Direct Flights from Cape Town to Mozambique Now Possible

Take a flight from Cape Town to Mozambique and you can watch the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean, whilst sipping a cocktail at a Camps Bay bar and then watch it come up over the Indian Ocean, whilst eating freshly caught prawns in Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique.

This is now all possible as I have just been informed that SA Express now flies direct from Cape Town to Mozambique. Return flights, including all taxes, are going for as little as ZAR 2,842 pp. Flights to Mozambique go on Mondays and Fridays.

All in all it sounds like a great deal to me, maybe I should drop my boyfriend a hint about being whisked away for an exotic long weekend?

Crossing borders in Africa, SA Green Book is for Go!

Crossing borders in Africa as a South African traveler is easier in Africa. The South African passport may not be the golden key that magically opens the doors to countries worldwide, but it definitely is your easy ticket to much of Africa.

As many South Africans may well have experienced, travel as a South African national can be a bureaucratic process involving much paperwork and many different sometimes expensive visas. This is not the case for travel on the African continent, where South Africans are largely free to roam without visa hassles.

According to travel experts at Overlanding Africa and Rainbow Nation citizens of South Africa are exempt from visa requirements for:

Buying & Fueling a Car on a Self Drive Uganda

In most certain times when you search the internet for self drive car rentals in Uganda, you will absolutely get a huge number of results about car rental agencies, forums and blogs to mention but a few. You probably go ahead and visit each and every result, the car rental agency, browse through the whole site and actually get what you need. Its very un common for some if not all that mention about the fuel for the cars they rent out.

Usually when you go ahead and ask for a quote of car rental in Uganda, you will probably get the quote for the car hire on daily basis and maybe driver guide quote but you would never get a mention about gas refill information. Usually the agencies leave that for you to decide. However this is a very important aspect in regards car rental in Uganda.

The process of gas refuel in Uganda is almost completely different from America or the UK or middle east. Just like most many fuel stations outside Uganda may be using cards or got billed at the end of the month, its completely different here in Uganda. You short of gas, you drive to the gas station, with a pump attendant there, you will order for the amount of fuel you want in terms of shillings and you will get exactly what you ordered.

However the biggest mistake many tourists on a self drive in Uganda make is forget to keep a look at the pump metre as it counts. They also forget that Uganda is a developing country which of course anyone is trying to earn a living even when it means cheating especially when its a foreigner. These pump attendants earn little monies and are paid at the end of the month which isn’t even enough, so if they get an opportunity to make an extra shilling, they will definitely do.

Very much recommendable that whenever you stop at a gas station, don’t ‘bossy’ around and stay sitted in the drivers seat, get out and get closer to the pump or lower the behind mirror and observe the meter starts counting from zero or the pump was reset otherwise you will fall a victim of cheat.

There are probably thousands of gas stations in Kampala, for each and every corner of the town you will probably get a fuel station which calls for a reasonable price per litre in around Kampala. Usually recommended if you plan a self drive car hire in Uganda, get the first full tank in Kampala, and if you are taking a vehicle with a reserve tank, make use of the reserve tank as this will help you upcountry and you will be in for a big save on gas with your car hire in Uganda.

The price of fuel in Uganda varies from town to town, from one gas station to the other. Here you have to take a closer look so to get a good price by comparing. Expect between $1 and $2 per litre. Its more expensive upcountry than in towns close to Kampala. A small rav4 recommendable for self drive will take you between 650-700kms depending on the nature of driving and the terrain. Maintain an average acceleration to save enough gas with this SUV full time 4W car.

When you are upcountry, try as much as possible to always keep the gas to full tank and not refuel when you have a little distance to finalize your trip. Make sure you do right calculations about the distance remaining and the fuel needed.

There are also very many brands of gas stations in Uganda owned privately by individuals with different gas prices. There is no government intervention in the gas prices in Uganda.

The most recommended gas stations are the French owned Total and the shell gas stations. These gas stations and a few others have good quality gas for your self drive car hire in Uganda. Other gas stations are good as well but others are not that will give you bad fuel and could damage the car engine.

And should you be on a self drive safari in Uganda, make sure you service the car at the recommended gas stations by your car rental agency in Uganda.

