Visit Rwanda-Arsenal Partnership Officially Launches
Few months after Rwanda hit a travel deal with popular Arsenal football club, the partnership has finally been launched officially confirming to some people who have been uncertain about it. The deal was signed on 23rd May 2018 and through the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), Rwanda became arsenal’s’ first official sleeve partner for the next three years. To make this deal official,Rwanda Development Board formally launched Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal on 13th Aug 2018 the same time RDB was opening fixture of Arsenals’ English league season at the emirates stadium. A team of tourism officials from Rwanda and other outside countries graced the launching of this deal. Among the people who were present Clare Akamanzi, the chief executive office of RDB, and Ayamina karitanyi the high commissioner for Rwanda to the United Kingdom. Other prominent people that were present include the secretary general of the Commonwealth Rt.Hon. Patricia Scotland, Lord Stuart polka, Mazen Al Sawwaf, Rageh omaar, Alby shale, Paul Milton and some Rwanda tour operators from the United Kingdom namely Amanda Bond, Taqi Moledina and Andrew Dunn. Also, Rwanda tour operators and some members of the Rwanda community in the United Kingdom witnessed the event.

While there ( at the launch), the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board embraced and appreciated the successful story of Rwanda’s tourism sector. The CEO (Clare Akamanzi) further recognized the vitality, attractiveness, energy, creativity and innovation of the government and local people, which together have made Rwanda an exceptional destination. Its undeniable that Rwanda is widely knows a first stop center for memorable gorilla safaris in Volcanoes and other tourism safari packages which together meet and exceed ell travelers expectations. Also, Rwanda Development Board has opened a visitrwanda.com site to provide travelers with all tourism information they require on a Rwanda safari. The tourism site also helps travelers discover the hidden gem behind Rwanda tourism success and the reason why Rwanda ranks as the second fastest economy in Africa. In the same way, visitrwanda.com is to disclose the ability of Rwanda to host conventions, conferences and other related events. Rwanda has advanced in promoting conference tourism and was last year ranked the top convention and conference destination by the international congress and convention association (ICCA).

Interestingly, the newly signed partnership is a three years deal, which will see Rwanda become an official partner of Arsenal. The visit Rwanda logo is therefore to feature on the left sleeve of all teams for the next three years. Featuring on all sleeves of Arsenal players for the next season is an exceptional way of marketing Rwanda, all activities, attractions and other exceptional features in this land of a thousand hills. At the same time, Arsenal players from the men and women’s teams will visit Rwanda, an opportunity for the club coaches to develop and support the young girls and boys in Rwanda. Visit Rwanda’s global exposure will be branded on the match day LED brads at emirates stadium, interview backdrops and a broad range of other marketing rights.

Over years. Rwanda has achieved a double increase in the number of tourist arrivals interested in different tourism spots all over the country, which has promoted Rwanda’s tourism industry. Most travelers to Rwanda choose Volcanoes national park for mountain gorilla safaris, golden monkey trekking, hiking to Dian Fossey grave yard and volcano climbing. Furthermore, Rwanda is best for game viewing in Akagera national park a home to the big five game including black rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and many others s like giraffes, zebras, impalas, tools, waterbucks, warthogs and kobs among others. Also, do not miss chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park which is complemented with a canopy walk that reward you with aerial views of the forest, Virunga Volcanoes, local communities and attractions in neighboring countries.

For business men/women, Rwanda is a business center and countless investment opportunities. Last year, the World Bank ranked Rwanda the second easiest place to do business in the whole of Africa. Also, Rwanda has on several occasions been renowned for its leadership in tourism and competitiveness by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in partnership with the world economic forum.
The good news is that Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal has started bearing fruits already. The deal is further expected to create great global awareness of Rwanda’s culture; natural attractions and numerous opportunities which make it a distinct destination to visit and stay.

In conclusion, Rwanda is remarkable travel destination. Rwanda’s partnership with arsenal is a great achievement for the country in tourism marketing and promotion. Book a Rwanda safari to trek gorillas in Volcanoes as well as the other activities in the land of a thousand hills.

Uganda Introduces More Permits For Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekkers to Uganda have been blessed with extra gorilla permits hence an opportunity to see mountain gorillas. Uganda through the Uganda wildlife authority has put on market 16 new gorilla permits hence assure more 16 people an opportunity to take part in this once in a lifetime experience. The new permits come after introduction of new gorilla families (Katwe and Christmas) in Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors of the park respectively. This tells that 8 permits are in Buhoma north of Bwindi Park while the other 8 permits are in Nkuringo sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Also, the introduction of new gorilla permits in Uganda is mean to improve gorilla trekking experience in the pearl of Africa in Mgahinga gorilla and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Presently, Uganda has total of 17 gorilla families available for trekking, which make it a best gorilla trekking destination in East and Central Africa. The news permits in Uganda brings a relief from pressure that UWA has been on related to high demand for gorilla permits by an increased population of people inquiring to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. Since May last year when Rwanda doubled her cost of gorilla permits from $750 to $1500, most of the would have been gorilla trekkers in Rwanda diverted to Uganda. 8 people per day hence 8 gorilla permits per gorilla family. Travelers spend an hour with a gorilla family while taking photographs, capturing videos and closely observing the human like characters of mountain gorillas.

