Chimpanzee and Gorilla Tour , Uganda Rwanda 7 days

7 DAYS   Chimpanzee and gorilla Tour. (Uganda and Rwanda)

Note  that we have a group tour for this package  leaving  in May,  October , November and December  . Check below the itinerary for our special rates  for any one booking   not later than  March 2011. You should book with a partner to share a room with if you have no partner, then you will have to pay the single supplement fee .

Day 1TO QUEEN ELIZABETH

Have breakfast  then later  transfer to Queen Elizabeth. You will pass through the scenic country side of Ankole. A game drive en route is rewarding with a variety of animals like Elephants, Buffaloes, mongoose among others.  Lunch en route  and visit the crater lakes region then after retire for dinner and overnight at

Budget – Albertine River camp

Moderate – Hippo hill camp

Luxury – Mweya safari lodge/ Kyambura Wildlife Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge

Day 2 GAME DRIVE

Take breakfast  to warm up  in the morning  and then go chimp tracking  in Kyambura gorge .  The gorge 100mtres profound is a habitat to  habituated chimpanzees. It is imprinted by Kyambura river which flows across the rift valley floor towards the Kazinga channel. The guided walk to search for man’s closest cousins the chimpanzee begins at Kyambura Fig tree camp at 0800 hours and takes 2 – 5 hours.   You will encounter other  primates in this gorge that  include the red tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, olive baboon among others. Relax as you wait for lunch time. In the afternoon, you will be taken for a boat ride at the Kazinga channel . This will expose you to various aquatic mammals like the Crocodiles and herds of Hippopotami. The shoreline  of this channel is well known for its massive flocks of birds like the the fish eagle, African jacana, pelicans  and if you are lucky , the shoe bill.  Crocodiles have become a common sight here and irregularly leopards.

Return to your lodge for d inner and over night.

Day 3 To Bwindi National park

Wake up for a morning game drive  in search for  the early risers . Expect encounters of lions, leopard, the Uganda kob, elephants, buffalo  and many other personal expenses. You will be transferred to Bwindi National park through the Ishasha sector. A game drive through this southern sector of Queen Elizabeth is famous for tree climbing Lion encounters. Have lunch en route and then after transfer to Bwindi national park. Dinner and overnight at

Budget-Buhoma community bandas.

Moderate -L. Kitandara Tented camp/

Luxury Gorilla Forest Camp Gorilla Resort camp, Buhoma Homestead

DAY 4 Gorilla trekking

Go gorilla tracking, walking up steep densely forested hills before finally                    coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring
moment! (This trek can take from half an hour to 5 hours – a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes) Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them grumble to each other,and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male; the silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s
amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left! If you have the energy this afternoon, take a guided walk on the Munyaga River trail, which is an ideal short walk. This trail leads to three delightful crystal clear waterfalls, and there is a profusion of tree ferns, epithytic ferns, orchids and Bwindi’s colourful                                  array of butterflies. Here you may also see birds and primates from the
forest edge. Overnight at your lodge

Day 5   TO RWANDA (  Rwanda is  GMT +2)

After breakfast,   you will transfer to either Kisoro or Kabale .Cross the border ( clear your visa requirements ) then you will be driven to Kinigi. On arrival, you will visit the genocide memorial. Dinner and overnight at

Budget -Kinigi guest House / Muhavura lodge.

Moderate  Mt Gorilla nest lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury – Volcanoes Lodge

Day 6 GORILLA TRACKING

After breakfast, go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas  in this  light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a supernatural experience. The walks might be laborious!  An encounter of a family of gorillas is rewarding! Spend an hour with them and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Transfer to Kabale for your dinner and over night at

Budget Bushara Island Camp.

Moderate Arcadia cottages

Upmarket Habuharo  Island Camp

Day 7 L. Bunyonyi

Take break fast  and then Visit the museums in Kabale from where you will be transferred to Kampala or Entebbe for your next flight back home.

QUOTE Minimum of 4  people – Maximum of 12 people

Budget accommodation package- US$ 2380 per  person sharing( staying at Simba safari lodge / Institute of Ecology , Buhoma  bandas / Nkuringo safari  centre or similar and Kinigi Guest house or Muhabura lodge)

Mid range accommodation package- US$ 2790 per person sharing ( Staying at  Hippo  Hill Camp or Ihamba lodge ,  Nkuringo  Campsite / Travelers’ rest camp and Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge /Mountain gorilla View Lodge )

Standard  Luxury accommodation package- US$  2980 per person sharing( staying at Mweya safari lodge / Jacana safari lodge/ Katara Lodge, Buhoma Lodge /  Traveler’s rest / Gorilla safari Lodge  /  Wagtail Eco lodge and Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge /Mountain gorilla View Lodge )

Super Luxury accommodation package – US$ 4185 per person sharing ( staying at Mweya safari lodge / Jacana safari lodge/ Katara Lodge ,  Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge  and Volcanoes Lodge or Sabinyo Silver back lodge )

• Park entry fees
• Full board accommodation
• 2 gorilla tracking permits per person
• Ground transportation in a 4×4 land cruiser
• Meals
• Drinking water is a complementary
• Queen Elizabeth Safari
• services of a full time English speaking driver guide and all their personal expenses

The price excludes; tips , visa fees,  laundry , drinks and any other personal expenses.

