Gorilla Tracking Safaris and Wild Adventures

Below are highlights of out typical 4 day Gorilla Trekking Safari

Kampala - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

DAY 1

Arrival of your international flight. Picked up by the driver and transferred to a hotel.

Check-in at the booked hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2

Kampala – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

06h30: After morning breakfast, you are transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park via Kampala- Masaka route. Stopover in kayabwe at the equator for a photo opportunity or craft shopping. Have Lunch in Mbarara Town, then proceed to Bwindi national park driving through the savannah grass land viewing the banana plantations and herds of Ankole cattle famous for their long horns. Reach the park in the evening check in your booked hotel for dinner and overnight.

Buhoma lodge – luxury
Trackers safari lodge – mid-range
Ruhija resort lodge- budget

DAY 3

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

06h00: Wake up very early in the morning for breakfast drive to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing by park rangers about gorilla trekking before commencing to the gorilla sanctuary,
07h00: Start Gorilla trekking; the ranger-guide takes you through the huge Bwindi Forest as you search for the giant apes. The venture of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is awesome and thrilling experience to be long relished but tiresome. Return to the lodge for lunch and resting, afternoon take a community walk to Buhoma village which gives you an opportunity to see how the people surrounding the park have survived for the generation living near the great forest. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park– Kampala – Entebbe- Departure

06h00: Early morning breakfast prepare and return to Kampala stopover in Igongo cultural centre for hot lunch and explore ancient history of the Ankole kingdom that has existed for years, proceed to Masaka-kayabwe at Uganda equator for photographs arrive Kampala in the evening check into a hotel for an overnight stay or evening transfer to airport for your home bound flight.

Discounted Gorilla Safaris this Easter @ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Adyeri Creations is delighted to introduce you discounted gorilla safaris this Easter season, make memories this coming Easter with the Giant Apes in their natural domain, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is selected by UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is best known for its Mountain Gorilla populations and gorilla tracking although, it also offers some of the finest montane forest birding in Africa and is a key destination for any birder doing a Safari to Uganda. With over 347 species of forest birds recorded in the Park, at least 70 out of 78 montane forest bird species occurring in the Albertine Rift region are found in the forest, and 22 of the 36 endemics.

 Located in south-western Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns.

Due to its various habitats ranging from 1,160 to 2,706 m in altitude, location at the intersection of the Albertine, Congo Basin and Eastern Africa ecological zones, Bwindi has the highest miscellany of tree species (over 200 species including 10 endemics) and ferns in East Africa, and maybe the most important forest in Africa for montane forest butterflies with 202 species (84% of the country’s total), including eight Albertine endemics.

Mountain Gorilla Groups

There are 4 Gorilla Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Bwindi alone has a total of 14 habituated gorilla families active for gorilla tracking every day and 1 habituated gorilla family at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. 15 habituated mountain gorilla families are open to tourism in 5 different sectors of Nyakagezi, Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo in southwestern Uganda. There are 120 gorilla permits available every day, 8 of these are for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and 112 permits are for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla tracking permits in Uganda cost USD 600 while Gorilla Habituation Permits cost USD 1500. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited so that we plan for you tailored Easter Holidays in the Pearl of Africa.

8 Days Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari

George and our visitors from Switzerland had a remarkable encounter with Mountain Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National and Chimpanzee at Kibale National Park last week. The safari started at the source of the Nile with 2 nights at Explorer River Camp, during their stay at the camp our visitors explored the Mabira Forest canopy zip lining, the source of the Nile and in the afternoon they enjoyed a sunset boat cruise at the mighty Nile.

Our visitors had a wonderful encounter with Chimps at Kibale National Park and Gorilla tracking at the Ruhija Sector-Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where they trekked the Oruzogo family, after their successful gorilla trek our visitors embarked on a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi where they enjoyed swimming and relaxing at the Lake.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari @ Rushaga - Bwindi from Kigali International Airport

Uganda is one of the three countries where you can have a close encounter with the mountain gorillas in southwestern Uganda’s dense forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Come face to face with humanity giant cousins, the mountain gorillas. Most tourists who visit the Rushaga area - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park come to see the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat; there are 900 mountain gorillas in the wild, about half of the remaining population of mountain gorilla lives in Uganda in two national parks namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Reason why you should trek mountain from Kigali

Rushaga area is found in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the park is known for the largest number of habituated mountain gorillas groups. At Rushaga there are five habituated mountain gorilla groups namely Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Nshongi and Bweza. Rushaga is the most focused gorilla tracking site for tourists who either want to trek mountain gorilla for one hour or encounter gorilla habituation for four hours.

