Month: June 2023

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda. Luxury Lodges in Uganda: The Best Safari Holiday Accommodation

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda. Uganda’s grand natural spaces have compelled generations of safari adventurers to seek them out and the safari accommodation providers have kept pace. Tourists coming to Uganda for safari Holidays have little more to worry about than the ultimate in service, comfort, experience, and indulgence. What we are sure of is that they can’t go wrong with the places our travelers have chosen on this a-list of safari vacation lodges in Uganda.

We put down this a-list of vacation lodges and camps based on how our travelers have rated them since when we opened the business. Ratings include their facilities, location, service, food, amenities, and overall value.

List of Top 6 Safari Lodges in Uganda

Mihingo Lodge

Located right in between Uganda’s capital city Kampala and the primate trekking and wildlife safari destinations of southwestern Uganda, any adventure seeker enjoys a natural frontier feel to this safari vacation lodge, overlooking Lake Mburo National Park’s vast and beautiful savannah plains.

Mihingo Lodge is Perched high on a 500-million-year-old rock, Mihingo Lodge is an enchanting setting of wilderness vacation luxury designed to blend beautifully with its natural surroundings. A tranquil pool overlooks a sweeping wild valley below the water where buffalo, impala, zebra, eland, warthogs, and bushbuck converge for an afternoon quench.

The privately positioned Luxury tents all enjoy ward views from a veranda and spacious bathroom with six units dramatically placed on the summit of the Kopje with others along less giddy contours around the flanks. Attention to detail is evident throughout from the loo handles to the organic thatched dining shelter supported by gnarled olive wood trees.

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda

Kyaninga Lodge

The lodge is perched on the edge of a spectacular crater lake called Kyaninga providing the perfect start for guests to explore the beauty of Fort Portal and the region’s hidden natural amenities when they step out of their cottage. The gardens offer a stunning setting for relaxation, reflection, and space for vacation games. There is even a lawn tennis court for the joyful stretching of holiday muscles. A guided walk around Lake Kyaninga would put you on the path of some exciting wildlife sightings like colobus monkeys and baboons.

A few drive hours from the lodge takes you to other Crater Lakes and notably to the Kibale forest popular for the chimpanzee trekking adventure. Kibale stands out as the best place in Africa to watch our cousin chimpanzee troops in their natural setting and twelve other primate species

Elephant Plains Lodge

Elephant Plains Lodge is one of the newest and most excellent safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth national game park. The Lodge is located on the northeastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s surrounded by vast acres of protected wilderness plains under an endless blanket of stars. The safari lodge is a few minutes’ drive to the start of game drives through one of Uganda’s finest national parks to Kasenyi game tracks, Mweya Peninsula, Lake Kikorongo, and Kazinga Channel.

The safari lodge cottages have large bathtub showers and are spaced out along the hilltop, offering tranquil privacy for quiet outside evenings. Large verandas overlook Lake Kikorongo, where you can watch the sunset on elephants and buffaloes by the watering hole. The main area provides an extensive lounge with comfortable couches and intimate seating areas for you to enjoy a Ugandan gin and tonic and take in the beautiful views under the cooling breeze rolling in off Lake George.  The spacious restaurant has an outside dining deck with 270-degree views serving an international menu inspired by local flavors.

The lodge also has a sizeable eco-friendly swimming pool for guests to cool off at the end of the day and continue to take in the enthralling views offered from everywhere around the lodge.

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda

Apoka Safari Lodge

Apoka Safari Lodge is the finest lodge in kedepo valley national game park commanding views across the Kidepo flatlands to the mountains beyond. This safari lodge has a relaxed classic safari feel, quietly providing a tranquil and private wildlife experience in Uganda’s remotest northeastern Kidepo National Park. The lodge is located 437 km away from the city chaos, into the countryside among the untamed wilderness, an unrivaled base for intrepid adventurers seeking the quintessential African safari experience. 

Sitting right on the edge of a rocky hill are ten beautifully furnished vacation rentals (each rented separately) with exquisite interiors that marry a real sense of interior design with the natural surroundings. The natural shades of rock, wood carvings, and hand-crafted wooden beds draped with soft mosquito nets bring out the idyllic classic romance for a wilderness getaway.

Hand-woven woolen carpets offer an element of added warmth, and secluded sitting rooms and private verandas with views across the Narus Valley invite meditative moments over the golden sunsets. A lovely ensuite bathroom features a large tropical shower and deep outdoor bathtub – the perfect refuge after a successful day of game viewing.

And if the wild uninvited visitors (lions, buffalo, giraffes, or leopards) don’t thrill you, take a dip in the sparkling swimming pool hewn out of the rock, bury yourself in a good book or a fun-filled board game, and let the hours flicker by in the main sitting room.

Suppose you’re looking for a classic intrepid safari experience in unusual spaces of Uganda’s wilderness. In that case, Apoka Safari Lodge is your choice of unique safari vacation rental that provides interweaving traditional spaces and the natural world into a romantic, warm, relaxed, and intimate getaway!