25 DAYS PRIMATE SAFARI UGANDA AND RWANDA

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL

A tour guide from AA safaris and tours will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in either Kampala or Entebbe or your desired accommodation according to your budget. Depending on the time of arrival, you are advised to change your money into Ugandan Shillings for use in your safari. You can then take part in a Kampala city visit some of Kampala’s historical sites or the Kabaka’s trail.  The historical sites trail will lead you to places like; The Parliament, the museum, mosques, churches, markets while the Kabaka’s trail will take you to Buganda’s rich heritage, shaped by the region’s kings and their descendants.Much more than just sight-seeing, the trail gives you a chance to learn about the hidden and forgotten history of Buganda, as well as to experience an authentic, traditional culture — with dance, music, craft-making, spiritual healing and story telling. This Track links a sequence of cultural sites, all of which are within easy reach of Kampala. Each can be visited on its own or as part of the whole Trail— encounter the rich and genuine culture, learn about forgotten times and come face-to-face with ancient traditions and ceremonies. Kasubi Tombs, Wamala tombs, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, Buganda Museums, The Kabaka’s palace and craft centres.Dinner and overnight at

Budget – Holiday Express Hotel  / Tourist Hotel

Standard -  Speke Hotel /  Cassia Lodge

Luxury Kampala Sheraton Hotel / Kampala Serena Hotel / Grand Imperial Hotel

Kasubi tombs

Day 2:  TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

Take your breakfast and head to Murchison Falls National Park.  You will drive through Luwero or Hoima then to Masindi from where you will connect to Murchison Falls Np. Visit the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary before reaching the park. After luch, proceed to the park.

Budget – Red Chillis

Standard -  Sambiya River lodge or Budongo Eco lodge

Luxury – Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Camp

Murchision Falls National Park

Day 3: Chimp tracking in kaniyo pabidi and visit the top of the falls

After breakfast, go for Chimpanzee tracking in Kaniyo Pabidi Forest. This is an undisturbed area of natural forest within Budongo Forest Reserve where you can walk beneath mature mahogany and iron wood trees. Chimpanzee tracking is the most famous activity. You will definitely see many forest birds, including the chocolates-backed Kingfisher, the white-thigh hornbill, the chocolates-backed Kingfisher and puvel’s illadopsis found nowhere else in East Africa. Have Lunch and transfer to the top of falls. Dinner and overnight at your previous lodge

Day 4: Game drive and launch cruise

After a cup of coffee to gain warmth, you will be transferred to the northern part of Murchison falls National Park for a game drive.  The guide will explain more about each encounters like Giraffes, Elephants, Buffaloes, Bushbucks, Lions, and a variety of bird species. Return to the lodge a mid morning breakfast before you proceed for an afternoon  launch cruise to the bottom of the falls  of the mighty Murchison falls where menacing water escapes from the narrow gorge, an opportunity to see the amazing hippos, crocodiles, water birds along the river banks enabling a wonderful birding safari. Overnight at your lodge.

Launch cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Day 5: KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

Have breakfast then depart with our packed lunch to Kibale National Park. This scenic drive takes 8- 9 hours. We will pass via the Albertine escarpment. On a clear day, the view on the top of the Albert rift is fantastic. Have lunch en route and arrive Fortpoartal in the late Afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a

Luxurious Ndali Lodge/ Primates Lodge  NDALI LODGE  NDALI LODGE

Mid range Rwenzori View Guest House

Budget Kanyankyu Ecological Bandas (FB)

Day 6: CHIMPANZEE TRACKING

We will wake up early and depart to Kanyankyu tourists centre for clearance and briefing from the Ranger guides before we head to the forest for our next activity Chimpanzee tracking.   This is the most popular walk of Kibale’s walks and it starts at 0800 hours and lasts for 2-3 hours depending on the time you take to encounter chimpanzees.   Though you will be searching for these habituated chimpanzees, you will encounter other primates like the Black and white Colobus Monkeys’ Chimpanzees are more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees while they hunt for monkeys to prey on. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, go for Bigodi swamp walk. Dinner and overnight at your lodge

Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park

Day 7: TO SEMLIKI WILDLIFE RESERVE    

Wake up very early in the morning and leave for Semliki Wildlife Reserve; this scenic drive will take you down the eastern side of Lake Albert. Semliki reserve is situated in the basin of the Western Rift Valley. It is one of the most diverse habitats in Africa with wonderful examples of borassus palm forest,  Riparian forest, gallery rain forest and short and high grass savannas.  Semliki is one of Africa’s most biodiverse forest. It is particularly   well known for its varied bird population.  It is one of Africa’s most ancient Forests popular because of having survived the dry conditions of the last ice age 12-18000 years ago with Bwindi when most of the forests shrank and that is how it managed to protect some species that like the arid apocalypse until they eventually managed to emerge to re colonize a better wetter world.  After dinner go for a night drive. This is the only place in Uganda where you can do a spot lit night drive. You never know what you may see. Often the big cats are sighted as well as the diminutive genet and serval cats. Unusual nocturnal dwellers also show themselves, such as the white tailed mongoose and slender mongoose, standard and pennant winged nightjars depending on the time of year. There are always surprises on the night drives. Dinner and overnight at

Luxury: Semliki safari Lodge

Day 8: Game drive IN SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK

An early morning rise, tea at your camp, and then you will go down into the gorgeous gallery rainforest to track wild chimpanzees. Chimps are tracked by researchers in Semliki at dawn and dusk, as they tend to disappear in the middle of the day. There are also a number of bird species which are found in this picturesque forest. You will return to the lodge for lunch and the chance to relax by the pool and enjoy the tranquility of the Lodge. In the late afternoon you will go for a game drive, stopping along the way to watch the African sun dip below the horizon. Overnight at your lodge

