KAHC Proposed Protocols for Reopening of Hotels.

In an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our businesses had to temporarily close their doors. For Kenyans returning from abroad, a few of hotels in Mombasa and Nairobi served as quarantine centers.

Being a signatory to the Public Health Act, the Tourism Act (under classification), and HACCP—to which we also belong—and a member of the hygiene training team, we have always ensured that our industry adheres to very high hygiene standards. We believe that the new areas that COVID-19 has provided will allow us to better prepare to take care of our customers in the future.

In light of this, we are recommending the following measures to guarantee the wellbeing of our employees and customers:-

We ask that housekeeping conduct a thorough disinfection treatment before reopening, paying close attention to the cleanliness and sanitation of all areas.

Every part of the facility, including the doors, hallways, bathrooms, and even the cars, is disinfected on a regular basis, with a focus on the high-touch areas.

Describe measures taken and protocols followed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Make sure that every single employee is tested for COVID-19. It is highly recommended that personnel undergo testing conducted by MOH teams inside our facilities.
Everyone on staff will have their temperature taken first thing in the morning before each shift begins.
Buses used by staff members will be cleaned on a regular basis.

All personnel are expected to practice social distancing.
Upon arriving, staff members are asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizers containing alcohol.
During the shift, it is important to consistently wash your hands and sanitize them.
The cafeteria and changing rooms have to be cleaned and disinfected twice a day for the staff.
Using technology, employees will be able to keep an eye on COVID-19 using a smartphone app.

Workers who have any of the following symptoms of a respiratory illness: cough, fever, exhaustion, sore throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, or shortness of breath should notify their employer and stay home for at least 10 days after these symptoms appear. If you need further health advice, call 719.
Visitor Wellness
A Covid-19 negative certificate and proof of testing must be obtained by all guests coming from outside Kenya at least 14 days prior to their departure.

Every visitor must undergo a temperature test at the main entrance.
Upon arriving at the hotel, guests are asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizers containing alcohol.
Hand sanitizers and restroom facilities will be supplied by the hotel.
Face masks are mandatory for all guests in the hotel’s public spaces.

Travel bags will be sanitized prior to being delivered to guest rooms.
It is requested that guests download the COVID-19 app on their smartphones.
PRECAUTIVE ACTIONS
Make sure that everyone on staff receives training on proper COVID-19 hygiene procedures.
Keep all surfaces that are often touched clean and germ-free. This includes door knobs, tables, elevator buttons, switches, public equipment, tools, plates, bowls, and pots and pans.

Stay away from people and anything that may be considered personal, such as shaking hands, touching, kissing, or embracing.
entrance desk
Everyone working at the front desk is required to wear a face mask.
Upon arrival, guests are offered hand sanitizers by the concierge crew.
When passengers check in, their temperature is taken and they are tested for signs of COVID-19.
Get guests’ details ahead of time to cut down on wait times at the front desk.

The front desk manager will ensure that any visitors who are ill or who are suspected of being unwell go to the hospital for a medical examination.
Make it a habit to disinfect the hotel lobby on a daily basis.

Equipment, carts, and trolleys must be sanitized before and after each shift.
Guests’ rooms are cleaned according to a specific plan that prioritizes the areas that get the most traffic from those staying at the inn.
Keep strangers at arm’s length.
Invite them back at a later time while they’re in the room.
Cleaning and disinfection, particularly the guest restrooms, should be done more often.

Make sure the cleaning staff has enough disinfectants, personal protective equipment, and other necessities.
Sofas, mattresses, and other soft furniture may need different cleaning methods: Vaporizer steam cleaning
Managing linens
Carefully place all garments and linens in designated washing bags and label them accordingly.
Laundry carts, such as hampers, should be cleaned and disinfected before use.

The item may be washed in a hot cycle (70ºC or above) using regular detergent, as instructed.

Hygiene and cleaning procedures are now followed more often.
Keep the disinfectant concentration in drinking water and pool or spa water within the prescribed levels.
Make sure there are enough lockers, bathrooms, dressing rooms, and showers for the visitors.

Give them everything they need to wash their hands, such as liquid soap, paper towels, a hand drier, and hand sanitizer.
Using antimicrobial solutions on a regular basis to disinfect heavily touched locations, such door knobs and card terminals.
In public spaces, make hand sanitizers available to all visitors.

Separate the tables by 1.5 meters.
When going from one section of the dining room to another, guests are asked to wear masks.
Maintain a distance of 1.5 meters between either side of the bar stool.
At a buffet, guests are not permitted to help themselves. Guests may expect to see hotel cooks wearing protective gear like masks and gloves whenever they dine at buffets.