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp delivers on its off-grid promise with a look that is seemingly out of a fantasy novel or fairy tale. Canvas tents with wooden floors and decking for a magical, whimsical feel deliver a pioneering jungle spirit.

With an ideal location close to the starting point for the gorilla trekking adventures in the impenetrable jungles, the eight-tent camp is one of the most remote and atmospheric in Africa – certainly the most idyllic of all safari vacation rentals in Bwindi. It’s not uncommon for the giant of all apes to walk in on your evening siestas around the main areas.

The lodge offers eight canvas tents with wooden floors and decking, fluffy beds, and ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs strategically positioned for the intriguing vises of the steamy forest. An open-air dining cottage overlooking the rainforest, a cozy campfire for communal evenings, a mini span, and a local crafts gift shop are some of the features that will keep you included during your vacation stay.

Top 6 safari Lodges in Uganda

Nile Safari Lodge

Nestled into the bank of Victoria Nile River between the Albert Delta and Paraa in Murchison Falls National Park, Nile Safari Lodge immerses its occupants in a rural paradise, creating the most tranquil family safari vacation hideaway.

The riparian makes the most of its riverside location with the thunderous Murchison Falls 20 kilometers downstream, providing access to the prime game viewing activities in the park. Its ingenious and environmentally conscious design that blends seamlessly with its surroundings makes the safari lodge Uganda’s most luxurious wilderness vacation rental.

The lodge’s minimally intrusive design is marvelously crafted from local eucalyptus wood and other locally sourced material without compromising comfort or aesthetics. It has eight luxurious bandhas secluded among tall trees and thick shrubs along the Nile banks that can be rented individually. The fine sleeping rooms are fitted with en-suite facilities and outdoor showers to allow guests to bathe in the natural surroundings. Characterized by creative and purposely simple designs, each has its unique style and offers ultimate privacy for a wilderness or romantic getaway. Exquisite wooden décor, luxurious double beds, and a private deck create an oasis of tranquility in the backdrop of the mighty Nile.

If you’re going all out for glamour in Uganda, Nile Safari Lodge is a masterpiece safari vacation rental, an idyllic riverside hideaway that makes you feel, well, majestic.

Contact us with any inquiries on how to book a stay in one of Uganda’s Exclusive safari lodges for your adventure Holiday through Uganda.

Big Game Safari Adventure in Uganda. Big Five Animals in Uganda – Uganda Wildlife Safari.

Your dream to take a safari through Africa becomes a reality when you encounter at least one or two of the big five animals on your big game safari adventure in Uganda.

A sizable number of tourists from all over the world choose to take trips to Africa, particularly to Uganda to encounter the impressive big game Animals these include the African Buffalo, the African Rhinoceros, Lions, Leopard, and the African Elephant.

The term big five animals date way back to the 1800s from trophy hunters who referred to the challenging Animals above as difficult and very dangerous to hunt on foot thus the name big five Animals.

Encountering the Big Fives on the Big Game Safari Adventure in Uganda is now a very popular safari activity across Africa and a very common tourist activity in Uganda. It’s used by many safari companies to sell trips, but also by countries to sell their destinations.

Where to find the Big Five animals on a safari through Uganda.

A game drive through Uganda’s savanna national parks notably Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, and Lake Mburo will give you a lifetime opportunity to come up close to the African big five adventure. The cape buffalo, African elephants hunting pride of African lions. For the shy leopard, a relaxed and patient early or late evening savanna drive may lead you to its hunting joints.

The Northern White Rhino can only be seen in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center UWEC Zoo.  Tourists have a good chance of seeing members of the Africa Big 5 in any of the four savanna parks.

 1 African Elephant.

The African Elephant is the world’s largest of all African Big Five found in Uganda and perhaps the most enduring symbol of nature’s grace and fragility, is also one of the most intelligent and entertaining to watch on a classic African safari game drive.

If you’re planning your Africa safari in Uganda and want to meet these magnificent giants, you must know that African elephants occur in all national parks except Lake Mburo. They are most likely seen in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo national parks. We recommend you take a boat safari on the Nile in Murchison of Kazinga channel in QENP to see these gentle giants gracefully flocking the water banks in massive herds.

2. Lion

The lion is the most sought-after member of the African Big 5. It’s the largest and most imposing African carnivore, and the most sociable of the large cats, living in loosely structured pride of typically five to 15 members. In Uganda, lions are mainly found in the three largest savanna parks: Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), Kidepo Valley National Park (KVNP), and Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP).

Big Game Safari Adventure in Uganda. Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha wilderness sector.

In QENP, the Ishasha lions are known for their unique behavior of climbing trees and have been branded the “Ishasha tree-climbing lions” by tourists who flock to this sector to have sight of this rare behavior.

3. African Buffalo

Africa’s only wild African buffalo is a widespread creature that lives in large herds on the savanna and smaller herds in forested areas. The African buffalo is the most dangerous of all African game species, especially if wounded or solitary. Its reputation has placed it among the African Big 5 animals recognized worldwide.

Buffaloes can be seen in almost all of Uganda’s national parks and large forests. In Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks, you may see hybrids of the savanna buffalo of East Africa and the red buffalo of the West African forest.

