Month: June 2023

Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Uganda Wildlife Safaris – Budget Gorilla Trekking.

A safari through Uganda is not complete unless it combines gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris encounters. Uganda s one of the very few African gorilla safari destinations that offer clients a lifetime opportunity to track mountain gorillas and a lot of exciting wildlife species on a single safari.

Uganda is a special destination for mountain gorilla trekking and this is because it’s the only country all over the world with the highest number of these gentle giants. Uganda is home to more than half of the remaining population of gorillas which makes the country an ideal gorilla trekking destination.  Mountain gorillas can be trekked in two destinations and that’s from Bwindi’s impenetrable National game park and Mgahinga Gorilla national game park.

Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Bwindi impenetrable Impentrable National Game Park

If your dream is to look into the eyes of mountain gorillas, then Bwindi’s impenetrable national game park is the best destination to make your dreams come true. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the edges of the Rift Valley on the border of Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo, covering an area of 331 square kilometers within the Districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to now nineteen Gorilla families that can be tracked by tourists in a day, each family can be trekked by only eight tourists per a move intended to conserve the gentle giants. The gorilla trek can take anywhere from 1 hour to eight hours and the search starts from where the gorillas were last seen the previous evening. When found, each visitor is allowed not more than one hour to spend some time with the gorillas taking a picture and short videos to share with loved ones back home.

Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park is located in southwestern Uganda bordering Rwanda to the south and Congo to the west and only 14 kilometers from Kisoro town. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of all national parks in Uganda. The park was created to protect the mountain gorillas that roam freely within the Virunga region. Many tourists visit the Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking. Currently, there is only one habituated gorilla group that can be visited by tourists and that’s the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group.

Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Africa gorilla trekking safaris become more fulfilling when it’s combined with an encounter with other wildlife species in other Ugandan national parks. In most cases, a gorilla trekking safari would take a maximum of these days to encounter mountain gorillas and for clients with extra days on their hands and a thirst to explore other parts of Uganda, more exciting destinations can be added to the package.

Some of the gorilla trekking and wildlife safari Combs include

Gorilla trekking and Murchison Falls safari

Gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth game Park safari

Gorilla trekking and Lake Mburo Safari

Mountain Rwenzori and gorilla trekking safari.

Some of our popular gorilla and wildlife safaris include

5 Days Gorilla and Chimps Tracking in Uganda

5 Days Bwindi Gorilla and Murchison Falls Safari

8 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

A 9 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

10 Days Best of Uganda Safari

14 Days Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

15 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari

18 Days Ultimate Uganda Adventure Safari

Contact us with any inquiries about booking a Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari in Uganda

Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

How to trek mountain Gorillas from Uganda’s Capital Kampala – Kampala City excursion.

Kampala walking tours – Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking from Kampala. It’s almost impossible to start planning for a gorilla trekking safari through Uganda without putting Kampala as part of the gorilla trekking adventure.

Combining a one-day Kampala city tour with Gorilla trekking gives you a blend of mixed cultures with an excellent wildlife encounter thus offering you the best African gorilla trekking safari of a lifetime.

Kampala is the pulsating heart of Uganda’s economic, social, cultural, and intellectual life. It is also the country’s largest urban center, with a population of 3.1 million (Microtrends 2020). And is the capital city of Uganda. Like Rome, Uganda’s capital was initially built across seven hills, but today, it sits on about two dozen hills.

Kampala derives its name from the local Luganda language saying ‘Akosozi k’empala,‘ meaning ‘Hill of Antelope.’ This a reference to the domestic impala (impala) antelope, which grazed the lawns of Mengo during Buganda’s King Mutesa’s reign in the 1880s.

Historically, Kampala Hill and the surrounding hills had lain at the Buganda Kingdom’s political center for several decades before the arrival of the first Europeans. Capt Fredrick Lugard arrived in 1890 and set up camp on Kampala Hill, so he is generally considered the founder.

You can choose to Visit Kampala either before or after your gorilla trekking adventure.

Some of the Iconic places and areas you can’t miss while planning for your Gorilla trekking from Kampala include the following.

Kampala City Center

Kampala’s most obvious reference point is the modern mufti-storied city center on Nakasero Hill. It is surrounded by more discreet but no less identifiable landmarks on neighboring summits.

