Most people planning a trip to Africa know that many of the large predators on the continent include lions and venomous snakes—but Africa is also home to many deadly creatures that are much smaller (NOTE: these creatures do not pose any serious threat to travelers. This post is intended to simply introduce you to some of these creatures that you will likely not come in contact with while traveling to Africa). Here’s a look at some of the most dangerous tiny creatures that call Africa home.

Six-Eyed Sand Spider: Found in sandy places (including deserts) in southern Africa, this eight-legged creature hides in the sand and strikes when an animal gets too close to its home. The bad news is that its venom can kill a rabbit in a matter of hours, but the good news is that no confirmed human bites have ever been reported. This deadly spider is also mercifully shy.

Image above taken from GoAfrica.about.com.

Deathstalker Scorpion: Located throughout northern African countries, this brightly colored arachnid has the most highly toxic venom of any of its species. While healthy adults are not likely to die from a deathstalker’s sting, the elderly, very young, and those with medical conditions might be at risk. Luckily, a number of European pharmaceutical companies manufacture anti-venoms specifically for deathstalker bites.

Image above taken from PetBugs.com.

Mantella Poison Frogs: Concentrated largely in Madagascar, Mantella frogs have brightly colored skin that alerts other animals and humans to their toxic qualities. While a Mantella frog’s skin contains significant levels of toxins, humans are at little risk because their bright hues make these frogs easily avoidable.

Image above taken from mantella.amphibiancare.com

Blowfish: Known by many names (including pufferfish, toad fish, and sugar toads, among others), this spiky swimmer can be deadly to humans—but only when eaten. Though blowfish are found in some African water bodies, they are not generally served as food in this part of the world. (The Japanese, on the other hand, consider blowfish a delicacy and chefs in Japan train to learn how to prepare it so that it’s safe).

Image above taken from FactZoo.com

Tarantula Hawk Wasp: Technically, this wasp is only deadly to tarantula spiders, but its behavior is too fascinating not to include in this list. Female hawk wasps prey on tarantulas; after stinging them, a wasp drags the paralyzed spider to her nest, where she lays an egg in the spider’s body. The egg matures and hatches in the tarantula, which remains alive the entire time! After consuming the spider’s body for nourishment, the baby hawk wasp emerges. Word to the wise: even though hawk wasps aren’t deadly to humans, their stings are considered among the most painful in the world.

Image above taken from SDRP.org

Staying Safe on an African Vacation

It’s important to remember that deadly animal species live on every inhabited continent—not just in Africa! Part of traveling safely and healthily is learning about the risks you might face on the road—and preparing to keep yourself well.

Loved this post? Check out one of our previous blog posts on Africa’s Most Dangerous Animals Revealed.

If you’ve ever traveled outside of your home country, you know that tipping guidelines vary everywhere. Many times, we don’t even think about tipping until we actually arrive to our destination—which can cause some unnecessary stress.

When traveling to Africa, it’s important to keep in mind that tipping is not necessary. However, if you have received exceptional service and would like to show your gratitude and appreciation through the form of a tip, here are some guidelines to keep in mind, no matter where you are in the African continent:

Individual camp, game lodge, hotel staff members, and accommodation safari guides: If you have been given excellent service by an accommodation staff member or guide, we suggest offering he / she a tip of $10 (U.S. dollars) per person per day. Therefore, if you are on an African family safari with 5 people in your party and stay at a lodge for 3 nights, you would tip the individual $150.

The safari camp / lodge staff as a whole: If there is no particular person that you wish to tip, but would like to tip the lodge or camp staff as a whole, we recommend a tip of $5 (U.S. dollars) per guest, per day. Be sure to specify that the tip should be distributed among all staff members.

The hotel staff as a whole: If you are staying at a hotel and would like to tip the housekeeping and hotel staff for your stay, we suggest $1 – $2 per day, per person.

