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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel to Kidepo Valley National Park and explore the long-forgotten Eden, Africa’s Hidden gem. Tucked away in northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is undeniably an out the ordinary places in Africa, Uganda’s finest and most isolated parks. The park is one of the least visited national parks in Uganda which has kept it virgin and natural to offer you a fresh feeling of the natural environment with an off beaten kind of experience. Those who have visited the park before review Kidepo Valley National ark as Africa’s mysterious destination with a high concentration of every wondrous aspect in the continent. The combination of wildlife, geographical spectacles and a multitude of local cultures make Kidepo Valley National Park a must-visit on your Uganda Safaris. the park is known to have the biggest herds of buffalos, elephants, jackson’s hartebeest, bus dikers, Defassa waterbucks and zebras among others which make game viewing excellent in this park. Kidepo Valley Nationa Park is bordered by south Sudan and Kenya and its Uganda’s most isolated National Park. The park spreads over 1,442 square kilometers bisected by Kidepo and Narus Rivers. Vegetation in Kidepo Valley National Park comprises of grey-haired acacia, shrubs, climax grassland, trees, swamps, and savannah woodlands. African Apes Tours  gives you a guide to Kidepo Valley National Park, attractions, activities, accommodation, getting there, the best time to visit, and wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park among others.

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

Game viewing in Kidepo

Game drives in the Narus Valley give you the chance to experience and enjoy the natural beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park. Game safaris in Kidepo give you a chance to see the best that the wilderness can offer. while on your game drives, expect to see numerous wild animals such as Expect to see numerous animals such as elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, Uganda kobs, deers, Black-backed jackals, bat-eared fox, Caracal, leoprads, African hunting dogs, Topis, Elands, Orbis, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Hippos, striped hyena, Beisa Oryx, and Grants’s gazelles among others. The best time for game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park is at 6:00am and 4:00 pm to catch p with animals feeding before retiring for day and night rests respectively. Also, enjoy the Kidepo Valley drive to Kanangorok hot springs through the dry savannahs making your whole experience magical and memorable.

Bird watching

Birds in Kidepo Valley Park

With over 470 bird species, Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s second-best bird watching spot after Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to 60 bird species which are nonexistent in any other Ugandan park. The park hosts migratory birds from Europe and Asia in the months of November and April. The birds in Kidepo Valley National Park include Dark Chanting Goshawk, Kori Bustard, Little bee-eater, Ostrich, Red and Yellow barbet, Abyssinian roller, Purple grenadier, Black-breasted barbet, Greater Kestrel, Jackson’s hornbill, Rufous Chatter, Pygmy falcon. Golden Pipit, Rose ringed parakeet, Chestnut weaver and Northern carmine bee-eater. March to April is the best time for bird watching in Kidepo Valley National Park. November and April is the best time to see migratory birds in Kidepo Valley Park. However, birding in the park can be done all year round. Ostriches are beautiful birds you should not miss on your birding safari to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Cultural Tours – IK people

IK people in Kidepo Park

Move out to meet and interact with the indigenous IK people for greater cultural performance. IK people live in the hill of Morungole ranges and were named by UNESCO as an endangered tribe of people. Beekeeping and animal grazing are the major economic activities of IK people. Teenage pregnancies and marriage are very common among the IK people where parents marry off their daughters at a tender age in exchange for cows. An overnight camp in the IK Manyattas gives you the chance to learn more about their traditions norms, beliefs and cultures. A traditional dance is a not miss on your visit to the IK people.

