How to process chimpanzee permits credit note from UWA

Complete guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

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

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

Gorilla Trekking: briefing period

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

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

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

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

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

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

Controlling gorilla trekking’s expectations

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

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

Ugandan and Rwandan gorilla family distribution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The gorilla journey throughout Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to process Gorilla trekking permits credit note from UWA

What is a credit note from Uganda Wildlife Authority?

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

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

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

Why is UWA enabling credit note processing by tour operators?

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

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

How would one handle a credit note?

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

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

Can one tour operator forward a credit note to another?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to spend 5 days in Rushaga region of Bwindi

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

About the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trekking gorillas in the Bwindi Rushaga area

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experience in Gorilla Habituation Rushaga area

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experience in bird viewing

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

Batwa Experience of Culture and Community

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

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

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

Nature strolls in Bwindi’s Rushaga area

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

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

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

Volunteering in the Bwindi Rushaga area

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

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

Where in the Bwindi Rushaga area should one stay?

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

Why do Rushaga activities with Katland?

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

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

How to spend 4 days in Buhoma region of Bwindi.

Spending four days in the Buhoma area of Bwindi in the Jungle is worth the experience! Found in southern Uganda’s North of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma is a sector headquarters with various alternative parks and community activities as well as some inhabited mountain gorilla families. Under Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government agency overseeing all National Parks in Uganda, the Buhoma area is one of the four sectors of Bwindi impenetrable National park.

One of the oldest parks in Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has half of the surviving mountain gorillas in the World, hence you have 98% possibilities to see and observe the gorillas. This page will essentially go over all the available activities in this area and how one may spend four hours in the Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Spending longer time in one location or area has the benefits of allowing you to appreciate your lodging, cut traveling from one place to another, and provide you chances to learn about and investigate what is available to do and see.

Spending four days in the Buhoma area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park? What should one do?
Gorilla monitoring in the Buhoma area

Gorilla tourism first emerged in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Uganda generally from the Buhoma area. This is so because this area was originally home to the first mountain gorilla family to be let free for gorilla trekking. The first mountain gorilla group to be habituated and available to public for gorilla trekking in 1993 was Mubare mountain gorilla group residing here, therefore clearing the records.

The main activity carried out in this area is gorilla tracking to see the gorillas in Buhoma; so, you should not overlook this on your to-do list while you spend four days in the Buhoma area of Bwindi. Buhoma area has five habituated mountain gorilla families: Rushegura gorilla family, Muyambo gorilla family, Mubare gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla family, and Katwe gorilla family.

Early morning at 8:00 am, Gorilla tracking begins with a lecture by the park guide and wardens on the dos and don’ts while on the trail. Later you are brought into the forest to see the lovely mountain gorillas. Once you locate these mountain gorillas, you have just one hour for pictures and observation of their behavior before returning to park headquarters to get your Certificate. Because it offers several accomodation choices, a lower altitude, and easier access to gorilla families, the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular gorilla trekking area and most liked by visitors.

You must undertake gorilla tracking in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park using Gorilla Permits is important. For every gorilla family, just eight visitors are permitted daily in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable National Park; forty permits are provided every day in Buhoma to let tourists hike the gorillas.

Once you contact and book your gorilla package with Katland Safaris to see the gorillas, we shall send you an invoice and book the permit on the system tentatively, once you make payment, we shall secure your permit from Uganda wildlife Authority head offices in Kampala and later send scanned receipt of your permits for your records and perusal.

One week near your trip dates, we will get your permission cards from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and your driver-guide will show them on the day of trekking at the park headquarters so you may be let to go. While planning a flying safari to Buhoma to visit gorillas, we always provide all services to satisfy your needs as Katland safaris.

Only anyone aged over fifteen (15) years are eligible for Gorilla Permits. To guarantee your spot for gorilla tracking in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla permits should be reserved in advance and bought up to two years ahead.

Every year, the peak seasons of July, August, September, December, January, and February cause gorilla permits to sell out rather rapidly. We always urge all guests of Katland safaris to always schedule and reserve the permits in advance so that you do not miss your intended date of travel to hike the gorillas.

