Month: November 2022

Tracking wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s tropical forests.

Why trekking chimpanzees in Uganda is one of the best summer adventure experiences in Africa?- Chimpanzee trekking adventures in Uganda

Tracking wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s tropical forests.  The thrill of tracking our snobbish cousins in the middle of an ancient rainforest jungle is one of the most endearing adventures on the African continent.

These intelligent, curious, noisy, and social apes live in small communities in equatorial Africa, with about 172,700 to 299,700 individuals thought to be living in protected rainforests. Uganda houses almost 5000 of these chimps with a couple of groups habituated for tourism. Observing a troop of habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat is one of Africa’s top bucket list experiences that any adventurer shouldn’t miss.

One of the best places to encounter chimpanzees in the wild is in Kibale National Park the primate’s capital of the world in western Uganda, home to five habituated groups within easy walking distance.

Chimpanzees are members of the great ape family with gorillas, humans, and orangutans. Chimps are intelligent, curious, social, and very noisy. They live in loose communities of about ten to more than 100 individuals sharing a home range that they protect from intruders.  They have complex behavior patterns, many of which they progressively learn. They can solve problems, plan for anticipated events, and make and use tools. Scientists have also observed them utilizing medicinal plants for a variety of ailments.

The idea that we have much in common with chimps, including more than 98 percent of our genetic code, is why so many travelers flock to Uganda and other parts of central Africa to watch these fascinating primates. Thanks to Jane Goodall’s long-term research, which has contributed to a comprehensive study that identified significant cultural variations in chimpanzee communities. Now we can relate to how our ancestors lived and make relevant adjustments.

Chimpanzees have been observed using tools, target throwing, and nest building. We’ve watched them grooming, rain dancing, and engaging in courtship rituals, and behavior scientists trace to multi-generational social learning and customs — in other words, culture. Imagine locking eyes with a primitive humanoid and seeing two million years into primate evolution; they are just like us.

On a chimpanzee-tracking adventure in Uganda’s thick rainforest jungles, tourists watch chimps regularly hold hands, touch and groom each other and sometimes kiss when they meet.

An adult chimp often has a special buddy with whom it spends a lot of time, with the most potent relationships within a troop between adult males.  Male chimps tend to spend a lot of time together and groom each other, almost four times as much as females. Females give their young a great deal of attention and help each other with babysitting chores.

The band’s older chimps are usually reasonably patient with active youngsters — watching over them as grandparents do with human kids. A crucial social activity in chimp societies is social grooming. Not only does grooming help remove ticks, flakes of dead skin, and dirt from the hair, but it also helps create and maintain social bonds. Walking with chimpanzees in Kibale National Park feels like walking with sugar-high kids. Still, it is when they come down from the canopy to the forest floor that tourists get the closest to them and observe their intricate social structures.

Tracking wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s tropical forests

Kibale forest National Park’s Chimpanzees

Located in the shadows of the Rwenzori mountains in western Uganda, Kibale forest National Park beams with an enchanting combination of scenic landscape scenery and forest creatures. Kibale has the highest concentration of primates in Africa; 13 primate species make it home but the most prominent is the 1500 chimpanzees swinging its canopy.

Visitors can track any of the five habituated troops and spend an hour or the entire day following their energetic antics. The best chimpanzee tracking excursions in Uganda happen twice daily from the Kanyanchu visitor center in Kibale.

At a Kanyanchu, expert local guides escort small groups to meet one of the most enthralling chimpanzee troops of about 120 individuals. Early morning excursions set off at bout 8:00 and typically last about four hours, and all you need to join the party is a tracking permit. With a regular chimpanzee trekking permit ($200 per person), visitors can spend up to one hour observing the chimps. Alternatively, visitors can spend the entire day walking with and observing wild chimps undergoing the habituation process on a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) for a permit price of $250 per person.

However, the habituation experience is physically demanding; prepare for a fair bit of fast-walking in the jungle with unmarked and sometimes damp trails. Kibale chimpanzees are boisterous and move fast, only stopping for a few minutes to listen out for enemies, breathe, feed, a socialize; the rewards during these moments are always worth the sweat.

Other destinations for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Tracking wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s tropical forests

For any inquiries about chimpanzee trekking adventures through Uganda and Rwanda, reach out to us at info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda – Uganda Gorilla Safaris – Gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda. Gorillas are considered a critically endangered species all over the world with only just one thousand of them still existing. These are found in a few African countries including Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Uganda serves as a safe home to more than half of the remaining population of Mountain gorillas and they are found in only two destinations and that’s Bwindi impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Mountain gorillas in Uganda and all other African destinations found are threatened by quite a several things including, disease, loss of habitat, illegal hunting for meat and trophies, and the most prominent one being encroachment on their habitat by humans a thing that is influenced by worsening conditions of living, lack of social services, poverty, and high human population growth.