Old Kampala Hill

Old Kampala Hill towers just a few hundred meters southwest of the city center, enclosed within the oval Old Kampala Road. Fine colonial buildings of Asian design mushroom the hill, generally somewhat rundown or strikingly renovated.

Old Kampala is historically known as Capt Lugard’s 1899 encampment site. It’s most notable today as the focal point for Kampala’s Islamic community and the sight of an imposing Uganda National Mosque.

Lubiri

Due south of Old Kampala, Kabaka’s Twekobe Palace stands on the broad, low hill of Lubiri. The ill-fated Kabaka Edward Mutesa was driven from this palace in 1966 by Idi Amin on Obote’s orders. The army subsequently occupied the site until 1993, gaining a reputation for terror. Amin and Obote’s agents took hundreds through its gates, never to be seen again.

Namirembe and Rubaga hills

Lubiri is neighboring Namirembe (Mengo) and Rubaga hills in the southwest, elevated by Anglican and Catholic cathedrals. The imposing dome identifies St Paul’s on Namirembe Hill and Rubaga Cathedral by two bell towers.

Mengo and Rubaga are Kampala’s oldest suburbs affluent in history and historic architecture, including the Royal Palace.

Bulange Building

Less than 500m past the turn-off to Namirembe, the Bulange Building — the traditional seat of the Buganda Parliament — stands on the south side of Albert Cook Road, directly opposite the junction with Sentema Road. It is one of the most impressive colonial-era buildings in Uganda.

Makerere Hill

Northeast of Namirembe is Makerere Hill, commonly known for housing the country’s oldest University. The white bell tower of Makerere University used to be visible on the green ridge of Makerere Hill until accidental fires gutted it in September 2020

Gorilla trekking In Uganda from Kampala

Gorilla Trekking Information – Mountain Gorillas In Uganda

Most of these mountain gorillas do reside in South Western Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This Park consists of almost half of the number of Mountain Gorillas that are believed to be remaining in the whole world.

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 you 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 are habituated in the Ruhija and Rushaga regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A proposed itinerary for Gorilla trekking from Kampala.

These four days gorilla trekking safari is going to allow you to watch two of the many Gorilla groups in this impenetrable forest. Therefore, allowing you two good hours of interaction with these primates and maybe a community walk to see the Batwa people and see how they live their daily lives.

Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Kampala City Tour.

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park.

Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable.

Day 4: Transfer to Kampala

Detailed Itinerary

Day one of Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

Kampala city tour

Early morning after breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel of residence, for a tour of Kampala. We will visit the key sites that make Kampala a unique tourist destination and these will include the King’s Palace, the kingdom parliament, Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedral, the old Kampala Mosque, and Nakasero Hill. Owino market, the Kabakas lake, and end with the Visit to ndere center for an evening of cultural performances.

We will return to the Lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay and preparations for the start of the gorilla trekking safari.

Day two of  Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Be early to hit the road in the morning since a long journey to the southwestern part of Uganda where the park is located. During your journey, you will have a brief stop in Mbarara town where you will have your lunch meal plus maybe mini shopping if you, please, and thereafter head on. While on the road you will then be in sight of Uganda’s other amazing beauties inclusive of which is the beautiful scenery of the city. On reaching the park you will check in at the accommodation. dinner and overnight.

 Day three of Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

Mountain Gorilla Tracking and Community Walk

The day that you’re going to be the insight of the gorgeous primates the gorillas.  Wake up early to buy yourself time to have breakfast and pick your packed lunch plus drinking water since you ought to have long hours in the forest searching for these apes. You will be expected to be at the park headquarters on time for your briefing and their head to the forest to engage in your first track which may take you 2 to 6 hours depending on the animal’s movement. A Full hour is allowed you to visualize the animals as they move around and react differently to your visit, while here you will be able to know why these apes are called cousins to man since the semblance to human character is positive. Thereafter the trek head back to the park headquarters and then finally the lodging. Freshen up and take on a community walk to see the Batwa people and their ways of life you can enjoy their cultural dances and songs as they demonstrate it all for you. Then dinner and overnight at the accommodation slept at the previous night.

Day 4  of Gorilla Trekking from Kampala.

