DR Congo Suspends Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park due to COVID-19.

With only a small number of mountain gorilla populations left in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conservationists in Africa and beyond are understandably worried about the global spread of the coronavirus and its lack of segregation.

Because of this, all of the nations listed have put extraordinary limits on gorilla tourism, which is why the Democratic Republic of the Congo has suspended gorilla trekking. A recent mountain gorilla census found that there are about 1004 mountain gorillas residing in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the Congo’s Virunga National Park, and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

As of right now, visitors to Virunga National Park cannot go on gorilla treks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the world, conservationists have warned that primates, and mountain gorillas in particular, are at risk of contracting the virus. This is because mountain gorillas share over 98% of their DNA with humans, making them an ideal vector for the disease.

As a result, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has made the difficult decision to halt all mountain gorilla tourism activities in Virunga National Park as of Monday, March 23, 2020. New bookings will be accepted again beginning Monday, June 1, 2020, subject to the current COVID-19 situation. Following measures and World Health Organization instructions to limit social interaction, Virunga National Park has closed mountain gorilla tourism.

Referring to Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is one of the oldest and most diversified tropical rain forests in Africa. It is mainly known as a destination for mountain gorilla trekking in the Congo, but visitors may also enjoy bird viewing, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, habitatuation, and a journey up Nyirangongo volcano. In the whole globe, mountain gorillas are found in only three nations.

Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda are all part of this group. Virunga National Park in the Congo is home to mountain gorillas, whilst Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is where you may find these primates. In Uganda, you can see gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The national parks are located in close proximity to one another inside the Virunga mountain range.

One of the most popular things to do in Virunga National Park is go mountain gorilla trekking. Trekking with members of six different gorilla families is possible: the Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, and Bageni groups. With more than 300 gorillas, Kabirizi is the biggest of these groups and a popular destination for travelers interested in gorilla trekking.

Trekking mountain gorillas in Congo is possible with either a standard or subsidized gorilla permit from Virunga National Park. Peak season at Virunga National Park (December–January–February–June–July–August–September–early October) sees 400 USD per person per trek for gorilla permits. During this time, the park sees a large influx of visitors—many on vacation—and the trails within the forest are relatively dry, making it easier for the gorillas to traverse. Booking your journey at least three months in advance is highly recommended if you want to visit the Congo for gorilla trekking during these months.

This will ensure that you do not miss out on the gorilla permits. During the off-season months of early March, April, and May, as well as early October, November, and early December, Congo Virunga National Park offers discounted gorilla permits trekking for 300 USD per person per trek. The offer runs from 15th of March to 15th of May, 15th of October to 15th of December.

Conservationists have made protecting mountain gorillas a top priority, which has led to the difficult decision to temporarily close mountain gorilla tourism in Virunga National Park. This decision will have a direct impact on the park’s revenue, the jobs of rangers and porters, and anti-poaching efforts, which puts the mountains at risk of being targeted by poachers. There are six gorilla families at Virunga National Park that can be visited on a daily basis.

On each trek, eight tourists and two park ranger guides and porters are allowed. With the park closing due to COVID-19, the gorilla permits cost around $1,5,800 per day. The closure also impacts other services such as transportation, tour operators, and accommodation.

When can we return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to undertake mountain gorilla trekking?

The low season months of March, April, and May are when gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the trails become extremely slippery and the vegetation is fully grown, so most tourists avoid going gorilla trekking during this time.

Around the same time every year, Virunga National Park offers a special deal on gorilla permits for visitors who want to see the gorillas during the rainy season. The price is only USD300, so even those on a tight budget can trek with the gorillas. From October 15th through December 15th, we expect the COVID-19 epidemic will have passed by the time the gorilla tourism in Virunga National Park reopens on 1st June 2020. This offer will still be available at that time.

During the dry season (December–February, June–July–August, and September), which is ideal for visitors to the park, the trails are usually much easier to walk than during the wet season, and the vegetation is not yet fully grown, making sightings of gorillas easier and more clear. During this time, a gorilla permit costs USD400 per person, per trek. But you can see mountain gorillas whenever you go gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, and that’s all year round.

Apart than going on a gorilla expedition in the Congo, what else is there to do there?

A nature walk through the Virunga Forest in Virunga National Park, one of the oldest tropical rain forests in Africa, offers a chance to learn about the different tree species, see birds, and, if you’re lucky, even see some mammals and reptiles. You’ll also get to admire the stunning beauty of the Virunga Landscape.

At an elevation of 3,470 m (11,380 ft), the Nyirangongo Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Little is known about the exact duration of the volcano’s eruptions, but it has occurred at least 34 times since 1882, with the most recent eruption occurring in 3002, making it a once in a lifetime adventure that everyone should try to hike. Virunga National Park is another great place to do this.

traversing Mount Nyiragongo

Bird watching, As one of the most biologically diverse tropical forests, Virunga National Park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including a plethora of bird species that have made the park famous for its birding excursions. On a birding expedition, you get an opportunity to witness over 706 different kinds of birds. Get in touch with us, and we’ll take care of planning this safari for you.

Virunga National Park: Where to Stay

You may find affordable, mid-range, and luxury accommodations in Virunga National Park. Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp are two inexpensive alternatives with nightly rates ranging from $90 to $100. Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp are two mid-range options with nightly rates ranging from $100 to $300. Nightly rates at the luxurious Mikeno Lodge start around $300–$400. Just tell us which one works best for you, and we’ll check availability and make the reservation for you.

What are the benefits of using Katland safaris for DR Congo gorilla safaris now the COVID-19 outbreak has passed?

Launched in 2011, Katland Safaris aspires to provide unparalleled and expert tour and travel services in Rwanda, Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda. Afterwards, Katland Safaris became a frontrunner among Rwanda and Uganda trip providers. The office and field staff at Katland are well trained and ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

We collaborate closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and are proud members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (POTO). Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both had nothing but praise for us. From Kigali, you can access the finest and most up-to-date information on our website, making it a credible starting point for your preparations for your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari. Owned and operated by Ugandans, the staff at Katland Safaris are experts in their field and would gladly share their knowledge with you.

10 things to consider before booking Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali

Where can one go in Uganda to see gorillas in their natural habitat?

Gorilla trekking and habituation take place in southern Uganda in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with gorilla tracking and habituation being the major activities on a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali. Tracking a habituated family of mountain gorillas entails making your way through the jungle in search of them.

The gorilla trekking expedition begins with the trackers, who get up at the crack of dawn every day to scour the forest for the mountain gorillas. They utilize a variety of indications and techniques to identify the gorillas’ whereabouts.

They follow them with noises they make naturally, like clapping. The trackers will relay their location to the park headquarters, and after the guides have briefed the guests on what to do and what not to do, they will begin to walk or trek through the jungle according to the trackers’ instructions. As a result, your odds of seeing gorillas in their native habitat in Uganda are 99%.

Through the technique of gorilla habituation, wild mountain gorillas may be taught to relax around humans and control their behavior around them. During the two to three years it may take to finish gorilla habitatuation, researchers visit a specific group of wild gorillas every day. They get to know the habits and personalities of certain gorillas better.

The gorillas eventually warm up to the researchers, and eventually, they’re all given names. Researchers will conduct a simulated exercise when a small group of people, including scientists and guides, visit the mountain gorillas once they are certain that they can be walked. The Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are where gorillas habituate. When planning your gorilla safari from Kigali to Uganda, one important consideration is which activities to partake in.

Where in Uganda can one gorilla trekking?

While on a gorilla safari from Kigali, you have the option to hike with the primates or become familiar with them at one of two Ugandan national parks. The parks under question include, among others, the little but picturesque Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Kisoro area of southwestern Uganda. Its proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest makes it an ideal habitat for Uganda’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.

The Virunga Conservation Area, of which Mgahinga National Park is a part, encompasses not just Mgahinga but also neighboring parks in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The Rwandan Volcanoes National Park forms its southern boundary, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park forms its western border.

Volcanoes provide a dramatic background to this breathtaking landscape, and their slopes are home to different ecosystems. Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, hiking, and bird viewing are just a few of the fantastic things that Mgahinga has to offer.

Tourists visiting Uganda to see gorillas rely on Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Situated in the districts of Kisoro, Kanungu, and Kabale in southwestern Uganda, the park is one of the most popular places in the world to go gorilla trekking. It has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1994 because of the incredible variety it contains.

Although there are 35 gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, only 17 have been habituated for study and tourism. Bwindi encompasses 321 square kilometers and has four distinct areas ideal for habituated gorilla trekking. Among them are the sections of Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Ruhija.

Visitors are only permitted to see the gorillas for a maximum of four hours in the Rushaga sector, where habituation experiences are conducted. Before you plan your Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali, think about which national park you would want to visit to view the gorillas. Gorilla permits are subject to availability, thus your selection may depend on when you would want to trek.

