Comparing gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is common among travelers visiting Uganda and Rwanda. Over years, visit to see mountain gorillas in the jungle has ranked as the best wildlife experience, which attracts the highest number of travelers from all over the world. Each day that passes, hundreds of travelers check into Uganda and Rwanda to have a taste of this magical feeling. Rwanda and Uganda is the leading gorilla our destinations that offer exceptional gorilla safari experience. The difference in gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the frequently asked questions by most travelers making gorilla tour bookings. Also, some travelers who have enough time and money have done double gorilla treks in both Uganda and Rwanda to draw accurate comparisons between the two destinations. Are you asking which country is best for gorilla trekking between Uganda and Rwanda? African Apes Tours brings you detailed comparisons between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The comparison between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is based on:

Cost of gorilla permits
The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is different. Each country set a certain cost of mountain gorilla permits based on the country’s conservation goals and policies. A single gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 paid by all travelers. The cost of Rwanda gorilla permits was doubled in 2017 by RDB from $700 t0 $1500. On the other hand, a Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX for Ugandans and East African residents. Rwanda is therefore a luxury gorilla safari destination best for up high-end travelers. However during the covid19 lockdown, Rwanda is offering discounted gorilla permits at $200 valid between June to December 2020. Gorilla permit bookings can be done through African Apes Holidays. Alternatively, contact Rwanda Development Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority in Rwanda and Uganda respectively.

The number of mountain gorillas
Uganda has the highest number of mountain gorillas in the whole world. The pearl of Africa shelters half of the world’s total gorilla population, which gives many travelers a chance to see these endangered species. Uganda gorillas live in two gorilla parks, which are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park both in southwestern Uganda. Altogether, Uganda has 18 habituated gorilla families which are Mubare, Habiyanja, Kyagulilo, Oruzogo, Kahungye, Nkuringo, Busingye, Bweza, Rushegura, Nshongi, Mishaya, Bitukura and the one and only Nyakagyezi family in Mgahinga. More so, Uganda has two gorilla families (Bushaho and Bikingyi) undergoing habituation experience in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the other hand, Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families that include Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Hirwa, Kwitonda, Umubano, Amahoro, and Susa A gorilla families.

Availability of gorilla families
Each day, Uganda has 164 gorilla permits available while Rwanda has 80 mountain gorilla permits available. The availability of gorilla permits depend on the number of habituated gorilla families each country has. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people meaning 8 permits per gorilla family. If you want to do gorilla habituation experience, 8 permits are available each day given the 4 people allowed to visit each gorilla family.

Ease of access to gorilla parks
Volcanoes National park Rwanda is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes from Kigali International Airport. On the other hand, Uganda’s Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks are located 10-hours drive from Entebbe airport and roughly 5 hours drive from Kigali International Airport. Given the short distance from the airport to Volcanoes National park, Rwanda is suitable for short time travelers compared to Uganda. However, the recent introduction of Kigali to Bwindi /Mgahinga gorilla trekking give short time travelers a chance to trek Uganda gorillas starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. A 1-Day Uganda gorilla trek starts at 3:30am with a pick up from Kigali driving 5 hours to catch up with a pre gorilla trekking briefing at the respective park headquarters in Bwindi. After seeing the gorillas, travelers are driven back to Kigali for a connecting flight.

Gorilla addon activities
Gorilla trekking add-ons are key when comparing the trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Given the long distance of travel from Entebbe to Bwindi, Uganda has numerous pre gorilla trekking experience compared to Rwanda. Among the addon activities to do in addition to gorilla trekking in Uganda include game viewing, cultural tours, chimpanzee trekking and bird watching among others. However, Rwanda also has gorilla addon activities, which make a complete Rwanda safari package.

Ease and difficulty in trekking
Bwindi Forest National Park, the center of Uganda gorilla tours is located on a risen altitude compared to Volcanoes National Park. Trekking in Bwindi forest especially in Nkuringo and Buhoma sector is undeniably strenuous and tiresome compared to Volcanoes National park. Bwindi is therefore suitable for adventurous and aged travelers. However, hiring to see mountain gorillas in both parks is energy consuming. The length of a gorilla trek depends on the location of the gorillas, travelers’ hiking speed and gorilla’s speed of movements. It can last for between 30 minutes to a full day. However, travelers are 99% assured of meeting the endangered species at the day of the day.

When is the best time to visit gorillas?
In both regions, dry season in the months of June, July, August, December, January and February is the best time to visit the endangered gorillas. This season has little or no rains, which make it easy to trek through the jungle forests in search of the gorillas. On the other hand, the wet season in the months of March, April, May, October, and November comes with discounted offers in hotels, and others service providers.

What to carry for gorilla trekking
Travelers visiting to see mountain gorillas in Uganda are advised to carry the right attire to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla trek. Among the things o pack for gorilla trekking as recommended by African Apes Holidays include hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, hats, sunglasses, rain jacket, long pants, long sleeved shirts/blouse, and insect repellants. Bottled drinking water and energy giving snacks are also recommended. A hiking stick and porter are very helpful and highly recommended.
Conclusively, the comparisons between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda are best on different things. Ensure to understand the differences and thereafter book a suitable package with African Apes Tours & Travel.

Hiking to the summit of Karsimbi Volcano, the highest volcano in the Virunga conservation area is a must-do for all travelers on Rwanda safaris in Volcanoes National park. Named after “Amasimbi” translated as snow in Kinyarwanda local language, Mt Karsimbi is capped with snow hence the name “Karsimbi). The dormant volcano stands at 4507 meters above the sea level (17905feet) overlooking the whole of Rwanda region, volcanoes National park, local communities, and other attractions in neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mt Karsimbi is the most hiked Virunga volcano on Rwanda hiking tours. In most cases, travelers book Mt Karsimbi hiking as an add on activity to mountain gorilla trekking to make a complete package. The slopes of Mt Karsimbi shelter Karisimbi gorilla family which gibe travelers hiking a chance to meet and interact with the endangered species on a good day. Mt Karisimbi is located in Volcanoes National Park on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our 2 Days Mount Karisimbi volcano hike is a suitable itinerary to explore the famous Mt Karisimbi

Guide to Mt Karisimbi Volcano hiking
African Apes Holidays give you a guide to peaceful and enjoyable Mt Karisimbi hiking. Travelers planning Rwanda safaris to hike Mt Karisimbi are reminded of the following:
Physical fitness is key for everyone hiking Mt Karisimbi. Travelers are advised to do physical exercises when preparing for mt Kairsimbi

• Carry enough drinking water to quench the thirsty that comes with hiking
• Carry enough energy-giving snacks to keep you strong
• Wear closed light hiking shoes/boots to protect your feet from hot rocks which are a time slippery
• A porter is highly recommended
• Walking stick is a must-have
• Carry sleeping bags
• Warm jackets and sweaters are recommended for night coldness
• Gardening gloves protect your hands from getting hurt

Cost of Hiking Mt Karsimbi
Hiking Mt Karsimbi costs $400 per person. This cost is inclusive of the park ranger’s fee, hiking fee, and government taxes. However, the permit fee excludes tips, sleeping bags, and other personal expenses. Booking can be done through African Apes Tours & Travel or directly with the Rwanda Development Board. Permit booking is recommended at least 4 months in advance to ensure timely and proper planning.

Best Time for Mt Karisimbi Hiking
The dry season in June, July, August, December, January, and February is the best time for hiking Mt Karisimbi. During this time, the mountain slopes are less slippery which makes it easier climbing and downhill. However, the volcano can be hiked all year round with no limit.

Other Virunga Volcanoes
Besides Mt Karisimbi, the Virunga Conservation Area comprise more other seven volcanoes. Two of these are active while the rest are dormant. The Virunga volcanoes include:
Mt Nyiragongo Volcano (3470 meters) in Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Mt Nyamuragira (3058 meters) in Virunga National park Democratic Republic of Congo
Mount Mikeno (4437 meters) in Congo
Mount Muhabura (4127 meters) in Rwanda Uganda3058) borders
Mount Sabyinyo (3674 meters) in the borders of Uganda Rwanda and Congo. It can be hiked from either country but best hiked in Uganda
Mount Bisoke (3711 meters) in Rwanda
Mount Gahinga (3474 meters) in Uganda

NOTE: Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira are the only active volcanoes in the whole Virunga Conservation Area. Mt Nyiragongo has a boiling lava lake at the summit while Mount Nyamuragira is out of bounds for the hikers.

Other things to see and do in Volcanoes National park
In addition to Mt Krsimbi hiking, travelers on Rwanda safaris to Volcanoes National Park have many more things to do and see to make a complete package. The top things to do in Volcanoes Park include:

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Golden monkey trekking
• Dian Fossey graveyard hike
• Bird watching
• Musanze caves
• Ibyiwacu community tours
• Twin lakes
• Hiking Mount Bisoke
• Forest walks
• Kwita Izina (Baby gorilla naming ceremony)

Conclusively, therefore, hiking Mount Karsimbi is an exceptional experience you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel, tell us about your travel dates and we shall make you for the very best Mt Karsimbi hiking itinerary

Rwanda Development Board has reduced the number of travelers visiting to trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National park from 16 to 12. The reduction in the number of travelers trekking the endangered mountain gorillas is aimed at protecting the endangered species from contracting he deadly disease. Golden Monkey trekking is one of the most done tourist activities on Rwanda safaris. The other populations of golden monkeys live in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. In March 2020, Rwanda Development Board closed travel activities in Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and all other travel and research activities all over Rwanda. A 2 Days golden monkey trekking tour to volcanoes national park is a prefect package to visit these endangered primates

Cost of golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking costs $100 for all travelers allowing you to spend an hour in the company of the endangered golden monkeys. The cost of trekking the endangered species is quite cheap compared mountain gorillas, which cost $1500, paid by all travelers.

How to book golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
African Apes Tours & Travel help you book a tailor made golden monkey trekking tour to Volcanoes National Park. Booking through African Apes Tours saves you time and the hustles associated with booking for yourself. Alternatively, you can book directly with Rwanda Development Board, a government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.

When is the best time to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda
Dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February is the best time to visit the endangered golden monkeys. This season normally has little or no rains, which make it easy to trek through the jungle forests. However, golden monkeys can be visited in the low season in the months of March April, May, October and November. The wet season normally has low visits, which guarantee availability of golden monkey permits even for last minute bookings. More so, travelers in low season normally get discounted offers from service providers especially in hotels and lodges. Low/wet season is the best time for budget travelers. Also, golden monkey trekking permit bookings is recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning

What to Pack for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
Travelers on Rwanda safaris to trek golden monkeys are reminded to pack essential things to make trekking quite easy and less difficult. Among the top things to carry for golden monkey in Volcanoes National park include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes to easily trek through the jungle forest
2. Gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorny bushes and sharp stones
3. Sun glasses to protect your eyes
4. Hat to cover your head and hair
5. Long sleeved shirts and blouses to protect your arms from bushy scratches
6. Long pants for your legs
7. Insect repellents to prevent toxic bites from dangerous forest insects
8. First aid kit for any emergencies
9. Bottled drinking water
10. Energy giving snacks
NOTE: Golden monkeys are very playful animals, which run and jump tirelessly up in the tree branches. You are therefore reminded to hold your cameras tight

Other things to see and do in Rwanda
Besides golden monkey trekking, travelers to Rwanda have an endless list of things to see and do on their safaris in Rwanda. These include:
• Mountain gorilla trekking. Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families with 80-gorilla permits available everyday. Trek to see gorillas is the most done tourist activity in Rwanda attracting a high number of travelers from all over the world. Rwanda offers the most luxury gorilla tours @1500 for a permit.
• Bird watching
• Mount Karisimbi hiking
• Kigali city tour
• Local community tours; Ibyiwacu community tour
• Visiting the Musanze caves
• Dian Fossey graveyard hike
• Visiting Lake Kivu
• Canopy walk for aerial views
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
• Big five game in Akagera National Park
• Bulera and Buhondo Twin Lakes

In conclusion therefore, the reduction in the number of travelers visiting golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is of a good cause. Contact African Apes Tours today, book a Rwanda safari and enjoy a close encounter with the endangered species

Gorilla permit cancellations are inevitable in gorilla safari bookings for some unavoidable reasons at some times. A wider understanding of the gorilla permit cancellation policy in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is highly recommended for anyone planning a gorilla safari in Africa. While making gorilla safari bookings, travelers are always reminded to read and understand the cancellation policy for gorilla permits before confirming any gorilla trip to Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks, the only homes for the endangered gorillas. The cancellation policy is put by government bodies responsible for wildlife conservation and gorilla tourism. These bodies are Uganda Wildlife Authority in Rwanda and Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. Gorilla permit cancellation policy tells the travelers all costs involved when canceling any gorilla trip at a certain period of time. Over time, mountain gorilla trekking has been ranked as the best wildlife experience in the world. The magical experience is a focus for over 80% of all travelers on African safaris. Gorilla permit cancellation policy majorly tells how much loss a client incurs when he/she cancels the already booked gorilla permit. Late cancellation calls for a zero refund
91 days or more = 75% refund
46 -90 days = 50% refund
5-24 days = 25% refund
0-8 days = 0%

When to book a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date to ensure timely planning and gorilla permit allocation where need be. Travelers are further asked to pat 30% of the total gorilla permit fee. The permit is then removed from the availability list and reserved for a client. Clients are however asked to pay full amount 90 days to the trekking date. If a client fails to pay the balance at the recommended time, the permit is put back on sale and available for everyone who wants to book it.

Gorilla permit costs in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
Information on the gorilla permit costs is key when booking a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whereas mountain gorillas are the same, the cost of trekking these endangered species is different in each country. Apparently, Rwanda sells the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 each which make it a luxury gorilla safari destination in Africa. However, between June to 31st December 2020 amidst Covid19 pandemic, Rwanda Development Board is offering a huge discount @$200 for those interested in visiting Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National park. Uganda gorilla permits are priced depending on the travelers’ nationality @700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. On the other hand, a Congo gorilla permit costs $450 to see gorillas in Virunga National park. Congo is therefore a suitable gorilla safari destination for budget travelers. If you want to spend more time with the gorillas, buy a gorilla habituation experience permit costing $1500 allowing you to spend four hours with wild gorillas undergoing habituation experience

How to book a gorilla permit in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo?
Wondering how to book a gorilla permit? African Apes Tours  help you book and reserve gorilla permits to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Park in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively. Alternatively, you can book directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda. Booking through a travel agency saves you hustles is the easiest way which saves you all the hustles and stress involved in gorilla permit bookings. Mountain gorilla permits are issued on the first come first serve basis

Best time for gorilla trekking
The dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February is the best time to trek gorillas in Africa. This season normally has less or rain at all which makes it easy to hike trek through the jungle forests with too much undergrowth. However, travelers visiting in the peak season are advised to book as early as possible due to the high demand for gorilla permits. The low/wet season in the months of March, April, May, and November is normally rainy which makes gorilla trekking more difficult. However, most service providers mostly lodges and hotels tend to give discounted services during low season to encourage more travel. Low season is the best time for budget travelers.

