Month: January 2022

Apes tours are one of the not miss travel experiences  on your gorilla safaris in Africa. YES, you ought to visit and spend ample times with the endangered apes in the jungles of Africa! A close encounter with great apes in the natural habitats has been ranked as one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. In this documentary, we bring you details and guide to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo tailored  by Superfine Safaris Limited

Where to do Apes tours in Africa
If you are interested in visiting apes on your African safari, you have to visit any one of these destinations for a close encounter with the endangered apes. In Uganda, the best places for ape trekking are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura gorge, Budongo forest and Kalinzu forest. In Rwanda, apes live in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park while in Congo, ape trekking is done in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. A combined apes safari to more than one national park offers you accurate comparisons and a lifetime experience.

Which animal to see on your African Apes tour?
Apes safaris entail visiting a variety of Apes in different habitats in East and Central Africa. Among the apes you will see include:

Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas rank as the top visited apes in Africa. The endangered primates are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, which attract a high number of primate lovers to Africa. The best places to see mountain gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Virunga Conservation Area comprised of Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes in Rwanda and Virunga National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The cost of seeing mountain gorillas in different in each country. Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla trekking permits at $1500 followed by Uganda at $800 and then DR Congo at $450. A mountain gorilla permit is a must have for anyone visiting the endangered species and booking is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. Altogether, there are roughly 38-habituated gorilla families in Africa, 20 in Uganda, 10 in Rwanda and 8 in Congo. 8 people per day visit each gorilla family for strictly an hour. African Apes Tours & Travel helps you book permits and customize a gorilla safari package of your choice at budget friendly costs.

Eastern Lowland Gorillas
Visit Kahuzi Biega National Park in Eastern Congo to visit the critically endangered eastern lowland gorillas. Scientifically called Grauer’s gorilla, eastern lowland gorillas is the largest gorilla sub specie and also the largest living primate in the world. The stocky body, short muzzle and large hands distinguished Eastern Lowland gorillas from other gorilla species.

Western Lowland Gorillas
This is the smallest gorilla specie in the wild distinguished from other species by the brown grey coats and the small size. Poaching and habitat loss greatly affected the sustainability of western lowland gorillas in the world. Its believed that in the past 20 to 25 years, the population of western lowland gorillas has reduced by over 60% despite the continued efforts to restore them. Western lowland gorillas is sub specie of the western gorillas which live in the montane forests of Angola, Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic. Unlike other gorilla species, western lowland gorillas survive in zoos and captivity.

Cross-river gorillas
Also a sub specie of the western gorilla species, cross river gorillas live in the lowland and rain forests of Nigeria and Cameroon. Their population has been greatly affected by poaching and loss of habitat loss due to human encroachment.

Besides gorillas, you will see other apes in Africa such as;
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Visit and trek the endangered chimpanzees on your Africa Apes Tours. The best places to see chimpanzees in Africa include Kibale Forest National Park (the primate capital of Africa) in western Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The other places where chimpanzees live include Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest in Uganda, Gishwata Mukura National Park in Rwanda and the Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary in Congo

Golden Monkeys
Go golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda with Superfine Safaris. The prime places to see these lively and playful primates are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. Like in gorilla and chimpanzee safaris, monkeys live in groups headed by the alpha male. Golden monkey permits cost $100 allowing you to spend an hour with the endangered primates.

Other primates to see in Africa include
Human beings
Red tailed monkeys
Black and white colubus
Grey cheeked monkeys
Olive baboons
Blue Monkeys
L’Hoest Monkeys
Vervet monkeys
Uganda Red Colobus
Pottos
Demidoff Galago
Mangabeys
Guenon

What to pack for Africa Apes Tours
The fact that Apes live in dense forested areas, travelers visiting must be ready for the jungle. The search for primates up and down hill is not a walk away but rather a strenuous adventure, which require proper dressing and readiness. The things you should pack for your ape safari in Africa include hiking boots for easy movements in the jungle, gardening gloves to protect your hands, sunglasses, rain jacket, hat, sweaters and a scarf. Also, remember to carry insect repellants to avoid poisonous bites by forest insects and first aid kit. Also, remember to carry enough drinking water and energy giving snacks since the actual time to spend in the jungle is not certain.

What is the best time for African Ape tours?
Dry season is the best time to visit apes in Africa. This period is in June, July, August, September, December, January and February. This time general dry with less r no rains. This makes it easier to trek through the dense forest where these endangered primates live. Dry season is also called peak season and it’s characterized by high demand for travel. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits normally sell off early in the peak season, which require travelers to book far way in advance.
Conclusively, Superfine Safaris offer you a great encounter with the man’s close relatives. Book now, meet face to face with the endangered primates and enjoy this lifetime experience.