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda. To address these threats to gorilla conservation many gorilla conservation organizations have been set up and many have come up with incredible initiatives to safeguard the future of these gentle giants. The most popular one of all organizations is Conservation through Public health.

To tackle the threats above, conservation through public health has focused on improving gorilla health, through regular health monitoring of habituated gorilla groups, improving community attitudes to gorilla and forest conservation, and improving community conservation practices through the promotion of clean energy. Special emphasis has been put on the meaningful engagement of women and other community members in their co-existence with the mountain gorillas and the forests they call a safe place.

Gorilla Health monitoring

Conservation for public health set up the gorilla health monitoring unit to proactively address and tackle species disease outbreaks between people, gorillas, and livestock by establishing an early warning system. To make this very effective, a Gorilla Research Clinic was established in 2005 at Buhoma – Bwindi’s main tourist site. In 2015, the research clinic was upgraded to a larger Gorilla Health and Community Conservation Centre with support from Tusk Trust where samples from gorillas, livestock, and people are analyzed to test for diseases that have the potential to be shared across species. This initiative has proved so important as it has reduced threats to the mountain gorillas by providing early warnings for disease outbreaks between people, livestock, and the gorillas.

Community volunteers have been trained and turned into Gorilla-Human Conflict Resolution teams with responsibilities including reporting clinical signs in gorillas and collecting fecal samples from gorilla night nests and trails both inside and outside the national park, safely chasing gorillas back into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park when they encroach on community land often when foraging for banana plants, collect gorilla fecal samples left on community land as part of monitoring gorilla health at a time when they are most at risk from human diseases.

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda

Communication for Conservation

Through the Village Health and Conservation Teams, families bordering protected areas are designed to receive conservation messages through peer education programs. Each VHCT is in charge of 50 homes and while delivering critical health services, they also deliver information on the importance of gorillas and the conservation of their forest habitat.

Youth engagement in Conservation

Youths and children are motivated to learn about the conservation and health of mountain gorillas through sports and cultural entertainment projects. Through partnerships with various international bodies, conservation for public health organizes football and netball tournaments at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to improve youth community engagement in conservation. conservation education curriculums have been designed to provide lessons to the participants about gorilla conservation and future existence.

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda

Women’s engagement in the conservation of gorillas.

Meaningful engagement and participation of women and girls in gorilla conservation projects have been initiated. opportunities have been created to support them in roles of conservation leadership, within the communities in which they work, in recognition of the pivotal role that women and girls have in environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

Feel free to contact us with inquiries on how you can participate in the conservation of mountain gorillas as a volunteer and very many other initiatives.

Fly in safari for gorilla trekking in Bwindi – Luxury gorilla trekking in Uganda – 3 days gorilla trekking by air.

Fly in safari for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Flying into Bwindi impenetrable national game park is the most comfortable way to access Uganda’s most prominent destination Bwindi impenetrable national game park for gorilla trekking, most especially for travelers who do not wish to do seven hours countryside drive to Bwindi. The fly-in safari to Bwindi allows you to make the most of your time and also be able to spare some time for other wildlife activities after gorilla trekking.

The fly-in safari for gorilla trekking can either start from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airstrip to the airstrip in Kisoro for a flight of about an hour.

Detailed itinerary by days.

Day one: Transfer to Bwindi by air.

Day highlights

Breathtaking views of the countryside with an aerial view

This trip will start with having an early morning breakfast at your hotel or residence. After breakfast, you will be picked up by a guide from Katland Safaris who will brief you about your three days safari and then transfer you to either Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airstrip for your flight to Kisoro. The flight from either Entebbe or Kajansi to Kisoro lasts around an hour with breathtaking views of Uganda’s countryside. Upon arrival at the airstrip in Kisoro, you will be picked up by a representative from Katland safaris who will welcome you, brief you again and transfer you to the lodge for check-in. After checking into the lodge, you will relax a bit as you wait for lunch.

Evening community walk.

Since you have a whole evening at the national park, you can choose from a range of optional activities the most popular one being a walk through the rural village to visit the Batwa community. This is the group that used to live with the mountain gorillas in the impenetrable forest before they were evicted for the conservation of mountain gorillas. They will take you through how they used to live life in the forest with gorillas, how they gathered food through hunting, how they treated themselves from disease and so much more. This can climax with entertainment from the local community of the Batwa men and women with a dance you are free to participate in.

