African Apes

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.

The inclusions and exclusions of a gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is a major concern for most if not travelers booking to trek mountain gorillas in Africa. During gorilla tour booking, travelers often ask the cost of a gorilla safari depending on the number of days for the trip and the people traveling. At times, the total sum of a gorilla safari looks and sounds huge especially for first-time travelers. Gorilla trekking is undeniably the most expensive which most people take to be a luxury adventure. African Apes Tours & Travel brings you the gorilla tour cost breakdown to answer all your questions. The gorilla safari inclusions and exclusions are:

Gorilla Safari Inclusions

• Mountain gorilla permits

Uganda gorila permit

You must buy a gorilla permit as a pass to see these endangered species. Gorilla permit prices vary from country to country with Rwanda offering the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 each. In Uganda, a single gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Congo offers the cheapest gorilla permits costing $400 for all travelers. The permit costs include park entrance fees, park rangers fee, government taxes, and conservation fees all included.

• En route Meals

In case you are driving for long distances for example from Kampala to Bwindi Forest National Park, your gorilla tour cost will include enroute meals. Your driver-guide will stop you somewhere to have lunch and you will not be asked to pay any penny. You will have paid for all that. Any enroute meal to be paid for by a client must be indicated in the itinerary to ensure the smooth flow of the trip.

• Full-time English Speaking guide

Unless it’s a private tour, you must pay for your driver guide who leads you throughout the trip from the start to the end. The driver guide is the representative of the travel company you booked with and is assigned to a certain amount of money as an allowance for each day. Driver guides play a big role in providing you all the required answers to your questions about wildlife, plants, people, cultures, politics and everything you need to know on your trip. Your tour cost will, therefore, include the services of a driver-guide.

• Accommodation and meals

Luxury Room in Bwindi Forest

Your gorilla safari cost also includes accommodation services and meals. In other words, travelers do not pay extra fees for accommodation services and meals separate. The amount paid depends on the category of accommodation (budget, mid-range, and luxury) booked by a client. More so, accommodation fees include all room services, foods, and drinks except alcoholic beverages.

• Bottled drinking water

You cannot miss sipping on a cold drink on the sunny long day of driving. Most safari vehicles have fridges, which will be filled with bottled drinking water. Travelers are advised to ask for a bottle of water whenever they feel like cause they will have paid for that water. If the driver has no water in the car, travelers have a right to stop him/her and send him to buy water for them minus paying.

• Company Service fee

You must pay the travel agent/company for the services offered. From the time of inquiring to booking lodges, gorilla permits, and tailor-making for you a suitable safari package, a travel agent does this at a fee. Unlike gorilla permits, which have standard rates, travel company markups are different. Therefore once the safari quiet you were given is paid, the company should not ask any extra money from a client unless otherwise.

• All other activities indicated in the itinerary

Unless it’s a one-day gorilla trek, gorilla trekking is normally complemented with other safari activities such as cultural tours, bird watching and nature/forest walks among others. The cost for these activities included in the travel itinerary is inclusive of the gorilla safari cost. Travelers are therefore reminded not to pay any extra money for these activities in case they are asked to do by a driver-guide.

• Miscellaneous

You will be charged for any miscellaneous/emergencies on a trip. However, the cost of miscellaneous is always less

Gorilla Tour cost exclusions

Not everything expense you make on a gorilla safari is included in the tour cost. Some expenses are bot included in the safari costa and these include:
• International Flights
Your international flight fares will not be included in the gorilla safari cost. No company will pay for your return flights. Bear that in mind and reserve money for that incase your flight was no a return flight.
• Visa fees
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal shopping
• Tipping
• Porters fee
• Extra activities not indicated in the itinerary
Generally, travelers are ought to know the inclusions and exclusions of gorilla tour costs in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your gorilla safari and enjoy this memorable experience.

Travelers coming to visit mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are requested to book for gorilla permits at least 6 months prior. The reason for early gorilla permit bookings is deal with the high demand for gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. For many years now, Gorilla trekking has proven to be the best wildlife experience, which brings the highest number of travelers to Africa. While making gorilla tour inquiries, travelers are asked to pay a 30% booking fee for a permit. Travelers are also reminded that all permits MUST be paid for to zero balance 90 days before to the trekking date. Travelers are advised to check some essential things before buying permits.

Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda
Lets begin by talking about the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla permit costing $1500 each. Uganda gorilla permits cost $700 for foreign residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Congo gorilla permits cost $400 each, making it the suitable gorilla safari destination for budget travelers.

The things to consider before buying/booking gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo include among others:

Confirm Accommodation availability
Before buying a gorilla permit, first confirm accommodation availability in the gorilla national park (Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks) you would want to visit Lodge/camps or even hotels you book should be close to the gorilla trekking starting point. This saves you long hours of driving to and from the gorilla trekking starting point. When booking a gorilla tour to Bwindi, make sure there is accommodation in the respective sector. Bwindi Forest is divided into four sectors, Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga in Northern, Eastern and southern regions respectively and so the gorilla families. Ensure to nook a gorilla family in a sector that has accommodation availability. Lodge services range from budget, luxury and midrange depending on the client’s budget. However, travelers are assured of first-class food and sleeping services in any accommodation they choose.

Check the difference in Weather Seasons
Also, consider the weather season in the period you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. There are mainly two weather seasons in the east and central Africa where mountain gorillas. To most travelers, a dry season between the months of June, July, August, September mid-October, December, January, and February is the best time to trek gorillas. Also, known as peak season, the dry season is associated with fewer rains, which make it easy to trek through the jungle forests for gorilla trekking. Alternatively visit during low season (March, April, May, and November). The heavy rains in the low season normally make it difficult to trek through the forests. However, the experience is best for adventurous travelers. There are fewer travelers during the low season, which guarantee gorilla permit availability even for last time bookings. Lodges and other service providers normally give discounted services, which is an added advantage or budget travelers.

Ease and difficulty of gorilla trekking
Consider the ease and difficulty of trekking a specific gorilla family before booking a gorilla permit. The best example here is in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where mountain gorillas live in four sectors. Some gorillas are easy to find while others are difficult to trek. Depending on your physical and hiking ability, make sure you book a permit for a gorilla family that suits your abilities. Gorilla permits in Uganda are booked in the sector.

The total cost of the trip
When booking for a permit, first consider the whole cost of your gorilla tour. African Apes Holidays or any other travel operator will give you a final quote for the trip. This involves permit fee, accommodation, driver guide fee, accommodation and meals, bottled drinking water, additional activities in the itinerary and government taxes. In most cases, the total cost of a gorilla tour looks and sounds huge. The cost of a trip also depends on the number of days and number of people on a single trip. If you can afford the total cost of the trip, then go on and book a gorilla permit.

Add on activities
Also, consider the add on activities you can add on your gorilla trekking experience. A Uganda gorilla tour to Buhoma sector is done along with other many add on activities such as waterfall hiking and Batwa community tours. This makes your whole experience memorable. Its therefore advisable to book a gorilla permit in a sector that has added activities to make your experience more fun.

How to book gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
You can book for a gorilla permit directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through African Apes Holidays your ultimate gorilla safari company in Africa.

Contact African Apes Tours & Travel for travel advice on gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Who is eligible to Trek gorillas

What’s the gorilla trekking age limit is one of the frequently asked questions by most people in gorilla tour booking. Are you traveling with kids for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo? First, confirm the true gorilla trekking age limit to avoid disappointments when the time to trek gorillas’ come. Families traveling to trek gorillas with children are always advised to first check and confirm the age limit for the kids before buying expensive gorilla permits which may not be allowed if the children is underage. In all gorilla national parks, the legal gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years. Anyone below 15 years is therefore not allowed to trek gorillas no matter what. 15 years was put as a standard gorilla trekking age limit given the fact that the child, not a minion Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. However in cases where a child is ye to celebrate his 15th birthday (left with few days to his/her birthday) he/she can be allowed to trek gorillas. Here the parent /guardian of the child writes and signs a consent letter taking full responsibility for anything that may happen to the child during gorilla tracking. The agreement letter is written and signed by a parent of the child to the respective park headquarters (Uganda wildlife Authority & Rwanda Development Board). In case something happens to the child while in the jungle, UWA or RDB has no case to answer. The parent/guardian of the child will be fully responsible for everything.

Reasons for Gorilla Trekking Age Limit

The age limit was put to ensure the safety of endangered gorillas and also for the minors who are likely to find challenges and risks in gorilla trekking. Among the major reasons for gorilla trekking age limit include:

Gorillas are endangered species

Mountain gorillas are endangered species, which were once on the verge of extinction. The whole world has 1004 mountain gorillas surviving in the rain forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The endangered state of gorillas calls for age limit so as to limit the number of people visiting them.

Susceptible to human diseases

Mountain gorillas share 99.8% of human genes, which make them susceptible to human diseases especially communicable ones (flu and cough). In most cases, children below 14 years are found to have these sicknesses especially cough which can easily spread to endangered gorillas putting them at high risk. Also, young children may not able to keep the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking especially no touch the gorillas, keeping a seven-meter distance and speaking at a low tone.

Forested nature of gorilla national parks

Mountain gorillas live in dense forests of Bwindi impenetrable forest, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Volcanoes and Virunga National Park. Trekking through these forests is not a walkway but rather a real adventure not for the faint-hearted. The children find it very hard to maneuver through these jungles with thorny bushes, slippery grounds, and thick bushes. Also, gorillas live in mountainous regions of higher altitudes. Hiking there may be a challenge to a child aged below 15 years causing difficulties in trekking. An under-aged child may make it to the gorillas hence a waste of gorilla permit bought expensively.

Playful behaviors of children

The playful behaviors of children below 15 years is yet another reason for the gorilla trekking age limit. At this stage, a child is full of life to play, shout and have fun anywhere at any time. He/she may therefore not adhere to the rules of gorilla trekking especially keeping calm. The playful behaviors of children play 15 years can disrupt the peace of gorillas forcing them to charge at clients hence destroying the whole gorilla trekking experience.

Who else is eligible to trek gorillas?

Besides age limit, other requirements for travelers trekking gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo include among others:

Valid gorilla permits

You must have a valid gorilla permit to be allowed to trek gorillas. Actually, a gorilla permit is a pass to see gorillas without which you won’t be allowed to trek these endangered species. The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo varies as set by the respective government bodies. A single Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500, while in Uganda it costs $600 to be increased to $700 with effect from 1st July 2020 while a Congo gorilla permit costs $450 which makes it the best gorilla tour destination for budget travelers. Gorilla permits booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance for timely planning.

Physical fitness

Mountain gorilla trekking require physically fit travelers able to hike up and downhills. Trekking time to see gorillas at a time can go for over 7 hours, which becomes a challenge for the physically unfit. Before confirming a gorilla trip, therefore, make sure you are physically fit and in good shape.

What about the elderly

Yes, seniors aged 60 years and above also have a chance and right to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. African Apes Tours offers suitable gorilla safari packages for the seniors and elderly travelers enabling to enjoy the magical gorilla encounter before they die. Seniors are normally given short gorilla treks or else carried in a sedan chair.

Confirming the gorilla trekking age limit is very essential in every gorilla tour booking. If you are traveling as a family with children, make sure all children are aged 15 years and above before buying their gorilla permits. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel for more advice about gorilla trekking, what to carry, when to visit and the gorilla tour costs in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo.

Despite the tentative suspension of gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo threatened by the deadly corona virus, there is hope for the reopening of gorilla trekking activities in Africa in the near future. Apparently, there are no travelers coming to see gorillas in Bwindi Forest and the Virunga Conservation Area. Starting with March 2020, all gorilla national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo were closed to tourism to prevent the spread of the deadly corona virus to the endangered mountain gorillas. Travelers who had booked gorilla trips in this lockdown were asked to postpone till further notice. Fortunately, Uganda Wildlife Authority has relaxed its gorilla trekking permit policies to allow travel operators and travelers survive in this trying time. UWA is allowing rescheduling of gorilla permits up to 2 years without any penalty.

Why were gorilla parks closed?
Mountain gorillas share over 99% of human genes, which make them our close relatives. Therefore, the close relativeness between gorillas and human beings make them susceptible to human illnesses of which corona virus is among. Mountain gorillas are endangered primate species, which were once on the verge of extinction. Today, the whole world shelters 1006 mountain gorillas which live in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Forest National Park.

Why trek gorillas in Uganda after Corona Virus?
Uganda is your suitable gorilla safari destination after Corona Virus. The affordable costs of Uganda gorilla safaris are a reason why you should visit gorillas in Uganda. It’s obvious that most people will have no money after the pandemic and will be travelling on Budget. Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for east African residents which is more affordable compared to Rwanda @$1500 for a singe gorilla permit. African Apes Holidays help you arrange a tailor-made Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks at affordable rates to suit your travel budget.

How safe will Uganda be for Post Covid19 gorilla safaris?
Since the outbreak of the deadly virus, Uganda has steadily dealt with it. For 2 months now, the Uganda ministry of health has registered 79 corona virus cases 52 of which have recovered and no death reported. Fortunately, all communities of Uganda are now Corona Virus free. The active cases are those who have come from outside and truck drivers who cross borders from the neighboring affected countries. All people still admitted are in good health and will be discharged soon. Therefore the steady recovery of Uganda from Covid19 give hope for a virus free country in the shortest time soon. The country has been in lockdown for the last 2 months, which has yielded good results.

Kigali to Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking
Are you worried of the distance from Entebbe/Kamala to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks? No worries, African Apes Holidays runs Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla trekking tours. In this trip, travelers are fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross via Cyanika or Katuna border into Uganda. The drive time from Kigali to Bwindi/Mgahinga is roughly 5 hours, which is quick, compared to a full day of driving from Kampala/Entebbe airport. The initiation of Rwanda Uganda gorilla safaris gives short time travelers a chance to visit gorillas. Book a 1-Day Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali with African Apes Holidays and get to see gorillas in the shortest time possible. A 1-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek from Kigali starts at 3:30 am to catch-up with a pre gorilla trekking briefing at 7:00 am. After seeing the gorillas, travelers drive back to Kigali to catch up with their return flights.

