Day: September 24, 2021

Post COVID 19 travel guidelines to Africa: Since outbreak of corona virus in 2019, there has been and still ongoing changes in the travel sector in Africa and worldwide-travel restrictions here and there. With the world still left uncertain about when COVID 19 will stop, travelers have continuously adapted to the new way of life-social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing etc. All these measures are intended to ensure that we stay safe from this deadly disease.

Some African countries have opened up for travel but do you know of any travel guidelines? How we used to travel is no longer the same but being one of the top tour operators, we are ever committed to ensuring that all our clients stay safe. In this particular article, we take you through the different COVID 19 travel guidelines/protocols, entry requirements to the Southern and Eastern Africa.

Before you board, most airlines usually ask passengers to present a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours of departure. At times, some airlines require the RT-PCR test for both inbound and outbound fights. It should be noted that the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests.

Rwanda
International travel in Rwanda resumed on 1st August 2020. Tourism business resumed in Kigali Capital and other Provinces, districts of Rwanda but with adherence to the COVID 19 guidelines. As of June 15 2021, all passengers to Rwanda coming from Uganda and India are required to take 7 days mandatory quarantine on arrival at the designated places and at their cost. All airlines must conduct thorough check to ascertain if passengers reserved the 7 days in the designated hotel facilities prior boarding.
To ensure that the spread of COVID 19 is minimized, the Rwandan government requires all visitors arriving in Rwanda to complete filling the passenger locator form/PLF and COVID 19 test certificate must be uploaded prior setting off to Kigali International Airport. Check the PLF and the designated hotel facilities on www.rbc.gov.rw.
All visitors arriving/transiting for over 12 hours via Rwanda must undergo screening on entry. He or she must take the second RT-PCR test upon arrival. The sample collection will be done at Kigali airport on your arrival and you will be required to wait a little for yours results at the designated transit hotel. Tests are conducted at USD 60 and only for adults not children below 5 years.
Do I need a COVID test? Yes, a negative PCR test result should be taken within the period of 72 hours before departing for Rwanda. A SARS-CoV2 Real Time Polymerase is the only acceptable test if you are heading to Rwanda. For all international travelers on Rwanda safaris and they plan to visit National Parks, visits should be scheduled within 72 hours of getting their negative test results. With negative test results, you can be in position to visit the 4 National Parks in Rwanda; Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Akagera National Park for game viewing while Nyungwe Forest N/Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks are the best for chimpanzee tracking.
Departing visitors should also have negative COVID 19 test results within 72 hours prior. Please make sure that you book and make payment for the tests 2 days before departure and you can do so online https://rbc.gov.rw. Note; curfew in Rwanda runs from 8:00pm-4:00am. Businesses, restaurants inclusive close at 7:00pm.

Tanzania
Flights in Tanzania-international or departing flights are all open but with adherence to COVID 19 protocols/guidelines. Visitors from India undergo 14 days/2weeks mandatory quarantine. Visitors on transit shall be mandated to undertake rapid test on arrival in Tanzania.
All visitors visiting Tanzania must complete the Health Surveillance Form which you can find at moh.go.tz. You will be provided with a unique health code which you will present before the health officials in Tanzania upon arrival. The transiting and arriving visitors are subjected to health screening on entry and this includes rapid test which costs USD25 per person.

Uganda
Entebbe International Airport (EBB), resumed flight businesses early on 1st October 2020. But, visitors landing into Uganda will be subjected to tests upon arrival. The tests must be taken and approved within 72 hours before departure whether inbound or outbound. Visit the nearby testing laboratories designated to perform the testing like Test and Fly Laboratory.
For visitors who are departing Uganda, a PCR COVID 19 test is required and this should be taken within 72 hours before. Other significant things you must have at the back of your mind; wearing of mask is a must, social distancing is mandatory, curfew is from 7:00pm-5:30am.
Tests in Uganda cost USD65 and visitors who show signs/symptoms of COVID 19 shall be taken to treatment centre or repatriated for treatment but at their cost. He or she shall be isolated at the respective designated areas as per government’s guidance.

Botswana
In Botswana, international travel resumed in Dec. 2020. The country’s airports that re-opened on 9th November 2020 include Kasane, Gabarone and Maun airports. On 1st Dec 2020, Francistown airport re-opened while commercial border points like Kazangula resumed business on 1st December 2020.

