There are things that you should consider before confirming a gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Safaris to see gorillas have nowadays become common among travelers coming to Africa attracting a high number of travelers from all parts of the world. The mountain gorilla (gorilla beringei beringei) is an African endangered great ape and does not thrive in captivity. The primate lives only in mountainous tropical forests of East and central Africa including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in south-western Uganda and the Virunga massif area which encompasses Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) and Virunga National Park in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo. The population of mountain gorillas in Africa is 1063 individuals according to recent statistics by Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI) the world’s leading gorilla conservation organization. Since the discovery of gorillas in 1902, their numbers had been declining due to poaching, habitat loss, human conflicts and diseases. There were less than 500 gorillas in the 1980s. Conservation efforts that Dian Fossey pioneered including ant-poaching patrols (active conservation techniques) and veterinary care that intervenes to treat sick or injured gorillas helped subsequently in the monitoring and evaluation of the rate of gorilla population growth. Her work had great influence in protecting the primates for future generations. Today, gorilla trekking is the very essence of conserving mountain gorillas and support economic development in order to change the attitude of local people towards conservation in the communities adjacent to the protected areas mentioned above. Regardless of the destination you choose for a gorilla safari, there are certain things to know.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations
When the first official gorilla tourism program begun in 1979 in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, the main interest was to earn revenue rather than protect the primates. With the habituation of more gorilla groups and increase of tourist visits, the possibility of human disturbance which could disrupt the natural behavior of gorillas became a subject on which the establishment of gorilla rules was based. This included time spent per day with gorillas in their natural habitat. Consequently, several rules were created including maintaining a distance of 7 meters (21 feet), restricting those who are ill to minimize transmission of diseases and limiting the number of people to 8 visitors who can visit one gorilla family per visit for 1 hour. With time, more regulations were added including the following:-

• Visitors must wear facemasks due to covid-19 pandemic. Be sure to carry disposable masks and disinfectants.
• Prohibition of eating, smoking and drinking when with the gorillas
• Keeping voices low within 200 meters of reaching the gorillas
• No use of flash photography,
• Minimum age of trekking gorillas is strictly 15 years
• Visitors are must turn their face away and cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Human waste must be buried 30 centimeters deep underground
• No trash should be left in the forests
• Sick visitors including those who test positive for covid-19 are not allowed to visit the gorillas.
• Visitors are not allowed to clear away vegetation to get a better view and must remain in a tight group under the guidance of a

wildlife rangers.
Before confirming a gorilla tour, you should be in position to meet the above rules. Adhering to these rules is a win-win situation for both viewers and gorillas. Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans which makes them vulnerable to infectious diseases including influenza (common cold), diarrhea and covid-19. Not only diseases can kill the primates but also unregulated gorilla visits can disrupt the natural behavior and ecology of gorillas. More importantly, the gorilla trekking briefing offers detailed instructions of things to expect on the day. Visitors must attend the briefing to understand to what to do in case a gorilla charges. Though, gorillas are known to be gentle and peaceful animals but can be aggressive when threatened. Obeying the rangers offers peaceful gorilla viewing opportunities which makes gorilla trekking safe for visitors. Furthermore, two of five rangers are armed in order to protect you against any potential danger including forest elephants. In return for good thanks, you can tip your rangers or put money in the tip-box at the gorilla center.

Gorilla permits
A gorilla permit allows visitors to visit gorillas strictly for 1 hour in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. People qualified to participate in gorilla trekking activity must be 15 years old. Permits are available for booking through the official gorilla conservation authorities including Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) head offices in Kampala capital city, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Visit Virunga for Democratic Republic of Congo or through a tour operator. Reserving a permit should be the first item to confirm when planning a gorilla tour. The dates you intend to track gorillas and the location of accommodation must coincide with booking details. This is especially for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park given that the park has 4 different gorilla trekking sectors including Buhoma (headquarters), Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each center is at a relative distance away from one another making it necessary to have your gorilla permit matching together with the place of stay. In the same manner, buying a permit should be done 2 to 3 months before the date of trekking especially those planning a gorilla safari around the high season during the months of December to February and June to September. The reason why you need to book ahead of time is that the availability of gorilla permits in Uganda tends to be limited for the peak season especially for Buhoma and Ruhija sectors and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park due to high number of visitors. In Rwanda permits are likely available regardless of the season which is also true for DR Congo gorilla safari.

