Month: May 2020

As a new strategy the prevent the further spread of the deadly Virus, Rwanda has deployed 5 humanoid robots to help in the fight. Rwanda ministry of health received the 5 robots from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in mid May 2020. The new robots will help to ease service delivery systems in Kanyinya health Centre were Covid19 patients are treated. Rwanda was the first African country to introduce robots to assist medical workers in the fight against the deadly corona virus. Upon arrival, the five robots where given Kirwanda names which are Akazuba, Urumuri, Mwiza, Ngabo and Ikizere. Other countries that have used robots to help in fighting against deadly corona virus include China, Switzerland, South Korea and Belgium These were the first countries to register corona virus which has claimed thousands of l people and infecting millions. Rwanda registered her first covid19 positive case in March 2020 and was the first East African country. The government immediately put the whole country under lock down for close to 2 months with minimal business in operations. The major aim for the introduction of the anti tech robots in Rwanda is to limit the chances of health workers from catching the deadly Corona Virus. Health workers are at the frontline and susceptible to catch the Virus

How do Zoro robots operate?
Like all other robots, the Rwanda copvid19 robots will be computerized. YES, everything will be under the control of the computer. One robot has a capacity to screen between 50 to 150 people per minute, which will ease the work of screening for the new patients. While addressing some Rwanda officials, one robot assured them of the positive results. In its computerized address, one robot said” I have been so resourceful in China, South Korea, Switzerland, Belgium and Netherlands”. This gave confidence to medical workers at Kanyinya facility that indeed; the country will fight Corona Virus with the help of the robots. The things that will be done by the robots in fighting Corona Virus in Rwanda include:
1. Screening the new suspects
2. Measuring temperatures for the suspects and patients
3. Delivering food to Covd19 patients
4. Delivering medication to the Covid29patients in their wards
5. Check people not wearing masks and alert them to wear masks
6. Monitoring corona Virus patients
7. Notify health workers about new detectives
8. Keep records of all Covid19 patients in the hospital
9. Address and give guidelines to the patients

Cost of Anti Tech Robots
Each robot is estimated to cost roughly £2,700. However, the services of these robots is worth the penny. The anti tech robots are manufactured by a Belgium company. All countries are advised to purchase the robots to ease the fight against the deadly Corona Virus.

Corona Virus Cases in Rwanda
Since March when Rwanda registered her first Corona Virus positive case, the number has raised to 369 positive cases, 244 recoveries and no death as of 27th May 2020. The country was locked down for 2 months to curb the spread of the virus. On 4th May 2020, the government eased the lockdown by allowing essential workers to go back for work, private cars and public cars to operate but carrying a minimum number of passengers as specified by the government. Markets were also allowed to operate but with a high observation of social distance.
REMINDER: WEARING A FASLK MASK IN PUBLIC IS A MUST FOR EVERY BODY.

Tourism in Rwanda Amidst corona Virus
Apparently, all Rwanda safaris to Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, Gishwati Mukura National Park and all other tourism destinations in Rwanda are on a temporarily suspension till further notice. Gorilla Trekking and chimpanzee tours were the first activities to suspend fearing the spread of the deadly virus to the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Fortunately, Rwanda Development Board relaxed on its gorilla permit and chimpanzee permit cancellation policy to allow travel operators reschedules the already booked permits to a future date. Travel operators can now reschedule and book Rwanda gorilla permits and chimpanzee safaris to any date till 2022 without any penalty. Shortly after the total defeat of Corona Virus, Rwanda will reopen for tourism to reward travelers with amazing wildlife experiences. For the meantime, embrace Rwanda’s virtual gorilla tours and experience gorilla trekking from your sitting room.

Cost of Post covid19 Rwanda Safaris
Are you planning to visit Rwanda post covid19? Wondering on the cost of Rwanda safaris? No worries, African Apes Tours gives you the details. The cost of Rwanda safaris varies depending on which tourist activity you intend to do, the number of days for a trip, number of people on a trip and the choice of accommodation. For those visiting to trek mountain gorillas, a single Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 inclusive of the park entrance fee and conservation fee. Chimpanzee safaris in Rwanda costs $100 and golden monkeys cost $100. However, travelers receive a higher quote depending on which safari activities you choose to do. Contact us today, specify which trip you intend to do and we shall give you a safari quotation to suit your budget.

Conclusively therefore, the use of anti tech robots to fight corona Virus in Rwanda is a great achievement for the government of Rwanda. We congratulate the ministry of health in Rwanda and hope for the best.

