Month: November 2019

Categories
Tips Travel Tips

Driving in Africa: Useful Tips to Know

Are you looking to driving in Africa? A self-drive safari offers a great way to explore some of the African countries by yourself. With the increased availability of maps and travel guides including the GPS Navigator, today it is easier to explore several destinations on a self-drive in Africa. However before renting out a car from an agency, here are some things that you should know.

  • it’s better to Book well in advance

When traveling to Africa particularly Uganda –its better you book your car rental in time to avoid being overcharged when you arrive at the airport, during low seasons some companies tend to cut-off price and during peak seasons they run out of vehicle due to very many bookings so, It is vital you book your car well in advance rather than arriving at the airport and risking higher prices, or even worse, no car at all. If this is done well you cut any extra cost that may ruin your safari.

  • Don’t get trapped into extras when you arrive

This goes to booking in time, this last-minute booking may put you into extra charges, if you get at the airport don’t get talked into any extras that are not needed during your booking, before confirming your car hire booking its better you untick any extra you don’t need –so if this is done prior to your safari you will avoid being trapped into extras when picking your car as your tired and impatient after a long flight and check-in.

  • Comparing like for like

Before confirming with any car hire travel agencies, you should communicate very well with the agent so as to get clear information about the car, size, and the number of doors, air conditioners, and the type of fuel. At times it’s not easy to make a perfect comparison between offers on different websites because few car hire companies guarantee the exact model you will get when you arrive at the airport. So research the full details of the contract and terms and conditions before you confirm the booking if this is done well your safari will be memorable.

  • Second driver charges

It is very better to inform your travel agent that you will be sharing the car, although most companies ensure only one person, you may find you have to pay a heavy premium for a second driver. So in case of compensation caused by the second driver without the notice of the travel agencies you may have to pay the damages caused. So consult with your agent to clarify if a second driver is allowed to avoid extra costs.

  • Fuel

When placing your booking, don’t accept to pay full tank in advance before your arrival, this service is often offered at the pickup desk. It’s advised to fuel it as soon as you leave the airport. Most companies offer unlimited mileage so you should be assured of it in the deal when you book, or that additional mileage charges are reasonable and will not bump up your bill too much.

  • Damage

Ounce you receive yourself drive car make sure that you check carefully any damage on it to avoid paying uncaused damages. You should report any damage found to the travel agent and he should note them before you leave and if possible ask for a copy of the pre-existing damages and keep them and you can also take photographs of the car just in case before you start your journey.

  • Speeding Fines

Always ask for the traffic rules and speed limits as traffic rules differ from country to country, so to avoid extra costs you must obey with the laws governing the road.

  • Pay in advance

If you have confirmed with your car travel agency its better you pay in advance to avoid disappointment or extra charges when you arrive at the airport.

Categories
Safari Advice Tips

Best Time to Visit Gorillas in DR Congo

Planning to take part in gorilla safari adventure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but you do not know when it is favorable or the best time to travel?

When you think of a safari to any destination in Africa, first you need to be aware of when to get to that dream destination and so it is a case with gorilla trekking safaris in the DR Congo. For beginners, gorilla treks in the DRC are conducted in the Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park. The two parks offer refuge to distinct gorilla species with mountain gorillas thriving only in Virunga and the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Trips to see these unique creatures can be done at any time of the year however, regardless of this fact, you to put into consideration two important seasons-the dry and wet season.

Depending on what your travel interests are, the dry season is usually regarded as the most ideal season for one to explore more about these Great Apes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This season comes with favorable weather conditions and the ground is normally kept relatively drier making it a bit easier for one to hike through the park’s dense vegetation and steep slopes while in search for these amazing creatures.

The dry season equally is experienced twice a year with the first phase that starts from June to September while the second one begins from December to February. The advantage with trekking gorillas during this season is that, weather conditions are favorable as it comes with low rainfall amount received compared to the rainy season. However, the fact that DR Congo lies astride equator and given the kind of habitat where these creatures thrive, you have to expect rains at any time of the day. As well, note that the northern part of the Virunga National Park experiences its dry spell from December to February then when you to the south, the dry season is experienced between April and October.

On the other hand, the wet season which is also best known as the low season, is good for gorilla trekking given the advantage that it has. In the northern side of the Virunga National Park, the wet or rainy season is experienced from April to October while the southern part experiences it from late November to early March.

However, the DR Congo generally experiences its rainy season from October to November while the long wet season begins from Mid-March to late May. December features as the busiest month of the year when it comes to safaris in the Virunga National Park. For any plans to explore what this magical country has to offer for its visitors, please note that most visitors prefer visiting from June to September and then February as they are characterized by low rainfall amount. During this period or even other seasons, you are encouraged to secure your permit early enough to avoid last minute struggle that may result into disappointments as there is high demand for gorilla permits.

The wet season is characterized by heavy rainfall amount and dense vegetation cover and in the Virunga National Park it is experienced from March to May and October to November. The ground normally becomes muddy, slippery and this makes it a bit challenging for one to hike through the steep slopes and thick vegetation while in search for these creatures. Whether you plan to trek gorillas during wet or dry season, there is need for you to pack appropriately for your adventure. In your packing list, consider the following items a must-water proof hiking boots that are light weight, water proof daypack, gardening gloves, rain jacket or poncho, camera with no flashlight, walking stick (this one can be got at the park headquarters or lodge), insect repellent, sweater, a valid gorilla permit, long sleeved shirt or t-shirt, hat, sun glasses, first aid kit, snacks, bottled water a mention but a few.

In conclusion, if you have any plans to pay a visit to DRC for a safari this coming holiday, take note of both the dry and wet season as each comes with its advantages and disadvantages.

