
Where to See Gorillas in Uganda? | Where to Go Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Gorilla trekking safaris in this country are only enjoyed in two national parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Adventurers can also trek Mountain Gorillas within Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and it also has Eastern Lowland Gorillas which are rare species.
Gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is the best destination when it comes to Gorilla trips.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park has almost half of the world’s surviving Mountain Gorillas making about 19 habituated Gorilla families and others are wild Mountain Gorillas.
There are four sectors that you can visit if you want to trek mountain Gorillas that is Buhoma in the north, Nkuringo in the south, Ruhija in the East, and Rushaga in the south.
Tourists on Gorilla tours in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can also enjoy the Gorilla habituation experience which gives you 4 full hours to be with Uganda Gorillas in their natural habitat.
You require a Gorilla permit to trek Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National Park and this is inclusive of the park entrance fees. When following the trails during Gorilla trekking holidays, if lucky, you get to see several bird species, other primates, and many wild animals like Forest Elephants.
Bwindi National Park is the best park to go Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking holidays in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Tourists can go Gorilla trekking within Mgahinga National Park if they don’t go for gorilla tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Mgahinga National Park shares borders with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
When you go Gorilla trekking in this park, you get to see Nyakagezi gorilla family the only Mountain Gorilla group within this park. Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga starts with a briefing at the park headquarters and you can trek Mountain Gorillas approximately between 2 to 8 hours.
Apart from seeing Gorillas, tourists can also see Golden Monkeys during Golden Monkey tracking. Mgahinga is the only park that offers a Golden Monkey trekking experience.
The others can be found in Volcanoes National Park as they are endemic in Virunga Mountains and that is why you can also find them in Virunga National Park.
Gorilla Habituation Experience within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
For more thrilling Gorilla tours, you can enjoy the Gorilla habituation experience which gives you 4 full hours with the apes. Gorilla habituation is the slow introduction of wild Mountain Gorillas to humans and it is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can take like 4 years to fully habituate a Gorilla family to recognize the human presence. It is also one of the best ways of seeing Mountain Gorillas in Uganda.
Gorilla Trek Cost/Price in Uganda | Gorilla Trek Permit Cost Uganda
A Gorilla trekking permit is a must-have if you are intending to go Gorilla trekking in Uganda. Gorilla permits should be purchased in advance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and you can use the services of a reputable tour operator.
A gorilla permit cost for foreign nonresidents is $700, $600 for foreign residents, and East African citizens can pay UGX 250,000.
If you want to enjoy the Gorilla habituation experience, the Gorilla permit costs $1500 and that is for non-residents within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda
Only the Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for selling Gorilla permits. It is always ideal to use the services of tour operators for purchasing a Gorilla trekking permit as they will make payments to the Uganda Wildlife Authority on your behalf.
You can buy the Gorilla permit in advance at least 3-6 months before your Gorilla tour. Keep in mind that it is very rare to acquire discounted Gorilla permits in Uganda for a gorilla tour.
How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available in Uganda?
Uganda sells 160 Gorilla permits a day. This makes it the highest number of Gorilla permits sold in a single day among all Gorilla tour destinations that is Volcanoes Park and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo also home to Lowland Gorillas.
To be calculative, there are 20 gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga and only 8 tourists track a Gorilla group per day. Although many, it is very hard to get discounted Gorilla permits.
How Much Does It Cost to See Gorillas in Uganda? | How much does it cost to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
There is no specific price for Gorilla watching in Uganda. The actual cost depends on many factors like the cost of a Gorilla permit, the number of days of the Gorilla holiday, accommodation, etc.
All in all, the gorilla permit is the main key factor and a tour operator can help you get it on your behalf. The Gorilla permit for Gorilla tracking costs $700 and the Gorilla habituation experience costs $1500.
Discounted Gorilla permits are hard to get especially during the peak season. You need to purchase your Gorilla trekking permit on time through tour operators.
How much is a Gorilla Safari in Uganda?
There is no specific Gorilla safari cost, but after considering all factors, expect a 3-day Gorilla trek trip to cost around $1500 and this mostly is inclusive of a Gorilla permit, transport, accommodation, and meals.
The Gorilla permit should be purchased on time to avoid any disappointments when you arrive for Gorilla tours. Never forget to bring insect repellents, hiking boots, and a camera for your trip.
Cheapest Way to See Gorillas In Uganda | How Do I See Gorillas On A Budget?
There are many ways to go Gorilla trekking on a budget. Tracking Mountain Gorillas seems to be so expensive in various ways but you can cut costs in the following ways.
- Go for Gorilla treks in the low season; this way most of the lodges are at a discount though there are no discounted Gorilla permits
- Use budget accommodation when you go Gorilla trekking
- You can cut costs when you join a group Gorilla tour
- Tourists can use public means of transport
Gorilla Tracking Rules and Regulations
Before going for Gorilla watching within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you need to know the Gorilla trek rules and regulations.