From Kigali, how can one arrange to go on a gorilla safari in Uganda?

For personalized and bespoke gorilla safaris from Kigali, please visit our website to get in touch with us. From Kigali, a gorilla safari might include a variety of tourist sites and activities, or it can focus only on gorilla trekking and habituated tours.

You may rely on Katland Safaris to assist you in arranging the necessary permissions and services at an affordable price, ensuring that your expectations are met. You may book a gorilla safari using email for record-keeping and WhatsApp for fast communication.

On a daily basis, what is the number of gorilla permits that Uganda offers?

The world’s highest concentration of habituated gorilla families—nine—is found in two parks in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mountain Mgahinga. Eight permits are available in Mgahinga National Park, and about 180 are available for the standard one-hour gorilla trekking and four-hour gorilla habitatuation in Bwindi.

After Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park, Uganda has the world’s greatest concentration of gorilla permits. You may take as many gorilla treks as you like in Uganda since there are so many gorilla licenses. You should think about the gorilla permits—one of the ten things to consider before booking a gorilla safari from Kigali—very seriously since they are crucial to a successful journey.

How much does it cost to get a gorilla permit in Uganda?

One perk of planning a gorilla safari from Kigali to Uganda is that gorilla permits are less expensive there than in Rwanda. Foreign residents pay USD700, non-residents pay USD800, while East African citizens pay Shs.300,000 for the gorilla permit in Uganda. The one-hour gorilla viewing experience is available for the usual charge at both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

The cost of the gorilla habituation licenses is $1,500 for non-residents, $1,000 for foreigners, and 750,000 Ugandan Shillings for citizens of East Africa. Once you locate a group of gorillas, you may spend up to four hours with your habituation permit watching them as they go about their daily lives, eating, sleeping, and socializing.

During the peak season (January–February, July–August, September–December annually), gorilla permits sell out rapidly, despite the fact that Uganda has more of them. Contact us with the details of your planned trek and when you’d like it to take place, and we’ll check the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system for permit availability.

If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice to pay for them; if not, you can choose another date that does. We will confirm your journey and email you a copy of the receipt along with your booking ID after we receive payment. After that, we will schedule and acquire your permits. When planning your gorilla safari from Kigali, one of the ten things to think about is how much the permits will cost.

How can I get from Kigali to Uganda to go on a gorilla trek?

For those planning a gorilla safari in southern Uganda, the city of Kigali is the nearest major city, and visitors may into the country by the Cyanika, Nyamira, or Katuna borders. It takes around four or five hours to travel from Kigali International Airport to southeastern Uganda, including time spent at the border with immigration.

Obtaining an East African Visa, which allows multiple entries to Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, is something we consistently recommend to our guests. As an alternative to purchasing individual entry visas, the East African Visa is a cost-effective option, costing just USD100.

However, you also have the option of obtaining individual visas; for example, a Rwandan visa would cost $30 and a Ugandan visa would cost $50. If you are planning to depart from Kigali and finish your vacation in Uganda, you may not need an East African visa. Visas are available online, at Kigali International Airport, and at any border crossing into Rwanda or Uganda. When making your reservations for a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali, be sure to ask about the journey time, entry ports, and visa costs.

Vehicles for Safaris
What is the best place to stay in Kigali for a gorilla safari in Uganda?

Among the ten factors to think about before reserving a safari from Kigali to Uganda is where to stay. There are lodges and hotels within and outside of all of Uganda’s national parks, making them ideal for tourists. If you’re planning a gorilla safari from Kigali to Uganda, Katland Safaris will help you book a room at any of the many hotels in the area, from the most affordable to the most luxurious. There are a variety of hotels to suit different budgets in Mgahinga National Park.

The most luxurious option is Gahinga Lodge, while the more affordable options include Lake Chahafi Resort and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge. To ensure you reach the park headquarters in enough of time for your gorilla trek, it is advisable to stay at lodges within the sector where you have chosen to walk.

You have your pick of Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge in Rushaga, and Nkuringo Bwindi and Clouds Mountain gorilla lodges in Nkuringo, respectively. You have your pick of four lodges in the Buhoma sector: Buhoma, Mahogany Springs, Bwindi, and Gorilla Forest Camp.

Trekkers Tavern Lodge and Bakiga Lodge are two options for accommodations in the Ruhija area. Bwindi is home to a plethora of lodges, but during peak season, they may fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. Get in touch with us, and we’ll suggest a top-notch resort that won’t break the bank while you’re on safari.

safaris with Katland
The Ugandan travel company Katland Safaris has its headquarters in the town of Entebbe. A Ugandan family owns and operates Katland Safaris. Our company has been providing eco-friendly vacations and once-in-a-lifetime adventures to every country in East Africa for over 15 years. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has officially recognized us as a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO).

Booking your gorilla permits and safari from Kigali is made easier because to our solid and long-standing working connection with UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority). Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both have excellent things to say about Katland safaris. If you are planning a future trip to any of the five East African countries—Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, or Tanzania—please get in touch with Katland Safaris.

How many hours can one spend with mountain gorillas.

The first thing you should ask yourself before booking a flight to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, or Uganda to go gorilla trekking is: how many hours can one spend with mountain gorillas? Due to illnesses and human activities, mountain gorillas almost became extinct.

These precocious animals were risking both their lives and their environment. The mountain gorilla is no longer considered an endangered species, thanks to the combined efforts of many people concerned with animal welfare and environmental protection.

What is the maximum amount of time one may spend in the outdoors with mountain gorillas?
As far as mountain gorilla policy is concerned, all nations with mountain gorilla habitats or national parks have done their utmost to find common ground. Only in three countries on Earth can you see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda are all part of this group.

Rwanda comes in third, with the most mountain gorillas, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. There are three national parks in Uganda where you may see mountain gorillas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, and Virunga National Park in Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively.

Each tourist or person is limited to one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in nations where these animals are native. All three nations are subject to this legislation with the exception of Uganda, where a gorilla habituation experience may be reserved.

Mountain gorilla encounter in under one hour: the lowdown

If you want to spend an hour with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you’ll need to get a regular gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), or Virunga.

While viewing gorillas is an unforgettable experience, the cost of a permission to do so varies from nation to country. The price of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500, in Uganda it is $800  and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo it is $400. Please contact us for more information on the booking of gorilla permits.

Where can I get extra time to see mountain gorillas?

The only way to spend more time with mountain gorillas is to plan a vacation to Uganda specifically for the gorilla habituation experience. Gorilla habituation experience is a four-hour gorilla trekking tour developed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority after the Ugandan government saw that visitors enjoyed spending longer time with wild mountain gorillas.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, guests may participate in a four-hour gorilla habituation adventure. The mountain gorillas spend these four hours getting used to humans and aren’t quite ready for their regular journeys just yet. Therefore, you will be accompanied by guides, rangers, and members of the gorilla habituation team who will explain and demonstrate how to calm these wild mountain gorillas down to an acceptable level of human interaction.

You can spend four hours with mountain gorillas, along with park admission, ranger guides, the gorilla habituation team, and activities like collecting specimens, naming them, making calls, and viewing and photographing them, all for $1500 with a gorilla habituation experience permit. As one of the pioneering tour companies to bring visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla habituation experiences, Katland Safaris offers a variety of popular packages, some of which are described below.

How can I find a place where I can go mountain gorilla trekking for four hours straight?

Uganda is the only place on Earth where a person may spend four hours. In the southern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga and Nkuringo), travelers may now schedule a four-hour gorilla trek in Uganda, the country with the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world.

Uganda is a better option than Rwanda for spending time with habituated mountain gorillas since Rwanda has habituated all of the gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Thus, it’s hardly feasible to become used to them again.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to around 50 mountain gorilla families, with just 19 of those groups becoming habituated, according to the most recent census. As a result, gorilla habituation is still more feasible in Uganda than Rwanda. For further information, feel free to reach out to us.

Four hours with mountain gorillas? How many people can handle that?

Due to the fact that habituated mountain gorilla groups have not yet acclimated to human presence, daily visits are limited. The fact that you’ll be spending more time with them is why UWA decided to restrict the amount of guests.

For a four-hour period, only four individuals are permitted to see or visit mountain gorillas. The habituation crew and UWA rangers are not included in this. Feel free to get in touch with us if you would want more details on our gorilla habituation experience.

For an hour, how many people can be in the presence of mountain gorillas?

The habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo allow no more than eight visitors per group for an hour-long encounter. To ensure a spot, you must get a gorilla permit from one of the national parks. Make sure your youngster is at least 15 years old before announcing your decision to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.