4. Leopard.

The leopard is the most elusive and the smallest of Africa’s big five animals. Leopards are sneaky and harder to spot, and naturally shy and exclusively nocturnal, leopards spend the daylight hours hidden from view. The big solitary cats haul large kills, such as zebra or antelope, into a tree to eat alone, in peace.

On a safari through Uganda, leopards can be seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National, Lake Mburo National Park, Mt Elgon National Park, and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

5. Rhinoceros

The rhinoceros, commonly known as rhino, is a large, herbivorous mammal identified by its characteristic horned snouts. The word “rhinoceros” comes from the Greek words “rhino” (nose) and “zeros” (horn).

Rhinoceroses are universally recognized for their massive bodies, stumpy legs, and either one or two dermal horns. In some species, the horns may be short or not obvious. They are renowned for having poor eyesight, but their senses of smell and hearing are well-developed.

The biggest of the five surviving species occurs in Uganda, the Northern white rhino, and can only be seen in the massively protected Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe, commonly referred to as the Zoo.

Please contact us with any details about Big Game Safari Adventure in Uganda

Top health warnings for a Ugandan Safari. Staying healthy while on Safari through Uganda

Top health warnings for a Uganda Safari.  Uganda is a very poor country but remarkably has one of Africa’s best-organized health care systems. There is an organized network of health care providers including district and referral hospitals as well as local health clinics.

Important medical notes to take

It’s advisable that if you take chronic medication or prescription drugs, you need to carry your supplies which will last you through to the end of your safari holiday in Uganda. Don’t rely on finding a pharmacy or medical doctor if you run out especially when you are out of the Capital or out of major towns and deep in the rural villages.

On the same note, pack a selection of medical products to treat minor ailments or injuries. This includes painkillers, cold & flu remedies, anti-inflammatories, anti-indigestion, and the usual supply of antiseptic cream, plasters, and bandages.

Top health warnings for a Uganda Safari

Travel and medical Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for Uganda. You can take it out as part of your travel insurance coverage or request extra coverage from your existing medical aid company. In most African countries, doctors and medical facilities expect payment in cash if you’re a foreigner. Find out from your insurance company if they make payments directly to a medical provider or reimburse you when you return home. One of the crucial things to cover is transport for an emergency evacuation. This might be an ambulance or helicopter. If you need urgent medical help when you are far from a city or town, sometimes the only option is to have you evacuated by air.

Top Health warnings for a safari through Uganda

Malaria

Uganda is a medium-to-high-risk malaria area, depending on the season and where you are traveling to. The risk of contracting malaria is higher in the humid summer and rainy seasons. The risk is lower at altitudes higher than 2 000 meters. The highest risk area for malaria in Uganda is in the eastern region.

It’s highly recommended that all travelers take anti-malaria tablets for a trip to Uganda. Malaria is a life-threatening disease. If left untreated or not diagnosed early, it can lead to death. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic for advice on anti-malaria tablets.

To prevent being bitten by an infected mosquito; sleep under a mosquito net and use a mosquito spray or coil to repel mosquitos, cover your arms and legs before the sun sets wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts, and apply mosquito repellent on exposed areas of skin. Mosquitos are most active from sunset to sundown but it’s advisable to spray yourself during the day as a precaution. Depending on the severity, malaria symptoms range from flu-like aches and chills to abdominal pain, fever, and unconsciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms once home from your holiday to Uganda, seek immediate medical attention and request a malaria blood test.

Bilharzia

Bilharzia is a disease spread by minute worms that are carried by a species of freshwater snail. The parasites penetrate human skin when someone is paddling or swimming and then migrate to the bladder or bowel. Symptoms range from a light fever and rash to blood in the stool or urine. If left untreated, the bilharzia infection can cause kidney failure and permanent bowel damage.

Avoid swimming, paddling, or wading in remote freshwater lakes or dams that make suspect or slow-moving rivers. If you are concerned you’ve been infected, visit a specialist infectious disease clinic and request a blood test.

Top health warnings for a Uganda Safari

Yellow fever

Travelers need to have a yellow fever vaccination before arriving in Uganda and must carry their certificates with them. It needs to be presented to the immigration official on arrival in Uganda.

Yellow fever is spread by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms are similar to malaria ranging from flu-like chills and fever to server hepatitis and jaundice. If left untreated or not diagnosed early, the disease is life-threatening.

Ebola & the black plague

Uganda made international headlines in 2008 when there was an outbreak of Ebola in the western district of Bundibugyo. The northern districts to the west of the Nile River have experienced sporadic outbreaks of the black plague. The government of Uganda has intensified methods to control these outbreaks and they don’t present a real threat to foreign tourists visiting the popular destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda. However, it’s wise to check the press for updates on these infectious diseases and check with your travel agent if it’s safe to visit if there is a reported outbreak.

HIV/AIDS

The risk of contracting HIV is extremely high but only a concern if you have unprotected sex or receive a blood transfusion in the region. Always use a condom when having sex with anyone on a holiday in Uganda who’s not known to you and a trusted partner.