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and ush250, 000 for east African residents, which make Uganda an exceptional destination to see mountain gorillas compared to $1500 in the neighboring Rwanda. There has been scarcity of gorilla permit in Uganda to the point of travelers arriving at certain gorilla tracking points in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park without a guarantee to receive gorilla permits. Presently, Uganda has 136 gorilla permits for sale everyday, which guarantee travelers a chance to trek mountain gorillas. Just like in other tourism destinations, each gorilla family is visited by Each gorilla family is headed by a dominant silverback who determines the movements of a gorilla family and also defend a family from external attacks. Adult females nurse young ones while juveniles keep the family lively by entertaining the whole family as they play continuously jumping over and across.

The two newly opened families have successfully gone through a gorilla habituation experience for 2 years, which make them get used to travelers. Habituation process is the act of training wild mountain gorilla families to make used with human presence before they are opened up to travelers for trekking. Besides the gorilla permits for gorilla trekking, Uganda has 8 additional gorilla habituation permits available for sale everyday Two gorilla families namely Bushaho and Bikyingi are undergoing habituation experience in Bwindi both in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi and will be opened t trekking. Unlike in gorilla safaris where 8 people are allowed to trek a gorilla family, 4 travelers are allowed to see a gorilla family undergoing habituation. However a habituation permit is quietly costly at $1500, which allows travelers to spend four hours with mountain gorillas. This therefore allows travelers to spend extended time with these magnificent creatures rewarding them with memorable experiences.

Habituated gorilla groups in Uganda
Before confirming Uganda gorilla tour, check this list of gorilla families habituated for trekking so you can choose which one you want to trek. Uganda gorilla families include Katwe gorilla family, Christmas gorilla family, Nsongi family, Nkuringo gorilla family, Mishaya family, Oruzogo family, Mubare family, Habinyanja family, Rushegura family, Bitukura family, Nyakagyezi gorilla family, kahungye, Bweza family, Busingye gorilla family and kyaguliro family all available for trekking. Gorilla families in Bwindi are split into the four sectors of the park which are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in east, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park.

How to book gorilla permits in Uganda
Al gorilla permits in Uganda are booked through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) a government body responsible for gorilla tourism and wildlife conservation in the pearl of Africa. UWA over looks all national parks in Uganda and all activities in these parks. It’s UWA that determines the prices of different activities, the time and other issues.

In general, Uganda remains the best option for exceptional gorilla safari experiences. The country is a home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas trekked at a relatively affordable rate.

Its now 33 years after a great lover of mountain gorillas Ms Dian Fossey an American Primatologist lost her life to the merciless people in Karisoke region of the Virunga Massif. It’s obvisous that Dian Fossey is therefore worth cherishing in the success story of gorilla tourism in the Virunga conservation area. It’s fortunate, that much as Dain Fossey was killed, the people she had recruited up to present continued her campaign. Since then, there has been steady increase of mountain gorilla population from time to time. The recent gorilla census in the Virunga Massif indicates an increase in mountain gorilla numbers to 604, which add up to 400 gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park to make 1004 mountain gorillas surviving in the whole world. Altogether, 53 mountain gorilla families have been habituated in east and central Africa for trekking, 41 of which live in the Virunga massif and 17 reside in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

This year, Rwanda is to celebrate the success of Dian Fossey in saving the critically endangered mountain gorillas, which were at the verge of extinction. The celebration of Dian Fossey’s efforts will be on 7th September 2018 alongside mountain gorilla naming ceremony. Rwanda is celebrating its 14th edition of baby gorilla naming since 2004 when the first set of baby gorillas were named at the foothills of Volcanoes national park, a home to these critically endangered mountain gorillas.

Threats to gorilla tourism
Despite the success, gorilla safaris in Rwanda, Uganda & Congo have been and is still hindered by several factors some of which have scared away travelers. These include civil conflicts including kidnaps and killing of park rangers especially in Congo’s Virunga national park. It’s for this reason that all gorilla tours to Congo have been stopped until 2019 to create time for the accurate investigations. Illegal hunting for mountain gorillas is a serious threat in gorilla national parks. Hunting is by local people who trap to catch young gorillas and other animals in parks for wild meat and other materials. Diseases especially communicable diseases have disrupted the increase of mountain gorillas. Research show that most gorillas die at a young age. Habitat loss has also led to the shrinking of gorilla national parks. Most local communities adjacent to gorilla national parks are highly populated compared to the land available which force them to encroach on the forest park to expand their land for settlement and agriculture. Human wildlife conflicts are also common in gorilla national parks. Some local people claim they are not well compensated for their loss of land yet they were the former owners of the forests before the introduction of gorilla tours. Also, animals also escape to local people’s gardens, which upsets local people especially when responsible governments do not consider them.

The legacy of Dian Fossey
Like said already, Dian Fossey is one woman who will ever be celebrated and remembered for sacrificing her life to save these iconic apes from extinction. Unfortunately, Dian Fossey’s courageous efforts to save gorilla’s ended in 1985 when he has murdered by heartless people. However despite her killing, Dian Fossey’s efforts were not in vain. Gorilla tourism has become a success since her time. Today, a hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey is one of the top activities done in Volcanoes national park as travelers hike to recognize and commemorate her efforts. Having heard several stories about this strong woman, most travelers cannot manage leaving Rwanda without visiting Dian Fossey’s burial site for themselves. The karisoke research center has several documentaries about Dian Fossey and her activities to saving mountain gorillas which reward travelers with extensive knowledge about the great Dian Fossey.

