Short gorilla trips to Bwindi Forest

Short Gorilla Trips to Bwindi Foerst

Travelers with limited time have often asked how to do short gorilla treks to Bwindi Forest! Are you one of them? No worries, Africa Adventure Safaris has the best solution for you. Whereas it requires a full day driving from Entebbe International airport/Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, You can easily trek gorillas without this whole thing of full day driving. Trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest driving from Entebbe requires at least 3 Days Bwindi gorilla tour. The first day is for pick up and transfer to Bwindi, the 2nd day for gorilla trekking and the 3rd day for departure. Check how you can trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the shortest time possible with Africa Adventure Safaris.

Fly to Bwindi Forest
The very quickest way to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the shortest time possible is by flying. YES, upon your arrival at Entebbe International airport, opt for a domestic flight from Kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi airstrip in Kabale District. The flight time is between 1-2 hours compared to the full day of driving across different districts to reach Bwindi Forest. Either way, you can fly to Kisoro airstrip in Kisoro district ad then connect to Rushaga sector in southern Bwindi Forest. From the airstrip, travelers are transferred to the respective park headquarters in Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo or Ruhija depending on where he/she is trekking. After trekking the gorillas, travelers fly back to Kajjansi airstrip for their connecting flight at Entebbe International Airport. Aero link and Fly Uganda are the best companies for domestic flights in Uganda

Fly to Rwanda
Fly to Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport and connect to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Before the out break of the deadly corona virus that led to the closure of land borders, Rwanda to Uganda gorilla trekking had become common for short time travelers. The drive time from Kigali to Bwindi Forest is roughly 5 hours, which is quite short, compared to driving from Entebbe. The entry points from Rwanda to Uganda are Katuna border in Kabala or Cyanika border in Kisoro. You can do a 1-Day Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest starting and ending in Kigali Rwanda. The 1-Day Bwindi gorilla tour entails an early pick up at 3:30am from Kigali and drive for 5 hours to Bwindi. Join other travelers at the park head quarters for briefing and thereafter hike into the jungle to meet the endangered gorillas. After the trek, travelers are driven back to Kigali for a return flight.

Why trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest?
Impenetrable Forest National Park ranks as the premier gorilla trekking destination in Africa. The forest is home to over half of the world’s total gorilla population with 17 habituated mountain gorilla families. This guarantee traveler’s availability of 136 gorilla permits each day. Africa Adventure Safaris helps you book gorilla permits to trek your favorite gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Gorilla permit booking is recommended at least 4 months before the trekking date. More so, we tailor make for you a suitable gorilla trekking package to meet your time and budget. The availability of many gorilla permits in Bwindi Forest give many travelers a chance to trek gorillas compared to other gorilla parks in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Low cost of gorilla permits in Bwindi Forest
Its pocket friendly to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. YES, a single gorilla permit in Bwindi Forest costs $700 for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for Ugandans and East African citizens. This is far cheaper compared to $1500 in the neighboring Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

Best Accommodation Facilities
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has a variety of excellent accommodation facilities to serve you with first class food and sleeping services. Numerous budget, midrange and budget lodges and camps have been setup in all sectors of Bwi9ndi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Among the lodges in Bwindi Forest include Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Trekkers Taven Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Agandi Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Forest Camp, Nkuringo Gorilla Safari Lodge and Buhoma Community camp among others. All these lodges have professional and kind staff to serve you all day and night. The reservation team at Africa Adventure Safaris helps you book and reserve a room at your favorite lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Gorilla trekking add-ons
In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, travelers to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers a long list of interesting things to see and do for travelers. The other things to do in Bwindi Forest include among others bird watching, community tours to batwa pygmies for a cultural experience, nature/forest walks, gorilla habituation experience and filming/photography. A combination of these activities makes a complete Uganda safari package to Bwindi to meet, satisfy and exceed your travel expectations.

In general, it’s still possible to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Africa Adventure Safaris helps you to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest in the shortest time possible.

Best parks in Uganda

Best Uganda National Parks and Lodges

Check the best National Parks in Uganda and the top lodges to stay in each National Park with Africa Adventure Safaris. Whereas Uganda has 10 garzetted National Parks, four of them outweigh the others in terms of beautiful views, Wildlife and excellent lodges to stay. These four National Parks are the most visited in Uganda receiving the highest number of travelers on Uganda safaris. Interestingly, each park is unique in its own kind, the sceneries, wildlife, attractions, activities and location among others. The leading national parks in Uganda include:

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda's top National parks

Murchison Falls

Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National park is undeniably the best park in Uganda. The Park ranks as Uganda’s oldest and largest park sheltering a high concentration of wild animals and birds. The mighty Murchison falls in which the Nile river squeezes through a narrow gore dripping 43 meters down into the devils cauldron is a not miss on your Uganda safaris to Murchison Falls National parks. Game viewing, bird watching, community tours, nature walks and a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison falls are the key travel activities in this beautiful Park. More so, a hike to the top of the falls offers you great views of the water flowing and the entire park with wildlife feeding and resting. You can also trek the endangered chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, a section of Murchison Falls National Park.
The best lodges in Murchison Falls National Park include Nile Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Parra Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Budongo Eco Lodge and Pakuba Safari Lodge among others. These offer you first class food and sleeping services at affordable rates.

