Month: March 2020

A stay in a cool, comfortable and safe lodging choice is one key in every successful and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience. Yes, you ought to stay in a comfortable place during your Rwanda gorilla safari to Volcanoes National Park. Fortunately, travelers to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park have a variety of lodges, camps, and hotels serving them with first-class food and sleeping services. Rwanda is a luxury gorilla tour destination, which offers travelers with memorable gorilla tracking experience. Gorilla Lodges in Volcanoes National park have been categorized as budget, midrange, and Luxury. African Apes Tours brings you a full list of top lodging facilities in Volcanoes National Park. These include:

Bisate Lodge

Located in the natural amphitheater of Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge is one of the leading gorilla lodges in Rwanda. Based on its excellent reviews by past travelers, Bisate Lodge is undeniably a perfect place to stay on your Rwanda gorilla safari. The picturesque location with excellent views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Rwanda’s rolling hills, the national park, wildlife, and local communities make this place worth staying. Bisate Lodge has 6 self-contained rooms each of which has great views, and fresh air. Among the activities done at Bisate Lodge include Gorilla trekking, guided walks, massage treatment at an extra cost, cultural experiences, golden monkey trekking, Nursery visit and tree planting, Dian Fossey graveyard hike and photo hub among others.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Located on the foothills of Mt Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is a five-star lodge in Volcanoes National Park. The 30 spacious cottages at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge are enough to accommodate your group tour offering first-class food and sleeping services. The lodge offers travel activities in Volcanoes National Park such as mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey graveyard hike, forest/nature walks and bird watching among others. Al rooms are self-contained, with a private balcony overlooking the green park and Virunga Volcanoes.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Managed by the Governor’s camp collection, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is Rwanda’s oldest community-owned lodge located on the foothills of Mt Sabyiyo a few meters to Kinigi Park headquarters. The lodge comprises of six cottages, 2 suites and a family cottage all self-contained, with a sitting area, private balcony, fireplace and sheltered Veranda. The facilities at the lodge include reception, dining room, sitting room, bar, fireplace, souvenir shop and a reading area to ensure comfort and enjoyable stay. Among the tourist activities, which can be arranged at the lodge, including mountain gorilla trekking, guided forest walks, community visits, volcano climbing, bird watching, golden monkey trekking, Musanze caves visit and Dian Fossey Graveyard.

Virunga Lodge

A stay at our Eco-friendly Virunga Lodge guarantees you comfortable, safe and enjoyable mountain gorilla safari experience in Volcanoes National Park. Virunga Lodge comprises of 8 spacious rooms self-contained, with private veranda, sitting area, fireplace, dining area, and walkway. Tourist activities to do at the lodge include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, bird watching, Dian Fossey hike, Musanze caves, and cultural tours among others.

Other Lodges in Volcanoes National Park include:

1. Gorilla Solution Lodge
2. Hotel Muhabura
3. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
4. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
5. Garden Place Hotel
6. Faraja Hotel
7. Best View Hotel
8. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
9. Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge
10. Garr Hotel
11. Villa Gorilla
12. La Palme Hotel
13. Kinigi Guesthouse
Accommodation at any of these lodges is categorized as budget, midrange and luxury services. Booking can be done directly with the lodge or through African Apes Tours and travel

All gorilla safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been temporarily suspended till further notice to prevent the spread of the deadly Covid19 to the endangered mountain gorillas. This is to inform all traveler operators and travelers that apparently there is no ongoing gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks till further notice. Virunga National ark was the first one to close following her first incident of a Covid 19 victim in Congo; Rwanda Development Board was the second to close all tourism and research activities in its primate pars i.e Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Parks. Uganda Wildlife Authority has also come to announce its official closure of all gorilla tours to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National ark plus chimpanzee safaris to Kibale Forest National park and other chimpanzee destinations until 30th April 2020.

Why protect primates?

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are susceptible to respiratory infections of which Corona Virus is among. The primates share 99% of human genes, which make the close relative to people. Whereas trekking rules and regulations guiding gorilla and chimpanzee trekking have been in existence, they are not enough to protect the endangered species from trapping this deadly Covid19. The only solution hoped to prevent gorillas and chimpanzees from Corona Virus is the total absence of people in the jungle. The whole world has 1006 mountain gorillas only found in Bwindi Forest and the Virunga Conservation areas shared by Volcanoes, Virunga and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Expected tourism losses

Reduced government revenue is expected with no sale of mountain gorilla permits. For all the past years, primate trekking especially the mountain gorillas has been the leading tourist activity in Africa. A single gorilla permit costs $450 in Congo, $1500 in Rwanda while in Uganda, the permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Tourism statistics in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo confirm that gorilla trekking is the major source of foreign exchange earner to gorilla national Parks. Most people especially in travel operators management, travel guiding and travel transport will lose employment opportunities in the meantime. This will decrease the standards of living of people who have been depending on tourism for a living.

