perch and tilapia daily. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/maramagambo-forest-uganda https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/maramagambo-forest-uganda Sun, 20 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Explore Maramagambo Forest in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, a biodiverse rainforest with chimpanzees, forest elephants and rare bat caves. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/banana-gin-brewing-uganda-bunyaruguru https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/banana-gin-brewing-uganda-bunyaruguru Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT In Uganda's Bunyaruguru region, banana gin brewing is a generations-old tradition few visitors ever witness. Here is how it is made and how to experience it on a safari. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/how-the-kazinga-channel-was-formed https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/how-the-kazinga-channel-was-formed Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Learn the geological story of the Kazinga Channel in Uganda, the natural waterway linking Lakes George and Edward in Queen Elizabeth National Park. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/the-queens-visit-to-queen-elizabeth-national-park https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/the-queens-visit-to-queen-elizabeth-national-park Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Discover the story of Queen Elizabeth II's 1954 royal visit to Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park and its lasting legacy. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/katunguru-bridge-queen-elizabeth https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/katunguru-bridge-queen-elizabeth Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Discover Katunguru Bridge, the iconic gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, where the Kazinga Channel meets the main park road. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/tribes-cultures-queen-elizabeth-national-park-uganda https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/tribes-cultures-queen-elizabeth-national-park-uganda Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Queen Elizabeth National Park sits within one of Uganda's most culturally rich regions. Discover the Batwa, Bafumbira and Bakonzo peoples who call its borders home. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/the-salty-lakes-of-queen-elizabeth-national-park https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/the-salty-lakes-of-queen-elizabeth-national-park Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Explore the salty crater lakes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, unique volcanic formations that attract flamingos and diverse birdlife. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/katwe-kikorongo-crater-lakes-uganda https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/katwe-kikorongo-crater-lakes-uganda Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Explore the Katwe Kikorongo volcanic area in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, a landscape of explosion craters, salt lakes and rich history. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/queen-elizabeth-national-park-uganda https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/queen-elizabeth-national-park-uganda Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, home to the Big Five, tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/twin-lakes-kyambura-uganda https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/twin-lakes-kyambura-uganda Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Discover the Twin Lakes of Kyambura, two crater lakes near Queen Elizabeth National Park with excellent birdwatching and scenery. https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/kyambura-gorge-uganda https://www.orikaafrica.com/blog/kyambura-gorge-uganda Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Explore Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, a dramatic rift valley gorge famous for chimpanzee trekking and forest wildlife.