 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Sheltering the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world, Bwindi Forest National Park is among the top National Parks in Uganda. With 17 habituated gorilla families, Bwindi Forest guarantee availability of gorilla permits which give many travelers chances of trekking the endangered gorillas. The gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest include Mubare Family, Oruzogo Family, Habinyanja group, Rushegura gorilla family, Bitukura gorilla group, Katwe family, Nshongi family, Christmas family, Kyaguliro family, Mishaya group, Nkuringo family, Busingye family and Kahungye family. These gorillas in Bwindi are scattered in the four sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga, which make up Bwindi Forest. Mountain gorilla trekking is the key activity in Bwindi Forest National Park, which attract a high number of travelers to this park. Interestingly, seeing gorillas in Bwindi Forest is much cheaper at $700 compared to the neighboring Rwanda where a single permit costs $1500. Most travelers choose Bwindi Forest over other gorilla destinations due to the affordable rates. Besides gorilla safaris, other activities in Bwindi forest include community visits, bird watching and nature/forest walks.
The top lodges in Bwindi Forest include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge located at the highest Nkuringo hill overlooking the Virunga volcanoes, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge and Ichumbi Lodge among others. These lodges offer budget, midrange and luxury services to ensure your safe and comfortable stay.

 

Kidepo Valley Lodge

Explore the least visited Kidepo Valley National park in northeastern Uganda in the borders of Kenya and South Sudan. Kidepo Valley has been ranked as the most beautiful National park in Uganda offering the off beaten kind of wildlife experience to travelers. The dotted acacia trees, forests, savannahs and swamps in Kidepo Valley Park favor the habitation of numerous birds and wild animals. Game drives, scenic viewing, nature walks, camping, rock hiking and community tours are the most done travel activities in Kidepo Valley National park. The animals to see in Kidepo Valley Park include Elephants, Zebras, Buffalos, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Bushbucks, Warthogs, Bat eared fox, Caracal, Leopards, Lions, Black backed jackals and Uganda Kobs among others. Also visit the ancient Kanangorok hot springs on your trip in Kidepo Valley Park for a great experience.
Lodges in Kidepo Valley National park include Apoka Safari Lodge, Kidepo Savannah Lodge and Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp. Both Lodges serve excellent food and sleeping service plus other room services at all times.

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

With its vast savannahs, forests, swamps and crater lakes, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second largest and popular national park you should not miss out. Guided game drives through the park offers you great views of numerous wild animals which include four of the big five, Elephants, Lions Leopards, Buffaloes, Hippos, Uganda kobs, Impalas and Topis among others. Drive to Ishasha to the famous tree-climbing lions seen resting up in the acacia and fig trees. Discover various crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park such as Katwe salt lake, Bunyampaka Lake, Lake Munyanyange, Bunyarugulu crater lakes and Ndali Kasenda Crater. Still in Queen Elizabeth national Park, go for chimpanzee trekking in the under ground Kyambura gorge which is home to over 50 habituated chimpanzees. More so, enjoy a boat cruise at Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. The banks of Kazinga channel shelter numerous birds and wild animals, which awaits you.
The best Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park include Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Engazi Lodge, Katara Lodge, Pak View Lodge and Simba Safari Lodge

How to Book a Uganda safari?

Do you want to visit any of the best National Parks in Uganda? Are you looking for a Uganda safari to explore the best Uganda Parks? No worries, Africa Adventure Safaris is at your service. We offer tailor made discounted Uganda safaris any destination of your choice!

birding safaris in Rwanda

Birding Safaris in Rwanda

Bird watching is among the top travel activities and experiences that draw most travelers to Rwanda. YES, where as mots people have known Rwanda for gorilla safaris, the land of a thousand hills offers much More beyond mountain gorillas. In this article, we detail bird watching in Rwanda, the top birding areas in this country and why you should include bird watching on your Rwanda safari package. With over 720 bird species registered in Rwanda, this land of a thousand hills is undeniably a paradise for birders. 27 birds in Rwanda are endemic to the Abertine rift valley and worth watching. Bird watching in Rwanda is best done in forested and swampy areas and on the shores of Lake and river banks a cross the country. January is the best time for bird watching Rwanda especially in Nyungwe Forest National Park when birds are more vocal. Migratory birds are available in Rwanda in November and April making it the best time to see them. Africa Adventure Safaris is your ultimate guide on your Rwanda birding safari.

 

Bird watching in Nyungwe Forest

Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is an Important Birding Area in Rwanda sheltering over 300 bird species. The rain forest park is home to 3 bird species are not found anywhere else on the eastern side of the Albertine Rift Valley. The notable birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Crowned Hornbill, African Paradise Flycatcher, Crowned Hornbill, Chinspot Batis, Long Crested Eagle, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Regal Sunbird, Buff Throated Apalis, Handsome Francolin, Ruwenzori Turaco, Dusky Crimson wing, Archer’s Robin Chat, Ruwenzori Night Jar, Strange Weaver, Red Collared Babbler, Stripe Breasted Tit, Kivu Ground Thrush, Neumann’s warbler and Red faced woodland warbler among others. January to June is the best time for bird watching in Nyungwe Forest National park. Besides birds, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the several primates which include chimpanzees, L’Hoest Monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Golden Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Angola Colubus, and Olive Baboons among others. The other top travel activities in Nyungwe Forest National park include Forest/Nature walks, Chimpanzee trekking, Colubus trekking and canopy walk which together make a complete safari package to meet and satisfy our interests.

