African Apes

African Apes Holidays offers you exceptional apes safaris to trek mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, colubus monkeys and other wildlife experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and East Africa

Feb

2020

Guide to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

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.

Guide to Nyungwe Forest National park

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

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.

Guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

Akagera National park

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.

Guide to Kibale Forest National 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.

Guide to Trekking Up Rwenzori Mountains

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.

Jan

2020

Where to Trek Chimpanzees in Uganda

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most done travel activities in Uganda. Second to gorilla trekking, visit to see chimpanzees in the rain forest of Uganda has presently become common as recorded by Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda tourism statistics, For those who have visited these primates before, a face-to-face encounter with chimpanzees is magical and memorable. Chimps share 99% of human genes, which make them our close relatives. The human-like character of chimpanzees where adult females nurse babies like human mothers, Adult females guard the family makes and how each family member plays a different role makes this whole encounter enjoyable and fun. Altogether, Uganda is believed to shelter over 5000, which makes it one of the best chimpanzee tour destinations in Africa. Numerous destinations have been designated to make chimpanzee tracking success in Uganda. Among the places to trek chimpanzees in Uganda include:

Kibale Forest national park

Uganda chimpanzee Tours

Also called the “Primate Capital”, Kibale Forest National Park is the number one chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda. This rain forest is home to 13 primates the reason why it’s called the primate capital of Africa. treks to see chimpanzees in Kibale forest begins with a pre chimpanzee trekking briefing at Kanyanchu information center. Travelers are introduced to the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking and also put together in groups of eight. Trekking can take 3-0 minutes to 6 hours depending on where chimpanzees are located. Kibale forest is believed o be home to over 1000 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest is done in the morning and afternoon sessions. Also, the Kibale forest is a Centre for Chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX), which allows travelers to spend half day with the endangered chimpanzees. A chimpanzee permit to trek chimps in Kibale forest costs $220 for allowing travelers to spend an hour with the endangered chimpanzees. A 3 Days Kibale chimpanzee tour offers you the best chimpanzee encounter and nature walk in Bigodi wetland.

Kalinzu Forest

Adult chimpanzee with a baby

Located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu forest is yet another destination to visit chimpanzees. Actually it’s the second-best place for Uganda chimpanzee tours. The forest is home to over 300 chimpanzees 40 of which have been habituated for trekking. A permit to trek chimps in Kalinzu forest costs $40 hence cheap and affordable even for budget travelers. Like in Kibale forest, interaction with chimpanzees in Karinzu forest lasts for an hour. The age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Karinzu forests is 12 years. Chimps in Kalinzu forest are habituated by Japanese Researchers in joint cooperation with Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Budongo Forest – Murchison Falls National Park

Budongo Forest ranks 3rd best chimpanzee destination in the Peal of Africa. Located within Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo forest offers travelers with a magical chimpanzee encounter. Morning and afternoon chimpanzee trekking sessions are conducted to allow travelers to have ample time with their close relatives. Jane Goodall Institute is in charge of chimpanzee tours in Budongo forest incorporation with Uganda Wildlife Authority. For those who want to spend an overnight, Budongo Eco lodge offers food and sleeping services at affordable rates.

Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyabura Gorge

Do not miss visiting chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge on your Uganda safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travelers trekking chimps in Kyambura gorge pay $90 which includes $50 for the chimpanzee permit and $40 park entrance fee. In most cases, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is done as a complement to other safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park such as game viewing, lion tracking and boat cruise at Kazinga channel.

Toro- Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

Visit to trek chimps in Toro Semuliki Wildlife reserve to have an off beaten chimpanzee encounter. Toro Semliki Valley is the least visited chimpanzee destination in Uganda but the experience is natural and worth doing. The reserve is located near Rwenzori mountains national park but easily accessed from Queen Elizabeth Park.

Tips for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

African Apes Holidays brings you tips/guidelines for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. These are put to ensure the safety of chimpanzees and travelers ensuring sustainable chimpanzee tourism in the Pearl of Africa. The rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda include:
• Keep a distance of seven meters away
• Do not trek when sick chimpanzee re susceptible t human diseases
• Avoid direct eye contact with chimpanzees
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Do not litter in the Park
• Keep within your group
• Do not touch/feed the chimpanzees
• Turn back your faces when coughing or sneezing
• Speak at a low tone

What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Make sure you pack the essentials to make your chimpanzee tour a success and fun. The chimpanzee trekking packing list includes:
1. Hiking boots/shoes
2. Gardening gloves
3. Sunglasses
4. Hat
5. Rain jackets
6. Insect repellants
7. Bottled drinking water
8. Energy giving snacks
9. Long pants
10. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses

Chimpanzee trekking remains one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. Uganda offers you memorable chimpanzee tours at affordable rates. Contact African Apes Tours today, book a Uganda chimpanzee safari to Kibale Forest, Kyambura gorges and other chimpanzee destinations for a memorable primate encounter.

Dec

2019

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking

How tough is gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo is always a concern for most travelers booking gorilla safaris to Africa. Upcoming travelers coming to trek gorillas often ask the ease and difficulty of trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks. Well, the trek to see mountain gorillas is undeniably a challenging experience, which is not for the faint-hearted. it entails hiking up and downhill through thick forests which can at times be slippery. The conclusion of how difficult is gorilla trekking is quite challenging. Some travelers find it fun trekking for long while others find it a challenge. Magical Africa Safaris brings you information on the difficulty of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda the Democratic Republic of Congo to ensure you get the very best gorilla safari in Africa. The difficulty of gorilla trekking depends on various factors some of which are unavoidable. The factors that determine the difficulty and ease of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo include among others:

1. Location of the gorilla group
How easy or difficult is a trek to see gorillas depends on the location of a gorilla family you are given to trek. Different gorilla families live in areas of different altitudes. Some families live near (few meters from the starting pint)_ while others live uphill’s. For this mater gorilla trekking is categorized into short, medium and long treks depending on the location of a gorilla family. During gorilla family allocation, the elderly and physically unfit travelers are given short treks while the young and energetic are given long treks. the ease and difficulty of gorilla trekking, therefore, depends on where the gorilla family you are visited is located.

2. Travelers physical fitness

Trekking to see gorillas

The traveler’s physical fitness and hiking abilities determine whether the gorilla trek will be easy or difficult. Energetic and physically fit travelers never find gorilla trekking difficulty at all. On the other hand, the physically challenged travelers even find the short gorilla trek to be a difficulty. Future travelers planning to trek gorillas are therefore advised to do physical exercises o ensure physical fitness and avoid difficulty in gorilla trekking when the time comes.

3. Weather conditions
Trekking in the rainy season between the months of March, April, May, October, and November is difficulty compared to dry season between the months of June, July, August, September, and December through February. During the rain season, forest grounds become so slippery and muddy making it difficult to hike through. Travelers planning gorilla safaris in the wet season are reminded to be ready for tough hikes but worth the effort.

4. Gorilla national park
Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National park is challenging compared to other gorilla parks (Volcanoes in Rwanda, Mgahinga and Virunga park in Congo). Gorillas in Bwindi forest especially in Nkuringo and Buhoma sector hike to areas of higher altitudes, which make it difficult to trek them. The adventurous experience is, however, the best for the young and physically fit travelers who seek to have a challenging experience.

Gorilla trekking tips
• Hire a porter and walking stick

Walking Stick

In order to minimize the difficulty of gorilla trekking, make sure you hire a porter to help you carry the baggage. This makes you lighter easing your treks. porters are hired for$15 a day but their services and a helping hand is worth the penny. Also, porters help to hold a traveler’s hand through slippery forest grounds hence preventing the traveler from falling. More so, ensure to hire walking stick support up and downhill. Walking sticks are found at the p[ark headquarters and can be hired at a very low cost.

• Wear hiking boots/shoes

Footwear for gorilla trekking

A traveler wearing hiking boots/shoes will find less difficulty in trekking gorillas. Hiking shoes ease movements through slippery muddy forest grounds which at the time making it difficult for those who do not have. Also, hiking boots protect your feet from getting dirty and soaked in mud. Make sure your hiking boots are light and waterproof. However, do not bring brand new and light-colored snickers into the jungle, they will get dirty and worn out.

• Carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks
Endeavor to carry enough bottled drinking water to quench the thirst that comes along with gorilla trekking. More so, carry energy-giving snacks, bread, bananas, eggs and the like to keep you strong throughout. a packed lunch is a must-have for everyone trekking to see mountain gorillas. The trekking time to see gorillas is not certain and can last for between 30 minutes to a full day depending on where gorillas will be located that day.

The right answer to how difficult is a trek to see mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo depends on the client. However, despite the difficulty of gorilla trekking, an encounter with these endangered species remains an exceptional experience, which no traveler should miss on his/her gorilla safari to Africa. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book your gorilla tour and enjoy this lifetime experience.

Dec

2019

Gorilla Trekking For The Seniors/Elderly

Can elderly travelers trek gorillas? Are there gorilla safaris for the disabled? Yes, Senior/Elderly and disabled travelers can also trek gorillas without any difficulties. With Superfine Safaris Limited, gorilla trekking is very possible for the elderly/seniors and senior travelers. If you are senior looking for a perfect gorilla trekking safari, you need not to worry. We offer exceptional gorilla trekking for the elders to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with ease. Gorilla Trekking remains the best wildlife experience in Africa, a must-do adventure for most if not all travelers on African Safaris.

Whereas trekking to see mountain gorillas has been ranked as a challenging venture, Superfine Safaris offers you the very best gorilla tours despite your elderly age. Superfine Safaris Limited guides you on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest and the Virunga Conservation Area ensuring safety of both travelers and the endangered primates.

