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
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
Gorilla Regions in Bwindi Forest National Park

Gorilla Regions in Bwindi Forest National Park

Gorilla tours in Bwindi forest National Park take place in any one of the four gorilla regions that make up Bwindi Forest. Unlike other gorilla parks, the Bwindi forest is bisected into four sectors each with different gorilla families and a different gorilla trekking experience. When making gorilla safari bookings, travelers normally specify which sector they want to visit based on what they read about each sector and referrals from friends. are given permits depending on which sector he/she is visiting. On the day of gorilla trekking, each traveler reports to the respective park headquarters in each sector. This means that registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing are done in both gorilla sectors. For better gorilla trekking comparisons, travelers can choose to trek two gorilla families in different sectors. At times, upcoming travelers have wondered which sector is better for gorilla watching. However, each sector is unique in its own kind and worth visiting. Superfine Safaris brings you details about gorilla trekking regions/ sectors in Bwindi Forest National Park:

Buhoma sector

About mountain gorillas Located in the northern part of Bwindi Forest National Park, Buhoma is the most visited gorilla region in Bwindi. With four habituated gorilla families, Buhoma offers you an exceptional gorilla trekking experience. The sector is home to the oldest gorilla family (Mubare) whose rich history is worth exploring. Buhoma sector is located near Kabale town hence easily accessed from Kampala. For those doing Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, Katuna Border is the best entry pint to Buhoma sector. Gorilla families in the Buhoma sector include the Mubare family habituated in 1992, the Rushegura gorilla group habituated in 2000, Habinyanja gorilla family habituated in 1997 and the recently established Katwe family which was added in 2018. Also, Buhoma sector can easily be combined with Queen Elizabeth National Park to do a 5 Days Uganda gorillas and game safari. From Buhoma, travelers connect through Ishasha sector south of Queen Elizabeth National Park and home to the famous tree-climbing lions. Each day, Buhoma has 32 gorilla permits available for issuing. Due to high demand, gorilla permits normally sell off easily than in other sectors. Travelers planning to visit the Buhoma sector are therefore advised to book as early as 6 months before the trekking date. The top lodges/accommodation in the Buhoma sector include Bwindi Forest Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Haven Lodge Buhoma Community, Silverback Lodge, and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp among others.

Rushaga Sector

Accommodation in Bwindi forest

Gorilla Safari Lodge

Rushaga in the southern sector of Bwindi forest is home to the highest number of gorillas in Bwindi. Five gorilla families have been habituated in Rushaga i.e Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi and Mishaya gorilla groups. More so, Rushaga is the center of gorilla habituation experience, which gives travelers the chance to spend four hours with the endangered gorillas. Bikyingi and Bushaho gorilla families are currently undergoing habituation but will be opened to trekking soon. Rushaga is the most accessible sector for those doing a 1-Day Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi from Kigali Rwanda. Each day, Rushaga sector has 40 gorilla trekking permits and 8-gorilla habituation permits giving chance to the high number of travelers to see gorillas. In addition to gorillas, travelers to Rushaga sector enjoy a boat on Lake Mutanda making the whole experience memorable. The recommended lodges/accommodation in the Rushaga sector include Gorilla Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Mutanda Lake Resort.

Ruhija Gorilla Sector

Visit Ruhija sector in the eastern part of Bwindi Forest to trek one of the three gorilla families namely Bitukura gorilla family, Kyaguliro gorilla group and Oruzogo gorilla group. 32 gorilla permits are available every day in Ruhija sector issued on a first come first serve basis. Other activities to do in Ruhija sector include visiting Batwa communities, bird watching, forest walk, and visiting Batwa communities. The top lodges in Ruhija sector include Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Agandi Lodge, Trekkers Traven Lodge, Nshongi Forest camp and Ruhija safari lodge. Lodges and all accommodation services in Ruhija sector are categorized into the budget, luxury and midrange but all services are excellent and worth the money.

Nkuringo Sector

Gorilla regions in BwindiAlso, in the east of Bwindi Forest, Nshongi sector is known to have the toughest gorilla hikes in Bwindi Forest due to its location on higher altitudes. Nkuringo is home to two gorilla families, which are Nkuringo family, and the newly introduced Christmas family. The sector has 16 gorilla permit available everyday giving chance to first come travelers to see gorillas at a close range. The recommended lodging facilities in Nkuingo sector include Clouds Mountain gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Campsite, Hammerkop bunkhouse and Nkuringo Gorilla Camp. Hiking, bird watching and community visits are add on tourist activities in Nkuringo sector.

In general, Uganda gorilla tour to any one of the four gorilla regions/sectors in Bwindi Forest National Park offers you an exceptional gorilla safari experience. Contact Superfine Safaris today, choose a gorilla region you want to visit and we shall tailor-make for you a perfect gorilla safari package.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Accommodation in Virunga National Park

Accommodation in Virunga National Park

Looking for a gorilla safari lodge in Congo? Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has all categories of safari lodges for Congo tour travelers to consider for their overnight stay. Located on the extreme Eastern side of Congo, Virunga Park is set near the border of Uganda and Rwanda. The 3 African countries are home to endangered mountain gorillas and visits to explore these large apes are possible when you have where to stay.
Before or after the long day Congo gorilla safari in the Virunga Park, guests get back to retire at the accommodation they prebooked with their tour operator. At Virunga National Park, you can book budget, midrange, or luxury lodges.

Top accommodation in Virunga Park

Mikeno Lodge

Accommodation in Virunga National ParkMikeno Lodge is a luxury accommodation facility located in Virunga Park Congo. It is one ideal area for guests visiting the park for mountain gorilla trekking via Mikeno region. Mikeno is built near Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, a great opportunity for you to also explore the orphaned mountain gorillas that live here.
At Mikeno Lodge, there are 12 rooms all uniquely decorated with walls built with Lava stones and mahogany poles offering an absolute state of luxury. This luxurious lodge is strategically located overviewing the rift valley and Nyiragongo Mountain. It is found right at Rumangabo Area in Virunga National Park, occupying over 35 hectares of land with its rooms fully furnished featuring African and colonial styles.
The rooms at Mikeno Lodge are fitted with comfortable beds, ceiling fans, and mosquito net, and there is a fireplace for guests to keep themselves warm during cold nights/days. There is also a private patio in each room offering visitors that ultimate relaxation atmosphere.
Accessing Mikeno Lodge takes about 1 and a half hours to drive from Goma. This lodging facility provides full board accommodation and guests are guaranteed 3 meals a day with a chance to tour Senkwekwe Orphanage at a free cost.

Bukima Tented Camp

Bukima Tented Camp was once a research station but turned into a lodge offering mid-range/standard lodging services. It is set a few minutes off from Bukima patrol station where briefing about mountain gorilla trekking rules and allocation of park guides is done by Virunga National Park officials. Bukima Tented Camp is comprised of 6 luxury tents and each features advanced bathrooms with water running, beds, and with a chance to enjoy an exceptional view of the surrounding areas.
The amazing bit about spending a night at Bukima Tented Camp is that guests enjoy personalized service despite the fact that fewer visitors are accommodated here. This is perfect for travelers on Congo safaris who prefer privacy and are guaranteed exceptional views including Mikeno and Nyiragongo volcanoes.

Kibumba Tented Camp

Accommodation in Virunga National ParkLocated along the Nyiragongo volcano trailhead, Kibumba Tented Camp is one of the best-budget lodges in the Virunga National Park. At Kibumba Camp, guests are guaranteed not only delicious cuisines in the wild but also ultimate comfort. This budget camp has a fully stocked bar, comfortable beds, tents, en-suite bathrooms, and showers. Its strategic location at the trailhead of Mt. Nyiragongo makes it an ideal place to retire for the night before or after your hiking adventure.

Nyiragongo summit shelters

The Nyiragongo summit shelters are set right at the top of Mt. Nyiragongo – the world’s most active volcano. It is at these summit shelters where climbers spend a night when they finally get to the top of the Nyiragongo volcano. 12 Nyiragongo volcano summit shelters offer an uninterrupted view of the Lava Lake as it bubbles the whole night. Each summit shelter has 2 single beds and basic breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all provided.

Tchegera Island Camp

Tchegera Island Camp is another incredible place for visitors on a gorilla tour in Virunga National Park to spend a night after their guided gorilla trek. The camp is set near Lake Kivu, at close proximity to Virunga Park. It is also an ideal place for a family gateway or honeymoon holidays.
Activities to do while at Virunga National Park

Gorilla trekking

Trekking mountain gorillas remains the leading attraction and wildlife experience visitors can enjoy while at Virunga National Park. 8 habituated gorilla families live in Virunga and these represent about 64 gorilla permits, each permit costs USD400.

Nyiragongo climbing

Virunga National ParkNyiragongo hiking is another top adventure hikers on Congo safari can enjoy while at Virunga National Park. Nyiragongo volcano stands at an elevation of about 3470m, and hiking takes about 6 hours, and descending back takes a slighter shorter time. For an overnight stay, there are Nyiragongo summit shelters where you will also enjoy the breathtaking view of the bubbling Lava Lake, and take pictures. Nyiragongo volcano is powerful and it has recorded multiple eruptions, and the most recent one took place in 2021.

Birding

Bird watching in Virunga National Park allows you to search for most of the forest and Albertine rift endemic bird species. 706 bird species reside in this park, and they include Madagascar bee-eaters, white-headed wood hoopoe, grey throated barbet, narrow-tailed starling, stripe breasted tit, olive sunbird, Rwenzori batis, yellow billed barbet, double toothed barbet, African olive pigeon, handsome francolin, white throated francolin, harlequin quail, laughing dove, dusky turtle dove, ring-necked dove, tambourine dove, emerald spotted wood dove, etc.

What to pack

The list of essentials you should consider carrying on safari in Congo includes a waterproof daypack, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, cameras, trousers, insect repellent, a first aid kit, and more.

Getting to Virunga Park -Congo

There are many options in which guests can connect to the Virunga National Park. By road, several tourists often connect from Kigali to Congo’s Virunga National Park and your journey takes about 5 hours for you to drive. Drive up to the Gisenyi-Goma border (Grande barrier) and cross to Virunga NP. From Grande Barrier to Virunga Park, it is 15kms away. Visitors in Congo can drive from Goma Airport to Virunga National Park or take a boat to cross through Lake Kivu to Congo where you can transfer to the park for gorilla safaris, birding tours, or hiking adventures.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Is Rwanda Safe for Solo Travelers?

Is Rwanda Safe for Solo Travelers?

Most travelers intending to visit Africa ask whether the country is safe for solo travelers.YES, Rwanda the Land of a Thousand Hills is one of the safety countries in Africa where you can see the beauty of nature in the shortest time possible. There is lots of interesting that Rwanda offers for solo and group travelers. If you are a solo traveler and have been wondering whether Rwanda is safe and fit for you, no worries, African Apes Tours and Travel a ground company that runs gorilla safaris and other Rwanda tours assure that this land locked country is very safe for you. You will surely enjoy and fall in love with it. Recently, Usebounce ranks Rwanda as the 6th out of 10 safest countries for solo travelers to Africa. The other safest countries that were on the list include Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Slovenia,Georgia, Iceland, Croatia and Czechia among others. What makes Rwanda safe for solo travelers?

Peace and security
For over 20 years now, Rwanda has not had any into civil wars and conflicts, which guarantee peace and security in the country. Despite the 1994 Rwanda genocide, the country has gathered its torn pieces to be one of the peaceful countries in Africa and the world in general. Rwandase agreed on a “NEVER AGAIN” under the leadership of HE Paul Kagame. Solo travelers to Rwanda are therefore assured of their safety in Rwanda provided they keep laws and orders in the country. You can move anywhere anytime with no any threats. However, solo travelers are reminded to be careful and avoid traveling alone in late hours

Group gorilla trekking & other adventures

If you are solo and traveling to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, the adventure experience is done in groups. No one single traveler is allowed to trek gorillas alone unless he/she is the only person available that day. Travelers going to see gorillas are out in groups of eight and allocated a gorilla family. This means that you will have other travelers in your group. This gives you company throughout the trek, which make the whole experience more fun and enjoyable. You can choose to interact with other people you are grouped with or choose to keep quite and just enjoy their jazz. Other adventures where you are grouped include chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Impenetrable Forest National park, golden monkey trekking and volcano hiking tours.

Ease of access & Getting Around
Rwanda is one of the few countries where you do not have to worry about accessibility. Kigali International airport is located in Kigali capital city. Also, distance from the airport to most tourist destinations such as Volcanoes National park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas is short and untiring. The driving time from Kigali to Volcanoes is roughly 3 hours, which makes connectivity and accessibility very easy. Also, there are several means of transport in Rwanda connecting to different corners of the country. You can move around Rwanda using public or private means at affordable prices. You can try bargaining to avoid being cheated.

Hospitable people
Rwanda is known for having hospitable people! The country majorly comprise of two tribes, which are the Hutu and Ttusi. The wide genuine smiles o these local people make them sociable and friendly to catch-up with. Try to be open to people, associate with locals where possible and you will love it

Pocket friendly and safe lodges/Hotels
For pocket friendly and safe lodging services, Rwanda has got you covered. The country has a variety budget, midrange and luxury lodges, hotels and campsites to offer you excellent food and sleeping services. For solo travelers, you can book a single room in any of the many Rwanda lodges at affordable rates. The categories of the lodge and room type you book depend on your budget and interests. Amazingly, you can meet up and converse with other travelers sleeping at the lodge especially at dinner, which is served at the same time. Also, most lodges/lodge rooms are next to each other. A solo traveler will therefore be near other travelers in the next room not isolated alone.

Top travel experiences in Rwanda
There are key travel experiences you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. These activities and attractions have been reviewed as a must do for anyone visiting Rwanda. These include:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Do not miss the memorable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is the most done travel experience, which bring the highest number of travelers to this small country. The country is home to the highest gorilla population Virunga Massif. The park is believed to host over 500 mountain gorillas, which have been habituated for trekking. Rwanda Development Board manages gorilla tourism in Rwanda and each permit costs $1500. Gorilla groups in Rwanda include Susa A, Agashya, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Titus, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Ugenda and Bwenge gorilla groups. In 2017, Rwanda doubled its gorilla permit cost from $750 to $1500 making it one of the luxury gorilla safari destinations. African Apes Tours & Travel can help you book and reserve a Rwanda gorilla permit.

Chimpanzee trekking
Go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park with African Ape Tours & Travel. Trek to see and spend time with the endangered chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest located in southwestern Rwanda. You can choose to trek in the main Nyungwe forest of in Cyamudongo Forest, which was separated, from the main forest by deforestation.

Game Viewing
Enjoy scenic game viewing experience to see the “Big Five” in Akagera National Park. Guided morning, evening and night game drives help you locate a variety of wild animals, which live in this Savannah park.

Mountain Climbing
If you are an adventure traveler, try volcano climbing in Volcanoes National Park. Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke are the major hiked volcanoes in this park offering you a lifetime experience. Our 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hiking tour offers you chance to stand and stay overnight at the summit of the highest volcano in the Virginia Conservation Area. More so, you can hike Mt Bisoke which can be conquered in one day. Interestingly, the lower slopes of both volcanoes are covered by rain forests, which shelter the endangered mountain gorillas and other primates.

Lake Kivu
Chilling on the shores of Lake Kivu soothes you after a long hike or primate trek. Lake Kivu can therefore be your last destination in Rwanda to refresh and regain energies lost in the tiring adventures. Enjoy a cruise to any of the islands at Lake Kivu is an interesting experience which offer you beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and local communities. Other activities to do at Lake Kivu include sun bathing, Sport fishing, Kayaking, Coffee tours, birding and mountain biking among others.

Conclusively, Rwanda is a safe place for solo travelers! a combination of safety and interesting travel experiences make this Rwanda an exceptional destination to explore. African Apes Tours is your best ground handling company in Rwanda

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Guide to African Apes Tours

Guide to African Apes Tours

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

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

Which animal to see on your African Apes tour?
Apes safaris entail visiting a variety of Apes in different habitats in East and Central Africa. Among the apes you will see include:
Mountain Gorillas
African Apes ToursMountain gorillas rank as the top visited apes in Africa. The endangered primates are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, which attract a high number of primate lovers to Africa. The best places to see mountain gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Virunga Conservation Area comprised of Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes in Rwanda and Virunga National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cost of seeing mountain gorillas in different in each country. Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla trekking permits at $1500 followed by Uganda at $700 and then DR Congo at $450. A mountain gorilla permit is a must have for anyone visiting the endangered species and booking is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. Altogether, there are roughly 38-habituated gorilla families in Africa, 20 in Uganda, 10 in Rwanda and 8 in Congo. 8 people per day visit each gorilla family for strictly an hour. African Apes Tours & Travel helps you book permits and customize a gorilla safari package of your choice at budget friendly costs.

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

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

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

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

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

Other primates to see in Africa include

Human beings
Red tailed monkeys
Black and white colubus
Grey cheeked monkeys
Olive baboons
Blue Monkeys
L’Hoest Monkeys
Vervet monkeys
Uganda Red Colobus
Pottos
Demidoff Galago
Mangabeys
Guenon

What to pack for Africa Apes Tours

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Is Uganda Fully Open for Travelers?