When you travel from Kigali to Rushaga you have an opportunity to see the rolling Volcanoes Mountains namely Muhavura, Gahinga and Virunga. While driving to the Rushaga area you will be thrilled with a breathtaking encounter of the mountains, hills and creeks that will stupefy you.

On this Safari you are advised to inquire for the gorilla family of your interest before a permit is issued out to you and depending on your physical fitness since the families are located in different topography of the tracking area. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited for more information about tailored gorilla safaris in Uganda.

Where to stay

At Rushaga sector of Bwindi there are many options of lodging ranging from Luxury, Mid-range and Budget lodges.

Luxury

·         Clouds Mountain Lodge

·         Chameleon Hill Lodge

Mid-range

·         Bwindi Jungle Lodge

·         Gorilla Valley Lodge

Budget

·         Nshongi Campsite

Chameleon hill lodge

Chameleon hill lodge is an exclusive and elegant luxurious lodge where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Virunga massif and Lake Mutanda. Each chalet vaunts its identity and color scheme along with quality, handsome furnishings that boast a unique Luxury- Afro style. Chameleon Hill Lodge offers an extraordinary blend of comfort and relaxation, where attention to detail and personalized service are paramount, as well as being the perfect place to visit the mountain gorillas.

The Lodge is located in southwestern Uganda-Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s about 45 to 60 minutes drive to reach Rushaga or Nkuringo trailheads respectively - where you can track Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bwesa, Bushaho, Christmas and Nkuringo for gorilla tracking and two other groups for gorilla habituation encounter in the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and 1 hour 30 minutes drive to Nyakagezi gorilla group of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is the only park in Uganda where you can trek the beautiful Golden Monkey in their natural habitat.

The Lodge provides 10 chalets with different colors and design hence naming the Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge. Each chalet has a marvelous view over the Virunga Massif and Lake Mutanda, each chalet has a spacious bedroom with a King sized bed and a walk in mosquito net, luxurious sofas for relaxation after a successful gorilla trek, private safe, fire place, fire extinguisher and an en-suite luxurious bathroom with both warm and cold water.

Other Activities at the Lodge

Chameleon Hill Lodge has a lot to offer while you are on your Gorilla Safari in Southwestern Uganda, besides relaxation at the lodge there are so many activities such as birding, volcano climbing, Gorilla tracking, Gorilla habituation, Golden Monkey tracking, and hikes through forests, dugout canoe safaris and community walks in the surrounding area. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited for more information about our tailored Gorilla Safaris in Uganda.

Lodge Facilities

·         Spacious luxurious rooms

·         En-suite bathroom

·         Stylish living room

·         Spacious dining

·         Spacious bar

·         Massage

·         A Library

·         Ample parking

·         24 hours security

Nyakagezi Gorilla Trek from Kigali to Mgahinga in Uganda

Nyakagezi is the only habituated Mountain Gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and comprises 10 individuals which can be seen while on a mountain Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. About 39 mammal species have been recorded - large mammals include the mountain gorilla, elephant, and buffalo. There is also the rare golden monkey, the blue monkey, and other mammals include the golden cat, leopard, serval cat, spotted hyena, side-striped jackal, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker, and giant forest hog. About 75 bird species have been recorded in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.  A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to track mountain gorillas daily.

Mountain Peaks

The park sits at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m, there are three volcano peaks within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park namely Muhavura with the highest peak (4,127), Sabinyo (3669) and Gahinga (3,473). The cost of climbing one of the three volcanoes is USD 80 for foreign non-residents, USD 70 for foreign residents and USD 15 for Citizens of East African Member States.   

