Month: October 2020

Travel agents are the quickest way to book gorilla safaris in Africa and other related wildlife experiences. Choosing the best travel company is a first assurance that your safari will be a success. YES, a trusted and organized travel agent ensures to book your gorilla permit, accommodation, reserving for you a best travel vehicle and a professional guide in time. However, a bad travel agent can ruin your whole trip! Travelers intending to book gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the whole world are therefore advised to be slow and ensure to contact a trusted travel agent. African Apes Tours & Travel gives you a guide on how to choose a best travel agent for your gorilla safari in Africa. The guide entails:

Registered Member
Before confirming any trip, please check to see whether the travel agent you are booking with is a trusted company. In Uganda, confirm that your travel agent is at least a registered member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators Association (AUTO), Association of Tour Agents (ATA) and the like. In Rwanda, make sure the travel agent is a registered member of Rwanda Tourism Board. A registered travel agent gives you assurance that its known and you will have a back up from the respective body your company is registered with in case of any misbehavior. More so, booking a gorilla s tour through a registered travel agent assures you aces to gorilla permits even in high prices. When booking gorilla permits, registered travel agents are given priorities unlike the unknown companies. Also, registered travel agents are offered discounted gorilla permits at certain points to support their businesses.

Trip advisor reviews
Check trip advisor to see past travelers experience with the como0onay you are booking with. Any company that has many positive and excellent trip advisor reviews is the best to book with. Read accurately the reviews to learn how the whole booking process was done. Avoid booking with a travel agent who has negative reviews with travelers complaining of poor services. You can ask a travel company to give you links to all platforms they are registered with to confirm their performance.

Communication
Does your travel agent reply to your email in time? Is he/she this person who takes 3 days without replying? Consider booking with a travel agent who responds timely to your emails. In normal cases, a serious agent responds to client’s emails within 12 hours or less. Timely replies is an assurance that your travel agent is available for you and ready to serve your interested. Also, timely replying indicates that a traveler has all the answers to your questions. A traveler who takes too long without replying you either has no answers or he/she is busy in other things. A serious travel agent will always take his/her clients as a first priority.

Check and compare the Prices
When booking, contact different travel agents and compare their prices. In the process of booking, each travel will give you a safari quote indicating prices, the inclusions and exclusions. Compare different quotes from different agents for the same travel itinerary. If possible ask for a break down and see how the final cost was reached. Relate the prices to the trip advisor reviews and decide whether the company is worth the quote it has given you. Similarly do not rush to book with a cheapest travel agent; their quality of service may not be good.

Why book with African Apes Holidays
African Apes Holidays is your best travel company for tailored gorilla safaris, birds and other wildlife experiences in Africa. With over 5 years in tourism service, African Apes Tours has all answers to your travel questions. Our team of reservations is at your service to tailor make your suitable travel package. More so, we have a team of professional driver guides to take you to all tourism destinations you want to visit. Contact us for bookings and any other travel related questions and advises.

Conclusively, choosing a best travel agent is the best step to consider when booking gorilla safaris in Africa. African Apes Tours is your best and trusted travel agent in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The actual entrance fee to Nyungwe Forest National park is $40 for foreign non-residents and foreign residents. However, park entrance fees are normally included in the package a travel is interested in. Different travel activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park call for different charges inclusive of the park entrance fee. Its obvious that whoever visits Nyungwe Forest is interested in doing a certain activity. Nyungwe forest is the second most visited park in Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest is located in southwestern Rwanda and is a center of Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tours. African Apes Tours gives you a detailed breakdown of entrance fees to Nyungwe Forest National Park:

