Low Budget Gorilla tours and safaris Uganda

Considerations for a low budget gorilla trip to Rwanda and Uganda

Consider a few factors like the cost of gorilla permits, lodging, and transportation to bring you to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, respectively, when budget-conscious plans call for visiting Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking.

Permission charge for gorilla treking

As such, a gorilla trekking pricing in Uganda and Rwanda is set by separate government agencies and is not negotiable. Rwanda Development Board determines Gorilla permit fee; Uganda Wildlife Authority sets Uganda gorilla permit price.

While Uganda gorilla permits are $800, Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1500. You need a current gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, or Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.

Where you see mountain gorillas will decide how much you pay for the gorilla permit. Should your budget be restricted, Katland safaris advise visiting Uganda as the permit cost is inexpensive but the experience will be the same.

Choosing to visit Uganda saves up to $800, which might cover lodging and transportation among other expenses. Book safaris to the southern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park if you like to spend more time with mountain gorillas under gorilla habituation experience.

Sometimes the government of Uganda via Uganda Wildlife Authority provides discounts on gorilla permits for which you might benefit. Of these permit discounts, most fall in the low seasons of March, April, May, and November. Lodges and campgrounds sometimes lower their prices at the same time to attract a few guests during the low season.

Included in the purchase of a gorilla trekking permit

Most guests are unaware of what they pay for—that of a gorilla permit—including and excluding. Knowing what is included and omitted will enable you to better arrange for other parts of the gorilla trip. A gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda consists of one hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi,

Mgahinga, or Volcanoes National Park, park fees for one day, services of an armed ranger guide, and a certificate after your gorilla walk in Uganda or Rwanda. This means that travel and lodging expenses are omitted and must be budgeted for separately.

Choice and Hotel Cost
Accommodation is one area you may save costs on when planning a low-cost gorilla trip to Rwanda and Uganda. Near Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi impenetrable National Park several inexpensive Lodges and campsites abound.

Depending on their food plan, most low-cost lodging facilities charge $40 to $60. If you have a limited budget and are traveling on a shoe string, we advise arranging your lodging at a bed-and-breakfast to enable you to make inexpensive meal plans. The numerous reasonably priced budget campsites that provide decent lodging and food may be advised on by Katland safaris.

Visiting Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable
We advise you to choose our safari Vans, which are less costly than luxury land cruisers, if you are organizing a low budget Safari to Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi. These vans are really comfy and use less gasoline.

Although there is a bus route to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this is rather dangerous for your bags as well as you. You could show up late and miss your gorilla expedition.

Get in touch a licenced travel operator.
We counsel customers to get in touch with licensed tour providers in Uganda for security reasons. Referring to registered tour operators, we are referring to members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators). When you deal with such, you know where to start should anything go wrong as you know that a real firm handles your money and trip planning.

You may contact us or any other firm and they will wow you with how competitive their quotes will be. Although it is often preferable to choose Tour Operators from your own nation, keep in mind they will also add some profit as they will be middlemen.

Think about doing a group trip to Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi.
Joining a group helps you cut tour expenses. This will guarantee you of share of transportation, gasoline, guides, even lodging. Please get in touch with us if you would like to join a group depending on low-budget safaris to gorillas and other areas of Uganda or Rwanda. We plan group trips.

Low season compared to High season
Travel to Uganda or Rwanda in the low seasons of April, May, or November; Lodges, hotels provide savings on lodging rates, and Uganda Wildlife Authority offers special pricing for gorilla permits where you might save up to USD300.00 each permit.

Traveling in the low season instead of the usual peak seasons of June, July, August, and up to mid-September can help you to save up to forty percent of what you could have spent in the high season. Do get in touch for such low-cost gorilla safaris and discounts; we would be very helpful.

There are various choices of reasonably priced, good lodging buildings. Others offer amenities for camping you might utilize. For such possibilities, get in touch; we would happily assist you. If you are depending on a shoestring budget, you might as well think about booking bed breakfast for you to save some money and utilizing public transportation in certain areas. Using public transportation carries risk as some individuals might take advantage of you and your goods could be stolen.

Monday through Friday our offices are open; should you have any suggestions or guidance required, get in touch with us. You may review our website and let us know for example excursions to Rwanda and Uganda so that we may personalize it to fit your particular interests. We are members of the Association of Tour Operators with many years of demonstrated high degree of service; when contacted, you may be certain of improved service.

How far is Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Lake Bunyonyi?

Motives for the Ruhija Gorilla expedition from Lake Bunyonyi

Ruhija is the closest area to Lake Bunyonyi relative to other areas of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, such Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south and Buhoma in the north, thus people staying around lake Bunyonyi prefer trekking habituated mountain gorilla families in Ruhija. Driving from Lake Bunyonyi to the Ruhija area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park only takes an hour or so.

Before and after gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, visitors choose to remain around Lake Bunyonyi in order to take in the beauty and activities there. After your trip, relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi is among the most satisfying activities; another activity drawing people to remain around Lake Bunyonyi is canoeing to explore several historical islands.

From Lake Bunyonyi, what are the main things to do in Ruhija Region in Bwindi?

Gorilla climbing in Ruhija
From Lake Bunyonyi, the main activity thought of undertaking in Ruhija section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is gorilla trekking. Most of our guests have gone on a return trip from Lake Bunyonyi to view gorillas in Ruhija.

Gorilla tracking is the movement in the bush to observe a particular habituated mountain gorilla family. Before gorilla trekking starts, Gorilla trackers/advanced teams/rangers follow these gorillas using several indications and techniques; the trackers get up extremely early every morning and explore the jungle for these mountain gorillas.

Like clapping, they track them naturally by producing crazy noises. Once they locate them, they will notify the park headquarters; then, the guide will inform the guests on dos and avoidances. With the trackers guiding them, they will begin to stroll and hike over the woodland. This offers you 99% chances of seeing the gorillas in Bwindi in their natural habitat.

For Non- Foreign Residents, the gorilla trekking permits are USD 800 per person; for Foreign Residents, USD 700; Uganda Shillings 300,000 per person for East African residents; and one hour of seeing the gorillas after you locate them.

Of the mountain gorillas left in the world, Uganda has half. Seeing the unique and endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi with 95% DNA as human beings is such a lifetime event. The mountainous tropical woods in southwest Uganda will allow you to see the Mountain Gorillas in their native habitat.

Trekking Ruhija gorillas calls for one to arrange Ruhija area gorilla permits. Get in touch with Encounter Africa safaris to help Ruhija verify gorilla permits on your chosen day, book it for you as long as you pay for it. For customers that reserve an all-inclusive gorilla safari with us, Encounter Africa safaris arranges gorilla permits on their behalf.

Nature hike and a forest walk
Guided excursions will present you to wide biodiversity with diverse animal species including; primates like Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkey baboon, while the black and white Columbus with its beautiful flowing white tail is noticeable. The poor road will expose you to a variety of butterfly species, moths, reptiles, tree species, bamboo forest, flowers and many more attractions.