Hotspring in Semlik National Park

Day 9: TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Depart to Queen Elizabeth National Park.   You will pass through the crater Valley with beautiful lakes and rich grasslands which are set deep. This is truly the most magnificent scenery in the park.  Queen Elizabeth hosts a large variety and volume of wildlife. It boasts one of the highest bio diversity ranging from the open Savannah to Rain forest, dense swamps and beautiful crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward. Almost 100 species that include Hippos, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopard, Spotted Hyena and the elusive giant forest hog. There are over 606 species of birds found here including the martial eagle, Verreaux’s eagle owl, black-rumped buttonquail and African skimmer among others. The primates include Chimps, Blue Magabeys, Black and white Colobus Monkeys, Black Faced Red Colobus, and Red Tailed monkeys and Olive Baboons. After checking in and having lunch, you will head for an evening game drive and spot Elephants, warthogs, waterbucks, hippos and others. Dinner and overnight at

Budget – Albertine Camp

Moderate – Hippo Hill Camp

Luxury – Mweya Safari lodge/ Jacana safari lodge

Hippos and birds along the Kazinga channel

Day 10: CHIMP TRACKING IN THE KYAMBURA GORGE.

After a cup of coffee, this morning we will leave for the 08.00am chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. Expect to see various primates most especially Chimpanzee, Black and white Colobus monkeys  primates like the rd colobus monkeys, blue Mangebeys, black and white  colobus monkeys among others.  This gorge is a home of very many bird species. After lunch, visit the crater lakes. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

DAY 11: GAME DRIVE AND LAUNCH CRUISE ALONG THE KAZINGA CHANNEL

Take a cup of coffee and go for an early morning game drive in this park, provide excellent opportunities to see Lions, Cape Buffaloes, Giant Forest Hogs, Leopards, Elephants, Defassa Waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, Topi and Bush bucks and many more. After lunch, enjoy the unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of Hippos and many animals may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing, ideal for the Uganda safari .The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and Over night at your lodge

Elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 12: TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK  

In the morning after breakfast, leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest through the Ishasha Sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth. Have lunch by the Ishasha River and find the famed Ishasha tree-climbing lions before continuing on to Bwindi, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Bird life and primate life in Bwindi is quite superb, and there is an incredible variety of flora. Bwindi is the Bird watchers haven! It holds 348 species of birds and supports 24 of 26 Albertine Rift Endemics that occur in Uganda; and seven red data book species. Once continuous with the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes (Dian Fossey’s stomping ground), Bwindi is now an ecological island, surrounded by cultivation on the rich volcanic soils. Dinner and overnight at

Budget accommodation – Buhoma Community Bandas or Bwindi view Bandas or Virunga Hotel in Kisoro

Mid range accommodation – Lake Kitandara camp /Engagi lodge/ Travelers’ rest hotel in Kisoro

Standard accommodation – Buhoma Lodge / Silver back lodge / Gorilla Resort Camp/ Nkuringo camp site cabins in Kisoro / Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Luxury accommodation – Gorilla Forest camp or Clouds lodge in Kisoro

A silver back gorilla in Bwindi

Day 13: Gorilla Tracking

You will rise relatively early for a jovial breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla tracking.  Report to the ranger station at 08.00 am where the guides will take you through the forest, slashing at the undergrowth, parting thick creepers, to track gorillas. This trek can take from half an hour to five hours therefore a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. You sit in the forest among the gorillas listening to them grumble at each other and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the silverback. It is amazing to think that there are only 650 or so of these creatures left in the world!  If you have the afternoon free, you will take a guided village walk to see how the Ugandans live. Dinner and Overnight at your lodge

Day 14: Transfer to Rwanda

After breakfast, drive across the Uganda -Rwanda- Cyanika Border. Have lunch en route and arrive at your lodge. You will check in and retire for dinner and over night at

Budget – Kinigi Guest House / Muhavura Lodge

Moderate – Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Up Market –Virunga Volcanoes Lodge

Day 15: GORILLA TRACKING

An early morning breakfast is followed by a drive/ walk to Kinigi park headquarters  for briefing , group allocation and orientation.  This is followed by a drive to the trailheads where hiking and trekking up the hills to the bamboo zone begins. Hiking, trekking and tracking gorillas may take 3-10 hours. Sight and stay with the Gorillas for one hour.  Dinner and over night at your lodge

A gorilla in Parc des Volcanos

Day 16: HEAD TO L. BUNYONYI

After breakfast, leave for Lake Bunyonyi. This large and inconsistently shaped lake lies at an altitude of approximately 2000m, where it follows the curves of the hilly terrain that detaches the towns of Kabale and Kisoro. It is a very lovely spot, dotted with small islands and banded by steeped terraced hills.    The Lake gets its name Bunyonyi from the fact that it harbors diversity of birds.  Dinner and over night at

Up market: Habuharo Island camps

Mid range: Arcadia cottages

Budget: Bushara Island Camp.

Lake Bunyonyi

Day 17: Canoe ride

Visit the Kabale museum and have a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi to view the different bird species and the islands. Dinner and Overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 18: TRANSFER TO L. MBURO

Take break fast and depart for Lake Mburo National Park. We will drive through some of Uganda’s premium scenery. Lake Mburo National Park is an extension of the Tanzanian plains with big herds of zebra, impala, eland and other ungulates (clove hoofed animals). For birders, this is one of the best places to find African fin foot, papyrus bush shrike and the legendary Shoe bill. We will check in at the camp and relax for a little while before going in a dug out canoe on the lake. Dinner and overnight at