Top health warnings for a Uganda Safari

Tap Water

It’s advisable that you don’t drink tap water in Uganda unless it’s been filtered, boiled, or disinfected with iodine tablets. Rather opt for bottled water from a trusted source. Avoid drinking water from streams, rivers, and lakes as a precaution against contracting bilharzia.

Toilets

The majority of places in Uganda have Western-style flushing toilets. Uganda’s popular tourist hotels and safari lodges have clean, quality toilet facilities. It’s only in the more remote areas that you’ll find public ablutions that are fairly unsanitary. Avoid sitting on the seats and always wash your hands after a visit to a public toilet.

VACCINATIONS NEEDED FOR UGANDA

The following vaccinations are recommended by the World Health Organisation for Uganda: diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and hepatitis B. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice on the following vaccinations for Uganda: hepatitis A, meningococcal meningitis, rabies, and typhoid. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travel to Uganda.

How expensive is Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi? Gorilla trekking in Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park.

How expensive is Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi?. Uganda is not only perfect for gorilla trekking but the best destination for the gorilla habituation experience. Gorilla habituation offers the client the luxury of spending a tune of 4 hours with the mountain gorillas in observing how they spend their days in the forest. In Uganda, Gorilla habituation is carried out from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwestern Uganda with only two gorilla families made ready for the gorilla trekking experience.  

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Gorilla Habituation Experience is a gorilla activity that involves trekking/walking and hiking through the forest to search for semi-habituated mountain gorillas which leave together in a given gorilla family group but are not used to human presence, once you find them you will participate in activities geared to making these mountain gorillas get used to human presence. This experience is unique given the fact it allows you to learn more about mountain gorillas. It is done is a group of 4 visitors tracking a given semi-habituated gorilla group.

Which part of Bwindi is Gorilla Habituation done?

Bwindi has 4 major sectors for gorilla tracking which include Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, gorilla habituation experience is only done in two sectors which are Rushawhichnd Nkuringo. With only 2 gorilla families that are open for the Gorilla Habituation experience in Bwindi.

The cost of Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi.

A gorilla habituation permit costs USD1500 for a Foreign nonresident, USD1000 for a foreign resident, and (750,000 Uganda Shilling) for the East African Citizen per person per trek, this gorilla habituation permit allows you to spend 4 hours in an encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. The Gorilla habituation permit price shares a much more cost for any Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda on top of other services like transport, accommodation, and guiding. On top of the gorilla habituation permit you will also pay for other services for a successful gorilla trekking safari which includes transport, accommodation, and guiding.

Important steps while booking Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Gama Park.

You will need to have your gorilla habituation permit secured in advance to confirm that you are booked for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park. Once you have your planned dates of travel confirmed we will need you to send us an email here so that we check for the availability of gorilla habituation permits online with the Uganda Wildlife Authority once we confirm permits are available for your planned dates, we will let you know so that we can send you an invoice for you to make payment for the permits. Once the payment is done and we have received it on our account we will go ahead and purchase your permits immediately and send you a scanned copy of the permits for your records and perusal, this will confirm you are booked for Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park. It is advised to book your Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda in advance at least 2-3 months before your visit given the fact it is only 4 people who go for gorilla habituation per group, they are two groups available making the gorilla habituation permits limited to 8 permits per day and sell out very quickly on first come first serve basis.

Best time to go for Gorilla Habituation in Uganda?

Gorilla Habituation in Uganda is best done in the months of June to October and December to March. During this time, it is a dry season in Uganda with mild rainfall making it easy for the treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, as well during this time the vegetation is not fully grown and it is easy for viewing the mountain gorillas offering great sights for photographs. During the other months of April, May, and November which is normally a wet season, this makes the vegetation grows high making the sightings unclear. However, during this time the treks tend to be shorter given the fact mountain gorillas don’t move further distances looking for food, food is readily available.  Important to note however is that Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda can be done throughout the year given the fact it is a very well-organized activity with a 99% chance of seeing the mountain gorillas.

Katland Safaris helps you to get the information and guidelines required to book a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national game park.

Detailed Guide to Gorilla Trekking Gorilla Trekking Uganda – Budget Gorilla Trekking in East Africa – Uganda Rwanda Gorilla trekking.

Detailed Guide to Gorilla Trekking. Most mountain gorillas reside in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This Park consists of almost half of the number of Mountain Gorillas believed to be remaining in the whole world.

Gorilla Trekking Information

It’s also believed that the remaining Chimps in the entire world Co-exist in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. For any interested person willing to visit Ugandan gorillas, you must pay for a gorilla trekking permit that goes for USD 700.00 per trek per person.

Mgahinga National Park; this park is found in the Virunga ranges shared between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. This Park is also another place that is known for being a home of Ugandan gorillas.