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

Kanangorok Hot springs

Kanangorok Hotsprings

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

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

Accommodation in Kidepo Valley National Park

Apoka Safari Lodge

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

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

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

Book a Uganda safari to Kidepo Valley National Park and explore Africa’s true wilderness with African Apes Tours & Travel

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

Mountain Gorillas

Gorillas in Uganda

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

Chimpanzees

Chimps in Kibale Forest

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

Rwenzori Mountains

Rwenzori Mountains

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

Game safaris

Zebras in L.Mburo Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spread over 220 square kilometers, Semilki Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s 10 national parks located in Bwamba county Bundibugyo district. Semliki Park is Uganda’s newest Park that was established in 1993 to diversify tourism products in Uganda and encourage more travelers to the Pearl of Africa. Semliki Valley National park is surrounded by four ethnic groups, which are the Batwa pygmies, Bakonjo, Bwamaba, and Batuku. The park is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo, lake Albert and the Rwenzori Mountains. Semliki National park derived its name from River Semliki which flows in its borders. Also, the Sempaya hot springs with healing water are the key attraction in Semliki Valley National Park. The park was initially gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932 but was later transformed into a national park in 1993. Vegetation in Semliki Valley National park mainly comprise of savannahs grasslands, tropical forests, swamps add marshes. Semliki Valley national ark is an extension of Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bird watching, game viewing, nature walks, hot spring exploration are the major tourist activities in Semiliki Valley National Park. The fewer visits to Semliki Valley National park have kept the park natural offering you with an off beaten kind of experience. Explore Semliki Valley National park with African Apes Tours & Travel

What to see and do in Semliki Valley National Park
Are you planning a Uganda safari to Semliki Valley National park? No worries, the park offers you an endless list of things to see and do giving o u am memorable experience. The top activities and attractions in Semliki Valley National Park include:
Bird watching
Sheltering over 250 bird species, Semliki Valley National Park is a haven for birders. Expect to see numerous forest bird species and Guinea Congo biome species some of which are not found elsewhere in the world. Bird watching in Semlki Valley National Park can be done all year round. However, March is the breeding season for birds hence the best time for bird watching in the park. the birds in Semliki Valley National park include Leaf Love, great white pelican, African, Shoebill, Green wood hoopoe, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African crake, Marsh tchagra, Black coucal, Black billed barbet, Pennant winged nightjar, Red throated bee eater, Blue breasted bee-eater, Double toothed barbet and Moustached grass warbler. Birds in Semliki Valley National Park are spotted in the swampy and forested areas of the park.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

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

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

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

Gorilla Permit availability in Uganda

Uganda gorilla permit

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

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

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

What to pack for a Uganda gorilla safari

What to Carry for gorilla trekking

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

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

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

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

Call it gorilla habituation experience or gorilla training; the experience is a 2-3 year preparation of wild gorillas to make them familiar with human presence. Gorilla habituation experience is an extended session of gorilla trekking which entails spending half a day with wild gorillas in their natural habitats. African Apes Tours offers you tailored mountain gorilla habituation experience to allow you to spend extended time with gorillas. A 3 Days gorilla habituation tour to the Bwindi forest is a suitable package to spend extended time with gorillas. If you have limited time, you can do a 1-Day Uganda gorilla habituation experience tour starting from Kigali Rwanda. Travelers hike along with a team of gorilla doctors, researchers and conservationists. Throughout the 3 years of gorilla habituation experience, park wardens and rangers MUST visit families undergoing training each day with or with no visitors. In the first stages of habitation, rangers keep a big distance from the wild gorillas. As time goes on, rangers keep coming close until when gorillas are no longer aggressive.

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

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

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

Time for gorilla habituation experience

Gorilla Habituation expereince

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

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

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

Rules of gorilla habituation experience

Keep 7 meters away

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nyiragongo Volcano hiking

Nyiragongo Volcano

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

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

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

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

Accommodation in Virunga National park

Nyiragogo Summit Shelters

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

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

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

A complete guide to Mgahinga Gorilla National park, tourist activities, attractions, when to visit, golden monkey trekking, location, accommodation, where to sleep, vegetation cover and packing list for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Pak with African Apes Tours . Located in Kisoro district southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga gorilla national park is Uganda’s smallest National park (34 square kilometers) covering Uganda’s part of the Virunga conservation area/Virunga Massif. Mgahinga forest was established into a national park in 1991 to provide habitat for the endangered golden monkeys and mountain gorillas and to diversify tourism products in the Pearl of Africa. The word Mgahinga is named after the “Gahinga” in Kifumbira, which means a pile of stones. Mgahinga National park is bordered by Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Vegetation cover in Mgahinga comprises of bamboo forest, montane moorlands, tree heath, Ferns, Swamps and rift montane forest found on different zones. A 2 Days Mgahinga park tout from Kigali Rwanda helps you explore this small park in the shortest time possible.