Who are the senior travelers?

Seniors trekking gorillas

We consider all travelers aged 60 years and above as elders/seniors. In most cases, travelers in this category are less physically fit and cannot hike for long hours and to areas of high altitudes. Superfine Safaris Limited arranges special gorilla trips for elderly travelers to ensure our senior clients enjoy gorilla trekking with no difficulty.

Firstly, we allocate you a senior travel guide with whom you share many things in common. We have a team of senior driver guides who have been in this industry for more than 30 years, with vast experience and knowledge of handling senior travelers. More so, we give you a very comfortable raised safari vehicle with which you will not feel the potholes and bumpy roads of Africa.

Travel tips for elderly travelers
Senior travelers are advised to be free and truthful to their travel agents to ensure proper planning and avoid any disappointments. Be true about your actual years! Senior travelers are encouraged to open up about their actual age so as to get a special treat as of their age. Also, disclose your hiking abilities to your driver-guide.

Travelers are also encouraged to open up about their physical abilities and hiking skills to their driver guides before the actual trek. driver-guide will go ahead to book for you a suitable gorilla family that suite your hiking abilities. In most cases, elderly travelers are given easy to trek gorilla families saving them long hours of hiking to find some gorilla families.

Hire a porter/ walking stick
Porters are very helpful for senior/elderly gorilla trekkers. Whereas hiring a porter is optional, its a must for senior travelers. Porters help to carry bags and also give a supporting hand for clients through muddy and slippery forest grounds. Also, hiring a porter is an indirect support for local people who earn a living from pottering to improve their standards of living. More still, do not leave a walking stick behind. This eases your hiking through the jungle forests making the whole experience memorable.

Hire sedan chairs
Senior travelers aged beyond 70 years are advised to hire sedan chairs to avoid difficulties during gorilla trekking. There a traveler is carried by a team of 4 local porters to and from the jungle. Hiring a sedan chair costs $400 inclusive of all services to be carried to, throughout and from gorilla trekking. Sedan chairs saves you altitudinal sickness which is common to elderly travelers.

Do physical exercises

A senior exercising for gorilla trekking

More so, elderly travelers are encouraged to do physical exercises as a preparation to trek gorillas. The recommended physicals include walking, jogging, and hiking among others to keep them in good shape. The trek to see gorillas is not a walk away venture but rather a strenuous adventure that entails walking and hiking. Doing physical exercises, therefore, prepares elderly travelers for the actual trek minimizing the challenges that can come up.

Cost of gorilla trekking Tour
There is no actual cost of gorilla trekking tour but prices rather vary from company to company, gorilla trekking destination and other activities inclusive in the itinerary. However, you are ought to know the prices of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo before deciding where to go for gorilla trekking. Rwanda currently sells the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 each since May 2017.

In Uganda, a single gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents and UGX 300, 000 for east African citizens. The Democratic Republic of Congo sells the cheapest gorilla permit at $450 hence the best gorilla safari destination for budget travelers. Travelers are encouraged to book and reserve gorilla permits at least 6 months in advance to deal with the high demand for gorilla tour permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Superfine Safaris helps you book and reserve permits

Best time to trek gorillas for the seniors
Whereas gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year, peak/ dry season between the months of June, July, August, September and December to February is the recommended time for senior travelers. During this time, rainfall is minimal which makes treks to see gorillas less challenging. Also, gorilla photography is best done in the peak season, which gives good memories. However, if you are traveling on a budget, them wet season is the best time for you. During this time, service providers especially lodge and hotels give discounted services, which help to cut the costs making it affordable for budget travelers.

Gorilla trekking packing list for senior travelers
Senior travelers are reminded to carry essentials if their gorilla encounter is to be successful and enjoyable. Among the things to carry for gorilla trekking include hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, rain jackets, sweaters, Ponchos, hats, sunglasses, energy-giving snacks, neck scarfs, insect repellants and bottled drink water among others. Any traveler with the appropriate packing list is assured of a memorable gorilla tour experience in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga gorilla parks.

Seniors travelers can also trek gorillas with no difficulty at Superfine Safaris Limited. If you are a senior traveler, just contact us and we shall arrange the best gorilla safari for you to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo at affordable rates with no difficulty.

Dec

2019

Gorilla Families in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Having knowledge of Rwanda gorilla groups is very essential for everyone intending to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The small land of a thousand hills (Rwanda) is one of the three destinations where travelers can visit and trek the surviving population of the endangered mountain gorillas. Over time, Rwanda has merged as the leading gorilla tour destination receiving the highest number of travelers coming for gorilla safaris from all over the world. Altogether, Rwanda has 10 gorilla families each of which is visited by a group of eight travelers every day for an hours’ interactions. We advise our potential travelers to have an idea of habituated Rwanda gorilla families before booking a Rwanda gorilla safari to Volcanoes National park. African Apes Tours & Travel brings you a full list of Rwanda gorilla families/groups to ensure a memorable gorilla encounter in the land of a thousand hills. Interestingly, each gorilla family is different and unique in its own kind in terms of size, location, and history of formation. Gorilla groups in Rwanda include:

Susa A Family

Susa A Gorilla group

Also known as the Kurira gorilla family, A is the biggest and oldest gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park. The family was habituated in 1974 and was the first gorilla family, which Dian Fossey conducted her gorilla research on during her campaign to save the endangered gorillas in the Virunga Massif. The rich history of Susa A gorilla family makes it exceptional from the others. Susa family lives on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and is one of the toughest to trek gorilla families in Rwanda but the magical feeling of meeting this old gorilla family is worth the effort. Susa A family is headed by Kurira silverback gorilla who plans and decides for the entire family.

Igisha gorilla group – Susa B

Igisha gorilla family was formerly part of Susa A gorilla group till 2024 when Igisha silverback split from his former family to start up his own family, The family has expanded over time due to the fighting skill of Igisha silverback who fights and grabs members form other gorilla families to expand his family. Currently, Igisha gorilla family comprises of over 20 members and is one of the fastest-growing gorilla group in Volcanoes National park Rwanda. Igisha (Susa B gorilla family) lives near Susa River after which it derives its name “Susa”.

Karisimbi gorilla family

Trekked in the slopes of Karismbi volcano, this gorilla family is an amazing one but quite difficult to trek. In most cases, travelers doing a 2 Days Karisimbi hiking get chances of meeting Karismbi gorilla family which is an added advantage. The family currently has over 15 members comprised of the silverback, black backs, juveniles, babies and adult females. Make sure you are physically fit if you want to trek Karisimbi Gorilla family. For this mater, the gorilla family is normally trekked by the youth and energetic travelers who can hike to higher altitudes.

Sabyinyo Gorilla group

Named after Sabyingo volcano, Sabyinyo gorilla family is yet another interesting gorilla family to trek in Volcanoes National park. The family comprise of 12 members who include 2 silverbacks, adult females, juveniles and babies. Sabyinyo gorilla family lives at the base of Mt Sabyinyo and is one the most accessible and easy to trek gorilla family in Rwanda. It’s, therefore, the favorite for the physically challenged and elderly travelers on Rwanda gorilla safaris.

Amahoro Gorilla group

Known as the most peaceful and friendly mountain gorilla family in Rwanda, Amahoro gorilla group is worth visiting. Amahoro locally means “peaceful” which name was derived from the peaceful status of this gorilla family. The family has over 18 members headed by Ubumwe silverback gorilla. Amahoro gorilla family is one of the strenuous gorilla families to trek in Volcanoes National park. It’s not for the faint-hearted but the magical feeling of meeting this peaceful family is surely worth the effort.

Umubano gorilla family

Umubano Gorilla Family

Locally translated at “live together” Umubano was formerly part of the Amahoro gorilla family. The family is headed by Charles as a dominant silverback who decided to break away from Amahoro family and become independent. Charles silverback fought and defeated Ubumwe (the silverback of Amahoro family) taking with him some adult females and babies to start up his own family (Umubano).

Bwengye gorilla family

Habituated and opened for trekking in 2007, Bwenge is locally translated as “wisdom”. The gorilla family lives at the base of Mount Bisoke and is one of the easiest to trek gorilla family in Rwanda hence the best option for the elderly and physically unfit. Bwenge silverback currently leads the family.

Hirwa gorilla group

Habituated n 2006, the Hirwa gorilla family is locally translated as “Lucky one” whose members broke from Sabyinyo and Agashya gorilla families. Hirwa is so far the smallest gorilla group in Rwanda but trekking it is memorable. In October 2019, Hirwa crossed borders to the Gahinga regions of Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and is now trekked from Uganda. However, 50% of gorilla permits revenue or Hirwa gorilla family is given to Rwanda Development Board, the sole owners of Hirwa family.

Agashya Gorilla Family

Formerly known as “group 13” Agashya gorilla family was named after the 13 members who started this family. Agashya is the current dominant silverback who overpowered and threw away Nyakarima, the initial silverback gorilla. Agashya gorilla group currently has 27 members who comprise of the silverback, adult females, black back and babies.

Ugenda Family

Ugenda is locally translated as “mobile” due to the mobile movements of this gorilla family. Ugenda gorilla family is always on move and hence one of the hardest gorilla families to trek in Rwanda. The family inhabits the slopes of Mount Bisoke and travelers hiking to trek Ugenda family are ought to be physically fit and in good shape. Ugenda family currently has 11 members, which include 2 silverback, black backs, babies and adult females.