Gorilla trekking experience:

For a person to have a wonderful, memorable, and unforgettable adventure they will have to endure all the efforts needed to reach Bwindi and trek through this wonderful natural forest. There are thirteen habituated gorilla groups for tourists to trek. And all these groups are found in different sectors such as Buhoma,  Nkuringo, and others that are habituated in the Ruhija and Rushaga regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Each habituated Gorilla family is visited by a maximum number of four people. The habituation gorilla trekking permit goes for a cost of USD 1500.00 and Katland Safaris Ltd is your number one handler of all gorilla habituation experience.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

This reserve was gazette in 1942 and was later upgraded to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in 1992. Later in 1994, it was recognized as a World Heritage site. In Rukiga’s local language, BWINDI means Impenetrable. 327km of Bwindi has tangled vegetation draped over a deeply fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys and high draughty ridges.

Bwindi’s impenetrable forest is Africa’s most ancient rainforest and for this, it’s a favorable home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas hence ranking it as the world’s premier Wild Life harbor.

Bwindi in most times it’s always cold mostly during the morning hours and also during the night, the annual average temperature of Bwindi range from 70C-200C. June and July are the coldest seasons in this area. This always calls for warm clothes and cold weather gear since Bwindi has up to 2390mm of rain every year. This is experienced between too-wet seasons that are to say Short Rains in March-May and Heavy Rains in September- November. Instead of short tropical deluges, rain in the areas of Bwindi often falls as long hours of soft drizzle.

A person planning to do gorilla trekking in Uganda will need to follow the guidelines issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (Rules and regulations of gorillas) as seen below;

DEPARTING FOR GORILLA TREKKING

In Uganda, a maximum of 8 tourists can visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This is done to ensure minimal behavior disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.

Make sure you wash your hands before your trekking exercise.

Detailed Guide to Gorilla Trekking

TRAILS TO GORILLAS

Please always keep your voices low. This will enable you to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.

DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be taken back with you.

You will be taken to where the guide last saw the gorillas a day before. From there you will follow the trails to find them. Look out for the gorillas nesting sites along the way.

When approaching the gorillas the guide will tell you to get ready.

ONCE YOU MEET THE GORILLAS

A 7 meters distance should be revised to observe at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.

You might stay in a group when you are near the gorillas

Keep always down your voice all the time. However, it’s ok too as the guide questions.

Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food /drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of disease transmission.

A time the gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s example (crouch down slowly, do not look at the gorillas directly in the eyes, and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.

Flash photography is not permitted, when taking pictures move slowly and carefully.

Do not touch the gorillas, they are wild animals.

You must spend one hour with the gorillas. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.

After the visit keep your voice down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

Detailed Guide to Gorilla Trekking

 HEALTH RULES;

The fact is that mountain gorillas are so sensitive to human diseases. The following guidelines should be followed to minimize the risk your visit might cause to them.

Honor the limits put up on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.

If you feeling somehow ill/ sick, or have any contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternative visit will be arranged for you or even your money will be refunded.

If you can’t hold sneezing or coughing, when you’re near the gorillas, please Endeavour to turn your head away from the gorillas and even cover your nose and mouth to reduce the spread of bacteria or viruses.

Always stay 21 feet/7 meters away from the gorillas. This helps in the prevention of human-borne diseases.

Endeavor not to leave rubbish behind or even food wrappers in the park. These can harbor diseases or other contaminants.

In case you need to go to the toilet while in between your trekking, ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. But make sure the hole is 30cm deep and fill it with soil when done.

WHAT TO GO WITH ON A GORILLA TREK?

Comfortable hiking shoes should be put on. These are suitable for steep muddy slopes.

Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with jungle sounds

Packed lunch and enough drinking water should be carried.

Rain gadgets, sunscreen lotions, a hat for UN predictable weather, and also an insect repellent.

Cameras and fully charged batteries should not be forgotten. Flashlights are not permitted.

Endeavor to contact Katland Safaris LTD for any information

Gorilla Trekking tips in Uganda and Rwanda – Book a Gorilla Safari to Uganda or Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking tips in Uganda and Rwanda. The endangered mountain gorillas are a unique primate species that share 98% DNA with humans, they can be found in the tropical rain forests of Virunga national park in Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mount Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking trips in Uganda and Rwanda

Before going for a gorilla trekking safari, you will need to have some tips on how and when to trek mountain gorillas. Below are some tips on mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo.

Physical Fitness

Expect you might have a long hike. Be in the best physical shape you can be. Mountain gorillas live at the mountain slopes of the Virunga massif and Bwindi Forest in Uganda, if you trekking gorillas on volcanic slopes then you will need to be in good shape and have some level of body fitness.  However, there are also facilities given to help disabled people and the elderly track gorillas at an extra fee.

Duration of the trek

The time taken while trekking gorillas cannot be determined because gorillas move up and down in search of food. sometimes you will be lucky to get them as soon as you start the trek or sometimes you hike for long hours when they have moved far away. A single Trek can take anything between 2-8 hours.

Gorilla Trekking tips in Uganda and Rwanda

Season

Most of the countries where gorillas are found experience two seasons that are the dry and rainy seasons. The best time to trek gorillas is during the dry season from June to September and December to February during this time the trails are a bit slippery and the terrain is good. Though rains in tropical rainforests are unpredictable be prepared with raincoats just in case it rains while doing the activity.