Birding in the Buhoma area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Buhoma sector and specifically Particular Bwindi impenetrable National Park for bird observation. At Bwindi, there have been reported 348 different bird species. There are twenty-five restricted-range species here, of which twenty-three are found in the Albertine Rift and four are worldwide endangered.

Endangered, Chapin’s Flycatcher -Muscicapa; Vulnerable and Shelley’s Crimson-wing -Cryptospiza; Pseudocalyptomena graueri-Vulnerable, Grauer’s Rush Warbler -Bradypterus graueri Vulnerable by Shelley.

African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata) and Short-tailed Warbler (Hemitesia Neumann) are the sole surviving members of their respective genera among the three bird species most often seen in River Munyaga and Mubwindi marsh in Buhoma. Actually, it is believed that the broadbill and Short-tailed Warbler are more closely linked to Asian than African species!

Nature & Forest treks in Buhoma

There are guided Nature walk paths where you may stroll as well as identify monkeys, trees, and bird species. The walks carry you over the forest. A lengthy and short walk path links the buhoma sector to the Nkuringo Sector, south sector of Bwindi impenetrable National Park. You will traverse rivers, marshes, waterfalls, and enjoy the lovely noises in the forest.

Spend four days in the Bwindi buhoma area to get a complete experience. For those families that go with children under the age of fifteen, forest hikes are also an activity after or before gorilla trekking. These kind of nature walks provide a chance to thoroughly explore the forest and also use this time to unwind and experience what nature has to offer. There is no pre-booking required; you may reserve a forest or wildlife walk on ground. Attached to this activity is no maximum number assigned.

Community Exchange in the Buhoma Area
While staying in Buhoma, you should include visiting the community within your daily activities. The displaced Batwa pygmies organized the Batwa cultural experience to teach their children and expose their incredible legacy and customs to the world. The Experience occurs on ground next to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park in an old-growth forest outside of the park.

The Batwa experience starts with a nature walk or stroll throughout the forest observing the forest alternately from the perspective of the original Forest people. Find out what they collected, how they hunted the little animals they ate, and how nets and traps were employed.

As you support their livelihoods, visit the local women organizations, buy souvenirs, participate in their daily events, see their traditional dances, visit the schools and provide scholastic resources.

Coffee or tea strolls in Buhoma area
You may be interested in visiting coffee and tea farms near the Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Popular with tea and coffee cultivation, Kayonza is one of the largest tea estates in the Kigezi area. You will value the way good tea is made from tea plants, cared for, and handled. Those who want to add on an agricultural walk while in Buhoma may get in touch via phone or email Katland safaris.

Volunteering possibilities in the Buhoma area
You may like to spend one or two days sharing your knowledge and expertise with local conservation and community initiatives in the Buhoma area on safari. Discover Africa safaris promotes ethical tourism wherein your trip benefits the local community surrounding.

Working with certain schools, women groups, and environmental organizations in the Buhoma area, we ensure that everyone who need volunteer positions may do so without difficulty. For more information on the volunteer options in the Buhoma area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, kindly email or phone us.

Where might one stay in the Buhoma area of Bwindi?
There are many lodging options in Buhoma area where you might spend four days. The lodges go from low-cost budget to high-market luxury. Among the most Luxurious Lodges are Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest camp, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Trekkers lodge.

Among the middle ground Lodges are Silverback Lodge and Buhoma Havens lodge. You may stay at crested crane Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma community Camp, Ride for a Woman lodge and many more for cheap lodges. Get in touch with us using a lodge of your preferred choice; we will customize your schedule or even provide the finest alternative based on your budget.

Access the Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Depending on where you are coming from, the most easily accessible area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the Buhoma area. If arriving from Kampala/Entebbe by vehicle, the travel takes around nine to ten hours and will see you stop at Mpambire royal drum manufacturers, the equator, Mbarara town mostly for lunch before continuing to Buhoma via Rukugiri, kihihi onward to the northern portion of Bwindi impenetrable national Park.

From Queen Elizabeth National Park, most specifically the Ishasha area, the Buhoma region is around three to four hours’ driving. This is the reason why visitors to Queen Elizabeth National Park choose hiking or visiting the Buhoma district of Bwindi impenetrable National park over others.