Chimpanzee trekking permits
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest costs $90 for foreign non residents, &60 for foreign residents, RWF 5000 for Rwanda nationals, $10 for East African community citizens. Rwanda citizen students pay RWF2500, foreign resident students pay $30 while East African Community students pay $5. This cost is valid for 24 hours. Like in the gorillas, a chimpanzee permit expires within an hour of seeing these primates. Nyungwe Forest is home to roughly 400 chimpanzees habituated into two communities. The gorillas live in Uwinka and Chamudongo Forests. A traveler can therefore trek chimpanzees in either forest. Travelers are required to reach Uwinka park headquarters as early as 7:00am for briefing and registration. Trekking to meet chimpanzees starts at 8:00am and the actual time to spend before meeting chimps is unpredictable. Depending on where the primates will be that day, the trekking time range between 30 minutes to a full day. However, travelers are 99% sure of meeting the gentle giants at the day of the tour. The allowed time with chimps is strictly an hour.

Canopy walk
Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest costs $60 for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents, Rwf 5000 for Rwanda local residents, $10 for East African Citizens. Rwanda student citizens pay Rwf5, 000; East African Community students pay $5 while foreign resident students pay $25. Canopy walk is the second most done travel activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The 2 hours walk 60 meters on top of the forest is an exceptional; experience you ought not to miss. The experience offers you excellent aerial views of Nyungwe Forest, Virunga volcanoes, local farms and neighboring communities.

Trekking other primates
Do you want to trek other primate species in Nyungwe Forest? The experience costs $60 for foreign non residents, $40 for foreign residents , Rwf5000 for Rwanda nationals, Rwf1,500 for Rwandan citizen students, $ 3 for East African Community students while Foreign resident students pay $20. The cost is inclusive of the park entrance fees, guide fee, conservation fee and contribution to local communities. Monkey species in Nyungwe Forest National Park include
1. Grey cheeked Mangabey
2. Common Chimpanzees
3. Olive Baboons
4. Silver Monkey
5. Vervet Monkey
6. Ruwenzori Colobus
7. L’Hoest Monkey
8. Red Tailed Monkeys
9. Golden Monkeys
10. Dent’s Mona Monkey
11. Hamly’s Monkey

Bird watching
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 275 bird species making it a birding spot in Rwanda. Foreign non-resident birders pay $50 and $40 for foreign residents. Birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Yellow eyed black flycatcher, Red faced woodland warbler, Red collared babbler, Blue headed sunbird, Ruwenzori Apalis, Archer’s robin chat, Ruwenzori apalis, strange weaver, Dusky crimson wing, Regal sunbird, Buff throated apalis, Kivu ground thrush, Red throated alethe and Handsome francolin among others. January to June is June is the best time for bird watching in Nyungwe Forest. November to April is the best time to see migratory birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest
Among the top lodges and hotels in Nyungwe Forest National Park include One and Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Nziza Eco lodge, Kitabi Eco Centre, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House, Gisakura Family Hostel, Café Resto Bar Keza, Uwinka Campsite, KCCEM Guesthouse. These facilities offer excellent food, sleeping and in-room services at affordable rates. Prices range in Budget, Midrange and Luxury depending on the standard of the lodge/hotel.

How to book a Rwanda safari to Nyungwe Forest
Do you want to book a chimpanzee, canopy walk or any other tour to Nyungwe Forest? African apes Tours & Travel is at your service. We offer tailor-made Rwanda safaris for chimpanzee trekking, mountain gorilla safari s and other related experiences at affordable prices.

Other top places to visit in Rwanda
Besides Nyungwe Forest, travelers on Rwanda safaris are advised to visit other top places in Rwanda for a complete Rwanda safari package. The other top paces to visit in Rwanda include:
• Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. This is a center of mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, Dian Fossey hike, Mt Karisimbi hike and Musanze caves among others
• Akagera National Park. The park is home to the big five game. Game drives through the park offer you excellent views of numerous wild animals such as Elephants, lions, zebras, girafees, Hippos, buffalos, Rhinos, Kobs, waterbucks, Topis, warthogs, Impalas and duikers among others.
• Gishati Mukura National Park. This is Rwanda’s newest National park a home to numerous monkey and bird species
• Kigali City. The city tour takes to genocide memorial centers, shopping malls, art galleries and local markets.
• Iby’Iwacu community village to learn and experience Rwanda’s traditions, norms, culture and beliefs.
Pay attention to park entrance fees in Nyungwe Forest National Park before confirming any Rwanda safari to this Park. Contact African Apes Tours for more advice and bookings.

