Have you been wondering why gorilla trekking is expensive? An encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is undeniably among the most expensive venture on African safaris. Thousands of travelers have taken part in the life-changing encounter while others hope to come in the near future. Despite the thrilling experience that gorilla trekking comes along with; the activity is undeniably for the rich. In Rwanda, a single gorilla permit costs 1500usd for an hour’s interaction, 600usd in Uganda and 450usd in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which surely indicate that, the activity is not for the poor. This money is paid throughout the year regardless of the season and Rwanda’s case its paid by all people regardless of one’s nationality. In comparison to other wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, a one-day gorilla tour is equivalent to a 3 days wildlife tour in terms of costs. The reasons for the increased cost if gorilla permits include among others:

Critically endangered species
Mountain gorillas are the world’s critically endangered species, which were once at the verge of extinction. In the whole world, there are roughly 880 mountain gorillas, which only survive in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. There are limited gorilla permits to serve a high number of travelers interested to see the gorillas, this therefore calls for a high cost of a gorilla permit to discourage some people from traveling hence saving the critically endangered mountain gorillas from the crowds. Also, mountain gorillas are close relatives to human beings, which make them susceptible to human diseases. Therefore, expensive gorilla permits save mountain gorillas from tracking deadly human wildlife diseases that can be caused by too much crowds. Sincerely, gorilla trekking is a dream for most travelers and hence high demand for the permits, which are limited. The high rates are therefore to limit the demand to the available gorilla permits so as to avoid over exploitation and exceeding the carrying capacity o gorilla national parks, which are Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Virunga national park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Conservation and sustainable gorilla tourism
Having experienced a great loss of mountain gorillas in the 1980’s through poaching and human encroachment on the gorilla habit. Gorilla permits are charged high so as to use part of it for conservation of gorilla habitat. Rwanda is a best example, which in 2017 doubled the cost f gorilla permit from 750usd to 1500usd with the major aim of conserving the shrinking habit of mountain gorillas. Since the introduction of gorilla tourism in the 1990’s, there has been steady increase in the population of mountain gorillas despite the shrinking habits putting the endangered species at risk. Conserving the gorillas is an indirect way of promoting sustainable gorilla tourism in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Imagine if there was no limit on the number of travelers allowed to trek mountain gorillas? There would be crowding and over stepping which destroy gorilla habitats. A high number of travelers also make mountain gorillas uncomfortable in their natural habitat, which destructs their social happy life.

Monitoring and safety
Being critically endangered species, mountain gorillas require continuous monitoring to ensure they are safe. Part of money collected in gorilla permits is used to pay people who monitor the wellbeing of mountain gorillas. In each country, responsible tourism bodies i.e. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda have hired people to monitor the where about these endangered regarding their movements, feeding, and health status. Every morning, a group of trackers hike into the forest to check on the gorillas. Similarly, tourism police and other armed rangers have been hired to ensure the safety of mountain gorillas from any external attack by the poachers, and rebel groups who in the past used the gorilla habits as their hiding places. Incase travelers are connecting from one destination to another at night, tourism police escorts them which ensures their safety throughout.

Improving the livelihood of local people
Gorilla tourism has become an indirect source of Local livelihood for the communities adjacent to gorilla national parks. Responsible governments share part of the revenue earned to local communities to improve their standards of living. In Uganda, local people are given 20% of the total revenue earned from gorilla permits while Rwanda gives 10% to local people. Sharing with local people has created positive attitude of local people towards gorilla tourism and conservation hence reducing on the natural resource conflicts between local people and the management of respective national parks. Before the introduction of gorilla tourism and wildlife conservation, local people had full access to all resources in the forest.

NOTE: To ensure peaceful, enjoyable and memorable encounter with the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, travelers are required to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations: These include dress smart for the jungle, keeping a distance and keeping within their groups. The do’s and don’ts are similar in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

How to behave with mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas are shy and calm creatures tat stay peaceful even in the presence of travelers. You are therefore reminded not to disturb these animals in anyway. All travelers must not come so close to gorillas, which disrupt and make them uncomfortable. Also, don not feed gorillas touch them to avoid the spread of human wildlife communicable diseases. Incase gorillas approach you, you are reminded to step back and let it pass. Travelers are also required to speak at a low tone and keep within their groups not to wonder in the forest, which can be harmful.
Conclusively, the high cost of a gorilla permit is worth the phenomenal experience of trekking mountain gorillas. Book a gorilla permit today to Uganda, Rwanda and Congo and be part of the world’s best wildlife experience.