Guests will be offered beverages by servers who will be equipped with personal protective equipment.
Hand sanitizers are available at the entrance to all eating spaces and bars for all guests to use.
Prior to seating new visitors, be sure you clean and sterilize the dining room tables and chairs.
After servicing each table, waiters and service workers are expected to wash their hands and sanitize.

Merchants providing products and services In order to stop the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, contractors use safe work practices. Letter of instructions: –
Make soap and water a frequent part of your hand hygiene routine. The correct way to wash hands takes around twenty seconds.
When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue. Throw them away in the room’s trash can.

In the absence of a tissue, your sleeve will suffice.
Never put unwashed hands near your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Keep yourself inside if you start to feel sick, run a temperature, or cough. We will provide you with the guidance you need. Feel free to order room service instead of going out to eat if you’re sick.

Which part of Africa is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In the southwestern region of Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, lies Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The park’s administrative districts are Kisoro and Kanungu. Parkgoers may see the Albertine Rift from their vantage point. Over its 321 square kilometers, the park is home to a diverse flora that includes both lowland woods and highland vegetation. With an estimated age of over 25,000 years, the park is thought by experts to be among the oldest woods in Africa.

Bwindi was designated as a National Park in 1991 and later in 1994 it was named a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Bwindi is the birthplace of five significant rivers that empty into Lake Edward; the park itself is a mosaic of rugged hills and valleys. More than 400 plant species call Bwindi Impenetrable National area home. The area is also home to 150 animals, including many primates, such as the world-famous gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, forest elephants, and antelopes.More than 348 bird species call Bwindi home, including 23 that are unique to the Albertine Rift.

The park is believed to be home to over 400 gorillas, or over half of the world’s total population. Out of these, 19 groups have adapted to human presence, a phenomenon called mountain gorilla tracking. This unique experience is limited to just three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At its highest point, Rwamunyonyi Hill, the park has an area between 1,190 and 2,607 meters (3,904 and 8,553 feet) above sea level.

The Batwa are thought to be the original inhabitants of Bwindi. They were a diminutive people known as pygmies who subsisted mostly on hunting, gathering fruits and nuts, and gathering medicinal plants from the forest. They were forced to leave the forest and settle around the forest’s boundaries when the park was gazetted as a national historic site.

Depending on your budget, Katland Safaris may arrange a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for you to undertake gorilla tracking. Below are some of our most popular excursions to Bwindi Forest, National Park. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so that we can create a personalized tour that takes into account your interests, budget, and available time; we also carefully customize all of our tours to meet the demands of our customers.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: What to See and Do?

Gorilla tracking is the main attraction in Bwindi. But that’s not all! This park offers a one-of-a-kind gorilla habituation experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Africa.

Gorillas in the Bwindi Forest World Heritage Site
Tracking mountain gorillas requires a combination of trekking and forest wandering. Going on a gorilla trekking adventure typically begins with a morning briefing at the park headquarters in Bwindi Forest. From there, you’ll hike or walk into the forest, following the track that the mountain gorillas travel. Once you find them, you’ll only get to spend an hour with them. A certificate will be handed to you when you return.

A valid gorilla permit, purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is necessary for a successful gorilla trek in Bwindi Forest National Park. The cost of the permit is USD800 for foreign non-residents, USD700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African citizens. The permit must be obtained for the date of the trek that the trekker desires. On the day of the trip, you’ll go to the park headquarters for a rundown of the rules and regulations that you’ll need to observe while hiking through the thick rain forest on the mountain slopes.

Skilled guides and park rangers will be there to help you out, too. The lifelong experience of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural environment is well worth the travel through thick vegetation and strenuous climbs. Immerse yourself in the everyday life of these incredible apes as you get within 7–5 meters of them, participating in their activities and sharing in their experiences. Following your hour-long encounter with the gorillas, you will be required to return to the beginning of the journey in order to collect your certificate of completion.

Bwindi Forest National Park Gorilla Habituation Experience
The only site where gorillas may be habituated right now is in Bwindi Forest National Park. To discover semi-habituated mountain gorillas, you will still have to walk or hike through Bwindi Forest; after you find them, you will spend four hours with them, just as on a regular journey.

