Month: January 2020

Embark on a majestic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park and get yourself immersed in the wilderness teeming with natural wonders and untamed beauty. Located in western Uganda in Kasese District, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the popular travel destinations, the second largest and the most visited National park in the Pearl of Africa. Also known as “A Melody of Wonders”, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular and diverse conservation area.  Queen Elizabeth National Park enjoys a fabulous setting on the rift valley floor, surrounded by lakes, Escarpments, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains.

A varied of habitats , including, grassland ,acacia, woodland, forest , wetlands , and open water sustain a wide range of mammals , while the park’s 604 bird species is quite a remarkable tally for protected area covering less than 2000km. Queen Elizabeth National park is a beautiful Park with plenty to see and do on your Uganda safari. The park was founded in 1952 and named to commemorate a visit by the Queen of England. Covering an area of over 700 sq miles between Lakes George and Edward, it is the second largest and most visited park in Uganda.

The park spans between Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri and Kamwenge districts and it’s an inclusion of QENP, Maramagambo forest, Kyambura gorge bordered by Kigezi game reserve, Kibale Forest and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Queen Elizabeth National Park also features the 40 kilometers long Kazinga Channel connecting lakes Edward and George. Superfine Safaris Limited gives you a guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park, about the attractions, where to sleep how to get there and activities in QENP.

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Like said already, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a high concentration of wildlife, one of the reasons for high tourist visits. The park is home to over 95 mammals and 500 bird species. Animals in Queen Elizabeth National park include African buffalo, Uganda kobs, Nile crocodile, African bush elephant, lions, leopards, Hippotamuse, African leopard, Giant forest hogs, waterbucks, warthogs, and the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector. Some birds in Queen Elizabeth National park include Long-tailed Cormorants, African Jacana, Fish eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Wattled plovers, Black crake, African fish eagle, egrets, ibises and African kingfisher among others.

Things to See and Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travelers on Uganda safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park have an endless list of things to see and do giving them a memorable experience. The top tourist activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park include:

Game Viewing

Go game viewing in the open Savannah’s of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a close encounter with wild animals in the wilderness. Early morning game drives give you a chance to catch up with early risers grazing, browsing, and hunting before retiring for day rest. Expect to see a huge number of wild animals including herds of elephants, buffalos, lions, hippos, Uganda kobs, waterbuck and giant forest hogs among others. Experienced guides help you spot different animals and explain unique features about each spotted animal.

Kazinga channel boat cruise

Boat Cruise at Kazinga channel

Join a boat cruise at Kazinga channel for a fresh feeling of cold breezes and great views. The 40 kilometers long Kazinga channel connects Lakes Edward and George. The banks of Kazinga channel is the best spot for bird watching sheltering numerous birds such as saddle-billed stork, African shoebill, Great white, Yellow-billed stork, Pink backed pelicans, African fish eagle, African kingfisher, Ibises, White egrets, yellow billed stork, hammerkops and Africa jacana among others. More so, you will see large crocodiles resting lazily on the riverbanks. Hippos, buffalos, and monitoring lizards are also spotted along Kazinga channel. Kazinga boat cruise is done in the morning at 10:00am and in the afternoon at 2:00pm. Endeavor to keep time.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Go chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge for a magical encounter with man’s closest relatives. The nature walk in this underground forest in search of the endangered chimpanzees is a humbling experience no traveler should miss. Interestingly, chimps in Kyambura gorge do not go far hence short trekking time. Spend an hour in the company of chimpanzees, embrace their human-like characters, take pictures and have fun with your close relatives. The rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge are similar to those in Kibale Forest Park. They include keeping a distance of seven meters away, avoid direct eye contact, do not use flashlight cameras and speaking at a low tone among others.

Crater lake exploration

Visit to explore different caret lakes in Queen Elizabeth National park. Each lake is different from the other in terms of activity taking place, history and location. Crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National park include Katwe crater lake known for salt mining, Lake Munyanyange for flamingoes, Lake Nyamunuka its healing waters, Lake Bunyampaka and Bunyaruguru crater lakes among others.