One may also approach the Buhoma area via plane. Daily planned and charter aircraft from Entebbe Airport or Kajasi Airstrip land at Kihihi Airstrip. Most of these flights take two hours, then two hours for a road transport to your particular lodge in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Most booked flights run on minimum two individuals and have morning and afternoon flights for those who would like to travel. To view mountain gorillas and other activities as described above, Katland safaris plans both road and fly-in safaris to Buhoma. Please email or phone us for more information on this; we will then advise appropriately.

Best time to visit the Bwindi impenetrable National Park buhoma area
Like elsewhere in Uganda, the Buhoma area is accessible any time of year. The dry season, when rain is less and simple forest hiking to view mountain gorillas and other activities is possible, is the most desired period nonetheless. The pathways are less treacherous in dry seasons, which makes forest mobility simpler.

In dry seasons, visibility also gets simple rather than in wet ones. While drier seasons include June, July, August, early September, December, January and February, traditional wet seasons are March, April, May, October and November. Please feel free to get in touch with us for the finest guidance you can depend on to arrange your ideal gorilla trekking safari. Katland safaris runs trips to Buhoma all year round.

Why would one book with Katland safaris?
Run and operated by Ugandans, Katland safaris is a Local Tour company with headquarters in Entebbe. Having been in business for more than ten years, our area of expertise is life-changing events and environmentally friendly travel to every East African nation. UTB (Uganda Tourism Board) registered us; we belong to AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators).

Booking your gorilla permits and other park activities in the Buhoma district of Bwindi is simple because to our solid and long working connection with UWA, the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Both Safari reservations and travel advice favorably recommend Katland safaris.

Chimp trekking price and cost issues

Chimps from Kibale Forest National Park

Three habituated chimpanzee populations exist in Kibale forest; two of them are used for chimpanzee trekking and the other one for chimpanzee habituation. One must spend for a chimpanzee permit received at Uganda Wildlife Authority main office in Kampala on Kyira road before one may hike chimpanzees in Kibale National Park.

A monkey permit for Kibale National Park is $300 per person, morning or afternoon. Although you may spend one hour with chimpanzees, the walk is broken with plant and bird identification as it is always supervised by qualified and experienced Uganda Wildlife authority ranger guide. The $300 covers park entrance costs as well as a guide who drives you to the forest and views chimps in their natural surroundings.

Contacting Katland safaris will find availability, reserve and get your chimpanzee trekking permission for Kibale National Park. Kibale National Park is one of the greatest locations in Africa for trekking habituated colonies of chimpanzees, so chimpanzee permits often sell out rapidly most notably during high and peak season.

To help you avoid missing our, book your chimpanzee’s permits two to four months ahead. Please contact us via phone or email if you would like any information on booking Kibale National Park chimpanzee permits.

Chimps in Budongo Forest

Budongo woodland, in northern Uganda, has the most wild chimpanzees while habituated ones are found in Kaniyo Pabidi. Your travel to Murchison Falls National Park from Kampala takes around four hours. One may walk in the morning or afternoon; chimps allow for Budongo forest licenses costing $90 per person.

As long as you provide us the year, months, and day you want to walk chimpanzees in Budongo, Katland safaris may assist get chimpanzee permits for that area. When one is intending to visit Murchison Falls National Park, budongo woodland chimpanzee excursions are perfect.

Part of the vast Murchison Falls conservation area, the budongo woodland chimp walk offers a chance to spend more time in this region. Please email or phone us for more information on reserving chimp permits to see habituated chimpanzees in Budongo; we will then advise appropriately.

Kyambura Gorge Chimps

Kyambura Gorge is a Rift Valley inside another rift valley. Found on the bottom of the Great East African rift valley’s west arm, this gorge is Because of secondary faulting that changed the floor of the main rift valley, climatic and vegetation differences generated a forest within the gorge and now serve as home for eight habituated chimpanzees.

Each chambura gorge permit is $50 per person, and Katland Safaris can assist you to get one from Uganda Wildlife Authority. Most chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge are elusive and difficult to view, hence Kyambura chimpanzee trek is usually offered as Kyambura gorge hike. Before you think about arranging chimp trekking here, you should see advise from Katland safaris; odds of sighting chimpanzees here are said to be about 50%.

Karinzu has forest chimps.