Luxury Mihingo Lodge/Mantana luxury tented

Moderate Arcadia cottage

Budget – Rwonyo

Day 19: NATURE WALK TO THE SALT LICK

Go for an early morning game drive in search for animals and birds. This home of zebras in Uganda has over 310 bird species have been recorded in Lake Mburo National Park. It is probably the best place in Uganda to see Acacia associated birds and also of special interest to birders, are the swamps. The swamps are home to the highly localized Papyrus Yellow Warbler recorded nowhere else in Uganda. Have lunch and then in the evening, you will take a guided nature walk to the salt lick area where most animals in this park go to lick salt. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Impalas at the salt lick

Day 20: HEAD TO JINJA

After morning breakfast, take a brief game drive and then we will leave for Jinja the re-known source of the Longest River in Africa. Before Kampala we will take a stop over at the Equator for a pictorial opportunity as well as an informative talk from guides illustrating proofs that that is the Equator.  On arrival in Kampala, we will have lunch then head East passing coffee, Tea and Sugar plantations and the colorful roadside fruit/vegetable markets. The first stop is the Mabira Forest; here you will be able to see the primates, birds and butterflies in a brief nature walk.  Then continue to the source of the Nile. This is a spot where John Speke first discovered the source of the Nile River. Dinner and overnight at

Luxury: Jinja Nile Resort /King Fisher lodge
mid range: Gately on the Nile/
Budget: Sunset hotel

Water rafting on the source of the Nile

Day 21: TO SIPPI FALLS

Take break fast then leave Jinja for a full day excursion at Mountain Elgon National Park. Mountain Elgon has been an extinct volcano that first erupted more than 24 million years ago. With the largest surface area of any extinct Volcano in the World (50Km by 80Km), the mountain ranks fourth amongst the highest mountains of East Africa.  A day hike area will allow you to explore Mount Elgon’s diverse mountane forest. The popular forest exploration center trail loop site (Sipi trailhead) can make one enjoy the cool mist at Chebonet falls, Kapkwai cave, the talking tree as well as a spectacular view point, which lies just beyond.

Dinner and Overnight at

Luxury: Sipi River lodge

Mid range: Lucum Lodge

Budget: Sipi falls rest camp

Sipi falls

Day 22: TO KAMPALA

Take break fast and drive to Kampala. On arrival in Kampala, your safari guide will transfer you to your hotel. You will check in your lodges. Freshen up and relax after a long safari.  If you are interested, the guide will help you around some craft centre like the gallery at the National theatre among others so that you can shop souvenirs.  Dinner and overnight at

Upmarket Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel/ Imperial Botanical Beach hotel

Moderate The Boma Guest house

Budget Central Inn Hotel

Crafts at the National Threatre

Day 23: NGAMBA ISLAND

Having taken breakfast, you will be Visit UWEC (Uganda Wildlife Education Centre) the former Zoo and then after briefing and checking from Ngamba Island staff, walk to the shores of Lake Victoria to meet your 9.00am launch. The boat takes about 45 minutes across to Ngamba Island, crossing the Equator en-route. On arrival at the island, home to 39 chimpanzees, you will be given a short introduction about the history of the site. Then after, you will go to the feeding stand of where you will view while chimpanzee will be Fed. The characters as they struggle to get food are totally similar to man!  In the relatively short amount of time you are there you will be able to see such different personalities amongst the group, with some whistling for food and others clapping, others collecting food for their children,  while others will be scrambling to get food that they will keep . These apes feed twice in a day. Obviously the ideal option would be to re-introduce these orphaned chimpanzees to the wild however this is not possible for a number of different reasons and the sanctuary is not bad for second best. Dinner and overnight at luxury: G and C camp (FB)

Mid range: Ngamba Island tented camp

A chimpanzee on Ngamba Island

Day 24: THE FOREST WALK

Take breakfast and if you  had medical inoculations have been approved to render you fit for the Forest walk,  together with the guide , you will walk into the forest for a another rare experience with the chimps. The playful chimps climb on you, pull your hair, or just walk along holding your hand! (Clients must have specific up to date vaccinations for this activity, which is restricted to three people at any one time, and should ask for further details before booking with us).  Dinner and overnight at your lodge

Day 25: BACK TO ENTEBBE.

After breakfast, you will return to the main land where you will meet your safari guide who will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport to meet your flight back home.

Angry Conservationists have called for tougher measures against poachers who were accused of killing a black back male gorilla (called Mizaano) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park recently.  Mizaano died of wounds he got as the poachers were trapping him.

They said that this should be done in order to prevent others from attempting the same crime.

These poachers Roland Byamugisha, Fidel Begumisa and Amos Kazongo have been arrest in connection to the death of Mizaano by the Police and Uganda Wildlife Authority.

A  Veterinary doctor commented the incident and said that it will take time for the group to recover as this was a big set back in the process of formulation of gorilla group in Bwindi National Park.

Mizaano was supposed to be the next sliver back of the Habinyanja group after Makara. Sadly that will not be realized.

UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

In a signed paper emailed to Sunday Monitor, co-authors Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa, Col. Patrick Karegeya, Dr Theogene Rudasingwa and Gerald Gahima say progress in Rwanda needs to be  deepened  by  democratic.   In 1994, Rwanda experienced a tragedy that left over one million of its citizens dead as a result of  genocide. The  genocide brought about immense harassment to  many Rwandese. whose  repercussions for both Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa are still unforgettable . Rwanda’s recovery from the traumatic period of genocide is generally regarded as a rare success story in post-conflict reconstruction. Visitors and tourists  to the country are amazed  by its fast  economic growth, security  and cleanliness, as well as the organization of its people , cooperation and the aptitude with which its institutions conduct business. To its passionate friends, Rwanda is a shining example of democratization, reform, with  an effective and efficient government. Supporters of the Rwandan government largely trait Rwanda’s success in post-war reconstruction to President Paul Kagame. The rebel general-turned-civilian politician cultivates a cult-image as the sole hero of the country’s achievements. President Kagame is perceived by most outsiders as both invincible and indispensable to national and regional stability. Rwanda is a beautiful country with so many things that Tourists must see  which have made  its tourism industry develop. They include ; Volcanoes National park with the   Endangered mountain gorillas  as its highlight, the museums and the genocide memorial among others.
The Virunga Conservation Area, around the upper slopes of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes, is made up of  3 contiguous national parks - Mgahinga National Park in Uganda , Parc National des Volcans (PNV) in Rwanda , and Parc des Virungas, commonly called Djomba, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. About 350 mountain gorillas make their home in these afro-montane forests. In Parc National des Volcans on the Rwandan side, where Dian Fossey the Mountain gorilla research  worked. Volcanoes Np has  there are five habituated gorilla families.

