5 Days Discounted Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Combine Chimp and Gorilla trekking in Uganda with Masai Mara
How to access Gorilla trekking National Parks in Uganda, in Uganda Gorilla Trekking is only done in 2 national parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will need to follow these steps on how to access Gorilla trekking National Parks in Uganda:
Choose the Park you like to do the gorilla trek: Uganda has two main parks for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In both parks you can see the Mountain Gorillas there are many differences between the 2 parks and you can read the differences here.
Obtain Gorilla Permits: Gorilla trekking permits are required for you to access Gorilla trekking National Parks in Uganda and should be obtained in advance as they are limited and in high demand. You can obtain permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through registered tour operators. It’s advisable to book your permits well in advance, as they often get sold out months in advance.
Plan Your Trip: Once you have your permits, plan your trip accordingly. Decide on your travel dates, accommodations, transportation, and any other activities you wish to do while in Uganda.
Arrive in Uganda: You’ll need to travel to Uganda via Entebbe International Airport or you can arrive in Uganda Through Kigali arriving at Kigali International Airport.
Travel to the National Park: From Entebbe/Kampala, you can either fly to nearby airstrips or take a road trip to the national park. The journey by road can take several hours, so plan accordingly. There are many ways how to access Gorilla trekking National Parks in Uganda
this is through by road or flight, it is much easy to get to Bwindi by road from Kigali that is 4-5 hours drive compared to 8-9 hours drive from Entebbe or Kampala. By flight you will only spend 1-2 hours from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihih Airstrip and from here you will be picked up and transfer to your hotel in Bwindi for gorilla trekking.
By Road; The Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park can be accessed through the main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will need to turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro Road you will see the sign post of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow upto to your booked lodge for accommodation in either Rushaga or Nkuringo sector.
By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access the Gorilla trekking National Parks in Uganda. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the park.
Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in Uganda
The Gorilla permit in Uganda Costs $800 Per person per trek for foreign nonresidents, $700 Per person for residents, $500 Rest of Africa and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this gives you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has over 20 habituated gorilla family groups found in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Gorilla trekking in Uganda also gives you an option to spend more time with the mountain gorillas through Gorilla habituation experience which is only done in Bwindi Forest, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person giving you an opportunity to spend 4 hours encounter with the semi habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking. Getting gorilla permits in Uganda can be done directly by booking them through Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator in Uganda like Eco Adventure Safaris.
What is the age limit for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
The minimum age limit for Gorilla Trekking is 12 years and the maximum age depends on your fitness levels. Gorilla trekking for elders is now made possible especially in Bwindi Forest through provision of sedan chair carriers, these chairs are used to carry those who feel unfit and are unable to walk into the forest at the time of their trek, you will be carried by potters to and from the forest during your trek, hiring the sedan chair can done in advance or at the day of the trek and price ranges from 400-500 dollars.
What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is done throughout the year and the best time to do gorilla trekking in Africa 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 Uganda Gorilla Trekking?
During gorilla tracking, 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;
• 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)
Why book Through Eco Adventure Safaris your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour?
Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park contact us and we advise you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to check out our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us.