Another place offering chances for natural habitation of chimpanzees is Karinzu woodland. Karinzu, in the Rubirizi area right before Queen Elizabeth National Park, has sizable populations of habituated chimpanzees ready for chimpanzee trekking. Under Uganda National Forest Authority, chimp licenses are $50 per person per trip.

Now, while in this area, Karinzu is becoming to be a major choice for chimpanzee treking. Since chances of sighting chimpanzees in Kalinzu are rather high compared to Kyambo Gorge, Katland safaris strongly suggest Kalinzu chimp treks to Kyambura.

Hotel Prices Near Kibale National Park
As was already said, you must budget for your chimp trekking trip including at least one night. From as low as $50 to $350 for person, there are various Lodge or Guest House choices. Apart from specialist lodges in Kibale National Park, most cheap accomodation hotels are in Fort Portal town. Among often utilized lodges are Kyaninga, Ndali, Primate Lodge, Papaya Lodge, Chimp Nest, Kibale Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest camp.

Cost of Hotel Around Budongo Forest
For Budongo Forest, there are not many choices; the only ideal Lodge is Budongo Eco Lodge situated near Kaniyo Pabidi. You might lodge at Masindi or Lodges inside Murchison Falls National Park. The price is somewhat similar to that of Kibale National Park.

For more information regarding the Lodges’ pricing, transportation, and all around expenses, get in touch with us.

How to spend 4 days in Ruhija region of Bwindi

This is a guidance on how to spend four days in Bwindi’s inaccessible Ruhija area. Over half of the mountain gorillas in the world live in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, a global heritage site. One of the four areas of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Ruhija is the center of today’s topic. Spending more time in the Ruhija area of Bwindi offers one the chance to tell a real tale of this side of Africa.

A 4-day excursion in this region is a life time event. Rubanda district in southern western Uganda contains the Ruhija section of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Cut from Kabale district, Rubanda is a new district. Famously and the greatest spot to hike the Mountain Gorillas as well as other activities, it is home to more than half of the only surviving Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Experience Africa safaris will enable you to plan your four days in the Ruhija area of Bwindi.

Over four days in Ruhija Region of Bwindi, what should you do?

Four days in the Ruhjia section of Bwindi impenetrable National Park allows one to engage in a range of activities. Some of these events have been canceled by Katland safaris to let you make plans; nevertheless, do get in touch by email or phone should you have further queries or need more information. One may spend four hours in the Ruhija section of Bwindi impenetrable National Park below.

Trekking in Ruhija Region for gorillas

One of the greatest things to do in the Ruhija area is gorilla trekking, which is seeing or seeing a specific habituated mountain gorilla family by way of forest movement. Before gorilla trekking starts, Gorilla trackers/advanced teams/rangers follow these gorillas using many indicators and techniques; they get up extremely early every morning and explore the jungle for these mountain gorillas.

Like clapping, they track them naturally by producing crazy noises. Once they locate them, they will notify the park headquarters. Following advising the guests on dos and don’ts, the tourists will begin to stroll and hike in the forest under trackers direction. This offers 99% possibilities of seeing the gorillas in Uganda in their natural habitat.

Over four habituated mountain gorillas available for gorilla trekking—Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, many others—the Ruhija area of Bwindi is impenetrable National Park. Katland safaris helps you to arrange and guarantee gorilla permits on your behalf. For more information on how to verify availability, reserve and get Ruhija gorilla permits, please email or phone us.

Compared to Rushaga and Nkuringo in Bwindi Forest National Park, Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija sector Bwindi Forest National park has the benefit of terrain not too steep and mountainous. Four open Gorilla Families from Ruhija—Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, and Kyaguriro—are available for Gorilla monitoring. But you will have to plan ahead to guarantee a place for treking.

For Non- Foreign Residents, the gorilla trekking permit is USD 800 per person; for Foreign Residents, USD 700; for East African Citizens, Shs.300, 000. Spending four days in the Ruhija area of Bwindi enables one to have a lifetime experience seeing the gorillas; the permit only permits one hour of viewing.

Batwa Cultural Exchange

Spending four days in the Ruhija area of Bwindi is one of the most fascinating cultural experiences available. The Batwa people, often known as the pygmies, used to live in Bwindi Forest National Park for many years until recently when they were taken from the Forest to the nearby towns to facilitate mountain gorilla protection and tourism.