Like most African countries, Negative PCR Test results are required and should be taken within 72 hours before you board the plane. Tests are conducted in the different parts of the country including Maun. It takes 24 hours for your results to be ready and cost ranges from USD 60 to 90.
However, visitors are encouraged to fully vaccinate prior travel while those from high risk places may undergo quarantine in the designated places. All passengers arriving into the country undergo screening and must also undertake rapid antigen test on entry even if you have PCR test results.
Before departing Botswana, a valid Negative COVID 19 PCR result taken within 72 hours will be required. Wearing of the face masks is mandatory in all public places in Botswana. As of to date, curfew at Gaborone is set between 10:00pm and 4:00am, effective through out September 2021. The PCR/antigen tests are available but at visitors’ expense. Note: Alcohol is presently banned.

What to pack for an African safari: Packing for a safari in Africa isn’t an ordinary thing like it is done with other trips. Usually, first time safari goers face challenges packing for an African safari. When packing for an African safari, adequate preparation is required and essentials need to be considered first. This article bring you a detailed list of items you should consider packing for a successful African safari holiday.

Documents
Passports: For visitors planning to visit the Sub-Saharan Africa, a valid passport is usually a must have. Passports must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date of travel and you will be required to present them before authorities.

Visas: Valid visas feature among the essentials you should consider on your packing list for an African safari. Visas are required if you have entry into a country you plan to spend your African safari holiday. Others include Yellow Fever Card/Certificate plus any other essential travel document.

Cash: Unlike other developed destinations, cash is required in most of the African destinations. Safaris in Africa are carried out from the bush and never will you find credit card machines. It is important that when you travel to Africa, have your US Dollars or Euros exchanged into local currencies like Tanzania shilling, Kenya shilling or Uganda shilling depending on the destination you plan to spend your African holiday safari. This will ease your local transactions in the local markets or tipping while at the destination.

Items worth packing for game drives: The essentials you should expect to pack for an African game viewing safari include soft sided bags, 2 pairs of pants, 1-2 long sleeved shirts, 3 layering t-shirts/tanks, light scarf, wide brimmed safari hats, sunscreen, utility jackets, closed toe shoes, waterproof dry bag, toiletries, insect repellents, USB flash drive, plug adapters, first aid/medical kit.

Luggage
When packing, consider packing lightly because the weight of luggage is strictly limited especially for small aircrafts which fly in Africa. About 44 Ibs per pax in soft duffel for the case of Southern Africa, 33 Ibs per pax in case of East Africa.

If you are traveling mainly for gorilla trekking in Africa, a waterproof daypack is recommended. A soft sided luggage is recommended in case you plan to connect by flight to prime destinations like Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya or Murchison Falls National Park/Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda.

There are some airlines that provide luggage storage for instance Air Kenya, Safari Link and they charge a small amount. It can even be more convenient alternative for travelers who plan to flight back to the same airport. Note: do not come with plastic bags if you are visiting Kenya or Tanzania for a safari.

Safari clothes
Don’t pack anything for an African safari. Your comfort while on an African safari matters a lot and try as much as possible to pack lightly for your bush experience. The key clothes we can recommend include environmentally friendly attire-get long sleeved shirt-avoid bright colored clothes; waterproof hiking boots (for visitors traveling to Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo for gorilla trekking), gardening gloves, rain jackets, socks, trousers, long sleeved shirts.

First aid/medical kit & toiletries
There are several key items you should consider packing in your first aid kit including malaria tablets, anti-nausea tablets, basic medical items like antiseptic, band aids, aspirin, anti-histamine cream; moisturizer, hair brush, nail scissor, pep to-bismol, tissues, insect repellents etc.

Medication
Carry enough of daily vitamins and should be prescribed medicine that can last for you for a good time. However, make sure that you have them kept/stored in good conditions/bag. Some of the medications you may need while on an African safari depending on your health conditions include pain relievers, allergy remedy, antiseptic cream, Re-hydration salts, heartburn remedy, cold or flu tablets, anti-diarrhea medicine etc.

Gear
Apart from the usual electronics, essential gear you should include into your pack for an African safari range from pair of binoculars, camera, batteries, memory cards, chargers, waterproof cover for the camera, sunglasses of good quality etc.

Plug converters
Plug converters should be part of your pack for an African safari. Most African safari destinations use 220 to 240 volt electricity though the plug type may vary from destination to destination. Carry a plug that does matches the rest of the world and other items you shouldn’t forget include camera chargers, cell phone chargers, laptop charges and you can have plug adapter to ensure that you plug all of them.