 

Birding in Akagera National Park

Birding in Rwanda

Shoebill Stork in Akagera Park

Akagera National park is yet another interesting birding destination in Rwanda. The savannah park is home to over 480 bird species, 100 of which are not found anywhere else in the whole of Rwanda. Akagera National Park is ranked as the second Birding Area in Rwanda after Nyungwe Forest National Park. The birds seen in Akagera National park African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, African Harrier, Bateleur, Squacco Heron, Crested Berbet, Papyrus Gonolek, Tabora Cisticola, Sooty Falcon, Amur Falcon, Red Faced Barbet, Ring Necked francolin, Short Tailed Pipit, Cabani’s Bunting, Booted Eagle, Grasshopper Buzzard, White Winged Swamp Warbler, Dimorphic Egret, Denham’s Bustard, Souza’a Shrike and Blue Shouldered Robin Chat among others. Bird watching in Akagera National Park can be done all year round. June to September is best for watching Francolins, October is best for Lapwings, while September, November, March and April is good for seeing song birds. April and November is the best time for seeing migratory birds. The other things to do in Akagera National Park besides bird watching include game viewing, Nature walks, sport fishing, bat cruising and scenic viewing among others.

 

Bird watching in Volcanoes National park

Being home to over 180 bird species, Volcanoes National Park is yet another interesting birding area in Rwanda. 16 birds species in Akagera National are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. The notable birds to see in Akagera Park include Bateleur, Baglafecht Weaver, Cinnamon Chested Bee eater, Blue Spotted wood dove, Red backed Shrike, African Long Eared Owl, Brown Woodland Warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, Ruwenzori Turaco, Ruwenzori Batis, Handsome Francolin, Ruwenzori Apalis, Strange Weaver, Archer’s Robin Chat, Scarlet Tufted Malachite Sunbird, and Doherty’s Bush Shrike among others. Dry season from June to August is the best time for bird watching in Akagera National park. Other top activities in Volcanoes National Park include mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, visiting the Musanze caves, hiking Mount Karisimbi,

 

What to Pack for your Rwanda Birding Safari

Birding in Rwanda

A pair of binoculars

Are you ready for your Rwanda birding safari? Check on what to pack for your birding experience in Rwanda with Africa Adventure Safaris. These include
1. Binoculars for zooming small birds at a distance
2. Camera to take as many pictures as possible. Remember its only the pictures that you will take with you.
3. Field Clothing, which includes rain gear, gardening gloves and hiking boots/shoes. The shoes should be waterproof, closed and light
4. Insect repellants to protect you from dangerous insect bites
5. Extra charge, power bank and battery to avoid your phone blacking out in the middle of the experience
6. Toiletries, which include tissues, toothbrush, hand sanitizer, hair gels and sanitary wear for women.

 

Are there specific lodges/hotels for birding trips?

No, you can choose whichever lodge or hotel you want to stay depending on which destination you are visiting for bird watching. Also, the choice of lodge depends on the budget of a traveler. Lodges across the globe are categorized into budget, midrange and luxury! Among the top Lodges to stay in Rwanda include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Gorilla Lodge and Davinci Gorilla Lodge in Volcanoes Park. The other lodges are One and only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Hill Top View in Nyungwe Forest National park and Akagera Game Lodge plus Ruzizi Tented Camp in Akagera National Park.

 

Other top things to do in Rwanda

In addition to bird watching, travelers on Rwanda safaris can also take part in
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park
• Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes Park
• Game viewing and boat cruise in Akagera National park
Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Hiking Mt Karisimbi in Volcanoes National park
• Kigali walk tour

How to Book a Rwanda birding and wildlife safari?
Are you looking for a best birding guide to Rwanda? Africa Adventure Safaris is at your service. We offer guided birding safaris to different birding destinations in Rwanda to ensure you get the very best experience. Just contact us, inform us about your travel dates and we shall have you sorted at affordable price.

Rwanda to host 2021 Chogm

Rwanda Pledgees a safe Environment For CHOGM Summit

Rwanda is set to host the 2021 Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in June 2021 despite covid19 still roaming around. The government of Rwanda has assured delegates that the country is all set and ready to hots CHOGM in safe environment. CHOGM was originally scheduled for April 2018 but later rescheduled to mid 2020. CHOGM is one of the many meetings that were cancelled in 2019 due to the deadly virus that spreading like wildfire. The deadly pandemic started in China but later spread all over the world. Rwanda confirmed her first positive case in March 2020. In order to contain the spread of the deadly pandemic, Rwanda and all other countries across the world put travels, meetings and any social gatherings on hold. Since the outbreak of corona virus in Rwanda, the country has done its best to contain its spread. The land of a thousand hills is undeniably one of the few countries that have succeeded in limiting the spread of the virus. As of 16th Feb 2021, Rwanda has registered a total case of 17,484, recovered cases 15,125 and 239 death. Rwanda joined CHOGM in 2009 and its one of few members that were never colonized by Britain and also the youngest member of CHOGM.