Read much about how to save on gas so you can have an incredible self drive safari in Uganda.

Enjoy a Family Safari on Self Drive in Uganda

Going to a vacation in a place you’ve never been before and engage in very many interesting things before is a moment in life very difficult to forget. With interesting national parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, many tourists today take family safaris in Uganda. Did you know that you can take a self drive safari in Uganda and discover amazing sites with your family? Going to a vacation with your family is also good however it’s better to do it with a family car which is safe and comfortable.

There are several car rental agencies in Uganda that offer comfortable cars which can accommodate you with all your family members. Most of the cars are 4×4 wheel drive (a reuiremement for upcountry roads) and a family car takes up to a maximum of 6 passengers. You can choose from both manual and automatic cars with air conditioner. A family sized supper custom is suitable for both towns running and for afar distanced places. Other family cars include safari land cruiser 4×4 minivans uniquely designed with a pop up roof and classic safari cars come with rooftop mounted tents that you can use for camping. This car can accommodate to up to 8 people and it has enough space for cargo hence making it suitable for family trips.

Choosing a best car can be a truly complicated affair, so if you’re trying to decide which family car you should rent check on our family car review for the best choice for an incredible family vacation and memories that you and your children will treasure forever. When you chose to enjoy with all your family members you don’t want to waste a minute on unforeseen transport delays, weather condition or any other potential bumps in the road, we offer the best cars which will never leave you regretting.

Sites to Explore

When on a Uganda safari with your family, you will enjoy a number of things within Kampala Uganda’s capital and its largest city, you can decide to do Kampala city tour with your children, you can visit traditional sites like the Kasubi tombs where 4 kings of Buganda where buried, visit the Namugongo shrine where the martyrs where buried for failing to renounce their religion, if not that you can decide to go to the beach along Entebbe with your children and enjoy Uganda’s freshest lakes, or you can go to Jinja to visit the source of Nile the longest river in Africa. Not only that but also you can take your family to Uganda’s national parks like Lake Mburo national park, Queen Elizabeth N.P, Kibale and Murchison National Parks among other to enjoy various parks activities like game watching, boat cruise, bird watching among other interesting activities.

Book with us a family rental car, it will give you the flexibility to come and go as you pleased. Drive at your own pace taking breaks wherever you want! A self drive in Uganda will give you the most unforgettable time and moments with your loved ones.

Wonderful Wildlife in Rwanda

Rwanda is a small landlocked country and Mountains run down its western side of the large Lake Kivu sitting along the western border. The country is blessed with lakes, waterfalls and ancient forests which boost 200 species of trees, 300 species of orchids, many not documented. However, when it comes to wildlife, Rwanda has variety including the famous mountain Gorillas, chimpanzee, and rare golden monkeys. Animal magic is the best way to sum up the land of thousand views wildlife. The volcano hills, flora and fauna, montane forest of Nyungwe and volcanoes, Akagera National park are present day Rwanda’s wildlife territory which are highlights to several tours to Africa. Thousands come to Africa particularly to Rwanda after browsing all Africa tour destinations and find Rwanda second to none. Are you looking at visiting Rwanda soon? Check out the countries best wildlife spots and make it appoint to at least visit one.

The Volcanoes National park

Africa’s famous park protects steep slopes of Rwanda section of the Virunga Mountain arrange of six extinct and three active volcanoes which straddle the boarder of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes green part offers a beautiful calm forest coloured with massive stands of bamboo and Alpine moorlands dominated by lobelia and Sececio plants similar to those found in Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. The park has has at least something for everyone taking a safari in Rwanda including the 50kim forest walking trails, tours to the twin lakes and Caves, Golden monkey trek, bird watching tours, Gorilla tracking adventure, fascinating section of mountain climbs like Karisimbi & Karisoke, culture tours among others.

Among the 880 remaining mountain gorillas in the world over 480 are protected here with only 80 tourists are allowed in their park domain per day many of which book their Gorilla tracking permit in advance. The Park also hosts the world famous Annual Baby Gorilla Naming Ceremony the Kwita Izina which attracts many all over the world hence making it the most wildlife haven in Rwanda.