Day two: All day of gorilla trekking.

The main activity of the second day of the 3 days fly in safari to Bwindi is gorilla trekking.

You will wake up very early in the morning for breakfast, with packed lunch and enough drinking water or dry foods, you will be transferred to the gate of the national park for a briefing from the rangers before gorilla trekking starts.

After the briefing and with the leadership of the ranger guide, you will then embark on a full-day adventure into the thick Bwindi impenetrable forest to track the famous mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the most important destinations in Uganda. This park is a safe home to more than half the population of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. You will then start the trek into the impenetrable forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park.​ This is a true adventure and part of the excitement is finding the gorillas. Follow the guides as they make paths through the thick vegetation until the special moment when you come in contact with these majestic gentle giants. Coming so close to the mountain gorillas is truly a priceless and extremely unique experience and will surely be one of the standout moments of your fly-in gorilla safari to Bwindi. After meeting the mountain gorillas, you will be awarded an hour to spend with the mountain gorillas, observe them and take pictures to share with friends and loved ones back home.

After the gorilla encounter, you will return to the gate of the national park where the trekking started, and there meet with the representative from Katland safaris who will transfer you back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer back to either Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport from Kisoro.

Wake up early morning for breakfast and then our guide will transfer you to the airstrip to Kisoro to catch your flight back to either kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport. Upon arrival at kajjansi or Entebbe international airport, you will again meet a representative from Katland Safaris who will transfer you to either your hotel of residence, home or transfer to Entebbe international airport for your international flight back home.

Fly in safari for gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Contact us for more information about a fly-in safari to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

Booking a gorilla safari to Uganda – Gorilla trekking – Gorilla Habituation – Uganda – Rwanda

Booking a Gorilla Safari to Uganda. Uganda is a top destination for gorilla trekking in the world. This is because the country is home to more than half of the remaining population of the gentle giants. The gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda can only be done from two destinations, that’s from Bwindi impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga’s gorilla national game park. Both parks are located in western Uganda and are part of the Virunga conservation area shared by three countries, Rwanda Uganda, and the democratic republic of Congo.

When booking a gorilla safari to Uganda, a lot of things are supposed to be put into a plan for a swift and adventurous gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla booking starts with deciding to take Uganda as a gorilla trekking destination. When the decision is taken, we at all times advise that the traveler uses a trusted-on-ground tour and travel agent to put all safari logistics in check.

Booking a gorilla permit.

A gorilla permit is the official government document that allows you access to two of Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations and that’s Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national game parks.

A gorilla permit also gives you an hour on normal gorilla tracking and four hours when it’s gorilla habituation. Within this time frame, a client is allowed to spend time with the gorillas, observe their ways of life, and take memorable pictures to share with loved ones back home. Travelers can book using a trusted tour operator to book in advance for three months before the travel to the country and it can be done by sending your biodata passport and the day of the month you are planning to travel.

Alternatively, a client can book his or her gorilla permit directly by contacting Uganda wildlife Authority by either male or direct contact for reservation of gorilla permits on particular dates. However, this process has proven to be challenging to many visitors as compared to using a trusted tour and travel company like Katland safaris.

The cost of a gorilla permit.

Only a maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek a gorilla group in a single day. Because gorilla trekking is a very popular tourist activity, very few gorilla trekking permits are released in a year and they at most times get finished very quickly. That’s why we at all times advise booking your gorilla permit early enough for easy planning for your gorilla adventure safari to Uganda.

A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 700 for normal gorilla trekking. Gorilla habituation permits cost 1500 USD and also only eight visitors are allowed for the habituation process for each group.

Bwindi has got four gorilla trekking sectors and including Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga gorilla sector. Bwindi has 12 gorilla families whereas Mgahinga has 1 gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi family.

 Best time for booking a gorilla safari t Uganda.

The best season for gorilla trekking is during April May, October, and December when trekkers are few. During these months, a visitor can easily get the permits however we advise you to book your gorilla trekking permits early enough, four to six months in advance. Important to note is that gorilla trekking goes on throughout the year.

What to carry for the gorilla trekking safari.

• A rain jackets
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Long-tour trousers and long sleeves protect you from thorny and sharp things in the forest.
• Huts
• Lotions and repellants
• Sunglasses
• A camera for memory pictures to share with loved ones back home

Contact us for any inquiries about booking a gorilla safari to Uganda, and do not forget to move with your rain jackets.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda – primates safaris – Book a trip to Uganda or Rwanda now.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda and Rwanda are recently some of the most popular destinations for golden monkey tracking in the world.