By Tanah

Rwanda Travel News

The world is in great danger of loosing out the only left over mountain gorillas. At the moment these apes can only be found in small portions of conserved forests in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), southwestern Uganda, and northwestern Rwanda. In there territory, these gentle, brown eyed gorillas share a home with the other apes like the monkeys, other wild creatures like many amazing birds, primates, large mammals, reptiles, insects and plants. The mountain gorillas are divided into two populations.

Mountain Gorilla safaris Itineraries

- 3 day Gorilla Trekking Safari Bwindi

- 5 days Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife

-7 days, Chimpanzee and Gorilla Tour

- 9 days Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris

- 14 days, Uganda and Rwanda

More and more apes are expected to be added to the present number because of the tight conservation methods that have been applied in all the areas where these apes stay. The low numbers of these apes are attributed to the long gestation period of 257 days that these animals take then about 3 years of nurturing the young ones.

Uganda is blessed to be having the greatest number of these gorillas. Approximately 320 is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, occupying an area of 330 km², and the additional 386 in the Virunga Volcano Range (covering 3 National Parks in 3 countries: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Congo (DRC).

Before you start the tiring but exciting expedition, you get a briefing from the guide. Carrying your packed lunch and the tracking gears with you, you walk into the forest to look for the gentle eyed gorillas. You are required to be patient since you don’t know how long you will take before you meet these fantastic creatures. When you meet them, you are excited but you are required to keep silent, use cameras without a flash light and also spend only 1 hour with them.

I case you have heavy baggage you can hire a potter to carry these for you at a small fee of approximately 5 to 10 dollar.

N.B

This is a trip that you cannot afford to miss. It is a dream come true trip which you must do before you become aged.

.

7 DAYS  CHIMPANZEE AND GORILLA SAFARI

5 DAYS UGANDA AND RWANDA PRIMATES SAFARIS

Mountain Gorilla Tracking Uganda and Rwanda

Day 1   To Rwanda
Depart from your lodge in Kampala  and head south-West  to    Rwanda . You will have short stop at the Equator an informative talk as well as a photographic opportunity. We will continue to Mbarara where were we will stop for lunch. Your drive will take you through Uganda rolling green hills through the highlands, also known as the ‘Switzerland of Uganda’. Your road will then head even higher to where you can see the triangular peaks of the Virunga volcanoes of Rwanda and the Cong. Tonight you will sleep to the sounds of the mountain rainforest.
Overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge/ Kinigi Guest House/ Muhavura lodge (FB) (Full Board)

Day 2  Gorilla Tracking
Early morning, you will enter the Gorilla sanctuary of Parc National des  Volcans, the rain tropical forest covering the hills surrounding Virunga    Volcanoes. The trekking is a demanding but rewarding experience. Ensure you bring with you enough water and the packed lunch. The time spent in the forest depends on the movements of the Gorillas in their natural environments. After the activity, you will return back to the Cam. Overnight at the Lodge

DAY 3  DEPART FOR BWINDI

After breakfast, leave for  Kisoro or  Kabale depending on your tracking group. Stroll throught the beautiful country side of Rwanda . Have lunch en route then arive in the late afternoon.  Dinner and  over night at Gorilla Resort camp/ Buhoam Homestead/ L. Kitandara  Camp/ Buhoma Community Bandas/ Nkuringo safari Lodge/ Travelus Hotel / Virunga Lodge .
DAY 4  Gorilla trekking
Go gorilla tracking, walking up steep densely forested hills before finally                    coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the  vegetation. An inspiring
moment! (This trek can take from half an hour to 5 hours – a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes) Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them grumble to each other,and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male; the silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s
amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left! If you have the energy this afternoon, take a guided walk on the Munyaga River trail, which is an ideal short walk. This trail leads to three delightful crystal clear waterfalls, and there is a profusion of tree ferns, epithytic ferns, orchids and Bwindi’s colourful                                  array of butterflies. Here you may also see birds and primates from the
forest edge. Overnight at your lodge

DAY 5: BACK TO KAMPALA
After breakfast, we will depart to Kampala arriving in the late evening.

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Gorilla Trip Uganda 3 days :Visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi impetrable forest national park where, Gorilla Tracking in Uganda is done. You also need a Gorilla Trekking permit which must be arranged at least 3 months to your actual Gorilla Tour in Uganda date. We also arrange visits to see other primates like the chimpanzee, monkey, baboons. No oratungans, e.t.c For trips and adventure expeditions for C himpanzee Trekking Uganda as well as Chimpanzee Habituation experience.

Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks (QENP&BINP)-Western wildlife and gorilla luxury. This is inclusive of the Semuliki national Park and Kibale National Park. One can either begin from Kibale or Bwindi National parks.