The Oldest Forest in Africa

The largest montane forest in Africa Nyungwe is a home to 13 primate species and the only place to track chimpanzees in Rwanda. Visitors to the forest enjoy extra ordinary birding experience, panoramic view point on the canopy, forest walks without missing out the forest hogs, otters, duikers, civets, and elephants though. It’s a right place to explore the natural beauty of Rwanda’s forests. If time permits you can also combine your visit with gorilla tracking which makes your experience more thrilling and exceptional. The most common tours done are the three days chimpanzee tracking tour with an optional forest walk and the five day Gorillas and chimpanzee trek tour Rwanda.

Lovely Lake Kivu

Lake kivu is a Rwanda extension holiday option of several tourists covering a total surface area of some 2730 km² and stands at a height of 1463 m above sea level. The tropical gardens, beach sandy and an open plan of the Serena hotel makes it indeed a lovely place for beach, honey moon and weekend gateways. Besides the ringed hills, hot springs and the sandy beaches offer excellent lakeside resorts, water sports and Island tours to guests who visit the place. Sun bathing, swimming, walking, fishing, rural village tours, boat ride are other leisure activities which can keep you busy through your stay. With Lake Kivu accommodation you can chose to sleep with in or in the nearby town of Kibuye and changugu.However, other Rwanda wildlife casts include a wide range of antelopes, Zebras,Buffalloes,Giraffes, Hipos,Lions,Leopards,spotted hynas, golden cats and giant forest hogs mosty spoted in Akagera National park. Having traveled extensively in Africa I learnt that Rwanda prides it selves in having the best wildlife and this is a guarantee to you.

Best 3 Cheapest Safaris in East Africa

Africa the most attractive world tourist hub offers endless tour options to its visitors year round starting with the stocked landscape, the Nile, The tallest mountain Kilimanjaro, Savannah plains, Sahara desert, the Medina & medieval cities, Mountain Gorillas,Wildebeest,Wildlife the stunning cities of cape town & Dubai ,sandy beaches, Egypt pyramids etc. Due to various attractions, African tour operators join different tourist attractions for incredible magical experience as a way of fulfilling their client’s interest.

Sometimes this is designed depending on the traveler’s desires and interest. The tour packages only differ in accommodation and duration for example the one day tour excursion can’t cost same like the 3 days wildlife tour. Even the   Budget safari holiday never cost same like that of luxury holiday though the experience is the same since you visit the same places and catch up with same attractions.

All safari tour holidays in Africa are good but most travellers prefer the cheapest tour options for reasons of saving and not drying their pockets for just a mere vacation. In expensive ventures like Gorilla tracking in both Uganda and Rwanda, Many travellers book tours with friends or join Group tours organized by tour agents on particular days and months in order to cut costs though others do it privately in a budget way.

However, several safari tours can be done in Africa on a tight budget including Large game viewing, primate tours, sightseeing, white water rafting, historical tours, cultural tours, Gorilla tracking, out climbing/hiking tours, Birding tours, fishing tours unlike others. Bellow are Cheap Africa safari options which one can arrange as long as you around Uganda, Rwanda,Kenya and Tanzania. Most of them start and end in the countries Capital cities that’s Dar-es slam & Arusha for Tanzania, Kampala, Jinja & Entebbe for Uganda, Kigali for Rwanda and Nairobi for Kenya.

Three day Budget Gorilla tracking safari in Uganda

A gorilla safari in Uganda is more cheap compared to that of Rwanda in terms of Gorilla permits being $600 & $750 for Rwanda though you need full three days which isn’t the case in Rwanda. While in Kigali you can do a o1-2 days gorilla tracking safari in volcanoes national park and a suitable option for visitors with limited time though other visitors take on a three days gorilla tracking safari in Rwanda which enable them to trek the Golden monkeys, visit the Dian Fossey tomb & research centre and also do some hikes of Bisoke and Karisimbi.

Apart from time duration in Uganda, you can also get affordable Gorilla permits during the months of April, May and November. Budget accommodation options are many around Bwindi Impenetrable park for all budgets like Buhoma rest camp, Bwindi view bandas, wagtail eco lodge, Gift of nature, Nshongi gorilla resort etc.If you travelling on a tight budget why not go in for the trek during the discounted permit month time of the year and fulfill your Gorilla tracking dream by spending a full 1hr of photography watching the gorillas and their young ones in their natural environment. Cheap Gorilla tours cost from $700 during April, May and November, including transport by road from Kampala, two nights’ accommodation on full board basis at your lodge/campsite, a day of gorilla tracking and gorilla permit. The Gorilla tracking experience is the same either in Rwanda or Uganda but you can do both trek for more lifetime memories.