Is Uganda Fully Open for Travelers?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Post covid19 Travel Guidelines to Rwanda

Post covid19 Travel Guidelines to Rwanda

Rwanda is now open to travelers from all over the world! Despite covid19 that still exists in Rwanda, the Land of a thousand hills has opened her borders and airport for travelers from all parts of the country. Kigali International airport is open for all arrivals to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, meetings, conferences and wildlife safaris. However, given the continued existence of the deadly corona virus, the government of Rwanda together with tourism and conservation bodies have put several measures to cub the spread of the virus between persons. African Apes Tours and Travel brings you the updated measures for travelers to Rwanda to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable Rwanda safari experience. These include among others:
1. Mandatory Negative Test results: All travelers arriving in Rwanda MUST have negative covid19 test certificate which is performed within 72 hours before departure to Rwanda. The only allowed covid19 test results in Rwanda are the SARS-COV 2 real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). All other tests will not be allowed at the airport or any border entry point into Rwanda. However, accompanied children aged 5 years and below are not subjected to mandatory covid19 testing upon arrival in Rwanda.
2. All travelers arriving in Rwanda must fill in the passenger locater form for easy follow-up. The information put in this form should be valid and updated. In some cases, travelers are asked to attach the vaccination certificate on the passenger form
3. All travelers to Rwanda are tested upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. Covid19 testing in Kigali costs $60. The actual cost for corona virus is $50 plus the $10 for airport logistics. You can pay either online or in cash. However, cash payments are done in local currency which s Rwanda francs(Rwf)
4. After testing, travelers are not fully vaccinated are asked to wait for 24 hours at their hotel
5. Unvaccinated travelers transiting for more than 12 hours via Rwanda will be screened upon entry and asked to take a second RT-PCR test on arrival and wait for results at their designated hotels
6. During your stay in Rwanda, travelers are reminded to observe all the covid19 Standard Operating Procedures such as obtaining social distance, wearing face mask, sanitizing, hand washing and avoiding hand shaking among others.

Safe Travel Tips for families during covid19

Rwanda travel tips amidst covid19If you are traveling as a family of grand parents, parents and children, Check the following safety travel tips to ensure a safe and less challenging experience in Rwanda, Uganda and other African countries.
• If possible leave the elderly family members behind when going for a safari. Covid19 easily spreads to the elderly whose immune system is weak making them susceptible to the deadly virus
• Avoid close contacts with other people you find on the trip. While on the safari, you will probably met and interact with other people on the plane and in some tour experiences such gorilla safaris and boat cruising where people are grouped together. in such scenarios, avoid close contacts with the other people you will find on the trip
• Avoid flights with multiple stopovers to avoid interactions
• If any member of your family ha just recovered from covid19, please leave him/her behind
• Travelers who are not fully vaccinated should not f go for a family trip. Unvaccinated travelers stand high risks of contracting the virus
• Avoid traveling in peak seasons when ether are crowds of travelers
• Family members who are on medication should come along with the drugs
• Ensure that all family members are fully vaccinated against the virus
• Avoid visiting crowded places where social distancing is difficult
• Carry along the vaccination certificates for all family members.

Top travel activities to do post covid19

Superfine Safaris brings you the list of top travel activities to begin with on your post covid19 travel to Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and the rest of Africa. These include:
1. Mountain gorilla trekking done Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park ad the Virunga Conservation Area
2. Game Viewing in the savannah Parks of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya & Tanzania
3. Great wildebeest Migration in Tanzania & Kenya
4. Mountaineering to the summit of the active Nyiragongo Volcano, the snow caped Mt Rwenzori and the tallest free standing Mt Kilimanjaro
5. Cultural tours to meet locals and experience the traditions, norms and customs of Africa’s indigenous tribes
Conclusively, the norm of travel during covid19 has surely changed compared to the past. The deadly virus still exists and travelers are reminded to be cautions when traveling to ensure safety and enjoyable safaris

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Expert Tips for Safe Travel During covid19

Expert Tips for Safe Travel During covid19

Travels are now allowed almost in all countries across the world. Yes, most countries have lifted lockdown and eased travel restrictions to make it easy for travelers. However, where as traveling is accepted, the initial norm of traveling has changed! Covid19 is still existing and killing people which require travelers to be extra careful when traveling to avoid any spread of the deadly virus. Those planning safaris to Africa are advised to keep updated with the latest travel restrictions, guidelines and requirements to avoid any disappointments ion reaching the destination. Each country has different covid19 travel guidelines which a traveler should understand before arriving in the new destination. Superfine Safaris, your trusted travel agent in Uganda, Rwanda and East Africa brings you the detailed expert tips for safe travel during Covid19. These are:

Understand the rate of covid19 in your destination
Tips for safe travelsBefore conforming any safari to a destination, first confirm the rate of covid19 in that country you are visiting. Check the levels of covid19, the accumulating number of positive cases, the death number and recoveries. This gives you clear picture of how safe or unsafe the destination you are visiting is. Any country with cumulative positive covid19 cases is not safe for you. You are therefore advised to be careful when you are visiting such a place. Whether vaccinated or not, travelers are advised to avoid traveling to destinations with high rates of covid19 to avoid the risk of contracting the virus and spreading it to their family members and friends.

Known the travel restrictions in the destination you are visiting
Travelers are also reminded to extensively understand the travel restrictions in the destination they intend to visit. Understand which activities are allowed in your destination, the allowed time of travel, the dos and don’ts in the area you are visiting. Also, try to adhere to the travel guidelines in the destination such as wearing face masks, sanitizing, which places are open and those still closed for tourism.

Know the required Tests and Vaccination
You should also understand the tests required in the destination you are visiting. Some destinations allow travelers who are fully vaccinated while others require testing upon arrival. Some of the common covid19 tests include PCR and the Antigen fit among others. Travelers are also advised to check the destinations public health requirement website to confirm which tests are required. More so, try to test in time so as to avid anxiety and high charges of last-minute testing.

Choose safe activities
Endeavour to choose and book safe activities for your postcovid19 African safari. Travelers are advised to avoid risky activities especially those which include large crowds that expose them to the Virus. Avoid indoor activities such as partying in bars which host crowds of people with limited social distancing. Some of the recommended post Covid-19 travel activities include mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Only 8 people are allowed to visit each gorilla family and 2 meters distance advised between travelers. Other safe activities include game viewing done in the open parks of Africa.

Stay Safe when Flying
Guidelines for travel during covid19Much as Flights are known for less covid19 transmissions due to the flirted and circulated airs, the mode of transport is not 100% safe. A crowded plane can easily make it for you to contract the deadly virus. Travelers are therefore advised to be cautious and careful during flights. Remember to keep your face mask on, sanitize and wash your hands with clean running water before, during and after your flight. Also, avoid using traditional boarding passes which involve exchanges.

Other travel guidelines Amidst covid19
Keep a distance of at least 2 meters between you
Keep your face mask on. The mask should fully cover your nose and mouth
Avoid touching your eyes
Sanitize your hands with alcohol-based content
Do not crowd yourselves
Wash your hands with clean running water and soap for at least 20 seconds
Travel only when its necessary
In conclusion, safe travel is all you need for your post covid19 African Safari. Check with Superfine Safaris for expert tips on safe travel during Covid19.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Post covid19 Travel Questions to Uganda and Rwanda

Post covid19 Travel Questions to Uganda and Rwanda

Post covid19 travel questions to Uganda and Rwanda and their answers. The tourism industry is currently open and travelers are allowed to move across countries visiting different attractions and doing various activities of their choice. In 2020 when Covid19 was at its peak, most countries locked down and restricted travelers from moving from one country to the other. Each country strived to do all it takes to contain the spread of the virus and there was some relief and a decrease in death rates and new cases. Thereafter, countries started reopening slowly for tourism but with strict restrictions and great emphasis on the Standard Operating procedures. Apparently, most countries are open for incoming travelers. In this article, we are focusing on common questions asked by post covid19 travelers to Uganda, Rwanda, and the whole of Africa. The commonly asked questions for post covid19 gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Africa in general

Is Uganda and Rwanda Open for tourism
YES, travelers can now visit Rwanda and Uganda with no restrictions. Both Entebbe and Kigali International airports are open for travelers. However, land borders between Uganda and Rwanda are still closed meaning that travelers cannot cross over to either country using road transport. You can visit each country separately for now.

Do Vaccinated travelers need testing?
No, travelers who are fully vaccinated for coronavirus are not required to test again upon arrival at Kigali or Entebbe International Airports. Travelers are advised to carry their vaccination certificates and the PCR test results are taken at least 72 hours before arrival at the respective airport. Travelers arriving in Rwanda are required to fill the Public Health Passenger Locator Form giving details about the client for follow-up where need be. The form can be found at www.rbc.gov.rw/travel

What should travelers do before visiting Uganda or Rwanda?
Travelers planning to visit Uganda and Rwanda are advised to first vaccinate for covis9 and do several tests to confirm negative covid19 results. You are also advised to apply for your visas online to save time on the day of arrival. Fortunately, travelers visiting Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya can use a single East Africa Visa which allows them to move freely in these countries without applying again.

Where do I test for covid19 in Uganda and Rwanda?
The respective ministries of health in Uganda and Rwanda have gazetted various hospitals and medical centers where travelers can test for covid19 upon arrival. You can test right at the airport or drive to the nearby recommended hospital as guided by your driver guide from African Apes Holidays.

Will I be allowed to move before my test results are out?
You are not allowed to start off a safari to a national park and other tourism destinations in Uganda and Rwanda before receiving your test results. Travelers are advised to stay at their hotels as they wait for the results.

What if I test positive?
If any traveler tests positive for covid19 upon his/her arrival at Entebbe or Kigali international Airport, he or she will be put in quarantine and taken through treatment at his/her budget. This means that a traveler who tests positive for covid19 will not be allowed to proceed with the safari

What is the cost of a PCR test?
A PCR test costs between $55 and $65 per person depending on which medical Centre you use and the urgency. Travelers are advised to test for covid19 from recommended hospitals and medical centers as advised by the government. This saves you from fraudsters who may give you inaccurate information.

How long does it take for PCR results to come out?
The estimated time for PCR test results to be put is between 1 to 4 hours in Rwanda and Uganda. However, in upcountry areas, results can take longer due to slower laboratory systems. Test results are delivered via email or watsup. Travelers who want hard copies can pick them up from the hospital where they do testing

Do I need a Covid19 Test before departure?
YES, travelers departing from Rwanda and Uganda are mandated to re-test for covid19 to ensure no positive case departs the country. You can test for covid19 a day before your departure

What is the situation at Lodges and hotels?
All hotels and lodges accommodating travelers in Uganda, Rwanda, and other East African countries are encouraged to observe and keep the Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety. Temperature screening is a mandate at the hotel, hand washing and sanitizing are highly encouraged at all lodges.

Are gorillas and chimpanzees open for trekking?
YES, travelers to Uganda and Rwanda are allowed to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Mgahinga gorilla and Volcanoes National parks. However, travelers going for gorilla trekking MUST wear face masks, sanitize, wash hands, must be negative for covid19, and keep a 10 meters’ distance away from the endangered gorillas. Rwanda is still offering discounted gorilla permits to foreign residents at $500 a huge discount from the initial $1500 and $200 for East African citizens. These discounted rates are valid till 2022. Also, visit and trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda with African Apes Tours & Travel. Gorilla permit bookings in Uganda and Rwanda are recommended at least 6 months prior to the trekking date.

Are porters are allowed?
Apparently, porters are not allowed in gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences. This is to limit the number of people in a group so as to ensure social distancing. Travelers are therefore advised to carry light baggage that does not need a porter. However, if it’s a special case, a porter can be allowed.

Are travelers affected by a curfew in Uganda and Rwanda?
NP, whereas other people are subjected to curfew beyond 7:00 pm, travelers are not affected. Driver guides who have pickups and drop-offs are not stopped by traffic regardless of the time. Travelers can therefore be picked and dropped at their hotels and the airport any time of the day and night. However, night activities such as nightlife in bars and game viewing in National Parks are currently restricted.
Conclusively, traveling to Uganda and Rwanda is currently not restricted. For any travel advice and bookings, contact us at African Apes Tours.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Can Mountain Gorillas Get Covid19?

Can Mountain Gorillas Get Covid19?

Can mountain gorillas get covid19? YES, mountain gorillas can contract the deadly covid19! Most people planning to travel for gorilla safaris in Africa ask whether mountain gorillas can get covid19. YES, the endangered mountain gorillas can easily contract the deadly coronavirus if precautions are not followed. For that case, all travelers coming for gorilla trekking MUST test negative for covid19 before they are permitted to visit the endangered gorillas. Upon arrival at the airport, travelers are asked to present the negative covid19 test results taken 72 hours before arrival. Mountain gorillas share over 99% of human genes which make them man’s close relatives. The close relativeness of mountain gorillas and people makes the endangered species susceptible to human diseases especially communicable diseases inclusive of covid19. Even after testing negative for covid19, travelers are encouraged to observe the Starboard Operating procedures, before and after meeting the endangered gorillas to avoid any risk of spreading the virus.

Can Selfie Taking transmit covid19 to gorillas?
Travelers are cautioned against taking selfies with mountain gorillas to avoid the spread of the virus. Some travelers have been seen taking pictures with the endangered mountain gorillas in the jungle. It’s undeniable that gorilla trekking is the best wildlife experience in the world which attracts the highest number of travelers to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo which shelter the endangered gorillas. The fact that travelers only leave the jungle with only pictures and memories from the gorilla trekking experience, taking a selfie in the company of gorillas has been a target and wish for most travelers visiting to see gorillas. YES, we have seen lots of pictures for travelers who have taken selfie photos with gorillas. However, selfie-taking with gorillas exposes a high risk of contracting the deadly coronavirus to the endangered gorillas. It’s evident that most travelers taking selfies with the gorillas do not keep the seven to ten meters’ distance away from the endangered gorillas as advised by conservationists and gorilla park management. Therefore, selfie-taking with gorillas exposes high risks of spreading covid19 from travelers to mountain gorillas. Selfie-taking with gorillas is therefore highly discouraged in all post covid19 gorilla trekking safaris to Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Park.

Guidelines for post covid19 gorilla trekking tours
The fact that gorilla trekking is open yet covid19 still roaming in gorilla safari destinations, conservationists and gorilla doctors have drafted the list of post covid19 gorilla trekking guidelines to ensure the safety of both travelers and the endangered gorillas in the jungle. The rules of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo amidst covid19 include among others:
1. All travelers visiting gorillas MUST test negative for covid19. Upon arrival at the entry points (Kigali and Entebbe) international airports, travelers are undertaken through a PCR test to confirm they are free from the virus.
2. Travelers visiting gorillas are advised to have been vaccinated against covid9 before arriving in gorilla destinations
3. Mandatory face making for everyone visiting the gorillas
4. Mandatory hand washing at the start and during the hike to see gorillas. Different hand washing points have been put in gorilla parks to enable travelers to wash hands to avoid the risks of contracting and spreading the deadly virus
5. Sanitizing with alcohol-based content is highly recommended by all people visiting gorillas
6. Keep a distance of 10 meters away from the gorillas. This is to avoid close contact with the gorillas which can lead to the spread of the virus
7. Travelers any symptoms of covid19 such the high temperatures, flu, and cough are not allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Discounted gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda
Enjoy discounted mountain gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda on your postcovid19 gorilla tours in Africa. As a welcome back from travel restrictions, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda is offering discounted gorilla permits to first come travelers visiting trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda respectively. Apparently, a single gorilla permit in Uganda costs $400 for foreign nonresidents, $300 for foreign residents, and UGX 100,000 for Ugandans and East African citizens. This far cheaper compared to the initial $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. More so, Rwanda Development Board is offering discounted permits at $500 for foreign residents and $200 for Rwanda and East African citizens. However, foreign nonresidents to Rwanda still pay $1500 for each gorilla permit which makes it a luxury gorilla safari destination in Africa. In addition to cheap gorilla permits, Uganda Wildlife Authority is offering 50% discount on entrance fees to all national parks in Uganda

How and when to book gorilla permits?
Gorilla trekking permit booking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is recommended as early as possible to avoid disappointments. The advised time for booking gorilla permits is roughly 6 months before the trekking date. Regarding how to book, African Apes Holidays is your trusted gorilla safari company in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Contact us, inform us about your travel date and we shall have the rest done for you. We book and pick your gorilla permits and also design for you a tailor-made itinerary to suit your travel budget and time.

