Gorilla Safaris in Uganda - Short Gorilla Safaris

With a minimum of 400 Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone, the Gorilla Safaris and tours in Uganda are by no means ordinary. Besides Bwindi, the country features another gorilla destination – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is part of the Virunga Massif straddling across Uganda Rwanda and Congo with 480 Mountain Gorillas.

The Short Gorilla Safaris in Uganda are unique packages designed with consideration to the limited travel time and affordability. It can be noted that due to increasing work, school and family demands, the time available for the youth and other middle aged groups is relatively low compared to the seniors that are able to take on long vacations. Besides the time factor, the finances for taking long trips are always not readily available especially among student and volunteer groups but can be comfortable to gather a little they have and spend a day with the Gorillas in the mist.

The Short Uganda gorilla trekking safari tours range from 1 day to 5 Days depending on the starting and end point.  1 day gorilla safari to Bwindi is always arranged from Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi, Kisoro and Kihihi and would preferably consider tracking in the nearest gorilla trekking region. 2 Days Gorilla Safari in Uganda can be conducted with pick up and drop off in Kigali which is a relatively shorter distance to either Bwindi or Mgahinga compared to Kampala. However, the 2 Days Gorilla Trip can also commence from Kampala and end in Kigali.

The most popular short Uganda gorilla tour is 3 Days which commences and ends in Kampala / Entebbe and offers great encounters including a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe to explore the geographical divide between the southern and northern hemisphere, traditional lunch stop at the famous Igongo Cultural Center where you can as well tour the largest private cultural museum in Uganda, Mountain Gorilla Trekking in any of your preferred regions of Bwindi or even Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and eventually  a thrilling relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi dubbed the lake of a thousand Islands with a local dugout canoe or boat ride experience.

The travelers interested in exploring beyond the Mountain Gorillas can take up 4 or 5 Day Gorilla and Wildlife Safari trips which always extend to Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park for Wild game viewing including the tree climbing lion sights in Ishasha sector and the fascinating Kazinga Channel boat cruise. On 5 Days, the Primate enthusiasts can consider Chimpanzee trekking / Habituation in Kibale National Park before proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable for Mountain Gorilla Trekking.

The guides, the quality of vehicles and lodges (depending on the category selected) are always the best thus capable for generating lasting memories.

Uganda Safari Lodges - Gorilla Valley Lodge Bwindi

In the lush Afro montane Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – the icon of Uganda Gorilla Safaris, private proprietors have come up with a range of facilities including accommodation to serve the visiting groups and the Gorilla Valley Lodge  is one of them.

It actually sounds very exciting to learn that at about 3 meters, you are already in the home of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas! This makes the stay at Gorilla Valley Lodge a home sharing moment with these unique species.

Gorilla Valley Lodge is a midrange facility serving the mid market travelers on gorilla safaris and tours in Uganda tracking the region of Rushaga to the South of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  Rushaga sector is a popular region gifted with seven habituated groups (though two are still undergoing habituation) – making it the only region in Bwindi with the highest number of habituated gorilla groups. These include; Nshongi which was the first to be habituated in the region and the largest group ever been habituated, Kahungye, Busingye, Mishaya, Bweza, Bikingi and Bushaho.

Accommodation here is presented in twelve (12) self contained / en suite rooms each equipped with a private terrace with the views of the forest and solar water heaters. The medium sized rooms feature comfortable beds that can be configured as Single, double and twin.   Unlike many other lodges that offer accommodation in cottages, Gorilla Valley Lodge has rooms.

The lodge enjoys a majestically set restaurant with panoramic views of the forest on one side and the community on the other side. The guests are lost in the spacious restaurant building housing the well stocked bar and featuring a double sided fire place to the comfort of the guests seated in the two restaurant sections. It is indeed a fascinating evening experience chilling in the hills of Bwindi after a long day Mountain Gorilla trek generating ultimate Uganda gorilla Safari memories.

Gorilla Valley Lodge is accessed via Kabale following Kisoro road before branching off to  join the rough section heading to Rushaga. It can also be accessed from Kisoro via Rubuguri if the guests are coming in from Rwanda on Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari. It is close to Rushaga ranger post – the starting point for gorilla trekking.