Cancellation policy for travel agents
Besides the gorilla permit cancellation policy for the government, Travelers are also reminded to read and agree with the booking terms and cancellations with travel agents. Each travel operator has booking terms and conditions for his company
In conclusion, ensure to read the cancellation policy when booking and before confirming a gorilla trekking tour to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Nature/forest walking is one way of discovering and exploring the hidden gem in Bwindi Forest. A guided walk through the impenetrable jungles of Bwindi is undeniably an exceptional experience you should not miss out on your Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi. The experience has presently become common where many travelers desire to explore this jungle forest on a walk. Fortunately, different hiking trails have been designated in Bwindi unlike in mountain gorilla trekking where travelers have no direct path to the endangered gorillas. Forest/nature walking is an add-on experience to gorilla tours in Bwindi Forest. Each trail starts and ends at a certain point. Forest walks offer you great chances of seeing numerous trees and plant species, birds and wild animals in the forest. The hiking trails in Bwindi Forest are categorized into short, medium and long split in four sectors of the national park, some trails like the Buhoma Nkuringo trail start from one sector and ends in the other. The common hiking trails in Bwindi Forest National Park include:

Munyaga River trail
Munyaga river trail is the most hiked trail in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Forest National park. The trail is done along the Bizenga creek connecting to Munyaga river lasting for roughly 2 hours. More so, the trail is in some way circular starting and ending at the same point without backtracking. The scenic views of River Munyaga are best for photography. More so, Munyaga trail is the best spot for bird watching. The banks of river Munyaga shelter various bird species such as red-headed bluebill and African Emerald Cuckoo among others. It is therefore the best trail for bird watching.

Waterfall trail
Also located in Buhoma sector, the 3 hours’ waterfall trail is yet another interesting trail to hike on your Uganda tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The trail slashed in 1970 majorly to build a road connecting to Kisoro. However, the road was not constructed there leaving it for only people walking on foot. The scenic views of the beautiful waterfall make it more enjoyable. You will meet many local people on this trail giving you a chance to interact with them

Rushura Trail
Join the Rushura trail to the summit of Rushura, the highest hill in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Forest National Park. Hiking the Rushura trail starts near Buhoma park headquarters lasting for roughly 3 hours to reach the Rushura hill summit at 1915 meters above the sea level. Travelers hike through terraces, local farms and the forest which make it more enjoyable. The summit of Rushura hill offers great views of the jungle forest, Virunga volcanoes, Rwenzori mountains and the western rift valley plus local people’s farms and homesteads.

Mujabajiro Loop Trail
This trail entails ascending through the forest canopy across the Mujabajiro creek to Rukuburi hill for scenic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the entire Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The hiking trail takes for between 3-4 hours but the magical feeling that comes along is worth the effort. In 1992, the trail was caught by fire which destroyed the vegetation leaving the trail so open. However, the vegetation has grown and its surely beautiful

River lvi trail
River lvi trail is one of the longest hiking trails ascending and descending south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The 6 hours walk follows the old road which is mostly used by local people going to gardens and Nteko local market. The trail starts in Buhoma sector ending in Nkuringo. It, therefore, crosses from the northern sector to the southern sector of Bwindi Forest National park. The scenic views of River lvi is best for photography

Kashasha River Trail
Kashasha river trail starts in Buhoma and ends in Nkuringo sector. The 5-6 hours’ trail takes you through steep forests taking you up to 600 meters above the sea level. Travelers who use a vehicle along this route take roughly 7 hours’ drive. Walking is therefore easier than driving along this trail. Moreso, the scenic views along the trail, encounters with different wild animals and birds make it more enjoyable and fun

Bamboo Trail
The guided bamboo trail takes you through bamboo forest of Bwindi National park. It’s a steep hike to 0ver 2007 meters above the sea level overlooking the Virunga volcanoes and the entire Bwindi Forest. More so, the trail takes you through different vegetation types which include afro montane forests. Ryamunyonyi hill is the highest point of the bamboo trail and the summit offers great views of the beautiful lake Bunyonyi.

Mubwindi Swamp Trail
This trail descends along a path through the forest to Mubwindi swamp, home to numerous birds and forest animals. The walk gives you great chances of meeting numerous birds and wild animals along the way. Also, the joyful birds which sing endlessly above you in the trees make this trail more colorful

What to park for nature/forest walks in Bwindi Forest
African Apes Tours & Travel brings you a guide on what to pack for forest/nature walk in Bwindi Forest National Park. Travelers are reminded to carry essentials to make their walking experience less difficult. Among the things to carry for forest walking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park include:
• Closed walking shoes/boots
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Bottled drinking water
• Insect repellants
• Rain jacket for the unpredictable forest weather
• Long pants
• Scarf and sweaters
• A walking stick is a must-have for everyone going for a nature walk. The fallen rotten forest leaves and vegetation make the ground slippery and at times difficult to walk through. A walking stick will, therefore, give you support

Best time for Nature walks in Bwindi Forest
The dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February is the best time to do nature /forest walks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. The forest grounds in this time are dry making it easy to walk through. However, if you are interested in seeing many birds, the rainy season in March, April, May, and November is the best.

Other activities to do in Bwindi Forest
Besides nature walks, Bwindi Forest National park offers travelers a variety of many more travel activities to make a complete package. The other things to see and do in Bwindi Forest National Park include:
1. Mountain gorilla trekking, the number one travel activity in Bwindi Forest. The forest is home to the highest number of the world’s mountain gorillas with 17 habituated gorilla families. A gorilla permits in Bwindi costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for east African residents
2. Mountain gorilla habituation experience is yet another interesting activity done in Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Forest National Park. Habituation is the process of training wild gorillas to make them familiar with human presence
3. Bird watching
4. Community visits
In general, forest/ nature walks are a not miss on your Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your walking tour for a memorable experience

Dp you want to join a group tour? Travelling as a group is not only lively but also exceptional. Traveling in a company of your mates, family, workmates or close friends is undeniably fun. Given the magical feeling the experience comes with, group tours have nowadays become popular. Choosing the right group mates is key when planning a group tour. A group tours best for a people’s person who love to meet and associate with new people. Group tours help travelers share most costs such as accommodation and transport making it affordable and best option for budget travelers. African Apes Tours specialize in organizing customized group tours to explore various travel destinations including national parks, museums and local communities. Do you want to trek gorillas as a group? We help you communicate to the responsible government bodies to give chance trek one gorilla family as a group. Are you a solo traveler looking out to join a group, African Apes Holidays offers special offers to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo. The tips for choosing a group tour include:

Check the itinerary
Before joining any group tour, first check travel activities in the itinerary. Make sure that proposed itinerary suits your travel interests, time and budget. Are your desired destinations in the itinerary? Are your favorite activities included? First confirm the flexibility of the itinerary before joining any group tour. Check out each day of the itinerary, the start time, pickup destination. Accommodation and which activity to do when and where. Also, check whether the itinerary has free time to do optional activities or tightly packed.

Choose your age mates and the right size
Endeavour to join a group of travelers in your age blanket to avoid boredom during the trip. In most cases, people in the same age group have a lot of things in common. If you are in your 20’s never join a group of people in their 50’s. Difference in age means difference in tastes and preferences. Moreso, understanding the size of your group is vital before joining. A group tour may be smaller with maximum 10 people while others can be very big with over 50 people. Each group size has advantages and disadvantages. Small sized groups tend to move faster with most members having almost similar preferences while a large group is cost friendly with all costs shared among many travelers.

Understand the pace of the itinerary
Does the flow of the itinerary favor you? If no, please do not rush to join that group safari. If you want to join a relaxed trip with some days off, check how the itinerary flows, which and how may activities to do everyday. Some people like a no break itinerary while other love a relaxed trip with some free days. Make sure you choose the itinerary that moves at your pace. Fortunately, African Apes Holidays offer a variety of group tours both relaxed and rushing. Just contact us, inform us about your interests and we shall get you a suitable group tour.

Check what is included and excluded in the cost
You should also underhand how the trip is costed to avoid being cheated. When a travel agent gives you a quote, try to breakdown the cost, price it yourself and compare the two quotes. Also, before confirming any group tour, first check what is included and excluded in the cost. At some times, a trip cost make look favorable to you but with huge hidden costs. Understanding what is included and excluded in the itinerary help you whether the trip suits you budget.

Choose between the tours available
African Apes Holidays normally has a variety of grip tours available. Ask for different options compare them and choose the one that suits you. Understand the type of people in each trip, their lifestyles, tastes and preferences.

Book with a local tour operator
Its wise to book with a local tour operates based in the travel destination you are interested in. Local tour operators have diet access with most service provide especially hotels and lodges. Also, local tour operators have the first hand knowledge on how activities can be done in a smooth way without back tracking. A local tour operator like African Apes Tours & Travel also helps you book ground activities such as mountain gorilla trekking, cultural tours and all other activities with no difficulty. Local tour operators are also cost friendly compared to international agencies.
Generally, group tours are amazing and more fun compared to solo travels. African Apes Holidays offers you cost friendly group tours to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations.

A trek to see mountain gorillas is undeniably an everlasting memory, a wish and dream come true for most travelers on African Safaris. YES, gorilla trekking is the top bucket list for most travelers on African safaris to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Spending an hour in the close proximity with the silverback gorilla and the entire family is a lifetime experience that will never cease to amaze! To some travelers, wildlife viewing in Africa remains incomplete unless one visits mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. However despite the excitement that comes with looking direct into the red eyes of the silverback gorilla, the experience is a real adventure which entail hiking up and down hills through thick jungles. In order to ensure a tress free and enjoyable gorilla safaris in Africa, you ought to prepare and get ready in Advance. African Apes Tours & Travel gives you tips on how to get ready for gorilla trekking. These include:

Choose where to trek gorillas

A silverback gorilla in Bwindi

First decide on where to go for gorilla trekking. Is it in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo? African Apes Holidays gives you detailed comparisons between gorilla trekking in both destinations to help you choose a gorilla destination of your choice. Mountain gorillas only survive in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes, Mgahinga Gorilla and Virunga National Parks. Anyone who wants to see these endangered species MUST therefore visit any of the four national parks. Alternatively, you can choose to trek gorillas in two different parks for comparisons and dynamic experience. Gorilla trekking experience in each national park is exceptional in its own way and worth doing. Among to consider when choosing where to go for gorilla trekking is the price of gorilla permits. Rwanda offers the most luxury gorilla tours @$1500, Uganda gorilla permits cost $700 or foreign non resident, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents while Congo gorilla permits cost $450 each making it the best gorilla safari destination or budget travelers. Between 18th June to 31st December 2020, Rwanda Development Board offers discounted gorilla permits $200 for East African citizens and $500 for foreign residents) to encourage more travels amidst Covid19 pandemic.

Choose a travel company
Having decided on where you want to go for mountain gorilla trekking, choose your desired and trusted gorilla safari company to guide you on this lifetime experience. African Apes Holidays is your ultimate gorilla safari company in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo helping to tailor made a suitable package to suit your budget and interests. Just tell us your travel dates and the number of people and we shall do the rest for you. On your behalf, African Apes Tours & Travel books a gorilla permit, designs an itinerary and also books suitable accommodation for you at a fair cost. Choosing the right travel operator is key for every successful and enjoyable gorilla safari.

Do physical exercises
While preparing for this amazing adventure, ensure to do physical exercises to ensure fitness. The uphill climb is a no joke for the unfit while the downhill trek is usually tougher than expected. The hiking is physically challenging on a steep terrain especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Also, there is no defines route to follow but rangers slash bushes to create a path. The wet forest grounds with fallen leaves and vegetation often make it difficult to hike through. However, the magical feeling of meeting face to face with the endangered gorillas is worth the effort. For that case, traveler planning a gorilla trip is advised to do physical exercises to ensure fitness. The recommended exercises include walking, jogging, Step-ups, Goblet Squats, Stairmasters, Downhill lunges and hanging knee raises among others.

Choose what to carry for gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking packing list

Before setting off for a gorilla trekking safari, make sure your travel bag has the required essentials. Among the things you must carry for gorilla trekking include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes. These help you to easily hike through the muddy and slippery jungles without your feet getting hurt. Never carry open shoes for gorilla trekking
2. Gardening gloves. These help to protect your hands when you touch the ground. There are times when hiking becomes steeper requiring you to crawl up and down hill. Also, gardening gloves protect your hands from getting dirty with mad
3. Fully charged camera with extra batteries. A camera is key for everyone visiting gorillas. Its only the pictures that you will go back home with after the gorilla trip
4. Rain jackets. Forest weather is so unpredictable; it can rain any time any day despite the season.
5. Insect repellants to protect from insect bites which can be poisonous at times
6. Warm jackets, sweaters and scarf to deal with cold nights in these jungle Forests. It normally gets very cold at night
7. Bottled drinking water to quench the thirsty that comes with panting and sweating during the trek
8. Energy giving snacks t keep you strong
9. Hat and sun glasses
10. Long sleeved shirts/blouses to protect your arms from scratches
11. Long pants tucked into the stockings
12. A first aid kit is help helpful incase of any injuries
NOTE: A porter and a walking stick are very recommended if you want to have a less difficulty gorilla tracking experience.

Visit your Doctor for check up
Before boarding on a plane, please visit the medical Centre for check up. Ensure you have no any sickness to avoid embarrassment on the day of trekking when you are stopped from visiting the gorillas if any sickness is detected. A yellow fever certificate is a must have for anyone visiting gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Pre gorilla trekking briefing
At the start of every trekking day, all travelers gather at the respective park head quarters for pre gorilla trekking briefing about the rules and regulation of gorilla trekking. These guidelines are put to ensure safety of the endangered gorillas and travelers. The dos and don’t of gorilla trekking include:
• Keep a distance of 10 meters away from the gorillas
• Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas
• Do not trek when sick. Mountain gorilla are susceptible to human sicknesses especially cough
• Keep within your groups
• Keep your voices low
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Turn back your face when coughing or sneezing
• Do not litter in the park. Leave only the foot steps
African Apes Tours wishes you the best on your gorilla safaris in Africa. For any inquiries and travel advice, contact us and we hope to welcome you soon.