There are entrance charges to Volcanoes National Park travelers must pay before he/she is allowed into the Park! The entrance fees to VNP depend on the activity a traveler is visiting to do. YES, different travel activities call for different charges. In other words, there is no uniform park entrance fee. In most cases, the entrance fees are inclusive of the activity, conservation fees, local community contributions and government taxes. Rwanda Development Board puts Park entry charges to support conservation programs in the park and limit unnecessary visits into the park. Volcanoes National Park is the center point of Rwanda tourism-offering travelers with numerous travel activities for different experiences. The Park is located in northwestern Rwanda bordered by Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Entrance fees to Volcanoes National park include:

Gorilla Permit charges
Each gorilla permit to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park costs $1500 paid by all travelers including Rwanda nationals. In the corona period between June 2020 to 31st December 2020. Rwanda Development Board is offering discounted gorilla permits at $200 for East African citizens and foreign residents while international residents still pay the usual $1500. Mountain gorilla trekking is the most done travel experience in Volcanoes National park. Over 80% of all travelers to VNP choose to trek gorillas as their number one activity. The park is home to 10 gorilla families with 80 gorilla permits available each day. Rwanda Development Board issues put the permits. The Rwanda gorilla permit is inclusive of park entrance fees, conservation fee, government taxes and 20% contribution to local communities. Booking gorilla permits in Rwanda is recommended at least 6 months in advance.

Golden Monkey Permits
Trekking golden monkeys cost $100 for foreign non-residents, $80 for foreign residents and $65 for Rwandese and East African citizens. The permit fee is inclusive of park entrance fees, conservation fees and government taxes. Golden monkey trekking is the second most done travel activity in Volcanoes National Park. Trekking golden monkeys is usually done as an add on to gorilla trekking to make a complete package. Two communities of golden monkeys are habituated for trekking in Volcanoes National park. The other population of golden monkeys lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, southwestern Uganda.

Mount Karisimbi Hiking
Do you want to hike Karisimbi Volcano? The experience costs $400 for foreign non-residents, $300 for foreign residents and $200 for Rwandese and East African residents. Mt Karisimbi stands at 4,507 meters above the sea level and its the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area. The summit of Mt Karisimbi overlooks other Virunga volcanoes, Rwanda’s rolling hills, Volcanoes National Park and the neighboring local communities. The slopes of Mt Karisimbi are home to Karisimbi gorilla family. This gives travelers high chances of meeting this famous gorilla family. Our 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hiking tour is a suitable package to conquer this Volcano. Physical fitness is key for anyone hiking Mt Karisimbi. Travelers are therefore reminded to do physical exercises in preparation for this adventure.

Musanze Caves
Musanze caves are a yet another interesting features in Volcanoes National Park. Visiting Musanze caves cost $50 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents and RWF 4000 for Rwandese and East African residents. You will see numerous bats hanging facedown on the walls of caves. A 2-3 hours walk through Musanze caves is an adventurous experience. The entrance and exit points are at different locations.

Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike
Dian Graveyard Hike costs $75, $60 and $55 for foreign non-residents, foreign residents and Rwanda citizens respectively. Dian Fossey is an American Primatologist who sacrificed to save the endangered mountain gorillas, which were at the verge of extinction. A hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey is a way of commemorating the works of Dian Fossey to gorilla conservation in Volcanoes National Park and the whole of Africa. Poachers killed Dian Fossey.

Mt Bisoke Hike
The permit to hike Bisoke volcano costs $75 for foreign non-residents, $55 for Rwanda nationals and $60 for foreign residents. Mount Bisoke is one of the easy to hike volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. The volcano stands at 3711 meters above the sea level with great views of Rwanda and the neighboring local communities. A 1 Day mount Bisoke hike helps you to hike this volcano.