Titus gorilla family

Having lived since the time of Dian Fossey, Titus is one of the oldest gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park. The gorilla family is named after “Titus”, the founder silverback and the only survivor of his former group that was lost to poachers before the introduction of gorilla tourism in Volcanoes National Park. Titus gorilla family roams in the slopes of Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi and is a medium hike.
Other gorilla families used for research in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda include:
• Pablo gorilla family
• Muhoza gorilla family
• Isimbi gorilla group
• Gushimira gorilla family
• Mafunzo gorilla group
• Musilikale gorilla family
• Isabukuru gorilla group
In conclusion, therefore, an encounter with anyone of the habituated gorilla families in Rwanda is a lifetime experience every traveler should add on his her bucket list to Rwanda. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your Rwanda gorilla safari and be enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

Nov

2019

Gorilla Trekking for a Solo Traveler

Are you a solo traveler and wondering how possible you can do a gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo? No worries, solo gorilla safaris are very possible and can be done at affordable prices with African Apes Tours & Travel. Whereas most people going for gorilla trekking have done it in groups you can do a solo gorilla tour if planned it well. Over time, gorilla trekking has become the best wildlife experience any traveler wishes to do in his/her travel lifetime. It’s undeniable that over 60% of African safaris comprise of gorilla tracking hence proof that an encounter with these endangered species is indeed a lifetime experience. Every traveler has a different travel time, budget and interests which at times do not match with others. These differences make it difficult for a group tour hence requiring one to do a solo gorilla trekking tour. However, no worries, Gorilla Safaris in Africa makes it possible for you to trek gorillas as a solo traveler. We tailor-make a gorilla trekking safari suitable for your time, budget and interests to ensure you get the very best of mountain gorilla encounter. The best way to go gorilla trekking as solo traveler entails:

Book in time (Reserve your gorilla permit)

Solo gorilla trekking

Solo gorilla trekkers are advised to book for gorilla permits in time at least 6 months in advance. This gives you high chances of obtaining a gorilla permit despite the high demand and competition for gorilla permits, which rise in late bookings. Upon making a gorilla tour inquiry with us, a team at gorilla Safaris in Africa goes ahead to contact UWA/RDB to book and reserve a gorilla permit for you on the desired date. Also, some companies who take group tours tend to book many permit limiting the chances of solo travelers. However, we are at your service, just contact us, inform us about your travel dates and we shall reserve a gorilla permit for you. Travelers are required to pay a 30% deposit as a booking fee for a permit. The top-up is required before 90 days to the trekking date.

Trek gorillas in Uganda

To minimize the high costs of gorilla tours that come along with solo traveling, we advise you consider doing Uganda gorilla treks where gorilla permits are quire cheap and affordable. Uganda gorilla tour costs $600 for a permit compared to $1500 for a Rwanda gorilla trek. Fortunately, Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours saves you time and costs.

Book budget/Midrange accommodation

Given the fact that a solo traveler bares all travel costs (transport, accommodations) alone, the costs are likely to be high. To minimize this, make sure you book budget or midrange accommodation services which are cost-friendly but excellent. Several budget and midrange lodges have been established in all gorilla parks to offer you safe, comfortable and cost-friendly food and sleeping services.

REMINDER: Whereas you can book a solo gorilla trekking tour, you cannot trek a gorilla family alone unless you are the only person trekking that day. during the pre gorilla trekking briefing, you will be joined with other 7 travelers to make a group of eight who are given a gorilla family to visit for that day.

Tips for solo travelers

The travel guide and tips for solo travelers to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo include:
1. Keep in touch with your family and friends. Keep them updated
2. Do not move alone at night
3. Do not be a loner, make connections with other travelers you find at the lodge or in the field.
4. Share a copy of your itinerary with your family to keep them updated
5. Share emergency contact details with your lodge/travel agent
6. Know your budget and stick to it
7. Make sure you are insured
8. Try to adapt to the new environment. Be free with people
9. Do not trust people with your properties
10. Be friendly with your staff especially your driver-guide. He/she will make you feel at home.
11. Do not over drink
Solo gorilla trekking is very possible and affordable. Contact African Apes Tours today, book a solo gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo and be part of this magical encounter.

Nov

2019

Gorilla Families In Uganda

Do you want to trek gorillas in Uganda? Book a Uganda gorilla tour and get a chance to trek one of the 17 gorilla families in Uganda with Gorilla Safaris in Africa. The pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas habituated into 17 gorilla groups. Uganda gorillas inhabit the rain forest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in southwestern Uganda. The 2018 gorilla census indicates that Uganda is home to over 600 mountain gorillas, which make it a premier gorilla safari destination in Africa. With the high cost of Rwanda gorilla tours, Uganda remains your ultimate gorilla tour destination offering affordable gorilla safaris with no difficulty. Uganda gorillas in Bwindi forest are spit into four sectors namely Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla sectors in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. In addition, Uganda is home to 2 more gorilla families undergoing the habituation process in Rushaga sector. In gorilla trekking, each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 people while in habituation, four people a day visit a gorilla family. Uganda gorilla groups in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla parks are:
1. Mubare gorilla family

Mubare Gorilla family in Bwindi Forest

Located in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi forest, Mubare gorilla family is the oldest gorilla group that was habituated in1991. Mubare was the first gorilla group to be visited by the first set of gorilla trekkers to Bwindi. In October and November 2019, Mubare has been blessed with 2 baby gorillas which give hope for sustainable gorilla tourism in Bwindi forest and Uganda as a whole. Mubare gorilla family is headed by Kanyonyi, a dominant silverback who took over the group after the death of Ruhondoza silverback. Mubare is locally translated as “Amabare” where this gorilla was first sighted.

2. Habinyanja gorilla family
Also located in Buhoma sector, Habinyanja is a group you ought to visit. The family was habituated in 1997 and is one of the most visited gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National park. The family has 17 members comprised of the silverback, adult females, black backs, juveniles, and babies. The gorilla family was named after the watery swamps where it was first sighted.

3. Rushegura gorilla group
Formerly part of the Habinyanja gorilla family, Rushegura is yet another gorilla family in the Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park.
The family split from Habinyanja group in 2002 when Mwirima decided to leave his gorilla family and decided to take some adult females with him. Mwirima fought hard to expand the size of his family and he is undeniably the strongest silverback in Bwindi Forest.

4. Bitukura Gorilla Family

Named after the Bitukura river where the family rivers, Bitukura gorilla family is trekked in Ruhija sector east of Bwindi Forest National Park. formerly Bitukura had over 30 members most of which have been lost in fights and external attacks from wild gorilla families. Currently, Bitukura gorilla family has 14 members who include silverbacks, adult females, black backs and babies.

5. Oruzogo Gorilla group

Also located in Ruhija sector east of Bwindi forest National Park, Oruzogo is a big gorilla family comprised of over 25 members. Bakwate is the reigning dominant silverback gorilla family leading the other 5 adult females, infants, juveniles and blackbucks within the group. The group is located in a hilly area hence quite difficult to trek.

6. Bitukura Gorilla Family
Comprised of 13 members, Bitukura gorilla group is an interesting gorilla family to visit in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. Bitukura is one of the peaceful gorilla families in Bwindi, a not miss for every traveler. The playful juveniles keep the family lively and worth visiting. Ndahura is the dominant silverback who leads the other 4 silverbacks, 5 adult females, juveniles and infants.

7. Kyaguliro family in Ruhija sector
8. Nkuringo gorilla family in Nkuringo sector
9. Nshongi gorilla group in Rushaga sector
10. Mishaya family in Rushaga sector
11. Kahungye gorilla group on Rushaga sector
12. Busingye family in Rushaga
13. Bweza family in Rushaga
14. Katwe gorilla family in Buhoma sector
15. Christmas gorilla family in Nkuringo
16. Nyakagyezi gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National park

The gorilla families undergoing habituation experience are Bikyingi and Bushaho all located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. A single gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 but the magical experience achieved is worth it.
In general, an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas remains the best wildlife experience in the world. Book a Uganda gorilla trip today, trek any one of the habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga gorilla national parks and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience with African Apes Holidays

Nov

2019

How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take?

A gorilla family in Bwindi Forest

Whereas an encounter with gorillas is restricted to an hour, the length of trekking before meeting mountain gorillas is a different case. The hike to see gorillas can be as short as 30 minutes or else a full day depending on several factors some of which are natural and unpredictable. At times, travelers booking gorilla safaris ask how long is a hike to see mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo? Well, there is no specific answer to this question, it remains unpredictable. It uncertain to specify how long the trek to see gorillas will until you go for a gorilla tour yourself. However, from the experience of our past travelers, African Apes Tours & Travel gives you a guide on the anticipated length of gorilla trekking hike. The factors that determine the length of a trek to see gorillas include among others:

Location of a Gorilla Family

The trekking time will depend on the location of the mountain gorilla family you are allocated. Some gorilla families are located close to the park headquarters while others live uphill. For this reason, gorilla treks have been categorized into short, medium and long treks based on the ease and difficulty of trekking it. In the Bwindi forest, gorilla families are split into four sectors i.e Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Buhoma and Rushaga are believed to have the easiest to trek gorilla families, while the hilly Nkuringo is not for the faint-hearted. Therefore the location of a gorilla family you are trekking determines the time you are likely to spend in the jungle.

Speed of gorilla movements

The speed of gorilla movements will also determine how short or long a gorilla trek may be. At some times, a gorilla family keeps moving whenever travelers come to get closer to them which lengthens the trek. As wild as they are, gorillas will not settle for travelers to see them but rather they keep moving at their own pace. However, a gorilla family with babies normally walks at a slow speed which is an advantage for the trekkers.

