Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda 2024
Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda 2024; Gorilla trekking is an exceptional and one of the most famous activities that attract tourists to come to Uganda and it involves travellers moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in south western region. Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary activity that shouldn’t be missed during your safari in Uganda and there are a number of factors that you should consider when planning a gorilla trekking safari including the cost of a gorilla trekking permit, how to purchase the gorilla trekking permit, where to stay, how to get to the gorilla destinations, what to pack for gorilla trekking, best time to go for gorilla trekking among others.
Gorilla trekking experience
Uganda is a home of over 22 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. trekking of mountain gorillas in Uganda takes about 2 hours to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primates, different bird species and once the mountain gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you a chance to learn more about their habits, behaviours, lifestyle, watch them feed, breastfeed, play, groom young ones, take photos and record the incredible moments to show people back home.
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda 2024
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in 2024 cost 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact us with the date, month, year and gorilla destination that you wish to visit. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and if there are permits available on your preferred dates, you will be asked to make a deposit. Once the payment has been made, we will be able to purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park should however be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they are competitive and usually get sold out quickly especially during the peak season.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this time there is less or little rainfall in the parks therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to the rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari
Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park have a wide range of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Bwindi lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Buhoma Lodge, Kiho Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge among others.
How to get to the gorilla destinations
Both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park can be accessed by road transport means where you will drive from Kampala via masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive in a safari vehicle.
Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park can also be accessed by air transport means where you will book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips and then connect to the park headquarters by road.
You can also access Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park from Kigali where travellers will fly to Kigali international airport and then cross to Uganda via cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale which takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive.
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda 2024?
When planning your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, there are essential items that you should pack or carry including long sleeved shirt and trouser, insect repellent, hiking shoes, garden gloves, camera and extra batteries, waterproof rain jacket/poncho, warm sweater, energy snacks and drinking water, a pair of binoculars, face masks, a hat and sunglasses, walking stick, back pack among others.
For more information about planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda 2024, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various gorilla trekking safari packages.