But who was Dian Fossey?
Much as a lot has been said about Dian Fossey and her contribution to save the critically endangered mountain gorillas, some people do not know whom Dian Fossey is. This great woman was born on 16th January 1932 who left her home place (America) in 1968 to come and save mountain gorillas, which were at the verge of extinction. Dian Fossey set up a camp at karisoke for 17 years supporting several conservation programs to save gorillas. Unfortunately, Dian Fossey has in 1985 murdered by heartless people who are believed to be porters who were opposed to her works. To ease her conservation works, Dian Fossey hired over 160 people to help her in daily gorilla protection, scientific study, educational initiatives and support to improve the lives of the local communities.

Would mountain gorillas be alive without Dian Fossey
It’s unquestionable that if it were not the sacrifice of Dian Fossey, mountain gorillas would likely be extinct today. In order to raise enough funds for gorilla conservation, Dian Fossey established the Dian Fossey fund from which she collected money to pay the workers she hired to help her out. These people included the anti poaching patrols that helped to stop poaching and illegal hunting in Volcanoes National park and the Virunga conservation area. Also, Dian Fossey fund aimed at saving the sister lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park to complement mountain gorillas.

In General, Dian Fossey is worth celebrating for her tireless efforts to conserve mountain gorillas in the Virunga conservation area. Gorilla trekking is the most done activity in the Virunga massif which no travel should miss out on his/her African safari. Book a gorilla safari to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and the Virunga conservation area to enjoy this life changing experience.

Arsenal Star to Attend Gorilla Naming Ceremony In Rwanda.
As all gorilla lovers’ count down to the long awaited 2018-kwita izina ceremony, all football fans cannot can’t to see an arsenal star attend this mountain gorilla naming ceremony. The ceremony to name the newly born Rwanda mountain gorillas (Kwita Izina) has previously been attended by various global celebrities and personalities including sportsmen and artists. The news about the visit of the Arsenal star whose name is yet to be communicated was revealed to the news agencies by the chief tourism officer during the news conference to update the media on preparations for the upcoming Kwita Izina scheduled on September 7th this year.

A member from the Arsenal first team is expected to take part in this highly rated event this year, which will be held in Kinigi on the slopes of Volcanoes National Park. He will join a long list of several international celebrities who have already participated in this amazing event. These include American Billionaire philanthropist Howard Buffet, movie stars Isaiah Washington, Don Ceadle, Patience Ozuokor, Ramsey Noah, Born Ramsey Tokunbo Noah Jr. others include top model and conservation activist Veronica Varekova and US-based Rwandan singer The Ben among others.

Last year the event was attended by Actor Sean Penn who was invited by Hon Laurent Lamothe, a former Prime Minister of the Republic of Haiti after attending the ceremony in 2017. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Tourism Officer also revealed that there are many other Super stars that have been lined up for the annual conservation and tourism flagship event.

This unique ceremony was introduced in 2005 to create awareness of conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorillas. The event was named after the Rwandan ancestral baby naming ceremony that happened after the birth of a newborn baby. The significance of the event is that there is close monitoring of each individual gorilla and their families in their natural habitat. The exercise has greatly helped in bringing attention both locally and internationally about the importance of protecting the mountain gorillas and their habitats in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This year 23 infant mountain gorillas will be named.

The participation of Arsenal star in this year’s gorilla naming ceremony is part of the long-term deal Arsenal Football Club signed with Rwanda. The parties stroke a deal last May in which Rwanda became the official tourism partner of the English Premier League side. The deal, which will run for three years starting this season (2018/2019), involves Arsenal players wearing “Visit Rwanda” label on their jersey’s sleeves. This deal saw Rwanda becoming Arsenal’s ever first sleeve partner.

In addition to participating in the gorilla naming ceremony, the Arsenal player will also visit different tourism destinations around the country.
Since the first Kwita Izina ceremony was held in 2005, a total of 258 mountain gorillas have been named in 13 different occasions

In another effort to protect and preserve the endangered mountain gorillas, a popular American TV talk show host Ellen De Generes launched the building of a gorilla research center, The Ellen De Generes Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population has grown by 26.6 per cent since the first event of Kwita Izina and the primates’ contribution to the country’s economic growth is clearly seen in big figures as Rwanda earned $404 million in 2016 alone. This year the country has set a target of $444 million from her primates tourism proceeds.

What to do When a Wild Mountain Gorilla Charges
Mountain gorillas are normally peaceful animals which keep calm and at peace most of the times. Gorilla tours are undeniable one of the most done activities in East and central Africa having been reviewed to be an amazing, enlightening, entertaining, rewarding, and moving experience cherished for a lifetime. Thousands of travelers flock into Uganda, Rwanda and Congo to meet face to face with these critically endangered species whose human like character is surely charming. However despite their peaceful characters, the gentle giants are strong and unafraid to defend their troops in case they feel insecure with humans in their presence. Whenever mountain gorillas suspect any danger around them, they react by making loud grunts and hoots. If the threat persists, the gorillas then intensify their threats by buoying itself on its feet pounding its chest. What a traveler should do at this point is to take a submissive action before the wild gorilla before it attacks you.

