Category: Amakula Travel tips & News

Rwanda Gorilla Groups Rwanda Gorilla Groups offer travelers a unique opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These unforgettable encounters allow visitors to watch gorillas as they go about their daily lives, while expert trackers and guides lead them safely up the bamboo-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is one of the country’s most popular tourist activities. Because it is so popular, we advise that you book your trip and permit early, preferably months before your safari. We believe it is only fair that you have some information about the gorillas in Rwanda before you embark on your gorilla adventure, so here is some information about the Rwanda gorilla groups; Rwanda gorilla groups which are habituated are ten. These are; The Susa Group/ Family: This is the largest family in Rwanda with about 41 members and is usually found on the slopes of the Karisimbi volcano. The Susa family boasts of 3 silverbacks, and several juvenile gorillas, females, and youngsters. It has a pair of twin’s gorillas-Byishimo and Impano, who have attracted many visitors to the group. This very large family is divided into two; Susa A often found on the lower side of the forest and Susa B or the Karisimbi family found on the upper part of the forest. Susa A: The Susa A gorilla group in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is one of the most famous and largest gorilla families, known for their historical significance and size. Led by the dominant silverback Guhonda, Susa A typically consists of around 28 members, including several females, juveniles, and infants. The group's size and diverse composition offer a unique opportunity for observing gorilla social dynamics. Susa A's habitat encompasses a range of altitudes, from lower slopes to higher elevations, providing a varied and rich

Primate Tracking in Rwanda Primate Tracking in Rwanda: Rwanda is renowned for its gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, but the country is also home to chimpanzees as well a host of monkeys – colobus, golden, L’Hoest’s, owl faced, Dent’s, blue and vervet – alongside olive baboons as well as the nocturnal potto and bushbabies. Chimpanzees are found in the Nyungwe National Park as well as in smaller number in the Gishwati Forest. Sociable creatures, chimpanzees live in extended communities and move around every day, foraging for food or occasionally hunting smaller mammals. They build fresh nests in the trees each night. It is common to hear the chimpanzees before seeing them, with their vocalizations reverberating through the forest as they call to each other in a sort of bonding ritual. Primate tracking starts early, at 5.30am, and can last anything from an hour to several hours depending on where the chimps are – visitors spend a maximum of one hour with them once they are found. The terrain can be steep, slippery and muddy, passing through thick vegetation. Suitable footwear is essential, as well as a certain level of fitness. Permits can be booked online, at an RDB office or via a tour operator. Golden monkeys are found in Volcanoes National Park as well as Gishwati Forest. In the former, there are two groups which can be tracked, one on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and the other in the bamboo forest on Mount Sabyinyo. This is also a standalone excursion, departing from the Kinigi headquarters once each day. Other primates are usually seen on more generalist nature trails on a Primate Tracking in Rwanda Colobus monkeys form a unique supergroup in Nyungwe and are easily recognizable with their black and white colouring and long hair – a dream

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda: It is unforgettable and, according to some, even life-changing to have the chance to observe gorillas in their native environment. Small groups of visitors are led up bamboo-covered hills to spend a priceless and breathtaking hour just a few feet away from the friendly animals by knowledgeable trackers and guides. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their everyday lives are carefully regulated. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda Gorillas, the biggest species of extant ape, are found over much of the equatorial African rainforest. The gorilla species can be broadly divided into mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. The endangered mountain gorilla lives in the volcanic range that stretches over Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Rwanda, gorilla tracking is risk-free and rather easy. There are currently 604 mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Massif, making up about 1,000 total. Thanks to coordinated efforts by our governments, communities, and Organizations, the population is slowly growing. The Volcanoes National Park is home to twelve completely habituated gorilla groups and a few more who have been habituated purely for scientific purposes. At least one silverback is present in the groupings, or soldiers, along with a number of juvenile girls and females. A total of 604 mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Massif, according to the most recent count, which places their number in the wild at around 1,000. Because of cooperative efforts from our governments, communities, and NGOs, the population is gradually growing. Twelve gorilla families, all of which are fully acclimated, as well as a few others that are only acclimated for scientific study, are currently residing in Volcanoes National Park. At least one silverback, as well as a number of girls and children, make up the groups, or soldiers. When the visitors arrive at