They will show how pygmies employed their time in the forest, where they stayed, how they hunted and gathered wild honey. They will present their dances and discuss how they have adjusted to and appreciated regular life outside the jungle.

You may also explore the remainder of the community in the forest’s out skirts, where women organizations run community schools, food markets, and handicap projects. If you would like to help the kids with clothing and school supplies, we welcome donations. You will enjoy yourself among the people living in the Ruhija area of Bwindi.

Birding inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Most birdwatching in the Ruhija area occurs in Mubwindi Swamp. For bird lovers, Bwindi Forest National Park is home to many unusual bird species including Albertine Rift indigenous species. We arrange birding trips to Bwindi Forest National Park with experienced birding experts who will help you identify many species.

Ruhjja district of Bwindi’s Forest and Nature walks
Comprising a tropical forest, one of the oldest in the world having existed for more than 300,000 years, Bwindi Forest National Park has ancient tree species some of which are peculiar to this forest. Its dense canopy makes nature hikes fun and also makes it inaccessible.

Your nature walking tour in Bwindi Forest will allow you to see many creatures including rare forest elephants, if fortunate, monkeys and baboons in addition to learn about many tree types and detect numerous bird species. Spending your four days in Ruhija area of Bwindi allows you to participate in the Mubwindi swamp trek and other hikes to the streams and waterfalls.

Ruhija district of Bwindi volunteer labor
Those who would like to change the Ruhija area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park may add a day or two to share their skills and experience with women organizations, schools, and various programs targeted at environmental and community development in this part of the forest.

When contacted, Katland safaris will help search for a project where you may be put in order to donate via voluntary labor. One may do this either before or after the main gorilla trekking adventure.

How might one reach the Bwindi Ruhija area?
Road travel from Kampala or Entebbe takes eight to nine hours, including pauses near the equator and for lunch in the Ruhija area. Given the abundance of sights on the route, the trip is really fun.

Along the route, for instance, you get a chance to see the Ankole long-horned cows, Mpanbire royal drum manufacturers to witness how drums are fashioned out of wood, and stop at the equator for pictures. You will notice a shift in elevation as you go from the Kigezi area; flatlands will be replaced by rolling hills and valleys until you reach Ruhija.

From Kigali, Rwanda, you may also travel to Ruhija area, around a 4-5 hours drive over the Uganda-Rwanda border at Katuna. After lunch in Kabale Town, you will go to Ruhija for your gorilla trek (at the present, this is not feasible because Uganda-Rwanda land boundaries are still blocked but we are following the matter as events develop).

The Kigali-Ruhija road trip is the greatest choice for people who would rather drive shorter distances. Right now, the conflicts between Uganda and Rwanda have hindered this path as land borders were blocked long before the COVID 19 epidemic started.

From Ishasha side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Ruhija area is around one and a half hours’ drive on a murram road. Some persons may even remain in Buhoma and engage in activities in Ruhija as this route links Buhoma and Ruhija.

The condition of Lodges this side is one of the reasons visitors could decide to remain in the Buhoma area and engage in activities in Ruhija. Regarding Lodges, the Buhoma area is by far much superior than Ruhija. In Buhoma rather than Ruhija, several high end and midrange Lodges are located. Before deciding, please get ideas from Katland safaris.

You may reach Ruhija area by air via a domestic aircraft to Kihihi Airstrip in the Kanungu district, two hours for both travel and driving to the Park. Contact Katland safaris for specifics for individuals interested in Flyin safaris to Ruhija. One may arrange daily scheduled as well as charter flights from Entebbe to Bwindi with Katland safaris. For more information, feel free to write or phone us.

Where in Ruhija Sector Bwindi Forest National Park would one stay?
Depending on your budget, the Ruhija area offers a range of lodging options; from mid-range to luxury hotels are all within reach. For budget and camping; Gorilla Mist Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages and Broadbill Tented Forest Camp; for mid-range accommodation we have Bakiga Lodge; for luxury accommodation we have Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge. Some visitors choose to lodge at Buhoma, in the Bwindi impenetrable national Park, which is very near to the Ruhija area.

