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A Stroll in Tsavo West National Park

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According to most guidebooks, black rhinos charge out of fear, confusion, and panic. This happens frequently, due to their terrible eyesight. They have been known to charge tree trunks and termite mounds. I ask Karanja, the Kenya Wildlife Service officer I am following across the dusty thornlands of Tsavo West, a 3,500-square-mile national park in east Kenya, what the plan is in the event the rhino we are tracking charges. “You can dodge them easily,” he says, glancing at his transceiver, which he hopes will lead us to our subject. I hustle to keep up with his giant marathoner strides and think, What about the lions?

Photographer Kevin Arnold and I arrived here on assignment with a high-end safari company, but after a few days rattling around the desert in the van, dodging identical tourist vehicles, we realized we’d have to dig harder for a unique experience. We forced our poor driver to take us to park headquarters, where, interviewing the head warden, we asked if there were opportunities to accompany rangers on their scientific rounds. In fact, he said, there was just such a pilot program for tourists. Striking out cross-country on foot—normally a taboo practice here—sounded exciting. But it’s starting to feel like the time I embedded with a police unit and ended up helping arrest a meth addict who had a homemade bomb duct-taped to his hand.

Instead of finding the rhino—the transceiver turns out to be broken—we stumble upon eight frisky lion cubs, all of whom are delighted to see us, and two lionesses, who aren’t. You have no idea how loud a lion’s roar is until it’s directed at you. “Just keep walking,” says Karanja, his stride lengthening as we veer directly up a hill. The lionesses stand down. Karanja has had closer calls, he says later over a beer, with the assurance of a man who has it all under control. I ask him how many other people have gone out with him on this program. “You are the first,” he says.

DO IT: The Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, in Tsavo West National Park, allows volunteers to help with the full-moon rhino census in exchange for donations to the program. kws.go.ke/parks.’

Top 10 Countries to Go Birding in Africa

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Bird watching in Africa is so common and it’s done in the most scenic destinations of both East Africa and southern African countries. The first hand tourists shouldn’t miss out on these beautiful destinations.

South Africa

The country is big and it takes many weeks of birding to get sightings of these spectacular bird species. This is the main excuse for many of the travellers that return to South Africa for birding.This country has got big Five animals with small mammals. The Zulu land game reserve and the Kruger national park has got variety of the small mammals. When you are deciding to have a 2 weeks birding safari and starts from Durban and ending in Johannesburg, you will have a chance to see all the mammals as well as over 400 bird species that are found in the area. With the addition of the cape, you will view 50 bird species as well as the whale. This country is not so expensive and you can also bird the whole of the country on self-drive tours. The country has got variety of friendly and comfortable bed and breakfast lodges and Hotels. Also in order to enjoy yourself, it’s better to link up with a birding tour operator within the country.

Tanzania

You can also enjoy bird watching in Tanzania, it’s also a good country to visit in case you give it 2.5 weeks. By accepting to bird in Tanzania, you will enjoy many of the East African endemics and over 20 endemics with in the country. You will also see the first Miombo endemic bird species in Tanzania. There are also many small and large animals and some of these include; the big cats found in the Serengeti, the zebras and wildebeests of the annual migration, flamingos and the great Ngorongoro crater as well as the Kilimanjaro.

Uganda

Uganda is also a great destination for birding and you will get a chance to encounter the shoebilll stork as well as the Albertine rift endemics, the green breasted pitta. There are many mammals that can be enjoyed here including the gorillas and the chimpanzees. This country is also famous for the beautiful colobus monkeys and many other animals. Once you bird in Uganda, you will get a chance to see the great Albertine or the western rift Bwindi which is famous for gorilla safaris in Africa. Other places that visitors taking birding safaris include the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria and many different bird species found in this place.

Cameroon

In case you are looking to bird in the western part of Africa, Cameroon should be on the list of the countries to visit. You will find the basic accommodation as well as the birding sites. This tour will give you the best safari comfort level as well as the hot water showers. You will get a chance to view the country’s endemic birds as well as the West Africa rain forest species of the sahelian birds. The other bird watching countries in West Africa include; Guinea, Ghana as well as Gabon.