These rules are given to you by the park rangers during briefing at the park headquarters. They work the same if you are heading for the Gorilla habituation in Bwindi National Park.
Gorilla trekking rules before you set out;
- When going for the Gorilla trek, carry your Gorilla permit with you
- Don’t go for Gorilla trek in case of any illness like a cold or flu
- 15 years and above is the right age for Gorilla watching
- You should bury human waste at least 30 cm deep
- Only 8 people are allowed to trek a Gorilla group
Gorilla trek rules when you meet the Gorillas;
- During the Gorilla trek, keep a safe distance of 7 meters away from the gentle giants
- Avoid eating, smoking, and drinking when in contact with the Mountain Gorillas
- During your Gorilla treks, when sneezing or coughing, make sure that you cover your nose and mouth
- Avoid using the flashlight when taking pictures of the apes
- During your Gorilla treks, you are only given one full hour in the presence of the gentle giants
How Many Hours Can One Spend With Mountain Gorillas?
One can spend one full hour with a Gorilla family once they meet it during the Gorilla treks during the African safari. You can be with the Mountain Gorillas for 4 hours when you go for the Gorilla habituation experience.
From 2 to 8 hours is the usual time for Gorilla tracking in the misty jungles and it starts from the park headquarters.
How Many Days Do You Need For Gorilla Trekking? | How long are Gorilla Holidays in Uganda?
Three days is the minimum number of days for Gorilla trekking in Uganda. However, Gorilla tracking adventures can go beyond 3 days and you can combine it with thrilling wildlife safaris with visits to Queen Elizabeth National Park home to tree climbing Lions, Kidepo, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls Park.
What Time of the Day Are Gorillas Most Active?
Gorillas are most active during the day, especially in the morning hours. This is why Gorilla watching is best during the day and it starts in the morning. During this time the apes are leaving their shelters and ready to look for food.
Top Places to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park have many accommodation facilities where you can stay during your Gorilla tour.
- Luxury facilities include; Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, etc.
- Midrange facilities include; Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Ichumbi Safari Lodge, etc.
- Budget facilities include; Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, etc.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Best Time to Go | What Is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas In Uganda?
You can go Gorilla trekking or for Gorilla habituation experience all year throughout though the best time is during the dry season. The dry months to go Gorilla trekking are June, July, August, December, January, and February.
March, April, May, September, October, and November are wet months of the wet season and these months also offer Gorilla tracking though the trails can be slippery and apes are near meaning that food is abundant.
The wet season is good for Gorilla trekking especially for shoestring travelers as most of the lodges are at discount rates. Expect no discounted Gorilla permits during the wet season.
Which Month Is Best for Gorilla Trekking In Uganda?
June, July, August, December, January, and February are the best months to go Gorilla trekking. These are dry months and best for Gorilla treks in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda?
Travelers coming for a Uganda tour should be aware that not all clothes are good for Gorilla trekking tours.
There is no need to worry as we have recommended some wear for your Gorilla tour;
- Light long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Garden gloves
- Warm sweaters
- A hat or cap
- Safari socks
- Enough underwear
- Pajamas
- A poncho or rain jacket
What to Pack for Gorilla Tracking In Uganda
When going for Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris, these are some of the items that you shouldn’t forget to pack;
- A Gorilla permit
- Binoculars
- A good camera
- Insect repellents
- Walking sticks
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Hand wipes
- Sunglasses
- Anti-malaria medicine
- Toiletries
- Personal first aid kit
Is It Safe to Trek Gorillas in Uganda? | Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?
Gorilla tracking is safe in Uganda as there is nothing to worry about when you come for these adventures.
The misty jungles are well protected by armed park rangers and the Mountain Gorillas that you meet when on your Gorilla trek are fully habituated meaning that recognize human presence.
Tourists going for Mountain Gorilla treks should follow the instructions of the ranger guides so that they stay safe.
Gorilla Trekking Uganda Age Limit | Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
The age limit for Gorilla treks in this country is 15 years of age and above. Those below this age are not allowed to trek Mountain Gorillas unless when they sign a consent form with their parents or caretakers.
Are There Gorillas In Uganda?
Yes, this country has almost half of the last surviving Mountain Gorillas on the planet. Out of the 1063 individuals of the last count, Uganda has 459 individuals though there has been an increment as families have expanded with new offspring and after the count, we shall update you.
Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money? | Is Gorilla Trekking In Uganda Worth It?
When you come for a Gorilla trip, you will agree that trekking Mountain Gorillas is indeed worth the money and all the time. It is the only way of seeing the gentle giants.