THE GORILLA FAMILIES OF RUHIJA – KYAGULIRO - UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

To the East of the Uganda gorilla trekking safari site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the region of Ruhija, there thrives a notable gorilla group called Kyaguliro.
Kyaguliro Gorilla group features a fascinating history which is an attraction of itself. It can be noted that following the group’s habituation in 1999, Kyaguliro never received the visitors on gorilla safaris in Uganda like other habituated gorilla groups because it had been set aside for research conducted by Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology.

As a result, Kyaguliro became a sample unit for all the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park noted to be a minimum of 400 individuals and the details gathered from these studies helped considerably in the world of Mountain Gorilla Conservation.

Zeus was the main Silverback at the time of habituation and reigned up to  August 2004 when the Silverback Rukina took over leading the Kyaguliro gorilla group up to April 2015 when it passed away.  Rukina became so famous during his reign and ruled for 11 years before dying 31 years of age. He was among the iconic members that would mesmerize the Uganda Gorilla Safari undertakers when the Kyaguliro gorilla group was eventually opened up for tracking.

Following the death of Rukina, Kyaguliro Gorilla family was taken over by Rukara but the infighting has marked the group since then. The Silverback Mukiza has even attempted to snatch some members and start a new family but his plans are still in vain.

Apparently, Kyaguliro along with Bitukura and Oruzogo are three habituated gorilla groups available for tracking in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Twenty four (24) Mountain Gorilla permits exist for the travelers interested in taking gorilla safaris to Uganda.

Best Way to travel to Bwindi Forest National Park - Flying to Bwindi

Today, the Gorilla trekking safaris to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park can be less-hectic because besides driving from Kampala to this Park, one can always fly to and from Bwindi impenetrable forest national park for gorilla tracking.

Traveler on a Uganda safari can choose to fly from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro air-strip. Additionally there are planes that may as well be chartered to the grass Kayonza airstrips in kihihi.
                                                                                                                                  
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is served by 3 airfields:  Kihihi, Kayonza for the northern section of the park and Nyakabande in Kisoro for mountain gorilla trackers within the southern area of the park.

One can use scheduled or charter flight with Eagle air, Aero link Uganda, Ndege ya ju among others.
There are always daily flights with morning flights departing at around 7:30 am at Entebbe airport and afternoons one departs at 12:30pm.

This also means that if one is just arriving in Uganda and departing for Bwindi impenetrable forest national park on that same day, you must have arrived there before afternoon for you to catch that afternoon flight otherwise; you will have to fly the next day.

From Entebbe international airport, it takes about 2 hours to get to Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airfield depending on the section of the park one will be tracking the mountain gorillas from.
When flying from Bwindi impenetrable forest national park to Entebbe international air-port, the flight departs in the morning at 9: 00 am and in the afternoon at 2pm daily.

How to book for those internal flights
Prime Uganda safaris and tours limited is willing to handle all internal flight booking for persons willing to fly to Bwindi for gorilla tracking. The company will check the availability of the flight for the clients on the particular planned date and make provisional booking and then later confirm with full payment with a discounted rate since they are booking through an agent.

When the travelers arrive at the air strip, one of our guides will be waiting for him with a car ready to drive to the safari lodge in this park where he will be staying. The guide will take you throughout your trip, guiding on what to do, how and when to do that particular activity.
While flying back to Entebbe international airport, our safari guide will transfer you to the air-strip and to board back.

Gorilla Tracking Areas of Uganda - Wild Gorilla 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.

Nkurigo Gorilla Trail - Bwindi Gorilla News

Nkuringo Gorilla Group is one of the remarkable Mountain Gorilla families thriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park well habituated for encounter on gorilla safaris and tours in Uganda.

Having undergone the normal habituation process from 1997 to 1999, Nkuringo Gorilla group took long to receive the Uganda gorilla safari tour undertakers until the year 2004 since the gorilla family had changed its home range following the habituation.

The history of the area states that this Mountain Gorilla group used to thrive in the out-skirts of the present day park around seventy (70) years ago but due to increase in human population that led to forest encroachment, the Gorilla group was pushed to the interior of the protected forest. However, because of this history, Nkuringo Gorilla group after habituation started to dwell in its ancient home range that was now community land spending around 85% of its time there.