Namibia

Namibia is also a must visit country in Africa for bird watching due to its uniqueness. The country has also got the world’s oldest desert with the highest sand dunes in the world. The country has got variety of bird species that cannot be found in any other part of the world and it’s adjacent to Angola. You will bird around the Okavango and the Victoria falls for many bird species.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is also open and good for watching the birds and the country has over 550 bird species and can all be seen on a 3 weeks safari. This country has many tons of endemic species and many of these can be found in Addis Ababa.The country is also home to one of the next African bird that is nearing extinct, the Liben Lark. The other species found here include the Rudd’s ’Lark.

Madagascar

The magnificent islands of Madagascar could also be Africa’s number one birding destination since it’s so unique. The Island is also separated from the rest of the African continent and must be birded by any birder interested. This island is also full of other wildlife including the endemic mammal families as well as the lemurs which are most famous as well as charismatic. This area is also full of chameleons and many other species. You will as well enjoy bird watching in the Baobab dotted spiny forests, the remote tropical beaches as well as the stone forest of the Tsingy. This country has got fewer species of birds and some of the bird species found here include; Helmet Vanga, the ground roller, Black and the white Ruffed Lemur as well as the dancing sifika.

In addition, the other bird watching countries that are found in Africa include; Malawi, Zambia, Central African Republic, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zimbabwe as well as Seychelles.

Best Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

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You may know Uganda and Rwanda for only gorilla trekking safaris a lot will surprise you when you happen to be in both countries for vacation safari holidays or business. Even wildlife documentaries don’t prepare you for a safari in Uganda and Rwanda unless if you  fly to Kigali international Airport or Entebbe international Airport  down to the most incredible attractions of the country.

If primate species are your favorite, pick up a safari tour in Uganda and Rwanda that includes gorillas tracking, golden monkey trekking and chimpanzee trekking adventures since they are the most exciting tour activities for the two countries. Land in Rwanda or Uganda feels like a new planet on earth and first impression shows only thrilling safari holidays.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

Gorilla tracking holiday in Uganda and Rwanda are every one’s wish  especially  those interested in exploring both countries and are high of their travel list. However tracking gorillas has always been the world number one wild encounter in the jungle forests of East Africa. On the day of tracking gorillas, morning are well planned, long sleeved clothes out, rain jackets, walking boots, Camera, bottled drinking water, packed lunch, warm jacket, walking stick, valid passport and gorilla permit with a specific date of tracking.

Morning Briefing at the park headquarter is a guide for the day on how each tourist should behave in the jungle before and with the gorillas. The forest walk in search of the endangered primates offers a thrilling introduction of different park wildlife and habitants hence ending the walk in the presence of the rare forest creatures, mountain gorillas that are said to be the only living on earth. This forever experience is done in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Bwindi forest or Mgahinga national park in Uganda the Pearl of Africa. If you want to track golden monkeys, make sure your gorilla trekking tour is experienced in Volcanoes national Park or Mgahinga National Park.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda

If the reason for going on safari in Rwanda and Uganda is to see gorillas, you home already because there a many chimpanzee trekking grounds and national parks where one can enjoy either chimpanzee viewing or habituation experience. The need to meet the first moving primates can be touched in the wild forests of Nyungwe in Rwanda, and Kibale forest, Kyanbura gorge, Kalinzu and Budongo in Uganda. It’s a great moment to spend time with chimpanzees and several other primate species in their natural home as they move freely in the wild. This experience makes chimpanzee trekking safaris more fantastic like no other in Africa. Kick off time is morning and afternoon in all chimpanzee trekking spots except Kibale forest where chimpanzee trekking is done thrice a day.

Other Uganda Rwanda Safaris

 There is nowhere else in Africa you can go and enjoy history, culture, impressive views, friendly people, warm weather, wildlife, birds and much more like in Uganda and Rwanda. Both countries are amazing and unique in one way or the other, the reason they famously knowns “The Pearl of Africa”-Uganda and “The Land of Thousand Hills Rwanda. Every safari is excellent no matter what your interest could be but if you planning to explore beyond mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and then check out city tours, wildlife safaris, volcanoes hikes, mountain climbing, cultural tours, genocide memorials, charity projects, and volunteerism among others. Find amazing animal viewing experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison falls, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Akagera National Park of Rwanda.

5 Reasons Why Go Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo

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Congo gorilla tourism has a secret and its Virunga and Kahuzi Biega national park with its keys for gorilla tracking safaris. Today many people fly to Rwanda in search for Congo gorilla tour experience all year conducted in unspoilt natural beauty hence being a perfect end for many across the world.

