Uganda gorilla safaris from Europe.

Among the most sought-after safari pursuits available in Africa is a Uganda Gorilla safari. Are you from Europe planning a Uganda gorilla safari? Are you in one of the 44 countries in Europe, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece or Hungary among others and you would want to visit Uganda for a gorilla safari? If so, here are some pointers to enable you to arrange an unforgettable Uganda gorilla safari from Europe.

Information to be aware of when organizing a European Uganda gorilla safari

From whether to use a tour operator or not, various Uganda gorilla safaris options, the best time to book a Uganda gorilla safari, where to go in Uganda for a gorilla safari and so many other vital things as below, you should learn more about a Uganda gorilla safari from Europe before booking one.

• Regarding gorilla climbing in Uganda
• Where in Uganda could I go for a gorilla safari?
• How to reserve a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
• A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs what?
• Going gorilla trekking in Uganda costs how much?
• Is travel to Uganda’s gorillas safe?
• Which of Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park best shows gorillas?
• My Uganda gorilla safari from Europe should be booked when?
• Procedures for making a European Uganda gorilla safari booking
• Which gorilla safaris in Uganda are most sought after?

About Ugandan gorilla trekking

Searching for habituated mountain gorillas that depart together in a certain gorilla family group and are used for human presence, gorilla trekking is a gorilla activity consisting of walking or hiking through the forest.

Once you locate them, you will be meeting them, snapping pictures, and learning about them from your ranger guide. One hour with the mountain gorillas is made possible by gorilla trekking. Eight persons are doing a group gorilla trekking one particular gorilla family.

Which gorilla safaris in Uganda are most sought for?

The minimum number of days you need for any gorilla safari excursion to Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga in Uganda is three. These are the most popular gorilla safaris in Uganda you can book from Europe; personalize it to your interests.

• Three Days of Gorilla Trekking Tour
• Three Days Gorilla Habituation Experience Tour
• 4 Day Double Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 4 Day Trekking and Habituation Experience Tour for Gorillas
• Five Days Gorilla and Game Tour
• Five Days Trekking Tour for Gorillas and Chimpanzees

How can I view mountain gorillas in Uganda on a safari?

Mountains gorillas found in Uganda are limited to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Near one other in the southern western region of Uganda are both national parks.

Because of the many mountain gorilla groups found in Bwindi impenetrable National Park contrasted to Mgahinga, which only has one gorilla family Nyakagezi, many visitors choose trekking gorillas in that park. With so many gorilla families in Bwindi, obtaining a gorilla permit is simple and guaranteed unlike in Mghainga.

The actual fact is that mountain gorillas abound in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; the experience gained at the conclusion of your trip is not much different.

The key distinction is that mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are in the Virunga/hills with mostly bamboo as the main flora whereas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park these mountain gorillas are in a tropical rain forest with variances of trees and plants.

98% of the chances of seeing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park will allow you to observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat whatsoever park you visit.

About National Park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994, Bwindi forest is among the first in Africa. Among the roughly 400 types of plants found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, up to 150 mammals—including the well-known Gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, forest elephants, and antelopes—among others find cover.

One of the main pleasures of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the gorillas there. Gorilla permits daily for gorilla trekking let you see the gorillas for one hour and four. Under licenses, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is in responsibility of safeguarding gorillas; all tourist operations in Bwindi impenetrable National Park are under control under their direction.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga National Park is in East Africa’s Kisoro area southwest Uganda. Among the Virunga volcanic mountain range of Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda noted for Mountain gorilla safaris is Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Bound by Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda, the park is the smallest national park in Uganda.

Of the three volcanoes in Mgahinga gorilla national park—Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhabura—all of which form part of the six Virunga Mountains Mgahinga National Park has Golden Monkeys and the threatened mountain gorilla.

Lowland equatorial evergreen forest, tropical seasonal forest, montane rain forest, mountain bamboo makes up the park’s tropical rain forest.  Among Uganda’s ten National Parks, Mgahinga National Park is the second one for particularly gorilla tourism.

You should not miss this park when visiting Uganda as it is such a beauty. Under the direction of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government agency overseeing all of the country’s conservation sites,

For what length and intensity is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park Uganda?

Timings and circumstances for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park vary greatly as the gorillas travel constantly around the rain forest depending on the natural conditions at the time of your trip.

Being ready and keeping in mind that the weather might change with somewhat little notice is wise. Often the terrain is hilly and over places devoid of obvious pathways. Although it may simply be a few hours, it may also be for a whole day of up to 8 hours or more of trekking in hot, high altitude circumstances therefore please be ready for this by being as fit as possible.

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs what?

The Gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 per person for the Foreign nonresidents, $700 per person for residents, and $70 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). This allows you an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

With 17 habituated gorilla family groups located in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga, Uganda has 136 daily gorilla permits for gorilla trekking availability.

Under the direction of trackers and researchers, Gorilla Trekking in Uganda offers you an option to spend more time with the mountain gorillas through Gorilla Habituation Experience, only done in Bwindi forest, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person giving you an opportunity to spend 4 hours encounter with the semi habituated mountain gorillas instead of one hour for the regular trekking.

Purchasing gorilla permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority or a reputable tour operator in Uganda Katland Safaris allows one to get them straight-forwardly.

The price of a Uganda gorilla safari holiday?

Apart from other services such transportation, lodging, and guiding, the Gorilla permit fee for every gorilla safari in Uganda reflects a considerably more expense. A gorilla habituation permit costs USD1500 for the foreign nonresident; a gorilla trekking permit costs USD800.

Apart from the gorilla permit, you will pay for additional services like transportation, lodging, and guiding to ensure a great gorilla safari. Starting USD 1572 per person, a 3 Days Uganda gorilla safari costs.

Visiting gorillas in Uganda is safe?

Due to the recent attacks by 4 poachers and the killing of Rafiki the Silver Back head of the Nkuringo group in the southern sector of Bwindi, many prospective visitors interested in visiting this park have asked whether Bwindi Forest National Park is safe for Gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Only two National Parks in Uganda—Mghinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National—allow Gorilla Trekking. Although there have been border unrest between Uganda and Rwanda, this has not affected travel across the border from one nation to another since national parks like Bwindi Forest National Park share a border with DR Congo and subsequently Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

What level of safety does Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda offer? Given the fact that gorilla tracking activity in Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National Parks is a quite well-organized and regulated activity from the start to the conclusion, Uganda and Rwanda are both rather safe for gorilla trekking. Two fully-armed park rangers and tourist police will assist you all through your journey against outsiders as well as dangerous animals discovered in the woods during gorilla tracking.

When should I start my Uganda gorilla safari from Europe?

From June to October and December to March, Gorilla safari in Uganda is ideal for treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla National Park as well as during this time the vegetation is not fully grown and it is easy to view the mountain gorillas providing fantastic views for pictures.

Normally a wet season, this causes the vegetations to grow high, which makes sightings difficult. However, during the other months of April, May, and November, treks tend to be shorter since mountain gorillas do not travel great distances searching for food. Since gorilla safaris in Uganda are a very well-organized activity with 99% probability of spotting mountain gorillas, they may be done all year round.

How to arrange a European Uganda gorilla safari

Booking a Uganda gorilla safari from Europe is simple; nevertheless, you must have your gorilla permit locked in ahead to verify your booking is for a Uganda gorilla safari. Once you have your intended travel dates confirmed, we will need you to email us so that we may check for availability of gorilla permits online with the Uganda Wildlife Authority once we confirm permits are available for your intended dates.

We will let you know so that we may send you an invoice for you to pay for the permits. Once the money is processed and we have your permit on our account, we will immediately buy your permits and provide a scanned copy of them to you for review and records, thus verifying your booking for Uganda gorilla safari. Given the fact that permits sell out very rapidly on first come first basis, it is advisable to reserve your Uganda gorilla safari at least two to three months before your arrival.

Where should one stay on a European Uganda gorilla safari?

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National Park is conducted in southern areas under Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors and in northern areas under Buhoma and Ruhija. Staying at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp in Rushaga All of the resorts at Nkuringo—Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge, or Lake Mutanda Resort—are near the beginning of Gorilla Habituation.

In Ruhija you can stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp; in the northern part, in the Buhoma sector, at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman.

Within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park resorts include Gahinga Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge.

How can one visit Bwindi Forest National Park for Uganda’s Gorilla Trekking?

Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park from Entebbe/Kampala via Mbarara, Kabale, then either the northern or southern side of Bwindi depending on which side you have booked for your gorilla trip. South western Uganda is where this is situated.

On the northern side, take this route to either Ruhija or Buhoma sector after turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro highway. You will notice a sign post of Uganda Wildlife Authority. Branching out from Muko town along the Kabale-Kisoro highway, the southern sections Nkuringo and Rushaga are reached.

By Air: Entebbe International Airport run by Aero Link Uganda and Kajjansi Air field run by Air Uganda have regular flights to both Kisoro and Kihihi airstriks near Bwindi forest National Park. From here, you will travel around one to two hours to approach the park for gorilla treking.

How would one reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

By Road: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is near Kisoro town and can be reached by the major high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala, around 8-9 hours driving. You will travel toward your lodge in the park after passing through Kabale town and heading to Kisoro town. One may easily reach the Park from Kigali, Rwanda, around two to three hours’ driving.

By Air: To reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airport, fly from Aero link and Fly Uganda local airline companies provide scheduled and chartered flights. You will have to arrange with your tour operator for a shuttle from the airfield to the Lodge you have chosen for your stay.

Why arrange your Uganda gorilla safari from Europe with Katland Safaris?

Contact us now to assist you book your Uganda gorilla safari from Europe. Katland Safaris will guide you through the booking procedure. We can also arrange for you several Uganda gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury alternatives including the gorilla permits. View our tripadvisor reviews and read from a community of contented customers at will.