The park has two entrances - the main entrance into the park is at Ntebeko while another one is located at Muhavura which has been the big attraction for hikers due to the unique Crater Lake at the summit and having good panoramic views of Kisoro town and its environs.

Getting there

Kigali International Airport is the nearest airport to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this benefits visitors with a short drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (3 hours) compared to the long distance from Kampala which is 510 km (10 hours) drive.

Where to stay

Luxury

·         Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge

·         Chameleon Hill Lodge

Moderate

·         Lake Chahafi Resort

·         Mutanda Lake Resort

Mutanda Lake Resort

Situated on the edge of Lake Mutanda overlooking the Virunga Mountains in Kisoro District southwestern Uganda, the resort offers comfortable accommodation combined with the most beautiful views of western Uganda. Mutanda Lake Resort is the ideal place for volcano treks, gorilla tracking, birding safaris, boat and dugout canoe trips, swimming at the lake and relaxation.

Activities

Gorilla Tracking

Tracking mountain gorillas is the main activity at Mutanda Lake Resort, there many options of tracking mountain gorillas, you can trek mountain gorilla at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which about 28 kilometers (1 hour drive) or Bwindi - Nkuringo Gorilla trailheads and Rushaga Gorilla trailheads which is also 1 hour drive. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited for more information about gorilla safaris in Uganda.

Golden Monkey tracking

In the whole world there only three countries where you can see golden monkeys namely Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. But in these three countries, only Uganda and Rwanda are the best sites for golden monkey tracking. There about 4500 endangered golden monkeys left on the planet.

Dugout Canoe trips

Traditional dugout canoes are used on Lake Mutanda to transport people, fishing and boat safaris for tourists on the lake. You will be able to discover the Lake’s many Islands in a dugout canoe.

Birding

The forested peninsula also attract a wide variety of birds namely pelicans, grey crowned crane, Egyptian plover, ground-hornbill, Ibises, hawks, woodpecker, geese, helmeted guineafowl, nahan’s francolin, coqui francolin, purple crested turaco, white-brown coucal, Abyssinian nightjar, common swift, spotted crake among others.

Swimming

Lake Mutanda is a fresh water lake in Uganda therefore safe for swimming with no bilharzia, hippos to fret about.

Relaxation

After the volcano climb or hike through either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to track Mountain Gorillas you can relax and chill out along the shores of Lake Mutanda overlooking the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes in East Africa along the border of Remarkable Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountains consists of eight major volcanoes namely Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Karisimbi Mount Bisoke among others.

Facilities

·         Spacious rooms with a balcony

·         Laundry services

·         Free wireless internet

·         Bar and Restaurant

·         Spa and Massage

Golden Monkey Habituation Safaris from Kigali

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 3 to 4 hours drive from Kigali International Airport, the main advantage why most tourists fly to Kigali to trek golden monkeys in Uganda is the price of permits for gorillas habituation and golden monkey habituation are affordable than the price of permits in Rwanda.

Uganda is one of the best primate safari destinations in the whole world, with abundant wildlife, many habituated gorilla families, habituated chimpanzees, birding safaris and tree climbing lions among other safari expeditions. Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali International Airport is a popular travel style adopted by many tour operators selling Uganda Gorilla Safaris and golden monkey safaris through Kigali International Airport.

Golden Monkey is a beautiful monkey with high rufous-red on the back, cheeks, and tail. The monkey has black legs, crown, and a tip of the tail, pale patch around the nose and mouth. Golden monkeys live in groups of between 30-60 individuals; each group is led by one adult male. Golden Monkey live in bamboo forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park - it’s diet is young bamboo leaves, bamboo shoots, invertebrates, fruits, flowers, and shrubs.

In the whole world there only three countries where you can see golden monkeys namely Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But in these three countries, only Uganda and Rwanda are the best sites for golden monkey tracking. There about 4500 endangered golden monkeys left on the planet.

Golden monkey habituation permits cost USD 100 for foreign non-residents, USD 75 for foreign residents and USD 30 for East African Citizens per person-you stay with habituated golden monkeys for four hours photographing, filming, even seeing how golden monkeys play and live in their natural habitat. Contact Adyeri Creations Limited for more information about golden monkey safaris in Uganda.