Tour guides and transfer drivers: We recommend giving a transfer driver $2 (U.S. dollars) per person in your party. For half day tours, we suggest giving your guide $5 (U.S. dollars) per person. And full day tour guides can get $10 (U.S. dollars) per person in your party.

Restaurants: If you have received exceptional service at a restaurant, we recommend leaving a 10% tip, based on your bill / check.

For southern and eastern Africa, only, here are some tipping guidelines:

Tracking guides and mokoro (traditional canoe) paddlers: If you are embarking on a mokoro safari, we suggest giving the paddler $10 (U.S. dollars) per guest, per day, and the tracker $5 (U.S. dollars) per guest, per day.

Blue Train and Rovos Rail: It is recommended that your cabin attendant receive $20 (U.S. dollars) per person, per journey, and the waiter in the dining car $10 (U.S. dollars) per person, per journey.

For Central Africa, only, here are some tipping guidelines:

**Many of the activities you’ll be taking part in during a trip to Central Africa are different from those you would experience in southern and eastern Africa. Therefore, tipping does differ for certain activities.**

Gorilla trek porter: Your porter is the individual who will assist you in your hike and carry your bags. When tipping these individuals, we suggest $12 (U.S. dollars) per trek, per person.

Guides, trackers (typically 2 – 3 per group), and security personnel (typically 2 – 4 per group): For this entire trekking unit, we suggest $20 (U.S. dollars) per trek, per person. You may give the tip to the head guide and request that he distribute it to the other staff members who assisted in the trek.

Other guiding services: For other park guides and rangers, we recommend giving these individuals $5 (U.S. dollars) per person, per guided service.

It’s important to reiterate that tips are by no means required when in Africa. However, if you receive superior service, tips are more than welcome.

For more tips and advice for travel in Africa, visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Below are 5 of the best ways to witness Africa as a family:

1. Victoria Falls: How amazing would it be to view one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as a family? Well you can do just that when you visit Victoria Falls.

Known as “the smoke that thunders” by locals, Victoria Falls is more than twice the height of Niagara Falls. From adventurous white water rafting excursions to exciting nature tours and relaxing sunset cruises to delightful elephant-back safaris, Victoria Falls has something unique to offer each and every family that visits. Families can also enjoy private helicopter rides above the thundering falls, enjoying a panoramic view of the land that makes up and surrounds this fascinating natural phenomenon.

2. Philanthropic Cultural Tour: Your children can’t explore the world just by sitting in a classroom or watching primetime news. The real personal growth and learning happens outside of the classroom, when you immerse yourself into different cultures and environments.

Uthando’s Philanthropic Cultural Tours enable you and your family to discover unique cultures and witness the world from a completely different perspective. These tours expose you to conservation projects and community initiatives that work to bring hope and happiness to South Africa.

During these tours, you and your family will gets hands-on experience in projects such as Abalimi Bezekhaya—an urban agriculture program that provides education and resources for sustainable food production among the poverty-stricken individuals in Cape Town; Hout Bay Music Project—a project that works to provide impoverished children with musical skills and bring light to their lives; and the Volcano Arts Project—a program involving locals and children into community theater.

All of Uthando’s cultural tours are customizable, so you and your family can choose which projects you’d prefer to visit.

3. Cape Town: Arguably Africa’s best family-oriented destination, Cape Town, South Africa has some amazing activities, sights, and attractions for all ages. Whether your children are toddlers, teenagers, or young adults, you’re sure to find something that caters to your preferences!

If you wish to bring your toddlers or teenagers to Africa, you’ll definitely want to check out Ratanga Junction—an exciting theme park with more than 30 attractions and 23 rides. And after a fun-filled day in Ratanga Junction, enjoy an interactive African drum or dance lesson at the community center in Langa. During these lessons, you and your children will be able to interact with locals, and take part in and learn about their traditional music and dance culture.

Table Mountain is another Cape Town attraction, perfect for all ages. Enjoy a leisurely ride up the side of Table Mountain in a rotating cable car as you look down on the beautiful Mother City and search for dassies (furry gopher-like creatures that call the mountainside home).