You know you will have a fantastic Uganda safari experience 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.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and safari holidays from the United Kingdom.

Are you first-time preparing for Rwanda gorilla trekking and safari trips from the United Kingdom? Would you want to visit the gorillas in Rwanda and also go on safaris to other parks including Nyungwe Forest National Park? From the United Kingdom, your trip to Rwanda promises plenty to excite you. For your family holiday, honeymoon, wedding anniversary, and escape from the United Kingdom, Rwanda is the ideal Africa safari spot.

To Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park respectively, you may do gorilla trek or safari. This page offers some basic rules to help you arrange a Rwanda gorilla trip from the United Kingdom.

Trekking Rwanda Gorilla from the United Kingdom

National Park’s Volcanoes Among the most often visited countries in Africa, Rwanda is well-known for gorilla trekking. Part of the Virunga volcanoes shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, the park is situated in western Rwanda. Among the Virunga Mountains are Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Sabinyo, and Mountain Karisimbi.

This park has grassland sections, wetlands, and heath in other sections along an evergreen bamboo forest. Volcanoes National Park is called Parc Des Vulcan’s in French and Pariki Yigihugu yibirungu in Kinyarwanda, Local language. Among the various types of birds, monkeys, trees, forest pigs, bushbucks among others in the forest, it is a refuge for the endangered primates such the Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys.

With gorilla trekking going all year round, the mountain gorillas are the main draw of volcanoes national park. Visiting the habituated endangered mountain gorillas in their native habitat and observing their feeding, movement, rest, and harmonic living is the basis of gorilla trekking. Since trackers, guides, and park rangers lead you, the odds of seeing the mountain gorillas are 99%.

Though the gorillas share 99% DNA like the humans, they still stay wild and you are encouraged to obey the dos and don’s from the guides during the Briefing and on a walk. The trip begins every day at 8:00 am with a briefing on recommendations to follow while on the hike.

Depending on the activity and position of the gorillas in the jungle, the gorilla walk might last thirty minutes to several hours. Completing your bucket list by booking a gorilla trip from the United Kingdom to volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a lifelong event. Call us to arrange your gorilla safari.

Daily availability of Rwanda Gorilla permits for gorilla trekking:

A good gorilla trip at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda depends critically on the gorilla permits. Every day, eighty gorilla permits are available to let you observe the gorillas, meet Africa safaris will assist you through the booking and permit obtaining procedure.

Once you get in touch about your intended trip and preferred dates, we will check the availability of permits with the Rwanda Development board online and send you an invoice to make payment for the permits as they are top priority and should they not be available, you will choose another date with availability of permits.

After we are paid, we will book and obtain your permits and provide you a copy of the receipt along with booking ID to verify your trip. One of the ten factors to take into account when planning the Rwanda gorilla trip is the licenses issued by the country.

The Rwanda gorilla permits for a gorilla trip safari from the UK cost what?

For all nationals to go the Rwanda gorilla permit is USD1500 per person. Visit Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park gets YOU 30% discount on the gorilla permit which is USD1050 per person and USD1300 per person for Delegates in the country.

There is also a special discount for one visiting all the national parks in the months of May to November. The Rwanda Development Board pays for the gorilla permit; we will transmit copies of the permits to you. Another USD 5000 offer is for three consecutive days’ trekking of gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Travel agencies may readily get gorilla permits. To get your permission in the quickest period, please contact us as Katland safaris at.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, boasts how many gorilla families?

While other gorilla groups are not habituated, 10 families in volcanoes national park are occupied for gorilla tourism and research. Every gorilla troop is headed by a silverback and names themselves based on certain conditions. Certain gorilla families are named after powerful individuals, events, or even local names of sites.

To start his own family, a juvenile silverback must “steal” several females from an established group when he confronts the dominant silverback. Under Amahoro, which means “peaceful,” the gorilla families comprise the tranquil Ubumwe group.

The group mostly lives upland, hence you must first climb steeply to finally enter its area but, as usual, the effort is well worth it. Emerging from many existing gorilla families, including Group 13, Susa, and Sabyinyo, is also Hirwa gorilla group. Munyinya left Susa with two females and the silverback left behind

Guhonda, after one of the volcanoes Mount Sabyinyo, leads the Sabyinyo gorilla group. If you are tired of monitoring great distances, this group is most often near the park headquarters and should be sought if at all possible. Silverback Kwitonda leads the group known as Kwitonda gorilla; the name is translated “humble one.”

From the Democratic Republic of Congo, this gorilla troop made “permanent residence in Rwanda.”  Group 13 / Agastya gorilla group got their name from only 13 individuals following habituation. Its membership is around 25 at the moment, and silverback Agastya leads it, which helps to explain the name change.

Silverback Charles leads the Umubano gorilla group, having split off from the Amahoro gorilla group with several females to create Umubano. Umubano is translated as “living together.” Come ready to trek this volcano as you follow the Ugenda gorilla troop, which was called by their unusual movement from place to place throughout the Karisimbi region.

With 41 gorillas, Susa (A) gorilla group is the biggest gorilla group in the park and the one under research by Dian Fossey. The clan is renowned for having uncommon twins called Byishimo and Impano.

Karisimbi / Susa – B gorilla group branched off from the original Susa (A) group and include two silverbacks. Living on the top of Mt Karisimbi, this tribe is among the toughest to climb. For experienced hikers who value the trekking experience just as much as gorilla sight-seeing, it is best Born during the days of Dian Fossey’s study in Karisoke, Titus gorilla group was named after silverback Titus.

Silverback Bwenge broke away from other groups and founded the Bwenge gorilla group. Bwenge is translocated as “Wisdom.” Mostly the tribe lives on the slopes between the Bisoke and Karisimbi mountains.

The Packing List for Rwanda Gorilla Trek

We always counsel our guests to pack as little as possible; depending on the vehicle they rented, luggage size and weight restrictions will affect you whether you travel in a group. These are some items you should definitely not forget on your packing list.

Gorilla treking in Volcanoes National Park is hiking or trekking in quest of the threatened mountain gorillas. For this exercise, you want light weight hiking footwear given the kind of forest with the elevation and terrain. As you choose what to carry for your Rwanda gorilla trip to the volcanoes National Park, hiking boots are really essential.

Gloves for Gardening, Your gorilla walk will need for gloves to protect your hands. Remember that this forest might turn slippery as you go in it; so, you must grasp on anything just in case such occurs.

Jacket for Rain, You will never know when it may rain, hence you will want a rain jacket to keep dry. Although many customers attempt to avoid rainy seasons of March, April, and May, being a tropical rain forest means that it might rain any time. Many clients prefer vacationing in drier months of June, July, August and beginning of September. You should give this some thought for your trip to Rwanda’s gorillas.

For your gorilla trekking, you must have long sleeved pants or shirts/blouse. To prevent insects like safari ants getting into your hiking boots, kindly make sure you tack in your pants. Jeans pants excel in this.

cameras and more batteries, Your Rwanda gorilla trip includes photography, so make sure you have your camera ready, charge your batteries very well, and if needed pack additional batteries as you will need to shoot as many pictures in the one hour you will have with the gorillas. While photographing gorillas, please make sure your flash is off.

If it is hot, kindly bring a cap to shield you from the intense heat. heat Glasses You may also want some sun glasses. These are more options.

For your gorilla trip, this is an optional item; we urge all of our customers to bring a porter. As was already said, gorilla trekking may be physically demanding; hence, you will want someone to provide you a push or a pull on route to the gorillas.

Although there is a cost, these porters are well worth it. Recall that these porters are really schoolgoing kids either on holiday or have been expelled from their institution owing to school costs. Paying some money to have a porter with you would have indirectly helped to promote community development.

Safari Holiday from the UK into Rwanda

Apart from the gorilla trip, would you be interested in a safari break in Rwanda? The only game park in Rwanda will provide you a wildlife experience. The calm African bush safari experience is found in Akagera national park. Situated in the Eastern part, the Park offers chances to see Rwanda’s Big Five species.

Though leopards are seen more often on night game drives and the number of lions and black rhinos is rising, buffaloes and elephants are most prevalent. Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, olive baboon, vervet monkey, hippo, impala, Defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, common duiker, eland, topi, Bohor reedbuck, oribi, roan antelope, klipspringer, and the elusive semi-aquatic sitatunga are among other animals you might video. Night drives typically include spotted hyena, genet, civet, white-tailed mongoose, bush baby, elephant-shrew, and several species of owl and nightjar.

Founded in 1934, Akagera National Park has swamp, montane, and savannah ecosystems. The Kagera River runs along the park’s eastern edge and feeds many smaller lakes as well as Lake Ihema. Comprising more than a third of the park, the intricate system of lakes and connecting papyrus marshes is the biggest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa.

Akagera National Park has over 480 different kinds of birds.  Get in touch to plan community events including unique safari experiences in Rwanda and wildlife drives and boat trip on Lake Ihema.

Flying from the UK for Safari to Rwanda

Though there are various travel choices you might choose based on the cost reasonable and the cheapest pricing, Rwanda air currently flies straight from the United Kingdom. Should you visit in this time for your safety and a healthy safari, you will have to follow the COVID-19 rules after arriving at Kigali International Airport and obtaining a visa either online or at the airport.

After doing a city tour of Kigali city, you will travel around two to three hours to Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla hike and Akagera National Park for safari.

Where from UK should one stay in Rwanda for a Safari trip and Gorilla trek?

Making plans for a safari vacation or Rwanda gorilla trip, you should be sure where to stay—perhaps even outside of Volcanoes National Park or even inside the park.  The least you could spend on evenings is one night at a lodge of your liking. You can obtain fantastic travel discounts the more nights you spend at a hotel or lodge.

From luxury to inexpensive, there are lodges and hotels in volcanoes national park according on your means. Every lodge has single, double, twin, triple, and family rooms to suit every kind of interest. Worth a night stay include the luxury lodges Virunga Lodge, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, the middle-class Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and Lebambou Gorilla Lodge, Davinci Lodge.

Among the budgetary choices are Gorilla Solution Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Virunga Hotel, Faraji Hotel, Kinigi Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, and La Palme Hotel or Home Inn. Tell us your budget and the lodge you want to stay in; we will then suggest appropriately for a service commensurate for your means.

Staying at Akagera National Park allows you to get a wildlife adventure for a safari or holiday with gorillas. Service ranges for lodges in Akagera National Park vary from luxury choices include Ruzizi Tented Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, and Akagera Rhino Lodge.

They all are guaranteeing the safety and health of their guests; they have amazing hospitality, clean rooms, VIP rooms, and all have established the set SOPs for prevention of the coronavirus from spreading. At Akagera National Park, the Midrange resort choices are Dereva Hotel, Akagera Bush resort, and Magashi camp. Get in touch to customize your trip from the United Kingdom for Rwanda.

Booking from the UK Katland safaris Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Safari Holiday

Having been doing safaris for over ten years with a professional crew visiting Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania, Katland safaris Apart from mountain gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park has options like golden monkey trekking, Diane Fossey trip, Hiking Mountain Bisoke and Karisimbi, Cultural encounter, and birding.  Both Trip Advisor and Safari Bookings strongly advise Katland safaris. Contact now to arrange a custom safari from the United Kingdom for Rwanda.

Rwanda vs. Uganda: For The Best Gorilla Trekking Experiences.

Clearly among the top gorilla trekking locations around are Rwanda and Uganda. Both have first-rate infrastructure for primate adventures, hence the major “Rwanda vs. Uganda” argument is on which one offers the finest gorilla trekking conditions. We aim to help you make the best choice by addressing some of those issues.

Tracking the gorillas in both nations entails walking up or down defined paths over the dense, twisted vegetation over mountainous terrain. Though practically everyone who sets out on this journey usually finds the gorillas, it is somewhat difficult.

Regardless of the nation you select for the expedition, trekking the steep mountain slopes to locate a mountain gorilla family and spending that one hour with the gorillas will be an amazing experience that will leave you breathless.

The choice of Rwanda over Uganda will most likely result from the availability of gorilla permits, the expense of the adventure, where to stay, access to the gorillas, and what additional activities may be included to your trip.

We advise looking for the permission and making decisions by consulting a local tour operator. Like Katland Safaris, most tour companies are ready to provide all the required information at no cost and can arrange gorilla trekking safaris in either nation.

gorilla permit availability

Uganda has advantage on the availability of gorilla permits. That is so because Uganda has twice the number of habituated gorilla groups and more gorilla trekking stations than Rwanda, therefore safeguarding more than half of the entire gorilla population.

Uganda grants more than 160 gorilla permits daily from 20 habituated gorilla groups in two National Parks: Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. doubled the Rwanda’s permission count.

In Uganda, you not only have a gorilla permit but also have more than five trekking locations scattered around the park borders, where you may discover a range of lodging. Bwindi alone consists of four sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the west, Rushaga in the south, and Nkuringo.

With fewer than 80 permits daily, Rwanda has 15 habituated gorilla groups for treking. Starting from a single place in Kiningi, gorilla trekking trips disperse on the foot of the volcanoes. Kiningi is the hub for all the lodging.

The Price of Trekking for Gorillas

The price of the gorilla permit and lodging determines the cost of gorilla treks mostly. About the accomodation cost, Rwanda’s gorilla permit charge is more than double that of Uganda.

Since 2017, the permit in Rwanda has continued at $1500 per person per hike. Any visitor over 15 years may purchase the permit from Rwanda Development Board or from any licenced local tour operator at face value.

From 2019, the Uganda gorilla permit has cost $800 per person per trip. The permit is available from offices of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala or via any licenced tour operator. Alternatively, Uganda grants a $1500 gorilla habituation permit (not in Rwanda) wherein visitors may spend more than four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family: an experience most would prefer over trekking in Rwanda.

Finding a permit in any nation during the busiest months of July through September and December through March is more difficult logistically than in the low seasons. If you want to come during the busiest times, make sure your permit is booked at least six months ahead.

Gorilla Access
With only about a 2-hour drive from the international airport to Volcanoes National Park on a well-surfaced road, Rwanda has the simplest access to gorillas. On the same day you may arrive at the Kigali airport and straight transport to your bush lodge close to the gorillas.

That cannot be true of Uganda, however. The gorilla reserves in Uganda are around 500 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport. Arriving in Entebbe, you are supposed to stay a night before starting a 10-hour trip across the nation to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks. For those who would not like to drive ten hours in the rear of a safari vehicle, two little airports are a two-hour drive outside Bwindi and Mgahinga.

Driving in Rwanda or Uganda will repay you greatly with the undulating rural scenes. Most seasoned visitors choose to drive in order to see these amazing vistas.

Both nations let you see the mountain gorillas only on foot. The park lacks roads, hence occasionally you may drive on an unpaved dirt road from the briefing site to the gorilla trekking starting point for around forty-five minute journey. Whichever nation you decide for, be ready to get muddy.

Trekking Relaxation

The trailheads of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are at the absolute bottom, and the base of five dormant volcanoes stretches across Often, the gorillas climb the steep slopes, and you will be walking up to see them. The terrain might be rough and steep, hence modest physical fitness will help one negotiate it.

Trekking in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda resembles that of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Though most visitors would judge the difficult terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park more demanding, that is far from the reality. The topography of Bwindi makes it difficult to forecast the gorilla habitat—down in the valley or up the slopes?

On any given day in Bwindi, you may be climbing or descending the mountains; it is not clear. On certain days, trekkers are fortunate to come upon the gorillas at the park borders; they do not have to go far into the forest. Though the Bwindi Forest is darker and denser than Volcanoes, the hiking trip is erratic at both sites.

You may be monitoring the gorillas for around thirty minutes to four hours in either Uganda or Rwanda; you cannot precisely estimate how long it would take as trackers have to follow their lead and they roam freely within their protected areas.

Alternatives for Accommodation

Though Rwanda’s lodging expenses might be a touch expensive on the premium market, hotel options abound in both nations compared to the availability of gorilla permits.

The gorilla trekking lodging in Rwanda is mostly in Kiningi; up-market selections surpass the more affordable ones. If you stay in a premium lodge with elegant facilities rather than a cheap motel and pay the expensive gorilla permit cost, you are more likely to enjoy Rwanda’s gorilla trekking experience.

Conversely, Uganda offers a great range of gorilla trekking lodging choices. From affordable hostels to cozy hotels and out-of-this-world woodland hideaways dispersed among the five gorilla trekking areas. On a given morning or evening foraging excursion, certain resorts in Uganda welcome unexpected gorilla visits that surprise visitors.

You may sleep just above the park canopy and then stroll five minutes to the Uganda hiking base. The gorilla trekking experience is that exciting in Uganda.

Additional Activities
Most visitors choose to mix their safari drive with their gorilla trekking adventure. Although both nations provide good activities for a combination safari, Uganda has the advantage with more choices.

The only and finest place for a laid-back big five safari excursion in Rwanda is Akagera National Park in northwest of the country. For nature walks and primates, the southern Nyungwe National Park will provide some of the greatest chimpanzee trekking opportunities in the area.

Apart from the gorilla encounter, most visitors want to discover Rwanda’s outstanding conservation and cultural tourist initiatives. And should the suffering of the 90s genocide appeal to you, it would be advisable to spend a night in Kigali and visit the memorial museums.

Uganda offers a more diversified safari experience, nevertheless. One may opt to observe the elephants traveling down the Nile at Murchison Falls National Park or sailing a boat on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park amid pods of Hippos, herds of buffalo, and antelope on the beach. Walking with our crazy chimpanzee relatives in Kibale Forest—rated as the finest primate experience globally—is another highlight of Uganda.

Both nations mix well with the neighbouring Masai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania for a more focused safari experience. One may simply travel between Kigali and Serengeti National Park or Entebbe and Masai Mara National Reserve to see the amazing Annual Great Migration.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Safaris or Rwanda

Interested in tracking gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, Katland Safaris has a committed staff of local experts who can assist you in selecting an appropriate location for your trip plans, schedule, and budget. We can also organize your lodging, arrange your travel, locate you a gorilla permit in any nation. Send us an email at and speak with a specialist.

A Guide To Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda.

One of the Uganda safaris, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga offers the closest anybody may go to a habituated mountain gorilla family in a natural surroundings. One of those travel experiences every visitor should cross off their list is climbing the Mgahinga National Park volcanic slopes in search of the mountain gorillas and spending one focused, continuous hour with the gorillas in the bamboo forest. The ratings for this excursion are increasing, and every year the logistics to get there are becoming easier.

Protecting Uganda’s part of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mgahinga National Park is at the extreme southwest border of the country with Rwanda and DRC. From 2,227 to 4,157 m (7,306 to 13,540 ft), the 33.9km2 (13.1 sq mi) wraps around Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo three extinct volcanoes.

Mgahinga, among Africa’s best gorilla trekking sites, safeguards an amazing range of unusual plant and animal species in its bamboo, montane, moorlands, and alpine forests at higher elevations. But the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys native to the Albertine Rift area are most honored residents.

Mount Gorillas in Mgahinga

About half of the mountain gorilla population wanders between DRC’s Virunga National Park and Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. While many of them hide and keep far from human reach, some gorillas have become acclimated for human encounters. One habituated mountain gorilla group accessible for hiking in Mgahinga National Park is Nyakagezi.

There are about ten members of Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, three silverback males, but only one silverback, Mark, rules the group. Mark is rather daring; in his early years, he would move the group over the border into DRC, Rwanda, and back to Mgahinga. He has lately stayed within Mgahinga limits and followed the lifestyle of the family.

Mgahinga grants just eight permits daily to anybody over 15 years to hike and spend one hour with the habituated gorilla population. From Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or via a licensed local operator such as Katland Safaris, the gorilla permit for Mgahinga costs USD 800 per person per trip.

Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking: What To Expect

Following a brief instruction at the gate of the park, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga begins early morning at around 08:00. At the briefing point, a warden will examine if you contain any contagious illnesses: gorillas share 98% of our DNA and are vulnerable to human diseases. So make sure you’re not sick and 72 hours before the trip test for Covid-19.

The warden will then walk you through the guidelines, how you should behave and manage yourself while walking, and while spending your one hour with the gorillas. They will ask you to remain with the trekking group at all times, refrain from polluting the park, wear a facemask while among gorillas, assign you armed rangers for your protection against the unexpected.

Following the briefing, your small party of not more than eight visitors, two rangers, a lead tracker guide with a walkie-talkie, and a few porters to help some trekkers will go into the mountain forest following the tracks of the lead tracker. How long the journey over many forest zones to reach the mountain gorillas may take is not precisely known. Still, depending on the activities of the gorilla troop, most hikers spend 45 minutes to 4 hours.

Like their name implies, the mountain gorillas reside on somewhat steep mountain slopes. For armchair visitors, the walking path to the gorillas in Mgahinga is erratic and very demanding. Still, most travelers on uneven paths will find gorilla trekking in Mgahinga not that difficult. But we advise you to find out your physical health a few weeks before you visit; otherwise, you never know how far you would have to go to locate the gorillas.

Your tracker will make sure the speed of your hiking is the slowest among the slowest trekkers, providing little pauses to collect your breath and sip water. To keep you interested, they will also be feeding you knowledge about the forest and its inhabitants.

When you locate the gorillas, the rangers and guide will select for you a suitable spot to interact with them. Usually, the mountain gorillas will overlook your presence with only faint glances at you. Little ones sometimes will be fascinated by what you’re wearing and want to touch. Your guide will advise you, nevertheless, to remain a safe 10-meter distance from them and prevent any touch. You will record your memories and enjoy every minute around the unconcerned silverback and his family for the following hour.

Your guide will gently walk you away from the gorillas and out of the forest when the hour is running out, without upsetting the animals. They will discover a fitting opening where you may have your packed lunch, regain your breath, and remember your adventure before returning to the headquarters. The warden at Magahinga National Park headquarters will provide you a certificate of accomplishment to thank you for helping to save gorillas.

Following gorilla trekking

An energetic explorer might find many more things interesting after gorilla trekking at Mgahinga: birding, climbing up one of the volcanoes, seeing the Batwa tribe, or tracking the endangered golden monkey.

Following golden monkeys is the second most popular pastime in Mgahinga, after gorilla trekking. Only the Virunga area has the threatened golden monkeys; Mgahinga National Park is the only place one may observe them. Available for daily half-hour and full-day treking trips, a group of more than thirty people has been habituated for trekking.

Climbing one of the three moderate mountain climbing peaks of Mount Muhabura 4,157 m, Mount Gahinga 3,484 m, and Mount Sabyinyo 3,669 m many visitors come to Mgahinga National Park. From the Mgahinga park headquarters, daily walks lead one to see the most breathtaking vistas in central Africa from the sky.

Following gorilla trekking at Mgahinga, it is not unusual for guests to spend the remainder of the day seeing the local Batwa tribe living on the edge of the park. Originally living in the mountain woods, the Batwa were moved to make room for the conservation efforts of the park. Sharing the same environment with the gorillas and other mountain wildlife, they will highlight their old primal traditions. For only twenty dollars, you may dance to their catchy songs, listen to their stories, stroll through their towns and woodland paths.

Mgahinga is among Uganda’s most sought-after birding locations; over 180 different species have been reported there. Some birding enthusiasts may hike gorillas in the park and follow the rewarding birding paths to optimize their trip to Mgahinga. Among the most beautiful paths to see certain uncommon species are the gorge between Gahinga and Sabinyo, over the bamboo forest, and in the montane forest.

How To Approach There
About 500 km (317 mi) southwest of Kampala, Mgahinga National Park would be reachable via a 10-hour trip via Kisoro. From the closest city, Kisoro, you will travel almost an hour on a 14 kilometer difficult climb road to Mgahinga. You have to negotiate this route with a 4x 4 automobile, particularly in February through May and September through November when it is wet.

From Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha leads you past Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and on route towards Mgahinga. Usually, the journey takes six to seven hours. Also from Kisoro, Lake Mburo National Park.

About 46km/29mi from Kampala, Entebbe International Airport (EBB) allows one to take a one-hour domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airport.

Where Should You Remain?

Mgahinga finds few places for lodging close to the park. Its proximity to Kisoro town and Lake Bunyonyi, however, benefits the visitor to stay at either one of the two adventure sites (an hour away) and be on time for gorilla treking at Ntebeko trailhead.

Only two lodging options just outside Mgahinga are the high-end Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge and Amajambere Iwacu Camp (shoestring).

Two mid-range outstanding lodging choices at Lake Bunyonyi are Birdnest at Bunyonyi Resort and Bunyonyi Overland Resort. Still, our specialists may provide many reasonably priced choices for you at your request.

Though there are numerous cheap to premium city hotels in Kisoro Town, our choice comprises only:

Hotel Kisoro for Travelers
Rest Hotel of Kisoro Travelers: Countryside Guesthouse The Mountain Gorilla Safari Hotel Kisoro
The decisions might overwhelm you, but that shouldn’t be the case with our specialists’ guidance. For a brief suggestion, contact us.

Though the optimum time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to January, Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park is available the entire year.

The forest pathways are more easily accessible for trekking during the dry seasons, hence you have higher chance of avoiding rain falling on you during a priceless hour with the gorillas.

The busiest months in Mgahinga and Uganda are June through September. Gorilla permits are rare at this time; thus, we encourage you to reserve yours early on.

The worst of the seasons is the rainy ones, March through May and September through November. Walking the woodland paths might be difficult for many since the rains are pouring torrentially at this moment. While many visitors greatly avoid the rainy season, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is available, and some benefit from the low-season prices.

Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safaris and Encounters Mgahinga has gorilla trekking safaris run by local travel firm Africa Safaris. Our itineraries are tailored for guests to include lodging, food, transportation, and booking of your gorilla permits. Through emails and calls, we arrange the safari with you such that we can record your close expectation and enable you to travel worry-free so that you may spend time enjoying your trekking trip in Uganda.

Tell us your choices by sending an email. One consultant will be assigned to control your expectations within your allocated budget.

How to Discover Rwanda: 10 suggested ways.

Ten approaches to learn about Rwanda. Often referred to as “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is an East African nation located on the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. Like every high terrain. Geographically, Rwanda is surrounded from east by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda is a safe and hospitable place evidence of the resiliency of its people, despite a turbulent history because tourism is rebounding there. Rwanda provides a very rare experience for anyone looking for a really fulfilling safari. From mountain gorillas in Volcanoes to the volcanic peaks and limitless successions of steep hills, it is not surprising that it is the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Rwanda’s fastest-growing industry is tourism, most specifically ecotourism around Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest, and naturally the world’s most renowned mountain gorillas at Volcanoes National Park.

How to reach and move around Rwanda

There are many ways to travel to and around Rwanda. Every foreign aircraft lands at Kigali foreign Airport, and upon arrival tourists often decide to spend nights in Kigali city. Getting to the next location of your choosing will need a fantastic road transfer. Alternatively go to your travel route map.

Generally speaking, Rwanda’s major highways in metropolitan areas and the capital are lovely and clean, which makes travel around easy.

Being a land-locked nation, road travel remains the primary means of transportation utilized with its fast-growing economic infrastructure given priority and thus makes it simple to get throughout the country with ease; some roads are typically bad like any other developing nation. Although hiring someone to drive you is often not the best option highly advised, looking at self-drive you must give it another consideration.

Akagera Aviation offers helicopter trips within Rwanda.

All overseas tourists must have passports valid for six months after the planned duration of stay. Arriving at Kigali International Airport and all land crossings, nationals of every country get a visa. The US $50 single-entry tourist visa is valid for thirty days and excludes several countries. Please be urged to routinely consult the Rwanda Directorate of Immigration and Emigration since this is subject to fluctuations.

Essential knowledge about Rwanda you should be familiar with

Kigeli is Rwanda’s capital city. The most often used and intelligible languages in Rwanda are French and Kinyarwanda. Spoken mostly in the major towns, hotels, and national parks, English is also the official language. As it is in any nation, simple safety measures should be followed when visiting Rwanda. Don’t leave money or too much jewelry laying around or carry too much.

Where safe-deposit boxes are available, securely store travel papers and valuables. Walk unescorted late at night not at all. If in uncertainty, consult your guide for direction.

Local money is the Rwandan Franc (Amafaranga in the local tongue).

US dollars are accepted generally; nevertheless, dollar notes older than ten years are not accepted.

Cities have banks and foreign currency bureaus; kindly verify the most recent exchange rates before visiting your target location.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted most of the hostels and lodges.

Before visiting Rwanda, make sure you have enough travel insurance to cover any medical condition including hospitalization as well as cancelment, postponing of plans, and luggage.

Health Situation in Rwanda

Accidents and malaria are the biggest health hazards in Rwanda. Before visiting Rwanda, travellers should see their doctors for guidance on preventative malaria measures.

Travelers should be sure their vaccines are current. Rwanda belongs to the yellow fever zone of Africa, hence it is very necessary to be vaccinated against yellow fever no less than ten days before trip.