Traveler’s physical fitness

Trekking through the jungle

Your physical fitness and hiking ability will determine how long your hike to see gorillas will be. Fast travelers quickly find their allocated gorilla families while the physically challenged find it difficult. For that matter, travelers are always asked to disclose their physical abilities to park rangers so as to get suitable gorilla families during gorilla family allocation at the start of the trekking day. During gorilla family allocation, aged and physically unfit are given short and medulla treks while the young, energetic and physically fit given long gorilla treks.

The weather of the day

On a sunny day, hiking is less difficult making it easier for travelers to trek through and find gorillas easily. On the other hand, a rainy day makes gorilla trekking much more difficult. The slippery muddy grounds associated with rain make it difficult to trek through the jungle forest resulting in longer hiking hours. Due to the unpredictable forest weather, travelers are advised to carry rain jackets for the rain showers. Also, hiking boots, gardening gloves, and a hiking stick will ease your gorilla trekking session.

An hour with the gorillas

An encounter with gorillas

Despite the many hour’s travelers spend in the jungle, the actual time to spend with the gorillas is strictly an hour. This hour is counted from the time travelers set their eyes on the gorilla family. When this hour comes, travelers are advised to keep calm, stay close, take a picture, capture videos and utilize this short precious time. do not panic, take your time, observe and admire the social characters of gorillas and enjoy this magical encounter with African Apes Tours & Travel

In conclusion, the length of a hike to see gorillas is not certain. However, travelers are 99.9% sure of the meeting the endangered gorillas at the end of the trek.

Nov

2019

Rules & Regulations Of Gorilla Trekking

You might have heard about of rules gorilla trekking! These are the guidelines which you MUST adhere to during your gorilla safaris in Africa. At the start of each gorilla trekking day, travelers gather at the park headquarters for briefing about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Also, known as the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, these are put to ensure the safety of the endangered mountain gorillas and the travelers. Travelers are required to abide by the rules if they want to have a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla safari in Africa.

Anyone who acts against the rules of gorilla trekking risks missing out an encounter with these endangered species in the jungle. Also, the rules of gorilla trekking are given during the pre gorilla trekking briefing where travelers are also allocated gorilla families to trek in their groups of eight. Rules and regulations of gorilla trekking apply before, during and after gorilla trekking. These include among others:

Before meeting the gorillas

Have your day pack ready

• Anyone below 15 years old is not allowed to trek gorillas
• Carry with you’re a valid gorilla permit
• Maximum of eight people allowed to visit each gorilla family
• Do not trek when sick, mountain gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses especially cold and cough
• Keep within the group, do not split from your group
• Follow your guide, listen to his instructions and keep calm
• If you are not physically fit, make sure you hire a sedan chair to avoid any difficulties during trekking
• Pack all you need for gorilla trekking: Make sure your day pack has it all you need during gorilla trekking.

Among the things you must carry for the gorilla trek include:
1. Hiking boots to ease your movements through slippery and muddy forest grounds
2. Long-sleeved shirts and blouses to protect your arms from scratches by thorny bushes
3. Hats to protect your head and keep your hair clean for ladies
4. Scuff or sweater to keep you warm in the cold jungle forests
5. Long pants or trousers to protect your legs. The trouser must be tucked into stockings
6. Gardening gloves for your hands
7. Carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks to keep you strong throughout the hiking
8. Rain jackets to deal with the unpredictable forest weather
9. First aid kit for any emergencies
10. Insect repellant to protect you from insect bites which can be infectious

While with the gorillas

Keep seven meters away

• Keep a distance of seven meters away from gorillas to avoid the spread of human-wildlife diseases. Also, keeping a distance from gorillas keeps them at peace and relaxed
• Do not use the flashlight cameras. These scare gorillas forcing them to charge at you
• Do not touch the gorillas, it can cause the spread of infectious diseases
• Speak at allow tone
• Do not feed the gorillas
• Do not run when a gorilla charges
• Turn back your face when sneezing or coughing
• Do not smoke in the presence of gorillas
• Do not eat when with gorillas
• Spend strictly an hour with gorillas
• Sit or crouch while with gorillas. You intimate gorillas when you keep standing
• Burry all the wastes to avoid the spread of diseases to these endangered species

To ease your gorilla trekking session, please hire a porter at $10 t0 $20. Porters help to carry a traveler’s baggage which makes the whole trek light and quick. Porters can also help to hold a traveler’s hand for support in slippery forest grounds. Porters are local people used to forest slopes, they can easily help you walk through without difficulties

Also, hire a walking stick for support up and downhill. Walking/hiking sticks can be obtained at the respective park headquarters for as low as $5.

Other National park Rules and regulations

Besides gorilla trekking rules, there are general regulations that apply in all parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. These include:
Do not Drive offtrack in the park
Do not camp or make fire camps anywhere in the park except at designated places
Do not use sounding motor horns which can disturb the peace of the gorillas
Drive at 40 kilometers per hour. this is the speed limit which you must not exceed
Do not litter in the park. Leave only the foot prints
Do not bring pets in the park
Do not pic any vegetation from the park, Take only memories and photos
Do not bring fire arms in the park
Do not drive in the park between 7:00pm and 7:00am (Driving at night is not allowed )

10 Top Facts about Mountain Gorillas

Roughly 1,063 mountain gorillas exist in the whole world
Mountain live in only two destinations Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park and the Virunga Conservation Area
Gorillas share over 98% of human genes
Gorillas are one of the biggest and most powerful primates in the world
Gorillas can eat all day long
Gorillas Cozy up at Night
They have different types of call such as beating chest, stiffing legs etc
Gorillas live in families/Groups
Gorillas can live up to 40 years old in the wild
They ae endangered primates highly threatened

In conclusion, you must follow the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking if you want to have a memorable encounter with these endangered species. Wake up early report to the park headquarters, listen to the do and don’ts of gorilla trekking and you will have a memorable time with your closest relatives.

Nov

2019

Why is Gorilla Trekking Expensive?

Gorilla trekking is undeniably the most expensive activity on African Safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A 1 Day gorilla tour to Rwanda costs over $1500 which money can cater to a 5 Days Wildlife safari without the gorillas. For that case, gorilla safaris in Africa have been ranked as one of the luxury travel experiences in Africa given the high costs associated with an encounter with these endangered species. The magical feeling of facing directly with the gorillas is a lifetime experience. Currently, traveling to see mountain gorillas has become a must-do adventure form mots travelers to Africa. Over 60% of total travelers to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo choose to trek gorillas in either Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National parks to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. During gorilla trip inquiries, some travelers have continuously wondered why gorilla trekking is expensive? Well, African Apes Tours & Travel gives you a guide on why gorilla trekking is expensive and worth it.

The high cost of gorilla trekking permits

The cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is one of the reasons for expensive gorilla safaris. In Rwanda, a single gorilla permit cost $1500 while in Uganda it costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. In Congo, gorilla permits cost $450 each which Congo the affordable gorilla tour destination for those traveling on a budget. With effect from 1st July 2020, the cost of Uganda gorilla permits will rise to $700 for foreign non-residents and $600 for foreign residents. A gorilla permit is a pass to see gorillas without which no one is allowed to see these endangered species. At the start of each trekking day, visitors gather at the respective park headquarters where everyone is asked to present his/her valid gorilla permit. Anyone without a permit is not allowed to visit the gorillas in the jungle. If you want to book a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, Gorilla Safaris in Africa is at your service. We book and reserve gorilla permits for clients who contact us saving them the hustle and stresses of booking permits for themselves. Alternatively, you can book directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. Gorilla permit prices are inclusive of park entrance fees, ranger fees, and other government taxes.

Mountain gorillas are endangered species

With only 1004 mountain gorillas surviving in the whole world, it’s definite that the species are endangered. In the 1980s mountain gorillas were on the verge of extinction to poaching, loss of habitat and civil conflicts. Great thanks to Dian Fossey who came to the Virunga massif in 1987 to save the then critically endangered species. Dian Fossey camped in the Virunga massif where she opened up a campaign against poaching. Unfortunately, Dian Fossey was later killed by poachers but her campaign to save gorillas continued up to present. Since her time, the population of mountain gorilla has stably increased which gives hope for sustainable tourism.

Conservation purpose

Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board set high prices for gorilla permits to promote gorilla conservation. High costs of gorilla permits limit the number of travelers visiting gorillas, which save gorillas from crowds that put them at risk. Also, the money collected from the sale of gorilla permits is used to support conservation projects in gorilla national parks such as paying for tourism police, park rangers, and wardens who ensure the wellbeing of mountain gorillas in the jungle.

Additional expenses on the trip

Hire a porter

Gorilla trekking does not only include buying gorilla permits buy also other expenses. The trip involves paying for transport to and from gorilla parks, accommodation services, driver guides, porters and miscellaneous expenses. Whereas some of these expenses especially porters are not mandatory, travelers are advised to hire them to have a peaceful and successful gorilla trek. Therefore the inclusion of these extra expenses on a gorilla trip makes the whole experience expensive. The lodge facilities in gorilla national parks are categorized into luxury, mid-range and budget depending on the traveler’s budget.

Improving local livelihoods

Part of the money collected from gorilla permits is given back to local communities adjacent to gorilla national parks. In Uganda, UWA gives 20% of the total revenue collected from gorilla safaris to local areas helping them to improve their standards of living and earn a living. In Rwanda, local people are given 10% of the total revenue collected from gorilla permits.

When to book a gorilla permits

Future travelers coming to see gorillas are advised to book for permits as early as 6 months before the trekking date. The reason for the early booking is the high demand for permits. Also, early booking ensures time planning and hotel bookings which all make your gorilla safari memorable and with no difficulty.

Generally, gorilla trekking is the most expensive travel activity in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the magical feeling of trekking gorillas is worth the money, effort and time.