Safety measures of post covid19 Uganda gorilla trekking
After the defeat of the deadly Virus, gorilla trekking in Uganda will resume to operate normally. However, the following safety measures for the wellbeing of the endangered gorillas and travelers are emphasized. These include:
1. Do not trek gorillas when sick or with any sign of flu or cold
2. Keep a distance of seven meters and more from the endangered gorillas
3. Wear a face mask
4. Do not touch the gorillas
5. Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas. It makes frightened
6. Turn back your faces when sneezing or coughing
7. Do not use flashlight cameras

Are there some safaris running in Uganda as of now?
As of 29th April 2020, all Uganda safaris for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tours, and bird watching and game safaris are temporarily suspended. All movements by public and private means have been restricted to prevent chances of spreading the virus from one place to another. However, travelers and all wildlife lovers are assured of the reopening of all national parks in Uganda in a short time to come.

Conclusively, get ready and prepare for your postcoivid19 gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Gorilla National Parks will be reopened soon to allow normal gorilla encounters for a lifetime experience.

Rwanda’s Hirwa gorilla family that had crossed to Uganda has returned to Volcanoes National park. Having lived in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for 8 months, Hirwa gorilla family was spotted in Volcanoes National Park on 15th April 2020. Rwanda gorilla trackers who were performing their daily duties of monitoring gorilla’s wellbeing in the national Park saw the gorilla family. The return of Hirwa gorilla family brought joy to Rwanda gorilla overs. Having confirmed the news of the return, Rwanda Development Board wrote a notice informing the general public about the return f the lost gorilla. Hirwa gorilla family was first sited in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on 28th August 2019. For the last 8 months, Hirwa gorilla group has been trekked from Uganda at a cost of $700 as put by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. However, the two governments (Rwanda and Uganda) have been sharing equally the revenue collected from the sale of gorilla permits belonging to Hirwa family.

The stay of Hirwa group in Mgahinga Park
For the last 8 months, Hirwa gorilla family has been peacefully living in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The family had crossed to Uganda with 17 gorilla members. Unfortunately, 4 members were struck by lightening in February 2020, two other members died of intestinal obstruction while the infant baby that was born from Uganda in January 2020 died of the respiratory infection. Having lost her 6 embers, Hirwa gorilla family returned to Rwanda with 11 members.

Why do mountain gorillas move from one place to another?
Mountain gorillas are wandering creatures, which keep moving from one place to another within the same territory (National Park). The major reason for the continuous movements is search for fresh foods. a gorilla family cannot sleep in the same next for 2 nights. At the start each day, a gorilla family led by the silverback gorilla leaves the nest and moves to another location where it spends a night. In rare cases, gorillas cross from one national park to another in the neighborhood. This is so common especially in the Virunga conservation area where gorilla national Parks share borders. The Virunga Massif is shared by Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Another reason for the movement of gorillas is inter group competition for food as well as interactions between various gorilla families.

Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda has a total of 10 habituated gorilla families available for trekking everyday. The gorilla groups in Rwanda are:
1. Susa A Family
2. Karisimbi Gorilla Family
3. Amahoro gorilla group
4. Kwitonda gorilla family
5. Agashya gorilla group
6. Ugenda gorilla group
7. Titus gorilla family
8. Hirwa gorilla family
9. Sabyinyo gorilla family
10. Bwengye Gorilla Family
Each gorilla family is visited b a group of eight travelers everyday for an hour. All gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park start at Kinigi Park headquarters after registration and briefing.

Gorilla addons in Volcanoes National Park
Besides gorilla trekking, travelers to Volcanoes National park have a variety of wonderful tourist activities to do. Among other things to see and do in Volcanoes National Park include:
• Golden Monkey Trekking
• Dian Fossey Graveyard hike
• Nature/forest walks
• Mt Karisimbi and Mt Bisoke hiking
• Visiting Musanze caves
• Visiting the twin lakes of Burera and Buhondo
• Bird watching
• Community Visits
A combination of these make a complete Rwanda safari package to meet, satisfy and exceed you travel expectations.

Postcovid gorilla Safaris in Africa
Apparently, all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are on suspension. Gorilla National Parks were closed to prevent the spread of the deadly corona Virus to the endangered mountain gorillas. However, travelers are reminded that gorilla trekking in Africa will resume soon after the defeat of Covid 19 in Africa. Those who had booked their gorilla trips earlier are humbly asked not to cancel but rather to postpone the trip to save gorilla tourism in Africa. African Apes Tours  helps you book and arrange tailored gorilla trips to Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks at affordable rates.

Where to Sleep in Volcanoes National Park
About gorilla lodges/accommodation in Volcanoes National Park, travelers have a wide selection. A variety of budget, luxury and midrange lodges have been constructed to serve you with excellent food and sleeping services all day and nights at affordable rates. The top lodges in Volcanoes National Park include:
1. Bisate Lodge
2. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
3. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
4. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
5. Virunga Lodge
6. Kingi Guest House
7. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
8. Virunga Hotel
9. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
10. Mountain Gorilla s Nest Lodge
11. Home Inn
12. Villa Lodge
13. Jack Hannah’s Cottages
African Apes Holidays help you to book and reserve accommodation on your gorilla safari to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

Conclusively, the return to Hirwa gorilla family to Volcanoes national Park was of great joy for Rwanda travel operators, tourists and the whole tourism fraternity.

Also known as CHEX, chimpanzee habituation experience is a full day hands-on experience with wild chimpanzees in the jungle and its one of the most amazing experiences in life.  Spending an entire day with the chimps, from locating them via their pant hoots in the morning to them nesting at night is a magical experience you should not miss on your Uganda safaris.   Chimpanzee habituation experience is an experimental process of training wild chimpanzees to get accustomed to people around them. The experience is the advanced or extended time with the man’s close relatives. Travelers spend a full day learning, training, taming and enjoying the company of their close relatives.

The Kanyanchu Visitor Center is ground is a starting  point for habituation and all other activities in Kibale Forest National park. The chimpanzee habituation permit  is required for the experience in Uganda and you are reminded to book in advance especially in the peak season when demand is so high. for chimp tracking in Uganda, arranged in advance by your tour operator.  At the Visitor Center, you’ll be placed into small groups, assigned a Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guide, and given a short briefing.

What is the Difference between CHEX and chimpanzee trekking

Whereas the two experiences are related, the two are different in some way. Chimpanzee habituation experience is the first step in which chimps are tamed ad trained to make them ready for trekking while chimpanzee trekking is the actual encounter with the already habituated chimpanzees. Moreso, chimpanzee habituation is a full day encounter while trekking is restricted to an hour. CHEX is, therefore, an extended version of chimpanzee trekking. 8 people are allowed in chimpanzee trekking while only 4 are allowed in habituation experience.

Where to do Chimpanzee habituation experience

Kibale Forest National Park is the Centre of chimpanzee habituation experience. Actually it’s the only place where travelers can do this magical experience in the whole of Uganda and East Africa. Chimpanzee habituation experience is one of the popular tourist activities in Kibale Forest that no traveler should miss. Kibale Forest National Park is a primate capital in Africa sheltering 13 primates including the famous chimpanzees. The tropical rain forest is home to over 5000 chimpanzees making it the best place to see these primates. The experience starts at Kanyanchu information Centre

How is the day of CHEX like?

The day of chimpanzee habituation experience starts as early as 6:00 am. Travelers are required to wake up very early, have breakfast at their lodges and with packed lunch transfer to Kanyanchu Information Centre for registration and briefing. At around 6:00 am, the hike starts. Travelers are guided to where chimpanzees spent the previous night to catch up with them waking up. The reason for early rising is to start off the day with chimpanzees from the time they wake up so as not to miss any of their activities, you will enjoy them wake up, feed, copulate, hunt and leave their nests for the day activities. Follow their movements throughout the day, learn more about their lifestyles and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

Cost of Chimpanzee Habituation experience

A single permit for chimpanzee habituation experience costs $220 for foreign non-residents, $150 for foreign residents and $75 for East African residents. Chimpanzee permit booking is required as early as 4 months in advance for timely and proper planning. Booking can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through African Apes Holidays, the ultimate Uganda safari company.

What to pack for CHEX?

The fact that it’s a full day spent in the jungle, travelers are reminded to pack the right attire to avoid disappointments and difficulties in trekking. The experience is not walking away but rather adventurous and quite challenging for the faint-hearted. The packing list for chimpanzee habituation experience include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes
2. Gardening gloves
3. Sunglasses
4. Hat
5. Rain jacket
6. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
7. Long pants
8. First aid kit
9. Scarf and sweaters
10. Bottled drinking water
11. Energy giving snacks
Reminder: A walking stick and porter are highly recommended for a more enjoyable and less difficult chimpanzee habituation experience.

Rules and Regulations of chimpanzee habituation experience

Like in trekking, chimpanzee habituation experience has guidelines that all participants must follow. The rules and regulations of chimpanzee habituation experience are put by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure the safety of travelers and these endangered species. These include:
1. Keep a distance of seven meters from the chimpanzees
2. Keep your voices low
3. Do not litter in the park
4. Do not use flashlight cameras
5. Do not trek when sick
6. Keep within your group, walking alone in the jungle exposes you to risks of wild animals

Other activities to do in Kibale Forest National Park

Besides chimpanzee habituation experience, Kibale Forest National Park is a Centre of many more tourist activities which include:
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Colobus trekking
• Bird watching
• Bigodi wetland Sanctuary walk
• Forest/Nature walk
• Community visits

Other places to trek chimps in Uganda
The other chimpanzee tour destinations in Uganda include Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park and Kalinzu Forest. The trekking experience in each destination is different and exceptional and so as the prices.

People also ask

How much is chimpanzee habituation in Uganda?

The cost of chimpanzee habituation in Uganda is $300 for foreign non residents and $250 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.  Chimpanzee habituation permit was hiked  from 1st July 2024 to June 2026. All permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority on  first come first serve basis.

What are the top interesting facts about chimpanzees?

• Chimpanzees have several interesting facts about them. These include:
• Chimpanzees share between 95 to 98% of human genes which make them man’s close relatives
• Chimpanzees are omnivorous
• Chimpanzees live in communities
• Each chimpanzee community is headed by an alpha Male
• Chimpanzees can learn human sign languages
• Wild chimpanzees are only found in Africa
• Female chimpanzees give birth once every five years
• Chimpanzees are the only primates known to use tools

How much stronger is a chimpanzee than human?

An adult male chimpanzee is estimated to be five time stronger than a strong man. They are among the strong  primates living in the wild.

Are chimpanzees aggressive?

YES, chimpanzees are aggressive especially when annoyed. whereas the chimpanzees are habituated, they remain wild animals which behave aggressively towards anything and anyone they see as a  threat. Travelers are always reminded  to follows the rules while visiting chimpanzees to avoid any mistake that can cause the endangered primates to behave wild.

What to do when a chimpanzee attacks you?

In rare cases when a traveler is attacked by a chimpanzee he or she is advised to lie low and step back. Do not dare  to run because this encourages the chimps to run after you. Avoid anything that can cause chimpanzees to attack you forexample touching the little ones or looking direct into their eyes.

Conclusively, chimpanzee habituation experience is a lifetime experience you ought to enjoy. Book a Uganda primates tour to Kibale Forest National Park and be part of the full day chimpanzee habituation experience with Superfine Safaris Limited

Is it safe to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo? Yes, gorilla trekking in Africa is safe and done peacefully with no threat. Whereas the safety of gorilla trekking has remained an often asked question for mots travelers booking gorilla safaris in Africa, we assure you that the experience is safe and undisturbed. Yes, all governments have put measures to ensure safety in gorilla trekking for both the endangered gorillas and travelers. In both countries, a joint security force of tourism police, military, and armed park rangers work tirelessly to patrol the gorilla parks and monitor gorilla trekking sessions to ensure no threat or harm caused. Apparently, gorilla safaris in Africa are the major source of foreign exchange earning for Uganda, Rwanda Congo. The sale of gorilla permits at $1500 in Rwanda, $700 in Uganda and $450 in Congo bring in huge sums of money for these mountain gorilla countries. African Apes Tours  brings you the assurance about the safety of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. How is gorilla trekking safety guaranteed in Africa?

Gorilla Habituation experience
Yes, all-mountain gorillas undergo a 2-3 years’ habituation/training experience before they are opened for trekking. In this training, gorillas get used to human presence and tamed not to be wild when they see people. Gorillas are therefore friendly to human beings unless they are disturbed. No gorilla family is opened for trekking without undergoing a gorilla habituation experience. Each day of the 3 years’ gorilla habituation experience time, a team of conservationists, park rangers, researchers and gorilla doctors visit a gorilla family undergoing training. Apparently, 2 gorilla families namely Bushaho and Bikingyi are being habituated in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Forest National park. Therefore, the training process that tame gorillas to get used with people assures safety

Tourism Police and Patrol
All governments in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo have trained and deployed tourism police in gorilla national parks of Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National parks. Tourism police patrols through the park every day and night to fight rebel groups and poachers especially in Congo hence ensuring the safety of gorillas and travelers. Some portion of the revenue earned from the sale of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is used to facilitate tourism police in gorilla parks. Tourism police camps deep in the jungle for close monitoring and patrol of gorilla parks

The pre gorilla trekking briefing
Ensure you attend the pre gorilla trekking briefing. At the start of each gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, travelers gather at respective gorilla park headquarters for a briefing about the safety precautions, dos, and don’ts while with the gorillas. The rules and regulations of gorilla trekking are put to ensure a peaceful gorilla trek which promotes sustainable gorilla tourism in Africa. Among the safety precautions of gorilla trekking include:
1. Do not trek gorillas when sick to avoid the transmission of human-wildlife diseases which can be harmful to the endangered gorillas
2. Avoid direct eye contact with gorillas. It makes them uncomfortable and unsafe which results in charging
3. Do not use flashlight cameras which terrifies the gorillas
4. Keep a distance of seven meters away from gorillas to avoid close contact
5. Do not litter in the park, leave only the footsteps
6. Do not shout in the presence of gorillas, keep your voices low

Early morning gorilla tracking
Yes, very early in the morning, a group of park rangers hike into the park to check and confirm the whereabouts of mountain gorillas and how safe they any. These people also check all routes to be used by travelers during trekking to ensure that travelers find no harm during the trek. On finding the gorillas, the trackers call back at the park headquarters alerting the coming trekking group on where to pass. In case of any broken bridges and impassable routes, trackers inform travelers to use optional routes to ensure safety.

