The Albertine Apes Alliance is an informal advocacy network which aims to bring together different stakeholders involved in conservation and ecotourism in the Albertine Rift.
The alliance focuses on collaborative action and advocacy to support the work of governments, protected area authorities and conservation oganisations in the different national parks of the Albertine Rift. The alliance’s core areas are the Rwenzoris to the Virungas. It seeks to provide support with specific policies relating to conservation and ecotourism, transmission of disease, threats to a particular species or a habitat, or community issues.
The Albertine Apes Alliance was established at a retreat at Mount Gahinga Lodge in 2022 hosted by Volcanoes Safaris and the Uganda Wildlife Authority as part of the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Volcanoes Safaris. The aim of the retreat was to help formulate new approaches to collaboration between the diverse sectors involved in conservation and ecotourism and galvanise collaborative action in priority areas.
Participants at previous Albertine Ape Alliance activities have included the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Jane Goodall Institute, UN Great Apes Program, Gorilla Doctors, Conservation Through Public Health.
The informal advisory council include Richard Wrangham, Tara Stoinski of the Dian Fossey Fund, Ian Redmond, James Byamukama of the Jane Goodall Institute, Glady Kalema-Zikusoka of Conservation Through Public Health, and Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation.
1. Following IUCN and GRASP best practise guidelines, including the gorilla friendly pledge, for responsible gorilla tourism, and conservation and disease prevention.
2. Responsible chimpanzee tourism, conservation and disease, enhancing habitat protection and connectivity.
3. Supporting groups of stakeholders and communities in and around protected areas, including enhancing community livelihoods from ecotourism and conservation.
4. Raising awareness of the pressures on the protected areas within the Albertine Rift from increasing development and human presence.
5. Enhancing partnerships between government, protected area authorities, conservation organisations, private sector and communities to jointly address issues of concern affecting the Albertine Rift.
Stakeholders with an interest in conservation and ecotourism are welcome to support and participate in the activities of the alliance. Please get in touch with us at [email protected].
In January 2023 Praveen Moman hosted a panel discussion on ‘The Future of Gorillas and Chimpanzees in the Albertine Rift’ at the Royal Over-Seas League in London, with a number of conservation partners.
The speakers included Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka of Conservation Through Public Health, Peter Apell of Jane Goodall Institute, Kirsten Gilardi of Gorilla Doctors, Ian Redmond of Ape Alliance and The Gorilla Organisation, chimpanzee researcher Nicole Simmons and Volcanoes Safaris Head Guide Francis Kiwanuka.
The second annual ‘Albertine Apes’ retreat will be hosted at the Ellen Degeneres Campus in Musanze, Rwanda in November 2023.
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
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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.
