Month: January 2018

Rwanda as a country might seem be a small in size, but it is such a beautiful place to visit. The land of a thousand hills is a perfect safari destination for those looking for a new and rich African experience. Uganda is a land-locked country mostly in the Rift Valley, on the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s largest tropical lake.

Game viewing is the most popular tourist activity in Uganda. Wild animals like lions, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, elephants are common in Uganda’s ten national parks. Uganda is one of only three countries where it is possible to visit the endangered mountain gorillas. The others are Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mountain gorillas are found in two separate locations: the Virunga range of extinct volcanic mountains on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C), Rwanda and Uganda, and in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Both Rwanda and Uganda are gifted with counts of the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their respective parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks for Uganda and Volcanoes National Park.

When it comes to comparing gorilla trekking safaris prices in Rwanda and Uganda, there are many things that can be considered that cover a ranger of aspects. In May 2017, the Rwanda Development Board recently announced an increase in the price of Gorilla Permits from US$ 750 to US$ 1,500 for all visitors. The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is much more affordable. Each gorilla permit costs US$ 600 per person, and in the low season the country offers discounted gorilla permits costing just US$ 450 per person and more than US $1,000 cheaper than a permit in Rwanda.

Rwanda raised its Permit Prices in order to help it pay the way for Gorilla Conservation, assist the local communities surrounding the trekking areas with much-needed infrastructure and to market Rwanda as an upmarket Gorilla Trekking Destination.

Gorilla Permits for trekking in Rwanda are now at US$ 1500 per person while in Uganda one gorilla permit to trek gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park is at US$ 600 per person. Therefore this means that gorilla tracking in Rwanda is more expensive compared to gorilla trekking in Uganda. Once can save US$ 900 if he tracks in Uganda and can use it to track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. With this prevailing, you would need at least two days to complete your gorilla tour in Rwanda and 3 days for a Uganda gorilla tour.

However, Rwanda’s pride is in the ability for one to do the gorilla trek even in one day and fly back home which is impossible for Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is located 2 hours’ drive from Kigali. On the other hand, Bwindi is located about 8 – 9 hours’ drive from Kampala/ Entebbe Airport. In this case, you will spend at least 3 days for your gorilla trek tour for one-day traveling to Bwindi, the another day doing the gorilla trek, and the other day driving back to Kampala/Entebbe.

 

The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla Park allows you to experience the ways of the ancient Batwa People who once lived in these forests and now show the way of their ancient culture – See the forest through the eyes of the First People of the Forest – the Batwa People who have lived here for 500,000 years. Experience the lives of the Batwa People on the Interactive Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. In 1991 these ancient forests and mountains became Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Batwa Pygmy People were without a home in the forest.  Since that time they have lived as marginalized people – Ugandans but disdained by other Ugandans as primitive. They have seen tourists come and spend 600 USD on gorilla trekking safaris visiting them in their ancient land while they have gone without any compensation, without being given new land, living in utter poverty.

“The Batwa Forest Trail” is part of a project to restore dignity and hope by keeping the Batwa Culture and Traditions alive to the Batwa People, give employment to those who are in involved in the day-to-day project of the “Batwa Trail” from the dancers to the guides, pay for school fees for the children, books and beyond that buy land for the community.

Every culture has an in the beginning story and so do the Batwa People.  The walk starts out with a Batwa elder – actually a middle aged person dressed in skins telling the story of the Batwa creation and how they became a people of the forest. The Batwa were the original people in this area of Uganda, long before other people migrated here.

Walk along in the shadows of Mount Muhavura (also called Muhabura – meaning the guide) and Gahinga Volcano as your guide stops and kneels down.  Has he spotted an animal but he asks his God to bless the walk as the hunter of old did as they went hunting in the forest of old.

Further down you may stop for a few berries that the hunter used to use for a meal prior to hunting.  Learn the value of plants used for medicine – such as blood pressure and other medical needs.  The black crust of ants nests used for applying to fungal infections of the skin.

One thing you will notice as you see them demonstrating hunting and trapping techniques, starting a fire with a stick, gathering honey,  the huts that they lived in, that they lived a lifestyle with a low impact on their environment and their surroundings.

The Batwa Trail allows them to return to the beloved forest and show others about how they lived and potentially keep some of their ways and crafts such as making bamboo cups, clothing beyond this generation of the Batwa people.

Come to Garama Cave – the former residence of the King of the Batwa People – no outsider was allowed to enter – but you have special permission.  The cave was also used for the Batwa people to hide from their enemies. Enter the sacred Garama Cave- going down – if you are a bit claustrophobic – relax – it will be fine.  You enter down – darkness embraces you and you hear mournful chants of the Batwa women – mourning the loss of the beloved forest.  A dim light illuminates the cave and you see them dancing with the words like tears pouring forth – a most meaningful time.

 

Mountain Gorilla safaris in Uganda, are an unforgettable life-time memory experience. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an amazing captivating search involving long walks following gorilla trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park majorly or Mgahinga National Park. Travel to Africa and Tour Mountain in Uganda deep in the heart of Africa’s most spectacular rain forests. The mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks can take anything from 15 minutes to 8 hours, depending on where the Uganda Gorillas are located.