Hygiene items
Though most accommodation facilities offer basic toilet amenities like shampoo, body soap, conditioners, there is need to carry additional hygiene items. These include dental care like travel toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner; shaving accessories like men’s/women’s shave cream, men’s/women’s travel razor. Sanitary requirements, face moisturizers, sunblock, insect repellents, lip balm with SPF, toner etc.

Photography items
Photography on an African safari is a must do and shouldn’t be missed. The essentials to guarantee you remarkable photography experience on an African safari include lens pen, extra lens cap, carry Nikon camera or better one, bean bag, lens cleaner etc.

Gorilla trekking-essential items
Gorilla trekking often comes second after game drives as the most looked for wildlife experiences on an African safari. But, you must pack well for this life changing adventure starting with long sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, strong waterproof hiking boots, socks/gaiters, rain coat, sweater, snacks, water, insect repellent, camera with no flashlight, valid gorilla permits-book one if you are visiting Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), visas, passports.

Insect repellent with DEET is without doubt the preferred insect repellent you should have if you are heading to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda for an African safari. DEET is noted for its activeness or carry an all natural citronella repellent in case you aren’t comfortable with the DEET.

Things to avoid packing for an African safari
 Bright clothes-include military like clothes.
 Plastic bags
 Drones etc

National Parks in Uganda-most safaris in Uganda are mainly conducted in the National Parks. Compared to Tanzania or Kenya, Uganda currently boasts of only 10 National Parks, both savanna and rain-forested parks. Each of the beautiful 10 National Parks in Uganda has something distinct for nature loving travelers on Uganda safari to enjoy, explore and experience. Uganda’s National Parks host diversity of wildlife species, bird species, flora, beautiful waterfalls, hot springs, rivers, lakes etc. The 10 National Parks in Uganda are exceptionally stunning and worth visiting while on Uganda safari or any African safari. All the 10 Uganda National Parks are managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) whose headquarters is based in Kampala.

10 National Parks in Uganda-Wildlife & Primate safari parks
1: Murchison Falls National Park-Uganda
2: Kidepo Valley National Park/KVNP
3: Kibale Forest National Park
4: Semuliki National Park
5: Queen Elizabeth National Park/QENP
6: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
7: Mount Elgon National Park
8: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park/MGNP
9: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
10: Lake Mburo National Park

Murchison Falls National Park/MFNP
Found in the Northwestern Circuit of Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP) is without doubt a premier Uganda National Park. It is a splendid savanna National Park and also the largest of all the 10 Uganda Parks. Sitting on the land area of about 3840sq.kms, Murchison Falls National Park makes up part of the extensive Murchison Falls Conservation Area and takes its name from Murchison Falls.

Murchison Falls National Park is one of the leading Uganda safari destinations sheltering diversity of wildlife, 451 bird species. Wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls N/Park guarantee you remarkable encounters of special species of wildlife including the bush elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, the rothschild giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, waterbucks, hartebeest, oribis, warthogs, diverse primates such as chimpanzees, baboons, l’hoest monkeys and others.

Kidepo Valley National Park
Sitting in the extreme North-Eastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is with no doubt one of the Africa’s remotest National Parks noted to offer authentic wilderness experiences. It is by far an off-the-beaten path destination lying in the Karamoja region, most popular for its breathtaking semi-arid landscape.

Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s 3rd biggest National Park expanding on 1442sq.kms of land area. Its outstretched acacia tree semi-arid landscape boasts of huge concentration of wildlife including cheetahs, black backed jackals, aardwolves, elephants, buffaloes, 475 bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park-QENP Kasese
There are very few safari parks in Africa with huge concentration of wildlife species like Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lying in the Western part of Uganda-The Pearl of Africa, QENP is noted for its biodiversity that sprawl within its magical savannas, crater lakes, dense forests to wetlands. About 100 distinct mammal species all freely roam within this splendid savanna park including 4 of the Big 5 Game.

It is only in Queen Elizabeth National Park where the tree climbing lions live in Uganda and they exist only in the Southerly sector-Ishasha. The other popular animal species to expect to sight while on Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth N/P include buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, 620 bird species, primates including chimpanzees.