Crouch Down
To tell a mountain gorilla that you are not a threat, bend down and make yourself small compared to him (the silverback). This will tell the silverback that you are not a challenger hence find no reason of fighting you. It’s obvious that if travelers are calm, quiet, and look unthreatening in all their behaviors towards the gorillas, there is no reason to charge. In most cases, direct eye contact, loud noises, and sudden movements are the major threats.

Walk a way steadily
Also, travelers are advised to split and walk away from a charged mountain gorilla. However, trekkers are advised not to run away from the charged mountain gorillas but rather step back slowly and get off the charged gorilla scene. NEVER RUN AWAY cause the angry gorilla will run after you. Gorillas are always curious about new things around them but are travelers accede and keep away from mountain gorillas territory, the giants find no reason to charge against you. Travelers are ever reminded to avoid confronting gorillas since no human being is able to physically defeat the gorilla.

Show your teeth and shout back
Incase trekkers are so close to the charged gorilla with no any chance of stepping back, they are advised to show their teeth to the gorilla. Also, endeavor to scream, shout loud and thumb the chest just the gorilla charging at you. Your teeth will tell the gorilla that you are may be another wild gorilla in the jungle. Shouting loud scare away since gorillas since they are naturally calm animals.

Be the ape yourself
Act and behave like a beat in the wild. If you see the charged gorilla come toward you, just go wild and be an ape in the jungle. Do this by chewing vegetation, breaking some vegetation, plucking some leaves and nap on ground to show you are not aggressive in any way. Acting contrary to the charged gorillas is likely to deviate his aggressive ways. Pretend like you are in your own world relaxing in your free time leaving the angry ape alone.

Follow your guide and what he tells you
Travelers never go alone to meet mountain gorillas. Every gorilla trek is guided by an armed park ranger you tells you the dos and don’ts while with the gorillas. The rangers know the temperament and irritation level of each gorilla family hence advise travelers on how to behave in case gorillas become wild. Also, rangers are able to understand the moods of the gorillas before travelers realize it. Trekkers should therefore adhere to the guidelines of park rangers to avoid any negative reactions form the endangered mountain gorillas.

In general whenever trekking mountain gorillas, keep submissive, respectful and keep your distance. Do not look direct into the eyes of the endangered gorillas so as not to pose a threat. Also, don’t take flash photos of it. If you follow all gorilla trekking rules and regulations, the gorilla is extremely unlikely to pay attention to you hence resulting into a successful gorilla tour.

Primate safaris have presently become common in tourism industry. Travelers who have done primate safaris before review it as a breathtaking experience they would wish to do again and again. The most visited primates are mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos among others. Interestingly, most of these primates are close relatives to human beings whose human-like characters make them more adorable. Also, primates are herbivorous animals, which wholly feed on vegetation, shoots, flowers, fruits and bamboos. Primates are listed among the endangered species due to their less population but different strategies have been put to save these creatures from extinction. There are 5 places that have been recorded to offer memorable primate safaris. If you want to enjoy the company of primates in their natural habitat, visit any of the following places:

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is a haven for primates. The tropical rain forest is a home to the highest population of the world’s mountain gorillas making it the best destination for gorilla safaris in East and Central Africa. Based on last census’ results, 480 out of the 1006 mountain gorillas in the world dwell in Bwindi while the remaining population lives in the Virunga conservation area. Fortunately, a gorilla safari in Uganda is much cheaper costing 700usd-compared to the lifetime experience travelers gain. Gorilla trekking allow travelers to spend an hour with mountain gorillas. Interestingly, 12 gorilla families which are Nshongi family, Nkuringo family, Mishaya family, Oruzogo family, Bitukura family, Mubare family, Habinyanja family, Rushegura family, Kahungye family, Bweza family, and Busingye family have been habituated to make trekking easy in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Also, Bwindi offer travelers with gorilla habituation experience allowing them to spend four hours with mountain gorillas. However, gorilla habituation is quite expensive costing 1500 usd but the experience is worth it. For life changing gorilla tour and wildlife experiences, contact Africa Adventure Safaris  an experienced tour operator in Uganda and Rwanda

Volcanoes national park in Rwanda
This comes second after Bwindi in sheltering the highest population of mountain gorillas. Volcanoes national park is mostly preferred due to the short distance from Kigali international airport to the national park. Also, volcanoes national park is a luxury gorilla tour destination, where a single gorilla permit costs 1500usd for an hour’s interaction. 10 gorilla groups are available for trekking in volcanoes and these include Titus group, Susa group, karisimbi group, Umubano group, Amahoro group, Agashya group, Sabyinyo group, kwitonda group, Hirwa group, and Ugenda group. Besides mountain gorillas, travelers to volcanoes national park hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey an American primatologist.conservationists and gorilla lover who sacrificed her life for the conservation of mountain gorillas that were at the verge of extinction. Travelers coming to see mountain gorillas are reminded that whether in Rwanda or Uganda, gorilla treks divided into short, medium and long treks. Travelers are therefore advised to disclose their physical fitness and hiking abilities so as to be allocated a gorilla family fit for them.