Travelers are however advised not to cancel but rather postpone gorilla trips to save tourism in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Luckily, responsible tourism bodies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo have relaxed the gorilla and chimpanzee permit rescheduling policies to help travelers and tour operators deal with the existing incident

In the meantime, there are no primate tours to trek gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo till further notice.

Join our scheduled flying safaris in Uganda to all tourism destinations and attractions within the Pearl of Africa. Yes, don’t be scared of long driving hours to trek gorillas in Bwindi or even the furthest Kidepo Valley National parks. Uganda flying safaris with Magical Africa Safaris help you explore all hidden gems in the pearl of Africa within the shortest time possible. Chartered flights across Uganda are arranged to help short time travelers explore Uganda in the shortest time flame. African Apes Tours in cooperation with Aero link or Fly Uganda offer you scheduled flights to any corner of Uganda you would like to explore. All Uganda flying safaris start and end at Kajjansi airstrip. Upon arriving at Entebbe International airport, travelers are driven to Kajjansi airstrip for a chattered flight to any of the desired destination.

Flights to Kidepo Valley National Park
Given its furthest location in northeastern Uganda (roughly 25 hours drive) Kidepo Valley can be easily accessed by air transport. A scheduled flight from kajjansi to Apoka airstrip (1 hrs and 10 minutes flight) helps you explore this hidden gem with no difficulty. if you are using road transport to Kidepo Valley National Park there are four routes by Road. The 705Km journey from Kampala via Lira, Kotido, Kaboongo, and then Kidepo.
The 740Km from Kampala via Mbale, Soroti, Moroto , Kotido Kaboongo , and then Kidepo.
The 780Km journey from Kampala via Mbale, Soroti , Matany , Kotido , Kaboongo , then Kidepo.
The 571 Km via Gulu, Kitgum, and Kidepo. I think driving through the wilderness is more rewarding.
Chartered aircraft s to kidepo may be arranged from Kajjansi in Kampala to Lomeji airstrip.

Flights to Murchison Falls National Park
Fly from Kajjansi to either Bungugu or Pakuba airstrips in the north or west of Murchison Falls National Park to explore Uganda’s largest and oldest park. From there, you will transfer to your respective lodge waiting to have memorable experiences. The major tourist activities in Murchison Falls Park include game viewing, boat cruising, bird watching and hike to the top of the falls, which give you a memorable experience. The drive time from Kampala to Murchison Falls Park is roughly 5 hours via Masindi.

Gorilla flights to Bwindi Forest National Park
Want to trek Uganda gorillas in Bwindi Forest within the shortest time possible, our gorilla flying safaris to Bwindi is the best offer for you. An hour’s flight from Kajjansi to Kihihi airstrip is the best package for short time travelers who want to trek gorillas in Bwindi. Upon reaching Kihihi airstrip, travelers are picked by the driver guide and driven to Bwindi National Park to join the gorilla trekking session. There is one flight per day from Kajjansi to Kihihi airstrip.

Flights to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Yes, you can fly from Kajjansi to Kasese or Kayonza airstrip to enjoy the game in Uganda’s second-largest Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest concentration of wild animals which include elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, Impalas, Topis, waterbucks, Hippos and elands among others.

Flights to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Join our chattered flights from Kajjansi to Kisoro airstrip to trek gorillas and golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Flying to Mgahinga saves you a full day of driving from Kampala which at times limits short time travelers chances to explore this hidden gem. Other tourist activities in Mgahinga National Park include Batwa cultural trail, Virunga Volcano hiking and forest/nature walk among others.

Flights to Mt Rwenzori National Park
Going to hike Mt Rwenzori and scared of long driving hours from Kampala? Join our flying tours from kajjansi to Kasese airstrip to embark on this adventure. Hiking to the summit of Mgaherita peak is one of the best adventure safaris that Uganda offers.

Flights to Kibale Forest National Park
Fly to Kibale Forest National Park and trek the famous chimpanzees, man’s close relatives in the shortest time possible. A chattered flight from Kajjansi to Kasese airstrip shortens the distance giving you a chance to trek the endangered species in the shortest time possible.

