A comprehensive guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Are you planning to embark on your dream gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Read this guide from our local gorilla trekking expert taking you through the inside out of Uganda gorilla trekking experience as they are letting you know why Uganda is premier destination for the primate safaris. You will be offered tips on planning the best gorilla trekking experience during your visit to the pearl of Africa also showing you how you can add gorilla trekking on your expansive itinerary.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
At the climax of tourism activity is the mountain gorilla trekking at Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorillas national park both located in the southern part of Uganda. Gorilla trekking is an exercise that brings you closer almost just 7 meters away from these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats
During gorilla trekking, you will be assigned to group of 8 people and head to the forest of either Bwindi or Mgahinga national park where you will spend 1 to 6 hours searching for the gentle giants and be allocated one hour with the great primates while observing their behaviors and having beautiful photogenic moments in the jungle
In this guide we shall give you an insight into Uganda primate safari, providing you with whatever you need to know while on this great adventure through the pearl of Africa on your vacation safari. We shall also slightly brief you to where else you can do gorilla trekking on your African safari adventure.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned African traveler, or this is your first time on an African safari, we shall be able to offer tips on how to enjoy your primate safari during your Uganda visit. Read for a seasoned expert view on this once in lifetime experience.
Why choose Uganda for your gorilla trekking experience?
There are 3 countries in the whole world where you can encounter gorillas in their natural habitats and these are Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo (DRC). As we speak of today, you can not go gorilla trekking in DRC given the political conditions of the region. Virunga national park where the gorilla trekking is done is currently closed till further notes due to political unrest.
This leave Uganda and Rwanda as the only safe destination where you can do gorilla trekking in their natural habitats. You will have an opportunity to sit just next to the mountain in the silence of the forest just a maximum of 8 other fellow visitor. This is the reason why people come all over the world to a have a great encounter with these rare gentle giants that are endemic to Uganda
Here is the reason why Uganda should be your first choice while planning gorilla trekking safaris
- Uganda is the home to more than a half of world’s mountain gorilla population. Uganda is the home to over a half of the total gorilla population in the world distributed between 2 national park of Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park. The country has got 5 trekking points with 4 found in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and one trekking point at Mgahinga. This means you are less likely to miss out on gorilla permit while in Uganda when compared to other destinations.
- 5 trekking point. In relation to Rwanda that has only got one trekking point, Uganda has got five trekking points; 4 in Bwindi (Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga and Nkuringo). You can also do gorilla trekking at Mgahinga gorillas national park where there is one gorilla family call Nyakagezi gorilla family. Therefore, trekking in Uganda will give you an opportunity to experience different terrain which is not the case in other countries.
- Affordable gorilla permit. The gorilla permit in Uganda costs 800 dollars. Compare that to gorilla trekking in Rwanda that cost 1500 dollars. You will get to know that doing gorilla trekking in Uganda is more cost friendly than in Rwanda as the permit are almost half the cost of the permit in Rwanda.
- Accommodation for every budget. From the wild camping experience, budget friendly lodges to the luxurious eco lodges. Uganda has got it all to accommodate the people of all nature to enjoy their gorilla trekking experience while in Uganda. You will find the perfect place that fits your budget where you can stay while in Uganda.
- Rich biodiversity beyond gorillas. Other than gorillas, Uganda offer you a chance to encounter various other primates, wildlife and birds as the country is quoted with over 10 national parks and 4 national reserves that all offer unique and different experience. Therefore, you will be able to have a longer safari stay in Uganda.
- Cultural immersion. Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are situated in the remote area of Kisoro where you will have a chance not only to trek gorilla but also visit the native of the area including the Batwa pigmies who used to live within these forests until recently when they were displaced in an effort to conserve this forest and there eco system.
Gorilla trekking is truly a once in a life experiencing and trekking from Uganda will give you a chance to encounter much more than just gorillas and at an affordable price while the experience of your life.
Read this: Uganda vs Rwanda: where to go for a dream gorilla trekking
Map showing how to access mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Where to go for gorilla trekking on a Ugandan safari?
