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
Mountain gorillas rank as the top visited apes in Africa. The endangered primates are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, which attract a high number of primate lovers to Africa. The best places to see mountain gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Virunga Conservation Area comprised of Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes in Rwanda and Virunga National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cost of seeing mountain gorillas in different in each country. Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla trekking permits at $1500 followed by Uganda at $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
This is the smallest gorilla specie in the wild distinguished from other species by the brown grey coats and the small size. Poaching and habitat loss greatly affected the sustainability of western lowland gorillas in the world. Its believed that in the past 20 to 25 years, the population of western lowland gorillas has reduced by over 60% despite the continued efforts to restore them. Western lowland gorillas is sub specie of the western gorillas which live in the montane forests of Angola, Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic. Unlike other gorilla species, western lowland gorillas survive in zoos and captivity.
Cross-river gorillas
Also a sub specie of the western gorilla species, cross river gorillas live in the lowland and rain forests of Nigeria and Cameroon. Their population has been greatly affected by poaching and loss of habitat loss due to human encroachment.
Besides gorillas, you will see other apes in Africa such as;
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Visit and trek the endangered chimpanzees on your Africa Apes Tours. The best places to see chimpanzees in Africa include Kibale Forest National Park (the primate capital of Africa) in western Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The other places where chimpanzees live include Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest in Uganda, Gishwata Mukura National Park in Rwanda and the Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary in Congo
Golden Monkeys
Go golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda with Superfine Safaris. The prime places to see these lively and playful primates are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. Like in gorilla and chimpanzee safaris, monkeys live in groups headed by the alpha male. Golden monkey permits cost $100 allowing you to spend an hour with the endangered primates.
Other primates to see in Africa include
Human beings
Red tailed monkeys
Black and white colubus
Grey cheeked monkeys
Olive baboons
Blue Monkeys
L’Hoest Monkeys
Vervet monkeys
Uganda Red Colobus
Pottos
Demidoff Galago
Mangabeys
Guenon
What to pack for Africa Apes Tours
The fact that Apes live in dense forested areas, travelers visiting must be ready for the jungle. The search for primates up and down hill is not a walk away but rather a strenuous adventure, which require proper dressing and readiness. The things you should pack for your ape safari in Africa include hiking boots for easy movements in the jungle, gardening gloves to protect your hands, sunglasses, rain jacket, hat, sweaters and a scarf. Also, remember to carry insect repellants to avoid poisonous bites by forest insects and first aid kit. Also, remember to carry enough drinking water and energy giving snacks since the actual time to spend in the jungle is not certain.
What is the best time for African Ape tours?
Dry season is the best time to visit apes in Africa. This period is in June, July, August, September, December, January and February. This time general dry with less r no rains. This makes it easier to trek through the dense forest where these endangered primates live. Dry season is also called peak season and it’s characterized by high demand for travel. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits normally sell off early in the peak season, which require travelers to book far way in advance.
Conclusively, 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.