Spreading over 370 square kilometers of Land, Lake Mburo National Park in Lyantonde is Uganda’s smallest savannah National park, a real and brilliant gem for animal lovers. The national park is initially a controlled hunting area which was later transformed into a game reserve and then upgraded into a national park in 1983. Visiting lake Mburo is the perfect choice to break up a long journey from Bwindi impenetrable/ Mgahinga Park for gorilla trekking or Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. Lake Mburo National Park is usually used as a ‘pitstop’ at the start or end of most Uganda safaris. Based on the excellent reviews of past travelers, the experience in lake Mburo National Park is far unique when compared to other National parks in Uganda. The co-existence of wild animals and cattle grazed in the park make it a unique destination to visit. It’s undeniably amazing to see beautiful Zebras eat on the same grass with cattle. The park is named after Lake Mburo in its heart, 20% of the park is covered by wetlands and swamps. 12 primates and over 350 birds call this small park home. Among the wild animals seen in Lake Mburo National Park include zebras, warthogs, waterbuck’s impalas, hartebeest, hyenas. eland, oribi, leopard, topis, reedbuck, hippos, and buffalos.

Top things to see and do in Lake Mburo National Park
Travelers to Lake Mburo National park have an endless list of things to see and do for a memorable experience. Check the must-do tourist activities in Lake Mburo National Park with African Apes Tours

Game Viewing
Game viewing is the number one tourist activity done in Lake Mburo National Park. Morning and night game drives done in the open savannahs give you a chance to see and interact with different wild animals grazing and hunting. Despite its small size, Lake Mburo National Park has a high concentration of wild animals which include zebras, warthogs, waterbuck’s impalas, hartebeest, hyenas. eland, oribi, leopard, topis, reedbuck, hippos and buffalos. among others. Our experienced guides help you spot different animals like leopards hiding in the acacia trees making your game safari enjoyable and memorable. Night game drives are best to see nocturnal animals such as bushbabies among others. A 2 Days L. Mburo National Park tour is a suitable package to explore this small park.

Boat Cruise
A boat cruise on Lake Mburo is a not miss for every traveler to Lake Mburo National Park. The shores of the lake is the best spot for water animals including hippos, buffalos, and crocodiles plus many more birds in the swampy areas. Also, a boat cruise gives you an overview of the park and different wild animals feeding. Photography on a boat cruise is very so amazing.

Bird Watching
Sheltering over 350 birds, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the best birding spots in Uganda. Bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park is best done in Miriti and Walukiri swampy valleys and also on the shores of Lake Mburo. Some of the birds seen in Lake Mburo National Park include Rufous Bellied Heron, Grey-crowned Crane, Coqui Francolin, Brown Chested Lapwing, Emerald Spotted wood, White-headed Barbet, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Nubian Woodpecker, Green-Wood hoopoe, Long-tailed Cisticola, and Red-Shouldered Cuckoo-shrike among others. The best time for bird watching in Lake Mburo National Park is in the morning and evening hours. Travelers are reminded to bring binoculars for enormous bird spotting.

Fishing
Fishing is yet another interesting tourist activity to do in Lake Mburo National Park. The lake is home to 6 fish species which are Tilapia, Catfish, Ngara, Barbeller and Ferocious Fighter. Mazinga is the best fishing spot in Lake Mburo National park. Travelers are given a chance to take part in the fishing experience which makes the whole experience more enjoyable and memorable indeed.

Visit Kate Salt Lick
Visit the Kate salt lick point in the heart of the park to see how animals gather around a shallow water hole to lick salt. Armed park rangers will guide you to this point and explain to you how this whole experience of wild animals licking slat started. Morning hours is the best time to visit the salt lick point. The journey to Kate Salt Lick is a chance for travelers to see and meet various wild animals and birds in the park.

Milking Experience
Visit the nearby local communities to be part of the memorable milking experience. Here travelers are taken through a session of milking local cows which makes them feel like part of the community. Also, travelers are taught different stages in which milk is processed into different products including yogurt and Ghee among others. Milking is done very early in the morning before cattle setoff to feed for the day.

Horseback riding
Horseback riding is an exciting adventure experience you ought not to miss on your Uganda safari to Lake Mburo National Park. Here travelers rise on horses to explore different parts of the Park such as lakes, swamps, and rivers. Horseback riding is also best for game viewing in Lake Mburo National Park.

Accommodation in Lake Mburo National Park
Wondering where to sleep in Lake Mburo National Park, No worries. The park has a variety of budget, midrange and luxury lodges, hotels and camps to serve you with excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges in Lake Mburo National Park include Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Mburo’s Eagle Nest, Leopard Rest Camp, Mpogo Lodge, Courtyard International Hotel, Arcadia Lodge and Mburo Safari Lodge among others. Professional staff are trained at every lodge to serve you all day and night. African Apes Holidays help you book accommodation services at any lodge of your choice in Lake Mburo National Park.

Best time to visit Lake Mburo National Park
The dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February is the best time to visit Lake Mburo, National Park. During this time, the vegetation is short which makes photography and game viewing clear. On the other hand, the wet season in the months of March, April, May. October and November call for discounted services in hotels and lodges hence the best time for budget travelers. However, Lake Mburo National park can be visited all year round.
Conclusively, Lake Mburo National Park is a real gem to discover on your Uganda safari. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book a Uganda game safari to Lake Mburo and enjoy the true wilderness.

Are you wondering what makes Uganda the best gorilla tour destination? Why trek gorillas in Uganda? Well, there are countless advantages of trekking gorillas in Uganda. The pearl of Africa Uganda is one of the three countries to see mountain gorillas together with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each day, hundreds of travelers check into Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga gorillas National Park to experience the lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Based on our past travelers’ excellent reviews about gorilla trekking in Uganda, The Pearl of Africa is undeniably the best place to trek gorillas. The reasons to trek gorillas in Uganda include among others:

A high number of mountain gorillas

Members of Bweza gorilla family

Uganda shelters the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world. The Pearl of Africa is home to half of the world’s total gorillas which make it the best gorilla tour destination. Gorillas in Uganda have been habituated into 18 gorilla families 17 of which live in Bwindi Forest while 1 Nyakagyezi gorilla family lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The high number of mountain gorilla families guarantee the availability of gorilla permits giving many travelers a chance to visit the endangered gorillas. Gorillas in Bwindi forest are split into four sectors which are Buhoma in the North, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga, and Nkuringo sectors in the south. The availability of gorilla permits in Uganda also gives last time travelers a chance to visit gorillas unlike in other countries where gorilla permits sell out easily.

Low-cost gorilla permits
Uganda offers the low-cost gorilla permits making it the best gorilla tour destination. A single gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 for Foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for Uganda and East African residents. The cost of Uganda gorilla tours is therefore way cheaper compared to $1500 in neighboring Rwanda. Uganda is therefore the best gorilla safari destination for budget travelers. Gorilla permit booking in Uganda is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. African Apes Holidays is your ultimate gorilla’s safari company to book your permits at saving you the hustles of private booking. Alternatively, you can book directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for gorilla tourism and conservation in Uganda

Gorilla Habituation experience
In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda is the center of the experimental mountain gorilla habituation experience in which wild gorillas are trained to make them familiar with people. Gorilla habituation experience is 2-3 years of training gorillas before they are opened for trekking. Habituation is, therefore, the first step that gorillas go through. Apparently, Bushaho and Bikyingi gorilla families are undergoing habituation experience and each family is visited by four people for four hours each day. A gorilla habituation permit costing $1500 is a must-have for every traveler going to take part in this memorable experience. African Apes Holidays help you book gorilla habituation permits as well as arranging the trip. A 1-day gorilla habituation experience starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda is worth doing.

Quick connectivity from Kigali Rwanda
The ease of connectivity from Kigali Rwanda to Uganda’s Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks save travelers long hours of driving from Entebbe International Airport. The drive time from Kigali to Bwindi is roughly 5 hours hence the best option for short time travelers. A 2 day Uganda gorilla trek is a suitable package for you. If you have limited time, you can do a 1 Day Uganda gorilla trek which involves early pick up from Kigali, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, and drop off at Kigali after gorilla trekking. A 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour starts at 3:30 am to cover up the 5 hours’ drive and catch up with the pre gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Forest is the best sector for Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking add-ons
Uganda has much more to offer in addition to gorilla trekking to make a complete Uganda safari package. The gorilla trekking add-ons in Uganda include golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing, Batwa community visits, bird watching, Forest/Nature walks, chimpanzee trekking and game viewing in the open savannah parks across the country. A combination of all these activities give you the most exciting and enjoyable Uganda safari on the same trip

Peace and security in Uganda
Uganda is the safest gorilla safari destination in Africa assuring travelers safety during gorilla trekking. Since the start of gorilla tourism in the early 1990s, Uganda has never registered any rebel attack in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga which makes it the best destination to see gorillas. More so, Uganda tourism police and the armed park rangers are ever patrolling the national park to ensure the safety of gorillas and travelers.
In general, there are many reasons as to why you should trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book a Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga and enjoy the discounted gorilla permits in the Pearl of Africa

Be part of our guided Rwanda game safaris to Akagera National Park to see and enjoy the company with the big five game. Located in Eastern Rwanda, Akagera National park is Rwanda’s only savannah park sheltering a high concentration of wild animals. Game viewing is the number one tourist activity in this park. Randa game safaris are mostly done as a complement to mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National park to make a complete Rwanda safari package. Morning and evening game drives in the Akagera National Park are done to help travelers with various wild animals feeding, playing, and resting. While game driving through the park, expect to see numerous wild animals which include Lions, Buffalos, Hippos, Zebras, Elephants, Topis, waterbucks, Warthogs, Hyenas, Elands and serval cats among others.

When is the best time to do game Safaris in Rwanda
Gm safaris in Rwanda can be done all year round. However, dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, and January to February is the best time to visit Akagera National park. During this time, wild animals gather at the water pints for drinking water which makes it easy to see them. However, the rain season is best for beautiful sceneries. Moreso, accommodation facilities in Akagera National Park tend to give discounted food and sleeping services.

Where to sleep in Akagera National park
Wondering where to stay on your Rwanda game safari to Akagera National park? No worries. An endless list of budget, midrange and luxury lodges, hotels and camps have been constructed in Akagera National park to offer you with first-class food and sleeping services. The recommended accommodation in Akagera National park include Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi tented Camp and Akagera Rhino Lodge among others.

What to pack on a Rwanda Safari
Travelers visiting Akagera National park are reminded to carry and pack essentials to ensure a safe, enjoyable and comfortable stay. Among the things to carry for game safaris in Rwanda include

• Camera with extra battery
• SunGlasses
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Insect repellants
• Energy giving snacks
• Sweaters and scaff for morning game drives
• Flat comfortable for a safari
• Day Pack
• Toiletries
• Medical Kit
• Sun protection gear
• Easy and friendly clothes

Other activities in Akagera National Park
Besides game viewing, travelers to Akagera National park have optional activities such as boat cruise at Akagera river, nature walks, bird watching, camping and scenic viewing among others. African Apes Tours is at your service to arrange extra activities to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable Rwanda Safari in Akagera National Park.

In conclusion, a Rwanda safari without game viewing in Akagera National park is incomplete. Contact African Apes Tours today, book a game safari to Akagera National Park and visit to see big five game at affordable rates

Enjoy Rwanda’s discounted gorilla permits to Volcanoes National Park with African Apes Tours & travel. Rwanda gorilla tours and permits have been discounted to $200 to give all travelers chance to be part of the magical mountain gorilla trekking experience at the lowest price ever. YES, you can trek Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National Park for as less as $200 per traveler. The new initiative was introduced following the reopening of Rwanda national park to tourism after 3 months of no tourism in the land of a thousand hills. The $200 applies to Rwanda locals, east African citizens and foreign residents. On the other hand, foreign non-residents in Rwanda will pay $500 a huge discount from the previous $1500. The discounted permits in Rwanda will be valid till December 2020. The reopening of gorilla tours in Rwanda was announced by the Rwanda Development to relief travelers and tour operators a relief from the stresses of the corona virus that hindered travels all over the world. All tourism, research and other related tourism activities in Rwanda had been suspended for three months to prevent the spread of the deadly Covi19 to wild animals especially the endangered primates. Apparently, all national parks in Rwanda including Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati Mukura and Akagera National Park are open for tourism. A 1-Day Rwanda gorilla trek starting and ending in Kigali give short time travelers a chance to visit gorilla in the shortest time possible.

How to trek Rwanda gorillas amidst Covid19 Pandemic?

Keep distance from the gorillas

Travelers who are already in Rwanda are at a big advantage of trekking Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National park at a discount. More so, travelers with chattered flights flying direct to Rwanda are allowed to trek Rwanda gorillas. The reason for emphasizing chartered flights direct to Rwanda is to avoid stopovers, which can lead to the spread of the virus. African Apes Holidays, helps you book and reserve discounted Rwanda gorilla permits as well as tailor making a suitable Rwanda travel itinerary to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations. Alternatively, you can book directly through Rwanda Development Board, the government body responsible for mountain gorilla conservation and tourism in Rwanda.

Positive trend in Rwanda Tourism a week after the re opening of national parks
A week after the reopening of national parks, Rwanda Development Board has so far seen a great positive trend in the number of tourist arrivals. The country has so far received groups of travelers visiting mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest and big five game in Akagera National Park.

Guide to visiting Rwanda amidst Corona Virus
In order to ensure safety of travelers and wild animals, Rwanda Development Board ha put directives to be followed by all travelers to Rwanda. On the actual day of visiting gorillas or any other wild animals in all National Parks, all travelers gather at respective park head quarters for briefing. The guide for visiting Rwanda amidst corona virus include:
1. Compulsory temperature testing for all travelers
2. Sanitize with an alcohol based hand rub and wash hands with soap for at least 20 minutes
3. Mask up your face
4. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
5. When visiting gorillas or chimpanzees, keep a distance of 10 meters away from the primates
6. Sneeze and cough in your bent elbow
7. Avoid hand shaking
8. Keep a distance from each other
9. If you feel any fever, cough and difficult in breathing, seek the medical attention
10. Follow the guide of your park rangers

Top tourist activities in Rwanda

Game Viewing in Akagera National Park

Whereas Rwanda has numerous natural attractions and activities, some activities are exceptional. Check the top things to see and do in Rwanda with African Apes Tours, your trusted safari company in Rwanda and the whole of east Africa. The must do activities in Rwanda include:

• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, which bring in the highest number of travelers to Rwanda. The country is home to over 400mountain gorillas habituated into 10 gorilla families. Rwanda is a luxury gorilla safari destination in the world.