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

Mountain gorilla trekking

Nyakagyezi Gorilla Family

Sheltering Nyakagyezi Gorilla family, Mgahinga gorilla national park is one of the few places to go for gorilla trekking in Africa. 8 gorilla permits are available in Mgahinga every day giving chance to eight people to trek and see these endangered gorillas. In late 2029, Mgahinga was also blessed to receive a visitor Hirwa gorilla family which migrated from Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Apparently, Mgahinga Park home to 2 habituated gorilla families each visited by eight people a day. Like in Bwindi Forest, a gorilla permit to trek gorillas in Mgahinga costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East Africa residents. Gorilla permit booking can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through Magical Africa Safaris, your ultimate gorilla safari company. Booking is recommended at least 6 months in advance o ensure timely planning.

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

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkeys in Mgahinga

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

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

Batwa Cultural Trail

Batwa Pygimies in Mgahinga Forest

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

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

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

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

Where to Sleep/Accommodation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mount Gahinga Lodge

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

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

Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park s Rwanda’s largest tropical rain forest bordered by Lake Kivu and Kabira forest National Park in Burundi. Nyungwe Forest National Park as gazetted in 2004 to promote primate safaris in Rwanda and diversify tourism the land of a thousand hills. The park is home to 13 primates with chimpanzees dominating. Also, Nyungwe Forest is home to over 310 bird species, 90 mammals, 38 reptiles and 2000 plat species making it a must-visit destination on your Rwanda safari. The rain forest is tucked in the middle tea plantations overlooking Virunga Volcanoes. Nyungwe Forest covers a total land area of 1000 square kilometers 2/3rds of which is covered by water feeding into River Congo and River Nile. Vegetation cover in Nyungwe Forest comprises of the rain forest, bamboos, shrubs, Orchids, Mosses, Pod carps, Gant Lobelia and ferns which provide food and habitation for birds and animals in the park. A Rwanda safari to Nyungwe Forest National park offers travelers with a great choice of tourist activities, which reward them with memorable experiences. The top thing to see and do in Nyungwe Forest National Park include:

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimps in Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzee trekking is the most done tourist activity attracting a high number of travelers to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The forest is home to over 500 chimpanzees hence the best place to trek chimpanzees in Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe forest is done in either the main forest and Cyamudongo forest to give travelers a chance to make and spend a magical time with man’s closet relatives. A permit to trek chimpanzee in Rwanda costs $90 allowing you to spend an hour with a chimpanzee community. Chimpanzee trekking starts from Uwinka information center with a short briefing about the rules and regulations to ensure the safety of travelers and endangered chimps. Chimpanzee permit booking is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date and it can be done directly with Rwanda Development Board or through Magical Africa Safaris, your ultimate safari company. The 3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee tour gives you the chance to trek chimpanzees with the shortest time possible. The dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park include:
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away from chimpanzees
2. Do not trek when sick
3. Avoid direct eye contact with chimpanzees
4. Do not use flashlight cameras
5. Don’t litter in the park
6. Do not shout – Keep your voices low
7. Keep within your groups- Do not move alone in the forest
8. Don’t run away when chimpanzees charge
9. Carry your permit
10. Turn back your faces when sneezing

Monkey Trekking

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

Canopy walk

Canopy walk

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

Waterfall hiking

Be Part of the remarkable waterfall hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The rain forest contains the famous Kamiranzovu and Isumo waterfalls whose scenic beauties is a not miss. Hiking to these waterfalls is undeniably strenuous through marshlands and muddy swamps but the experience is worth the effort. The speed and water quantity of waterfalls are seasonal. Waterfalls are usually heavy and strong during the rainy season and become slow in the dry season. Physical fitness and mental readiness are highly emphasized for waterfall hiking. Packing list for waterfall hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Pak include
• Hiking boots,
• Gardening gloves,
• Walking sticks,
• Rain jackets
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Bottled drinking water
• Energy giving snacks
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Scarf and warm sweaters for cold forest weather.