In the early years, this pretty monkey was common in Rwanda’s Gishwati Forest Reserve, most of which was chopped down by returned refugees in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. Because of this human factor, a big population of these beautiful primates left further to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southern part of the country.

In Uganda, these beautiful primates are most popular and dominant in Mgahinga gorilla national game park in southeastern Uganda on the border with Rwanda. Surveys conducted estimate that the population of golden monkeys in Mgahinga gorilla national park is between 3,000 to 4,000

Golden monkeys are an endangered species and are endemic to this region. They share these forests as safe homes with other beautiful creatures including, Mountain gorillas, forest elephants, and many other species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.

Much as they share a home with mountain gorillas in Mgahinga gorilla National game park, unlike mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are small, and quiet at times, especially in the presence of their main predator the eagles, they do not make nests and leave very little or no evidence of their presence on the floors of the forests they inhabit.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda.

Golden monkey trekking experience.

In Uganda Mgahinga gorilla national park, golden monkeys are getting more used to the presence of human beings in their habitat. Therefore, this allows guests to have an insight and a close encounter with these beautiful primates and observe their daily lives.

The monkeys dictate how the day is going to be, and no day is ever the same in the forest. It’s always hard to tell how the trekking day is going to turn out, and this is what makes golden monkey trekking a worthwhile experience and exciting one. the weather is the biggest challenge when trekking but at times can turn into a blessing in disguise.  When trekking at times in search of the golden monkeys, you will encounter strong winds, extreme coldness, and sometimes heavy rains

Wind makes it conducive to tracking the golden monkeys they tend to stay quiet in the blowing wind to be able to hear and detect. When it rains, golden monkeys take shelter in tree canopies and at times do not move which gives you a very high chance to see them.

However, it’s important to note that, regardless of whether it’s raining or not golden monkey trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda can be done every day all through the year.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda.

The cost of Golden Monkey Tracking Permits

The golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda costs 50 us dollars per person per trek for foreign nonresidents, 40 us dollars per person per trek for foreign residents, and 20,000 Ugandan shillings for East African Residents per person per trek.

The cost of that permit includes entry to the golden monkey destination, fees to the park guide or ranger, and a full hour with the golden monkey after encountering them.

Preparing for golden monkey trekking.

Just like mountain gorilla trekking, the golden monkey tracking experience also starts with tourists’ arrival at Park headquarters as early as 7:30 am. Once the tourists are at the gate, they are briefed by a ranger guide on how the trekking experience will be conducted highlighting the dos and don’ts of golden monkey trekking. After the briefing is done, the trekking then starts with the leadership of the ranger guide into the forest.

Golden monkey trekking is not as tiresome as mountain gorilla trekking because Golden monkeys stay in lower areas than golden monkeys. At most, it can take visitors about three hours to trek and an extra hour to spend with the golden monkeys to observe their behavior and take pictures to share with loved ones back home. Unlike mountain gorilla trekking, with golden monkey trekking, there is no restriction on the number of people permitted to trek with golden monkeys but there is a restriction on age, and only those above 12 are permitted to go for the golden monkey trekking experience.

Tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda.

What to carry during golden monkey trekking.

Like gorilla trekking even golden monkey trekking is dome withy in thick forests, therefore a visitor must be well prepared for this encounter. Some of the things that must be included in your tourist back include comfortable hiking shoes, long tours trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a hut, light walking sticks, skin repellants, a light backpack for lunch, packed lunch, and drinking water.

Contact us with any inquiries about tracking golden monkeys in Uganda and Rwanda.

Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. All  you need to before encountering the gentle Giants 

Dos and don’t for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.  Encountering mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda is a lifetime opportunity for any traveler worldwide. But because mountain gorillas are an endangered species with only about one thousand reaming in the world, the protection and conservation of these gentle giants is at the forefront of every gorilla trekking adventure.

Gorilla trekking is an expensive but also very exciting adventure that should be enjoyed by any tourist that opts to do it. Katland safaris excel in providing guiding information on gorilla trekking to tourists intending to go on mountain gorilla trekking safaris to both Uganda and Rwanda.

By gorilla trekking dos and don’ts, we mean those particular things you do from the time of planning your gorilla safari to when you encounter these gentle giants.

Before your gorilla trekking safari.

• You must have booked a gorilla trekking permit. This is the official document from the government of either Rwanda or Uganda that allows you access to the gorilla trekking destinations in both countries.
• You must have already arranged for transportation from your hotel of residence or the airport to the gorilla trekking destination.
• We advise you do the booking of your gorilla trekking permits and all other gorilla trekking logistics like transport and accommodation with a local travel agency like Katland safaris as this is easier and swift.

