Uganda gorilla trekking packages are based mainly on two destinations Bwindi Impenetrable national Park and Mgahinga National Park. All these mountain gorilla destinations lie in the mountainous southwestern part of the country.
At Arch safaris And Tours we offer custom made gorilla trekking packages, pre packaged gorilla safaris, can arrange additional safari activities too like chimpanzee trekking, game safaris, sports fishing and more.
The least Gorilla trekking package in Uganda is 3 day gorilla trekking but tourists can go as far as time can enable them to be on Uganda safari. Uganda is a land gifted by natural and even though gorilla trekking is the foremost safari activity of the country, there are gazillions of alternative activities to combine with.
While on Uganda safari, you can also do chimpanzee trekking to destinations like Kibale National Park, Game drives in Murchison falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National park and more. Birding in Uganda never disappoints with multitudes of birding destinations distributed throughout the country. Uganda is home to more than 1000 bird species an unrivaled record in Africa.
More challenging African safari adventures in Uganda include Mountaineering with a hike on Rwenzori mountains on the top tire but excursion mountain climbing in Uganda can be arranged too on several highlands in the country.
A combo of gorilla trekking in Uganda with cultural experience immerse you in the rich diverse culture of the people of Uganda. The cultural institutions of Uganda take the lead in cultural conservation in the country. Some of the outstanding Uganda cultural institutions include kingdoms like Buganda, Bunyoro, Busoga and more.
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Requirements For Booking A Gorilla Trekking Safari In Uganda
Book a Uganda gorilla trekking permit in advance atleast 90 days before the desired adventure.
Reserve transport and accommodation to use during gorilla trekking in Uganda. Take note of where your Uganda gorilla permit for Bwindi is booked and reserve accommodation within or close to the area where your permit is booked.
Maintain some level of fitness before gorilla trekking to enable you traverse the forest searching for the mountain gorillas in the jungle.
Pack right for gorilla trekking because this is a jungle with some with some unpredictable challenges like untimely rain fall, stinging nettles and more. Pack items like safari boots, rain proof gears, long sleeved shirt and trousers and more.
Good health is great to maintain during gorilla trekking safari as some infections especially communicable infections may cause you to get disqualified from participating like a cough, covid-19 and more.
Best Time For Gorilla Trekking Safari In Uganda
Even though gorilla trekking in Uganda is open all year, the drier months are best for this adventure that is June to September and December to January when the forests have deeper sunray penetration.
The mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants are in great mood and are quicker to spot while meandering throughout the forest.
The trails of Bwindi forest or Mgahinga forest are less dump in the dry season making them easier to walk on while on the gorilla search. Vegetation along the trails is not overgrown in the dry season as it is one of the challenges to getting to the other side where the mountain gorillas may be staying for the day.
Demand for Uganda gorilla permits is higher in the dry season with high competition registered at the Uganda Wildlife Authority yet their supply is restricted to maximum 8 permits no matter the season.
The wet season is still great time for gorilla trekking in Uganda that is March, April, May and November as this is normally characterized by heavy down pours. Note that the mountain gorillas and other forest dwellers spend most of the time up in the trees or on the slopes during this season.
Uganda is generally open for gorilla trekking no matter the season but only gorilla permit availability may antagonize your Uganda safari plans.
How Much Is The Cost Of Uganda Gorilla Trekking Package
The cost of Uganda gorilla trekking package varies with a number of factors like number of days on safari, number of people travelling with, extra Uganda safari activities to combine with and more.
The cost of the Uganda gorilla trekking permit is currently $800 including one hour with the mountain gorillas, range guide fees, conservation support, park entrance and more.
- foreign nonresident gorilla permit cost is $800 per person per trek
- Foreign resident gorilla permit cost $ 700 per person per trek
- East African resident gorilla permit cost 300000shs per person per trek
- Other Africans gorilla trekking permit cost $500 per person per trek
- Gorilla habituation Experience permit cost $1800
A 3 day gorilla trekking package may cost on average $1200 and over depending on some of the above factors and more.
Do not forget to carry extra cash to use for excluded but important items, events, purchases that may not be included in your gorilla trekking package for Uganda. Credit cards are not a common means of exchange used in Uganda and most of Africa.
How Sure Can I Be To Se The Mountain Gorilla During Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Uganda has the highest chances to seeing the mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking because the largest number of the world’s mountain gorillas are living in the country.