Conclusively therefore, having the knowledge of park entrance fees is essential for everyone visiting Volcanoes National Park. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel for more details and advice. –

Another baby gorilla has been born in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Forest National Park. The new baby was born on 11th October 2020, bringing the total of newborn babies to 7 since March 2020. The baby gorilla was born to Twijukye, an adult female gorilla in Mukiza gorilla family. The new baby gorilla has raised the number of mountain gorillas in Mukiza family to fifteen. Uganda Wildlife Authority continues to celebrate new gorilla births in Uganda which has increased on the number of these endangered species in Africa’s pearl.

Gorilla baby boom in Uganda

Baby gorilla in Bwindi

Since the start of covid19 lockdown in March 2020, Uganda has experienced a great baby boom in mountain gorillas with now 7 births in this shortest time. In a few months back, more other 6-baby gorillas have been born in Uganda, 5 in Bwindi Forest (Rushaga and Buhoma sectors) and 1 baby in Nyakagyezi gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The birth of baby gorillas is a great achievement for Uganda Wildlife Authority and the entire Uganda Tourism fraternity. More so, the birth of new baby gorillas gives hope for sustainable Uganda gorilla tours for the future generation. Uganda is home to over 600 mountain gorillas, which count to half of the world’s total gorilla population. 18 gorilla families have been habituated in Uganda to ease trekking. These gorillas in Bwindi Forest are split into four sectors, namely, Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. These sectors make up Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

About Ruhija Gorilla sector
Located east of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Ruhija sector is worth visiting. Habituated gorilla families in Ruhija sector include
1. Bitukura gorilla group, which derive its name from River Bitukura where the gorilla family was first sighted. Bitukura family was opened for trekking in 2008 and is normally seen along Ruhija trekking trail. Bitukura apparently has 13 members with four silverbacks, 4 adult females, 3 infants and 2 juveniles.
2. Oruzogo Gorilla Family: Oruzogo gorilla family was opened to tourists in 2011 and is one of the most visited gorilla families in Ruhija sector. Bakwate is the head silverback gorilla family in Oruzogo gorilla family who leads the other 16 family members. The family name “Oruzogo” is the name of a local plant, which dominates the home range of Oruzogo gorilla family.

3. Kyaguliro gorilla family: Kyaguliro is the oldest gorilla group in Ruhija sector, which was habituated in 1995. The family was initially reserved for research purposes but was later opened up for travelers to visit. In 2016, Kyaguliro family split into two after a misunderstanding between the then silverback Mukiza and another immigrant silverback named Rukara. Apparently, Kyaguliro gorilla group comprise of Kyaguliro A led by Rukara and Kyaguliro B led by Mukiza silverback. Kyaguliro A group comprise of 10 members who include 1 silverback, 3 Adult females, 2 infants, 2 black backs and 2 Juveniles. Similarly, Kyaguliro B group comprise of 10 members who include 4 Adult females, 1 silverback, 4 infants and 1 black back.
Everyday, each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 travelers for an hour

Top activities in Ruhija sector
Travelers visiting Ruhija sector have various things to see and do in this region to reward them with a memorable experience. The top tourist activities in Ruhija sector include:
• Mountain gorilla trekking: This is the most done tourist activity in this sector. 32 gorilla permits are available in Ruhija for first comers.
• Batwa community tours to learn and experience the traditional forest life of Batwa pygmies in Bwindi
• Community project tours to schools, bee hives and local markets
• Bird watching
• Nature/Forest walks

Other sectors in Bwindi Forest
Besides Ruhija sector, Travelers to Bwindi Forest can visit any other of the three sectors in the Park. These are Buhoma in the north, Rushaga in the south and Nkuringo. Each sector has different gorilla families and offer different trekking experience. Each morning, travelers drive to different park head quarters depending on which sector one is visiting. Buhoma sector is easily accessed from Kabale while Rushaga sector is well accessed from Kisoro district.