Which other animals are at risk of contracting Covid19?
Besides mountain gorillas, there are other primates that stand high chances of contracting the deadly covid19 if travelers do not follow the Standard Operating Procedures. These include chimpanzees who live in Kibale Forest Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda. Like gorillas, chimpanzees are man’s close relatives which share over 99% of human genes. Orangutans also are at risk of getting covid19.
Conclusively, therefore, mountain gorillas can easily contract the deadly covid19 from travelers. All people visiting the endangered gorillas are advised to follow the Standard Operating Procedures, avoid taking selfies with the gorillas, and follow all post covid19 gorilla trekking guidelines.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National park is one of Uganda’s largest and oldest with several mammals and over 450 different bird species recorded, Murchison Falls National Park is one of the places in Uganda. The park is located 305km from Kampala city on the Northwestern side of Uganda. It is approximately a 4 hours’ drive to reach Kampala. Some of the bird species at Murchison Falls Include; the rare Shoebill stock, Red-Throated Bee-eater, Red-Winged gray Warbler, African Jacana, Saddle Billed Stork, Secretary bird, Senegal Thick Knee, Swamp Flycatcher, Pied Kingfisher, Giant Heron, Denham’s Bustard, Malachite Kingfisher, Gray Crowned crested crane, Martial Eagle, Standard Winged Nightjar, Silver bird, Sandpipers, Long-toed plover, Black-headed Lapwing, Black-Billed Barbet, Yellow-Billed stock and Abyssinian Ground Hornbills among others. Discover birds in Murchison Falls Park with Superfine Safaris African Apes Holidays

Best time to do birding in Murchison Falls National Park
Birding at Murchison can be done at any time of the year but the best time is January to march which is a low season but with plenty of birds. If you are interested in Migratory birds, the best time for this is November to April. There are basically two seasons for vising any National park in Uganda especially for game viewings like Murchison Falls, Peak season and low season.

Peak season
This is normally the period when the country is receiving less or no rains (dry season), this is the period between the months of November to March and June to September. The vegetation is relatively short in this period and visitors can easily spot their favorite game like the Buffaloes, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, waterbucks, forest hogs, warthogs, Impalas, kobs, hippos and crocs are seen sunbathing on the shores of the waters, several antelopes and many bird species including the most sought bird the Shoebill Stock.

Low season
This is also known to be a wet season with showers of rain at any time of the day. The beauty about this period is that the parks is not so crowded with other guests like in the peak season where you find many visitors surrounding a particular animal or group of animals. The visitors are free to watch their favorite wildlife without the big numbers since most of the visitors are not in the country waiting for peak season. The rains are never too much to stop activities like game viewing as you sit back in a 4WD safari car with a senior driver in control.

What to Carry for Birding at Murchison Falls National Park?
• Camera
• A pair of Binoculars
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Hut to protect your head from the hot sun
• Water and snacks
• Study shoes
• Rain Jacket
• Long trouser
• Long-sleeved shirt/blouse

Other things to do at Murchison Falls National Park
There are a number of tour activities to do at Murchison Falls National Park.
Game viewing
Murchison is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park; it shelters some of the most interesting wildlife in the world. Visitors who go to this park have a chance to have a game viewing experience in a morning or evening game drive. Our guide will take you to the best spots to watch the wildlife including; Giraffes, Buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs, hyenas, wild dogs, warthogs, hippos, bushbucks and several antelopes and primates like baboons. A game viewing experience after birding will crown your entire trip as you watch your favorite wild animals in Murchison.

Launch a boat cruise launching
Murchison falls is one of the most attractive features at this park, the Nile forces itself into a 7-meter gorge before exploding into the bottom where the boat rides. This mighty falls are such a wonder as you watch the waters flash making a high sound before settling flowing downwards. you will enjoy the crocodiles resting on the river banks and the Hippos swimming in the freshwaters. Several water birds are seen around the river including the rare Shoebill stock. Several mammals are seen coming to drink on the river banks and some are captured by the mysterious crocodiles for dinner.

Hike to the top of the falls
The might falls is the greatest attraction of Murchison Falls National Park attracting thousands of travelers from all over the globe. The best place to watch the falls is at the top of it as you watch the falls with a mighty roar as the Nile plunges into a 7-meter gorge before exploding to the bottom forming a sailable stream.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Gorilla Lodges in Volcanoes National park

Gorilla Lodges in Volcanoes National park

You deserve to sleep comfortably on your gorilla safari in Rwanda. There is no doubt that a comfortable, safe and friendly lodge is all you need to have an enjoyable Rwanda gorilla safaris. YES, sleeping well is one of the essentials for a successful and less stressing gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Are you ready for your gorilla tour to Rwanda? Have you booked where to sleep? Well, African Apes Tours & travel, your ultimate gorillas safari guide brings you details of the top lodges in Volcanoes National Park. With gorilla tracking ranking number one travel experience in Rwanda, choosing the best accommodation is highly recommended. A variety of budget, mid range and luxury gorilla safari lodges have been established in and near Volcanoes National park to serve you with excellent food and sleeping services. After booking your permit to Rwanda, the next thing is to book for a accommodation according to your budget. Interestingly, African Apes Holidays help you book and reserve your desired accommodation at a low cost. The top lodges/ Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park include:

Bisate Lodge
Lodges in Volcanoes ParkIf you are looking for luxury stay in Rwanda, Bisate Lodge is your best place to stay on your Rwanda gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park. With six villas, Bisate Lodge is one of the newest lodges in Rwanda. Each villa offers you scenic views Rwanda’s rolling hills, Volcanoes Park and local farms. The villages are setup in a traditional way in a cone shape and thatched with local grass. Each Villa has a private balcony, sitting area, fore place and self-contained. The restaurant serves all kinds of local and traditional dishes as asked by the traveler. The bar is fully stocked with all kinds of drinks, local and internationally. Food is served with a soft drink!. The staff at Bisate Lodge is always smart, ready and quick to ensure a quick service delivery system. Bisate Lodge is owned and managed by Wilderness Safaris who own several other luxury lodges in the whole world.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Lodges in Volcanoes ParkLocated in the heart of Volcanoes National Park, Mountain gorilla view Lodge is yet another luxury and interesting place to stay on your gorilla safari in Rwanda. The lodge is in the foothills of Mt Karisimbi offering you great views of the mountain and the entire park. The lodge has 30 spacious rooms each self-contained and with great views. Rooms have charging sockets and sitting area. The many rooms at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is good for a family trip or a group of mates. In the evenings, the lodge brings traditional dancers to entertain visitors, which make the whole stay interesting and fun. Mountain gorilla view lodge is located near Kinigi Park head quarters, which make transfers easy.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Lodges in Volcanoes ParkLocated on the foothills of Sabyinyo Mountains, the Sabyinyo Silverback Gorilla Lodge is a spacious place to stay on your gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is also called governors camp managed by the and beyond group of companies. The polished wooden floors and traditional terracotta tile roofs make this lodge one of its own kind. The rooms at Sabyinyo silverback lodge can be arranged into single, double, twin, triple and family rooms to cater for all kinds of travelers. Both local and international foods and beverages are served at all times. The activities that can be done while staying at Sabyinyo Silverback lodge include gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, cultural tours, bird watching and nature walks among others.

Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Lodges in Volcanoes ParkLocated a short distance from Volcanoes National park, Da Vinci gorilla lodge is your best mid range accommodation for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The lodge has 5 guest cottages, which can be arranged as single, double, triple and twin. Are you a small group of friends or a family? Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge offers you safe, comfortable and affordable accommodation services on your gorilla tour in Volcanoes Park. The sitting lounge with fireplace is best for story telling and sharing. The fully stocked bar serving all kinds of local and international beverages is ever open day and night while the restaurant serves both local and international foods. You can do gorilla trekking, Karisimbi hiking, Bisoke hiking, community tours, golden monkey trekking and cycling while staying at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Do not miss staying at this luxurious Singita Kwitonda Lodge on your gorilla safari to Volcanoes National park. YES, the unique setup of this new lodge gives you many reasons of staying there. The lodge offers you great views of Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo volcanoes in the back view. The sleeping arrangements at Singita Kwitonda Lodge can be single, double, twin, triple and family depending on the interest of clients. The amenities at the lodge include gear room, fire places, in room massage, Private out door heated plunge pools, Free WIFI, Wine cellar and tasting, and the onsite Akarabo Nursey and garden.

Kinigi Guest House
Located in Kinigi a few meters from the park headquarters, Kinigi guest house is your best budget accommodation in Volcanoes National Park. The guesthouse has 20 rooms each with a private balcony, self-contained and with great views. The short distance to the briefing point gives you chance to enjoy your morning sleep unlike other lodges, which are located far from the briefing point.

Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Lodges in Volcanoes ParkAll constructed with bamboos, Le Bambou Gorilla lodge is a unique place to stay on your Rwanda gorilla tour. The lodge offers mid range food and accommodation services hence affordable for most travelers. Le Bambou lodge has 21 rooms, both self-contained and with primate balcony’s. Rooms can be arranged as single, twin, double, triple and family as requested by the clients. The facilities at the lodge include restaurant, fireplace, bar, lounge, airport transfer and WIFi all over. Both local and international foods and beverages are served at all times.

Villa Gorilla
Lodges in Volcanoes ParkWith four fully furnished cottages, Villa gorilla is a best place for small groups of mates. The fire place garzetted is good for aharing stories and travel experiences.
The other places to stay in Volcanoes National Park include:
Virunga Lodge
Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Best View Hotel
Mountain Gorillas’s Nest Lodge
Fraja Hotel
Garden palace Hotel
Gorilla Solution Lodge
Garr Hotel
La Paime Hotel
Conclusively, the list of lodges and hotels in Volcanoes National Park is endless. Contact African Apes Tours, book your favorite lodge and enjoy your comfortable stay on your Rwanda gorilla safari.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Rescheduling Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rescheduling Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Lots of Rwanda safaris have been cancelled due to the outbreak of the deadly covid19 pandemic. YES, most travelers were forced to cancel their already booked Rwanda gorilla safaris to Volcanoes National Park due to the travel restrictions and land border crossing with neighboring countries to contain the spread if the virus across countries. Rwanda shut down for tourism for over 7 months in 2020. However, the country was later reopened for tourists but with very strict Standard Operating Procedures. Whereas Rwanda is now open for tourism, some travelers are still stuck in lockdown back in their homes of origin, while others have been infected by the deadly virus hence require some good time to recover before they can travel again. Rescheduling gorilla permits to a future date is therefore inevitable for future travels. Fortunately, Rwanda Development Board has relaxed on the Rwanda gorilla permit rescheduling policy to enable travels postpone their affected trips. Are you wondering how to reschedule your gorilla safari in Rwanda? African Apes Tours & Travel is trusted guide on how to book your future Rwanda gorilla tour

The rules of gorilla permit rescheduling in Rwanda

1. Travelers and tour operators are free to reschedule their permits to any future date within 12 months. Some travelers cannot be sure of when they will be free to move again hence the need for long time of rescheduling. Initially, travelers who wanted to reschedule their permits were asked to do so in 7 days before the trekking date

Rwanda gorilla permit

2. Rwanda Development Board scrapped off the 30-day limit for travel operators to make a final payment of gorilla permits before the trekking.
3. Permit rescheduling is done at no cost
NOTE: The new gorilla permit rescheduling policy in Rwanda is valid till 25th January 2021 to 31st May 2022. Travelers are advised to take in this chance and plan for their future gorilla trekking date.

How to reschedule my Rwanda gorilla permit?

You can reschedule your Rwanda gorilla permit directly with Rwanda Development Board. Contact them directly by visiting their office in Rwanda or their website, inform them on your reasons for postponement and the future date you like to trek gorillas on.
Alternatively, if you had booked through a travel agent for example African Apes Holidays, contact them, inform them on your desired future date and the reason why you are postponing. Your Travel agency will do the rest for you

Discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda

Rwanda Development Board is also offering discounted gorilla permits to first come travelers. Apparently, Rwanda permit is discounted to $200 for Rwandese ad East African citizens while foreign residents in Rwanda pay $500 a reduction from the initial $1500. The reason for discounted Rwanda gorilla permits is to encourage more travels during this time of the deadly pandemic. Foreign nonresidents will pay the actual $1500 but it’s surely worth it.
Morse, Rwanda Development Board is offering special packages for families, group travels and corporates visiting Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National parks.

Standard Operating Procedures for Trekking Gorillas in Rwanda

Endeavor to follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Rwanda when visiting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. These have been put to ensure safety of the endangered gorillas and travelers
• All travelers must show negative covid19 test results taken in 72 hours before arrival in Rwanda.
• On reaching the airport, travelers are tested for covid19 and quarantined for 24 hours in hotels garzetted by Rwanda ministry of health. The cost of covid19 in Rwanda is $60 inclusive of the specific logistics at Kigali airport
• When results come out negative, travelers are allowed to proceed with their trips. However, a traveler who tests positive for covid19 will be quarantined for more days as he/she goes under treatment at his own costs.
• Land borders of Rwanda and the neighboring Uganda are still closed
• Temperature screening is a must for everyone arriving in Rwanda
• Mandatory face masking all throughout
• Mandatory sanitizing with alcohol based contest
• Mandatory thorough hand washing with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds
• Travelers departing from Rwanda are also tested for covid19 to ensure no one leave Rwanda with the virus
For any other questions and travel advice for gorilla trekking, permit booking and rescheduling in Rwanda, contact us at African Apes Tours & Travel

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
5 Reasons Why Rwanda Should be On your Travel Bucket List

5 Reasons Why Rwanda Should be On your Travel Bucket List

Most people have visited Rwanda over time. Others have continued to review Rwanda as a must visit travel destination in Africa. There are numerous exceptional features and attributes that make Rwanda a unique destination that no traveler should miss out on his/her gorilla safaris in Africa. A combination of beautiful landscapes, clean environment, wildlife, first class hotels, friendly people and safety make Rwanda a favorite destination for most travelers. African Apes Holidays brings you five top reasons why Rwanda needs to be on your travel bucket list. These include:

Beautiful and Clean

Why Visit Rwanda

Clean Kigali City

For those who have been there before, there is no doubt that Rwanda is undeniably among the most beautiful and clean countries in the world. The ban of plastic bags and papers in Rwanda has kept the city clean and dirty free. You will hardly see any litters or rubbish on the streets of Kigali City and the whole of Rwanda. Reading the beauty of Rwanda, its incomparable! The endless rolling hills in the countryside of Rwanda are very beautiful and best for scenic viewing. The thousand hills of Rwanda are rolled on b y tea and coffee plantations while others are covered by rain forests which shelter wild animals and birds. Paved roads connecting from Kigali to the major tourist destinations in Rwanda make movements within the country easy and quick.

Wildlife

Why visit Rwanda

Silverback Gorilla In VNP

Talking of wildlife, Rwanda is home to some of the endangered wild animals rarely found anywhere else in the world. The small country is one of there countries to see the endangered mountain gorillas. Over 60% of travelers who visit Rwanda choose gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park as their top bucket list. Interestingly, Rwanda offers the most expensive luxury Rwanda gorilla tours costing $1500 for a single gorilla permit. Besides gorillas, volcanoes National Park is home to the lively and playful golden monkeys, which you should not miss. More so, visit Akagera National Park, home to the big five game and other numerous wild animals. Guided day and night game drives through the park give you great views of wild animals including Elephants, Lions, Buffalos, Rhinos, Zebras, Leopards, Waterbucks, Giraffes, Hippos. Elands, Topis, Diki Diki, Warthogs and Thomson gazelles among others. Game viewing is the key activity in Akagera National Park complemented by camping and boat cruise at Lake Ihema. Also, Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park home to the endangered chimpanzees. Other primates in Nyungwe forest include vervet monkeys, black and white colubus, Blue monkeys, Red tailed monkeys and baboons among others. In general, Rwanda is a center of wildlife viewing.

Peaceful & safe

Over time, Rwanda has proved to be a peaceful and safe country to visit and stay. The last incident of fighting in Rwanda was the 1994 genocide, which claimed the lives of millions of people. Since then, there as been peace and reconciliation in Rwanda where people live and stay together in harmony. Security forces are ever alert and ready to protect the citizens from any external attack. Regarding covid 19, Rwanda has successfully contained the spread of corona virus. Since March 2020 when the first positive case was registered, the country apparently has less than 10, 000 cases and 133 death total. The ministry has also put a lot of measures to contain the spread of the virus. All travelers visiting Rwanda are required to bring negative Covid19 test results within 120 hours before flying to Rwanda. More so, you need to pay $60 on arrival in Rwanda for a throat test. Travelers are thereafter required to stay at the selected hotel until when the results are back. Also, travelers leaving Rwanda are required to test for covid19 and provide negative results with 48 hours before departure. Travelers going to trek gorillas and chimpanzees MUST wear face masks throughout the trek to avoid the spread of the deadly virus to these endangered species. Temperature screening is a must for all travelers; mandatory hand washing, sanitizing and keeping a seven-meter distance is a mandate for travelers.

Gorgeous Hotels and Lodges

Why visit Rwanda

Bisate Lodge

Regarding accommodation in Rwanda, the country has numerous first class lodges and hotels to offer you food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The leading lodges in Rwanda include Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, One & Only Nyungwe House, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Kigali Serena Hotel, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Camp, Lake Kivu Serena, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kigali Marriott Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel. These hotels and lodges offer luxury, midrange and budget services as required by travelers. Well-trained and professional staffs are at your service all day and night to ensure a smooth and quick service delivery system. African Apes Holidays help you book and reserve hotel rooms at a cheap price

Friendly people

Rwanda people will make you feel at home! In every corner you v reach, smiling happy faces of local people wait for you. The initial ethnic conflicts that geared up the 1994 genocide have been resolved and people are now living in peace as one. A cultural tour to the Iby’iwacu community village introduces you to Rwanda’s traditions, norms and customs. Interestingly, travelers are allowed to be part of these cultural experiences and practices which make them feel as part of the community.