• Big five game in Akagera National park is a not miss on your Rwanda safari. The park is home to numerous wild animals, which include lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, Impalas, warthogs, Topis, zebras, black tailed mangose, serval cats and black masked civet among others. Day and night game drives are done to give travelers chance too see various wild animals grazing, feeding and hunting.

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is yet another must do tourist activity in Rwanda. a permit to trek chimpanzees in Rwanda costs $100 which is fairer even for budget travelers. Chimpanzee trekking can be done either in the main forest or in Cyamudongo forest. Hover, all experiences are exceptional.

• Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is worth doing at $100 only

• Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest complements chimpanzee trekking making a full package.

• Mount Karisimbi hiking offers you gives you chance to stand at the summit of the highest volcano in the Virunga conservation area. A 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hiking tour is a suitable package for you

Best time to visit Rwanda
Whereas Rwanda can be visited all year round, Dry season in the month of June, July, August, September, and December to February is the best time for most tourist activities in Rwanda. Gorilla treks, chimpanzee tours and mountaineering experiences are best done in the dry season. On the other hand, the wet season in the months of March, April, May, October and November comes with discounted offers in lodge and mots service providers.

What to Pack for Rwanda safaris
Wondering on what to pack on your Rwanda safari? No worries,, African Apes Holidays brings you the packing list to Rwanda. The must carry things to Rwanda include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes when going for a trek
2. Lon sleeved shirts /blouses to protect your arms
3. Long pants to cover your legs
4. Insect repellents
5. Warm sweaters and jumpers. Rwanda is very cold at night
6. Sun glasses and hat
7. Energy giving snacks
8. Camera with extra batteries
9. Gardening gloves for your hands
10. Rain jackets for the unpredictable weather
Grab the chance and trek Rwanda gorillas at a discount. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your Rwanda trip and enjoy Rwanda’s lifetime experiences at discounted prices.

Rwanda has finally reopened for tourism after three months of no tourism in the country. The good news for the reopening of Rwanda’s national parks was announced on June 17th 2020 by the Rwanda development board. More interestingly, the reopening came with great promotion for those visiting to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Effective from 18th June to 31st December 2020, Rwanda Development Board is offering discounted gorilla permits at $200 discounted gorilla permits at $200 for Rwanda nationals and East African community citizens living in Rwanda while foreign non residents will pay $ 500 per permit. The discounted permits in Rwanda for the next 6 months is a great relief for primate lovers while dream is to visit gorillas in Rwanda.

Remember to Sanitise

Rwanda Development Board is also offering special Rwanda safari packages for families, big groups and corporations visiting Volcanoes National Park home for the endangered gorillas and Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking. However, travelers are reminded that the price for Rwanda gorilla permits will go back to the initial $1500. In May 2017, Rwanda Development Board double increased its gorilla permit costs from $700 to $1500, which transferred Rwanda into Africa’s luxury gorilla destination.

More so, Rwanda is allowing the resumption of international travel for charter flights for foreign travelers. Rwanda Development board will exempt all international travelers from the exiting anti coronavirus measures, which stop travelers from entering Rwanda. In the meantime, all commercial flights in Rwanda are still on suspension till further notice.

Directives for Visiting Rwanda Now

Wear a mask

While Rwanda is allowing travels amidst corona Virus, the government, Rwanda ministry of Health and Rwanda Development Board have put directive for all those visiting national park. Firstly, all domestic tourists to Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forest National Parks MUST test negative for corona Virus 48 hours before the visiting date.
Secondly, foreign travelers traveling with charter flights MUST have tested negative for Corona Virus within 72 hours before arrival. They will be tested again before visiting any primates. The recommended COVID19 test centers in Rwanda are Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali city on appointment only while another private test Centre is at Petit Stade. More test centers will se established according to demand.

Discounted gorilla permits in Rwanda
Grab the chance to and trek Rwanda gorillas at discounted prices. The major reason for discounted Rwanda gorilla permits is to encourage more travels to Rwanda. Its undeniable that in the past 2 years, most budget travelers were cut off from trekking gorillas in Rwanda due to very high prices @$1500. For that reason, mots of the would have been Rwanda tourists ended up crossing to the neighboring Uganda to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks where gorilla tours were quite cheaper. The Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris have been s common in the past 2 years before the outbreak of the deadly corona virus since March 2020.

When was tourism in Rwanda suspended?
All tourism and research activities in Rwanda National Parks were suspended since March 2020. Primate parks of Volcanoes for mountain gorillas, Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati Mukura National parks were closed first to prevent the spread of the deadly corona virus to the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Shortly after, Akagera National Park home to the big five game and all other tourist destinations in Rwanda were closed. Kigali International airport was also closed and no domestic or international flights were allowed except for emergency. More so, border points to the neighboring countries especially Uganda and Congo were closed to avoid the spread of the virus across borders.

Impacts of Covid19 on Rwanda Tourism

Baby gorilla with mum in VNP

Corona Virus has negatively affected Rwanda tourism during the lockdown. The ban on travels into Rwanda led to the cancellation of many trips some of which were due. Some travelers postponed trips till unknown further date while others cancelled totally and asked for refund. The government of Rwanda has lost over 70% of its revenue or this financial year. over 50% of Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product has been through the sell of mountain gorilla which is not the case now. Also, service providers such as lodges, hotels and transportation companies have lost a lot of revenue. Many jobs have been lost in the process, which had increased the unemployment rate in the small land locked Rwanda. However, with the reopening of tourism in Rwanda, we hope for the best in the shortest time possible.

How to Book a Rwanda safari amidst Corona Virus?
Do you want to book and Enjoy Rwanda’s discounted offers amidst corona Virus? African Apes Tours is at your service to book and reserve for you a discounted gorilla permit in Rwanda. We offer tailor made Rwanda safari packages for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, Kigali city tour and game safaris in Akagera National Park at affordable rates.

The reopening of Rwanda tourism is great news for travelers and tour operators. Book today, follow the guidelines, stay safe and enjoy Rwanda’s promotional offers on gorilla trekking and other Rwanda safaris across the country with African Apes Tours & Travel

Uganda Wildlife authority is mourning the loss of Rafiki, the dominant silverback of Nkuringo gorilla family in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Four local people suspected to have killed Rafiki were arrested after finding wild meat in their homes. The bad news for the loss of the beloved Rafiki was shared on 12th June 2020 by the Uganda wildlife Authority. On the fateful morning of 12th June, park rangers found the remains of the dead Rafiki, which had gone missing for 2 days.
In their statement, UWA reported to the public “We have arrested four people over the death of Rafiki, the silverback of Nkuringo Gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They will be prosecuted in the courts of law.

The four suspects were arrested after the one Bayamukama Felix admitted for killing he silverback. However, in his statements, Byamukama confessed to have killed the silverback in self-defense when the silverback charged at him. Byamukama further confessed to have shred the meat with Amos Kazongo 52 and Beinomugisha Fidel. Rafiki silverback was aged 25 years believed to be one of the oldest mountain gorillas in Nkuringo gorilla family. Safari and Rafiki were left as adult silverbacks after the death of the then Nkuringo silverback who died in April 2008.

Threats to gorilla tourism in Uganda
Poaching is one of the key threats to the survival of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and all other gorilla destinations all over the world. Other threats to gorillas include loss of habitats, civil conflicts b rebel groups in parks, diseases and at time natural death.

About Nkuringo gorilla family
Trekked in Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Nkuringo gorilla family is one of the hard to trek gorilla families best for adventure travelers to Bwindi. Nkuringo family was the first gorilla family to be habitauted in southern Bwindi in 1997 which make it worth visiting. The gorilla family is named after Nkuringo hill where it lives. Nkuringo hill gives travelers clear views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mafuha forest, Lake Bunyonyi and the neighboring Congo attractions. A 3 Days Bwindi gorilla tour gives you chance to trek Nkuringo gorilla family. Moreso, travelers doing a 1 day Uganda gorilla trek starting from Kigali Rwanda can easily trek Nkuringo gorilla family due to the close connectivity from Cyanika border to Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Forest National Park. Another gorilla family in Nkuringo sector is Christmas one of the newly habituated gorilla families in Nkuringo

Guide to Trekking Nkuringo gorilla family

Nkuringo gorilla family

The fact that it is located in upper part of Bwindi Forest, Nkuringo gorilla family is one of the tough to trek gorilla families. Travelers visiting Nkuringo gorilla family should therefore be physically fit and mentally ready to conquer the strenuous hike. Trekking time ranges between 2 to 8 hours but you are 99% sure of meeting the endangered gorillas at the end of the day. Trekking Nkuringo gorilla family starts at 7:00am with a pre gorilla trekking briefing about the dos and don’ts of trekking. The guidelines to trekking Nkuringo gorilla family include:
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away from the gorillas
2. Ensure physical fitness
3. Do not use flashlight cameras
4. Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas
5. Keep your voices low
6. Keep within your group, follow the guidelines of park rangers
7. Do not litter in the park, leave only the footsteps
8. Carry enough drinking water
9. Carry enough energy giving snacks
10. Keep clam when a gorilla charges

What to wear for trekking Nkuringo gorilla family
In order to ensure peaceful and less stressing gorilla trekking experience, African Apes Tours & Travel gives you a list of what to wear when trekking Nkuringo gorilla family. The right attire for trekking Nkuringo gorilla group include:
• Hiking boots/shoes for easy movement through the jungle forest
• Gardening gloves to protect your hands
• Long pants tucked into the boots
• Long sleeved shirts and blouse for protecting your arms
• Hat for protecting your head
• Sunglasses for your eyes
• Rain jackets for the unpredictable forest weather

Best time to trek Nkuringo gorilla family
Dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, and February are the best time to trek Nkuringo sector. The less or no rains in this season make it easy to trek through this jungle forest. However on the other hand, Nkuringo gorilla family can be trekked all year round. The wet season in March, April, May, October and November. Trekking gorillas in the wet season comes with les crowds in the park and discounted offers from service providers especially the lodges.

Other gorilla families in southern Bwindi

Members of Bweza gorilla family

Besides Nkuringo gorilla family in Nkuringo sector, southern Bwindi is home to many more gorilla families in Rushaga sector. The gorilla groups in Rushaga include Nshongi family, Busingye family, Mishaya group, Kahungye family and Bweze group. Each gorilla group is visited by a group of eight people per day for an interaction of one hour.

Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla trekking
Travelers flying into Kigali Rwanda can easily do Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours in the shortest time possible. Bwindi Forest is roughly 5 hours drive from Kigali Bwindi compared to a full day (over 10 hors) of driving from Entebbe international airport. Travelers with limited time find Kigali to Bwindi gorilla tours most appropriate. A 2-Day Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali to Bwindi gives entails a pick up from Kigali airport, overnight in Bwindi, gorilla trekking and departure on the second day. If you are doing a 1 Day Bwindi Gorilla trek, pick up is at 3:30 am, 5 hours drive via Cyanika border to attend a pre gorilla trekking briefing at the respective park head quarters. After seeing gorillas, travelers are transferred back to Kigali for their connecting flights. Rushaga sector is suitable for travelers a 1 Day Uganda gorilla trek starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. African Apes Tours help you organizes a short Uganda gorilla trek starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda.

Conclusively, the killing of Rafiki silverback gorilla is a setback and hindrance to the flourishing of gorilla safaris in Uganda. Uganda Wildlife Authority is urged to extensively sensitive local people on how peaceful they can live with the gorillas to prevent poaching and promote sustainable Uganda gorilla tours.

Travel Insurance is key for anybody travelling. Traveling has presently become a norm for most people across the world. Whereas travelling is mostly for fun, the industry entails a lot of risks ranging from accidents, sicknesses, loss of baggage, injuries and death at times. For that case, every traveler is advised to have to have a valid travel insurance to help him/her cover up in case of any risks.
Travel comes in different forms and activities, which include primate safaris (gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkeys), game viewing in open savannahs, bird watching, forest/nature walks, mountaineering, boat safaris, camping, bungee jumping, white water rafting, walking safaris and cultural visits among others depending on the traveler’s interests. Are you going for a mountain climbing adventure or trekking through jungle forests to trek gorillas? The activity is adventurous with high risks of injuries, insurance is highly recommended. While making gorilla tour bookings and other safari activities, we normally encourage and assure travelers of their safety, however in case of any miscellaneous, a travel insurance helps to cover up the required expenses.

What Does Insurance Cover?
Among the expenses that a travel insurance policy covers for include:
1. Loss of travel bags
2. Stolen travel bag
3. Accident on the trip
4. Death on the trip
5. Emergency medical expenses
6. Cost of canceling a trip
7. Personal liability for example when a traveler is charged for causing any damage or loss while on a safari.

What is not covered in the travel insurance policy?
Some things that are not covered by the travel insurance policy include:
• When a traveler is having a pre existing medical condition such as
1. Any condition waiting for an operation
2. Any check up whose test results are not ye out
3. Any minor condition when you visited a doctor some time back
4. Hereditary sicknesses such as sick cells
5. Any other serious sickness including cancer, Heart problem and other respiratory diseases

Other keynotes
• Travelers seeking a travel insurance are normally asked whether they are taking any kind of medication
• Also, travelers are usually asked whether there is any hereditary sickness in his/her families or whether any of the close relatives have any medical condition that calls for attention
• A travel who cancels his/her trip due to the medical conditions of a family, relative of friends will not receive any insurance coverage for his canceled trip
• Make sure you disclose all pre existing medical conditions to your insurance company when buying any travel insurance
Travelers wit any health issue when traveling are reminded to check whether all medical equipment for the medicine being taken are covered
Also, make sure you have full time help for any emergency calls

KEY REASONS TO HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE
There are many benefits of having a travel insurance card, however, these five are the major reasons why every traveler MUST have a travel insurance card. These are:
1. Do not lose a vacation investment. This happen s when a miscellaneous for example loss of a loved one of sickness occurs few days to the travel date. In most cases, there is no refund from the travel agent but insurance can refund the money you had paid for the cancelled trip
2. Medical emergencies overseas in case you get an accident, broken legs or any other injuries on your trip in a foreign country. Travel insurance helps you cover up these expenses
3. Travel insurance is a must in the Untied states Department of State
4. It covers up minor mishaps which can easily ruin your trip such as loss a loss of a travel bag or missed flight

Other Important Travel Documents
Check the list of travel documents you require on any Africa safari with African Apes Tour & Travel. These include:
• Visa card
• Yellow Fever vaccination
• Health insurance card
• Passport
• Invitation letter from the hosting company
• A gorilla permit when visiting gorillas
• Chimpanzee permit when visiting chimpanzees
• Passport photos
Conclusively, a travel insurance is a requirement for anyone planning a safari to Africa and a cross the world. Get it today, book your favorite trip and enjoy nature to the fullness.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has reopened savannah parks for tourism after close to three months of temporary suspension. Effective from March 2020, the Uganda Wildlife Authority suspended all travels to all national parks to prevent the spread of the deadly virus to wildlife. Travelers and animal lovers can now visit and do game drives in the open savannah parks across the country.  The national parks open for tourism are Murchison Falls National park, Queen Elizabeth National park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National park. These are the top game parks in Uganda sheltering a high concentration of wild animals. After close to three months of no tourism in all Uganda National Parks and protected areas, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has re-opened savannah parks for tourism. However, primates National Park which including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Kibale Forest National Park are still closed to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees from catching the deadly coronavirus.  Part activities such as destination wedding, giveaway, birthdays, and all related activities will not be allowed in the parks. However, all travelers to open parks Must follow the new rules and regulations as out by the Uganda Wildlife Authority as directed by the Ministry of Health and the president

Guidelines for Visiting Savannah Parks in Uganda amidst Corona Virus

1. Mandatory washing of hands using soap and sanitize for not less than 20 seconds. Hands must be continually washed after every few hours to keep clean
2. Mandatory temperature screening using non-contact infra-red thermometers at every entry point to the National Park. If a client moves out of the park, he/she will be screened again on the return
3. All vehicles into the national park must carry half the carrying capacity. This is to ensure the social distance between the clients to avoid close contact
4. Salon cars will not be allowed to do game drives in the park
5. Boats for those doing launch cruise in Murchison Falls, Kazinga channel and Lake Mburo will only carry half the carrying capacity
6. All travelers must wear face masks every time they are in the open. Remove face masks only when in the room
7. Keep a distance of at least 4 meters from each other
8. Travelers are also advised to carry personal sanitizers
9. Large travel groups for more than 25 people are not allowed in the parks
10. Destination parties such as weddings are not allowed till further notice

In the same way, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) gave directives for all hotels, lodges and restaurants which must be followed.

