Where to See gorillas in Africa
Tours to visit Burundi after the Uganda Tour
How long do you stay with the gorillas? In Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo the time spent viewing gorillas during a trek is typically limited to one hour. This restriction is in place to minimize stress on the gorillas and reduce the risk of disease transmission from humans to the animals. However, the overall trek, including the time spent hiking to and from the gorilla group, can range from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorillas and the difficulty of the terrain.
The Normal Gorilla Treking starts from 8:00 am until visitors return to the briefing location for debriefing and to receive the gorilla trekking certificates. The trek takes 4 to 6 hours you start by 8am and you are back by 2/3pm. This however can be shorter or longer trek based in the time you meet the mountain gorillas and their movements which is determined by nature.
How to spend much time with the gorillas.
Even though the time spent with the Gorillas is limited to 1 hour in Rwanda, Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda you can spend 4 hours with the semi habituated gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park. The Gorilla habituation experience involves walking/hiking through Bwindi Forest to search for semi habituated mountain gorillas and once you find them you will spend 4 hours encounter with them as you participate in activities geared to make these mountain gorillas get used to human presence so that they can be trekked normally after a given period of time. Gorilla habituation experience gives you an opportunity to spend more hours with mountain gorillas that is 4 hours compared to one hour during normal tracking.
Gorilla habituation is always on high demand given they are only 4 permits available per day and tracking is only done by 4 people per day so it is recommended you book your permit at least 2-3 months in advance. A Gorilla Habituation permit costs USD1500 per person per trek for Non foreign residents, USD1000 for Foreign Residents and USD200 for East African Citizens.
Gorilla Habituation Experience – From 6:30 am until visitors return to the briefing location for debriefing to receive the gorilla habituation certificates.
Here are the key factors to consider and How to Choose a Uganda Gorilla Trek:
1. Location where to Visit Gorillas in Uganda:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This is the most popular location for gorilla trekking in Uganda, known for its dense forests and high population of mountain gorillas. The park is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Although it has fewer habituated gorilla families, it offers a unique experience and is less crowded.
2. Trekking Difficulty and How to Choose a Uganda Gorilla Trek:
- Consider your fitness level. Treks can range from relatively easy to very challenging, with steep and muddy trails. The Buhoma sector is generally considered easier, while Nkuringo and Rushaga are known for more strenuous hikes.
3. Permits:
- Gorilla trekking permits are required and are limited in number. It’s essential to book them well in advance. From 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2026 the cost for a gorilla permit in Uganda will be $800 per person. Ensure you book through a reputable tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Gorilla Permits in Rwanda cost $1500 Per person per trek
- In DR Congo the Gorilla Permits costs $400 Per person per trek
4. Tour Operators:
- Choose a reputable tour operator who can handle the logistics, including permits, transportation, accommodation, and guided treks. Look for operators with good reviews and experienced guides.
5. Group Size:
- Gorilla trekking groups are limited to eight people per gorilla family per day. Smaller groups can offer a more intimate experience, but availability can be limited.
6. Accommodation:
- There are various accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury lodges near the trekking points. Consider proximity to the trekking start point, comfort level, and budget.
7. Best Time to Visit:
- The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. The trails are less muddy, and the weather is more predictable.
8. Additional Activities:
- Combine your gorilla trek with other activities like bird watching, cultural tours, and visits to other national parks (e.g., Queen Elizabeth National Park for a safari experience).
9. Health and Safety:
- Ensure you are in good health and fit enough for the trek. Bring appropriate gear such as sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing, gloves, rain gear, and insect repellent.
10. Sustainability:
- Choose operators and accommodations that follow sustainable and responsible tourism practices to minimize your impact on the environment and support local communities. The most eco-friendly Tour operator in Uganda is Eco Adventure Safaris.
Sample Itinerary:
Given your travel plans, here’s a brief itinerary idea incorporating a gorilla trek in Uganda:
Day 0: Arrive in Entebbe, transfer to Kampala
Day 1: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (8-10 hours drive)
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Day 3: Drive back to Entebbe for drop off at the Entebbe Airport (8-10 hours drive)
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Uganda and How long do you stay with the gorillas?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which has one gorilla family open for trekking that is the Nyakagzi group and in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which has 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.
How much is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
A Gorilla Uganda Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD500 for rest of African Citizens, USD700 for East African Residents and USD80 for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest once you find them on your trek.
How to purchase a Uganda Gorilla trekking permit
Gorilla trekking permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority, this can be done at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro for tourists arriving in Uganda through Entebbe it is recommended to purchase their gorilla permits from Kampala and for tourists arriving in Uganda through Kigali they can purchase their permits at the branch headquarter of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro town which is 1-2 hours’ drive to Bwindi. Eco Adventure Safaris is one of the best gorilla safari companies which can purchase for you your gorilla permit in advance and on short notice, once you confirm your dates and share them with us via email or WhatsApp we will first tentatively reserve the gorilla permits for you online and then send you an invoice for you to make payment and once money comes through on our account we will purchase your gorilla permits immediately and send you scan copies of your permits for your records and perusal and this will confirm you have purchase your gorilla permits for your gorilla trek in Bwindi forest for a given date.
How long do you stay with the gorillas and the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy 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 Bwindi include;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga lodges, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla trekking.
Plan and book with us your Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda through Eco Adventure Safaris.