Generally, there are many reasons to visit Rwanda. Contact us today, book your Rwanda safari and enjoy the natural beauty, wildlife, peace and cleanness of this small country with a thousand hills.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Tigers Return to Uganda

Tigers Return to Uganda

Uganda tourism fraternity is excited upon the return of the endangered tigers into the Pearl of Africa after 6 decades of no existence. YES, you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also known as the Entebbe zoo and get a chance to stare at the newly introduced tigers, which are the largest in the cat family. A pair of tigers were introduced in March 2020 but were kept under quarantine to monitor their behaviors with other wild animals at the zoo and to rove they are compatible with the new area. Having proven to be loyal and friendly to other wild animals, Uganda Wildlife Authority through Uganda Wildlife Education Centre disclosed the existence of the two tigers and fully opened them for visitors on December 3rd 2020. This means that travelers to UWEC can now see and interact with these lovely tigers. African Apes Tours offers you a guide to visit the tigers at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre at reasonable cost.

Which family of tigers was introduced?
UWEC confirmed that the new tigers are Bengal tigers which some people call the Indian tigers. The pair of tigers (male and female) aged two years and three months was flown from Feathers Wildlife Park South Africa in exchange of 25 Mystic monkeys. Tigers are among the endangered species in the wild as listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The re introduction of tigers to Uganda was approved and recommended by the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Threats to the survival of Tigers
Overtime, the survival of tigers in the wild has been threated by numerous factors. The top threats to tigers in Africa and the whole world include hunting. Tigers are hunted for trophies and other products, which are expensive in the black market. More so, tigers are threatened by the extensive habitat loss. Local people adjacent to tiger habitats have continued to encroach on tiger’s habitats to expand their land for settlement, farming, logging and other developments. The loss of habitats has negatively affected the increase of tiger populations since they have limited land to breed, produce and increase on their numbers. Natural death is another threat to the survival and increase of tigers. It’s recorded that the last tigers at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre died of old age

Is Uganda favorable for tigers?
YES, Uganda with its conducive climate (cold and hot) is undeniably favorable for the stay of tigers. The Pearl of Africa is widely known to have a very conducive climate. In general, Africa’s temperature is favorable for tigers. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre has future plans of building a suitable habitat foe the endangered tigers.

Animals to see at UWEC
Besides tigers, travelers to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre can see several other wild animals. These include grazers such as Elephants, giraffes and chimpanzees. You will also see several carnivores such as Serval cats, Leopards and Lions among others. For birders, UWEC is home to several birds such as pink backed pelican, Peafowl, Ostriches, crested cranes, African Gray Parrot and African Fish Eagle among others

Other wildlife experiences in Uganda
Tigers were introduced to complement other wildlife experiences in the Pearl of Africa. Uganda is gifted by nature with lots of things to see and do in all corners of the country. The other top things to do in Uganda include among others:
1. Mountain gorilla trekking: Done in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, gorilla safaris rank number one in the things to see and do in Uganda. The Pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s total gorilla population, which make it a premier gorilla tour destination. Over 18 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking in Uganda. The presence of many gorilla families guarantee travelers availability of gorilla permits in Uganda compared to other gorilla countries (Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo). Fortunately, Uganda offers cheap gorilla permits at $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for Eat African citizens compared to $1500 in the neighboring Rwanda. . In addition, Uganda gorilla tours entail gorilla habituation experience, which is the training of wild gorillas to make them familiar with people before they are declared free for trekking. The gorilla habituation permit cost $1500 to allow you spend four hours with the endangered gorillas.

2. Chimpanzee trekking: Go to trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National park, the primate capital of Africa. Chimpanzee trekking rank second to gorilla trekking attracting a high number of travelers from all over the world. Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest and Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park.

3. Game viewing: Go game viewing in the open savannah parks of Uganda. Guided game drives in the morning and evening hours give you chance to meet and see numerous wild animals hunting, grazing and browsing in the savannah parks of Uganda. The top game safaris destinations in Uganda include Murchison falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. Expect to see animals including Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Impalas, and Uganda kobs, Zebras, Waterbucks, Warthogs and Topis among others. Game viewing in these parks is normally complemented with a boat cruise on the rivers in the park to make your safari more fun and enjoyable.

4. Mountain climbing: Go for a Uganda mountaineering experiences to Magherita peak of mount Rwenzori rewarding you with a lifetime adventurous experience. Other places for mountain climbing in Uganda include Mt Elgon and Mt Gahinga, Mt Sabinyo and Mt Muhabura in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

5. Cultural tours: Spare time and visit some of the indigenous cultural groups in Uganda to learn and experience the traditions, customs and beliefs of Uganda local people. Uganda is comprised of 54 tribes each with unique beliefs and customs. The most visited cultural groups are the Batwa pygmies in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga gorilla Parks and the Karamajong herdsmen in Kidepo Valley National park. Taking part in the exceptional Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is your opportunity to learn and experience batwa’s traditional forest life and how they co existed with wild animals in Bwindi ad Mgahinga forests.

If you are planning a Uganda gorilla safari for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or any other wildlife experience, do not miss out visiting the endangered tigers at UWEC for a complete Uganda tour package.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
How to Plan safari During Covid19

How to Plan safari During Covid19

Wildlife Safaris are ongoing across the whole world despite the continued spread of the deadly covid19. Having closed safari destinations for over 5 months, most countries decided to reopen for tourism with tight restrictions against covid19. Do you want to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest or the Virunga Conservation Area? The adventurous exp0ereince is now open and travelers are allowed to trek the endangered gorillas in the their natural habitats. Moreso, savannah parks in Kenya and Tanzania, Nyiragongo Volcano hikes, Great wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and chimpanzee trekking among other wildlife experience in the whole world are now open and ongoing. However. Travels during covid19 are tricky and with lots of restrictions. African Apes Tours & Travel gives you a detailed guide on how to plan a safari during covid19 to ensure your safety and the safety of wildlife in their natural habitats.

Book through a travel agent
Whereas you can book a safari yourself, booking through a travel agent is undeniably the best option. YES, these travel agents and destination management companies with all detailed information on what is required of travelers into a specific country. A travel agent will charge you a fair price to arrange for you a best trip. Search for the best travel agent based on the years of experience and trip advisor reviews from previous travelers before confirming your trip. African Apes Holidays is one of the best travel companies to guide you on your African safari. Do you want to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest or the Virunga Conservation Area, African Apes Holidays is your best guide. We help you book gorilla permits, accommodation, driver guide, travel car and all other duties. Your only role is to come ready and we take you around. Booking a through a travel agent therefore saves you from the hustles of private bookings which can be time consuming and tiresome. A travel agent will also gives you all detailed information about covid19, for example the test requirements,

Book a direct flight
Flying direct from your home to your destination is the best thing you to do. This helps to avoid unnecessary stopovers and interactions with many people. Rwanda Air runs several direct flights from the United Kingdom and other Western African Countries for those who want to trek Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National park. In the same way, Kenya Airs has many direct flights from across the world, which saves you from meeting and interacting many people along the way. Booking a direct flight is therefore highly recommended for the traveler’s during covid19 pandemic.

Tour within the same country
If possible, tour within one country art a specific period of time. Whereas, connecting safaris across different countries is the best way to explore and enjoy different experiences, a simple itinerary within one destination is the best option in this covid19 time. Avoid itineraries that cross-land borders which expose you to meet many people some of which are covid19 positive. A 7 Uganda safari helps you to explore the popular activities in Uganda, whereas a 3 Days Rwanda gorilla tour offers you chance to trek gorillas and explore other beauties in the land of a thousand hills. Long stays in a single destination ensures fewer interactions and lesser chances of contracting the deadly covid19.

Travel Now!
The best time to travel during the covid19 time is NOW! YES, most travel destinations are now offering discounted offers to enhance travels and revive tours, which had gone down during covid19 lock down. Uganda and Rwanda are offering discounted gorilla permits to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla and Volcanoes National park plus discounted park entry charges to savannah parks of Uganda and Rwanda. If you are traveling on budget, this covid19 time is therefore your best time to travel for a great experience at a cheap price. Discounted gorilla permits in Uganda costs $400 for foreign nonresidents, $300 for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 for Ugandans and Eat African citizens a reductions from $700, $600 and UGX 150,000 respectively and a 50% discount on park entrance fees to savannah parks. These discounted offers are valid till March 2021.

Choose your best destination
Since travelling across different countries is now difficult, choose your best destination and visit it first. Have you dreamt of exploring the Pearl of Africa, Zero down to it and explore it to the fullest. Or5 else you want to maneuver through he rolling hills of Rwanda or in Magical Kenya, decide and travel now. Almost all destinations are now open and ready t6o welcome you! African Apes Holidays takes you whenever you want to go at affordable rates guaranteeing you safety, comfort and memorable experiences.

Contact African Apes Tours for more travel tips and how to plan a safari during covid19.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Caving Safaris in Rwanda

Caving Safaris in Rwanda

Caving is one of the top travel activities on Rwanda safaris. YES, most travelers prefer to add caving on their gorilla trekking and other wildlife experiences in the land of a thousand hills. Are you visiting Rwanda to see gorillas or big five-game in Akagera National Park? Spare time and visit one of the ancient caves in this country. Altogether Rwanda is known to have 52 caves mostly located in the northern province of Rwanda. Most of these caves were formed as a result of Cenozoic volcanic rocks that have turned into tourist attractions in the country. The caves vary in size and length and their wall shelter numerous bats and other birds. A walk through any cave require you to have a torch for light since they are dark inside, walking closed shoes and walking stick since some grounds are slippery. Caving is normally done a gorilla trekking add on in Volcanoes National Park. African Apes Tours is your best guide to explore and enjoy different caves in Rwanda. The popular caves in Rwanda include
1. Ubuvumo Bwibihinga
This is the longest cave in the whole of Rwanda, This caves is comprised of a multi level systems if parallel lava tubes with a length of 4.530m.

2. Musanze caves
Located in the heart of Volcanoes National park in Musanze province. Musanze caves are the most visited caves in Rwanda. The musanze caves are believed to have been formed over 65 millions years ago when the lave flow layers contributed to creation of the Albertine Rift Valley. Musanze caves g has 31 entrances, which gives travelers chance to start and entre from wherever they like. The caves are believed to have been formed by the basaltic layers that collapsed from Bisoke and Sabyinyo volcanoes. Thousands of bats are seen hanging on the walls of Musanze caves. The collapses within the cave have formed different kind of rooms and corridors where one can even hide.

3. Busasamana Cave
This caves stretches 1 kilometer long connecting to a system of other caves, which are Kanzeze and Mudende. These three caves further lead you to Mugongo.
Other caves in Rwanda include Mugongo, Bweza caves and Kabari caves

Other things to see and do in Rwanda
Besides, caving, travelers on Rwanda safaris have many more things to see and do in Rwanda for a memorable experience. These include:
Mountain gorilla trekking: This is the number one travel experience, which bring the highest number of travelers to Rwanda. Gorillas in Rwanda lie in Volcanoes National Park and 10 gorilla families have been habituated for trekking. Volcanoes Park is the most accessible gorilla park located roughly 3 hours drive from Kigali International airport. The ease of access to Volcanoes make it a favorite gorilla park compared to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga in Uganda and Virunga National park in Congo which are located some long distance from the airport. Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for all travelers. Rwanda is therefore a luxury gorilla safari destination but worth it.

Big five game
Done in Akagera National Park, game viewing is yet another interesting travel experience you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. Guided morning, evening and night game drives offer you chance to see numerous wild animals, which live in this park. Expect to see the “big five”, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards and Rhinos plus many other animals which include zebras, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Bushbucks, Kobs, Elands, Topis, Bush pigs and wild dogs among others. You will enjoy how predators hint down their preys while herbivores graze and browse in open savannahs.

Chimpanzee trekking
Go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park in southern Rwanda. Over 1000 chimpanzees are habituated in Nyungwe Forest for trekking. Chimpanzees share over 99% of human genes which make them man’s close relatives. Interestingly, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest are trekked at a cheaper price $90 which is surely favorable even for budget travelers. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest can either be done in the main forest or in Cyamudongo Forest.

Canopy walk
Enjoy a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park for great aerial views of the forest, wildlife, birds and the Virunga Volcanoes.

Volcano climbing
Hike any of the top volcanoes in Rwanda for a great hiking experience. The most hikes volcanoes in Rwanda include Mt Karisimbi and Mt Bisoke, which are all located in Volcanoes National park. A 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hike takes you up t the summit of the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation area while 1 Day is enough to hike to the top of Mt Bisoke. African Apes Holidays is your best guide on your Rwanda hiking tour.
Conclusively therefore, caving is a not miss on your Rwanda safari. Book today, visit any one cave in Rwanda and enjoy this magical experience.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Why Hire a porter for Gorilla Trekking

Why Hire a porter for Gorilla Trekking

You need a porter for your gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whereas its not a mandate to have one, hiring a porter on your gorilla safaris in Africa is highly recommended. Often times, travelers coming for a gorilla tour ask whether its necessary to have a porter. The right answer is YES, you surely a need a porter if you want to have a peaceful, less stressing and enjoyable gorilla trekking safari. He trek to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks is not an easy walk! You reach a pint and feel like the mere clothes on your body are heavy for your! Hence a need for a porter. African Apes Tours & Travel gives you a guide on why you surely a need a porter for your gorilla safari in Africa. The reasons for hiring a porter include:

Porters are experienced
porters for gorilla trekking The fact that porters are local people who grew up trekking through these forests in search for firewood and going to their gardens, they are surely experienced in hiking. More so, porters have the knowledge of the terrain and know where to pass. Incase of slippery grounds, porters can hold your hands preventing you from falling.

To carry your baggage
You need a porter who will carry your baggage to and from gorilla trekking. A porter saves you the burden of carrying your bag, which contain packed lunch, camera and other essentials you need for the trek. This eases your movements through the jungle forest, which at times require you to crawl on your knees when t becomes to steep and tough. The porter will be with you all through the trekking session making your gorilla encounter less stressing and more enjoyable.

Indirect support to local communities
Hiring a porter is an indirect support of local livelihoods. Porters are local people who earn a living from pottering. Giving him/her a job therefore helps him/her to earn a living to support their families and improve their standards of living. A porter is hired for between $15 to $20 for a day but the services and help they offer is surely worth it. Porters use the money they earn to pay school fees for their children, build houses, and buy basic needs for their families

Promoting Conservation
Some porters are former poachers who transformed into conservationists. Therefore hiring them is an indirect way of promoting gorilla conservation in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pottering has reduced the rate of poaching in gorilla national parks, which has seen the population of the endangered mountain gorillas grow steadily over time.

Do I need to book for a porter in advance?
No, you will ask for a porter on the day of gorilla trekking. Porters are normally around each day of gorilla trekking. You do not need to book for a porter in advance. Just tell the park ranger and he/she will get for you the best porter.

What of a walking stick?
After hiring a porter, the next thing you need for your gorilla trek is a walking stick. The stick eases your movement up and down hill through the jungle in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. You can get a walking stick from your hotel/lodge or from the park headquarters and return it after the trek.

Guide to gorilla trekking in Africa
Besides hiring a porter and walking stick, African Apes Tours brings you a more detailed guide for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. This guide entails when to visit, gorilla permit, what to pack and the rules of gorilla trekking in Africa.
1. Book and secure your permit in time
Endeavor to book for your gorilla permit as early as 6 months before the trekking date. At the time of booking, you will pay 30% deposit so that its removed from the available permits lists. The balance is required at least 45 days to the trekking day. A gorilla permit is a must have, a password to see the gorillas without which you cant see the endangered gorillas,. Each gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 paid by all nationals. In Uganda, a single permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents.

2. Do physical exercises
Physical fitness is essential for anyone visiting the endangered species. Try to do physical exercises to prepare you for a tough gorilla encounter. Hiking through the jungle in search of the endangered gorillas is not a walk away adventure. It entails hiking up and downhill in the jungle forests of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Virunga and Volcanoes National park. A physically fit traveler will have no any worries of trekking gorillas unlike the unfit one.

3. Dress right for the jungle
Make sure you wear the right attire for the jungle. Your packing list should include walking/hiking boots, gardening gloves, long pants, long sleeved shirts, long sleeved blouses, rain jackets, hat, sun glasses, sweaters and scarf. More so, remember to carry insect repellants to protect you from dangerous insect bites.