Nov

2019

Pre gorilla trekking briefing

Each gorilla trekking day starts with a briefing at the respective national park headquarters in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. A pre gorilla trekking briefing is all about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking, to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla encounter. Gorilla trekking briefing is done at 7:00 am, and all travelers are expected to be at the scene by this time. Whoever misses a pre gorilla trekking briefing risks to miss gorillas. In most cases, travelers making gorilla trek inquiries often ask what’s the day of gorilla trekking be like? African Apes Tours & Travel gives you a guide about gorilla trekking briefing, what is it all about and why it’s a must-attend for every traveler trekking to see gorillas.

Introduction to the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking

While in the pre gorilla trekking briefing, travelers are introduced to rules, regulations, dos, and don’ts while with mountain gorillas. These include among others:
• Keep a distance of seven meters way from gorillas
• Keep within your group, do not move alone in the jungle
• Do not trek gorillas when sick
• Turn back your faces when coughing or sneezing
• Speak at a low tone
• Do not litter in the park
• Do not feed the gorillas
• Do not use the flashlight cameras
• Do not look directly into the eyes of a gorillas
• Spend strictly an hour with gorillas
• Do not touch the baby gorillas
• Do not run when gorillas charge at you, keep calm

Allocation of gorilla families

Still in the briefing, travelers are allocated specific gorillas to trek. Firstly, travelers are put together in groups of 8 and each allocated a gorilla family to visit. Mountain gorilla family allocation depends on travelers physical fitness, age and hiking abilities. The elderly and pregnant women are usually given the easy to trek gorilla families while the young and energetic given the hard to trek families. Travelers with any challenges especially in hiking are reminded to disclose their inabilities to the park rangers so as to get suitable gorilla families and avoid any difficulties while hiking.

Presentation of gorilla permits

In briefing, each traveler is asked to present his/her gorilla trekking permit to the respective park management. Whoever does not have a permit is not allowed to trek gorillas. Permits are given back to park wardens and they remain the property of the government of Uganda, Rwanda or Congo depending on where you are trekking gorillas. A traveler does not own a gorilla permit even after paying for it.

Where does gorilla trekking briefing take place?
As said already, gorilla trekking briefing takes place at the park headquarters of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks. For the case of Bwindi, the briefing is done a any of the four park headquarters in Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo or Rushaga depending on which sector a traveler is trekking gorillas from. Travelers are advised to stay at lodges close to the briefing point to avoid long hours of driving which can make them exhausted and late for the briefing.

What if am trekking Uganda gorillas from Kigali?

For the case of Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, travelers set off from Kigali at 3:30am, so as to catch up with the briefing in Bwindi/Mgahinga at 7:00am. A 1 day Uganda gorilla trek, therefore, requires you to wake up very early, to cover up the five hours drive and catch up with the briefing. If you are doing a 1 day Rwanda gorilla tour, you will leave Kigali at 4:30 am to reach Kinigi park headquarters of volcanoes National park at 7:00 am.

Cup of coffee and traditional performances

In Rwanda, travelers are served with a cup of coffee and a traditional performance by local dances. This offers them the best pre gorilla trekking experience making the whole trip exceptional and memorable. The cup of coffee is free of charge courtesy of Rwanda Development Board

Porters and walking stick

Still, at the briefing point, travelers hire porters (local people)to help carry the baggage to and from gorilla trekking. Also, travelers are given walking sticks and those without hiking shoes and given plastic gumboots at a lesser fee.
In general, gorilla trekking briefing is very essential for every successful mountain gorilla encounter in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nov

2019

Gorilla Trekking For Pregnant Women

Can pregnant women trek gorillas? YES, expectant women can also visit to trek gorillas with no difficulty. Over time, potential travelers especially women have frequently asked whether it’s possible for a pregnant woman to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The right answer to this question is YES, pregnant women can trek gorillas in Bwindi forest, Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Virunga Gorilla National Parks with no difficulty. Gorilla trekking is ranked as the best wildlife experience, a dream come true for over 70% of total tourist arrivals in Africa. Pregnant women are not an exception but also yearn to experience this magical encounter with the endangered gorillas in the jungle. African Apes Tours offers you the pregnant women’s guide for gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla tours

Fly to gorilla parks

Fly to Bwindi

If you are landing at Entebbe international airport, book scheduled flight from kajjansi to Kihihi or Kisoro airfields to avoid long hours of driving. The drive time from Entebbe to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinag is roughly 10 hours, which can be exhausting for a pregnant woman. For the ground transport to and from the park, make sure you book a land cruiser with hydraulics. These vehicles are comfortable and raised protecting you from feeling the bumpy roads in Bwindi/Mgahinga that can easily cause a miscarriage. If you are traveling on budget and cannot afford scheduled flights from Entebbe to Bwindi, then opt for Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, which shortens the driving time.

Choose a short gorilla trek

Gorilla treks in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are categorized into short, medium and long treks depending on the ease and difficulty of finding a gorilla family. Short gorilla treks normally take less time while long treks can go for a full day of trekking to meet endangered gorillas. Pregnant women are advised to opt and ask for short gorilla treks. This is done during the pre gorilla trekking briefing where travelers are pit together in groups of 8 each allocated a gorilla family. Gorilla family allocation depends on one’s age, physical fitness, and hiking abilities. if you are pregnant endeavor to remind your guide or the park rangers to help you get a shirt trek gorilla family.

Do physical exercises

Do physical exercises

You must be physically fit to avoid difficulties in gorilla trekking. Pregnant women are advised to do numerous physical exercises such as walking and hiking to ensure physical fitness in preparing for the strenuous but memorable gorilla trekking. Physical exercises will prepare you gorilla trekking in advance and you will not find difficulty to trek through the jungle forests of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Virunga and Volcanoes National parks when the time comes.

Hire a porter

Whereas hiring a porter for gorilla trekking is optional, pregnant women must hire a porter to help her carry baggage. Also, porters give you support by holding your hands on steep slopes and also supporting you in slippery forest grounds. A porter carries all baggage for a pregnant woman saving her of the heavy luggage that can make gorilla trekking difficulty. Fortunately, porters are hired at a very low between $15 to $20 hence affordable for all travelers. Also, hiring a porter is indirect support of local livelihood. Porters are local people who earn a living fro pottering to support their families and improve their standards of living.

Choose a less difficult gorilla sector

If you are trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest National park, chose to trek in either Rushaga or Buhoma gorilla sectors. These two sectors are located in the south and northern regions of Bwindi respectively and have proved to be simple to trek for pregnant women. Ruhija and Nkuringo gorilla sectors are so steep and difficult to hike hence a challenge to a pregnant woman.

Carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks

Pregnant women trekking gorillas are encouraged to carry enough drinking water to quench the thirst when hiking to meet gorillas. Also, endeavor to carry some energy giving snacks including banana, apple, bread, and eggs ad juice among others to keep you strong throughout the trekking session.

Hire a sedan chair

Hire a Sedan chair

If the pregnancy is 7 months and above, it’s advisable you hire a sedan chair to avoid any difficulty uphill. Here a group of 4 porters carry a pregnant woman on a sedan chair to and from the jungle. The expectant mother is only put down when they reach gorillas to help her take pictures and capture videos. Sedan chairs save pregnant women from difficult and strenuous gorilla trek hikes and altitude sickness. Hiring a sedan chair costs $400 to and from gorilla trekking.

How to book a gorilla tour for pregnant women?

African Apes Tours is your ultimate gorilla tour company to arrange for you a suitable gorilla trek for pregnant women. Contact us today, inform us about your pregnancy and we shall tailor-make for you a suitable package.

Conclusively, therefore, pregnant women can go gorilla trekking without challenges. Contact us today, book a tailored gorilla tour and enjoy this lifetime experience.

Nov

2019

Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

Can i trek gorillas in Uganda starting from Kigali Rwanda?Is it possible to fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda? YES, you can easily trek Uganda gorillas from Kigali Rwanda. Fly into Kigali Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda with African Apes Tours & Travel. Due to the high costs of Rwanda gorilla tours to Volcanoes National park at $1500 per permit, travelers have now opted to fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest National park. Since the double increment of Rwanda gorilla permits, most travelers, especially those traveling on a budget, have opted to do Uganda gorilla safaris starting from Kigali. Here travelers land at Kigali International airport and thereafter cross over through Cyanika/Katuna border to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga gorilla national park to do budget Uganda gorilla tours. Interestingly, even those who want to do a one-day Uganda gorilla tour starting from Kigali can do it without difficulty. 1 Day Uganda gorilla trek starts at 9:30 am driving from Kigali to catch-up with a pre gorilla trekking briefing in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. If you want to do a 2 Days Bwindi gorilla trek from Kigali, you will fly into Kigali, pick up and transfer to Bwindi forest. On the second day, trek gorillas in Bwindi and transfer back to Kigali for your connecting flight. African Apes Tours & travel offers you the very best Rwanda Uganda gorilla tours at affordable rates with no difficulty.

Drive time from Kigali to Bwindi

Cyanika Border

The drive tie from Kigali to Bwindi forest is roughly 5 hours crossing through the Cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna Border in Kabale district. The choice of which entry point to use depends on where you are trekking gorillas from. If you are trekking in Rushaga sector, Ruhija, Nkuringo or Mgahinga gorilla national park, the Cyanika border in kisoro is the easiest entry pint for you. If you are trekking gorillas in the Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Forest, endeavor to cross through Katuna Border in Kabale district. The 5 hours scenic drive offers you spectacular views of rolling hills, local communities, and Virunga Volcanoes hence giving you the best pre gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla habituation experience from Kigali Rwanda

Similarly to gorilla trekking, travelers can do gorilla habituation experience from Kigali Rwanda. A 1 Days gorilla habituation experience starts at 3:30 am with a transfer from Kigali to Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Currently, 2 gorilla families namely Bushaho and Bikyingi are undergoing the habituation process and will soon be opened for trekking. Gorilla Habituation experience is al about training wild gorillas to make them used to human presence before they are opened for trekking. Fly into Rwanda, do gorilla habituation experience in Uganda and get a chance to spend half day with endangered gorillas within the shortest time possible.