In general, Uganda flying safaris make it easy for you to explore and enjoy all beauties in the Pearl of Arica. Fly to Bwindi for gorilla trekking, Kidepo for game viewing and Kibale Forest for Chimpanzee tracking with African Apes Tours

A hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, the active volcano sheltering the word’s largest lava lake has presently become one of the top bucket list adventures on African safaris. Located in the heart of Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo volcano is a must-visit on your African safari to the democratic Republic of Congo./ The summit of Nyiragongo volcano stands at 3470 meters above the sea level overlooking other 7 Virunga ranges, Virunga park, and the neighboring communities. A peep into the boiling 2 kilometers wide lave lake is a magical experience that no traveler should miss on his Congo safaris. Nyiragongo is one of the world’s active volcanoes, which has erupted 34 times since 1882 when the first eruption took place. Nyiragongo volcano last erupted in 2002 and signs of a new eruption are showing an indication that the active volcano may erupt at any time. Kibatsi village is the starting pint of all Nyiragongo hiking tours. It’s here that travelers are briefed and registered. Hiking starts at 10:00 am lasting for roughly 7 hours to reach the summit. Travelers stay overnight at the summit to experience the boiling lava lake, which glows at night. A 3 Days Nyiragongo Volcano hiking tour is the best package to experience and enjoy this lifetime adventure. Check the tips and guide to hiking Nyiragongo Volcano with African Apes Tours

Be physically and mentally ready
Hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo is not a walk away but rather a strenuous adventure. Physical fitness and mental readiness are therefore key when going for Nyiragongo Volcano climbing. Travelers intending to go for Nyiragongo hiking are advised to do physical exercises such as jogging and walking to ensure they are physically fit when hiking time comes. In the same way, you should be mentally ready to conquer this Volcano. Your mind must be ready to deal with the challenges associated with hiking and this will keep you move even when the hike becomes tough.

Carry your hiking permit
A valid hiking permit is a must-have for anyone hiking Nyiragongo Volcano. Ensure to pack and carry your permit kibatsi village where the hiking starts. During the briefing, all travelers will be asked to submit in their permit to the rangers. Nyiragongo hiking permit costs $300 accessed directly through ICCN or Magical Africa Safaris, your ultimate safari company. Jut like in other bookings especially gorilla safari trips, booking for Nyiragongo Volcano hiking permit is advised as early as 4 months in advance to secure permits and avoid disappointments.

Packing list
You ought to carry essentials to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable Nyiragongo Volcano hiking adventure. Among the things you must carry for Nyiragongo hiking include hiking boots/shoes to easily walk on loose and slippery rocks, gardening gloves for your hands, sunglasses for your eye, a hat for the head, long-sleeved pants, bottled drinking water, energy-giving snacks, and rain jackets. Also, remember to pack warm swears and a scarf to deal with night coldness at the summit. More so, a sleeping bag and walking stick are vital for anyone hiking Nyiragongo.

Hire a porter
Hiring a porter when hiking Nyiragongo Volcano is highly recommended. Porters play a crucial role to carry a travelers bag to and from the summit. Hiking makes it easier for a traveler to maneuver through the rock slopes which at times require touching and crawling on the ground. Porters go further to support a traveler by holding his/her hands when hiking becomes tougher. Luckily enough, porters are local people who are familiar with the hike and they do not find challenges hiking to the summit. Hiring a porter cost between 15 to 20 dollars and its an indirect way of supporting local livelihood.

Keep time
Travelers are reminded to keep time when going for Nyiragongo Hiking. Hiking starts at exactly 10:00 am after a simple briefing. All travelers are expected to be at the starting p9int as early as possible. Hiking starts at once and anyone left behind will miss out the chance since you cannot hike alone. Therefore wake up early, have breakfast and transfer to Kibatsi patrol station to avoid any disappointments. Regarding the hiking time, it all depends on the traveler’s physical fitness and the sped of the slowest person in the group.

Age limit for Nyiragongo Hiking
Travelers aged 12 and below are limited to hike Nyiragongo Volcano. This is different from gorilla trekking where the age limit is below 15 years. The reason for age limit in Nyiragongo hiking is the strenuous nature of the hike and the challenges associated with it.

Accommodation on Nyiragongo Volcano
There are 12 cabin shelters to provide travelers with accommodation services at affordable rates. Each shelter is a twin room with 2 single beds. This means that a group of 24 travelers can get comfortable and affordable accommodation at the summit. If you want to camp at the summit, remember to carry a sleeping bag and warm beddings. Magical Africa Safaris help you book ad arrange a hiking tour to Nyiragongo Volcano.

Add on activities
Nyiragongo volcano hiking is done along with other tourist activities in Virunga National park such as mountain gorilla trekking, waterfall hiking, nature walks, bird watching and cultural tours among others make a complete Congo safari package.

Hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano is a lifetime adventurous activity every traveler to Congo MUST do. Contact us today, book your Nyiragongo hiking tour and get a chance to peep in the world’s largest lava lake with African Apes Tours & Travel

What is the difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience? Often times, most people have mistaken gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience to be similar. However, the two experiences are totally different. One leads to the other. Gorilla Habituation experience is the first step of gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas first go through gorilla habituation before they are open to travelers for trekking. Mountain gorilla habituation experience is an experimental practice of familiarizing wild mountain gorillas to human presence while gorilla trekking is the actual encounter with the habituated gorilla families. No gorilla family is open for trekking without going through habituation experience. African Ape Tours  gives you detailed differences between gorilla habituation experience and gorilla trekking to potential travelers on Uganda gorilla safaris

The difference in permit costs
The permit for gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 each by all travelers despite one’s nationality. The cost also applies to Ugandans who wish to take part in this experimental experience. Each day, there are 8 gorilla habituation permits available for issuing. On the other hand, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. All bookings are done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through Magical Africa Safaris, the ultimate gorilla safari company in Uganda.

Number of people allowed
Gorilla habituation experience allows 4 people to visit a gorilla family while gorilla trekking permits 8 people per gorilla family. Two gorilla families namely Bushaho and Bikyingi are currently undergoing habituation experience. On the other hand, Bwindi has 17 habituated gorilla families available for trekking in Bwindi Forest. These include Busingye, Kahunge, Bweza, Nshongi, Nkuringo, Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, Christmas and Kyaguliro among others. Each day, Bwindi forest has 8 gorilla habituation experience permits and 136 gorilla trekking permits available for issuing. Both permits are sold on a first come first serve basis.

Where to do gorilla habituation experience
It’s only in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park that the gorilla habituation experience takes place. Any traveler who wants to take part in gorilla training MUST, therefore, hike down to Rushaga sector. If you are connecting from Kigali Rwanda, Rushaga sector is easily accessed through Cyanika border in Kisoro district from where travelers easily connect to Rushaga. A 3-Day gorilla habituation experience tour gives you chance to take part in this magical experience. Gorilla trekking is done in all four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo) of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park

Difference in time
Gorilla habituation experience allows travelers to spend 4 hours with the wild gorillas while gorilla trekking allows one hour. However, the actual time to spend in the jungle is unpredictable depending on the location of the gorilla, travelers hiking speed and gorillas speed of movements. For that case, travelers are given packed lunch to keep strong in case they take long to see gorillas. Timing is both experiences is counted from the time travelers set their eyes on the gorillas. Therefore the time spent hiking up and downhill is not counted.

Similarities
Despite a slight difference in gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences, the two practices have some similarities. These include

How to book
You can book both experiences through a similar travel agent. African Apes Tours  helps you book gorilla habituation permits and arrange for you a tailor-made gorilla habituation experience tour at affordable rates. just contact us, inform us on your travel dates and we shall do the rest for you. Alternatively, you can book a gorilla habituation experience permit directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Contact UWA, check the availability and book for your permit as soon as possible.

What to pack
You ought to be ready and pack basics to ensure successful and enjoyable gorilla habituation and trekking experience. The packing list for gorilla habituation experience must include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes
2. Gardening gloves
3. Insect repellants
4. Bottled drinking water
5. Sunglasses
6. Hat
7. Long pants
8. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
9. Rain jackets
10. Scarf and sweaters
11. First aid kit

Dos and don ts of Gorilla Habituation experience
At the start of the day, travelers will be introduced to the dos and don’ts of gorilla habituation and trekking experience. The rules and regulations are put to ensure the safety of gorillas and travelers. The rules of gorilla habituation experience include:
• Do not trek when sick – gorillas are susceptible to human diseases
• Do not run when gorillas charge, keep calm and imitate tier behaviors
• Keep a seven-meter distance away from gorillas
• Avoid direct eye contact with a gorilla
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Do not litter in the park
• Keep your voices low
• Keep within your groups
Conclusively, therefore, gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are two different experiences. Check the difference between gorilla habituation and trekking experiences, decide what to do with African Apes Tours & Travel

Travel to Kidepo Valley National Park and explore the long-forgotten Eden, Africa’s Hidden gem. Tucked away in northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is undeniably an out the ordinary places in Africa, Uganda’s finest and most isolated parks. The park is one of the least visited national parks in Uganda which has kept it virgin and natural to offer you a fresh feeling of the natural environment with an off beaten kind of experience. Those who have visited the park before review Kidepo Valley National ark as Africa’s mysterious destination with a high concentration of every wondrous aspect in the continent.