Where to stay

·         Luxury – Mount Gahinga Lodge

·         Moderate – Mutanda Lake Resort.

Primate Safaris in Uganda

Uganda the Pearl of Africa is well known for its great primates, it’s believed that these primates have almost the same DNA with humans. They have features that are more like humans for instance they have large brains, stretchy legs and arms, fingers and toes. Among these primates include the Mountain Gorillas, Golden monkey, Chimpanzee, Patas monkey, Olive Baboons, L’Hoest’s monkey, Black and white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey among others.

Uganda is currently the popular safari destination for primate safaris in the whole world, simply because of its warm tropical climate with two rainy seasons and the dense forests that has attracted a great number of primates. Uganda is a home to the big five animals, more than 300 bird species, 120 butterfly species and more than 10 lakes for marine and fishing safaris.

Uganda is the only safaris destination in the whole world where you can encounter gorilla habituation and gorilla tracking, gorilla habituation trek in Uganda is carried out at Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in western Uganda a process which is led by shadow primatologists and well trained park rangers habituating wild mountain Gorilla troops will lead you to the dense forest to see our giant cousins in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee habituation and chimpanzee trekking, Chimpanzee habituation is remarkable encounter with the chimpanzee – Kibale National Park is the only park in Uganda where you can trek chimps the whole day. In Uganda you can trek Chimps in Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park @ Kyambura Gorge the hidden haven of Africa, Semuliki National Park, Ngamba Island among other parks and reserves in Uganda. Kindly book with Adyeri Creations Limited so that we organize for you a wonderful and tailored primate safari in Uganda.

Mid-Range Gorilla Habituation Safari @ Rushaga-Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in south western Uganda and covers an area of 331 square kilometers, situated on the edge of the Western Rift Valley-the park occupies the highest part of the Kigezi Highlands.  

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest lies along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, about 30 kilometers by road northwest of Kabale town and 35 kilometers north of Kisoro town. The park is a home to approximately 480 endangered mountain gorillas, which constitutes approximately half of the world’s population. The park facilitates gorilla tourism which has become the favorite tourism asset for Uganda, birding safaris for birders, cultural safaris and wildlife.

Gorilla habituation safaris @ Rushaga Gorilla trailhead

Gorilla habituation is currently the biggest tourism activity in Uganda. The strong demand for Gorilla habituation therefore offers the possibility of sustained wealth generation from wildlife for Uganda. In Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can now opt for a gorilla habituation encounter. Each day under this program will cost you USD 1,500 for foreign non residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents and USD 205 for East African Citizens per person per day, two groups of four shadow primatologists and rangers habituating wild mountain Gorilla troops  will lead you to the forest to see the great African Giant Apes.

Expect four hours of face time with the giant cousins, watching mountain gorilla in their natural habitat is once in a lifetime encounter. Gorilla habituation encounter can only be done in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is not available in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

How to get there                                                                                                    

It is approximately 9-10 hours drive from Entebbe Airport to the Rushaga Gorilla trailhead of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Kisoro Airstrip and 3 hours drive from Kigali Airport to the Rushaga area.

Where to stay

·         Rusaga Gorilla Camp Bwindi

·         Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Best Places to see Rothschild Giraffe in Uganda

The Rothschild’s Giraffe is an endangered subspecies endemic to Uganda and the tallest land mammal. It is a subspecies of the northern Giraffe which was recently suggested to be an ecotype of the Nubian Giraffe.

Males weigh 1000-1200 kilograms while female weigh 800-850 kilograms. Female Giraffes have a gestation period of approximately 15 months, and they give birth to a single calf, the mother becomes a refugee of its calf for approximately one or two months and their after returns to the family to introduce a new individual, female Giraffes are good at taking care of their young calf – a process which takes 2 years until when the calf is able to graze on its own with other individuals.

The Giraffe has the longest legs of any animal – the ungulates are typically long legged mammals. This elongation arises primarily through the lengthening of the lower part of the fore hind legs.