Primate trekking rank number one when it comes to Rwanda safarisRwanda safaris. YES, over 50% or more of travelers to Rwanda choose to trek primates yearning to enjoy the magical feeling of meeting face to face with the endangered primates in their natural habitats. Primate safaris in Rwanda bring in the highest Foreign exchange earning into Rwanda improving the country’s gross domestic product. Do dream of visiting the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or the golden monkeys? Rwanda primate safaris are the suitable package for you. Primates share over 99% of human genes which make them man’s close relatives. Our 5 Days Rwanda primate’s safari is a suitable package to visit and enjoy magical encounters with Rwanda’s primates. The humanlike characters of primates in their families make them a must on any Rwanda safari for a memorable experience. Primate trekking in Rwanda entails:

Mountain gorilla trekking
Done in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorilla trekking is the most done tour is activity in the land of a thousand hills. Rwanda is one of the three countries that shelter the endangered gorillas alongside Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park is home to over 350 mountain gorillas habituated into 10 gorilla families. Rwanda is second to Uganda in sheltering the high number of mountain gorillas. In 2017, Rwanda transformed into a luxury gorilla tour destination following the hike of their gorilla permit prices from $750 to $1500 each. 80 gorilla permits are available everyday in Rwanda served on first come first serve basis. Rwanda gorilla treks range from 1-Day gorilla tour to over 10 days Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari depending on the traveler’s budget and time. Rwanda gorilla groups include:
1. Amahoro Gorilla group
2. Susa A gorilla family
3. Sabyinyo Gorilla Group
4. Karisimbi Gorilla Group
5. Hirwa Gorilla Family
6. Agashya gorilla group
7. Kwitonda gorilla family
8. Titus Gorilla Group
9. Umubano gorilla family
10. Pablo Gorilla Family
Each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 travelers a day for an hour. Hove, trekking time to see gorillas can range between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, the travelers hiking speed and the movement seed of the gorillas. However, whether it takes short or long, travelers are 99% guaranteed a chance to meet the gorillas.

How to book a Rwanda gorilla safari
African Apes Holidays is your ultimate gorilla safari company to book and reserve your Rwanda gorilla tour. Contact us today, inform us about your travel dates and we shall arrange for you the best Rwanda gorilla package at affordable rates. Gorilla permit bookings in Uganda are recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. More so, you can book directly with Rwanda Development Board.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National park
Enjoy guided chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park with African Apes Holidays. Rwanda safaris to trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park Nyungwe Forest National Park are among the top most done activities in Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is done in the main forest home to over 60 individuals and in Cyamudongo Forest home to over 30 individuals. A Rwanda chimpanzee permit costs $100 inclusive of the park entrance fee and conservation fees. Besides chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest is home to other primates such as Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, Grey cheeked Mangabey, Red tailed monkeys, Golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, Silver monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Ruwenzori Colobus, and Hamlyn’s monkey. The other tourist activities to do in Nyungwe Forest include canopy walk, colubus trekking, bird watching, waterfall hiking, and forest/nature walks among others.

Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Do not miss golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. a permit to trek golden monkeys cost $100 which is relatively cheap compared to the gorillas in the same forest. Enjoy a magical encounter with the playful, lively and beautiful golden monkeys in their natural habitats. Volcanoes National Park is home o over 500 golden monkeys while the other population lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Fortunately, treks to see golden monkeys costs $100, which is quite cheap, compared to mountain gorillas in the same forest

Guidelines for Primate trekking in Rwanda
• You must carry a permit your respective primate permit
• Its not a guarantee to see primates especially in the major forest However you are 99% guaranteed
• Travelers to Cyamudongo Forest have high chances of seeing chimpanzees
• Trekking time ranges between 2 hours to 7 hours
• Do not trek when sick
• Keep a distance of seven meters away from the primates
• Avoid direct eye contact with the primates
• Do not litter in the park
• Keep your voice low

What to pack for primate trekking in Rwanda
Travelers visiting to trek primates in Rwanda are reminded to pack the essentials to avoid any difficulties while in the jungle. Among the things to carry for primate trekking in Rwanda include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes for easy movements through the jungle forests
2. Gardening gloves to cover and protect your hands
3. Sun glasses for the eyes
4. Hat for the head and hair for ladies
5. Insect repellants
6. Energy giving snacks
7. Log sleeved shirts and blouses
8. Long pants
9. Rain jackets/coats for the unpredictable forest rains
10. Warm sweaters and jackets
11. Extra batteries for the camera
12. First aid Kit.
Primate trekking in Rwanda offers you the best wildlife experience. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book a Rwanda safari to trek mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys at affordable rates.

You can now trek Rwanda’s mountain gorillas right from you sitting room! YES, even when the actual Rwanda gorilla safaris are temporarily suspended amidst the novel corona Virus pandemic, gorilla lovers can still visit and experience Rwanda mountain gorillas in their homes. The Virtual Reality Film that was launched by Rwanda Development Board gives you a chance to see and enjoy a moment with Rwanda gorillas without traveling to Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda’s Virtual reality film was launched on 22nd April 2020 when the world was celebrating Earth Day. Rwanda Development Board supported by the Ellen Fund, Habitat XR and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund established the new initiative.

Virtual Gorilla Tours in Rwanda

About the Virtual Reality Film
The Virtual reality film is as if real! The experience gives you a face-to-face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas on your screen in your sitting room. The film covers travelers starting up a trek to meet the gorillas through the thick jungles. On meeting gorillas, travelers are seen taking photos and capturing videos while observing and enjoying the human like characters of mountain gorillas in their families. The film shows you how gorillas feed, play, adult females nurse babies; silverbacks guard their families while juveniles play tirelessly to entertain and keep the whole family lively

Is there any cost to watch the Reality Film?
NO, Rwanda’s Virtual reality film is free of charge to all people e interested in seeing Rwanda’s gorillas. All you need are the personal VR headset and nothing more.