For the second time, Rwanda is privileged to host the 2018 African Cycling Road Championship set for February. Cycling is one of the most interesting games that attract travelers especially the youth to Rwanda, which was introduced to diversify tourism in the land of a thousand hills. Though over 90% of travelers to Rwanda opt to do gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park or else other wildlife safaris in the country, cycling is a hidden treasure you should explore.
The first African cycling road championship was held in 2010 and thousands of travelers from all over the world took part, which give hope for a great turn up in the upcoming event. Cycling is the best way to explore the beauty of Rwanda where travelers ride through the rolling hills, with spectacular views of the environment, local communities while interacting with the very hospitable and welcoming Rwanda nationalities, which make you, feel at home.

Last year, the cycling road championship was held in Morocco Casablanca in February 21st to 26th in which many people from all parts of the world took part. In the same completion, three Rwanda riders won three medals where Valens Ndayisenga won gold medal while the two silver medals were won by Jean Claud Uwizeye and Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu.

This year, Rwanda is much ready to win the game and different Rwandan riders have been prepared enough to take the lead. For those who will not do mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, cultural tours or even hiking the Virunga volcanoes, cycling is the best option for you rewarding you with a thrilling experience.

For the past decades, Rwanda has widely been known as a center for events having been a host for major continental competitions attracting participants from all over the world. The AFCONU17, U20 Championship and the African Nations Championship (football) are among events have been held in Rwanda. Also, the land of a thousand hills was a host for the famous Mountain Championships in 2014, the African Para-Volleyball Championships in 2015, Fiba Zone V Senior and Club Championships and the U18 Africa Basketball Championship in 2010 among others.
Therefore, be part of the 2018 African Cycling road championship in Rwanda and enjoy this one of its kind life changing experience.

Purposely to expand Rwanda’s footprint across all West African countries while encouraging increased safaris to Rwanda, Rwandair has been granted a fifth freedom right on Abuja-Younde Route. This comes after the opening of the national carrier’s direct flight to West Africa, which has encouraged an increased number of travelers coming in for Rwanda safaris to explore the beauty the country offers. With the fifth freedom right, the Rwandair is permitted to operate flights between two different countries with no restrictions. In this case the national carrier will fly into Nigeria to Abuja ad then connect to Yaoundé without any hindrance. As of now, Rwandair can fly into Abuja and also pick Yaoundé bound passengers with no any hindrances to any other destination. Rwanda air also has an additional entry point into Abuja and the right to exercise 5th freedom traffic right between Abuja and Yaoundé in Cameroon. Also, Rwanda’s national carrier has got joint airspace service agreement allowing it to operate another route into Nigeria to Abuja and also ply the Abuja-Yaoundé’ route without any hindrances. The director air transport management on behalf of Nigeria’s state minister for aviation proved this. With the 5th freedom right, Rwandair can now carry passengers from one country to another and from that country to a third country. The national carrier already operates the Lagos routes
while Abuja route is expected to be opened in January 2018.

According to the officials of Rwandair, the right to freely carry passengers form one country to another and from that country to the third one is a big boost to Rwanda Air’s quest to expand its footprint on the continent. The recent negotiations and signing of the bilateral air service agreement with Cape Verde, which opened more potential market opportunities for Rwandair and Rwanda’s private sector.
To make transport much more easier /encourage more travelers to the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda plans to launch direct flights to New York in the United States and other Asian Countries in 2018. Rwanda’s national carrier is also to introduce flights to Conakry in Guinea, Bamako in Mali and Dakar in Senegal the coming year (2018). Other planned destinations are Lilongwe in Malawi and Durban in South Africa. In 2016, Rwandair acquired its forest A330 series (A330-200 and A330-300Airbus aircraft) to boost its fleet and capacity o compete globally.
With the new improvements, RwandAir is expected to carry over 3 million travelers which hope is brought by the 650,000 passengers which RwandAir carried last year.

This has been clarified by the operational safety audit of International Air Transport Association (IATA). Rwandaairs direct flight to West Africa and United Kingdom is an advantage for those coming to Rwanda gorillas safari and other tourism activities in all parts of Rwanda. There is great hope that the ease of accessibility is one of the fey factors for the success of Rwanda’s tourism industry. Tourism statistics indicate that Rwanda receives the highest population of travelers from all parts of the world compared to Uganda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Conclusively therefore, the issuing of the fifth freedom right to Abuja-Yaounde’ route is a great achievement of the national carrier hence a great hope for the development of tourism industry in Rwanda.