Armed Rangers
Each group of 8 travelers is given 2 armed park rangers when going to meet the gorillas. One ranger leads the group to show them away while the other one moves behind the group to ensure no traveler is left behind. The rangers are armed with guns, pangas, and other machetes to protect travelers in case of any threat while in the jungle. Park rangers are trained never to shoot a wild animal but rather shoot in the air to scare the strange animals away. Trekking along armed rangers assure travelers safety in the jungle. Due to insecurities in Virunga National Park, Park rangers are entitled to escort travelers back to their respective lodges at the end of the gorilla trek or any other activity in the Park. Travelers going for Congo gorilla safaris in Virunga National park MUST, therefore, spend 2 nights in the park to avoid departing and arriving during unsafe hours (very early in the morning or late at night).

Safety at the lodges
Travelers are also assured of safety at all gorilla lodges in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Park. For all gorilla trekking years, there has never been an attack on travelers at any lodge or camp in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Lodges are enclosed with a checking entry and exit points to check who enters and who leaves the lodge, for what purpose and at what time. Armed security guards continuously move around all corners of gorilla lodges to ensure tight security and safety of travelers during their stay. Any person with unclear reasons will not be allowed to access lodge premises. Regarding the safety of the traveler’s properties, it’s a sure deal. All lodge rooms have safety boxes to keep traveler’s essentials such as phones, laptops, and even money. Alternatively, travelers can keep their properties with the hotel staff especially the manager.

Where do gorillas live in Africa?
Wondering where to go for gorilla trekking in Africa? Mountain gorillas in Africa live in two destinations which are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and the Virunga Conservation Area shared by Volcanoes Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Any traveler who wants to trek gorillas in Africa must, therefore, visit any one of the four gorilla national Parks. The world today is home to 1006 mountain gorillas half of which live in Uganda.

With all the above put in place, gorilla trekking is safe in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo with African Apes Tours & Travel

Rhino tracking is one of the must-do safari activities on your Uganda game safaris to western and northwestern Uganda. Located in Nakassongola district, en route to Murchison Falls National Park, Rhino tracking is an experimental experience that gives you a chance to trek and meet the once extinct rhinos in Uganda. Most travelers on Uganda game safaris to Murchison Falls National Park add rhino tracking to make it a complete “big five game” in Uganda. YES, rhinos at Zziwa sanctuary adds to the big four-game “elephants, lions, Buffalos and hippos” in other game parks of Uganda especially Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda lost most of her rhinos in 1970s especially to poaching and conflicts in game parks at that time. Rhinos were the most hunted wild animals for horns which are used to make numerous precious products such as bracelets, necklaces, and watches that are highly-priced in the black market. Rhinos got almost extinct in all game parks of Uganda, Murchison falls, and Kidepo Valley National Park and Uganda seized to be home to the big five games. Apparently, the number of rhinos at Zziwa sanctuary count to over 25 rhinos. In the near future, Uganda Wildlife Authority has plans of transferring some rhinos back into the national parks of Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National park to promote rhino tracking safaris all over the country. Depending on your available time, you can do a 1 Day rhino tracking tour with an early pickup from Kampala and late drop off or else do an extended Uganda game safari including rhino tracking and a visit to Murchison Falls National Park.

Formation of the Zziwa Rhino sanctuary

Having realized the need to reintroduce rhinos back into the wilderness, the Rhino Fund Uganda was established in 2005. Uganda Wildlife Authority garzetted 70 square kilometers of land in Nakasongola and named it Zziwa Rhino sanctuary to provide habitat for the newly introduced rhinos and promote rhino tracking in the Pearl of Africa. Uganda received a donation of 6 rhinos, 2 from Disney World and 4 from Kenya and that was a new start of rhino tracking safaris in Uganda.

Cost of Rhino tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary

Just like all other activities in Uganda, Rhino tracking at Zziwa sanctuary calls for payment. The cost of trekking rhinos at Zziwa ranch is categorized into adults and children based on their residences. Rhino tracking in Uganda costs $50 for foreign adult nonresidents, $40 for East African residents and UGX 30,000 for Ugandans, $25 for foreign nonresident children, $20 for resident children and UGX 10,000 for Ugandan children. All bookings are done directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or African Apes Holidays your number one travel company in Uganda. Booking is required some time in advance to ensure timely planning and to avoid last-minute disappointments.

What to pack for Rhino tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary?

Whereas trekking rhinos at Zziwa sanctuary is not as strenuous as gorilla trekking or chimpanzee safaris, the experience itself is not a walk away. Travelers have got to walk for between 2-3 hours in search of the rhinos. This requires you to pack and dress right for the jungle to avoid difficulty. Among the things to pack for rhino tracking at Zziwa sanctuary include hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, long pants, sunglasses, energy-giving snacks, bottled drinking water, long-sleeved shirts/blouses and also carry a walking stick.

Other activities to do at Zziwa Rhino sanctuary

Besides rhino tracing, travelers to Zziwa sanctuary have a list of other tourist activities to do to make a complete package.
• Bird watching: For birders, Zziwa Rhino sanctuary is home to over 200 bird species hence the best place for bird watching. Among the birds at Zziwa sanctuary include African Fish Eagle, African Black Crake, Brown Backed Shrub Robin, African Citril, Brown Parot, White Crested Turaco and African Crowned Eagle among others.
• Nature/Forest Walks: Yes, Zziwa Rhino sanctuary is best for a guided forest/nature to walk to enjoy and embrace the beautiful green environment and natural bushes. The nature walk is the best time to explore this sanctuary on foot, spot some medicinal herbs and plant species in this sanctuary. A nature walk also gives you chance to meet and see other wildlife species at the sanctuary such as Vervet monkeys, pythons, Lizards, black and white colobus, Mangoose, Oribis, Hartbeest, Grey duiker and bushbucks among others.
• Night walks: You can also opt for night walks in Zziwa sanctuary to feel and enjoy the quiet and cold nightlife at the sanctuary. Night nature walks cost $30 lasting for roughly 3 hours.

Rules and Regulations of Rhino Tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary

At the start of the trekking day, travelers gather at the head office for briefing and guide on Rhino tracking. These include:
1. Do not litter in the sanctuary, leave only the footsteps
2. Do not shout at the rhinos; speak on a low tone
3. Do not feed/touch the Rhinos
4. Keep within your group/ do not loiter alone in the bush
5. Keep a distance from the rhinos, they are wild animals
Rhino tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary should not miss on your bucket list to Uganda. Book today and get a chance to trek the once extinct species of rhinos in Uganda with African Apes Tours & Travel

Call it Batwa cultural trail or heritage, the experience is about visiting the indigenous Batwa pygmies to learn and experience their traditional forest life. Batwa cultural trail is an interesting activity you should not miss on your Uganda gorilla tour to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Uganda as a whole. The experience gives you a chance to interact with local Batwa pygmies and share more on how they lived peacefully with wild animals for thousands of years in the jungle forests of Bwindi forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. In most cases, Batwa cultural trail is done as a complement to mountain gorilla trekking to make a complete gorilla safari package in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, the experience can be done as an independent activity. For those who have a short time, Batwa cultural trail can be done starting from and ending in Kigali Rwanda. Here travelers fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross via Cyanika border to Kisoro and then drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National park. Batwa cultural trail was started in 2011 to diversify truism products in Uganda and encourage long stays especially in gorilla national parks of Mgahinga and Bwindi Forest National Parks. The money collected from the batwa cultural experience is used to support batwa livelihoods and improve their standards of living.

How is it done?
On the day of the Batwa cultural trail, travelers gather at the starting point. Batwa pygmies are the key guides in this experience. After the briefing, Batwa local guides lead the travelers into the forest to experience the actual traditional forest life of Batwa pygmies. Travelers take part in different forest activities as such as
1. Hunting
2. Fruit gathering
3. Visiting Ngarama cave where Batwa pygmies used to offer sacrifices and perform rituals
4. Picking medicinal herbs
5. Collecting honey
6. Traditional dances, songs and poems are also performed as a form of entertainment

The cost of Batwa cultural Trail
For those who want to partake in this cultural experience, Batwa trail costs $80 for all travelers. All travelers are required to have permits that they present to the park rangers at the start of the trek. All bookings ate done at Mgahinga Park headquarters or through Magical Africa Safaris, the ultimate gorilla safari company in Uganda. The cost of Batwa cultural trail is inclusive of park entrance fees, conservation fee rangers fee.

Other places to see Batwa pygmies
In addition to Mgahinga a Gorilla National Park, Batwa cultural visits can also be done in Bwindi Forest National Park at a cost of $40 inclusive of the park entrance fee and in Semliki National park cost at a cost of $10 exclusive of park entrance fee. Magical Africa Safaris helps you arrange Batwa cultural experiences in your desired destination at affordable rates.

Add on activities to Batwa cultural trail
There are numerous tourist activities travelers can add on their Batwa cultural experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and other batwa destinations in Uganda. The popular activities to do along Batwa cultural trail include:
• Mountain gorilla trekking
Yes, batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is done along with gorilla trekking. Mgahinga National park is one of the four national parks that shelter the endangered mountain gorillas. The national park is home to the one and only Nyakagyezi gorilla family available for trekking every day. Apparently, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also sheltering Rwanda’s Hirwa gorilla family which migrated from Volcanoes National Park and is now under the management of Uganda Wildlife Authority. The money collected from the sale of Hirwa gorilla permits is shared between UWA and RDB. Gorilla trekking in Uganda costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents.

• Volcano climbing
Mgahinga Gorilla National park is home to three distinct volcanoes hence the best place for volcano climbing. The volcanoes in Mgahinga forest is Mt Mgahinga, Mt Sabyinyo and Mt Sabyinyo. The three volcanoes are part of the chain of 8 Virunga Volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation area. A hike at the summit of any volcano gives you clear views of other Virungas in Rwanda and Congo, gorilla parks and local communities adjacent to the parks.

• Bird watching
Mgahinga Gorilla National park is home to over 200 bird species hence the best bird-watching spot in Uganda. Travelers on Batwa cultural trail can, therefore, add on bird watching to make the safari more fun and enjoyable. The birds in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include African Paradise Flycatcher, Black kit, Cape Robin Chat, Speckled Mousebird, Pin-tailed whydah, Alpine swift and blue headed coucal among others. Bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is best done from April to Mid-May and October to November. However, birding can be done all year round.

• Forest/Natural Walks
Yes, explore and enjoy the quiet, calm and natural ambiance of Mgahinga Gorilla National park on your Uganda safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Walking on foot in the forest is the chance to discover all hidden treasures of the forest while enjoying the sweet melodies of birds up in the trees. A nature walk also gives you a chance to meet some wild animals, birds and plant species in the forest. Walks lead you to different attractions such as waterfalls among others.

• Caldera Walk
You can also join a caldera walk-in Mgahinga communities to experience this natural wonder.
In conclusion, therefore, Batwa cultural trail is an interesting activity to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Contact African Apes Tours today, visit Batwa pygmies and learn about their traditional forest lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Located in southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Rushaga sector is one of the four regions that shelter mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest. Rushaga sector is easily accessed from Kisoro district hence the nearest gorilla region for those trekking Uganda gorillas from Kigali Rwanda. With an increase of Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, Rushaga sector has apparently become the most visited gorilla region in Bwindi Forest. Often times, potential travelers inquiring about gorilla safaris in Bwindi forest have asked why should one trek gorillas in Rushaga sector. Are you wondering why you should trek gorillas in Rushaga sector? Yes, there are many reasons as to why Rushaga sector outcompetes other gorilla regions in terms of tourist arrivals. Whereas each gorilla region offers a different magical mountain gorilla encounter, African Apes Tours brings you reasons why you should trek gorillas in Rushaga sector. These include among others:

High number of gorilla families and permits
Yes, Rushaga sector is home to the highest number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. Rushaga is home to five gorilla groups namely Nshongi family, Kahungye family, Bweza group, Mishaya family and Busingye gorilla family. The high number of gorillas guarantee travelers availability of gorilla permits giving high number of travelers a chance to trek gorillas unlike in other gorilla regions especially Buhoma where gorilla permits sell out easily. Each gorilla family is visited by eight people hence 40 permits available each day.

Gorilla Habituation experience
In addition to gorilla trekking, Rushaga sector is a center of gorilla habituation experience. This experience is all about training and familiarization of wild mountain gorillas to the presence of people before they are officially opened for trekking. Apparently, two gorilla families namely Bushaho and Bikyingi groups are undergoing habituation experience. Unlike in gorilla trekking where 8 people visit a gorilla family, only 4 people are allowed to visit a gorilla family in the habituation experience. Travelers in gorilla habituation experience have a chance of spending extended time (four hours) with gorillas hence the best opportunity to learn and enjoy the company of these endangered species. A single gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 but the magical feeling associated with this experience is worth the money. Rushaga is the only gorilla sector where habituation experience takes place. This means that everyone who wants to take part in this memorable experience must visit Rushaga sector.

Easy access from Kigali Rwanda
The drive time from Kigali Rwanda to Rushaga sector is roughly 4 hours hence the nearest gorilla region for those who want to Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking. Travelers from Kigali to Rushaga cross through Cyanika border in Kisoro district. Its undeniable that most Uganda gorilla safaris starting from Kigali are done in Rushaga sector due to the nearness of the region to Rwanda. More still, the region is the best place for those doing a 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. Here travelers leave Kigali Rwanda at 3:00 am, drive for four hours to attend a gorilla briefing at Rushaga Park headquarters at 7:00 am. At the end of the trek, travelers are driven back to Kigali for their connecting flights.

Availability of Accommodation Facilities
Yes, Rushaga is known to have an endless list of luxury, mid-range and budget lodges, camps and hotels to offer you excellent food and sleeping services at reasonable prices. The availability of lodging facilities in Rushaga sector saves travelers the hustles and stresses of long-distance hours to and from the trek. Fortunately, most lodges in Rushaga sector are located near park headquarters which make it easy for travelers when going for registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing at the start of the trekking day. The top lodges and camps in Rushaga sector include:
1. Gorilla Safari Lodge
2. Gorilla Valley Lodge
3. Ichumbi Lodge
4. Lake Mutanda Resort
5. Chameleon Hill Lodge
6. Rushaga Gorilla Camp
A team of professionals, kind and welcoming waiters, waitresses, managers, chefs and housekeepers awaits you on all lodges to ensure a safe and comfortable stay on your Uganda gorilla safari to Rushaga sector.