When it comes to up-to-date information on gorilla trekking and safaris in Rwanda and Uganda, no one does it better than Katland Safaris. Thanks to our extensive background, dedication, and enthusiasm, we have a stellar reputation for planning and executing unforgettable gorilla safaris to Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Forest, and Mgahinga.

Local Ugandans own and operate Katland, an indigenous travel business. Both SafariBookings and TripAdvisor have nothing but praise for Katland Safaris. For unforgettable safaris to any country in East Africa, get in touch with us.

Best places for Golden Monkey tracking in East Africa

Top Destinations in East Africa for Trekking with Golden Monkeys

Extracurricular pursuits.
Pursuit of gorillas.

If you’re interested in seeing gorillas up close, you can extend your tour to include a gorilla tracking safari at Volcanoes National Park for $1500 or Mahinga National Park for $800.00 per person per trek. The parks are known as “the only place where Gold meets Silver,” which means they’re the only locations where golden monkeys and gorillas coexist.

When you go gorilla tracking, you get an hour to spend with the primates, much as when you go monkey tracking. Because they are available on a first-come, first-served basis, you’ll need to reserve the permit ahead of time as well.

Please let us know the dates well in advance so that we can verify availability and make the necessary reservations for you. Additionally, gorilla tracking is possible in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park; however, permits for this activity are USD1,500.00 per person, each expedition, and must be reserved in advance.

Work history in the community.
Among the most well-known attractions in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is the Iby’wachu cultural village, situated in the Musanze region close to Kinigi. This community project aims to improve the lives of those who would otherwise harm the park’s gorillas and golden monkeys, as well as the surrounding communities. The stroll gives you a glimpse into the social and economic aspects of daily life for native Rwandans.

In contrast to Rwanda’s renowned Iby’wachu culture, the Batwa people of Uganda (also known as the Pygmies) have a rich cultural history that began with the establishment of Mgahinga National Park. The Batwa people had to leave their home in the Bwindi forest when the park was designated as a national heritage site, and they had a difficult time adjusting to life outside of the forest.

This project was initiated to help them find alternative means of subsistence. They used to be hunters and gatherers of fruits. This is a great chance to get to know the Batwa people and their daily routines by meeting the elders and their family. The opportunity to participate in their rituals of passage, including dancing, food, and religious ceremonies. The community receives its services back from the activity via the charge.

Adventure Riding Safari
Hiking in the park gives you the chance to explore paths, which may lead you to other primates or teach you about botany; either way, you’ll be able to get the most of the experience if you have an open mind. During these three- to four-hour guided treks, participants may relax and take in the forest’s ambiance while also learning about the many plant and animal species they’re likely to encounter.

Adventures in Africa: Why You Should Go
Among the best travel operators in Uganda, Katland Safaris offers trips to every country in East Africa. We at Katland Safaris have been going strong in these areas for more than 15 years, and our reviews on SafariBookings and TripAdvisor speak for themselves.

10 Things to consider before booking Uganda gorilla permits

A complete guide to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Kisoro and Kanungu districts of southern Uganda border DR Congo and include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park borders the Albertine Rift. The 321-square-kilometer park is mostly montane and lowland woods. The park may be Africa’s oldest woodland at around 25,000 years old. Bwindi became a National Park in 1991 and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994.

Five significant rivers feed into Lake Edward from Bwindi’s rugged peaks and valleys. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park features around 400 plant species and 150 animals, including gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, forest elephants, and antelopes.

More than 348 bird species are found in Bwindi, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The park is home to around 400 gorillas, more than half of the world’s population, and 19 groups are habituated for human visit, known as Mountain Gorilla tracking, which can only be done in three nations. DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda.

The park is 1,190 to 2,607 meters (3,904 to 8,553 ft) above sea level, with Rwamunyonyi Hill being the highest. Batwa pygmies, who lived in the forest as hunters and fruit gatherers and utilized herbs for healing, are thought to be Bwindi’s original population. After the park became a national heritage, they moved to forest boundaries where they reside.

Regions of Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east. Rushaga and Nkuringo are in the south.

The Buhoma sector

The first area to be habituated in 1993 after Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was named a UNESCO Heritage was Buhoma sector in the north. Buhoma, home to the oldest Gorilla family Mubare and three others—Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe—is the park’s most popular area.

About Buhoma gorilla families

Mubare Gorilla Family

This is Bwindi’s oldest gorilla troop, habituated in 1993 when tourism began. Mubare was named after the Mubare Hills, where trackers first found the tribe. Ruhondeza led a 15-member gang after the habituation, but raids and disaster reduced it to 5. After Ruhondeza died at over 50 and Kanyonyi took over, the group has grown to 9 members.

Habinyanja Gorillas

The group tracked in 1999 after becoming habituated in 1997. This group is also in Buhoma. Habinyanja comes from the Rukiga term for water, Nyanja. Because the gang was initially seen near a swamp pond in Bwindi, Mugurusi was the leader and his brothers Mwirima and Rwansigazi replaced him. Mwirima preferred staying put, but Rwansigazi adored traveling.

Later, Rwasigazi founded Rushegura. This family has 17 members—9 adults, 5 newborns, and 3 juveniles—led by Silverback Makara. One of the easier groups to follow, you drive 45 minutes from the starting point to Nyamishaba hamlet and find the route.

Rushegura Gorillas.

It separated from Habinyanja gorilla family and was tracked around 3002. Mwirima, a powerful silverback, spearheaded this breakaway after years of power struggle with his sibling Rwansigazi. He fled with 7 members.

After his death, a black back leads the gang. The gang has grown from 8 to 19. This tribe lives on the border and crosses between Uganda and DR Congo often. This group is simple to trace since visitors start their hike at the park headquarters and travel 15 minutes to the Mukono route.

Group Katwe gorillas.

The latest Buhoma sector group needed three years to become acclimated and ready for visitor monitoring. One dominant silverback, four females, and two infants are present. It’s unclear how many members this organization has since people come and go. This organization was created in 2018 to raise daily gorilla permits and nation income.

Sector Ruhija

In the eastern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Bitukura and Oruzogo gorilla families are accessible for tracking. The Kyaguriro family is used for study. The coldest part of Bwindi is over 2350 meters above sea level. Nature lovers may hike the Rwamunyonyi mountain and other attractive routes in the area. Monkeys, elephants, and antelopes live in Ruhija.

Ruhija gorilla families

Gorilla family Bitukura.

The family lives in Ruhija, on the eastern side of Bwindi, and was called after a river in the park since they were originally seen near there. In October 3008, the group was tracked after habituation in 3007. It was simple for the rangers to habituate the gorillas since they had previously seen the Kyaguriro group and were never aggressive.

They adapted to humans quicker than other gorilla tribes. This gorilla family is calm and without politics, unlike others. The group was 24 individuals, but fatalities and flights separated it into 14 members: 4 silverbacks, 4 adult females, 3 adolescents, and 1 newborn. Peaceful leader Ndahura leads the gathering.

Oruzogo clan

In 2011, the family began monitoring and ended up with 25 members and two silverbacks. The family has 17 members: one silverback, Tibirikwata, the head, 2 black backs, 7 females, 2 young adults, and 5 newborns.

The region’s largest group got its name from a shrub near its home, where it was first seen. In 2013, Kankonda, a female, gave birth to twins, making the group renowned. Gorilla trackers enjoy watching this lively bunch.

Kyaruguriro family gorillas.

The study group was habituated in 1999 for habituation researchers. The gang had 20 members, including Rukina, the head silverback who perished from lightning. In 2016, the immature mukiza led the group, but battles between Mukiza and Rukara broke the group into two Kyaguriro A and B, each with 10 members and known as the Mukiza Gorilla Family.

Sector Rushaga

Rushaga, located south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, has 5 gorilla families, the most of any sector, and is simple to walk because to its terrine. Kisoro makes Rushaga an easy monitoring point for Kigali travelers.

Visitors can follow Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Kahungye, which are habituated families. Only Bushaho and Bikyingi families are now undergoing gorilla habitatation in Bwindi. Like buhoma and ruhija sectors, the sector enables cultural encounters with the Batwa population.

Rushaga sector gorilla families

Nshongi Gorilla Group

This family included about 36 gorillas and was Bwindi’s biggest. After two splits, the Bweza and Mishaya Gorilla Family formed. Nshongi leads the group of 25 silverbacks, 3 sub-silvers, 4 blackbacks, 7 adult females, 6 adolescents, and 4 newborns. This group is happy and lively with newborns, thus its large size makes it beautiful to observe.

Mishaya Gorilla Group

In 2010, there were flight and disputes, and Mishaya the silverback split to create his own group, taking 7 members with him. The group is known for its fighting, and over the years it has attracted more female members, bringing the total to 15 and 3 infants.