Conclusively, the birth of a new baby gorilla in Ruhija sector is a blessing for tourism in Uganda. Book a Uganda gorilla safari today and meet the new babies born in Bwindi Forest at a close range.

Whereas primate trekking in Africa is now open for both local and international travelers, the endangered primates are still at a risk of catching the deadly corona virus that is still roaming like wild fire. Respective conservation bodies in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have put covid19 Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety of the endangered primates and travelers. Primate trekking entail gorilla trekking, chimpanzees and golden monkey tracking. Primate especially chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are man’s close relatives which share over 98% of human gens. This make them susceptible to human communicable illnesses especially, corona virus cough, flue and cold among others. Before confirming any gorilla tour of chimpanzee safari, all upcoming primate trekkers are advised to read extensively and understand all Covid19 standard Operating procedures for gorilla tours and other primates in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. African Apes Tours & Travel brings you detailed SOPs for primate trekking in Africa. These include:
1. All travelers must have tested negative for covid19 72 hours before travelling. These results are requested at the airport and also respective primates national Park
2. Travelers must wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water
3. Sanitize hands with alcoholic based content
4. All travelers and park rangers must wear masks all through
5. Park rangers, wardens and porters must be covid19 negative
6. When in the presence of gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys, travelers must keep a distance of 10 meters away
7. Travelers must wear leather gardening gloves to avoid direct touching on surfaces already touched by other travelers
8. Any traveler showing any signs of sickness, flue, cough is not allowed to visit the endangered primates
9. Travelers are advised to carry light bags to avoid a need of hiring a porter. Porters are not allowed given the limited number of people allowed to be together
10. Only eight people are allowed to trek a gorilla family
11. Interaction with the endangered gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys is limited to an hour
12. Visiting chimpanzees is limited to only six people per group
13. Temperature screening at each park entrance is a must
14. Travelers and park rangers must keep a distance of 2 meters away from one another
15. Park rangers will allow several breaks to allow travelers remove masks and breathing some fresh air.
16. Each group of eight people are briefed separately to avoid large crowds
17. Six travelers are only allowed to visit each chimpanzee community

More guideline for Mountain Gorilla, chimpanzees and golden monkey trekking
Apart from the Covid19 standard operating procedures, travelers visiting to trek gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo must adhere to other rules and regulations of primate trekking: These include
1. A valid permit is must have for each traveler. No one is allowed to visit the primates without a permit
2. All travelers must be aged 15 years and above
3. Avoid looking direct into the eyes of the endangered primates. It irritates them forcing them to behave wildly
4. Do not use flash light cameras
5. Keep your voices low while in the jungle. Primates normally love a quite environment
6. Do not litter anything in the park. Leave nothing but only the footprints
7. Do not touch the primates. Touching a by gorilla or chimpanzee will make a mother or silverback charge at you

What to carry for primate trekking in Africa?
Are you wondering on what to carry for your gorilla, chimpanzee or golden monkey trekking safari in Africa? Check the list of what to pack for primate trekking in Africa with African Apes Tours
• Light hiking boots/shoes. The shoes should also be waterproof to prevent your feet from getting wet and muddy
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands from touching dirty surfaces and thorny bushes
• Rain jackets to deal with the unpredictable Forest weather
• Long sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Sun glasses
• Hat
• Insect repellant to prevent insect bites
• First aid kit for any emergency
• Bottled drinking water
• Extra batteries for the phone and camera
• Energy giving snacks
• Warm sweaters and scarf for cold nights
Conclusively, observing covid19 standard operating procedures in primate trekking is highly recommended. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book a gorilla safari in Africa or any other primate safari, follow the SOPs and enjoy the once in a lifetime experience.