As part of this adventure, you’ll get to spend time with habituated gorilla groups and help them adjust to human presence, a process that may take up to three years. For $1,500, you may spend four hours in the company of mountain gorillas with a gorilla habituation permit. In Bwindi National Park, you may only witness these mountain gorillas if you are one of the lucky four.

Cultural immersion at Bwindi Forest National Park with the Batwa people
The Batwa Pygmies formerly called Bwindi Forest home, and seeing their culture firsthand is a must on every gorilla safari in Uganda. To protect the apes and monkeys that are in risk of extinction, it was decided that they should be relocated. While learning about the Batwa people’s traditional forest lifestyle, you’ll get a taste of their distinctive cuisine, dancing, and way of life during the cultural encounter.

Along the path, you’ll see Batwa people going about their daily lives in the forest, engaging in activities like hunting, harvesting fruit, collecting honey, and conducting ceremonies. By paying a charge, visitors to these Batwa routes may show their appreciation for the culture while also helping the local people. Contributions to organizations serving women and children are much valued, and even purchasing souvenirs helps the local economy.

Birdwatching at the National Park of Bwindi Forest
The forest is home to more than 350 kinds of birds, making bird viewing one of the must-do activities in Bwindi. We will devote the whole day to birdwatching in Mubwindi marsh, the ideal spot for birding in Bwindi forest. The most ideal spot to see some of the most elusive rift endemics—such as the stunning Regal Sunbird, the rare and endangered Archer’s Robin-Chat—is along the 4-kilometer walk leading to Mubwindi Swamp.

In addition to the uncommon and locally distributed Grauer’s Scrub-Warbler, the swamp is home to the following: Dwarf Honeyguide, Stripe-breasted Tit, Ruwenzori Apalis, and African Hill Babbler. Some of the many species we have a chance of seeing here include Black Goshawk, Augur Buzzard, Crowned Hawk-Eagle, Handsome Francolin, Olive (Rameron) Pigeon, Bronze-winged Pigeon, Black-billed, Ruwenzori, and Ross’s Turacco, African, Barred Long-tailed, and African Emerald Cuckoos, Red-chested Owlet, Narina and Bar-tailed Trogons, Black and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, Blue-throated Roller, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Gray-throated, Double-toothed, and Yellow-spotted Barbets, Western and Yellow-rumpedTinkerbird, Thick-billed and Dwarf Honeyguides, Rufous-necked Wryneck, Tullberg’s, Speckle-breasted, Elliot’s, and Olive Woodpeckers, African Broadbill, Rock Martin, Black Saw-wing, Gray and Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike, Ansorge’s, Kakamega and Cabanis’ Greenbuls, Mountain Thrushes, Olive Thrushes, White-tailed Ant-Thrushes, Kivu Ground-Thrushes, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatchers, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatchers, Sooty Flycatchers, Chapin’s Flycatchers, White-starred Robins, White-bellied and Archer’s Robin-Chats, Ruwenzori Batis, White-tailed, and African Blue-Flycatchers are among the many species of acacias found in the world.

Illadopses with pale breasts, gray chests, and mountain habitats A plethora of sunbirds, including the Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, Gray-headed, Regal, Green-throated, Blue-headed, Stuhlmann’s, Northern Double-collared, and Green-headed The following starlings: Sharpe’s, Slender-billed, Waller’s, Gray-green, many-colored, and Mackinnon’s Shrike, as well as Velvet-mantled Drongo and Lagden’s Bush-shrikes. Brown-capped, Black-billed, and Strange weavers; Jameson’s and Woodhouse’s ant-peckers; and Dusky and Red-faced crimson-wings.

Hiking trails in the Bwindi forest.
Visitors to Bwindi Forest National Park may take use of the nature walk routes that the Uganda Wildlife Authority set up for them. Depending on the visitor’s schedule, guided walks may begin at any time; participants will have the opportunity to see various tree types, forest birds, and marshes while on their journeys. For an exciting adventure, you’ll be led down several paths.

Interactions between Bwindi’s Culture and Community
For a long time, the Batwa people—also known as the pygmies—lived in Bwindi Forest National Park. However, in recent times, they were relocated to the nearby settlements in order to facilitate mountain gorilla conservation and tourism. From Kigali, you may take a road journey to Bwindi Forest National Park, where you can view the homes of the pygmies, the sites they frequented, and the methods they employed for hunting and gathering wild honey.

Their dances will be on display as they describe their successful transition out of the jungle and into everyday life. Along the forest’s periphery, you’ll find the remainder of the community, including schools and groups of women who sell food and crafts. If you have any spare change, please consider donating it to help the kids out with school supplies and clothing.