Update COVID-19
Results from negative RT-PCR tests done 72 hours before departure are needed to board an aircraft to Rwanda.

Those leaving Rwanda have to show negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours before their trip starts. The only approved test is a SARS-CoV2 Real-Time Chain Polymerase (RT-PCR) taken 72 hours before travel. Other tests are not allowed.

Public is urged to use masks or face covers.

Drinking tap water is advised against. Every town offers bottled mineral water; check sure the seal is unbroken.

If you want to view primates, you must be in excellent health since passing on human colds or other diseases to them has hazards.

Ban on Plastic
Kindly do not bring plastic bags to Rwanda. Legal bans on plastic bags in 3008 mean that any plastic bags you pack will be taken at the airport or other point of entry.

Rwanda works to preserve the environment; this is a topic covered in their constitution and closely watched by every resident who helps out in a community service known as “Umuganda” on the last Saturday of the month.

Rwanda’s Safety
Always ask your guide to find out if there are any possibly dangerous places you should stay away from.

Steer clear of abandoned sites, especially at night. Dress down for city exploration. One should use hidden travel wallets.

Rwandans are extremely friendly and compassionate people, hence please do not hesitate to seek for aid or assistance at any moment.

Steer clear of photographing anything linked to the military or government, including army barracks, land, or people near by, government buildings, banks, ports, rail stations, and airports.

Notable is that cotton clothes is the most comfortable throughout the day. Please find particular packing instructions for gorilla tracking here.

Motives for Seeing Rwanda
A leisure trip or vacation would be perfect in Rwanda. We quickly discuss some of the reasons to visit some of Rwanda from outstanding deals to not be missed experiences that fit your tastes in the coming paragraphs.

Tacking of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorilla hiking is another approach to explore Rwanda. One cannot find any wildlife encounter like that with the graceful mountain gorilla. Volcanoes National Park, named after the sequence of dormant volcanoes known as the Virunga Massif—Karisimbi (snowcapped), Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura—is located far northwest of Rwanda.

It guards the steep slopes of the great mountain range, home of the threatened mountain gorillas, and a diverse mosaic of montane habitats, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, wetland, heath.

Through the enigmatic closeness of the rainforest, admire close interactions with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, alive with the sounds of over 300 bird species and chattering of the uncommon golden monkey. It’s amazing to witness these peaceful monkeys undisturbed in their natural habitat.

Living in the Volcanoes National Park are fifteen completely habituated mountain gorilla families (Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda, and Muhoza), with a few others acclimated only for scientific study. Every group or family comprises at least one silverback along with many females and children.

With each group seeing visitors for a tight limit of one hour daily, the families usually cling to a particular region and are under continuous protection by park guards.

Every day, for every group or family, a maximum of six tourists escorted by a professional ranger go out in quest of miraculous encounters with the great apes calling the Virunga Mountains their habitat. Visitors discover the beautiful, picturesque terrain where Dian Fossey conducted her innovative gorilla studies, negotiating hills covered with bamboo and jungle.

Finding your allotted gorilla family takes thirty minutes to five hours; after you find them, you are free to spend an hour peacefully viewing these fascinating animals.

Arriving at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am, visitors are instructed on dos and don’ts, tracked the mountain gorillas, and assigned a family based on fitness levels.

See them foraging, playing, teasing one other, eating, or slumbering in an almost human likeness. Enjoy every minute. Though the climb to see them may be difficult at times with steep climbs shrouded in thick foliage, initial views of these amazing species usually pay off.

Gorillas live in places where food plants abound close to the ground and think nothing of climbing rather high slopes to get them. As this amazing area of Rwanda is rather unique, try to spend as much time as you can in it.

With guided trips prior to the main event giving a chance to meet park officials and conservationists, the annual “Kwita-Izina” gorilla-naming ceremony is a unique occasion to visit the Volcanoes National Park. Musanze celebrates in Visitors are amused and have conversations about Rwanda’s outstanding progress in gorilla protection as well as the still-present difficulties.

Booking ahead, either online or via a reputable tour operator, is strongly advised given Rwanda’s only 96 gorilla permits daily. Rwanda is a premium gorilla tracking site as the Rwanda gorilla tracking permit is the most at US $1500 each. Tracking gorillas has a minimum age restriction of fifteen years old.

Tracking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
Endemic to the high-altitude woods in the Volcanoes National Park region, the golden monkey is a local subspecies of the widely distributed Sykes Monkey, often known as the Blue Monkey.

Usually dangling from bamboo trees or running on the forest floor, golden monkeys are curious and energetic.

Only located in Uganda and Rwanda, these amazing golden monkeys are unique within the Virunga Mountains range—which spans the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Two habituated golden monkey groups live at the foot of Mount Sabyinyo; one group consists of around 80 to 100 individuals.

From the national park headquarters at 7 a.m., forest treks search for the golden monkeys; guests are allowed to remain with them for just one hour.

There are no restrictions on the number of people tracking golden monkeys; each ticket costs US $100 per person per trip. Permits may be booked at the park headquarters on the morning of the event or set up beforehand. You may contract porters to help carry lunchboxes or cameras.

NOTE: Every activity in Volcanoes National Park begins at the park headquarters in the town of Kinigi, 15 km north of Musanze, 110km from the city, Kigali. And payment for all these activities is via Bank transfer at least one day before you engage in the activity and provide a receipt as evidence of payment. Requesting further information from your travel agent can help to address any unanticipated letdowns.

Although the national park does not provide lodging, various lodges and motels are located along its boundaries.

The closest airport is Kigali International Airport; you may drive to and from there.

Monitoring chimps in Nyungwe Forest

Conservation of Nyungwe Forest National Park, a high latitude highland rainforest in southern Rwanda, dates back to 3005 Comprising around 1700 t0 3000 square kilometers, this is the biggest protected alpine forest in Africa.

Chimpanzees and monkeys call the protected Nyungwe Forest National Park home, providing a unique chance to see these amazing creatures up-close. According to research, chimps have almost 99% of the original human DNA; the reason is still unknown.

Two chimpanzee groups totally habituated for tracking call the woodland home. One group is at Nyungwe main forest; the second is discovered in Cyamudongo, a little area of the forest situated in the eastern section of Nyungwe forest national park.

Every path is unique, and the fascinating chimpanzees of the forest abound with surprises. From the three welcome centers—Kitabi, Uwinka (the main center), and Gis Sakura—where all visitors meet the park ranger guide—the all-great trip to chimpanzees begins.

Visitors engaged in this activity should be at their designated places early, say 4:30 am, so that they can all travel to the trek starting site at 5 am. The professional guide will bring you, following chimpanzees, into the heart of the forest at the crack of morning.

A rustling of leaves, and subsequently, through the branches, you will see a chimpanzee staring down from the fig trees. Maybe you will also observe a bunch of chimps that live among trees launching themselves from the canopy. Only one hour is allowed for visitors to spend with the chimpanzees.

Although the Cyamudongo group has just around thirty members, they have the most successful sightings among groups in the main hub of Nyungwe with about 60 members. This is so due to the difficult topography of the jungle, which makes it difficult or almost impossible to see the chimpanzees.

The minimum age is 16 years; a chimpanzee tracking permit costs US $90 per guest per day. Visitors should pack long sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, jeans, hiking shoes or boots. To keep you going while you enjoy the walk, a tourist also has to pack at least two liters of drinking water and food.

Nyungwe National Park’s Canopy Walk

Rich in variety and breathtakingly gorgeous with the rugged terrain filled with animals, Nyungwe is among the oldest rainforests in Africa. Along with many other things this amazing jungle provides, tourists may have unforgettable and photographic experiences going over the Canopy Walk suspension bridge.

Rising over a ravine in the rich montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway offers a thrilling viewpoint on the prehistoric treetops and species. Accessible on a guided trip along the Igishigishigi trail, or those walking the Imabaraga or Umuyove paths, this 160-meter long and 70-meter high suspension bridge Along the hour’s walk to the canopy walkway from the Uwinka Reception Center, guests have chances to witness numerous butterflies, orchids, and colorful birds, including several endemics to the area.

Though individuals who want to find thirteen primate species that reside in Nyungwe should choose a focused primate excursion, chances to observe them are not out of question.

A guided trip to the canopy walkway is US $60 per person. Participants have to be at least six years old, and youngsters accompanied by parents.

The well-maintaining trails on the steep wooded slopes might get muddy particularly in rainy conditions. Consequently, one should carry a lightweight raincoat and wear appropriate shoes.

Game watching at National Park Akagera

Comprising grassland, forest, marsh, and a dozen lakes, Akagera situated on the somewhat warm and low-lying plains. The goal is to make sure the big five game wander the park in greater numbers over time; this basically open expanse is perfect for game watching. Though the park is tiny in comparison to many other savannah parks throughout Africa, game watching is the major activity available.

A helicopter, a canine squad, and rhino trackers that help to monitor the movements and safety of the animals have helped to minimize poaching in Akagera. The 8000 big animals in this national park have benefited much from the 2013 finished surrounding fence.

One spot to see wildlife is Akagera National Park. With lions, eastern black rhinos, buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, 490 bird species, African swallows, warthogs, mongoose, hippos, crocodiles, to name just a few, it is regarded as a “gem of Rwanda”.

Akagera National Park for US$40 per person offers night game drives as well, which may be scheduled outside from the park.
The park is open for self-drives. While foreign-registered automobiles pay US$25 plus double for the Safari vehicles or buses, EAC registered cars pay US$7.

The amazing trip from the south to the north in a day will allow you to see numerous animals, hence a terrific adventure experience as well as the breathtaking views from the mountain over Lake Ihema into Tanzania, highlight of every visit to Akagera. Large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and many waterbirds on the island in the center of the lake are visible while on the boat journey.

One may only tour the park by automobile. One might sleep in the park at several lodges.

Lake Kivu
One of the African Great Lakes, Rwanda’s biggest lake, Lake Kivu, located in the western side of the nation and surrounded by breathtaking mountains. Its deep emerald, green waters encompass a surface area of 2,800 square kilometers.

Between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Lake Kivu drains into the Ruzizi River, which runs southeast into Lake Tanganyika. One entirely within the Democratic Republic of Congo and another divided between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the lake creates two big fingers.

Among the many parks close to the lake are Virunga National Park, a fantastic place to see the wilds in the heart of Africa, and Volcanoes National Park, home to active volcanoes and primates including mountain gorillas.

Beautiful views of the nearby mountains abound from Lake Kivu, which also has charming resorts and huts and ports such Rusizi, Karongi, and Rubavu dotting the coastline.

Rubavu, formerly Gisenyi, is a sizable town on the northern border of the lake dotted with fading ancient homes, hotels, and hip bars perfect for sundowner drinks. From Volcanoes National Park, a great spot to unwind after gorilla tracking, it is one hour journey.

Karongi, midway across the lake, is a well-known beach resort with pine and eucalyptus slopes against the glittering lake. Local fisherman chanting spreads over the river as they paddle concurrently at nightfall and sunrise.

Karongi is well-known for its Saturday market, Museum of the Environment—which has a collection of stuffed animals and mounted butterflies—and rooftop garden with well-labeled plants used for traditional medicine.

A kayaking trip on Lake Kivu, or mountain biking or trekking one of the Congo Nile Trails, is a great option for adventurous visitors to see Rwanda.

The islands of Gahinga and Nkobo, both of which sustain great birdlife, are reached via a short trip on a local boat.

Like Kivu, main ports are most conveniently accessible by car. Karongi is around 135km west of Kigali and Rubavu is 155km northwest via Musanze; Rusizi is roughly 220km southwest of Kigali via Huye and Nyungwe National Park. Along with a twice weekly ferry service, a 300km road links the three principal ports to one another.

Kiggi City
The capital of Rwanda, Kigali, is the ideal base from which to begin an amazing journey of discovery of Africa.

Kigali, location of Rwanda’s sole international airport, is the most orderly and cleanest city in Africa. With the government district on one hill and the city center high on another, Kigali, vibrant and colorful, stretches across picturesque peaks and valleys.

On an amazing guided Kigali City Tour, history, architecture, and culture meet. As you go to where the first modern building was constructed, which set the groundwork for Kigali, you will be able to wonderfully see the vitality of this city.

Then negotiate crowded areas to really experience Kigali life. The great expansion of the city results from the fast growing number of tourists and investors drawn to what has been described as one of the nicest and safest towns in Africa.

The city tour covers the Genocide Memorial Center, sensory stops at the city market with a section for visitors with souvenirs, a visit to the Museum of Natural History, a motorbike ride across the town, interaction with the Inema Art Center’s artists, appreciation of the vibrant dance and musical performances, and dinner at the Hotel Des Milles Collines, the hotel most known from the film “Hotel Rwanda.”

People and Cultural Heritage of Rwanda
Mostly three groups of people live in Rwanda: the Hutu, the Tutsi, and the Twa or Pygmies. With almost 84%, the Hutu rule over other groups; the Tutsi account for 15%; and the Twa about 1%.

Unlike many African nations, Rwanda has been a cohesive state from pre-colonial times, inhabited by Banyarwanda with one language and cultural legacy.

Essential components of Rwandan rituals, celebrations, social events, and storytelling are music and dance. males have historically drummed; women have the Umushagiriro, or cow dance; males have the Intore, or dance of heroes; and so on.

Cultural villages, museums, and numerous hotels and lodges across Rwanda the Gorilla Guardians village in Musanze as well as the National Museum of Rwanda often include live dance events.

While most started as totally useful objects rather than just for decoration, art and craft are created all throughout the nation. Traditionally used to create dry containers for keeping food and medication, weaving and basket manufacturing is still a craft today.

These, also referred to as peace pots, have traditional values including celebrating marriages or as a welcome present. Many towns nowadays still have traditional Batwa-style pottery visible there. Liquid storage and cooking still take use of pots. Among the locally produced goods are wood sculptures.

Why, do you wonder, is Kigali the cleanest city in Africa?
Rwanda is not by chance the cleanest nation in Africa. The rationale is a combined effort known as “Umuganda,” which translates as gathering around a shared goal to produce a result. Umuganda is when Rwandans from all walks of life band together to serve their country at large and their local areas.

Every month, the final Saturday marks this. On this day, all stores shut, buses stop operating, traffic vanishes from roads, people lay aside their own enterprises and help public works all throughout the nation which include rubbish cleaning, tree planting, home construction for the vulnerable, and much more. All guests are kindly welcomed and those interested are welcome to participate during this social event.

Where in Rwanda one should stay?
Rwanda has tented camps in the parks and reserves, safari hotels, and quite nice lodging in Kigali, the city. These lodges provide the perfect base from which to go gorilla tracking. Expect neat, cozy lodges, great cuisine, breathtaking vistas and surrounds, and plenty of adventure.

A Guide To Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Uganda.

Primate activities are definitely best found in Uganda, and top on the list when one considers visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is gorilla trekking. The top bucket list trip in Africa is treking far into the magical impenetrable woods to discover a family of mountain gorillas and spending peaceful, undisturbed time. Many thousands of visitors to these gentle giants can attest to this.

Our humanistic nature, 98% of our DNA, and the fact that these unusual delicate creatures are threatened to extinct might all help to explain our love to them. Mountain gorillas have traditionally freely wandered the rift valley and volcanic slopes, covering most of East and Central African forests. Their range gradually vanished with human growth, driving them onto higher land and almost to extinction.

Though gorilla tourism has greatly raised their prospects of survival, a small number—a little over 1000 mountain gorillas—still remain in east-central Africa mountain forests. With about half of the entire population protected, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda ranks #1 among African sites for gorilla trekking activities.

Situated in the southwest rift valley of Uganda, under the shadow of the Virunga Mountains series, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Because the park has some of the most varied plant and animal species on the continent, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though more than 150 animal species call Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home, its famous occupants include close to half of all gorillas in the world.

Available for gorilla tourism, about nineteen (19) gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have been acclimated to human visitors. A few others are set aside for research and the gorilla habituation experience, which let guests spend almost four hours with the gorillas instead of the usual one hour.

For gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda is a top pick; so, we have created this travel guide to assist you with informed planning of your gorilla safari.

What Should One Expect From Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

About 500 miles from the capital city, Bwindi is located at the farthest distance in the nation. From Entebbe International Airport to a lodging near the Park entrance, expect to travel around ten hours. Though the trip might be exhausting, many people treasure the tapestry of breathtaking scenery vistas exposed across the countryside, particularly the unending terraced slopes and foggy mountain tops of southern Uganda.

Four smaller sectors—Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south, Buhoma in the north, and Ruhija in the west—make up Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and each has a trailhead to provide access to variously inhabited gorilla populations. You should plan to stay at one of the trailheads closest to your gorilla permit. Many of the hotel choices are around the four sector entrances. Keeping near to the gorillas guarantees that you will be there by 07:00, the start of the trip, on schedule.

For the pre-gorilla hiking in Bwindi, all visitors must be at the briefing point—park entry hall—by 07:00. Expect to be grouped in tiny limited groups (of around eight people per gorilla family) allocated a gorillas group, a skilled local tracker guide, and two armed rangers for your protection throughout the briefing.

Following the briefing, your skilled tracker guide will take your party into the forest at precisely 08:00, maintaining the pace of the slowest member in the group. You will not find well groomed paths. But your tracker and rangers will be cutting your route with a machete, guiding you across difficult ground to where they believe the gorillas to be. Hiking is demanding and calls for modest physical ability; hence, make sure your body is ready for such effort.

On the plus side, local porters have enabled anybody to go near the gorillas. From the nearby towns, porters search for sustainability by looking to gorilla tourism. So, go for it; employing one would immediately assist these communities. At the trailhead in purple uniforms, expect to discover these powerful ladies and men ready to help anybody eager to negotiate the difficult terrain and fulfill their goal of seeing the mountain giants with $20 parted with.

Before you come across the gorilla family, the journey over the dense bush might take thirty minutes to four hours. Gorillas, you see, could get up and go wherever inside the 331 sq km park and walk the forest doors without constraint.

Luckily, rangers arrive before they leave the nests and remain with them throughout the day. They would be providing bearings of their position and conversing with your tracker using a walkie-talkie. Thus, at 98%, the likelihood of hiking to view the gorillas in Bwindi is really strong. Still, the length of the journey remains unknown.

Expect to silently observe the gorillas at a limited distance of 10 meters, therefore avoiding any physical contact whatsoever. You have to avoid flash photography and munching, wear a facemask. Nearby will be your guide, providing you with fascinating anecdotes, facts, and knowledge about the gorilla group and their environment. Try not to occupy yourself with pictures; your awareness at the moment will greatly affect the nature of your encounter during the one hour with the gorillas.

Your guide will gently recover your group at the end of the hour and bring you to a far-off location to eat lunch or snack before you return to your lodge to remember the experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi’s Cost

The price of the gorilla permit determines the cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable; most visitors can pay this somewhat reasonably. At Bwindi, a gorilla permit is $800 per person per trip.

Still, other factors—including the permit, lodging, food, transportation, and administrative expenses—define the cost of the gorilla safari. Of all, the gorilla permit has the most difficult logistical arrangement.

Bwindi has fewer than 160 permits daily, hence less than 160 individuals may see gorillas on a given day. This makes the permits rare and much sought after. You would be fortunate to reserve a permit three months before the trekking date during the hot seasons of July through September. Start then, then, for future planning. Email and we will quickly get the permission on your behalf!

For a budget, your lodging in Bwindi will run you less than $250; for a mid-range, $250-$350; and for an elite luxury lodge, more than $400. Transfers, depending on the supplier and your starting point, might be between $50 and $300 daily including driver expenses and gasoline or fuel.

Given the foregoing, a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi is significantly less expensive even if the experience is the same as in Rwanda. (see the guide on Rwandan gorillas) Our advisors would be pleased to assist you in planning your Uganda safari for a correct price. Emails to us would be appreciated.

Best Time To Go, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, 1,160m – 2,607m, surrounded by tropical climate and flora that becomes somewhat cold in the evenings and when it rains. It may rain anywhere, and the more intense rain might interfere with your gorilla trip. Steer clear of visiting Bwindi in April, May, September through November when roads are inaccessible and paths are slick.

Gorilla treking in Bwindi is ideally timed for the dry seasons, June through August and December through February. Less rain in the dry seasons means less disturbance of the path. Roads are manageable; walking beneath the forest canopy is simpler; you may schedule additional activities such nature walking, birdwatching, and those cheerful communal walks.

Although the dry season is the busiest travel season in the nation, the park seems empty as the number of hikers is somewhat limited. But arrange your vacation during the rainy seasons if you want to benefit from Bwindi’s low season rates. Most resorts provide great rates to capitalize on the few guests during the rains.

What Should I Bring For The Gorilla Trek?

Out in the Bwindi mountain woods, it is chilly and wet; you have to remain warm and dry. Your packing list should call for a lightweight rain jacket, an evening lodge sweater, thick socks, and maybe a scarf.

To prevent prickly plants pocking your skin, carry a pair of lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes, gaiters, pants, and long sleeve shirt for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Also pack a waterproof bag to keep your equipment dry and maybe a shelter to cover your head. These should all be light; otherwise, you would be sweating on the difficult climb carrying a weight.

Here is a comprehensive packing guide for gorilla treking in Uganda.

Getting To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your major gate into Uganda is Entebbe International Airport. About 500 miles from Entebbe, Bwindi is reachable by about ten-hour drive. About two hours’ drive beyond the southern and northern sectors, chartered flights between Entebbe and two airports—Kihihi in the north and Kisoro in the south—each about.

For gorilla trekking, Bwindi has four separate trailheads spaced several odd hours away by road: Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south, Ruhija in the east, and Buhoma in the north.

If you are joining Bwindi from Queen Elizabeth National Park on the western Uganda safari circuit, you will travel around 3-5 hours to reach Buhoma and 5-6 hours to reach the southern parts Nkuringo and Rushaga. From Lake Mburo National Park, you will reach Nkuringo and Rushaga in four to five hours; from there, you will travel six to seven hours to Buhoma.

During the rainy seasons, we advise you to drive 4×4 cars to go to the gorilla trekking paths; roads are not passable under the rain. There are no roads inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; only foot travel is possible.

Where To Stay Accommodation for all kinds of visitors crosses the park limits at all the four gorilla trekking trailheads in Bwindi; you wouldn’t fail to discover an outstanding site to relax and have a meal before you go on the demanding journey into the thick forest.

From homestays, hostels to modest lodges with only four rooms, choices run from cozy getaways to luxury resorts and camps within the park that really stretch your means. Here is a list to give thought;

North Buhoma Sector; Budget; less than $250 per night

Rest Camp for the Buhoma Community

Camp on Gorilla Conservation

Guest House bwindi

Bandas View from Bwindi

Eco Heroes Gorilla Resort

Friends Lodge from Gorilla

Lodge of Jungle View

Midrange ($250–$400)

Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp

Enggi Lodge

Resort for Gorillas

Mahogany springs for camping

Lodge of Silverback

High-end ($400+)

Camp of Sanctuary Gorilla Forest

Lodge in Buhoma

The Lodge at Bwindi

Sector Nkuringo & Rushaga south; high-end ($400 more)

Mountains Gorilla Lodge in Clouds

Grocery Heights Lodge

middle ($300 – $350)

Gorilla Lodge Nkuringo Bwindi

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Lake Mutanda Resort Budget (below $250)

Gorilla Safari Lodge

Ichumbi’s Grocery Lodge

Lodge in Gorilla Valley

Ruhija Sector ( eastern )

Budget between $50 and $300, mid-range

Ruhija Gorilla Lodge safaris

Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Trekkers Tavern cabins

lodge Gift of Nature

Ruhija Gorilla Resort Friends Resort & Campsite

Ruhija Community Rest Camp Design You Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi, Rwanda

Any Uganda safari should not be compared to arranging a major city trip; neither should a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi. Planning a Uganda safari with gorilla permits, locating appropriate lodging with meals, and scheduling your transfers calls for an experienced local operator to negotiate the difficult issues.

You schedule your vacation according on your tastes and budget with support from a local operator; nevertheless, you still get to enjoy your trip knowing that someone with local knowledge has taken care of everything.

Book your Bwindi gorilla trip with Katland Safaris. We live here and have a reasonable sustainable travel footprint you can rely on. Write us an email.

A Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.

The first thing one thinks of while visiting Rwanda is the remarkable gorilla trekking expedition into the mountain forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the enigmatic mountain gorhers. Although uncountable visitors have praised the experience, one that really stands out is that it is difficult not to be dumb-struck by the humanoid form of mountain gorillas.

Sitting in a chilly Rwandan jungle and peering into the eyes of a beast with 98% of our DNA is like looking into a mirror; the beast silently glances back. That cannot be matched by any experience in any jungle.

People are naturally drawn to rare events and awe at things that appear unreal. Mountains gorillas freely wandered the rift valley and volcanic slopes thousands of years ago, occupying much of the east and central African rainforest. Their range gradually vanished with human growth, driving them onto higher land and almost to extinction.

Mountain gorillas are threatened nowadays; their population is hardly more than 1000. Governments, NGOs, travel agencies, and people leading front-edge gorilla tourism are dedicated to consistently increasing those numbers, nevertheless. One of the main sources of money for gorilla tourism is gorilla trekking, which is also effectively generating waves in the news on conservation.

Attracting thousands of visitors to see the one and only gorilla forest reserve, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda has positioned itself to shine in conservation tourism. Twelve gorilla groups have been trained for human visits and several others for primate research needs.

Everyone is welcomed, hence we are publishing this guide to gorilla trekking in volcanoes National Park to assist you to organize your trip in Rwanda with fingertip knowledge.

What Should One Expect From The Gorilla Trekking Experience?

Protecting Rwanda’s part of the Virunga Volcanoes series crossing Uganda, DRC, and Rwanda’s borders in northwest Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park. Between the three nations, around half of the mountain gorilla total worldwide wanders the Virunga mountain slopes. The other half is totally on the side of Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After jetting into Kigali International Airport, expect to drive two hours on the 100-kilometer well-surfaced road to reach the base town, Kiningi, where you will spend the night before your gorilla trekking adventure up the Volcanoes National Park slopes the following morning.

Usually within a 45-minute drive of your resort at the foot of the park, your driver will transport you to the park headquarters briefing point early morning of your gorilla trekking trip. There you will get a briefing on what the trip expects of you, what you should anticipate and which gorilla group you will come across.

Following the briefing, you will be divided into small limited groups headed for the trailhead into the jungle under the direction of a local professional tracking guide and two armed rangers (for security against jungle uncertainty).

Expect to climb rough terrain into the deep foggy forest with unmarked paths to discover the Rwanda gorillas as they reside up the high mountains. To carry off this journey, your physical health should be at least moderate; otherwise, we advise you to visit the gym few weeks before your trip.

If you lack confidence in your physical ability, fortunately you may hire a local porter to assist you on the difficult climb; furthermore, it’s a terrific way to directly support the local businesses surrounding the Park. From towns around Volcanoes National Park, porters used to rely totally on the forest for their means of survival. They turn to gorilla tourism to make money since the forest is off-limits. One at around $20 is worth the cost.

Following the footprints of the tracker, you may spend anywhere between thirty minutes and four hours wading your way across the deep jungle in search of the gorilla family. The timing is unknown as gorillas roam freely in the jungle and their restrictions are limited only by the park borders.

Although a team of rangers remains with them throughout the day and will be instructing your tracking team on their bearings to help you to locate them, it is not possible to know where they will be when you acquire them.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you should spend at least an hour observing them eating, grooming, socializing, and ignoring of your presence. When spending one hour with the gorillas, your awareness controls the nature of experience; try to limit your focus on photography to minimum. Your guide will, however, provide you anecdotes and facts all throughout your visit and let you know when your time runs out.

Major gorilla trekking policies at Volcanoes National Park include maintaining at least 10 meters (32 ft) away from the gorillas, waring a facemask, avoiding contact with the gorillas at all times, no flash photography, and no eating near the gorillas. See these and follow the advice; your gorilla trekking trip will be as unforgettable as you could have hoped.

The Cost of Volcanian Gorilla Trekking

Mostly driven by the gorilla permit fee, the cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes remains the highest in the area. Although the gorilla permit for Rwanda is $1,500 per person each trip, you still have to factor in lodging, food, and transportation.

Gorilla permits are sold by the Rwanda Development Board. But Rwanda has less than 100 licenses daily, hence they are rare and much sought after. Still, during the most difficult periods a qualified local safari operator such as Katland Safaris may buy one on your behalf. You should, however, try to reserve yours three months ahead at least.

Almost many safari hotels near Volcanoes National Park do not include the gorilla permit on their all-inclusive offerings because to its hefty cost. Expect to pay for the permit separately when you reserve accommodation; the lodge will provide bed, food, lodging activities, and sometimes transports to the gorilla point.