In general, the atrial opening of Uganda National Parks to tourism gives hope for tourism in the Pearl of Africa in the near future. Travelers planning to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest/Mgahinga National parks plus Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National parks are urged to keep prepared, plan ahead and be ready to ensure this lifetime experience soon after the defeat of corona Virus in Uganda.

Hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National park are one of the must do travel activities on your Rwanda safaris. YES, a guided hike/walk on foot is the best way to discover and explore the hidden gem in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe Forest has the highest number of hiking trails, which lead to different attractions, the waterfalls, rivers, caves and former hunting grounds among others making the whole experience more enjoyable. Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 primates which include chimpanzees, Colubus monkeys, vervet monkeys, silver monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, baboons plus several mammals, birds ad butterflies among others. Hiking trails also called nature/forest walks complement other tourist activities including the common chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, bird watching and monkey trekking among others. Hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park are categorized into shorty, medium and long depending on the location and the hiking time required. The common hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park include:

1. Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail
Originating from Kamiranzovu swamp, the waterfalls the most hiked waterfall in Nyungwe forest national Park. Hiking to Kamiranzovu water fall lasts for between 3 to 4 hours depending through marshes and the swamp. The waterfalls stretches for 6 kilometers divided into the lower part composed of huge rocks and the other part of the falling waters. A hike to Kamiranzovu waterfall starts from Gisakura reception Centre following a brief guide by the park ranges. Travelers are escorted by two armed rangers o ensure safety. The many beautiful orchid flowers at the banks of the waterfall make photography more beautiful. Also, the swamps around the waterfall shelter numerous bird species hence the best spot for bird watching. The volume and speed of Kamiranzovu waterfall is high during the rainy season.

2. Imbaraga Trail
The 10 kilometers long Imbaraga trail is yet another interesting trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The hike to Imbaraga trail starts at Uwinka Information center lasting for roughly 6 hours to reach the end point. The trail is mots followed by travelers going for canopy walk giving them, an added experience. Also, travelers hiking to Imbaraga trail have high chances of meeting the famous chimpanzees in the forest. Imbaraga trail is a strenuous hike but the magical feeling that comes with it is worth the energy.

3. Ngabwa Trail
Ngabwa trail hiking starts at Kitabi information center lasting for about 3 hours hike via different vegetation zones. The 5 kilometers Ngabwa trail is a best spot for bird watching being home to numerous birds such as Regal sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Congo ground Thrush, Rwenzori Turaco, Red faced woodland Warbler, Red collared mountain Babbler, Crowned Hornbill and Chinspot Batis among others. The trail is also famous for chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkesy, colubs monkeys and Mangabeys among others.

4. Igishigishi Trail
Also known as the canopy walk trail, the Igishigishi trail is the most hiked trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The trail stretches for about 2.5 kilometers lasting for roughly 2 hours walk to complete it. Igishigishi trail offers you exceptional aerial views of the forest, Virunga volcanoes and other attractions in the neighborhood. The trail starts at Uwinka Information center preceded by a short briefing about the safety guidelines.

5. Bigugu Trail
Bigugu trail is the most challenging trail to the Bigugu paek standing at 2,950 meters above the sea level. The 7 kilometers Bigugu trail lasts for about 6 hours hike offering you clear views of Lake Kivu. The trail is the best spot for bird watching sheltering various bird species such as African Paradise Flycatcher, Regal sunbird, Handsome francolin, Buff throated Apalis, Arcer’s robin chat, Ruwenzori Batis, Strange Weaver, Red collared babbler and Stripe breasted tit among others. Physical fitness is key to easily hike via this trail which gets muddy and slippery especially in the rainy season.

6. Isumo Waterfall Trail
Isumo waterfall is yet another interesting trail not to miss on your Rwanda safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The trek lasts for about4 hours via tea plantations. The beautiful views of Isumo falls with colored flowers on its banks offers you picnic views. Travelers have high chances of seeing many primates and birds along the trail. Isumo waterfalls end point of this trail.

7. Irebero Trail
Locally translated as viewpoint, Irebero trail offers travelers stunning views of lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest, Tea plantations and the Virunga Volcanoes. The trail is moderate with less difficulty in hiking. Irebero trail stretches for 3.6 kilometers twisting around the two highest summits on the Uwinka ridge.

8. Muzimu Trail
Trekking through the shrubs and open health vegetation, Muzimu trail is a remote and less visited trail in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The less visits o Muzimu trail offers the off beaten kind of experience to all travelers. Walk through Muzimu trail starts from the forested buffer zone and later into an open with clear views of Nyungwe Forest and Virunga Volcanoes.

9. Umugota Trail
Named after the common Syzygium tree specie commonly seen in tis trail, Umugota trail is worth visiting. The trail stretches taking roughly 3 hours walk. The trail take you through dense forest cover with high chances of meeting primates like chimpanzees, colubus monkeys , birds and mammals. Umugote trail offers you best views of the southern Nyungwe Forest and volcanic mountains in Burundi.

10. Uwinka Trail
Uwinka trail starts from Irebero trailhead ending at Kamianzovu marsh trailhead and is one of the difficult hikig trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Uwinka trail stretches for 17.8 kilometers which require over 8 hours to hike to the end.

11. Karamba Birding trail
The trail is formerly the gold mining area in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Karamba birding trail is known to have the highest bird species in Nyungwe Forest. The birds seen along Karamba trail include Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Crimsonwing, Archer’s Robi Chat, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Red faced woodland, Buff throated Apalis and Stripe breasted tit among others. Karamaba birding trail stretches for 4 kilometers and is one of the easy to hike trails.

Other hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest include:
12. Rukuzi trail
13. Umuyove Trail
14. Congo Nile divide trail
15. Buhoro trail

What to wear for hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest
Check for what to wear for hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park with African Apes Tours your number one Rwanda safari company
• Wear hiking boots/shoes to easily walk through muddy grounds
• Long pants
• long sleeved shirts/buses
• Hats and sunglasses
• Gardening gloves for your hands
• Carry a rain jacket, it may rain any day any time in the forest

More tips for hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Don’t forget a walking stick
• Carry enough drinking water
• Carry energy giving snacks
• Keep within your group
• Binoculars help you zoom birds and other attractions format a distance

Other things to see and do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Besides hiking trails/ nature walking, travelers to Nyungwe Forest National Park have an endless list of attractions and activities to see and do. The top tourist activities in Nyungwe Forest include:
1. Chimpanzee trekking as the number one tourist activity in the forest
2. Canopy walk for greater aerial views of the forest
3. Bird watching
4. Colubus trekking

Conclusively, hiking trails/nature walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park are a not miss on your Rwanda safari. Contact African Apes Tours, book your Rwanda safari and enjoy the beauty of Nyungwe Forest on your hiking trail experience.

As a new strategy the prevent the further spread of the deadly Virus, Rwanda has deployed 5 humanoid robots to help in the fight. Rwanda ministry of health received the 5 robots from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in mid May 2020. The new robots will help to ease service delivery systems in Kanyinya health Centre were Covid19 patients are treated. Rwanda was the first African country to introduce robots to assist medical workers in the fight against the deadly corona virus. Upon arrival, the five robots where given Kirwanda names which are Akazuba, Urumuri, Mwiza, Ngabo and Ikizere. Other countries that have used robots to help in fighting against deadly corona virus include China, Switzerland, South Korea and Belgium These were the first countries to register corona virus which has claimed thousands of l people and infecting millions. Rwanda registered her first covid19 positive case in March 2020 and was the first East African country. The government immediately put the whole country under lock down for close to 2 months with minimal business in operations. The major aim for the introduction of the anti tech robots in Rwanda is to limit the chances of health workers from catching the deadly Corona Virus. Health workers are at the frontline and susceptible to catch the Virus

How do Zoro robots operate?
Like all other robots, the Rwanda copvid19 robots will be computerized. YES, everything will be under the control of the computer. One robot has a capacity to screen between 50 to 150 people per minute, which will ease the work of screening for the new patients. While addressing some Rwanda officials, one robot assured them of the positive results. In its computerized address, one robot said” I have been so resourceful in China, South Korea, Switzerland, Belgium and Netherlands”. This gave confidence to medical workers at Kanyinya facility that indeed; the country will fight Corona Virus with the help of the robots. The things that will be done by the robots in fighting Corona Virus in Rwanda include:
1. Screening the new suspects
2. Measuring temperatures for the suspects and patients
3. Delivering food to Covd19 patients
4. Delivering medication to the Covid29patients in their wards
5. Check people not wearing masks and alert them to wear masks
6. Monitoring corona Virus patients
7. Notify health workers about new detectives
8. Keep records of all Covid19 patients in the hospital
9. Address and give guidelines to the patients

Cost of Anti Tech Robots
Each robot is estimated to cost roughly £2,700. However, the services of these robots is worth the penny. The anti tech robots are manufactured by a Belgium company. All countries are advised to purchase the robots to ease the fight against the deadly Corona Virus.

Corona Virus Cases in Rwanda
Since March when Rwanda registered her first Corona Virus positive case, the number has raised to 369 positive cases, 244 recoveries and no death as of 27th May 2020. The country was locked down for 2 months to curb the spread of the virus. On 4th May 2020, the government eased the lockdown by allowing essential workers to go back for work, private cars and public cars to operate but carrying a minimum number of passengers as specified by the government. Markets were also allowed to operate but with a high observation of social distance.
REMINDER: WEARING A FASLK MASK IN PUBLIC IS A MUST FOR EVERY BODY.

Tourism in Rwanda Amidst corona Virus
Apparently, all Rwanda safaris to Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, Gishwati Mukura National Park and all other tourism destinations in Rwanda are on a temporarily suspension till further notice. Gorilla Trekking and chimpanzee tours were the first activities to suspend fearing the spread of the deadly virus to the endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Fortunately, Rwanda Development Board relaxed on its gorilla permit and chimpanzee permit cancellation policy to allow travel operators reschedules the already booked permits to a future date. Travel operators can now reschedule and book Rwanda gorilla permits and chimpanzee safaris to any date till 2022 without any penalty. Shortly after the total defeat of Corona Virus, Rwanda will reopen for tourism to reward travelers with amazing wildlife experiences. For the meantime, embrace Rwanda’s virtual gorilla tours and experience gorilla trekking from your sitting room.

Cost of Post covid19 Rwanda Safaris
Are you planning to visit Rwanda post covid19? Wondering on the cost of Rwanda safaris? No worries, African Apes Tours gives you the details. The cost of Rwanda safaris varies depending on which tourist activity you intend to do, the number of days for a trip, number of people on a trip and the choice of accommodation. For those visiting to trek mountain gorillas, a single Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 inclusive of the park entrance fee and conservation fee. Chimpanzee safaris in Rwanda costs $100 and golden monkeys cost $100. However, travelers receive a higher quote depending on which safari activities you choose to do. Contact us today, specify which trip you intend to do and we shall give you a safari quotation to suit your budget.

Conclusively therefore, the use of anti tech robots to fight corona Virus in Rwanda is a great achievement for the government of Rwanda. We congratulate the ministry of health in Rwanda and hope for the best.

Primate trekking rank number one when it comes to Rwanda safarisRwanda safaris. YES, over 50% or more of travelers to Rwanda choose to trek primates yearning to enjoy the magical feeling of meeting face to face with the endangered primates in their natural habitats. Primate safaris in Rwanda bring in the highest Foreign exchange earning into Rwanda improving the country’s gross domestic product. Do dream of visiting the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees or the golden monkeys? Rwanda primate safaris are the suitable package for you. Primates share over 99% of human genes which make them man’s close relatives. Our 5 Days Rwanda primate’s safari is a suitable package to visit and enjoy magical encounters with Rwanda’s primates. The humanlike characters of primates in their families make them a must on any Rwanda safari for a memorable experience. Primate trekking in Rwanda entails:

Mountain gorilla trekking
Done in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorilla trekking is the most done tour is activity in the land of a thousand hills. Rwanda is one of the three countries that shelter the endangered gorillas alongside Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park is home to over 350 mountain gorillas habituated into 10 gorilla families. Rwanda is second to Uganda in sheltering the high number of mountain gorillas. In 2017, Rwanda transformed into a luxury gorilla tour destination following the hike of their gorilla permit prices from $750 to $1500 each. 80 gorilla permits are available everyday in Rwanda served on first come first serve basis. Rwanda gorilla treks range from 1-Day gorilla tour to over 10 days Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari depending on the traveler’s budget and time. Rwanda gorilla groups include:
1. Amahoro Gorilla group
2. Susa A gorilla family
3. Sabyinyo Gorilla Group
4. Karisimbi Gorilla Group
5. Hirwa Gorilla Family
6. Agashya gorilla group
7. Kwitonda gorilla family
8. Titus Gorilla Group
9. Umubano gorilla family
10. Pablo Gorilla Family
Each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 travelers a day for an hour. Hove, trekking time to see gorillas can range between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, the travelers hiking speed and the movement seed of the gorillas. However, whether it takes short or long, travelers are 99% guaranteed a chance to meet the gorillas.

