GORILLA TRACKING IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK – UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stands as the Uganda’s second Mountain Gorilla refigium and thus another destination for Gorilla Safaris in Uganda. A minimum of 400 Mountain Gorillas thrive in Bwindi National Park while the remaining 480 Mountain Gorillas dwell in the Virunga massif comprising of Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Congo’s Virunga National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park features one (1) habituated Mountain Gorilla group named Nyakagyezi which has a history of crossing the border to Democratic Republic of Congo but now well settled in the volcanic highlands of the Uganda side making its exploration certain while planning Uganda gorilla safaris and tours.
Because of this border crossing issue, the gorilla permits of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park were booked on ground at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Office in Kisoro as they would have recent information about whether the Gorilla group is on the Ugandan side or not. But following the years of stability, these gorilla permits have been included in the Uganda Wildlife Authority Reservation System and can as well be booked at the Headquarters along Kiira Road Kamwokya Kampala.
The tracking activity starts at 8am with briefing and the start point can be Ntebeko Visitor Centre or the Muhabura side depending on the direction of the Mountain Gorillas. The travelers on gorilla trekking safaris and tours in Uganda must be aware that Mgahinga is marked by three Volcanic Mountains namely; Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo and as a result, the treks can involve traversing steep and challenging landscapes depending on the location of the Gorilla group.
Besides Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also presents other exciting activities including; golden monkey tracking where Uganda’s only troop of golden monkeys is explored, Batwa Heritage trail and Volcano Climbing.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 519km around 10 hours drive from Kampala and can as well be accessed from Kigali Rwanda and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Car hire services in Uganda Rwanda can be sought out for those interested in reaching the destination by road while Kisoro Airstrip is 14km from the park and scheduled daily morning flight from Entebbe exists operated by Aero link Uganda.

BEST TIME FOR MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA AND RWANDA – UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

Though the Mountain Gorilla Safaris in Uganda Rwanda can be undertaken at anytime of the year, some world travelers tend to prefer tracking in the months where rains are less occurring in order to minimize the trekking challenges.
In destination Uganda, the months of June to September and December through January to February are the most preferred as they coincide with the dry season making trekking through the forest relatively easy especially the Impenetrable Bwindi which is the prime destination for Uganda gorilla Safaris.
In the destination Rwanda, the rains commence towards the end of February running through March, April to May and travelers intending to take up gorilla safaris to Rwanda always attempt to dodge these months to do away with getting wet and traversing muddy and slippery surfaces. However, during this time, the plenty of rain comes along with plenty of food growth on the lower layers of the volcano highlands and also the upper parts of the Mountains tend to be too cold. This in turn attracts the Mountain Gorilla groups to the lower layers of the Mountains thus making the gorilla trekking shorter since the gorilla groups can easily be seen.
The rainy months of Uganda include; April, May and November and though they do not make the trekking impossible, the steep slopes of these Mountain Gorilla habitats tend to be slippery and a bit challenging to trek. But it can be noted that being a tropical country, it can shine after rain which at times helps the surface to dry and generate warmth to the trekkers in the forest. The earth roads connecting to the forest can be very challenging during the rains but 4 X 4 Tourist Vehicles always neutralize the challenge.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority offers discounted permits in April, May and November which coincide with the rain season. There is $150 discount on the foreign non resident permit, $100 on a foreign resident permit and 100,000/= on an East African Community Citizen permit. Travelers interested in taking up cost effective gorilla trekking safaris and tours in Uganda find this exciting and thus opt to travel.
In a conclusion, it can be noted that regardless of the reason, Mountain Gorilla Trekking in these two countries can be done throughout the year.