Why go four days in Ruhija Region of Bwindi with Katland safaris?
Based in Entebbe, Uganda, Katland safaris is a Local travel company. Ugandans conduct and own encounter safaris in Africa. Having more than 15 years of experience, our area of expertise is life-changing events and environmentally friendly trips and vacations to every East African nation.

We are registered by UTB (Uganda Tourism Board) and belong to AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators.). Booking your gorilla permits and all activities is simple because to our strong and long working connection with UWA, Uganda Wildlife Authority. Both Safari reservations and travel advisor highly evaluate Katland safaris. Please get in touch with Katland safaris to arrange your four days in the Ruhija area of Bwindi.

How to spend 4 days in Nkuringo region of Bwindi.

With Katland safaris, you may arrange to spend four days in the Nkuringo district of Bwindi, therefore fulfilling your ambition. Of the major areas for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Nkuringo gorilla region is One of the four sectors of Bwindi impenetrable national park where one may hike and see the amazing Mountain Gorillas in their native environment worldwide; Nkuringo is located in southwest Uganda and borders Congo. Located in southwest Uganda between the districts of Kisoro and Kanungu, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park It is somewhat near the Virunga conservation area and borders DR Congo.

Declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994, Bwindi forest is among Africa’s oldest. Among the roughly 400 varieties 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—are sheltered.

Three habituated gorilla families for gorilla treking in this area make up Nkuringo gorilla sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Every gorilla family in Nkuringo assigns eight guests daily, thereby providing you with chances to see the gorillas whenever of the year. For gorilla trekking, which lets you spend one hour seeing the gorillas, there are twenty-four daily permits. The protection and preservation of gorillas in Nkuringo as well as the granting of gorilla trekking permits is under the responsibility of Uganda Wildlife Authority.

How should one spend four days in Bwindi’s Nkuringo area?

Trekking in Nkuringo for gorillas
The main activity thought of as doing four days in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi is gorilla trekking. Gorilla tracking is the movement in the jungle to observe a certain habituated mountain gorilla family. Before gorilla trekking starts, expert teams/rangers and gorilla trackers employ many indications and techniques to track these gorillas.

Every morning, the trackers up rather early and go into the bush in hunt of these mountain gorillas. Like clapping, they track them naturally by producing crazy noises. Once they locate them, they will notify the park headquarters; following a training on the dos and don’t rules of the activity, they will begin to stroll and hike in the forest under trackers direction.

This offers you 99% chances of seeing the gorillas in their native habitat inside the Nkuringo gorilla territory. Once you locate them, the gorilla trekking permits cost USD 800 per person for Non- Foreign Residents, USD 700 for Foreign Residents, Uganda Shillings 300,000 per person for East African residents and one hour of seeing the gorillas.

With half of the surviving mountain gorilla population worldwide, Uganda offers a lifetime chance to see the unique and endangered species with 95% DNA as human people in the Nkuringo gorilla area. The steep tropical woods in southwest Uganda include the Mountain Gorillas, who you will see in their native habitat. Spending four days in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi increases your probability of sighting the gorillas to 98%.

Trek towards the top of the world
From Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, this is also one of the fascinating walks available in Nkuringo. You go over Nkuringo hamlet and follow various little foot trails to reach the summit of the planet. Beautiful vistas with mountains, valleys and hills all around. The climb runs two to three hours.

Walking Through a Gorilla Buffer Zone
A buffer zone is a transition zone between the developed regions where people reside from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Many times nowadays, tea is cultivated in the buffer. You will be able to see many nearby farms including different crops as well as tea estates.

Batwa Cultural Exchange
Spending four days in Nkuringo offers an exciting activity to engage in as well: Batwa experience. The Buniga area Trail portrays the lives of the Batwa native pygmies, their ancient nomadic cultures when they lived in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest until 1991, when the area was gazetted as a national parks.

The tribe was expelled from the park and since then; they have been trying to adjust to contemporary life outside the bush. Designed to enable the Batwa people to make a livelihood from tourism surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Buniga forest route is a USAID project. Though not difficult at all, this trek is really an experience and rather interesting.