Another great family-oriented attraction in Cape Town is Robben Island, which is famous for its rich history and its role in South Africa’s apartheid. You and your family can take a boat trip to Robben Island where you’ll learn about the island’s history as a leprosy colony centuries ago and as a jail for famous political leaders during the apartheid, including South Africa’s first president, Nelson Mandela.

4. Sans Bushmen Tour: Interacting with new cultures that are completely foreign to your own are some of the most rewarding experiences to be had. And what’s even more rewarding is sharing these adventures with your family. The Sans Bushmen tours in Botswana enable you to explore one of the world’s rarest and most fascinating cultures. During these tours, you and your family can enjoy a private experience with the Sans tribesmen, learning about their traditional lifestyle, survival techniques, artwork, and their inspirational view on Africa’s delicate wildernesses.

You’ll visit a local Sans village where you’ll be able to interact with the Sans people and observe their amazing language, which is comprised of a series of clicking sounds.

Start planning your African family safari now! Click here to receive our free report on “Your Guide to Southern & Eastern Africa.”

What’s your favorite African animal? Some of us love the elegant giraffe; others of us are drawn to the irresistible cuteness of elephants, while others find indescribable beauty in the cats of Africa.

Although all of these animals can be seen at fairly close proximity from the comfort of a safari vehicle, wouldn’t you love to toss those binoculars and get even closer to these magnificent creatures and truly immerse yourself into their world? Some of the best ways to get up close to your favorite animals is on specialty safaris, at conservation facilities, and in some of Africa’s most unique accommodations!

Recently, I took a poll of my clients and social media followers, asking them what their favorite African animals are and the most common responses included giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and primates. Below I’ve outlined some activities and accommodations that enable travelers to get closer to their favorite animals than ever before:

If you love giraffes . . .

Then you’ll love Giraffe Manor! This boutique hotel never ceases to amaze its guests. With free-roaming residential giraffes sprawled across a 140-acre property, Giraffe Manor allows guests to interact with the giraffes on a very personal level.

In fact, the experience is so personal that you might want to cover up after getting out of bed or the shower as these curious creatures love to stick their heads in guests’ windows to see what’s on the agenda for the day! You’ll even find yourself dining with these lovable animals as they pop their heads in the dining room windows and walk about the pristine estate grounds.

Image above taken from the Giraffe Manor website.

Oh, and don’t forget to visit The Giraffe Centre, which is a nearby breeding center for the Rothschild Giraffe and also serves as a conservation school to educate local Kenyan school children. The Centre is surrounded by a wildlife-lush nature trail that passes through the Ololua and Nogong forests in Kenya. Here, you’ll witness everything from exotic birds to playful warthogs, hyenas to leopards, and, of course, giraffes.

If you love lions, leopards, or cheetahs . . .

Then you’ll love a ConsevAfrica safari or African Impact volunteer trip!

ConservAfrica’s Wildlife Conservation Safaris enables travelers to immerse themselves into a highly interactive safari, while helping to perform research and conserve the populations of species throughout southern Africa. One of their most popular safaris deals with helping to curb inbreeding amongst lion populations in the Madikwe Game Reserve. This allows travelers to get hands on experience in the field and assist researchers.

African Impact is another organization that enables travelers to get up close with the cats of Africa. They offer a variety of conservation projects including the Hands-On Lion Rehabilitation Project, which enables you to work closely with African lions, perform research, collect data, and assist in the upbringing of lion cubs; the Large Predators Research & Conservation Project, which allows you to monitor animal behavior and movements; and the Antelope Park Lion Research Photography Project, which enables you to photograph lions, record lion behavior, photograph cubs and their interactions, and work closely with scientific researchers.

Some of African Impact’s other big cat volunteer projects include the Big Cat, Elephant, & Rhino Conservation Project, the Masai Mara Big Cat, Wildlife Research, & Conservation Project, the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, and a variety of Lion Rehabilitation Projects.