Unique forest habitats & Gorillas

Nothing beats the beauty that Congo gorilla parks offer starting from eye catching landscape, active volcanoe, chimpanzees, mountain and low land gorillas among others. Democratic Republic of Congo is said to be a home to unique gorilla species especially the low land gorillas & banobos. Its beauty and primates makes it a popular tourism destination in East Africa and has been boosted in films like Virunga gorilla movie that is animated with orphaned gorillas that escaped captivity. Best known Congo animals are lowland gorillas, monkeys, elephants, Grimm’s duiker, spotted hyenas, lions, buffaloes, bongos, leopards, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Banobos and other forest mammal species as well as many bird species.

Affordable Budget & Luxury Safaris

In East Africa, Congo is one of the most affordable safari destinations for budget and Luxury safaris. Many travelers seeking for extreme budget & luxury grip for Congo a country where you save big on everything. Gorilla permits cost only $200 for low season months best time for budget gorilla trek a price found nowhere else in other gorilla trekking safari destinations in the region. There are also cheap activities that keep you relaxed and entertained like a visit Zongo falls, Lola ya Banobos, Lake Kivu, among others. It’s your time to experience variety in the most affordable safari destination in Africa.

Best National Parks in Africa

Truly Congo has only the best national parks in Africa for primate safaris especially Virunga national park to home to mountain gorillas, Odzala National Park an eco tourism paradise with exceptional wildlife and plants, Dzanga-Ndoki National Park a place to see historical elephants, Kahuzi Biega National Park a living paradise for low land gorillas, among others. Your trip to Congo will open gates for amazing wildlife, primates and birds.

Safe and open for daily Visitors

Though Congo is known to the world for multiple civil conflicts and wars, today is one of the safe countries to visit for safaris in Africa. Even the countries tourism has been raised since tourists opt for it more often for different vacations. One only needs a tourist’s visa to visit Congo for either research or holiday.

Easy Access & Getting around

Getting to Congo has been made easy like enjoying a delicious favorite dish. However, visitors to the country can fly to Rwanda or Uganda and them cross the border to the country. Some fly directly to Congo depending on the reason for the visit. Besides it’s possible to either fly or go by road using a licensed vehicle permitted to cross borders. Above all Congo is a very great country that blends with nature so explore it once you can.

When is the Best Time to Visit Congo

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When considering visiting gorillas in Rwanda and Congo in Africa, a question of safety inevitably comes in your mind. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Congo is considered to be the leading tourist activity in Africa safe and with security of those intending to trek gorillas. In Africa, there are two populations of mountain gorillas. One is found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, within three National Parks, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the south-western Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in north-west Rwanda and Virunga in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The other is found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Democratic Republic of Congo is home to mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. The country has both lowland and mountain gorillas and this makes Congo one of the popular gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Because it is now safe to trek mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, this year the park attracted a good number of tourists who go for Congo gorilla trekking with and Mount Nyiragongo Hiking tours. The gorilla permit costs $400 which is cheaper than in the other two countries and Nyiragongo permit cost $ 300 USD.

As of September 2016, the estimated number of gorillas remaining is fewer than 880. To a mountain gorilla, there are no political boundaries, the concentration of their species lies in a section of rain forest the encompasses Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. So gorilla trekking is generally safe but, how safe is it go to the countries where gorilla trekking takes place.

Both Rwanda and Congo, gorilla trekkers are escorted by armed guides and tourism police to ensure safety and security of tourists and also to make sure that wild animals trying to be hostile are scared away although such cases are rare. Instances where tourists require waking up early driving to the starting point of gorillas; they are escorted to ensure that nothing happens to them

Mountain gorilla trekking is a safe activity in both countries, only habituated gorilla families are the ones that are safe to be visited by tourists. Habituation takes 2-3 years followed by a mock exercise before it is opened to tourists. That is why you are given a maximum of one hour to watch and observe these gentle apes. And if tourists follow instructions from their guides or rangers, then there should not be any problem.

The Park manages the gorilla tracking in a very professional, ethical, and educational manner. From the moment you arrive at the Park Headquarters everything unfolds smoothly as visitors with permits are put into hiking groups of no more than eight and assigned to guides. The gorilla families on the mountain are classified into tourist families, research families, and wild families so only a very few habituated families are visited by tourists. After a short drive to the trail head, and a hike up the steep slopes of the park which can be for a few or many hours, the assigned family is reached.

The families have been located each morning by park ranger who then communicates with the guides so that one is nearly always guaranteed a sighting. Once located one magical hour is spend observing the family under the close supervision of the guides. It is absolutely one of the most amazing wildlife encounters one could have.

The trek up the Virunga Mountain is a wonderful and unique experience. The trek takes 2 to 8 hours depending on where the family has been located. The anticipation of seeing the silver back makes the trek very easy. It’s recommended to wear hiking boots, full sleeved T-shirt & a good pair of leather gloves to protect you from a possible brush with stinging nettles along the way. A rain coat will be useful to carry. An hour in the midst of the gorilla family is an absolutely brilliant & a bucket list experience.

The trek back will take about the same time. People with health problems should trust that the beauty of the mountain the purity of the nature and the hospitality of the gorillas will miraculously cure you of any ache of pain. Rwanda is a beautiful country also called a Land of a thousand mountains.

To some it all, gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park is safe and can be enjoyed by any traveler intending to visit mountain gorillas at any time of the year. The opportunity to trek mountain gorillas within rain forest is a once in a lifetime adventure and is one of the wildlife experiences in Africa.

Book Congo Gorilla Permits at as low as US$400

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Congo Gorillas

Compared to Rwanda and Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers lower rates for gorilla safaris in Africa. Today, gorilla permits can be booed at as low at US$ 400 each. This is quite a good offer if compared with Rwanda, where the cost of gorilla permit has been increased from US$750 to US$1500. In the neighboring Uganda, gorilla permits can be booked at US$600 each for 2017 to 2019! This is a big difference if compared to the cost of DR. Congo Gorilla permit.

Below are some of the reasons for the low cost of DR. Congo Gorilla permits.

The political instability –for the past years, DR. Congo has been unstable and that has been a threatening factor to the tourist thus lowering the prices of the Gorilla permits. In most cases, the price of a given commodity is determined by the demand…. the tourists instead decide to visit Uganda and Rwanda which are stable.

The alternatively, Uganda and Rwanda…the tourists have options; they can decide to trek Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda which are the neighbor of DR. Congo. The stiff competition between the three countries hosting Gorillas has forced DR. Congo to keep the low trekking costs.

The convenience factor… Rwanda and Uganda are easily reached compared to their counter DR. Congo.  Currently, there are no direct flights from Europe to DR. Congo yet Uganda and Rwanda have. Therefore, the tourists find it easy to trek Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda than in DR. Congo. It should be noted that European countries offers the biggest market for tourists who come to Africa!!

Congo is among the East African countries that benefit from East African tourist visa… That makes safaris in DR. Congo expensive. Currently, East African countries introduced visa at US$ 100 serving all East African countries. The East African visa serves Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi enables tourists reach some of those countries using the same visa.

The eruption of mountains in DR. Congo threatens some tourists from visiting. The eruption of mountain Nyiragongo cost the lives of hundreds in 2002, a lot of properties and so on. The mountain still shows signs of future eruption evidenced by the steam of fire and smoke coming out its chasm/ vent.

DR Congo currently has no International Airport… the ones available are offers internal flights. This is due to unrest in the country caused by seasonal rebel attacks which threaten the setting up of permanent structures for fear of destruction.

Uganda and Rwanda offers the majority of the mountain gorillas which are mostly trekked worldwide. Therefore, tourists find it easier to meet Gorilla groups with majority members. To date, Uganda hosts fourteen Gorilla groups of mountain Gorillas while Rwanda has ten …compared to those in DR. Congo.

High level of poaching in DR. Congo makes it hated by tourists for failure to protect the wildlife. Some tourists find it undesirable to support the country which doesn’t offer maximum security on wild animals and birds. It is believed that some tribes of people in DR. Congo kill Gorillas for meat.

How to Boost Gorilla Tourism in DR Congo

  • Establishing a politically stable state
  • Tight protection on Gorillas
  • Improvements of infrastructures like roads, schools, Hotels/ Lodges and so on.
  • Setting up International Airports
  • Marketing of the existing Gorillas and other wildlife

It should be noted that Rwanda conduct Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park, Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks while DR. Congo in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Uganda Gorillas and Nyiragongo Hiking in Congo

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No matter how many times you go gorilla safaris in Bwindi Forest, every subsequent experience is as exciting as or even better than the first time. “Gorilla trekking is very intimate, more like entering a family sitting room as opposed to racing around in a vehicle while on safari”.

After a long, sweaty and absorbing trek comes the moment of truth when your guide ushers you quietly into the clearing. The Nkuringo Family is taking their mid-morning break: dark black fur protrudes from the glossy greenery on either side – a crooked elbow here, a swollen belly there. Below the drip-drip of the foliage you hear a loud fart, some sporadic snores and the soft sound of wind. Yes, there isn’t much going on, but you have never felt so alive. You inch forward and reach for your camera.

Soon you are done clicking away and turn to enjoying the privilege of observing this extraordinary animal up-close. One hour is never enough, but it is an hour that you will cherish for the rest of my life. Compared with excitable chimps, gorillas are very relaxed animals. But this is like no other encounter and nothing prepares you for its sheer intensity. Many tear up, convinced that they have felt a “connection”. And while some will say this is overly dramatic, there is no denying that being in the company of these great apes, meeting those searching intelligent, eyes in a face that seems to reflect your own, is an out of this world experience.

Mount Nyiragongo, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo rises majestically to an altitude of 3470m overlooking the Virunga National Park and associated Albertine Rift. The climb up Mount Nyiragongo is not technically difficult and reaching the top should not take longer than 5 hours. After an early wake-up call and breakfast, drive on towards the Kibati patrol post at the base of Mount Nyiragongo, a mere 50km outside Goma. After a safety debrief and final check of everyone’s packs and equipment you begin the climb towards Mount Nyiragongo summit.

The party will be lead and escorted by a set of rangers/guides and a small contingent of porters. For the first two hours of the walk you will traverse a lush pristine forest, where towering trees offer a welcome shelter from the sun until you emerge from the forest onto a small plateau with commanding views that stretch towards the infinite horizon, with Lake Kivu, Bukavu, Rwanda and Burundi at your feet. You are now standing on the lava flow remnants of Mount Nyiragongo 2002 eruption.

From here on, the climbing trail becomes firmer and the forest gives way to several swathes of recovering heath with vegetation dominated by ferns, sedges, heather and everlastings.  Shortly after noon, you will reach Mount Nyiragongo crater and your overnight cabins. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent exploring the craters edge and soaking in the surrounding views and Mount Nyiragongo bewitching lava cauldron. Fortunately your guides know exactly how to reach the best observation and photogenic spots safely.

When everyone has had enough, the party will return to camp to settle into their cabins, rest and enjoy an early supper. At 18h00 you will return to a designated spot at the craters edge to gaze and appreciate again Mount Nyiragongo molten lava lake. In the dark of night one is able to appreciate better the dark crusty surface of lava, spliced and splitting into ever changing plates.

As the plates separate, bright orange lava fill the cracks and a fantastic spider-web pattern emerges. Every now and then fountains of lava flare up disrupting these pretty patterns, but adding a surge of dynamism and power to this spectacular sight.  Sometimes, fountains appear throughout the crust like a collection of campfires, creating yet another fascinating show.

Guide to Renting a Car in Uganda

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Car Rental in Africa

We have compiled this useful guide for the first time renter in Uganda. Find practical help and websites covering local driving routes, accommodation, activities, festivals etc. A great place to plan your driving adventure through Uganda.

Helpful Information – Don’t miss a thing

To ensure you see everything Uganda has to offer, visit the beautiful countryside from the comfort of your car. You will experience breath-taking views, real African people and a relaxed style of driving. Experience towns and villages that will be bringing you back to Uganda time and time again and see what most tourists never see. Driving in Uganda explains the more practical and useful way of spending your travel time in Uganda.

Safety

Every driver needs to know the driving rules onthe road. While Uganda has similar rules of the road to other countries, it is best to revise them and familiarize yourself with new rules.

Questions about hiring a car?

If you have any unanswered questions, you are sure to find the answers in the Frequently Asked Questions section. If you are unsure of something, simply email us on info@rentacarinuganda.com or give us a call +256 774 873 278, we will be happy to help you.

Top Tips for Uganda

Before you leave for your visit to Uganda there are a few tourist tips that may help you when planning your trip, such as, eating out and tourist attractions in the local area.

Where to stay

Be sure to shop around when looking for accommodation in Uganda. There are plenty of different types to choose from, from caravans and camping to castles and 5 star hotels.

All the information you need

Rent a Car in Uganda has compiled a list of resources we think you would find useful. If it is information about Uganda you are searching for, you will find it here, along with a list of things to do while you are visiting.

Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

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Kibale forest is also known as the primate capital of the world located in western Uganda approximately 320 kilometers from the capital Kampala which is about a 4 hours drive using a standard car. The forest has about 13 primate species including the Uganda mango bay, red colobus, L’Hoest monkeys and the chimpanzees being the major attractions. The park has area coverage of 795 kilometers with vast equatorial rain forests that harbor the closet human being primate- the chimpanzee which shares about 98.4% DNA with humans.

Just like humans, chimpanzees are intelligent, can communicate amongst each other and have good food gathering skills for survival.

The life expectancy of these amazing primates is roughly 40 years. A well grown chimpanzee grows at height of about 2-4 feet with a weight ranging from 35 to 70 kilograms.

Chimpanzees in Kibale forest move and stay in groups ranging from 10-50 searching for food; they mainly feed on leaves, flowers, forest fruits, seeds and many other edibles the forest provides. Chimpanzee females have some typical characteristics of human beings of taking care of their young ones tenderly, being very protective, and baby sitting their close friends young ones. The chimpanzee mothers take care of their young ones up to the age of four.

Chimpanzee Tracking Day

On this day, tourists are expected to be at the Kanyanchu visitor center early for briefing before heading to the jungle. The forest expedition then starts at 8:00 am for the morning session and 3:00 pm for the after noon sessions lasting for 2 to 3 hours depending on how near the chimpanzees are. Trekking can take a long time because chimpanzees are very mobile and therefore jump from one tree to another in search for food or while playing.

After getting a chimpanzee group, tourists are given time to watch and interact with them while taking photos and this may take about an hour. Flash photography and a lot of noise making are however not allowed because it may distract the chimpanzees and even irritate them forcing them to attack you all which are very dangerous.

While in the forest, all tourists are required to avoid eating near chimpanzees, attempt to attack them and at least keep a distance of about 8 meters mainly because chimpanzees are wild animals and are very aggressive and unsociable incase provoked.

Important to note is that chimpanzees in Kibale forest national park are tracked in groups of six to minimize disease spread and minimize chances of behavioral changes. Earlier bookings are therefore highly recommended in order not to miss out on the unforgettable experience.

For safety and security purposes, Kibale forest national park has rules and regulations that all tourists must follow for example accessing the forest with the help of a guide, not allowing children below 12 years because the chimpanzee experience may traumatize them, avoiding flash photography, strictly following the guides instructions and keeping the tracking tourist groups.

Apart from tracking, tourists can also be allowed to take part in the chimpanzee habituation process. This is where tourists are allowed to be with chimpanzee researchers and habituates following the chimpanzee’sdaily activities of feeding, hunting, de-nesting until they rest. This is a full day activity intended to make chimpanzees get used to human beings presence in their habitats without altering their normal characteristics.

Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale forest is an advantage because it gives one a chance to view many other forest dwellers especially the impressive bird species (the forest has over 370 species), other primates like monkeys, beautiful butterflies and the evergreen plants and flowers.

The major essentials one should have while going for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest include a water proof gear since rains are unpredictable and can occur at any time of the day, strong shoes with a good grip or boots to enable easy movement through the muddy areas in the forest plus a walking stick, enough drinking water and snacks because the chimpanzees may be got after long hours of trekking; and binoculars or a good camera for taking photographs.

Chimpanzees can be tracked at any time of the year but the best experiences can be got during the dry season because of limited rain fall disturbances.

The forest can be accessed by road and air transport; by road from Kampala via Kasese or Kampala via Mubende and fort portal or from Kampala via Mbarara and Kamwenge. This can be using a 4×4 or a local bus. Using air transport, charter planes fly from Kampala or Entebbe to Kasese airstrip 75 kilometers from fort portal, or to the airstrip in Semuliki wild life reserve which is 86 kilometers from Kanyanchu (Kibale forest visitor’s center) or to the Nyakisharara inMbarara 98 kilometers from Kanyanchu.

Those who would love to spend more days in the forested national park to learn more about the forest has in stock should not worry about accommodation and meals because the park has various lodges that offer standard meals and accommodation facilities. They include; primate lodge Kibale, Kanyanchu river camp and Sebitoli camping ground; these are within the parks proximity. Accommodation facilities outside the park include; Kibale safari lodge, chimp’s nest, Kibale forest camp, crater valley Kibale lake side resort and many others.

Would you like to enjoy chimpanzee tracking? Most Uganda safaris include chimpanzee tracking or habituation as one of the major highlights. Kibale National Park is the third most popular national park and many tour operators offer fully inclusive tours including watching these primates in their natural home.

Top 5 Budget Safari Destinations in East Africa

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Today most travelers want to see money value in every holiday vacation they take, making the demand of budget holidays high across Africa. Being one of the most beautiful continents with a lot to see and explore, many travelers find peace, joy and unforgettable experience every time they visit year round. Taking into consideration the prices of public transport, car hire services, accommodation, meals ,park entrances and free attractions, East Africa is the most amazing and cheap region to explore for any exclusive Africa Safari holiday at any budget without breaking the bank.  The region has countries like Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania the most attractive in wildlife, gorilla trekking, mountain climbing, chimpanzee trekking, Bird watching, beach holidays and many more.

Tanzania-Land of Wildlife and Mountains

The Land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Serengeti  and a main tourist hub for those planning to visit for massive wildlife viewing, mountain climbing, beach break and cultural excursions. It’s one of the inexpensive countries in Africa offering friendly costs with value in every tour aspect of its visitors. Tanzania is a place that tourists enjoy before and after their Tanzania vacation holidays. Dare salaam and Arushia are the major cities for spending more time after Tanzania safaris and vacations. Did you know Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa covering 937,062 sq km south of the Equator? It borders Rwanda Burundi and Congo (DRC) in the west, Kenya and Uganda in the north and Zambia, Malawi in the south making it easy for interested in exploring other countries in the region. However, Tanzania caters for all travel interests like wildlife, beach holidays, honeymoon, family adventures, mountain climbing birding to mention but a few since its one of the great wildlife gems in Africa. Mountain Kilimanjaro is one in a million and the many wildlife parks like Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorogoro etc.

Kenya- the Magical Land of Wildlife

Kenya is the best budget camping and luxury safaris destination in Africa for wildlife lovers especially those to Masai Mara, Aboseli, Nakuru, Tsavo Aberdare and many other Kenya wildlife park. The Masai Mara community is something you can’t miss out while in Kenya on your Kenya wildlife safari. Also Kenya tour operators offer a wide range from Kenya Budget Safaris to Joining group safaris, budget camping ,student safaris, beach combined holidays among others at pocket friendly prices any time of the year. Also the country has several budget hotels of all kinds, campsites for those interested in backpacking travel. With affordable park fees, transport and accommodation all Kenya attractions are a quick add up for any budget Kenya safari any time of the year. However, to catch up with the great wildlife migration in Masai Mara, July-October is the best time to visit Kenya. Time when massive wildlife cross from Serengeti to Mara and make high risk river crossings.

Rwanda-the land of thousand hills

With its historical treasures and beautiful landscapes, Rwanda is a cheap, impressive country for travel in Africa. There is a lot to explore in Rwanda for free including the multiple cultural attractions, Lakes, Rwanda genocides, Butare Museum etc. Besides, even when it comes to world most exciting wildlife adventures, Rwanda offers the shortest and cheapest in volcanoes national park. Public transport is cheap, car hire services are available making it easy for tourists to move around and connect to different tourist destinations in a cheap and affordable way. However, I recommend private transport for those heading out to track Rwanda gorillas in volcanoes national park because it’s easy to connect to the park head quarters and where the trek kicks off from. Remember, Rwanda’s prime attraction is mountain gorillas and most tourists to the country come to see mountain gorillas on different Rwanda gorilla trekking holidays. If you travel during the low tourist seasons, you will certainly enjoy great discounts on hotel rates but not on Rwanda gorilla permits though the park has plans of revising the prices during low season months.

Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

Uganda is a home for many budget safaris though most famed to the world for being the best budget gorilla trekking destination in Africa year round. Great discounts for gorilla and chimpanzee permits are found here in all primate parks including Bwindi forest, Mgahinga national park, kibale forest National park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls national park. However, other Uganda parks offer great affordable experiences to travelers across the world. Imagine rafting the all with a bungee jump break in the afternoon on the source of the Nile at less than $200 dollars, seeing gorillas at $450 dollars, trekking chimpanzees at $50 dollars and also viewing wildlife at $20 dollars. What a great destination Uganda is in Africa with lots of fantastic adventures.