When choosing where to for gorilla trekking, one must travel to Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo the only countries sheltering the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. The choice of which country to go to for a gorilla safari depend on the traveler with a reminder that gorilla trekking experience in each country is unique and memorable in its own kind. Some travelers have visited all the countries to compare the trekking experiences as well as enjoying the uniqueness that each country offers. Gorilla trekking is with no doubt the best wildlife experience done only in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park and Virunga national park in the whole world. Comparisons between gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo regard the cost of gorilla permits, gorilla families, ease of accessibility, difficult in trekking and the pre trekking experience among others. Below are the detailed comparisons about gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla permits prices
Regarding the cost of gorilla permit, each country has a different cost of the permit. Rwanda is known as a luxury gorilla destination selling the most expensive gorilla permits at a cost of 1500 usd for a single gorilla pass. Rwanda gorilla permit was doubled with immediate effect in May 2017 from 750 usd to 1500 usd, which was a step for Rwanda. The second to Rwanda is Uganda where a gorilla permits costs 700 usd, which is relatively cheaper while Democratic Republic of Congo offers relatively cheap costs at 450 usd for a single gorilla permit. Gorilla habituation experience, which is only done in Uganda, costs 1500 usd-allowing travelers to spend four hours with mountain gorillas in the jungle. Each traveler must have a valid gorilla permit on the day of trekking as a pass to see and interact with mountain gorillas for an hour. Travelers are also reminded to book at least four months prior to the trekking date and pay a booking fee to secure the permits and avoid any disappointment at the last hour. Booking can be done through any trusted tour operator or directly with any responsible government bodies i.e Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board and the management of Virunga national park.

Gorilla families
Out of 29 gorilla families that have been habituated for trekking and these are shared among Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda shelters 13 gorilla families 12 of which live in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and 1 Nyakagyezi family in Mgahinga gorilla national park both in south western Uganda. Rwanda’s volcanoes national park is a home to 10 gorilla families while Virunga national park in DRC has 6 families available for trekking. The presence of many gorilla families in Uganda guarantee travelers availability of gorilla permits even those who book in the last hour. Uganda issues out roughly 104-gorilla permits everyday, Rwanda sells 80 permits while DRC issues out 60-gorilla permits everyday. Most travelers have therefore selected Uganda as their gorilla trekking destination due to the availability of many gorilla permits even for last time travelers unlike Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo with limited gorilla permits especially in the peak season.

Ease of accessibility
For short time travelers, Rwanda is appropriate for trekking since travelers can do gorilla trekking upon their arrival. Volcanoes national park is roughly 2 -3 hours drive from Kigali international airport hence the most accessible gorilla national park compared to Bwindi, Mgahinga and Virunga national parks. On the other hand, gorilla national parks in Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks) are roughly 9-10 hours drive from international airport. This indicates that unless the traveler is coming from Rwanda, they cannot trek mountain gorillas in Uganda in one day. It takes a whole day of driving from Entebbe/Kampala to Kabale and Kisoro in southwestern Uganda where mountain gorillas live. Also, Rwanda’s direct flights from the United Kingdom and other west African countries is an added advantage unlike Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo which have no direct flights from traveler’s countries of origin.

Pre-trekking experience
Not only do travelers compare distances and permit prices but also the pre trekking experience. The whole of driving before meeting gorillas in Uganda is an added advantage for travelers enabling them to have several stopovers along the way where they see a lot of things. While driving to Bwindi, travelers always stop at the Uganda Equator for snaps, Igongo Cultural center where they are introduced to Ankole culture as well as enjoying the beautiful sceneries of Kigezi rolling hills. On the other hand, the short distance from Kigali to Volcanoes national park limits travelers of what to see apart from mountain gorillas. as a result, most travelers who have ample time have always opted for Uganda so as to enjoy other beauties before in addition to mountain gorillas, which make the experience more enjoyable.

Ease and difficulty of trekking
Despite an hour of interaction, which applies in all gorilla destinations, the ease and difficulty in hiking in each country differ from the other. For those who have done it before, mountain gorillas in Uganda surely come from far than you may expect compared to Rwanda. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park a center for gorilla tours in Uganda is located on high altitudes between 1,190 meters to 2,607 meters above the sea level which make it quite difficult especially for the aged and the unfit. Besides the altitude, Bwindi is an impenetrable forest with much undergrowth and slippery grounds, which slide in the early mornings and after rains. Unlike, Bwindi, Volcanoes national park comprise of bamboo forests which allow light penetration hence easy to hike through the same as Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Also, Bwindi is an impenetrable forest with thick forest and much under growth, which make it hard to walk through. On the other hand, Volcanoes comprise of bamboo vegetation, which allow light penetration and hence allowing travelers to walk through.