When you see a Giraffe in its natural habitat – dry savanna grassland with both loose stands of trees and thickets of thorny bushes. The Giraffe has the largest eyes among land mammals - the Giraffe has the large field of view. It can see fellow Giraffes, and also predators such as lions and leopard from far away.

The Giraffe walks by swinging its legs forward, first both legs on one side of the body and then both legs on the opposite side, Giraffe walk by simultaneously moving the left front and right rear legs and then the right front and left rear legs.

Best Places to see Rothschild Giraffes

·         Murchison Falls National Park

·         Lake Mburo National Park

·         Kidepo Valley National Park

Ruzizi Tented Camp @ Akagera National Park

Ruzizi Tented Camp is located in the Akagera National Park along the Tanzania Border. Ruzizi is an up-market tented lodge, built on the shores of Lake Ihema. Ruzizi Tented Camp is owned and managed by Akagera National Park management.

The rolling hills of acacia woodland coupled with scattered grasslands an swamp – fringed lakes along the meandering watercourse combine to create a park of breathtaking scenic beauty, the camp has 9 en-suite tents along the shores of Lake Ihema.

The lodge was designed to blend into eco-environment, natural materials where used to construct the lodge. The lodge is eco-friendly solar powered with a solar hot water system and lighting throughout at night. The park has been rescued from oblivion, game is increasing – thanks to African Park a non-profit charity supporting the rehabilitation of the continent’s most vulnerable wildlife, has successfully translocated lions and black rhinos from South Africa and reintroduced them to Akagera National Park.

Facilities at the Lodge

·         Each deluxe room with two beds

·         Tree top tent with king size bed

·         Hugged wardrobes

·         Toilet and shower

·         Fantastic views to the lake

·         Spacious Bar and Restaurant

Activities at the lodge

·         Boat trips at Lake Ihema

·         Day Game Drives

·         Night Game Drives

·         Birding safaris at Nyirabyora Island       

Akagera National Park – Rwanda

 Akagera National Park covers an area of 112,000 hectare and is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda on the border with Tanzania; Akagera is rich in biodiversity including forest fringed lakes, swamps and savannah plains.  The Park is endowed with different species of fauna and fauna, inhabiting its different ecological zones which include mountainous terrains, woody and savannah areas, the Park is named after river Kagera which runs through the park.

Akagera National Park was founded in 1934 to protect wild animals using a mixed combination of galley forest, swamp and lakes. Approximately 500 bird species can be found in the park, Big Five and wild animals. Akagera is the only park in Rwanda where you can track Big Five animals.

Activities @ Akagera National Park

Game Drive

Game drive is the main activity at the park; you will be able to see various animals as soon as you enter the park. The translocation of lions from South Africa has boosted the park to become the only park in remarkable Rwanda with the Big Five animals. There are several wild animals at the park namely blue monkey, olive baboon, vervet monkey, lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, giraffes, bush pigs, bushbucks, sitatunga, duikers, warthogs, oribi, zebras, topi, impalas among others.

Night Game Drive

Night drive through Akagera National Park is one of the most rewarding encounters to see nocturnal animals. You will be able to see nocturnal animals like leopards, lions, civets, hyenas looking for dinner.

Boat Safaris

Boat trip at the park is one of the most exciting encounter, there are several lakes at the park namely L. Ihema, L. Mihindi, L. Hago, L. Kivumba, Rwanyakizinga among others, the lakes of Akagera National Park are among the richest in fish species in the whole country and considerable populations of ray-finned fish and other species are dominant. A boat cruise at Lake Ihema will reward you with views of many hippopotamus, crocodiles and water birds like Rufous-bellied Heron, Greater swamp warbler, Slender-billed weaver and Shoebill stork.

Birding

In Africa there are few destinations with a vast of bird species, a checklist of more than 500 bird species have been recorded.  There are many birds that dwell around the park namely purple crested turaco, shoebill, marabou stork, open-billed stork, African darter, Great Egret, Crowned Lapwing among others.