Other gorilla regions in Bwindi Forest
Besides the Rushaga sector, mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park further live in three more regions. These include the Buhoma sector in the northern region of Bwindi Forest and home to Mubare gorilla family, the Rushegura gorilla family, the Habinyanja gorilla group and Katwe gorilla family. Ruhija sector in the eastern region of Bwindi Forest is a shelter for gorilla families such as the Oruzogo family, Kyaguliro group and Butukura gorilla family. The other gorilla region in Bwindi Forest is Nkuringo in the southern region and home to Nkuringo gorilla family and Christmas family.

How to book Uganda gorilla safaris to Rushaga sector?
African Apes Holidays is at your service to book and reserve Uganda gorilla safaris to Rushaga sector. Yes, we help you book and reserve gorilla permits, gorilla lodges/hotels and make a customized gorilla itinerary to suit your time and budget. Alternatively, you can book Uganda gorilla permits through Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government body responsible for gorilla tourism and wildlife conservation in Uganda.
In general, Rushaga gorilla region is best gorilla sector to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The high number of gorilla families, easy access from Kigali, availability of permits, availability of accommodation facilities make Rushaga the best gorilla region in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park.

Kigali to Uganda safaris have presently become common unlike in the past. Yes, most travelers today prefer flying into Kigali Rwanda and driving to Uganda for tourism. Whereas most travelers focus on Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, there are many more travel activities to d in Uganda starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. The drive time from Kigali to Uganda is roughly 5 hours via the Cyanika border in Kisoro district and Kihihi border in Kabale District. At times, travelers have asked which travel activities one can do in Uganda starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. African Apes Tours brings you Uganda tourist activities to do starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. These include:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Following the double increase of Rwanda gorilla permits from $750 to $1500, Uganda became a center of gorilla tours in Africa. Yes, Uganda is apparently the most visited gorilla safari destination in Africa which receives the highest number of travelers from all over the world. Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking entails flying into Kigali airport and trekking in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla National parks in southwestern Uganda. For short tike travelers, you can a 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. This trip starts at 3” 00 am with a pick up from Kigali and a 5 hours’ drive to Bwindi to catch up with a pre gorilla trekking briefing at the respective gorilla park headquarters in Uganda. After the gorilla trek, travelers are driven back to Kigali for the return flights. Uganda gorilla permits cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens.

Golden Monkey Trekking
Yes, fly into Kigali Rwanda and trek Uganda’s golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Travelers are picked up from Kigali and drive to Mgahinga Gorilla park through the Cyanika border in Kisoro district. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to over 5000 golden monkeys hence the best destination to see these endangered species. A golden monkey trekking permit costs $100 inclusive of the park entrance fee, conservation, and rangers fee.

Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience
Enjoy the experimental gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Part starting from Kigali Rwanda. Gorilla Habituation is the training and familiarization of wild gorillas to the presence of people before they are introduced for trekking. The experience allows travelers to spend four hours in the company of gorillas which gives them ample time to learn and enjoy the human-like characters of gorillas. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 but the magical experience is worth it. African Apes Tours & Travel is at your service to book and arrange a tailor-made gorilla habituation experience trip at affordable rates. A 1 Day gorilla habituation experience is possible with a pickup from Kigali at 3:00 am and drop-off at the end of the trek.

Batwa cultural trail
Visit and experience the traditional forest life of Batwa pygmies in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda with Magical Africa Safaris. The experience entails visiting Ngarama cave where Batwa pygmies used to perform rituals and offer sacrifices to their gods. Also, travelers take part in various Batwa’s indigenous activities such as fruit gathering, collecting honey, hunting and picking medicinal herbs among others. Also, a traditional performance is made to entertain travelers and introduce them to the traditions, norms, and beliefs of batwa pygmies. Batwa cultural trail costs $80 per person for a half-day encounter with traditional Batwa pygmies.

Boat Cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy a cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest Lake in southwestern Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi is roughly 2 hours drive from Kigali hence the nearest travel destination in Uganda from Rwanda. A cruise on Lake Bunyonyi is a chance to explore different islands of the lake which include Punishment island where Bakiga pregnant unmarried women would be taken and left to die in isolation. Other islands on Lake Bunyonyi include Bushara island, Bugara island, Bwama island and Bucuraniko island which means upside down. Other tourist activities to do around Lake Bunyonyi include blacksmith, community visits, bird watching, and zip-lining among others.

Game Viewing and launch cruise in Queen Elizabeth National park
Moreso, fly into Kigali Rwanda to do game viewing and lunch cruise in Queen Elizabeth, Uganda’s second-largest National Park after Murchison Falls National park. A transfer from Kigali to Queen Elizabeth is via Kabale to the Ishasha sector home to the famous tree-climbing lions. Enjoy game viewing in the open savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National park for excellent views of wild animals such as lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and impalas among others. Do not miss a launch cruise on Kazinga channel which connects Lakes Edward and George. The distance from Kigali to Queen Elizabeth National Park is roughly 5 hours’ drive via Kabale Mbarara Ishasha route. Other tourist activities in Queen Elizabeth National park include chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge and crater lake exploration.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
You can also visit t trek chimpanzees in Kibale forest National park starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. Kibale forest is home to the highest number of chimpanzees in Uganda hence the best place for chimpanzee trekking and habituation experience. The distance from Kigali to Kibale Forest is roughly 7 hours via Kabala Mbarara Kasese road.

Volcano Hiking
Enjoy a hike to the summit of any Virunga Volcano i.e Mt Muhabura (13,540 ft), Mt Gahinga (11,394 ft) and Mt Sabyinyo (12,037 ft) in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. Both Volcanoes can be hiked in one day and a stand at any of the three summits offers you great views of other Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda and Congo, Virunga conservation area and local communities.

In general, there are lots of tourist activities and attractions to see and do in Uganda starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your Rwanda Uganda safari for lifetime experiences.

The choice of accommodation  is one of the key determinants for a successful gorilla trekking safari in Africa.  Where to sleep is among the top things to consider  when planning  gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest.  Do you want  to book  luxury gorilla lodges or budget  lodges in Bwindi Forest, Superfine Safaris brings you detailed information on the top places to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This article also describes midrange lodges in Bwindi Forest

YES, you ought to stay in a safe and comfortable lodge during your gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest National Park. Bwindi forest has a variety of lodges/accommodation facilities to serve travelers on Uganda gorilla tours with luxury, midrange and budget food and sleeping services. During gorilla safari bookings, travelers are given a list of lodges/camps and hotels in Bwindi Forest National Park to choose from.

The lodges in Bwindi are scattered in the four gorilla regions of the forest I.e Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. The selection of which gorilla lodge to stay in Bwindi will depend on which gorilla region you are visiting and your budget. Ensure to book a lodge in the same gorilla sector you are trekking in. Lodge services are categorized as luxury, midrange, and budget.

The services and prices vary depending on the category service but all services in all lodges are excellent and worth the money. At Superfine Safaris Limited we bring you brings a full list of top lodges, camps and hotels in Bwindi Forest National Park to offer you a peaceful stay on your Uganda gorilla tour.

Gorilla Lodges in Buhoma sector

Located in the northern part of Bwindi Forest National Park, Buhoma sector is known to have the finest gorilla lodges in Bwindi Forest. All lodges are located a short distance to the park headquarters which ease connection when going for pre gorilla trekking briefing. There is a variety of budget, midrange and luxury gorilla lodges in Buhoma sector in which you can  choose from
The top lodges in Buhoma sector include
1. Mahogany Springs Lodge
2. Buhoma Lodge
3. Silverback Gorilla Lodge
4. Lake Kitandara Lodge
5. Bwindi Forest Lodge
6. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
7. Crested Crane Bwindi Lodge
8. Engagi Lodge
9. Buhoma Community Camp

Top Lodges in Rushaga sector

Situated in the southern region of Bwindi Forest National Park, Rushaga is home to the highest number of gorilla families in Bwindi. Rushaga is also a center of gorilla habituation experience which give travelers chance to spend extended time with gorillas. For these doing Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, Rushaga is the nearest sector from Kigali. The top gorilla lodges in Rushaga sector include:
1. Gorilla Safari Lodge
2. Rushaga gorilla camp
3. Wagtail Eco safari camp
4. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
5. Gorilla Valley Lodge
6. Chameleons Hill Lodge
7. Bwindi Jungle Lodge
8. Lake Mutanda Resort

Lodges in Ruhija Sector

Ruhija sector is located in the eastern part of Bwindi Forest National Park. The full list of lodges in Ruhija sector include:
1. Bakiga Lodge
2. Agandi Lodge
3. Gorilla Mist Camp
4. Trekkers Tarven
5. Ruhija Community Camp

Lodges in Nkuringo Sector

Located in the southern region of Bwindi Forest, Nkuringo is one of the four gorilla regions in Bwindi Forest. Nkuringo offers you the very adventurous gorilla trekking tours due to its location on high altitude areas. The lodges in Nkuringo sector include:
1. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
2. Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge
3. Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
4. Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite
5. Hammerkop Bank House

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity done in Bwindi Forest National Park. Over 99% of travelers to the Bwindi forest come to visit mountain gorillas. Bwindi Forest is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the whole world sheltering half of the world’s total population. Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest have been habituated into 17 families split into four gorilla regions. The high number of gorillas in Bwindi Forest guarantees traveler’s availability of gorilla permits hence high chances of trekking. Gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest include:

Gorilla families in Buhoma sector

• Mubare gorilla family
• Rushegura gorilla group
• Habinyanja Gorilla family
• Katwe gorilla family

Gorilla families in Rushaga sector

• Nshongi gorilla family
• Mishaya Gorilla group
• Bweza gorilla family
• Kahungye gorilla group
• Busingye gorilla family
• Bikyingi gorilla family (undergoing habituation experience)
• Bushaho Gorilla Family (Undergoing Habituation experience)

Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector

• Bitukura Gorilla Family
• Kyaguliro Gorilla group
• Oruzogo Gorilla family

Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Sector

• Nkuringo Gorilla Family
• Christmas gorilla family

NOTE: Each gorilla family is visited by 8 people a day for an hour’s interaction. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 5 months in advance to ensure timely planning and avoid last minute disappointments.

Other

Choose from the above listed top lodges in Bwindi Forest National Park for safe, comfortable and enjoyable food and sleeping services on your gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest National Park. Contact ,  Superfine Safaris Limited clarify your choice of accommodation and we shall book it for you at affordable rates.

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

Bisate Lodge

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

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

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

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

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

Virunga Lodge

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

Other Lodges in Volcanoes National Park include:

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

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

Why protect primates?

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

Expected tourism losses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to see and do in Kidepo Valley National Park

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

Game viewing

Game viewing in Kidepo

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

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

Bird watching

Birds in Kidepo Valley Park

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

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

Cultural Tours – IK people

IK people in Kidepo Park

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

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

Nature Walks

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

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

Camping

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

Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park

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

How to get to Kidepo Valley National park

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

Best time to visit Kidepo Valley National Park

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

People also ask

What is kidepo Valley National park famous for?

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

What animals are in kidepo Valley National park?

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

Are there Lions in Kidepo Valley National park?

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

What is unique about Kidepo Valley National park?

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

Are there hippos in Kidepo Valley National Park?

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

Which National park is famous for hippos in Uganda?

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

Which is the second Largest Park in Uganda?

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

Which National park is known for crocodiles in Uganda?

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

What is the smallest Park in Uganda?

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

Which National park in Uganda is famous for Zebras. 

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

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

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

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

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

Mountain Gorillas

Gorillas in Uganda

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

Chimpanzees

Chimps in Kibale Forest

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

Rwenzori Mountains

Rwenzori Mountains

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

Game safaris

Zebras in L.Mburo Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spread over 220 square kilometers, Semilki Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s 10 national parks located in Bwamba county Bundibugyo district. Semliki Park is Uganda’s newest Park that was established in 1993 to diversify tourism products in Uganda and encourage more travelers to the Pearl of Africa. Semliki Valley National park is surrounded by four ethnic groups, which are the Batwa pygmies, Bakonjo, Bwamaba, and Batuku. The park is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo, lake Albert and the Rwenzori Mountains.

Semliki National park derived its name from River Semliki which flows in its borders. Also, the Sempaya hot springs with healing water are the key attraction in Semliki Valley National Park. The park was initially gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932 but was later transformed into a national park in 1993. Vegetation in Semliki Valley National park mainly comprise of savannahs grasslands, tropical forests, swamps add marshes.

Semliki Valley national ark is an extension of Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bird watching, game viewing, nature walks, hot spring exploration are the major tourist activities in Semiliki Valley National Park. The fewer visits to Semliki Valley National park have kept the park natural offering you with an off beaten kind of experience. Explore Semliki Valley National park with  Superfine Safaris

What to see and do in Semliki Valley National Park

Semliki Valley National park has a lot to offer travelers on Uganda safaris. The top activities and attractions in Semliki Valley National Park include:

Bird watching

Sheltering over 250 bird species, Semliki Valley National Park is a haven for birders. Expect to see numerous forest bird species and Guinea Congo biome species some of which are not found elsewhere in the world. Bird watching in Semlki Valley National Park can be done all year round. However, March is the breeding season for birds hence the best time for bird watching in the park.

The birds in Semliki Valley National park include Leaf Love, great white pelican, African, Shoebill, Green wood hoopoe, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African crake, Marsh tchagra, Black coucal, Black billed barbet, Pennant winged nightjar, Red throated bee eater, Blue breasted bee-eater, Double toothed barbet and Moustached grass warbler. Birds in Semliki Valley National Park are spotted in the swampy and forested areas of the park.

Game viewing

Semilki Valley National Park is home to over 53 mammals and hence the best place for game viewing in Uganda. Game drives through the savannahs parks of the park is the best way to see and interact with different animal species, which call this park “home”. Wild animals in Semlkki Valley national park include Mona monkey, Forest buffalos, bush babies, Hippos, Pygmy flying squirrel, African Civet, African elephants and leopards among others. Game viewing in Semliki Valley National park is best done in the morning and evening hours when wild animals are feeding before retiring for day and night rests respectively.