In conclusion, you need a porter for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, A porter will ease your gorilla trek with less or no difficulty.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Uganda Promotional Pricing

Uganda Promotional Pricing

Grab the chance for discounted prices in Uganda as a welcome back from close to 6 months of tourism closure in the Pearl of Africa. YES, Uganda Wildlife Authority is offering promotional festive season pricing between December 2020 and March 2021. The slashed prices are meant to revamp and bring back tourism industry that was hit hard by the deadly covid 19 pandemic. Discounted gorilla safaris in Uganda
The closure of national parks led to cancellation of all gorilla tours to Bwindi forest/Mgahinga, chimpanzee safaris to Kibale Forest and game viewing experiences in savannah parks. Travel operators were badly affected to the extent of closing business down due to loss of business and no money to sustain the workers. Discounts are on gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, bird watching fees and park entrance fees to savannah parks all over the country. In March 2020, Uganda safaris for mountain gorilla trekking, game viewing and all other tourism activities were put on hold for close to 6 months with no visits to all national parks and other protected areas in the country. However, all parks are now open and travelers are welcomed everyday. African Apes Holidays help you book and secure a discounted gorilla permits and arrange other special offers at a very low cost.

Promotional prices in Uganda

Conclusively, Uganda is a premier travel destination in Africa. The Pearl of Africa is naturally blessed with natural attractions including lakes, rivers, mountains, and wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, big game and birds which together make a complete safari package. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel, book your discounted Uganda pricing and explore the beauty of Uganda

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Are you planning a gorilla safari in Rwanda? African Apes Holidays gives you a handy guide to trekking Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is now open for tourists who want to visit the endangered mountain gorillas. For over the years, mountain gorilla trekking has ranked as a top wildlife experience in the world. Our guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda entail how to book a gorilla permit, when to visit, what to carry and answers to all frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is a first stop Centre of gorilla safaris in Africa located 3 hours from the airport. Other population of mountain gorillas in Africa lives in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla permits in Rwanda (Prices and booking process)
Gorilla permits in RwandaA gorilla permit is a first thing you should secure to trek gorillas in Rwanda. It’s a pass to see gorillas and you cannot be allowed to visit the endangered gorillas without it. Everyday, Rwanda Development Board issues 80 gorilla permits to first come travelers who want to visit these endangered species. Each permit in Rwanda costs $1500 paid by all people irrespective of one’s nationality. In other words, even Rwanda nationals and citizens also pay the $1500 to visit the gorillas. However between June to 31st December 2020, Rwanda different Board is offering discounted gorilla permits at $200 for Rwanda nationals and East African citizens. Rwanda gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance. The reason for early booking is the high demand and low supply of permits in Rwanda. You can book directly with Rwanda Development Board or through African Apes Tours & Travel, your trusted gorilla safari company in Rwanda and East Africa. On booking, travelers are asked to pay 30% booking fee on the permit. Payment to zero balance is required at least 90 days to the trekking date. Anyone who fails to finish the payment in time will lose the permit and the deposit money which is non refundable.

Gorilla families in Rwanda
Having secured your permit, the next thing to think about is which gorilla family to visit? Volcanoes National Park has 10 habituated gorilla families. You have a chance to visit any one of the 10 gorilla groups. Whereas gorilla family allocation is done by park rangers. You can choose a gorilla family of your choice. Tell this to your travel agent and guide before the trekking date and he/she will inform park rangers to allocate to you that specific gorilla family of your choice. Rwanda gorilla families in Volcanoes National are Hirwa family, Karisimbi (Susa B) Family, Sabyinyo family, Susa A family, Agashya family, Kwitonda family, Amahoro family, Ugenda gorilla family, Bwenge family and Umubano family. Eight people per day visit each family.

What to carry for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Make sure to carry the right attire for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The packing list for gorilla trekking in Rwanda should include hiking boots/shoes, scarf, rain jacket, garden gloves, hat, sunglasses, insect repellants, drinking water, energy giving snacks, and long pants. Any traveler with the right attire is assured of a peaceful gorilla trek. You can get plastic hiking boots for hire at Kinigi Park headquarters.

When is the best time to trek gorillas in Rwanda
Dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February is the best time to trek Rwanda gorillas. Photography is best during tis time. Also, hiking through the forest is quite simple in the dry season unlike in the rainy season when forest grounds become slippery and muddy. However, wet season in March, April. May, October and November is also good. During low season, travelers have high chances of discounted services in hotels, lodges and transport services. Low season is the best time for budget travelers.

Where to stay for gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Accommodation in Rwanda

Bisate Lodge

A variety of lodges, hotels and camps have been established in Rwanda to offer you with first class food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges in Volcanoes National park include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, Gorilla Solution Lodge and Amakoro Songa Lodge. These lodges have well trained staff who ensure a smooth service delivery system.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located roughly 2-3 hours drive from Kigali International Airport. Road transport is the best means to get to and around gorilla park of Volcanoes National Park. Travelers fly into Kigali airport and drive north westwards through the city to the park.

African Apes Holidays is your best guide for gorilla trekking to Volcanoes National Park

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Forest Walks/ Nature in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Forest Walks/ Nature in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Forest/nature walks are one of the interesting travel experiences in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Trekking through the jungle forest on foot is a best way to explore all hidden treasures in the jungle. Armed park rangers guide travelers into the forest to visit different attractions including waterfalls, caves and swamps among others. The sweet melodies of birds up in the trees make the whole experience magical. Walking slowly in the forest gives you a true feeling of quite, cool and natural feeling of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Moreso, a forest walk through Mgahinga is a chance to see other different plant species, birds and wild animals, which you will meet on your trek. Nature walks are normally done as add on gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking and other wildlife experiences to make a complete safari package. The top walking trails in Mgahinga Forest National Park include:

Batwa Cultural trail

Walking trails in Mgahinga Park

Ntebeko Cave

Batwa cultural trail is the most done nature walk in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The experience is about learning and experiencing the traditional forest life of Batwa pygmies who lived thousands of years in the jungle. In this experience, Batwa pygmies guide travelers into Mgahinga Forest to perform some indigenous batwa activities such as hunting, fruit gathering, collecting honey, picking medicinal herbs and making fire. Also, Travelers are taken to visit Ngarama cave where batwa pygmies would perform traditional ritual and offer sacrifices to their gods. Ngarama caves were also used as a hiding place for batwa pygmies in cave of any insecurity. More so, Batwa pygmies perfume their traditional dances, songs and poems telling their story of traditional forest life. Travelers are given chance to take part in these traditional practices which make them feel as part of the community. Batwa cultural trail costs $80 per person which money is used to support batwa community projects and improve Batwa’s standards of living.

Sabinyo Gorge Walk
Walking trails in Mgahinga ForestEnjoy a 5-6 hours Sabinyo walk in the sloped of the extinct Sabinyo Volcano. The gorge walk is a tiresome and strenuous experience but worth the effort You will meander through different vegetation zones of Mt Sabinyo which give you chance to see numerous birds, plants and animals. The Sabinyo walk also offers you spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes, Bwindi Forest, Local communities, gardens and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Ridges have been built to ease trekking through this trail, which at times gets slippery especially in the rainy season. Physical fitness is essential for everyone taking part in Sabinyo forge walk. Sabyinyo Volcano is located in the borders of Uganda and Rwanda. It can be hiked from either sides but Uganda is the best starting point for hiking Sabyinyo Volcano. The trail is also a best birding spot sheltering numerous bird species.

Border trail
The border trail takes you to Uganda border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Trek through the forest in the slopes of Sabinyo volcano with great chances top see birds, wild animals and different vegetation types. A hike to Gizosi hill offers you great views of Virunga Volcanoes, local communities and all other attractions in Uganda and the neighboring Congo.

Hike to Ntebeko Information Centre
You can as well hike to Ntebeko Visitor information center where registration of gorilla trekkers and pre trekking briefing is done. As its name says, Ntebeko is the center of all information about Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There are lots of documentaries, maps and sculptures to give you all the basic information you need to know about this jungle Forest. A park warden will tell you the story of formation, wildlife and general tourism in Mgahingta Gorilla National park

NOTE: Among the things you need for a successful nature walk include walking stick, closed hiking boots, insect repellents, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, drinking water and energy giving snacks among others.

Other things to see and do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In addition to nature walks, travelers to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have an endless list of amazing things to see and do for a great experience. These include among others:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking to see Nyakagyezi gorilla family, the only gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Nyakagyezi family has 12 members headed by Mark as a dominant silverback gorilla. Nyakagyezi family is fully settled in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and ready to receive visitors each day. 8 travelers are allowed to visit this family each day at the same time meaning 8 gorilla permits available everyday issued on the first come first serve basis. The other place to do Uganda gorilla tours is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park.

Golden Monkey Trekking:
Activities in Mgahinga Park Golden Monkey trekking is yet another interesting activity to do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The experience gives you chance to interact with the playful and lively golden monkeys in their natural habitats. The permit to trek golden monkeys cost $60 exclusive of park entrance fees.

Golden Monkey Habituation Experience
Take part in training the wild golden moneys to make them familiar with people. A traveler in golden Monkey habituation experience hikes long researchers, primate doctors and conservationists to tame these endangered species. The 2-3 years habituation experience is the first stage all primates go through before they are opened to travelers for trekking. Golden Monkey habituation experience costs $100 exclusive of park entrance fees.

Virunga Volcano hiking
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to three extinct volcanoes offering memorable hiking experiences. The volcanoes in Mgahinga Park are Mt Sabinyo, Mt Gahinga and Mt Muhabura. Each Volcano has a different story and a different experience of hiking. A hike to the summit of any one of the three volcanoes is an exceptional experience you will live to remember. Volcano climbing is the best experience for adventure travelers.
Bird watching
Activities in Mgahinga ParkSheltering over 180 bird species, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a best spot for Uganda birding safaris. 12 species of birds are endemic to This Park and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The notable birds in Mgahinga Park include Cape Robin Chat, African Paradise flycatcher, Pin tailed whydah, Speckled mousebird, Scarlet tufted malachite sunbird, African Olive Pigeon, Olive woodpecker, Kivu ground thrush and Alpine Swift. Bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is best done from April to mid May and October to November.
African Apes Tours & Travel helps you to organize nature walks and other wildlife experiences in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park at affordable rates.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Guide to Choose a best Travel Agent

Guide to Choose a best Travel Agent

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

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

Trip advisor reviews

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Entrance fees to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Entrance fees to Nyungwe Forest National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Safety Tips For Gorilla Trekking

Safety Tips For Gorilla Trekking

Is gorilla trekking safe? Safety is a concern for all travelers booking gorilla safaris in Africa. How safe is gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the common asked questions in gorilla tour bookings. Travelers want to be sure of their safety while with gorillas in the jungle forests of Africa. For the first time travelers, gorilla tracking is indeed threatening given the huge size of a silverback gorilla, his serious looks and the forested nature of gorilla habitats. However, African Apes Tours & Travel guarantee your safety on your gorilla tour to Africa. YES, we give you gorilla trekking safety tips to ensure your safety and that of the endangered mountain gorillas. These include:How to be safe in gorilla trekking

Keep a distance away from the gorillas
Please, do not come so close to the endangered gorillas. Keep a distance of at least seven meters away from the gorillas to give them some free space. Coming so close to gorillas looks like you are encroaching on their privacy, which can cause them to charge at you. Moreso, keeping a distance is one o= way of preventing the transmission of communicable diseases especially flue and cough from humans to the endangered gorillas. Similarly, people can catch some animal diseases if they come so close to the gorillas. These endangered species share over 99% of human genes. This makes them to susceptible to human illnesses, which can be deadly to them.


Safety in gorilla trekkingWear closed shoes and gardening gloves

You must dress right for the jungle if you want to be safe. Closed shoes are recommended to protect your feet from sharp stones and sticks. Also, closed shoes protect your feet from dirty mud, which at times can be slippery making it hard for one in sandals to walk through. The shoes should also be waterproof to ease your movements. More so, gardening gloves protect your hands from thorny bushes and dirty grounds. At some point in gorilla trekking, travelers are forced to touch down or grab bushes for support especially after rain. Your soft hands will be safe with gardening gloves. The other things to carry for gorilla trekking include long sleeved shirts/blouses, insect repellants to prevent poisonous insect bites, rain jacket, hat and sun glasses. A walking stick and porter are also helpful in gorilla trekking.

Avoid direct eye contacts with the silverback gorilla
Do not look direct into the eyes of the silverback gorillas. During the pre gorilla trekking briefing, travelers are asked not to look direct into the eyes of the gorillas. Direct eye contact irritates the gorillas. It makes a silverback gorilla scared forcing him to behave wild. Keep focused on your camera, observe silently the human like characters of the gorillas and utilize this hour to the maximum.

Keep within your group
Do not split from your group! Gorilla trekking at time s takes several hours of roaming in the jungle before meeting the endangered species. During this time of hiking, travelers are reminded to keep within their group of sight. Splitting and moving alone in the jungle so risky and dangerous for you.

Listen to your ranger guide
You will be assigned two armed park rangers to escort you on your gorilla tour experience. These rangers are experienced with gorilla behaviors and can tell when a gorilla is in good or bad mood. If the ranger guide tells you to step back, please do for your own safety.

Do physical exercises
Travelers warming up for gorilla trekking are also advised to do physical exercises to ensure fitness. A hike up and down hill to see gorillas is a strenuous activity, which require fitness. Some travelers who are not fit find it hard to make it to the gorillas. Examples of physical exercises recommended for physical fitness include walking, stretching, and long hikes among others.

Do not trek when sick
If you feel any sign of sickness, please do not insist to trek the endangered gorillas.

Safety remains key for every successful gorilla trekking experience. Contac African Apes Holidays for more gorilla tour advice and bookings!

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Entrance Fees to Volcanoes National park

Entrance Fees to Volcanoes National park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Baby Gorilla Born in Ruhija Sector

Baby Gorilla Born in Ruhija Sector

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

Gorilla baby boom in Uganda

Bay gorilla boom in Uganda

Baby gorilla in Bwindi

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

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

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

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

Other sectors in Bwindi Forest

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Covid19 Standard Operating Procedures for Primate Trekking

Covid19 Standard Operating Procedures for Primate Trekking

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

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Postcovid19 Gorilla Tour Deals

Postcovid19 Gorilla Tour Deals

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

Mountain gorilla trekking:
Postcovid19 travel dealsWe offer discounted gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. YES, the reopening of gorilla tours has come with discounted rates to enable you meet the endangered species at a budget price. Our gorilla tours take you to Bwindi Forest National Park and the Virunga Conservation area shared by Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Virunga parks in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo respectively. Are you traveling on a tight schedule? No worries, our 1 Day gorilla trek in Rwanda or 2 Days Uganda gorilla tour is a best package for you. This gives you chance to meet and interact with the endangered gorillas in the shortest time possible. Gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga sector gives you chance to spend four hours with the endangered gorillas and is the best experience for researchers.

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

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

Mountain climbing

Postcovid19 travel deals

burning Nyiragongo Volcano

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Why Gorilla Trekking for an Hour

Why Gorilla Trekking for an Hour

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

Mountain gorillas are endangered

Gorilla Trekking time

A baby gorilla in Bwindi Forest

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

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

Gorillas need time to do their daily duties

Trekking to see gorillas

A magical encounter with gorillas

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Virtual Gorilla Naming in Rwanda

Virtual Gorilla Naming in Rwanda

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Facts About Mountain gorilla trekking

Facts About Mountain gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is undeniably the most done tourist activity in Africa. However before confirming any gorilla tour, you ought to clearly understand the basic facts about gorilla trekking. YES, gorilla safaris in Africa attract the highest number of travelers to Africa especially to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travelers who have encountered these endangered species review the experience as magical and life changing. For the past over 20 years, gorilla treks have been the top bucket list for most travelers to Africa, and a dream for many. Each day, hundreds of travelers, men and women come from all parts of the world to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience while others continue to make future gorilla safari bookings. The things you should know about gorilla trekking include:

Where to trek gorillas in Africa?

Facts about gorilla trekking

Bwindi Forest

There are only two regions where mountain gorillas live. The endangered species live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda and the Virunga conservation area shared by Virunga National Park in Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Bwindi is home to the highest number of world’s gorillas (half the population) making it the premier gorilla safari destination in Africa. Altogether, Africa has 36 habituated gorilla families split between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 people a day meaning 288 gorilla permits available each day. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. Do you want to spend more time with the gorillas? Join our gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The experience allows you to spend four hours in the company of gorillas giving you ample time to learn the lifestyle of gorillas.

Best time for gorilla trekking
Mountain gorillas can be visited all year round. However, the best time to trek gorillas is in dry season between June, July, August, September, December, January and February. In most cases, this period is associated with or no rains which make it easy to trek through the jungle forest. Also, photography is excellent during this time unlike in the rains. The gorillas also tend to move to areas of low altitude during this time, which make it easy to find them after a short trek. On the other hand, you can trek gorillas during low season in the months of March, April, May, October and November. Visits are generally low during this time, which assure travelers availability of gorilla permits in all gorilla regions. Also, most service providers especially hotels, lodges and transport companies normally give discounted services to travelers in the low season. Low season is therefore the best travel time for budget travelers

Physical fitness and healthy status
Physical fitness is essential for those visiting to trek gorillas. YES, hiking up and down hill in the jungle forests of Bwindi or any other gorilla park is not a joke. The strenuous walk requires one to be physically fit and able to hike. Therefore, travelers are reminded to do physical exercises and to ensure fitness before the trekking date. At times, travelers who are not fit have found it challenging to reach the gorillas in high altitudinal areas. In the same way, you MUST be in good health in order to see the gorillas. The endangered species share over 98% of human genes, which make them susceptible to human illnesses. Tr5avelers are therefore reminded to go for medical checkups to confirm no sickness before coming to see gorillas. During the pre gorilla trekking briefing, travelers who show any signs of sickness like coughing, cough, sneezing and general weakness are not allowed to trek gorillas.