The nature of terrain
The altitude of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park starts at 1100 meters in Buhoma to 2607 meters above sea level in Ruhija and Nkuringo sectors and the underlying layer of vegetation is thick. In Virunga massif, the altitude ranges from 3669 m – 4507 meters which comprise of Volcanoes, Mgahinga Gorilla and Virunga National Parks. The vegetation in Virunga region is relatively open due to presence of bamboo forests. Besides the rough and steep mountains, hiking can be challenging in relation to the time it takes to search and find the gorillas. The process of finding the gorillas can range from 30 minutes to 8 hours. Given that gorillas can move long distances in search of food, trackers usually leave early in the morning before briefing which offers a guarantee of finding them. This allows rangers and guides to find a shortcut way to the location of the primates. Good health and physical strength is important to endure the nature of terrain and length of a gorilla trek. Those with limited mobility or are unable to walk and complete their trek can be carried on a ‘sedan chair’ (gorilla helicopter) to and from the gorillas at an extra cost. In addition to being fit, visitors need to know what to wear for gorilla trekking including hiking boots, long pants and sleeved shirts, drinking water, packed lunch, rain jacket and insect repellant.

Activities to combine with gorilla trekking safari
Western Uganda circuit safari has 8 of 10 Uganda national parks of which 3 are savannah protected including Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks. Given that gorillas are in the same region, it’s easy to put together an itinerary including game viewing activities such as game drives and boat cruises in addition to gorilla trekking. Those aiming for Big 5 safari in Uganda can add Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary situated 164 sq.km (2-hour drive) north of Kampala capital city along the route to Murchison falls. Even with a short 3 day gorilla safari, village walks can be done in all four Bwindi gorilla trekking sectors which is a good way to support rural tourism among the communities adjacent to gorilla parks including the Batwa pygmies (keepers of the forest) in south-western Uganda. The Batwa trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a chance to learn their ancient survival skills including the prehistoric fire making activity, hunting and food gathering. In that regard, gorilla tourism is a tool to empower local communities build a sustainable future especially Batwa who were evicted from their ancestral homes in 1991 when Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was gazetted as a national park. South-western Uganda has several lakes where you can go to relax after visiting gorillas. Lake Bunyonyi which is 70 km south of Bwindi impenetrable forest and 60 km from Mgahinga Gorilla national parks. In the same manner, Rwanda gorilla tour can be combined with a cultural tour at Iby’iwacu cultural village or Big 5 safari in Akagera National Park situated in the eastern province.

Traveling with children as a family is one of the best moments you can have on a trip. The fun stories and jokes cracked by children will surely make your safari memorable. However before traveling with kids, you must first know which travel activities are eligible for children for proper planning. Children in this regard are those people below 15 years old. Africa Adventure safaris offers you a list of best travel activities for children in Rwanda. Whereas as mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park are the main tourist attractions for Rwanda,children below 15 years cannot participate in gorilla trekking activity due to age restriction. For other activities, visiting Rwanda with children is okay given that the country is safe both in terms of crime and handling the covid-19 pandemic. There has been tremendous transformation in terms of development that has taken place since the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. Rwandans openly talk about the good and bad side of events that led to the civil war in which 800000 people horribly lost their lives within a 100 days – you can watch the film “Hotel Rwanda”. The leadership and the culture people of Rwanda who are comprised of only three ethnic tribes including Tutsi (cattle keepers), Hutu (farmers) and a few Batwa pygmies (forest hunter gatherers) has put much emphasis on sustainable development especially urban tourism.

About 28 years later, Kigali city is now positioned as a clean beautiful urban area due to good education policy that Rwandan way of living has turned industrious, technology and development of roads with palm trees along the conferences and meetings avenues in Nyarugenge the city center including Kigali Convention Center, Radisson Blu and Marriott hotel chains and several boutique hotels. The same goes for recreational facilities which have come up including genocide memorials, museums and art galleries, theaters and concert venues, shopping centers among others. Rwandans are habitually becoming artistic, social and fun loving.