Sempaya Hot springs

A visit to Semliki Valley National Park without touring the famous Sempaya hot springs is a miss. The hot springs are one of the major attractions and features in Semliki Valley National Park. Sempaya hot springs are divided into male Hotspring (Bitende) and Female hot spring (Nyasimbi) whose waters stream about 2 meters high giving you clear views from a distance. Come and see the 2m high geyser whose temperatures rise more than 100 degrees Celcius. The waters of Sempaya hot springs are too hot to boil eggs and plantain ready for eating. A guided boardwalk also tales you to explore another broad steaming pool where people with different kinds of sickness are seen in waters bathing for the cure.

Nature walks and hiking

A foot walk through the forest is the best way to explore the hidden gem of Ituri Forest. Enjoy the cool, quiet environment, feel the natural forest, look out for birds, spot out different medicinal herbs. Nature walks also give you a chance to meet wild animals in the park including monkeys, chimps, and baboons among others. Enjoy the sweet melodies of birds, which sing sweetly up in the trees. Travelers are reminded to wear in the closed shoes when going for nature/forest walk.

Boat cruise

Do not miss a boat ride on Semlki River, which runs from the Rwenzori Mountains feeding into Lake Albert, and River Nile. The riverbanks shelter numerous birds and water animals, which include hippos, lizards Sitatungas, and Nile crocodiles. Feel and enjoy the cool breezes of River Semliki.

Where to sleep in Semliki Valley National Park

Travelers spending overnights in Semliki valley National park have a great choice of accommodation services. The top lodges, camps and hotels in Semliki Valley National Park include Kirimia guest house, UWA bandas, Sempaya Rest Camp, Semliki Safari Lodge, Mountains of the moon Hotel, Kyaninga Lodge, Ruwenzori View Guest House, Tooro Resort, and Rwenzori Travellers Inn among others. These accommodations offer midrange, budget and luxury food, and sleeping services to travelers at all times.

Getting to and around Semliki Valley National Park

Semliki Valley National park can be accessed using two major routes. You can use Kampala-Fortportal road via Mubende which lasts for roughly 6 hours drive. Alternatively, use Kampala-Fortportal via Masaka, Mbarara and Kasese road. This is the longest route taking over 8 hours drive but the scenic views en route are worth the drive.

A Uganda safari to Semliki Valley National park offers it all to meet, satisfy ad exceed your travel expectations. African Apes Tours offers you a guided tour to Semliki Valley national park for game viewing, hot springs and bird watching experience at affordable rates.

Its obvious that any travelers booking a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo will have expectations on how the whole gorilla trekking experience will be like. Many people have done gorilla trekking before confirming this encounter as trilling, memorable, magical, remarkable and the best wildlife experience in the world. Despite the high costs of gorilla tracking, the experience is surely worth it. Yes,you ought to do it feel it yourself. Mountain gorillas are endangered species, which were one on the verge of extinction. This makes gorilla trekking the best wildlife experience that no traveler should miss on his/ her safari to Africa. What to expect on a gorilla safari is one of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking. Since the time of Dian Fossey, traveling to see mountain gorillas gave become a top bucket list for mots travelers to Africa. The remarkable gorilla trekking reviews as thrilling, magical, life-changing and once in lifetime experience keeps potential travelers wondering how exactly the day of seeing these gorillas be. African Apes Tours gives you basics on what to expect on your gorilla safari.

1. Transfer to the park headquarters
Wake up very early, have breakfast at your respective lodge/hotels and with your pa ked lunch transfer to the park headquarters. The driving time depending on how far or near your lodge/hotel is located from the park headquarters. Therefore make sure you book a lodge close to the park to avoid driving for long hours in the morning. If you are trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest Park, you will transfer to the headquarters of any of the four sectors that make up Bwindi Forest. These are the Buhoma sector in the North, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south depending on the gorilla family you are visiting. If you ate doing a 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali Rwanda. Your pick up time will be 3:00 am to cover up a 4 hours drive and catch-up with the briefing. All travelers are expected to be at the National park headquarters at 7:00 am regardless of where they slept the previous night. In Rwanda, you gather at Kinigi Park headquarters, in Mgahinga at Ntebeko park headquarters.

2. Registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing
Arrive at the park headquarters and first register with the park wardens for record purposes. Assemble for a simple pre gorilla trekking briefing about the rule and regulations of gorilla trekking. The do’s and don’t of gorilla trekking include among others, do not trek when sick, keep a distance of seven meters, avoid direct eye contact with gorillas, do not use a flashlight camera, do not litter in the park, Speak at a low tone and keep within your group. Also, you will be asked to present your gorilla permits and hand them over to the park wardens. NOTE: A gorilla permit is a property of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda and ICCN in Congo. No traveler takes ownership of the gorilla permit even after making full payment.

3. Gorilla Family Allocations
Still, at the park headquarters, you will be divided into groups of eight and allocated different gorilla groups. The allocation of gorilla families’ depends on the traveler’s age, physical fitness, and hiking abilities. The aged, pregnant women and physically unfit are given easy to trek gorilla families while the young and energetic are given hard to trek gorilla families. REMINDER: Endeavor to disclose your actual age or hiking abilities or any physical challenges to tour guide and park ranger so you can get a suitable gorilla family.

4. Hike to Search for the gorillas
At 8:00 am, start off the hike to search for the endangered mountain gorillas. You will take different directions depending on the location of your allocated gorilla family. Gorilla trekking time ranges between 30 minutes to over 7 hours depending on the location of your gorilla family and the gorilla’s speed of movement. The actual time to spend in the jungle is uncertain and that’s the reason for the packed lunch. Also, be mentally ready to hike up and downhill through thick forests with thorny bushes and underground growth. The trek to see mountain gorillas is undeniably difficult and strenuous but the magical feeling of looking into the eyes of a silverback gorilla is worth the effort.

5. An encounter with the gorillas
Wow, you finally meet the gentle giants in their natural habitats. At this time, all your fears and fatigue will disappear the moment you set your eyes on the long-awaited gorillas. Take a deep breath, keep a distance, hold your camera tight and enjoy this magical interaction. The human-like characters of gorillas where the silverback gorilla guards the family, adult females breastfeed and nurse babes while juveniles play and jump over keeping the whole family lively makes an encounter with gorillas a life-changing experience indeed. An hour of interacting with gorillas is counted from the moment you meet the gorillas. For first time travelers, it normally seems too short but its enough to enjoy, learn ad have fun if you are keen. Remember to keep a 7-meter distance away and your cameras MUST not have flashlights.

6. Hike back to meet your driver-guide
After an hour with gorillas, y will trek back to meet your driver waiting for you at the starting point. Descending is normally fun full of magical memories having seen the endangered gorillas. Meet your driver-guide, transfer to the park headquarters, receive your gorilla trekking certificate and drive to your lodge or the nest destination.
THIS MARKS THE END OF OUR GORILLA TREKKING DAY

Tips for a successful gorilla trekking Safari
The fact that we want only the best for you, we bring you tips on how you can ensure a successful gorilla trekking experience with less or no difficulty.
• Hire a porter
Although it’s not mandatory, porters are very helpful and worth hiring. A porter will carry your bag, hold your hand and support you through this jungle forest. The cost of hiring a porter in Uganda, Rwanda ad Congo ranges between $15 to $20 but they are of help. Also, hiring a porter is an indirect way of supporting local livelihood. Porters are local people, some of who are former poachers who currently earn a living to support their families and improve their standards of living through pottering.

• Carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks
Endeavor to carry enough drinking water (roughly 3 liters) and energy-giving snacks to keep you strong throughout. A gorilla trekking packing list is a must-have. Gorilla trekking involves the use of energy, you will sweat and pant hence needs to refresh with cold drinking or snacks to regain the lost energy.

• Dress right for the jungle
You must dress right for the jungle if you want to have stress free gorilla trekking experience. The right attire to trek gorillas includes hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, sunglasses, hat, long-sleeved shirts/blouses/Long pants, rain jackets, scarf, and sweater. Avoid wearing short pants and open shoes, which will wear out even before meeting the gorillas. Armless tops expose your arms to thorny bushes and stinging nestles.
You now know what to expect on your gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Right? Get ready now, travel to Africa, visit the gorillas in the jungle and enjoy this wonderful memorable thrilling experience.

Uganda the pearl of Africa is one of the best bird-watching destinations in Africa. Not only is Uganda the leading gorilla tour destination but also offers travelers with exceptional bird watching tours. With over 1500 bird species which call Uganda home, the pearl of Africa is your first birding watching stop center. A 1 Day Shoebill stork tour to Mamamba wetland offers you a rare chance to meet the famous shoebill stork. Magical Africa Safaris offers you off beaten Uganda bird watching experiences done along with gorilla trekking in Bwindi/Mgahinga Parks, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and game viewing in Uganda’s open savannah parks. Bird watching in Uganda is done in almost all corners of the country in National parks, wetlands, and lakeshores. This means that everywhere in Uganda is a birding spot with African Apes Tours

Birding spots in Uganda
As said already, Uganda has several bird-watching spots depending on where the client wants to visit, the number of days he/she has in Uganda and the bird species he is interested in. The top bird-watching spots in Uganda include:

Queen Elizabeth National park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 500 bird species hence your number one biding spot in Uganda. Kazinga channel is your best birding spot in Queen Elizabeth National Park and bird watching is best done during launch cruise. Birds to see at Kazinga channel include Martial eagle, Collard Parnticles, Knob billed ducks, White-backed pelicans, Long-tailed cormorants, White-faced whistling, Pied Kingfisher, African Jacana, African skimmer, Hammerkop, White egrets, Yellow-billed stork, African fish eagle, Papyrus gonolek, White-winged terns and back terns among others. Also, visit Lake Munyayange, the home to the beautiful greater and lesser flamingoes during our bird watching trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Mabamba Bay Swamp/Wetland
Visit Mabamba wetland known for its famous shoebill stork. Each day, new groups of travelers are seen canoeing through the marshy Mabamba bay looking for the shoe like billed shoebill stork. Besides shoebill, birding travelers to Mabamba bay wetland have a chance to see other bird species which include Goliath heron, Lesser Jacana, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Black egret, Orange weaver, and Black crake among others. A 1 Day Mabamba bay wetland swamp starts at 6:00am with a transfer from Entebbe through Nakiwogo landing site with a boat cruise to Buwaya landing site. From there, travelers join a dugout canoe ride through the marshy wetland where the shoebill stork and many other bird species live.

Kibale Forest National park/ Bigodi wetland sanctuary
Whereas Kibale forest is widely known for chimpanzee trekking, the rain forest is a hidden bird-watching spot in Uganda. Bird watching in Kibale forest is done in the main forest and Bigodi wetland which together shelters a variety of bird species some of which are endemic to these areas. Bird species in Kibale Forest include African pied wagtail, black-capped Apalis, Brown-chested Alethe, Black bee-eater, Afep Pigeon, Grey parrot, Masked Apalis, Red-chested owlet, White napped pigeon, Yellow-Rumped tinkerbird, Green-breasted pitta, Cassin’ Spinetail, and crowned eagle among others. Birding in Kibale Forest National park is best done in the morning and evening hours during a nature walk. March to May and September to November is the best time for bird watching in Kibale Forest. However, the experience can be done all year round.

Lake Mburo National Park
Bird watching is one of the most done tourist activities in Lake Mburo National park. With over 400 bird species, Lake Mburo National park is the best bird-watching destination on your Uganda birding safari. Among the birds in L Mburo National park include Hairy Breasted barbet, White-winged swamp, Mosque Swallow, Showbill, Tabora Cisticola, White-winged swamp warbler, Bare faced go away bird, Yellow-rumped tinker bird, Papyrus Yellow warbler, Carruther’s Cisticola and African finfoot among others. Birding in Lake Mburo National Park is done on shores of Lake Mburo and in swampy/forested areas of the park. November and April are the best months to see migratory birds in Lake Mburo National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park/Budongo Forest
Complement your Uganda game safari to Murchison Falls National Park with bird watching experience. A boat cruise at the bottom of Murchison Falls is the best view for bird watching. Also, Budongo forest is home to a variety of bird species, which you should not miss on your Uganda bird watching tour. The birds in Murchison Falls National Park include White Browne Sparrow Weaver, Golaith Heron, Africa Jacana, Shoebill, Piapiac, Giant Kingfisher, Black-headed lapwing, Red-throated bee-eater, African Quailfinch, Siverbird, Swamp Flycatcher, Denham’s bustard, Squacco Heron and Eastern grey plantain eater among others. Bird watching in Murchison falls National park can be done all year round but January to March is the best time for bird watching.

Semliki Valley National Park
With over 460 bird species recorded to live here, Semliki Valley National Park is your best birding spot in Uganda. Bird watching is actually the first focus for most if not all travelers to Tooro Semliki National Park. Birds in Semlki Valley Natiomal Park include Greenwood hoopoe, Shoebill, African Crake, Leaf Love, African pygmy goose, Black-chinned quail finch, Red-necked falcon, Marsh tchagra, Broad billed roller, Red-necked falcon and Douth toothed barbet among others. The best time for bird watching in Semliki Valley National Park is in March, the breeding season for birds.

Other birding spots in Uganda include
Mabira Forest
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Bwindi Forest National Park
Lake Victoria
Entebbe Botanical Gardens
Rwenzori Mountain Park

In general, Uganda birding safaris are a not kiss on your safari to the Pearl of Africa. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your favorite birding tour and get a chance to see the famous shoebill stork and other bird species rewarding with a lifetime bird watching experience.

Join our guided golden monkey trekking safaris to Uganda and Rwanda for lively, magical and memorable primate encounters. Ranked best after gorilla tours and chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking is a not a miss experience on your primate safari to Uganda and Rwanda. The exceptional feeling of being in the presence of golden monkeys has been proven by the increased number of travelers who check in to Uganda and Rwanda every day to have an intimate encounter with the endangered species. Golden monkeys are scientifically called Crcepithecus Mitis Kandti named after the golden orange and black silver fur at their backs. Of all primates in Africa (Gorillas, chimpanzees, Colobus monkey among others) golden monkeys are more lively and fun. This makes golden monkey trekking an out of the ordinary experience. The combination of gold hair, orange and black limbs makes golden monkeys one of the beautiful primate species in the world.

