Ecotourism Index

Category: Activities

  • Best 10 Things to Do in Rwanda

    Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa located in East Africa and borders Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is rugged with various hills, the reason she is called a country of a thousand hills.

    Rwanda covers a of 26,338 square kilometers, with a population of about 12 million people. The country’s population is divided between 3 different tribes; the Tutsi, who are the minority, the Hutu who are the majority and the Batwa who have a smallest population.

    Rwanda is a landlocked, lying 75 miles south of the equator in the Tropic of Capricorn, 880 miles ’as the crow flies’ west of the Indian Ocean and 1,250 miles east of the Atlantic Ocean which makes her the heart of Africa.  The country is covered with water bodies which include 23 lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of the River Nile.

    The country is largely on a high altitude with the highest point being the peak of Mount Karisimbi which lies at 4519 meters above sea level and the lowest point is at Rusizi River at 950 meters above sea level.

    According to All About Rwanda, this small country faced a gruesome genocide in 1994 that saw over 800000 people dead most of who were the minority Tutsi and a few sympathetic Hutu. This genocide was orchestrated by the Hutu who were then in the ruling government and was against the Tutsi who were then fighting the ruling government. The genocide that lasted 100 days was sparked when the plane that was carrying the then president Juvenal Habyarimana was brought down in Kigali and he died there together with the then Burundi’s president as they returned from Tanzania from peace talks.

    Rwanda has various tourist attractions which include animals of the wild that protected from poachers and roam free in the vast national parks, the Mountains with great scenery, the genocide memorials, cultural museums, cultural and nature walks. Listed below are the ten tourist attractions you cannot miss while on Rwanda tour.

    1. Gorilla Tracking
      One of the most exciting experiences in the world is gorilla tracking and this is done in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This involves trekking in the mountainous forest in search of the gorillas. Gorillas are the most exciting primates that share 98% DNA with humans making them the closest relatives to human beings. These animals live in groups headed by a dominant male called a silverback. Each family is visited by a maximum number of 8 people per day and there are 10 habituated gorilla families.
    2. Chimpanzee tracking
      Chimpanzees are the other exciting primates after the gorillas. The chimpanzees are also closer to human beings and research shows they share 99% DNA with human beings. The chimpanzees live in Forests and feed on leaves, fruits, insects and even fresh! In Rwanda, the chimpanzees live in Nyungwe Forest Park which is located in Southern Rwanda bordering Burundi. The forest Covers over 1000 square kilometers and is one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rain forests and Africa’s oldest ever green forest, Apart from the chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest national park is a home to other 12 primate species including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, blue hoerst monkeys.. The forest is also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.
    1. Colobus monkey tracking
      Like chimpanzee tracking, colobus monkey tracking is done in Nyungwe forest national park. Colobus monkeys are also one of the rare monkey species and most of the world’s remaining colobus monkeys can be found in the forest. This therefore makes colobus monkey tracking in Rwanda one of the most exciting adventures.
    1. Forest Canopy walk
      This is done in Nyungwe Forest National Park as well. Scenic as it is, the canopy was constructed on top of the forest and the walk on this platform offers a great opportunity to explore the entire Nyungwe forest from top. This offers an opportunity for close eye level contact with the birds, see the waterfalls in Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe Forest canopy walk is one of the exciting forest canopy walks in Africa.
    1. Bird watching is one of the thought after tourist attractions in the world. Among the world’s birding spots is Rwanda. Rwanda has 728 bird species 29 of which are endemic to montane rain forest and Rift Valley of which Rwanda forms part. Birding is done in Nyungwe Forest National park, Volcanoes National park, Akagera forest National park, Congo Nile trail among others.
    1. Golden Monkey Tracking
      Golden monkeys are endangered monkey specie only found in the virunga mountain ranges with many monkeys living in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. The golden monkeys live in groups of 30 members and above and feed on leaves, stem and fruits and sometimes insects. These monkeys are so playful and interesting to watch. Golden monkey tracking in volcanoes national park in Rwanda therefore makes it an interesting tourist activity.
    1. Cultural walks
      Rwanda has a unique culture that is so entertaining. There is also many cultural heritages to visit which includes the national museum in Butare, Nyanza palace, the Belgium museum, the intore cultural dancers. There are Batwa in Rwanda who have a unique tradition and learning about their way of life is interesting.
    1. Historical and educational tours
      Rwanda is a country of history ranging. Rwanda’s genocide is one of the historic genocides in the world and may tourists will come to learn about history of mankind which includes conflict and conflict resolution. There are several genocide memorials set up across the country which include Gisozi memorial museum, Nyamata church, Ntarama church, Murambi genocide memorial among others. When you visit these sites, one will learn more about the effects of human conflicts. There is also Dian Fossey grave site in volcanoes national park and tourists always hike to her grave site to pay her respect and also learn more about her historic work of conserving the lives of the mountain gorillas which were under threat from poachers and she was assassinated as a result of her noble effort.
    1. Rwanda has three volcanic mountains that form part of the Virunga mountain ranges. These include Mt.Karisimbi, Mt.Bisoke, Mt.Muhabura. These mountains are all scenic in their nature and for hiking adventure lovers, these are a must hike. The crater lake on top of Mt.Bisoke is so fascinating and hiking Mt.Bisoke can be done in a day. Mt.Karisimbi can be hiked with in two days and the hike to Mt.Muhabura.
    1. Game drive and boat cruise
      Like most African countries are famous for, Rwanda has one of the most scenic savanna park. Akagera National Park located in the eastern part of Rwanda forms part of Rwanda’s flat land with great savanna. The park has various game that include Zebras, lion, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, bush bucks which are best seen during game drive. Other game includes hippos, crocodiles which are seen during a boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is within the park.

  • Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

    Gorilla Trekking is the pioneer in Uganda safaris and while there are other numerous adventures to relish in this country, the experience of walking through the jungle in search of Giant Apes is second to none. Just organize a gorilla safari and let the jungles show you the best of what they can offer in terms of unforgettable encounters.

    Where is gorilla trekking done in Uganda?

    Two sensational destinations in Uganda offer unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and they are; the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the tiny Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The former is so far the better choice for meeting face to face with Giant Apes in their natural habitat, given the fact that it shelters the higher population of these magnificent creatures in addition to offering numerous sleeping options.

    The destination you choose for achieving your lifetime dream of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild largely depends on your general travel itinerary as well as the available time at hand. However, permit costs and chances of sighting gorillas don’t vary across these two gorilla parks. It is possible to combine these two places, given their location within the south-western side of Uganda, close to the Democratic Republic of Congo border to the extreme west as well as Rwanda to the far south.

    The beauty about gorilla trekking in Uganda is done majority of safari destinations are found in the west and south-west, hence making it possible to combine gorilla and wildlife safaris and spicing your trip with once-in-a-lifetime-experiences.

    Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park

    Bwindi National Park is the country’s pre-eminent gorilla trekking destination where habituated gorilla groups can be visited in four wonderful sectors/regions that include Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija, each offering unique terrains, exceptional groups and levels of trekking difficulty.

    Leaving from trailheads of one of the four sectors/regions within the boundaries of the Impenetrable Forest, trekkers join a group of 7 other visitors for a guided walk through the forest in search of one of the 21 habituated gorilla groups. Treks depart early in the morning and usually include up to 60 minutes watching the Giant Apes from a reasonable distance of 7 meters.

    Guided by expert Ranger guides attached to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), visitors are introduced to the remarkable ecosystem of Bwindi as well as the varying landscapes while trekking the Giant Apes. These guides will be in constant communication and updating with the team of Trackers who move ahead to locate the gorilla group. It is with the guidance of trackers that treks won’t take an entire day, otherwise they are always on the move.

    Once gorilla nests are located, you will receive notification from the ranger guides and later walking for a short time before a silent wait is noticed from the heart of the thick vegetation as Great Apes come closer. When the Giant Apes finally emerge from the dense vegetation, make sure that your camera is ready to start capturing pictures, as you have one hour in the presence of these creatures.