What to pack for gorilla trekking

Getting ready for gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking packing list

You ought to pack the essentials of gorilla trekking. YES, any traveler planning to visit gorillas must pack the right attire to ensure peaceful, comfortable and stress free gorilla hikes. Among the things to carry for gorilla trekking include:
1. Closed hiking boots/shoes. These ease movement through the jungle forests, which at times get slippery and muddy. The shoes should however be light
2. Gardening hand gloves: These protect your soft hands from touching dirty mad and thorny tree trunks for support
3. Long sleeved pants tacked into stockings. These protect your legs from thorny bushes
4. Long sleeved shirts/blouse to protect your arms
5. Sun glasses and hat to protect from direct sun and droplets
6. Rain jacket. Forest weather is so unpredictable. It can rain any time of the day despite the season.
7. First aid kit incase of any emergency
8. Energy giving snacks to keep you strong
9. Bottled drinking water
10. Scarf

Where to sleep on a gorilla safari
Are you wondering where to sleep on your gorilla safari in Africa? No worries, a variety of hotels, camps, and lodges have been built in all gorilla national parks to offer you excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates. These lodges are categorized into budget, midrange and luxury depending on the client’s choice and budget. The top lodges in Bwindi Forest include Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany springs Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge, and Gorilla Safari Lodge and Virunga Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Volcanoes National Park, you can stay at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Lodge and Da Vinci Lodge among others. All lodges have well trained staff to ensure an excellent service delivery system.

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
facts about gorilla trekkingAt the start of every gorilla tracking day, travelers are gathered at the respective park headquarters and briefed about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. These rules are put to ensure safety of the endangered gorillas and travelers themselves. The Guidelines for gorilla trekking include
• Do not trek gorillas when sick
• Avoid direct eye contact with gorillas
• Do not use a flash light camera
• Do not touch the gorillas
• Keep a distance of seven meters away from the gorillas
• Keep within your group. Do not scatter alone in the jungle
• Keep calm when a gorilla charges
• Turn back your face when sneezing or coughing
The knowledge of basic facts about gorilla trekking is essential for everyone planning a gorilla safari to Africa. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel for bookings and more travel advice

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Uganda Reopens Airport and Land Borders to Tourists

Uganda Reopens Airport and Land Borders to Tourists

Is Entebbe international airport open for international flights? YES, Uganda has reopened Entebbe airport and land borders for tourism after six months of closure in a bid to curb the spread of the deadly corona virus. All flights to and from Entebbe airport were shut since March except for evacuation and repatriation flights and cargo and so were all land borders to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This has given hope for the re start of Uganda safaris which had been halted. The restriction on travels negatively affected many sectors especially the tours and travel industry, which mainly entails aviation. Fortunately, His Excellency the president of Uganda announced the good news of reopening on 20th September 2020 during this 20th address on covid19 pandemic. Flights are set to start effective 1st October 2020. In this speech, the president announced “The international airport and land borders will now be opened for tourists, coming in and going out, provided they tested negative 72 hours before arrival in Uganda”. However, this will be on condition that tourist and returning Uganda’s will not be mixed. For that case, travelers will be driven straight from Entebbe International Airport to their destinations or to the designated transit hotels. Travelers, who had therefore postponed their trios due to travel restrictions, are hereby called again to get ready, come and explore the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda reopens the airport

President Museveni giving a national adress

In the same way, Uganda’s citizens returning from abroad and tested negative for covid19 will be allowed to home directly without quarantine as previously. However, the ministry of health will get addresses for all returning citizens for follow up.

Any passenger arriving in Uganda MUST posses a negative Covid19 polymerize chain reaction (PCR) test from an accredited laboratory in the country of origin. In the same address, the president of Uganda lifted the lockdown in all border districts across the country, which had been restricted for close to 3 months. Ugandans are therefore now allowed to travel to all parts of the country without restrictions. However, all people are reminded to practice SOPs to fight the spread of the deadly virus.

Scheduled flights in Uganda
Are you ready to travel? The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has already cleared 13 flights to and from Entebbe International Airport on 1st October 2020 while more 10 flights have already been confirmed for2nd October 2020. However, it is mandatory for everyone traveling out to have negative covid19 results done within 72 hours before the flight.

Operating Airlines in Uganda
The authorized airlines operating flights to and from Uganda include the Uganda Airlines (National carrier), Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Fly Dubai, Air Tanzania, KLM, Tarco Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandaAir, and Qatar Airways. All these airlines are expected to resume flights effective 1st October.

Preventive measures of Cocid19
Even after testing negative for covid19, endeavor to follow the SOPs and apply preventative measures to prevent the risk of catching the virus. The preventative measures for corona virus include:
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water
2. Sanitize with alcohol based hand hub
3. Do not touch the eyes, nose and mouth
4. Keep a distance of at least 4 meters away from each other
5. Mask up your face when in public
6. Stay well when you feel unsafe
However, the best preventative measure of corona virus is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

Top Travel experiences in Uganda
The fact that Uganda is now open for tourism, African Apes Tours & Travel brings you a list of top travel experiences you must do on your new Uganda safari. The post covid19 top Uganda travel experiences include:
Mountain gorilla trekking

Uganda reopens for gorilla trekking

Mountain gorillas in Bwindi

Visiting to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks is the number one travel experience in Uganda. Over 90% of travelers to Uganda choose to trek gorillas as their top bucket list given the magical feeling that comes with this encounter. The Pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, which make it a premier gorilla tour destination. 18 gorilla families hare habituated in Uganda guaranteeing travelers availability of 144 gorilla permits a everyday. The cost of Uganda gorilla safaris is $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Apparently, the initiation of Rwanda Uganda gorilla trekking has made it easier to do short Uganda gorilla treks including 1-Day Uganda gorilla tour starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. Gorilla tours in Uganda are normally complemented by batwa cultural tours, bird watching and forest walks making the whole experience more enjoyable.

Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee tracking ranks second to mountain gorillas on Uganda safaris. Visit Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of Africa and get chance to spend ample time with the famous chimpanzees in their natural habitats. A chimpanzee tour to Kibale Forest also offers you great chances of seeing other primates such as colubus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, black and white monkeys, red tailed monkeys and many more. Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest and Budongo Forest.

Game viewing

Uganda reopens for tourism

Giraffes in KVNP

Enjoy guided game drives in Uganda’s savannah parks for excellent game views. The best game viewing parks in Uganda are Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park. Morning and evening game drives are done giving you chance to interact with various wild animals in the wilderness. Expect to see numerous animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, giraffes, Zebras, Topis, Waterbucks, Hippos, and Bush pigs among others. Our experiences guides help you spot different animals.

Mountaineering/Volcano Climbing

Uganda Hiking tours

Snow capped Mt Rwenzori

Are you an adventurer? Be part of our mountain hiking experiences to the top of the snow capped Mount Rwenzori for a memorable experience. A 10 days Rwenzori hiking safari gives you chance to reach Magherita , the highest peak at the mountain. Other hiking experiences in Uganda include the Virunga Volcanoes (Mt Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mt Sabyinyo) in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Also, Mt Elgon offers best mountaineering experiences. Travelers coming for Uganda hiking tours are advised to do physical exercise to ensure fitness.
Other top things to see and do in Uganda include bird watching, city tours, white water rafting, Lion tracking, Boat cruising and community tours among others. A combination of these makes a complete Uganda safari package offering you a memorable experience.

Conclusively, the reopening of Entebbe International Airport and land borders for tourist into and out of Uganda is great news for tourism in the Pearl of Africa. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your Uganda safari and enjoy the postcovid19 Uganda safari experiences at affordable rates.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Activities For Children on a Gorilla Safari

Activities For Children on a Gorilla Safari

We all know that children below 15 years are not allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Which alternative activities that children can do while parents trek gorillas is one of the frequently asked questions by most travelers planning gorilla safaris in Africa. Are you planning a family trip and wondering which activities can your kids of below 15 years will do while you trek gorillas? No worries, African Apes Tours offers you a list of suitable activities for children on a gorilla trip to make your safari fun for everyone. Gorilla trekking is the leading primate safari experience in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which bring the highest number of travelers from all over the world. Age restrictions is one of the major concerns in all gorilla national parks across Africa. The top activities for children on a gorilla safari include among others:

Nature/Forest walks
What to do with kids on a gorilla safariWhile parents trek into the jungle in search of the gentle giants, children can go for a guided nature /forest walk. In most cases, nature walks are done a short distance from the hotel and can last for up to two hours but at a relaxed speed. A nature walk is the best moment for children to pick up beautiful flowers, look up for birds in the trees and small forest animals especially monkeys. Walking on foot through the forest is the best way to explore and enjoy the quite natural en environment. Children will follow different trails to visit some tourism spots such as waterfalls, which make the whole experience more enjoyable.


Community visits

Activities for kids on a gorilla safariChildren are also taken to visit local communities neighboring gorilla national parks in Uganda and Rwanda. The most visited local villages are for batwa pygmies where kids are taught about the forest life of these Batwa people and how they lived harmoniously with wild animals for thousands of years. More so, local people who perform traditional dances, songs and skits introduce young kids to local community’s traditions, norms and customs, entertain children. Children are also guided to neighboring village schools where they get a chance to interact with fellow kids. Community visits also involve touring medical centers and other community projects. Kids are allowed to take part in some local activities such as grinding sorghum and peeling plus traditional dances, which make them, feel as part of the local community.
If you are doing a Rwanda gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park, children can visit the Iby’iwacu community village to learn more about Rwanda’s traditions, norms and customs.

City tours
A city tour especially to the beautiful Kigali is a not miss for kids. While children are taken to various art galleries, local markets and shopping malls, which is an interesting, experience. The other interesting activities for kids in Rwanda include Heaven restaurant & inn Playground, City Arts classes, Pili Pili sandbox and pool, Fazenda Sengha Horse Farm, Spiderman Game Center, Playground at Mamba Club, Playground at La Palisse Hotel, Play Area at Bamboo Chinese, Pool at Umubano Hotel and Play area at Monaco Café. Parents are very assured that kids will have a good time on a gorilla tour to Africa.

Photography
What to do with kids on a safariKids are well versed with the camera can go for photography near the hotel as their parents trek the gorillas. Photography goes along with filming which is indeed an interesting activity.

What to pack for kids of an African safari
In order to ensure safety and comfort of children on your gorilla safari to Africa, parents are reminded to pack the following for the kids:
Snacks and drinks: Safaris to see gorillas normally take long hours before travelers come back. More so, parents go with packed lunch into the jungle. It’s therefore wise to pack enough snacks and drinks for the kids to keep them strong in absence of their parents

Playing toys
Endeavor to bring playing toys for your children. These will keep them busy throughout and kill the boredom. However, do not carry big heavy toys to reduce on the baggage.

First aid kit
Parents are also reminded to bring a first aid kit for safety in case of any accident. The fact that kids can at times be playful, sliding and falling on sharp objects is inevitable. A first aid kit is therefore a must have on an a gorilla safari in Africa.

Warm sweaters and jackets
Gorilla parks (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes, Virunga and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks) are generally cold especially at night and in the morning hours. Travelers are therefore reminded to bring warm sweaters to save kids from cold nights.

In general, traveling with kids is undeniably an interesting experience you should try. African Apes Holidays offers you suitable activities for children while travelers trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Who Is Eligible to Trek Gorillas

Who Is Eligible to Trek Gorillas

Gorilla safaris in Africa are undeniably the most done travel experiences in the world. YES, over 50% of all travelers who visit Africa choose to do mountain gorilla trekking as their top bucket list. The magical feeling of being close to the giant silverback gorilla, observing the mother characters of adult female gorillas and how the entire gorilla family lives is a remarkable experience worth doing. However before making a gorilla booking, travelers are reminded that not everyone is allowed to see these endangered species! Who is allowed to visit and spend time with these endangered gorillas? African Apes Holidays gives you a detailed guide on whom persons are allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo without any restrictions. The eligibility of gorilla trekking entail:

Travelers aged above 15 years
Who is allowed to visit gorillasYES, any traveler below 15 years of sold is not allowed to participate in mountain gorilla trekking. The reason for age limit in gorilla safaris is due to the strenuous nature of hiking trails to see the gorillas, the long hours spent in the jungle and other risks involved in gorilla tracking. The other reason for age limit is due to the endangered nature of mountain gorillas. Young children may find it hard to adhere to the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking such as keeping a distance of seven meters away from gorillas and keeping calm during the gorilla encounter. While parents are trekking gorillas, children below 15 years are normally taken for a guided nature walk or a community tour in the neighboring local villages. However when a child is yet to celebrate his/her 15th birthday, the parents are asked to write and sign a consent letter to Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda or Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. In this letter, the parents agree to take responsibility of any risk that may happen to the child.

Travelers with a valid permit
Every traveler visiting to see gorillas must have a valid gorilla permit. Also known as a gorilla pass, a mountain gorilla permit is a document, which allows a traveler to visit the gorillas. No traveler is allowed to see gorillas without a permit. Apparently, Rwanda offers luxury gorilla tours costing $1500 paid by each traveler. However in the corona virus period, Rwanda Development Board is offering discounted gorilla permits at $200 for foreign residents in Rwanda. On the other hand, a gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning. You can book directly with UWA in Uganda or RDB in Rwanda. Alternatively, book through African Apes Holidays, the trusted gorilla safari company in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Travelers with no any sickness
Before making any trip, travelers are asked to check with medical doctors to confirm they have no sickness. During pre gorilla trekking briefing, travelers are asked to present medical certificates to the park officials. Any traveler with any signs of flue, cough or cold is not allowed to visit the gorillas. Mountain gorillas share over 99% of human genes, which make them susceptible to human diseases. In this period of Covid19, travelers are asked to present negative covid19 test results. During gorilla encounter, travelers are asked to wear masks, sanitize, wash hands with soap and running water and keep a distance of 10 meters away from gorillas.

Physically fit travelers
Who is eligible to trek gorillasBesides having a gorilla permit, travelers trekking to see mountain gorillas should be physically fit. Gorillas live high altitude areas, which require some physical fitness. Hiking up and down hill through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and other gorilla parks is not a walk away. At times, gorilla trekking take over 7 hours before meeting the gentle giants. Travelers who are therefore not physically fit find it hard to reach the gorillas. In order to ensure physical fitness, potential travelers are advised to do physical exercises such as jogging, walking, and hiking among others.

Conclusively, travelers aged 15 years and above are eligible to trek gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. For more travel advice and gorilla bookings, contact African Apes Tours

Posted by African Apes in Travel News

1 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Tour

Join our guided 1 Day Mgahinga Gorilla Tour with African Apes Tours. Visit and spend ample time with the famous Nyakagyezi gorilla family, the one and only habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Fly into Kigali Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla Park). Travelers doing a one day Uganda gorilla trek to Mgahinga starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda involve departing from Kigali at 3:30am, driving for 5 hours to Kisoro via Cyanika border, the entry point to Uganda.
short uganda gorilla tours

Detailed itinerary

Wakeup very early, prepare and at 3:00am set off from Kigali and drive via Rwanda’s rolling hills and cross to Uganda. The drive time from Kigali to Mgahinga is roughly 5 hours. Report at Ntebeko visitor information centre for the pre gorilla trekking briefing and registration. At 8:00am, start off the trek to meet the endangered gorillas in their family. Trekking time range between 30 minutes to several hours depending on where mountain gorillas will be located that day. Also, the trekking time depend on the speed of the slowest person in the group.

After meeting the gorillas, you spend an hour in their presence. This hour is counted from the time a traveler sets an eye on the gorillas. Travelers are reminded to keen calm, take as many as pictures as possible, capture live videos and enjoy the human like characters of the gorillas. Nyakagyezi gorilla family recently received a new baby gorilla bringing the total number of gorilla members to 9.

After seeing the gorillas, hike back, receive your trekking certificate and drive back to Kigali for your return flight.

Tour inclusions

  • Gorilla permit
  • Full time English speaking guide
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Pick up and drop-off
  • Packed lunch
  • Park entrance fees
  • Government taxes
  • Miscellaneous

Tour exclusions

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Extra activities not in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Shopping
  • Driver tip
  • Porters fee
Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Located in the outskirts of Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi wetland sanctuary is a not miss on your Uganda chimpanzee tour in the primate capital. YES, this garzeted swamp forest is a hidden gem you need to discover. Most travelers who have been to Bigodi before review it one of the best and most interesting tours in Uganda. The swamp spreads over 4 kilometers squared located south of Kanyanchu visitor information center. A guided nature walk through Bigodi wetland sanctuary entails walking on board walks which is so adventurous but enjoyable. Interestingly, travelers who visit Bigodi wetland sanctuary experience the true African way of life. The walk lasts for roughly 2 hours but the magical feeling is worth the time and energy. Local community manages the wetland sanctuary and all profits collected from visitors are used to fund local community projects such as schools and health facilities. In most cases, Bigodi wetland walk is done as a complement to chimpanzee tracking and other tourist activities in fort portal. Also, the experience is a best option for children below 15 years who are not allowed to track chimpanzees. The experience is also best for bird watching and primates. Early morning trip with good sunshine is best for photography. The 3 Days Kibale Chimpanzee and Bigodi wetland tour is a suitable package for you. It gives you chance to trek the endangered chimpanzees and walk through this amazing wetland.