This definitely resulted into human wildlife conflict as the Mountain Gorillas would raid crops in the community which also explains why the group took long to open for tourism. To settle the conflict, an Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken and a buffer zone was established in 2003 with the local people close to the park selling off their land. The buffer zone stretched to 350m in width and 12km in length along the park borders. Uganda Wildlife Authority owns 200m from the park border where it undertakes adaptive management practices while the remaining is co-owned with the community under their body Nkuringo Conservation and Development Foundation (NCDF) where community livelihood improvement activities are undertaken but in line with the Mountain Gorilla Conservation programme. This buffer zone can be viewed while on gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family possessed sixteen (16) members in 2004 when it was eventually opened for tracking among which included; Nkuringo – the then Silverback, Kirungi, Safari, Christmas, Africa, Kwitonda, Kisoro, Kasotora, Mama Christmas, Samehe, Bikingi, Posho,   Rafiki,   Karibu and Bahati. Some of these profound members have unfortunately been lost including; Bikingi and Kisoro that left in 2005 and 2009 respectively and Nkuringo which died in 2008.  However, the group has received new born and it apparently features 19 members under the leadership of Safari as explored on Uganda gorilla tracking safaris.

Tracking the Nkuringo Gorilla Group is still ranked the most strenuous of all the gorilla group treks in the whole of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as it at times forages high up the steep hill accessed by traversing the another steep hill and narrow valley amidst very dense vegetation.

TIPS FOR A PERFECT GORILLA SAFARI TO MGAHINGA – UGANDA GORILLA NEWS

Gorilla News |

Before taking on your gorilla safari tour in Uganda, we invite you to get briefed more about these amazing creatures with their interesting facts.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is considered to be one the most satisfying activities done by tourists in Mgahinga national park. This park has only one habituated gorilla family known as “Nyakagezi” originally consisting of 9 family members, 2 silver backs, 3 female adults, 2 infants and 2 juveniles.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can some if the times be tiring and occasionally cover the whole day as the guide takes you through this amazing world and also giving you information on their ecology and wild behavior. There is a good chance of spotting these gorillas of Mgahinga national park however success is never guaranteed as these creatures are wild animals, never fixed in their daily routine and finding them requires a guide with extra skill, experience as well as luck.

For the travelers on Gorilla Safari in Uganda, before setting of for the actual gorilla trekking activity, the guide will always suggest how long this activity may take. However while moving do not hesitate to ask the guides to slow down their pace in case they are moving so fast or if you need to rest. This guide will not leave you behind.

The daily routine of a mountain gorillas in Uganda includes foraging early in the morning and have a rest during the late morning and midday. In the late afternoon they forage before they rest at night. The mountain gorillas leave their sleeping nests at 6am in the morning except when it’s too cold, that’s when they stay up their nests.

Uganda Gorillas don’t have discrete territories and instead they roam in home ranges. When the sources of food are sparse, the ranges between groups also become larger and when there is abidance of food the distance between home ranges become shorter.

Gorillas get infected with most of the diseases suffered by human beings as well. It is for this reason that Uganda safarivisitors to these gorillas are advised to keep a distance. Respiratory diseases suffered more especially pneumonia are the most frequently causes of deaths of most mountain gorillas.

The gorillas basically live on ground and almost 20%of their day time in trees. They climb trees either to play or harvest fruits and rarely jump from branch to branch due to their weight.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be physically demanding, so be prepared well enough. These Gorilla facts prepare you for this safari activity and give you guidance on conservation of the Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga national park. Please read these Gorilla facts before your tour to Uganda.

7 Days Cultural encounters, Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda

Among the various itineraries undertaken while on Africa Safari tours is the famous 7 day Gorilla Safari in Rwanda. This will expose you to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda to enjoy the best of Africa’s gorilla tracking experiences, you will also visit Nyungwe Forest National Park for an ultimate chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda experience too.

To further boost up the adrenaline, the tour will also incorporate the genocide memorial site, Dian fossey, and not forgetting Nyanze palace tour.

To summarize this Rwanda Gorilla Safari tour, unless otherwise, it will most probably run like below: –

Day 1: Will include the Arrival in Rwanda, most probably through the main Airport, or through the neighbouring countries. Later, there will be a transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. You will have your dinner and overnight at your lodge.  