    One hour is allocated to spend with the mountain gorillas after making contacts and travellers who wish to spend more time can book for the Gorilla Habituation Experience to spend up to four hours with these Gentle Apes. Gorilla treks are quite strenuous and participants have to be prepared for up to half a day in the jungle, much as most adventures last only 2-4 hours.

    Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

    Just a stone throw from the border with Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the beautiful Mgahinga National Park is a renowned option for cross-border safaris with Volcanoes or Virunga National Parks. Not only that, it is a famous option for visitors who wish to combine with gorilla treks in Bwindi, especially the sector of Nkuringo.

    There are many other reasons for choosing this destination. It is undeniably more isolated than the popular Bwindi National Park in addition to treks being less strenuous. However, only 8 gorilla permits are available each day because only one habituated gorilla group is found in the 34-square kilometer Mgahinga. Named Nyakagezi, the group has 10 members that include 5 silverback, 2 adult females and 3 infants.

    Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

    The beautiful Tropical climate of Uganda implies temperatures are favorable throughout the year. Seasons are separated/marked by rainfall levels whereby the long rainy season from March to May and short from October to November is marked by heavy downpours. This makes Park roads very muddy and therefore pose great challenged for accessing the destinations, which are even worsened by the muddy/slippery forest trails but treks still go on as planned. The two advantages of trekking in wet season are the fact that treks tend to be shorter and low-season discounts provided by some Lodges.

    The long dry season from June to September and shorter season from December to February is when most gorilla treks in Uganda are conducted. This is because Park roads are dry and forest trails not muddy or even slippery. The only challenge of this season is the difficulty in booking gorilla permits at short notice, given the high demand. All in all, the endangered Mountain gorillas can be trekked at any time of the year.

    Acquiring Permits for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda

    Permits for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda cost $700 per person for foreign non-resident tourists, $600 per person for foreign tourists and Shs. 250,000 per person for East African tourists for the standard treks (one hour). The Gorilla Habituation Experience with four hours in the presence of Giant Apes goes for $1500 per person. Given the fact that the number of gorilla permits is usually limited, visitors are advised to plan in advance and remember that permits are non-refundable or non-transferable.

    Difficulty of Gorilla trekking in Uganda

    Travellers planning to undertake gorilla trekking in Uganda should expect hiking through difficult terrains with steep Valleys and slopes while following trails created through thick undergrowth for over 6 hours while sometimes are as short as 30 minutes to 3 hours. Treks conducted during wet months involve maneuvering through slippery trails that are even more challenging.

    What to wear and carry for gorilla trekking tours in Uganda

    Gorilla trekking involves walking through thick forests of Bwindi or Mgahinga for 1-6 hours. You will therefore require wearing lightweight, comfortable and breathable clothing. Sturdy and good quality rainproof hiking boots, long sleeved shirt, lightweight rain jacket, breathable and well-fitting trekking pants, gardening gloves for protection from thorns, long cotton socks to pull-over trekking pants, wide brim hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Carry camera, pair of binoculars, backpack, enough drinking water, healthy snacks, insect repellants and so much more.

    Some ground rules to follow during gorilla trekking in Uganda

    • Visitors are allocated one hour to spend with the mountain gorilla once located.
    • Flash photography is prohibited during photography.
    • The limit of 8 persons per habituated gorilla group has to be maintained and avoid joining other groups.
    • A distance of 7 meters has to be kept under all circumstances.
    • Visitors shouldn’t trek mountain gorillas if feeling unwell.
    • Making noise while trekking scares other residents of the Park and in the presence of mountain gorillas irritates them.

    Accommodation options during gorilla trekking in Uganda

    Accommodation options for Bwindi gorilla trekkers are Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Bakiga Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Nkuringo Safari Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Kitandara Camp among others.

    Mount Gahinga Lodge is the sole Safari Lodge within Mgahinga National Park but Camping is available at Amajambere Iwacu Camp and exquisite Lodges/Hotels in the nearby areas (in Kisoro) include Travellers Rest Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel or Lake Bunyonyi (such as Arcadia Cottages, Lake Bunyonyi Safari Lodge and so much more.