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda takes place in Mgahinga gorilla National park in Kisoro district in the southwestern region. Mgahinga national park is home to over 3000 golden monkeys, which have been habituated into 30 troops. Each golden monkey troop has over 100 members. Golden monkey trekking is one of the most done travel activities, which bring a high number of travelers to this park. A visit to see golden monkeys in Mgahinga gorilla national park is done along with other activities such as gorilla trekking, batwa cultural trail, caldera walk, nature walks, bird watching and volcano climbing (Mt Gahinga, Mt Sabyinyo &Mt Muhabura. Travelers intending to visit olden monkeys n Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are advised to book for permits directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through African Apes Holidays

Golden monkey habituation experience
Mgahinga Gorilla National park also offers you tailored four hours golden monkey habituation experience to take part in the training process of wild golden monkeys to make them used with people.

Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
In Rwanda, golden monkey trekking is done in Volcanoes National park. Rwanda is believed to have two habituated golden monkey troops with Sabyinyo troop havening the highest number of members. Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National park live near the park headquarters and hence easy to trek compared to Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda. A 2 Days Rwanda golden monkey tour to Volcanoes National Park is a perfect package for you to meet and interact with these lively species. Booking for Rwanda golden monkey permit can be done directly with Rwanda Development Board or trust Magical Africa Safari. Following the double increase of Rwanda gorilla permit costs from $750 to $1500 which made Rwanda gorilla tours expensive, most travelers to Rwanda now opt for golden monkey trekking which is quite affordable.

Cost of golden monkey trekking permit
Like in gorillas, travelers coming to see golden monkeys are required to have permits to allow them to visit these endangered permits. Each golden monkey permit cost $100 in both Uganda and Rwanda. This cost is inclusive of park entrance fees, ranger fees, and conservation fees. The low cost of golden monkey trekking permits yet offering a magical experience make golden monkey trekking one of the most done travel experiences in Africa. Booking is recommended at least 3 months before to ensure timely planning.

How is the day of trekking golden monkeys like?
The day of trekking golden monkeys starts as early as 6:00 am with a transfer to the respective park headquarters (Ntebeko information Centre in Mgahinga or Kinigi Park headquarters in Volcanoes National park). After registering with the park, travelers are introduced to the rules and regulations of golden monkey trekking. Also, travelers are put together in groups and allocated a specific golden monkey troop to visit. Hiking to trek golden monkeys starts at 8:00 am lasting for between 30 minutes to 3 hours. In other words, golden monkey trekking is not as strenuous as gorilla or chimpanzee trekking. The do and don’ts of golden monkey trekking include:
• Keep alert, golden monkeys are playful creatures who may even knock you if you steady
• Keep a distance of seven meters away
• Do not trek when sick, Golden monkeys are susceptible to human diseases
• Do not litter in the park
• Keep your voices low
• Keep within your group

What to pack for golden monkey trekking
You ought to be ready and prepared for this memorable golden monkey trekking adventure. Whereas the hike is not as strenuous as in mountain gorilla, the experience is not a walk away. It entails hiking up and down hills searching for these playful creatures, which continuously cross over tree branches. Ensure to pack essentials to have a less difficult trek. The packing list for golden monkey trekking should include among others:
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Gardening gloves
• Rain jacket/coat
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Scarf, sunglasses, and hat
• Bottled drinking water
• Insect repellant

Other primate safaris in Africa
Besides golden monkeys, Magical Africa safaris offer you other primate experiences to Uganda and Rwanda at affordable rates. Our primate safaris include mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest, Mgahinga gorilla, volcanoes and Virunga National Parks. Also, we offer you affordable chimpanzee trekking tours to Kibale forest in Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda. Each Primate specie is unique and worth doing.

Golden monkey trekking remains one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. Visit Rwanda and Uganda today, spend magical time with golden monkeys and enjoy this lifetime experience at affordable rates with African Apes Tours  & Travel

Uganda gorilla safaris are among the most done travel experiences on Africa Safaris. The pearl of Africa is gifted by nature offering travelers with remarkable and unforgettable gorilla experiences. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is ranked as the number one travel activity which brings the highest number of travelers to the Pearl of Africa. Uganda gorilla tours are a must-do on your Uganda safari without which the safari is claimed incomplete. African Apes Tours  offers you guided and affordable Uganda gorilla safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National park to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations. If you have ample time, our Uganda gorilla safaris can be done along with other travel experiences such as chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Game viewing in open savannah parks, bird watching, boat safaris and cultural tours to make a complete Uganda safari package.

Where to go for Uganda gorilla safaris?
Are you ready for a Uganda gorilla tour and wondering where to go? Uganda gorilla safaris are done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Kabale/ Rubanda districts and in Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Kisoro district. Both National Parks are located in southwestern Uganda. Altogether, the two-gorilla national park in Uganda shelter over 500 mountain gorillas, which makes half of the world’s total gorilla population. Uganda mountain gorillas have been habituated into 18 gorilla families each visited by a group of eight a day. Reports from the 2018 mountain gorilla census indicate that the world apparently has 1006 gorillas shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi forest is the fist stop center for all Uganda gorilla safaris. Shared between Kabale and Rubanda districts, Bwindi Forest National park is home to over 480 mountain gorillas making it home half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Bwindi Park has 17 gorilla families habituated for trekking every day. The gorilla groups in Bwindi forest include Mubare gorilla group, Mishaya gorilla family, Nshongi family, Bweza gorilla family, Nkrungo gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla family, Rushegura gorilla group, Kahungye gorilla group, Katwe gorilla family Chritsmas gorilla group, Oruzogo gorilla family, Bitukura gorilla family, Kyagulioro gorilla f gorilla family. Gorilla groups in Bwindi forest are divided into four sectors, which are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south.

Gorilla tours to Mgahinag Gorilla National Park
More so, visit Mgahinga gorilla national park, home to Nyakagyexi gorilla family. Nyakagyezi has been the only gorilla family in Mgahinag Gorilla National park until late 2019 when it was joined by Hirwa gorilla family that migrated from Volcanoes National park Rwanda. Apparently, there are two gorilla families available for trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Cost of Uganda gorilla safaris
The cost of Uganda gorilla tours I not static. It varies depending on various factors including the cost of a permit, a number of days on the whole gorilla trip, add on activities, the number of people on the trip and the type of accommodation used (budget, midrange or luxury). Uganda gorilla permits costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Also, the cost of Uganda gorilla safaris depends on the travel company you book with. Travel agents add a different labor cost. So it’s possible to find different groups of travelers doing the same gorilla itinerary but paying different costs. At African Apes Holidays, we offer you very affordable gorilla tours but with unmatched value.

Gorilla Permit availability in Uganda

Uganda gorilla permit

The availability of gorilla permits in Uganda depends on the number of habituated gorilla families. Each gorilla group is visited by 8 people meaning 8 permits per gorilla group. Altogether, Uganda has 144-gorilla permits available every day. Travelers are advised to book as early as 6 months in advance due to the high demand for Uganda gorilla tours. Gorilla permit bookings in Uganda can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through Magical Africa safaris your number one gorilla safari company.

Gorilla habituation experience
Uganda gorilla safaris also involve gorilla habituation experience, which allows you to spend four hours in the company of gorillas. Gorilla habituation is only done in Rushaga sector and 2 families (Bushaho & Bikyingi) are currently undergoing habituation experience. A gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 and can be booked directly with UWA or through African Apes Tours & Travel.

Rules of Uganda gorilla safaris
Before the start of all Uganda gorilla tours, travelers are assembled at the park headquarters and introduced to the rules and regulation o gorilla trekking r habituation. These include:
1. Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas
2. Do not trek when sick
3. Do not use flashlight cameras
4. Do not shout for gorillas. Speak at a lows tone
5. Keep within your groups
6. Keep a seven-meter distance from gorillas
7. Do not litter in the park

What to pack for a Uganda gorilla safari

What to Carry for gorilla trekking

Make sure you pack the right attire and other essentials if you want your Uganda gorilla safari to be a success. Your gorilla trekking packing list in Uganda should include among others:
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Gardening gloves
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Sun glasses
• Insect repellant
• Energy giving snacks
• Hat
• Scarf
• Bottled drinking water
• First aid kit

Routes to do Uganda gorilla safaris
Uganda gorilla safaris can be done starting from Entebbe international airport or through Kigali Rwanda. Driving from Kampala is a full day drive through Masaka Mbarara Kabale e to Bwindi. This offers you great pre gorilla trekking experience with scenic views of Ankole plains, farms and the beautiful ills of Kigezi. The suitable package or a traveler driving from Kampala to Bwindi is a 3 Days Uganda gorilla safari with 1t day for transferring to Bwindi, 2nd day for gorilla trekking and 3rd day for returning to Kampala. If you have limited time, opt for Rwanda to Uganda gorilla trekking by flying onto Kigali Rwanda and trek gorillas in Bwindi. A 1-Day Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking is a suitable package for you. Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe to Kihihi/kisoro airstrips saving you long driving hours to Bwindi/Mgahinga.

Best time for Uganda gorilla safaris
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is in the dry season between the months of June, July, August, September to mid-October and December, January and February. Rainfall is minimal during this time which eases your trekking through the jungle forests. However, Uganda gorilla tours can be done all year round.

Conclusively, Uganda gorilla safaris are a not miss on your Africa safari. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks and be part of this memorable experience.

Whether you call it gorilla habituation experience or gorilla training,  the adventure is about training wild gorillas to familiarize them with people.   Gorilla habituation experience is an extended session of gorilla trekking which entails spending half a day with wild gorillas in their natural habitats. Superfine Safaris Limited offers you tailored mountain gorilla habituation experience to allow you to spend extended time with gorillas. A 3 Days gorilla habituation tour to the Bwindi forest is a suitable package to spend extended time with gorillas. If you have limited time, you can do a 1-Day Uganda gorilla habituation experience tour starting from Kigali Rwanda. Travelers hike along with a team of gorilla doctors, researchers and conservationists. Throughout the 3 years of gorilla habituation experience, park wardens and rangers MUST visit families undergoing training each day with or with no visitors. In the first stages of habitation, rangers keep a big distance from the wild gorillas. As time goes on, rangers keep coming close until when gorillas are no longer aggressive.

Where to do gorilla habituation experience
Gorilla habituation experience is only done in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Rushaga sector can easily be accessed via kisoro district. If you are transferring from Kigali Rwanda, cross through the Cyanika border ad you will easily connect to Rushaga sector, the center of habituation experience.

Gorilla families undergoing habituation experience
Apparently, 2 gorilla families in Bwindi are undergoing training and will be soon open for trekking. The two families are Bushaho and Bikyingi both in Rushaga sector. Four people a day visit each family. Other gorilla families in Rushaga sector are Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Rwigi, Kahungye, and Busingye gorilla families. Rushaga sector is known to have the highest number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. The high number of gorilla families guarantee gorilla permit availability giving many travelers to trek gorillas in Uganda.

Cost of gorilla habituation experience
A single gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 allowing you to be with gorillas for 4 hours. Just like in gorilla trekking, travelers going gorilla habituation experience must have valid permits. African Apes Tours & Travelhelp you book and reserve a gorilla habituation experience permit. Alternatively, contact Uganda Wildlife authority directly and get your gorilla habituation experience permit. Due to high demand and limited permits, travelers are advised to book as early as 6 months prior since permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. Undeniably, gorilla habituation is expensive compared to gorilla trekking but the experience is worth the cost.

Best Time for gorilla habituation experience

Gorilla Habituation expereince

the actual time to spend with gorillas in habituation experience is strictly four hours. However, travelers can spend a full day in the jungle before meeting these wild gorillas. The whole time depends on how fast travelers find gorillas. Trekking time before meeting gorillas can last between 30 minutes to 6 hours and then time for hiking back. The four hours spent with gorillas are for taking pics, imitating gorilla’s behaviors, training gorillas and learning about their lifestyle. Travelers are reminded to be keen, quiet and observant not to waste a single second of the four hours.

How prepared should I be for the gorilla habituation experience?
Since you are dealing with wild gorillas, which will mind their business, you ought to be mentally ready for this challenging but memorable experience. Physical fitness is also key since you will continually run after gorillas. Hiking up and downhill in search and follow of wild gorillas I quite hectic but the experience is worth the effort.

What to pack for gorilla habituation experience
The packing list for mountain gorilla habituation experience include
1. Hiking boots to ease your movements through the jungle
2. Gardening gloves to protect and cover your hands
3. Packed lunch
4. Energy giving snacks to keep you strong
5. Bottled drinking water
6. Sunglasses for your eyes
7. Hat for your head
8. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
9. Long pants
10. Rain Jackets to deal with unpredictable forest weather
11. Inspect repellent
12. Warm sweaters and scarf
13. First aid kit
NOTE: Porter and walking stick are very helpful and recommended if you want to have the very best gorilla habituation experience.

Rules of gorilla habituation experience

Keep 7 meters away

At the start of the gorilla habituation experience, travelers are introduced to the dos and don’ts while with gorillas. These rules and regulations are put to ensure the safety of travelers and gorillas ensuring an enjoyable and peaceful encounter.
The rules of gorilla habituation experience include
• Keep a distance of seven meters away from gorillas
• Four people per gorilla family
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Avoid direct eye contact with gorillas
• Do not touch the gorillas
• Follow the guidance of the park ranger
• Do not trek when sick
• Do not litter in the park
• Keep calm when a gorilla charges
• Keep within your group
• Turn back your face when sneezing or coughing

Best time for gorilla habituation experience
Dry months between June, July, August, September, December, January and February are the best time to do gorilla habituation experience. During this time, forest grounds are dry with less/no rains making it easy to trek through. However, the habituation experience can be done all year round.

Where to sleep for gorilla habituation experience
Wondering where to sleep during your gorilla habituation experience? No worries, Magical Africa Safaris brings you a list of top lodges in the Rushaga sector offering you safe, comfortable and affordable accommodation services on your gorilla habituation experience tour. The top lodges in the Rushaga sector include Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nshongi Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Close-up Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Silverback Lodge. These lodges serve travelers with excellent food and sleeping services all day and night at affordable rates.

Mountain gorilla habituation experience is your best option to extensively enjoy the company of mountain gorillas in the jungle. Contact Superfine Safaris today, book your gorilla habituation experience, spend a half-day with gorillas, learn their lifestyle and take part in their training. The magical feeling of gorilla habituation experience will change your life forever. Its undeniably worth the cost, time and energy.

