The Albertine Apes Alliance (AAA) is an informal advocacy network* which brings together different stakeholders committed to safeguard the future of the protected areas of the Albertine Rift on the border of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC.
The AAA focuses on collaborative action and advocacy to support the work of governments, protected area authorities and conservation organisations in and around the different national parks of the Albertine Rift. The AAA’s core areas stretch from Kibale Forest to the Virungas.
The Albertine Apes Alliance was established at a retreat at Mount Gahinga Lodge in Uganda in November 2022 hosted by Volcanoes Safaris and the Uganda Wildlife Authority to create greater dialogue and collaboration between the diverse actors involved in the Albertine Rift to help safeguard the biodiversity of this unique area in the long term. AAA took 2050 as a future milestone, to reflect the fact that the protected areas of the Albertine reopened some twenty five to thirty years ago.
Participants in AAA discussions have included the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, Chimpanzee Health Monitoring Budongo, Conservation Through Public Health, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Gorilla Doctors, Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, International Gorilla Conservation Project, Jane Goodall Institute, Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation, UN Great Apes Program, Volcanoes Safaris, and Wilderness Safaris.
Activities involving AAA members in 2022-2024 have included the following: agreeing to the principle of greater collaboration between different participants at Mount Gahinga, November 2022; organisation of ranger training by UWA and Jane Goodall Institute at Kibale in 2023; making recommendations on responsible ecotourism guidelines and disease prevention at Kibale, led by Conservation through Public Health and supported by Arcus Foundation in 2024; holding an informal conversation among partners on gorilla conservation and ecotourism at Virunga Lodge April 2024.
Stakeholders interested in supporting in the work of the AAA are welcome to get in touch with Kevin James at [email protected].
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*The AAA is an informal alliance of independent organisations and individuals. It is not a registered non-profit organisation. Organisations and individuals mentioned participate as they deem appropriate. The AAA provides a forum for exchange and dialogue and for collaboration on an ad hoc basis; it does not seek to bind participants in any formal way.
Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
© Volcanoes Safaris 1997 – 2024. All Rights Reserved
Write to us on [email protected] or send us a message via the form on our contact page.
Rwanda: +250 (0) 252 502 452
Uganda: +256 (0) 414 346 464
Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor is nothing short of exhilarating. The chimps effortlessly cross and scamper through the trees above the gorge, and visitors on the other hand must cross the river using natural bridges in order to keep up with the chimps. So although the walk usually lasts only 2–3 hours, descending the steep gorge and crossing the log bridges over the river requires some agility and fitness.
Chimpanzee tracking is also available in nearby Kalinzu, a forest reserve 30 minutes drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge where there is a community of about 40 habituated chimpanzees.