Day 2: This will be the big day for the Rwanda Gorilla tracking Safari experience. The Day will start as you have breakfast and then head to the park headquarters to have briefing about gorilla tracking. You will go to the forest to look out for the gorillas with the help of the park rangers who will be scaring away the wild animals and pave way for you. You will spend one hour with the gorillas as you observe their behaviors, how they play, feed and have their photo shoots. You will have dinner and overnight at the lodge of your choice.

Day 3: On the Third day, you will have breakfast and then transfer to the musanze caves where you will have a unique experience. You will see different bats and enjoy views of the twin lakes, and different wildlife attractions. You will have lunch and then embark on your journey to Dian fossey where you will see the graves of gorillas that were conserved by Dian Fossey and her own grave. You will hike the area and surely enjoy the experience. You will have your dinner and overnight at the lodge of your choice.

Day 4: This day will combine the Genocide memorial site and then to Nyanza palace. You will have your breakfast and then transfer to Genocide Memorial Site a place where thousands of innocent people in Rwanda lost their lives. You will hear very many touching stories and experiences that people had during that period. You will have lunch and then transfer to the Nyanza palace. You will have your dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: You will have your breakfast and then transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey is 225 km and takes around 6 and ½ hours. You will have lunch en route and then can relax as you reach the lodge. You will have your dinner and overnight at the same lodge.

Day 6: This is also the day that will include more Apes. This time, it will be Chimp tracking in Rwanda. You will have breakfast and then transfer to the park headquarters to have briefing about the activity. You will get to the forest with the game rangers and look out for the primates. You will spend time with the primates as you have their photo shoots and also see how they behave. You will have your dinner and overnight at the same lodge.

Day 7: Departure: – You will have breakfast and then drive back to Kigali to catch up with your flight. You will have lunch en route.

NB: This tour can also be combined with Uganda Gorilla Safaris, or even Congo Gorilla Safaris. Self Drive car hire rentals Uganda are also available in these countries for travelers who wish to partake a more private-customized tour .

The story of habinyanja gorilla group – Uganda gorilla safari news

Habinyanja Gorilla group is one the twelve (12) fully habituated Mountain Gorilla groups that are always explored on Uganda gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Positioned in the Buhoma sector to the north of Bwindi, Habinyanja gorilla family is an amazing gorilla family whose past is filled with wonder!  Its habituation happened in 1997 and by 1999; the travelers on gorilla safaris in Uganda were welcome.
Habinyanja Gorilla family derives its name from the local word Nyanja which means a pool of water. It indicates that this Mountain Gorilla family was first encountered near a swamp in the Impenetrable forest of Bwindi.
The remarkable story of Habinyanja Gorilla group is associated with the power struggles that characterised it since the time of habituation. It is noted that at the time of habituation, Mugurusi which literally means an Old man was the main Silverback and after passing away, the leadership remained in the hands of his two sons namely Mwirima and Rwansigazi as Park rangers and the Uganda gorilla trekking tour undertakers used to see.
Unfortunately, these two brothers had different characters where Rwansigazi liked adventuring and traveling to distant locations while Mwirima preferred dwelling within limited range. As a result, the two brothers could not stick together anymore and in the year 2002, they parted ways and Mwirima took a faction of the group that later adopted the name Rushegura while the other faction maintained the mother name. Apparently, Rushegura is among the three habituated gorilla families in Buhoma sector that are visited by the travelers on gorilla tours in Uganda.
Rwansigazi maintained the leadership of Habinyanja until it handed over to his son Makara. Tracking the Habinyanja gorilla group starts at Buhoma Ranger station and the advance gorilla permit booking for Buhoma region is required.  Car rental services in Uganda are available if one wishes to reach Bwindi by surface travel.

