Deep in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Africa, a safari guide cleared a path through dense trees with his machete. His partner, a gorilla tracker, had spotted the Kwitonda family nearby, a group of about 18 of the animals ranging from babies to adults.
For Ashley Theis, owner of luxury travel planning company The Constant Wayfarer, it was a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experience. She’d always wanted to go gorilla trekking in search of the giant creatures. After about 30 minutes of picking their way through the jungle, the guide motioned for the group to grab their cameras and then ushered them around a corner. And there was the gorilla family.
“I couldn't believe we were that close and sharing this space with them,” says Theis, whose group observed the gorillas for an hour. “I think I took 400 photos and only about 20 worked out because my whole body was vibrating with excitement.”
In Volcanoes National Park, only about 100 permits are issued each day to try to see one of 12 gorilla families. Trackers go out the night before to help give guides a good idea of where groups need to go. Guests can choose from easy, medium or hard guided treks.
“It was absolutely incredible to be there,” Theis says.
Gorilla trekking is just one safari option. If you’re more interested in seeing “the big five” animals—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros and African buffalo—she recommends a traditional safari where you’ll go out in an open-air truck each day.
“There is something magical about being in a safari truck and watching a bunch of lions sleeping and starting their hunt in the evening,” Theis says. “You feel so small, and just in awe of all of these animals and being in their environment.”
She says clients are often surprised at how close they can get to the animals, and how much the guides work to make the trips exceptional.
“Some of the best hospitality and best service I've ever experienced has been on safari,” Theis says.
Where to go depends on a number of factors, such as what you want to see, how long you want to stay and your budget, but there is a perfect safari for everyone.
FAMILIES
“For families with younger children, I recommend a safari in someplace like South Africa,” Theis says. “It’s a great starting point because you don't feel like you have to be on safari the entire trip.” She says families can experience Cape Town’s Table Mountain, go down the coast to see penguins, in addition to spending three to four days on safari.
LION KING LOVERS
For clients who want to feel like they’re in The Lion King, Theis suggests going to East Africa in late June and early July to catch the Great Migration. This is your best opportunity to see herds of wildebeests and zebras on their way across the Serengeti.
ELEPHANT LOVERS
Botswana has the largest elephant population in Africa, so Theis suggests fans of the gentle giants go here for a safari. There are also opportunities here for water safaris, including some that approach Victoria Falls and its infamous Devil’s Pool.
ADVENTURE SEEKERS
Gorilla trekking is a great option for thrill seekers. But Theis says East African spots like Kenya and Tanzania are ideal for people who want to be more active. In addition to going on a safari in a truck, there are helicopter and hot-air balloon options. Tacking on a few days in Zanzibar for the beach afterward is a great addition.
“You feel so small, and just in awe of all of these animals and being in their environment.”