THE RWANDAN MINISTRY OF SPORTS AND CULTURE ON THE MOVE TO BOOST CULTURAL TOURISM – RWANDA SAFARI NEWS

The Minister for Sports and Culture Ms. Julienne Uwacu disclosed the government commitment to boosting cultural tours in Rwanda while paying a courtesy visit to the Red Rock’s Backpackers.
At Nyakinama Village approximately 7km from the town of Musaze, there lies Red Rocks Backpackers Campsite which offers accommodation to the travelers including those on gorilla safaris in Rwanda. The roots of the facility are truly grounded on community development and though it stands as a private entity, it is surely at the center of community transformation through cultural tourism.
The facility attracted the Minister’s attention due to its unique practices that bring along the community to share the joy of tourism. The local people are champions of basket weaving, traditional meal preparation, art and craft making, community walks and banana beer preparation to the experience and satisfaction of Rwanda Safari tour undertakers.
With its slogan Where Cultural tourism leads to community development, the Red Rock Backpackers presents volunteer opportunities for the guests at the local schools, hospitals and other development projects in the area.  The Minister’s visit to the facility was marked with great excitement and deep interaction between the facility staff, the local people and the guests. Many activities were carried out including live art paintings, the traditional dance, playing of board game and the banana beer making.
The minister at the end noted that such visits were an initiative of the ministry to get close to the investors in cultural tourism in destination Rwanda. The collaboration intends to devise means on how the cultural tourism product can be improved upon and professionalized without compromising its authenticity.
Culture and heritage is noted to be among the popular products sought after by travelers on safari in Rwanda and thus has got the potential to generate more revenue and jobs if tapped very well.

CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE; THE LUXURY LODGES OF BWINDI – UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

Located at 2000m high hill, the Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge stands as the highest Uganda Safari lodge and the most top notch on the same scale.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge seats on the ridge of Nkuringo with the views of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on one side and the Virunga Volcanoes on another side generating a remarkable sightseeing experience for the guests on gorilla safaris in Uganda.
As its name suggests, the Clouds Lodge stands as one of the unmatchable facilities in Uganda serving affluent travelers on Uganda gorilla Safaris. Its magical location coupled with the luxury setting of its facilities and quality of the rooms along with lodge service puts it above the ordinary. The Cloud 9 as they are popularly referred to, are built with volcanic stone featuring a spacious living room, fire place to enable you cope with the coldness of Bwindi, hand-woven carpets and overstuffed arm chairs presenting a complete serene luxury accommodation experience.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is also marked by a spacious restaurant which gives way to a cozy lounge with very luxurious seats enjoying the panoramic views of the narrow valleys and small hills below, the overlooking Virunga Volcano chain and its fascinating sunset views. The well set bar feature all brands of local and international standards while the counts of books and magazines exist at the mini library suitable for passing time at the lounge. This makes the lodge a wonder of its own and worth consideration while planning gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
The lodge is a close proximity to the Nkuringo gorilla trekking assembly point and only 10km to Rushaga another gorilla trekking region of Bwindi thus providing a perfect base for undertaking the very activity in either of the mentioned regions.   Clouds Mount Gorilla has got a spa and would comfortably put the body back to order after a long day hike in the rugged densely forested hills of Bwindi.

RWANDA, A BIRD WATCHING PARADISE

Although in the past bird watching safaris in Rwanda was not a common tourist activity, it is now becoming a popular and preferred activity among the tourists that visit Rwanda.
The activity is somewhat challenging to comprehend that such a small nation can be a great place to spot a big list of birds, however the good news is that there is over 1400 bird species found in Rwanda and among which are 27 Albertine rift valley endemics. Among the notable bird species to look out for during a Rwanda birding safari is the Red-faced barbet, the Papyrus Gonolek, Miombo Wren-Warbler and the elusive Shoebill stork.
Rwanda has 4 national parks offering refuge to the largest number of bird species in this country and this is because they are well protected as wildlife sites. Rwanda’s location is within the Albertine rift valley gives it a perfect terrain for birding enthusiasts. Fortunately holiday makers on that come for Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris or Rwanda wildlife safaris will also get an opportunity to encounter a number of bird species as they explore the national parks of Rwanda.
Nyungwe National Park on is the most notable spot for bird watching tours in Rwanda with a block of Montane forests that offer habitat to over 300 bird species. Some of the bird species you will spot within Nyungwe National Park include: the Paradise fly Catcher, the Rwenzori Turaco, Red-Collared Mountain Babbler, the Purple-breasted Sunbird, as well as Kungwe Appalis.
Akagera National Park presents a range of habitats that like marsh and lakes which presents experience with different water bird species like: the Shoebill stork, African fin foot, Great cormorants and the African fish Eagle.
Volcanoes National Park has a bird check list of over 175 bird-species and is an amazing place to spot birds with different habitats like open savannah grasslands, swamps, bamboo and heath.
Today you any traveler can enjoy a rewarding Rwanda birding safari in any of its national parks and will be impressed by the great diversity he/she will see.