The Wildlife budget safari in Masai Mara Kenya

Enjoy great wildlife in Masai Mara best known as the African wildlife homeland in East Africa and a must visit for many visitors to Africa. Also best tour destination for animal lovers. Many visit the park year round but those on budget wildlife safari are always many compared to the other since luxury camps around the park are somehow expensive.Diffrent Kenya tour operators organize affordable tours to the park and very easy to join even at last minute. Get a chance to observe wildlife including lions, elephants, cheetah, wildebeest, antelope and many other species during the great migration which is on every year from July and October .Other months of the year are also fine though the wildlife won’t be concentrated like that of the wildebeest. Spare some dollars and also visit Lake Nakuru a lovely park famous for pink birds “the Famingos” & wildlife. A budget tour to Masai Mara can cost $300-$500 depending on the number of people in the group and accommodation. The price includes all game drives, two nights’ accommodation, and park entrance, pick up and drop from your hotel of residence in Nairobi, and an English speaking driver guide .But it’s more fun if you take on the Balloon safari ride in the morning and make your wildlife viewing more exceptional.

A short 3-4 day Camping Game viewing safari to Serengeti &the Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania

The land of Endless plains offers the most unforgettable wildlife viewing experience in the world as thousands of animals flock the plains and savannah woodlands starting from may every year though the concentration can either be in south, north or east of the plains as time goes by since animals move to a direction with fertile land. A visit to Serengeti or Ngorongoro will expose you to the big five and awesome camping safaris which are the order of the day though there some lodges built around the plains. The tour cost include multiple game drives, accommodation , transfers to and from Arusha, camping gears, park entrance, the driver guide etc.

There other Budget African safari tours which you can take on which include, Wildlife safari to Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, lake Mburo National park, a trip to Sippi falls, white water rafting and bungee jumping tour in Jinja, Beach holidays to islands of Ssese , Zanzibar , Mombasa & Lake Kivu,chimpanzee trekking in kibale forest and Nyungwe national park, Birding safaris to Uganda wetlands , lake Victoria showers and parks, wildlife safari to Amboseli a park of elephants and Kilimanjaro view etc.Contact a local tour agent for best deals and arrangement and they will take care of everything as you explore Africa safari attractions at first hand.

Go Fishing along Lake Victoria in Uganda

Uganda boasts of the 2^nd largest fresh water lake in Africa – Lake Victoria. This lake offers great opportunities to both locals and tourists who want to go fishing. The lake is a great place to unwind or rewind and its islands are among the most beautiful tropical inland beaches in Africa. Looking for a relaxing holiday on the lake shores. The lake Victoria shores are very good and sky blue beaches will rejuvenate your brain from the usual tussle and hustles.

How to Get There

would you like to go fishing? Whether you take a fully inclusive guided safari or take an independent self drive in Uganda, you will have the best of your time in Uganda. There are many local tour operators who offer a guided fishing safari in Uganda as well as local car rental agencies who will reserve a good and reliable car for you.

On the day of this trip, you will wake up very early in the morning and have a cup of tea. Then at exactly 7:00 am, you will start your ignition and drive for about 40km from the Kmapala city Centre to Entebbe on Lugard Avenue just outside Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. You will park your vehicle here and walk just a stone’s throw to the pier from where you will take a boat to this lake.

These boats are equipped with an overhead sun canopy, rain suits (there can be a certain amount of spray when the lake is rough), mobile phone, life jackets, basic first aid box and fire extinguisher on board for your safety. Some even have a cooler box on board for cold drink storage.

For fishing, there are two sessions- one that is conducted in the morning which commences at 9:00 Am and goes on up to 11 Am and another one that runs from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.However,you can opt for a full day fishing trip which is approximately 8 hours on the water and a half day around 4 hours. Fishing is done around local islands about a 45 minute boat trip from Entebbe.