Under this influence, the town took shape and so Kigali and its neighborhoods including Nyarutarama is a tight community of modern residential buildings, narrow artistic European streets adhering to its hilly landscape making Rwanda “the land of a thousand hills”. In general, Rwanda is a destination for travelers looking to see a positive modern facet Africa lifestyle than a preconceived “poor rural Africa”. Kigali city sightseeing tour when tailored to needs of those visiting Rwanda with children offers a chance to experience Rwandan traditional customs without traveling upcountry including visiting Kimironko market, Kandt house museum of natural history and art galleries, a school for children to take part in English classes, a workshop to have a local dress made for you or an art gallery for souvenir shopping.

Furthermore, activities for children in Rwanda are not found in a single place. Visitors have to follow an itinerary, drive a car, bus for traveling upcountry or take fly in safari with Akagera Aviation to different destinations. Though, the quality of the roads has improved and driving in Rwanda is smooth and safe, some upcountry areas still have dirt roads. This is especially for game tracks inside Akagera National Park, you expect rough, dusty and hot drives. Those traveling with young children need to pack items including sunhat, sunscreen and insect repellant among others such as food and anti-malarial medication to provide comfortable sitting while in a vehicle. There are food and rest stops along major tourist routes including Nyirangarama on the way to Akagera where locals offer goat kebabs and spicy potatoes an alternative to McDonalds or Starbucks). The national parks of Rwanda too allow children of any age especially Akagera in the eastern side offers game viewing with a chance for kids to spot Big 5 mammals including lions and African elephants. The Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the canopy walkway in East Africa which is suitable for children of 6 years and offers spectacular view of the Albertine rift valley.

Places for best activities to do with children in Rwanda

The Gorilla Guardians Village

Formerly known as Iby’iwacu, the village is situated at the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Musanze district northern province about 168 sq.km (2-hour drive) north of Kigali capital city. The 169 sq.km protected area is part of Virunga massif famous for harboring endangered mountain gorillas. The people living near the park naturally depended on the forest for survival including hunting wild animals for bushmeat consumption. When poaching was banned in Rwanda due to strict laws, the cultural village near gorillas was established in 2005 as non-profit organization with aim of improving the lives ex-poachers. In relation to gorilla conservation, rural tourism in Musanze provides opportunity for jobs and many locals in the village have been able to make income to support their families. Iby’Iwacu offers interactive cultural activities suitable for children such as dance performances, lessons on basket weaving and among others such as how to shoot an arrow that hunters use, and playing the roles of marriage ceremony king and Queen with photoshoot and a traditional homestay experience. Farm tours are available for those interested in preparation of local food and banana beer brewing process. The cultural tour can be done in the evening after doing some of the activities in Volcanoes National Park including gorilla trekking, Dian Fossey hike and Karisimbi volcano hiking among others such as golden monkey tracking activity. Lake Kivu is 58 sq.km (2-hour drive) south-west of Musanze town and offers off the beaten path beach vacation in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is one of the seven African Great Lakes shared between western Rwanda and east of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The lake extends for 70 sq.km long with average depth of 240 meters and tropical islands including Idjwi support rich in biodiversity including the straw-colored fruit bats listed as threatened on IUCN, over 28 tropical fish species including longfin tilapia which attract birds of prey such as Osprey. Due to economic trade between Rwanda and DR Congo, the northern shores of Lake Kivu have attracted development of urban centers including Gisenyi (Rubavu) and Karongi which have turned into tourist spots for beach vacation in Rwanda. In particular, Gisenyi town not only hosts a diverse population of people from across the Great Lakes Region making for a multicultural experience but also offers lakeside resort hotels and beach bars with child friendly recreational facilities including swimming pools, kayaking, fishing and boat rides. Adults can go swimming in the lake given that there are no crocodiles or Bilharzia along the Rubavu Public Beach.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is 105 sq.km (3-hour drive) east of Kigali capital city along the border with Tanzania. The park is Rwanda’s only savannah protected area covering 1122 sq.km that consists of short and tall grass savannah, rolling hills and Akagera river which fills several swamps and 10 lakes including Lake Ihema the largest. The park is rich biodiversity including Big 5 African mammals (lions, leopards, African elephants, Cape buffalo, eastern black and southern white rhinos) among others such as plains zebra, Masai giraffe, kobs, hippos and over 500 species of birds. Guests can enjoy searching wild animals in the African bush through day and game drives, boat cruises and sport fishing on the lake. Children below 5 years do not pay park entrance fees and are allowed on game drives and boat cruise. Besides, game viewing visitors can take children for a walk around the village which offers authentic cultural interaction including food crop harvesting and history of the park through “behind the scenes experience” at the park visitor center. The history of Akagera National Park is an interesting story of successful wildlife conservation in Rwanda. Poaching during the 1994 Rwandan genocide led to extinction of lions and black rhinos. In an effort to restore the lost wildlife, the government of through Rwanda Development Board (RDB) entered into a long-term partnership with African Parks Network (AP) to manage the park. The Akagera Management Company has since 2015 restored lions, black and white rhinos and effective anti-poaching efforts including a fence along the northern border of the park keeps the animals safe. Akagera is now a big five safari destination offering off-the-beaten path game viewing.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is an Afromontane tropical rainforest covering 970 sq.km in the Albertine Rift Valley. The park is 218 km (5-hour drive) south-west of Kigali capital city and can be accessed by air through Kamembe airport which is 56 km (1-hour drive) away from Uwinka visitor center in the center of the protected area. Given its location, Nyungwe Forest National Park is rich in biodiversity with 13 primate species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkey, red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys and over 300 species of birds of which 16 are Albertine Rift Endemics including strange weaver and red-faced woodland warbler. Chimpanzee trekking is the main activity and children below 15 years of age are not allowed to take part in the primate walk. Activities for children in Nyungwe Forest National Park include a canopy walkway for kids of 5 years and above. The canopy bridges are 50 to 70 meters high above the ground with opaque walkways to limit the fear of heights and offer spectacular aerial view of the forest. Alternatively, visitors can take children for a community walk including visiting Gisakura tea plantations and Banda cultural village which offers a demo on basket weaving and banana beer brewing activity, local food preparation and tasting, guided farm tours and Rwandan traditional dance performances.