THE ROAD TO SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK IS IN OPERATION, A PLUS FOR TOURISTS.

Semliki national park is another Uganda safari tourist destination not to miss out while visiting this country. The country a famous home for to over 1067 bird species and some of which are difficult to find anywhere else in East Africa.
The country has both wildlife and primates that you are well assured of seeing while on your Wildlife safaris in Uganda.  For the last years tourists never visited this national park due to the poor roads but the good news now is that the highway road from Fort Portal town to Semliki national park along with Congo border has been worked on effectively.
100% of this road is now complete thus easy accessibility to Semliki national park. Spending a night at Semliki safari lodge will bring you close to nature. The lodge is strategically located at the scenic views of the rift valley and near the Lake Albert shores.
The aim of this development was to promote the areas’ rich natural resources and also motivate farmers in this region. The dream of the Tourism industry stakeholders is to see almost all the roads that lead to different Uganda national parks being worked on. This will attract tourists to take up Uganda safaris and tours in all national parks without having to return back to Kampala.
Imagine the connections from Fort Portal-Hoima or Hoima-Masindi-Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Semliki and an entire safari in Uganda is completed with no hassle.
The other crucial roads are those that connect from Katunguru-Ishasha- Bwindi to track the mountain gorillas also need to be worked on in the shortest run and this will be the best way we can increase on the number of tourists that embark on gorilla safaris in Uganda, the pearl of Africa, without a doubt.

THINGS YOU REALLY SHOULDN’T MISS AND MAY LIVE TO RECALL ON A UGANDA SAFARI

With Uganda being a dream destination for many travelers all over the world, there is an immense abundance of attractions that one can enjoy, from gorilla trekking in Uganda to wildlife adventures in Uganda or even the authentic African daily life!  At prime Uganda safaris, we love arranging tailored tour packages for you based on what you want to see, your budget and time! With our ground knowledge and experience, our itineraries are just flawless!
So, you might have read about Africa, seen a number of documentaries on TV channels and made up your mind to visit the pearl of Africa. There is so much to see in this amazing country you probably will not be able to see it all in a short tour. However short or long, there are some sights, sites, moments, things and activities that should make it to your itinerary or shouldn’t miss. Here are the few things you shouldn’t miss seeing and experiencing on your Uganda safari tour.
The Big Five
Nothing compares to the thrill of spotting these animals in the wilderness: Elephants, Buffalos, Rhinos, Leopard and Lion. Capturing these animals on camera or tracking them on foot counts as one of the most thrilling experiences.
The Guides
A safari game drive or nature walk comes with the quality of the guide. Experienced safari guides know exactly how to fascinate you and make you feel as if you are a part of the local people. They also have skills to find the animals, entertain you with fascinating wildlife facts and also keep you safe.
The lodge Staff
The best lodges are those with an understated style that offers luxury and comfort to the visitor, amidst blending into the natural surroundings They gently ease your satay in Uganda by waking you for early morning sunrise drives prepare delicious afternoon tea and taking you on thrilling animal spotting drives.
Mountain Gorilla trekking
Uganda is one of 3 countries where the endangered mountain gorillas are found. The other two countries are Rwanda and Congo. There are a12 families of habituated gorillas in Uganda majority are found in Bwindi Impenetrable forest while some are found in Mgahinga National Park. To go gorilla trekking in Uganda you need a gorilla permit. Gorilla permits can be purchased at a cost of $600 each.
Culture and People of Uganda
Besides the typical safari tourist activities, take time to interact with the local people, go on a village walk or visit a cultural center and learn about Uganda’s culture. It is an awesome Uganda safari experience to learn about the Ugandan people’s way of life in the different parts of the country. It is an amazing thing to experience the cultures of other people and these will turn out to be powerful Uganda safari memories that can never be forgotten.
Here are some of the things you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Uganda. There is a lot more, but at least if do everything on this list, you will have no regrets after all.