Lion tracking

Drive to kasenyi plains for the experimental lion tracking experience. The activity is all about learning in-depth about the kings of the jungle in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will join a group of rangers and researchers and drive through the kasenyi plains following the directions of radio calls set up in the park. Radio calls trap the movements of lions in the park giving you a direction to take. A 3 Days lion tracking tour gives you the very best of lion tracking experience. Buy a lion-tracking permit at $50 and enjoy this magical experience.

Tree climbing lions

Tree climbing lions in Ishasha

Do not miss visiting to see the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth National park. Keep your eyes up to see lions staring at you from up in the acacia and fig trees. The feeling of looking up to see a lion above your head is magical and memorable. Do not miss it

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wondering where to sleep in Queen Elizabeth National Park? No worries, a variety of luxury, mid-range and budget lodges and camps have been set up in Queen Elizabeth National park to serve you with first-class food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges in Queen Elizabeth National park include Mweya Safari Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Enganzi Lodge, Buffalo Safari Lodge, Pumba Safari cottages, Park view Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Marafiki Lodge and Simba Safari lodge among others. Superfine Safaris Limited helps you book accommodation services in any lodge of your choice in Queen Elizabeth National Park ensuring your safety, comfort and good stay.

Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park

The park can be visited all year round and all activities can be done throughout the year. However during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, and January, rain is minimal and grass is short which makes game viewing easier. In the wet season, the vegetation is green and sceneries beautiful for photographs.

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You can get to Queen Elizabeth National park by air or road transport. If you arte using road transport, the park is roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes drive from Kampala via Masaka Mbarara Kasese road. Alternatively, fly from Kajjansi to Kayonza airstrip if you have limited time.

People also ask

What is special about Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National park is known for being the popular and most visited park in Uganda. The park shelters abundant wildlife which comprise of 95 mammals and over 600 bird species. The popular  activities done in Queen Elizabeth National park include game viewing, bird watching, boat cruising, salt mining, nature walks and camping among others

How Many lions are in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Roughly 130 lions are recorded  in Queen Elizabeth National park. These are seen roaming in the plains of Kasenyi and Ishasha where tree climbing lions live up in the acacia and fig trees. Uganda as a whole has over 400 lions which are scattered in different savannahs Parks especially Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National park.

How much does Queen Elizabeth National park cost?

The cost of visiting Queen Elizabeth National park  is determined by many factors. These include the activities to do and how long one is spending in the park. The cost include $40 park entrance fee, $30 for boat cruise at Kazinga Channel, $10 vehicle entrance, $50 chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge

What is  the big five in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Queen Elizabeth National Park  is home to the big four “Lions, Elephants, Leopards and Hippos”. Rhinos are absent in Queen Elizabeth National park but can be seen at Zziwa Rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola. In addition to the big four, Queen Elizabeth shelters several other wild animals which include Uganda kobs, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Gazelles and Topis among others

Conclusively, Queen Elizabeth National Park is your ultimate Uganda safari destination. Enjoy game viewing, boat cruise, and chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National park with Superfine Safaris Limited

Enjoy a great safari for excellent wildlife experience on your Rwanda safari to Akagera National Park guided by Superfine Safaris Limited. Home to the “big five” Akagera National Park is the only savannah Park in the whole of Rwanda. The park is one of the three major national parks in Rwanda the the other two being Volcanoes National park and Nyungwe Forest National park.  Akagera is located in Eastern Rwanda spreading over 1122 square kilometers and its named after Akagera River, which flows in the heart of the park feeding into Lake Ihema.

The savannah park was established in 1934 to promote game safaris in Rwanda and diversify tourism experiences in the land of a thousand hills. Akagera National park is jointly managed by African Parks and Rwanda Development Board, which promotes wildlife conservation and tourism in this game park. Akagera Park is locally translated as Parc National de I’Akagera and is home to the big five game.

In 1990’s, tourism in Akagera national park was almost extinct but game safaris have made a come back with the reintroduction of rhinos and lions making it home to the “Big five game”. The vegetation cover in Akagera National park is mainly open grassland and swamps. A third of the park is covered by water (Lakes, Rivers, and streams). A 3 Days Akagera National park tour is your best package to explore this savannah park in the shortest time possible.