Bweza Gorilla Group

This 8-member group split from Nshongi Gorilla Family in 2013, and although park officials hoped to reconcile with Nshongi and rejoin, it failed and was exposed to public monitoring. The group includes 1 silverback, 2 newborns, and many females and youngsters. Visitors like seeing this group go about their daily park activities the most.

Gorilla Family Kahungye

The group was established in 2011 and opened for monitoring with 27 members. After a year, flights and disagreements divided the group into the Busingye group. Two black backs, Rwigi and Ruhamuka, females, and youngsters joined Rumansi in the group of 13.

Gorilla family Busingye.

After breaking from Kahungye group in 2015, the organization was named after its leader, Busingye, who is renowned for provoking battles with other factions. Busingye began with 7 members but now has 8 and thrives on stealing girls from other men, demonstrating strength.

The Rushaga gorilla habituation

Gorilla habitatation is the process by which mountain gorillas are educated to become acclimated to humans over many years by a team of well-trained rangers and physicians who spend every day with them. Gorilla habituation takes up to four hours each day and involves two families.

Bikyingi and Bushaho gorilla families are doing this. Bikyingi family in Rushaga has 21 members: 1 silverback, 2 sub-adults, 9 females, and 9 infants; Bushaho family further south near Nkuringo sector has 8 members: 1 silverback, 1 black back, 1 sub-adult, 3 adults, 1 female, 1 juvenile, and 2 infants. Ex-Nkuringo gorilla Bahati is the head.

Sector Nkuringo

The Nkuringo family and Christmas family are accessible for hiking in southern Bwindi. The Bushaho gorilla family sometimes moves between Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Trekking at Nkruingo is difficult due to its high height. Young, active travelers who want to hike and view gorillas should visit this section. While in this location, you can easily view the Virunga Volcanoes in Uganda and Rwanda, which may inspire you to visit.

Nkuringo sector gorilla families

Gorilla Family Nkuringo

The first family was habituated in 1997, and the group was opened up for monitoring in 3004. The group’s name comes from the local location where it was originally sighted, Nkuringo, meaning “Hills”. The group started with 19 members but currently has 15. Rafiki, a Swahili name meaning “Friend,” led the group until his death in 3008, and they were the first to conceive twins in 3004, but one died.

Gorilla clan

Bushaho gorillas now number 9. Still, like other gorilla families, it may grow depending on newborn kids and if the dominant Silverback can conquer other unhabituated mountain gorillas in the vicinity. After Bushaho gorilla family was opened in 2016, there are currently 17 gorilla families in all four Bwindi areas, making Uganda one of the greatest places to witness these endangered mountain gorillas.

A Gorilla Family Christmas.

The Christmas gorilla family lives in southern Bwindi, Nkuringo. This is the third habituated mountain gorilla family in Nkuringo, making three groups available for hiking. Up to 9 Christmas group members are recorded, with 6 observed hiking this family. Christmas, a silverback, leads a black back, three females, and a newborn. This group is trackable and often visits other towns for food.

How to drive to Bwindi.

By road, Bwindi can be reached from Entebbe or Kampala via scenic drives and stops, including the Equator crossing in Kayabwe, roadside crafts, fruit markets, and the Igongo cultural center in Mbarara. Lunch on the road and the scenic drive through the rolling hills of Kigezi and changing vegetation, river, and mountain scenery are included. Drive duration from Entebbe to Bwindi is 8-9 hours, 550km to the park.

Lake Mburo Np, Kibale National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park have links, so you may add another place to your Uganda vacation. You go via Mbarara and Kable from Lake Mburo. Connect to Buhoma from Queen Elizabeth National Park via Kihihi.

Rwandans travel 4-5 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing Cyanika or Katuna. Coming from Rwanda, you must pass the genocide museum.

How to fly to Bwindi.

Entebbe or Kajansi airfields provide one-hour flights to Bwindi. Flight pickups are also offered at national park airstrips.

In charter and scheduled flights, Aerolink and Kampala Executive Aviation dominate. With scheduled flights, you book the next available flight to your location, whereas charter flights are arranged for a price.

You must travel north or south to Bwindi, depending on where you booked your gorilla tracking permit. Fly into Bwindi using two airstrips. Trackers in Buhoma and Ruhija use Kihihi Airstrip. The airfield is 45 minutes from Buhoma Sector. For southern gorilla tracking, fly into Kisoro Airstrip, 45 minutes distant. Your travel company’s vehicles will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel.

How many Bwindi gorilla permits exist?

Gorilla permits.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues this card to enable travelers over 15 to follow gorillas in Bwindi for a certain day. The date and location of your gorilla visit are specified in your permission.

Bwindi contains 19 gorilla families in Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga sectors, each offering 8 permits per day for a total of 152 permits per day. Rushaga Gorilla Habituation offers 4 daily licenses.

Mgahinga National Park contains one gorilla family and 8 permits. Please note that Gorilla permits are in great demand and available on a first-come, first-served basis when contacting Katland Safaris.

What is Bwindi gorilla permit cost?

Gorilla licenses cost differently for habituation and hiking. Bwindi gorilla hiking licenses are USD800 for non-foreigners, USD700 for foreign residents, and Ugx 300,000 for East Africans. Gorilla habitat licenses cost USD1500 for non-foreigners, USD1000 for East Africans, and Uganda shs. East Africans may spend four hours with gorillas in Bwindi’s south between Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors for 750,000.

Price is per 2020/2021 Uganda Wildlife Authority Tariff.  The gorilla permit price includes admission costs to Bwindi Forest, guide fees, and conservation value as Bwindi hosts half the world’s mountain gorillas. Bwindi gorilla permits are less than Rwanda gorilla permits, which enable one-hour viewing for all citizens for USD1500. Visit Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park to hike gorillas for a lifelong experience at a low cost.

Booking Bwindi gorilla permits

Permits are essential for planning a successful gorilla expedition. Gorilla trekking and habituation permits let you observe gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  You may hike gorillas from all sectors in Bwindi with 180 daily permits. Gorilla trekking permits let you to see the gorillas for one hour, whereas habituation permits allow you to see them for four hours. These permits cost differently.

Emailing us about your expedition and selected date makes booking Bwindi gorilla permits easy. The gorilla permit must be obtained in advance to reserve a trek position on any day, depending on travel dates and permit availability. Gorilla tracking requires eight persons per family, hence only four licenses per day are available for habituation.

You must get a gorilla permit months or days before visiting Bwindi Forest National Park to book a day’s trip. When you book an all-inclusive gorilla road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Katland Safaris, just tell us your preferred gorilla trekking dates and we will verify permit availability online. A permit payment invoice will be sent when we provisionally reserve your permit. You will get scanned Uganda Wildlife Authority receipts when we obtain your permission and payment.

Booking Bwindi gorilla permits is crucial for your gorilla expedition. Depending on permit availability on that day, you will pick a sector to hike amongst Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. To create an unforgettable experience, choose the gorilla trek date on your birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Easter, or any other event. If Uganda wildlife system permits are available, we will buy and book them.

Book Bwindi gorilla permits when

Ugandan gorilla permits may be booked year-round, but we suggest scheduling months in advance. In peak season (December–February–July–August–September), gorilla permits sell out rapidly. Advance gorilla permit purchase allows you to trek the gorillas at your preferred time.  Advance booking lets you choose the gorilla hike sector, finest lodging, and gorilla family. All of this will arrange and customize your trip.

We also book last-minute Bwindi gorilla permits for travelers who are in Uganda for a conference, seminar, or a change of plans and want to do a gorilla trek on a weekend or any day they are free. Once you contact us, we will try to get you a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a reseller. Booking gorilla permits requires money to guarantee a trekking place.

Once you contact us, we will provide you an estimate for the amount of days you need, and you may choose dates that we will use to book your permits and accommodations, which are priority. We will pay for your trip plan and gorilla safari services once you pay. To reserve, contact us.

Minimum gorilla permit deposit

Booking Bwindi impenetrable National Park gorilla permits at least three months before trekking is crucial. To reserve your position for the trip, pay 30% of the gorilla permit fee, then 70% 90 days before the expedition. You may lose your permits and deposit if you don’t pay within 90 days.

Katland Safaris deposits 30% on permits for dates with limited permits using our credit while waiting for our account to be reimbursed if you completed a bank transfer. Online payment is fast—we receive the money in about five minutes and deposit your permits immediately. Uganda Wildlife Authority main offices in Kampala receive all monies and give a receipt for the requisite 30% payment and a booking reference to validate your gorilla permit.

Gorilla trekking vs. habituation

Bwindi impenetrable national park’s main activities for seeing endangered mountain gorillas are hiking and habituation. These activities vary, as stated below. Visitor-habituated gorillas are searched for in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park during gorilla trekking. Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC provide gorilla trekking.