We can also take you to see the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National park. (QENP) While here you will experience enthralling game including the Lions, Elephants Buffalos, Kobs Leopards, and many more. Look out for the shoebill stork and many more birds in the forests of Imaramagambo and the wild at large. Participate in the launch cruise in the Kazinga channel (water way linking lakes George and Edward) offering a variety of water side animals and brilliantly colored bird life. And not for getting the variety of primates in the Kyambura gorge. Way to Bwindi National Park Uganda safari , don’t miss the climbing lions lounging on old fig trees around Ishasha, carry on to track one of the four habituated Gorilla families in the primeval forest of Bwindi also reaching other primates plus bird species and butterflies.

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Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking among others are the highlights of Uganda safari top tourist activities carried out in the trend of exploring the pearl of Africa. Spotting these primates and others alike such as the black and white colobus monkeys is a memorable experience that you would not regret. In Uganda, there are lush spots where these primates are inhabited for instance, there are ten primate species including chimpanzees in Queen Elizabeth National Park alone.

Gorilla Safari Tours 2010

- 3 day Gorilla Trekking Safari Bwindi

- 5 days Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife

-7 days, Chimpanzee and Gorilla Tour

- 9 days Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris

- 14 days, Uganda and Rwanda

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• Park Entrance fees
• Full board accommodation
• 1  mountain gorilla permit
• Meals en route
• Services of a full time driver guide
• ranger guide fees

Gorilla safaris or trekking is mostly carried out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Parc de Volcanoes (PNV) in Rwanda.

Gorilla Trip Uganda 3 days :Visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi impetrable forest national park where,
Gorilla Tracking in Uganda is done. You also need a
Gorilla Trekking permit which must be arranged at least 3 months to your actual
Gorilla Tour in Uganda date. We also arrange visits to see other primates like the chimpanzee, monkey, baboons. No oratungans, e.t.c For trips and adventure expeditions for C himpanzee Trekking Uganda as well as Chimpanzee Habituation experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda safari

Across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift valley lies Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda. This park is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts. Bwindi is under the Uganda Wildlife Authority and was gazetted in August 1991 for purposes of conserving endangered mountain species, the Catchment area and to provide refuge for the flora and fauna. It covers an area if 351sq.km and covers an altitude of 1160m to 2607m. Bwindi and Mgahinga share a western warden heading 5 departments that include Tourism department, Law enforcement and security, Community collaboration, research and monitoring, Administration and Finance. Due to its ecological uniqueness and natural beauty, Bwindi, which is an African montane rainforest with high levels of species endemism, is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites. It is home to a number of other primate species including the red tailed guenon, blue guenon, L’Hoest’s guenon, the black and white colobus, vervet, the baboon (papio anubis) and other nocturnal prosimians.

Bwindi Park inhabits half of the world population of mountain gorillas, which are currently estimated at 600 thus having the biggest number of mountain gorillas worldwide. Uganda gorilla safaris, Chimp Conservation, Monkeys , Mountain Gorilla Safari Africa, Bushmeat, Apes,
Uganda gorilla tracking, Lowland Gorillas, Uganda Primates, Gorilla Trakking,
Uganda Gorilla Tour, Chimpanzee Grip.

The Bwindi chimp population size is not well known but roughly estimated at 300 – 400. The nearby Virunga volcano Conservation area has a population of 300 mountain gorillas with no chimps thus making Bwindi the only African forest in which these two apes co-existing together.

There are four groups of gorillas in Bwindi park and these include; Mubare group consisting of 10 gorillas, 1 silverback, habinyanja group consisting of 18 gorillas and 1 silverback, Rushengura group consisting of 10 gorillas and 1 silver buck and the Nkuringo group consisting of 19 gorillas and 2 silver backs. You can see all these while on a mountain gorilla tour.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

It is situated in Kisoro District, South-Western corner of Uganda, covering an area of about 38sq.km. This Park was gazetted in 1991 and it is part of the great Virunga Conservation area. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park neighbors 2 other namely Volcano National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. These 3 parks are important habitats for endangered Mountain Gorillas which are the highest tourist attraction in Mgahinga . Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has 3 Mountain peaks namely; Gahinga which is 3474m high, Mt. Sabinyo which is 3669m high and Gahinga peak Muhavura which is the highest at 4127m. Mgahinga experiences two rainy/wet seasons during February to May and September to December. The maximum amount of rainfall is 250mm in Oct and the minimum being 10mm in July

Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga is the most exciting and unforgettable experience, which might take one through a thick jungle. Nyakagezi, a gorilla group, is currently habituated and available for tourists. It consists of 11 members; 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 4

The maximum number of people trekking a day is 8 for all groups so you don’t have to embark on the trails lonely and due to high competition of permits, future availability can’t be guaranteed. “First Come First Served”. Please keep fit to embark on your journey of a lifetime!!!! A gorilla permit costs 360 dollars per person per day and validity of the permit is the day a client wishes to trek!! You could select any group that you wish and the chance of seeing the apes is 99%.

Please note that we also provide tailor made Uganda safaris and tours or expeditions to Africa involving cruises, visiting primates, sightseeing tours, adventure trails , mount trekking and trips to various safari journeys in africa.

We can help you plan for your perfect voyage or holiday vacation in the uncrowded destinations of Africa. We make travelling and tours to Uganda and Rwanda memorable ! Get away with an expert Company!

We arrange gorilla safaris to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Parc De Volcans in Rwanda at great discounts or budget safari trip.

Ape adventure is one of the greatest tourism contribution to the economies of Uganda and Rwanda. The Mountain gorilla, Gorilla Berengei Berengei ape has a population of about 700 left in the whole world. Our travel and tourism section together with the itineraries or gorilla tour packages will make your trip as adventurous as possible on your African Safari.