  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

    Gorilla tourism in DRC takes place in Virunga National Park home to over 250 habituated mountain gorillas and is the Congo potion of the Virunga Conservation region, which is also shared by Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. All 3 countries are directly interred joined by the Virunga Massif. The park is less explored and feared by many Africa travelers due to its past insecurities. Congo today is a very safe destination currently taking the visitors to visit the Eastern part of Congo which is rich with some of the best spots to visit in Africa.

    The DR Congo’s Virunga Park is home to 8 habituated gorilla families that are available for tracking all year round. Just like other 3 locations in central and east Africa where the gorilla tracking takes place, gorilla trekking in Congo is a strictly run gorilla conservation project based on gorilla protection and safety. The guide, trackers, armed guards, and porters lead the visitors to where a family of gorillas is located.

    Despite the civil war that happened in the country for a long, Congo is also appreciating the value of security and is currently a peaceful country. Gorilla Conservation is at the forehand as the country bounces back to normal and lots of efforts are needed for gorilla conservation, the country is doing what they can to protect the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

    The gorilla permits in Congo cost $400 per person, which today is the cheapest option to see the gorillas in their natural habitats.  The gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 while that of Rwanda costs $1500 per person. Congo gorilla trekking gives a cheaper alternative for the tourists to meet the rare mountain gorillas and fulfill a lifetime adventure. It’s possible for a visitor to visit gorillas in Congo on just a 2-day itinerary program from Gisenyi crossing through Goma city.

    DRC is a land of diversity and is indeed one of the best spots for an action-packed adventure in Africa. Congo is the place where you can view the world’s largest active lava lake of the Nyiragongo Volcano. Hiking tours to the top of Mount Nyiragongo are done daily with an overnight at the top of the Volcano. Congo is the only country that offers both mountain gorillas and Low land gorillas which can be tracked in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

    Congo is mostly accessed via Gisenyi from Rwanda crossing into Goma. Visas must be applied for at least 48 hours in advance. Congo Visa costs $ 100 per person. The requirements for visa application include; a copy of an up-to-date yellow fever certificate, a copy of your itinerary, hotel booking, and a copy of your passport.

    What you need to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure includes; a walking stick, these are available at the park offices, good hiking boots, a plan for the rains, Packing for gorilla trekking long sleeve shirt is useful when walking in the forest parts, park at least 3 Litters of water, a snuck, long pants, long socks which you tuck in your pants to prevent insect bites, gloves because if lots of thorns in the forest, hire a porter to take cash to tip the guides. The accommodation facilities in Congo include; Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Lodge, Goma at Hotel Cap Kivu, Lac Kivu Lodge, Ihusi Hotel.

  • Climbing the Rwenzori Mountains

    The Rwenzori Mountains National Park protects diverse natural habitats where most of its endangered species, flora are all confined. It is one of the ten national parks that Uganda boasts of and undoubtedly, one of the bucket-list hikers destinations.

    Where is Rwenzori Mountains National Park located?

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park lies in Western Uganda, approximately 5-7 hours’ drive from Kampala capital. The main part of the legendary Rwenzori Mountain ranges/chain also best known as the Mountains of the Moon is encompassed by the Rwenzori Mountains National Park of Uganda.

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park is located along the Eastern side of the Western or Albertine African Rift Valley. It is found on border area of Uganda with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and also borders the Virunga National Park of the D.R. Congo. Unlike most African safari parks, Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    The park is situated strategically in Kasese, Bundibugyo and Kabarole districts and from Kasese, it is only 25kms, from Virunga National Park Congo it is 50kms. It is about 6-7 hours when you travel starting from Kampala and this all varies depending on the route taken.

    Size of Rwenzori Mountains National Park

    The Rwenzori Mountains National Park sits on a vast area of about 1000sq.kms/100,000ha in Western Uganda. 70% of the park exceeds an elevation of 2500m with the highest point rising 5109m. It is a home to ice-capped Rwenzori Mountain chain, the third highest peak on the African continent and the area is characterized by magical waterfalls, glaciers, glacial lakes, rivers, vegetation making it one of the very few most spectacular alpine protected areas.