Transfer to Kampala

Wake up early enough to have your fantastic breakfast meal, then head for the stunning boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi that will allow you a view of some of the islands on this lake as you observe the well-terraced hills surrounding the lake and many more scenic views. Then you will pack up and be on your way to Kampala with lunch en-route plus other stopovers that you would love to make as we come to the very beginning of the end of our double trekking safari. On reaching Kampala you will either be dropped at the airport for your flight or to a hotel in case your stay is still on.

End of Gorilla Trekking from Kampala safari from Kampala.

Simplest Gorilla family to trek

Gorilla trekking In Uganda – Affordable Gorilla trekking – Gorilla tracking tours, Gorilla trekking sectors, Gorilla permit-USD600

What is the Simplest Gorilla family to trek in Uganda and Rwanda. Different Tourists, who come to Uganda for Gorilla trekking always ask which “Gorilla family is easy to trek?” Since the Gorilla permit prices were increased in Rwanda from USD750 to USD1500.00 and Uganda considering increasing its price sometime next year, some tourists want to enjoy their experience of Gorilla trekking by paying now and trying to look for the easiest Gorilla family to trek.

Easiest Gorilla family to trek versus Gorilla family allocation

The issue of the easiest Gorilla family to trek has been sorted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. According to the new developments, the Gorilla family’s allocation is now based on the interests, age, and physical abilities of individuals.

Some clients have been misled to think that in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, some Gorilla groups are hard to find while others are easier. Sometimes there are chances when a tourist goes for a trek and within 15-30 minutes, they are with the Gorillas while others will spend three-quarters of the day in the forest looking out for these creatures and by the time they find them, they are already exhausted. When they go back, they post different feedback messages on their Facebook pages or trip advisor telling people not to track this or that group of Gorillas. The truth of the fact is that Uganda has a variety of wildlife Gorillas are wild animals and you will never tell their movements all the time. Their movements depend on several factors’ food and water availability fear, and also, especially when they fight with another group and they have to move away from that location. A mountain gorilla family that was nearer yesterday might be far away the next day so the Gorilla family is easier to trek depending on the day’s experience.

Rushegura Gorilla Family commonly known as R-Group has been accepted as an easier group because the starting point is in Buhoma just at the National Park offices and its territory is in the same sector. In most cases, tourists have indeed had to trek it easier than other Gorilla groups but, in some seasons, this group can move deep in the forest and becomes as hard as any other group. Therefore, there is no guarantee that you will have an easier trek.

Other clients book Gorilla permits in different sectors and book accommodation in another sector. This then requires them to start very early to drive so that they reach the starting point of trekking in time. In other words, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has four sectors, which are, Buhoma in the northern, Rushaga and Nkuringo both in the southern and Ruhija in the eastern.

Katland safaris ltd always advises our clients that when they book Gorilla permits for Gorilla families in Ruhija, please do book accommodation in the same sector. This will reduce the drive time so that you don’t have to drive very early to reach the starting point.

The other question is why did my tour operator book me a hard Gorilla family to trek? It all comes back to some of the factors mentioned above but kindly note that Gorilla permits are sold on a first come first serve basis and if by the time of booking your Gorilla permit, there was no alternative but to book you a group which was told to you that it was hard, then know that was the choice. To avoid this, make sure you acquire your Gorilla permit way in advance-5 months in advance to enable you to make a choice.

In conclusion, Gorilla Tracking in Uganda can sometimes be strenuous and a certain level of fitness is always required. If you have this level of fitness and your prime goal is to trek the Mountain Gorillas, then the above complaints should not arise.

What is the Simplest Gorilla family to trek

Popular Africa Gorilla Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

Uganda 

3 Days Uganda Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 Day Gorilla Habituation Safari in Bwindi

5 Days Gorilla and Chimps Tracking in Uganda

5 Days Bwindi Gorilla and Murchison Falls Safari

Rwanda 

1 Day Rwanda Gorilla  Trekking Safari Volcanoes National Park

2 Days Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda

Contact us with any inquiries about booking the easiest gorilla family to trek.

How to get to Bwindi for Gorilla trekking.

Getting to Bwindi Forest from Kampala or Entebbe – Africa Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most important tourist destinations in Uganda and how to get to Bwindi for Gorilla trekking is one of the most frequently asked questions on Gorilla trekking through Uganda. The Park is located in southwestern Uganda. It is home to over half the world’s remaining population of mountain Gorillas. Previously the journey from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi’s impenetrable forest was long and difficult, taking a whole full day of travel. But Now with the development of better road networks and domestic flight routes, access is relatively straightforward and easier.