If you love elephants and primates, stay tuned for next Wednesday’s post, which focuses on specialty activities that enable you to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

Have I forgotten to mention your favorite animal? Leave a comment on this post, telling us what your favorite animal is.

Located a mere 270 kilometers from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof provides a lavish and quiet retreat from bustling city life. Home to expansive plains, majestic waterfalls, and an abundance of exotic fauna and flora, the area surrounding Bushmans Kloof is a nature-lover’s paradise.

At the foot of the Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof is an award-winning lodge, featuring 16 opulent suites, internationally renowned cuisine, and an exceptional spa fit for royalty. The lodge is also known for its location near San rock art sites, where visitors can view some of the artwork that the ancient Sans tribesmen painted thousands of years ago.

One of my favorite things about Bushmans Kloof is their sensational dining experiences. Guests can choose from a variety of dining options, including dinner at the lodge’s restaurant and dining terrace, alfresco dining, a river boma experience (outdoor fireside dining), private dining under a Ficus tree, outdoor barbecue, and private dining both indoors and out.

In addition to impeccable dining options, Bushmans Kloof also features pristine pools and gardens that were designed with comfort and relaxation in mind.

See below for a visual glimpse into Bushmans Kloof:

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Whether you’re on an African honeymoon safari, celebrating your 30^th wedding anniversary, or need a break from the kids on your family safari vacation, the spas of southern Africa provide the perfect retreat for a little much-needed “me” time.

Below are 3 of the best spa and relaxation experiences to be had in southern Africa:

Image to the left taken from the Tswalu Kalahari website.

The Spa at Tswalu Kalahari: Winner of The Best Safari Spa Award in the Les Nouvelles Esthétiques 2011 Spa Awards, the Tswalu Kalahari spa is one of South Africa’s most celebrated spas. According to a recent press release from Tswalu Kalahari, the managing editor of Les Nouvelles Esthétiques, Dr. Nadine de Freitas, says “In judging the spas, we look for the personalised aspects in the spa visit, in addition to absolute attention to detail, impeccable spa standards and faultless service excellence, which all adds up to a spa experience which is beyond the client’s expectations.” And the Tswalu Kalahari spa undoubtedly fits each of these descriptions.

Recently renovated in both design and spa treatment selections, the Tswalu Kalahari spa is constantly working to enhance client experience. Currently, the spa offers a variety of specialty treatments, including the signature Tswalu touch experience, an aromatic candle massage, and a hot stone massage—just to name a few. The signature Tswalu touch experience, for example, immerses guests into a state of deep relaxation while rejuvenating and cleansing the skin. Specifically, guests can choose between a natural red dune sand or desert crystal exfoliation before they receive a Kalahari stone massage fusion—unique to Tswalu Kalahari.

Arabella Hotel & Spa: Recognized for its contemporary, yet tranquil, environment, the spa at Arabella Hotel & Spa reflects a unique fusion of relaxation, comfort, and pure luxury. This award-winning spa is primarily known for its lavish African Rainforest Experience treatment, which consists of “a two-hour sensory water and steam treatment using African products and inspired by African rains.” The spa at Arabella prides itself on its unsurpassed ability to bring both Eastern and Western therapeutic philosophies to life in all of its spa treatments. This is the perfect spa for those looking to find inner balance and restore their bodies’ nutrients.

Image above taken from the African Pride Hotels website.

Londolozi’s Granite Suites River Baths: Many of the luxury accommodations in southern Africa offer romantic outdoor bush bath experiences, but Londolozi’s Granite Suites arguably offers the best. This rejuvenating experience takes place in natural surroundings that overlook a quaint river bank, submerging guests into a state of complete relaxation. With the distant sounds of moving water, chirping birds, and the rustle of the ebony tree leaves, there is nothing more serene and rejuvenating than a Londolozi River Bath.

Are you thinking about planning an African safari vacation? If so, sign up to receive a copy of our Your Unique Guide to Southern & Eastern Africa PDF by entering your email address into the subscription box on the right hand sidebar.