History and progress
Looking at the past and present times of all gorilla destinations, Rwanda is surely worth visiting. Most travelers choose to visit Rwanda to witness appreciate and enjoy the progress the country has achieved after the horrific genocide that claimed over 100,000 innocent lives within 100 days. After that, the government of Rwanda and all citizens, picked the ashes, reconciled communities, and restored peace and vowed a “never again” on which they have built to become the leading tourism destination in Africa. Besides mountain gorillas, some travelers have therefore opted to visit Rwanda to celebrate the success Rwanda has achieved overtime compared to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Conclusively therefore, book a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo, have a closer look at the mountain gorillas and enjoy a life changing experience in the world.

Much as gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking are a focus for most travelers to Volcanoes national park, a hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey, an American primatologists who sacrificed her life to save the mountain gorillas is worth doing. The Dian Fossey grave yard hike is a learning experience for travelers providing them with the in-depth understanding of start of gorilla tourism in Rwanda and how an America primatologist sacrificed her life to save the rare mountain gorillas that where at the verge of extinction by then. Though it’s obvious that most travelers to volcanoes national park go for gorilla trekking, a hike to Dian Fossey tomb is a not miss on your Rwanda safari. A visit to the graveyard and the karisoke research center is an appreciation of Dian Fossey’s heroism, great love for the mountain gorillas, and the tragedy of her death, which was a starting point for gorilla tourism in Rwanda.

How did Dian Fossey achieve her goals?
It all started in 1967 when the young primatologist reached volcanoes national park only to realize that Mountain gorillas were at the verge of extinction. Dian Fossey funded various projects to protect the gorillas, hired patrols to arrest poachers and gorilla doctors to treat the injured gorillas in poaching which put an end to poaching. Her mission to protect Rwanda mountain gorillas started in 1967 when she started her research and ended in 1985 when angry poachers assassinated her. When Dian Fossey made up her mind to die for gorillas, she established a research Centre “karisoke research Centre” between the two volcanoes on Mount Visoke and Karisimbi. Before her death, Dian Fossey extracted a journal in which she emphasized, “When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of future”. She started a Dian Fossey gorilla fund project, which has continued to help in the conservation of mountain gorillas and promoting gorilla tourism in volcanoes national park. History tells that the campaign by Dian Fossey against poaching generated hatred and negative attitudes by poachers who revised all means to assassinate her.

What to expect
Since you hike through the territories of mountain gorillas, expect to meet these gentle giants and other wildlife like golden monkeys. Travelers normally wake up early and transfer to Kinigi at the headquarters of Volcanoes national park for a short briefing regarding safety. You then follow a trail outside the dense forest providing them with an opportunity to clearly see the Virunga volcanoes especially karisimbi and Bisoke after which the karisoke research center was named. Besides gorillas, the hiking trail is also a paradise for birders being a hem to a variety of bird species some of which are endemic to the Albertine rift valley and stands at an altitude of roughly 2900m to 3000m above the sea level. On reaching the site, you will witness the grave for Dian Fossey and many others for the mountain gorillas that were killed before and after her by poachers.

Hiking time and dressing code
Hiking to the graves is not as easy as you may think but it’s quite short lasting for roughly 1-3 hours from the starting point. The hike is not as strenuous as hiking the Virunga volcanoes but its quite tiresome requiring one to be physically fit and committed. To ease the movements, travelers are also reminded to wear hiking boots to overcome the muddy and slippery grounds especially in the rainy season. Similarly, dress in long trousers, which you will tack into stockings to prevent bites from ground insects and being hurt by stinging nettles.

The permit
Just like any other popular activity in Volcanoes national park, all participants in hiking to Dian Fossey graveyard are required to have a valid permit. You are also encouraged to carry other relevant travel documents such as passports for clarification. Interestingly, Dian Fossey graveyard hike is experienced at a cost a relatively low cost 75 usd that is worth paying. Travelers can access these permits on the actual day of hiking at the karisoke research center.
Conclusively therefore, take part in the hiking the Dian Fossey grave yard , learn more rewarding you with a memorable experience.