2021 CHOGM meeting theme

This year, the Common Wealth Heads of Governments Meeting in Rwanda will be under the theme: Delivering a common future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming and also looking at opportunities for Common wealth leaders to reflect new forms of global governance. In the upcoming meeting also, the participants will build united positions ahead of other anticipated meetings for example the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).This will take place in Glasgow United Kingdom in the early days of November 2021.Leaders will more discuss on how to make their health system more resilient, making their governance models more inclusive and also promoting sustainable and attainable economies
More so, the leaders will discuss on how to strengthen social protection systems in their respective countries, how to unlock the uses of technology and how to take firm action on climate.

Why is Rwanda best for Meetings and conferences?

Over years, Rwanda has proved to be the leading destination best for meetings, incentives conferences and events of which CHOGM is among. Firstly, Rwanda is the safest country in Africa. There have not been any reported cases of civil conflicts and rebel attacks in Rwanda for the last 25 years, which make it really safe for diplomats. Also, Rwanda has the best conference centers majorly the Kigali Convention Centre that is the best in Africa with a sitting capacity of over 5000 delegates. The Kigali convention Centre 18 different venues within which make it possible for different meetings to take place in the same building at the same time.

Other things to do and see in Rwanda

In addition to your conference-meeting visit in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills has more interesting things to offer for a great memory. Among the top things to do in Rwanda include mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is the luxury gorilla safari destination in the world offering the highest gorilla permits cost at $1500 each. Dian Fossey grave hike, golden monkey trekking, Musanze caves and Twin lakes complements gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. More so, enjoy the big five game in Akagera, the only savannah National Park in Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park are a not miss on your Rwanda safari. A city tour through beautiful Kigali is a must do on your safari to Rwanda. Kigali is the cleanest city in Africa where you can hardly see any rubbish and dirt. The tourist places to visit in Rwanda include Kigali genocide memorial Centre, the presidential palace Inemo art gallery, and Kimironko market among others. Africa Adventure Safaris is at your service for Rwanda bookings and travel advice

With the ongoing preparations, we wait to see the 2021 CHOGM meeting in Rwanda

Rwanda travel updates

Covid19 Latest Updates in Rwanda

Covid19 pandemic has continued to spread in Rwanda and all over the world despite the efforts to contain it. The deadly disease is still roaming around with new positive cases and death registered each day. Rwanda is one of the few countries which have done their best to curb the spread if this deadly virus. From land border closing, to restricted travel and introduction of robots to help in sensitizing people on how to curb the spread of the virus, Covid 19 is still around. The government of Rwanda put a ban on all local and international travels for over 6 months. The country was later reopened for tourism but under tight restrictions. Apparently, all tourism destinations in Rwanda are open for travels. Do you want to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, big five game in Akagera National park or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, all Rwanda safaris are now available for covid19 free travelers. Rwanda registered her first covid19 positive case on 14th March 2020. As of 6th/1/2021, Rwanda has registered 8,955 cumulative cases, 110 death and 6,878 recoveries. Its one of the few countries that have tried to contain the virus.

General Information
1. All Rwanda National Parks are open for visitors with negative covid19 test
2. Kigali International Airport is open but land borders stay closed except for cargo and Rwanda citizens returning
3. Gyms, saunas and swimming pools are prohibited
4. All people both locals and internationals must mask up their faces in public
5. All public gatherings for parties, churches, weddings, conferences and meetings are not allowed. Only 30 people are allowed on burials.

Entry and Exit Requirements
• A negative covid19 test is a must have for anyone entering and existing Rwanda. All travelers to Rwanda must present negative corona virus test results done within 120 hours before the arrival time
• All travelers must go through a health screening procedures at Kigali International airport. In addition to the negative test results presented, travelers are all also tested at the airport and quarantined at any designated hotel for 24 hours waiting for the results.
• Travelers exiting Rwanda MIST also test negative for covid19 to avoid the exporting of the virus from Rwanda to any outside country.

Movement restrictions in Rwanda
1. All movements in Rwanda stop at 8:00pm. Any movement after 8:00pm and 4:00am is illegal and anyone caught driving or moving in this time will be punished
2. Public transport is prohibited in Kigali city and no travelers across districts
3. Travels are only allowed for medical reasons
4. Only travelers are allowed to move across different districts provided they are covid19 negative
5. Travels and entry to National parks and other protected areas is restricted to travelers with negative covid19 test results.

Quarantine in Rwanda
All travelers who check into Rwanda must under go 24 hours quarantine as they wait for their covid19 test results. Specific hotels have been selected for quarantine purposes. Travelers and travel operators are advised to reserve rooms for 24 hours as they wait for their results. Any traveler who will be seen moving in Rwanda before results are out will be punished and imprisoned. Travelers will receive their covid19 test results via SMS or email. The traveler will then be invited to check out of the quarantined hotel and the trip starts. Any traveler who tests positive for covid19 will be quarantined and started on medication until he/she is fully recovered.