Guest post written by Mark Homann, Hills of Africa Travel safari guide, safari consultant, and private safari guide

I recently guided two families through Botswana and South Africa on a three-week safari.

You can view the first parts of my adventures by clicking the links below:

Part I

Part II

Part III

Below is Part IV of out adventures:

We landed in the Kruger National Park area and drove to the Africa House at Royal Malewane in the Thornybush game reserve. Africa House is a special place for families and friends as you have your own house in the middle of the bush. A cold front followed us from Cape Town and we arrived in seasonal cold and wet weather. A little concerned that this would add a new unfavorable dynamic to our so far unsuccessful endeavor to find lions we set off the afternoon. It was not long before we were on their trail again, we followed their tracks for about a half hour along a dense river bank. We did eventually find them but our view was very obscured.

The next morning we woke to cloudy skies but we set off determined to get one over the lions, and that we did, along with 5 cheetah, leopard, white rhino, buffalo, and elephant!

From here, the game viewing and the weather only got better as we moved on to Singita Ebony for the last 4 nights of our safari. Singita’s wildlife was spectacular, producing lots of big game. Highlights were hyena with pups at a den site,  and a young lion trying to dig some creature out of an aardvark’s hole in the side of a termite mound. He had lost his pride during some inter-pride turmoil and he was skinny and hungry.

The most interesting was the 3 hours we sat with a leopard stalking a herd of impala. She painstakingly spent all this time getting herself into position, then seemed to fall asleep in some grass. Some of the impala walked right up to where she was lying, then moved off in the other direction and ran off. The leopard sat up 5 minutes later, looking very perplexed as to where her dinner had vanished to!

Our last morning safari ended with a herd of buffalo well over 500 animals strong, and another leopard for the drive home.

It is always sad to end a safari and say goodbye to people that you have shared so many memories with, but I leave on Thursday for the Serengeti, Victoria Falls and my old stomping grounds,  Zimbabwe’s South Eastern Lowveld–so the adventure continues…

What did you think of Mark’s adventures in the African bush? We’d love to hear your thoughts in our comments section!

Africa is internationally-celebrated for its luxury eco-friendly lodges, with some of the most lavish low-impact accommodations in the entire world.

Below are five of our favorite eco-friendly lodges—perfect for honeymoon safaris and family safaris, alike—found throughout Africa:

Image to the left taken from the Borana Lodge website.

Borana Lodge: Located on a conservation area, overlooking the distant peaks of Mount Kenya, Borana Lodge’s magical setting transports visitors into a realm of complete relaxation and inspiration. With several conservation projects underway, Borana Lodge sets the bar high for other organizations and lodges looking to make a strong, sustainable impact on local communities and the environment.

Owned by the Dyer family for three generations, Borana Lodge continues to uphold the same standards of conservation it was so famous for from its first beginnings. Borana Lodge works closely with the local people to develop community upliftment, education, poverty alleviation, health support, and employment, and also to protect the local environment through wildlife conservation and habitat management. To ensure that each of these areas receives proper attention, much of the profits Borana receives are divided into each project to help sustain and build the community and environment.

Some of Borana’s projects include the Seven Elephants Nursery, Organic Herbs & Spices, Borana Mobile Clinic, Education Support Program, and Borana Forestry Project, to name a few.

Image to the right taken from the Campi Ya Kanzi website.

Campi Ya Kanzi: In an effort to create a self-sustaining community in the local Maasai tribal lands, Campi Ya Kanzi has established the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT).

The approach of MWCT is holistic, providing benefits to both the environment and to the local Maasai people of East Africa. MWCT believes that the land is the fundamental base to creating a self-sustaining East Africa. When the land is healthy and thriving, the people and the wildlife, in turn, will benefit. In order to finance these tremendously beneficial initiatives, Campi Ya Kanzi was established to attract tourism. Guests at Campi Ya Kanzi don’t only visit for the pristine wilderness and biodiversity of the area, but also for the authentic cultures they come across. When land, wilderness, and culture can be preserved, travelers will come to experience authentic Africa.