The combination of wildlife, geographical spectacles and a multitude of local cultures make Kidepo Valley National Park a must-visit on your Uganda Safaris. the park is known to have the biggest herds of buffalos, elephants, jackson’s hartebeest, bus dikers, Defassa waterbucks and zebras among others which make game viewing excellent in this park. Kidepo Valley Nationa Park is bordered by south Sudan and Kenya and its Uganda’s most isolated National Park. The park spreads over 1,442 square kilometers bisected by Kidepo and Narus Rivers. Vegetation in Kidepo Valley National Park comprises of grey-haired acacia, shrubs, climax grassland, trees, swamps, and savannah woodlands. Superfine Safaris Limited  gives you a guide to Kidepo Valley National Park, attractions, activities, accommodation, getting there, the best time to visit, and wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park among others.

What to see and do in Kidepo Valley National Park

Travelers to Kidepo Valley National Park have an endless list of things o see and do. The top activities done in Kidepo Valley National Park include among others:

Game viewing

Game viewing in Kidepo

Game drives in the Narus Valley give you the chance to experience and enjoy the natural beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park. Game safaris in Kidepo give you a chance to see the best that the wilderness can offer. while on your game drives, expect to see numerous wild animals such as Expect to see numerous animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, Uganda kobs, deers, Black-backed jackals, bat-eared fox, Caracal, leoprads, African hunting dogs, Topis, Elands, Orbis, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Hippos, striped hyena, Beisa Oryx, and Grants’s gazelles among others.

The best time for game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park is at 6:00am and 4:00 pm to catch p with animals feeding before retiring for day and night rests respectively. Also, enjoy the Kidepo Valley drive to Kanangorok hot springs through the dry savannahs making your whole experience magical and memorable.

Bird watching

Birds in Kidepo Valley Park

With over 470 bird species, Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s second-best bird watching spot after Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to 60 bird species which are nonexistent in any other Ugandan park. The park hosts migratory birds from Europe and Asia in the months of November and April.

The birds in Kidepo Valley National Park include Dark Chanting Goshawk, Kori Bustard, Little bee-eater, Ostrich, Red and Yellow barbet, Abyssinian roller, Purple grenadier, Black-breasted barbet, Greater Kestrel, Jackson’s hornbill, Rufous Chatter, Pygmy falcon. Golden Pipit, Rose ringed parakeet, Chestnut weaver and Northern carmine bee-eater. March to April is the best time for bird watching in Kidepo Valley National Park. November and April is the best time to see migratory birds in Kidepo Valley Park. However, birding in the park can be done all year round. Ostriches are beautiful birds you should not miss on your birding safari to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Cultural Tours – IK people

IK people in Kidepo Park

Move out to meet and interact with the indigenous IK people for greater cultural performance. IK people live in the hill of Morungole ranges and were named by UNESCO as an endangered tribe of people. Beekeeping and animal grazing are the major economic activities of IK people.

Teenage pregnancies and marriage are very common among the IK people where parents marry off their daughters at a tender age in exchange for cows. An overnight camp in the IK Manyattas gives you the chance to learn more about their traditions norms, beliefs and cultures. A traditional dance is a not miss on your visit to the IK people.

Nature Walks

A nature walk through Kidepo Valley National Park is the best way to explore the beautiful wilderness. Enjoy a walk to Lamoj hills for the best photographs, not forgetting to visit the splendid Kidepo river valley to see many animals gathered at the river for drinking water especially in the dry season. Namamukweny is also a good walking area on your nature walk in Kidepo Valley National park. Walking through the park gives you the best spots for wild animals grazing, birds ad local communities in the neighborhood.

Kanangorok HotspringsDrive to the northern part of Kidepo Valley Park to visit the healing Kanangorok hot springs. The hot springs are a natural wonder of Kidepo Valley Park. You will experience how boiling waters emerge from rock outcrops. The boiling waters of Kanangorok hot springs are believed to heal various diseases especially joint pains and skin rashes. Hot spring waters can boil eggs ready for eating.

Camping

Camping is yet another interesting tourist activity to do in kIdepo Valley national ark. Spending a night out in the camp gives you a true feeling of the wilderness. Wild animals will sleep on your doorstep and roar on top of your head when you are asleep. However, camping travelers are reminded not to move out of their tent at night. Also, ensure to camp in a less isolated part of the park. Make sure o camp near a lodge for security reasons in case of any need.

Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park

Wondering where to sleep in Kidepo Valley National Park? No worries. The Park has a variety of budget, midrange and luxury accommodation facilities to offer you excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges and camps in Kidepo Valley National park include Apoka Sagri Lodge, Kidepo Savannah Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge, Nga Moru Wilderness Camp, and Kakine Self Catering camp. Experienced staff is at your service all day and night to ensure timely and quality service delivery system.