Wow, enjoy post covid19 discounted gorilla safaris and other wildlife safaris. African Apes Tours & Travel is offering discounted post covid19 gorilla safari deals to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The discounted offers are to welcome our traveler’s back to the field after several months of no travel due to the pandemic covid19, which put restrictions to travels all over the world. All countries had closed international travels and land borders to contain the spread of the virus across countries. However, tourism has now reopened for international travel with airports and land borders opened. Our post covid19 travel deals include among others:

Mountain gorilla trekking:
We offer discounted gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. YES, the reopening of gorilla tours has come with discounted rates to enable you meet the endangered species at a budget price. Our gorilla tours take you to Bwindi Forest National Park and the Virunga Conservation area shared by Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Virunga parks in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo respectively. Are you traveling on a tight schedule? No worries, our 1 Day gorilla trek in Rwanda or 2 Days Uganda gorilla tour is a best package for you. This gives you chance to meet and interact with the endangered gorillas in the shortest time possible. Gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga sector gives you chance to spend four hours with the endangered gorillas and is the best experience for researchers.

Game viewing tours
Enjoy our pocket friendly game viewing safaris to explore the wilderness in Africa. We take you to see numerous wild animals in the open savannahs of Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo and Akagera National parks rewarding you with memorable experiences. The guided morning and evening game drives give you chance to see various wild animals such as buffalos, elephants, lions, leopards, Hyenas, giraffes, Zebras, Rhinos, Waterbucks, warthogs, Topis , hippos and elands among others. In most cases, our game viewing tours entail boat rides on the water bodies within a particular park and visits to local communities, which together make a complete safari package. Fortunately, our game viewing safaris only require park entrance fee, accommodation, transport ad driver guide. Seeing wild animals is not for paying if you are already inside the park.

Chimpanzee trekking
African Apes Toursfurther offers discounted chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda. Enjoy our tailor made chimpanzee safaris to Kibale Forest National Park (the primate capital in Africa) and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda. Chimpanzees share over 99% of human genes, which make them our closest relatives. Observing human like characters of chimpanzees within their communities is a lifetime experience which you should not miss. The other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest and Kalinzu Forest. Travelers visiting to se chimpanzees have high chances of seeing other wild animals in the forests such as red tailed monkeys, Black and White Colubus, Vervet monkeys, baboons and blue monkeys among others.

Mountain climbing

burning Nyiragongo Volcano

Join our mountain hiking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hike to the top of the snow caped Mt Rwenzori, Mt Gahinga, Mt Sabyinyo or Mt Muhabura in Uganda. Our Rwanda hiking tours include 2 Days Karisimbi hiking whose slopes shelter the famous Karisimbi gorilla family. More so, enjoy our 1-Day Bisoke hike for the short Rwanda hiking experiences. In Congo, enjoy a 3 Days Nyiragongo Volcano hike for a lifetime hiking experience. The summit of Nyiragongo volcano shelters the world’s largest lava lake, which glows in the night.

Other discounted offers in Africa
Other special offers by African Apes Tours include bird watching tours, community visits, golden monkey trekking and forest/nature walks among others.
In conclusion, enjoy discounted postcovid19 travel offers for gorilla trekking and game viewing in Uganda, Rwanda and the democratic Republic of Congo with African Apes Holidays

Gorilla trekking is strictly for an hour in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. YES, travelers visiting to see the endangered gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks are only allowed to spend an hour with the gorillas. Despite the very many hours you may spend in the jungle before meeting the gorillas, an encounter with these endangered specie lasts for an hour. The actual trekking time is uncertain but ranges between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where gorillas will be that day, physical fitness of a traveler and the hiking speed. An hour with the gorillas is counted from the moment a traveler sets his/her eyes on the gorillas. When this time comes, travelers are reminded to keep calm, be keen and utilize this one-hour very well. The magical feeling of spending an hour with the gorillas is undeniably memorable. The reasons why gorilla trekking is limited to an hour include:

Mountain gorillas are endangered

A baby gorilla in Bwindi Forest

YES, mountain gorillas are one of the endangered wild animals in the wild. They share over 98% of human genes, which make them so susceptible to human illnesses and other diseases. For this case, conservation bodies in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo limit the time people spend with gorillas to limit chances of human wildlife disease transmission. The whole world has 1006 mountain gorillas surviving in the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The low population of gorillas in the world calls for strict conservation. For over 6 months in 2020, governments in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo closed doors to gorilla trekking in order to protect the endangered gorillas from catching the deadly corona virus. However as of 6th October 2020, gorilla tours to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo are open and travelers are allowed to visit and trek the gorillas. Therefore, the endangered nature of gorillas is one of the reasons why gorilla trekking is restricted to an hour.