Travelling to see mountain gorillas has undeniably become a dream for most if not all travelers to Africa. Different people have continuously written and narrated about how gorilla trekking is an amazing encounter which bring you close to the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The interesting stories and unforgettable experiences keep the potential gorilla trekkers wondering how the entire gorilla safari can be from the start to the end.Mountain gorillas are among Africa’s largest apes, which were at the verge of extinction in the 1980’s when conservation was not a priority. We bring you detailed information of what you should expect on a gorilla safari to ensure you are well prepared to enjoy the once in lifetime experience.

To begin with, all gorilla safaris call for a long travel into the tropical rain forests of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo the only habitats for the endangered mountain gorillas in the whole world. There are only four national parks, which you must visit if you are to see and interact with the gentle giants. With roughly 880 mountain gorillas surviving in the world, 480 mountain gorillas reside in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both in southwestern Uganda. In Rwanda, the endangered species live in volcanoes national park while Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo shelters the remaining population of mountain gorillas. The experience in each country is unique in its own way and different from the other.

Carry your gorilla permit
All travelers must carry their valid gorilla permits and other related documents for clarification a pass to see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda and Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) in Democratic Republic of Congo are responsible government bodies to issue these permits. Permit prices vary from country to country with Rwanda selling most expensive permits at 1500 usd, Rwanda at 700 usd and DRC at 450usd. Every traveler who will not carry his/her permit will be denied a chance of trekking. In Uganda, the permit must bear the name of the sector (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo) to clarify that a traveler booked a gorilla family in that specific sector.

Wake up early and attend the briefing
On the actual trekking day, all travelers must leave their lodges/hotels as early as 6:30am to attend short briefing at the respective park headquarters. This briefing is aimed at introducing trekkers to the gorilla trekking rules and regulations for the safety of both gorillas and travelers. In Uganda, travelers gather at different head quarters in Bwindi depending on which section one is trekking from. It’s in this briefing that travelers are divided into groups of eight who are allocated a gorilla family. Gorilla families are allocated depending on the capability of the traveler to hike high since gorillas are on continuous move and sometimes go up to the higher altitudes. This means that the weak, elderly and less fit travelers are given near gorilla families to ease and shorten their hiking time. At kinigi head quarters in Rwanda, local people entertain travelers in form of traditional dances, which is a good pre trekking experience.

Hiking into the jungle
Immediately after the briefing, travelers start off an actual hike into the jungle in search of the gorillas. Each group of travelers is led an armed ranger and a park guide hiking up and down in search of the allocated gorilla family. Its not an easy venture but rather strenuous hiking via slippery muddy grounds with thorny bushes and cold weather inside the dense forests. Hiking time may vary from 30 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the movement and location of the gorillas but with 99% guarantee to meet the gorillas. Hiking is an opportunity to encounter other animals such as monkeys, baboons and many bird species, which together make the experience memorable. All travelers are reminded to keep in their groups and follow the rangers since separating from the group can make one get lost in the jungle something dangerous to one’s life. Expect to get dirt as you crawl on the ground and as you grab tree branches for support.

Hire porters and hiking sticks
Porter’s and hiking sticks are not compulsory but are among the key factors for an enjoyable and successful trek. Porters help in carrying travelers baggage and providing support where need be in the process of hiking. The hiking sticks enable easy movement I the steep slopes where hiking becomes difficult. Porters and walking sticks are hired from the park head quarters at a fair cost, which is an indirect support of the local communities adjacent to the park. The money earned is used to support local families and community projects hence an improved standards of living.

Meet the gorillas
After hiking for whichever length, you finally meet the gentle giants; relaxed in their families the clock will start ticking for an hour. Its hear that all fatigue, panting and sweating due to the hike will disappear into excitement and joy as look into the eyes of a dominant silverback guarding the entire family. Travelers are reminded to take hear, keep calm and observe carefully the unique human like characters of each gorilla in the family. A silverback is the head of the family just like a dad in a human home, while adult females nurse the young one while the juveniles entertain the family keeping it live and enjoyable. A distance of seven meters must be kept away from the gorillas to avoid the spreads of communicable diseases to these critically endangered mountain gorillas. Stand at a distance a way from the crowd and take as many photos as you can but in a calm way. The juveniles entertain the family as they climb tress, swing over tree branches and wrestle as they communicate with each other. Incase gorillas’ charge or behave wildly, travelers are reminded to imitate their behaviors by moving on their knees and not running away. Non-flash light cameras are the only ones allowed for photography.