Where to stay

·         Ruizizi Tented Camp

·         Akagera Game Lodge

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge @Volcanoes National Park-Rwanda

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is among the most luxurious lodges in East Africa - set on the foothills of the mighty Virungas Mountain stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are a haven for the rare mountain gorillas.

Sabyinyo Silverback lodge stands in an elevated position with fabulous mountain views. At the heart of the property are a comfortable lounge with roaring fire and dining room, the 6 cottages, 1 family suite and 2 suites being strategically situated in the folds of the hills, the lodge is conveniently located for gorilla trekking expeditions which leave from the nearby headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, one of the most exciting encounters in the whole of Africa.

Scrumptious menus can be served in the beautiful dining room and refreshing sundowners can be enjoyed by anyone of the two patios that provide breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes and surrounding terraces.

Activities

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is a unique experience in the Virunga, Gorillas are visited on a daily basis. Only eight visitors are allowed per gorilla family every day. Trekking habituated mountain gorilla in Rwanda is once in a lifetime encounter.

Golden Monkey tracking

Golden Monkey tracking is another popular encounter, an elusive treasure in the Virunga Mountains - this little known monkey is one of the most endangered primates in Africa. Seeing the Golden Monkey makes a fantastic excursion into the misty Virunga forest and it is a great addition to the activity you can do in the magical afro-montane forest.

Birding

Over 50 bird species have been spotted in and around the lodge; many of these are endemic to the Albertine Rift name Ruwenzori Blue turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Red-faced woodland among others.

Facilities at the lodge

·         Nine Luxurious rooms

·         Family Tents

·         En-suite bathroom

·         Room services

·         Charging facilities

·         Wifi

·         In room safe

·         Solar power

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Mountain gorilla tracking is a unique wildlife experience in the Virunga; these vast animals weigh three times the weight as well as the average man. Gorillas are visited on a daily basis than any other wild animal, and they are fascinating animals to the extent that some try to interact with their visitors, often approaching them and sometimes touch visitors as they pass by.

The price of gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda is USD 1500 for all visitors, Gorilla permits in Rwanda can purchased at Rwanda Tourism Office (ORTPN), we advise you to book you your gorilla permits in advance at least 3-6 months before your trekking day,  the park only grants small groups of tourists, eight gorilla permits per gorilla group per day. You can spend a maximum of 1 hour with a designated Gorilla family, the increase in the price of Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda was meant to reduce on the number of people who trek mountain gorilla in Rwanda, hence promoting gorilla tourism in Rwanda indirectly.

The advantage of tracking Giant Apes in Rwanda – the vegetation of Volcanoes National Park is comprised of Bamboo trees which make the visibility and photography mountain gorilla better, Gorilla tourism in Uganda and Rwanda is so much more than just the experience. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations for all your remarkable gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.

Getting there

If you are to trek mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park you are highly recommend to come to Rwanda by flight, the distance from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park is 114 km approximately 2 hours drive from the airport to the park.

Where to stay

Volcanoes National Park is equipped with captivating lodges ranging from luxury, moderate and budget, Sabyinyo Silverback lodge, La Bambou Gorilla Lodge and Bushokoro Lodge respectively. Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Limited for all your unforgettable gorilla tracking and wildlife safaris in remarkable Rwanda.

Honeymoon Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda

Our complimentary honeymoon Gorilla tracking package is one of the most memorable experiences with these unique creatures the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the perfect place to spot rare Mountain Gorillas in the whole world, the park is a home of more than 400 mountain gorillas. Go on a private safari drive into the heart of the forest to see over 120 mammal species. Bwindi is one of the country’s top places to visit, several of the gorilla groups can be tracked – a thrilling experience like no other in Uganda. Watching gorillas in their natural habitat are arguably the biggest draw!

Honeymoon gorilla safaris

Adyeri Creations is delighted to introduce to you honeymoon gorilla safaris at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, one of the most exciting experiences with the Great Apes is truly a memory to live with for the rest of your life.