Activities in Akagera National Park

Rwanda safaris to Akagera National park give travelers with an endless list of tourist activities to ensure a memorable experience. The top things to see and do in Akagera National park include:

Game/wildlife viewing

This is the number one tourist activity in Akagera National park on your Rwanda tours. Bing home to the big five game, Akagera game park gives travelers with a memorable game viewing experience, a close encounter with numerous animals in their natural habitats.

Game drives through the open savannahs offer you spectacular views of wild animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, rhinos, hippos, Topis, Roan antelopes, duikers, impalas, Cape elands, Waterbucks, Bohor reedbuck, zebras and hyenas among others. Also, night game drives are done to see nocturnal animals such as bush babies and serval cats among others. The reason for early morning game drives is to catch up with wild animals grazing, browsing and hunting before retiring for day rests.

Boat cruise

A boat cruise on the calm waters of Lake Ihema is a not miss on your Rwanda tours to Akagera National Park. The shores of Lake Ihema shelter high numbers of hippos in East Africa and so the crocodiles seen resting lazily at the shores. A boat cruise is a relaxing experience that will give you a fresh feeling of cold breezes and air. Also, the swamps on the lakeshores of Lake ihema shelter numerous birds such as rare shoebill stork, which makes your whole experience memorable. Enjoy the beautiful sceneries of cultivated hills of Rwanda on your boat ride on Lake Ihema.

Bird watching

Shoebill Stork in Akagera National Park

Akagera National park is home to over 520 bird species hence the best spot for bird watching. Expect to see high numbers of savannah and migratory birds in Akagera National park.

Among the birds in Akagera national park include Red-faced barbes, shoebill stork, Flycatcher, Grey-crowned crane, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings, Papyrus Gonolek, African wattled plover, African Openbill stock, African darter and egrets. Experienced guides help you spot different birds. Bird watching is well done in the swampy areas of Akagera National Park.

Sportfishing

Go for sport fishing on Lake Shakani for an extraordinary experience. You will join local fishers on a boat, set nets and start chasing the fish to go into the net. Singing is a must-do as one habit of fishermen to boost their morale and make this experience more enjoyable. At times, travelers get a chance to cook the fish captured and enjoy it making this whole experience memorable.

Accommodation in Akagera National Park

Akagea Game Lodge

About where to sleep in Akagera National Park, a variety of lodges, hotels, and camps have been put up to serve travelers with excellent food and sleeping services. The top lodges in Akagera national park include Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Akagera Rhino game lodge, Akagera Resort, and Country club.

Park entrance fees to Akagera National Park

Entrance fees to Akagera national park apply to the clients, guides, and travelers. Each fee is paid separately. The actual park entrance fee for every client is $40 valid for 24 hours. The guiding fees through the park cost $25 half-day and $40 for full-day guiding. Small vehicles/minibusses are charged $12 while big buses and overland cars are charged $40 if they are Rwandan /East Africa registered. Foreign registered vehicles are charged higher %100 for the minibuses valid for 24 hours. If you want a sunset trip to Lake Ihema, the experience costs $45 while fishing in the park costs $25 for adults and $15 for children.

When to visit Akagera National park? Weather

Akagera National park can be visited all year round. The park majorly receives two weather seasons i.e dry and wet seasons. The dry /peak season is between the months of June, July, August, September, October, December, January and February. The wet/rainy season is between March, April. May, October, and November. However, despite the difference in seasons, Akagera national park can be visited throughout the year with a 100% guarantee of a memorable experience.

What to pack for Akagera National Park

Make sure y pack the essentials if you want to have a wonderful Rwanda tour in Akagera National park. The packing list to Akagera national park includes long-sleeved shirts, safari shorts, safari stockings, Comfortable underwear, long trouser, sweaters and safari hat.

Drive Time to Akegera park

The drive from Kigali to Akagera National park is roughly 2-3 hours with scenic views of Rwanda’s local villages and endless rolling hills. Game safaris in Akagera National park are normally done as a complement to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National park.

People Also Ask

What is the largest park in Rwanda?

Akagera National park is the largest park in Rwanda covering 1085 square kilometers of land located in north Eastern Rwanda. The park mainly comprise of savannah plains and acacia trees making it best for photography

How much does it cost to go to Akagera National park?