The areas fished will depend upon the weather and how the fish are biting. At certain times of the year the lake can be very rough with large swells and so then you utilize the sheltered bays for fishing.

You will carry your picnic lunch and a cool box of beers, mineral water and sodas as well as tea and coffee. You will leave this lake very late in the evening and drive back to your hotel of residence in either Kampala or Entebbe and this will mark the end of your one day self-drive fishing vacation to L.Victoria.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Vs Congo

Planning to take a gorilla trek in Africa? Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are some of the best places where tourists can enjoy gorilla watching in Africa. When it comes to making a choice on where to go gorilla trekking, many travelers become confused and some decide to visit the different parks on a single gorilla safari and enjoy this brave once  in a lifetime experience! In this post we compare gorilla tourism in both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tourism is one of the major economic activities in Rwanda – the country is nick named “the country of a thousand hills”. Rwanda has three National parks namely, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera national Park. Other tourist attractions in Rwanda include Lake Kivu, Genocide memorial museums, Local art and craft shops, Fruit markets, Kigali city among others.

The chief Rwanda’s tourist attractions include mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, Golden monkeys, the Virunga mountain peaks and many others. The Country is designed in mountainous regions making it a must visit!

Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the largest countries in Africa endowed with lots of tourist attractions namely Mountain and low land Gorillas, Bonobos, lot of birds and wildlife, Virunga Mountains among others. Tourism in Democratic Republic of Congo is not well developed due to political instabilities which some times force tourism activities halt. On the other hand, Rwanda is peaceful and tight security to ensure smooth flow of tourist activities.

In terms of marketing tourism, Rwanda is far better than D.R.C – per annum, Rwanda advertises her tourist potentials to be known worldwide.

The Kwita Izina – Gorilla naming ceremonies which are conducted every year markets the country’s tourism to a great extent. Gorilla naming is meant to introduce new born Gorillas to the world – young Gorillas are named and the ceremony is attended by many tour operators from different corners of the world.

It is only 2 and a half hour drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park, 1 and a half hour from Kigali to Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park is 8 hours drive. The short distances enables visitors spends little time on a Rwanda gorilla safari – therefore, tourists on tight schedules should visit Rwanda. In addition, the good roads in Rwanda promote Rwanda tourism than that of Democratic Republic of Congo. The roads to Rwanda’s National Parks are well constructed to simply the transportation of visitors from one destination to another.

Rwanda’s mountain Gorillas are easily found – the shortest trek is approximately 2-3 hours. Gorilla trekking safari is the climax of all trips in Rwanda and being the simplest trip leads to promotion of Rwanda tourism.

Presence of Akagera National park with lots of wild animals and birds – morning and afternoon game drive exposes tourists to animals like Elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, common or cape eland, roan antelope, hippopotamuses, sitatunga, burchell’s zebras, orive common baboons, giraffes, crocodiles, little bee eaters, open billed stock, marabou stock   black headed gonolek, robin charts among others. Birds like Ring-necked Francolin, Madagascar Pond-heron, Shoebill, Pallid Harrier, White-spotted Flufftail, Red-faced Barbet among others.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park hosts ten habituated mountain Gorillas which are exposed to tourism. The more Gorillas groups a country protects, the famous the country become and the reverse is true.

Nyungwe Forest National park is known for protecting 13 primates including chimpanzees, olive babon, Vervet monkey, Mona Monkey, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, Angla Colobus Monkey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest Monkey among others. The listed primates add positive impacts to Rwanda’s Tourism over that of Democratic Republic of Congo.

The people of Rwanda are hospitable and welcome foreigners – this is because, most of the people learnt a lesson from the 1994 civil unrests which costs the lives of a thousand people. It should be noted that tourists need to meet people who are friendly. On the other hand, Democratic Republic of Congo citizens feel uncomfortable with foreigners as they suspect them to be spies.

Tourism in D.R.C rag behind due to the fact that many of the tourist attractions like the primates and other wildlife are killed by rebels while others depart the country to the nearby countries like Uganda, Rwanda and others. It is also unfortunate that some people kill wild animals for meat/ food – the process has resulted into tourism failure.