Conservation purposes
Gorilla tracking is also restricted to an hour for conservation purposes. YES, allowing travelers to spend the whole day with endangered gorillas is not right. Trekking is limited to an hour to conserve nature and promote sustainable gorilla safaris in Africa.

Gorillas need time to do their daily duties

A magical encounter with gorillas

YES, like in a human family, mountain gorillas have daily activities, which they cannot do in the presence of people. Travelers are therefore limited to an hour to allow the endangered species do their routine work in peace. Every early morning, the silver back back gorillas wakes up the entire family to start up movement to anew destination, they move slowly as a family and build a new nest in the evening for a night. Gorillas need a private time to play together, mate, breastfeed and rest.

Can I spend more time with gorillas?
YES, you can spend more time with the endangered gorillas in a gorilla habituation experience. Only done in Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Forest National park, gorilla habituation experience allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas. The experience is about training wild gorillas to get used with human presence. Travelers join a team of conservationists, gorilla doctors and researchers to train a wild gorilla family. Apparently, Uganda has two gorilla families (Bushaho and Bikyingi) undergoing habituation. The experience lasts for between 2 to 3 years before a gorilla family is declared free for trekking. Habituation experience costs $1500 per person but the magical feeling that comes with it is worth the price. Each day, 8 habituation permits are issued on first come first serve basis. Permit booking is recommended at least 5 months in advance. Booking can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or African Apes Tours & Travel, the number one gorilla safari company.

How to prepare for your gorilla trekking
Are you planning a gorilla safari in Africa? Are you wondering how to get ready for this magical experience? No worries, African Apes Holidays guides you on how to best get ready for gorilla trekking. Firstly, reserve your permit in advance to avoid disappointments. Also ensure to do physical exercises such as jogging, walking, and hiking to ensure physical fitness. Make sure your travelling bag has all the essentials. Among the things you must carry for your gorilla tour experience include hiking boots, gardening gloves, scarf, energy giving snacks, first aid kit, rain jacket, extra batteries for the camera, long sleeved shirts, long pants and bottled drinking water. More so, check with your medical doctor to ensure you have no any health issues.

Who is and not allowed to see gorillas?
All people aged 15 years and above are allowed to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The elderly and heavily pregnant women are advised to hire porters to carry them to and from the jungle. Travelers showing any signs of sickness like flue, cold and cough is not allowed to visit the endangered gorillas to avoid risks of disease transmission.

Conclusively, an hour with the endangered gorillas is a lifetime experience you ought to enjoy.

2020’s Rwanda naming ceremony was Virtual. YES, gorilla lovers and travel enthusiasts celebrated the annual gorilla naming ceremony from their living rooms. Unlike in the past years where thousands of people would gather at Kinigi Park headquarters to witness the gorilla naming ceremony, this year’s (2020) Kwita Iziina was celebrated virtually. This was the first time to celebrate gorilla naming virtually since 2005 when the activity was initiated. The cause for change in gorilla naming celebration was due to covid19, which restricted public gatherings and international travels. The Virtual Kwita Izina ceremony took place on 24th September 2020 on the world Gorilla Day. 24 baby gorillas born between June 2019 and September 2020 were given names for easy identification just like in human homes. The event was broadcasted virtually on Rwanda Television giving people chance to attend and enjoy right from their living rooms. 2020 gorilla naming was initially planned to take place in June 2020 but was later cancelled and switched to virtual to avoid the spread of the deadly corona virus.