Four different areas within the park are used for gorilla trekking and that’s Buhoma and Ruhija in the north, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south.  But Buhoma is the most popular sector of all for the gorilla trekking adventure. 

How to get to Bwindi’s impenetrable forest for gorilla trekking.

Travelling to Bwindi By air.

Are you touching down in Entebbe or Kampala and you plan to visit Bwindi’s impenetrable forest for the gorilla trekking adventure to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, are you trying to find out how best to get to Bwindi from Entebbe or Kampala. The distance from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is approximately 540km and the drive time is approximately 8 to 9 hours of driving. You can as well get to Bwindi’s impenetrable forest by flight which is approximately 1-2 hours.

Bwindi has three airfields and these are found at Kihiihi and Kyonza in the northern area as well as Nyakabande located in Kisoro at Nkuringo for clients going for mountain gorilla trekking in the south of Bwindi. As a tourist, you can choose to fly right from Entebbe or from Kampala at Kajansi airfield from where you will be taken to the modern tarmac airstrip located at Kisoro.  The planes may also be chartered to the Savannah or the grass Kayonza airstrips.

Flights depart from Entebbe or at the airstrip in Kajjansi any time from 7 am depending on the schedule of the flight that was booked and after an hour or two of the flight, you land at the airstrip in Kisoro or Kihihi. From here you can be picked up by your driver-guide or the hotel shuttle and taken to where you plan to stay for the nights in Bwindi.

Getting to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking By Road

Road transport is the easiest to use to get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and various routes can be used to reach the park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed from Kampala via Masaka and Mbarara town driving for close to 7 hours and 35 minutes a distance of 467.7 kilometers.

Bwindi National Park can be accessed right from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the north which is a two-three-hour drive, from Kabaale town to the south which takes only about one-two hours, or it can be from Kampala through Mbarara for about six-eight hours. These roads meet at Butogota which is a distance of only 17 kilometers from the Buhoma entrance gate. And if it’s a rainy season, visitors are required to use a 4-wheeled vehicle for matters of safety.

 Getting to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla trekking By bus

If you are to use a Bus, a daily bus service leaves Kampala for Butogota via Rukungiri and Kihiihi. At Butogota, you will have to use a public minibus, or boda-boda or hire a private vehicle to take you to the park entrance gate at Buhoma. However, we do advise clients to book the safari through a Tour Company or Safari company.

Popular gorilla trekking Safaris are offered by Katland Safaris.

3 Days Uganda Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 Day Gorilla Habituation Safari in Bwindi

5 Days Gorilla and Chimps tracking in Uganda

5 Days Bwindi Gorilla and Murchison Falls Safari

7 Days Gorilla, Chimps and Wildlife Safari

9 Days Uganda Primates and Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Contact Us at Katland Safaris about the best way to get to Bwindi based on your budget and the time you have for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is one of the highlights of an African gorilla safari through this part of Africa. The Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking Safari give you a one in a lifetime encounter with the endangered mount gorilla In Bwindi Impenetrable National game park and also an encounter with our closest relatives in either Kibale forest, Budongo, or Kalinzu forest.

Trekking Mountain gorillas in Uganda

Only two national parks in Uganda offer the gorilla trekking opportunity to visitors, that’s Bwindi Impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park.

Bwindi’s impenetrable national game park located in the southwestern tip of Uganda is home to approximately more than half of the global remaining population of mountain gorillas left.

There are four major sectors in Bwindi where the gorilla trekking adventure takes place and these include, the Buhoma sector, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo sectors. These four sectors share eleven habituated gorilla groups that can be trekked by visitors to this national park.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park is the perfect destination for the Gorilla habituation experience. Up on trekking and reaching the gorillas, Visitors are given not more than four hours to stay up close with the gorillas, and with researchers, they are given a chance to learn how gorillas spend their days, how they feed, take care of young ones, gather for food and so much more. The Gorilla Habituation Permit costs 1500.00 dollars per person per trek. The four hours start counting as soon as the gorillas are found.

Maghinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of all national parks in Uganda. The park was created to protect the mountain gorillas that roam freely within the Virunga region. The park is bordered by the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. It was declared a game sanctuary by the British administration in 1930 and was gazetted as a national park in 1991. The park has only got one habituated transboundary gorilla group. The visitors can also enjoy the Batwa visit which is a fascinating tour with the Batwa guide to learn the secrets of the forest.