Uganda Elephant Populations on Increase

According to a recent survey, there is a consistent increase in the numbers of elephant populations in Uganda’s national parks reported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The surveys were conducted by WCS and UWA with funding from Paul G. Allen and WCS, as part of the Great Elephant Census®. This report comes in a period where most elephant populations are declining across the rest of Africa.

Uganda’s protection efforts is bringing good news and hope that there is still a chance to save the elephant population across Africa. This is good news for the elephants, of course, and also good news for tourism in the Pearl of Africa hence growth a great boost to Uganda’s tourism industry that is largely based on wildlife. The elephant is one of most sought after animal in Africa and many tourists visit Africa to enjoy game viewing including the big five, which includes the grand elephants! Many tourists visiting Uganda enjoy wildlife safaris in national parks and elephants are among the animals that they look for while on safari.

The survey comes an encouragement for conservation efforts to see elephant numbers increasing in Uganda as a result of effective protection in different national parks, despite recent increased poaching and ivory trafficking across much of Africa.

According to an interview with the WCS Senior Conservationist Dr. Paul Elkan, the major reasons contributing to this increase is the strong Ugandan Government leadership, targeted investment in field based anti-poaching and anti-trafficking action, and transboundary elephant protection efforts, are the most important bases for sustaining efforts and addressing the poaching problems in Queen Elizabeth national park one of the Uganda’s national parks with high numbers of elephant population in uganda.

During the early 1970’s – 1980’s, Uganda had been facing decrease in her elephant numbers due to the rampant poaching and limited resources for the then Uganda National Parks. Elephants became confined to protected areas due to poaching pressures from human population looking at trading ivory hence a dropped as low as 700-800 elephants the country. Uganda was labeled by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) in 2012 as one of the eight countries of primary concern in the ivory trade because of the volume of illegal ivory that had passed through Uganda.

With improved protection since the 1990s and the creation of UWA, together with support from Government, donors, and conservation partners, elephant numbers have now increased to over 5,000 individuals today.

In June 2014 the WCS and UWA staff conducted several aerial surveys where the current elephant numbers in the different national parks was established. Murchison Falls National Park – 1,330 elephants, 2,913 in Queen Elizabeth National Park and 656 in the Kidepo Valley National Park and neighboring Karenga Community Wildlife Management area. Elephant numbers in Queen Elizabeth Park have reached levels similar to those in the 1960s before heavy poaching hit the Park. For Murchison falls, the numbers are steadily increasing a former elephant stronghold, which means UWA’s protection efforts are yielding positive results for many wildlife species in Kidepo Valley and Karenga.

A number of recent elephant poaching incidents were recorded in Queen Elizabeth demonstrating the critical need for reinforcing anti-poaching and surveillance efforts in the Park both within Uganda and along its border with neighboring Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. No recent elephant poaching incidents were observed in Murchison or Kidepo Park/Karenga during the survey, which is a notable improvement in security for those areas.

According to the survey, its was establish that, its very important to establish transboundary conservation programs with Kidepo Wildlife Reserve in South Sudan and adjacent areas in Kenya so as to conserve wildlife that keeps moving to and fro each country.

In conclusion, while it is encouraging that elephant numbers are increasing, poaching remains a big challenge in Uganda and there is a need to remain vigilant from the government and community surrounding national parks. Recently for example, illegally killed elephants were discovered in Queen Elizabeth Park which means, Uganda is still not completely secure from poaching.

Planning a Gorilla Trekking Safari

Just like any other journey, a gorilla trekking safari requires good and prior planning. Sometimes, a sucessful safari requires planning well in advance atleast a year before the travel dates you intend to take a holiday. Are you looking to taking a gorilla trek? Here are the things you should know so that you can easily plan a great safari to the gorillas in Africa.

When to go gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking safaris can be done throughout the year. The hiking itself can be more arduous in the rainy seasons from April – May and in November, but at an altitude of 2000m and more, it can of course rain here at any time of the year. For more detail, see Rwanda’s climate.

The most popular times for gorilla tracking are during the drier months, between December and February, and from about June to mid-September.