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park encompasses most of the Central and Eastern half of the chain Rwenzori Mountains, a block mountain range which rises above dry plains set just North of the Equator crossing. The chain Rwenzori Mountains are believed to be higher than the Alps and interestingly, they are ice-capped. Mt. Stanley is found within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park of Uganda and it is where the most sought after Margherita Peak is set. At the Mount Stanley is where one of the twin summits is and that is where you find the third highest peak in Africa rising at the height of 5109 meters.

    The 4th and 5th highest peaks are located on Mount Baker, and Mt. Speke. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park features snowfields, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and it is generally one of the most stunning mountain protected areas on African continent. The other major attraction that makes Rwenzori Mountains National Park stand out is its stratified vegetation which include heather, alpines, lobelia, montane etc. Other than Mount Stanley, other mountain massifs that make up the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon include Mount Luigi di Savoia 4627m, Mt. Gessi 4715m, Mount Emin 4791m, Mount Speke 4890m.

    Wildlife

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park features a range of habitat where most of its faunal and floral species exist. The park boasts of its outstanding species ranging from endemic to the Albertine rift species. The alpine vegetation with 5 distinct zones are all worth exploring on Uganda safari in Rwenzori Mountains National Park. The higher elevation zones feature mostly the heath & afro-alpine moorland which extends from 3500m to the snow line area. It is in Rwenzori Mountains where you can find the rarest vegetation that Africa is known for. The important vegetation/floral species include groundsel, giant heathers, lobelia to mention but a few.

    The important wildlife species vary with altitudinal range of Rwenzori Mountains National Park. They include among others black and white colobus monkeys, Ruwenzori duikers, forest elephants, hyrax, chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians also come in abundance. Most of these range within the montane forests of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

    Birds

    Rwenzori Mountains National Park is recognized among the very few important bird areas in Uganda with sum of about 217 bird species. These include most of the Albertine rift endemic bird species and the important birds to expect to identify include among others stripe breast tit, black and swift eagles, blue headed sunbirds, Rwenzori turacos, barred long tailed cuckoo, handsome francolins, golden winged sunbird, crimson wings, Rwenzori batis, long eared owl, purple breasted sunbird.

    Hiking/climbing the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon

    Climbing Rwenzori Mountains is the reason why most adventure seekers make their journey to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. On a Uganda safari in Rwenzori Mountains National Park, hikes begin from 2 demarcated routes/trails each leading to the numerous peaks of this block mountain. They include the central circuit trail which is 7 days climb and leads hikers from Mihunga trailhead through Nyabitaba and Bujuku Valley. The other trail is Kilembe which extends from the Nyamwamba valley and joins the central circuit at Kitandara Lake. It is an ideal trail to embark if you are to explore 3 of the Rwenzori Mountain highest peaks, flora and also look out some of the interesting animal species.

    The Rwenzori mountaineering expeditions are organized and run by a few companies that include the Rwenzori Mountaineering services (RMS), Climbing Rwenzoris, and Rwenzori Trekking services. The RMS is a local community tourism group founded to offer/generate for the Bakonzo local residents income as one way for them to benefit from tourism on the mountain that has been central to their lives. Most of them serve at the park/mountain as guides and porters while profits are used to support a number of the community run initiatives.

    Other tourism activities Rwenzori Mountains National Park worth engaging in while on Uganda safari include cultural encounters/community walks- the important cultural trails to embark on include Bulemba-Ihandiro cultural trail, Rwenzori turaco view campsite. Bird watching/birding is another exciting and worth engaging activity while on safari in Rwenzori Mountains National Park and it lets you to sight most of the Albertine rift bird species. Nature walks or hiking which is perfectly carried out along Buraro chimpanzee forest, Lake Mahoma trails.