Platforms to Watch Virtual Reality Film
Wondering where to watch the Virtual Reality Film? No worries, the film can be viewed on Rwanda partner platform, which include VEER, Within, Samsung VR and Oculus among others. All these platforms are available online. For those on snapshot, the Virtual Reality Film can be viewed without a VR headset online.

How long is the Virtual Reality Film?
The VR film lasts for 5 minutes but the magical feeling it comes with is undeniably worth the time. If you want to have extended time with the endangered mountain gorillas, you can replay the video as many times as you wish to have enough of this magical experience.

Current state of Rwanda gorilla tours
Apparently, all Rwanda safaris to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National park, golden monkeys, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest are on halt. Rwanda was the first East African country to close her primate national Parks in a bid to prevent the endangered primates from catching the deadly Corona Virus. Similarly, all other forms of tourism activities and research activities in Rwanda are currently on lockdown. Fortunately, Rwanda relaxed its gorilla permit booking and cancellation policy to enable travelers to reschedule gorilla permits to any future date up to 2022 without any penalty.

Why the closure of primate parks in Rwanda?
The closure of primate national parks in Rwanda and the temporarily suspension of gorilla safaris and other wildlife experiences in Rwanda was meant to prevent the spread of the deadly Corona Virus to the endangered species. African Apes especially mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are close relatives to human beings, which make them susceptible to human illnesses especially the communicable diseases. In the past years, Africa has registered death in mountain gorillas due to common cold and flu transmitted from people. The fear of the spread of human to wildlife diseases is one reason why sick travelers are not allowed to trek gorillas and other primates.

Postcovid19 Rwanda safaris
There is hope for Postcovid19 Rwanda safaris in the near future. Yes, the tourism industry strongly believes in the continuity and resuming of Rwanda safaris after the defeat of the deadly virus. Travel operators and potential travelers are therefore advised to keep ready to enjoy the postcovid19 Rwanda safaris, which will then be fresh. All tourist activities in Rwanda including gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking, game safaris, mountain climbing, nature walks, city tours, golden monkey trekking, canopy walk and cultural tours among others will all resume operating in the near future.

How to book the Postcovid19 Rwanda safari
Contact African Apes Tours to book your Rwanda’s postcovid19 safari. We offer you tailor made gorilla trekking packages to Volcanoes National park complemented by other all other wildlife experiences to suit a travelers interests, time and budget. Having informed us about your travel dates, budget and interests, African Apes Holidays arrange for you a customized trip to offer you a memorable Africa safari experience.

Rwanda’s Virtual Reality film offers you a chance to visit gorillas in Volcanoes National Park from your living room. Take a chance today, tune in on any platform and enjoy a magical encounter with Rwanda’s gorillas at home.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has relaxed on its gorilla permit rescheduling and cancellation policy amidst closure of gorilla national Parks in Uganda due to Covid19. The new policy allows travelers and travel operators to reschedule mountain gorilla permits to a later date of convenience within 2 years to 2022. UWA’s relaxation of gorilla permit policy is meant to encourage postponement “Travel Tomorrow ” an avoid gorilla tour cancellations due to Covid19 pandemic. Travel operators can now reschedule gorilla permits in Uganda to any date till 2022 without facing any penalty.

Post Covid19 Uganda gorilla safaris
We hope for the continuity of post Covid19 Uganda gorilla safaris at a later date after the defeat of the deadly virus. Uganda is the best post covid19 gorilla safari destination given her low cost gorilla safaris, close connection from Rwanda to Uganda for short gorilla treks and gorilla trekking add-ons, which make Uganda a complete safari destination. Travelers are advised to keep ready for the exceptional post covid19 gorilla safaris in Uganda in the near future date. Gorilla Parks were closed to prevent the spread of corona virus to the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla share over 99% of human genes, which make them susceptible to communicable diseases, of which Corona Virus is among.

Gorilla Parks in Uganda
Uganda has 2 mountain gorilla parks both located in southwestern Uganda. The two gorilla parks in Uganda are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Forest is home to the highest number of gorilla families in the world (half of the world’s population). Bwindi Forest shelters 17 habituated gorilla families shared in 4 sectors that make up the national Park. The gorilla families in Bwindi Forest are Mubare family, Habinyanja gorilla group, Rushegura gorilla family, Nkuringo Family, Oruzogo Family, Nshongi Gorilla Family, Katwe family, Muyambi family, Christmas gorilla family, Bitukura Gorilla family, Kyaguliro gorilla family, Mishaya Gorilla Family, Bweza Gorilla group, Busingye Gorilla group, Kutu Gorilla family, Rwigi Gorilla Group, and Mucunguzi Gorilla Group. More 2 gorilla families i.e Bushaho and Bikyingi gorilla families are undergoing gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On other the hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters 1 gorilla family, Nyakagyezi Gorilla Family and it’s the only family in this park. Each gorilla family in Bwindi Forest National Park is visited by a group of 8 people.