Uganda offers gorilla trekking from 2 forest parks and that is;
- Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Bwindi is the home to over 50 percent of total gorilla population with 4 different sectors of Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma and Nkuringo where you can trek gorillas from. This park is a UNESCO World heritage and is an impenetrable forest offering a certain degree of difficulty but still worthy withstanding for this great encounter. Each sector off a different experience enabling trekker of all levels of fitness. You can also go for gorilla habituation experience at Rushaga sector of Bwindi where you will have 4 hours to spend with mountain gorillas while with gorilla experts.
- Mgahinga gorillas national park. Mgahinga is part of the great Virunga massif which is also shared by Rwanda’s volcanoes national park and DRC’s Virunga national. All the 3 parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Mgahinga has got only one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi gorilla family. Therefore, the permits for Mgahinga are very competitive as only 8 permits are issued per day
Combining your Mara or Serengeti safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.
7 day wildebeest migration and mountain gorillas
Our 7 day wildebeest & gorillas will take you to some of the most famous and popular national parks in east African region with two most popular activities in the region. These activities are wildebeest migration in Tanzania northern circuit and mountain gorilla trekking at volcanoes national park of Rwanda in Virunga region.
10 days Tanzania wildebeest and Rwanda Gorillas
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of East Africa as we invite you to explore the enchanting landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich biodiversity of Rwanda and Tanzania. This meticulously crafted 10-day itinerary promises an immersive experience, seamlessly blending the awe-inspiring encounters with Rwanda’s majestic gorillas and golden monkeys with the boundless wonders of Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti National Park.
Planning your gorilla trekking adventure- Step by Step guide
- Obtain your gorilla trekking permit. The gorilla trekking permit are limited in number. Therefore, you must book your gorilla trekking permit well in advance more so during the peaking season of June to September. The current price of a gorilla trekking permit is 800 dollars whereas, the cost of the longer gorilla habituation is 1500 for foreign non resident. The permit for foreign resident is 700 dollars, for African is 500 dollars and for east African is approximately 80 dollars. Book your permit way in advance to avoid any disappointment.
- Choose the best time to go gorilla trekking. Even though gorilla trekking is all year-round activity. going trekking during dry season is more comfort and less challenging as the terrains are dry and weather is more predictable. However, this time of the year is associated with overpopulation of the parks. Therefore, if you are not fan with crowds or looking for a budget safari, you should avoid this time of the year.
- Select accommodation and transportation options. Various accommodation options including camping accommodation, budget accommodation, mid range accommodation or luxury accommodation. You will need also to choose where you will be landing. That is either in Kigali or Entebbe and you can opt to use a flying safari where you will go by air to Bwindi.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as the rainforests can be unpredictable. Pack sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, long-sleeved shirts and pants, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture your unforgettable moments. A comfortable daypack is also essential for carrying your essentials during the trek. Here’s what to wear for the experience with gorillas
What to expect during gorilla trekking in Uganda.
All the gorilla trekking adventure start with the briefing at the park headquarter very early in the morning where the park guide will take you through the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, register and assign you to the gorilla family that you will be trekking. The experienced gorilla guide will take you through what to expect during the gorilla trekking experience.
The trekking experience is exhilarating one that will take you through the dense forest of Bwindi impenetrable national park or the magnificent Mgahinga gorillas national park. You will be following the trail that passes through the diversifying ecosystem of Bwindi national park or Mgahinga gorillas national park which is part great Virunga massif. The duration of trek will range between one hour to six hours depending on the family of the gorilla that you will choose.
Once encountered, you will be offered a full hour of observing gorillas play, you will take photos to cherish and complement this great encounter and keep evidence to prove to those back home that you were once with the magnificent great apes in their natural habitats. Once the hour elapse, you will return to the park headquarter to continue with you Uganda adventure.
Best gorilla trekking trips in Uganda.
3 Day double gorilla trekking safari
Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular tour activities that you can do on your visit in Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo. These three countries are the only destinations in the world where you can witness the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Mountain gorillas can be found with the parks that makes up the Virunga massif range. These parks are volcanoes national park of Rwanda, Virunga national park of democratic republic of Congo and Mgahinga gorillas national park of Uganda.