Established in 1952, Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is popular for its rich ecosystem. It sits on 1978sq.kms of land area and features a range of exciting wilderness experiences for Uganda safari travelers to engage in including game drives, bird watching, nature walks, boat/launch cruise, chimpanzee tracking, lion tracking experience etc.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-BINP
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a UNESCO Heritage Site sits on the Southwestern Uganda, a home to 459 mountain gorillas. The dense rain-forest park was founded in 1991 to protect mountain gorillas and no wonder today, Bwindi National Park is one of the world’s most visited gorilla trekking destinations.

Bwindi National Park is 8-10 hours of driving off from Kampala/Entebbe. Over 120 mammal species are confined the 331sq.kms impenetrable forest park and they include endangered mountain gorillas; 220 butterfly species, 360 bird species, 1000 flowering plants etc.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Covering 33.7sq.kms of land area, Mgahinga National Park is the smallest of the 10 Uganda National Parks. It sits in the extreme Southwest, Kisoro district and shelters both the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The exciting safari activities to expect to participate while on Uganda safari in Mgahinga include gorilla trekking, birding, volcano climbing/hiking, gorilla trekking, Batwa encounter/trail, cave exploration etc.

Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is a spectacular park of its own, lying in the Eastern part of Uganda. It is one of the 10 National Parks in Uganda established in 1992 and sits on 1110sq.kms of land area. The park shelters Mount Elgon where it takes its name and a home to one of the highest peaks in East Africa “Wagagai.” In Mount Elgon N/Park alone, there are 300 bird species to identify including lammergeyers.

Kibale Forest National Park/KFNP
If you are looking for safari park in Africa to visit for chimpanzee tracking then look no further than Kibale National Park in Uganda. Kibale lies in the Western side of Uganda, expanding up to 795sq.kms of land area which consists of tropical rain-forests, woodland, savannas etc. There are over 13 primate species that thrive in this safari park alone and they include 1500 chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, red colobus, baboons, l’hoest monkeys; 370 bird species.

Kibale Forest National Park was established in 1993 and today, it offers a range of remarkable experiences. The prime activities to engage in on Kibale Forest safari holiday include chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, birding, chimpanzee habituation experiences.

Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is one of the most ideal sites worth visiting if you are looking for untapped destinations. This Uganda safari park sits in the western side of Uganda, priding itself as a birder’s paradise though it is most famous for its powerful Sempaya Hot Springs. Over 441 bird species are concentrated within the tropical rain-forests of Semuliki, plus 63 mammal species ranging from chimps, buffaloes, baboons, fruit bats, pottos etc.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park/RMNP
For mountaineering challenge, no better place is worth visiting in Africa than the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. This is one of the very few UNESCO designated sites established in 1991 and set in Western Uganda. The park sits on the land area of about 1000sq.kms and takes its name after the highest Rwenzori Mountain ranges. It is often visited for mountaineering experiences as most enthusiastic climbers challenge themselves to conquer the Margherita peak.

Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is found in Kiruhura, Western Uganda and it is remarkably the easier to reach safari park. Lake Mburo sits on 370sq.kms and shelters 350 bird species, diversity of mammals and reptiles including lions, buffaloes, impalas, elands, oribis, giraffes etc. The main activities to enjoy on safari in Lake Mburo N/Park, Uganda include horseback riding, game drives, launch/boat cruise, birding, nature walks, cycling etc.

National Parks in Tanzania: When it comes to authentic wilderness experiences, Tanzania is one splendid destination you shouldn’t miss visiting. Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa and Tanzania safari holidaymakers have about 20 National Parks and several pristine Game Reserves to explore.

Many of the National Parks in Tanzania make up the vast protected ecosystems and they have been set aside primarily to preserve the rich natural heritage of the country. They also play a primary role in protecting the breeding grounds where diversity of Tanzania’s floral and faunal species live which attract most of the Tanzania safari travelers.

Regardless of population pressure, Tanzania is committed to preserve and preserve its natural wonders. To achieve its conservation goal, over 42000sq.kms of land area has been set aside by the government of Tanzania for National Parks, Reserves, Conservation Areas, Marine Parks and others.

National Parks in Tanzania
1. Serengeti National Park
2. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
3. Ruaha National Park
4. Tarangire National Park
5. Mikumi National Park
6. Arusha National Park
7. Gombe National Park
8. Katavi National Park
9. Mahale Mountains National Park
10. Lake Manyara National Park
11. Saadani National Park
12. Ngorongoro Conservation Area-TZ

Serengeti National Park-TZ
Serengeti National Park is considerably the most popular, the least disturbed and oldest National Park in Tanzania. It is a massive safari park in Tanzania and it sits on 14763sq.kms/5700sq.miles. Serengeti N/Park is photographer’s dream travel destination, a home to all the big game; elephants, lions, rhinos, cape buffaloes, leopards.

Besides the big five game, Serengeti is most famous for wildebeests, thousands of gazelles, zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, 500 bird species including secretary birds, ostriches, eagles. The main activities to do while on Tanzania safari in Serengeti N/Park include watching the wildebeest migration, hot air balloon tours, Maasai rock paintings & musical rocks, visit the Olduvai gorge.

Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park sits on 2600sq.kms/1005sq.miles along the Manyara region about 2 hours’ drive from Arusha. For anyone on Northern Tanzania safari, it is a must visit. It takes its name from the Tarangire River which often becomes the park’s only source of water especially around the dry season. Lots of wildlife species in Tarangire National Park gather at Tarangire River during the dry season for water including giraffes, zebras, elephants.

Tarangire National Park boasts of its other distinct natural features such as the huge termite mounds, baobab trees, birds that total up to 550 species including the Kori bustards, ostriches, yellow collared lovebird, ashy starling, drabber rufous tailed weavers. The major activities to undertake ere include game drives, guided walks, visit to the Maasai and Barabaig villages, rock paintings, birding etc.

Udzungwa National Park
Udzungwa National Park (Heart of the African Galapagos) expands up to 1990sq.kms/770sq.miles. It is the biggest and most bio-diverse chain mountain. Udzungwa is hikers’ dream destination hosting 6 primate species including the red colobus monkeys, mangabey taxa; 4 peculiar bird species, Sanje waterfall etc.

Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is another most expansive safari park in Tanzania, straddling on 10300sq.kms/3980sq.miles. It is known for its huge concentration of hippos, crocodiles which can be clearly spotted on the banks of the Mighty Ruaha River where the park takes its name. Unlike Serengeti, Ruaha N/Park isn’t popular but it is undoubtedly one of the largest protected areas with distinct landscape.

Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is Tanzania’s 4th biggest park sitting on land area of 3230sq.kms/1250sq.miles. Mikumi is found near the Northern border to Selous Game Reserve and Morogoro area. From Dar-es-salaam, the park is 283kms away.

Mikumi National Park was established in 1964 and adjacent to it are the2 protected areas of Udzungwa and Uluguru Mountain N/Parks. The species of wildlife in Mikumi N/Park include zebras, elephants, hippos, impalas, buffaloes, lions, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, elands, sable antelopes, greater Kudu; 400 avifaunal species including Bateleur eagle.

Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is 330sq.kms/127sq.miles protected area designated as a UNESCO Site in 1981. Lake Manyara N/Park is most famous for tree climbing lions though it also shelters other wildlife such as warthogs, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, wildebeest, baboons, giraffes, elephants; 300 bird species such as Kingfishers, Lilac breasted rollers, flamingos.

Kilimanjaro National Park
Found in the North-eastern Tanzania just next to Moshi Town, Kilimanjaro National Park was established in 1973. The park sits on 1688sq.kms of land area, covering parts of Mount Kilimanjaro and montane forest.

Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is remarkably the best place you should expect to visit if you are to have the best of what Tanzania has to offer the world. Sitting on 552sq.kms of land area, Arusha is just 1 hour’s drive off from Arusha. It is found in the North-eastern Arusha, 58kms off from Moshi.

Arusha National Park was created in 1967 and boasts of its diverse attractions including wildlife such as waterbucks, cape buffaloes, giraffes, lions, elephants, warthogs, zebras, colobus monkeys, birds such as Hartlaub’s turacos, red knobbed coot, white browed coucal, little grebe, Egyptian goose etc.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area-Tz
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a home to world’s natural wonder “Ngorongoro Crater” is a must visit destination in the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. It was created in 1959 and it is among the very few designated UNESCO Heritage Sites in Tanzania and Africa at large.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area occupies 8288sq.kms of land area and shelters diversity of wildlife including all the big five, zebras, elands, hippos, blue wildebeest, cheetahs, wild dogs, gazelles hyenas; 500 bird species including saddle bill storks, flamingos rufous tailed weavers, long crested eagles, caspian lapwings.

Gombe National Park
Set in the Western Tanzania border, Gombe National Park is a home to chimpanzees occupying 35sq.kms of land area. The park was created in 1968 and it is one of the best places in Tanzania to visit for chimpanzee tracking. The other wildlife include red colobus monkeys, forest pigs, baboon, leopards, snakes, 200 bird species etc. The main Tanzania safari activities to do here include chimp trekking, guided nature walk, visit Henry Stanley’s site, cultural safaris, sport fishing.

Mahale Mountains National Park (MMNP)-TZ
Located on Lake Tanganyika shores, Kigoma region of western Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park is another beautiful place worth visiting for chimpanzee tracking. Mahale was created in 1985 and occupies 1650sq.kms protecting lots of hippos, sable antelopes, leopards, blue monkeys, red colobus monkeys, yellow baboons, 300 bird species.

While at Mahale Mountains National Park expect variety of safari activities to do. They include chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, hiking, guided nature walks, sport fishing. Places to stay include Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge, Mahale Mango Bandas and Greystoke Mahale Camp.

Visit Rwanda the Land of a Thousand Hills, a complete destination in Africa with only 4 National Parks. Located in East Central Africa, Rwanda is a landlocked country but it is remarkably, one of the most visited African safari destinations for gorilla trekking.
There are only 4 National Parks in Rwanda and each of them has something unique for the world to explore and experience while on Rwanda safari holidays. The 4 National Parks in Rwanda protect diversity of African wildlife species ranging from primates, birds to big game.

4 Rwanda National Parks
1. Volcanoes National Park
2. Akagera National Park
3. Nyungwe Forest National Park
4. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

1. Volcanoes National Park-VNP
Volcanoes National Park (VNP) is Rwanda’s leading safari park of the 4 National Parks. This is mostly visited by majority of Rwanda safari visitors for mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Volcanoes National Park was created in 1925 and it is located in the North-western Rwanda, Ruhengeri Region.

Volcanoes National Park is among the very few oldest parks in Africa and very compact occupying only 160sq.kms of land area. It is found within the Virunga Conservation Area and its creation in 1925 was primarily to shelter a section of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas. Presently, VNP in Rwanda protects 13 families of habituated mountain gorillas and they include among others Bwenge, Titus, Hirwa, Agashya, Amahoro, Kwitonda, Ugenda, Susa B/Karisimbi.

Other species that share the same habitat with Rwanda mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park include golden monkeys, bush bucks, spotted hyenas, giant forest hogs, forest elephants, 200 bird species. The park’s unique bird species not to miss sighting include the Rwenzori Double Collared Sunbird, Red Faced Woodland Warblers, Turacos, Archer’s Ground Robin, Grauer’s Rush Warblers, and Rwenzori Batis.

Activities
The prime safari activities Volcanoes National Park is popular for include mountain gorilla trekking, bird watching, volcanoes hiking on Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga & Karisimbi Volcanoes; cave exploration, golden monkey tracking and Dian Fossey tomb site hike.

2. Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park sits on the North-eastern side of Rwanda. It is the biggest of the 4 National Parks in Rwanda and also the only savanna park. The Akagera NP occupies 1122sq.kms of land area which makes it the biggest protected wetland area in Central Africa. From Kigali Capital, it is easy to reach Akagera NP within 2 and half hours of driving using a comfortable 4×4 rental car or fly from Kigali using Akagera Aviation to the Eastern part where Akagera NP is located.

Akagera National Park is named after Kagera River and generally, it boasts of a distinct landscape that is characterized by savanna grassland, acacia woodland/trees. While on Rwanda safari holiday, consider visiting Akagera a must for mesmerizing big game viewing experiences. The significant species of animal species to look for at Akagera NP include impalas, gazelles, bush elephants, rhinos, baboons, elands, buffaloes, leopards, bush bucks, roan antelopes, Maasai giraffes, duikers, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, crocodiles, oribis, hippos, bush babies.

A sum of over 500 bird species also range within Akagera National Park’s varied habitats. These include sacred and hadada ibis, fan tailed widow bird, viellot black weavers, African darters, shoebill storks, fish eagles, long crested eagles, papyrus gonoleks, cattle egrets.

The likely activities to expect to undertake while at Akagera NP include boat/launch cruise, game drive, helicopter tours, guided nature walks, bird watching. Places to stay before or after your expedition at Akagera N/Park include Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Luxury Tented Camp, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Dereva Hotel or camping.

3. Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s biggest primate safari park, sitting along the South-western part of Rwanda. The park sits on land area of 1000sq.kms and shelters diversity of important primates which total up to 13 species.

