Where is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park found in Uganda
What to expect on your gorilla trek in Bwindi
Are you planning to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda and you want to know what to Pack for gorilla trekking to prepare for your gorilla trek in advance, what to wear for gorilla trekking? During gorilla trekking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy in the forest when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda include; Insect Repellent, Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries, Wet Wipes, Water Bottle, Camera, lenses, Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking, Sandals/strops/walking shoes, Hat and Sunscreen, Rain Jacket, Sweater/fleece, Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks, Swimwear and Binoculars for bird watching among others
What to wear during Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga sector?
You might be probably wondering what to wear for your trek or what to Pack for gorilla trekking, below is a compiled list on what to wear;
- A long armed sweater since the park gets cold
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- Water proof hiking boots
- A hat and sun glasses depending on the weather though this is optional
- Cameras and long lasting batteries since photography are very important to keep your memories alive. Always remember to keep our flash off.
- A pair of Binoculars. This will help you to see the vast birds Bwindi impenetrable forest has among other primates
- Gardening Gloves; these will help you when you a holding onto trees are branches through the trek.
- A rain coat; Since Bwindi impenetrable forest is rainforest, the rain is unpredictable so to be on a safer side, you will be required to carry along a coat.
- A mosquito Repellent; since it is a forest, it has different dangerous insects so its advisable to carry it along or wear it
- A sun screen; Well this is optional but depending on the season, it might get too hot and you end up getting sun burns on your skin so to avoid that, you will need a sun screen.
- You should not wear very bright colors since this will charge or scare away the gorillas.
- Black and Blue colors are also not recommended since they attract Tsetse flies So I would recommend neutral colors.
How to get Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
By Air: You can get to Bwindi by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both schedule and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from where you connect to Rushaga. There is no direct flight to Rushaga but you can be dropped off to Kisoro where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kisoro to a nearby lodge in Rushaga is approximately 2 hours. Passengers are always required to check in 90minutes before the scheduled departure time on you flight. It is also important to note that aero links baggage is 15kilograms per person and an excess is charged at 3usd per kilo. There also private charters available for client’s that have different timing requirements and different routings too. You might also want to travel with your kids which are free for an infant below 2years old. Children above 12years are carried at 70% of the adults fare.
By Road: Rushaga can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Rushaga. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.
Best time to plan a budget gorilla safari to Bwindi.
Bwindi impenetrable forest is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.
Important things to consider when planning a budget gorilla safari
Booking your gorilla permits in advance
When organizing a budget gorilla safari to Rushaga during low season we recommend you book your gorilla permits atleast one month prior your gorilla safari date. Even though during this time permits tend to be available some dates still sell out especially tourists travelling in big groups who at times buy in bulk. So it is always better to secure your trekking spot in Rushaga in advance to avoid inconveniences. You need a gorilla permits to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Rushaga, this costs USD700 for Foreign non residents, USD600 for Foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi. Contact us here for more details on how to book gorilla permits for tracking in Rushaga in advance.
Staying budget lodges
This is very important to consider when planning a budget gorilla safari to Rushaga during low season, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari we recommend you to stay in safe and easily accessible budget lodges in Rushaga. Rushaga has budget lodge options for you to choose where to stay including Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Kaurngi Camp, Nshongi Camp and Rushaga Gorilla Camp Standard room and Camping grounds among others. All these lodges have three meal plans when you book your safari with Eco Adventure Safaris, u a guaranteed a full board meal basis.
Comfortable travel to Bwindi
You should consider travelling in 4×4 safari van as a budget option for transportation to Bwindi, this will give you comfort on the road to Bwindi. Depending on your budget there is also an option of flying cheap flight with Aerolink to Kisoro Airstrip which is close to Rushaga; this will help cut the long drive from Entebbe/Kampala which is normally 8-9 hours drives to only 2 hour drive that you spend from Kisoro to your lodge in Rushaga.
Why book your budget gorilla safari to Bwindi with us
Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor-made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. There some Budget Gorilla safaris packages to Rushaga and these include; the 2 days Budget Gorilla safari, the 3 day Budget Gorilla safari, 4 Day Budget Gorilla Safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us here about what to Pack for gorilla trekking