You need a gorilla pass/permit to hike and watch gorillas for an hour in the jungle. To observe endangered mountain gorillas, you must hike in a tropical jungle on rocky, slippery terrain.  Gorilla trekking begins with an 8:00am briefing by park guides at each sector’s headquarters on hike rules.

Hike into the jungle following the mountain gorillas’ trail: trackers connect with guides, and once located, you spend one hour with them. Gorillas have 99% human DNA, and their family feeding, sleeping, and movement is fascinating.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park contains 17 habituated gorilla families for daily trekking, with a limit of 8 persons per family in Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija sectors. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed.

You’ll get to see adults, juveniles, male gorillas (silverbacks and black backs), and female gorillas. Each gorilla family has a name and individual gorillas, and guides can identify them. You can do as many gorilla treks as you want by getting a permit per day.

While Gorilla habituation experience is visiting gorilla group that is not yet used to visitors and it is still under the process of getting used to tourists. This activity involves visiting the gorillas with researchers who are learning the behaviour of the group being habituated; this process can take even more than two years.

Gorilla habituation is a four-hour gorilla trek which was introduced in 2014 to cater for tourists that have less time but want to spend more hours with mountain gorillas while participating in activities geared to making these wild mountain gorillas get used to human beings.

Gorilla Habituation is done in the south of Bwindi between Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, a gorilla habituation permit costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents per person per trek and gives you four hours with mountain gorillas as they move, feed, rest and live in the wild. Only four people are allowed to see these gorillas in Bwindi National Park per day and are allocated guides, researchers and rangers.

Gorilla habituation is done every day with or without tourists to ensure the gorilla group is fully habituated. It starts at 6:00am with a briefing and moves to the forest, where you can spend half or whole day. There are only four permits per day, so they are competitive, so you must book in advance.

Gorilla hiking age limit

Under the Uganda wildlife Authority policy, Gorilla trekking minimum age is currently at 15 years, and anyone below that age is considered a minor or child and thus not fit to trek the once-endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Children or minors may not be contained, and to avoid such, children or minors are not allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda’ Bwindi impenetrable National, a child may decide to make noise or run which may result into gorillas charging and becoming/act wild to visitors.

There are many reasons why children below 15 years are not allowed to trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is because children tend to have communicable diseases which can easily be transmitted to mountain gorillas since humans and mountain gorillas almost share the same genes, conditions such as cough and flu can easily be spread. The other reason is that the trek can sometimes be hard as Bwindi is hilly, it can be slippery, and the surface is rough which Kids many not be able to handle.

For easy management and care, children under 15 are usually grouped with their family for gorilla trekking in the forest. The passport port will be reviewed to ensure minors are not allowed to trek the gorillas, and if found, you won’t be allowed to trek even with a permit.

Tips for gorilla trekking

Tipping is customary in this part of the world, but not mandatory, and based on service levels. Tipping is a token of appreciation that motivates the person who received the tip. Tipping is key and cannot be denied on your Bwindi gorilla safari. Here are some of our passenger guidelines:

Tipping can be done with any currency, but we recommend hard cash, small bills of Dollar notes that are easy to distribute and don’t expect change, and Ugandan shillings, which you can exchange at the airport or have your driver guide stop you at the forex bureau at the start of your trip.

Gorilla Trekking Guides in Bwindi: Every gorilla family is assigned forest guides and park armed rangers who guide you during the trek, ensure your safety, slash the path with pangas, and give you a hand when needed. Tipping is essential; tips should be placed in the central tip box or delivered to the main guide, who will distribute USD15 per guest to all the trackers, guides,.

Gorilla trekking porters in Bwindi: You may hire a porter to carry your luggage, packed lunch, cameras, and aid you climb or slope on a rocky terrain. The porters are Bwindi residents who serve tourists. They normally cost USD15 per porter per day, and the journey costs USD15–20 per visitor, depending on workload.

Safari Driver/guides: Tipping is customary, and the driver guide picks you up from the airport/hotel on the first day of the safari and leads you through the final day. He represents Katland safaris, with which you booked a gorilla safari.

The driver-guide decides which routes to take, stops for meals and photos, and can answer any questions about wildlife, birds, people, culture, or other safari information. To thank the driver guides, USD 10-15 per day each visitor, usually 4-6 people per car.  Private two-person travelers should tip at their discretion. TIP per day or at the airport or hotel at the conclusion of the tour.

Lodge/camp staff: Waiters, waitresses, housekeepers, and bartenders provide meals, beverages, and clean cottages. Our recommendation is USD3-5 per guest/stay.  Many smaller lodges feature central tip bins for general tips.  At hotels and bigger companies, it is provided to successful employees at your discretion.

What to anticipate on gorilla trekking day?

Many travelers are unsure what to anticipate on gorilla trekking day, but our driving guides will enlighten you on the trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here are some expectations;

On your gorilla trekking day, you’ll wake up at 6:00am, have breakfast at the lodge at 6:30am, and travel to the sector’s park headquarters. Drive time varies each lodging, from 10 to 1 hour. We usually propose lodgings near the park for customers’ convenience. You sit with other guests for briefing after your driver-guide presents your permits and passports to the park wardens for verification.

At 7:30, gorilla trekking rules and dos are explained. One gorilla family group will be assigned to you and eight guests will travel.  Visitors get walking sticks and travel into the jungle following the mountain gorilla track.

Once identified, they spend one hour with the gorillas and snap photos. The trip may take 30 minutes or three-quarters of the day, but once you discover gorillas, you will see how they eat, move, rest, and live and how guides interact with them.

Trekking groups form.

After eating lunch, you’ll return to the start and get a certificate for a successful gorilla hike in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The complimentary certificates include the walk date, gorilla family-group name, visitors’ names, and the national park. Drive back to the hotel for meal and sleep. We surpass your expectations with Katland safaris.

Gorilla hiking restrictions

Travelers interested in gorilla trekking in Uganda must follow the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s printed “Gorilla Rules” brochure.

In preparation for the gorilla trek:

Avoid gorillas if you have a cold or other contagious condition. Before traveling to the park, check with your doctor to make sure you’re well enough for the gorilla walk. The chief park ranger has the power to refuse you.

The minimum age for tracking is 15 years, which is verified upon sign-in for the gorilla trek when you produce your passport.

Human waste should be buried 30cm (15”) deep; the park ranger will dig a hole for you.

A limit of eight visitors per gorilla group helps manage forest movements and lowers mountain gorilla behavior during encounters.

Traveling to gorillas:

Keep your voice low. If you look closely, you may observe reptiles, birds, and other creatures.

DO NOT litter in the park. Bringing anything into the wilderness should be returned in your bag.

You may rest along the way.

When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will tell you to prepare for an amazing experience.

While with gorillas:

Avoid transferring airborne infections to mountain gorillas by staying 7m (21ft) away.

Smoking, eating, and drinking are banned. This may cause gorillas to attack and seize you.

If you sneeze or cough, hide your face and look away from the gorillas, who may get colds from people.

Visits last one hour each gorilla group every day.

Take caution and obey your ranger guide while shooting images. Avoid flash photography.

Ugandan gorilla tracking in Bwindi

Trek completion certificates for gorilla tracking

Gorilla trek gear: what to bring

When planning a gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest National Park, you should pack hiking boots, a rain jacket, garden gloves, long-sleeved shirts, khaki trousers, a backpack, drinking water, and energy-giving foods.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a tropical rain forest, which is wet, muddy, and thick, unlike Virunga, Volcanoes, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, which have montane vegetation. The finest Bwindi Forest National Park gorilla trekking gear is below.

Shirts and pants with long sleeves

Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers (Khaki zip-up or jeans), and waterproof pants. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts protect you from thorns, branches, and other sharp objects.

Hiking boats

Bwindi Forest National Park’s gorilla trekking involves trekking in a forest with different landscapes, including lowland areas covered in swamps and muddy when it rains, steep areas that require hiking up to find mountain gorillas, and hiking boots for easy movement through the forest.

Gloves for gardening

These gloves will shield you from stinging insects and tree branches you may use for support throughout the walk. Remember to grab on to tree branches in this forest since it might become slippery.

The Raincoat

Rain jackets and ponchos are essential gorilla trekking gear.  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rain forest that receives rain year-round. Rain jackets are essential since you never know when it will rain.

Traveling in June, July, August, and September is preferred by many customers over March, April, and May. As a tropical rain forest, it may rain anytime. Rain jackets or ponchos should be packed for gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Volcanoes National Park.

Energizing snacks and water

Gorilla hiking takes 30 minutes to eight hours, therefore fitness is needed. To complement, pack energy-boosting foods. Since you never know when you’ll return, bring a packed lunch and plenty of water before leaving your resort. Uganda has energy-boosting foods, so ask your guide to drive you to a shop.