Cost of Gorilla Tours in Uganda
Uganda gorilla tours cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. The gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 allowing a traveler to spend four hours with the endangered gorillas. African Apes Holidays help you to book and reserve gorilla permits saving you time and energy. Alternatively, you can book a Uganda gorilla permit directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority. Gorilla permit bookings are recommended at least 6 months prior the trekking date to encourage timely planning.

Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda
On the day of gorilla trekking, travelers are gathered at the respective park head quarters in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. The pre gorilla trekking briefing is about giving travelers a guide on gorilla trekking to ensure safety of the endangered gorillas. The guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda include among others:
• Do not trek when sick to protect the endangered gorillas
• Do not shout or speak loud in the presence of gorillas
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Do not touch the gorillas
• Do not look direct into the eyes of the mountain gorillas
• Do not litter in the park, leave only the footsteps
• Keep within your group; do not move alone in the jungle.
Conclusively, the relaxation of Uganda gorilla trekking permit policy is a good move to promote sustainable gorilla safaris in Uganda. Reschedule your gorilla permit to a future date and save gorilla tourism in Africa.

Apes are the most visited wild animals in Africa that no traveler should miss on his/her African safari. YES, the great apes of Africa attract the highest number of travelers from all over the world. Most travelers planning African Apes Tours have often asked where is the best place o see gorillas, chimpanzees and other apes in Africa. Are you among the people who wonder where is the best place to see Apes? No worries, African Apes Tours & Travel has got you covered. We bring the full list of places to see apes in Africa and go a head to tailor make for you a suitable package to see and spend time with the endangered apes in their natural habitats. The magical feeling of looking direct into the eyes of the silverback gorillas, seeing chimpanzees live together in their communities make Ape safaris the best wildlife experiences in Africa.

Examples of Apes
Wondering the examples of the apes?, Well, Apes in Africa include mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, humans and Gibbon. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are the most visited apes in Africa. Check the best places to see apes with African Apes Holidays:

Apes Tours in Uganda
Sheltering half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Uganda is the top apes safari destination in Africa and the whole world. The pearl of Africa is home to 19 habituated gorilla families 18 of which live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park while 1 lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mountain gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity in Uganda, which bring in the highest number of travelers into the country. A Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for east African residents. More so, Uganda is the center of experimental gorilla habituation experience which gives travelers chance to take part in the training of wild gorillas making them get used to people. A gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 allowing travelers to spend four hours with the gorillas. Uganda gorilla safaris starts from Entebbe International airport with a full day drive to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinag Gorilla National Parks. Alternatively, you can fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross to Uganda via Katuna or Cyanika border to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest. Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla trekking is the best option for travelers with limited time.

More so, Uganda is home to the highest population of chimpanzees in East Africa. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda takes place in Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of Africa. Other places to visit chimpanzees in Uganda include Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park. If you want to learn more about he chimpanzees, book a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest National Park.

Rwanda Apes Safaris
Rwanda ranks second best apes destination in Africa. Rwanda is second to Uganda in sheltering the highest number of mountain gorillas habituated in Volcanoes National Park. Since 2017, Rwanda transformed into a luxury gorilla safari destination following a double increase 0f Rwanda gorilla permits prices to $1500 each. Rwanda is home to 10 habituated gorilla families.
Do you want to visit the chimpanzees in Rwanda? Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. A chimpanzee permit in Rwanda costs $100 valid for an hour.

Congo Gorillas & Apes Safari
If you want to have the off beaten Apes safari experience, then Congo is your ultimate apes destination. The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorillas sheltered in Virunga National Park. A Congo gorilla safari also entails visiting the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Congo is the least visited gorilla tour destination, which give travelers a less interrupted gorilla encounter. A Congo gorilla permit costs $45 hence the best option for budget travelers.
Chimpanzee trekking in Congo takes place in Mahura Forest, Lwiro Chimpanzee sanctuary, Virunga National park and Jeunes Animaux Confisques au Katanga.
Still in Congo, visit the LolaYa Bonobo to see the endangered bonobos feeding, resting and playing. Bonobos are the closest relatives to people compared to all other apes.

Cross-river Gorillas in Nigeria & Cameroon
Visit the Montane forests of Cameroon and Nigeria to trek the endangered Cross-river gorillas. Scientifically called Gorilla gorilla diehli, Cross River gorillas are a subspecies of the western gorillas. The gorilla specie is critically endangered with between 200 to 300 individuals left in the whole world. The major threats to the survival of cross-river gorillas are habitat loss, civil conflicts and poaching.
Other places to see Apes include Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola and Central African Republic

Guide to Ape safaris in Africa
Having known where to see Apes in Africa, start planning for your African Apes Holiday. Firstly, confirm the availability of permits based on which apes you are interested in visiting. Check with responsible government conservation bodies to confirm availability of permits. To make permit bookings easier, African Apes Tours does it for you. More so, confirm the availability of you desired accommodation for food and sleeping services. Your lodge/hotel/Camp should be near your trekking area. Physical exercises to ensure fitness. Trekking to see Apes in the jungle is an adventurous, tiresome and strenuous activity, which requires physical fitness. Also, ensure to pack the right attire for trekking. Your ape trekking packing list should include:
1. Hiking Boots/shoes to easily walk through the jungle
2. Gardening gloves to protect your hands
3. Rain jacket in case it rains
4. Sun glasses for your eyes
5. Hat for your head and hair for ladies
6. First aid Kit
7. Insect repellants
8. Energy giving snacks
9. Bottled drinking water
10. Long pants tucked into the boots
11. Scarf and warm sweaters
12. Long sleeved shirts & blouse