Gorilla Trek in Uganda and Rwanda, Read more on Dian Fossey conservation efforts, lowland gorilla safari , western lowland gorillas or the silverback as well as environment and nature conservation of their habitats and other primates such as chimpanzee and monkey.

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This is one of the most sought after safari to Uganda. You get the chance to trek and follow the gorillas first hand with experienced and knowledgeable game rangers. This Safari is tough and involves mountain climbing but is very rewarding when you finally meet face to face with the big primates.

SPECIAL OFFER Group tour leaving  in MAY – DECEMBER $ 900 per per person

DAY 1 TO Bwindi National Park
Our tour guide will  meet you and brief you about your tour .  You will later be driven in comfortable and secure touring vehicle  to

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the south-West of Kampala.  Stop-over at the Equator for photographic opportunity as well as an enjoyable and informative talk.  There is an experiment done here to  prove to you that it is surely the equator . Have Lunch in  en route and then proceed through the Kigezi Highlands a scenic drive!  You will continue  through the banana plantations and then you reach the views of the great Virunga volcanoes of Rwanda and the Congo as well as heads of Ankole long horned  cattle then to  the biggest Home of mountain gorillas which is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

If the gorilla permits are for trekking gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi which comprises of Nkuringo and Nshongi family, we will drive through central Uganda, take a stop over  in Kabale for lunch, proceed to the last stretch through a picturesque countryside also distinct as the “Switzerland of Africa! : lakes,  hills , mountains, with cultivated terraces, tropical rainforest and bamboo forest will be seen along the way. On the last hill, the landscape opens out underneath us, taking in the vast planes between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, with the Virunga volcanoes dominating the view. Down the valley is Kisoro, where you will stay.

Budget accommodation – Buhoma Community Bandas or Bwindi view Bandas or Virunga Hotel in Kisoro

Mid range accommodation – Lake Kitandara camp /Engagi lodge/ Travelers’ rest hotel in Kisoro

Standard accommodation – Buhoma Lodge / Silver back lodge / Gorilla Resort Camp/ Nkuringo camp site cabins in Kisoro / Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Luxury accommodation – Gorilla Forest camp or Clouds lodge in Kisoro

DAY 2 Gorilla Trekking
This is the day that you will go gorilla  trekking . After being briefed by your guides on this tough adventure, you take with you lunch and the necessary gear to track the Mountain Gorillas in the jungle. This process can take anywhere between a few hours and the whole day depending on the touring group. The guides do a good job to describe the surroundings and the lifestyle of the animals. After this tour, in the evening you can relax around a campfire, take walks or retire to the lodge. You will later retire in Buhoma Homestead or the Gorilla Forest Camp.

DAY 3 TO Kampala
Have an early morning breakfast before you leave Bwindi Impenetrable National park for the Kigezi highlands (The Switzerland of Africa). From here, regroup at the camp before leaving for Kampala, having lunch along the way. Arrive in the evening. Overnight at your Hotel.

We arrange gorilla safaris to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Parc De Volcans in Rwanda at great discounts or budget safari trip.

Ape adventure is one of the greatest tourism contribution to the economies of Uganda and Rwanda. The Mountain gorilla, Gorilla Berengei Berengei ape has a population of about 700 left in the whole world. Our travel and tourism section together with the itineraries or gorilla tour packages will make your trip as adventurous as possible on your African Safari.

Gorilla Trek in Uganda and Rwanda, Read more on Dian Fossey conservation efforts, lowland gorillas, western lowland gorillas or the silverback as well as environment and nature conservation of their habitats and other primates such as chimpanzee and monkey.

Rates per person sharing based on different numbers of people – 2011 Jan-  March Rates .

Rates per person sharing based on different numbers of people -

Any of the above rates includes;

• Park entry fees,
• Full board accommodation
• A gorilla tracking permit per person
• Services of a full time English speaking driver guide and fuel..
• Meals en route
• Ranger guide fees;

The price excludes; tips, laundry , drinks and any other personal expenses

ACCOMMODATION DESCRIPTION

Up market accommodations are usually 1st class 3 -5 star lodges. They usually provide full board services and some of them may have luxurious facilities like swimming pools , air conditioning and electricity while others are eco friendly luxury tented camps  set luxuriously in the forest . Some of them may provide laundry services and massage.

ACQUIRING A UGANDA VISA

Ugandan visas are issued at our missions/ embassies abroad and also at the

Entry / Exit point like at the airport, borders etc.

Underlying the Uganda Visa policy is the principle of reciprocity that is , all

countries that require visas for Uganda are also visa prone in Uganda.

Visa fees

Single entry – US$ 50

Multiple entries – US$ 200

Inland transit – US$ 50.

It is advisable that clients doing a Uganda and Rwanda tour beginning and

ending in Uganda purchase two single entry visas than a multiple because it

would be expensive.

GORILLA TRACKING REQUIREMENTS IN UGANDA AND RWANDA

Please bring the following for tracking gorillas.

Hiking boots- ankle level boots are ok but make sure it is something handy.

Gloves

A warm cardigan

Thick trousers and a long sleeved top are ideal for tracking.

Rain Coat

Video- filming is allowed in the parks though not outside the park

Water proof container for their cameras

A pair of binoculars if you are a keen bird watcher.

If you prefer wearing a hat, a baseball cap is recommended.

Encounter with the gorillas

Submissiveness

When you encounter the gorillas always remember to be submissive

Do not look at them straight in the face rather give a sideways glance.