Health

Tourists trekking gorillas must not have communicable diseases like covid, flu, and TB because gorillas are vulnerable to contracting human diseases. Just in case you would like to sneeze or cough out must move your head away from the gorillas to lower the risk of infecting them.

Photography

When trekking mountain gorillas and during observation time, cameras with flashlights are prohibited so are kindly requested to turn off your flashlight. Mountain gorillas don’t like flashlights like golden monkeys. Gorillas can charge and try to fight you.

Clothing

You will be required to wear appropriate clothing while heading for gorilla trekking. This is mainly because it can get very cold on the mountain slopes or even rain Carry a raincoat, cotton warm clothing, good hiking boots, and a sweater. Visitors are advised to put on long and comfortable trousers and shirts with long sleeves. This is intended to protect your skin from thorns and insects.

Gorilla Trekking tips in Uganda and Rwanda

Minimum Age for gorilla trekking.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years of age, age verification will be done during the briefing at the park headquarters before you can trek gorillas.  If you’re moving with kids, some lodges will find maids or activities to engage your kids while you go on for gorilla trekking.

Rubbish and litter

Tourists are required not to litter rubbish within the park. Keep your voices low and the guides will inform you when you can have your cameras ready.

Distance from the gorillas

A distance of 5-7 meters must be kept while with gorillas this will reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Book your gorilla safari in Advance

Gorilla permits can run short during the peak season; it’s advisable to always book your permit in advance to avoid disappointments before arrival.

Eye Contact with the mountain gorillas.

While observing gorillas, do not look straight up to the gorillas’ eyes, allow the gorillas to pass by, and crouch down slowly in case they charge and want to attack, and never run away when the gorillas charge this will increase the risk of attack.

Gorilla Trekking tips in Uganda and Rwanda

Prices

Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600, in Rwanda, they go for $1500, and in Congo for $400. It’s always advisable to check on the country that suits your budget for gorilla trekking as permit prices differ.

You will be with a group and guide but also, consider hiring a local person as a porter assistant, even if you are very fit. This adds a great cultural dimension to the experience and is not expensive.

If you have the choice, visit the largest group available to you to maximize the photo opportunities and the different behaviors you will see.

Gorilla Trekking tips in Uganda and Rwanda

Prepare for the possibility of rain at any time of year.

Consider traveling with a companion or friend with whom you will share the lifelong memory of the gorilla encounter.

Listen to the advice of your guide. Trust that he or she wants you to get great photos and have the best possible experience.

Contact us for any more inquiries on tips about gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Spend a week in Bwindi impenetrable forest – gorilla trekking – community encounters – Birding.

Spend a week in Bwindi impenetrable forest.  Bwindi is the most exciting destination for any traveler from all over the world. This is so because it’s home to almost half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas a thing that gives you higher chances of encountering these gentle giants in their true wilderness.

The forest is separated into various Gorilla Trekking Sectors, including the Ruhija sector, Buhoma sector, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. In all these sectors, a maximum of 8 travelers are permitted to trek families in each location each day, and to visit any of the gorilla families, a valid gorilla trekking permit is required. Besides gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best birding destination in Africa. Many birds spend the day in this forest, including Rwenzori Batis, Red-faced Woodland, Western Green Tinkerbird, Collared Apalis, and others. Gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, bird viewing, nature and forest walks, village walks, and Batwa experiences are just a few of the tourist activities available in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Spend a whole week in Bwindi’s impenetrable forest

On day one Early in the morning, you depart Kampala or Entebbe for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. you will Make a stopover at Kayabwe for the equator experience, do the water experiment, snap pictures while standing on the equator, and then continue. You will Take another break en route for lunch in Mbarara, one of the biggest towns in western Uganda. There is a difference in altitude as you go closer to the forests and it takes roughly 9 hours to travel 540 kilometers from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a late afternoon arrival, check into your safari lodge at the park for a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay. Both inside and outside of the park, are a variety of lodging options available for reservation. The majority provide full-board services, while other campgrounds feature restaurants.

On day two, you will participate in either gorilla trekking or habituation. Early in the morning with packed breakfast and lunch, you will head out to the park Head office for a briefing on gorilla trekking. The ranger guide will go over the regulations for gorilla trekking or habituation with you and the other trekkers. You will then follow the trail where the gorilla trekking family was last seen the previous day.

Spend a week in Bwindi impenetrable forest. Mountain gorillas coexist in the forest with other primates like black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons. There are several passing birds that you might be able to identify, including the White-tailed Ant-thrush, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Rwenzori Batis, and Strange Weaver. When you find the gorillas, put on a fresh mask and observe the family members reaching out to collect some bamboo. Juveniles may want to show off, but avoid touching any. Do not disregard the advice of the ranger, since the silverback might be watching from his hiding place. For a lasting memory of your gorilla trekking trip to Africa’s Bwindi Forest, take as many images as you can. After a long day in the jungle, head back to your lodge to relax for dinner and an overnight stay.