WHY VISITING RWANDA SHOULD BE A MUST DO – RWANDA SAFARI NEWS

The Republic of Rwanda is  gifted by nature and with great landscapes especially the sloping hills and its for this reason that this country was given the name "the land of a thousand hills". Rwanda has a number of attractions that range from wildlife attractions in the national parks as well as the man-made attractions.
Today, Rwanda safaris is among the leading safaris preferred by tourists who come  in east and central Africa and it is a destination one must not miss to visit.
Sadly, this nation in 1994 experienced a horrific genocide where close to 1 million people were killed mercilessly. Many of the Rwandan citizens fled to exile in the neighboring countries of Uganda, Burundi Tanzania and Congo because the civil war continuously unveiled to all parts of the country.
After the genocide war, the Rwandan government under the rule of Paul Kagame restored the country’s image and peace. People in exile started returning to their homeland and after a series of economic development programs; the country has regained its image and today it’s among the leading African safari destinations in East Africa and the world at large. Here are the major reasons as to why any one must not miss visiting this wonderful nation.
Rwanda has got scenic landscapes especially the gently sloping hills in the countryside most of which are covered with large coffee plantations, tea estates and banana plantations. They offer great scenic green views that one can only experience while on Safaris in Rwanda. Just viewing these landscapes is fascinating and most travelers always feel like staying there all their life.
Rwanda has got unique wildlife attractions that range from wild animals and ecosystems offering remarkable wildlife encounters to tourists on wildlife safaris in Rwanda. Most of the wildlife in Rwanda is situated in Rwanda’s major national parks that include Akagera national park, in the eastern region. It’s the only savannah grassland national park and has a number of wildlife like lions, crocodiles, hippos, African elephants, giraffes and a big number of bird species. These can best spotted by tourists on game drives, nature walks and boat trips on Lake Ihema.
Rwanda has a number of primates most of which inhabit in the jungles of Nyungwe forest national park in the south western part of this country. This national park has the highest chimpanzee population in Rwanda and this is the best place for chimpanzee trekking.
Volcanoes national park another fascinating wildlife safari destination in Rwanda with the prime wildlife attractions being the mountain gorillas. There are about 900 mountain gorillas remaining globally and volcanoes national park has got about 300 of them with 10 habituated families of gorillas. Each gorilla family can be trekked by a group of 8 tourists per day spending with them only 1 hour. There are other attractions in this national park and they include golden monkeys, a big number of bird species and elephants among others.
The recently established national park is Gishwati forest national park, which is in the western part of Rwanda. This national park has a number of wildlife species like primates, birds’, duikers among others.
Much as the country experienced a genocide in 1994, it is today among the safe countries. Kigali city is so safe both in security and health. Kigali city is clean and well maintained.
People of Rwanda are so hospitable and welcoming and at most times their social nature encourage Rwanda gorilla safari tourists to continuously visit this lovely nation.
BY SANYU CHRIS