Dress right for the jungle
Dressing appropriate for the jungle is essential for a successful gorilla trekking experience. This is not in suits but rather in good light hiking boots for easy movement in slippery muddy grounds, gardening gloves to grab the bushes for support and the rain gears for the unpredictable forest weather. Also, long socks tucked into trousers, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters. Insect repellents, hat, sunglasses, and waterproof bags are very helpful. A traveler with proper dressing code is assured of a memorable gorilla trekking experience.

Conclusively therefore, come, meet the mountain gorillas in the jungle, interact with them and enjoy a memorable gorilla trekking experience in Africa.

At the completion of the 24th World Travel Awards in Kigali, Rwanda took the top title crowned as a leading tourism destination in the globe. Aimed at acknowledging, rewarding and celebrating excellence across all sectors of the global travel, tourism and hospitality industry, the long waited ceremony was held on 10th October 2017 at the Radisson Blue Hotel and convention center. The World Travel Awards ceremony is celebrated each year covering the whole globe as they recognize excellence in each continent and then culminating in a grand final at the end of the year. This years World Travel Awards ceremony in Rwanda was graced by a big turn up of popular tourism experts and large numbers of popular hospitality and aviation companies from different parts of the world.

Gram E Cooke, the founder and president of the World Travel Awards was the guest of honor. To him (Graham), and other first time travelers to Rwanda, it was a great honor to visit and stay in a once horrified country that has progressed into a most beautiful and peaceful country to stay. To many, Rwanda’s progress in tourism has been known for some decades after the genocide but winning of the World Travel Awards as a best tourism destination made it clear to every one that indeed Rwanda is a rising star that has picked from the genocide ashes.

After Rwanda was crowned the best tourism destination, best hotels in and out of Rwanda were recognized. Absolutely, Radisson blue hotel and convention center in which the ceremony was held won as Africa’s leading conference hotel in 2017. The convention center has a seating capacity of 5,000 delegates, which make it the best place for meetings, incentives, conferences and events. Still in Rwanda, Kigali Serena hotel was recognized to have the best presidential suite in the whole of Rwanda hence the hotel with the leading hotel suite in 2017. The one and only Nyungwe house is a best safari Lodge in Rwanda 2017 located in Nyungwe forest national park.

Looking out Rwanda, Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo in Kinshasa was recognized as a leading hotel in Democratic Republic of Congo while Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa won as South Africa’s leading hotel suite offering quality and excellent services. In south Africa, Durban international convention center won an award of Africa’s leading center for meetings and conferences.

Best travel agencies were also recognized in Rwanda and other African countries. Satgura travels won as an excellent travel agency in Tanzania and Nigeria at affordable prices. Primate safaris Rwanda was recognized as Rwanda’s leading travel agency and tour operator for the year 2017 while thousand hills Africa won an award as a top destination management company 2017.

Regarding transport to and within Rwanda, Kigali car rentals received an award for Rwanda’s leading car rental company 2017. In the aviation sector, Kenya airways was selected as Africa’s leading airline with excellent Business class services while cape town international airport took a trophy as a leading airport in the whole of Africa.

The overall winners in the World Travel Awards include Kenya airways as the leading airline offering business class services in Africa 2017. Ethiopian airlines as the best airline brand with excellent economy class services in the year 2017. Cape town international airport in South Africa won as the leading international airport in Africa 2017. Diamond La Gmma Dell Est, serve Zanzibar and Tanzania as Africa’s best all inclusive resort for year 2017. Dian Beach Kenya won as Africa’ leading beach resort for 2017. Saxo Hotel, Villas and Spa in south Africa is Africa’s leading boutique hotel brand 2017,. Avis was Africa’s 2017 leading business car rental company and Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention center in Kigali Rwanda won as Africa’s leading conference hotel in Africa.

In conclusion, the overall winners will attend the world travel awards grand final on 10th December 2017. The venue will be at JW Marriott Ph Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa. For next year, Durban international convention center was unveiled as a host for the next world travel awards in 2018.

Done only in Mgahinga gorilla national park, Batwa cultural trail is a celebration of the past forest life for the Batwa who were traditional forest dwellers before conservation and tourism were introduced. Batwa cultural trail is the only way to experience true traditional African community for travelers going for uganda safaris in Mgahinga gorilla national park. The activity exposes travelers to the ancient forest life of Batwa comprised of hunting, fruit gathering, collecting honey and performing of rituals in the caves within the forest. History tell that the batwa depended wholly on the forest for food, shelter, fruits, firewood and lived in harmony with wild animals like mountain gorillas for over 500,000 years not living any foot print. Since their eviction from the forest, the batwa are not allowed to go back except during the batwa trail. This means that Batwa cultural trail was introduced purposely to improve the lives of batwa pygmies since they are the main participants and beneficiaries of the activity. Most travelers have done batwa cultural trail as a compliment on their gorilla safaris to Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park south western Uganda.