The entrance fee to Akagera national park is $100 for international visitors, for one night, $150 for two nights ad $200 for three nights in the park. East African citizens pay $50 for one night, $75 for two nights and $100 for 3 nights, while Rwandese/East African citizens pay $16 for one night, $24 for 2 nights and $32 for 3 nights.  The 3 days Akagera Park tour offers you the best of this game park.

What is Akagera National park known for?

Akagera National park is known for protecting the largest wetland in central Africa and also sheltering the  remaining savanna adapted species in Rwanda.

How far is a drive from kigali to Akagera National park?

Akagera National Park is located 105 kilometers from Kigali which takes roughly 3 hours drive north eastwards. The park is one of the closest parks i Rwanda an suitable  for short time travelers. You ca visit Akagera National park on your 1 day Rwanda wildlife safari starting and ending in Kigali!

Can you see the big five in Rwanda?

YES, Akagera National park is famous for hosting the big five which you ca see on your game viewing experience. These are Lions Leopards. Elephants. Rhinos and Buffalos. In addition to this, Akagera National park  is home to  other animals like Giraffes, Zebras, Waterbucs, Duikers, Warthogs, Impalas, Cheetahs and wild dogs among others.

What Watefall is found of river Akagera?

Rusumo is the name of the waterfall on River Akagera located on the orders of Rwanda and Tanzania. Rusumo falls are among the top attractions in Akagera National park which you should not miss seeing.

Can you  see Lions in Rwanda?

YES, Lions are among the wild animals in Akagera National park. They are among the “big five” the major attraction in Akagera National park. on your day and evening game drives in the park, yo have 90% chances of seeing lions

What two rivers join to make river Akagera?

Rubavu on the top left and Nyawarunga on the top right are the two rivers that combine to form the might River Akagera. Lukarara is the longest tributary of river Akagera

What are the Lake Found in Akagera National park?

These are serval lakes found in different corners of  Akagera National park. These include Lake Ihema, Lake  Shakani, Lake Birengero, Lake Mrambi and Lake Murambya.  Ihema is the largest lake in Akagera national park

How many lions and Rhinos are in Akagera National Park?

There are roughly 58 Lions that have been registered in Akagera National Park. The Lions were re introduced in the park in 2015 but the population has slowly grown over time. Regarding Rhinos’, 18 endangered species were re introduced in the park in 2017  from south Africa. This was a comeback after 10 years of non existence.

Which African country has the most lions?

Tanzania is known for hosting the highest number of Lions in Africa.  The kings of the jungle are so common in the northern circuit Tanzanian mostly in Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara, National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha and Tarangire National Parks

Where is the origin of the Akagera River?

River Akagera has its origin in Burundi  from Lake Lweru. Akagera river then flows Easter wards alonfg Rwanda Tanzania and Rwanda Burundi border, the reason why its called the East African river. Akagre river is also called Alexandria Nile

What plains are in Akagera National park?

Mohana and Kalala are the common plains in Akagera National Park. However, Mohana plain is the most popular in the park. These serve as food and habitat for wild animals in Akagera National park

Superfine Safaris offers you memorable Rwanda safaris to Akagera National park. Contact us today, book your game safari to Akagera and enjoy the beauties of this scenic park.

Located in western Uganda, Kibale Forest National park is the primate capital of the world with over 13 primate species  and chimpanzee trekking being the best experience ever in this tropical rain forest.  The park is a wonder in the secrets of Uganda offering the best primate trekking, bird watching and nature walk experience. Hiking up and down hill searching for the endangered primates is quite challenging but worth it. You have an hour with the animals, but it’s more than enough to observe their behavior.

This article is a guide to Kibale Forest National Park, attractions, activities, vegetation, wildlife, getting there, accommodation and bigodi wetland sanctuary with Superfine Safaris Limited. Kibale Forest National park is one of the must-visit safari destinations in the Pearl of Africa. Located in Western Uganda, Kibale Forest National park is the primate capital of Africa sheltering 13 primates.

Chimpanzees trekking in Kibale Forest is the top bucket list for most travelers to Kibale Forest National park. Kibale Forest spreads very 766 square kilometers comprised of montane and lowland forests. This forest was first gazetted in 1932 and later established as a national park in 1993 purposely to protect the endangered chimpanzees and promote primate safaris in Uganda. Batooro and Bakiga are the major tribes living around Kibale Forest National Park.

Wildlife in Kibale Forest

Chimpanzees are the common species in the park with over 1500 chimpanzees calling this forest home. Other primate species in Kibale Forest include Uganda Mangabey (Lophocebus), L;Hoest monkey and Ugandan red colubus (Procolobus tephrosceles), black and white colubus (Colobus guereza), blue monkey (Cercepithecus mitis). Besides primates, Kibale Forest shelters a large number of terrestrial mammals which include bushbucks, bushpigs, red duikers, Sitatungas, Blue duikers, Common warthogs, African buffalos, elephants and Giant forest hogs, common warthogs. The carnivores in this forest are serval cats, leopards, and African golden cats.

Vegetation in Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest boasts in over 229 tree species, which include Lovoa, Entandrophragma, Cordia millenii. Some parts of the forest include ferns, shrubs, broadleaf grasses and swamps. The vegetation serves as food and habit for animals and birds in this rain forest.

Activities in Kibale Forest National park

Travelers to Kibale Forest National park have an endless list of tourist activities to take part in. The top tourist activities in KFNP are:

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is the most done adventure which bring a high number of travelers to this forest. Records indicate that over 80% of travelers to Kibale forest choose to trek chimpanzees  for a  close encounter with man’s close relatives. Each chimpanzee permits in the Kibale forest costs $250 but the experience is worth it. Like in gorilla trekking, travelers intending to trek chimps are advised to book as early as 6 months in advance due to high demand for the permit. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest is done in two sessions (morning and afternoon) to give all travelers a chance of being part of this memorable venture.

Chimpanzee permit bookings can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), or through Superfine Safaris Limited, your trusted Uganda safari company. A 3 days kibale chimpanzee tour gives you the chance to meet and spend an hour with the endangered chimps in the shortest time possible.

A simple briefing about trekking rules and regulations at Kanyanchu information center commences the experience. The dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking include:
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away from chimps
2. Avoid direct eye contact
3. Do not use flashlight cameras
4. Don’t trek When sick
5. Keep within your groups
6. Speak at a low tone
7. Do not litter in the park
Also, ensure to carry the essentials to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable trek. Chimpanzee trekking packing lit entails:

1. Hiking boots/shoes
2. Gardening gloves
3. Rain jackets
4. Long-sleeved shirts
5. Long pants
6. sunglasses
7. head hats
8. First aid kit
9. Energy giving snacks
10. Bottled drinking water

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Enjoy the full day chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest  together with a team of park rangers, researchers, chimpanzee doctors, and trackers. The experience is all about training and taming wild chimps so as to make them get used to human presence. You will be an active participant in this activity which makes it more experimental. The  chimpanzee habituation permit costs $300

Nature/Forest walks

Explore and enjoy the beauties of Kibale Forest National park on foot. A walk through the natural forest, enjoy the cool quiet environment with sweet melodies of birds singing right above our head. A forest walk gives you the chance to meet different forest animals especially the red-tailed monkeys, black and white Colubus. Expect to see some reptiles such as snakes and birds crossing across. Different trails have been made in the forest leading you to different tourist attractions such as waterfalls and water streams. Also, night forest walk is done to see nocturnal animals such as nightjar, cricket, pottos, bush babies and tree hyrax among others.

Bird Watching

About bird life in Kibale Forest National Park, the forest is home to over 325 bird species hence the best birding spots in Uganda. These include grey parrot, Olive long-tailed cuckoo, ground thrush, Tropical boubou, African pied wagtail, Slender-billed weaver, Great blue turaco, Pin-tailed whydah, Black bee-eater, Masked Apalis, Grey paroot, Afep pigeon, Blue-headed bee-eater, Ruwenzori Apalis, Crowned eagle, White-naped pigeon, yellow-rumped tinker bird, Masked Apalis among others.

Butterfly watching in Kibale Forest

Be part of the newly introduced butterfly watching experience in Kibale Forest National park. You will see butterflies of different colors in Yellow, red and green flying over you. Altogether, Uganda is home to over 1,235 butterfly species and 31 of these are endemic to the Albertine region. Butterfly species in Uganda include Nymphalidae, Papilinidae, Pieridae, Hesperiidae and Lycaenidae among others.

Bigodi Wetland sanctuary

Visit Bigodi wetland sanctuary as part of your Uganda chimpanzee tour to Kibale Forest National park. Bigodi wetland shelters over 200 bird species hence a paradise for birders. Among the birds in Bigodi include Hornbills, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Green-breasted Pitta, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimson, Spotted bardet, and Abyssinian ground thrush. The wetland also shelters primates such as vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, baboons, L’Hoest monkeys and black and white colobus all ready to welcome you.

Where to sleep in Kibale Forest national park

Do you want to spend an overnight stay? African Apes Tours & Travel brings you a list of top lodges and camps in Kibale Forest. These serve you with first-class food and sleeping services with professional staff who ensure a smooth service delivery system. Top lodge sin Kibale forest include Primate Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest guest house, Ndali Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse and Chimps Nest among others. African Apes Holidays helps book suitable accommodation services during your stay in Kibale Forest National Park.

Getting to Kibale Forest National park

Kibale Forest National park can be accessed by road or air transport. When driving, the park is roughly 5 hours drive from Kampala capital city and Entebbe via Kampala Hoima road. Alternatively, fly from Kajjansi airstrip to Nyakisharara airstrip in Kamwengye. From there, travelers are picked and driven to the park.

People also ask

What is Kibale National park known for?

Kibale Forest park is known for  sheltering the highest number of chimpanzees and primates in general. Its the primate capital of Africa hosting chimpanzees and other 13 primates. These include baboons, Vervet monkeys, Blue monkeys, Grey cheeked mangabeys, LHoest monkey, Uganda mangabeys, Galago, Red tailed monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys. Primate trekking is the most  done experience in Kibale Forest National park

Where can tourists go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is majorly done in Kibale Forest national park. the other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Kalinzu Forest and Budongo Forest in Murchison falls National park.  You can also visit the habituated chimpanzees at Ngamba Island sanctuary where you can take part in feeding chimpanzees

How many chimpanzees are in Kibale Forest National park?

There are over 1500 chimpanzees inhabited in Kibale Forest National park.  These are grouped into small communities each headed by a dominant Male.  The chimpanzee community comprise of one Adult mela, females, Juveniles and infants. Each play a different role for example adult females nurse and take acre of the infants, juveniles entertain the family keeping it lively while the Adult Males are the fathers of the home who ensure security of all community members and also plan for the entire community especially on which direction to take and where to spend a night

Where is the best place for chimpanzee trekking?

kibale Forest is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Being home to the highest number of chimpanzees, Kibale Forest offers the best chimpanzee trekking experience.  Travelers are assured of accessing chimpanzee permits even those  who book at last minute

How much does it cost to go chimpanzee trekking?

the cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest national park is $250 for foreign non residents, $200 for foreign residents and 250,000 shillings for East African citizens.  For chimpanzee habituation experience, the permit costs $300 for Foreign non residents $250 for foreign residents and 300,000 shillings for Ugandans and east African citizens

Contact Superfine Safaris Limited, book your chimpanzee trekking tour to Kibale, enjoy nature walks and explore Bigodi wetland sanctuary. Kibale Forest National park offers it all to meet, satisfy, and exceed your travel expectations.

It takes proper and timely planning to successfully hike to the summit of Mount Rwenzoris with no fail. Physical and mental preparedness is also key for anyone planning a Uganda mountaineering safari to Mount Rwenzori. Also, known as mountain of the moon, Rwenzori Mountains rank as Africa’s third-highest mountain after Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mt Kenya. Its highest summit, Mt Stanley that stands at 5,109m is Uganda’s tallest mountain and the most hiked by adventurous travelers. Also, Rwenzori ranges comprise of Rwenzori Mountains national park, one of Uganda’s heritage sites. The snow-capped summit of Rwenzori mountains makes it an exception from other mountain ranges. With no doubt, the Rwenzori Mountains is Uganda’s natural wonder. The 120km long and 65km wide Rwenzori Mountains is one of the major attractions for hikers across Africa and the whole globe. A 7 to 7 Days hiking trip is the appropriate package recommended to reach the summit of Mt Rwenzori. However, fewer time travelers who cannot manage to reach the Margarita summit can do a 5 Days Rwenzori hiking trip, which stops halfway. For a good climber, a 10 days Rwenzori trek is the best package for you. This takes you to the main peaks of Mt Rwenzori, which are Mt Margherita, Mt Speke, Weismann’s and Mt Baker.