Watching the duikers, primates, and both forest and grassland bird species on the Ruhija ridge top path gives guests the perspective into a deep valley including the untouched rainforest. To discover Afro montane flora and panoramic views toward Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga woodland, visitors may also ascend via the bamboo zone.

Walks in a village and community
You might choose to visit a local school, a traditional local healer, a banana brewery or mix the community tour with a nature trip into the forest. Ruhija is a fantastic site for cultural and village excursions and people interested in seeing the local community. The dances, customs, and culture of the native people will be visible to you.

While at the Ruhija section of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, you may also choose to volunteer. Encounter Africa safaris supports Orphanages, Schools, Youth and Women Projects, and companies engaged in environmental protection. One or two days will allow you to contribute your expertise to one of our ongoing initiatives.

Batwa Cultural Education
Until recently, the Batwa people—often known as the pygmies—were living in the Ruhija area of Bwindi Forest National Park. They were removed from the Bwindi Forest to be relocated to the nearby towns in order to facilitate mountain gorilla preservation and tourism.

The cultural trip will allow you to witness these pygmies employed in the forest, where they stayed, how they used to gather wild honey, and hunting. They will display their dances and discuss how they have adjusted to enjoy regular life outside the jungle. You might also visit the neighborhood schools, the women’s clubs engaged in handicrafts and food sales, and the borders of the forest.

Where in Ruhija area of Bwindi should one stay?

Depending on your budget, the Ruhija area offers a range of lodging options; from mid-range to luxury facilities are all accessible. Bakiga Lodge and Luxury lodging choice; you may stay at Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge; budget and camping Gorilla Mist Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages and Broadbill Tented Forest Camp. Some visitors choose to stay in Buhoma section of Bwindi impenetrable national Park, which is very near to Ruhija sector, in hotels, lodges or camping.

From Lake Bunyonyi, why book with us safari to Ruhija area of Bwindi?
Based in Uganda, local travel business Encounter Africa safaris has main headquarters in Entebbe. Ugandan people manage and own Encounter Africa safaris. Having been in business for more than 15 years, our area of expertise is life-changing events and environmentally friendly travel to all East African nations.

UTB (Uganda Tourism Board) registered us; we belong to AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators). Booking your cultural safari is simple as we have a solid and long working connection with local Ruhija people and UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority). Trip Advisor and Safari reservations positively evaluate Encounter Africa safaris.

Bwindi budget gorilla safaris, Budget gorilla holidays and tours.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park is among the greatest ones in Uganda for cheap gorilla safaris. Leading national park for gorilla trekking worldwide, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda Half of all mountain gorillas found worldwide are said to be found in Bwindi National Park.

Budget gorilla safaris from Katland provide the greatest approach to pay less and savor the opportunity to spend some time with habituated mountain gorilla groups in Bwindi. Bwindi impenetrable National Park is clearly the most secure option for gorilla trekking in Africa when compared to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in terms of cost for gorilla permit and accomodation accessible for Budget travellers.

Budget gorilla safaris with Katland

Designed for people who would like to pay less yet obtain an equal or value for money, Bwindi budget gorilla safaris and vacations run under Katland safaris. For many of our customers considering their budget and interests, Katland safaris has arranged Bwindi budget trips over the last 8 years.

See our 3 Day Budget gorilla tour from Entebbe or 3 Day Bwindi budget gorilla safari from Kigali for more information on Bwindi budget gorilla treks.

For our Bwindi Budget gorilla safaris, accommodation

For her Bwindi budget gorilla safaris and vacations, Katland safaris deals with a few chosen hotels and campsites. Low mid-range properties in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are what all of our budget Lodges and campsites are.

Depending on the needs or requirements of our customers, our chosen lodging for Bwindi budget vacations may be turned into twin, double or triple rooms with private and en suite bathrooms. Usually booking you on a full board basis if you purchase our bwindi budget safaris, all of our budget lodges in Bwindi impenetrable National Park provide a three-course dinner.

Though the remoteness of Bwindi Impenetrable forest makes stability unstable, all of our chosen cheap resorts provide WIFI in public areas including restaurants. In every area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Katland safaris has at least one or two lodges where we arrange for our guests to stay.

Four areas of Ruhija in the east, Buhoma in the north, Nkuringo, and Rushaga in the south comprise Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. About one hour drive from Nkuringo or Rushaga gorilla trekking trailhead, lodges utilized for our budget gorilla safaris in the south are housed in Kisoro town. About 50 minutes’ journey to Nkuringo and approximately 15 minutes’ drive to Rushaga, we also offer Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga.

Katland safaris offers three choices where we reserve lodging for our guests in the eastern portion of Bwindi, often known as Ruhija. Found on the beaches of Lake Bunyonyi are Broad Bill Forest Camp, Trekkers Tervan, and sometimes Crater Bay cottages.

Mostly we utilize Bandas and Buhoma community rest camp in the northern section of Bwindi. The availability of gorilla permits will determine the lodging or resort you choose to incorporate within your Bwindi budget gorilla trip. Should confirmation come at the time, we only have permits for the east (Ruhija), hence you will stay in the lodge above in the east.

Travel for our Bwindi Budget gorilla trips

Operating a fleet of vehicles to suit all types of our prospective customers, Katland safaris For our Bwindi budget gorilla excursions, we offer 4×4 Safari vehicles tailored for Our 4×4 Vans can accommodate from 5 to 8 persons, and each customer is entitled to a window seat to let him or her shoot pictures.

Drinking water is provided. All of our Bwindi budget gorilla safaris are carried out by well-trained driver-guides with professional knowledge of Uganda and Bwindi National Park. Defensive driving is taught to them, so you will surely be safe under Katland safari guides.

Included on our Gorilla safaris in Bwindi

Three main things comprise our Bwindi budget gorilla expeditions. Whether your starting point is Entebbe or Kigali, transportation to and from any of the above airports is covered. As previously indicated, each guest is entitled to a window seat and Bwindi budget gorilla excursions are carried out in our 4×4 Safari Vans which carry drinking water. We stop not just at getting you from the airport to your resort but also from your lodge to any of the Bwindi gorilla trekking sites.

Our cheap gorilla excursions include gorilla permits. Mountain gorillas cannot be visited in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park without a gorilla permit. We will ensure that before we confirm anything to you, your gorilla permits are assured when you get in touch for your budget gorilla trip.

With up to four hours with mountain gorillas, you might decide to undertake or schedule the regular one-hour gorilla hike or habituation experience. Whichever choice you choose, experience Africa safaris will examine and arrange gorilla permits, reserve, on your behalf.