There is one habituated gorilla group that you can see in the Maghinga National Park called the Maghinga Group. Because of its size and limited gorilla permits, Bwindi National Park is more visited and popular with tourists, but if you are looking for something much quieter and unique, this is your place.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

 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

Cost of a gorilla trekking permit

A gorilla trekking permit is an official government document that allows you access to the mountain. Gorillas. In Uganda, it’s issued by the Uganda wildlife Authority on behalf of the f Government to the visitors intending to come up close with the mountain gorillas.

The gorilla trekking permit currently goes for 700 USD per person per

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Uganda is, without a doubt the best destination in East Africa for the best Chimpanzee trekking adventures. Combining Chimpanzee trekking with gorilla tracking of one of the highlights of a safari through Uganda. A trek in search of a Chimpanzee Is indeed a rewarding adventure. This is so because, chimpanzees are fun, and playful, making trekking a great experience. While on a safari in search of the chimpanzee.

Top Destinations for trekking Chimpanzees in Uganda.

Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest Is located a few Kilometers from Queen Elizabeth National Park. around 290 chimpanzees call Kalinzu Home. The chimpanzee trekking perm here is considerably cheaper as it is owned by different management. It’s $35 per person, compared to $150 per person in Kibale.

Kibale Forest

The best chimpanzee trekking experience by far is Kibale Forest which is located in the southwestern region of the country. This forest is home to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees and has, near enough, a 100 percent success rate of seeing them.

The forest is located in the middle of fort portal, Kasese, and queen Elizabeth National game park making it possible to engage in other exciting tourist activities after Chimpanzee trekking.

Budongo Forest

A final place you can see the chimpanzees in Uganda is Budongo Forest. Situated in Murchison Falls National Park,  The mahogany trees in the Budongo Forest provides perfect shelter for these intelligent chimpanzees, as well as other species of primates. There are approximately 100 habituated chimpanzees available here, and visitors can also opt for the whole-day chimpanzee habituation experience in Budongo. The chimpanzee permits cost $85 in Budongo and because you are in the area of Murchison Falls, it is usually combined with a safari and an experience at Murchison Falls.

Feel free to contact us with any inquiries about booking a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari through Uganda.

Safe Means of transport in Uganda

Traveling safe through Uganda – How to travel across Uganda.

Safe Means of transport in Uganda. Probably one of the more worrying concerns about traveling around Uganda is its high rate of traffic fatalities per vehicle. Roads in Uganda are not well maintained and not well-lit at night and are poorly marked. Driving at night is particularly hazardous with vehicles with no lights on the road and broken-down vehicles left unattended. Drunken driving and speeding are also an issue. During the day, pedestrians and livestock walking on the road are a problem, as well as locals generally not driving well and ignoring basic traffic rules. Safe Means of transport in Uganda

Police enforcement of traffic violations is minimal. If you’re traveling in the care of a reputable tour operator you have less to be concerned about because the drivers make your safety a priority and strictly abide by the laws of the road. However, if you’re traveling solo using public transport; you need to be careful what mode of transport you choose and, if possible, avoid traveling anywhere at night in Uganda.

Safe Means of transport in Uganda

Recommended safe means of Transport in Uganda

BY AIR Transport

There are several reputable private aviation companies offering flights to Fort Portal, Jinja, Kasese, Kisoro, Murchison National Park, Mweya (Queen Elizabeth National Park), Kidepo National Park, and Semliki. The minimum passenger requirement is 4 – 7 travelers, depending on the destination. Passengers are allowed 15 kgs of luggage per person in soft bags.

Aero link

Aerolink is a reputable domestic airline servicing destinations throughout Uganda, including Kisoro, Kihihi, Mweya, Kasese, Fort Portal, Gulu, Kidepo NP, and Moroto. Kajjansi Airfield is located 20 kilometers from Kampala, towards Entebbe.

Safe Means of transport in Uganda

BY ROAD transport

Public buses and taxis are not recommended as safe transport options for foreign visitors. Shuttle buses operated by a reputable transport company are a safer option to go for.

Safe Means of transport in Uganda

Some of the Road Transport Companies in Uganda Include.