Walking around a swamp is a really scenic walk. The walk entails passing by several farms, empty fields, and kids selling woodcrafts, dirt road. The sightings of monkeys is absolutely incredible, with groups of red-tail monkeys, vervet, black and white as well as red face colobuses, l’host, and more, visible every hundred meters or so.


Best experiences in Bigodi wetland sanctuary

There are several amazing things to see and do in Bigodi wetland sanctuary. YES, travelers to this hidden gem are assured of a great experience which include among others:
Bird Watching

Bigodi wetland sanctuary

Birds in Bigodi Wetland

Bird watching is the top experience done in Bigodi wetland sanctuary. Sheltering over 200 bird species, Bigodi wetland is a haven for birders. Among the birds in Bigodi wetland sanctuary include Hornbills, Papyrus Gonolek, Cuckoos, Waxbills, Weavers, Kingfishers, yellow rumpled tinker bird, Spotted Bardet, Dusky Crimson, Flycatchers, Collared Apalis, African Pitta, Western Nictor, Little greenbul and blue breasted kingfisher among others. Binoculars are very helpful to zoon birds at a further distance.

Community visits
Do not miss visiting the local communities who manage the wetland sanctuary. Endeavor to visit different local community projects such as KAFRED and Bigodi Women group. Experience how local people make different craft materials such as mats, baskets, handbags and beads among others. Ensure to support local women by buying crafts and help them earn income to support their families and improve their standards of living. If time allows, visit Bigodi secondary school, one of the projects funded by Bigodi wetland sanctuary.

Animal watching

Bigodi wetland sanctuary

Black and White Colubus

Bigodi wetland is home to numerous wild animals inclusive of primates, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Animals seen in Bigodi wetland sanctuary include common chimpanzees, Blue monkeys, black and white Colubus, Vervet monkeys, Baboons, Grey cheeked Mangabey, bushbucks, Sitatungas, bushbucks, otters and African Elephants among others. The experienced guides on ground will help you spot these different animals.

What to wear to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
The packing list for visiting Bigodi wetland sanctuary should entail closed shoes, Long pants tacked into stockings, a rain jacket since it may rain any time, insect repellants (there are very many ground insects), camera and warm sweaters. `Botteld drinking water and energy giving snacks will keep you Strong throughout

Generally, a visit to Bigodi wetland sanctuary is well worth it. Also endeavor to support the valuable work of KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development) with African Apes Holidays

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Several travelers ask possible means to reach Mgahinga National Park. Could you be among those who have been wondering how to get to and around Mgahinga National Park? No worries, African Apes Tours  &  Travel offers you guide on various ways you can reach Mgahinga Park. Well, depending on where you are connecting from and your and your next destination after Mgahinga, there are many ways to reach this amazing park. Both air and road transport means are available to ensure you reach Mgahinga Park safely and as quick as possible. The park is one of Uganda’s popular tourist destinations being a center of gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, batwa cultural trail and volcano climbing among other tourist activities. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers Uganda’s share of the Virunga massif bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga is located in Kisoro district in southwestern Uganda

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla Park by road

how to get to Mgahinga National Park

Driving From Kampala to Mgahinga Park

You can comfortably get to and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by road. If you are landing at Entebbe International Airport, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is roughly 10 hours drive from Kampala. This requires a whole day of driving along Kampala Masaka, Mbarara Kabale and Kisoro highway. Driving from Kampala to Kisoro is undeniably a longest distance but very exciting and enjoyable. A drive via the plain savannahs of Ankole, local communities, small towns and rolling hills of kigezi offer you the best pre trekking experience making the whole magical. A stop at the Uganda equator for photography is a MUST for everyone driving to southwestern Uganda. On the other hand most travelers these days love flying into Kigali International Airport and then drive through Kigali crossing to Kisoro district via Cyanika Border. Cyanika is the entry point from Rwanda to Uganda in Kisoro district. Driving from Kigali to Mgahinga is the shortest route possible which last for roughly 5 hours drive hence suitable for short time travelers.
A traveler visiting Mgahinga National Park starting and ending at Entebbe airport needs roughly 3 days Uganda gorilla tour. The first day is for driving from Kampala to Mgahinga, second day if gorilla trekking or any activity of his/her choice and the third day is for traveling back to Entebbe airport for a connecting flight.

Do you want to do a 1-Day Uganda gorilla tour which start and end in Kigali? Book our one-day gorilla trip to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with African Apes Tours. The 1-Day Uganda gorilla trip to Mgahinga entails waking up very early at 3:00am and driving for 5 hours to Mgahinga to join the pre gorilla trekking briefing at 7:00am. You visit the gorillas and in the evening drive back to Kigali. The introduction of Kigali to Mgahinga/Bwindi Gorilla trekking has made it easy for short time travelers giving them chance to visit the endangered gorillas in the shortest time possible.

Getting to Mgahinga National park by Air
Besides road transport, luxury travelers can as well get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by air transport. Book a scheduled flight from Kajjansi airstrip in Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip. The flight time from Entebbe to Kisoro is roughly an hour and 10 minutes. Enjoy the scenic aerial views as you fly above Ankole plains and Kigezi rolling hills. Aero link and Fly Uganda offer you confortable and affordable flights from Entebbe to Kisoro. This saves long hours of driving, which at times becomes exhausting.

Top tourist activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Travelers on Uganda safaris to Mgahinga Park have an endless list of exciting things to see and do. The top tourist activities and attractions in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include:
1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking:

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Park

Nyakagyezi Gorilla Family

This small park is home to Nyakagyezi gorilla family ready to receive visitors’ everyday. Nyakagyezi family is comprised of 9 members led by Mark as a silverback. Nshuti is an adult female gorilla that gave birth to a new baby gorilla a few days back. Each day, UWA issues 8 gorilla permits to those who want to visit Nyakagyezi gorilla group. Booking gorilla permits to trek Nyakagyezi family can be done either in Kampala or Kisoro UWA head quarters. Alternatively, you can book through African Apes Holidays, your ultimate gorilla safari company in Uganda. Like in the sister Bwindi Forest Park, each permit to trek gorillas in Mgahinga National Park costs $700 for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. In 2019, Mgahinga Gorilla Park was blessed to shelter Rwanda’s Hirwa Gorilla family, which had migrated from Volcanoes National Park. Hirwa stayed for close to 8 months in Mgahinga but later returned to Rwanda.

2. Golden Monkey Trekking

Top activities in Maghinga Park

Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Park

A trek to see golden monkeys is yet another must do activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga is the only park to see golden monkeys in the whole of Uganda. The other population of endangered golden monkey’s lives in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National park. The playful and lively characters of golden monkeys make an encounter with them more fun and magical. Fortunately, trekking golden monkeys is quite cheaper costing $100 compared to mountain gorillas. This makes it affordable for all travelers including those traveling on budget.

3. Volcano climbing
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to three dormant Volcanoes, which are part of the Virunga chain of Volcanoes. A hike to summit of Mt Gahinga, Mt Sabyinyo or My Muhabura is an exceptional experience you will live to remember. The summit of any of the three volcanoes offers you spectacular views of the Virunga Conservation area, other Virunga volcanoes and local communities in the neighborhood. Physical fitness is key for everyone going for hiking in Mgahinga National park. Mt Gahinga is the shortest volcano suitable for the aged the physically unfit.

4. Batwa Cultural Trail

Activities in Mgahinga Park

Batwa pygimies in Mgahinga

Visit the Indigenous batwa pygmies for an exceptional cultural experience with African Apes Holidays. This whole experience entails Batwa pygmies guiding travelers into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to experience the traditional forest life of these bush people. Some of the activities done in Batwa cultural trail include visiting Ngarama cave where Batwa used to offer sacrifices and perform ritual, Picking medicinal herbs, collecting honey and hunting among others. More so, you will enjoy the traditional dances and songs of Batwa about their initial forest life. Batwa cultural trail costs $80 per person and this money is directed to improving the lives of batwa pygmies who were evicted rom the forest to the neighboring communities. Therefore taking part in the Batwa cultural trail is one way of supporting Batwa pygmies.

5. Bird watching
Are you a birder? Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a birder’s haven sheltering over 180 bird species 20 of which are endemic to the albertine region. Among the birds in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include African Paradise Flycatcher, Black Kite, Pin tailed whydah, Cape robin chat, speckled mouse bird, African Olive Pigeon, Moorland Chat, Alpine Swift, Blue headed Coucal, and Scarlet tufted malachite sunbird among others. The best time for bird watching in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is from April to mid May and from October to November. If you want to see migratory birds in Mgahinga Park, November to April is the best time. May and June is the nesting season.

Do you want to book a Uganda flying safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park? African Apes Tours & travel makes it easier for you at pocket friendly prices

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Gorilla Baby Boom in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla Baby Boom in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Good News!! Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is celebrating the birth of the new baby gorilla in Nyakagyezi gorilla family. The baby gorilla was born on 2nd September 2020 and was found by park rangers during mountain gorilla monitoring. The new baby gorilla is born to Nshuti, an adult gorilla family in Nyakagyezi gorilla family. The new baby has raised the number of mountain gorillas in Nyakagyezi family to 9. Uganda Wildlife Authority continues to celebrate the baby boom in the two gorilla national parks. Nshuti gorilla is a very peaceful member of the Nyakagyezi gorilla family who always welcomes people into the family. Nshuti is a local Kinyarwanda word locally translated as “peaceful”. Since the closure of gorilla parks in March 2020 due to corona virus pandemic, the two parks mainly Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has seen a huge baby boom. Most babies in Bwindi Forest have been born in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi impenetrable Forest.

About Nyakegyezi gorilla family
Over the years, Nyakagyezi has been the only habituated mountain gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In its early days of habituation, Nyakagyezi gorilla family would cross over to the neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which made it hard to for travelers to visit them. However at the moment, Nyakagyezi has fully settled in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and is available for trekking everyday.

Gorilla baby boom in Uganda

A baby gorilla in Nyakagyezi Family

Trekking to see Nyakagyezi gorilla family
Each day, Nyakagyezi gorilla family is visited by a group of eight travelers. Trekking time to see gorillas last between 30 minutes to several hours depending on where the gorillas will be located that day. After meeting the gorillas, travelers spend an hour in the company of gorillas. This hour is counted from the time travelers meet gorillas. Travelers are reminded to keep calm and keen and use this one-hour to observe gorilla’s behaviors, and take pictures for memories. Trekking can be done via Entebbe international airport or Kigali International airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross via Cyanika border connecting through Kisoro district. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located a short distance from Kisoro district. If you have limited time, a 1-Day Mgahinga gorilla tour is a suitable package for you. Here travelers are picked very early at 3:00am from Kigali, drive for 5 hours to catch-up with pre gorilla trekking briefing at Ntebeko information Centre. Travelers spend an hour with gorillas and thereafter drive back to Kigali for a return flight.

A valid mountain gorilla permit is a must have for every traveler visiting the Nyakagyezi gorilla family. Each permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX250, 000 for East African residents. Gorilla permit booking can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through African Apes Tours, your number one gorilla safari company. Due to limited availability of gorilla permits in Mgahinga gorilla national park, travelers are advised to book as early as six months prior.

In general, we continue to celebrate the birth of new baby gorillas in Uganda’s Gorilla National Parks. Book your Uganda gorilla tour today and get a chance to see the baby gorillas with African Apes Holidays.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
All National Parks in Uganda Reopened for Tourism

All National Parks in Uganda Reopened for Tourism

Good News! All Uganda National Parks are now open for tourism. Uganda Wildlife Authority informs the general public about the reopening of all national parks and protected areas in Uganda for tourism. This relief comes after 5 months of no tourism in Uganda national parks since March 2020 when the country was locked down to control the spread of the deadly corona Virus. Entebbe international airport and all border entry points to Uganda were also closed restricting all visitors from outside countries from entering into Uganda. The reopening of Uganda National parks started in June 2020, when Uganda Wildlife Authority reopened Savannah parks of Murchison Falls Park in North western Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park in north eastern Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semliki Valley National Park. However, the primate national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla safaris in Africa and Kibale Forest National park home for the endangered chimpanzees had not officially been opened for tourism until 3rd September 2020 when UWA officially declared Primate parks in Uganda open for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tours giving travelers chance to meet the amazing primates in their natural habitats.
In the same way, Entebbe International Airport is set to reopen on 1st October 2020 allowing check ins for all travelers from all parts of the world. The good news for the reopening of Entebbe International Airport was announced by the government on 3rd September 2020.

We therefore call upon all travelers who had cancelled and postponed their trips to rebook and get ready for Uganda safaris with African Apes Tours & Travel.

Guide to Visiting Uganda National parks amidst corona Virus

Whereas Uganda Wildlife Authority reopened national parks for tourism, all visitors to these protected areas MUST adhere to the following guidelines to ensure safety of wildlife and prevent the further spread of the deadly virus. The rules to follow when visiting any of Uganda National Parks include:
1. Mandatory wearing of face masks when inside the park. A face mask is a must have for anyone visiting the national park. Travelers are advised to keep on their masks when with the animals
2. Mandatory temperature screening with the anti-contact infra-red thermometers at all entrance points into national parks. Anyone who measures high temperatures is not allowed to enter.
3. Mandatory hand washing with soap and sanitizing at all entrance points to national parks and other protected areas across Uganda.
4. All visitors must have tested negative for corona virus within 72 hours before coming to Uganda
5. Keeping social distance is highly recommended. For those going to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Parks, you must keep a distance of 10 meters away from the primates
6. Salon cars are not allowed to do game drives in savannah parks of Uganda
7. Travelers are advised to carry extra masks
8. Any traveler with any signs of sickness, fever, cold and cough will not be allowed to enter into the park
9. Visitors to national parks are also reminded to carry personal sanitizers

How to book a Uganda safari?
You can book your Uganda safari directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala. Alternatively, you can book through African Apes Holidays, the ultimate safari company offering tailor made Uganda safaris and other related tour packages across the country. If you are visiting to see gorillas and chimpanzees, permit booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning

The state of Corona virus in Uganda
Uganda registered her first positive corona virus case in march 2020. In a bid to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, the government rushed to lock down the whole country including a ban on all travelers to and outside the country. Thereafter, the government eased the lock down to allow businesses operate and avoid the rapid fall of the country’s economy. As of 3rd September 2020, Uganda has registered 3353 positive cases, 33 deaths and 1564 recoveries. Great thanks to the Ministry of health and Uganda’s at large who have worked together to stop the spread of the deadly corona virus.

Conclusively, the reopening of Uganda National Parks for tourism is great news for the country. Tourism is the major source of foreign exchange earning for Uganda which contribute over 45% of the country’s gross domestic product. Book now, come and experience the pearl of Africa with African Apes Tours

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Weather Conditions In Rwanda

Weather Conditions In Rwanda

Weather patterns in Rwanda is one of the key things you must understand extensively before planning your Rwanda safaris. YES, a wide knowledge of Rwanda weather forecasts and the difference in seasons help you know when is the best time to travel and which activities are suitable for a certain period of time. Located south of the Equator, Rwanda has the most pleasant weather. Its neither hot nor cold but rather conducive throughout the year. Low altitudinal areas in parts of Akagera National Park are generally warm throughout while the areas of higher altitude in Volcanoes National Park center for gorilla trekking, Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzees/canopy walk and Lake Kivu are normally cold but favorable still.
Weather in Rwanda

Dry season
Dry season also known as peak season in Rwanda is from June to August with July being the driest months of the year. The peak season is generally dry with less or no rains at all. Most travelers’ love visiting Rwanda in the dry season given the ease of doing all tourism activities. The peak season is undeniably the best time to do most if not all tourism activities in Rwanda. Mountain gorilla trekking/Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest and Mt Karisimbi hiking are all best done in the dry season. Therefore, Rwanda receives the highest number of travelers in the peak season. Demand for gorilla permits and chimpanzees are generally high in this season, which require travelers to book in advance. Permit issuing is done on first come first serve basis.
Rwanda weather

Rainy season
The land of a thousand hills has two rainy seasons between the months of March to May and September to November. Rains in November at times extend to December. Rainfall in Rwanda normally is in form of downpour, which lasts for a few hours. However immediately after the rain, sun sets in enabling tourism and other economic activities to go on well. Bird watching is best done in the rain season giving you chance to see migratory birds. Also, game viewing and photography in Akagera National Park is well done in the wet season. Vegetation is very green giving the very best scenic views. In most cases, low season is associated with less visits which calls for discounted services in hotels, lodges, travel companies and other service providers.