Book Katland excursions to leverage 19 habituated gorilla families and reasonably priced gorilla permits. A gorilla permit calls for either one hour (the usual gorilla walk) or four hours (gorilla habituation experience). It also covers Bwindi’s park entrance costs and services of an English-speaking ranger guide supplied by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Not included on cheap gorilla safaris in Katland Bwindi
Our Normal Bwindi budget gorilla tours or gorilla habituation experience trip does not generally contain these products. These cover all personal expenditures, tips, wine, visas for Uganda, and any other personal items.

Among the top gorilla safari companies in Uganda and Rwanda still are Katland safaris. For reasonably priced Luxury, Mid Range gorilla safaris Regarding safari reservations and Trip Advisor recommendations, we are rather well rated. View some of our reasonably priced Uganda gorilla trips on our website and email us more information.

Four gorilla trekking points in Bwindi and gorilla families in each

How safe is it to fly from Entebbe to Bwindi impenetrable national Park?

From Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, how safe is flight? Among the safest places to fly to in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Every day throughout the year, internal flights reach Bwindi from where one may have one of the incredible life events of witnessing the gorilla.

Flying allows you to get at the Hotel/Park sooner than spending the whole day driving and be able to partake in numerous exciting activities. Flying lowers the time to spend on the road, which is usually 8-9 hours that is often unpleasant. Since flying is the quickest means of reaching Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park in Uganda, most of the visitors have chosen to fly.

To Bwindi impenetrable National Park, what airstrips should one fly to?

Fly-in safaris provided by Katland safaris to Bwindi National park and all other safari locations in Uganda. Two nearest primary Airstriks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park let you to land on your safari tour to this amazing Park.

The Airstrip you travel to tells you the area of Bwindi you are staying in and visiting. Those visiting the southern half of Bwindi ( Rushaga and Nkuringo areas) may fly into Kisoro Airstrip, a one to two hour drive to the Park; those visiting the northern side of Bwindi ( Ruhija and Buhoma regions) can fly into Kihihi Airstrip.

Depending on the airline operator you choose to fly, flights to Kisoro and Kihihi Airstrip may leave Entebbe international Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. Depending on the path, the flight takes around two hours reach Kisoro/Kihihi.

Another way to go to Bwindi impenetrable National Park from Kasese Airstrip, Mbarara Airstrip in western Uganda. While on your safari to visit the Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Wildlife watching, Hiking and cultural interactions, we can arrange flights to every National Park for you.

Mostly three aviation firms do flights in Kisoro and Kihihi Airstrip nearest to Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Leading firm Aerolink Uganda daily flies from Entebbe International Airport. Operating at Kajjansi Airstrip, Eagle flying and Fly Uganda are the other flying firms.

These firms may also run planned and chartered flights. Arriving at any Airstrip for all the transfers and activities in the Park, our expert, experienced English-speaking driver guide will be ready for you for a whole wonderful journey. For your comfort and unforgettable experience, we exclusively employ 4x 4 safari cars.

Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

One of the few two national parks in Uganda where you could walk and see the amazing Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat worldwide; it is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild making it famous and best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas; Bwindi Forest National Park is in the southern part of Uganda sharing a border with Congo.

There are many sections/sectors inside Bwindi Forest National Park where you may engage in the Gorilla tracking experience: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkeringo gorilla sector.

Each of the eighteen inhabited gorilla families offered for gorilla tracking experience contains unique gorilla individuals; each gorilla family is headed and under control by the dominant male gorilla the Silverback.

You must have a Gorilla permit good for trekking that day if you are going on the trip. Given that only 8 persons are permitted to hike each gorilla family daily in Bwindi Forest National Park, Gorilla permits are few daily.

Flying from Entebbe, what should you see and do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

One of the top fantastic travel places in Africa you should not miss on your bucket list; Bwindi impenetrable national park offers a lot to see and do. View the activities and sights below to explore Bwindi.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, inaccessible National Park

The main thing to do and view the gorillas while visiting Bwindi is gorilla treking. Half of the surviving Mountain Gorillas in the world live in Bwindi Forest National Park; so, your presence here increases your chances of viewing the mountain gorillas in their natural surroundings. Four separate areas of Bwindi Forest National park— Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south and Ruhija and Buhoma in the North East and East half of Bwindi National park respectively—feature mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

Your first concern is getting a gorilla permit so you may travel from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your travel dates and availability of the gorilla permit that day, you must buy it ahead of time to guarantee a place for your trip.

Gorilla tracking is done in groups of eight people per gorilla family meaning eight permits only are available for each gorilla family, for you to guarantee a place for a daily gorilla trek you will need to secure your gorilla permit in advance months or days prior flying to Bwindi Forest National Park.

All you have to do when you book an all-inclusive Gorilla Safari flying safari with Katland Safaris is email us your real dates; we will then verify the availability of permits online. You prefer trekking gorillas? We will provisionally reserve your permission and provide an invoice for permit payment. We will lock your permit after you pay and then provide scanned copies of Uganda Wildlife Authority receipts to you.

Gorilla Habituation Experience inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Gorilla Habituation Experience lets you spend four hours with mountain gorillas still under habituation as you travel from Entebbe to Bwindi to see them.

In Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda, only four persons are engaged in gorilla habituation activities. You must so reserve your gorilla habituation permit ahead of time to guarantee your spot. Depending on how long you search for them, the experience lasts half a day or whole day.

Only in the south of Bwindi impenetrable National Park between the sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo is Gorilla Habituation Activity undertaken.

You see the gorillas that are being habituated during this trip; they are not yet accustomed to visitors and behave wild, with researchers and guides; you track the way gorillas eat, walk, rest, and also interact with them. Flying from Entebbe to Bwindi, this is among the most fascinating things you can do.

Observing birds in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

For Bird watchers, Bwindi Forest National Park is home to a variety of unusual bird species including Albertine Rift Endemic birds.  We arrange birding trips using aircraft to Bwindi Forest National Park, where expert birding guides can help you to see various species.

Community and Cultural Interactions in Bwindi

The Batwa people, often known as the pygmies, lived in Bwindi Forest National Park for many years until recently when they were displaced from the park to the nearby towns in order to support mountain gorilla protection and tourism. You will get the chance to witness these pygmies utilized for hunting as well as their time spent in the forest, where they stayed and how they gathered wild honey.

They will present their dances and discuss how they have adjusted to and appreciated regular life outside the jungle. If you have any contribution to help the children with clothing and academic materials, you may also visit the rest of the community in the borders of the forest, the women organizations that produce crafts and sell food, the community schools and we urge if you have any donation to help the children with clothes and scholastic materials.

Walk in the Forest

Comprising a tropical forest, one of the oldest in the world having existed for more than 300,000 years, Bwindi Forest National Park has ancient tree species some of which are peculiar to this forest. Its thick canopy makes nature walks fun, thus it is also well known to be impenetrable.

On your nature walking safari in Bwindi Forest, you will have the opportunity to see many tree species, spot various bird species, and, should luck allow, see rare forest elephants, monkeys, baboons. These nature treks also let you mix with the surroundings, including a visit to the Bwindi Forest National Park’s lovely rivers and waterfalls. Your choice of package will depend on the time you have and may be customized with all these activities to fit your need most effectively.

Where in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park should you land from Entebbe?

Four areas within Bwindi impenetrable National Park are Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga. The region you choose to visit will determine the lodging or hotel you use. When you inquire about permit availability with us, we will indicate which industry has permits available and also recommend the hotel in that sector.

From affordable to mid-range to luxury and to up market hotel with low season rates and high season rates, all these categories feature hotels and lodges ranging from In the Buhoma area, for instance, you might stay at Buhoma community camp as a budget hotel, Buhoma Havens lodge as Midrange hotel, Bwindi lodge, Mahogany springs resort, Buhoma lodge, as Luxury lodge and Gorilla forest camp as Up market hotel. In Rushaga, you may stay at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla camp and four gorillas resort in Nkuringo Bwindi lodge, clouds Mountain gorilla resort.

Why go from Entebbe to Bwindi via Katland safaris?

Experiences from Katland safaris are incredible Bwindi impenetrable national Park; remainder of Uganda, East Africa, also.  Get in touch for our special tours and also for our reduced packages.

Our magic in creating real experience comes from the fact that we have over time established a team combined with youthful and dynamic people supervised by well-experienced senior managers and directors who are Ugandans and passionate about what they work at.

On trip Advisor and safari reservations, Katland Safaris is highly rated and reviewed to enable you to learn about the experiences of the other guests who have flown with us.

How to process chimpanzee permits credit note from UWA

Complete guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

An all-day outdoor adventure, gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda is a trip in the bush in pursuit of a certain habituated gorilla family in the wild. Starting at around 7:00 am with registration and a briefing at the relevant national park office, this is an early start activity for the day.

Usually the park officials will be aware of the overall whereabouts of every gorilla family as well as their distance from headquarters. Your own fitness level and preferred trekking style will decide which gorilla family they assign you to see and the duration of your trip. This page will examine gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda in terms of cost, accessibility, ideal timing, why Uganda or Rwanda and so much more.

Gorilla Trekking: briefing period

Depending on the area and gorilla family you are seeing, you will walk or drive to the start site after the briefing and with your ranger guide, then begin hiking about 8:30 am. Usually, you trek for at least one hour before finding your designated gorilla family.

You may not locate your group for three or more hours sometimes. The climb is all part of the experience; the surroundings are rather breathtaking. Especially at altitude, be cautious to maintain your own speed and sip plenty of water as dehydration is really common.

The rangers will invite you to leave your baggage when you enter range of your gorilla family so you may approach the group more intimately. You will spend an hour with the gorillas once you have contact. They could eat bamboo, hang from branches, groom one another, nurse their newborns, play, sleep, fart or mate. Each encounter is different; enjoy their presence.

Should the mountain gorillas be on movement, you will be able to follow them always maintaining the necessary minimum distance of seven meters. They might approach your organization showing some curiosity. This is natural and not cause for any anxiety. Should they approach you, the rangers will encourage you to keep composure and back off gently.

The ranger guides will look after you in the forest and are well informed. Make sure you inquire of them about the jungle, other animals, and gorillas. Each gorilla family is personally familiar to them, and they can provide you distinct names and characteristics. Essential team members as well are porters, who will carry your day pack and assist in getting you up and down the slopes for a little price and a tip.

Hiring one or two porters can help the numerous young people remaining near Bwindi impenetrable National Park find jobs, even although their role is to aid you by offering a push and/or a pull when the going becomes rough. Through travel, students will understand the reasons for conservation.

Controlling gorilla trekking’s expectations

Not knowing precisely where you will locate the gorillas adds part of the thrill of seeing them. Though hiking might be exhausting, the height, the dark forest, the rain, and the muck are rewarding.

Depending on where you are located, the gorillas will be found in somewhat diverse environments: in an open clearing with unhindered views and plenty of sunshine, or in a denser section of the forest beneath a heavy canopy. Plan your pictures keeping in mind the lighting conditions; flash photography is absolutely forbidden. Though sightings are not assured, there is at least a 95% chance you will locate your gorilla family.

Ugandan and Rwandan gorilla family distribution

One must show a current gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Uganda to ensure your place on the day of trekking. Following briefing and under the direction of park officials, they will assign each of you a gorilla family based on your physical inclination and level of interest. This implies that on the exact day you will be assigned to travel on a gorilla family. Ask for a gorilla family and preferred trekking path; they will do as much as they can to match your preference.

Why is an hour activity include viewing mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?
Strictly one hour are Gorilla Trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Those who have seen habituated mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda would tell you that one hour is plenty.

One rationale presented for one hour is because they train habituated mountain gorilla families to accept visitors for one hour everyday for conservation and beyond this, gorillas may charge to guests as they also need solitude to eat and establish their nests.

Believe me, you have plenty of time to see the gorillas; simply ask your guide where you would like to stand or where you would want to walk. It will not be upsetting for the gorillas. You should stay around seven meters (~20 ft apart).

How can one schedule a gorilla hike in Volcanoes NP or Bwindi?
The top foreign tourist attraction in Uganda and Rwanda is seeing the mountain gorillas; with so many local and foreign tour companies able to assist plan your trip.

A competent tour operator provides thorough local knowledge with personnel or reps on-site. They will be acquainted with the vicinity of every gorilla family having personally visited the lodges. When you are organizing your vacation, this information will be very helpful.

Tour companies should use dependable ground crew, especially experienced drivers familiar with the area and able to manage the steep dirt paths (near Bwindi, for example).

A tour operator can arrange your additional activities, lodging, and transportation and create an itinerary if you choose to go further after gorilla sightings. Make sure the gorilla trekking trip you purchase includes your tracking permit in the cost.

Although professional bodies like AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and RTTA (Rwanda Tours and Travel Association) screen its members, many excellent hotels and tour operators are not members of these groups.

If you do your research and make good advance bookings, you might potentially book independently. Allow plenty of time for travel. You are on your own should you miss a bus or break down. In such cases, gorilla permits cannot be postponed, hence you may find yourself forfeiting whatever savings you save by going alone.

At least six months before you want to visit, reserve your gorilla tour and permit. There are just a few daily permits, hence excursions fill fast.

If you want to see many gorillas, you will need several permits as each one lets you view them just for one hour.

The gorilla journey throughout Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Two choices exist for you on how to ensure your gorilla permits trekking in Volcanoes National Park if you are organizing a gorilla trekking tour or safari vacation to Rwanda. To manage any problems with regard to booking and acquiring your mountain gorilla permits, first and most safely consult any registered and licensed tour operator.