On meeting the Batwa, you with no doubt see forest life in their eyes showing that they were happily and comfortably living in the forest until they were chased away. It’s surely a memorable experience spending time with the very ancient, short people dressed in hides while dancing and singing their ancient songs as a way of entertaining travelers. Batwa cultural trail is part of a full travel package to Mgahinga gorilla national park. Interestingly, the money earned from the batwa cultural trail goes back to batwa communities in form of food, clothes, scholastic material for children and medical services all aimed at improving their standards of living. The nomadic fruit and hunter gatherers are known to be the first people to reside in the tropical rain forests of south western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These people had free access to all natural resources in the forest and lived in harmony with wild animals in the forest until when they were relocated to the forest edges, which affected their ways. Unfortunately, the Batwa never sought ownership of the land they inhabited and depended on wholly before which left them landless and the poorest people in the whole world after their eviction.

How much is the Batwa cultural experience

A visit to these indigenous people comes at a cost of 80usd only. Payment is made at the head quarters of Mgahinga gorilla national park on the actual day of encounter. After paying, travelers enjoy a 5-6 gentle walk into the forest through the lower slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Its here that the Batwa do different activities like making fires by friction, visiting the Ngarama caves, gathering fruits, and spotting different medicinal herbs as they sing traditional songs. The six hours of nature walk expose travelers to the true forest life since they encounter many animals and plant specie making the experience of its own kind.

When did the Batwa trail start?
It was on 7th June 2011 when the Batwa cultural trail was launched by the Uganda wildlife authority as a new tourism product in Mgahinga gorilla national park purposely to preserve the traditional cultures of Batwa people as well as improving their standards of living outside the forest. Similarly, the Batwa trail is a source of employment for the Batwa people since they are the main participants in form of guides, dancers and porters which help them to earn a living. Since then Batwa cultural trail has and is done as a complement of a gorilla trekking package in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

What does Batwa cultural trail entail?

It’s all about experiencing the traditional forest life of the batwa pygmies. The trail involves walking on the foothills of mount Gahinga and Muhabura going deep into the forest to the traditional grass thatched huts of the Batwa. On reaching the first hut, the guide (a mutwa) kneels down praying to the gods for a blessing throughout the walk. After the prayer, travelers are taken to visit different spots such as, Ngarama cave a home to the gods of the batwa where travelers are reminded to keep silent in honor of the gods. From there, you visit the traditional herbalist who heals all illnesses such as malaria, excessive bleeding, headache and backaches with traditional herbs. The guides will help you to spot various medicinal herbs, which were and are still used for medicine. You also take part in collecting honey, hunting, gathering berries and other forest fruits. Which make the experience incredible.

How to dress in the Batwa cultural trail
Though travelers at this time are not looking out for the gorillas, the Batwa trail lead into deep forest, which require proper dressing. The grounds are muddy and slippery with forest weather, which cannot be predicted. Travelers are therefore required to dress in hiking boots to ease movements, huts, rain jackets and sweaters for the cold weather along walking sticks.
Conclusively therefore, take part in batwa cultural trail and enjoy the Batwa traditional forest life rewarding you with extensive knowledge about these ancient people with Africa Adventure Safaris

Set against a locale of the Ruwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth national park is surely an understated gem and a staple of Uganda’s wildlife safaris. Queen Elizabeth national park is Uganda’s premier national park sheltering the highest population of wild and birdlife in the country. The park boosts in spectacular array of habitats and landscapes with wildlife lovers and birders alike. The landscapes are showered with crater lakes, open savannah grasslands, swamps and forests all, which favor the habitation of various animals and bird in terms of food and habitation. Queen Elizabeth national park is Uganda’s second largest savannah national park covering a total land area of 1,978 kilometers sheltering the highest population of wildlife in Uganda. Popular attractions and activities in Queen Elizabeth national park include among others:

Kazinga channel and boat cruise

This is a 40 kilometers long and 8 meters deep-water channel that connects lake Edward in the west and lake George East of Queen Elizabeth national park. A boat cruise provide travelers with spectacular views of the entire national park, wildlife and neighboring fishing villages. Interestingly, the shores of kazinga channel attract high concentration of wild animals such as large herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of bird species all seen along the channel. The boat cruise lasts for two hours but the experience is surely unforgettable.