How to get to Kidepo Valley National park

Travelers can access Kidepo Valley National park by road or air transport. Transport to Kidepo Valley National park by road entails using two major routes. You can either use the Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Moroto-Kotido-Kaabong-Kidepo route taking (740km) roughly 12 hours. Alternatively, use the Kampala-Mbale-Moroto-Kotido-Kaabong-kidepo route (792km) lasting for roughly 13 hours. If you have limited time, fly from Kajjansi to Apoka airstrip for quick access. The long hours of driving are the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauties en route making your whole experience more enjoyable.

Best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park

December to March and Jun to August is the best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park. During this time, there are no or fewer rains, which make your game viewing experience less challenging. During this time, wild animals gather on Rivers for drinking water which makes it easier to find them. However, Kidepo Valley National Park can be visited all year round and all activities done without disruption.

People also ask

What is kidepo Valley National park famous for?

Kidepo is famous for  its numerous bird species which make  a birders paradise. Over 450 bird species are registered in Kidepo Valley national park and its listed among the best birding destinations in the Pearl of Africa. Some of the  notable birds to see in Kidepo Vale national park include Kori Bustard, Little bee eater, Ostriches, Dark Chanting Goshwak, Pygm, Falcon, Fox Kestrol and golden pipit among others. Birding in Kidepo Valley National Park is best done  between Mach and April while migratory birds are seen between November and April.

What animals are in kidepo Valley National park?

Th animals in Kidepo Valley national park include Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Black backed jackals, Bat eared fox, Uganda kobs, Buffalos, Warthogs Bush pigs, Wild dogs, Leopards, Waterbucks, Caracal, Greater and lesser Kudus, Mountain Reedback and Dik Dik among others. Wild animals in Kidepo Valley National park are best seen during morning and evening hours when they are actively hunting, grazing and browsing.

Are there Lions in Kidepo Valley National park?

YES, there are Lions in Kidepo Valley National park . Over 132 Lions are said to be living in the savannahs of  Kidepo Valle National park. These kings of the jungle are normally seen  actively hunting in the morning and evening hours while during the day, they are seen resting lazily in the acacia trees.  the other places with high concentration of lions are Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks

What is unique about Kidepo Valley National park?

The remote location of Kidepo Valley national park in the far north eastern Part of Uganda make it  unique tourist destination. The par is located 57.5 kilometers from Kampala and its the least visited park in the Pearl of Africa. The few visits in the park has kept it natural offering the off beaten kind of experience.

Are there hippos in Kidepo Valley National Park?

NO, there are no hippos in Kidpeo Valley National park. The absence of these mammals in the park is attributed to the long droughts and limited water sources in Kidepo Valley Park. Hippos are wild water animals which cannot survive in areas with limited waters.

Which National park is famous for hippos in Uganda?

Parks with lakes and rivers with in them are known to have a high number of hippos. These include Murchison Falls Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Parks. The three parks have permanent water sources within them which are suitable habitats of hippos.

Which is the second Largest Park in Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth National Park spreading over on 1978 square kilometers of land is he second largest park in Uganda. This is second to Murchison Falls Park which  is Uganda’s largest park spreading over 3893 square kilometers.

Which National park is known for crocodiles in Uganda?

Murchison Falls National park which shelters the Nile river is known to have the highest population of crocodiles in Uganda.  A boat cruise on the river river to the bottom of the mighty falls is a best spot for watching crocodiles seen resting lazily on the river banks

What is the smallest Park in Uganda?

Mgahinga Gorilla National park spreading over 33.7 square kilometers of land is the smallest Park in Uganda. Mgahinga is located in Kisoro district in south western Uganda and it covers Uganda’s share of the Virunga Conservation rea bordered by Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Which National park in Uganda is famous for Zebras. 

Kidepo Valley National park located in North Eastern region offers the best views of Zebras in the Pearl of Africa. The other park with zebras is Lake Mburo National Park located in western Uganda. Zebras are seen grazing during game viewing experiences in the two game parks.

What is the most visited game park in Uganda and why?

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most  visited park in Uganda/ The park is Uganda’s second largest sheltering a high concentration  of wild animals and birds. The park offers travelers with a variety of travel experiences such as game viewing, boat cruising at Kazinga channel, Bird watching, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge and community tours among others. Also, the park is located roughly 5 hours drive from Kampala capital which make it one of the easy to access game parks in Uganda.

