Tana River National Reserve- Self drive & Hikes in Kenya: 4×4 Africa.
Tana River Primate National Reserve is a former 170 square kilometres (66 sq mi) national wildlife reserve in south-eastern Kenya. It existed from 1976 to 2007.
Most of the area is semi-arid savanna but a small portion, about 13 square kilometres (5.0 sq mi), is made up of small patches of riverine forest.
Car Rental to Explore Volcanoes National Park?
Planning self drive Safari in Rwanda with the great opportunity to visit the Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park? Contact the team of experts from 4×4 Africa that offer reliable 4×4 Landcruiser with rooftop tent for Private guided adventures in Rwanda. Get the best car rental deal for your Rwanda Safari to explore the key Safari activities below.
- Gorilla Trekking
- golden Monkey
- Bisoke Hike
- Karisimbi Trekking
Safari activities in Tana Primate Reserve
The lush river forest patches are remainders of western African forests. The river cuts through dry woodland and open savannah. Recorded bird species there number 262, and at least 57 species of mammals live there. There are several endemic tree species as well as a variety of other animals and plants.
Many of the bird and animal species in the reserve are unusual in East Africa, being typical of Central Africa’s lowland rainforest. The white-winged apalis is extremely rare. The African openbill stork, martial eagle, bat hawk, African pygmy-falcon, African barred owlet, scaly babbler, black-bellied glossy-starling, and golden pipit are also rare. Recent research has shown that, if restored, this area could act as a refugium for wildlife with moderate levels of climate change.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Among the four national parks where mountain gorillas are sighted, volcanoes national park is one of them. The park has 10 habituated Rwanda gorilla groups that are open for tourism purposes like tracking by the guidance of experienced rangers. For one to take part in this activity, he or she must own a gorilla permit which is a cost of $1500. These permits can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board or through the services of the tour operators.
After gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking experience is the second activity that attracts a thousand of tourists to Rwanda. Golden monkey tracking involves moving through the forests and spot the endangered monkeys feed, and swing on the bamboo trees and it requires a tracking permit which costs $100.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Visiting the Tomb of Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey is one of the great primatologists since she fought poaching of animals and especially mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park. This primatologist is also credited for bringing up new ideas on how to make the mountain gorillas comfortable in the presence of humans. Currently, a number of tourists visit the grave of this primatologist.
Volcanoes national park is named after the four major volcanoes that are found in the area. Among these include Bisoke (3,711m), Karisimbi (4,507m), Gahinga (3,474m) Muhabura (4,127m) and Sabyinyo (3,634m). Hiking to the top of these volcanoes is one of the most interesting experiences during a Rwanda safari. The hiking involves moving through the thick forests and thus requiring both mental and physical preparation so as to finish the journey and also reach the top of the summit.
Hiking
Visiting the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera
Relax from the tiresome activities of gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and hiking by taking part in the boat cruise experience on the deep waters of the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. During the boat cruise, sight beautiful features like birds, hill landscapes and waterfalls.
Where to stay?
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When to go?
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How to access Volcanoes National park?
Volcanoes national park is easily accessed from Kigali and takes only two hour drive from Kigali to Musanze district in the Northern region of Rwanda. One can decide to use public means of transport from Kigali to Musanze and then use a private car to the headquarters of the park.
Also, one can hire services from the tour operator who will pick him or her up from the airport to the park headquarters in Kinigi.