Democratic Republic of Congo
Much as gorilla safaris to Congo has been closed till further notice, travelers still have a chance to visit the bonobos in Lomako forest reserve and at the Lola Ya bonobo sanctuary in kinshasha. In most cases, travelers prefer the sanctuary to the forest due to its strategic location in kinshasha in the heart of Democratic Republic of Congo, which make its access easy. Bonobos are believed to be the closest relatives of human beings and cousins to chimpanzees. A matriarch who acts like a silverback in a gorilla family heads a group of bonobos. In an exceptional way, Bonobos settle disagreements within their group by having sex, which make them different and unique from other primates. Unfortunately, few tour operators arrange safaris to see bonobos but the experience is surely worth doing.

Kibale forest national park Uganda
If you want to clearly see the chimpanzees, look not further than kibale forest national park. The tropical rain forest is a home to 13 primates most of which are chimpanzees, which make it a best destination to see and interact with chimpanzees. Interestingly, a chimpanzee tour cost only 100usd, which make it cheaper, compared to mountain gorillas but the experience is memorable. Just like mountain gorillas in Bwindi, kibale also habituates chimpanzees at a cost of 220usd. This allows travelers to interact with Chimpanzees for the whole day. All chimpanzee hikes in kibale, start from the kanyanchu information center after a short briefing.

Sabah, Borneo
Borneo in Sabah is a home to Orangutans, one of the critically endangered species at the verge of extinction. Orangutans are listed in the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Orangutans are rehabilitated at an island of Borneo shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. The endangered species converge at open air-feeding platform two times a day at 10am and 3pm for feeding and this is the best time for travelers to see and interact with them. The fact that the site is an island reward travelers with other sight seeing opportunities like the boat, and clear views of pygmy elephants.

Conclusively, doing a primate safari is a once in lifetime experience, which you should not miss out. Visit volcanoes national park Rwanda and bwindi impenetrable forest national park for mountain gorillas, trek chimpanzees for chimpanzees, Congo for bonobos and Sabah, Borneo for Orangutans. Visits to all these places make a complete package rewarding you with a memorable primate safari experience.

Mountain Climbing In Volcanoes National Park
Besides gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking and cultural tours, volcano climbing is a not miss for a complete safari package on your Rwanda safaris to volcanoes national park. Unfortunately, most travelers have on several occasions missed out this golden opportunity. Mountain climbing is one of the key features that make volcanoes national park an exceptional destination worth visiting. The park is a home to three of the Virunga volcanoes, which together with the other ones in Uganda and Democratic republic of Congo make up the chain of the Virunga volcanoes. A hike to the summit of any volcano reward travelers with excellent views of the national park, other volcanoes, local communities, wildlife and all other attraction in the neighboring countries. Also the slopes of these volcanoes shelter animals like mountain gorillas, colubus monkeys hence an added advantage for the travelers.

Mount Karisimbi
Standing at 4,507meters above sea level, Mt karisimbi is the highest volcano in the chain of Virunga volcanoes. Hiking to the summit of Mt karisimbi is an adventure, which expose travelers to the undiscovered treasures of Volcanoes national park. Due to its steep heights, travelers spend a night at the top of the mountain making your experience more memorable. Its high altitude range also offers the greatest vegetation diversity that traverse through clumped bamboo and aromatic hagenia forest to another vegetation zone of the Sub-Alpine and Afro-Alpine dominated by clumped moss and heather with stands of giant senecio and lobelia. Due to near freezing conditions at the summit of Karisimbi, hikers need to part with good camping gear and plenty of warm clothing and packing enough food and water.

Mount Bisoke Hiking
This is a very interesting day hike to the rugged rim of this 3,711m mountain topped by a beautiful crater lake. This hike shares the same trailhead with the one to Dian Fossey’s grave at Bisate and the same route is followed up the resting point to the tomb. From this point the rim is just 2km away though hikers should be ready to overcome the steep slopes that may be associated with unfriendly underfoot muddy conditions during rainy seasons. However, upon reaching the rim, hikers are offered a relief with a fantastic and relaxed view of the atmospheric vegetation of giant lobelias and hagenia woodland.

Dian Fossey’s Tomb
This is a very popular hike alongside the adjacent gorilla cemetery at the former Karisoke Research Camp. The hike to Dian Fossey Tomb starts from the park headquarters to the trailhead at the village of Bisate close to the forest boundary and this drive takes about 30 minutes. A short hike of about 1.7km from the village leads to the forest where the entry point and a gently climbing path leads to 2,970m where Fossey used to take a break while on the route to her camp. A hike to the camp itself commences from here, which takes about 45 to 60 minutes. The ruined Fossey’s old living quarters which she nicknamed the mausoleum is reached alongside other several other landmarks in the camp that are signposted. Various forest birds and other Virungas related creatures are well viewed while on this hike to this significant site in the Park.