While with the apes, travelers are also reminded to follow the guidelines as put by conservation bodies in respective countries. Among the rules and regulations of apes trekking in Africa include:
• Keep a distance of at least 7 meters away from the apes to avoid the spread of human apes diseases
• Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas and other apes. It makes uncomfortable
• Do not use flashlight cameras. It terrifies them
• Do not touch the apes
• Keep your voices low
• Do not trek when sick. Apes are susceptible to human illnesses
• Do not litter in the park. Leave only the footsteps
African Apes Tours offers you the best encounter with gorillas, chimpanzees, Bonobos and other apes in the jungle forests of Africa. Contact us today, book your Apes Safari and enjoy the magical encounter.

Uganda Wildlife Authority is celebrating the birth of 2 baby gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Parkamidst the lockdown. The baby gorillas were born to Muyambi and Nshongi gorilla families on April 25th and 1st May. Apparently, the sexes of baby gorillas are not yet known due to the tight monitoring of babies by their parents. Baby gorillas were discovered by park rangers in Bwindi Forest National Park while doing the daily survey of gorillas in the national park. The birth of new baby gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park is a success story of gorilla conservation efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the general public. The baby gorillas have added on the total number of gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Uganda and Africa as a whole. Kabagyenyi, the mother and Bweza the father of the baby gorilla in Nshongi gorilla family were seen tightly guarding their baby against any external attack. In Muyambi gorilla family, Muyambi silverback and the baby mama plus the entire family were seen soothing and warming the new family member. The birth of new baby gorillas gives hope for continous gorilla safaris in Uganda

Current State of gorilla tourism in Uganda
As of 11th May 2020, all Uganda gorilla safaris and reach activities in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Par are on a temporary suspension. The two gorilla national parks were closed in March 2020 following the outbreak of the deadly Corona Virus, which is so infectious to the endangered gorillas. Travel operators and travelers were advised to postpone all trips to a further date to prevent gorillas from catching this deadly Virus. Fortunately, Uganda Wildlife Authority relaxed its gorilla permit cancelation policy allowing travel operators to reschedule their permit to any desired date up to 2022 without facing any penalty.

About Nshongi gorilla family
Nshongi gorilla family was the first gorilla group habituated in Rushaga gorilla family in southern sector of Bwindi Forest National Park. Nshongi was at first the biggest gorilla family inn Bwindi Forest that comprised of over 35 members. Un fortunately, the gorilla group kept on splitting and it currently as 9member. The new baby is therefore the 10th member of Nshongi gorilla group. Most of the Nshongi gorilla family is members were lost to external attacks from other families who grab some members and others lost to natural death.

About Muyambi Gorilla Family
Muyambi is a newly introduced gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which was opened, or trekking in 2019. Muyambi is the dominant silverback that heads other 5 members. Altogether, Muyambi gorilla family has 6 members. Muyambi family split from Mubare gorilla family in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Muyambi was one of the former adult males in Mubare family who got disagreements with his dad. The baby Maama in Muyambi family was formerly a member of a wild gorilla family in Bwindi Forest.

Gorilla Conservation in Bwindi Forest
For the last 25 years, mountain gorilla conservation in Bwindi Forest has been a success story. Uganda Wildlife Authority has seen a steady increase in the number of mountain gorillas. Bwindi Forest is home to over 500 members, which make it home to half of the world’s total gorilla population. Bwindi is home to 18 habituated for gorilla trekking available for trekking. Gorillas in Bwindi Forest are split in four sectors, which are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south. Gorilla families in Bwindi Forest include:
• Mubare Gorilla Family
• Habinyanja Gorilla family
• Rushegura Gorilla Family
• Nshongi Gorilla Family
• Bweza Gorilla Group
• Bitukura Gorilla Family
• Bushaho Gorilla Family
• Katwe Gorilla Group
• Nkuringo Gorilla Family
• Mishaya Gorilla Group
• Christmas Gorilla Family
• Kahungye Gorilla Family
• Oruzogo Gorilla Group
• Busingye Gorilla Family
• Kyaguliro Gorilla Group
• Bikyingi Gorilla Group
• Mukiza Gorilla Family
• Kutu Gorilla Group
• Mucunguzi Gorilla Group

Bwindi Forest is a center of gorilla habituation experience done in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi. Bikyingi and Bushaho gorilla families are currently undergoing training. A gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 to spend four hours with the gorillas.

Gorilla permits prices in Bwindi Forest
Given the high number of gorilla families, Bwindi ha the highest gorilla permits availability in Africa. Uganda gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority @700 for foreign non residents, 600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. African Apes Tours help you book and reserve gorilla permits and packages to Bwindi Forest at affordable rates. Gorilla Permit bookings in Uganda is recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning.