Uganda is home to 5000 chimpanzees of which 1400 individuals are found in Kibale Forest National Park located in the Albertine valley. Besides, you can track chimpanzees in three Uganda central forest reserves including Kaniyo-Pabidi eco-tourism site in Budongo forest southern part of Murchison Falls, Kalinzu and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Parks. The opportunity to see chimpanzee in the wild in Uganda is available in two ways including chimpanzee trekking which offers 1-hour with a fully habituated chimp family and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) giving you 4-hour encounter with semi-habituated group of chimpanzees available only in Kibale Forest National Park. In the wild, visitors are allowed to view primates at a distance of 7-meters – you’re not permitted to touch them. If you wish to hold a chimpanzee on your African safari, Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) in Entebbe town offers chimpanzee close-up experience. With the help of a guide, participants who must undergo a health check are allowed to hold, trickle and feed the chimps both young and adult. The chimp close-up experience cost is $290 per person available for booking through the UWC offices. The activity starts at 7:30 am in the morning from Monday to Sunday. In the same manner, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary accessible in 45 minutes by speedboat or 90 by motorized canoe also offers a chance to feed and observe the behavior of chimpanzees from a raised fence platform. The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda varies depending on place and experience. Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Ngamba island and Kyambura gorge are among the best places to see chimpanzees in Uganda

Chimp trekking and Habituation cost in Kibale Forest National Park

In Kibale Forest National Park chimp trekking permit cost is $200 (foreign non-residents), $150 (foreign residents) and 150000 UGX (East African Citizen). Booking is available through a tour operator or Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala capital city. The primate walk is available at 7:30am in the morning, 2:00pm for those intending to track chimps in the afternoon and offers 1 hour to see chimps in their natural habitat. On the other hand, Chimpanzee Habituation Permit cost is $250 per person. In this experience a maximum of 4 guests are accompanied by trackers and researchers into the forest early in the morning at 6:30am in order to see where chimps built their nests the previous night. Oftentimes, there’s a chance to watch how the primates start their day including mothers breastfeeding their babies and hunting for food on ground or tree canopies while looking for fruits. With the help of guides, visitors are guided through the forest hiking on foot which requires average physical fitness due to the natural of terrain. The chimp permit fees includes park entry, guide and ranger.
Kibale Forest National Park protects 776 sq.km of afro-montane tropical rainforest in the Albert Rift Valley –western part of Uganda. With an altitude of 1100m to 1590 meters above sea level and thick vegetation, hiking in search of chimps can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. Kibale boasts of harboring 13 primate species including chimpanzee, L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabays, red colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, Demidoff’s dwarf Galago, black and white colobus monkeys, velvet monkeys and olive baboons; over 370 species of birds including African green-breasted pitta, 250 butterfly species and 299 tree species of which some are over years old. Those interested in doing more activities in addition to chimpanzee trekking, the Kibale night forest walk offers a chance to spot nocturnal animals. Visitors can also visit Bigodi swamp outside the park preferably in the afternoon for nature walk and village experience including visiting a traditional herbalist for his stunning metaphysics, learning the basket weaving, banana beer brewing process and coffee with opportunity to sample.