Cameras, additional batteries

Your safari depends on photography, so bring your camera and charge its batteries. Bring additional batteries since you’ll need to shoot several photos throughout your hour with the gorillas. Turn off your flash while photographing gorillas.

Bug Spray

Your gorilla trip will include a variety of insects, thus bug repellant will protect you from these harmful biteers.

Warm sweater

Bwindi Forest National Park is a tropical rain forest with unpredictable rains year-round. It is located at an elevation of 1,190 to 2,607 meters, making the park and surrounding areas cold at night. Bring a sweater to stay warm after the trek.

Hat and Sunglasses

A hat and sunglasses are also needed for a gorilla hike. If it’s hot, bring a hat to block the sun. You may also require sunglasses.

Traveling gorilla sedan chair/stretchers

If you have a disability or are elderly and not fit enough to walk, sedan chairs are recommended for gorilla trekking, which involves walking for hours through the forest in search of mountain gorillas, which may take half a day, a full day, or even less than an hour.

Gorilla hiking sedan chair/stretchers for old and frail

Gorilla hiking sedan chair cost

Gorilla trekking sedan chairs cost individually based on the distance to discover the gorillas and return and the client’s weight. The price may be USD350–500. To meet the unique and endangered mountain gorillas, you must pay for transportation to and from the gorillas. Gorilla trekking sedan chairs are available in Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga sections of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, however reservations are required.

For gorilla trekking sedan chairs, contact Katland Safaris at booking so we can get them. We will verify availability for your gorilla trekking dates and inform you on the cost of a sedan chair and porters to transport you to and from the gorillas. If we can’t acquire a sedan chair, we’ll recommend a locally built one for less. Uganda is a superb example of offering ideal grounds for elderly and handicapped gorilla trekking. Tourists over 90 have seen gorillas here.

Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided into Buhoma and Ruhija in the north, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. When booking your gorilla trek, you must first confirm the gorilla permits, which will determine where you stay in Bwindi. You can choose from budget,

Luxury Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Trackers Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Silverback Lodge are luxury Buhoma lodges.

Bakiga lodge, gorilla mist lodge, Ruhija gorilla resort, and Ruhija gorilla safari lodge provide affordable luxury services.

Rushaga luxury lodges include Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Four Gorillas Lodge.

Luxury lodges in Nkuringo Sector include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Lake Mutanda Resort.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park guide

Luxury Bwindi lodging

Mid-range Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Lodges

Mid-range Buhoma lodges include Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Eco-marvels Gorilla Resort, and Engagi Lodge.

Bakiga lodge, gorilla mist lodge, Ruhija gorilla resort, and safari lodge are mid-range Ruhija lodges.

Rushaga Gorilla Camp and Icumbi Gorilla Lodge are mid-range lodges.

Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is a mid-range Nkuringo lodge.

Mid-range accommodations

Bwindi Silverback Lodge

Budget Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Crested Crane Hotel, Ride 4 a Woman, CHTP Gorilla Conservation Camp, Bwindi Guest House, and Bwindi View Bandas are budget lodges.

Gift of Nature Lodge, Trekkers Cottages Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, and Gorilla Mist Lodge are budget Ruhija lodges.

Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Karungi Camp, and Nshongi Camp are budget lodges.

Budget Nkuringo lodges include Bwindi Backpackers Lodge and Wagtail Eco Lodge.

Community Rest Camp Buhoma

Broadbill Forest Camp

Lodge Rushaga Gorilla Haven

Bwindi lodging costs.

Budget lodges in Bwindi cost between USD50 and USD100 per person per night, mid-range lodges cost between USD100 and USD300, and luxury lodges cost between USD300 and USD500. These pricing may be modified based on how many nights you stay at the lodge for Bed&Breakfast, Half Board, or Full Board.

Other than gorilla trekking, Bwindi has other activities.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has much more to offer than gorilla trekking, so here are some of its other attractions.

Experience Gorilla Habituation

Only Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park offers gorilla habituation. This trip lets you spend four hours with habituated mountain gorillas. Book your gorilla habituation permit in advance to ensure your spot in Bwindi Forest National Park, Uganda, where only four individuals can do it. The search takes half or a day, depending on how long it takes.

Bwindi Forest birdwatching

Bwindi Forest National Park is home to many unique bird species, including Albertine Rift Endemic birds. You can go birding after gorilla trekking or spend a full day or half day there. Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Dwarf Honeyguide, African Green Broadbill, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Collared Apalis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Rwenzori Batis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Please review our Kigali birding trip packages to Bwindi Forest National Park and contact us for a price. We can customize your Bwindi Forest National Park birding trip to your money, time, and interests.

Culture and community in Batwa

The Batwa people, known as pygmies, lived in Bwindi Forest National Park for many years until they were relocated to adjacent towns to help save mountain gorillas and promote tourism. From Kigali, Bwindi Forest National Park offers trails to show you how the pygmies lived, hunted, and harvested honey.

They will perform their dances and describe how they settled and lived good lives outside the jungle. You may undertake this activity the day you arrive from Kigali or after gorilla trekking. This activity may be booked in advance or on-site with your resort.

Volunteering

Batwa people, erstwhile forest dwellers, make up many of the settlements around Bwindi Forest National Park. Some children in Bwindi Forest National Park are orphans, while others are plagued with illnesses. Many have lost hope, like other African communities.

Volunteering may promote orphans’ mental health by providing academic materials, meals, and English lessons.  Send us a query and we can plan your vacation to Bwindi Forest National Park from Kigali to include volunteering in addition to gorilla trekking.

community engagement

Adventure bike tours.

Bwindi Forest National Park is high in altitude, making riding a must-do from Kigali. Bicycle safaris let you explore Bwindi Forest National Park’s local villages and exercise while doing so. If your resort is near the gorilla trekking start, you may ride a bike there.

We can arrange your vacation to include cycling in Bwindi Forest National Park from Kigali in addition to gorilla trekking. Send us a query and we will package it for you.

Safaris via nature

Bwindi Forest National Park is a tropical forest with over 300,000 years of history and indigenous tree species. Bwindi Forest is impenetrable due to its thick canopy, making nature walks enjoyable. On your nature walking safari, you will learn about different tree species, spot different bird species, and possibly see rare forest elephants, monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees. You will also have the chance to blend yourself with nature by visiting the beautiful

Safari to Africa: Why?

Katland Safaris, one of the premier East African tour operators, has been arranging wonderful Bwindi impenetrable National Park experiences for 15 years and can provide you the finest advise on how to maximize your money. Our skilled safari designers and guides will make planning and executing your trip simple.

Ugandans own and administer Katland safaris, and half of your payment goes to community development and environmental conservation programs. I guarantee that a safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will work if you follow this simple plan. Katland safaris is recommended by travel advisor and safari reservations. Visit these sites to see what other customers think about us.

Planning a Luxury gorilla flying safari to Bwindi

Buhoma Lodge in Buhoma region

Directions to Buhoma Lodge

You may reach Buhoma Lodge by both road and air; it is located on the outskirts of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The time it takes to get to Buhoma Lodge depends on your starting point, but be assured that the road network is excellent and that you will reach the lodge without incident.

Buhoma Lodge is around 8 to 9 hours away from Entebbe, and from Kigali, Rwanda, it’s about 4 to 5 hours away. It is also possible to reach here from the nearby national parks; for example, Queen Elizabeth National Park is 2 hours away, Lake Mburo National Park is 6 hours away, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 2 hours away.

Air travel is another option for getting to Buhoma Lodge; flights depart daily from both Entebbe Airport and Kajansi Airfield, both of which go to Kihihi Airstrip. Getting to Buhoma resort involves taking a flight to Kihihi airfield and then taking a about one-hour vehicle transfer to the resort.

You may leave from Entebbe Airport three times a day at 7, 10, and 15 minutes. The journey to Kihihi airstrip, from whence you will be taken to Buhoma Lodge, takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. A one-way ticket to Kihihi will cost you USD283, while a return trip will cost you USD472.

Things to do when staying at Buhoma Lodge

Training for tracking gorillas
The Buhoma Lodge is conveniently located within walking distance of the beginning of the gorilla tracking trail in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. In order to go mountain gorilla trekking, you must first get a gorilla permit. Once you have this in hand, the next step is to make your reservation at Buhoma Lodge. Just give us a call, and we’ll take care of everything else.

Photographs and video
You are welcome to bring your own video, digital, or SLR camera on the trip, as well as to use them in the villages or around the resort to take images and movies of the mountain gorillas. There will be no fee for this.