The birth of two-baby gorilla in Bwindi Forest is a great achievement for Uganda Tourism. Book a past Covid19 Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest and get a chance to meet the adorable baby gorillas.

Call it Corona Virus or Covid19, the pandemic has affected people word wide since December 2019 when the first case was reported in Wuhan China. The virus has been unknown to the world before 2019. Since then Corona Virus has spread like wildlife infecting and killing millions of people in almost all countries across the globe. The world Health Organization confirmed Corona Virus as pandemic given the infectious nature of the disease. Apparently, all travels across borders have been restricted to contain the spread of this deadly Virus. All National and international airports plus border points are currently closed to stop people from moving from one place to another to combat the spread of the virus. Most governments have locked down all businesses and movements in their countries to limit the spread of the disease.

Symptoms of Corona Virus
The symptoms of Corona Virus may take 14 day (2 weeks) to show. One can freely live for 2 weeks without noticing that he or she has the Virus. Research tells that over 80% of people infected with Corona Virus get healed without going to the hospital. Out of the 5 people who get infected, only 1 gets seriously ill Among the common symptom of Covid19 include:
1. Fever
2. Dry cough
3. Headache
4. Loss of taste
5. Tiredness
6. Sore throat
7. Skin rash
8. Headache
9. Aches
10. Pains

Any person who experiences the above symptoms is advised to visit a medical center for check up.

People Likely to get Corona Virus
Whereas any person of any kind can get infected with the deadly Corona Virus, some categories of people are vulnerable to get Covid19 than the others. The group of people at a high risk of Corona Virus includes the elderly whose immunity is weak; others include those with high blood pressures, heart problems, Lung problem, cancer and any person with a serious illness.

When to visit the doctor?
Much as people with no symptoms such as cough and cold are told to self isolate for 14 days, its better to visit the doctor as soon as you develop any serious unusual health condition. People experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, throat soars, loss of speech and shortage of breath are advised to seek medical attention.

How does Covid19 Spread?
Corona Virus mainly spreads through small droplets of saliva or mucus from the nose. When a person infected with cough or flu sneezes, speaks or coughs near you, droplets are likely to fall on you or nearby object such as a table, doorknobs, and handrails. The Virus spread through these droplets and can stay live on an object for 5 days. Avoid touching dry surfaces and keep a distance of at least 4 meters from infected people.

How to prevent Corona Virus?
In order to prevent the spread of deadly Corona Virus from one person to another, World Health Organization has recommended measures. The effective ways of protecting your self and others against Corona Virus include:
• Keep a distance of 4 meters from another
• War face masks covering your nose and mouth
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap
• Sanitize all surfaces such as tables, chairs, and door knobs among others
• Avoid hand shake
• Avoid crowded places (any place with large crowds)
• Avoid touching soft parts, nose, eyes and mouth
• Visit the doctor when you feel any kind of sickness

About Self Isolation
People who show symptoms of corona Virus are advised to self isolate from other for 14 days. You can do this at your home or at the hospital you go for check up. People under quarantine or self-isolation are advised to keep away from other people, keep monitoring their symptoms, Place beds at least 1 meter from each other and wash hands regularly with soap or sanitize.

Apparently, thee is no approved medicine for Covid19. The Virus is still a threat to the lives of all people across the globe. Pay attention to the health guidelines as recommended by the World Health Organization, keep positive and with God we shall overcome.

Uganda, the Pearl of Africa is naturally endowed with numerous tourist attractions located in all corners of the country. Everywhere you go in Uganda, something magical awaits you!. However, some tourist attractions and activities have outcompeted the others. These are the MUST visit for every traveler on a Uganda Safari. Among the Must Visit travel attractions in Uganda include among others:

• Mountain Gorillas
Inhabited in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mountain gorillas are the iconic attractions in Uganda. Over 60% of travelers to Uganda visit to trek gorillas rewarding them with a lifetime experience. Mountain gorilla trekking is ranked as the best wildlife experience in the world, a dream come true for most travelers on African Safaris. Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, which make it the premier gorilla safari destination. Uganda gorilla permits cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. A gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 allowing you to spend four hours with the gorillas.

• Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee safaris are among top safari experiences in Uganda. YES, a chimpanzee trekking safari to Kibale Forest offers you a close encounter with the man’s closest relatives in their natural habitats. Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda are Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kalinzu Forest. A Uganda chimpanzee trekking permit costs $200 for Foreign non residents, $150 for foreign residents, and UGX 150,000 for East African Residents. All bookings are done through African Apes Holidays or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

• Game Safaris
Go game viewing in the open savannah parks of Uganda. African Apes Tours offer you guided game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Semliki Valley National Park. Morning and evening game drives offer you spectacular views of various wild animals such as buffalos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Giraffes, Uganda Kobs, Waterbucks, Warthog’s, Impalas, Hippos and Hyenas among others.

• Mountain Climbing
Join our adventurous Uganda mountaineering safaris to the summit of Mount Rwenzori (Mountains of the moon), Mt Elgon and the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Hike to the snowcapped Margarita peak of Mt Rwenzori which offers you scenic views of local communities, Virunga Volcanoes, National Parks and all attractions in the neighboring countries. A 10 Days Mount Rwenzori hiking safari is the recommended package to reach the summit of this iconic mountain.