Over 22 gorilla trekking families are open to the public these living in Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
After paying a hefty cost for a gorilla permit many wish to get value for money but be assured to see the mountain gorillas no matter the season. Mountain gorillas may be free ranging, their families do not disperse or trek into inaccessible spots of the jungle.
A team of ranger guides often patrol the forest morning and late evening to establish where the gorilla families may be nesting or feeding as a safety measure for them. The ranger with tourists follows the clues the rangers provide about the possible direction taken by the ranger guide. Sometimes gorilla families may relocate to a different spot but it is normally not far from where they were last seen.
Is Gorilla Trekking In Uganda Strenuous
Yes, gorilla trekking in Uganda is quite strenuous because of the nature of the topography of the Kigezi subarea where Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park are located. The starting points of the trail heads to use for gorilla trekking are at times located in the valley so you have to slope a very steep escarpment to find it.
Having some level of fitness before gorilla trekking safari is very handy in enabling you enjoy the gorilla safari adventure. Alternatively, sedan chair service is available to those with physical challenges but advance booking is required.
Do carry some energy bites to munch on along the way because gorilla trekking may take more time and yet breakfast is taken to early to last the entire adventure in the forest.
A support stick can also assist you cross some soggy spots along the trails while searching for the mountain gorillas. Bwindi and Mgahinga forests have a dense network of river, streams and more water bodies that flow through them.
Wear the right gorilla trekking gears that will not be challenging during the gorilla trek because the forests are quite rough. Sturdy safari boots that are comfortable to wear to protect your feet from possible sharp surfaces in the jungle.
How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is safe but personal safety is very important too. Every gorilla trek is escorted by a well trained and experienced ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife authority and an armed tourism police officer. In case extra security support is needed, they carry a radio call that they use to communicate to the security team on the main land.
A number of gorilla trekking rules are communicated in details at briefing and the most recent information about the forest is explained to tourists too to keep you up to date. Tourists are expected to abide by the all rules of gorilla trekking.
Try not to provoke the mountain gorillas because they can charge too and if not controlled may throw the entire forest into a stampede.
Do carry a personal first aid kit in case of an emergency and incase you have any medical that may require urgent attention, do communicate this in advance.
Personal security especially for your personal belongings should be your number one choice during gorilla trekking especially if you posses valuable items so declare them to the lodge manager.
Can Children Do Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Yes, children can do gorilla trekking in Uganda as long as they are 15 years and over. The nature of the forest where mountain gorillas live is dense and quite challenging which children below this age may not be comfortable to take.
Do explain to the children upfront about gorilla trekking and what they are likely to experience so that they are not shocked when on ground because once gorilla trekking starts no returning till the end.
How To Get To Uganda Gorilla Trekking Destinations
Two main means are used to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking that is road transport and air transport. On average the distance from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park may last about 530 kilometers or about 540 kilometers to Mgahinga National Park
Different routes are used to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park including Kampala to Ntungamo to Kihihi to Buhoma, Kampala to Kabale to Nkuringo and more.
It is great advantage to know atleast more than one route to Bwindi or Mgahinga because at times some routes are impassable but alternative routes get you to and from these Uganda safari destinations.
For flying gorilla trekking, daily scheduled domestic flights to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips are available. Charter flight arrangement can also be organized for more private gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda.
Time to take on the flights From Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro airstrip is about 2 hours to about 2 hours and half. Do not forget to hire a transfer vehicle to your lodge because the countryside airstrips are not located within the National Parks but at a distance that may take about 2 hours drive.
Public road transport is available to use during gorilla trekking but at Arch safari And Tours, we do not recommend this because it is unscheduled so you may not be sure of the time to get to the park. No direct public transport from Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga so you have to take special hire along the way.
Accommodation To Use During Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Bwindi impenetrable National Park has a variety of accommodations to chose from but these are categorized into luxury, mid-range and basic. Ensure to know the Bwindi area where your gorilla permit is booked as this will assist with reserving accommodation to use during the gorilla trek.
Bwindi accommodations: Gorilla Forest Camp, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Silverbacks lodge, Engage Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Ruhija safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge
Mgahinga accommodations: Gahinga Lodge, Traveller’s Inn and more accommodations choices in Kisoro town.
Packing list for Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda
Safari sturdy boots
Long sleeved shirt
Camera
Safari hat
Insect repellant
Water proof backpack
Energy snacks
Clean face mask
Garden gloves
Extra cash
Convertible trousers
Warmers
A pair of stockings
Foldable drinking water bottle
Rain coat or poncho
Extra clean wear
Water proof light bag to keep your dirty safari boots.