Forest hike along the Ivy River
With various points of view from the marram road to Nkuringo viewing rich mist covered valleys, this Ivy River path slowly rises and falls across gorgeous sections of the rain forest. For locals traveling to and from Nkuringo especially on market days to Nteko hamlet on the southern edge of the park, the track is also a vital walkway. Sighted include monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, some of Bwindi’s world-class bird and butterfly species.

Seeing the Suma Waterfall Sites
Suma is a hamlet where one finds the waterfall. Many indigenous bird species, including Northern Double Collared Sun Bird, Violet Backed Starling, and Great Blue Eared Starling, are found among the many varieties of trees that circle the waterfall. Although you may engage in this exercise any time, the ideal time is in the morning.

Birding knowledge
Bird enthusiasts might visit the Nkuringo area of Bwindi Forest National Park, which has many unusual bird species including Albertine Rift Endemic birds. We plan birding trips to Bwindi Forest National Park, where expert birding guides can help you recognize various species.

Volunteering
One other way you may spend four days in Nkuringo is by volunteering. As you empower the local people living in Nkuringo of Bwindi, you may help in community-based initiatives or tutor in schools.

Over four days in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi, where should you stay?

There are resorts, motels, and camps in Nkuringo area where you may stay for your gorilla trekking activities. With varied rates and service levels, they span cheap to luxury. Four gorillas lodge; there is also an option of staying in Rushaga sector, close to Nkuringo and Just about 1hour drive to the Park headquarters in Nkuringo Region.

Katland safaris can help you book the hotel of your choice, you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge as the budget and middle option and Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge as the luxury option. Particularly in peak season, the lodges must be reserved in advance as they might be completely filled.

Why book four days in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi with Katland safaris?

Head headquarters of a local travel company located in Uganda, Katland safaris in Entebbe. Run and own experience Africa safaris, Ugandans. Having been in business for more than 15 years, our area of expertise is life-changing events and environmentally friendly travel to all East African nations. UTB (Uganda Tourism Board) registered us; we belong to AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators).

Our solid and long working connection with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) makes booking your gorilla permits and safari simple. Trip advisor and Safari reservations highly evaluate Katland safaris. Please get in touch with Katland safaris next time you plan to visit any of the five East African nations of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, or Tanzania. To best satisfy your expectations, we will arrange your four days’ safari to the Nkuringo area of Bwindi.

Top things to do in Nkuringo after gorilla trekking one hour experience.

One of the industries where gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park is Nkuringo sector. Three gorilla families available for gorilla trekking in the sector: Christmas Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla Family, and Nkuringo Gorilla Family.

Nestled in the southernmost point of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, the Nkuringo area is highest among the large impenetrable Bwindi National Parks and hence attracts those who like challenging gorilla treks or walks. One must first value gorilla families in this area as well as what is known about the Nkuringo part of this large, inaccessible forest before considering top things to do.

Given that gorilla trekking is the main form of tourism in the area, it would be advisable to first study the many mountain gorilla groups present here along with their composition and background. Operating reasonably priced and expertly tailored gorilla safaris in the Nkuringo section of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Katland safaris has safari advisors on hand to address all your questions.

When contacted, we verify availability of all services including gorilla permits, talk with you all possible choices to fit your schedule, pocketbook and interest and of course construct for you a dream package for your trip. See Katland safaris, your dependable friend when it comes to planned unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences, for more information regarding gorilla visits to the Nkuringo district of Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

About Gorilla families in the Bwindi Nkuringo sector

The group derives its name from the local location it was first sighted Nkuringo meaning “Hills.” This was the first family that was habituated in 1997 and the habituation process began. 3004 was opened for tracking.

The organization consisted of 19 members when it originally began, but over years the membership has dropped to only 15. Rafiki, a Swahili term meaning “Friend,” commanded the group; after his death in 3008, the group is also reported to be the first to have produced twins in 3004 although one of the twins died subsequently.

Bushigo Gorilla family

There are now nine members of the Bushaho gorilla family known of. Still, depending on newborn offspring, it may grow in size, much like other gorilla families; if the dominant Silverback can subdue other members from other unhabituated mountain gorillas in that area will determine its size.

Opening in 2016, the Bushaho gorilla family brings the overall amount of gorilla families in all four Bwindi districts to 17, so Uganda is among the finest nations to see these endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Christmas Gorilla Family
The Christmas gorilla family lives in the Nkuringo area of southern Bwindi. Three gorilla families allowed for gorilla trekking in Nkuringo are the third mountain gorilla family to be acclimated there. According to reports, the Christmas gang consists of up to nine people, mostly observed on family treking.

Leading the group is a powerful silverback named Christmas, One black back, three females and one baby. This gang is easily tracked and is well-known for its habits of visiting nearby towns in quest of food.

Although there are other interesting activities and great things you can do in Nkuringo sector after your gorilla trekking, the activity in this sector is mostly gorilla trekking which is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Experience with gorilla habituation

Apart from the regular gorilla hike accessible in Nkuringo, one may also engage in gorilla habituation experience, a four-hour day trip designed for people who would rather spend more time with mountain gorillas still under habituation.

Only four persons are permitted daily visits between two families set aside for this wonderful experience. Although a gorilla habituation experience costs two times more than the usual gorilla trekking ticket, it is well worth it as it allows you more time with mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park.

Although we offer example itineraries on our website, do not hesitate to get in touch with us should you have concerns about gorilla habituation experience in the Nkuringo section of Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

Batwa Cultural Involvement
One of the Batwa guides will lead you on the Batwa cultural experience tour; you will have the chance to learn about Batwa traditional forest life in Bwindi Forest, historically Batwa territory; you will also enjoy the traditional dances of the Batwa and other customs including making traditional fire among others.

It should be mentioned that before it was gazzatted as a national park in 1993, the Batwa tribe of little people who called Bwindi impenetrable National park their home. Their sustenance consisted on wild honey gathered from this forest, hunting woodland animals, and gathering plants.

Once this forest was gazzatted, the batwa people had to leave it to join others on the main land for survival; it was once caverns and hideouts where they used to remain. At first, life was difficult; however, with time, they began to settle in with government and non-governmental organization assistance.

Nature’s path
Apart from gorilla trekking, the nature walk in Bwindi forest is a very interesting activity that provides you the chance to learn more about tree species as well other animal species in the forest. Visiting the River Ivi-Nkuringo route in Nkuringo will let you see the falls plunging 33 meters.

For a wonderful experience, it is thus advisable to go on a forest walk following one of the pre-designed paths. One may do this either on the next day or after your gorilla trekking trip. The benefit of forest or nature hikes is that they are not pre- scheduled. This walk may be planned at any time; it has no age restriction or carrying capacity.

One of the top birding locations in Uganda, Birding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has an astounding 350 species. The major birding hotspot in Nkuringo is the pocket forest known as Nombe, situated five kilometers and three hundred meters from Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.

If you have limited safari time and will be identifying certain species that frequent the grounds at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, we advise you to include your birding book. Having a long history with local bird guides, Katland safaris is in a position to provide you a bird expert in the Nkuringo area of Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

Where in Nkuringo Sector should one stay?
Nkuringo sector lodges include Lake Mutanda Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. You might also remain in the Rushaga area and reach Nkuringo in forty-five minutes via vehicle. Among the lodge possibilities are Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge.

When should one travel to Nkuringo Sector for Gorilla Trekking?
Anytime of the year one may visit Nkuringo side of Bwindi impenetrable national park. The drier months of January, February, June to early September are the ideal times to visit Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This facilitates travel to the park and provides a clear view of mountain gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too great.

How would one get in Nkuringo for Gorilla Trekking?
By Road; Nkuringo is reachable from Entebbe/Kampala’s major high-way road, about 8 to 9 hours’ journey. You will travel by Kabale town and go toward Nkuringo. About four to five hours’ driving from Kigali, Rwanda, one may also reach the Park.

From Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airport, you may fly to Kisoro airstrip. Aero link and Fly Uganda local airline companies provide scheduled and chartered flights. You will have to arrange for a transport from the airfield to your chosen Lodge with your tour organizer.

Why arrange your Gorilla Trekking with Katland Safaris in Nkuringo?
Contact us and let Katland Safaris plan your gorilla trip in Nkuringo; we will assist with the booking procedure. We can also schedule for you several gorilla safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury alternatives based on the Nkuringo region of Bwindi. These include the gorilla permits. Visit our travel advisor evaluations and read from a community of contented customers at will.

You know you will have an unforgettable Uganda safari trip 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.