Jaguar Executive Coaches

This is a safe and reliable service run by a private bus company. It services the route from Kampala to Kigali at a cost of approx. US$40; departing from Kampala at 1h00, 3h00, 9h00, 18h00 and 20h00. Passengers have the option of a VIP section with more comfortable seats.

Global Bus Company.

This is very popular with the route between Kampala to Mbarara Charging about 10 to 15 dollars. Per transfer to Mbarara or from Mbarara. When in Mbarara you can connect to any part of the western part of the country

Safe Boda

Safe Boda motorcycles are a popular mode of transport in Kampala. Motorcycle drivers are well-trained and professional and arrive with helmets for their passengers. The motorcycle service is booked and paid for using an app similar to the Uber app.

Safe Means of transport in Uganda

Tour operators.

For safe Travels through Uganda, it’s recommended that you use the services of an experienced travel operator to arrange your travels through Uganda. Most travel companies operate fleets of very well-maintained cars customized and designed specifically for travel, they are all insured and come with drivers that are very well-trained and have knowledge of the destination.

Safe Means of transport in Uganda

 Contact us with any details about traveling safely through Uganda.

Top Gorilla Destinations in East Africa

Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park- Volcanoes National Game Park – Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park. Africa Gorilla safaris.

Top Gorilla Destinations in East Africa. Africa Gorilla trekking is a lifetime experience for any traveler from any part of the world. East Africa offers you the greatest opportunity to come up close to these gentle giants in their natural serene setting.

Gorilla trekking is not something that can easily be put together in a single done since a lot of things are supposed to be put into consideration for an exciting and fulfilling East African gorilla trekking adventure through East Africa. Katland Safaris help visitors from all over the world plan their gorilla trekking adventures in the best way possible and always advise our client to book their gorilla trekking adventures early, especially during the pick months of June to September and Dec to February.

Planning earlier for your gorilla trekking safari helps you choose a gorilla trekking destination early, put all your gorilla trekking logistics like transport, guides, accommodation packing for gorilla trekking, and acquiring your gorilla trekking permit. A gorilla permit is an official document that gives you access to the gorilla trekking experience. In Uganda, the gorilla trekking permit cost 750 dollars, and in Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit costs 1500 dollars per person per trek.

In East Africa, gorilla trekking is best done in two countries Uganda and Rwanda.

Because of the closeness of the two destinations, gorilla trekking can either start from Uganda and end in Rwanda or from Rwanda and end in Uganda.

Top Gorilla Destinations in East Africa

Gorilla Trekking Locations in Uganda.

Uganda is a special destination for gorilla trekking the world over and this is because of fact. Uganda is home to more than half of the global remaining population of mountain gorillas.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking is done from only two gorilla trekking locations and that’s from Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park.

If your dream is to look into the eyes of mountain gorillas, then Bwindi’s impenetrable national game park is the best destination to make your dreams come true. Bwindi is home to more than half the population of the worlds remaining endangered mountain Gorillas and this makes Bwindi one of the most popular destinations and conservation areas in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the edges of the Rift Valley on the border of Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo, covering an area of 331 square kilometers within the Districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu. The word “Bwindi” in the “Batwa” local language means darkness and taking a hike through this impenetrable forest reveals why the forest was named Bwindi.

Top Gorilla Destinations in East Africa

Top Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

There are four gorilla trekking regions in Bwindi and these include Nkuringo, Ruhijja, Rushaga, and Buhoma gorilla sectors.

Ruhijja gorilla sectors.

Ruhijja sector is located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National game park. This sector has got 4 gorilla families, namely the Kyagurilo group, Bitukula group, Mukiza group, and Ruzogo group.

The sector is positioned between the Buhoma sector to the north of the park and Kibale town to the south making the sector to be easily accessible from both parts of the south and north. The sector connects to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park which covers 218km. This allows Tourists who wto want to trek Gorillas to have ample time to do a game drive in the Ishasha sector for the tree-climbing lions.

Besides gorilla trekking, the Ruhija gorilla sector has several activities including bird watching, primate walks, and community walks, Among others.

Ruhijja sector is also located a few meters away from Lake of Bunyonyi a beautiful crater lake to relax admiring the fascinating hills and islands, a perfect environment with canoe rides and the local people. The sector has all accommodation facilities ranging from budget, and mid-range to luxury.