Hiking Tips
To ensure safe and enjoyable hiking experience, travelers are reminded to dress appropriately. The recommended attire for volcano climbing includes hiking boots, which ease movements hiking boots or walking shoes, thick trousers, gaiters with a long-sleeved shirt to guard you against vicious stinging nettles. The sweatshirt or jersey protects you in the coldness and also against the nettles. You can put on your pre-muddied clothes if you have them since you will get very dirty as you slip and slither in the mud. A pair of old gardening gloves will protect you when you are grabbing for handholds in thorny vegetation. A wooden walking stick is offered at the start of the hike therefore feel free to ask for one. A raincoat or poncho in a rainy season will be very important where as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat can be used at any time of the year. Snacks and enough drinking water are vital during the long hike. Protect your camera gear in a waterproof bag or seal it in a plastic bag during the rainy season.
In case you have a heavy luggage for gear or food and water, you may need to hire one of the porters who hang about the car park waiting for work. It is highly emphasized by the locals that it is not demeaning or exploitative to hire a use a porter rather those who refuse to hire them due to ethical considerations are simply denying them a chance to earn income to improve their standards of living. Finally don’t forget come along with your passport because you will need to show it at the Park for identification.
In addition to the above hikes, it’s now also possible to summit Mount Gahinga and Muhabura though relatively few visitors attempt to hike them compared to Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Contact Africa Adventure Safaris for customized Rwanda hiking safaris to Mt Karisimbi, Mt Bisoke and the Dian Fossey graveyard. You can complement your hiking experience with other activities such as gorilla trekking, game viewing and cultural tours among others.

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The 3 Days double gorilla trek in Rwanda offers travelers exceptional gorilla encounters in Volcanoes national park. The two involve trekking gorilla two times rewarding travelers with extended time with the gentle giants in the jungle. The tour starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda. Read More

Gorilla Tours in Kahuzi-Biega National
Whereas Virunga national park is a first priority for most travelers on Congo gorilla safaris, Kahuzi Biega national park is undeniably a concealed gem. If you love gorillas, add Kahuzi-Biega National Park to your list of places to visit rewarding you with an off beaten kind of experience. The park is less visited but a few travelers who have been there before review kahuzi Biega national park as an exceptional and gorgeous place to visit. The national park is situated in eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo in the western bank of lake kivu and DR Congo’s border with the republic of Rwanda. The national park covers 6,000 square kilometers spreading over two volcanoes of Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega all situated in the heart of the national park. Exceptionally, Kahuzi Biega national park is the only home for the surviving eastern lowland gorillas, which is the biggest gorilla specie in the wild. Due to its unique diversity comprised of critically endangered gorilla, birds, and tropical rain forest, Kahuzi biega national par was in 1980 qualified as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites every traveler should not miss visiting. The park was established in 1970 purposely to provide refuge for the highly eastern lowland gorillas as well as promoting tourism in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The national park comprise of over 1,178 plant species, 136 species of mammals and 349 bird species some of which are endemic to the area all ready for travelers. The vegetation cover includes swamps, bogs, marshland, bamboos, subalpine heather, and rain forests, which provide habitat and food for wildlife in the park. Eastern lowland gorillas are a key attraction in the national park, which bring in thousands of travelers form all over the world to have a closer encounter with the endangered species. Other animals in Kahuzi Biega national park include forest elephants, chimpanzees, Topis, Anubis baboons, forest buffalo, owl faced monkeys and needle-clawed Galogo among

What to see and do?
Are you confused about what to see and do in Kahuzi Biega national park? The park offers it all to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations. The most done activities in the national park include among others:

Gorilla trekking
As we have already said, eastern gorilla gorillas are a key attraction in Kahuzi Biega national park. Gorilla trekking is therefore a focus for most if not all travelers to the national park. Scientifically called Gorilla beringei graueri, eastern lowland gorillas are the biggest gorilla specie is one of the subspecies of the eastern gorillas alongside mountain gorillas in volcanoes national park. Unfortunately since 1990, the population of eastern, lowland gorillas had drastically decreased highly threatened by habitat loss and human activities. The trekking rules and regulations are similar to those in gorilla trekking such as keeping a seven-meter distance from the gorillas. All travelers are required to keep within their trekking groups and keep calm to ensure an enjoyable trekking safari. Trekking may be short or long depending on where gorillas are but the traveler’s interaction with these species last for an hour. Gorilla trekking in the park will require you securing the gorilla permit, it costs USD 400. This will enable you to enjoy a visit to various gorilla families.

Bird watching and Forest walks
Besides seeing the gorillas, travelers can take part in bird watching tours. Kahuzi Biega national park shelters over 342 bird species which include Congo, peafowl, yellow crested helmet shike, hornbill, trogons, Ruwenzori Turacos, sunbirds, African broadbill, Rockefellers sunbirds, helmet-shike among others. Bird watching is well done I the morning and evening hours during forest walks, which is an added opportunity for travelers. Surprisingly, roughly 42 bird species in the park ate endemic to this area which make you’re the experience more enjoyable.

Is it safe to visit kahuzi Biega national park
Safety and security of the travelers and their properties has on several occasions been a concern for most travelers to kahuzi Biega national park. Despite the pas civil wars that disrupted tourism scaring travelers away from Congo peace has been restored and travelers are assured of s safety. Also trusted tour operators arrange gorilla tours to Congo at affordable. However in the field, travelers are reminded to be fully responsible for their lives by carefully following the travel guides provided but their guides and park management.

How to get to Kahuzi-Biega National Park
The best way to access Kahuzi Biega national park is to fly first into Rwanda and then cross the border to Democratic Republic of Congo by road. The park is located 30km from Bukavu town, it will take you one and a half hour drive to enter into the park. From Kavumu airport and at Miti, take left and keep going straight until you reach the visitor center.