Bird watching

Bird watching in Nyungwe Forest

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

Nature/Forest Walk

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

Best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

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

Where to sleep in Nyungwe Forest National park

Nyungwe House

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

Getting to and around Nyungwe Forest National park

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

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

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most visited tourist destinations on Uganda safaris. Spreading over 1,978 square kilometers, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second largest park after Murchison Falls National park. Queen Elizabeth National park is an open savannah park that was established in 1952 and named after the Queen of England “Elizabeth’. The park is renowned for its high concentration of wild animals and birds, which give travelers memorable experiences. The park spans between Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri and Kamwenge districts and its an inclusion of QENP, Maramagambo forest, Kyambura gorge bordered by Kigezi game reserve, Kibale Forest and Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Queen Elizabeth National Park also features the 40 kilometers long Kazinga Channel connecting lakes Edward and George. African Apes  Tours gives you a guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park, about the attractions, where to sleep how to get there and activities in QENP.

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Game Viewing

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

Kazinga channel boat cruise

Boat Cruise at Kazinga channel

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

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

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

Crater lake exploration

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

Lion tracking

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

Tree climbing lions

Tree climbing lions in Ishasha

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

Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Best time to visit Queen Elizabeth national park

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

Getting to Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Conclusively, Queen Elizabeth National Park is your ultimate Uganda safari destination. Enjoy game viewing, boat cruise, and chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National park with African Apes Tours & Travel

Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National park is the only savannah park in Rwanda spreading over 1122 square kilometers. The park is named after Akagera River, which flows in the heart of the park feeding into Lake Ihema. Akagera national park was established in 1934 to promote game safaris in Rwanda and diversify tourism experiences in the land of a thousand hills. Akagera National park is jointly managed by African Parks and Rwanda Development Board, which promotes wildlife conservation and tourism in this game park. Akagera Park is locally translated as Parc National de I’Akagera and is home to the big five game. Despite in 1990’s when tourism in Akagera national park was almost extinct, game safaris in Akagera park has made a come back with the reintroduction of rhinos and lions making it home to the “Big five game”. The vegetation cover in Akagera National park is mainly open grassland and swamps. A third of the park is covered by water (Lakes, Rivers, and streams). A 3 Days Akagera National park tour is your best package to explore this savannah park in the shortest time possible. The drive from Kigali to Akagera National park is roughly 2-3 hours with scenic views of Rwanda’s local villages and endless rolling hills. Game safaris in Akagera National park are normally done as a complete to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National park.

Activities in Akagera National Park

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

Game viewing

This is the number one tourist activity in Akagera National park on your Rwanda tours. Bing home to the big five game, Akagera game park gives travelers with a memorable game viewing experience, a close encounter with numerous animals in their natural habitats. Game drives through the open savannahs offer you spectacular views of wild animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, rhinos, hippos, Topis, Roan antelopes, duikers, impalas, Cape elands, Waterbucks, Bohor reedbuck, zebras and hyenas among others. Also, night game drives are done to see nocturnal animals such as bush babies and serval cats among others. The reason for early morning game drives is to catch up with wild animals grazing, browsing and hunting before retiring for day rests.

Boat cruise

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

Bird watching

Shoebill Stork in Akagera National Park

Akagera National park is home to over 520 bird species hence the best spot for bird watching. Expect to see high numbers of savannah and migratory birds in Akagera National park. Among the birds in Akagera national park include Red-faced barbes, shoebill stork, Flycatcher, Grey-crowned crane, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings, Papyrus Gonolek, African wattled plover, African Openbill stock, African darter and egrets. Experienced guides help you spot different birds. Bird watching is well done in the swampy areas of Akagera National Park.