Dos and don’t for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Before gorilla trekking.

• Carry packed lunch or dry foods with drinking water for your gorilla trekking adventure.
• You must be above 15 years of age to do gorilla trekking.
• You must at all times follow the instructions of your guide.
• Only eight people are permitted to trek a particular gorilla family in a day. This is a conservation initiative aimed at reducing the risk of disease contracting and at minimizing behavioral disturbance.
• You must wash your hands before starting your gorilla trekking adventure.
• Your voice must be at its lowest all the time to avoid behavioral disturbance.
• Do not take rubbish into the gorilla jungle especially the kind of rubbish that might harm the environment.
• The trekking will start from where the gorillas were last seen and that’s the trail that you will follow until you meet the mountain gorillas.
• When in an encounter with the mountain gorillas, you follow the instructions from the guide.

Dos and don’t for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

When the mountain gorillas

• Keep a distance of not less than 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas. The further you are, the more relaxed the gorillas will be.
• It’s okay to ask your guide questions, but your voice must be low.
• Stay in a tight group when you have encountered mountain gorillas.
• Do not use the flash when taking pictures as it irritates the gorillas.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when near mountain gorillas. Do not drop any food or drinking material that can be taken by the gorillas. This is intended at reducing the risk of disease contact with the gorillas
• Sometimes gorillas charge. When they do, do not attempt to run as this may increase the risk rather wait for communication from your guide.
• Do not tempt them to touch the mountain gorillas or even directly look into their eyes.
• You are only permitted to spend not more than an hour with the mountain gorillas for regular trekking and not more than four hours for gorilla habituation.

General health rules for gorilla trekking

Mountain gorillas are very suspect able to human diseases. Avoiding this from happening is key to the protection of these gentle giants.

• Keep a distance of not less than 7 meters from the mountain gorillas
• With the recent covid 19 outbreaks, you are advised to carry and put on a mask when in an encounter with mountain gorillas.
• Kindly respect the limitation on the number of people permitted to track mountain gorillas. It’s intended for the conservation of these gentle giants and to limit human disease contact.
• If you feel there is an urge for you to cough, turn your head either down or look the other way around and cough while covering your nose and mouth.
• Do not leave external rubbish in the mountain gorilla jungle.
• If you feel the need to use a toilet, ask your guide, he or she will use his panga to dig a toilet for you 30 meters and above deep.

Dos and don’t for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Things to carry for gorilla trekking.

• Carry packed lunch or dry foods with enough drinking water as the trekking sometimes takes hours.
• Carry comfortable hiking shoes
• Carry light walking sticks
• Put on comfortable clothes, long trousers, and long-sleeved shirts to protect you from tree branches and thorns as you navigate through the thick forest.
• Carry a phone or camera for pictures but make sure you do not use the flashlight when taking pictures.
• Carry rain jackets, body lotions, a hut, and sunglasses as well, you might at times need them.

Feel free to contact us for any more inquiries about the dos and don’ts for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda or a tailor-made gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla trekking safaris through Uganda and Rwanda – Gorilla Habituation safaris – Family Holiday 

Booking a family gorilla trekking safari. Traveling with family for gorilla trekking is so much fun, but having a detailed itinerary to follow during a family gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda is time-saving and reduces the panic you may go through if you travel with no plan. A range of rare safari packages are available for you and your family like:

3 days Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari

5-day gorilla trekking and chimpanzee safari

7-day gorilla, chimpanzee trekking and wildlife safari

9- days gorilla and wildlife safari.

These give you a better guideline on what you and your family wish to do and on which days of the week. In case you want to have a special moment during gorilla trekking like an engagement, birthday surprise and so much more, you can follow the days provided and with your tour operator make the desired changes to suit your expectations. You need to inform your travel agent before traveling in case you have any special arrangements so that the park authorities are in the know and also make special arrangements for this.

2 day and three-day gorilla trekking safari itineraries are available but these may not be suitable for a family vacation since lots of baggage is involved. At times it’s consuming to get all people traveling in the same place at the same time in the shortest time. These itineraries are a rash program arrangement and may not give you enough time for family boarding.

Booking a family gorilla trekking safari

On transport from your destination to Uganda or Rwanda, Make Early Flight Arrangements Before Gorilla Trekking with your Family. International flights get overbooked during the holiday season. If you hope to travel with family for gorilla trekking in Africa, depending on the number of people traveling, you need to book international flights in advance.

Gorilla trekking permits are not rescheduled when it gets to some days towards your booked date. This may call for a hefty price as per the rules set by authorities.