On your third day, wake up for an early breakfast, with your binoculars and camera prepared, and head out for a true jungle birding experience. Catch up with the early birds as they leave their nests. The Bwindi Forest’s birding capital is the Ruhija gorilla trekking region, particularly in the Mubwindi Swamp. Remember to pack a lunch because the return time is rather late. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provides a sanctuary for a variety of birds, including endemics to the Albertine region. Even little birds on the papyrus reeds can be seen using your birding tools, such as binoculars. Canopy and Mid-storey flocks, Grauber’s Warbler, Banded Prinia, Petite’s Cuckoo Shrike, Africa Sooty Fly Catchers, Cinnamon-Chested Bee Eaters, and Petite’s Cuckoo Shrike are some species you might learn to identify by sound or physically. Head back to your lodge to relax for dinner and an overnight stay.

On day four again after breakfast, set out on another Bwindi Forest birding excursion. The African birder’s paradise that it is. Spend a whole day identifying any birds you might have missed the day before. Take your snacks and equipment. More bird species, such as odd weavers, Eastern Mountain-Greenbuls, Montana nightjars, Fraser Eagle-owls, Rwenzori hill Babblers, White-headed Woodhoopes, Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds, Stuhlmann’s Starlings, and Luehder’s Bush Shrikes, might be visible. Over 100 bird species can be recognized throughout the day. Head back to your lodge to relax for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5 Buhoma Community Walk Experiential, and Cultural Performance

On day five, you will take a community walk and get to experience the true culture of people living around this world heritage. Take a moment to get to know the people in the area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and their fascinating history. Join a local guide on a group walks through the nearby villages. This neighborhood has a village stroll that lasts roughly three hours. Participate in and learn about daily life in the rural areas surrounding Bwindi. Visit a homestead, a brewery that brews bananas, or a traditional healer. Traditional dancers provide a vibrant dance break when they are planned. You can participate in the fiesta to work out your muscles. Your visit will directly aid in raising local awareness of the importance of mountain gorilla conservation. The money raised is put towards community improvement initiatives including providing clean water, maintaining local roads, and constructing new schools, to name a few. Return to your lodge for relaxation dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6 Return Day to Kampala or Entebbe

On this day six early in the morning after your breakfast, you will then set out on a journey back to Kampala for your international flight back home.

Contact us for any inquiries about spending a whole week in Bwindi Impenetrable national game park.

Top destinations for gorilla trekking. Uganda Rwanda Gorilla trekking.

Top destinations for gorilla trekking. Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting activities for tourists exploring the African tropical jungles and one of the activities that should not miss out on any travel bucket list. Africa is home to the world’s only remaining mountain gorillas living in their natural habitats.

The top destinations for gorilla trekking in the whole of Africa in 2022 are Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking is a beautiful adventure; choosing the best place or national park to trek is very important. When planning a gorilla trekking safari, ensure that your prime destination is safe for the activity.

Currently, because of the rebel insurgences, Congo has been unsafe for gorilla trekking due to security instability that was also followed by the eruption of the Nyiragongo Volcano; therefore, the Virunga national park is not open yet for Congo gorilla trekking.

Where to go gorilla trekking in Uganda

In Uganda, mountain gorillas can be trekked from two national parks or conservation areas and these are Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. Both parks are situated in the western part of Uganda and are with are within the dense tropical forests where mountain gorillas are conserved within their natural habitat.

Top destinations for gorilla trekking in 2022

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in southwestern Uganda. The park is part of the Impenetrable Bwindi Forest and is located along the Congo border next to Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley. The jungle forests cover 331 square kilometers and contain both montane and lowland forest and mountain gorillas in this forest are accessible only on foot.

Top destinations for gorilla trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost 480 mountain gorillas, almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. About 19 gorilla families are fully habituated and can be trekked. Minimum age of 15 is allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi and only eight people are allowed to trek a single gorilla family in a day.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park and home to mountain gorillas with 1 habituated gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi gorilla group. The park is located in Southwestern Uganda. Tracking the Nyakagezi gorilla group is amazing with the fact that this group is big and social compared to many other habituated gorilla groups.

Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park well known as Parc National des Volcans is located in the north-western province of Rwanda in a small town known as Musanze. The park harbors the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda that are always available for tourists who would love to carry out Rwanda gorilla tours. Volcanoes National Park borders Congo’s Virunga National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. Volcanoes National Park has several habituated mountain gorillas and is known to be easier to trek than the Bwindi gorilla population.

Top destinations for gorilla trekking

Mountain gorillas of Rwanda are known to move for shorter distances and therefore this makes them easier to trek than those of Bwindi impenetrable national park. To see these elusive mountain gorillas in these natural habitats, tourists have to go gorilla trekking/walking or hiking in the dense tropical rainforests. The trek can be done by booking and purchasing s permit for an Uganda gorilla safari, Rwanda gorilla trekking tour, or Congo gorilla trekking safari.

Some of the Best Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays in Uganda and Rwanda include the following.

3 Days Gorilla Trek Bwindi Uganda

3 Days Gorilla Trek Rwanda – Volcanoes

5 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking Safari in Uganda

5 Days Gorilla Safaris Uganda

Contact us for any inquiries about gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda.

The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda – The best time for Gorillas in Rwanda – The best time to book your gorilla trekking safari.