It is only for the professional filming or filmmakers and commercial filming that you have to make an advance booking and fulfil the required procedures for you to be allowed to carry on a filming while on your safari, that is you will be required to have a media card with you to be allowed to film among other precautions contact us here we can as well book for you a filming safari.

A Cultural Walk and Community Village in Buhoma
Start your journey around Buhoma Lodge on the Buhoma Community Village Walk. Along the way, you’ll meet locals, including the Batwa Pygmies, and have the option to buy their items to show your support. Traditional music and beverages from the area are also sure to please.

The community hospital in Bwindi
Near Buhoma Lodge, in particular, the Batwa pygmies and other disadvantaged populations have benefited from the medical care provided by Bwindi Community Hospital since its founding in 3003 as a community health center. When you visit the hospital, you’ll see firsthand how it’s enhancing the lives of many people in the Bwindi area.

An Exploration into Batwa Culture
Those interested in the Batwa cultural experience may meet the pygmies who once lived in Bwindi Forest; they were forced out of their homes so that mountain gorillas might be better protected. This cultural immersion program will allow you to see, learn about, and take part in the Batwa way of life, including their adaptations to living outside of Bwindi Forest.

Hike in the Bwindi Forest
Under the auspices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, visitors to Bwindi Forest National Park may go on a nature walk where they can see monkeys and other primates, as well as diverse plant and animal species. In addition to the journey to the waterfall, this walk takes around three to four hours.

Observing Wildlife
The Mubwindi marsh, located near Buhoma Lodge, is a great spot to go bird watching in Uganda, and Bwindi Forest National Park is a great site to do it. Out of 350 species of birds, 23 are found alone in this region.

Observing Butterflies
Another must-do while your stay at Buhoma Lodge is a visit to Bwindi area, which is home to more than 300 butterfly species, including several that are unique to this area.

Reasons to trek chimpanzees in Uganda.

Exploration, new experiences, and the rejuvenating power of nature are all waiting for us. Yes, following COVID-19, you should start planning your next trip, wonderful activities, and location. Have you ever gone on a trip with chimpanzees?

Has Uganda been on your travels before? After COVID-19, this is the optimal moment for you to come back. Among the fantastic things you may do following COVID-19 is to visit Uganda for the first time.

Airport and border closures, limits on international flights, travel bans, and lockdowns are just a few of the measures put in place by governments throughout the world in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that our guests from all corners of the globe are dealing with the aftermath of these restrictions.

In light of these developments, we are informing all of our customers via email and implementing a COVID-19 control mechanism by having our employees work remotely. We need to start making plans right now so that we may see the chimpanzees when we go on our trip. After COVID-19, we will travel regularly.

On March 21, 2020, Uganda reported its first case of COVID-19. Since then, 54 instances have been verified, with 4 individuals making a full recovery. As a precautionary step to restrict the spread of the virus, the airport and all Ugandan borders were blocked to incoming travel from that point on.

Primate tourism was also halted, and transportation was also put on hold until May 5, 2020. We have taken all necessary steps to ensure that this does not spread, and we are actively managing the issue. After COVID-19, taking personal responsibility is crucial for a fantastic healthy journey.

Regarding the Ugandan chimpanzee trekking industry.

With twenty primate species—the greatest number in all of Africa—contained inside Kibale National Park, Uganda is renowned as the primate capital. After mountain gorillas, chimpanzees are the most well-known primates.

To go chimpanzee trekking is to see these fascinating animals in their own habitat, where you’ll go on an exciting adventure and watch a habituated chimpanzee group going about their daily lives. Additionally, you could be lucky enough to see other monkeys, forest elephants (also depending on chance), snakes, birds, and other forest dwellers.

The only places in Rwanda where you can go hiking with chimpanzees are in the forest reserves of Kibale, Kalinzu, Kyambura, and Budongo. The Uganda Wildlife Authority oversees chimpanzee trekking. Beginning in the wee hours of the morning, with the assistance of park rangers and guides, visitors can make their way into the forest in search of chimpanzees.

The 30-to hour-long trek, which can be challenging due to the uneven and sometimes slippery terrain, is well worth the effort. You are limited to only one hour to see the chimpanzees in Uganda, yet your chances of seeing them are 99%. Because they share 95% of our DNA, chimpanzees are fascinating to observe because of the widespread belief that they are related to us.

Why continue chimpanzee trekking in Uganda after the COVID-19 pandemic?

After COVID-19, what are your plans? Here are a few arguments in favor of include chimpanzee trekking in your Uganda itinerary.

The chimpanzee hotspots in Uganda are easily accessible.
Both air and road transportation make it easy to reach the chimpanzee trekking sites in Uganda. Kasese Airstrip is the gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may take a flight to Kyambura and Kibale National Parks to go chimpanzee trekking.

From Kasese Airstrip, you may reach Kibale in under two hours, and the Kyambura Gorge is just thirty minutes’ driving. Another option is to take a four- or five-hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Kibale National Park or the Kyambura Gorge. For chimpanzee trekking in the Budongo Forest Reserve, you have two options: take a flight to Pakuba Airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park, or drive for about four or five hours.

The price of chimpanzee permits is low.
Chimpanzee licenses are more reasonably priced and accessible than gorilla permits in Uganda, which cost USD800 per person each hike. Non-Foreign Residents: 300 USD per person each hike in Kibale National Park; East African Residents: 250 USD per person; and East African Citizens: 250.000 Uganda shillings per person.

Non-Foreign Residents and East African Residents pay USD50 for chimpanzee permits to Kyambura Gorge, while East African Residents pay 30,000 Uganda shillings. The cost of chimpanzee permits in Murchison Falls National Park’s Budongo Forest Reserve is USD$100 for non-residents, USD$90 for residents, and USD$55 for East African citizens. We will provide you with scans of the receipt after the transaction so you have a record of it. The permits may be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Get in touch with them

Enhanced chimpanzee trekking vacation packages at reduced prices are now available via Katland Safaris. Even competing tour companies will certainly lower their prices to make up for the missed months. when COVID-19, our standard three-day chimpanzee trekking to Kibale trip costs $1,000 for one person and $800 for two.

However, when the virus has passed, the price drops to $800 for one person and $800 for two. After COVID-19, we will customize a trip to Uganda according to your interests and budget, so you may go chimpanzee trekking. Check out our website for more information.

Accommodation room prices at a reduced price
In an effort to make up for losses and cancellations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many hotels are offering discounts. One example is the luxurious Kyaninga Lodge, which has offered a USD100 per person stay to African residents and may reduce its rates even further. There is a wide price range of cheap and premium lodges in Kibale National Park, Budongo, Kalinzu, and the Kyambura Gorge. Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, and Kibale Homestay are just a few of the affordable alternatives.

Mid-range alternatives include Kibale Forest Camp and Turaco Treetops Lodge, while luxury options include Ndali Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, and Kyaninga Lodge, among others. Nightly costs vary from $90 to $100 per person. The cost per person for a night may vary from $300 to $400. For example, in Kyambura, there are a few affordable options: Elephant Hab lodge, Katara lodge, and Kyambura gorge lodge.

In Budongo forest reserve, there are a few more options: Budongo eco-lodge, Bakers lodge, and Murchison river lodge. All of these establishments probably provide the greatest deals to get guests to stay at their facilities when they visit Kibale Forest National Park.

Methods for a successful chimpanzee trip in Uganda after the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Following the coronavirus pandemic, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization all issued health advice and guidance for tourists interested in chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Remember to bring your COVID-19 free certificate with you so you may show it at the airport and the park headquarters. Please read the “Chimpanzee Rules” brochure published by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and obey them while you are on your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Uganda.

You will be asked to wash your hands and sanitize before beginning the trip to the forest in the post-COVID-19 chimpanzee expedition.
If you are sick with a cold or any other contagious disease, you should stay home from the chimpanzees. See your doctor to make sure you’re well enough to go on the Chimpanzee walk; the chief park ranger gets to decide and may turn you away if they don’t think you’re up to the challenge.

Keep in mind that you must be at least 15 years old to go on a chimpanzee trek, and that this age requirement is always clearly stated when you check in for the trip, when you’ll be asked to provide your original passport for verification.
When you go on a hike, a park ranger will always dig a hole for you to bury your human waste in, and the recommended depth is 30 cm (15 inches).

To make it easier to regulate the chimpanzees’ movements in the forest and to prevent behavioral problems during the meeting, the maximum number of visitors per group is eight.
Please be quiet while you make your approach to the chimpanzees. You could even see some reptiles if you’re really lucky, as well as a wide variety of birds and other wild creatures.
Please do not discard any trash in the park. It is recommended that you return all items to your backpack before entering the jungle.