For a budget, an all-inclusive accommodation per night may go less than $300; for a mid-range, $300-$450; for an elite luxury lodge, it could run more than $700. Transfers, depending on the operator, might run daily between $80 and $300 including driver and gas/fuel costs.

Rwanda has positioned itself as a high-end travel destination; so, the cost of gorilla walking triples that of Uganda and DRC. Our advisers can assist you, nonetheless, to ascertain a fair travel cost within the quickest feasible period. Ask for a quotation at email.

Ideal Travel Time

Rising above 2,500 meters, Volcanoes National Park is surrounded by tropical flora and weather. It may rain anywhere, and the harder rain can ruin your gorilla trekking trip. Steer clear of visiting Volcanoes during March to April’s heavy rain when roads are inaccessible and paths start to slide.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes is ideally timed for the dry seasons between June and September. Less rain during the dry seasons means less disturbance of the walk. Roads are passable; walking beneath the forest canopy is simpler; you may schedule additional activities like birdwatching, nature trekking, and a stroll to the grave of famed Diane Fossey.

Although the dry season is the busiest travel season in the nation, the park seems empty as the number of hikers is somewhat limited. Book your vacation during the wet seasons, nevertheless, if you wish to benefit from the low season prices. Most resorts provide great rates to capitalize on the few guests during the rains.

Things To Bring For The Gorilla Trek

Out on the mountain, the temperature is chilly and wet; you must remain warm and dry. Your packing list should call for a lightweight rain jacket, an evening lodge sweater, thick socks, and maybe a scarf.

To prevent prickly plants pocking your skin, bring a pair of lightweight, waterproof hiking shoes, gaiters, pants, and long sleeve shirt for walking; furthermore, take a waterproof bag to keep your devices dry and maybe a shelter to cover your head. These need to all be light; otherwise, the difficult hill climb would cause you to sweat.

How One Gets To Volcanoes National Park

About 10km/6mi from the city, Kigali, Rwanda welcomes most guests via Kigali International Airport (KGL). On the asphalt route, Volcanoes National Park is around 100 kilometers and two hours. Domestic flights to the park are not planned. From the airport, you most likely will travel across the nation in a 4×4 automobile.

Starting before 08:00, the gorilla trekking activity in Volcanoes requires all participants to report to the Kinigi park headquarters by 07:00. It is hence advised to remain close to the park or in adjacent Musanze.

Where To stay

Where to stay looms large when arranging your gorilla safari in Rwanda after you have booked your permit. Fortunately, Volcanoes National Park’s lodging does not mirror the hefty cost of the permit. Still, it covers all tastes, budgets, and travel preferences from opulent safari hotels to cozy boutique lodges. Here is a selection of our top choices for lodging in volcanoes to provide a great gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda.

Luxury, upper ($700 more)

Binary Lodge

Silverback Lodge Sabyinyo

The Nest Lodge owned by One&Only Gorilla

Vorunga Lodge

Lodging Singita Kwitonda

cozy, middle range ($300 – $700)

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge Budget (under $300) Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Gorilla Lodge Le Bambou

Villa Gorilla, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel Da Vinci Lodge

Ruzizi Tented Camp Design You Gorilla Trekking Safari in Volcanoes, Rwanda

Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s main draw, should not be compared to planning a large city trip; neither should any East African safari. The difficult African travel practicalities of obtaining gorilla permits, locating appropriate lodging with meals, and organizing your transports need for an informed local operator.

You schedule your vacation according on your tastes and budget with support from a local operator; nevertheless, you still get to enjoy your trip knowing that someone with local knowledge takes care of everything.

Plan your Rwanda gorilla safari via Katland. We are local and you can rely on our significant sustainable travel impact. Write us an email.

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Is Gorilla Habituation Experience Worth The Money.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda is the only one that gives you longer time—about four hours—with the wild mountain gorillas in their natural environment, hence it is worth the money invested. And it is only provided in Uganda; nowhere else. Your sole hour with a habituated gorilla family comes from the normal gorilla trekking trip.

Still, wandering a few meters discreetly from a wild silverback and his whole family in a chilly foggy dark forest is one of the best pleasures of travel. There is nothing like the surge of adrenaline you get when a behemoth squarely faces your direction.

The closest you can go to experiencing the life of a wild mountain gorilla not totally habituated to the human presence is the gorilla habituation experience in Uganda’s highland woods.

Still, the issue is whether the experience justifies the $1500 permit fee. Let’s inquire.

What is experience with gorilla habituation?

Naturally wild creatures, gorillas have evolved to hide far from predators—especially humans—when approached or turn hostile when attacked. They so reside far up the inhabitable mountain forest in order to escape constant interaction with people who have hunted them and reclaimed their habitats for millennia.

To help the gorillas believe people won’t endanger them, experts lead a group through a gradual habituation process within their natural environment for two to five years. There is little intervention with the way the gorillas live throughout this process. Researchers replicate their way of life and make their pleasant presence known rather than feeding or coercing them into compliance.

Usually one hour, people are permitted to visit for a limited minimum and monitored period when the gorillas are no longer hostile or avoiding the primatologists: what is often known as gorilla trekking? Although many gorilla groups live distant from human interaction, others have become habituated to let visitors visit them close-by.

For this reason, the gorilla habituation experience is an adventure in the gorilla forest followed by rangers and researchers on their daily trips of habituating a wild gorilla family. Following and matching the everyday tasks of the gorilla group, the exercise runs around four hours. Four hours is really a lot to spend in the open woodland region with a wild animal. The trip is worth more than the usual gorilla hike.

The Habituation Experience of the Gorilla

Suddenly you are among a group of silently resting gorillas nibbling away at a vegetarian dinner as you wake through vines and scramble over difficult terrain. Resting on the ground of the forest, you see their daily exchanges as they feed, groan, fart, and groom one another with shockingly compassionate motions.

Should the chillout last somewhat longer, they could be already on their way for another foraging trip, waking through the thick forest with perfect ease. You follow like a dreamer under a spell, matching their movement and wonder at how very similar we all are.

The brief calm moments cause you to forget you are carrying a camera; the fast hard activities to keep up pass by like a June breeze. You find yourself lost in time and must leave your cousins alone after four hours. “It’s time to leave!” your ranger says as she touches your shoulder.

Starting an early morning briefing, the gorilla habituation journey teaches you a little about the wild gorillas you will be seeing and basic guidelines on behavior near them. Avoiding touch and keeping at least 10 meters back comes first on the list. Not just for your personal safety but also for the gorillas because closely related DNA allows human respiratory ailments to readily affect them.

It is likewise ill advised to copy their calls. Although it might be entertaining to copy them, if you’re not cautious you could unintentionally be copying a war cry and jark a 180-kg enraged silverback down upon you. Once you have been informed, your small party of around four visitors, a skilled tracker guide, two armed rangers, and sometimes some researchers go into the jungle looking for the gorilla family.

From a team of rangers keeping with the gorillas, you will trek following directions on a walkie-talkie, pushing through the knotted undergrowth, crouching beneath low branches, and monitoring your step for twisted roots. Once you locate them, the gorilla habituation experience clock will begin running for four hours.

You will either sit with them or track their movements as they forage during the first part of the day. Your local tracker guide will assist you to steer your positions and inform you about the gorilla family members, their social traits, and their environment during this period. Pay great attention as that material is worth the money you spent.

The gorilla habituation experience is valuable because of the raw uncurated adventure in a wild habitat. What those committed people go through to save the gorillas and remain with them all through the habituation process cannot be measured.

Gorillas have been able to escape the curse of extinction and thrive in tiny forest areas coexisting with high human density via this mechanism. The cost of the permit is only a little thank you to these committed folks.

Experience with habituation against gorilla trekking

First, costing the same in Rwanda ($1500), the gorilla habituation experience is worth more than the gorilla trekking experience. You will most certainly select the former if you had the option to spend four hours with a gigantic ape in a jungle instead of one for the same cost.

Second, the longer period allows you more opportunity to get acquainted with the social life and behavior of the gorillas, therefore increasing your appreciation of their presence. Though it would let you mark an activity on your vacation schedule, the one hour with gorilla trekking could not provide the same experience.

Thirdly, the many photographic possibilities presented by the habituation experience are well worth the cost of the license. Four hours is enough to settle in, locate ideal camera locations, and get the greatest viewpoints you could hardly manage on the gorilla trekking trip.

Eight people are allowed to attend Gorilla Trekking trips. The habituation experience brings only four individuals, so it is more personal than the hiking trip.

Though most of all the price tag might be costly, it’s a terrific technique to help much with gorilla protection. Returning something valuable in order to help a cause is well worth it. Not only the gorillas gain from your experience; the local lodges, guides, and rangers who work from the nearby villages rely greatly on the activity.

Locations for experience with gorilla habituation

Only Uganda offers Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Given that Bwindi provides more trekking facilities than any other gorilla site and safeguards about half of the worldwide mountain gorilla population, it is worth the gorilla experience.

Within Bwindi, the gorilla habituation experience takes place in the southern Rushaga Sector of the park. For the habituation experience, Rushaga has two gorilla families at disposal.

How to reach that?
About 490 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport, the main entrance into Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the extreme southwest corner of the country.

Usually driving ten hours from Entebbe, gorilla safaris join the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi and stay at least two nights in the Rushaga/Nkuringo region. For adventure lovers who wish to explore the grandeur of the southwest Uganda region—which has been likened to Switzerland—the drive is worth the money.

Should you find the 10-hour travel intolerable, you may arrange a little scheduled flight to Kisoro Airstrip, around two hours’ drive from Rushaga/Nkuringo, where advised accommodation is found.

You will drive around Bwindi via Kihihi-Ruhija and down to Rushaga if you are heading south from wildlife watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park and chimpanzee treking in Kibale. Particularly in the wet seasons, this is a more labor-intensive trip as the route is unpaved.