How to book a Rwanda gorilla safari
African Apes Holidays is your ultimate gorilla safari company to book and reserve your Rwanda gorilla tour. Contact us today, inform us about your travel dates and we shall arrange for you the best Rwanda gorilla package at affordable rates. Gorilla permit bookings in Uganda are recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. More so, you can book directly with Rwanda Development Board.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National park
Enjoy guided chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park with African Apes Holidays. Rwanda safaris to trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park Nyungwe Forest National Park are among the top most done activities in Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is done in the main forest home to over 60 individuals and in Cyamudongo Forest home to over 30 individuals. A Rwanda chimpanzee permit costs $100 inclusive of the park entrance fee and conservation fees. Besides chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest is home to other primates such as Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, Grey cheeked Mangabey, Red tailed monkeys, Golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, Silver monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Ruwenzori Colobus, and Hamlyn’s monkey. The other tourist activities to do in Nyungwe Forest include canopy walk, colubus trekking, bird watching, waterfall hiking, and forest/nature walks among others.

Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Do not miss golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. a permit to trek golden monkeys cost $100 which is relatively cheap compared to the gorillas in the same forest. Enjoy a magical encounter with the playful, lively and beautiful golden monkeys in their natural habitats. Volcanoes National Park is home o over 500 golden monkeys while the other population lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Fortunately, treks to see golden monkeys costs $100, which is quite cheap, compared to mountain gorillas in the same forest

Guidelines for Primate trekking in Rwanda
• You must carry a permit your respective primate permit
• Its not a guarantee to see primates especially in the major forest However you are 99% guaranteed
• Travelers to Cyamudongo Forest have high chances of seeing chimpanzees
• Trekking time ranges between 2 hours to 7 hours
• Do not trek when sick
• Keep a distance of seven meters away from the primates
• Avoid direct eye contact with the primates
• Do not litter in the park
• Keep your voice low

What to pack for primate trekking in Rwanda
Travelers visiting to trek primates in Rwanda are reminded to pack the essentials to avoid any difficulties while in the jungle. Among the things to carry for primate trekking in Rwanda include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes for easy movements through the jungle forests
2. Gardening gloves to cover and protect your hands
3. Sun glasses for the eyes
4. Hat for the head and hair for ladies
5. Insect repellants
6. Energy giving snacks
7. Log sleeved shirts and blouses
8. Long pants
9. Rain jackets/coats for the unpredictable forest rains
10. Warm sweaters and jackets
11. Extra batteries for the camera
12. First aid Kit.
Primate trekking in Rwanda offers you the best wildlife experience. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book a Rwanda safari to trek mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys at affordable rates.

You can now trek Rwanda’s mountain gorillas right from you sitting room! YES, even when the actual Rwanda gorilla safaris are temporarily suspended amidst the novel corona Virus pandemic, gorilla lovers can still visit and experience Rwanda mountain gorillas in their homes. The Virtual Reality Film that was launched by Rwanda Development Board gives you a chance to see and enjoy a moment with Rwanda gorillas without traveling to Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda’s Virtual reality film was launched on 22nd April 2020 when the world was celebrating Earth Day. Rwanda Development Board supported by the Ellen Fund, Habitat XR and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund established the new initiative.

Virtual Gorilla Tours in Rwanda

About the Virtual Reality Film
The Virtual reality film is as if real! The experience gives you a face-to-face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas on your screen in your sitting room. The film covers travelers starting up a trek to meet the gorillas through the thick jungles. On meeting gorillas, travelers are seen taking photos and capturing videos while observing and enjoying the human like characters of mountain gorillas in their families. The film shows you how gorillas feed, play, adult females nurse babies; silverbacks guard their families while juveniles play tirelessly to entertain and keep the whole family lively

Is there any cost to watch the Reality Film?
NO, Rwanda’s Virtual reality film is free of charge to all people e interested in seeing Rwanda’s gorillas. All you need are the personal VR headset and nothing more.

Platforms to Watch Virtual Reality Film
Wondering where to watch the Virtual Reality Film? No worries, the film can be viewed on Rwanda partner platform, which include VEER, Within, Samsung VR and Oculus among others. All these platforms are available online. For those on snapshot, the Virtual Reality Film can be viewed without a VR headset online.

How long is the Virtual Reality Film?
The VR film lasts for 5 minutes but the magical feeling it comes with is undeniably worth the time. If you want to have extended time with the endangered mountain gorillas, you can replay the video as many times as you wish to have enough of this magical experience.

Current state of Rwanda gorilla tours
Apparently, all Rwanda safaris to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National park, golden monkeys, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest are on halt. Rwanda was the first East African country to close her primate national Parks in a bid to prevent the endangered primates from catching the deadly Corona Virus. Similarly, all other forms of tourism activities and research activities in Rwanda are currently on lockdown. Fortunately, Rwanda relaxed its gorilla permit booking and cancellation policy to enable travelers to reschedule gorilla permits to any future date up to 2022 without any penalty.

Why the closure of primate parks in Rwanda?
The closure of primate national parks in Rwanda and the temporarily suspension of gorilla safaris and other wildlife experiences in Rwanda was meant to prevent the spread of the deadly Corona Virus to the endangered species. African Apes especially mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are close relatives to human beings, which make them susceptible to human illnesses especially the communicable diseases. In the past years, Africa has registered death in mountain gorillas due to common cold and flu transmitted from people. The fear of the spread of human to wildlife diseases is one reason why sick travelers are not allowed to trek gorillas and other primates.

Postcovid19 Rwanda safaris
There is hope for Postcovid19 Rwanda safaris in the near future. Yes, the tourism industry strongly believes in the continuity and resuming of Rwanda safaris after the defeat of the deadly virus. Travel operators and potential travelers are therefore advised to keep ready to enjoy the postcovid19 Rwanda safaris, which will then be fresh. All tourist activities in Rwanda including gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking, game safaris, mountain climbing, nature walks, city tours, golden monkey trekking, canopy walk and cultural tours among others will all resume operating in the near future.

How to book the Postcovid19 Rwanda safari
Contact African Apes Tours to book your Rwanda’s postcovid19 safari. We offer you tailor made gorilla trekking packages to Volcanoes National park complemented by other all other wildlife experiences to suit a travelers interests, time and budget. Having informed us about your travel dates, budget and interests, African Apes Holidays arrange for you a customized trip to offer you a memorable Africa safari experience.

Rwanda’s Virtual Reality film offers you a chance to visit gorillas in Volcanoes National Park from your living room. Take a chance today, tune in on any platform and enjoy a magical encounter with Rwanda’s gorillas at home.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has relaxed on its gorilla permit rescheduling and cancellation policy amidst closure of gorilla national Parks in Uganda due to Covid19. The new policy allows travelers and travel operators to reschedule mountain gorilla permits to a later date of convenience within 2 years to 2022. UWA’s relaxation of gorilla permit policy is meant to encourage postponement “Travel Tomorrow ” an avoid gorilla tour cancellations due to Covid19 pandemic. Travel operators can now reschedule gorilla permits in Uganda to any date till 2022 without facing any penalty.

Post Covid19 Uganda gorilla safaris
We hope for the continuity of post Covid19 Uganda gorilla safaris at a later date after the defeat of the deadly virus. Uganda is the best post covid19 gorilla safari destination given her low cost gorilla safaris, close connection from Rwanda to Uganda for short gorilla treks and gorilla trekking add-ons, which make Uganda a complete safari destination. Travelers are advised to keep ready for the exceptional post covid19 gorilla safaris in Uganda in the near future date. Gorilla Parks were closed to prevent the spread of corona virus to the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla share over 99% of human genes, which make them susceptible to communicable diseases, of which Corona Virus is among.

Gorilla Parks in Uganda
Uganda has 2 mountain gorilla parks both located in southwestern Uganda. The two gorilla parks in Uganda are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Forest is home to the highest number of gorilla families in the world (half of the world’s population). Bwindi Forest shelters 17 habituated gorilla families shared in 4 sectors that make up the national Park. The gorilla families in Bwindi Forest are Mubare family, Habinyanja gorilla group, Rushegura gorilla family, Nkuringo Family, Oruzogo Family, Nshongi Gorilla Family, Katwe family, Muyambi family, Christmas gorilla family, Bitukura Gorilla family, Kyaguliro gorilla family, Mishaya Gorilla Family, Bweza Gorilla group, Busingye Gorilla group, Kutu Gorilla family, Rwigi Gorilla Group, and Mucunguzi Gorilla Group. More 2 gorilla families i.e Bushaho and Bikyingi gorilla families are undergoing gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On other the hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters 1 gorilla family, Nyakagyezi Gorilla Family and it’s the only family in this park. Each gorilla family in Bwindi Forest National Park is visited by a group of 8 people.

Cost of Gorilla Tours in Uganda
Uganda gorilla tours cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. The gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 allowing a traveler to spend four hours with the endangered gorillas. African Apes Holidays help you to book and reserve gorilla permits saving you time and energy. Alternatively, you can book a Uganda gorilla permit directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority. Gorilla permit bookings are recommended at least 6 months prior the trekking date to encourage timely planning.

Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda
On the day of gorilla trekking, travelers are gathered at the respective park head quarters in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. The pre gorilla trekking briefing is about giving travelers a guide on gorilla trekking to ensure safety of the endangered gorillas. The guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda include among others:
• Do not trek when sick to protect the endangered gorillas
• Do not shout or speak loud in the presence of gorillas
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Do not touch the gorillas
• Do not look direct into the eyes of the mountain gorillas
• Do not litter in the park, leave only the footsteps
• Keep within your group; do not move alone in the jungle.
Conclusively, the relaxation of Uganda gorilla trekking permit policy is a good move to promote sustainable gorilla safaris in Uganda. Reschedule your gorilla permit to a future date and save gorilla tourism in Africa.

Apes are the most visited wild animals in Africa that no traveler should miss on his/her African safari. YES, the great apes of Africa attract the highest number of travelers from all over the world. Most travelers planning African Apes Tours have often asked where is the best place o see gorillas, chimpanzees and other apes in Africa. Are you among the people who wonder where is the best place to see Apes? No worries, African Apes Tours & Travel has got you covered. We bring the full list of places to see apes in Africa and go a head to tailor make for you a suitable package to see and spend time with the endangered apes in their natural habitats. The magical feeling of looking direct into the eyes of the silverback gorillas, seeing chimpanzees live together in their communities make Ape safaris the best wildlife experiences in Africa.

Examples of Apes
Wondering the examples of the apes?, Well, Apes in Africa include mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, humans and Gibbon. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are the most visited apes in Africa. Check the best places to see apes with African Apes Holidays:

Apes Tours in Uganda
Sheltering half of the world’s mountain gorillas, Uganda is the top apes safari destination in Africa and the whole world. The pearl of Africa is home to 19 habituated gorilla families 18 of which live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park while 1 lives in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mountain gorilla trekking is the most done tourist activity in Uganda, which bring in the highest number of travelers into the country. A Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for east African residents. More so, Uganda is the center of experimental gorilla habituation experience which gives travelers chance to take part in the training of wild gorillas making them get used to people. A gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 allowing travelers to spend four hours with the gorillas. Uganda gorilla safaris starts from Entebbe International airport with a full day drive to Bwindi Forest/Mgahinag Gorilla National Parks. Alternatively, you can fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross to Uganda via Katuna or Cyanika border to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest. Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla trekking is the best option for travelers with limited time.

More so, Uganda is home to the highest population of chimpanzees in East Africa. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda takes place in Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of Africa. Other places to visit chimpanzees in Uganda include Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park. If you want to learn more about he chimpanzees, book a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest National Park.

Rwanda Apes Safaris
Rwanda ranks second best apes destination in Africa. Rwanda is second to Uganda in sheltering the highest number of mountain gorillas habituated in Volcanoes National Park. Since 2017, Rwanda transformed into a luxury gorilla safari destination following a double increase 0f Rwanda gorilla permits prices to $1500 each. Rwanda is home to 10 habituated gorilla families.
Do you want to visit the chimpanzees in Rwanda? Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. A chimpanzee permit in Rwanda costs $100 valid for an hour.

Congo Gorillas & Apes Safari
If you want to have the off beaten Apes safari experience, then Congo is your ultimate apes destination. The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorillas sheltered in Virunga National Park. A Congo gorilla safari also entails visiting the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Congo is the least visited gorilla tour destination, which give travelers a less interrupted gorilla encounter. A Congo gorilla permit costs $45 hence the best option for budget travelers.
Chimpanzee trekking in Congo takes place in Mahura Forest, Lwiro Chimpanzee sanctuary, Virunga National park and Jeunes Animaux Confisques au Katanga.
Still in Congo, visit the LolaYa Bonobo to see the endangered bonobos feeding, resting and playing. Bonobos are the closest relatives to people compared to all other apes.

Cross-river Gorillas in Nigeria & Cameroon
Visit the Montane forests of Cameroon and Nigeria to trek the endangered Cross-river gorillas. Scientifically called Gorilla gorilla diehli, Cross River gorillas are a subspecies of the western gorillas. The gorilla specie is critically endangered with between 200 to 300 individuals left in the whole world. The major threats to the survival of cross-river gorillas are habitat loss, civil conflicts and poaching.
Other places to see Apes include Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola and Central African Republic

Guide to Ape safaris in Africa
Having known where to see Apes in Africa, start planning for your African Apes Holiday. Firstly, confirm the availability of permits based on which apes you are interested in visiting. Check with responsible government conservation bodies to confirm availability of permits. To make permit bookings easier, African Apes Tours does it for you. More so, confirm the availability of you desired accommodation for food and sleeping services. Your lodge/hotel/Camp should be near your trekking area. Physical exercises to ensure fitness. Trekking to see Apes in the jungle is an adventurous, tiresome and strenuous activity, which requires physical fitness. Also, ensure to pack the right attire for trekking. Your ape trekking packing list should include:
1. Hiking Boots/shoes to easily walk through the jungle
2. Gardening gloves to protect your hands
3. Rain jacket in case it rains
4. Sun glasses for your eyes
5. Hat for your head and hair for ladies
6. First aid Kit
7. Insect repellants
8. Energy giving snacks
9. Bottled drinking water
10. Long pants tucked into the boots
11. Scarf and warm sweaters
12. Long sleeved shirts & blouse

While with the apes, travelers are also reminded to follow the guidelines as put by conservation bodies in respective countries. Among the rules and regulations of apes trekking in Africa include:
• Keep a distance of at least 7 meters away from the apes to avoid the spread of human apes diseases
• Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas and other apes. It makes uncomfortable
• Do not use flashlight cameras. It terrifies them
• Do not touch the apes
• Keep your voices low
• Do not trek when sick. Apes are susceptible to human illnesses
• Do not litter in the park. Leave only the footsteps
African Apes Tours offers you the best encounter with gorillas, chimpanzees, Bonobos and other apes in the jungle forests of Africa. Contact us today, book your Apes Safari and enjoy the magical encounter.