Buhoma gorilla sectors.

Buhoma sector is very outstanding than other regions, the best desirable sector for Gorilla trekkers. Buhoma is very accessible. It takes a 2hours drive from Kabale town via Kanungu and 4 hours from the Ishasha sector area known for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s a less tiring gorilla trekking sector. It has more accommodation options ranging from budget, mid-range, and Luxury. Buhoma is so special in the sense that sometimes beautiful gorillas visit the compounds of some lodges.

Top Gorilla Destinations in East Africa

Nkuringo gorilla sector.

Nkuringo sector is located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The sectsectorhabithe that to the famous Nkuringo Gorilla family. The family is headed by Rafiki, and this family is the most fascinating Gorilla family where each individual in the gorilla family is amazing.

To get to Nkuringo, one goes via the Kabale-Kisoro Road. If one uses a bus, the journey can last for 11-12 hours.

The junction takes 45 kilometers which is about 3 hours. One can as well use the route via Buhoma through Kihihi or Butogota, but this is more tiresome and, it’s better hiring hire a private vehicle provided by a tour company.

Rushaga gorilla sector.

Rushaga Gorilla sector is the best area to encounter your lifetime gorilla trek. The sector is located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with five Gorilla families and the most perfect sector for Gorilla habituation. The sector can be closest accessed through Rwanda in a 4 Hours’ Drive. Rushaga sector is nearby Nkthe the ingo area, and it has the biggest number of Gorilla families compared to other sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Nkuringo sector offers some of the best accommodation choices and includes Mgahinga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla safari lodge, Gorilla havens lodge, Gorilla valley lodge, and, many more.

Top Gorilla Destinations in East Africa

Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.

Many tourists visit the Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking. The mountain gorillas in Mgahinga National Park live in families that comprise several individuals. Each family is led by the strongest male mountain gorilla called a silverback.  This silverback is always in charge of protecting its family against any intrusion and usually determines the daily routine. The silverback usually leads its subordinates to different parts of the jungle searching for fresh plant leaves and new places for building new nests for the night.

Popular gorilla trekking Safaris are offered by Katland Safaris.

3 Days Uganda Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

3 Day Gorilla Habituation Safari in Bwindi

5 Days Gorilla and Chimps tracking in Uganda

5 Days Bwindi Gorilla and Murchison Falls Safari

7 Days Gorilla, Chimps and Wildlife Safari

9 Days Uganda Primates and Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Gorilla Trekking Locations in Rwanda.

Of recent, Rwanda is becoming a very popular destination for gorilla trekking because of the proximity of the gorillas to Kigali City and Kigali international airport.

Top Gorilla Destinations in East Africa

In Rwanda, Gorilla trekking is done in: –

Volcanoes National Game Park.

Found in the North Western part of Rwanda, Volcano’s national park is a breathtaking unforgettable Gorilla Destination where culture, adventure, and conservation intersect.

The Volcanoes National Park lies along the Virunga Mountains with ancient volcanoes shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In just a short two hours drive from Rwanda’s capital Kigali, to the small town of Musanze the, park is a central location for the exploration of some distinctive Rwanda adventures, while a visit to the Mountain gorillas is often at the top of the visitors’ list.

The park is part of the great Virunga volcano conservation region spanning to cover Virunga National Park Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda. It was initially a small area around Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Visoke volcanoes which was gazetted to protect the Mountain gorillas which were facing the threat of extinction as a result of poaching.

Volcanoes national park is the only stop center for all gorilla trekking safaris. its strategic location of only about two hours’ drive from Kigali international airport makes it the most accessible gorilla national park in the world. Besides mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is a home for golden monkeys, a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects among other creatures which together make a complete Rwanda safari package.

Volcanoes National game park is also of Rwanda’s conservation epicenters where many nonprofit organizations base their operations. Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist and gorilla advocate Dian Fossey with a hike to her Tomb or a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which continues her legacy of research and advocacy to this day.

Top Gorilla Destinations in East Africa

Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Adventures.

1 Day Rwanda Trekking Volcanoes National Park

2 Days Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda

3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda

Uganda and Rwanda offer the best gorilla trekking adventures and Gorilla Destinations in the whole world.  Besides the concentration of mountain gorillas in these two countries, both Uganda and Rwanda are so safe for gorilla trekking and any other wildlife safari you can think of.