The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking. Gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda can be carried out all through the year, but because gorilla trekking is the most exciting tourist activity in both destinations, every traveler wants the best time to encounter the gentle giants in the natural habitat.

The best time for gorilla trekking is determined by mostly one factor and that’s the weather. Bwindi’s impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks being thick rainforests, receive a lot of rainfall in March, April, and May. Too much rain, combined with the nature of the forest terrain makes it difficult at times for tourists to navigate through the thick forests. Therefore, the best time of the year to track the mountain gorillas in Uganda starts from June, July, August, early September, December, and January to February. During these months of the year, there is relatively less rain as compared to other months.

These months, therefore, offer the best gorilla trekking safari experience ever. During the dry seasons, it’s easy to navigate through the thick tropical rain forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Bwindi national park.

It should However be noted that because these are tropical rain forests, the two destinations can receive rain any time of the year and that’s why we advise all our visitors to pack wisely for their gorilla trekking safari to Uganda. 

Best time for Gorilla  Trekking in Rwanda.

Just like the case is for Uganda, the months of January, February, June, July, August, early September and December are the best months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda because the country is relatively dry in those months compared to other months of the year. We advise all our victors to consider booking their gorilla trekking safaris in those months as the experience will come out better. However, it should be noted that despite the time of the year you chose to go for a gorilla trekking safari, you should carry the equipment that will make your gorilla trek easy even when it rains. Your gorilla trekking picklist must include rain jackets, long pants and shirts, comfortable hiking boots, gloves, and headgear.

Best time to book your gorilla trekking safari 

We advise our guests at all times to book their gorilla trekking safaris six months in advance or even a year before.  Booking in advance makes it so easier for Katland Safaris or any other travel agent to secure your gorilla trekking permit and put all other logistics like transportation and accommodation for an amazing gorilla trekking safari.

Why book your gorilla trekking safari early enough?

Starting to plan for your gorilla trekking safari early enough gives you a variety of options to choose from in terms of dates, the gorilla destination, trekking sector, Accommodation, and inclusion of other tourist activities like wildlife and community encounters on your gorilla safari.

Feel free to contact us with any inquiries on the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda and how to plan and book your gorilla trekking safari in advance.

Top gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda – Gorilla trekking – Gorilla Habituation.

Top gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda. Uganda is the most opted-for destination for gorilla trekking in the whole world. This is so because the country is home to more than half of the remaining population of these gentle giants worldwide.

In Uganda, mountain gorillas can be trekked from only two destinations and that’s in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national game parks.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national game park

Bwindi impenetrable forest national game park lies the in southwestern Uganda 0n the edges of the great East African rift valley. Its mist-covered hillside is blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forests dating 25000 years. Bwindi is famously known as a safe home to more than half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas.

The park has over 19 habituated gorilla families and these are found in two famous sectors, and that’s the southern and the northern sector. The southern sector is known mostly for three gorilla families that’s Nshogi group, the Mishaya group, and the Nkuringo group. The northern sector is known as the Oruzongo group, Habinyanja group, and Rushera group.

Top gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda

Mgahinga national park.

At just 33.7 km2, Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. The Park covers the northern slopes of the three northernmost Virunga Volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura (4,127 m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474 m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645 m). The Park is about 10 km south of Kisoro and is bordered to the south by the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and to the west by the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation area that spreads over the three countries. Each of these countries protects its portion of the Virungas, in the Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virunga respectively. The three parks together form the 434-sq. km. ‘Virunga Conservation Area’ or VCA. Mgahinga is 33.7 sq. km, just 8% of the VCA. The entire Park is in Bufumbira County of Kisoro District.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 33.7 sq. km and consists of the partly forested slopes of three extinct volcanoes. From far away, the huge cones of the Virunga volcanoes dominate the landscape and beckon you as you approach. When you reach the park, you can get a great overview of the area by walking up the viewpoint, just 15 minutes from Ntebeko Gate.

Mgahinga Park has great biological importance because, throughout the climatic changes of the Pleistocene ice ages, mountains such as these provided a refuge for mountain plants and animals, which moved up or down the slopes as the climate became warmer or cooler. The Virungas are home to a large variety of wildlife, including about half the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. Read More

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga.

There is only one habituated gorilla group within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Top gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

This gorilla family is the only fully habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park that offers visitors a great opportunity to track the rare mountain gorillas in the wild. This gorilla group is found in South-Western Uganda, just on the renowned slopes of the three Virunga Volcanoes including the Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. This fascinating group is the only habituated gorilla family popularly known for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The group is comprised of 9 members including 4 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 1 juvenile, and 2 infants.

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are extremely safe for the gorilla trekking adventure.

However, it should be noted that no visitor is allowed to go gorilla trekking in both destinations without a gorilla trekking permit. gorilla trekking permits should be booked early three to four months or even a year or two years before the adventure happens. They can be booked by a client directly from Uganda’s wild authority but we always advise booking it with a trusted tour company like us for easy preparations and a more swift safari. can be directly booked from the Uganda wildlife authority

Contact us by mail, direct phone call, or by a what’s up with any inquiries about organizing a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda.