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Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking

Wondering about the best time to go for the gorilla trekking expedition? Many travelers will ask you this question. The good answer is that you can go anytime given that most destinations are found in the tropics and the climate conditions are favorable all year round. To others, they need more specific months for the best safari experience given the different known seasons.

When is the best time to go on a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda? Which months should one try to avoid, which months are the best for gorilla trekking? These are some of the common questions that this section will labor to put to rest.

While trekking mountain gorillas can be done any time of the year in either countries where (mountain gorillas are found i.e Rwanda and Uganda), because of the relatively wetter/ rainy seasons in the mountain gorilla inhabited national parks, many tourists often prefer the months from June to September and then December, January and February.

In Rwanda, the first rains start coming in late February through March, April and May and so many tourists try to avoid these months for fear of getting muddy and all wet while tracking the gorillas deep in the forest. However, during these months, because of the rains there’s plenty of gorilla food down slope and it’s much colder on the upper slopes. So the mountain gorillas keep on the lower slopes where they find it warmer and get food easily. So if you track the gorillas during these months, most likely your trek won’t be a long one – many trackers find the gorillas after 2 hours hike and by 2PM they are back.

The same applies to Uganda although the rains there come in March, April and May. Of course this makes it rather harder to trek the steep terrains. Even then, the rain only comes for like 1-2 hours in like every 2-3 days and the sun comes out. We have noticed that even in the so-called drier months, the rain will often come in though this time it is not so heavy.

This seasonality of gorilla trackers can also be attributed to the weather seasons in the visitors’ home country and the nature of their jobs. When it is summer for example in Europe, numbers of gorilla trek visitors increase and the gorilla trackers numbers decrease when it’s winter.

However, there are other gorilla trekkers who often take advantage of the seasonal discounts on mountain gorilla tracking permits. For instance in Uganda, gorilla trekking permits in those rainy months(April-May and October-November). Several accommodation and lodging facilities in mountain gorilla inhabited areas will also make discounts on their rates during these same months.

Whatsoever the case and explanation may be, experience shows that mountain gorilla trekking can be done any time of the year and you will most likely get the same experience.

Rwanda: A Honey Moon Safari Destination

It’s very important to plan your Honey moon on an African continent particularly Rwanda the land of a ‘’Thousand Hills’’. Rwanda is a magnificent beautiful country that offers a perfect honey moon destination in Africa. The country has favorable year round weather which means it can be visited at any month of the year depending on the traveler’s interest, its adventurous filled with scenic wonders, indeed it’s the right country to visit as you begin your marriage safari journey, it’s a perfect location to relax and enjoy Africa at its best.

Rwanda is a country of Choice for those that are looking for a truly unique off the beaten path experience in the heart of Africa, one of Africa’s most scenic. Spending the honey moon deep in the volcanoes national park forest with the most interesting to see endangered mountain gorilla is a memorable moment in life very difficult to forget, these apes are magnificent to watch in their natural habitat, the one hour you are allowed to stay with these animals is a life time experience one should not love to miss especially when you begin your marriage. Nothing is more adventurous than hiking and tracking chimpanzee and other primates in African Amazon the larges African montane forest (Nyungwe Forest National Park). Sharing the love of gorillas with that of chimps is regarded as a magical experience one should not love to miss on such a life time experience.

Rwanda offers you what is beyond your imagination, it’s one of the smallest countries in the world with no seaport, Lake Kivu offers you Africa inland cost with one of the best lodges beyond your imagination and adventure that gives you long lasting memories, you will enjoy beach activities like swimming, touring to nearby islands among more.

Kigali which is the largest and the capital city of Rwanda is one of the visited incredible Rwanda cleanest safest towns of Africa. Rwanda is known as one of the stable countries and your time here will be without worry of potential safety security problems, so you will be safe during your stay here. Everything in Rwanda superb ranging from the rare mountain gorillas, primates, wildlife, birds to luxury lodging all will meet your needs and beyond.

Depending on your plan, you can also extend your honey moon safari to Uganda where you can continue with wildlife viewing, chimpanzee and gorilla tacking, hiking and also white water rafting on the River Nile. Your safari can begin in Kigali and end in Entebbe -Uganda the pearl of Africa without long drive times and enjoy a True Africa beyond your imagination. Book with us we can design your honey moon safari the way you desire it to be, contact us for more information.

Why Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is a small nation which is situated in East Africa. Similar to its neighbor Uganda, Rwanda has no seaport. It’s occasionally alluded to as a place where there is a’ thousand hills’ because of a lot of hills that occupy the country.

This little nation is blessed with a lot of breathtaking natural life which has made it to out-contend numerous other countries. The most known is the uncommon mountain gorillas which has made Rwanda extremely prominent in relation to tourism destinations; countless jet into this little nation to have a look on these amazing primates.

Mountain gorillas are considered as endangered species just found in three nations which are Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tracking/trekking these gorillas is exceptionally wonderful in all these three nations that possess these creatures since gorillas are habituated to human standards and they can be trekked safely in their natural habitats. In any case, as per confirmations given by trekkers who have the opportunity to track in both nations they give everything to Rwanda as the best gorilla safari destination on the planet. Numerous factors prove this among which incorporate;

Its immediacy favors many would prefer not to go for extend periods of time. From Kigali International Airport to volcanoes national park a protected park for these mountain gorillas is only a drive of around 2-3 hours to kinigi park central station. This implies even a one day Rwanda gorilla trek is possible. One who arranges a one day gorilla safari needs to leave Kigali city ahead of schedule no less than 3 hours before keeping in mind the end goal to land at kinigi park central station in time (7:00am) to get short briefings from the park officials about gorilla trekking furthermore to get you apportioned to the guide.

After gorilla tracking you will go back to Kigali/accommodation or meet your departure flight back home. So if you don’t prefer long drive choose gorilla tracking in Rwanda. So in the event that you don’t favor lengthy drives, pick gorilla tracking in Rwanda. To access Bwindi national park or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, it needs you to drive for around 7-9 hours which is a lengthy drive for the individuals who don’t favor long excursions.

With regards to ease of gorilla viewing and photography, Rwanda takes it all if compared with the impenetrable forest of bwind national park and the Virunga national park of DRC. Mountain gorillas of Rwanda ordinarily feed on the bamboo trees and short grass which makes viewing and photography clear, so this component has made Rwanda to be positioned as the best gorilla safari destination to most particularly the individuals who don’t want to penetrate the thick forests of montane Bwindi.

Despite the fact that, you ought to note that it’s not a guarantee for easy viewing since they are wild creatures, the one you think simple to see may turn to be difficult and vice versa so you should be well prepared for the activity, tracking time is unpredictable it can go from 1-8 hours in the jungle while searching for them since meeting them depends on where they spent their last night from.

However much Rwanda gorilla permits are the most costly when compared to Uganda (US$700) and DRC (US$400), Rwanda is still the leading destination for luxury travel. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs US$1500 for every individual for every trek. This has raised a considerable amount of income from travelers who visit the mountain gorillas.

Meeting these giant apes in their natural habitat deep in the forest is a life time moment that comes true. Rwanda is home to almost a third of the remaining population of mountain gorillas that live in the Volcanoes National Park. Everyday there is availability of 92 gorilla permits that travelers can purchase to visit gorillas on the regular schedule. Tourism is highly regulated and every gorilla family is visited by just eight individuals. Watching the mountain gorillas is also limited to only one hour. The one hour you’re permitted to stay with these gorillas can be used to observe, learn and even take photographs of the amazing great apes. For a gorilla safari to Rwanda, book with a reliable and responsible tour operator who is listed on this website.

Facts About Mountain Gorillas

There is no adventurous experience in the world that out compete a magical encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. In the whole world, the remaining mountain gorillas live in three countries that are Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. There are thoughts that about 1060 mountain gorillas are left in the world and Rwanda is known as the leading mountain gorilla tracking safari destination in the world.

The first European to encounter an endangered ape was called Oscar Von Beringe; he decided that something must be done to conserve the population of these splendid creatures that suffered for a longtime due to human activities like poaching, deforestation, and illnesses, and in 1925 he convinced the Belgian government to create Africa’s first protected area, Albert National park which is now volcanoes national park. The 1st scientific study of mountain gorillas in the Virunga volcanoes then undertaken by George Schaller in 1959.

However his work was sustained by Dian Fossey from 1967 to 1985. She became a prominent primatologist and a researcher who studied and habituated these giant apes to human standards for a period of over 18 years. However, she was later killed in December 1985 in her line of duty by the said poachers whom she had made unpopular especially in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.

Mountain gorillas are the largest of the great apes family with an adult male silverback which age from 12 and above weighing up to 470 pounds and reach six feet. They are the second close relative of man after chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans and they share almost 97% of human genes.

Mountain gorillas are dissimilar from monkeys for a variety of reasons: they are larger than monkeys, they can walk upright for a longer period of time, don’t have tails and have more developed brains. They are distributed in four groups, the western lowland gorillas; these normally live in Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, eastern DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Gabon and the Central African Republic.

The Eastern lowland gorillas mainly live in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and Rwanda. Mountain gorillas can only be found in three countries that’s Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. In Uganda these apes are found in two parks that’s Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga national park. In Rwanda, these giants live in volcanoes and in Democratic Republic of Congo they live in Virunga national park.  The Cross River gorillas live in Cameroon, Gabon. The mountain gorillas are distinguished from lowlands relatives by their broader chest, longer hair, and a wider jaw. They also tend to be a bit larger than other gorillas.  Mountain gorillas are the only habituated gorilla family in the world and they can be seen safely in their natural habitat without any harm caused to tourists.

Mountain gorillas look to be shy, but when in danger, they can be hostile. They beat their chests and let out angry grunts and roars. The male silverback group leaders charge in case of any danger ready to protect the group against any threat. Mothers always fight to death to protect their young ones.  Rwanda mountain gorillas live in a group of 6-30 and over 10 habituated Rwanda gorilla families are recorded for tracking and each group is led by a male silverback. Other members in a group include several younger males, adults, juvenile females, and infants.

Mountain Gorilla Facts

Gestation period; Females always give birth at about 10 years and will have more descendants every 3 or 4 years and it produces a single young one. Twin cases are so rare in gorillas. A male gorilla begins to breed between 12 and 15 years, when he is in charge of his own group..

Diet; Gorillas are mainly vegetarians; they eat leaves, buds, shoots, tuber, stalks, fruits and ferns and sometimes aunts. These plants seem to provide sufficient moisture so that gorillas do not need water; they spend most of their day foraging for food

Life span: They live to up to 50 years while in the wild where as in captivity they may live less than 35 years.

Threats: Gorillas are threatened by human activities such as poaching for the bush meat and medicine; diseases like Ebola also kill many gorillas, wild animals like lion, leopards attack and kill them especially babes. They are also affected by climate changes especially those that live highlands like mountains.

There are 10 gorilla groups in Rwanda; these include the Susa, group 13, kwitonda, Amahoro, karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Omubano,Hirwa among othersA maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek each gorilla family which means that a maximum of eighty people can track the primates in volcanoes national park per day. Rwanda gorilla permits costs usd$750 per person per tracking including park entry fee and a ranger guide.

10 Interesting Facts About Rwanda

Like its counterpart Uganda, Rwanda is also a landlocked country and has no seaport, it neighbors countries like Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, Tanzania to the East, Uganda to the north, , and Burundi in the south. Rwanda occupy an area of about 26,338 sq km (10,169sqmiles), with a total population of about 13 million (UN estimates 2013 and it’s Africa’s most densely populated country. Rwanda is divided by great peaks of up to 3,000m (9,842ft) which run across the county from north to south. Rwanda is a very beautiful county with a moderate climate. The people of Rwanda majorly speak Kinyarwanda, French, English, and Kiswahili

Fact 1: Kigali is Rwanda’s Capital

Rwanda’s capital and its largest city is Kigali located within the heart of Rwanda, just about 7kms from Kanombe international airport. it’s a very attractive small city with a fantastic variety of flowering trees and plants from various points on the edge, there are outstanding views over the intensively cultivated and terraced countryside. The capital Kigali is a center to very many tourist attractions like the genocide memorial center, national museum, cultural sites, international business, market center. It’s really very difficult to come on a safari to Rwanda without going for a Kigali city tour. Rwanda’s national currency is the Rwandan franc (Rwf.)

Fact : Rwanda Got its Independence on July 1st

Rwanda obtained its independence on July, 1, 1962 from Belgium, It has a presidential system of government and Paul Kagame is currently the president of Rwanda

Fact 3: Rwanda has Good Climate

The climate of Rwanda is made up of two wet seasons and two dry seasons, the short wet season lasts from October to November, and the main rainy season lasting from mid-march to the end of May. The dry season last from December to mid-march and from June to end of August. Rwanda has deep valleys and steep mountains and sometimes Rwanda is referred to as a country of ‘’a thousand hills’’

Fact 4: Rwanda is the last Home of Remaining Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda is known as one of the three countries in the whole world that houses the few remaining endangered mountain gorillas, about 900 mountain gorillas that are left in the world. Rwanda hosts about 400 individuals and its known as the leading mountain gorilla safari destination in the world.  Many visitors whole over the world come to this small African country to spend at least 1-2 hours with these endangered apes in their natural habitat. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is regarded as the most done tourist activity done on earth, over 80% of travelers to Rwanda go gorilla tracking. Gorilla tracking is done in the volcanoes national park in Ruhengeri Musanze district 2-3 hours from the capital Kigali.

Fact 5: The Rwanda Genocide

Rwanda’s dreadful genocide which took place in 1994 has not been forgotten; over 1 million people were killed within 90 days. The memorial museum in Kigali is a “must-see”. This terrible war took place between two ethnic groups that live in Rwanda, the Hutus and the Tutsis and this happened after the murder of the Presidents of Burundi (Cyprien Ntaryamira) and Rwanda (Juvénal Habyarimana) in a plane crash caused by a rocket attack On 6 April 1994. The killings started immediately since the Hutu thought that the Tutsi where accountable for the tragic. The killings where herd in each and every town of Rwanda, people used pang, stick, stone and guns to kill each other. As a way of remembering the incidence, memorial sites were built, and there about 7 memorial genocide sites with in Rwanda these include Murambi Genocide Memorial Site, Gisozi Memorial site, Gisenyi, Bisesero, Nyamata, Ntarama Memorial sites. This day is celebrated every year. Many visitors can’t leave Rwanda without visiting one of these memorial sites; it’s a heartfelt to hear testimonies from the survivors of this horrific war about how they survived these marauding killers. You will see remains of the deceased like rosary, pocket money, swords, cloths among others still laid on the ground

Fact 6: Rwanda is a Catholic Country

Roman Catholics dominate other religions in Rwanda, Half the people are Roman Catholics while 26% are Protestants, 11% are Adventists and 4.6% are Muslims.

Fact 7: Rwanda is a Great Place to See Primates

Nyungwe Forest National Park is the only park not only in Rwanda but also in world hosting over 13 species of primates. Nyungwe has a huge montane forest and it’s located in the south western part of Rwanda just about 5-7 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and largest city. For primate lovers the park is a home to the close relative of man the chimps which shares almost a half of the 98% of human genes, chimp tracking is the most done tourist activity at the park.  Other primates include baboons, black and white colobus monkey, silver monkeys, civet monkeys, red tailed monkey to mention but a few. It is also a home to over 300 species of birds. It’s also a home to mammal species which include civets, leopards, several cats, and other animals.

Fact 8: Experience a Traditional Safari in Akagera

Akagera National Park is the only protected Rwanda national park where game drives are done to meet the big five species. Wildlife species expected to see includes elephants, hippos, lion, buffaloes, crocodiles, warthog, and antelopes among others.

Fact 9: Rwanda is Rich in Minerals

Rwanda’s natural resources are gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite, (tungsten ore) methane, hydropower and arable land. The industries include cement, agricultural products, soap, small-scale beverages, furniture, plastic goods, textiles, shoes and cigarettes, all these generates the country a lot of revenue that in turn used to improve people’s standards of living.

Fact 10: The Rwandan Volcanoes

Rwanda highest point is Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m and its lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m and Kagera River is the Longest River in Rwanda. Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s freshest water body and the sixth largest lake in Africa, Very good for relaxing and many activities can be carried out at the lake like swimming, beach volleyball, exploring the lake on the boat to the nearby island.

Your safari to Rwanda will be a memorable one as you are privileged to view all these Rwanda facts but interesting attraction, for more information about Rwanda and things to do, contact us we will get back to you swiftly.

Day Trip to Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda is a very beautiful Africa country with a lot to see and discover but just a day in Rwanda is enough for one to enjoy the best country attractions and adventures. Are you a first time visitor or you got less time? If you’re planning unforgettable Rwanda trip outside the city, a one day Rwanda gorilla safari is that you must not miss in Rwanda especially for saving and limited time travelers.

This trip simplifies life for many travelers with fixed travel schedules and budget because, you experience the most loved wildlife encounter and also maintain your work or travel schedules. Less is spent on this trip and travelers save much on accommodation, transport and the entire holiday than those who go for long Rwanda holidays. The amazing thing is that it converts many from city noise and hassles to the wild and the breathtaking jungle tiled in bamboo trees and green vegetation. The one day Rwanda trip to Volcanoes national park and the finest gorilla tracking destination in Africa fulfills all human imaginations of Africa gorilla safaris as well as offering impressive jungle experience.

The Volcanoes national park location is for history because it qualifies as the nearest mountain gorilla tracking destination for everyone visiting Africa for gorilla tracking holidays. Travelers have breakfast very early before leaving there lodge of residence in Kigali and also enjoy a morning cup of coffee before briefing in company of Rwanda cultural dancers.

After the gorilla trek you can have lunch in any of the gorilla lodge around the park or drive back to Kigali city and have it done in complete comfort and relaxation. No entrance fees are paid and the trip permits one to explore Kigali city as well because the Rwanda gorilla trekking adventures end a little bit early than expected.

Please be aware those Rwanda gorillas permits are on high demand year round so book your gorilla pass as early as possible in order not to be disappointed. However, lucky travelers book last minute Rwanda gorilla tracking tours and still find gorilla permits available though some ones luck can never be yours. The one day trip does not need one to book accommodation at the park on the day for the trek since you will leave immediately.

All you need is only, the valid passport, Rwanda gorilla permit,tracking gears, some little cash that is you want to tip or donate to any local community project around the park.Some times its tricky during the high season so would highly recommend travelers to book their gorilla permits, transport and other essential through a trusted and genuine Rwanda travel agent.

Those with more time in the country can engage in other park tour activities like golden monkey trek, hiking, birding, community visits, Diany Fossey visit, forest walk, hiking, or visit other Rwanda tourist attractions near the gorilla park like Lake Kivu, Nyungwe forest, Akagera national park among others.In Africa its only Rwanda with perfect tour destinations and spots to unwind, rejuvenate and also enjoy the fresh atmosphere.

Half of What We Know About Coffee is Wrong

The old man was thin and gaunt with deep wrinkles in the back of his neck. The brown blotches of the benevolent skin cancer the sun brings from its eflection on the tropic sea were on his cheeks. The blotches ran well down the sides of his face and his hands had the deep scars.

Rwanda’s Kwita Izina Kicks Off in Kigali

The 2017 Rwanda’s Kwita Izina ceremony officially kicked off on Sunday with a two day conservation and tourism exhibition at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition village.

The event was opened to the public yesterday amid strong emphasis of the tourism industry to the Rwandan economy.

The Kwita Izina is an annual special event in the neighboring country held to give names to new born gorillas. It is named after the ancestral baby naming ceremony that happened after the birth of a newborn.

The ceremony’s main goal is in helping monitor each individual gorilla and their groups in their natural habitat.

Speaking at the opening exhibition event, François Kanimba, the Rwandan Minister of Trade and East Africa Community Affairs, said the exhibition is meant to show case culture and the national treasures Rwanda has.

“This is yet another year for us to show the rest of the world what we have to offer from culture, infrastructure (new hotels), tradition and new products,” he said.

The minister said that such opportunities will help create a platform for key business relationships and elevate the fast rising tourism industry.

Some of the exhibitors are the Rwanda Development Board who are also the hosts, Serena Hotel, Uganda Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Board and many others.

“We are proud to have our regional counterparts take part in the exhibition as we market East Africa as one destination; I am sure the exhibition this year will have a great response,” He said.

Other activities lined up for the week will include taking international and local journalists for tracking, game drives in national parks and the climax will be the naming of gorillas on Friday 1 September 2017.

Hire a Rental Car in Rwanda: Enjoy Comfort and Convenience

As of today many travelers are shifting towards hiring cars in Rwanda for transportation. This is nice to the extent that everybody makes the best traveling means. Wherever you travel either long or short, car rental agencies  are there to offer people the comfort and convenience. Hiring a rental car in Rwanda has become popular as so people love to travel around Rwanda via a rental car or preferably self drive.

Rental cars Rwanda come with incentives and cleanliness as there are food and drink handle, baby seats, air conditioners and mp3 players which enhance traveling especially long distance traveling. In addition to that there are always clean and this makes you travel in a dust free atmosphere.

Rental cars offer a variety of options of cars to travel by. Car rental companies have a fleet of cars that is in luxury mid range and budget cars. So it is upon the traveler to ride in a vehicle of his/her choice. Some of the cars offered by the rental companies are Toyota land cruisers, safari vans, Toyota super customers, Toyota RAV4, Nissan patrol, 4×4 safari land cruiser and Toyota Premio for city tours.

Pick and drop off convenience. The rental cars pick you up or drop you off at your convenient point. These rental cars offer door to door services; there is no need of traveling to the station to queue up in order to embark on the transport carrier. Rental cars can pick you up from either the airport, hotel or home or nay point you might be.

Rental cars do not have fixed timetable of traveling, they can be used at anytime of the day whether day or time and also anytime you feel like traveling they are there to traverse you around Rwanda. They operate 24/7 and they can reach anywhere in Rwanda as long as it is accessible a vehicle.

Car rentals can accommodate all groups of people. For instance a for a family traveling together a rental car is the best traveling optional as it gives privacy and independence the family it may need while traveling. Car rentals normally have facilities that can cater for a family like child seats that can make children comfortable in the course of traveling.

Car rental have experienced chauffeur who drive passenger safe on the road. These drivers know all the routes that can lead to various tourism destinations in Rwanda. the chauffeurs also have good driving skills as they drive defensively in the sense of avoid accidents on the roads. this implies that one is assured of safety while traveling in Rwanda.

Enough room for travelers and the luggage. Car rentals have spacious seats where the traveler have a enough room to stretch their bodies and also relax during long distance travel. In addition the trunks are also big enough as the traveler does not have to compete for space with his/her own luggage and the luggage is always kept safely in the trunk or cargo cabin.

For cases of self drive tours in Rwanda, car rentals provide the traveler with GPS navigator or tourist maps that can always help him/her to identify different routes that lead to different tourism destinations in Rwanda. With those tools, the traveler can reach his final destination without losing his/her bearing.

Hire a rental car and get all the convenience and the comfort, you need on your Rwanda tour.