Budget Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is a remarkable primate experience and to most travelers it is regarded as an adventure for the rich. But the latter isn’t true! No matter your budget, trekking to see gorillas in the wild is very possible in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. As a premier gorilla trekking safari company, we have the best budget gorilla trekking safari packages available suitable for budget travelers and all visitors interested in striking their imaginations with gorillas in their natural habitat. Looking for a affordable gorilla trekking safaris? If yes, then look nowhere else than us! We take you through a magical gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo to see gorillas at a relatively affordable rate. Budget Gorilla Trekking in Uganda-The Pearl of Africa Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda are actively conducted in 2 places; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 2 magnificent gorilla parks straddle in Southwestern Uganda, protecting half of the total population of 1063. Uganda has an estimated number of 21 habituated gorilla families which can be trekked by budget travelers. 20 gorilla groups exist in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Kisoro district, Southwestern Uganda. Uganda is generally an affordable gorilla trekking destination. This makes it possible for budget travelers to take part in a trek to see mountain gorillas. Gorilla permits in Uganda can be obtained by tourists on budget safari at $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents whereas East African Community citizens pay 250,000 Ugx. We plan for the best budget gorilla trekking safari and even go further to book for you a gorilla permit in Uganda. Budget gorilla trekking in Rwanda-the Land of a Thousand Hills All gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda are conducted in only one place; Volcanoes National Park.

Uganda Honeymoon Safaris: After your wedding, you definitely need an appealing place to have quality time as a couple. Uganda is one of the best honeymoon safari destinations all travelers should consider a must-visit. Looking for an off-the-beaten track holiday after your wedding celebrations? Well, go honeymoon safaris in Uganda and have a holiday filled with lots of lasting memories. There are different ways one can spend a honeymoon safari while in Uganda and this is what makes it an outstanding honeymoon tour destination. Our honeymoon safaris usher you into Uganda’s breathtaking sceneries, lush tropical rain-forest, magnificent crater lakes, wildlife in the beautiful savanna park among others. Our Uganda Honeymoon Safaris offer ultimate opportunity for you to see the tree climbing lions in Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park; go white water rafting on the source of the river Nile, game viewing, mountain climbing and a lot more. Our honeymoon safaris cover gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. Where to go for Uganda honeymoon safaris? We arrange the best honeymoon safaris to pristine national parks, wildlife reserves and other tourist sites. Uganda is blessed with 10 parks including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mt Elgon National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. Uganda also has countless romantic places worth spending a honeymoon safari holiday. We have identified majority of unique, romantic, adorable and classic honeymoon places; – Some of the romantic lodges to spend your honeymoon safari in Uganda include; Wild Waters Lodge – this is perched on the private island on River Nile in Jinja. Chobe Safari Lodge in

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park: Planning for Gorilla Trekking in Congo can be confusing without knowledge about the country and National Parks Parks. Previously known as The Belgian Congo and more recently Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced a series of wars that have led to civil unrest. However, as the second largest country in Africa with a population of 78.74 million people, the country has vast untapped human and natural resources. Her potential for great wealth in the future is attributed to the large deposits of oil, gold, diamonds and other mineral resources. Moreover, the DR Congo is blessed with great tourism resources ranging from the vast virgin tropical rain forests like the Congo, mountains, bubbling crater lakes, water bodies and rare bird and animal species like the Okapi and pygmy chimpanzee (Bonobos) – many of which have yet to be discovered. Whereas some of her neighbors can brag about having most of the remaining families of mountain gorillas, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country in the world where you can spot both lowland and mountain gorillas. They even quietly have the endangered golden monkeys. The Democratic Republic of Congo is perhaps the last country where you can still experience Africa as it used to be – unspoiled. If peace and good governance structures were established, the Democratic Republic of Congo could easily become the leading tourism destination in Africa. Gorillas in Virunga National Park The Democratic Republic of Congo is the only countries where visitors can track both mountain gorillas and their lowland cousins in the wild. It is the best country for seeing wild eastern lowland gorillas. Lowland gorillas can also be seen in zoos around the world while the mountain gorilla can only thrive in the wild. Lowland gorillas in

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga takes you to Uganda’s smallest but scenic national parks. Mgahinga National Park covers an area of 33 square kilometers and sits on a high altitude of 4,127m. The park is found in Kisoro district in the Southwestern corner of Uganda bordering Congo and Rwanda. The park was founded in 1991 to help protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Mgahinga Gorilla Park is known as one of the only four places in the world where gorilla trekking can be done – The others are the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The scenery in and around the park is stunning with three extinct volcanoes Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhavura and Mount Gahinga all having their slopes in the park. The forests provide shelter and sufficient food for the mountain gorillas and other park animals. Although the park is located in Uganda, it is much easier to access it from Rwanda in a journey that takes about three hours from Kigali through the border Kyanika.  The park can also be reached by air and road from Kampala. The road journey from Kampala takes about 8 hours while using a chartered plane from Entebbe takes only one hour. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has a total population of 80 mountain gorillas, but only one gorilla group is habituated and open to tourists – the Nyakagyezi family. The group used to move to Rwanda and Congo but have now settled in Uganda for more than three years. Gorilla safaris to Mgahinga are great because the park attracts fewer crowds. Having one habituated gorilla group means only 8 gorilla permits can be sold in a day. Visitors are advised to book their permits weeks in