What to pack when visiting Rwanda
Are you ready for your Rwanda gorilla safari? Check what to pack to Rwanda with African Apes Holidays.
• Hiking shoes if you trekking gorillas, golden monkeys or even hiking Karisimbi Volcano
• Warm jackets, sweaters and scarf. Rwanda generally gests cold during the night and at times during day times.
• A hat
• Hand Gloves
• Insect repellants
• Sanitizer is a must have in the period of Covid19

NOTE: All travel activities in Rwanda can be done all year round. Whereas there can be disruptions in some activities such as nature walking and primate trekking, travelers are assured of best experiences in Rwanda despite the season.

In general, Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills has conducive weather throughout the year. The mixture of wet and cold weather patterns makes it a best place to visit and live in.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Kibale Forest Re opened for Chimpanzee Trekking

Kibale Forest Re opened for Chimpanzee Trekking

We last informed you how UWA had closed all Uganda chimpanzee tours to Kibale Forest National Park in a bid to prevent the spread of the deadly corona virus to the endangered chimpanzees. YES, for close to 4 months, Uganda Wildlife Authority suspended all visits and research related activities in Kibale Forest National Park. However, we bring you the good news! The primate capital has been reopened for chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation experience, forest walks and all other tourism and research related activities in the park. Despite the increased number of Covid19 positive cases in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority together with the ministry of tourism and Uganda Tourism Board have put in place measures to ensure chimpanzees and travelers are safe from the deadly virus. African apes Tours  is at your service t book a chimpanzee permit and arrange a tailor made chimpanzee trekking tour to Kibale Forest National Park at affordable rates.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Cahimpanzee trekking in Kibale ForestVisiting to see chimpanzees are the most done travel; activity in Kibale Forest National Park. Over 90% of all visitors to this park opt to trek the endangered chimpanzees as the first priority. The rainforest is home to the highest number of chimpanzees and primate capital in Africa. Travelers going for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest are required to have permits which allow them to visit and spend ample time with man’s close relatives. The cost of chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest National Park is $200 for foreign nonresidents, $150 for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 for East African residents. These fees are inclusive of guide fees, park entrance fees for the day, government taxes, conservation fees and contributions to community development projects. Permit booking is recommended at least 4 months in advance to ensure timely planning. A 2 Days chimpanzee tour to Kibale Forest is a suitable package for you.


When is the best time to trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest

Chimpanzees can be visited all year round from January to December and all experiences are awesome. However, the experience is best done in dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December and January. During this time, there is little or no rains which ease movements through the jungle. Also photography is best in the dry season. On day of trekking, travelers wake up very early and transfer to Kanyanchu visitor information center for briefing and registration. Travelers are introduced to the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking which include among others:
1. Wearing a face mask
2. Sanitizing with soap and water
3. Keeping a distance of 10 meters a way from the chimpanzees
4. Avoiding direct contact with chimpanzees
5. Keep voices as low as possible
6. Avoid littering in the park
Hiking to see chimpanzees starts at 8:00am lasting for between 30 minutes to several hours depending on where chimpanzees will be located and travelers hiking speed. Travelers spend an hour with the chimpanzees, taking pictures, capturing videos and enjoying the human like characters of the endangered species.

What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Travelers visiting engendered chimpanzees in Kibale Forest are reminded to pack the right attires to ensure peaceful and enjoyable chimpanzee encounter. Among the things to pack for chimpanzee trekking include:
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Gardening gloves
• Long sleeved shorts
• Long Pants
• Sun glasses
• Hat
• Bottled drinking water
• Energy giving snacks
• Rain jacket
• First aid kit

Other activities to do in Kibale Forest
Besides chimpanzee trekking, visitors to Kibale Forest have an endless list of things to see and do on their Uganda safari to this tropical rain forest. Other top activities to do in Kibale Forest include:
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: Also known as CHEX, the experience is about training wild chimpanzees to make them familiar with people before they are opened for trekking. The half-day experience entails travelers following up chimpanzees in the wild while imitating the primate’s behaviors. This experience lasts for between 2-3 years done by a team of park rangers, researchers and primate doctors. The experience is similar to gorilla habituation experience done in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Forest National Park. Chimpanzee habituation experience costs $250 for foreign non residents, $250 for foreign residents and UGX 150,000 for East African residents but the magical feeling that comes along with it is worth the money. The rates are inclusive of park entrance fee, conservation, guide fee and some portion goes to local communities.

Bird watching: In addition to being home of the primates, Birding in Kibale Forest National ParkKibale Forest National Park is a paradise for birders. The rain forest shelters over 372 bird species which include Abyssinian Ground Thrush, African Piatta, Afep Pigeon, Blue breasted kingfisher, Brown illadopsis, Grey Parrot, Masked apalis, Ruwenzori apalis, Crowned eagle, White naped pigeon, Brown chested alete and Yellow rumped tinkerbird among others. March to May and From September to November is the best time to see birds in Kibale Forest National Park. If you want to see migratory birds, November to April is the best time for you.

Nature /Forest Walks: Explore Kibale Forest National on foot for a nature/forest walk. The experience is the best time to discover all hidden gem in the park while enjoying the sweet melodies of birds above you. Nature walking is usually done in the evening and it’s the best time to spot different medicinal plants in the forest. Also, the experience give you chance to meet various animals species in the forest making the whole experience more enjoyable.

Bigodi wetland Sanctuary:
Nature walking in Kibale ForestA walk to Bigodi wetland sanctuary on the fringes of Kibale Forest National Park is a not miss for all travelers to this park. The animal filled walk is a best complement for chimpanzee trekking to make a complete safari package. Travelers on this walk are assured to seeing an expansive variety of plants, animals and birds, which call this wetland home. Walking on the dancing boards is so chilly and worth a try!

Conclusively therefore, the reopening of Kibale Forest National Park is a relief for primate lovers. Book now and enjoy a close encounter with the endangered chimpanzees in Kibale Forest with African Apes Holiday, your number one primate company in Uganda.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
New Baby Rhino At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

New Baby Rhino At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

It was great joy in Uganda as we welcome the new baby Rhino at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary. Jabali was born on 18th August 2020 at Ziwa. Jabali becomes the sixth born to its mother Bella one of the first and original Rhinos to this Sanctuary. Bella was brought in from Kenya and has contributed to the growing rhino population in Uganda. A team of University students from Deakin University in Austria named the new male calf. The total population of the Rhinos now stands at 32. This means so much to the Ugandan tourism sector with the increased number of Rhinos.

What to do at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino tracking. Tracking the southern white rhinos is the biggest activity at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. After a long time without Rhinos in Uganda, the introduction of these forest giants gave many more reasons to visit this landlocked country.

Birding
Ziwa is a birder’s haven with up to four birding trails, the Sanctuary has a recorded number of over 300 bird species. Guided birding walks through this protected area will be so rewarding. Look out for bird species like the blue spotted dove, African black crake, African fish eagle, African blue flycatcher, red headed weaver, saddle billed stork, ring necked dove and African fish eagle among others.

Guided nature walks
Visitors have an opportunity to get out of their safari cars and explore the sanctuary on foot. The trained ranger guides will share great insights of the sanctuary as you encounter wildlife like the Oribis, waterbucks, duikers and Uganda kobs.

Shoebill Canoe Ride
The shoebill stork is Uganda’s most sought after bird specie found in few areas of this country. The canoe ride happens at the 10km lugogo wetland and the canoes are provided by the community as a way to earn a living. Apart from the shoebill stork, you will be able to set your eyes on the white crested turaco, palm nut vulture, Egyptian goose, and the African fish eagle among others.

Night walks
Night walks are a rewarding experience that uniquely introduces you to the wild in the night. There are a number of nocturnal animals in Ziwa that you may want to see.

OTHER TOP TOUR ACTIVITIES TO DO IN UGANDA
Gorilla tracking and Habituation experience
Gorilla tracking is a Uganda’s leading tour activity attracting visitor from all over the world. A face to face encounter with a mature silverback is every traveler’s dream, watching the gorillas feed, play and go about their daily activities. Uganda is blessed to be home to the largest population of mountain Gorillas sheltering more than half of the world’s total population of mountain Gorillas. Over 20 habituated gorilla families 19 in Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park and one in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in southwestern Uganda.


Chimpanzee tracking

Uganda is gifted with a high number of Chimps making Chimpanzee tracking one of the most exciting tour activities as you meet these our relatives. It is believed that chimps share with humans 98% DNA. Kibale National park in western Uganda is home to over 1500 chimpanzees making it the largest population of Chimps in one place in East Africa. You will also have an opportunity to watch other primates and several bird species. Chimpanzee tracking can also be done at Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Conclusively therefore, rhino tracking is one of the best wildlife experiences not to miss on your Uganda safari. Contact African Apes Tours today, visit the new baby rhino and feel the joy.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Bwindi Forest Receives 5th Baby within 6 weeks

Bwindi Forest Receives 5th Baby within 6 weeks

Bwindi impenetrable Forest, Uganda wildlife authority and all mountain gorilla lovers in Uganda and abroad are jubilating the birth of the 5th baby gorilla in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The new baby gorilla was born to Ruterana, an adult female gorilla in Rushegura gorilla family in Buhoma sector. Rushegura family received another baby gorilla a few days ago, which indeed calls for celebration! The new baby gorilla has increased the number of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest to 18. Ruterana mother gorilla was born on 1st Jan 2002 aged 18 years old. The new baby gorilla is her third offspring within 18 years.

Other baby gorillas born in Bwindi Forest
The other baby gorilla was born in early August 2020 to Kibande adult female gorilla in Rushegura gorilla family still in Rushegura Gorilla Family. Kibande mother gorilla is one of the senior’s adult females in Rushegura gorilla family and she is a kingmaker and a planner in Rushegura gorilla family.

The baby boom in Bwindi Forest National Park
Baby gorilla tours in Bwindi ForestThere has been great baby boom in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the past 5 months since the start of corona virus lockdown in March. The endangered mountain gorillas were feared to catch the deadly corona virus, which called for the closure of Bwindi Forest and a halt on all tourism and research activities to curb the spread of this disease. However, in June 2020, Uganda Wildlife Authority eased the lockdown and reopened the park for mountain gorilla trekking. Mountain gorilla lovers who cancelled their travels are called on to come and do their gorilla treks. However, Entebbe International Airport is still closed to international flights. All travelers visiting to see mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are advised to fly into Kigali Rwanda and do Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking. A 3 days Uganda gorilla tour starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda is a best package for you. On the first day, travelers are picked from Kigali airport and driven to Bwindi Forest, on the second day; travelers are guided to visit the gorillas while the third day id for traveling back to Kigali for a return flight.
Do you have a tight schedule and wondering whether it’s possible to see the gorillas? No worries, African Apes Holidays offers a 1 Day Bwindi gorilla tour starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. Here travelers leave Kigali at 3:00am, drive to Bwindi Forest, trek gorillas and in the evening drive back to Kigali. Our short gorilla tours give short time travelers a chance to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the shortest time possible.

Gorilla Families in Bwindi Forest
Bwindi Forest is home to 17 habituated gorilla families making it home to the highest number of gorillas in the whole world. The high number of gorilla families assure travelers availability of gorilla permits and hence a chance to trek the endangered gorillas. Each gorilla family is visited by 8 people a day hence 136-gorilla permits available everyday. Gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest are split in four sectors, which are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the southern sector. The names of gorilla families in Bwindi Forest are Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Nkuringo, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Busingye, Kyaguliro, Mishaya, Nshongi, Katwe, Muyambi and Christmas gorilla families. More so, Bwindi Forest has 2 gorilla families undergoing habituation experience. These are Bushaho and Bikingyi gorilla families each visited by 4 people per day for a four-hour’s interaction.

Cost of gorilla tours in Uganda
Each gorilla permit to visit gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National park costs $700 for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. On the other hand, a permit for gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 for four hours. African Apes Holidays help you book and reserve gorilla permits as well as arranging tailor made gorilla tour packages. All gorilla permit bookings are recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning.

What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Are you set to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park? Remember to pack the essentials to ensure peaceful gorilla encounter. Among the things to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda include:
1. Hiking boots
2. Gardening gloves
3. Sun glasses
4. Long sleeved shirts/blouse
5. Long pants
6. Sun glasses
7. Hat
8. Energy giving snacks
9. First aid kit
10. Insect repellants
Generally, we continue to celebrate the birth of baby gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Gook your gorilla today and get a chance to visit the newborn babies in Bwindi Forest with African Apes Tours & Travel.

Posted by African Apes in Travel News
Explore Sipi Falls

Explore Sipi Falls

Located in Kapchorwa district eastern Uganda, Sipi falls is a bucket list worthy adventure on your Uganda safari. A hike to the top of the three series waterfalls is an adventure that leaves you yearning for more. Viewing all the three waterfalls in one day is such an awesome experience that you ought to enjoy. The whole area is cool and breezy due to high altitude. The top of the falls offers scenic views of the green vegetation, Mt Elgon, karamoja region, Lake Kyoga, and neighboring local communities. According to those who have been there already, Sipi falls is a stunning natural beauty, a not miss for every traveler on Uganda safari to Eastern Uganda. In some cases travelers combine Sipi falls with other wildlife experiences especially gorilla safaris in Africa. The easiest route to reach Sipi Falls is the Budadiri through the Sasa trail, which later descends to the Sipi trail. Hiking through tea plantations and local gardens make the whole experience awesome.

Three Sipi Falls
Travelers hiking to sipi falls follow different trails given the threesome waterfalls. The biggest waterfall is located at 100 meters high and it’s the most visited waterfall among all the three. Actually, most people know this as the only Sipi waterfall. The second waterfall is located at 85 meters high over a sharp cliff forming a pool below. The water that flows from the second fall meets another cliff at 65 meters high forming the third waterfall. This waterfall is also referred to as the “Twin Fall”. The waterfalls form Sipi River, which flows, through local farms, bushes and forests in the area.

Best time to visit Sipi falls
Dry season is the best time to explore the mighty Sipi falls. Hiking in the rainy season is difficult since the steps get slippery and wet. During the wet season, the waterfall becomes stronger and scary for first travelers but magical for adventurers. Therefore, the waterfall can be vised all year round. Travelers advised to be physically fit in order to deal with the steep slopes.

Activities at Sipi Falls
Travelers visiting Sipi falls have a long list of things to see and do which together make a complete package. The top things to do at Sipi Falls include:
1. Hiking: This is the number one activity to do at Sipi Falls. Travelers hike to explore the three waterfalls located at different altitudes. Visiting the three falls takes roughly 3 hours but the magical feeling is worth the hike.
2. Abseiling & Rock Climbing: Do not miss out abseiling and rock climbing on your Uganda safari to Sipi Falls. The experience involves travelers descending down on the rock cliffs of the waterfall. A double rope s tied around the waist of a traveler and fixed on the highest point of the cliff. Traveler’s drop off the 100m ridges above Sipi River. The experience is undeniably scary but worn it for adventurous travelers. More so, travelers involve in climbing up and down the steep rocks at the edge of Sipi Falls.

3. Visit the Arabic Coffee Plantation: Visit the coffee plantations on the lower slopes of Mt Elgon. Coffee planting is the major source of income for local people in Mt Elgon region. Travelers are taken through different processes in which Coffee is harvested, roasted and processed into different products. Also, a visit to coffee plantations is an opportunity to meet and interact with local people and their living styles.

4. Cultural Tours: A visit to local communities around Sipi falls offers you great cultural interaction. The common people visited are the sabiny whose traditions, culture and norms will interest you. These people are known for practicing female genital mutilation, the uncommon practice in Uganda. Enjoy the traditional dances and songs, take part and enjoy the indigenous culture of these people. Another interesting activity among the Bagishu is imbalu ceremony which is the circumcision of all males above 10 years.

5. Bird watching: Birding watching is yet another interesting activity around Sipi Falls. Over 275 birds live in the forests and bushes around Sipi River. Among the birds seen at Sipi falls include Baglafetcht, Tecazze sunbird, bush shrikes, jacksons francolin, African blue flycatcher, Moorland Francolin, Black collared Apalis, Black shouldered Kite, Tacazze Sunbird, and over 87 Afrotropical highland biome species. Our experienced birding guides help you spot different species and explain unique features about each spotted bird specie.

6. Mountain Biking: You can also enjoy a ride on the Rocky Mountains at Mt Elgon along the sipi falls. Mountain biking is an adventurous activity, which is not for the faint hearted.

7. Walk to Sipi River: Join a walk down to Sipi river, enjoy the cool breezes and embrace the scenic beauty along the Sipi River. The banks of the river shelter some bird and plant species all at your disposal.

How to Book a trip to Sipi Falls
Gorilla is at your service to book and arrange a suitable short Uganda tour to Sipi Falls. Our 1-day or 2 days Sipi falls tour helps you discover this beautiful falls in the shortest time possible.

Travelers who want to spend an overnight stay at Sipi falls can sleep at Sipi River Lodge, Sipi Sunset Lodge, Rafiki Lodge Sipi and Lacam Lodge. These lodges serve excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates. African Apes Holidays help you book the accommodation services at fair prices.

In general, Sipi Falls is a must visit on your short Uganda safaris. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book now and travel to explore Uganda’s natural beauty

Posted by African Apes in Travel News