Operating in Uganda and Rwanda, fully recognized and licensed Tour operator Katland safaris Once contacted, we will look for Rwanda gorilla permit availability. Save them for you free as long as you arrange an all-inclusive gorilla trekking Safari to visit Volcanoes National Park, home of habituated mountain gorillas.

We immediately handle everything and get Rwanda Development Board on your behalf. Once licenses are obtained, we plan all the other arrangements including travel, lodging, and any transfers engaged. Usually, we send one of our most seasoned safari advisors who guides you on what to do, anticipate, and offers all pertinent information till you become persuaded to book with us.

The second option is to reserve everything on your own by getting gorilla permits checked by Rwanda Development Board and then paying to RDB straight. A Rwanda gorilla permit simply covers park access costs, seeing a habituated gorilla family and spending one hour with these animals, services of an armed ranger guide, and a certificate.

It leaves out lodging and transportation while at Volcanoes National Park. Once you have your gorilla permit, you can move on and arrange all the other related logistics like lodging and transportation to and from Volcanoes National Park.

One may plan a one-day gorilla hike from the Capital City Kigali just at Volcanoes National Park. One may rise early, go to National Park’s volcanoes, hike gorillas, then return under late twilight or night. Although this is conceivable, we advise against it because anything may happen and results in delay and missing your trip after a costly SUD$1500 payment for your gorilla permit plus transportation.

We really advise you to at least arrange to spend two nights close to Volcanoes National Park. Since you never know when you will be leaving the park, spend one night acclimatizing before the gorilla trip and another after the trip. Early returns will allow you to enjoy optional events such community or village walks and woodland walks among others. Get advice on how to spend the additional hours in Volcanoes National Park from Contact Katland safaris.

Depending on carrying capacity, Katland safaris provide transport choices ranging from USD$100 for our well looked after Safari Vans to USD$250 to 300 for Luxury Land Cruisers. While in the vehicle heading to and from Volcanoes National Park, well-trained safari guides drive all of our vehicles and supply drinking water.

Why chose Rwanda for a trip in gorilla trekking?
One should spend USD$1500 for a gorilla trekking permit for numerous reasons, including the fact that it is as reasonably priced as USD$400 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and USD$800 in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These are the reasons one should migrate to Rwanda, even if the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have enticing reasonably priced gorilla licenses.

Less taxing physically on the trail
Actually, compared to Bwindi impenetrable National Park in Uganda, gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is considered to be less challenging. Most visitors who have crossed mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi impenetrable National Park usually confirm this.

Less Fruit in Volcanoes National Park
When one considers forest cover between Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi impenetrable National Park, one finds that Bwindi impenetrable national park is denser than Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Sometimes the deep forest cover in Bwindi impenetrable National Park makes photography challenging compared to the bamboo mostly seen in Volcanoes National Park. Usually tall and thin, bamboo trees are less likely to block one while he or she captures images and videos of mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Less traffic from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
From the designated Airport of Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is the simplest mountain gorilla National Park to reach. Comparatively to Mgahinga or Bwindi impenetrable national Parks, which are 10 hours’ journey from Kampala/Entebbe Airport on bad roads, the park is only two to three hours’ trip on well-maintained roads. By booking our flying safaris to gorillas and taking regular or charter flights from Entebbe Airport to Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park one may avoid such drives.

Gorilla permits funds put to use
Given the cost of a gorilla permit from Uganda or Congo, a Rwanda gorilla permit at USD$1500 seems absurd. The Rwanda government ranks first when compared to the way this money is spent as most of it is effectively utilized to safeguard the threatened primates as well as enhance nearby Volcanoes National Park. The experience is worthwhile and they always pay a dollar spent to view mountain gorillas in Rwanda to good use.

planning a gorilla Trekking safari tour in Uganda
Unlike Rwanda, Uganda has two main national parks where one may see naturally occurring mountain gorillas in their native environment. The two parks located in the southwest of this nation known as the Pearl of Africa are Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable National Parks.

Permission to hike mountain gorillas of Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a gorilla one you own. We advise you to study the material about Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable National Park before deciding on anything to enable you to make a better decision. Katland Safaris can provide you with pertinent knowledge about the two National Parks. Give us a call.

Gorilla excursions to Bwindi, an inaccessible National Park
The mountain gorilla groups of Bwindi impenetrable National Park are dispersed across many areas unlike other National Parks in Africa. This suggests consequently that one must reserve lodging in the area where his/her gorilla permits were booked. To help you avoid coming late for registration and briefing on the day of your gorilla trip, we also strongly advise reserving lodging not too far from the National Park gate.

More precisely, Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a vast tropical rain forest including four areas suitable for mountain gorilla trekking. These areas include Ruhija in the east, Buhoma in the north, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Every one of these areas has more than four habituated mountain gorillas.

If you arrange a gorilla permit hiking in Buhoma, for instance, make sure you reserve accommodations in the Buhoma area and the rest is applicable elsewhere. based on your interest and physical ability, we will handle all this on your behalf when you book a gorilla permit in any of the aforementioned areas as well as guide you on where to spend your overnights based on your budget and interest. Contact Katland safaris.

Depending on the area you are scheduled to hike mountain gorillas, Bwindi impenetrable National Park may be accessed by road from Entebbe or Kampala over 9 to 10 hours. You will meet Local drum manufactures, Equator, witness the Hima grazing their Ankole Long-horned cows as well as the stunning and rolling hills of the Kigezi area on your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Flying into Kigali Airport and driving 4-5 hours to Bwindi impenetrable National Park is the quickest route of access. Better yet, travel into Uganda via Gatuna border if scheduled in the east’s Ruhija district of Bwindi. Using Chanika border crossing is advisable if scheduled in the Rushaga or Nkuringo area. For information regarding crossing Rwanda to Uganda by road, kindly get in touch with us.

When should one go gorilla treking in Rwanda and Uganda?
Planning a gorilla trekking journey to Uganda or Rwanda in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and or Volcanoes National Park correspondingly requires knowledge of roughly identical visitation seasons and temperature. This implies that for the optimal time to go gorilla trekking, everything we have mentioned here also applies to Uganda and Rwanda.

Climate and walking conditions in Uganda and Rwanda
First of all, it is clear from definition that it rains all year round when deciding whether to go gorilla trekking in a rainforest such as Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Having said that, these two African nations in the tropics have rainy and dry seasons suitable for gorilla trekking.

Drier and warmer temperatures
May, June, July, August had drier and hotter weather; thereafter, in December and into February. Since there are less muddy paths and walks in both Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda respectively, gorilla trekking is easier during the dry season. The main drawback of arranging to go gorilla trekking in dry seasons is that it falls around summer and peak seasons for the activity.

This suggests that, in case of non-booking in advance, gorilla permits might be difficult to get. If not three to five months, we advise all people intending to go gorilla trekking during dry seasons to arrange gorilla permits a year in advance. Last-minute gorilla trekking trips to Rwanda and Uganda are arranged by Katland Safaris under long-standing permission when requested.

Wet circumstances of the weather
April, May, September, October, and November see wet and rainy conditions most prevalent. Roads are muddy during this period, hence paths become rather dangerous.

That gorilla trekking occurs all year round, and chances of sighting gorillas are 90 percent and greater. You must be very physically fit and have the appropriate gear with you to prepare really effectively. Should it be necessary, we strongly advised a porter for a push or a pull.

From 21°C (70 F) to 30°C (86 F), temperatures in Uganda and Rwanda are set year-round; higher elevations cause drops to 10°C (50 F). Though it’s cold at night, the effort of climbing and trekking will warm you throughout the day.

When should one schedule a gorilla trip during Peak/high season in Rwanda and Uganda?

In Uganda and Rwanda, peak or high seasons follow the hotter, drier months of June, July, August, September, and December through February. These seasons fall between summer vacations and mild weather that draws more visitors to Volcanoes National Park.

Book six months or more ahead whether you want to do gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during peak season or if you are in a big group. You have more options on where you stay and where you hike gorillas the sooner you book.

Though they cannot be assured, last-minute appointments during low season or with smaller parties are feasible.

Events & Festival Time in Uganda or Rwanda
Every September, Rwanda hosts an annual Kwita Izina gorilla-naming ritual that provides an interesting window into Rwandan culture and attempts at gorilla preservation. Though by invitation only, the event is free to attend. A decent tour operator will set your access.

As it is common, plan ahead if you want to follow the gorillas and attend the ritual.

Kwibuka, which means recall in Kinyarwanda, is a more serious event. In honor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in which about one million Tutsi—70% of the Tutsi population—were slain, this sequence of events takes place in April. These are welcoming events for visitors. In Rwanda, April may be a somber month.

Often asked questions about gorilla treks
Worth it is gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?
For many individuals visiting Uganda or Rwanda, gorilla trekking is by far one of the most amazing and one in a lifetime experience. It is quite rare to hear anyone say that it is a less than wonderful experience and should be regarded as a whole day’s activity in a pristine natural environment, not just the valuable hour with the great apes.

As earlier noted, all gorilla safari packages to see mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda are quite expensive. Whether it is quite so life-changing for you, may depend on how passionate you are about wildlife encounters (and early morning starts!).

Make sure you are ready to fully benefit from the experience. Wear the correct gear, be as fit as you can, relax, and avoid trying to schedule too many events. Uganda and Rwanda are interesting nations with much more than “just” gorilla trekking; finish out your trip with a few additional days of getting to know your location.

Is safest gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?
Right, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda means visiting wild mountain gorillas. Many people will wonder: how deadly the mountain gorilla is? Will they charge toward our direction? Nothing will happen to you if you follow laws and guidelines and advice provided to you by your ranger guide. We can boldly guarantee you that gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is safe.

We have never heard of such an incidence for all the years we have been doing gorilla safaris to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi impenetrable National Park in Uganda. This is so because every gorilla family seen by visitors is accustomed to humans and totally acclimated by pertinent park personnel. Rest assured, nevertheless, that your gorilla trekking trip to Bwindi impenetrable National Park or volcanoes National park will be secure.

Furthermore well known is the fact that gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda occurs on foot and in remote woodlands. One can even be assaulted by other wild creatures or humans like rebels or poachers. Both Uganda and Rwanda take visitor security and safety very seriously; all parks are under surveillance and an armed ranger will accompany you to frighten away such animals should they come across. Since our first concern is customer safety and security, Katland safaris only operate in secure destinations.

How tough is gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?
A certain degree of physical condition is very advised as trekking mountain gorillas in Mgahinga, Bwindi impenetrable or Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda respectively may be extremely difficult. Although you should make sure you are well prepared both physically and psychologically, anticipate going through muddy paths, heavy vegetation and extensive forest cover while on your walk. Regular rains in these woodlands mean hiking and trekking may be muddy and even dangerous. This is why we advise you to pack appropriate equipment for your trip.

If you are physically unfit or elderly, not to worry; Katland safaris will always have answers for you. You may pay porters to carry your photographic gear and daypacks when in Bwindi impenetrable National Park or volcanoes. This allows you to move or climb with great simplicity.

We advise renting a stretcher or sedan chair and porters to take you to and from the gorillas if you are elderly and incapable of walking for long distances. This adds an additional cost ranging from USD$300 to USD$700. As long as you let us know you need, Encounter may arrange this on your behalf. Your day will be unforgettable for all the right reasons if you use common sense and a respectable degree of fitness.

Mountains gorillas from Rwanda
One can reach Volcanoes National Park via softly sloping agricultural terrain. There are many ecosystems in the park: bamboo forest, open bush and darker, moss-covered trees with rocky trails. The forest denser the higher you ascend.

Mountains Gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a thick tree, shrub, and creepers rainforest. There is rugged terrain with access via steep dirt roads. Some trees, reaching fifty meters in height, provide a thick canopy. Trekking over the forest might be challenging, and your ranger guide might have to create a trail with machetes from scratch. The woodland intersects rivers and waterfalls.

Though the trek to view the gorillas may be rather steep in certain areas, the woods of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are less thick than those of Bwindi.

Why do mountain gorilla trips in Rwanda and Uganda cost so much?
Trekking mountain gorillas from Uganda or Uganda does not come that reasonably priced. While in Uganda is presently USD$800, a gorilla permit in Rwanda alone is USD$1500 per person each trip. This rules out lodging and transportation expenses. One might therefore wonder why gorilla treking in these two nations is so costly. These are a few of the explanations.

Mountain gorillas regarded as endangered species all around. A greater charge to view them becomes unavoidable in order to restrict the amount of contacts of the gorillas with humans in order to protect them from probable illnesses from human beings. This has also not prevented individuals vying for gorilla licenses in Uganda and Rwanda.

Furthermore, the need to gather the necessary money to preserve these mountain gorillas and their habitats charges visitors who want to include gorilla treking on their schedule. This same money or part of it is utilized to protect the forest, pay researchers and staff of Uganda and Wildlife Authority in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Though the price may not be cheap overall, given the experience and significance of preserving this endangered primate, it is still really reasonable.

Exists a gorilla trekking age restriction in Rwanda and Uganda?
Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda has a consistent age because laws controlling the protection of these endangered primates practically match each other. The gorilla trekking minimum or age is fifteen years. Only if you are 15 years of age or above may you be permitted to see habituated mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Before being permitted to walk gorillas in any park, you are expected to provide your passport information both at the park headquarters and on booking your gorilla permit. Although Rwanda is rather rigid, Uganda Wildlife Authority sometimes lets a 14-year-old who is almost turning 15. Such a youngster has to be physically healthy and mature to handle the walk. Please get additional information; please contact Katland safaris; we would be happy to provide advice.