 

Categories
Experiences Guides

Guide to Visiting the Mountain Gorillas

Plan a visit to the mountain gorillas in Africa using our resources. Here is exclusive information about gorilla trekking, best places to go, when to go and more. Trips to see remaining in 3 African countries of East Africa; Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Make an adventure of a lifetime with us and track mountain gorillas beyond two countries and maximize your travel excitement with the largest primates on planet earth.

We’ll track gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park; Rwanda and learn about what it takes to habituate them from their natural wild state till they are calm and accommodating to humankind for tourism activities.

Cross over a few kilometers into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and get mesmerized by the rugged terrain, thick and mist covered forests. Get extra doses of excitement by tracking these wild giants again and take great note of comparisons and similarities for they are never the same. Walk at leisure in the communities close to the park that have lived with the Mountain Gorillas all their lifetime. Share their experiences, listen to their music and moving stories, dance to their tunes. Wash off the fatigue of taming African jungles with an adrenaline raising boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi; the second deepest lake in Africa. The cool breezes will sooth your body and big swarms of beautiful birds tweeting in the air and magical views of floating islands calm your nerves. You have a big volume of wonderful experiences and authentic stories to live with and talk about all your lifetime.

Plan a Gorilla Visit

When should I track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?Tourists want to get the best out of the fee they pay for gorilla tour and usually some tourists ask questions like; when is the best time for gorilla trekking?. While Mountain Gorillas can be trekked throughout the whole year, it is more pronounced during the drier months of June, July, August and early September then December up to February are the most preferred months for Gorilla trekking. No is guarantee is there that it will not rain in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest since it is a tropical rain forest and it is influenced by micro conditions of the area.

How much is Gorilla Tracking Permit in Uganda or Rwanda?

To obtain a gorilla permit, you should pay USD 600 to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. There are some months where there discounted permits at US$450 and this during the months of April. Following an announcement from the Uganda Willdife Authority all gorilla permit bookings from July 2020, the price for the gorilla permit has been increased to US$700 per person.

How can I reach Bwindi Impenetrable National park?

The park is located in south western Uganda and is divided into four regions. Buhoma region in North, Ruhija region in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Each of this region has got habituated gorilla families for trekking/ tracking. If you are to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, then you will need to mind about the specific regime where you are going as this will affect the lodge to be booked, gorilla as well as your transport.

When should I book my Gorilla permit/Tour?

Your Gorilla permit should be purchased three (3) months in advance to shortage most especially during the high season. The date you wish to travel should known by the tour company you wish to travel with.

What is included in a gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit allows you one hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park. Included in the cost are park entry fees for the respective parks, services of National Park guides/rangers who will escort you to the forest. Gorilla Tracking Uganda will ensure that you secure permits in advance

How long is a Gorilla Trek in Uganda or Rwanda?

Mountain gorilla trekking exercise can take from twenty minutes to three quarters of the day so one needs to prepare for both. This depends on several factors that include, mountain gorilla movements, where the gorillas stayed the previous night and the mood of the gorillas. It may also depend on the people in your group since the guides/rangers move following the slowest person in the group. Gorilla Tracking Uganda trading as Encounter Africa Safaris is happy to provide all relevant advice.

What is the age limit for Trekking Gorillas?

The age limit for gorilla tracking (Uganda and Rwanda) and golden monkey trekking (Uganda) is 15 years. The authorities are very strict on this, so kindly make sure all clients and children are 15 or older in order to avoid any sad incidents like guest(s) kids being refused to track!

The age limit for trekking chimpanzees in Uganda is 12 years old and children 10 years and older are allowed to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Children under 15 years are allowed to Dian Fossey’s tomb – although the latter hike is a stiff one so we do not recommend that either to children under 12-13 years.

What should I pack for Gorilla trekking?

You need to prepare very well for your gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda, we advise trousers, long sleeved shirts or blouses, long socks to enable you tack in your trousers, garden gloves, a hat, sun glasses, hiking boots, insect repellents and some energy giving foods.

Do you have any questions about Gorillas?

In case you have any questions about Gorilla tracking, you will send an email with the tour company you are travelling with.

What is gorilla habituation experience?

The Gorilla habituation experience is an activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National park where tourists are allowed to stay four hours with mountain Gorillas after paying USD 1500 for a gorilla habituation permit. The Gorilla habituation safaris are currently taking place only in Rushaga located in southern part of Bwindi Forest.

The experience of Gorilla tracking with a booked Tour Company of your choice.

In Uganda, most tour companies organize safaris for Gorilla tracking and are conducted in depth with knowledgeable guides. They guarantee you a highly personalized gorilla trekking experience safari in the National Parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The endangered apes have been drawing for decades to the mountainous slopes of Virunga. The National park Bwindi is quite a threatening name and rightly so as thick jungle looms before you set off in search of hairy cousins.

It is not easy to get there because it is hard work. There is nothing interesting as the magical hour you spend with the Mountain Gorillas. The close proximity changes images of devoted mothers which care for their young cheeky babies clambering through the trees and awesome light of a massive silverback which will remain with you forever. Your sole journey to Uganda for Gorilla tracking will make you feel rewarded. Other activities which can be carried out along side Gorilla tracking in Uganda include; Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale Forest. This offers you a glimpse into the lives of our primate brothers. An additional tour is to Murchison falls national park where you will see the mighty Nile squeezes through a tiny seven meter gap. The tree climbing lions at queen Elizabeth National park are also interesting to your safari in Uganda.

Safaris with most tours and travel companies

African safari featuring gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo are intoxicating affair with a greater diversity of animals. You are called upon to visit the gorillas in the wild on exciting guided safaris offered by selected tour operators. A combined safari will enable you see a lot of amazing African animals including the big five as well the scenic landscapes that will make you fall in love with Africa.