• Golden Monkeys
Visit to see the endangered golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park southwestern Uganda. It’s only in Mgahinga that travelers get a close encounter with the playful and lively golden monkeys. A permit to trek golden monkeys in Uganda costs $100 inclusive of par entrance fees, conservation, and rangers fee. Golden monkey trekking starts at the Ntebeko information center preceded by a simple briefing. African Apes Tours & Travel helps you book a golden money trekking tour at affordable rates. If you have limited time, you can fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross to Mgahinga via Cyanika border in Kisoro district.

• Birds
Being home to over 1070 bird species, Uganda is a premier bird-watching destination in Africa. The Pearl of Africa is home to the famous shoebills stork mostly seen in Mabamba wetland short distance from Entebbe International Aiport. The top birding spots in Uganda include Bwindi Forest, Kazinga channel Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Semliki Valley, Lake Bunyonyi, Mabira Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The iconic birds in Uganda include Handsome Francolin, Blue qual, Common quail, Yellow cheeked Francolin, Moorland Francolin, Crested Francolin, Jackson’s Francolin, Scaly Francolin, Orange River Francolin, African Jacana, Black bee-eater, Ituri Batis, Masked Apalis, Olive Long-tailed cuckoo, yellow-billed stork, Papyrus gonolok,, red chested owlet and white-naped pigeon.

• Culture
Uganda’s diverse cuture is an exceptional safari package worth exploring on your Uganda safari. Uganda is comprised of over 50 tribes each of which is different in terms of culture, norms and traditions. The most visited cultural communities in Uganda are the Batwa pygmies who are the former dwellers of Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These very short people lived for 1000s of years with wild animals especially the mountain gorillas in harmony. Batwa depended fully on the forests for hunting, fruit gathering and the honey collection as their source of food and livelihood. However, after the introduction of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Batwa pygmies were relocated to the forest borders where they currently. The Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park gives you a clear understanding of Batwa’s traditional forest life. More so, visit Kamajongo pastoralists in Kidepo Valley National Park to enjoy and experience their traditions and norms.

The above-listed tourist attractions are a must-visit for every traveler on a Uganda safari if you want to have a memorable experience. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your Uganda safari, and enjoy the natural beauty of Africa’s Pearl.

Up in the high Virunga Mountains at the borders of Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda lives the great giants the mountain Gorillas. They live in Bwindi impenetrable forest, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks. They live in large groups/families led by a dominant male known as a silverback, which directs the rest on the day-to-day activities as the adult females dominate the young ones. The gorilla’s gestation period is about 8.5 months and gives birth to one or two babies just like human beings. This normally happens once in four years and that’s why their number hardly grows. The baby gorillas weigh half of the human babies at the time of their birth with about 2.5kgs. Female Gorillas are grown by age six and can mate while males are mature at age ten. At this stage, their backs start turning grey and they start rebelling dominant silverback and leave the group to start their own families/group.
A large percentage of the young gorillas normally die due to accidents in the kind of environment they live in and also due to the death or departure of the dominant silverback in the group. A new dominant silverback in the group normally kills the young babies to keep its genes only in the group.

Diet of the Gorillas
Gorillas’ daily meals consist of roots, leaves stems and fruits. They are naturally vegetarian though they occasionally feed on ants and insects. The bamboo shoots are their greatest diet in particular times of the year. A mature male gorilla can eat up to 20 kgs of green vegetation a day and the silverback normally enjoy the greatest opportunity and rights to feed more than the rest.

Breeding in Gorillas
The dominant silverback has mating rights over all the males in the group; it is criminal for other makes to have sex with females and could cause fights.

The social life of the Gorillas
Gorillas begin their day in the early morning hours at around 6:30 when they can see and start their feeding in this time till they around the mid-morning hours and take some rest to digest their full bellies in the afternoon. The mature gorillas lie as they rest as the juveniles continue to play running around in the watch of the silverback. They sleep in nests constructed in the evening hours by each of them. The babies stay with their mums in their nests until around age three when they become a little independent from their mothers.

Gorilla Habituation and tracking
Habituation of gorillas involves getting them used to the presence of human beings. They are trained to maintain their natural behavior even in the presence of visitors that come to visit them. Mountain gorilla habituation experience is only done in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The 2-3 years experience is an extended version of gorilla trekking and it’s the first stage all gorilla families go through before they are opened for trekking. A single permit for gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Gorilla tracking has become one of the biggest tourist activities in the East African region especially in Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo where the Gorillas live.

Where to do gorillas live?
Mountain gorillas reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Conservation Area shared by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. It’s only in these four national parks that travelers can visit and trek the endangered mountain gorillas. These four National Parks shelter 1006 mountain gorillas half of which live in Bwindi Forest National Park. Altogether, there are 36 habituated gorilla families in the whole world, 18 families in Uganda, 10 in Rwanda and 8 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking in both destinations is exceptional but you can trek in both countries for comparisons.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Africa
The costs of gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is not static. Each gorilla tour itinerary comes with different costs based on where you trek the gorillas, how many days, which kind of accommodation you choose and the number of people in your group. Regarding the cost of gorilla permits; Rwanda apparently sells the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 each. In Uganda, gorilla permit prices depend on a traveler’s nationality. A Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. The Democratic Republic of Congo sells the cheapest gorilla permits at $450 each making it the best gorilla safari destination for budget travelers.