The only people who reported at Kinigi Park head quarters were park rangers, veterinary doctors and trackers who check on the wellbeing of the endangered mountain gorillas everyday. This team was honored to give the little gorillas respective names. The event started early in the morning and guides gave a live virtual tour to Volcanoes National Park for those who were tuned in. A few speakers from Rwanda Development Board gave a highlight on gorilla naming ceremony and general gorilla conservation in the land of a thousand hills. Also, cultural performances by local artists were performed to make the ceremony lively. The virtual program was live on Visit Rwanda YouTube at 3pm Kigali time and translated in English.

Arsenal players name bay gorillas in a virtual ceremony
Interestingly, 3 arsenal players named three of the 24 baby gorillas that were named virtually. The three players are Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, the striker of Arsenal football club. Aubameyang named his baby gorilla “Igitego” which means goal. Igitego baby gorilla was born to Pasika in Mafunzo family on 5th July 2019. Hector Bellerin, the defender of Arsenal football club named his baby gorilla “Iriza”. Iriza was born to Igihembo in Kwitonda gorilla family on 11th October 2019. Iriza locally means first born. Bernd Leno named the other baby gorilla “Myugariro” which locally translates as “defender”. Myugariro was born to Kubaha in Amahoro gorilla family on 28th September 2019. In 2018, Rwanda Development Board signed a 3 Years partnership with Arsenal football club. The “Visit Rwanda” logo features on the sleeves of Arsenal players. RDB’s partnership with Arsenal is aimed at promoting Rwanda gorilla safaris to the outside world encouraging more travels to the land of a thousand hills. In 2019, Rwanda Development Board reported a 5% boost in UK tourism which earned over Rwf 36 billion.

About Gorilla Naming ceremony
Rwanda Development Board started Kwita Izina in 2005. The major purpose for the new initiative was to create awareness of gorilla conservation in Rwanda and also diversify tourism products in the country. Kwita Izina is a Kinyarwanda word, which means, “to give a name,” related to a human culture where a family together with friends and relatives makes a party to celebrate and give a new baby an official name. Since 2005, over 300 mountain gorillas have been given names on different occasions.

Gorilla Tourism in Rwanda
Gorilla tourism has for the past over 25 years been Rwanda’s leading industry. YES, gorilla trekking contributes over 60% of Rwanda’s total revenue. In 2019, Rwanda Tourism Statistics indicated that Rwanda generated $498 millions which is a 17% increase compared to 2018. Most of the money is collected from the sale of Rwanda gorilla permits, which cost $1500 each. In 2017, Rwanda Development Board double increased her gorilla permit prices from $750 to $1500, which transformed the country into a luxury gorilla tour destination. Volcanoes National Park is one of the four national parks, which shelter the endangered gorillas in Africa. Other places where gorillas live are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 10 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking in Rwanda. These are Susa A Group, Amahoro gorilla family, Sabyinyo gorilla group, Kwitonda gorilla family, Hirwa gorilla family, Kwitonda gorilla family, Agashya gorilla family, Ububano gorilla family, Ugenda gorilla family and Bwenge gorilla group. Each family is visited by 8 people a day which guarantee 64 permits available everyday.

How to book a Rwanda gorilla tour
Are you ready to trek to Rwanda? Gorilla tour bookings in Rwanda can be done directly through Rwanda Development Board, the government body responsible for gorilla conservation and tourism in Rwanda. Also, you can book through African Apes Holidays the trusted gorilla safari company in Rwanda. Our Rwanda gorilla safaris range from 1-Day gorilla trek in Rwanda to several days depending on the traveler’s choice and available time. The nearness of Volcanoes National Park to Kigali International airport make it a first stop center for gorilla safaris in Africa. The park is located roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from Kigali, which make it suitable for short time travelers. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date.
In general, the virtual naming of baby gorillas in Rwanda was a great initiative. We continue to celebrate new babies in Volcanoes National Park and Africa in general.