Sportfishing

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

Accommodation in Akagera National Park

Akagea Game Lodge

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

Park entrance fees to Akagera National Park

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

When to visit Akagera National park? Weather

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

What to pack for Akagera National Park

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

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

Guide to Kibale Forest National Park, attractions, activities, vegetation, wildlife, getting there, accommodation and bigodi wetland sanctuary with African Apes Tours. Kibale Forest National park is one of the must-visit safari destinations in the Pearl of Africa. Located in Western Uganda, Kibale Forest National park is the primate capital of Africa sheltering 13 primates. Chimpanzees trekking is the major tourist activity in this rain forest attracting the highest number of travelers. Kibale Forest spreads very 766 square kilometers comprised of montane and lowland forests. This forest was first gazetted in 1932 and later established as a national park in 1993 purposely to protect the endangered chimpanzees and promote primate safaris in Uganda. Batooro and Bakiga are the major tribes living around Kibale Forest National Park.

Wildlife in Kibale Forest

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

Vegetation in Kibale Forest National Park

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

Activities in Kibale Forest National park

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

Chimpanzee trekking

This is the number one travel activity in Kibale Forest National ark. Records indicate that over 80% of travelers to Kibale forest choose to trek chimpanzees to have a close encounter with man’s close relatives. Each chimpanzee permits in the Kibale forest costs $220 but the experience is worth it. Like in gorilla trekking, travelers intending to trek chimps are advised to book as early as 6 months in advance due to high demand for the permit. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest is done in two sessions (morning and afternoon) to give all travelers a chance of being part of this memorable venture. Chimpanzee permit bookings can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), or though Magical Africa Safaris, your trusted Uganda safari company. A 3 days kibale chimpanzee tour gives you the chance to meet and spend an hour with the endangered chimps in the shortest time possible.
A simple briefing about trekking rules and regulations at Kanyanchu information center commences the experience. The dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking include:
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away from chimps
2. Avoid direct eye contact
3. Do not use flashlight cameras
4. Don’t trek When sick
5. Keep within your groups
6. Speak at a low tone
7. Do not litter in the park
Also, ensure to carry the essentials to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable trek. Chimpanzee trekking packing lit entails:

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

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

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

Nature/Forest walks

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

Bird Watching

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

Butterfly watching in Kibale Forest

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

Bigodi Wetland sanctuary

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

Where to sleep in Kibale Forest national park

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

Getting to Kibale Forest National park

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

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

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

Routes to Hiking Mt Rwenzori

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

Kilembe Route

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

Central Circuit Route

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

When to climb Mt Rwenzori

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

Accommodation on M Rwenzori

Camps on Rwenzori Mountains

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

What to pack for Hiking Mt Rwenzori

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

Other Uganda activities to do along hiking Mt Rwenzori

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

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

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

Kibale Forest national park

Uganda chimpanzee Tours

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

Kalinzu Forest

Adult chimpanzee with a baby

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

Budongo Forest – Murchison Falls National Park

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

Kyambura Gorge – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyabura Gorge

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

Toro- Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

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

Tips for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

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

What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

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

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

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

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

2. Travelers physical fitness

Trekking to see gorillas

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

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

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

Gorilla trekking tips
• Hire a porter and walking stick

Walking Stick

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

• Wear hiking boots/shoes

Footwear for gorilla trekking

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

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

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

Can elderly travelers trek gorillas? Yes, gorilla trekking for seniors is very possible with African Apes Tours & Travel. Are you a senior traveler wondering whether you can also trek to see the endangered mountain gorillas? Yes, African Apes Tours offers you exceptional gorilla trekking for the elders to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo with no difficulty. Gorilla Trekking remains the best wildlife experience in Africa, a must-do adventure for most if not all travelers on African Safaris. Whereas trekking to see mountain gorillas has been ranked as a challenging venture not for the faint-hearted, Magical Africa Safaris offers you the very best gorilla tours despite your elderly age. Magical Africa Safaris further gives you gorilla trekking guide, tips, and advice for elders travelers ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National park.

Who are the senior travelers?

Seniors trekking gorillas

We consider all travelers aged 60 years and above as elders/seniors. In most cases, travelers in this category are less physically fit and cannot hike for long hours and to areas of high altitudes. Magical Africa Safaris arranges special gorilla trips for elderly travelers to ensure our senior clients enjoy gorilla trekking with no difficulty. Firstly, we allocate you a senior travel guide with whom you share many things in common. We have a team of senior driver guides who have been in this industry for more than 30 years, with vast experience and knowledge of handling senior travelers. More so, we give you a very comfortable raised safari vehicle with which you will not feel the potholes and bumpy roads of Africa.