Info on the habituated gorilla groups in Virunga National Park Congo with African Apes Tours. Virunga Park is one of the four national parks to trek gorillas in Africa. Located in eastern Congo, Virunga National park is home to 8-gorilla families available foe trekking every day. Unlike the neighboring Uganda and Rwanda, Virunga National park receives few tourist visits which has kept it natural and the gorilla trekking experience magical. Mountain gorillas in Virunga Park are not exposed to man tourists compared to those in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National park Rwanda. Virunga Park, therefore, offers you an off beaten magical gorilla trek experience that will last forever. Just like in other gorilla tour destinations, each gorilla group in Virunga National park s visited by 8 people a day for an hour’s interaction. Each gorilla family is unique in its own kind regarding the story of formation, size, behaviors, and location. The Congo gorilla permits cost $450 each affordable for budget travelers compared to $700 in Uganda and $1500 in Rwanda. African Apes Tours offers you tailored Congo gorilla safaris at affordable rates. Every day, Virunga Park management has 64 gorilla permits for gorilla trekking. A 3 Days Congo Gorilla Safari is a perfect package to trek Congo gorillas in Virunga National park. Habituated mountain gorilla groups in Virunga National park Congo are:

1. Kabirizi Gorilla Family
Located in Bukima sector of Virunga National park, Kabirizi gorilla family is an amazing gorilla group in Congo. Comprised of 19 gorilla members, Kabirizi gorilla family is the favorite gorilla family in Virunga National park. Kabirizi gorilla family is named after its current dominant silverback gorilla “Kabirizi” and also the late Director of Istitut Congolais Pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) who was also called Kabirizi. Kabirizi gorilla family was habituated in 1994 an is now comprise do f 2 silverbacks, 4 adult females, 4 infants, 4 juveniles, 2 black back and 3 sub-adult females among others. Each family member plays a different role to keep the whole family lively and in peace.

2. Humba gorilla family
Formerly part of Rugendo family, Humba is yet another independent gorilla family to visit in Virunga National Park. Humba gorilla group was established in 1998 when “Humba” the current silverback rebelled and split from his father Rugendo. Humba gorilla family lives in the sectors of Bikenge and Gatovu regions and is one of the most visited gorilla families in Virunga National Park. The group comprises 10 members and the numbers are steadily increasing giving hope for sustainable gorilla tourism in Congo.

3. Rugendo Gorilla Family
Named after its late founder “Rugendo” this is your to visit the gorilla family in Virunga National park. Before the split of Humba, Rugendo was Congo’s strong gorilla family, Humba left Rugendo with over 8 members which made Rugendo family a weak family. Rugendo is believed to have been the father of almost all silverbacks who have formed independent gorilla families in Virunga National Park and Congo as a whole. Rugendo gorilla family was established in 1985 hence one of Congo’s oldest gorilla families. Rugendo silverback was unfortunately killed in 2001. The group comprises of 3 silverbacks 1 adult female, 2 infants, 1 black back and 2 sub-adult females.

4. Munyaga gorilla group
Located in Bukima sector, Munyanga gorilla family is currently led by Mawozo silverback who took over leadership after the disappearance of Munyaga silverback, the founder of this gorilla family. Munyaga gorilla family was formed in 1998 when the then wild Munyaga silverback grabbed members from Buhanga family that was then led by an adult female gorilla named Nsekuye. Munyaga family currently has 9 members including 3 silverbacks, 2 juveniles, 2 infants and 2 adult females.

5. Lulengo Gorilla Family
Formerly called “Musekura” Lulengo gorilla family is located in Jomba sector near the Congo Uganda border. Lulengo is named after its current silverback “Lulengo” comprised of 9 members. Lulengo gorilla family was formed after the breakup of Rugabo gorilla group following the death of Rugabo, the then-dominant silverback of Rugabo family.

6. Nyakamwe Gorilla group
Nyakamwe gorilla family was formed in 2014 breaking off from Humba gorilla family. Nyakamwe gorilla family comprise of 11 members inclusive of silver backs, adult females, juveniles and infants. Nyakamwe gorilla family is also located in Bukima area of the park.

7. Bageni gorilla family
Bageni is currently the largest gorilla group in Virunga National Park comprised of 26 members. Bageni family is located across Gatovu and Bukima sectors and is one the most visited gorilla families in Virunga National Park. The family is currently led by Bageni silverback who is recognized for his strong leadership skills that have seen this family survive to present.

8. Mapuwa gorilla family
Located in Jomba sector of Virunga National Park, Mapuwa is formerly part of Rugendo gorilla group whihcjk broke off when Mapuwa silverback left his father’s group to form his own family. Mapuwa comprises 22 members including 5 babies, 3 silverbacks, 2 sun adult females, 6 adult females and 4 juveniles. Mapuwa gorilla family is, therefore, one of the largest gorilla families in Congo.

Trek one of Congo’s habituated gorilla families in Virunga National Park with African Apes Tours & Travel. Contact us today, book your Congo safari and spend time with one of the 8 gorilla families in Virunga National Park.

Join our Congo safaris to explore Virunga National park tucked in the Albertine rift valley eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was established in 1925and is the oldest National park in Africa spreading over 8,090 square kilometers. Virunga Park covers the Congo portion of the Virunga conservation area bordered by Mgahinga Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. In 1994, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed Virunga national one of the world’s heritage sites. The park is home to two active volcanoes (Mt Nyiragongo & Mt Nyamuragira) hence one of the best hiking spots in Africa. More so, Virunga National Park is home to over 300 mountain gorillas and is of the four national parks to trek gorillas in Africa. Virunga National park is also ranked as the most biologically diverse protected area in Africa sheltering over 706 bird species, 218 mammals, 78 amphibians, 109 reptile species and 22 primates including the famous mountain gorillas. The ark is divided into northern, southern and central sectors each with a different experience. Over the years, gorilla tours in Virunga national park have been hindered by civil conflicts associated with kidnap and killing of park rangers. However, security is tight in the park and tourism is done smoothly. Regarding vegetation cover, Virunga national Park encompasses of trees, a montane forest, swamps, and grasslands serving as food and habitat for birds and animals in the park. African Apes Holidays gives you a complete guide to Virunga National park, when to visit, attractions, activities, packing list and all you need to know about Virunga National park.

Attraction/what to see and do in Virunga National Park
Travelers to Virunga National Park have an endless list of memorable things to see and do on their Congo safari with African Apes Tours. Each experience is exceptional and worth doing. The top tourist activities in Virunga National Park include:

Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Being home to over 300 mountain gorillas, Virunga National park offers you memorable gorilla trekking experiences. The park is home to 8 gorilla families that have been habituated for trekking. Each day, 64 gorilla permits are available in Virunga National park giving you the chance to meet and spend a magical time with the endangered gorilla. A gorilla permit in Congo costs $450, which is less, and affordable compared to $700 in Uganda and $1500 in Rwanda. Virunga National park is, therefore, the best destination for budget gorilla safaris. A 2 Days Congo gorilla trek is a suitable package for trekking Congo gorillas. Congo gorilla families in Virunga National Park are Kabirizi, Lulengo, Rugendo, Bageni, Munyaga, Humba, Nyakamwe and Mapuwa each visited by 8 people a day. Congo gorilla safari bookings can be done directly the Park management or through African Apes Holidays, your ultimate gorilla safari company. Like in other gorilla parks, gorilla permit booking in Congo is recommended at least 6 months prior to ensure timely planning and avoid last-minute disappointments. The rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in Congo include
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away from the gorillas
2. Avoid direct eye contact with gorillas
3. Do not use flashlight cameras
4. Do not trek when sick
5. Turn back your face when sneezing/coughing
6. Do not litter in the park
7. Do not touch the gorillas
8. Don’t run when a silverback gorilla charges
9. Keep within your group
The gorilla trekking packing list in Congo entail hiking boots, gardening gloves, sunglasses, hat, long-sleeved shirts. long pants, scarf, insect repellant, bottled drinking water, walking stick and energy-giving snacks.

Nyiragongo Volcano hiking

Nyiragongo Volcano

Hike to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano to experience the boiling lava lake which clearly grows at night. Nyiragongo volcano hiking is the most done tourist activity done in Virunga National park attracting the highest number for travelers to this montane forest. Nyiragongo volcano summit stands at 3,470 meters above the sea level located in the heart of Virunga National park. Nyiragongo is the most hiked among the 8 chains of the Virunga Volcanoes. This active volcano last erupted in 2002 and is expected to erupt again any time since signs of the eruption are already showing. With no doubt, a peep into the boiling lake at Nyiragongo summit is a magical experience that lasts for a lifetime. Hiking starts at 10:00am and all travelers are expected to be at the starting point by that time. Anyone left behind will miss the chance to hike Nyiragongo Volcano. Travelers are encouraged to be physically fit to deal with this strenuous hike. A 3 Days Nyiragongo volcano hike is the best package to explore this magical natural wonder. You Nyragongo hiking packing list must include hiking boots., gardening gloves sunglasses, sleeping bags, sweaters, rain jackets, and energy drinks to keep you strong. Travelers aged 12 years and below are not allowed to hike Nyiragongo Volcano

Bird watching
Virunga National park is home to over 700 bird species hence a best spot for bird watching on your Congo Safari. Bird watching in Virunga National Park is best done in the early morning when birds are waking up. Expect to see different birds such as Alpine swift, Chestnut throated Apalis, Thick bellied sea eater, African Olive pigeon, white-headed wood hoopoe, strange weaver, mountain greenbul, Blue spotted wood dove, double toothed barbet, tropical boubou, black headed waxbill and Angolan swallow among others. Our experienced birding guides will help you spot different birds and explain unique features about each spotted bird.

Chimpanzee habituation experience
Travelers to Virunga National park also have a chance to take part in the experimental chimpanzee habituation to familiarize wild chimpanzees with human presence. The experience was started in 2014 to diversify tourism products in Virunga National Park and encourage more visitors to this park. a chimpanzee habituation experience costs $100 permitting you to spend 4 hours in the company of chimpanzees.

Nature walks
A foot walk in Virunga national Park is the best way to explore and discover the hidden gem in this montane forest. You will see primates, birds, and plants on your nature walk through Virunga National Park. The nature walk is the best way to experience and enjoy the fresh and quiet ambiance of this natural forest while enjoying the sweet melodies of birds singing endless in the trees above you.

Accommodation in Virunga National park

Nyiragogo Summit Shelters

The popular lodges in Virunga National Park are Mikeno Lodge, Wild Track Lodge, Orchids Safari Club, Tchegera Island Camp, Exodus Bukavu, and M Nyiragongo summit shelters. These serve with quality food and sleeping services at affordable prices. The services range from budget, midrange and luxury to meet all traveler’s budget. Magical Africa Safaris will help you book lodge/hotel rooms ensuring a safe, comfortable and enjoyable stay in Virunga National Park

Best time to visit Virunga National park
The dry season between the month of June, July, August, September, December, January and February is the best time to visit Virunga National Park. There is less or no rains during this time which make it easy for gorilla trekking and nature walks through the park. The rainy season between March, April, May, and November are best for bird watching. However, despite the difference in season, Virunga National Park can be visited all year round.

In general, Virunga National park is a hidden gem in Congo. African Apes Tours help you book a customized Congo safari to Virunga National Park for gorilla trekking, Nyiragongo Volcano climbing and other experiences in this montane forest.

Visit Mgahinga for a terrific gorilla trekking experience with the one and only Nyakagyezi gorilla family.  The Park is located in south western Uganda, a short drive out of Kisoro district and then a short uphill walk between some local farms to the Mount Muhabura entrance.  Mgahinga National park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys hence the slogan”Where Silver meets Gold”. Trekking to see the endangered primates in the jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National park is rewards you with a thrilling lifetime experience.

In this article, we bring you detailed guide to Mgahinga Gorilla National park, tourist activities, attractions, when to visit, golden monkey trekking, location, accommodation, where to sleep, vegetation cover and packing list for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Pak with Superfine Safaris Limited . Located in Kisoro district southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga gorilla national park is Uganda’s smallest National park (34 square kilometers) covering Uganda’s part of the Virunga conservation area/Virunga Massif. Mgahinga forest was established into a national park in 1991 to provide habitat for the endangered golden monkeys and mountain gorillas and to diversify tourism products in the Pearl of Africa.

The word Mgahinga is named after the “Gahinga” in Kifumbira, which means a pile of stones. Mgahinga National park is bordered by Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Vegetation cover in Mgahinga comprises of bamboo forest, montane moorlands, tree heath, Ferns, Swamps and rift montane forest found on different zones. A 2 Days Mgahinga park tout from Kigali Rwanda helps you explore this small park in the shortest time possible.

Attractions & Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National park

Well, travelers to Mgahinga gorilla National park have a long list of tourist activities rewarding them with memorable experiences. The top things to see and do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include:

Mountain gorilla trekking

Nyakagyezi Gorilla Family

Sheltering Nyakagyezi Gorilla family, Mgahinga gorilla national park is one of the few places to go for gorilla trekking in Africa. 8 gorilla permits are available in Mgahinga every day giving chance to eight people to trek and see these endangered gorillas.

Like in Bwindi Forest, a gorilla permit to trek gorillas in Mgahinga costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East Africa residents. Gorilla permit booking can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through Superfine Safaris Limited, your ultimate gorilla safari company. Booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance o ensure timely planning.

Volcano climbing
Being home to three extinct Virunga volcanoes, Mgahinga Gorilla National park is your best place for Volcano climbing. Hike to the summit of Mt Gahinga at 3,474m, Mt Sabyinyo at 3,669m and Mount Muhabura at 4,127m above sea level. The experience of hiking each volcano is different and unique worth doing. The slopes of these volcanoes shelter golden monkeys, monkeys and baboons which you stand high chances of meeting. Physical fitness is key and essential to ensure an enjoyable and successful volcano climbing experience. The summit of each Volcano gives you spectacular views of Virunga volcanoes, Mgahinga National Park and local communities.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkeys in Mgahinga

A high number of travelers to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park choose to do golden monkey trekking above any other thing. Trekking to see golden monkeys ranks second to gorilla trekking in tourist activities done in Mgahinga Gorilla National park. Interestingly, a permit to trek golden monkeys is quite cheap costing $100 each making it affordable for even budget travelers. Mgahinga Forest is the only destination to see golden monkeys and over 500 golden monkeys are believed to be living in Mgahinga. The other population of golden monkeys lives in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.  Superfine Safaris helps you book and reserve golden monkey safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National park.