Uganda Wildlife Authority is celebrating the birth of 2 baby gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Parkamidst the lockdown. The baby gorillas were born to Muyambi and Nshongi gorilla families on April 25th and 1st May. Apparently, the sexes of baby gorillas are not yet known due to the tight monitoring of babies by their parents. Baby gorillas were discovered by park rangers in Bwindi Forest National Park while doing the daily survey of gorillas in the national park. The birth of new baby gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park is a success story of gorilla conservation efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the general public. The baby gorillas have added on the total number of gorillas in Bwindi Forest, Uganda and Africa as a whole. Kabagyenyi, the mother and Bweza the father of the baby gorilla in Nshongi gorilla family were seen tightly guarding their baby against any external attack. In Muyambi gorilla family, Muyambi silverback and the baby mama plus the entire family were seen soothing and warming the new family member. The birth of new baby gorillas gives hope for continous gorilla safaris in Uganda

Current State of gorilla tourism in Uganda
As of 11th May 2020, all Uganda gorilla safaris and reach activities in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Par are on a temporary suspension. The two gorilla national parks were closed in March 2020 following the outbreak of the deadly Corona Virus, which is so infectious to the endangered gorillas. Travel operators and travelers were advised to postpone all trips to a further date to prevent gorillas from catching this deadly Virus. Fortunately, Uganda Wildlife Authority relaxed its gorilla permit cancelation policy allowing travel operators to reschedule their permit to any desired date up to 2022 without facing any penalty.

About Nshongi gorilla family
Nshongi gorilla family was the first gorilla group habituated in Rushaga gorilla family in southern sector of Bwindi Forest National Park. Nshongi was at first the biggest gorilla family inn Bwindi Forest that comprised of over 35 members. Un fortunately, the gorilla group kept on splitting and it currently as 9member. The new baby is therefore the 10th member of Nshongi gorilla group. Most of the Nshongi gorilla family is members were lost to external attacks from other families who grab some members and others lost to natural death.

About Muyambi Gorilla Family
Muyambi is a newly introduced gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which was opened, or trekking in 2019. Muyambi is the dominant silverback that heads other 5 members. Altogether, Muyambi gorilla family has 6 members. Muyambi family split from Mubare gorilla family in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Muyambi was one of the former adult males in Mubare family who got disagreements with his dad. The baby Maama in Muyambi family was formerly a member of a wild gorilla family in Bwindi Forest.

Gorilla Conservation in Bwindi Forest
For the last 25 years, mountain gorilla conservation in Bwindi Forest has been a success story. Uganda Wildlife Authority has seen a steady increase in the number of mountain gorillas. Bwindi Forest is home to over 500 members, which make it home to half of the world’s total gorilla population. Bwindi is home to 18 habituated for gorilla trekking available for trekking. Gorillas in Bwindi Forest are split in four sectors, which are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south. Gorilla families in Bwindi Forest include:
• Mubare Gorilla Family
• Habinyanja Gorilla family
• Rushegura Gorilla Family
• Nshongi Gorilla Family
• Bweza Gorilla Group
• Bitukura Gorilla Family
• Bushaho Gorilla Family
• Katwe Gorilla Group
• Nkuringo Gorilla Family
• Mishaya Gorilla Group
• Christmas Gorilla Family
• Kahungye Gorilla Family
• Oruzogo Gorilla Group
• Busingye Gorilla Family
• Kyaguliro Gorilla Group
• Bikyingi Gorilla Group
• Mukiza Gorilla Family
• Kutu Gorilla Group
• Mucunguzi Gorilla Group

Bwindi Forest is a center of gorilla habituation experience done in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi. Bikyingi and Bushaho gorilla families are currently undergoing training. A gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 to spend four hours with the gorillas.

Gorilla permits prices in Bwindi Forest
Given the high number of gorilla families, Bwindi ha the highest gorilla permits availability in Africa. Uganda gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority @700 for foreign non residents, 600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. African Apes Tours help you book and reserve gorilla permits and packages to Bwindi Forest at affordable rates. Gorilla Permit bookings in Uganda is recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning.

The birth of two-baby gorilla in Bwindi Forest is a great achievement for Uganda Tourism. Book a past Covid19 Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest and get a chance to meet the adorable baby gorillas.

Call it Corona Virus or Covid19, the pandemic has affected people word wide since December 2019 when the first case was reported in Wuhan China. The virus has been unknown to the world before 2019. Since then Corona Virus has spread like wildlife infecting and killing millions of people in almost all countries across the globe. The world Health Organization confirmed Corona Virus as pandemic given the infectious nature of the disease. Apparently, all travels across borders have been restricted to contain the spread of this deadly Virus. All National and international airports plus border points are currently closed to stop people from moving from one place to another to combat the spread of the virus. Most governments have locked down all businesses and movements in their countries to limit the spread of the disease.

Symptoms of Corona Virus
The symptoms of Corona Virus may take 14 day (2 weeks) to show. One can freely live for 2 weeks without noticing that he or she has the Virus. Research tells that over 80% of people infected with Corona Virus get healed without going to the hospital. Out of the 5 people who get infected, only 1 gets seriously ill Among the common symptom of Covid19 include:
1. Fever
2. Dry cough
3. Headache
4. Loss of taste
5. Tiredness
6. Sore throat
7. Skin rash
8. Headache
9. Aches
10. Pains

Any person who experiences the above symptoms is advised to visit a medical center for check up.

People Likely to get Corona Virus
Whereas any person of any kind can get infected with the deadly Corona Virus, some categories of people are vulnerable to get Covid19 than the others. The group of people at a high risk of Corona Virus includes the elderly whose immunity is weak; others include those with high blood pressures, heart problems, Lung problem, cancer and any person with a serious illness.

When to visit the doctor?
Much as people with no symptoms such as cough and cold are told to self isolate for 14 days, its better to visit the doctor as soon as you develop any serious unusual health condition. People experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, throat soars, loss of speech and shortage of breath are advised to seek medical attention.

How does Covid19 Spread?
Corona Virus mainly spreads through small droplets of saliva or mucus from the nose. When a person infected with cough or flu sneezes, speaks or coughs near you, droplets are likely to fall on you or nearby object such as a table, doorknobs, and handrails. The Virus spread through these droplets and can stay live on an object for 5 days. Avoid touching dry surfaces and keep a distance of at least 4 meters from infected people.

How to prevent Corona Virus?
In order to prevent the spread of deadly Corona Virus from one person to another, World Health Organization has recommended measures. The effective ways of protecting your self and others against Corona Virus include:
• Keep a distance of 4 meters from another
• War face masks covering your nose and mouth
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap
• Sanitize all surfaces such as tables, chairs, and door knobs among others
• Avoid hand shake
• Avoid crowded places (any place with large crowds)
• Avoid touching soft parts, nose, eyes and mouth
• Visit the doctor when you feel any kind of sickness

About Self Isolation
People who show symptoms of corona Virus are advised to self isolate from other for 14 days. You can do this at your home or at the hospital you go for check up. People under quarantine or self-isolation are advised to keep away from other people, keep monitoring their symptoms, Place beds at least 1 meter from each other and wash hands regularly with soap or sanitize.

Apparently, thee is no approved medicine for Covid19. The Virus is still a threat to the lives of all people across the globe. Pay attention to the health guidelines as recommended by the World Health Organization, keep positive and with God we shall overcome.

Uganda, the Pearl of Africa is naturally endowed with numerous tourist attractions located in all corners of the country. Everywhere you go in Uganda, something magical awaits you!. However, some tourist attractions and activities have outcompeted the others. These are the MUST visit for every traveler on a Uganda Safari. Among the Must Visit travel attractions in Uganda include among others:

• Mountain Gorillas
Inhabited in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mountain gorillas are the iconic attractions in Uganda. Over 60% of travelers to Uganda visit to trek gorillas rewarding them with a lifetime experience. Mountain gorilla trekking is ranked as the best wildlife experience in the world, a dream come true for most travelers on African Safaris. Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, which make it the premier gorilla safari destination. Uganda gorilla permits cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. A gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 allowing you to spend four hours with the gorillas.

• Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee safaris are among top safari experiences in Uganda. YES, a chimpanzee trekking safari to Kibale Forest offers you a close encounter with the man’s closest relatives in their natural habitats. Other places to see chimpanzees in Uganda are Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, and Kalinzu Forest. A Uganda chimpanzee trekking permit costs $200 for Foreign non residents, $150 for foreign residents, and UGX 150,000 for East African Residents. All bookings are done through African Apes Holidays or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

• Game Safaris
Go game viewing in the open savannah parks of Uganda. African Apes Tours offer you guided game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Semliki Valley National Park. Morning and evening game drives offer you spectacular views of various wild animals such as buffalos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Giraffes, Uganda Kobs, Waterbucks, Warthog’s, Impalas, Hippos and Hyenas among others.

• Mountain Climbing
Join our adventurous Uganda mountaineering safaris to the summit of Mount Rwenzori (Mountains of the moon), Mt Elgon and the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Hike to the snowcapped Margarita peak of Mt Rwenzori which offers you scenic views of local communities, Virunga Volcanoes, National Parks and all attractions in the neighboring countries. A 10 Days Mount Rwenzori hiking safari is the recommended package to reach the summit of this iconic mountain.

• Golden Monkeys
Visit to see the endangered golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park southwestern Uganda. It’s only in Mgahinga that travelers get a close encounter with the playful and lively golden monkeys. A permit to trek golden monkeys in Uganda costs $100 inclusive of par entrance fees, conservation, and rangers fee. Golden monkey trekking starts at the Ntebeko information center preceded by a simple briefing. African Apes Tours & Travel helps you book a golden money trekking tour at affordable rates. If you have limited time, you can fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross to Mgahinga via Cyanika border in Kisoro district.

• Birds
Being home to over 1070 bird species, Uganda is a premier bird-watching destination in Africa. The Pearl of Africa is home to the famous shoebills stork mostly seen in Mabamba wetland short distance from Entebbe International Aiport. The top birding spots in Uganda include Bwindi Forest, Kazinga channel Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Semliki Valley, Lake Bunyonyi, Mabira Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The iconic birds in Uganda include Handsome Francolin, Blue qual, Common quail, Yellow cheeked Francolin, Moorland Francolin, Crested Francolin, Jackson’s Francolin, Scaly Francolin, Orange River Francolin, African Jacana, Black bee-eater, Ituri Batis, Masked Apalis, Olive Long-tailed cuckoo, yellow-billed stork, Papyrus gonolok,, red chested owlet and white-naped pigeon.

• Culture
Uganda’s diverse cuture is an exceptional safari package worth exploring on your Uganda safari. Uganda is comprised of over 50 tribes each of which is different in terms of culture, norms and traditions. The most visited cultural communities in Uganda are the Batwa pygmies who are the former dwellers of Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These very short people lived for 1000s of years with wild animals especially the mountain gorillas in harmony. Batwa depended fully on the forests for hunting, fruit gathering and the honey collection as their source of food and livelihood. However, after the introduction of gorilla trekking in Uganda, Batwa pygmies were relocated to the forest borders where they currently. The Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park gives you a clear understanding of Batwa’s traditional forest life. More so, visit Kamajongo pastoralists in Kidepo Valley National Park to enjoy and experience their traditions and norms.

The above-listed tourist attractions are a must-visit for every traveler on a Uganda safari if you want to have a memorable experience. Contact African Apes Tours today, book your Uganda safari, and enjoy the natural beauty of Africa’s Pearl.

Up in the high Virunga Mountains at the borders of Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda lives the great giants the mountain Gorillas. They live in Bwindi impenetrable forest, Volcanoes and Virunga National Parks. They live in large groups/families led by a dominant male known as a silverback, which directs the rest on the day-to-day activities as the adult females dominate the young ones. The gorilla’s gestation period is about 8.5 months and gives birth to one or two babies just like human beings. This normally happens once in four years and that’s why their number hardly grows. The baby gorillas weigh half of the human babies at the time of their birth with about 2.5kgs. Female Gorillas are grown by age six and can mate while males are mature at age ten. At this stage, their backs start turning grey and they start rebelling dominant silverback and leave the group to start their own families/group.
A large percentage of the young gorillas normally die due to accidents in the kind of environment they live in and also due to the death or departure of the dominant silverback in the group. A new dominant silverback in the group normally kills the young babies to keep its genes only in the group.

Diet of the Gorillas
Gorillas’ daily meals consist of roots, leaves stems and fruits. They are naturally vegetarian though they occasionally feed on ants and insects. The bamboo shoots are their greatest diet in particular times of the year. A mature male gorilla can eat up to 20 kgs of green vegetation a day and the silverback normally enjoy the greatest opportunity and rights to feed more than the rest.

Breeding in Gorillas
The dominant silverback has mating rights over all the males in the group; it is criminal for other makes to have sex with females and could cause fights.

The social life of the Gorillas
Gorillas begin their day in the early morning hours at around 6:30 when they can see and start their feeding in this time till they around the mid-morning hours and take some rest to digest their full bellies in the afternoon. The mature gorillas lie as they rest as the juveniles continue to play running around in the watch of the silverback. They sleep in nests constructed in the evening hours by each of them. The babies stay with their mums in their nests until around age three when they become a little independent from their mothers.

Gorilla Habituation and tracking
Habituation of gorillas involves getting them used to the presence of human beings. They are trained to maintain their natural behavior even in the presence of visitors that come to visit them. Mountain gorilla habituation experience is only done in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The 2-3 years experience is an extended version of gorilla trekking and it’s the first stage all gorilla families go through before they are opened for trekking. A single permit for gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Gorilla tracking has become one of the biggest tourist activities in the East African region especially in Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo where the Gorillas live.