How near to Mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes NP can one get?
Volcanoes National Parks and Bwindi both permit a 7-meter gap between the gorillas and your ranger guide will help you to make sure this is followed too. Mountain gorillas could approach you as they are ignorant of this regulation. Should they do, your ranger guide will counsel you to remain cool, drop your voice, and avoid making eye contact. Steer clear of attempting to interact with a family member as this will likely result in charges mostly from the Silverback.

A silverback gorilla is around how large?
The biggest living primate in the world is the mountain gorilla A fully developed male gorilla will weigh between 300-440 pounds (140-300 kg) and stand between 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters). Rising about 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters), female mountain gorillas weigh between 300-220 pounds (90-100 kg).

Mountains gorillas are shockingly fast and very powerful. Between 8 and 15 times stronger than a person, a gorilla can run 25mph.

Contact Katland safaris by email, WhatsApp or phone for more information on the often asked topics about mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Why deal with safaris from Katland?
Expert in planning fantastic wildlife, cultural and adventure safaris in East Africa, Katland safaris Over the course of 15 years, we have developed a staff of expert Safari consultants and guides that will ensure seamless planning and execution of your safari. We licenced to operate in East Africa and are completely registered.

Members of AUTO (The Association of Uganda Tour Operators), we closely coordinate Uganda Wildlife Authority, Rwanda Development Board, and Uganda Tourism Board. Over the many years we have lived, we have catered to many satisfied customers and some have been able to live a review on travel advisor and Safari reservations.

How to process Gorilla trekking permits credit note from UWA

What is a credit note from Uganda Wildlife Authority?

Uganda Wildlife Authority provided a credit note for the canceled gorilla permits with a reimbursement; this statement may be used to make future reservations upon presentation.

Money held by UWA may be used under the credit note arrangement for gorilla and chimp permits to buy any good or service, including admission fees and those items on sale during the promotional period that runs until June 30, 2021. Using the money on the credit note arrangement, we may also top up on other current permits.

Rescheduling or converting Gorilla Permits bought at previous rate (USD 700) into credit note will keep that rate USD 700. Requests for credit notes must either email or pass via the UWA central register. Get in touch here; we will guide you appropriately.

Why is UWA enabling credit note processing by tour operators?

Uganda Wildlife Authority is letting tour operators handle credit notes for them to conveniently handle the permits that were not used by visitors who failed to make it to Uganda because of different uncertainty and covid-19 constraints. Most of the gorilla permits are bought via tour operators not directly to UWA, so it is simple for them to seek and follow up credit note requests.

To guarantee that permits for their guests canceled from the system at least seven days before the tracking date, tour operators must provide information of their clients for the permits booked in advance to the UWA Reservation Office.

How would one handle a credit note?

You will need to write a headed paper letter to Uganda Wildlife Authority, duly signed by the approved signatory, with information of gorilla permits you need to be canceled off the Uganda Wildlife Authority system as this will involve deleting the current permits from our system and keeping onto your money for future bookings.

The letter should include the specifics of the breakdown and totals shown in the table below. Kindly find attached an Excel file; furthermore, send it to UWA via email. Attach also the documentation proving payment for the relevant permissions.

Can one tour operator forward a credit note to another?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority made this decision because of internal financial management policies; hence, the tour companies with a credit note are advised to use these statements to purchase new permits and subsequently at their own liberty transfer these permits to any other tour company; the name of the original tour company will not change in the Uganda Wildlife Authority System.

For what duration flame may process and apply a credit note?
Once the UWA finance team settles, the gorilla permits will be deleted from their system and a credit note or bill will be sent to you for the stated amount, for use at a future date, not exceeding December 31st, 2022.

How does gorilla permits in Uganda handle Covid booking and cancellation policies?
You needed a gorilla permit to go for tracking of gorillas. This means that those who reserve a gorilla permit should be able to utilize it for the scheduled journey on a certain day. When you miss the trip from 0 to 8 days, the day of tracking and with this you do not receive the reimbursement for the permits. Gorilla permit cancellation rules and penalty in Uganda.

The Corona Virus outbreak has caused significant changes in gorilla permit cancellation policies for the past six months. Both nations have been forced to relax their policies; in Uganda, all affected gorilla treks have been given the chance to reschedule twice up to 2022 December. Get specifics by contacting us here.

Why should you schedule your gorilla trip with Katland Safaris?
Should you not be able to make it for the gorilla walk due to unforeseen circumstances, Katland Safaris will assist you in processing a credit note for your permits and help you book elsewhere. We can also arrange for you several gorilla trekking safaris ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury choices including the gorilla permits.

View our travel advisor reviews and learn from a community of content, delighted customers. You know you will have an amazing Uganda gorilla trek with us. Our first priorities are giving great client pleasure and service. Our staff of outstanding tour guides is always ready to assist with all your safari queries. With us, you will be guaranteed an outstanding gorilla trip in Uganda.

How much does it cost to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park?

How to spend 5 days in Rushaga region of Bwindi

Five days in the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are under your plans? Which activities would you want to engage in at Rushaga? Spending five days in southwest Uganda, the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is among the nicest ones inside the park.

About the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

One of the four sectors for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Bwindi is Rushaga area of the well-known national Park. Rushaga, Buhoma, and Nkuringo make the other three sectors of Bwindi impenetrable National parks.

One of the well-known and greatest locations to hike the Mountain Gorillas, the Rushaga trailhead is located in Kisoro region in southwest Uganda and shares a border with Congo, Bwindi impenetrable National Park has more than half of the only surviving Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, one of the oldest forests in Africa is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Nshongi Gorilla Group, Mishaya Gorilla Group, Bweza Gorilla Group, Bikyingi gorilla family, Kahungye Gorilla Family, Busingye Gorilla Family and Mucunguzi gorilla family are the Gorilla families in Rushaga area for gorilla trekking. According to Uganda’s wildlife policy on gorilla tourism, each gorilla family is only permitted to be seen by eight tourists in company of guides, porters and rangers.

For Non- Foreign Residents, the gorilla trekking permit is USD800 per person; for Foreign Residents, USD700; and for East African Citizens, Shs.300, 000. The hiking permit lets you spend just one hour seeing the gorillas. Gorilla tracking in Rushaga in Bwindi impenetrable national Park requires 56 permits daily.

Five days in the Rushaga area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park: how best to spend them?

One may participate in a lot of activities in Rushaga areas Bwindi impenetrable National Park.  Although most people come here for gorilla treking, there are other excellent activities available in five days or more.  Among such pursuits are gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation experience, Batwa cultural experience, nature and forest walks, charity work, birdwatching, and so many more.