REMINDER: All tests and treatment for those who test positive for covid19 is personal. Each traveler meets his/her costs for testing and treatment

Conclusively, travelers are advised to be keen and careful when traveling to Rwanda. Follow the standard Operating procedures for Covid to avoid any chances of catching the deadly covis19 that has claimed lives of innocent people. For more details and travel advice, contact Africa Adventure Safaris, the number one travel agent in Rwanda.

Comparisons in Gorilla trekking

Why gorilla safaris are so popular among travellers

Over the past few decades, gorilla safaris, especially in Uganda and Rwanda, have become the travelers’ favorite wildlife experience and consequently, gorilla trekking has gone on to become the highest tourism foreign exchange earner for both countries.

About mountain gorillas

There are just over 1000 mountain gorillas in the world which are exclusively found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where they live in two separate gazetted locations. The Virunga Mountains or Virunga Massif is the largest protected area for mountain gorillas and it straddles the borders of all the 3 countries with 3 gorilla national parks each located in a different country. These parks include Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and they all together protect about 600 mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda is the second home for mountain gorillas protecting about 450 individuals. Only those gorillas that have been made used to the presence of humans through the habituation process can be visited in these parks. Bwindi has got the highest number of habituated gorilla groups with about 15 of them, Volcanoes has 10, Virunga has 8 while Mgahinga has only 1 habituated gorilla group

Why gorilla trekking has become so popular among travelers

The nature and status of mountain gorillas

Until recently (2018), mountain gorillas were classified as critically endangered species but the steady increase in their population over the past four decades encouraged the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)to reclassify them to the endangered category. Since mountain gorillas were feared to be at the brink of extinction in the past, this compelled many travelers to book gorilla safaris to see these great apes before their population is completely depleted. Secondly, mountain gorillas share about 98% of the human DNA and this makes them closely related to us and this is evidently depicted in their social life. Like humans, gorillas also live in social groups which are the families of those that are related to each other and each family has a leader who is the alpha male known as the silverback. The silverback leads his family in daily activities including movements looking for food and offering security while adult females take care of their infants. Gorillas exhibit many other human-like behaviors including g constructing shelters for resting at night, mourning, and burying their dead, among others.

Absence of mountain gorillas in other parts of the world

Since mountain gorillas are exclusively found in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC, the need to see them keeps travelers visiting this part of the world. Mountain gorillas are one of the four gorilla subspecies belonging to the larger eastern gorilla group which has another subspecies of the eastern lowland gorilla which is found in lowland forests of eastern DRC. The other species of gorilla is the western gorilla which has also got two subspecies including the western lowland gorilla and the cross-river gorilla. The western gorilla species are found in west Africa lowland forests in countries like Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea while the cross-river gorillas are found near the border of Nigeria and Cameroon along the Cross River.

Gorilla conservation efforts

Both conservation organizations and governments through wildlife authorities have intensified gorilla conservation efforts in order to protect these great apes from their life-threatening challenges especially poaching. Conservation organizations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which protects gorilla in Rwanda and DR Congo have concentrated all their resources on gorilla protection by working hand in hand with governments to offer protection, research, veterinary, and patrolling services for animals. They have also engaged communities living near gorilla habitats by employing them and training them in other occupations in order to control poaching. All this has contributed to increasing in the mountain gorilla population since they are allowed to thrive in their natural habitat hence boosting gorilla tourism.

Promotion of gorilla tourism by wildlife authorities

Governments through tourism authorities especially in Rwanda and have intensified tourism promotion campaigns to attract more tourists from across the world to visit and see their tourism potentials like mountain gorillas. The Visit Rwanda campaign has seen the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) partner with international agencies including Premier League giants Arsenal Football to promote the Rwanda tourism sector through a sponsorship deal. Such rigorous promotional campaigns have greatly contributed by attracting many tourists many of whom opt for gorilla safaris.

Influence of Dian Fossey

Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who started the incredible work of protecting mountain gorillas in 1960s when she ventured into studying these species in the montane forests of the Virunga Mountains. Fossey made gorillas very popular through her published book “Gorillas in the mist,” in which she wrote about her experience of living with gentle giants in the wild. The book was later used to inspire a film under the same title which made many people around the world get attracted to gorillas even the more. Fossey’s incredible work also inspired governments and conservation organizations to take on the gorilla protection work she had initiated after shed had been murdered by poachers in 1985.

The political stability in areas around gorilla habitats

Unlike in the past when areas near the gorilla habitats in all the 3 countries were inaccessible due to political instability, today such places are as calm as anywhere else, especially in Uganda and Rwanda. Indeed, there is a big difference between the number of visitors going to DRC’s Virunga National Park where instability has persisted and that visiting Uganda and Rwanda.

The ease of combining gorilla trekking with other safaris

In both Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking trips are combined with other tours including game viewing, bird watching, and cultural and historical tours, among others. This is because of the close proximity of the gorilla trekking destinations and other national parks which protect a variety of wildlife species hence giving travelers a chance to enjoy multiple experiences in a single safari package. A typical Uganda or Rwanda itinerary enables a traveler to enjoy wildlife, adventure and cultural experiences within a 4-5 day safari and this is helped by the good transport network with good roads and sometimes both air and water means can also be used where necessary.