Travel tips for elderly travelers
Senior travelers are advised to be free and truthful to their travel agents to ensure proper planning and avoid any disappointments. Firstly, be true about your actual years! Senior travelers are encouraged to open up about their actual age so as to get a special treat as of their age. Also, disclose your hiking abilities to your driver-guide. Travelers are also encouraged to open up about their physical abilities and hiking skills to their driver guides before the actual trek. driver-guide will go ahead to book for you a suitable gorilla family that suite your hiking abilities. In most cases, elderly travelers are given easy to trek gorilla families saving them long hours of hiking to find some gorilla families.

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

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

Do physical exercises

A senior exercising for gorilla trekking

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

Cost of gorilla trekking Tour
There is no actual cost of gorilla trekking tour but prices rather vary from company to company, gorilla trekking destination and other activities inclusive in the itinerary. However, you are ought to know the prices of gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo before deciding where to go for gorilla trekking. Rwanda currently sells the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 each since May 2017. In Uganda, a single gorilla permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250, 000 for east African citizens.   The Democratic Republic of Congo sells the cheapest gorilla permit at $450 hence the best gorilla safari destination for budget travelers. Travelers are encouraged to book and reserve gorilla permits at least 6 months in advance to deal with the high demand for gorilla tour permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Magical Africa Safaris helps you book and reserve permits

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

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

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

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

Susa A Family

Susa A Gorilla group

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

Igisha gorilla group – Susa B

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

Karisimbi gorilla family

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

Sabyinyo Gorilla group

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

Amahoro Gorilla group

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

Umubano gorilla family

Umubano Gorilla Family

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

Bwengye gorilla family

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

Hirwa gorilla group

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

Agashya Gorilla Family

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

Ugenda Family

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

Titus gorilla family

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

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

Book in time (Reserve your gorilla permit)

Solo gorilla trekking

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

Trek gorillas in Uganda

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

Book budget/Midrange accommodation

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

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

Tips for solo travelers

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

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

Mubare Gorilla family in Bwindi Forest

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

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

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

4. Bitukura Gorilla Family

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

5. Oruzogo Gorilla group

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

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

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

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

A gorilla family in Bwindi Forest

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

Location of a Gorilla Family

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

Speed of gorilla movements

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

Traveler’s physical fitness

Trekking through the jungle

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

The weather of the day

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

An hour with the gorillas

An encounter with gorillas

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

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

At the start of each gorilla trekking day, travelers gather at the park headquarters for briefing about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Also, known as the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, these are put to ensure the safety of the endangered mountain gorillas and the travelers. Travelers are required to abide by the rules if they want to have a peaceful and enjoyable gorilla safari in Africa. Anyone who acts against the rules of gorilla trekking risks missing out an encounter with these endangered species in the jungle. Also, the rules are given g during the pre gorilla trekking briefing where travelers are also allocated gorilla families to trek in their groups of eight. Rules and regulations of gorilla trekking apply before, during and after gorilla trekking. These include among others:

Before meeting the gorillas

Have your day pack ready

• Anyone below 15 years old is not allowed to trek gorillas
• Carry with you’re a valid gorilla permit
• Maximum of eight people allowed to visit each gorilla family
• Do not trek when sick, mountain gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses especially cold and cough
• Keep within the group, do not split from your group
• Follow your guide, listen to his instructions and keep calm
• If you are not physically fit, make sure you hire a sedan chair to avoid any difficulties during trekking
• Pack all you need for gorilla trekking: Make sure your day pack has it all you need during gorilla trekking. Among the things you must carry for the gorilla trek include:
1. Hiking boots to ease your movements through slippery and muddy forest grounds
2. Long-sleeved shirts and blouses to protect your arms from scratches by thorny bushes
3. Hats to protect your head and keep your hair clean for ladies
4. Scuff or sweater to keep you warm in the cold jungle forests
5. Long pants or trousers to protect your legs. The trouser must be tucked into stockings
6. Gardening gloves for your hands
7. Carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks to keep you strong throughout the hiking
8. Rain jackets to deal with the unpredictable forest weather
9. First aid kit for any emergencies
10. Insect repellant to protect you from insect bites which can be infectious