The Best Ways to Reach Bwindi Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
A four- or five-hour journey from Rwanda’s capital of Kigali will get you to Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda, via the Chanika or Katuna borders. Departing from the airport or hotel in Kigali, you may have a city tour before crossing into the Kisoro area of Uganda, where you can stop for lunch and spend the night.

From Entebbe or Kampala, you may reach Bwindi Forest National Park via the Kampala–Mbarara–Kisoro route; the travel would take about 9–10 hours. Flights into Kisoro Airstrip take about two hours and depart from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. Aerolink Uganda has daily scheduled flights, and charter flights from other airlines are also an option. To reach Bwindi Forest National Park, you may take a flight to Kihihi or Kisoro and then transfer to a vehicle.

Bwindi Forest National Park: Where to Stay?
You may find cheap, mid-range, and luxury accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the lower end of the price spectrum, you’ll find Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ride 4 a woman, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Camp Lodge, and others; on the upper end, you’ll find Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Icumbi Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Buhoma Havens Lodge, among others, with prices ranging from $100 to $300 per night per person; and finally, there are the more luxurious options; Prices for these and other five-star accommodations start at $300–$400 per person per night. Some of these possibilities are Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Sanctuary Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, and more.

What makes safaris to Bwindi Forest National Park with Katland the best option?

Safaris with Katland provide unforgettable adventures in Uganda, including Bwindi Forest National Park, and the surrounding East African area. We provide cheap packages and may even create custom tours if you contact us. 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. You may read about other people’s experiences on safari bookings and trip advisor, where Katland Safaris has a lot of positive ratings.

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge Buhoma Region.

Things to do while staying at Bwindi Lodge

Mahogany Springs Lodge in Buhoma Region.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s northern sector, Buhoma, you’ll find Mahogany Springs Lodge. It is a five-star hotel with impeccable service. The exceptional service that guests get at this one-of-a-kind resort is a direct result of the professionalism and expertise of the employees. If you’re planning to spend the night in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s northern area before or after your gorilla hike, Mahogany Springs is a great option.

In a breathtaking location, Mahogany Springs provides seclusion and tranquility with the utmost in luxury. With some of East Africa’s most opulent lodgings, the experience you’ll have here is unmatched.

Price List for Rooms

Superior, presidential, and honeymoon suites are available at Mahogany Springs Lodge. You may choose between a twin, double, or triple Superior Suite. Beautiful windows and huge double doors give these apartments plenty of space. With breathtaking views of the local landscape, every suite has its own private patio.

Each room has its own workstation or dressing table and electrical outlets. The spacious en-suite bathrooms in each suite have an exquisitely crafted open terracotta shower. An innovative mosquito net system encircles the full surface of the mattresses in all the suites, adding comfort and peace of mind.

Prices change with the seasons. In the off season (March–May–November), you can get a twin or double room for as little as USD240 per night, or USD340 for a single. In the high season (January–February–June–July–August–September–October–December), you can get a single room for as little as $315 per night, or $408 for a single. All meals are included, and you can also have a glass of cask wine, soft drink, or local beer with dinner.

Directions to Mahogany Springs Lodge

You may reach Mahogany Springs Lodge by car from Kampala or Entebbe in around 8 to 9 hours of driving time, or from Kigali in Rwanda over the Katuna Border into Uganda in about 5 to 6 hours of driving time. The route also offers a great deal of scenery.

Flying into Bwindi Lodge is another option. The Kihihi Airstrip, which is near the Buhoma sector and Bwindi, is an hour’s drive away. For those interested in visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, domestic airline carriers provide daily flights with morning and afternoon itineraries.

What to do when staying at Mahogany Springs Lodge

Tracking gorillas
Guests at the Mahogany Springs resort mostly engage in gorilla tracking throughout their stay. Gorilla trekking in the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is only one of the many activities that tourists may enjoy because to its close proximity to the park.

Tourists go to Uganda to undertake gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with these primates. Tourists take part in guided forest walks in search of the gorillas; they get one hour to observe, photograph, and learn about the animals from the guides. At seven in the morning, guests meet at each park headquarters for a briefing where park rangers go over the rules of the park and how to have a good time while exploring the forest.

When the going gets tough, you may always employ a porter to haul your belongings and provide you a hand relocating. Staying at the Mahogany Springs resort while seeing the gorillas in the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness these majestic creatures, who are 95% human. Make your reservation with Katland safaris to make this dream a reality.