Click here to inquire or book a safari in Uganda or Rwanda to see mountain gorillas and other wildlife species.

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Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National park

Travel to Kahuzi Biega National Park and discover Congo’s hidden gem. Located in Eastern Congo, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a not miss. Whereas most Congo safaris involve Virunga Park and Nyiragongo Volcano, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a place to visit. The park was named after Mt Kahuzi and Mt Biega on which it spreads. Kahuzi Biega National Park covers a land area of 600,000 square kilometers comprised of forests, swamps, blogs and marshlands. The animals in Kahuzi Biega National Park include Eastern lowland gorillas, birds, monkeys and baboons among others. The things to see and do in Kahuzi Biega National Park include:

1. Gorilla Trekking

Trekking the endangered Eastern Lowland gorillas is the key tourist activity in Kahuzi Biega National park. YES, over 80% of travelers to this park chose to visit and spend time with the largest gorilla specie. A face-to-face encounter with the largest gorilla specie is a magical experience you ought to enjoy. Two gorilla families have been habituated for trekking everyday at $450 for a permit. This guarantee availability of 16 gorillas permits since 8 people a day visit each family. Trekking to see eastern lowland gorillas lasts between 30 minutes to over 6 hours depending on where the endangered species will be that day and the traveler’s speed of movements. The trekking day starts with a briefing at the park headquarters where travelers are also registered and introduced to the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. This include:
• Do not trek when sick
• Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas
• Keep a seven meter distance from the gorillas
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Keep your voices low
• Keep within your group
• Do not eat or drink in the presence of the gorillas
• Do not touch the baby gorillas
• Wear a face mask
• Turn back your face when coughing or sneezing
• Do not smoke in the presence of the gorillas
Like in the sister mountain gorillas, travelers visiting eastern lowland gorillas are also advised to carry the essentials to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable trek. Among the things to carry for gorilla trekking include:
• Hiking boots
• Garden gloves
• Long sleeved shirts/blouses
• Long pants
• Rain jacket
• Scarf
• Sweater
• Sun glasses
• Hat
• First aid Kit
• Insect repellants
• Drinking water
• Extra batteries
• Energy giving snacks
Travelers planning to visit Eastern Lowland gorillas are advised to book as early as 6 months in advance to reserve the permits. Africa Adventure Safaris helps you book a permit and tailor made a suitable Congo gorilla safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park at affordable rates.

2. Volcano climbing
In addition to gorilla trekking, take chance to hike any of the two Volcanoes in the National Park. My Kahuzi is the tallest standing at 3,308 meters above the seas level while Mt Biega stands at 2,790 meters above the sea level. A hike to the summit of any one volcano offers you great views of the entire park, the Virunga volcanoes and local communities in the neighborhood. Also, the slopes of these volcanoes helter different wild animals including the endangered eastern lowland gorillas. Volcano climbing therefore gives you chance to meet these wild animals on a good day. Traveler’s intending to hike are advised to do physical exercises to ensure fitness.

3. Bird watching
Kahuzi Biega National park shelters over 340 bird species 42 of which are endemic to the Albertine region. The park is therefore a haven for birders and one of the top birding areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the notable birds in Kahuzi Biega National Park include Rockefeller’s, African green broadbill and Congo Paefowl. Binoculars are highly recommended for birding travelers to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Birding watching can be done all day through but morning and evening hours is the best time to see may birds waking up and going back to their nests.

4. Forest/Nature walks
Guided nature/forest walks help you to explore all the hidden treasures in Kahuzi Biega National Park. A walk to Tshibit waterfall, caves and ricers in Kahuzi Biega Park is a memorable experience you will live to remember. Walking through the forest gives you chance to see different herbs, plants, birds and even wild animals in the park. A quite walk listening to the sweet melodies of birds in the trees above you is a magical feeling.

Accommodation in Kahuzi Biega National park
Wondering on where to sleep in Kahuzi Biega National Park? no worries. Numerous lodges, hotels and camps have been put up to offer you budget, luxury and midrange food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges in Kahuzi Biega Park are L’Orchids Safari club and Lodgecoco Lodge. Africa Adventure Safaris help you book excellent accommodation services in Kahuzi Biega National park.

In general, Kahuzi Biega National Park offers it all you need on a safari. Book a Congo safari today, trek Eastern Lowland gorillas and volcano climbing in Kahuzi Biega National Park with Africa Adventure Safaris

Primate habituation experience in Uganda

Golden Monkey Habituation Experience In Uganda

Join a guided 4 hours golden monkey habituation experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National park with Africa Adventure Safaris. Similar to other habituation experiences (mountain gorillas and chimpanzees) Golden monkey habituation experience is the practice of training wild golden monkeys to make them familiar with people before they are open for trekking. Travelers join a team of researchers, conservationists,s and primate doctors in the jungle to tame these endangered species. With no doubt, golden monkeys are one of the most visited primates in Africa. The lively and playful characters of golden monkeys make an encounter with them magical. In Africa, golden monkeys are only found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Cost of golden monkey habituation experience
The permit for golden monkey habituation costs $100 for foreign non-residents, $60 for foreign residents, and UGX 100,000 for Ugandans and East African citizens. Uganda Wildlife Authority issues permit on a first come first serve basis. You can visit UWA headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro depending on where is convenient for you. Only four golden monkey habituation permits are available each day. Permit booking is recommended at least 4 months before the trekking date due to high demand and limited supply. Africa Adventure Safaris helps you book and reserve a golden monkey habituation permit at affordable rates. The $100 golden monkey habituation permit is exclusive of the park entrance fee at $40. Therefore altogether, golden monkey habituation experience costs $140 inclusive of the permit, entrance fee, ranger’s fee and conservation fees among others.