Best Time to Visit gorillas
Dry season in the months of June, July, August, and December through February is the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. During this time, there are less or no rains which make it easy to trek through the jungles. Travelers intending to trek gorillas in the dry season are advised to book for permits early due to high demand. However, you can trek gorillas in the wet season in the months of March. April, May, October, and November. Trekking in the wet season is a real adventure with difficult hikes through jungle forests. Fortunately, service provides such as lodges, hotels and transport companies normally give discounted services in the low season to encourage travel.

Gorilla Permit bookings
African Apes Tours helps  you book and reserve gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Booking a gorilla permit through African Apes Holidays saves you time and hustles associated with permit bookings. After telling us about your desired travel dates, we check with UWA the availability of permits and reserve for you. Gorilla permit calls for a deposit fee of 30% and the balance is required 3 months to the trekking date. Alternatively, gorilla permit booing can be done directly with responsible bodies, which are Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda and the management of Virunga National Park.
A visit to these endangered apes in their natural habitat is a lifetime experience that you must include on your bucket list.

Its wise to first learn the rules and regulations governing the national parks of Uganda before confirming any Uganda safari. Yes, upcoming travelers are expected to follow the rules and regulation of Uganda national Parks to avoid embarrassment. More so, travel operators MUST these rules so as to give right answers to travelers incase they are asked during the booking time. The Uganda Park rules were put by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure smooth flow of tourist activities in each park and wellbeing of travelers and wildlife, which promote sustainable tourism in the Pearl of Africa. These rules are renewed after every two years. African Apes Tours & Travel brings you details of rules and regulations guiding national parks in Uganda. These include:
• Do not Camp or make campfires except at the designated sites
• Do not drive off tracks in the park
• Do not disturb wildlife (Do not sound motor horns ) in the park
• Do not drive in the park beyond7:00pm and 7:00am. Driving beyond this time is only allowed to those doing night game drives
• Do not bring pets (dogs, cats and other pets) into the park
• Do not litter in the park
• Do not bring firearms or ammunitions into the park
• Do not pic flowers or any other plant from the park. Take only memories when leaving Uganda national Parks
• Do not
• Speed the driving speed limit at 40 kilometers per hour
• Keep all official receipts safe. You will be asked to present them anytime for inspection.
More, Uganda has got rules regulating gorilla trekking, chimpanzee and other primate trekking experiences in primate national Parks. The primate rules and regulations apply before setting off and after meeting primates.
Before setting off
1. You Must carry your valid permit
2. Travelers below 15 years are not allowed to trek primates
3. Do not visit primates when sick or with any sign of flue, cold and cough
4. A group of eight travelers only visit a gorilla/chimpanzee permit
5. Keep within your group
6. Follow the guide of your park ranger
7. Keep voices low, do not speak loud while in the jungle

Trekking rules when you are with the primates
1. Keep a distance of seven meters way from the gorillas and chimpanzees
2. Do not use flashlight cameras to take photographs
3. Do not eat or drink in the presence of gorillas/chimpanzees
4. Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas or chimpanzees
5. Turn back your faces when sneezing or coughing
6. Spend strictly one hour with the gorillas/chimpanzees
7. Do not smoke in the presence of gorillas/chimpanzees
8. Do not touch or come in close contact with chimps/gorillas

Other Key Things to Note when in Uganda National Parks
Having mastered the rules and regulations in Uganda National Parks, travelers are furthered asked to note the following:
• All travelers are required to present valid identification document such as national identity cards, passports and passport photos. Those trekking gorillas or primates MUST present valid trekking permits
• A day’s entrance ticket is valid for twenty-four hours. A traveler spending more than 24 hours in the park will be asked to pay for other 24 hours
• The category of children are those below 15 years old
• Entrance fees are independent of package activities such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and mountaineering among others.

Park entrance fees to Uganda National Park
Each National Park has a different park entrance fee depending on which activities a traveler intends to do. All fees are paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Bwindi Forest National Park entrance fee depend on which activity done. Gorilla trekking cost are $700 for foreign non-residents $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Birding watching in Bwindi costs $30 for foreign nonresidents, $30 for foreign residents and UGX 10,000 for East African residents
Gorilla Habituation experience costs $1500 for foreign residents $1000 for foreign residents and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens
A batwa trail in Bwindi Forest costs $40 for foreign non residents, $40 for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 for East African residents while in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park it costs $80 for half day.

Park Entrance fees FNR FR EAC (UGX)
Murchison Falls National Park $40 $30 20,000
Kidepo Valley National Park $40 $30 20,000
Queen Elizabeth National Park $40 $30 20.000
L.Mburo National Park $40 $30 20,000
Kibale Forest National Park $200 $150 150,000
Mt Rwenzori National Park $55 $25 15,000
Having a wide knowledge about the rules and regulations of Uganda national park, entrance fees and all other information is key for everyone planning a Uganda. Contact  African Apes Tours for more travel advice to Uganda.