Even if you are not coming from the same place or country and booked on different flights, you need to be in Uganda or Rwanda at least a day before starting the gorilla trekking safari. This enables you to put all required gorilla trekking gears to travel with to the countryside together.

In case any flights are missed by someone at the party, you need to communicate with us at Katland Safaris so that private arrangements are made for this person to catch up.

Domestic flights to gorilla trekking parks in Uganda also require prior arrangements. In case you choose this arrangement for the family vacation, a reservation is needed. This is because domestic flights get overbooked, especially during peak seasons.

Hire a comfortable vehicle for a gorilla trekking safari with family.

Although gorilla trekking packages we tailor at Katland Safaris include car hire, reserving a comfortable car for family trips is special. Each person needs a window seat or a comfortable position for the entire safari. Most of the vehicles have limits on the number of seats and access to a window. No one wants to be obstructed during the safari. The more family members the more safari vehicles to book.

Booking a family gorilla trekking safari

Advise On Meal Arrangements Before Gorilla Trekking

Traveling with family members with allergies can be challenging in case you don’t advise anyone on their meal plan. Before traveling for gorilla trekking, we recommend our clients give us their meal plan in advance in case some have food allergies. Some travelers want to taste local cuisines which is an additional adventure but do ask for assistance from your guide driver. He knows the best hygienically approved spots where this local food arrangement can be made.

Lots of street food is sold on the way but we do not advise clients to buy this because of food poisoning possibility. Most of the accommodations up country are Full Board facilities but you need to advise on what you prefer to be served at meals. This is in case you are not comfortable with a certain meal arrangement. Lots of organic fruits and vegetables are locally grown and served at these lodges. For vegans, you are fully covered during your stay during gorilla trekking.

Organize Gorilla Trekking Gear in advance

Sharing a list of gorilla trekking gear with each member of the family traveling is helpful. On the ground, there is less time to go shopping for any gear because of the proximity of most shops in Town. Even on departure day to go to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or any other gorilla trekking destination, there is no time to waste shopping. The program is normally tight because of the long hours expected to drive on the road.

Things to do after encountering gorillas with your family.

Chimpanzee trekking

After a successful full-family gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda, you can do chimpanzee trekking. In Uganda Kibale Forest National Park has the largest number of habituated chimpanzees in Africa and in Rwanda chimpanzee trek from Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Game drives After Gorilla Trekking

Although gorilla trekking is a whole day adventure, you can still connect to the game parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park depending on the time of return from Bwindi Forest or Volcanoes national park. Lots of wild animals and scenery are lovely to look at. Some wild animals include tree-climbing lions, leopards, herds of elephants, topis, waterbucks, bushbucks, and huge mountains of the moon (Mountain Rwenzori).

White water rafting on River Nile with family

Relaxing on River Nile after gorilla trekking is refreshing. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience in peddling. Experienced divers and trainers are present to take you through short lessons on how to overcome the tides. Kayaks are also present for anyone not comfortable with rapid tides

Feel free to contact us with any inquiries on booking a family gorilla trekking package Uganda – Rwanda

Book a gorilla permit to Uganda. Gorilla trekking Safaris – Gorilla Habituation.

Book a gorilla permit to Uganda. If you are planning for a gorilla trekking adventure through Uganda, purchasing and acquiring a gorilla permit must be top of the list of the things you must have early enough before the gorilla adventure happens. This is the official government of Uganda document that allows you access to the only two gorilla destinations in the country that’s Bwindi impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga gorilla national game park.

Your one-hour or four hours encounter with the mountain gorilla in either Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national park can only be assured after purchasing the gorilla permits. At the gate of any of the two-gorilla destinations, a client is asked to present his or her passport and the gorilla permit before the briefing on how the trekking adventure will go on.

Where to get gorilla permits in Uganda.

Gorilla permits in Uganda for both destinations Bwindi and Mgahinga are only issued by the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA), the government agency in charge of all national parks in the country. A visitor can either contact Uwa by a direct call or simply by sending them a mail requesting for reservation of gorilla permits for a particular date. Upon confirmation of the availability of the gorilla trekking permit, a client will then make payments, and his or her gorilla trekking permit will be issued to him or her.

However, many visitors who have taken this path have ended up frustrated and left with only one easy option and that’s going through on-ground tour operators and agents for the purchase of their gorilla trekking permits a thing that has proven to be so easy and swift.

Book a gorilla permit to Uganda.

Katland safaris have helped many visitors book gorilla permits for both Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks and we have extensively written about the entire process of acquiring gorilla permits. We are proud how selves for being among very few tours and travel companies with experience and extensive knowledge of gorilla trekking through Uganda and Rwanda.