Time for a golden monkey habituation experience
You can either do the experience in the morning or afternoon depending on your available time. Each session starts with brief introductions to the rules and regulations to ensure the safety of travelers and endangered species. Whereas the actual time to spend with the gentle giants is 4 hours, you can spend more than four hours in the jungle before meeting them. Four hours are counted from the time you set your eyes on the golden monkeys.

What to wear for golden monkey habituation experience
Ensure to dress right for the jungle. The fact that you will be spending more time in the wild, remember to wear appropriate for the experience. The right attire for the golden monkey habituation experience includes hiking boots/shoes, gardening gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hat, rain jackets, sunglasses, and scarf among others. Insect repellant helps you to avoid poisonous bites from ground insects.

Dos and Don’ts in Golden monkey Habituation experience
Travelers are reminded to follow the rules and regulations of golden monkey trekking to ensure the safety of the endangered species. These include:
1. Keep a distance of 7 meters away
2. Do not visit when you are sick
3. Speak in a low tone
4. Keep within your group (Do not move alone in the jungle)
5. Do not use flashlight cameras
6. Do not look directly into the eyes of the golden monkeys
7. Do not litter in the park
NOTE: Golden monkeys are playful creatures, which will continually jump across trees. Travelers are therefore advised to hold their cameras tight and enjoy this magical experience.

Other top things to see and do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Besides, the golden monkey habituation, travelers to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have a lot to see and do. These include:
• Mountain gorilla trekking: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to Nyakagyezi gorilla family. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for Ugandans and East African residents. Each day, Uganda Wildlife Authority releases 8 gorilla permits to those who want to visit Nyakagyezi gorilla group.
• Golden Monkey Trekking: This is yet another interesting activity to enjoy in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is the only place to trek with golden monkeys in the whole of Uganda. Trekking golden monkeys cost $60 exclusive of park entrance fees.
• Batwa Cultural trail: Take part in the exceptional batwa cultural trail to learn and experience the traditional forest life of Batwa pygmies. Among the batwa activities you will do include collecting firewood, collecting honey, hunting, picking herbs, fruit gathering, making fire and visiting Ngarama cave where traditional rituals where performed. Also, traditional dances, songs and poems are performed fro entertainment. Batwa cultural trail costs $80 per person which money is used to support batwa households and improve their standards of living.
• Caldera walk
• Volcano climbing. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to three extinct volcanoes, which are Mt Sabyinyo, Mt Gahinga and Mt Muhabura. A hike to the summit of any volcano is a thrilling experience you will live to remember.
• Bird watching: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to over 180 bird species 12 of which are endemic to the area. Among the birds in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include African Olive Pigeon, Moorland Chat, Alpine Swift, Olive woodpecker, African Paradise flycatcher, Pin tailed whydah, Black kite, Cape Robin Chat, Speckled mousebird, Kivu ground thrush and Scarlet tufted malachite sunbird among others. April, May, October and November is the best time for bird watching in Mgahinga gorilla National park. May and June is the nesting season While Migratory birds are best seen from November to April.
• Forest/nature walks is the best way to explore Mgahinga Park
• Community visits to different projects
Conclusively therefore, Golden monkey habituation is an experimental experience you ought to do. Contact Africa Adventure Safaris today, book your trip and enjoy this lifetime experience.

How gorillas are named in Rwanda

Rwanda holds a gorilla naming ceremony each year locally known as “Kwita Izina” which is aimed at giving names to baby gorillas born within the year. This year the gorilla naming ceremony was held on Sept 24 and it was the 16th of its kind since the program was started in 2005.

Due to Covid-19, this year’s gorilla naming ceremony was virtually celebrated in order to control the spread of the pandemic unlike in previous years where various gorilla conservation stakeholders and guests could converge at Volcanoes National Park to name the baby gorillas.

This year, a total of 24 infant gorillas were given names which were chosen by frontline conservation staff who included park rangers, trackers and veterinary doctors who monitor and take of the lives of gorillas every day. Amazingly, this year’s ceremony was celebrated on World Gorilla Day, on September 24 which is also the same day American primatologist Dian Fossey started her groundbreaking work to study and protect gorillas in 1967.

How the gorilla naming practice was conceived

Having started in 2005, Rwanda’s gorilla naming ceremony has gone on to become a very important annual tradition celebrated all over the country. The idea of naming baby gorillas was adopted from the Rwanda’s historic cultural practice of newborn babies in the presence of family members and friends. For gorillas, this practice was adapted to celebrate their successful conservation and protection.