UGANDA PREPARING FOR THE PEARL OF AFRICA TOURISM EXPO - UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo is one of the recent Uganda tour products that have been added to the country’s Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events (MICE) list.
Conducted annually, the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo is a regional event organized by the Uganda’s marketing body – the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) bringing together the Uganda Safari operators, travel agents, destination managers, hoteliers along with a range of other service providers in the tourism value chain.
The Expo is credited for bringing along a unique opportunity that facilitates Business to Business networking and Consumer to Business interaction. The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo is happening for the second time and intends to lift the Uganda’s profile as number one destination both locally and internationally. This would in turn help to increase safaris and tours in Uganda.
The 2017 Pearl of Africa Expo highlights and expectations include; the attendance of hosted buyers from USA, Europe, Australia and Africa, Familiarization Trips for selected hosted buyers from Feb 10^th – 16^th,  Business to Business engagement platform for local, regional and International travel trade, exhibitors at local, regional and international level and extensive showcasing of Uganda Africa Safari holiday products.
Uganda is marked by exceeding natural beauty with amazing scenic landscapes such as the Rwenzori Mountains, Albertine Rift Valley, Lake Victoria and Kigezi Highlands, verdant biodiversity including 1057 species of birds, a minimum of 400 Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and others in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the African classic wild game including the Big five, populations of Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys and Black and White Colobus Monkeys, lush tropical forests not forgetting rich culture and heritage.
The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo will be conducted at Kololo Independence Grounds in the Uganda’s main capital Kampala running under the theme Family and Travel. Registration is ongoing and the registration form can be downloaded from Uganda Tourism Board Website. The Expo is always free entrance for the general public.

NOVEMBER LOW SEASON GORILLA SAFARI OFFER IS BACK – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

Prime Uganda safaris and tours limited is back with the November low Uganda gorilla safari season offers that will see you save over $500 off your gorilla permit, transport costs, safari accommodation on your gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park.
Our November gorilla safari season offers targets those who travel in November in order to enjoy low season discounted gorilla and chimpanzee permits in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and Kibale forest National Park respectively. Prime Uganda Safaris is proudly ready to offer tailor made package tours like a 3 days Uganda gorilla safari or a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda & Chimps 10 days this low season to enjoy our low season offers.
Prime Uganda Safaris November low season offers are organized using discounted gorilla tracking permits at $450 per person. By tracking during this season, you will enjoy a discount of $150 off each gorilla tracking permit since the permit will be secured at $450 instead of $600. The $150 saved can be used to cater for your safari accommodation while in  Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park.
Discounted gorilla permits can be booked for you at Uganda wildlife Authority by prime Uganda safaris when you book an off season all inclusive gorilla safari in Uganda with us. All we need is your passport details and payment modes you use. Discounted gorilla tracking permits are non-refundable or even transferable.
Please contact Prime Uganda Safaris for details about booking discounted gorilla tracking permits to take advantage of the November low season gorilla safari offer.
Prime Uganda safaris is also proud to introduce the November low season Uganda  gorilla trekking safari offers by combining mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in our 10 Day Gorilla and chimpanzee safari. UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) offers off season discounts on Kibale national park Chimpanzee tracking permits at $100 per person instead of the usual $150.
This then allows those interested in chimpanzee trekking safaris this November save $50 off each permit purchased. Contact prime Uganda safaris for details about booking off-season Kibale chimpanzee tracking permits.
With our fleet of safari vehicles and our long-good working relationship with safari lodges in Uganda, prime Uganda safaris will arrange for you a low season Uganda safari at affordable prices. Whether you want a 3 Day gorilla tour or 10 Day Gorilla and chimpanzee safari or more, just contact us and we will send you a quotation to enable you enjoy November low season safari offers by prime Uganda safaris and tours limited and enjoy ultimate African memories