YES, Uganda is now fully open for tourism! As the ear 2022, begins, Uganda the Pearl of Africa has fully opened all its land borders and Entebbe International Airport encouraging and welcoming travelers from all over the world. Come and explore the hidden gem in Uganda on our tailored Uganda safaris with Superfine Safaris. Following several travel bans and restrictions to Uganda due to the continued spread of corona virus, Uganda has now opened fully for all those who want to visit regardless of the existence of the deadly corona and Omicron virus. All other sectors such as transport and education have also been fully opened to operate in Uganda with no limitation. For the last two years, transport in Uganda has been operating on half capacity, which disrupted transport in the country. However with the full reopening, you can now easily travel to any part of the country at any time on air, land or water. Curfew time has also been lifted except for boda boda who stop working at 7:00pm.

Mandatory coid19 testing at Entebbe airport and land Borders
Travelers entering to Uganda through any entry point are subjected to mandatory testing for covid19. After testing, travelers are allowed to check into their hotels in Kampala or Entebbe waiting for the results.

Requirements for travelers to Uganda
Whereas Uganda is now open for tourism, the ministry of health requires negative covid19 test results from all travelers entering and leaving Uganda. A valid covid19 vaccination certificate is required for all people coming in to Uganda. Any traveler with no vaccination certificate and the negative test results will not be allowed into Uganda.

Travel Guidelines to Uganda amidst Covid19
The fact that Covid19 and the Omicron Virus is still existing in Uganda, travelers on Uganda safaris are advised and reminded to keep observing the standard Operating procedures to ensure safety. The travel guidelines to and in Uganda include face masking, keeping a distance, vaccination, avoid crowded places, hand washing, sanitizing and temperature screening among others. Travelers who feel any signs of covid19 such as headache, soar throats, fever and cough are kindly advised to stay back to ensure safety for themselves and other people they might come in contact with.

What you should not miss in Uganda!
Having made up your mind to visit Uganda, African Apes Tours guides you on the interesting travel experiences you should not miss in Uganda. These outrank the others in offering lifetime memories. These include:
1. Go gorilla trekking: Ranked as the number one travel experience, mountain gorilla trekking is undeniably a not miss on your Uganda safari. The Pearl of Africa is home to the world’s highest number of mountain gorillas, which make it a prime gorilla tours destination. The endangered species dwell in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks both found in southwestern region. A permit to trek Uganda gorillas costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings. You can book through Superfine Safaris, your trusted gorilla safari company in Uganda or through any other trusted company.

2. Game safaris: Do not miss excellent game safaris in Uganda to explore the big and free game in the Uganda’s wilderness. Uganda game safaris take place n savannah National Parks that include Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. Game viewing in each park is unique in its own kind in terms of wild animals to see, location and the add on activities. Game viewing is best done in the morning and evening hours when animals are actively feeding. Explore a variety of wild animals including Buffalos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, cheetahs, Zebras, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Oribis, Uganda Kobs, Roan Antelopes, wild pigs, serval cats and Topis among others. Enjoy lively moments when predators chase, hunt down and feat on their preys. The drive through Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park home to the famous tree-climbing lions seen chilling up in the acacia trees. Interesting each game park offers additional experiences such as boat cruise, nature walks, and birding which complement game viewing to make a complete package.

3. Chimpanzee Trekking: Chimpanzee trekking is yet another interesting experience you should not miss doing in Uganda. Visit to trek the endangered chimps in Kibale Forest to have a close encounter with primates that share over 90% of human genes hence your close relatives! The human like social characters of chimpanzees make them interesting creatures worth visiting. Besides Kibale Forest, chimps in Uganda can be found in Budongo Forest, Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest and Ngamba Island. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is complemented by nature walk/ bird watching in Bigodi wetland and community tour to experience the traditions, norms, practices and customs of local people.

4. Bird watching: Uganda the Pearl of Africa shelters some rare birds, which are hardly found somewhere else in the world. The small country is therefore a best place for bird watching guided by African Apes Tours. Among the rare and famous birds to see in Uganda include the shoebill stork seen in Mabamba bay wetland, the lesser and greater flamingoes at lake Munyanyange in Queen Elizabeth National Park. A boat cruise at Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a chance to see birds such as African Kingfisher, African finfoot, White egrets, Yellow billed stork, Black bee eater, Pied Kingfisher, African Skimmer, Pink backed Pelican, Common Ringed Plover, Malachite Kingfisher, Pelicans, African fish eagle and Pied Kingfisher among others. Other important birding areas in Uganda include Lake Mburo, Semliki Valley Park, Bwindi Forest, Mabira Forest, Murchison Falls Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each Park shelters different bird species making your long Uganda birding trip memorable.

5. The other amazing things in Uganda include cultural tours, mountain climbing, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee habituation, mountain gorilla habituation experience, nature/Forest walks and camping. A combination of these makes a complete Uganda safari package offering you a lifetime experience.

In general, Uganda is fully open for tourism! You can now visit Uganda and explore the hidden gem in all corners of the country with Superfine Safaris.