Bird watching
The forest is home to more than 350 kinds of birds, making bird viewing one of the must-do activities in Bwindi. We will devote the whole day to birdwatching in Mubwindi marsh, the ideal spot for birding in Bwindi forest. The most ideal spot to see some of the most elusive rift endemics—such as the stunning Regal Sunbird, the rare and endangered Archer’s Robin-Chat—is along the 4-kilometer walk leading to Mubwindi Swamp.

African Hill Babbler (often considered a distinct species from Ruwenzori Hill Babbler), the uncommon and localized Grauer’s Scrub-Warbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, Ruwenzori Apalis, and countless more may be found at Mubwindi Swamp. As a result of Mahogany Springs’ proximity to the forest, guests are certain to observe a wide variety of birds throughout the day, and some even make an appearance in the lodge’s gardens.

Hikes in the great outdoors
An additional day may be reserved for a breathtaking hike in the forest, where you can discover waterfalls and other natural wonders. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has set up nature walk pathways in the Buhoma sector and Bwindi Forest so that tourists may go on guided hikes.

Depending on the visitor’s schedule, guided walks may begin at any time; participants will have the opportunity to see a variety of tree types, bird species native to the forest, and even traverse streams and marshes. An exciting adventure awaits you as you follow your guide down a variety of paths.

Life in the community and the Batwa way of life
During your leisure time at Mahogany Springs Lodge, you may arrange for this wonderful meeting. As a precaution to protect the apes and monkeys that are in risk of extinction, the Batwa Pygmies were forced to leave their homes in Bwindi Forest. While learning about the Batwa people’s traditional forest lifestyle, you’ll get a taste of their distinctive cuisine, dancing, and way of life during the cultural encounter.

The Batwa people will take you on a journey into the forest where they do many of their traditional activities, including hunting, picking fruit, collecting honey, and conducting ceremonies. By paying a charge, visitors to these Batwa routes may show their appreciation for the culture while also helping the local people. The community really appreciates donations made to children’s organizations and women’s clubs, as well as purchases of mementos.

Best practices on how to book a gorilla safari online in your office.

Exhibitions and trade displays, particularly in the post-COVID-19 period, are being dominated by e-business. We at Katland Safaris would be happy to show you the ropes when it comes to reserving a gorilla safari from the comfort of your own workplace by desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Gorilla trekking tours are promoted on the websites of thousands of travel providers.

Finding the most affordable gorilla safari package online doesn’t need any special knowledge or expertise. This post will show you, and a lot of other people, the best ways to use the tools you already have at your desk to plan a gorilla safari vacation online.

Standard procedures for making an internet reservation for a gorilla safari.

Searching online with a mobile device, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer is the only certain way to find a fantastic offer. Before you start looking for alternatives, check to see whether you have enough data packages or if your device can connect to the internet. When you have this, follow the steps below to book a gorilla safari vacation online from your phone or computer.

Finding reliable travel companies or people providing gorilla trips to Rwanda, Uganda, or the Congo using web search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo! is the best method to find the greatest bargains. At this time, Bing is second best to Google as a search engine. The next step, after logging into one of the aforementioned, is to learn how to use better terms while searching.

It is our firm belief that you will have already accumulated the necessary information by the time you access the internet. Keywords like “gorilla trekking in Uganda,” “gorilla trekking in Rwanda,” “how to book gorilla safaris,” “gorilla permits,” and “gorilla safari holidays” may be used, depending on the user’s time, interest, and money. Incorporating “budget” or “luxury” into your search query also allows you to narrow your results based on your budget.

Additionally, you have the option to refine your search to include certain national parks, such as Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga, or Volcanoes. Following these steps will likely lead you to the websites of several trip companies, including Katland Safaris, where you may peruse our assortment of vacation packages.

Decide on a travel agency to work with

Many travel operator websites will appear when you use the keywords or phrases indicated above. It is recommended that you visit the websites of at least ten firms that appear on the first and second pages of Google and/or Bing. This is a critical step since you need to carefully go through the pages of these websites. Please review the following carefully.

Important criteria to consider when choosing a trip operator…

Be careful to peruse the many gorilla safari choices, daily schedules, suggested accommodations (shared or private), food plans, WIFI, and modes of transportation on each company’s website. In the case of a vehicle, you should be aware whether it is a van or a land cruiser.

The recommended vehicles are 4×4 safari vehicles. Selecting no more than two tour providers is possible after you examine and compare all of the previously stated factors. Sending a message via WhatsApp or telephone will be the next step if Katland Safaris is one of the two firms chosen.