Game drives/ game viewing

Here travelers drive in the open savannah grasslands of the national park, which expose them to a variety of animals like buffalos, elephants, Uganda kobs, warthogs, bushbucks, impalas, lions. Leopards, topis, sitatungas, and leopards among others. Game drives are done in the early morning and evening hours when animals are grazing as predators hunt down their prey. Experienced guides help you in spotting and explaining in details the unique characters of each spotted animal. Photography is well done in game drives.

Tree climbing lions
A look at tree climbing lions comes along with driving to ishasha sector southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lions here are seen hanging in euphoria tree branches chilling or even enjoying their prey. Tree climbing lions are among the rare animal in Africa, which make a look at them surely amazing. These lions spend most of their time in the tree branches and only move down as they go for hunting.

Crater lakes

While in Queen Elizabeth national park, you should not miss visiting crater lakes. These lakes include lake katwe known for salt mining situated north of Mweya peninsula. On reaching the lake, you will meet salt miners who own independent mining areas. Both men and women take part in mining. Lake Munyanyange is a home to thousands of migratory flamingos and other bird species just a few kilometers from lake katwe in katwe Kabatoro town council. Lake Munyanyange is a seasonal lake, which attracts a large concentration of bird species from all parts of the world in the wet season. The most seen birds here are the lesser and greater flamingos along with other birds such as white browed robbin chats, long tailed sterling’s, black-headed gonloks, desert cisticolas and African hoopoes among others. Lake Munyampaka in the kasenyi plains is also a must visit. Of recent, salt mining was started at the lake, which is now at a high rate supporting and improving local livelihoods.

Chimpanzee trekking/tracking

Chimpanzees are seen in the lost valley of Kyambura gorge whose beauty provide travelers with a great feeling of being in a new world of mystery and scenic wonders. A gorge is a home to chimpanzees, which have been habituated for trekking. A simple briefing is a first do and all travelers are required to have their up to date trekking permits. Dressing right in long pants, sleeved shirts, hand gloves, hut and rain gears is very helpful. To ensure safety of both travelers and endangered chimpanzees, a seven-meter distance is required. The gorge is 16 kilometers long and is one of the natural wonders in Uganda in the western rift valley.

In conclusion therefore, visit Queen Elizabeth national park and enjoy the beautifully sceneries, wildlife viewing, bird watching and boat cruise at kazinga channel. Africa Adventure Safaris is at your service  for customized Uganda wildlife safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kwita izina is one of Rwanda’s distinct tourism products drawing thousands of spectators from all parts of the world coming to witness this joyful day of celebrating new birth. The ceremony was launched in 2005 by the Rwanda Development Board and entails giving newborn baby gorillas various names just like the naming of babies in Rwandan traditional families. Since 2005, approximately 216 gorillas have been named within the 10 habituated gorilla families in the volcanoes national park and the number is expected to increases as the ceremony continues.

For this year (2017), gorilla naming ceremony will take place on 1st September and thousands of people in the primates and gorilla spheres from all parts of the world are expected to grace the ceremony. The babies to be named are those that were born after the last year’s naming and in this 2017. The upcoming kwita izina ceremony will mark the 13th ceremony since 2005 when the first gorillas were named.

Names given are in Kinyarwanda traditional language depending on the past and present situations, the time and place of birth plus the future expectations. Specific guests both travelers, conservationists and researchers are invited to name these gorillas and thousands of people both local and international attend to witness this ceremony.

The gorilla naming ceremony takes place in kinigi at the headquarters of volcanoes national park where various groups of super dancers are always present to entertain the ceremony making it so enjoyable.

The major purpose of gorilla naming is to promote the extensive awareness of gorilla tourism and the importance of the protection of these endangered species in their natural habitats both at the community, national, regional and global level. More still, kwita izina aims at easing the monitoring of each individual gorilla in his or her respective family. The ceremony is all supervised by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) a government body responsible for wildlife conservation, tourism, and new product development and marketing in Rwanda.

Besides gorilla naming ceremony, Rwanda offer you with other amazing experiences such as gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in the volcanoes national park, chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe forest national park and wildlife safaris in Akagera national park among others. A combination of these makes a full package of a gorilla safari in Rwanda assuring you with a memorable experience.

Conclusively therefore, gorilla naming ceremony is a unique tourism product only done in Rwanda. All travelers should therefore attend the up coming Kwita Iziina for a phenomenal experience.