Tracking chimpanzees in Budongo Central Forest Reserve

The largest of Uganda central forest reserves, Budongo spans for 825 sq.km situated in southern part of Murchison Falls National Park north-western Uganda. The forest also includes Kaniyo-Pabidi ecotourism site a natural habitat for over 120 chimpanzees among other primate species including black and white colobus monkeys, velvet monkeys, olive baboons and blue monkeys; over 200 species of birds, tropical flowers and butterflies. The main activity is chimpanzee is available in the morning at 8:00am in the morning and 2:00pm for those intending to track in the afternoon. Chimp trekking permit cost in Budongo Forest is $80 per person available for booking in advance through a tour operator or Uganda Wildlife Authority. Budongo Forest is 220 sq.km (3-hour drive) north of Kampala capital city, 29 km from Masindi town and 5 km from Kichumbanyobo southern entrance gate of the park. One requires at least 3 days Murchison Falls National Park tour including chimpanzee trekking at Kaniyo-Pabidi ecotourism center, boat cruise safari, game drives and top of the falls walk. There are no zebras in the park, you expect to spot lions, leopards, African elephants, Cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffe, hippos, crocodiles and a variety of antelope species including hartebeest, Uganda kob, oribi, water and bushbucks. Accommodation at Kaniyo-Pabidi consists of camping facilities, Budongo Eco-Lodge, Bandas and cabins run by the Jane Goodall Institute that offers conservation education tours for naturalists and students. Those intending to spend a night there can do more activities including the Budongo Royal Mile that offers opportunity to spot birds, learn the history of Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom and visit a polish church.

Chimp tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve and Kyambura Gorge

Found in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu central forest reserve and Kyambura Gorge offer chimpanzee trekking at $50 per person. The activity is conducted early in the morning at 7:30am and the permit is available for booking at Mweya the Uganda Wildlife Authority park headquarters or through a tour operator. The primate experience at each is unique due to the difference in terrain, scenery and wildlife. Kyambura Gorge known as the Valley of Apes is 30 km north-east of Mweya visitor center. The reserve contains tropical forests found 100 meter deep underground in the rift valley escarpment home to 29 chimpanzees including a group that is regularly monitored for tracking. The Kyambura River flows through the gorge and attracts hippos and water birds including the African fin foot and greater flamingo. Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge is done by a maximum of 6 people with opportunity to explore the spectacular underground tropical forest and spot hippos safely. There’s one luxury Kyambura Gorge Lodge for those intending to stay there on a trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
On the other hand, Kalinzu Forest Reserve covers 147 sq.km at an average of 1400 meters above sea level. The tropical forest is home to six primate species including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, velvet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and 378 species of birds. There are two groups of chimpanzees habituated for tracking at Nkombe the reserve’s main visitor center. There’s a high chance to spotting primates and hiking is moderate than in Kyambura gorge. The chimp tracking permit for Kalinzu cost is $50 per person available for booking on arrival at Mweya Uganda Wildlife Authority visitor center or tour operator. Accommodation at Kalinzu forest is only do-it yourself camping at the site. Guests intending to sleep need to bring their own gears including tent. Those who want to visit for just a day can find where to stay in Bushenyi municipality which is 25 sq.km away from the visitor center.