Permits for gorilla trekking

Inevitably, securing permits for trekking gorillas over these popular periods can be difficult at short notice, so you should plan well ahead. We will make all the arrangements for buying your permits. A maximum of 80 gorilla tracking permits are available each day. Permits cost US$750 per person per visit, which may seem a lot but don’t begrudge it; this money provides Rwanda with a compelling economic reason to conserve the park and, amongst other things, pays for a 24-hour guard for each gorilla group. (Armed teams constantly track each habituated group – like royal bodyguards in the UK!).

There is some talk of reducing the cost of gorilla permits in the future during the low, rainy season so contact us for further information on this if you’re thinking of taking a gorilla trekking safari in April, May and November.

How fit do I need to be to track gorillas?

You don’t have to be super-fit for a gorilla tracking safari but it does help if you have a general level of fitness, if only to enhance your overall enjoyment of the experience. Walking will be at a slow pace with time for breaks if needed. Depending on which group you track, and the time of year you go (gorillas tend to move down the mountains in the rains), you might find yourself walking on some pretty steep slopes for several hours. On the other hand, you could reach your group after a 30-minute stroll. It’s best to prepare for the most active option however, and if nothing else, a few hill walks before you leave would be beneficial.

The gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park

Whilst a gorilla safari in Rwanda is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, the staff 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.

What it’s like on a gorilla trekking safari

On the day of your gorilla trekking, you’ll set off very early in the morning to track to the apes from the edge of the forest. Your driver/guide will take you from your lodge (see places to stay in Volcanoes National Park) to the park headquarters in Kinigi village. The guides here speak excellent English and are very good. They will be taking you to a specific group of ‘habituated’ mountain gorillas, which they know well and are used to human visitors.

You’ll be divided into parties of 8 and after a briefing on safety and gorilla trekking etiquette, you’ll be driven to the start of the trail to reach your mountain gorilla group. Your guide will then lead you along generally clear paths up into the forest, in radio communication with the trackers that stay with the group so that they can be located. The altitude is over 2,500m, so although the pace is unhurried, the hike is tiring and can be steep in parts, taking from 30 minutes to a few hours. Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit breathless at this altitude – this is perfectly normal.

Most trekkers are a little apprehensive – a large silverback male gorilla can weigh up to 200kg, or three times the weight of the average man, but the apprehension usually vanishes when you see the group. Often the gorillas will be spread around a small area of dense vegetation. They’ll continue with their feeding and interactions, nonchalant about their visitors, though watching you with interest. Occasionally one, often a playful youngster, will approach you with curiosity – sometimes coming so close that you’ll have to move away.

Gorilla tracking etiquette

Mountain gorillas share 98% of our DNA and as such are very susceptible to catching human infections, particularly respiratory ones, but they don’t have our immune system to deal with them – a common cold could eventually prove life-threatening. Various rules for gorilla trekking are therefore in place to help protect these precious primates.

Only one group of tourists can visit the mountain gorillas each day and once you’ve found them, you’ll have just one precious hour in their company. If you have a cold, flu or other contagious infection, you shouldn’t go gorilla trekking.

You should keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, although of course the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, in which case you should try to move away.

When you’re with your group, you should try not to make sudden movements and to keep your voices low so that the group remains relaxed. Although these mountain gorillas are now used to seeing people, do bear in mind that they are still wild animals and can sometimes react unexpectedly, so always heed your guide’s and trackers’ instructions.

You won’t be allowed to eat or drink when you’re with the gorillas.

What kit should you take for a gorilla trekking safari?

Paths on gorilla treks can be slippery, muddy and steep so sturdy walking boots are essential. Some people take thick gardening gloves because of the brambles and nettles en route and you should wear long trousers rather than shorts. A waterproof jacket may come in handy and take some water and a snack in case it’s a long trek. You might also find a walking stick or pole helpful.

For a small fee, porters are available at the trailheads to carry your backpacks and offer a hand during tricky parts of the hike. Even if you don’t really need them, hiring a porter is a helpful way to contribute directly to the local economy and chatting to them en route can enhance your experience both of local life and of your gorilla trek.

Photography on a gorilla trekking safari

If you’re a keen photographer, taking your own pictures of mountain gorillas is one of the most magical photo sessions you’ll ever experience. Do bear in mind that the light can be poor in the rainforest and that use of flash is not permitted. You might also need to protect your camera against heavy rain.