Today, Campi Ya Kanzi and the trust employ more than 200 locals, not only providing them with fair wages, but also engaging them in wildlife conservation efforts.

Image to the left taken from the Rekero Camp website.

Rekero Camp: With one of the most powerful philosophies, “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints,” Rekero Camp is one of the world’s leading low-impact accommodations.

Nestled along the route of the annual Great Migration, a migratory movement of millions of animals including the wildebeest and zebra, Rekero Camp offers visitors a chance to witness one of Mother Nature’s most astonishing natural phenomena.

With nothing but the utmost respect for nature and its delicate biodiversity, as well as the local people and communities, Rekero Camp puts forth tireless efforts to ensure that the wilderness, cultures, and tourism work together in harmony. Through tourism, Rekero Camp can share the beauty of Africa with visitors from around the world, while alleviating local poverty and increasing environmental awareness in the local communities.

We could write a book on all of the exceptional eco-friendly lodges in Africa. The above three lodges and camps are just a few of our favorite responsible accommodations. Some of our other favorites include:

• Ol Malo
• Singita Pamushana
• Ol Donyo Was
• Chishakwe
• Londolozi Private Game Reserve
• Selinda Wilderness Safaris’ Little Makalolo

Which lodge would you love to stay in?

Imagine waking up to the tranquil sights, sounds, and aromas of nature in a plush and comfortable bed. How rejuvenating and refreshing would that feel?

With a handful of unusual and one-of-a-kind accommodations to choose from, southern and eastern Africa are perfect for discerning and adventurous travelers to discover a travel experience that is truly unmatched by any other.

Because there is an eclectic mix of these unique hotels to choose from, we decided to create a miniseries, The Unique and Unusual Accommodations of Africa, to spotlight some of the most luxurious and bizarre hotels, lodges, and camps in southern and eastern Africa.

See below for Part I:

Tsala Treetop Lodge: Truly distinct in both design and ambiance, the Tsala Treetop Lodge is an international sensation. Situated above the forest canopies of a legendary forest, Tsala’s luxury suites immerse visitors into the natural beauty of the Western Cape, bringing to life the ancient spirit of Africa. Each suite is designed to incorporate the balance of nature into the interior décor, while touching on traditional African cultures through local art and furnishings. This is seamlessly accomplished through the construction of the suites, which are made from stone, wood, and glass, to further deepen the connection visitors feel with their natural surroundings.

Screengrab above taken from HunterHotels.com.

Screengrab above taken from HunterHotels.com.

For travelers seeking pure romance, this is the lodge to visit. With private infinity pools and extending decks for each luxury suite, guests can enjoy romantic dinners outside above the treetops, or find complete relaxation next to the cascading infinity pool.

One of the best parts about this lodge is the option to enjoy enchanting forest picnics. Combining culinary masterpieces with the peace and delicate balance of nature, Tsala’s forest picnics provide a place and time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Screengrab above taken from HunterHotels.com.

In addition to design and cuisine, Tsala Treetop Lodge also offers exciting activities for individuals on an African family safari or for those on a South African honeymoon safari. Some activities guests can take part in include scenic flights, zip-lining adventures, quad bike riding, horseback safaris, and monkey and birding excursions, as well as sunset cruises—equipped with sparkling champagne and wines and fresh seafood. Each and every activity brings to life the raw spirit and energy of Africa.

Earth Lodge: As one of Africa’s most intriguing lodges, the Earth Lodge uniquely combines natural textures and materials with modern furnishings and amenities to create a comfortable and lavish experience for all visitors. I assure you, this lodge is unlike any other—particularly in terms of design.

Image above taken from SabiSabi.com.

Image above taken from SabiSabi.com.

Built within a natural slope in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve of South Africa, the Earth Lodge was built with the utmost attention to detail and a vision to incorporate the serenity and balance of nature into every aspect of the lodge. The creators of this lodge took into account everything from natural light and textures to the strategic placement of the lodge within the earth’s crust. You’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a fairytale as you travel through this mysterious and enchanting lodge, before finding yourself staring across the sprawling African bush.

