
Booking chimpanzee permits in Kalinzu forest
June 5, 2022
Best places for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
June 5, 2022Why is Gorilla trekking so expensive? According to a recent census of 2019, this found out that there are only 1063 Mountain Gorillas that still exist on earth found only in Virunga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mghainga Gorilla National Park mountain gorillas only survive in their natural habitat and cannot live in captivity like other species of gorillas. Mountain Gorilla are as well second closest cousin to man after Chimpanzees with over 97% same DNA with human beings, this has made them very attractive to many tourists and who have helped support their conservation through the money they pay for the gorilla permit of which a give percentage is allocated to conserving these endangered apes, this has helped increase their numbers and hence changing their conservation status in the IUCN Red list from critically endangered to endangered, with this is what makes gorilla trekking expensive compared to other safari activities.
One of the main reasons why is Gorilla trekking so expensive, is gorillas are endangered therefore they require constant research and monitoring to protect them for future generations, with this the fee paid to visit these gorillas goes directly to support the conservation of these gorillas.
What is the best time to do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done any time throughout the year given the fact this is a well-organized activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the best time to do a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this 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, however as well sometimes, the rainy season is considered better to go for a Gorilla tracking experience as there is a lot of food growing because of rain and gorillas can clearly be spotted in the forest with a short walk given the fact they tend to move shorter distances looking for food.
Where to Stay during Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in the southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga, 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 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 Habituation. why is Gorilla trekking so expensive?
In the northern part, in Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman among others, In Ruhija you can stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp among others.
Lodges close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Kisoro Travelers Inn.
How to get to Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for Gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; you can get to these parks by flying into Entebbe international Airport, and start your trip from Entebbe/Kampala to south western Uganda through major local towns of Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale. To reach Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks you can use Road transport which is about 9-10 hours or fly to Kisoro Airstrip to access the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga or Kihihi Airstrip to the northern part of Bwindi forest National Park. You can also fly into Kigali international Airport, Bwindi forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National parks through Cyanika or Katuna Boarder which take only 4-5 hours with the time spent at immigrations at the border. We always advise our visitors to acquire the East African Visa which allows multiple entries of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The East African Visa fee costs USD100 which can be gotten at the Airport upon arrival or online and it is cost effective instead of buying single entry Visas. But you can as well opt to secure single Visas as well, the Rwandan Visa costs USD30 and Uganda Visa cost USD 50.
Why book a gorilla tour to Bwindi with Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla trekking safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about why is Gorilla trekking so expensive.