Game Drives in Murchison Falls Park Magnificent Game drives In Murchison Falls Park: Game viewing in Murchison Falls is more rewarding early morning or late afternoon as animals retire to their night hangouts. Large mammals like elephants, buffaloes, lions and others may come into full view during the game drives. Driving through the game rich Buligi grassland to the shores of the Albert Nile may give you chance to see animals like giraffes, water bucks, hartebeests, bush bucks, oribi the list is endless. On the way to Murchison Falls a break to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offers big support to Rhino rehabilitation program. The 1980s civil wars in Uganda saw the departure of the last Rhinos in the country plus poaching for barbaric reasons as locals believe that the Rhino horn cures some illnesses. This sanctuary if the so far new home for the rhinos and are being monitored too. Some successes have been achieved as a number of calves have been born. The magic of River Nile on a launch trip to Murchison Falls is exceptional. Sailing on River Nile to catch the view and listen to the mighty power of Murchison Falls which is the most epic part of the River Nile course is unmatched. A number of riverine birds grace the marshy shores and spotting thirsty animals quenching thirst from the banks is unavoidable. You may get to see elephants, herds of buffaloes, giraffes, lions, hyenas, water bucks bush bucks, hartebeests and so many others. River Nile is the life blood of Murchison Falls National park and having a launch on it bring out many views that you would miss while on land. A number of birds nest in the plateau that overlooks Victoria Nile and you may get to see them departing or arrive home while on

Rules and Requirements for Gorilla Trekking There are several gorilla trekking regulations that are intended to safeguard both the tourists and the animals. Mountain gorilla tracking is a thrilling sport, but in order to make it even more memorable, one must be well-prepared and in good physical condition. We advise participants to adhere to the park Rangers' guidance and directions throughout the program. There are only 1000 wild mountain gorillas left today. They need to be protected from diseases and other things that could risk their survival because they are an endangered species. Before setting out on a gorilla tracking mission, travelers should consider the following items, which we have listed. The guidelines were created to prevent unduly alarming the primates while also minimizing the spread of sickness from humans to gorillas. Mountain gorillas have a poorer immune system than humans, making them susceptible to human illnesses. It's also crucial to remember that even though the gorillas have become acclimated, they are still wild animals and do not fully trust people. When threatened, they will defend their young to the death and are fiercely devoted to them. Also, it's crucial to spend only a brief amount of time with the primates so that they have time to flourish and interact with one another. Visitors are typically informed of these guidelines prior to the real gorilla walk during the briefing. You would aid in the general conservation of the primates if you adhered to and respected the gorilla trekking laws and restrictions. You might find the gorilla trekking packing list or our essay on gorilla trekking for individuals with impairments interesting before we get to the guidelines. Rules and Requirements for Gorilla Trekking The laws and regulations for gorilla trekking state that: - You must be 15 years of age or

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences, attracting travelers from around the world to encounter the fascinating and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Rwanda is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking, thanks to its well-organized tourism infrastructure and the accessibility of Volcanoes National Park. Mountain gorillas are found in only three countries—Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park covers approximately 16,000 hectares and forms part of the magnificent Virunga Mountain Range, providing a protected home for these extraordinary primates. The Volcanoes National Park's most popular tourist activity is gorilla trekking, and the likelihood of spotting mountain gorillas is very high. In order to find one of the Rwandan gorilla families, gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park entails going through thick bamboo forests and up steep mountain slopes. One of the most thrilling and memorable gorilla encounters in Africa is the final contact with the primates. Visitors can also travel across the border to Uganda to see the gorillas in a practice known as "double gorilla trekking" to experience the best of both worlds. Some visitors even choose to do gorilla trekking, which includes a visit to the gorillas in the Congo's Virunga National Park. Observing mountain gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the Congo's Kahuzi Biega National Park is an even more thrilling experience. Although tracking gorillas is difficult, seeing them in the wild is the ultimate wildlife experience. Cost of gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park A Rwanda gorilla permit must be reserved in advance in order to guarantee a position for gorilla trekking on a specific date. In high demand times like June to September