We are a tour and travel company based in Uganda’s capital Kampala run and managed by young Ugandans passionate about selling the beautiful country Uganda is to the rest of the world. An email or a direct call to us answers all your gorilla trekking queries in no time. We will design an all-inclusive gorilla safari and sometimes combine it with wildlife to give you a true and rewarding holiday through the most beautiful country on earth Uganda.

Our most popular gorilla trekking safaris include 3 Day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari, 3 days of Uganda gorilla trekking from Rwanda, and 5 days of Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari.

When to book a gorilla permit.

Uganda with its two gorilla destinations Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national park issues not more than one hundred and fifty Gorilla permits per day. Therefore, acquiring a gorilla trekking permit is very competitive and extremely disappointing for last-minute booking visitors. We therefore at times advise our clients to book very early enough and this can be anything between 4 to 6 months. At times we even book permits for our clients a year before their gorilla trekking adventure happens. You can contact us by email for any inquiries on booking your gorilla permit early.

How much is a gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs 700 dollars for foreign nationals and is only issued to individuals of 15years of age and above. Foreign residents with work permits in Uganda are charged 600dollars and 250,000 Uganda shillings are charged to East African residents

What’s included in your gorilla permit?

Uganda’s gorilla trekking permit includes access to the two-gorilla trekking destinations in the country, that’s either Bwindi Impenetrable national game park or Mgahinga gorilla national game Park. For regular trekking, the permit gives you a full hour with the mount gorillas and this starts to count upon reaching the gorillas. However, for gorilla habituation permits, you are given four full hours to spend with the gentle giants.

The permit gives you access to the gorilla trekking experience on the exact dates that were reserved. Missing the dates means that a particular gorilla permit becomes invalid.

Each gorilla trekking permit comes with a ranger guide who navigates you through the thick forests of either Bwindi or Mgahinga gorilla national game parks.

Upon reaching the mountain gorillas, visitors are permitted to take pictures and videos to share with their loved ones back home.

Book a gorilla trekking safari with Katland safaris.

Cut a great deal of planning time and the frustration that comes with it and book your gorilla trekking safari with us at Katland safaris. We will tailor make you the best safari, and put all the logistics from booking the gorilla permits to transportation, guiding, and accommodation in one place.

Contact us for any more inquiries on booking a gorilla safari to Uganda.

BEST HOTELS IN KAMPALA AND ENTEBBE.

Hotels in Entebbe

SERENA LAKE VICTORIA

Serena Lake Victoria presents a selection of unique accommodations. Choose from standard rooms, executive suites, and presidential suites. Housed in Tuscan-style buildings, which are widely spaced around the terraced rose gardens, the standard room accommodation is elegantly presented in shades of terracotta and cream. Each room features either a queen-sized or 2 twin beds, a dressing table, work station, a seating area, a balcony, and a lavish marble bathroom with a walk-in shower. The suites offer many additional facilities and are great for those looking for the next level. With massive gardens, this hotel is more of a resort than a hotel in terms of its look and feel and its facilities. It’s pretty stylish and has a laid-back, relaxed feel to it.

THE BOMA

The Boma is located 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport. Double rooms, triple rooms, and family rooms are all available. It is a combination of modern comforts and charm of character from the 1940s. All rooms are individually decorated in a mixture of African and European décor and reflect colonial architecture. Facilities available include a bar and restaurant, swimming pool, beach area, and the Internet. The Boma is a long-standing favorite stopover of many visitors to Uganda.

HOTEL NUMBER 5

From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting. For one of the most flavorsome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired with an international wine list and served with pride.  Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this bustling city. Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym.

KARIBU GUEST HOUSE

Just 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport, the Karibu guest house is set in a former presidential residence. Catering to a small number of guests at any one time, the hotel offers a high level of personalized service, quality food, 24-hour reception, a relaxing swimming pool, and comfortable sleep. Whether your visit to Entebbe is for business or pleasure, you’ll feel at home with Karibu Guest House.

ENTEBBE STAY

Enjoy all the glamour of Entebbe in this bespoke apartment nestled into the lush greenery of Lake Victoria on a gated property, providing a cool and airy cocoon for downtime or entertaining. Harmonies of light-toned wood, luminous white, and touches of vibrant color create a soothing atmosphere. the entry-level is dedicated to gathering and socializing featuring a hidden spa, a bar with Mahogany wood finishes, and a fully integrated entertainment system. The open-concept, living/dining area boasts a fully equipped kitchen with Viking appliances and an ample living-room area flowing out to the balcony.