Community Tourism in Rwanda

The republic of Rwanda has a growing potential for community tourism. The land and traditions are so evident that they decided to create infrastructures to host tourists on safaris in Rwanda and set up community led conservation projects to improve their livelihoods and protect the environment through tourism. Village led tourism projects offer facilities like accommodation, gastronomy, eco-tourism and other traditional activities. Tourists pay a fair price in exchange for high quality and unique products and services, within a context of equality.
For tourists on Rwanda safaris it is a genuine and rich safari experience. The tourists get to know about local traditions, get involved in local community activities and also have an opportunity to see the un-spoilt nature and eco-systems of Rwanda. Most travelers want to go beyond the vehicle window and experience what life is like among the local people. The community based tourism projects are ideal to experience first-hand issues facing rural people and often see the neglected Rwanda.
Share the most important land marks of Rwanda adventure safaris with our Rwanda safaris tailored tour packages that offer the best way to experience the land of a thousand hills in all their inspirational beauty. In the remote villages of Bugesera district, coffee and tea plantations of Rubavu, botany tours of Musanze or village walks of Ruhengeri, you are welcomed into communities which benefit from your stay directly.
Not only will you appreciate the village life of the Rwandese but also taking part in traditional activities will bring you close to the beautiful scenery, historical sites and real sense of African adventure. Enjoy a wonderful Uganda adventure holiday which at the same time benefits the local people and also become a privileged safari guest in the villages of Rwanda. Wherever you go in Rwandan local communities, you will meet hospitable eager people to hear about your own life and family as they proudly show you their local community treasures and even tell you their legends.
Enjoy quantities of tasty vegetarian dishes which are provided by the local people from their own gardens as you watch them prepare your dinner is an un-forgettable African experience. This is always simple food and also the kind of food that villagers themselves normally eat.
Get opportunities to explore coffee growing and production processes in areas of Rubavu from nursery beds to plantations to picking coffee, washing, selection, drying it, fermenting up to when you sip your own cup of coffee.
Take visit to Musanze for a botany tour where a traditional healer does everything in the local gardens with the visitors and get an introduction to the local herbs and also learn the different medicinal values of different plants.
Understand the unique cultures of the Rwandese people through their daily life, knowledge, environment, poetry, dancing, singing and hunting, gathering skills in Kinigi Cultural Village tour
With our long-good working relationship with safari lodges in Rwanda, prime Uganda safaris and tours limited will arrange for you a Rwanda safari tour package at affordable prices. Just contact us and we will send you a safari quotation to enable you enjoy  ultimate African memories

AFRICA BIRDING EXPO ON THE DOOR STEPS – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

To the south of Sahara, the destination Uganda lists 11% of the World’s bird species and 50% of the continent’s bird species making the birding safaris and tours in Uganda very unique and memorable.
The move for Uganda to host the African Birding Expo is therefore a well placed venture that has eventually found home. Running from November 18^th – 20^th 2016, the African Birding Expo is indeed at the door steps bringing together a range of birding enthusiasts at local and international levels not forgetting those that will be in the country for adventure vacation safaris in Uganda Africa.
The Africa Birding Expo 2016 will be hosted at Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the selected stands will feature among others Uganda tour products, bird watching books, magazines and equipment and nature conservation. The guide books, packages featuring birding tours in Uganda, cameras, binoculars, and portraits of birds, foods and clothes are likely to be on display.
 This Africa’s Annual Expo will attract a range a good number of participants among which include tour operators, hoteliers, conservation organizations, travel agents and Airlines. The activities at the Africa Birding Expo 2016 hosted in Uganda will include among others; the Pre Expo and Post Expo tours, Lectures, Talk shows, entertainment and Exhibitions.
Gifted with 1057 bird species, it is not surprising to find a bird anywhere anytime in destination Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and the Entebbe Botanical Gardens where the Expo will be held has 120 bird species among which include; Hammerkops, African Fish Eagle, Giant King Fisher, Great Blue Turaco and Shoebill Stork among others.
The vendors of African art and craft, photographic equipment, books, outdoor gear, Uganda Safari Holiday Tours among others will definitely be at the event.  The World travellers can arrange pre expo safaris like Uganda gorilla Safaris to Bwindi or Uganda Wildlife Safari to any of the classic game parks to generate comprehensive Uganda Safari experience.