Bird watching
Sheltering over 250 bird species, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is your best birding spot in Uganda. Some of the birds in Mgahinga Gorilla National park are Fire Finch Stonechat, White-necked Raven, Pin-tailed whydah, Grey capped warbler, Paradise Flycatcher, Ibis, Dusky crimson wing, Waxbills, Archer’s robin chat, Blue-headed coucal, Ruwenzori nightjar, Ruwenzori Batis, Double-collared sunbird and Olive pigeon among others. The best time for bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is in April, May, and October. This is the best time to see migratory birds, which fly from Europe to seek refuge in Mgahinga. However, bird watching is an all-year-round activity. Our experienced guide helps you spot different birds in Mgahinga Forest.

Batwa Cultural Trail

Batwa Pygimies in Mgahinga Forest

Do you want to learn and experience the traditional forest life of Batwa pygmies; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the place to go. These short people guide you into Mgahinga forest to demonstrate their initial forest life. Examples of Batwa activities done in Mgahinga forest include hunting, picking medicinal herbs, collecting honey, and visiting Ngarama cave where Batwa would offer sacrifices and perform their rituals. Also, traditional songs, dances and stories are performed making your whole experience memorable.

Nature/Forest walks
Walk on foot through Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and you will discover the hidden treasures of this forest. Nature walks in Mgahinga is the best way to enjoy the quite cool natural forest while enjoying the sweet sounds of birds singing up in the trees. A nature walk is also the best time to spot and search for experimental plants especially the medicinal. You may also meet some animals mainly the colubsu monkeys.

Best time to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Dry months of June, July, August, September, December, and January are the best time to visit Mgahinga gorilla national park. During this time, rains are less which makes it easy to trek through n search for gorillas and golden monkeys. Also, photography is very good in the dry season. The forest receives two rainy seasons in the months of March, April, May and October. This is the best time for bird watching to see the migratory birds.

Packing list to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Wondering on what to pack for your gorilla safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? No worries, Magical Africa Safaris brings you a full packing list for Uganda safaris to Mgahinga. Among the things you must carry include:
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Gardening gloves
• Insect repellants
• Energy giving snacks
• Bottled drinking water
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Rain jackets
• Sweaters & Scarfs

Where to Sleep/Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mount Gahinga Lodge

Check the list of lodges/hotels and accommodation facilities in Mgahinga Gorilla National park with Magical Africa Safaris. The top lodges in Mgahinga include Gahinga Lodge, Travelers Rest Camp, Mt Gahinga Rest Camp, Mgahinga Safari Lodge, Muhabura Motel, Rugigana Campsite, Amajambere Iwacu community Camp, and 3 Way gorilla resort among others. These lodges serve you with excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates.

People also ask

How many gorillas are in Mgahinga Gorilla National park?

Roughly 36  mountain gorillas are believed to be living in Mgahinga Gorilla National park. These live together in Nyakagyezi family headed by Mark as the dominant Silverback. These members comprise of Adult females, juveniles, black backs and infants.  On the good day of gorilla trekking in Bwindi, you can see most of these gorillas gathered in their family

How much is Mgahinga Gorilla Park Fees?

The park fees to Mgahinga depend on which activity one is gong to do. If you are visiting Mgahinga gorilla Park for the endangered gorillas, you will pay $800 for foreign non residents and $700 for foreign residents while East African citizens pay 300,000 shillings. If you are visiting the park to see golden monkeys, the fees is $60 for foreign non residents, $50 for foreign residents and 40,000 shillings for East African citizens.  Mgahinga Volcano climbing costs $80 for foreign non residents, $70 for foreign residents and 50,000 for East Africans.

Is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga worth the money?

YES, trekking to with Nyakagyezi gorilla family is worth it! Looking into the eyes of the silverback gorilla at a close range is priceless

Conclusively, therefore, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers it all to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectation on your Uganda safari to southwestern Uganda. Contact Superfine Safaris Limited today, book a gorilla safari to Mgahinga Forest, trek golden monkeys and hike the Virunga volcanoes for a remarkable experience.

Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park s Rwanda’s largest tropical rain forest bordered by Lake Kivu and Kabira forest National Park in Burundi. Nyungwe Forest National Park was gazetted in 2004 to promote primate safaris in Rwanda and diversify tourism the land of a thousand hills. The park is home to 13 primates with chimpanzees dominating. Also, Nyungwe Forest is home to over 310 bird species, 90 mammals, 38 reptiles and 2000 plant species making it a must-visit destination on your Rwanda safari. The rain forest is tucked in the middle tea plantations overlooking Virunga Volcanoes.

Nyungwe Forest covers a total land area of 1000 square kilometers 2/3rds of which is covered by water feeding into River Congo and River Nile. Vegetation cover in Nyungwe Forest comprises of the rain forest, bamboos, shrubs, Orchids, Mosses, Pod carps, Gant Lobelia and ferns which provide food and habitation for birds and animals in the park. A Rwanda safari to Nyungwe Forest National park offers travelers with a great choice of tourist activities, which reward them with memorable experiences. The top thing to see and do in Nyungwe Forest National Park include:

Top Tourist Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimps in Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzee trekking is  wonderful and most done travel experience in Nyungwe Forest rewarding you with a close encounter with man’s close relatives.  Over 500 chimpanzees inhabit Nyungwe Forest national park awaiting for you. Chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe forest is done in either the main forest and Cyamudongo forest.  A permit to trek chimpanzee in Rwanda costs $90 allowing you to spend an hour with a chimpanzee community.

Chimpanzee trekking starts from Uwinka information center with a short briefing about the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking Superfine Safaris help you to book and reserve chimpanzee permits from Rwanda Development Board. The 3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee tour gives you  chance to trek chimpanzees with in the shortest time possible. The dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park include:
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away from chimpanzees
2. Do not trek when sick
3. Avoid direct eye contact with chimpanzees
4. Do not use flashlight cameras
5. Don’t litter in the park
6. Do not shout – Keep your voices low
7. Keep within your groups- Do not move alone in the forest
8. Don’t run away when chimpanzees charge
9. Carry your permit
10. Turn back your faces when sneezing

Monkey Trekking

Besides chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest is home to numerous money species hence the best spot for monkey trekking in Rwanda. Expect to see monkeys such as Olive baboons Grey-cheeked Monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Dent’s monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Silver monkeys, Ruwenzori colubus, Hamlyn’s monkey and L’Hoest Monkeys among others. The playful and lively characters of monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National park make this whole experience enjoyable and memorable. The fact that monkeys are many in Nyungwwe Forest, your monkey trekking experience will be very short and less strenuous compared to chimpanzee trekking.

Canopy walk

Canopy walk

A canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest offers you the best aerial views of the forest, wildlife, local communities, and the Virunga volcanoes. The 2 hours walk above the forest (60 meters) is an exceptional experience that no traveler to Nyungwe Forest should miss. Canopy walk costs $60 but the feeling and excitement that comes with it are undeniably worth the penny.

Waterfall hiking

Waterfall hiking is another remarkable experience done in Nyungwe Forest National park.  The  famous waterfalls in Nyungwe Forest include Kamiranzovu and Isumo waterfalls whose scenic beauties is a not miss. Hiking to these waterfalls is undeniably strenuous through marshlands and muddy swamps but the experience is worth the effort. The speed and water quantity of waterfalls are seasonal. Waterfalls are usually heavy and strong during the rainy season and become slow in the dry season. Physical fitness and mental readiness are highly emphasized for waterfall hiking.

Packing List For Hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Hiking boots,
• Gardening gloves,
• Walking sticks,
• Rain jackets
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Bottled drinking water
• Energy giving snacks
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Scarf and warm sweaters for cold forest weather.

Bird watching

Bird watching in Nyungwe Forest

Sheltering over 300 bird species, Nyungwe Forest National Park is the best spot for bird watching in Rwanda. Birds in Nyungwe Forest include Red-faced woodland warbler, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Apalis, Handsome francolin, Blue-headed Sunbird, Mountain masked apalis, Dwarf honey guide, Stripe breasted tit, Purple breasted sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, and Shelley’s crimsonwing among others. Our experienced guides help you spot different birds and also help to explain unique features about each spotted bird.

Nature/Forest Walk

Be part of  a walk to enjoy the cool, quiet natural state of Nyungwe Forest  National Park. A forest walk is the best way to discover all hidden treasures of Nyungwe Forest National park. Enjoy the sweet melodies of birds, which sing endlessly up in the trees. Walking stick, closed shoes and a walking stick is a must-have for everyone going for a nature walk in Nyungwe Forest National park. Expect to meet monkeys, birds and reptiles during your nature walk through Nyungwe Forest.

Best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

June, July, August, September, August, December to February are the best months for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. During this time, rain is less which keeps trails drier making it easier and more pleasant. Also, the sun can easily break through clouds during this time, which makes photography easier. However, Nyungwe Forest can be visited throughout the year and all activities are done without any disturbance.

Where to sleep in Nyungwe Forest National park

Nyungwe House

Wondering about accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park? No worries, the forest has a variety of budget, midrange and luxury lodging facilities to serve you with first-class food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges in Nyungwe Forest National Park include One and Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge and Gisakura guesthouse, among others.

People also ask

How do i get from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National park?

Nyungwe forest can be accessed by road transport. The park is roughly 6 hours drive from Kigali International airport driving south westwards. If you are driving from Kigali to Nyungwe via Huye town, the easiest route is through Nyabugongo, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza , Huye and Nyamagabe districts. Taking this route gives you a chance to visit kamageri rock and the King’s palace among other attractions in these towns.
Alternatively, you can drive from Kigali to Nyungwe via Karogi Town with en-route stop at Ndaba rock and Bisesero genocide memorial site.

What is Unique about Nyungwe Forest National park?

The park is famous for being one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. In 1697, Nyungwe Forest was declared a UNESCO site due to its  rich biodiversity. The park shelters the highest number of primates which include chimpanzees, Grey cheeked mangabeys, Red tailed monkeys, LHoest monkeys, Blue monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Baboons, Black and white colobus. Also, Nyungwe  offers a unique canopy walk rewarding travelers with spectacular aerial views of the Virunga Volcanoes and other attractions in the neighboring areas

What is the most visited National Park in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National park , home to the endangered mountain gorillas  and golden monkeys is the most visited National park in Rwanda. The park receives the highest number of travelers compared to other parks.  Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National parks also receive a reasonable number for travelers. Gishwata Mukura is the least visited National park in Rwanda

Which park in Rwanda has the big 5?

Akagera National park located in Eastern Rwanda is home to the big 5.  Akagera is the only savannah park in Rwanda and the only place to do game viewing experience. In addition to the big 5, Akagera shelters animals such as Zebras, Giraffes, Duikers, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Gazelles and antelopes among others. Day and evening game drives  giving travelers a chance to see and interact  with a variety of wild animals grazing, hunting and socializing.

What is the largest Forest in Rwanda?

Nyungwe Forest is by far the Largest Forest in Rwanda. The forest covers 1,019 square kilometers  of land located in south western Rwanda. Deforestation has divided Nyungwe Forest into two which are Nyungwe and Chamudongo Forests. Chimpanzee trekking is done in either of the forests.

What is the smallest park in Uganda?

Mgahinga National park covering 34square kilometers is the smallest Park in Uganda. The park is locates in kisro district south western Uganda and its home to the endangered gorillas and golden monkeys. Mgahinga Forest also shelters three of the Virunga Volcanoes which are Mt Muhabura, Mt Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo which is shared  by Uganda, Rwanda and Congo

What is the second Largest park in Uganda?

Queen Elizabeth is the second largest park in Uganda. The park covers 1978 square kilometers located in western Uganda. The park is second  to Murchison Falls and its home to the four of the big five animals . Game viewing, v=boat cruise at Kazinga channel., Bird watching, community tours, and chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge are the most done travel experiences in Queen Elizabeth National park

In conclusion, Nyungwe Forest remains your must-visit travel destination in Rwanda. Superfine Safaris Limited  offers you toiler made Rwanda safari to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, forest walks, bird watching and monkey trekking at affordable rates with great value for money.

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

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

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

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Things to See and Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Game Viewing

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

Kazinga channel boat cruise

Boat Cruise at Kazinga channel

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

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

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

Crater lake exploration

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

Lion tracking

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

Tree climbing lions

Tree climbing lions in Ishasha

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

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park

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

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

People also ask

What is special about Queen Elizabeth National Park?

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

How Many lions are in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

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

How much does Queen Elizabeth National park cost?

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

What is  the big five in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

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

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

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

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

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

Activities in Akagera National Park

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

Game/wildlife viewing

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

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

Boat cruise

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

Bird watching

Shoebill Stork in Akagera National Park

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

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

Sportfishing

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

Accommodation in Akagera National Park

Akagea Game Lodge

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

Park entrance fees to Akagera National Park

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

When to visit Akagera National park? Weather

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

What to pack for Akagera National Park

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

Drive Time to Akegera park

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

People Also Ask

What is the largest park in Rwanda?

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

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

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

What is Akagera National park known for?

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

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

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

Can you see the big five in Rwanda?

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

What Watefall is found of river Akagera?

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

Can you  see Lions in Rwanda?

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

What two rivers join to make river Akagera?

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

What are the Lake Found in Akagera National park?

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

How many lions and Rhinos are in Akagera National Park?

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

Which African country has the most lions?

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

Where is the origin of the Akagera River?

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

What plains are in Akagera National park?

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

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

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

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

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

Wildlife in Kibale Forest

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

Vegetation in Kibale Forest National Park

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

Activities in Kibale Forest National park

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

Chimpanzee trekking

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

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

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

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

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

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

Nature/Forest walks

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

Bird Watching

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

Butterfly watching in Kibale Forest

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

Bigodi Wetland sanctuary

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

Where to sleep in Kibale Forest national park

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

Getting to Kibale Forest National park

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

People also ask

What is Kibale National park known for?

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

Where can tourists go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

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

How many chimpanzees are in Kibale Forest National park?

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

Where is the best place for chimpanzee trekking?

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

How much does it cost to go chimpanzee trekking?

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

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

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

Routes to Hiking Mt Rwenzori

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

Kilembe Route

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

Central Circuit Route

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

When to climb Mt Rwenzori

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

Accommodation on M Rwenzori

Camps on Rwenzori Mountains

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

What to pack for Hiking Mt Rwenzori

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

Other Uganda activities to do along hiking Mt Rwenzori

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

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