There are four gorilla trailheads at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park namely Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga, on your honeymoon safari we are going to focus on Nkuringo gorilla trailhead. Nkuringo gorilla group is the most rewarding trek of a lifetime, if you are to track these giant cousins at Nkuringo gorilla group you are advised to be physically fit. Nkuringo gorilla group lies at a high altitude approximately 6800 ft and the most exciting gorilla group with many gorilla families at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

How to get there

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed either by air from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip, scheduled flights from Entebbe Airport to either Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip takes approximately 2 hours to get there whereas traveling by road from Kampala to Bwindi takes up to 10 hours.

Amuka Lodge @ Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Amuka Lodge brings you spectacular experience with Uganda’s only wild rhinos as well a wide collection of birds and wildlife. The lodge is one of the most exciting and least visited in Uganda. Our comfortable accommodations afford all the luxury not expected in the African Wilderness, with unfenced chalets that make the most of the bush environs.

Amuka has an idealistic feel of privacy and when you are at the lodge, it is like nothing else exists in the world. After lunch enter the territory of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on foot. Rhino Fund Uganda which is in charge of the Sanctuary has well trained and informed guides that will guide you through the bush to where our rhino are on the day of your visit. Your guide is there to keep you safe from harm so listening to the safety briefing he gives you is very important.

You will get the opportunity to watch these endangered, magnificent creatures doing what rhino do in their natural habitat. As these rhino are free to move around on 7000 ha of land, it is more often than not necessary to drive to the area that the rhino are in before taking the bush walk. This activity is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should not be missed!

The lodge has ten cottages - four family cottages with beds suitable for group or family safaris and six standard cottages with one bedroom and a bathroom. All chalets are complete with large balcony overlooking the savannah bush.

The food served at Amuka lodge is one of the tastiest dishes in a luxurious retreat in the heart of the bush. Let us design your Safari to make it truly extraordinary and tailor to your expectations in the Pearl of Africa.

Tourist activities at the Lodge

Rhino tracking on foot

Enjoy privileged access to the region’s black and white Rhinos and extreme geography without compromising on comfort and authenticity. The lodge will provide you a trained armed guide who will help you track Rhinos.

Birding

Shoebill stork tracking is one of the main birding activities at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - the sanctuary is also a home of 300 bird species. The bird guides are superb and these are the birds that you may encounter include white stork, willow warbler, green crombec, great Egret, great blue turaco, black-bellied bustard, black cuckoo, grey crowned crane, pied kingfisher among others. The sanctuary is a home to many water birds, hence a good site for birders.

Guided Nature Walks

Hiking into the jungle to encounter a wide variety of animals namely waterbuck, hartebeest, ground squirrels, black and white monkey, warthog, and many reptiles like African rock python, monitor lizards and butterflies.  

Rhino Tracking @ Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is located in Nakasongola district in the central region of Uganda, the sanctuary is a habitat to the wild black and white Rhino in the whole of Uganda. The wild white Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium Simum cottoni) is extinct in the wild formerly found in several countries in East and Central Africa south of the Sahara, the subspecies is a grazer in the grasslands and savannah woodlands.

The distance from Kampala to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is 164 km via Gulu express highway 2 hours 45 minutes drive; White Rhinos are larger and bulkier than Black Rhinos with a distinctive hump on the neck. Rhinos are large herbivorous animals having two upright horns on the nose bridge, mature males weigh approximately 2 tons and females weigh 1.5 tons.  The sanctuary is the only home of the Rhinos, the second largest land mammal. There are 22 living Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Other Activities @ Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Birding and Boating

Boating safaris to track the Shoebill is the main birding activity at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary at Lugogo swamp, the swamp is a home to more than 300 rare bird species namely white faced whistling duck, yellow-billed stork, secretary bird, African open billed stork, African paradise flycatcher, white-billed tit, double-toothed barbet, white crested turaco, white chinned prinia, African hawk eagle, red eyed dove among others and reptile family.

Nature Walk

Nature walks can be arranged at the sanctuary park rangers to get you sightings of abundant wildlife that share the sanctuary. You will be able to see many animals’ namely greater kudu, bush duiker, bohor reedbuck, warthog, Uganda cob, oribi, black and white colobus, African rock python, monitor lizard, chameleon among others.