At the end of each Gorilla search in Uganda`s thick forested mountains, you will stay for only one hour photographing, admiring, learning and interacting with these great mountains Gorillas or apes. Uganda gorilla safaris require one to have gorilla permits that are bought in advance to allow one track gorillas because only a maximum of Eight people are allowed to search each gorilla group in Bwindi, and Mgahinga. Uganda has 12 mountain gorilla groups open to tourists and one spends only one hour observing these beautiful mountain Gorillas and taking photos. Below are the top gorilla safari treks that we offer. Gorilla groups in Uganda Bwindi include; Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura in Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the east has Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro. In the southern sector in Rushaga has Nkuringo, Nshongi, Kahungye and Mishaya and one group Nyakagezi in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Whilst a gorilla trekking safari is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, the staffs at Volcanoes National Park have been doing this for several years and run a very smooth operation, hence treks to the mountain gorillas are well-organized and clearly structured. Look into the eyes of a large silver back gorilla and he’ll look back with a thoughtful, intelligent gaze, mindful that you’re another individual.

Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris offer a magical encounter that transcends any other ‘wildlife’ experience we know. A maximum of 96 gorilla tracking permits are available each day. As of 6th May 2017, the Rwandan Development Board has increased the costs of the gorilla permits from US$ 750 to US$ 1,500 per person, for a one-hour visit. The new prices aim to strengthen conservation efforts and support the development of local communities.

Travelers who are also spending a minimum of three nights in either Nyungwe Forest National Park or Akagera National Park during the months of November to May are entitled to a 30% discount – reducing the costs to US$ 1,050 per person. Amongst other things, the permit pays for a 24-hour guard for each gorilla group.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is another home to Mountain Gorillas in Africa. The country has both Lowland and Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla Trekking safaris in Congo are becoming popular worldwide! The country is safe and open to all International visitors. The critically endangered mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park accessed from Kisoro town in south western Uganda. Kisoro town (Nearby town to the Boarder) is 2-3 hour drive from Kigali in Rwanda, and 6-8 hours from Kampala (Uganda’s Capital). Below are some of our customized gorilla tour packages in Congo.

From Bunagana border with Congo, cross and drive to the Park Headquarters to be briefed about gorilla tracking dos and don’ts before setting off into the forest to track gorillas in Parc National des Virunga of Congo for the incredible experience. In the course of searching for the Mountain Gorillas, you will be exposed to excellent birding and primates such as the Golden Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Black and White colobus monkey, and giant forest hogs among others.

You will stay with these beautiful primates for one hour for observation and photography. Gorilla tracking through the forest, hills and swamps can be tough, arduous and tiring, sometimes taking up to 8 hours in the forest. But coming face to face with the great primates is well worth the effort. Return to Kisoro in Uganda, and after refreshments at the hotel, set off back to Kigali in Rwanda reaching in the evening and depart.

Upon arrival, you will be met by our guide at Entebbe Airport who will transfer you to Kampala for your overnight. On the next day, early departure to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located in South-western Uganda with a stopover at the equator for some informative talk, photography and some experiments before proceeding to Mbarara town arriving in time for Lunch. After lunch, you will then drive through the rolling green hills of Banana and Tea plantations arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening.

Imagine combining gorilla trekking tours in Uganda with White water rafting. This tour takes you to Jinja popularly known for being the source of the Nile – the Longest River on planet earth for the magnificent white water rafting experience. The Safari then takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you will have a chance to trek one of the habituated mountain gorilla families and take back memories. This trip can as well start from Bwindi and end in Jinja.

On the third day, Early morning, breakfast with your packed lunch, you will report to the Park headquarters for registration and join other trackers in a briefing about the dos and the don’ts during your Gorilla Tracking at 7:45 am. You will trek through thick creepers and undergrowth with your guides to find the Gorillas, which can take you half an hour to three quarters of the day. The steeply forested landscape is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. It is an extraordinary feeling being with these beautiful yet endangered Creatures. In the afternoon, you can opt for a community walk among the Batwa people who used to live in the Bwindi forest before it was gazetted as a national park and learn about their life and culture as a forest people or just rest after a tiresome trek. You will have dinner and overnight at your previous lodge.

Early morning breakfast with your packed lunch start long drive back to Kampala. Relax at your lodge as you prepare for a one day at Jinja on the next day. Early morning drive to Jinja for the Magnificent Uganda adventure experience. The journey will take you through Mabira forest the tropical rain forest in central Uganda, tea and sugarcane plantations plus several roadside markets arriving at Kalagala falls in time for your full or half day white water rafting adventure on the Nile.  This is another adventurous activity on addition to mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.

Enjoy white water rafting in Jinja, home to some of the world’s finest grade 5 white water rafting as well as an array of other adventure activities like bungee jumping, Kayaking, Jet Boating, horse riding and quad biking. We also organize tours to the true source of River Nile as well as Sezibwa falls. We also have Nile cruises for you to relax on the new Lake Bujagali in Jinja. You will then return back to Kampala arriving in the evening for overnight at Red Chilli Hideout. End of safari.