Nyanza & Butare; the beauty of culture conservation

The destination Rwanda is one of the unique Africa Safari tour sites with exciting and amazing cultural experiences. With her three tribal groups namely the Tutsi, Hutu and Twa that share a homogeneous language, Rwanda’s culture has flowed from series of generations and unlike others that have been weakened by modernity; its glory is restored on every day that passes.
The southern areas of Nyanza and Butare apparently stand as the hot spot for those interested exploring culture while on Safaris in Rwanda. Their profoundness dates far back to the ancient times when the historical Rwandan Monarchy was still reigning. In fact, the region was the main administrative point and apparently houses the last remains of the Rwandan monarchy.
At Nyanza, the palace of the two Kings of Rwanda namely; King Musinga and his successor King Rudahigwa has been preserved. The traditional royal hut with its very magnificent architecture marks the epitome of the beautiful type of housing that existed in traditional Rwanda while the long horned Inyambo cows at the site demonstrate the beautiful livestock which did not only provide the livelihood but also served as center of status and social exchange. Travelers on Rwanda Safaris and Tours are always mesmerised by this historical palace.
Further to the south, there lies the National Institute of Rwandan Museums in Butare which is home to over 100,000 artifacts detailing the history and heritage of Rwanda.  It is a uniquely designed museum with very attractive display that ranks it among the best museums in the region of East Africa.
The Rwesero Art Gallery which was meant to be the palace of King Rudahigwa but only to pass away before occupying it apparently showcases the Rwandan art in contemporary times.
 The beauty of Rwandan Culture cannot be explored to the climax without experiencing an exciting Intore dance performance. This is available at Nyanza Palace and the dancing, singing and drumming patterns would definitely leave the Rwanda tour undertakers in a state of wonder!

The ideal time for gorilla trekking is on

When you talk of gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, one wonders what could be the best time to take up this world’s remarkable adventure!  The months of January and February are surely among the best months in which gorilla trekking in Uganda can be undertaken.
The habitats in which these critically endangered species dwell are much forested featuring very rugged landscapes receiving plenty of rainfall for the most part of the year. This at times poses a challenge among the travelers on Uganda gorilla safari as they endeavour to trek through the slippery and muddy surfaces while on the search for the Mountain Gorillas.
The mentioned months are like those of June through July to August where the rainfall is limited and thus such forested areas feature dry surfaces that are easy to trek making it the ideal period for a Uganda gorilla trek.
Gorilla tracking in Uganda is carried out in two National Parks namely; Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla where a range of gorilla groups have been habituated for human visitation. Bwindi alone features a minimum of 400 Mountain Gorillas while Mgahinga Gorilla is part of the greater Virunga massif where the remaining population of 480 Mountain Gorillas are known to be thriving.

Rwanda gorilla twin loses life in a cross group interaction - Rwanda gorilla safari news

A Mountain Gorilla twin from Isabukuru group in Volcanoes National Park – the destination for Gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda is recorded to have lost its life following an interaction with Musilikale gorilla group.
The twin named Kura sustained serious injuries inflicted on it by Silverback Musilikale as its mother Isaro attempted to cross from her group to join the Musilikale’s.  It is a common practice among the Mountain Gorilla silverbacks to kill the infants of a new female so as to prepare it for mating. The Silverbacks always want the females to produce their off springs. This is often disclosed by guides while on a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.
It is noted that Musilikale Silverback beat Kura many times prompting its mother Isaro to go into hiding. When the silverback left, Isaro approached Kura and carried her away but unfortunately due to the multiple injuries, the twin infant could not survive longer. During the interaction, the two (2) Silverbacks from Isabukuru gorilla group namely; Kubaha and Isabukuru kept chasing Musilikale and successfully saved a two (2) year old infant called Masunzu who was attempting to follow the mother that had crossed to Musilikale group. What is worrying is how this infant will survive without a mother but fortunately, it had reached a semi-independent age where it can struggle on its own with support of his father.
The demise of Isaro’s second twin is very sad since the first one had earlier lost its life in the similar struggle in the month of August 2016. Twin birth is such a rare thing among the Mountain Gorillas which are known to be critically endangered world over and losing them altogether is something very touching.
The infant twins are so exciting and playful generating remarkable Africa safari memories for travelers on gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda

GORILLA DOCTORS SAVE THE INFANT FROM A SNARE – RWANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

Icyogere a two (2) year infant from Susa-Kukira gorilla group in the Rwanda gorilla safari destination of Volcanoes National Park was saved by the Gorilla Doctors from the wire snare that it was carrying on his left arm towards the end of Dec 2016
The one (1) meter wire snare was found wrapped around his left wrist and had caused the hand to swell which prompted the Gorilla doctors to undertake a full intervention to save the baby gorilla. At first, the immobilization plan appeared challenging due to strong bonds that the mother – Umucyo and the father – Kurira have with the infant which made it difficult to anticipate on which parent would carry him following the anesthetizing.
However, Icyogere was eventually darted at around 2:35pm and the doctors were able to treat him without interference from the parents. The removal of the snare took thirty (30) minutes after which the lesion was examined and treatment with antibiotics undertaken. Icyogere was able to re-unite with the group after the treatment.
Continuous monitoring has been undertaken and Icyogere is steadily recovering from the injury.
Mountain Gorilla habitats are surrounded by densely populated communities that always wish to encroach them for additional food supply. At times, the poachers set wire snares in the gorilla forest targeting other animals like duikers but unfortunately, the Mountain Gorillas become victims.
Listed as critically endangered world over, the conservation of Mountain Gorillas has taken many dimensions but the introduction of gorilla tourism that resulted into gorilla safaris in Rwanda has proved very instrumental in combining the interests of the state, the local communities, conservationists and the leisure travellers.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda can be arranged through a tour operator like Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd or arranged independently for those who wish to travel on their own but an advance booking of the Mountain Gorilla permit is required from Rwanda Development Board at a cost of $750 so as to be sure of the preferred tracking date.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga massif where 480 Mountain Gorillas are known to thrive supplementing the remaining 400 individuals which exist in Uganda gorilla safari destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park since their current global population is estimated at 880.

STEP TOWN MOTEL; HOTELS OF KIGALI – RWANDA SAFARI NEWS

This Motel features a close proximity to the Kigali genocide memorial – the main Rwanda tour attraction in Kigali city, specialty restaurants, shopping malls, banks and Government offices.
Accommodation at Step Town Motel is presented in a range of room categories serving various visitor categories. The rooms range from single to double, standard twin with two single beds, Deluxe twin with two double beds, triple room with a queen sized beds and two single beds, executive suite suitable for those on honeymoon and vacation holidays in Rwanda and a small apartment for those interested in extended stay in Kigali Rwanda.
The rooms at Step Town Motel are equipped with considerable amenities including; Mosquito nests, en suite bathroom and toilet, complimentary Wi-Fi, electric plug, Satellite TV, mini-bar in some rooms and a Jacuzzi in the executive suite. These are all availed to ensure comfortable stay which in turn form part of the lasting Rwanda Safari memories.
The Motel features modern restaurant with the capacity to serve local and international dishes relying on the fresh sourced ingredients. The Motel also features a terrace and outdoor garden presenting an outdoor experience with the view of Kigali city and nature.
Other facilities at Step Town Motel include; enough and secure parking, complimentary shoeshine, high-speed Internet, wake up call, room service, small library, laundry service, safe deposit box, information box and baggage store.

THE FAMOUS IMIGONGO ART OF RWANDA – RWANDA SAFARI NEWS

The Imigongo is unique art pieces very popular among the native people and the travelers on Rwanda Safaris and tours. These unique works of art are generated from the cow dung and are purely of the Rwandan making.
The history of the Imigongo art dates far back to the 18^th Century when Prince Kakira utilised the cow dung to decorate the inside walls of his house by mixing it with clay and ash for colour. The subsequent art form took on the name Kakira–Imigongo – the Prince’s domain.
In the contemporary times, the Imigongo artwork has moved from the traditional walls to the paintings on portable panels of wood, wall hangings and plates which are so famous among the Rwanda Safari undertakers that take it as souvenir. These magical paintings are comprised of vibrant colors that are gathered from natural materials such as rusty red got from the natural soil, mustard yellow, white from white clay or kaolin and black from the banana peel ashes.
The Imigongo had died out in the 1990s following the tragic Rwandan genocide that left everything at standstill including the lives of over 800,000 people but after some time, the cooperatives especially in the eastern province have revived it and it is now thriving. It is actually being championed by women most of which are widows due to genocide.
Art enthusiasts including those on Gorilla Safari in Rwanda interested in gaining an experiential touch of this legendary feature can connect to Nyakarambi in Kirehe district to the east of Kigali – Rwanda’s main capital. The Kakira-Imigongo cooperative named after the Prince who pioneered this type of art also offer a close tour to the city.
The Nyakarimbi Village is close to Rwanda wildlife safari destination of Akagera National Park and the famous Russumo falls thus can be encountered as part of the wider circuit.