Packing list
Like any other traveler going for a gorilla safari or any other wildlife tour, travelers to Kahuzi Biega national park are advised to carry enough essentials to ensure a successful tour. These include comfortable walking/hiking closed shoes, long sleeved shirts, warm jackets, long pants and rain jackets to deal with the unpredictable weather forest. A fully equipped packing list ease movements in the jungle and protect travelers rom any harm hence assuring them of an enjoyable safari.

Where to sleep
Like in other tourism destinations, travelers to kahuzi Biega national park are served by quality accommodation facilities in the park. Accommodation can be in a camp, lodge of nearby hotel but all facilities provide first class services at negotiable prices. These include Panaroma hotel, Hotel Mutudu and Rubava hotel among others≥ experienced, caring and knowledgeable staff are available to serve you all times.

We believe that a trip to Kahuzi-Biega National Park will offer you a lucrative lifetime opportunity that will enable interact with these various flora and fauna species in the park. You should not miss an encounter with the rare lowland gorillas, unique birds, mountain hiking and a variety of most of African animal species. Come and explore nature at its best.

Rwanda’s exceptional culture is one of the key features that make Rwanda safaris lifetime experiences. It’s undeniable that a safari to Rwanda without a taste of its distinct and indigenous culture is surely incomplete. Much as most travelers complement cultural tours to gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park, a visit to any one cultural site is an experience of its own kind. Rwanda’s culture comprise of traditional dances, songs, poems, interacting with local people, preparing local foods, brewing local beers and living a traditional life. In order to enhance cultural tourism in Rwanda, several tourism sites have been established in different parts of Rwanda. Interestingly, travelers are allowed to take part in some cultural events such as the traditional dances, dressing code, all which make travelers part of the society. Also, there are many artifacts, maps, books and videos at each site, which provide travelers with extensive knowledge. Besides culture and mountain gorillas, travelers can engage in golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing and Kigali city tour which together make a complete safari package to the land of a thousand hills. The must visit cultural sites in Rwanda include:

Genocide memorial sites
After the 1994 genocide in which over 100,000 people were killed, the government of Rwanda and Rwanda tourism board established several genocide sites in different parts of the country. These are places were bodies of genocide victims were buried in transparent graves for viewing by travelers. These sites include Kigali genocide memorial center, Murambi genocide site, Gisozi memorial site, Gisenyi memorial site, Nyamata memorial site, Bisesero memorial site, Ntarama memorial site, Nyarubuye memorial site and Nyanza memorial site. On reaching any site, travelers are given details about the genocide and how Rwanda has recovered from the past history. Also, there are videos that clearly show and tell how everything happened.

Bugesera reconciliation village

Located a few kilometers from Kigali city, Bugesera reconciliation village is a place you should visit. As its name says, Bugesera reconciliation village is a community for reconciled families. People who stay here are the victims of 1994 genocide, which left them homeless after losing everything they had. The village was setup by the government to bring these people together and enable them to start a second happy life. Those who had become enemies have been reconciled and are leaving together in harmony. A visit to Bugesera reconciliation village is an opportunity for travelers to listen to the touching stories of these people, which make them appreciate how far Rwanda has become in bringing its people together transforming the country into the most hospitable nation with loving and caring people to interact with.

Iby’iwacu cultural village
A safari to Rwanda without visiting ibyiwacu cultural village is surely incomplete. A visit to this village is a great way to learn and enjoy the traditional culture of Rwanda associated with dances, songs, dressing code, poems and fantastic drummers whose entertainment is life changing. Interestingly, travelers are allowed to take part in all activities like preparing local food and brewering local banana beer which make them part of the community an experience for a lifetime. Also, travelers get a chance of interacting with former poachers and medicine men that all provide you with extensive knowledge about Rwanda’s traditions and norms. Other activities that take place at this site include preparing traditional marriages and cow milking among others. Local people at iby’iwacu community village present their community structure, traditional medicine, dancing and archery which presentations expand traveler’s knowledge about Rwanda’s traditional village life. Also the village is surrounded by volcanoes national park and the Virunga volcanoes hence an added opportunity for the travelers to enjoy the spectacular views of the stunning, beautiful and green environment.

Nyamata church

Endeavor to visit Nyamata church a scene where over 45,000 people were killed in the 1994 genocide. During this horrific time (genocide) most people sought refuge in the church praying for God’s mercy and believing that the murders could not attack the holy place of God. Unfortunately, these people ere attacked and killed in the church. A visit to Nyamata church is to pay respect to these innocent souls and pray for God’s mercy upon their spirits. Different items such as books, magazines and video are displayed to help you understand how everything happened.

The king’s palace
Do not leave Rwanda without stopping by the kings’ palace in Nyanza roughly 25 miles from the town of Butare. Here travelers are crowned as kings and queens for a moment and are allowed to take pics for remembrance. The domed style of the palace s simply gorgeous with interesting stories by the guide. Different activities take place at the palace, which include the cowboys calling over the royal cattle with singing that calms the cattle making the more docile and friendly. Also there are many objects of kingship, which include, the spears, and drums among others.