If you have plans of coming in contact with these gentle giants one day, you can always reach out to us at Katland Safaris either by phone, what’s up, or by email. We will put all the logistics for your gorilla trekking adventure. We will put everything in order from booking your gorilla permit, to your transport, guides, accommodation pickups, and drop-offs.

We can also choose to combine Gorilla Destinations with wildlife safaris in both Uganda and Rwanda.

Feel free to contact us with any inquiries about booking a gorilla safari through Uganda and Rwanda.

Cost of a 10 days Safari to Uganda

Uganda Budget Safaris – Luxury Safaris through Uganda

Cost of a 10 days Safari to Uganda. Taking a Safari through Uganda is one of the best decisions anyone interested in experiencing the country should take. It allows one to have a true African experience from a single destination Uganda. The Safari involves trekking the Mountain Gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.

Gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting activities while on a safari through Uganda and is a must-do. It involves a hike and trekking through the thick impenetrable vegetation of Bwindi impenetrable National game park until you have the opportunity to look directly into the eyes of the mountain gorillas.

For this exciting safari activity, we encourage visitors to carry their cameras and at times be on standby to take lifetime moments with the mountain gorillas with the Guidance of the game rangers.

What is the cost of a 10 Days trip to Uganda?

A 10 days safari through Uganda can cost anything between 5500 dollars to 3200 dollars per person. This is however dependent on quite several factors.  

The price of Safaris packages Through Uganda differs in price depending on several factors that have a significant impact on the overall safari cost. These factors are the basis of how safaris are divided into the categories of budget Mid-Range and Luxury.

Private tours are often more expensive than shared ones. Some travelers might wish to think about a fly-in safari on a 10-day journey, although fly-in safaris are relatively more costly than road safaris. Visitors should also take note that low-season costs can also be advantageous, and even if it may rain more during this time, the countryside is at its most beautiful.

Highlights Of a 10 days Safari through Uganda

Discover the famous Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks homes to more than half of the remaining population of Mountain gorillas.

Primates Trekking. Look into the eyes of a mountain gorilla, Trek the Ugandan jungles to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, golden monkeys, and many other primates.

Wildlife safaris to Uganda Savanah National Parks including Lake Mburo national game park, Queen Elizabeth national game park, and Murchison Falls National game park.

Rhino tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

A visit to Murchison Falls National game park.

Private tour guide in English and other languages

Transport in a travel Van Customized for safaris.

Accommodation selected to fit your expectations

An All-inclusive safari including lodging, entrance fees, meals, and transport

Guided walks with professional and knowledgeable guides

Unique accommodations including safari lodges and tented camps in various parks.

Cultural encounters with some of Uganda’s unique societies

What is included in the Cost of a 10 days trip through Uganda

The Cost of Your 10 days Safari Includes Gorilla permits, Chimpanzee Permits, an Experienced English-speaking guide, Park entrance fees, Cultural Encounters, Luxury lodge accommodation, Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bottled water, Government taxes.

Tour exclusions

Visa fees, laundry services & alcoholic drinks, International/domestic flights, and Tips to the driver guides, waiters, and porters.

Must do tourist activity on a 10-day safari through Uganda

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity for a 10 days Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Game. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place in Uganda to track mountain gorillas. The park protects 40% of the world’s mountain gorilla population and has an incredible 350 species of birds.

Accommodation offered on a 10 days Uganda safari?

After a long day surveying the incredible landscape and Uganda wildlife on offer, guests can look forward to the very best safari accommodation Uganda has to offer. The accommodation here is excellent with numerous options from tented camps, and luxury lodges to camping grounds.

From camping in the bush with amenities to mid-range and luxury lodges, there’s something for everyone here. There are various accommodation options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park including Gorilla Heights Lodge.

Most luxury lodges also offer a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, and a shower. There is also a kitchen in some of the units equipped with a microwave, an oven, and a stovetop.

Chameleon Hill Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a luxury lodge built overlooking Lake Mutanda. The lodge has a beautiful compound with great views of the three volcanoes and a superb spot for those who have come for gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey tracking, or canoeing on Lake Mutanda.

What is the best time to go on a 10-day safari to Uganda?

The best time to go on a 10 days gorilla trek in Uganda is during its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas chimpanzees, and other wildlife animals.

Contact us with any inquiries about a costed safari through Uganda.