10 Days gorillas and Uganda wildlife safari
The 10 Days Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Tour starts and ends in Kampala. It will take you to Uganda’s un-spoilt wildlife destinations to experience Nature at its best. Explore all the best Uganda has to offer to tourists in the tropic Africa. Major tour activities in this tour include game drives in hunt for some of the “Big 5” (African Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Elephant), birding, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Cultural tours, nature walks and fantastic launch cruise among others.
The impact of gorilla trekking on conservation effort
As of today, the total mountain gorilla population is estimated at slightly above 1000 gorillas in the entire world which this gentle giant into a list of endangered species in the entire world. Even though the number is still looking small but there has been a great increase in the number of gorillas thanks to the conservation efforts that has been put in place. Before mountain gorillas were classified as critically endangered and were about to extinct. In recent year an increase in number of these primates has been recorded with the hope that with more effort, the number will continue to rise. This brings to the answer of the impact of gorilla trekking on conservation effort
Gorilla trekking is the major financial contributor to the conservation effort of the gentle giants. The cost of a gorilla permit goes for 800$ per permit which in end generate significant revenue that is being reinvested in the conservation effort of gorilla habitats. The activities being done to protect gorilla include nti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, gorilla groups monitoring and research, and community development projects.
Gorilla trekking also create employment opportunities to the locals who would have resorted into the poaching and deforestation activities. These locals end up being hire as gorilla trackers, park rangers or even as gorilla trekking activity. All this generate to them income to take care of their families.
Gorilla trekking with Vacation-safaris in Uganda
With our passion for the sustainable tourism, and the passion to enable you to explore Uganda’s beauty, Vacation-safaris is your ideal tour partner who will lead you to explore Uganda either on your own through self drive safaris or on all-inclusive guided tour safaris.
From purchasing the gorilla trekking permit and other primate trekking permits to accommodation booking, airport transfer and itinerary tailoring, vacation-safaris is there for you to see explore Uganda and have a story to tell once you return to your home country
We offer customised gorilla trekking and other safaris that are private and designed to meet your satisfaction and to serve specifically your need and your loved ones. Whether you are here for a luxurious safari or looking for a budget friendly Uganda adventure, look no further than us for your memorable experience through Uganda.
Additional tips for gorilla trekking
- Even though moderate level of fitness is required, be ready for the challenging terrain, uphill climbing and impassable forest of Bwindi.
- Uganda is an equatorial climate which means that it generally has warm weather year-round but also it can rain at any point of the day without prior warning. Come prepared for the [possible rain regardless of when you visit Uganda
- You will really have photogenic moment with gorillas. However you need to be aware that flash cameras are not allowed during trekking as they can scare gorillas.
- Tipping is not mandatory but is is a customary that is highly appreciated by your diver and guides. Having some few dollars for tipping might a good gesture.
FAQs about Uganda Gorilla Trekking
How much does gorilla trekking in Uganda cost?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda goes for 800 dollars for foreigner non resident, 700 dollars for foreigner resident, 500 dollars for Africans and about 80 dollars (300,000USH) for east Africans
Read: comparing the price of gorilla permit in Uganda to Rwanda.
How do I get a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
You can buy a gorilla permit directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority portal or through a trusted and registered tour operator in Uganda.
Read: why do I need a gorilla trekking permit
What is the best time to go gorilla trekking?
The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the dry season between June and September and December to March. This is when the terrains are dry and more passable but that does not mean that you can go gorilla trekking during wet season
Read: wet season gorilla trekking
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Yes, gorilla trekking is safe and follow a strict guideline to ensure your safety and that of gorillas. It is also conducted by professional guides who will lead you through out your trekking experience
Read: gorilla trekking rules and guidelines
Can disabled and senior citizens trek gorillas?
Yes, the seniors and disable can trek gorillas. They will be allocated the near by gorillas and those who can’t walk can be carried to the gorillas by the rangers. The cost for carrying is 300 dollars.
Read: Gorilla trekking for seniors and disabled
Ready for gorilla trekking adventure?
Start planning your gorilla trekking safari with vacation-safaris today. Our team of expert are ready to help you design your tailor made itinerary to lead you tour dream safari. Send through your inquiry to be attended to today.
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