  • 5 Best Nature Walks in Eastern DR Congo

    The best way to discover in depth what Virunga National Park has to offer to its world visitors is by embarking on nature walks. Nature walking per say means a process of transforming from one destination to another mainly to appease the mind, relax from the bustling cities and have a stress free mind. This experience requires some patience as a walk takes you through many trails where you will have a great opportunity to sight at varied wildlife species that dwell in different habitats within the park and they include bird species, plants, trees, butterflies among others.

    Virunga Treks

    While on a Congo safari through Virunga National Park, you have a chance to pay a visit to different areas including the gorilla orphanage center Senkwekwe which is found within Rumangabo which is just adjacent the park headquarters. While here, you have a chance to catch a glimpse at the four gorillas that were saved from the hands of poachers. They include Ndakasi, Matabishi, Maisha and Ndeze that can be spotted while playing, interact peacefully. They are well-protected and can be viewed safely by visitors.

    Tongo Forest Walks

    As well, you can also take part in chimpanzee tracking at the dense forest of Tongo where these creatures have been habituated. Chimpanzees live peacefully and happily by interacting and working together.

    Nature walks in Senkwekwe

    The popular Senkwekwe is a gorilla orphanage center-a facility that offers refuge to orphaned gorillas in DR Congo. It offers basic care to these endangered creatures. They are provided with appropriate medication by the Gorilla Doctors, shelter, food and protection by the park rangers. This facility features as one of the world’s incredible place where the Great Apes are protected. Senkwekwe is named after a dominant gorilla silverback ‘Senkwekwe’ that lost his life in 2007 from Rugendo gorilla group during the civil war. Senkwekwe has four gorillas comprising of three (3) adult females- Maisha which is the dominant gorilla, Ndakasi and the six (6) year old Ndeze that unites both Maisha and her younger sister Ndakasi.

    Matabishi was spotted in isolation outside the park just around the borders near Bikenge after being freed from the poachers who feared for their lives in case of being caught by the park wardens. He was also put into the orphanage after a period of about six months of quarantine and adjustment. During that time, he had weight and he was very energetic and it was because of this that he was added into the orphanage center to join the three members. He grew to like and interact with other members that made him peaceful and happy like he got a family that he belonged. Also, this orphanage center helps to take care of and restore the eastern lowland gorillas from poachers and traffickers.

    Nature walks for chimpanzee tracking

    Tongo forest dates 300 years and lies on the top of Lava flow from Mount Nyamuragira in the northwestern Rumangabo in the Virunga Park. It is a host to a candid population of chimpanzees. Tongo forest is small in size and features thick forest vegetation and with a small hill at a distance. This is one of the 4 hills of Tongo and for any plans to explore this area, please take note of the following; don’t eat near the chimpanzees, keep a distance of 7 meters at all times from these creatures, if you are not feeling well don’t go for chimpanzee adventure, dress in environmentally friendly clothes and others. About 32 chimpanzees were habituated within this forest and taking part in this primate experience you need $100 for international visitors and $25 for the Congolese.

  • Encounter the Great Apes in Uganda

    In Uganda, gorilla trekking ranks among the absolute highlights of African travel. The highlight and focal point of many, is a visit to Uganda’s tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the extreme southwest. The excitement to first setting your eyes on a wild mountain gorilla is difficult to describe.

    An encounter with Uganda gorillas

    Set off on a once in a lifetime journey into the lush hills of Uganda to encounter mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild. You take time to observe chimpanzee with a primatologist in Kibale National Park and track the might gorillas in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

    Rolling eastward from the Albertine Rift Escarpment, the tangled forested slopes of Bwindi provide shelter to one of Africa’s most diverse mammalian faunas, including 45% of global mountain gorilla population. In Africa, mountain gorillas are found in two separate locations; the Virunga range of extinct volcanic mountain on the borders of the Democratic Republic of extinct volcanic mountain on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, while other are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda.

    In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla tourism started way back in 1993, when the Mubare group became the first family to be fully habituated to humans. Today the park is home around 1006 gorillas with 14 fully habituated families available for trekking. It’s more than a day’s drive from the capital Kampala or a quick flight to get to Bwindi Forest, but it’s worth it. Bwindi is a World Heritage Site with over 350 bird species and 200 kinds of butterflies and, thanks to income from gorilla trekking tours, its mountain gorilla population has grown by a third in recent years.