For more info about chimpanzee trekking costs and bookings in Uganda, Contact Africa Adventure Safaris, the leading safari company in Uganda and East Africa

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the Kigezi region Bufumbira county Kisoro district south-western Uganda. The park can be accessed by road and air through Kisoro airstrip. Ntebeko the park headquarters is 14 km (9 miles) south of Kisoro municipality, 55 km west of Kabale the largest urban center in the Kigezi region, 524 km (10-hour drive) from Kampala capital city, and 130km (3-hour drive) north of Kigali city via Cyanika border town of Rwanda. Stretching for 33.7 sq.km, Mgahinga Gorilla is the smallest of 10 national parks of Uganda. Despite its size, the protected area encompasses three dormant volcanoes including Mt. Muhabura (4127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3474 m) and Mt. Sabinyo (3645 m) which are part of Virunga Mountains straddling the border between Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The park is contiguous with Virunga and Volcanoes National Parks which form the transboundary Virunga Conservation Area (434 sq.km) an important habitat for endangered mountain gorillas (603 individuals). Mgahinga Gorilla National Park mainly visited for gorilla safaris in Uganda has habituated one gorilla group (Nyakagezi with 9 individuals). Besides, the park offers several activities to including golden monkey tracking, hiking Sabinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga volcanoes, bird watching, and Batwa trail where the pygmies demonstrate their pre-historic ancient fire making Batwa style.

History of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

During the 1930s the colonial British administration in Uganda identified the upper volcano slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as a game sanctuary for gorillas while the lower slopes provided fertile volcanic soil for cultivation and domestic use of natural resources including building poles, water, and edible plants especially for Batwa pygmies (initially forest-dwelling people). Earlier in time, the Belgians had gazetted a section of the Virunga area as Albert National Park to conserve gorillas in Rwanda and DR Congo. In 1989 the Uganda Game Departments by then made future prospects for gorilla trekking and to safeguard the biodiversity of Virunga from degradation. Consequently, the protected area of Mgahinga Gorilla was established as a national park in 1991 together with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The two along with Echuya Forest Reserve (34 sq.km) are managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority under the Bwindi-Mgahinga Conservation Area (BMCA). Founded in 1992 under the Uganda Trust, the conservation fund provides long-term reliable support for projects promoting research, conservation of biodiversity, and sustainable use of natural resources among the neighboring communities.

Wildlife in the Park

The vegetation in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park contains of bamboo at 2800 – 3100 m, hypericum –woodland at 3700 m, heather and moorland and alpine at the summit of the volcanoes. Swamps and two crater lakes also exist in the park on top of mount Gahinga and Mt. Muhavura. These habitats provide home to a variety of wildlife including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, 75 mammal species including forest elephants and buffaloes, giant forest hogs, bush pigs and 115 species of birds of which 3 are globally threatened species including Albertine Rift Endemics such as Shelly’s crimson wing, papyrus yellow warbler, Grauer’s swamp warbler, scarlet-tufted sunbird, Rwenzori turaco, red-faced woodland warbler, mountain yellow warbler, mountain masked apalis, northern-double collared sunbird, moorland chat, handsome francolin, Archer’s ground robin chat, Rwenzori batis, stripe-breasted tit, are found only in a few other bird watching sites in Uganda.

Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The park offers two primate trekking experiences including visiting gorillas and golden monkeys which are the main attractions of Mgahinga Gorilla. Other activities including Batwa trail, bird watching, volcanoes climbing and nature walks are available for booking at Ntebeko visitor center.

Gorilla trekking

Uganda Wildlife Authority has habituated only one gorilla family – Nyakagezi with 9 individuals including two dominant silverback. For that reason, most people chose Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for its many gorilla families (22 groups). There are reasons to go for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Firstly is to reward the effort of rangers who monitor the group daily and keep it off from crossing the border to Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo. Secondary, you are likely to have small group of visitors on the trek and thirdly the view of the volcanoes is spectacular and the open bamboo vegetation offers great visibility for keen photographers. Enjoy gorilla safari to see Nyakagyezi gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with Africa Adventure Safaris

Golden monkey tracking

Golden monkeys are endangered primate species of the old-world monkeys with an estimated population of 2500 – 3500 individuals endemic to Virunga area including Kahuzi Beiga, Volcanoes, Mgahinga Gorilla and Virunga National Parks. The behavior and ecology of golden monkeys is quite distinguished from other primates by their color with golden-orange fur on the upper flanks, back and crown. They are capable of moving fast in large social groups including 30 to over 60 individuals and inhabit the bamboo zone between 2800 – 3100 meters above sea level where food is abundant. Golden monkey diet includes up to 30 plant species including bamboo shoots, leaves and fruit. Hiking to the bamboo forest is quite straightforward, though challenging given the steep volcano slopes. Recommended getting a porter for $20 as it’s a good thing to help out the local communities. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has habituated 2 troops in the park for golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The golden monkey trek offers 1 hour to spend with the primates. The golden monkey tracking permit cost is $100 per person available for booking through Uganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala capital city or through tour operator.