While with the gorillas

Keep seven meters away

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

To ease your gorilla trekking session, please hire a porter at $10 t0 $20. Porters help to carry a traveler’s baggage which makes the whole trek light and quick. Porters can also help to hold a traveler’s hand for support in slippery forest grounds. Porters are local people used to forest slopes, they can easily help you walk through without difficulties
Also, hire a walking stick for support up and downhill. Walking/hiking sticks can be obtained at the respective park headquarters for as low as $5.

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

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

The high cost of gorilla trekking permits

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

Mountain gorillas are endangered species

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

Conservation purpose

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

Additional expenses on the trip

Hire a porter

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

Improving local livelihoods

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

When to book a gorilla permits

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

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

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

Introduction to the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking

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

Allocation of gorilla families

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

Presentation of gorilla permits

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

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

What if am trekking Uganda gorillas from Kigali?

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

Cup of coffee and traditional performances

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

Porters and walking stick

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

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

Fly to gorilla parks

Fly to Bwindi

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

Choose a short gorilla trek

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

Do physical exercises

Do physical exercises

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

Hire a porter

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

Choose a less difficult gorilla sector

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

Carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks

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

Hire a sedan chair

Hire a Sedan chair

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

How to book a gorilla tour for pregnant women?

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

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

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

Drive time from Kigali to Bwindi

Cyanika Border

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

Gorilla habituation experience from Kigali Rwanda

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

How to Book a Rwanda Uganda gorilla trek?

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

When to Book a Rwanda Uganda gorilla tour?

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

Uganda gorilla families easily trekked from Kigali Rwanda

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

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

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

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

Gorilla permits costs

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

Endangered state of mountain gorillas

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

Magical feeling

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

Ample time with gorillas

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

Support local people

Local community projects

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

Gorilla trekking time

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

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

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

High season

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

Low season

Gorilla trekkers crossing a stream

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

When to book for a gorilla safari

Sunny day in Bwindi Forest

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

How to Book a gorilla safari

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

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

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

Hiking Boots/Shoes

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

Long-sleeved shirts/blouses

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

Gardening gloves

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

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

Rain jackets/gears

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

Ponchos and sweaters

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

Hats and sunglasses

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

Insect repellants

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

Long trousers and stockings

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

Other things to carry fro gorilla trekking

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

Drinking water and energy-giving snacks

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

Hiking/walking stick

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

Hire a porter

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

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

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

Cost of gorilla permits in Uganda

Uganda gorilla permit

The price of gorilla permits in Uganda varies depending on a client’s status and nationality. A single Uganda gorilla permit costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. However, with effect from 1st July 2020, the costs of Uganda gorilla permits are set to rise to $700 for foreign residents and $600 for foreign residents. Travelers who book Uganda gorilla tours before July 2020 have a chance to trek Uganda gorillas on a budget. For those who want to do gorilla habituation experience, a single permit costs $1500 allowing you to spend 4 hours with the endangered gorillas undergoing training. Each day Uganda wildlife authority issues out 144 gorilla permits to trek gorillas in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. More so, 16 gorilla habituation experience permits are issued out every day in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi forest where gorilla habituation takes place. To check gorilla permit availability and book gorilla tours in Uganda, contact Uganda Wildlife Authority or African Apes Holidays for bookings.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rwanda gorilla permit

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

Cost of gorilla permits in Congo

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

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

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

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

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

Uganda – Bwindi Forest & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks

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

Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park

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

The Democratic Republic of Congo – Virunga National park

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

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

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

About Mubare gorilla family

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

How to trek, Mubare gorilla family

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

Other gorilla families in Buhoma sector

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

What to pack for gorilla trekking in Bwindi

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

When to trek gorillas in Uganda?

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

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