Book a Uganda safari to Kidepo Valley National Park and explore Africa’s true wilderness with Superfine Safaris Limited

There are things you cannot dare miss to see on your Uganda safaris. Yes, the pearl of Africa is naturally blessed with numerous things to see and do giving you a life-changing experience. However, despite the endless list of attractions and activities in Uganda, some attractions outstand others. There are those natural wonders that you ought not to miss during your visit to the Pearl of Africa. The natural wonders of Uganda are scattered in different corners of the country but worth visiting. The 5 wonders of Uganda include among others:

Mountain Gorillas

Gorillas in Uganda

Sheltered in the jungle forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, Mountain gorillas are Uganda’s top tourist attractions. Records tell that 50% of the total population of travelers to Uganda chooses to trek gorillas in Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mountain gorillas in Uganda have been habituated into 18 gorilla families 17, which live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest while 1 Nyakagyezi gorilla family lives in Mgahinga Forest. Gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity in Uganda, which attracts the highest number of travelers from all over the world. Each day, roughly 136 people trek down into the jungle forests of Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks to have a close encounter with the endangered gorillas in their natural habitats. Gorillas in Bwindi forest are split in four sectors i.e Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. The habituated gorilla families in Uganda include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Nkuringo, Oruzogo, Katwe, Christmas, Mishaya, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza and the one Nyakagyezi in Mgahinga Forest. In 2019, Uganda was blessed to receive and host Rwanda’s Hirwa gorilla family, which migrated from Volcanoes National Park and is now living in Mgahinga Forest. Each gorilla family is visited by 8 people a day for an hour’s interaction. Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. African Apes Tours & Travel helps you book and secure a Uganda gorilla permit saving you the hustles of direct gorilla tour booking. The other places to visit mountain gorillas besides Uganda are Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance due to the high demand for gorilla tours. For short time travelers, you can fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda. The 3 Days Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest National Park offers you the chance to enjoy the remarkable gorilla tour experience.

Chimpanzees

Chimps in Kibale Forest

Chimpanzees rank second to mountain gorillas in attracting the highest number of travelers to Uganda. Dwelling in the jungles of Kibale Forest, Kyambura gorge, Budongo forest, and Kalinzu forest, chimpanzees are wonderful creatures that share 99% of human genes. Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most done tourist activities in Uganda. Interestingly, chimpanzee permits cost $220, which is quite cheap and budget-friendly for most travelers. The human-like characters of chimpanzees make an encounter with them a lifetime experience worth doing.

Rwenzori Mountains

Rwenzori Mountains

Also, known as the “Mountains of the moon, Rwenzori mountain is a true natural wonder. The snow-capped mountain is located in Kasese district in Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Standing at 5,109 meters above the sea level, Rwenzori Mountains rank as Africa’s second-highest mountain after Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain comprises six ranges i.e Mount Stanley, Mount Speke, Mont Baker, Mount Emin, Mount Gessi, Mount Luigi di Savoia and Mount Stanley, the highest peak of the mountain. Vegetation types at Mount Rwenzori comprise of Evergreen Forest Zone, bamboos, Heathers, Alpine, and Nival zone, which all provide food and habitation to wild animals and birds on the mountain slopes. The Mountains of the moon is located within Rwenzori National Park. The 10 Days Mount Rwenzori hiking tour is the best package to explore and enjoy the beauties of the snow-capped Mount Rwenzori. The mountain is the source of many rivers and streams, which provide water for domestic use and agriculture to the people of Kasese.

Game safaris

Zebras in L.Mburo Park

Apart from the primates (gorillas and chimps), Uganda is naturally blessed with an amazing game. Uganda safaris to open savannah parks of Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Park gives you chance to meet and interact with numerous wild animals in Uganda. Morning, evening and night game drives is the best time to see numerous wild animals grazing, hunting and browsing in the open plains. Wild animals in Uganda include elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, waterbucks, warthogs, Topis, Eland, Oribis, Giraffes, Zebras, jackals, bushings, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s heartbeats, and crocodiles among others. Our professional guides help you to spot different animals and also explain the key features of each spotted animal. Game viewing in Uganda is done all year throughout giving you chances to meet and interact with different animals in the wilderness.

River Nile
It’s undeniable that River Nile that flows in the heart of Uganda is the country’s natural wonder. Uganda is the source of Africa’s longest River Nile, which attracts thousands of travelers to come and witness this natural wonder. Numerous tourist activities such as boat cruising, white water rafting kayaking, bird watching, sport fishing, karuma fall, and bungee jumping are done n River Nile giving travelers with the most adventurous travel experience.

Other things to see and do in Uganda
Besides, gorillas, chimps, mount Rwenzori, game and River Nile, travelers to Uganda have other things to see and do. These include and watching, community visits, city tours, golden monkeys and nature/forest walks to make a complete Uganda safari package.