Bird watching

With over 115 species of birds including Albertine Rift Endemics, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a must visit for ardent birders on Uganda safari. Nature walks in the park including buffalo wall trail, Mt. Sabinyo gorge and Gahinga volcano hike offer a chance to spot Albertine Rift Endemics including Rwenzori turaco, northern-double collared sunbird, moorland chat, handsome francolin, Archer’s ground robin chat, black-crowned tchagra (Tchagra senegalus) etc. Some of these species also exist in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Nyungwe Forest National Parks top bird watching sites for Uganda and Rwanda safari. The trail along the buffalo wall in particular offers spectacular view of the Virunga Mountains across Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

Batwa cultural trail

Batwa (pygmy) originally lived in the tropical forests for over 6000 years but were evicted out of in 1991 when the park was gazetted. They were left vulnerable to poverty and diseases until 2000 when the United Organization for Batwa Development in Uganda (UOBDU) came at their rescue. The non-profit organization advocates for equal rights for the pygmies including land and housing, education and adult literacy, income generation through agriculture, forest access, benefit sharing and tourism. The Batwa trail was formed to offer an authentic Batwa cultural experience for visitors while generating income for them. The activity offers a chance to learn their hunter gather lifestyle including the pre-historic ancient fire making Batwa style, hunting expedition, food gathering and visiting the Garama volcanic rock caves (secret place of gathering) where they perform rituals such as singing and dancing. The hike is moderate and lasts between 2 to 6 hours depending on the slowest person in the group. Take drinking water, rain jacket and extra money for tipping your guide/ranger or the pygmies themselves.

Volcano climbing

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park contains three of 8 Virunga volcanoes including Mt. Muhabura 4127 m, Mt. Sabinyo 3669 m and Mt. Gahinga 3474 m; all of which can be hiked in a day from Ntebeko visitor center. Hiking to the summit of any the volcanoes offer spectacular views for enthusiast photographers on Uganda safari. The highest peak of the park Muhabura volcano offers a full day 12 km hike through a variety of vegetation including giant lobelias and a crater lake (40 m in diameter). The view from the top is spectacular stretching across Albertine Rift Valley including snowcapped peaks of Rwenzori, Lake Edward and Lake Bunyonyi. Mount Gahinga is the smallest volcano offers 8 hour moderate hike through the golden monkey bamboo zone to reach at its top with larger swamp Crater Lake at 180 meters in diameter. Sabinyo volcano has a jagged peak in shape of an old man’s teeth. Hiking Sabinyo is quite challenging with 14 km roundtrip of steep ascents but worthwhile to stand at the intersection of three countries including Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda;s hidden gem. Travel with Africa Adventure Safaris to discover the beauty of Mgahinga, Uganda’s smallest National Park

Uganda, Rwanda and the whole of Africa are now open for tourism. Travelers from all over the world can now freely travel and visit Uganda the Pearl of Africa and Rwanda the land of a thousand hills to explore the hidden gem in these beautiful countries. After the outbreak of the deadly corona virus in 2019, mots countries closed land borders and airports to avoid arrivals. This put tourism at a stand still to curb the spread of the deadly virus across countries. However, in late 2020, countries started reopening for travelers but with restrictions. Gorilla trekking and other wildlife tours in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and the whole of Africa are now on going. Travelers visiting are advised to seek extensive advice on the post covid19 questions to avoid the further spread of the virus. Standard Operating Procedures are highly emphasized for all those visiting to see gorillas and other wild animals. Africa Adventure Safaris gives you a guide on the post covid19 common travel questions in Uganda. Rwanda, Congo and the rest of Africa.

Is Uganda, Rwanda and Congo Open for tourism?
Yes, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the only gorilla destinations are open for travelers. The airports to these countries are open for international travelers through land borders are still closed. You can therefore visit each country privately or use air transport crossing from one country to the other. Africa Adventure safaris at your service to guide you through Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

Are vaccinated travelers required to test again?
No fully vaccinated travelers to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are not asked to test again. However, they are advised to test 72 hours before their flight. Vaccinated travelers are advised to carry their vaccination certificates for clarification.