Hotels in Kampala

SERENA hotel KAMPALA

The Serena Kampala hotel offers generously proportioned deluxe rooms, executive suites, business suites, and royal suites, all of which feature a large en suite bathroom, dressing table, work station, seating area and terrace, air-conditioning, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, voicemail and 24-hour room service. It is close to activities such as banks, the national theatre, shopping malls, and a variety of social life, but this is not felt whilst inside the 5-star hotel as it has large gardens and an extensive swimming pool area with a rocky waterfall. There is a mind/body/spirit spa, a running track on the grounds, and a golf course close by. A hair and beauty salon, VIP entrance, helipad, dedicated car park, taxi, limousine service, and business center also add to its facilities. It is a huge hotel but is a safe base to start/end a safari in Uganda.

SHERATON HOTEL KAMPALA

This International brand hotel offers many room types (classic, executive, club, diplomatic suites, suites, and presidential suites). All rooms have an extensive entertainment system, a comfortable bathroom, and all other necessities. Sports enthusiasts can pursue their fitness activities with a personal trainer in the in-house health club or enjoy the day playing a relaxing round of golf on the course nearby. The sauna facilities and the outdoor pool will ensure that you can recharge your batteries after an exhausting day wandering around Kampala. Cold drinks and good dining can be enjoyed in any of the several bars and restaurants serving cocktails, snacks, and meals. The Sheraton suits all types of guests but perhaps is best geared towards conferences and business people.

For any inquiries about booking accommodation in both Entebbe and Kampala, reach out to us at info@katlandafricasafaris.com

Planning for a road trip adventure through Uganda with Katland safaris – all you need to know when planning a road trip through Uganda 

Road trip adventure through Uganda. A road trip through Uganda is one of the most exciting adventures that a traveler wouldn’t miss while on a safari through Uganda. If you are planning one to Uganda for the first time, several things must be put together to make it memorable, super exciting, and adventurous.

When it comes to road trips, Uganda is that one country with several amazing tourist sites for you to explore. Most importantly, you need plenty of time to allow plan appropriately for your holiday. This will allow you put everything together and, in the end, make your holiday successful. Before embarking on a road trip make sure that you have where to spend a night whether in Kampala or at the national park where most of the safaris are conducted.

Where to go while on a road trip through Uganda

Uganda comprises numerous tourist sites which means you have somewhere to visit. There are 10 national parks in different parts of Uganda where safaris are done and they include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park, Mount Rwenzori National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park. Many wildlife reserves are equally ideal for safaris and they include among others Matheniko wildlife reserve, Pian Upe wildlife reserve, and Katonga wildlife reserve mention but a few.

Things to see and do on a road trip through Uganda

Uganda is home to intense biodiversity. Home to more than half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas, a thing that her the most perfect destination for gorilla trekking in the whole world. Over 5000 chimpanzees are confined in different parts of Uganda making it an ideal place for chimpanzee tracking. Primate species to look out for in Uganda include golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, L’Hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and many more. There are also many wildlife species including African elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, giraffes, warthogs, and antelopes a mention but a few thus making this beautiful country the best for wildlife viewing. Equally, over 1080 bird species are all confined within this magical African destination including the rare African green-breasted pitta, African green broadbill, shoebill stork, bee-eaters, great blue turaco, and many others. Its huge concentration of bird species makes it an ideal place for bird watching. Others include otters, the Nile crocodiles, hippos, butterflies, and bush pigs a mention but a few.

Important things to take note of before embarking on a road trip through Uganda

When driving on Ugandan roads keep left. If you are looking for a self-guided road trip, you should put this in mind so that you can drive safely through the Pearl of Africa.

If you are a first-time visitor, we recommend you avoid self-driving. Driving is not for the faint-hearted in Uganda most especially in Kampala. Self-drive is recommended for those who have at least been in the country. Always wear your seat belt. This is not only a safety measure but also can be a traffic offense in Uganda

Be mindful of the speed limit and signpost. Recommended speed limits for towns are 50km/hour and the recommended safe speed for highways is 80km/hr.

Be mindful of the seasons.

Be mindful of the season-the dry and wet seasons are two important seasons to put into consideration while planning for a road trip. The dry season starts from June to September and December to February. The dry season is characterized by low rainfall and is perfect for a road trip as the routes remain relatively drier. The wet season begins from March to May and October to November

Other important things to note

Carry A GPS on your trip

Don’t drink and drive

Don’t use a mobile phone while driving and many others

Book accommodation before starting your trip.

Decide the route and have an itinerary with Arranged stop points

For any inquiries about arranging a road trip through Uganda, feel free to contact info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com