Trekking gorillas in the Bwindi Rushaga area

One of the fascinating things available if one has five days to spend in the Bwindi Rushaga area is gorilla tracking. Visiting the gorillas in their natural home in the forest for one hour once located is the essence of gorilla trekking. Starting at 7:00 am, gorilla trekking in Rushaga begins with a briefing at Rushaga Park headquarters on the dos and don’t rules when traversing the jungle with the gorillas.

This implies that one must spend overnight in a lodge nearer the park headquarters in order to allow him or her to reach the briefing on time.  Following the briefing, the park guide, rangers, and trackers bring you to the jungle in search of the gorillas Your physical condition and inclination will determine the gorilla family you choose.

Once you locate these mountain gorillas, you will be given one hour of watching and photographing; subsequently, you return to the starting place to get a certificate for the successful gorilla trekking in Uganda. The trip may last one hour to more than three hours.

Uganda Wildlife Authority guideline states that only eight people per habituated family per day may see gorillas in order to help to preserve them. According to regulation, you must be 15 years of age or above to be permitted to perform gorilla trekking; children are not allowed to trek as someone may not readily manage them in the jungle and might therefore spread illnesses to the gorillas. Starting at Rushaga Trailhead on Christmas, your gorilla trekking trip will be fantastic.

Like we undertake Rushaga gorilla treks on short notice, planning a gorilla trip to view mountain gorillas in the Rushaga area should be done one or two months ahead. Trekking mountain gorillas in Rushaga depends largely on a gorilla permit, which must be pre-booked.

Once contacted, Katland safaris helps with availability, reserve, and acquiring of your gorilla permits. We will schedule your lodging and transportation to and from the Rushaga district of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after your gorilla trekking permit has been obtained. Please contact us by email, phone, or WhatsApp if you would like more information about planning a gorilla walk to see mountain gorillas in the Rushaga area; we will then advise you.

Experience in Gorilla Habituation Rushaga area

One of the present and most sought-after activities available for preparation to spend five days in the Rushaga district of Bwindi is gorilla habitat experience. The mountain gorilla trip lets you spend four hours with still habituating mountain gorillas.

Gorilla habituation activities in Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda are only permitted for four individuals maximum. To guarantee your spot, we so need you to reserve your gorilla habituation permit in advance. Depending on the time you spend locating these mountain gorillas, the adventure begins and lasts half or a whole day.

Only in the south of Bwindi impenetrable National Park between the sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo is gorilla habituation work conducted. Under the direction of experts and guides, you visit the habituated gorillas throughout this trip and track their feeding, movement, rest, and even communication with one other.

One needs to prepare extremely well because that gorilla habituation entails searching for mountain gorillas that are still under habituation; treks and lengthy walks in the forest might be involved. You should find a trekking stick and enough drinking water to keep you hydrated rather useful. Remember to call on a porter to help you by carrying your back park and providing a push or pull when business is slow.

Three to four months in advance can help to prevent shortages by planning a gorilla habituation vacation in the Rushaga area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park. A gorilla habituation experience should be reserved in advance and then additional services like lodging and transportation purchased later.

Should there be any cancellements, we will still help you to handle a refund or reschedule your gorilla habituation experience permit to another date. Katland safaris monitors availability, reserves, and obtains gorilla habituation experience permits on behalf of our customers. This is one of the most crucial reasons you should schedule your gorilla habituation trip to view gorillas in Rushaga under a recognized tour operator such as Katland safaris.

Experience in bird viewing

For bird lovers, the Rushaga area of Bwindi Forest National Park is home to several unusual bird species including Albertine Rift Endemic birds.  We provide birding trips to Bwindi Forest National Park, where expert birding guides help you to recognize various species.

Batwa Experience of Culture and Community

Spend five days in the Rushaga area of Bwindi to really appreciate the Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa people, often known as the pygmies, lived in the forest for many years until recently when they were taken from the Bwindi Forest to the nearby towns of Bwindi Forest National Park to facilitate mountain gorilla protection and tourism.

Five days of travel will allow you to witness how these pygmies employed their time in the forest, where they stayed, how they harvested wild honey in addition to hunting. They will present their dances and discuss how they have adjusted to and appreciated regular life outside the jungle.

If you have any contribution to help the children with clothing and scholastic supplies, you may also visit the rest of the community in the out skirts of the forest, the women organizations that produce crafts and sell food, the community schools and we urge.

Nature strolls in Bwindi’s Rushaga area

Comprising a tropical forest with some of old tree species and some of which are peculiar to Bwindi Forest National Park Its dense canopy makes it as well-known as impenetrable, which makes nature treks fun. In Rushaga you will get the opportunity to see many animals including rare forest elephants if lucky, monkeys, baboons, learn about several tree types, detect numerous bird species. You will also take a nature stroll to the river stream across the Rushaga area.

Well-trained and informed ranger guides who are always eager to share their knowledge of birds, monkeys, and flora in the forest lead nature hikes in Rushaga area. Ask them any question you want; they will most certainly have an answer.

Nature walks are great for family trips, most notably when one of the family members is under the minimal age for a gorilla trip—that is, before or after your mountain gorilla trip. Kids under the age of 15 may join such hikes while they wait for their parents, while others are on their mountain gorilla trip. Such walks have the benefit of being ground-based and devoid of specialized carrying capacity.

Volunteering in the Bwindi Rushaga area

Volunteering events is another way you may spend five days in Rushaga. As you empower the local people living in Rushaga of Bwindi, you may help with community-based initiatives and tutor in schools. Responsible tourism business Katland safaris values returning to the local community. Our customers are urged to provide their knowledge and expertise to the nearby community initiatives like hospitals, women’s groups, schools, and companies handling environmental preservation.

Working with schools, environmental conservation initiatives in and around the Rushaga area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, various women organizations, young projects, Therefore, we advise everyone to save two to three days to participate in any of the above stated initiatives; Katland safaris will guarantee that your volunteer placement is managed carefully to guarantee that it either helps the people or the environment. For more information on volunteer placement in and around the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, kindly get in touch with us.

Where in the Bwindi Rushaga area should one stay?

Many lodges and hotels in the Bwindi impenetrable national park let you to stay on your gorilla trekking trip. These vary from low-cost to high-end hotels, and Katland safaris will enable you to reserve the hotel of your preferred price and quality. In Rushaga, you may stay at Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens resort, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla resort. As you will be spending five days in this area, the lodge rooms sell out during the busy season; thus, we advise you to book beforehand.

Why do Rushaga activities with Katland?

Based in Uganda, local travel business Katland safaris has main headquarters in Entebbe. Run and own experience Africa safaris, Ugandans. Having been in business for more than 15 years, our area of expertise is life-changing events and environmentally friendly travel to all East African nations.

Registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board), we are AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators). members. Booking your gorilla permits and other park activities is simple because to our strong and long working connection with UWA, Uganda Wildlife Authority. Both Safari reservations and travel advisor highly evaluate Katland safaris.