Routes to Hiking Mt Rwenzori

Apparently, two main routes have been designated leading travelers to Margherita, the highest peak of Mt Rwenzori.

Kilembe Route

Kilembe route was designated in 2009 and is the longest route to Margherita peak. This route is managed by the Rwenzori Trekking services who take care of a traveler from the first to the last day. The trail reaches Margherita peak from the south. Trekking through valleys of ferns forests and diverse giant heather trees make the experience more enjoyable and fun. Contact Rwenzori mountaineering services today and explore the actual beauty of Rwenzori mountains. if you cannot hike higher, Rwenzori trekking services offer a 5 Days Rwenzori hiking trip to Weismann’s peak at 4,620 meters. Also, the 5 Days Mt Rwenzori trail can take you to Bamwanjara pass, which gives you great views of the Margherita peaks.

Central Circuit Route

Hike using the central circuit route managed by Rwenzori Mountaineering services. The central circuit route is the oldest and main route, which the first climbers to Margherita peak used. The trail starts from Nyakalengija village at the National park headquarters sloping down to Mt Baker. Travelers then connect from baker to Mt Stanley which shelters Margherita peak, the highest peak of Mount Rwenzori. The center circuit trail takes you through various vegetation zones, which include the forests, swamps, valleys of ferns and gorges up to Mt Stanley. The permanent snow and beautiful views at the summit make you forget the hustles you went through while hiking.

When to climb Mt Rwenzori

Mt Rwenzori is best hiked in the peak season between the months of July, August, September, October, December, January, and December. During this time, rain is minimal or not at all which keeps hikers dry all throughout. Also, the nice weather is an added opportunity for good photographs for memories. More so, there are many travelers during this time who give the company making hiking more fun and enjoyable. However, Mt Rwenzori can be hiked during low season between the months of March, April, May, and November. This time, travelers are few and hiking companies give discounts to the few climbers who show up. This time is generally rain, the slopes are slippery and muddy which makes the experience more adventurous. Prepare for rains during this time of which pours for some good hours.

Accommodation on M Rwenzori

Camps on Rwenzori Mountains

Travelers hiking Mt Rwenzori have optional lodging facilities to serve them with food and sleeping services. Travelers hiking Rwenzori are advised to spend a night near the park to catch up with the popular accommodation on Mount Rwenzori include Rubono community camp located at the main gate of the national park, the Equator now lodge, Mihunga safari lodge located at Nyakanjija and Rwenzori Turaco View Campsite among others.

What to pack for Hiking Mt Rwenzori

Endeavor to pack essentials when going for mount Rwenzori hiking. Among the things, you must pack include
• Noncotton shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Pair of pants
• Waterproof pants
• Hat
• Gardening gloves
• Sunglasses
• Pair of stockings
• Good sleeping bag
• Headlamp
• Microfiber towel
• First aid kit
• Water filters
• Energy giving snacks
• Extra Camera battery
• Bottled drinking water

Other Uganda activities to do along hiking Mt Rwenzori

In addition to hiking Mt Rwenzori, travelers on Uganda safaris have an endless list of seeing to see and do. Uganda tourist activities to do along Mt Rwenzori hiking include mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla National parks, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Game viewing in open savannah parks, bird watching and cultural tours among others. A combination of these makes a complete Uganda Safari meet, satisfy and exceed every traveler’s expectations.

Conclusively, hiking Rwenzori mountains remains a must-do venture for adventurous travelers to Uganda. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel, book your Rwenzori mountaineering trip and be part of the memorable adventure.

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most done travel activities in Uganda. Second to gorilla trekking, visit to see chimpanzees in the rain forest of Uganda has presently become common as recorded by Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda tourism statistics, For those who have visited these primates before, a face-to-face encounter with chimpanzees is magical and memorable. Chimps share 99% of human genes, which make them our close relatives. The human-like character of chimpanzees where adult females nurse babies like human mothers, Adult females guard the family makes and how each family member plays a different role makes this whole encounter enjoyable and fun. Altogether, Uganda is believed to shelter over 5000, which makes it one of the best chimpanzee tour destinations in Africa. Numerous destinations have been designated to make chimpanzee tracking success in Uganda. Among the places to trek chimpanzees in Uganda include:

Kibale Forest national park

Uganda chimpanzee Tours

Also called the “Primate Capital”, Kibale Forest National Park is the number one chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda. This rain forest is home to 13 primates the reason why it’s called the primate capital of Africa. treks to see chimpanzees in Kibale forest begins with a pre chimpanzee trekking briefing at Kanyanchu information center. Travelers are introduced to the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking and also put together in groups of eight. Trekking can take 3-0 minutes to 6 hours depending on where chimpanzees are located. Kibale forest is believed o be home to over 1000 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest is done in the morning and afternoon sessions. Also, the Kibale forest is a Centre for Chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX), which allows travelers to spend half day with the endangered chimpanzees. A chimpanzee permit to trek chimps in Kibale forest costs $220 for allowing travelers to spend an hour with the endangered chimpanzees. A 3 Days Kibale chimpanzee tour offers you the best chimpanzee encounter and nature walk in Bigodi wetland.

Kalinzu Forest

Adult chimpanzee with a baby

Located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu forest is yet another destination to visit chimpanzees. Actually it’s the second-best place for Uganda chimpanzee tours. The forest is home to over 300 chimpanzees 40 of which have been habituated for trekking. A permit to trek chimps in Kalinzu forest costs $40 hence cheap and affordable even for budget travelers. Like in Kibale forest, interaction with chimpanzees in Karinzu forest lasts for an hour. The age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Karinzu forests is 12 years. Chimps in Kalinzu forest are habituated by Japanese Researchers in joint cooperation with Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Budongo Forest – Murchison Falls National Park

Budongo Forest ranks 3rd best chimpanzee destination in the Peal of Africa. Located within Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo forest offers travelers with a magical chimpanzee encounter. Morning and afternoon chimpanzee trekking sessions are conducted to allow travelers to have ample time with their close relatives. Jane Goodall Institute is in charge of chimpanzee tours in Budongo forest incorporation with Uganda Wildlife Authority. For those who want to spend an overnight, Budongo Eco lodge offers food and sleeping services at affordable rates.

Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyabura Gorge

Do not miss visiting chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge on your Uganda safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travelers trekking chimps in Kyambura gorge pay $90 which includes $50 for the chimpanzee permit and $40 park entrance fee. In most cases, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is done as a complement to other safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park such as game viewing, lion tracking and boat cruise at Kazinga channel.

Toro- Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

Visit to trek chimps in Toro Semuliki Wildlife reserve to have an off beaten chimpanzee encounter. Toro Semliki Valley is the least visited chimpanzee destination in Uganda but the experience is natural and worth doing. The reserve is located near Rwenzori mountains national park but easily accessed from Queen Elizabeth Park.

Tips for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

African Apes Holidays brings you tips/guidelines for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. These are put to ensure the safety of chimpanzees and travelers ensuring sustainable chimpanzee tourism in the Pearl of Africa. The rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda include:
• Keep a distance of seven meters away
• Do not trek when sick chimpanzee re susceptible t human diseases
• Avoid direct eye contact with chimpanzees
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Do not litter in the Park
• Keep within your group
• Do not touch/feed the chimpanzees
• Turn back your faces when coughing or sneezing
• Speak at a low tone

What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Make sure you pack the essentials to make your chimpanzee tour a success and fun. The chimpanzee trekking packing list includes:
1. Hiking boots/shoes
2. Gardening gloves
3. Sunglasses
4. Hat
5. Rain jackets
6. Insect repellants
7. Bottled drinking water
8. Energy giving snacks
9. Long pants
10. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses

Chimpanzee trekking remains one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. Uganda offers you memorable chimpanzee tours at affordable rates. Contact African Apes Tours  today, book a Uganda chimpanzee safari to Kibale Forest, Kyambura gorges and other chimpanzee destinations for a memorable primate encounter.