Do not stand over them-crouch instead, stay in a tight group

Speak in whispers

Do not use flash photography

Gorillas are wild

Most visitors might be tempted to think that the gorillas are tame. On the

contrary, gorillas are wild and they should not be provoked in any way. The

ORTPN or the Uganda wildlife authority does not take any responsibility for any

injury sustained by wild animals in their habitats, hence keep your distance

about 7 metres from them and bear in mind that gorillas have freedom of way

· Do not feed the gorillas

· Do not entice them to get into contact with you in any way.

· Do not eat in the vicinity of the gorillas

· Environmental Consciousness

· Do not litter the park

· Always burry decomposing stuff.

· Hiking, trekking and Tracking gorillas- the facts

How hard should one prepare for gorilla tracking in Rwanda or Uganda ?

Tracking takes place at altitudes of 3000 metres or more in Uganda -this means

that moderate/ average physical fitness is what is necessary and not athletic

fitness.

Tracking gorillas is conducted by patient, qualified and knowledgeable ranger

guides with wide experience in natural history with particular attention to gorilla behavior.

Trekking hiking and tracking is conducted at a moderate pace with plenty of

stops for resting, fielding questions further briefs etc. Competitive hiking is

discouraged as the aim of the guides, porters and rangers is for all the group

members to make it to the gorillas and back to the base. Believe it or not, the

slowest hiker/ trekker will determine the pace of the trek.

About the Uganda Climate.

Uganda’s equatorial climate provides plentiful sunshine, moderated by the relatively high altitude of most areas of the country. Mean annual temperatures range from about 16° C in the southwestern highlands to 25° C in the northwest; but in the northeast, temperatures exceed 30° C about 254 days per year. Daytime temperatures average about eight to ten degrees warmer than nighttime temperatures in the Lake Victoria region, and temperatures are generally about fourteen degrees lower in the southwest.

Except in the northeastern corner of the country, rainfall is well distributed. The southern region has two rainy seasons, usually beginning in early April and again in October. Little rain falls in June and December. In the north, occasional rains occur between April and October, while the period from November to March is often very dry. Mean annual rainfall near Lake Victoria often exceeds 2,100 millimeters, and the mountainous regions of the southeast and southwest receive more than 1,500 millimeters of rainfall yearly. The lowest mean annual rainfall in the northeast measures about 500 millimeters.

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>>>back to GORILLA SAFARIS

Gorilla Trip Uganda 3 days :Visit the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi impetrable forest national park where, Gorilla Tracking in Uganda is done. You also need a Gorilla Trekking permit which must be arranged at least 3 months to your actual Gorilla Tour in Uganda date. We also arrange visits to see other primates like the chimpanzee, monkey, baboons. No oratungans, e.t.c For trips and adventure expeditions for C himpanzee Trekking Uganda as well as Chimpanzee Habituation experience.

Offer for 2010 – 3 days Gorilla Tour Bwindi
Price :US$ 980
Time – Any time of the year subject to availability of Gorilla permits
Single supplement- US$ 480

3 Days Gorilla Safari Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable
Have breakfast to drive to Bwindi Impenetrable forest. This journey will take you to the south western part  of Uganda. To stop at the equator for photographs and continue to Mbarara where you will have another stop for lunch and then proceed to reach Bwindi in the evening. In the evening you may go for a community walk where you will be entertained in some of the cultural dance of the community. Dinner and over night at Gorilla Resort / Traveler’s rest Hotel /Buhoma homestead/ Gorilla Forest camp or lake Kitandara camp or  Buhoma  Community bandas/ Nkuringo safari centre of Virunga Hotel

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking
Wake up and prepare for Gorilla Tracking. You will have breakfast to transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before setting off to the forest in search for the world’s left mountain Gorillas that can only be found in Uganda , Congo and Rwanda. The guide will brief you after which you will set off to the forest for these apes. The time you will take searching these humble apes is unpredictable however it ranges between 2-9 hours depending on their movement. The activity requires you to go through steep rocks climbing up and down making it tiresome, however the thrill of encountering these giant primates erases the poor memories you went through in trying to search for them. Dinner and over night at Gorilla Resort / Traveler’s rest Hotel /Buhoma homestead/ Gorilla Forest camp or lake Kitandara camp or  Buhoma  Community bandas/ Nkuringo safari centre of Virunga Hotel

Day 3: Depart back to Kampala.
After these extra-ordinary experiences we have to go back to Kampala. Have breakfast and hit the road to Kampala. You will have a stop in any of the districts for lunch to reach Kampala in the evening. If you wish, we can transfer you to the airport for your next flight back home.

End of Safari.

Note that once  we find out  that Gorilla permits for main Bwindi are all sold out , we can take you to the  Newly opened gorilla  tracking area in Kisoro known as Nkuringo Nshonzi .   This means that the itinerary accommodations will change and we will advise you on booking

Note that all the above quotes are based on basic  accommodations but since different clients prefer different  accommodations , please contact us in case you need details of an upgrade.
The budget type of accommodation is in basic facilities such as hotels/lodges which are structures built separate from each other and may not be self contained. In most cases these are simple basic accommodation units with clean but shared facilities such as bathrooms and toilets. Meals can either be served from canteens in some cases or in the Dinning rooms.

Any of the above  Prices includes;

• Park fees
• Full board accommodation
• Gorilla tracking
• Meals
• Ground transportation in a 4×4 vehicle ideal for game drives with a pop up roof each of you with a window seat.
• Services of a full time driver guide
• Bottled drinking water is a complimentary

The price excludes; Visa fees, tips, flights, telephone calls, and any other personal expenses.

Payments and Bookings
Note:

• Bookings for safaris should be made at least 5 months in advance to facilitate reservation  of  Gorilla permits
• A 30% deposit is required for all tours and should be wired on our account .  We will send you the booking details on your request.

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