How to Book a Rwanda Uganda gorilla trek?

Wondering how to book a Uganda gorilla trek starting from Kigali? No worries, Gorilla Safaris in Africa is at your service. Just contact us, inform us about your travel dates, number of people and we shall tailor-make for you a suitable gorilla package that starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda. Alternatively, you can book and reserve a Uganda gorilla permit directly with Gorilla Safaris in Africa.

When to Book a Rwanda Uganda gorilla tour?

Due to high demand for Uganda gorilla tours, travelers are advised to book as early as 6 months in advance to reserve permits. Uganda has currently become the first stop center for gorilla trekking safaris given the low cost of gorilla permits. Therefore Uganda permits tend to sell out easily denying last time travelers a chance to trek these endangered species.

Uganda gorilla families easily trekked from Kigali Rwanda

The easy to trek Uganda gorilla families from Kigali Rwanda are those located in Rushaga gorilla sector south of Bwindi Forest National park. These include the Nshongi gorilla family, Kahungye gorilla group, Mishaya gorilla family, Bweza family and Busingye gorilla group. Also, you can easily trek gorilla families in Buhoma sector through the Katuna border. The gorilla groups in the Buhoma sector are Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja and Katwe gorilla groups. Each of these gorilla families is visited by a group of 8 travelers a day for an hour’s interaction.

Which travel documents do I require to trek gorillas in Uganda from Kigali?
Well, you require a Rwanda Visa, Ugandan Visa, a Uganda gorilla permit and valid passports. Also, a single East African Visa helps you visit Rwanda and Uganda without necessarily applying for a Uganda or Rwanda Visa.

In Conclusion, Rwanda to Bwindi Gorilla Trekking is very possible and the best option for budget travelers. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your gorilla tour in Uganda starting from Kigali and enjoy this magical encounter with no difficulty.

Nov

2019

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth It?

Is gorilla trekking worth it? Yes, a close encounter with the endangered gorillas in their natural habitats is worth doing. Given the high costs of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, some travelers have often asked whether gorilla trekking is worth the money. Yes, the magical feeling of gorilla trekking is worth the money, effort and time. Over the years, gorilla trekking has been ranked as the best wildlife experience in the world, the must-do activity on every African Safari. A face to face encounter with the endangered gorillas has presently become a top bucket list for most if not all travelers to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Gorilla trekking is undeniably one of the most expensive travel activities, which some people have continuously asked whether the experience is surely worth the cost. The question of why is gorilla trekking expensive is one of the frequently asked gorilla trekking questions by travelers intending planning gorilla tours. Gorilla Safaris in Africa brings you details on why is gorilla trekking is expensive and how the experience is worth the money, time and energy.

Gorilla permits costs

Travelers going to see mountain gorillas must have valid gorilla permits. The cost of gorilla trekking permits is different in each country but the experience attained is worth it. In Uganda, a single gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $ 600 for foreign residents and UGX for East Africa citizens. In Rwanda, a single gorilla permit costs $1500 paid by all travelers while in Congo, a permit to see gorillas costs $450, which makes it the cheapest gorilla safari destination in Africa. The high costs of gorilla permits exclusive of other expenses on a gorilla tour make gorilla trekking an expensive activity especially for those traveling on a budget. Money collected from the sale of gorilla permits is used to support conservation initiatives in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, paying park rangers, gorilla doctors and also some percentage given back to local communities to improve local livelihoods. For these reasons, gorilla trekking costs is worth paying.

Endangered state of mountain gorillas

With only 1004 mountain gorillas left in the whole world, mountain gorillas are among the endangered species as listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The endangered species were once at the verge of extinction to poaching and habitat loss till the time of Dian Fossey who started a campaign to conserve gorillas in the Virunga conservation area. Gorilla safaris in Africa are done in only three countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Anyone who wants to trek gorillas must visit any one of the three countries or both for comparisons. Therefore the endangered state of mountain gorillas makes gorilla trekking worth it. The human-like characters of mountain gorillas and their endangered state make gorilla trekking a dream come true for over 60% of travelers to Africa.

Magical feeling

Past travelers have reviewed gorilla trekking as a magical feeling that lasts for a lifetime. The thrilling experience that travelers feel looking directly into the eyes of a silverback gorilla is worth the money and effort and time. Also, the admirable social human-like characters of mountain gorillas in their families is worth it. Just like in a human family, each gorilla in his/her family plays a different role. The silverback is the daddy of the home responsible for planning, protecting and leading the family, adult female gorillas are housewives who take care of the babies and the entire family while juveniles and black backs keep the family lively and active. The way each family plays his/her role is undeniably magical and worth the money. You feel overwhelmed by their actions, which are more like those of people. You will see mothers carry their babies at the back which experience you will never forget.

Ample time with gorillas

If you opt for gorilla habituation experience, you will never forget such an amazing encounter. Imagine spending half a day with these gentle giants in their natural habitats? Is it not magical? Gorilla habituation makes a travelers part of the training team who tame wild gorillas to make them used with human presence. You will run after gorillas, imitate their behaviors, come close to them and have ample time to learn their lifestyles. a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 but it’s worth it.

Support local people

Local community projects

In all gorilla national parks, a certain percentage of the gorilla permit cost is given back to local people living adjacent to gorilla habitats. This is to encourage a positive attitude and support from local people towards gorilla tourism, which promotes sustainable gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. This money is used to support local projects such as building homes for the homeless, water dams, schools and health centers which all improve the standards of living for the people. Most of the local people supported by gorilla tourism projects are Batwa pygmies, the traditional dwellers of gorilla national parks before gorilla tours were initiated. These indigenous people depended wholly on the forest for a livelihood and lived in harmony with wild animals in the forests for 1000s of years.

Gorilla trekking time

The actual time to spend with gorillas is strictly an hour counted from the time travelers set their eyes on the allocated gorilla family. However, travelers can spend a full day trekking in the jungle before meeting the gorillas. The actual; time to spend trekking to see gorillas are unpredictable. it can be as short as 30 minutes away from the briefing point or else several hours depending on the location of a gorilla family and their spend of movements.

Given the increased number of travelers coming to see gorillas, it’s definite that gorilla trekking is worth it. An encounter with the endangered gorillas in their natural habitats is surely worth the money, effort and time. Book a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo feel the magical experience yourself with African Apes Holidays

Nov

2019

What’s The Best Time To Trek Gorillas?

Are you wondering when is the best time to see mountain gorillas? Well, the endangered gorillas can be visited all year round. Travelers intending to trek mountain gorillas have continuously asked the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is quite a difficult question to answer since the best time to trek gorillas depends on the traveler’s choice and interests. One traveler may see the dry season as the best time while the other one looks at the low season as his/her best time. However, depending on comparisons of various past travelers’ reviews, African Apes Tours & Travel offers you a guide on how to choose when is the best time to trek gorillas. There are 2 gorilla trekking seasons, which vary in different ways. Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages. Travelers are reminded to study and understand the differences in each season before choosing when to visit mountain gorillas.

High season

Most travelers have ranked the high season between the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February as the best time to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During this season, rainfalls are less and forest grounds less slippery which eases hikes to meet gorillas. Also, the dry season is normally sunny which makes gorilla photography and filming colorful. However, gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly during the dry season due to high demand. This denies last time travelers a chance to trek gorillas since no one can trek gorillas with no permit. Travelers intending to trek mountain gorillas during the dry season are therefore advised to book permits as early as 6 months in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Low season

Gorilla trekkers crossing a stream

This season is during the months of October, November, March, April, and May. Low season is also known as a wet season is usually rainy with everyday rains. Gorilla trekking during this season is normally challenging given the slippery and muddy forest grounds, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Visits are generally few in the low season as hence gorilla permits very much available even for those who want to book last-minute gorilla tours. Despite it being the rainy season, there is no single day that travelers have ever failed to see gorillas because of rain. It’s so magical how sunsets in immediately after rains enabling travelers to continue with their gorilla treks. Also in this season, service providers especially hotels, lodges and tour companies give discounts to encourage more visitor numbers. Therefore low season gives travelers discounted gorilla tours much cheaper compared o high season. The few visits in this season give travelers an up-close encounter with the endangered species with no crowds. This gives them ample space for photos and film unlike in high season where there are crowds of visiting trekking gorillas. The green sceneries of the neighboring areas adjacent to gorilla national parks make photography wonderful.

When to book for a gorilla safari

Sunny day in Bwindi Forest

Having known the differences in seasons, you ought to choose which season you want to visit gorillas. Whichever season you choose to visit gorillas, endeavor to book as early as 6 months before the trekking date. Early gorilla booking gives travel operators ample time to tailor-make for you a suitable gorilla safari package. It also enables travel operators to timely book and reserve hotel rooms in the respective sector if you are trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest National park where permits are distributed between Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija gorilla sectors. Your hotel/lodge/camp should b near the park headquarters /briefing point to avoid long drives in the morning.

How to Book a gorilla safari

For those interested in booking a gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla Safaris in Africa is at your service. We tailor-make for you a suitable gorilla tour itinerary to fit your budget, time and travel interests. Contact us today, tell us your interests and we shall offer you the best at affordable rates.