Where to do gorillas live?
Mountain gorillas reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Conservation Area shared by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. It’s only in these four national parks that travelers can visit and trek the endangered mountain gorillas. These four National Parks shelter 1006 mountain gorillas half of which live in Bwindi Forest National Park. Altogether, there are 36 habituated gorilla families in the whole world, 18 families in Uganda, 10 in Rwanda and 8 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking in both destinations is exceptional but you can trek in both countries for comparisons.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Africa
The costs of gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is not static. Each gorilla tour itinerary comes with different costs based on where you trek the gorillas, how many days, which kind of accommodation you choose and the number of people in your group. Regarding the cost of gorilla permits; Rwanda apparently sells the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 each. In Uganda, gorilla permit prices depend on a traveler’s nationality. A Uganda gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. The Democratic Republic of Congo sells the cheapest gorilla permits at $450 each making it the best gorilla safari destination for budget travelers.

Best Time to Visit gorillas
Dry season in the months of June, July, August, and December through February is the best time to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. During this time, there are less or no rains which make it easy to trek through the jungles. Travelers intending to trek gorillas in the dry season are advised to book for permits early due to high demand. However, you can trek gorillas in the wet season in the months of March. April, May, October, and November. Trekking in the wet season is a real adventure with difficult hikes through jungle forests. Fortunately, service provides such as lodges, hotels and transport companies normally give discounted services in the low season to encourage travel.

Gorilla Permit bookings
African Apes Tours helps  you book and reserve gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Booking a gorilla permit through African Apes Holidays saves you time and hustles associated with permit bookings. After telling us about your desired travel dates, we check with UWA the availability of permits and reserve for you. Gorilla permit calls for a deposit fee of 30% and the balance is required 3 months to the trekking date. Alternatively, gorilla permit booing can be done directly with responsible bodies, which are Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda and the management of Virunga National Park.
A visit to these endangered apes in their natural habitat is a lifetime experience that you must include on your bucket list.

Its wise to first learn the rules and regulations governing the national parks of Uganda before confirming any Uganda safari. Yes, upcoming travelers are expected to follow the rules and regulation of Uganda national Parks to avoid embarrassment. More so, travel operators MUST these rules so as to give right answers to travelers incase they are asked during the booking time. The Uganda Park rules were put by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure smooth flow of tourist activities in each park and wellbeing of travelers and wildlife, which promote sustainable tourism in the Pearl of Africa. These rules are renewed after every two years. African Apes Tours & Travel brings you details of rules and regulations guiding national parks in Uganda. These include:
• Do not Camp or make campfires except at the designated sites
• Do not drive off tracks in the park
• Do not disturb wildlife (Do not sound motor horns ) in the park
• Do not drive in the park beyond7:00pm and 7:00am. Driving beyond this time is only allowed to those doing night game drives
• Do not bring pets (dogs, cats and other pets) into the park
• Do not litter in the park
• Do not bring firearms or ammunitions into the park
• Do not pic flowers or any other plant from the park. Take only memories when leaving Uganda national Parks
• Do not
• Speed the driving speed limit at 40 kilometers per hour
• Keep all official receipts safe. You will be asked to present them anytime for inspection.
More, Uganda has got rules regulating gorilla trekking, chimpanzee and other primate trekking experiences in primate national Parks. The primate rules and regulations apply before setting off and after meeting primates.
Before setting off
1. You Must carry your valid permit
2. Travelers below 15 years are not allowed to trek primates
3. Do not visit primates when sick or with any sign of flue, cold and cough
4. A group of eight travelers only visit a gorilla/chimpanzee permit
5. Keep within your group
6. Follow the guide of your park ranger
7. Keep voices low, do not speak loud while in the jungle

Trekking rules when you are with the primates
1. Keep a distance of seven meters way from the gorillas and chimpanzees
2. Do not use flashlight cameras to take photographs
3. Do not eat or drink in the presence of gorillas/chimpanzees
4. Do not look direct into the eyes of the gorillas or chimpanzees
5. Turn back your faces when sneezing or coughing
6. Spend strictly one hour with the gorillas/chimpanzees
7. Do not smoke in the presence of gorillas/chimpanzees
8. Do not touch or come in close contact with chimps/gorillas

Other Key Things to Note when in Uganda National Parks
Having mastered the rules and regulations in Uganda National Parks, travelers are furthered asked to note the following:
• All travelers are required to present valid identification document such as national identity cards, passports and passport photos. Those trekking gorillas or primates MUST present valid trekking permits
• A day’s entrance ticket is valid for twenty-four hours. A traveler spending more than 24 hours in the park will be asked to pay for other 24 hours
• The category of children are those below 15 years old
• Entrance fees are independent of package activities such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and mountaineering among others.

Park entrance fees to Uganda National Park
Each National Park has a different park entrance fee depending on which activities a traveler intends to do. All fees are paid to Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Bwindi Forest National Park entrance fee depend on which activity done. Gorilla trekking cost are $700 for foreign non-residents $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Birding watching in Bwindi costs $30 for foreign nonresidents, $30 for foreign residents and UGX 10,000 for East African residents
Gorilla Habituation experience costs $1500 for foreign residents $1000 for foreign residents and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens
A batwa trail in Bwindi Forest costs $40 for foreign non residents, $40 for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 for East African residents while in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park it costs $80 for half day.

Park Entrance fees FNR FR EAC (UGX)
Murchison Falls National Park $40 $30 20,000
Kidepo Valley National Park $40 $30 20,000
Queen Elizabeth National Park $40 $30 20.000
L.Mburo National Park $40 $30 20,000
Kibale Forest National Park $200 $150 150,000
Mt Rwenzori National Park $55 $25 15,000
Having a wide knowledge about the rules and regulations of Uganda national park, entrance fees and all other information is key for everyone planning a Uganda. Contact  African Apes Tours for more travel advice to Uganda.

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

Gorilla Safari Inclusions

• Mountain gorilla permits

Uganda gorila permit

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

• En route Meals

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

• Full-time English Speaking guide

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

• Accommodation and meals

Luxury Room in Bwindi Forest

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

• Bottled drinking water

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

• Company Service fee

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

• All other activities indicated in the itinerary

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

• Miscellaneous

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

Gorilla Tour cost exclusions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who is eligible to Trek gorillas

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

Reasons for Gorilla Trekking Age Limit

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

Gorillas are endangered species

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

Susceptible to human diseases

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

Forested nature of gorilla national parks

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

Playful behaviors of children

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

Who else is eligible to trek gorillas?

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

Valid gorilla permits

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

Physical fitness

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

What about the elderly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also known as CHEX, chimpanzee habituation experience is a full day hands-on experience with wild chimpanzees in the jungle. Yes, chimpanzee habituation experience is an experimental process of training wild chimpanzees to get accustomed to people around them. The experience is the advanced or extended chimpanzee trekking experience. Travelers spend a full day learning, training, taming and enjoying the company of their close relatives. Whereas most people have mistaken chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation experiences to be similar, the two activities are quite different. Chimpanzee habituation experience is the first stage that chimpanzees go through before they are opened to travelers for trekking. It’s a 2-3 years training process of wild chimpanzees to make them get used to people. Unlike in chimpanzee trekking where a traveler is only an observer, chimpanzee habituation experience gives a traveler chance to be an active participant.

Difference between CHEX and chimpanzee trekking
Whereas the two experiences are related, the two are different in some way. Chimpanzee habituation experience is the first step in which chimps are tamed ad trained to make them ready for trekking while chimpanzee trekking is the actual encounter with the already habituated chimpanzees. Moreso, chimpanzee habituation is a full day encounter with gorillas while chimpanzee trekking lasts for an hour. CHEX is, therefore, an extended version of chimpanzee trekking. Regarding the number of people allowed, only four people are allowed to habituate one chimpanzee community unlike the 8 people allowed in trekking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other places to trek chimps in Uganda
The other chimpanzee tour destinations in Uganda include Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park and Kalinzu Forest. The trekking experience in each destination is different and exceptional and so as the prices.
Conclusively, chimpanzee habituation experience is a lifetime experience you ought to enjoy. Book a Uganda primates tour to Kibale Forest National Park and be part of the full day chimpanzee habituation experience with African Apes Tours & Travel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Formation of the Zziwa Rhino sanctuary

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

Cost of Rhino tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary

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

What to pack for Rhino tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary?

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

Other activities to do at Zziwa Rhino sanctuary

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

Rules and Regulations of Rhino Tracking at Zziwa Sanctuary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The choice of accommodation services is one of the key essentials when planning a gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest. YES, you ought to stay in a safe and comfortable lodge during your gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest National Park. The fact that it has become a center point g gorilla safaris in Africa, Bwindi forest has a variety of lodges/accommodation facilities to serve travelers on Uganda gorilla tours with luxury, midrange and budget food and sleeping services. During gorilla safari bookings, travelers are given a list of lodges/camos and hotels in Bwindi Forest National Park to choose from. The lodges in Bwindi are split in the four gorilla regions of the forest I.e Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. The selection of which gorilla lodge to stay in Bwindi will depend on which gorilla region you are visiting. Ensure to book a lodge in the same gorilla sector you are trekking in. Lodge services are categorized as luxury, midrange, and budget. The services and prices vary depending on the category service but all services in all lodges are excellent and worth the money. African Apes Tours  brings you brings a full list of top lodges, camps and hotels in Bwindi Forest National Park to offer you a peaceful stay on your Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest National Park.

Gorilla Lodges in Buhoma sector

Located in the northern region of Bwindi Forest National Park, Buhoma is known to have the finest gorilla lodges in Bwindi Forest. All lodges rea located a short distance to the park headquarters which ease connection when going for pre gorilla trekking briefing. All lodges are self-contained with private balconies and great views of the forest.
The top lodges in Buhoma sector include
1. Mahogany Springs Lodge
2. Buhoma Lodge
3. Silverback Gorilla Lodge
4. Lake Kitandara Lodge
5. Bwindi Forest Lodge
6. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
7. Crested Crane Bwindi Lodge
8. Engagi Lodge
9. Buhoma Community Camp

Top Lodges in Rushaga sector

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

Lodges in Ruhija Sector

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

Lodges in Nkuringo Sector

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

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

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

Gorilla families in Buhoma sector

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

Gorilla families in Rushaga sector

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

Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector

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

Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Sector

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

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

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

Bisate Lodge

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

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

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

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

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

Virunga Lodge

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

Other Lodges in Volcanoes National Park include:

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

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

Why protect primates?

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

Expected tourism losses

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

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

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

Wondering what else you can on your gorilla trekking safari to Africa? No worries. Whereas most travelers on African safaris consider gorilla tours as their first priority, Africa offers much more than gorillas. YES, African Apes Tours gives you a detailed list of the gorilla trekking add-ons to ensure much more fun and enjoyable gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Complementing your gorilla tour with other wildlife activities make your safari magical and life-changing. In most cases, travelers who have long safaris often ask which other activities they can partake. The recommended gorilla trekking add-ons by African Apes Tours include among others:

Chimpanzee trekking

Yes, chimpanzee trekking ranks second after gorilla trekking. For those who have done it before, a close encounter with chimpanzees in the jungle is a magical feeling that lasts for a lifetime. The top chimpanzee trekking destinations in Africa include Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura gorge in Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda. Chimpanzees are the closest relatives to people sharing over 99% of human genes. Enjoy the human-like characters of chimpanzees where the adult male guards the family like a father in a human home, adult females nurse babies while juveniles continuously play entertaining other family members. Like in gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking starts with registration and briefing at the respective park headquarters. Travelers are required to follow the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking such as keeping a distance of seven meters away, avoiding direct eye contact, avoid using flashlight cameras, do not litter in the park, do not shout. If you want to spend extended time with chimpanzees, book a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest National Park Uganda. Fortunately, the costs of chimpanzee trekking are quite less compared to gorillas hence the best option for budget travelers. Chimpanzee permit booking is recommended as early as 5 months prior directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board or indirectly through African Apes Tours your number one safari company.

Game Viewing (Game Drives)

Go game viewing in the open savannah parks of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania with Magical Africa Safaris. Morning, evening and night game drives through savannah grasses give great views of numerous wild animals grazing, hunting, and browsing. Expect to see various wild animals such as elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, Oribis, Topis, Elands, Waterbucks, Buffalos, Hippos, Kobs, Cheetahs, Leopards, Warthogs, Hyenas and wildebeests among others. The top places for game viewing in Uganda include Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Park. In Rwanda, game viewing is done in Akagera National Park. Do not miss visiting the famous tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector, south of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Golden Monkey trekking

A trek to see golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a not miss on you gorilla safari to Uganda or Rwanda. The golden fur on the backs and playful characters distinguish this monkey specie from others. Travelers are required to book and secure golden monkey permits at a cost of $100 in both Uganda and Rwanda. Golden monkeys are one of the critically endangered species in the jungle as listed by IUCN on the red list of endangered species.

Cultural tours

Spare time and visit the indigenous local communities in Africa for an experimental cultural experience. The most visited cultural groups are the batwa pygmies living adjacent to all gorilla parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Also, the IK people in karamoja regions of Uganda near Kidepo Valley National Park are a must visit on your Uganda safari to northeastern Uganda. A batwa cultural trail done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park tells you about the traditional forest life of batwa pygmies before the introduction of gorilla tourism. Enjoy and take part in traditional local activities such as hunting, preparing local food, searching for medicinal plants and collecting honey among others. Visit the Manyattas of the K’ Jongs, learn about their pastoral life and have fun.

Mountaineering/Mountain Climbing

Enjoy a hike to the summit of any one Mountain in Africa. A hike to snow-capped Magherita peak of Mount Rwenzori, Mt Elgon or any one of the Virunga Volcanoes is a memorable experience. Join a hike to the summit of active Nyiragongo Volcano to peep into the boiling lava lake. Among the things to pack for mountaineering safari in Africa include hiking boots, gardening gloves, bottled drinking water, hiking gears and energy giving drinks. A climbing stick and porter are essential in ensuring a successful volcano hiking experience.

Bird watching

Ensure to add a birding trip on your gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Birds in Volcanoes National Park include Red backed shrike, Blue spotted wood dove, Baglafecht weaver, Cinnamon checked bee-eater and Bateleur. Birds in Bwindi Forest National park include Chapins flycatcher, Regal sunbird, Montane Oriole, Handsome francolin, Rwenzori Batis, strange weaver, and Dusky Tinspot. Birds in Virunga National Park include African Olive Pigeon, Grey throated barbet, Angolan swallow, tropical boubou, alpine swift and Papyrus yellow warbler among others. Our experienced birding guides will help you spot different bird species. Bird watching is best done in the morning and evening hours during a forest/nature walk.

Mountain gorilla trekking add-ons make your whole gorilla trekking experience much more memorable. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel, book gorilla trekking, and the add-ons to have a memorable African experience.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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