As you move closer to the chimpanzees, the instructors will remind you to brace yourself for an incredible encounter and to maintain a distance of five to seven meters.
While you’re in the company of chimpanzees:
To assist prevent the transmission of airborne infections to chimpanzees, keep at least 7 meters (21 feet) of distance from them.

No eating, drinking, or smoking allowed. If you do this, the chimpanzees can become angry and try to attack you.
Chimpanzees are able to get human respiratory illnesses, therefore it’s best to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to prevent spreading them.
Each chimpanzee group is only allowed one hour of visitation each day.

When shooting photographs, avoid using the flash. Be careful and listen to your ranger guide for further information.

What makes Katland safaris the best choice for a chimpanzee hike in Uganda?

You should not pass up the opportunity to observe these endangered primates in their natural habitats—the chimpanzees of Uganda and Rwanda—on a tour or permit organized by Katland Safaris. After COVID-19, you may visit any of our chimpanzee hotspots in Uganda to engage in chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation.

Celebrate a special occasion like a birthday, honeymoon, or anniversary by planning a trip to observe chimpanzees in their native habitat. For more information on tours we have previously led, please check traveler reviews about us on Safari Booking and Trip Advisor. If you are looking for an unforgettable safari in Uganda, Katland Safaris can create a personalized itinerary just for you.

Chimpanzee Trekking Discounts in Budongo Forest.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Uganda’s tourism industry, affecting businesses across the board from tour operators and hotels to employees and employers. Despite this, there is still reason to be optimistic: after the pandemic ends, you can enjoy discounted chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest.

On March 21, 2020, Uganda reported its first case of COVID-19. Since then, 54 instances have been verified, with 4 individuals making a full recovery. To restrict the spread of the virus, many measures were taken since then, including closing the airport and all Ugandan borders to incoming visitors, suspending primate tourism, and transport.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revised its prediction for worldwide international visitor arrivals in 2020 from 3% to 4% increase to a possible decrease of 20-30%. Foreign tourists may not spend $30–$50 billion (international tourism revenues) as a result.

We are hoping that the bans will be removed and that we may go to other game parks, following the standards set forth by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the World Health Organization, and the Ministry of Health in Uganda, because we have recorded recoveries and no fatalities.

Primate Tourism in Budongo Forest Put on Hold by COVID-19

As a precaution against the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Uganda Wildlife Authority put a halt on primate tourism until April 30, 2020. Because of their susceptibility to human respiratory diseases, wild creatures such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys must be safeguarded at all costs against the COVID-19 virus, the exact nature of which is still a mystery.

Primate tourism in Uganda focuses on four primary areas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla tracking and habituation; Mgahinga National Park for golden monkey tracking; and Kibale Forest National Park, Kalinzu Forest, and Budongo Forest for chimpanzee tracking.

In an effort to save these monkeys, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the suspension of chimpanzee trekking in Budongo park. As a result, travelers from any country are not permitted to visit the chimpanzees or the park until April 30th. We prioritize the protection and conservation of all primates for future generations and to enhance tourism in Uganda, which is known as the monkey capital.

Referring to the Budongo Forest chimpanzee trip

Located in the Masindi area of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve lies to the north of Kampala. The 800 chimpanzees in the forest reserve have been there for a long time, and their numbers have been continuously rising. We first examined the chimpanzees in Budongo forest in 1960, and since then, conservation efforts have been keeping the chimpanzees alive and well, drawing in more tourists.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the National Forestry Authority oversee the Budongo chimpanzee trekking permits, which are administered by Ugandan lodges. A number of communities have become used to daily chimpanzee trekking, with the exception of the current hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These villages include;

More than 85 individuals make up the Sonso Chimpanzee community, which is one of the oldest groups that have made Budongo Forest their home. A small group of people broke away from the Sonso village and eventually grew into the larger Waibira Chimpanzee community, which now numbers over a hundred persons.

Located on the roadside between Masindi and Murchison Falls National Park, the Kaniyo-Pabidi Chimpanzee Community was habituated by the Jane Goodall Institute and is presently managed by Budongo Eco-Lodge. Near the Waisoke River is the habituated Waisoke Chimpanzee Community. Its origins are in the Sonso community, but it has members from all around.

The chimpanzees’ daily mobility is uncertain, although they may go from the forest’s far east to its northernmost regions. Trekking with chimpanzees demands some physical fitness, but if you’re not up to the task, the guides and porters will be more than happy to assist you.

What makes Budongo Forest Reserve an ideal location for chimpanzee trekking after COVID-19?

Once COVID-19 is out of the picture, we can look forward to an adventure in the midst of nature, where we may recharge our batteries by seeing the stunning chimpanzees in Budongo forest. Discounts on chimpanzee trekking are anticipated to be provided after the COVID-19 pandemic as a means for the tourist industry to recover from the pandemic and attract more visitors.

Changes to chimpanzee release dates

Tour companies are now permitted to reschedule chimpanzee permits up to twice until March 31, 2022, thanks to a relaxation in the restriction imposed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Those who have already paid the 30% deposit for the permits are eligible for this offer.

If you are planning your trip now and find that you will not be able to attend on that specific day, we may transfer your permits to another date for your chimpanzee trek in the future. We recognize that every nation heals at its own pace and ends lockdowns according to its own condition.

Save money on chimpanzee hiking excursions

If you are concerned about your finances, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest is an affordable option. Our reduced packages are likely to be comparable with other tour operators, and Katland Safaris will customize yours to fit your budget and demands. To see our packages and make an inquiry, please visit our website.

Transportation expenses cut down

The cost of transportation to the Budongo Forest Reserve is expected to be decreased for all of our all-inclusive packages after the epidemic. The cost of transportation, which was $100 per day on a budget vacation, drops to $70 to $60 per day after accounting for car rental and driver/guide expenses. Putting aside $40–$50 to pay for additional costs, such as entry fees and additional lodging. After COVID-19, transportation is expected to be one of the many ways that travel is affected.

Hotel Rooms at a Discount

In order to make up for lost revenue due to cancellations and other costs associated with the coronavirus, several lodging establishments in the Budogo Forest and Murchison Falls National Parks will likely provide discounted accommodation rates. You may choose from a variety of budget-friendly to opulent hotels in Budongo for your chimpanzee trekking accommodations. In order to make up for lost revenue, most lodges have kept their 2019 and 2020 prices, which will likely be even more heavily reduced. In addition, all lodges must follow the COVID-19 prevention protocols set up by the Ministry of Health.

After the first COVID-19 pandemic Save money on chimpanzee treks in Budongo Forest
The most effective methods for walking with chimpanzees in the Budongo forest After the first COVID-19 pandemic

The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda Tourism Board are stressing the need of following the best practices established by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health in Uganda, which are generally recommended for all tourists. See below

In order to make sure that everyone stays safe, the briefing point will stress the need of social distance and sanitizing by washing hands.
You must provide a certificate proving that you are clear of the COVID-19 virus, either from your own nation’s health ministry or from your place of origin. The airport will also need this.

In our ongoing effort to safeguard both ourselves and the environment, we ask that you please wear a mask and gloves (preferably cloth).
Please do not come to see the chimpanzees if you are sick with a cold or any other contagious disease. You should always see your doctor to ensure your health is suitable for the gorilla walk before traveling to the park, since this will be decided by the chief ranger, who has the authority to prohibit you from participating in the journey.

In order to undertake chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest, guests must be at least 15 years old and provide their original passport for verification.
Please do not discard any trash in the park. It is recommended that you return all items to your backpack before entering the jungle.

To protect the chimpanzees from airborne infections, you must keep at least 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas.
Chimpanzees are able to get human respiratory illnesses, therefore it’s best to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to prevent spreading them.

The most critical thing individuals can do to keep themselves and others safe is to accept personal responsibility. In order to be safe both on the road and in everyday life, travelers should study up on the fundamentals (WHO advise for public).

Keeping up with the latest news is crucial, particularly while traveling. Travelers looking for up-to-date information from health and travel experts should check with reputable sites like the World Health Organization (WHO) on a regular basis.

Every traveller has a dual responsibility to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them. They need to be alert to the signs and symptoms and follow all the guidelines for personal cleanliness.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, why book your safari with Katland Safaris? Because we prioritize and guarantee responsible travel. Safari guides will provide customers with hand sanitizer, water to stay hydrated, and reminders to sanitize often during the excursion.

You shouldn’t miss out on the post-COVID-19 chimpanzee trekking discounts, and guides with colds can’t drive customers till they’re well. Our ability to curate unforgettable experiences is a product of the cohesive team we’ve built over the years, which includes both youthful and dynamic employees, as well as seasoned and dedicated directors and managers who are native Ugandans.

Get in touch with us using this form, and a member of our team will be happy to provide you with reliable, up-to-date information. Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both give Katland Safaris great reviews and ratings.