Conclusively, gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year. Book to trek gorillas in the low season for colorful photography and in the low season for discounted rates with African Apes Tours. Gorilla safaris remain the best wildlife in the world worth doing.

Nov

2019

Gorilla Trekking Packing List

Wondering what to carry for gorilla trekking? African Apes Tours & Travel brings you a full list of gorilla trekking packing to ensure you have a comfortable and peaceful gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s undeniable that the carryon gorilla trekking packing list is one of the key features that ensure a successful gorilla trek. During the gorilla tour inquiry, travelers are always reminded to carry the appropriate essentials that help them during gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas live in the jungle forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla Forest, Volcanoes National park and Virunga National park in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo respectively. These forests have thick bushes with slippery and muddy grounds which at times make gorilla tracking very difficult and strenuous. Packing the light attire for gorilla trekking, therefore, guarantees comfort and safety, saving you the hustles and bustles associated with trekking to see gorillas. The essential gorilla trekking gear every traveler coming to see mountain gorillas must have include:

Hiking Boots/Shoes

Hiking boots, shoes should be number one on your packing list. These ease your movements through slippery and muddy forest grounds of Bwindi, Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Virunga gorilla parks. Also, hiking boots protect your feet from cuts by sharp stones. Never bring open shoes and flats for gorilla trekking unless you want to have a terrible experience. Also, your gorilla trekking hiking boots should be waterproof to prevent water from reaching your feet. If you do not have hiking boots, tell your driver guide to get or you gumboots/rubber boots, which are hired at the respective park headquarters. Never bring white snickers or a pair of new shoes for gorilla trekking. They will wear out and get torn in the jungle. Therefore bring second hand or already used shoes which you will not take back after gorilla trekking.

Long-sleeved shirts/blouses

Endeavor to wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses to protect your arms from rough bushes some of which are thorny. Your gorilla trekking shirts should be in dark colors preferably Khaki to blend with forest vegetation. Short-sleeved shirts and armless blouses expose you to forest coldness, which can make you sickly after the trek. Therefore long-sleeved shirts keep you warm throughout the gorilla trek. Also, ensure to wear cotton shirts, which cannot easily be plucked by thorny bushes exposing you to hurts.

Gardening gloves

A traveler wearing a rain jacket and hand gloves for gorilla trekking

For your hands, remember o carry gardening gloves. These protect your hands from touching muddy when climbing in steep areas and also protect your hands from thorns when grabbing the bushes for support.

Rain jackets/gears

Regardless of the season, gorilla parks can receive rainfall at any time of the year. Travelers are therefore reminded to carry rain jackets o prepare for the unpredictable forest rains. Your rain jacket should be waterproof and light not too heavy for you.

Ponchos and sweaters

Carry ponchos and sweaters, or scuffs to keep you warm during gorilla trekking. In most cases gorilla national parks are always cold due to the thick forest which does not allow light penetration. A poncho/sweater will keep you warm and strong throughout.

Hats and sunglasses

The hat protects your head and hair for ladies from getting dirty and wet by forest raindrops. Interestingly, most local markets and craft shops have all kinds of hats sold at affordable rates. More so, sunglasses protect your eyes from forest insects and direct sun.

Insect repellants

Remember to carry insect repellents to protect you from bites from harmful forest insects including mosquitoes. RID is the commonly used insect repellant bought from most pharmacies and drug shops all over Africa.

Long trousers and stockings

Avoid trekking gorillas in short pants, which expose your legs and thighs to forest bushes. Also, make sure you tuck your trousers into stockings to avoid bites from ground insects and scratches by thorny bushes.

Other things to carry fro gorilla trekking

Besides clothing for gorilla trekking, travelers are reminded to pack the following essentials, which ease the gorilla trekking session. Among the things you must carry include:

Drinking water and energy-giving snacks

You ought to carry enough bottled drinking water and energy-giving snacks to keep you strong during the gorilla trekking session. Make sure you carry some bread, boiled egg, chapati, fruits and some juice to keep you strong for the unpredictable time you will spend in the jungle trekking to see gorillas. 3 liters of water is the recommended amount you should carry to quench the thirst during gorilla tracking.

Hiking/walking stick

A walking stick gives you support in the up and down hills of gorilla trekking safari. Fortunately, hiking sticks are all available at all national park headquarters hired at very affordable prices.

Hire a porter

Hiring a porter will ease your gorilla trekking session. Porters are local people hired to carry traveler’s baggage to and from gorilla trekking. Also, porters help to support you by holding your hands in slippery and steep forests hence preventing you from falling. Hiring a porter is an indirect way of supporting local livelihood earning them living to sustain their families and improve their standards of living.

In conclusion, knowledge of what to pack for gorilla tracking is very essential for every successful gorilla trekking tour. Contact African Apes Tours, get to know the appropriate packing list for gorilla trekking to avoid any difficulty.

Nov

2019

Cost of Gorilla Permits In Uganda, Rwanda & Congo

While planning for gorilla trekking safari, It’s wise to know the actual cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. in all gorilla destinations, a gorilla permit is a pass to trek mountain gorillas without which no one is allowed to visit these endangered species. What’s the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is one of the frequently asked questions about African Apes Tours. Most upcoming travelers have always asked what’s the cost of a gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo during gorilla tour inquiries to confirm where to go for gorilla trekking. The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is different. Each country sets a different gorilla permit cost depending on the country’s conservation policies and plans. Currently, Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla permits followed by Uganda and then Congo with the cheapest gorilla permits. The cost of a gorilla permit determines how expensive of how cheap a gorilla safari will be

Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda

Uganda gorilla permit

The price of gorilla permits in Uganda varies depending on a client’s status and nationality. A single Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, UGX 300,000 for East African residents and $500 for tourists from the rest of Africa. Travelers can book Gorilla permits prior to the tracking date to avoid missing on this amazing wild experience in the high mountains. For those who want to do gorilla habituation experience, a single permit costs $1500 allowing you to spend 4 hours with the endangered gorillas undergoing training. Each day Uganda wildlife authority issues out 144 gorilla permits to trek gorillas in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. More so, 16 gorilla habituation experience permits are issued out every day in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi forest where gorilla habituation takes place. To check gorilla permit availability and book gorilla tours in Uganda, contact us at African Apes Holidays for bookings.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rwanda gorilla permit

The cost of a Rwanda gorilla tour is $1500 for a gorilla permit in Volcanoes National park. This $1500 is only for the permit meaning that travelers who will pay for other tour inclusions such as accommodation, transport, guide and miscellaneous separate. In May 2017, Rwanda double increased her gorilla permit cost from $750 to $1500, which transformed Rwanda into a luxury gorilla tour destination. Since then, Rwanda gorilla tours became so expensive for budget travelers who opted to do Rwanda Uganda gorilla safaris. Here travelers fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda via Cyanika or Katuna borders in Kisoro and Kabale respectively. Every day, 80 gorilla permits are available to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National park Rwanda. Gorilla permit bookings in Rwanda can be done directly with Rwanda Development Board or African Apes Tours your ultimate gorilla safari company.

Cost of gorilla permits in Congo

The permit to trek gorillas in Congo costs $450, which makes it the most affordable gorilla destination in Africa. Each day, 64 gorilla permits are available to trek gorillas in Virunga National Park. Congo gorilla tours also involve visiting the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park to meet the largest gorilla species (Eastern Lowland gorillas) in the world. The fewer visits to Virunga National park make Congo the best gorilla safari destination for adventurous travelers. However, visitors are advised to be careful and avoid moving alone and in late hours while in Congo since the area is not secure.

When to book for a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

Ensure to book and reserve your gorilla permit as early as possible. The recommended time to book for a gorilla permit is at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning and avoid any last time disappointment. Also, gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly due to high demand. Those who book last-minute trips often miss out on gorilla permits. Gorilla Safaris in Africa helps you check permit availability and reserve for you a permit to ensure you enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

HOW TO GET A GORILLA PERMIT IN UGANDA

The following steps are a clear guide to acquiring a gorilla permit in Uganda:

Choose Your Dates and Gorilla Group: Decide on the dates you want to trek and which gorilla group you wish to visit. There are several habituated gorilla groups in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Select a Tour Operator: Gorilla permits in Uganda must be obtained through a registered tour operator. Choose a reputable operator who can arrange your permit as part of a gorilla trekking package.
Contact the Tour Operator: Contact the tour operator directly or through their website. Provide them with the details of your preferred dates and the number of permits you need (one permit per person per trek).
Confirm Availability: The tour operator will check availability of permits for your chosen dates and gorilla group. Gorilla permits are limited (especially during peak seasons), so it’s advisable to book well in advance.
Payment: Once availability is confirmed, you will need to make payment for the gorilla permit.
Receive Confirmation: After payment, the tour operator will send you a confirmation of your gorilla permit booking. This confirmation is essential as it serves as your permit to trek with the gorillas.
Trekking Day: On the day of your trek, present your gorilla permit along with identification (passport or ID) at the park headquarters. The park rangers will verify your details before assigning you to a gorilla group for the trekking experience.
Enjoy Your Trek: Follow the instructions of the park rangers and enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime experience trekking with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

It’s important to note that gorilla permits in Uganda are in high demand, especially during the peak seasons (June to September and December to February). Therefore, booking prior to the travel date (up to 6 months or more) is highly recommended to secure your permit and avoid disappointment. Check out our packages here.

Do you want to book a gorilla permit or check gorilla permit availability in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo? Contact African Apes Tours & Travel and you will be sorted within the shortest time possible.