Comprised of 13 lavish suites, each with their own distinctly designed furniture, private plunge pool, and opulent en-suite facilities, as well as an outdoor shower and butler service, Earth Lodge takes luxury to a whole new level. All of the wooden sculptures found throughout the lodge are one-of-a-kind, crafted by the celebrated South African artist, Geoffrey Armstrong.

Image above taken from SabiSabi.com.

In addition to skillfully crafted and charming suites, the Earth Lodge also offers exclusive dining experiences. The boma area is one of my favorite elements of this lodge, which is where outdoor dining takes place. Set among the natural surroundings of Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve and encapsulated by large bleached wood, the boma dining experience provides a completely romantic ambiance beneath the African stars.

To get an even deeper insight into the magic of South Africa, visit our YouTube channel for exclusive videos on South Africa.

As part of our blog series, Q&A with Professional Safari Guide, Mark Homann, we interviewed Mark Homann (seen in the image to the left)—Hills of Africa Travel safari guide, safari consultant, and private safari guide—on what it’s like to explore the forests of Uganda and Rwanda on a gorilla trekking safari.

See below for the interview:

1. Describe a typical day on a gorilla trekking safari.

A Gorilla trek starts with an early wakeup call and a drive to the National Park head quarters; here you are organized in to groups. You will meet your guides who will give you a detailed briefing on safety, how to behave, and what to expect. From here, you will proceed to your starting point from where your trek begins. The length of your walk will depend on how far the group of gorillas is from where you happen to be. The walk can be a great opportunity to take in the life of the forest, which, hopefully, your guide will share with you, as well as show you signs left by the gorillas themselves.

Once the moment comes and you find the gorilla group you are following, you have an hour to spend in the company of some of our closet relatives. Gorillas share over 95% of our DNA. Little can be said to describe the many emotions that you will experience, being one of the privileged few to have shared such precious moments with these fascinating and very rare creatures.

2. Are there any physical prerequisites to going gorilla trekking? In other words, is it a strenuous activity that makes it difficult for certain individuals to take part in?

A gorilla trek can be quite short or it can take quite some time. Depending on where you look for the gorillas you can be in very dense forest or a more welcoming environment. One does not need to be superfit, but you should expect to spend a number of hours walking at a comfortable pace. If you have the flu or a cold you will not be allowed to trek for fear of passing on the virus to the gorillas.

Also, you must be at least 15 years old. Be aware of feeling light headed as you climb higher into the mountains. You can request to search for a group that is known to be closer but there are no guarantees.

3. What types of activities and behaviors do safari-goers witness the gorillas performing while on a gorilla trekking safari?

Viewing gorillas is like all other safari experiences; you never know what you are going to get. You may find the gorillas busy, feeding and moving through the forest. Or, you may be fortunate to spend time with them as they interact with one another (in some cases even with you!). I have never met anyone who has not had a life-changing experience with these fantastic primates. I would suggest doing two days of trekking, when feasible, to make sure that you have the best experience possible.

4. For travelers who are concerned about the safety of gorilla trekking safaris, what would you say to them?

Gorillas aren’t the scary, aggressive animals that early Hollywood portrayed them to be; they are vegetarians who are just as happy to absorb us as we are them, but, I am sure they find us less interesting. If you follow the instructions of your guide you will be very safe and so enthralled you will not even have time to feel afraid. Uganda and Rwanda offer the best opportunities to see gorillas today. Both are safe and stable countries (Today, Rwanda is billed as one of the safest countries in Africa!). Tourism is the best chance Gorillas and other African primates, such as golden monkeys and chimpanzees, have to survive in their natural habits. The rainforests of Central and West Africa are viewed as a resource to a mass of impoverished humanity. Tourism is the only chance for these countries to utilize this very rare and none renewable resource in a sustainable manner.

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