When should I test before boarding?
Travelers who are not vaccinated are advised to test for covid19 72 hours before arrival at the respective airport. The test results MUST be negative for anyone to be allowed into Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and other African Countries.

Will I be asked to test again upon arrival?
YES, in addition to the negative covid19 test results, travelers are asked to test again for covid19 upon their arrival at Kigali and Entebbe International airport. The respective ministries of health have listed a number of doctors and medical centers where to test for covid19. Your guide from Africa Adventure Safaris will help you find a reliable hospital to test for covid19

Shall I proceed with the safari after testing for covid19?
NO, you must first receive your test results in order to proceed with your safari in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. After testing, travelers are advised to stay at their nearby hotel/lodge as they wait for results. Anyone who tests negative will be allowed to proceed with the trip but those test positive are not quarantined and taken through medication at their own expense.

How long will it take for tests to be out?
It takes roughly 24 hours for covid19 results to be out. Travelers are therefore advised to be patient and wait for results before the can proceed with the trip.

What’s the cost of a PCR Test in Uganda & Rwanda?
In Rwanda, the cost of a covid19 test costs $50 while in Uganda it costs $65 if you have booked in advance. However, testing from upcountry for departing traveler’s range between $90 and $100.

Do I need to test again after the trip?
YES, departing travelers from Rwanda and Uganda are encouraged to test again at least 3 days before departure. However, short time travelers with less than 72 days in the country will not be asked to test again. They are believed to have not contracted the virus in that short time.

What are the standards Operating Procedures for covid19?
Conservation bodies in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo have put SOPs to ensure safety of the endangered wildlife and travelers themselves. The Standard Operating Procedures include:
1. Mandatory wearing of facemask. The mask MUST cover the nose and mouth. This is to avoid the free exchange of breath since covid19 is respiratory. It can be transmitted through air
2. Mandatory hand washing with soap and clean running water. The recommended time for hand washing should be at least 20 seconds
3. During the trek, travelers are advised to continually sanitize to kill any gems
4. Keep a distance of 10 meters way from the endangered gorillas and chimpanzees. This is to avoid close interactions with the primates
5. Do not touch eyes, mouth and nose. These are sensitive body parts
6. Do not shake hands
7. Do not visit when sick. Travelers with any kind of sickness especially the communicable diseases is not allowed to visit
8. Travelers must have negative covid19 results
9. Spend strictly an hour with the endangered gorillas and chimpanzees
10. Stay at least 2 meters away from each other

Are hotels and lodges safe?
YES, hotels in Uganda and Rwanda are safe and ready for tourists. Uganda Tourism Board put a quality assurance team that moved across all hotels and lodges to train hotel owners and staff on how to ensure safety of travelers. Sanitizers, facemasks and hand washing soap and water are provided at hotels to avoid the spread of the deadly virus.

Top travel activities in Uganda and Rwanda
Uganda and Rwanda safaris are interesting and memorable! The two countries have a lot to offer for travelers. Africa Adventure Safaris gives you a list of top travel activities to do and see in Rwanda and Uganda for a memorable safari. These include
• Mountain gorilla trekking. This is the number one travel experience, which attract a high number of travelers to these countries. Mountain gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and Rwanda Development Board.
• Chimpanzee trekking is yet another interesting activity in Uganda and Rwanda. Chimps are seen in Kibale Forest National Park Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda.
• Golden Monkey trekking: This is done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda and Volcanoes National Park
• Game Viewing: Enjoy game drives in Uganda and Rwanda with Africa Adventure Safaris. The parks in Uganda for game viewing are Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Park. Game viewing in Rwanda is done in Akagera National Park, the only savannah Park in Rwanda
• Mountain climbing: Take part in the adventure mountain climbing experience in Uganda and Rwanda with Africa Adventure Safaris. Hike to the summit of the snow capped mount Rwenzori in Uganda and Mt Karisimbi the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area.

In conclusion, Rwanda and Uganda are fully open for travel with tight restrictions. Travel now, and follow the Standard Operating Procedures for safe and memorable experience with Africa Adventure Safaris