Nov

2019

Where To Go For Gorilla Trekking

Where is the best place to see mountain gorillas is undeniably one of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Africa. Most if not all travelers planning to visit gorillas have frequently asked where do mountain gorillas live to have a glimpse of this memorable encounter. For future travelers planning a gorilla safari, African Apes Tours offers you the best guide on the best gorilla trekking destination to offer you a memorable gorilla trekking safari. Mountain gorillas are endangered species, which were once at the verge of extinction. These species only survive in 3 African countries and anyone who wants to trek gorillas must visit any of the three countries. The following is where to trek mountain gorillas

Uganda – Bwindi Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

Located in East Africa, Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Uganda gorilla tours take place in two-gorilla destinations, which are Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks all located in southwestern Uganda. Altogether, Uganda has 18 gorilla families 17 of which live in Bwindi forest while 1 gorilla family lives in Mgahinga Forest. Currently, it’s very possible to trek Uganda gorillas starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. A 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour starts at 3:30 am with a set off from Kigali, driving for 5 hours to reach Bwindi for gorilla trekking and a drop off to Kigali at the end of the day. Budget travelers can, therefore, fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda with no difficulty. The habituated gorilla families in Uganda include
• Mubare gorilla family
• Habinyanja family
• Rushegura Family
• Nshongi Family
• Bitukura Family
• Busingye family
• Nkuringo Family
• Bwengye Family
• Christmas Family
• Nyakagyezi Family
• Katwe Family
• Bikingi Family
• Kyaguliro Family
• Bweza Family
• Oruzogo Family
• Mishaya Family
• Kahungye Family
• Bweza Gorilla group
Of recent, Uganda received the Hirwa Gorilla family, which migrated from Volcanoes National park to Mgahinga gorilla national park. Currently, the Mgahinga forest hosts 2 gorilla families. Regarding gorilla permits in Uganda, The pearl of Africa offers the most affordable gorilla permits in Africa. A single gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Magical Encounters Limited helps you book and reserve a gorilla permit saving you time and energy.

Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda ranks as a luxury gorilla destination in Africa, which offers travelers with high-end gorilla tours for a memorable experience. The land f a thousand hills is home to over 350 mountain gorillas and home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga conservation area. Rwanda gorillas live in Volcanoes National park and have been habituated into 10 families to ease trekking. In May 2017, Rwanda double increased her gorilla permit cost from $750 to $1500 which transformed the country into a luxury gorilla destination. Also, the high-end lodges which have been constructed all over Rwanda offer travelers with luxury accommodation services making the whole trip luxury and wonderful. The nearness of Volcanoes National park to Kigali international airport, roughly 3 hours drive makes Rwanda a first stop center for short time travelers who want to do a 1 Day Rwanda gorilla trek in the shortest me possible. Rwanda gorilla families are
• Susa A group
• Igisha group (Susa B)
• Sabyinyo Family
• Umubano family
• Ugenda gorilla family
• Bwengye family
• Kwitonda group
• Titus gorilla family
• Karisimbi gorilla family
• Amahoro gorilla family
• Agashya gorilla family
• Mafunzo family
• Pablo gorilla family
• Hirwa family (presently living in Rwanda)
To book a Rwanda gorilla safari, contact African Apes Tours and we shall tailor-make for you a suitable gorilla trekking tour at affordable rates.

The Democratic Republic of Congo – Virunga National park

Congo is yet another gorilla travel safari destination you sought to visit for magical and unbeaten gorilla tours in Virunga National Park. Despite the continuous threats and insecurity threats in Virunga park, Congo remains the best gorilla tour destination for adventurous travelers. The fewer visits to the park have kept it natural and off beaten. Congo has 8 gorilla families habituated for trekking every day. These are:
1. Munyaga gorilla family
2. Bageni Gorilla group
3. Nyakamwe Gorilla family
4. Humba gorilla family
5. Mapuwa gorilla group
6. Kabirizi gorilla family
7. Lulengo gorilla family
8. Rugendo gorilla family
Congo offers the very cheap gorilla tours at $450 for a gorilla permit. Budget travelers are therefore advised to trek gorillas in Congo to enjoy this magical experience at affordable rates.
In all gorilla destinations, each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 people for an hours’ interaction.

NOTE: All gorilla permit bookings are recommended as early as 6 months before the trekking date due to the high demand for gorilla tour permits. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book your gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo with no difficulty.

Nov

2019

Mubare Gorilla Group gets a New Baby

A few weeks after the birth of a baby gorilla, Mubare gorilla family has again received the bouncing cute baby. The new baby gorilla was born on 7th November 2019 and was discovered by park rangers during the gorilla monitoring sessions in the morning. The rangers shared the good news with the park management who then spread the good news to the whole country. This called for joyous celebrations and rejoicing in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. The new baby gorillas were born to Karungi, an adult female gorilla in the Mubare family. At the time of writing this documentary, the sex of the baby gorilla was no known but both the mother and baby are in good health. The new baby is undeniably a blessing to Mubare family, Bwindi forest and the whole Uganda tourism fraternity. The new baby has obviously increased the population of mountain gorillas in Uganda, which will, in the long run, promote sustainable tourism and increased tourist numbers to Uganda.

About Mubare gorilla family

Located in the Buhoma northern sector of Bwindi impenetrable Forest National park, Mubare is one of the four gorilla families in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi. Mubare is the oldest gorilla family in Bwindi, which was habituated in 1991 and opened for trekking in 1993. Mubare was the first gorilla family to be visited by the first group of travelers to Bwindi Forest. Each day, 8-gorilla permits are issued out by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The rich history of Mubare gorilla family makes it the most visited gorilla family in Bwindi. The gorilla family is named after the hilly stones (Amabare) where the gorilla family was first sited. Currently, Mubare gorilla family entails 8 members including babies, juveniles, adult females and a dominant silverback. For many past years, the Mubare family was led by Ruhondeza silverback gorilla that unfortunately lost his life in a fight with a wild gorilla family.

How to trek, Mubare gorilla family

Do you want to visit and trek, Mubare gorilla family, book a Uganda gorilla tour to the Bwindi sector and select Buhoma sector. Just contact African Apes Tours and we shall book for you a gorilla permit to Buhoma. After reaching the park headquarters, our company representative (your driver guide) will go on to inform park rangers that you want to trek Mubare family. You will then be allocated to visit Mubare family to enjoy this magical encounter. Due to the high demand for gorilla permits to Buhoma, travelers are advised to book as early as six months before the trekking date. Booking can be done directly with Uganda wildlife authority or through Magical Encounters Limited who make your gorilla booking simple and less time-consuming. Kabale town is the best connecting point to Buhoma sector through Kihihi and Kanungu. If you are crossing from Rwanda, katuna border is the best option for you.

Other gorilla families in Buhoma sector

Besides Mubare group, Buhoma sector is home to the other three gorilla families which are Habiyanja, Rushegura and the newly habituated Katwe gorilla family. Each one of these gorilla families is visited by eight people a day. Also, each gorilla family is unique in its own kind in terms of size, domain silverback and the story of formation.

What to pack for gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Make sure you pack the appropriate essentials to ensure a successful gorilla tour encounter. Among the things you must pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda include hiking boots, gardening gloves, rain jackets, sweaters, sunglasses, hats, ponchos, drinking water and energy-giving snacks. Also, a porter and walking stick is highly recommended for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

When to trek gorillas in Uganda?

The best time to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda is during the dry season between the months of June, July, August, September, and December to February. This season is loved due to low rains, which make it easy to hike through the thick jungle forests. However, the low season in the months of April, May, October and November has its own advantages also. During this time, visitor numbers are minimal which limits crowds to trek gorillas giving you chances for a close un disrupted gorilla encounter.

In general, the birth of new babies is a blessing in the tourism industry. Mubare gorilla family is an exceptional gorilla family each traveler should visit on his/her Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest. Contact us, book your gorilla tour and enjoy this magical experience.

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

What is Unique about Nyungwe Forest National park?

What is the most visited National Park in Rwanda?

Which park in Rwanda has the big 5?

What is the largest Forest in Rwanda?

What is the smallest park in Uganda?

What is the second Largest park in Uganda?

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Things to See and Do in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Game Viewing

Kazinga channel boat cruise

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Crater lake exploration

Lion tracking

Tree climbing lions

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

People also ask

What is special about Queen Elizabeth National Park?

How Many lions are in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

How much does Queen Elizabeth National park cost?

What is the big five in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

Activities in Akagera National Park

Game/wildlife viewing

Boat cruise

Bird watching

Sportfishing

Accommodation in Akagera National Park

Park entrance fees to Akagera National Park

When to visit Akagera National park? Weather

What to pack for Akagera National Park

Drive Time to Akegera park

People Also Ask

What is the largest park in Rwanda?

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

What is Akagera National park known for?

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

Can you see the big five in Rwanda?

What Watefall is found of river Akagera?

Can you see Lions in Rwanda?

What two rivers join to make river Akagera?

What are the Lake Found in Akagera National park?

How many lions and Rhinos are in Akagera National Park?

Which African country has the most lions?

Where is the origin of the Akagera River?

What plains are in Akagera National park?

Wildlife in Kibale Forest

Vegetation in Kibale Forest National Park

Activities in Kibale Forest National park

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Nature/Forest walks

Bird Watching

Butterfly watching in Kibale Forest

Bigodi Wetland sanctuary

Where to sleep in Kibale Forest national park

Getting to Kibale Forest National park

People also ask

What is Kibale National park known for?

Where can tourists go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda?

How many chimpanzees are in Kibale Forest National park?

Where is the best place for chimpanzee trekking?

Routes to Hiking Mt Rwenzori

Kilembe Route