    Main Park Activity

    Gorilla Trekking

    Gorilla trekking is the main park activity. It is an unforgettable, life-changing safari experience that can be done every day in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest. The day starts at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park headquarters in one of Bwindi’s tourism sectors depending on which you allocated.

    Briefing starts at 8:00am, you will get to know the essential dos and don’ts to follow while in the forest. 8 people are allowed to trek each gorilla family, staying for a maximum of 1 hour in their presence. Bwindi Forest is aptly named the ‘Impenetrable’ because it is thick, so pass path through dense vegetation and can be steep.

    Take advantage of walking sticks offered at the start of a walk, this will be invaluable to help you keep your balance on steep hillsides. Once on the trail, don’t be afraid to ask for a few minutes whenever you feel tired. Drink plenty of water, and do carry some quick snacks such as biscuits or chocolate. The good news is that in 99% of cases, whatever exhaustion you might feel on the way up will vanish with the adrenalin charge that follows the first sighting of a silverback gorilla.

    The gorillas habituated for tourism are in families based at different trailheads. So, when you choose to visit Bwindi, so be sure to know which trailhead you are allocated before you book your hotel/ lodge in that location.

    Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest

    Now the park has set another new precedent creating an experience for visitors that involves tracking semi-habituated groups. The new experience is called the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This is a teaching process for gorillas with an aim of getting them familiar with human presence in their jungle forests.

    Gorilla habituation is a long process involving gorilla adaption and only done by gorilla researchers and well-experienced rangers who meet with the gorillas every single day to train and monitor their progress. The Habituation process involves giving names to each gorilla and training them to acknowledge these names, while closely observing their behaviours.

    Chimpanzees Tour in Kibale National Park

    Kibale National Park is Uganda’s premier destination to see and track the Chimpanzees. This Park protects 766km² of predominantly forested habitat that extends more than 50km south from the main Fort Portal-Kampala Road to the northeast border of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932, Kibale was upgraded to national park status and extended southward to form a contiguous block with the Queen Elizabeth National Park in 1993.

    Chimpanzee Tracking

    The trailhead for chimp tracking and main centre of tourist activity within the park is the Kanyanchu Visitors’ Centre. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08:00am, 11:00am and 14:00pm and last between 2-5 hours. Early arrival to allow for registration and briefing I recommend.

    Our closest cousin, the chimpanzee, shares at least 94% of its DNA with humans. Sociable, communicative and intelligent, one of the chimp’s most astonishing traits is its ability to use tools such as rocks for smashing nuts, empty pods for scooping water and sticks for drawing termite from their nests. Contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour; group size is limited to six visitors; participants must be aged 16 or over. Advance booking is essential.

    13 species can be sought and a good variety of diurnal monkeys invariable encountered, but the primates of this trail are the chimpanzees. Chimpanzees aside, Kanyanchu offers some superb forest birding and monkey viewing, with the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, only 5km away immediately outside the park boundary, being a particular highlight in this respect.

    Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

    This activity enables those who want to spend more time with chimpanzees. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience enables visitors to accompany researchers and habituators into the forest. The chimpanzee groups involved are less accustomed to human presence than those visited on the Primate walk and following and viewing them is both exciting and challenging.

    Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is available on a full or half day on a daily basis and advance booking for this activity is required. Early visitors can watch chimps leaving their overnight nests between 6:00-6:30 am before feeding, copulating, hunting, breast feeding, resting, patrolling and displaying until it is time to build new nests around 7pm.

    Besides chimpanzee tracking, Kibale National Park gives you an opportunity to do bird watching. It is a good add on to your Kibale National Park visit. Bird watching tours start at 7am at Kanyanchu. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is located just outside the park and is home to 138 bird species which may be during guided walks along the boardwalk trail and viewing platforms. Rare species include the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, White-collared Olive back and Papyrus Canary.