Relaxation

Relaxation at the sanctuary rich ecosystem of savannah, woodlands and swamps attracts a spectacular array of wildlife. Amuka Safari Lodge brings you stupendous experience with one of the Big 5 animal, the white and black Rhino. The lodge has ten cottages, constructed from hardwood timber and stone. Each cottage is complete with large balcony where you can relax on comfortable chairs and decking command views of the Sanctuary.

Rwanda is Enhancing Uganda Gorilla Tourism Indirectly

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a unique experience; there are two gorilla tracking spots in Uganda namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is extraordinarily rugged; it has a unique tough terrain, steep and slippery slopes, large and flood-prone rivers and thick thorny vegetation, Bwindi is home to half of the world’s Great Apes. Mountain gorillas can be tracked in only three countries namely Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and DRC (Virunga National Park).

What are mountain gorillas?

Mountain gorillas are one of the rarest large mammal species in the world, their small and fragile population are found in a truly remarkable region of Arica – the western rim of the Great Rift Valley, where the watershed of the mighty Nile is separated from the Congo River, the two largest rivers of the continent, and the first and third largest rivers in the whole world. This highland region is characterized by both active and dormant volcanoes, some of which are capped with snow, the aptly named “impenetrable forest” in Uganda and misty Hagenia forests draped with dangling moss and twisted vines and orchids of the Virungas.  

Reasons why you should trek mountain gorillas in Uganda

Rwanda's increment in the price of its gorilla permit from US$ 750 to US$ 1500 has also geared up mountain gorilla tourism in Uganda; mountain gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost US$ 600 per person. Many tourists who want to pay US$ 1500 opt to book a gorilla habituation encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where one can spend at least four hours with these giant apes. The increase in gorilla permits in Rwanda was meant to limit the number of tourists who want to trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. 

How to get there

Rwanda is enhancing gorilla tourism in Uganda in that the drive time from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park is 3 to 4 hours drive to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, thus helping tourists to save time especially if they were to travel from Entebbe International Airport to Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which takes approximately 9 to 10 hours drive. Kindly contact us for your remarkable mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.

Why Gorilla Permits in Uganda are Scarce

Mountain gorilla tracking is largely well known as the best wildlife encounter in the whole world. These endangered giant Apes can only be tracked in three countries (Uganda, Rwanda and DRC). Gorilla permits in Uganda cost US$ 600, permits in Rwanda cost US$ 1500 and DRC permits cost US$ 400. In Uganda there are two parks where mountain Gorilla can be tracked namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi is a home to half of the population of mountain gorilla - the park protects 330 km2 of afro-montane forest and is a refuge to the rare and endemic flora and fauna of the Albertine Rift.

 In Uganda, 96 permits are sold daily to tour companies, at least 88 gorilla permits of which are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 8 permits are in Mgahinga National park both in southwestern Uganda. Uganda Wildlife Authority allows a maximum of 8 tourists to visit each gorilla group at a time, allowing a total of 96 tourists to trek mountain gorillas per day. Most tourists who visit Uganda come to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat - see how they feed, play among other activities.

The 2019-2020 Gorilla permit shortage in Uganda is attributed to a number of reasons;

Increment of Rwanda gorilla permits tariffs

An increase in the price of gorilla permits from US$ 750 to US$ 1500 from all visitors who want to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Gorilla tracking being a unique experience, Rwanda raised the prices of permits in order to ensure sustainability of conservation initiatives and enhance visitors’ experience hence creating great opportunity to high demand of gorilla permits in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park is a home to 10 habituated gorilla families for tourism in Rwanda.

Insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Over the past twenty years, Africa has enjoyed an impressive record in economic growth and steady progress in political stability marked by the end of conflicts in a number of countries, and consolidation of the democratic process in many others. However, instability remains a critical challenge for some of Africa, especially in the Great Lake region. In particular, the insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a major limitation to economic and social development in the country and in the region as a whole hence promoting gorilla tourism in Uganda and scarcity of gorilla permits at the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Kindly contact Adyeri Creations Ltd so that we can book for you gorilla permits in Uganda, it is advisable to book in advance so that you don’t miss a great experience with the Giant Apes.