Come; experience Uganda’s natural wonders with African Apes Tours

Whereas most Congo safaris focus on trekking mountain gorillas and hiking Nyiragongo Volcano, visiting to see eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park is a not miss. A Congo gorilla safari entails trekking the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biea National Park. Eastern lowland gorillas are sub specie of the eastern gorillas and are the largest gorilla specie in the world. Kahuzi Biega National park was garzetted in 1973 purposely to promote gorilla tourism in Congo and diversify tourism products in Congo. Travelers on Congo safaris can trek both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas for clear and accurate gorilla trekking experiences. Kahuzi Biega National Park is named after the two extinct Volcanoes (Kahuzi & Biega) which lie on which the forest spreads. The park covers 6000 square kilometers and is one Congo’s biggest National park located west of Bukavu town in South Kivu Province. African Apes Tours offers you tailored and affordable gorilla tours to trek Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Parl.

Wildlife in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park protects over 1178 plants, 136 mammals and 350 bird species. Vegetation cover in the park comprises of Riparian forest, bogs, swamps, and marshlands. The park has 6 distinguishable primary vegetation types, which include subalpine heather, swamp forest, mountain forest, bamboo forest, and high altitude forest. The diverse vegetation cover provides food and shelter for birds and wild animals living in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Visiting eastern lowland Gorillas
Kahuzi Biega National park shelters over 125 eastern lowland gorillas and trekking to see lowland gorillas is the most doe tourist activity in the park. Unlike in the past when gorilla trips to Kahuzi Biega Park were rare, the experience has presently become one of the common activities on Congo safaris. A gorilla permit to trek eastern lowland gorillas cost $400 allowing you to spend an hour with lowland gorillas. Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is managed by the Institut Congolais Pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) in cooperation with Congo Wildlife Authority (CWA). Booking can be done directly with ICCN or through Magical Africa Safaris, your ultimate gorilla safari company. Trekking stars with a pre gorilla trekking briefing in which travelers are introduced to the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. These include:
• Keep a distance of seven meters away from gorillas
• Do not use a flash light camera
• Avoid direct eye contact
• Keep your voices low
• Keep within your group
• Do not trek when sick
• Do not litter in the park
• Keep calm when a gorilla charges
• Follow the guide of a ranger
• Do not feed the gorillas
The packing list for trekking eastern lowland gorillas include:
1. Long-sleeved shirts
2. Long pants
3. Hiking boots/shoes
4. Gardening gloves
5. sun glasses
6. Hat
7. Scarf
8. Bottled drinking water
9. Energy giving snacks
10. Rain jacket
11. Sweater
12. Toilet paper and towel

In addition to Eastern lowland gorillas, Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to other wildlife animals which include. The other fauna listed under the IUCN red list in Kahuzi Biega National Park include African Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), Albertine owlet (Glaucidium albertinum), Eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodgytes schweinfurthii). Mount Kahuzi Climbing Mouse (Dendromus Kahuziensis), Maclaud’s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus maclaudi), Lowland bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus eurycerus), African Forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), Hippopotamus (Hippotamus amphibious), Giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinetzhageni), Leopard (PantheraPardus), Ruwenzori otter shrew (Micropotamogale Ruwenzori), Olive baboon (papio anubis). More so, Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to numerous birds listed on the IUCN red list. These include Yellow crested helmet, shrike (Prionops alberti), Congo peafowl (Afropavo Congensis), African green broadbill (Pseudecalyptomena graueri) and Rockefellers’s sunbird (Nectarinia rockeffelri) among others.

Other activities in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Besides eastern lowland gorilla trekking, travelers to Kauzi Biega National Park have other optional travel activities to take part in. The other activities in Kahuzi Biega National Park include:
1. Nature walks through the park offers you a fresh feeling of the natural environment.
2. Mountain hiking (Mount Kahuzi & Mount Biega): Travelers can hike to the top of any of the Kahuzi or Biega mountains for great views of the park, local communities and other Virunga volcanoes.
3. Bird watching
4. Visiting the Lwiro rehabilitation center
5. Community visits to the neighboring local communities for a cultural performance.
Getting to and around Kahuzi Biega National park
Fly into Kigali International airport and cross over Cyangungu border, which connects you to Bukavu town in Congo. If you are connecting from Burundi, Uvira border is the best route for you to connect to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Both road, air and water transport on Lake Kivu takes you to Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Accommodation in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Are you wondering where to sleep in Kahuzi Biega National Park? No worries, numerous budget, midrange and luxury lodges have been built in Kahuzi Biega National Park to provide you with excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges and hotels in Kahuzi Biega National Park include L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu and Lakeside Hotel Bukavu. The well-trained staff ensures time and quality service delivery system.

In general, a Congo gorilla safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park offers you all you need to meet, satisfy and even exceed your travel expectations. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book a gorilla safari to trek eastern lowland gorilla and get a chance to trek the largest gorilla specie in the world.