How gorilla names are chosen

The wildlife authority in Rwanda each year authorizes trackers who protect the gorillas to choose three potential Kinyarwanda names for each infant gorilla born within the park during the year.

What is the meaning of gorilla names?

Each name is selected to reflect an event or something that was happening in the park, locally or internationally at the time the infant was born. On the official naming day, special guests are given an opportunity to choose one of the selected names for each infant.

What happens on gorilla naming day?

In a normal year, a gorilla-naming ceremony is a multi-day event which includes a variety of activities aimed at promoting conservation awareness. The participants include invited guests, government officials, park staff, community members, students, celebrities, among others. Generally, the event is attended by over 10,000 members including the president of Rwanda who always gives a speech about the importance of conservation. Although this year’s event was moved online, it still celebrated the country’s conservation success that has been achieved through government commitment, community initiatives and research.
Which names were given to baby gorillas this year?

21 field staff who were chosen to name the gorillas were joined by 3 players from English Football Club Arsenal who included club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hector Bellerin and goalkeeper Bernd Leno. In 2018, the Rwanda Development Board though the Visit Rwanda program signed a deal with Arsenal to be the club’s official tourism partner and they feature as the club’s sleeve sponsors.

Aubameyang named one of the baby gorillas “Igitego” which means goal, Bellerin named another “Iriza” which means firstborn while Leno named another “Myugariro” which means defender.

Other names given to baby gorillas and their meaning include;

Duhuze – unifier
Amarembo – path ways
Indiri – bed
Ubushobozi – ability
Kazeneza – welcome
Murengezi – rescuer
Kororoka – prolific
Nyiramajayambere – development
Uwacu – one of us
Nkomezamihigo – keep it up

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Baby gorilla boom in Uganda

New Baby Gorilla Born in Ruhija Sector

The baby gorilla boom in Uganda is still ongoing! This time round, Uganda Wildlife Authority is celebrating a new baby gorilla in Ruhija Sector East of Bwindi Forest National Park. The baby gorilla was born on 11th October 2020 few weeks after the reopening of Bwindi Forest for mountain gorilla trekking. The newborn baby brings the total number of baby gorillas born within the period of six months to 6. Twijukye (16 years), the adult female in Mucunguzi gorilla family is the mother of the newborn baby. Altogether, Mucunguzi gorilla family has 12 members inclusive of the silverback, adult females, black backs and infants.Booking a Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park gives you chance to meet and see the adorable babies which makes the whole experience amazing.

About Ruhija sector
Ruhija is one of the four sectors that make up Bwindi Forest National Park. The sector is located east of the park and is home to several gorilla families. The ease of access to this sector especially from Kabale make it a not miss on your Uganda safari to Bwindi Forest. The gorilla families in Ruhija sector include Kyaguliro, Bitukura and Oruzogo. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight travelers. Each permit costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Booking a Uganda gorilla permit is recommended at least 6 months prior.

Travel experiences in Ruhija sector
There are lots of travel experiences for travelers to Ruhija sector of Bwindi Forest National Park. The things to see and do in Ruhija include among others:
1. Mountain gorilla trekking: This is the number one travel activity in Ruhija sector. Over 90% of visitors to Ruhija sector choose to trek gorillas. Roughly 32 gorilla permits are available each day. Permit issuing is on first come first serve basis.
2. Batwa community visits: A visit to batwa community villages offer you chance to interact with these indigenous traditional forest dwellers. The experience entails visiting the forest to do traditional forest experiences of batwa pygmies such as hunting, collecting firewood, gathering fruits, making fire ad collecting honey among others. Also, traditional dances and poems are performed to entrain the travelers.
3. Visit Local community projects: Ruhija sector has various local community projects you should visit. These include schools, hospitals, women groups, craft shops and many more. Travelers are advised to buy crafts to support local livelihoods
4. Bird watching: Being home to 23 endemic bird species, Ruhija sector is undeniably a haven for birders. Its one of the Important Birding Areas in Uganda, a best place to see unique bird species. Examples of birds in Ruhija sector include Yellow Eyed Fly Catcher, Yellow Streaked Greenbul, Grey Bush Shrike, Hornbills, Crested flycatcher, Dusky Crimson Wing, Red Faced woodlandand Red-throated Alethe among others. Birding is best done in the morning and evening hours during a nature walk. The sweet melodies of birds singing up in the trees above you make the whole experience memorable.
5. Nature walks: Walking on foot through the forest is the best way to explore and discover all hidden gems in this jungle. You will follow different trails in the forest taking you to different points. A forest walk gives you chance to meet various wild animals, especially colubus monkeys, plant species and birds. Closed light shoes and a walking stick is highly recommended for a forest walk in Ruhija sector.

More so, Ruhija sector have numerous hotels and lodges to serve you with excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges in Ruhija sector are Trekkers Taven Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Agandi Lodge, and Ruhija Community Rest Camp.
In general, the birth of new baby gorillas is an achievement for Uganda Tourist Authority. Contact Africa Adventure Safaris today, book your gorilla safari and get a chance to see the baby gorillas.

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