Also, some of the money that is collected from the Gorilla permits is used for Gorilla conservation and the development of the surrounding local communities.
How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking? | How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking Uganda? | How Difficult Is the Gorilla Trek In Uganda?
Many people take Gorilla tracking as being difficult but after sighting the apes, they will forget all the difficulties. When you go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you will definitely go through thick forests, valleys, and hills and this can make the activity challenging.
Always prepare with some level of fitness before going for a Gorilla tracking adventure.
How Do I Prepare For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda?
First, make sure that your levels of fitness are just fine then book the Gorilla adventure through your tour operator or Tour Company.
The tour company will then book for you the Gorilla permit on time. From here, you can confirm the accommodation where you will be staying for your Gorilla tour.
On your arrival, the tour company will organize for you pick up and transfer you to Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where you will be doing your tour.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Vs Rwanda | Is it Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? | Is Uganda Or Rwanda Better For Gorilla Trekking?
Travelers can enjoy Trekking Mountain Gorillas in both destinations as long as they have an East African tourist visa as they offer the best experience. However, there is a difference between Uganda and Rwanda, and here is a simple comparison.
- A 1-day Rwanda Gorilla trek is possible in Volcanoes National Park as there is a short drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes Park. This is impossible in Uganda as you require a minimum number of 3 days.
- Uganda has more Gorilla families than Rwanda. It has 20 habituated Gorilla families and Rwanda has only 12 Gorilla families.
- There are 160 Gorilla permits sold in Uganda though only 96 Gorilla permits are sold in Rwanda per day.
- Rwanda Development Board sells a Gorilla permit at $1500 to tourists to see Rwanda Gorillas though that of Uganda costs $700.
- For the best experience of seeing Rwanda Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, you can combine the Gorilla tours with wildlife trips in Akagera National Park. It is the only savannah park in Rwanda. However, Uganda has 4 savannah national parks.
- There are more safari lodges of every budget in Uganda though there are a few in Volcanoes National Park and tourists can stay during the Rwanda Gorilla trek tours.
Why Go For Gorilla Trips in Uganda | Why You Should Trek Gorillas in Uganda
Gorilla trips are thrilling as you get to meet the amazing apes within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga, below are some of the reasons to trek Gorillas in Uganda;
- This country has half the population of the world’s last Mountain Gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 19 habituated families and Mgahinga has only one Gorilla family and this makes it 20 families.
Other Gorillas are in the Democratic Republic of Congo within the Virunga Mountains in Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.
- Affordable Gorilla adventures
Gorilla permits cost $700 and the one of Volcanoes National Park costs $1500 if you want to see Rwanda Gorillas.
Gorilla permits in the Democratic Republic of Congo are less expensive in both destinations for Congo Gorilla Trekking.
- Gorilla trekking contributes to Gorilla conservation
The price of a Gorilla permit is used for protecting Uganda Gorillas and their natural habitat, especially Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga.
- You can see more primates
When on your Gorilla trek tours, you get the opportunity to see other primates like Golden Monkeys though you can see more during Golden Monkey trekking, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, etc.
- The Gorilla safari experience is easily combined with other Uganda safari adventures
There are also Uganda wildlife tours, birding trips, boat cruises, cultural encounters, and mountain climbing.
- Uganda is a safe country to travel too
Best Uganda Gorilla Trek Tour Operators for Gorilla Expeditions in Uganda
Many tour operators arrange Gorilla treks in this country within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
These are the best tour operators to use;
- Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
- Safari Uganda Safaris
- Uganda Birding Safaris
- Gorilla trekking Uganda
Gorilla Safari Tours In Uganda | Best Gorilla Safari Packages
Gorilla safari packages will take you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga to see Uganda Gorillas. These Gorilla watching packages are combined with other Uganda safari adventures within other national parks to give you a great experience.
The Gorilla safari tours are offered by the best tour operators.
Here are some of the best packages;
- 5 Days Uganda Primates Safari
- 7 Days Uganda Safari
- 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari in Murchison Falls National Park, Chimpanzee tracking & Gorillas.
- 9 Days Uganda Tour; wildlife, Gorillas & Chimpanzee tracking
- 10 Days Uganda Safari Tour
- 12 Days Uganda Safari
- 15 Days Uganda Safari; Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimpanzee tracking
- 16 Days Uganda Safari Vacation
- 18 Days Uganda holiday; Chimpanzee tracking, wildlife & Gorillas
In summary, Uganda Gorilla Tours offers chances of trekking Mountain Gorillas within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You also get to experience the Gorilla habituation within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Gorilla watching adventures can be combined with wildlife adventures within the national parks of Uganda like Queen Elizabeth National Park a good place for seeing tree climbing Lions, Kidepo National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.
You will get thrilling experiences with full excitement when you go gorilla trekking within this country.
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