Ndaba rock
Ndaba rock is a place you should not miss out of your Rwanda safari. Interestingly, the rock is just 2 hours drive from Kigali international airport hence an enroute to as you connect to the airport for your return flight. The mystical past history of the rock is one of the reasons you should not miss out on your safari to the land of a thousand hills. In the past, the rock dripped with honey which local people especially the hunters would collect freely. These people would go together and one of them climbs to the top with the support of others who held ropes at the bottom of the rock. On one fateful day, one hunter diapered mysteriously when he was collecting honey as the friends waited at the bottom. The disappearing of this hunter was attributed to his greedy character where he would keep his friends waiting for long at the bottom of the rock while he ate honey from the top of the rock.

National arts museum Rwesero
Location in Nyanza, Rwesero art museum is the most prestigious art museum located in the palace of king Mutara 111 Rudahigwa. The museum comprise of different contemporary paintings and stylistic sculptures, which represent different facts about Rwanda such as unity, brotherhood and the genocide events. Travelers can buy these artifacts and traditional dresses to take home for remembrance after going back to their homes.

In conclusion, visit any of the cultural sites in Rwanda, be part of the traditional culture and enjoy a life changing experience on your Rwanda safari with Africa Adventure Safaris

Who is allowed to trek mountain gorillas? A face-to-face encounter with critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats is everyone’s dream. All travelers both men and women at all ages would surely prefer to spend some time with these endangered species who share over 98% of human genes hence the close relatives to human beings. For who ever planning a gorilla tour, advance planning and preparation is very essential to avoid any disappointment at the last hour. Planning involves contacting any trusted tour operator after doing an extensive research regarding his/her trip advisor reviews. Also, if possible, consider references from the past travelers as well that tour operator’s membership with government bodies such as Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda. Much as trekking gorillas is everyone’s desire, not everyone is allowed to meet and interact with these gentle giants. Find out who is eligible to trek mountain gorillas:

Those aged 15 years and above
All travelers to take part in gorilla trekking must be aged 15 years and above. Age restriction is very serious and all travel agents in all countries emphasize it to avoid any disappointment to travelers. To ensure all travelers are of age, all travelers making inquiries are asked to submit in their passport details to clarify their date of birth. One of the reasons for for age limit is the strenuous nature of gorilla trekking that include hiking through deep forests with slippery muddy grounds, which are difficult for the young kids. Also, though mountain gorillas are habituated and used to people, the endangered species remain wild and can charge anytime if disrupted. It’s believed that young children may not adhere to the trekking rules and regulations such as keeping a distance of seven meters and keeping calm. However, in case a child is remaining with a few days to celebrate his 15th birthday and is physically fit, he/she is allowed to see gorillas but with the parent agreeing to the terms and conditions with the responsible bodies.

Those with gorilla permits
For whoever going to see mountain gorillas, a gorilla permits is a must have. Also known as gorilla pass/ gorilla permits are issued out by Uganda wildlife authority in Uganda, Rwanda development board in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Interestingly, travelers can book and these permits through tour operators who are arranging their gorilla tours to any of the gorilla destination. On the actual day of trekking, all travelers are reminded to carry their permits without which no one is allowed to trek gorillas. The price of gorilla permits vary from country to country but the experience is more of the same. Rwanda’s offers the most expensive permit at 1500 usd per permit, Uganda at 700 for foreign non-residents, 500 for foreign residents and 250000shs for east African residents. In DRC at, gorilla passes cost 450 usd hence the best gorilla safari destination for budget travelers. Travelers are required to book as early as 6 months prior the trekking date to secure these permits that are highly demanded. Travelers are also reminded to carry other travel documents such as passports, visas and other related papers for clarification

Travelers with good health
All travelers must be free from any kind of sickness especially communicable diseases such as cold, flue and cough which easily spread from people to mountain gorillas. For this case all travelers must come along with their medical letters to prove their good health and yellow fever vaccination certificate. Also, the fact that mountain gorillas are close relatives to human genes, the gentle giants are susceptible to human illnesses, which put them at risk. In addition travelers are reminded to turn back their faces from the gorillas in case one is coughing and sneezing. Travellers are reminded to visit their doctors for check up and get medication to prevent any upcoming sickness. In case a traveler becomes critically sick the night to the trekking date, he/she is refunded or allowed to trek another day but not on that day for the safety of gorillas.

Those who are Physically fit
Gorilla trekking is not a walkway tour but rather a strenuous adventure through deep forests, thorny bushes and steep slopes. For one to enjoy his safari therefore, he/she must be physically fit to avoid altitude sicknesses. Travelers are reminded to do exercises such as running, walking and hiking to prepare for the strenuous hikes. Those are physically unfit can opt for the stretches were they carried to and from the forest without walking at all. Four men who are local residents carry one traveler on their shoulders in the stretcher at a cost of 400usd. Porters are also very helpful in carrying travelers baggage as well as providing support were necessary at a relatively low cost. Hiring a porter is an indirect support for local people since the one earned is used to improve people’s standards of living.
NOTE: The qualities and requirements for all gorilla trekkers are similar in both gorilla destinations. These are volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national parks in southwestern Uganda.

In conclusion, gorilla trekking is a lifetime experience you should not miss out on your Safari to Africa. Book a gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, carry your permit and meet these gentle giants in the wild.