Nyungwe National Park hosts 75 species of mammals which include 13 species of primates and they include over 500 chimpanzees, grey cheeked mangabeys, l’hoest monkeys, 4000 colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, owl faced monkeys, vervet monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, pottos, bush babies. There are also over 310 species of birds and they include 120 forest species of birds.

The birds of Akagera NP include among others bush shrike, stripe breasted tit, Rwenzori batis, chestnut owlets, white headed wood hoopoe, white tailed flycatcher, Ruwenzori turacos, Archer’s robin chat. The main activities Nyungwe Forest National Park has to offer include chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, bird watching, forest hiking/walks especially best offered on the Congo Nile divide trail which stretches 227kms. Other significant trails in Nyungwe Forest include Kamiranzovu, Igishigishigi trails, Umugote, Karamba, Umoyove, Ngabwe, Rukuzi, Muzimu and many more.

The accommodation in Nyungwe Forest NP-Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guesthouse, One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Lodge, EAR Guesthouse, Emeraude Kivu Resort.

Access to Nyungwe for chimpanzee tracking or any other safari experience is easier by road. The park is 5-6 hours of driving and Rwanda safari travelers set off from Kigali Capital.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Of the 4 National Parks in Rwanda, Gishwati-Mukura National Park is incredibly the newest. Gishwati-Mukura N/Park was created in 2015 after merging both Gishwati and Mukura Forest Reserves making it Rwanda’s 4th National Park. It is the smallest of all the 4 National Parks in Rwanda, occupying only 34sq.kms of land area characterized by tropical rain-forest.

The diverse primates worth looking for while on Rwanda safari in Gishwati-Mukura National Park include chimpanzees, blue monkeys, olive baboons, l’hoest monkeys. The birds to identify while at Gishwati-Mukura include the Rwenzori Batis, Mountain yellow warblers, Grey crowned cranes, Martial eagles.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park (GMNP) has lots of exciting activities for nature loving travelers on Rwanda safaris to participate in. They include chimpanzee tracking/trekking, primate walks, bird watching, cultural encounters etc. Unlike Nyungwe or Volcanoes NP, Gishwati-Mukura National Park has only Gishwati Lodge for visitors to retire for the night.

While on Rwanda safaris, visitor exploration is beyond just visiting National Parks in Rwanda. The other important tourist sites worth including on your bucket list include Museums, Lake Kivu, Historical Site especially Genocide centres/sites.

Guide to Gorilla trekking in Africa: A trek through the jungles of Africa to view Mountain gorillas or the Lowland gorillas in their natural environment is without doubt the most humbling, mesmerizing experience that comes once in a lifetime. Africa shelters all the 2 species of gorillas, the Eastern and Western gorillas which are sub-divided into 4 sub-species including the rare Mountain gorillas, Eastern Lowland gorillas, Cross-river and Western Lowland gorillas.

A Gorilla trekking safari in Africa lets you have a close interaction with the already habituated families of these unique apes while in the wild. Planning for a successful gorilla tour can be tasking that is why we have come up with ultimate guide to Gorilla trekking in Africa.

Where to go for Gorilla trekking in Africa- Uganda/Rwanda/Congo?
While on gorilla safari in Africa, you can either go for Mountain Gorilla trekking or Lowland Gorilla trekking. In Africa, there are only 4 National Parks to visit for Mountain Gorilla trekking and it is done in the 3 African states where 1063 Mountain gorillas presently live.

The 4 National Parks to go Gorilla trekking in Africa include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 2 Mountain Gorilla safari parks are found right at the extreme Southwestern Uganda. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park D.R. Congo are the other additional two National Parks where Mountain Gorilla trekking adventures in Africa can fully be enjoyed.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda
If you are looking for budget Gorilla trekking destination in Africa or a more flexible destination with more additional safaris for you to do then look no further than Uganda. Half of all the 1063 Mountain gorillas that are left on earth today are all housed within Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Uganda is with no doubt a budget Gorilla trekking destination with gorilla permits issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at USD700 (non-foreign residents), USD600 (foreign residents-FR) and UGX250000 (East Africa Community citizens/nationals. Uganda gorilla permits can easily be booked in two ways; through a reliable ground tour operator or directly via UWA’s reservation team and booking should be done early at least 2-4 months before the actual trekking date.

In Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, there are 21 habituated families of Mountain gorillas which translate into a total of 168 gorilla permits. The gorilla groups in Bwindi are trekked in Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga regions while at Mgahinga N/Park, treks begins at Ntebeko and Nyakagezi group is the only family to explore.

To have ultimate Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, you may need 3-5 days. Traveling to Bwindi/Mgahinga by road from Entebbe/Kampala takes 8-9 hours’ drive but the en-route trip is amazing because you have a lot to explore or fly direct from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro/Kihihi about 1-2 hours of flight. Alternatively, you can fly to Kigali, then drive for 3-4 hours to Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park via Chanika/Katuna border.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is perfect for luxury visitors on luxury gorilla safaris in Africa. Rwanda has positioned herself as high end tourism destination-with gorilla permits issued out currently by Rwanda Tourism Board (RDB) at USD1500 per person.

However, it is one of the best places to track mountain gorillas if you have limited time. Volcanoes National Park where mountain gorillas in Rwanda live is reachable within only 2-3 hours’ drive beginning from Kigali International Airport. This means, you can explore any of the park’s 13 habituated families of mountain gorillas in just 1 day gorilla tour or 2 days gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla trekking in the D.R. Congo
Located in East-Central Africa, the D.R. Congo is a budget Gorilla trekking destination hosting both the rare Mountain gorillas and the Eastern Lowland gorillas. In the D.R. Congo, you can embark on a trek to see Mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park a 7800sq.kms park with 8 habituated gorilla groups or go trek Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a 6000sq.kms tropical rain-forest park.

Whether it is Virunga N/Park or Kahuzi-Biega N/Park that you plan to pay a visit for Gorilla trekking in the D.R. Congo, gorilla permits are obtainable at USD450. You can contact a reliable tour operator on ground or book directly with the respective park authorities in the D.R. Congo.

Who is eligible for Gorilla trekking in Africa- Uganda/Rwanda/Congo?
All tourists can be part of the exhilarating Gorilla trekking experience in Africa provided he or she has a valid gorilla permit. But, you can only be allowed to go trek Mountain gorillas/Lowland gorillas if you are above 15 years and you are not ill/sick.

Gorillas are human’s closest relatives in the wild noted to share 98% of their DNA. This means that, these apes are very susceptible to any infectious human diseases/sickness that is why only those who aren’t sick are allowed to go interact with these endangered apes.

When is the best time for Gorilla trekking in Africa-Uganda/Rwanda/Congo?
Gorilla trekking in Africa is open to all holidaymakers all year-round though the dry months are the best months to enjoy the best of your thrilling experience. That is from June, July, August to September or from December, January to February. The wetter months (March-May/October-November) are also open for gorilla safari travelers but most visitors avoid them due to heavy rains.

What are the chances to see gorillas in Africa-Uganda/Rwanda/Congo?
There is a 99% chance for you to see gorillas in their natural environment and interestingly, for the period that we have been conducting gorilla safaris, our visitors have never been disappointed. Trekking to see gorillas has been made easier because trackers are often sent to the field earlier to locate where these apes live and they keep in touch with guided throughout. The trackers then direct the guides and visitors where the group of gorillas is hence increased chances of seeing these apes.

How long does it take to trek gorillas in Africa?
The length of your trek in Africa varies depending on the number of factors including the nature of the habitat, location of families of gorillas, physical wellness. But most often, trekkers can take from 2-6 hours to find gorilla family in the wild.

What to carry/wear for Gorilla trekking in Africa?
Whether you are heading to Uganda, Rwanda or the D.R. Congo for Gorilla trekking, you must pack well. Among the many essentials you must have include waterproof hiking boots, long sleeved shirt, long hiking socks, long hiking pants, sweater, insect repellent, gardening gloves, rain jacket/poncho, hat, first aid kit, camera with no flashlight, daypack, sunscreen, snacks, bottled water, sunglasses, trousers, toiletries.

What should I expect on Gorilla trek in Africa?
Gorilla trekking in Africa is distinct from the ordinary wildlife experiences. First, all treks start with briefing where you will have insight about rules and regulations for Gorilla trekking and this is done by the respective park official in Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo. Briefing often starts at 7:00am to 8:00am when the actual search for families begins.

While in the wild, interacting with Mountain gorillas or Lowland gorillas involves you maintaining a social distance of 8-10m from the gorilla family. All participants must be above 15 years, only 8 visitors should trek one habituated group, cover your mouth when coughing/nose when sneezing etc.