Contact us by phone or email

More options are available to you when you visit the websites of Katland safaris. Our website offers a wide variety of gorilla safaris, including those to Rwanda, Bwindi Island, luxury hikes, habituation, and more. Whether you’re using Katland Safaris or another firm, sending an email is the easiest way to schedule a gorilla safari online from your workplace.

You can gauge the responsiveness and professionalism of both firms by looking at how quickly they answer. It will also provide you pertinent details and rates to compare.  For a quote, get in touch with Katland Safaris here.

Evaluate the costs, accommodations, and vehicles

After sending an email, make note of how long it took for the chosen tour operators to respond (a response should normally arrive within an hour or two), compare the lodges and cars each one considered, and last, check the total cost of the package.

If you’d want to know why the price is high or low, for instance, you may write another email stating your budget and interests, and you’ll receive an explanation for the difference. Once you have all the answers, the next step is to review the following information, which is crucial for booking a gorilla safari online from the comfort of your workplace.

Book a safari or read reviews on tripadvisor

Safari reservations and Trip Advisor have become the go-to sites for reviewing tour operators, particularly those who provide safaris in Africa. Just type the names of the chosen businesses into Google and you’ll be able to see their TripAdvisor or safari booking pages.

For further information, see the Safari reservations website or the Katland safaris page on TripAdvisor. Both of these resources will give you the rundown of what other customers’ experiences have been like with these businesses. Take the time to read and honestly evaluate both favorable and negative evaluations. You may check the legitimacy of the company you want to book with in this manner.

Travel and Tourism Organizations (AUTO)

Examining safari reservations and trip adviser is the first step; the next is to check with the government to see whether the tour operators you’re considering are members of a recognized travel organization.

As a full-fledged member of AUTO, the Uganda Tour Operators Association, Katland Safaris is registered and licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board and has close working relationships with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, allowing us round-the-clock access to their online system for checking, reserving, and booking gorilla and chimpanzee permits. With this method, you can be certain that your online gorilla safari booking is safe and secure, and you can do it from any device with internet access.

Accepted payment methods and conditions

Finding a tour operator that accepts your preferred method of payment is crucial when planning an online gorilla safari vacation. You may pay for your Katland safari with either an electronic fund transfer or a credit or debit card, with the latter incurring a 5% fee. Thanks to the URL we’ll send, you may pay for your gorilla safari from the comfort of your own home or on the move with your mobile device.

Examine the conditions of payment when that is settled and in your favor. Paying for an Katland safari is as simple as paying for gorilla and chimpanzee permits (if needed) and the remaining balance three weeks before your trip. To ensure that permits are acquired in advance and not left to the last minute, we only accept full payment. To get further information, please get in touch with us.

After making the first investment, what follows?

We will make sure that your permits are secured with the first payment you make at Katland Safaris. After that, you will be provided scanned copies of your receipts from UWA. Since gorilla safari vacations are only guaranteed when gorilla permits have been obtained and paid for in full at UWA, this is to serve as evidence that your gorilla permits were, in fact, acquired.

Flying gorilla trips to Bwindi from Entebbe to Kihihi/Kisoro.

Do you want to experience the thrill of trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park? If so, consider taking a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro. This will cut down your drive time to just one or two hours, compared to the eight or nine hours it would take if you drove.

From Entebbe to Kihihi/Kisoro, Katland Safaris arranges flying gorilla expeditions to Bwindi, ranging from affordable to luxury. An internal aircraft will take you from Entebbe to Kihihi/Kisoro, the starting point for your journey to Bwindi. The journey to Bwindi will begin when you arrive in Kihihi or Kisoro, where your guide will be waiting. Please don’t hesitate to contact us via email if you have any specific tour requests; we are happy to tailor it to your interests, budget, and availability.

Things to Think About Before Arranging a Flying Gorilla Safari in Bwindi Forest from Entebbe to Kihihi/Kisoro
Think about getting your Habituation Permits and Gorilla Tracking Permits ahead of time.

If you want to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro, it’s a good idea to book your trek in advance so you don’t miss out on the limited permits. When you book your trek, it will also determine where you’ll fly and start your drive to Bwindi. For example, if you’re booked to trek in the southern part of Bwindi, at the sectors of Nkuringo and Rushaga, you’ll have to fly to Kisoro.

If you’re booked to trek in the northern part of Bwindi, at the sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma, you’ll have to fly to Kihihi, from where you’ll start your drive to Bwindi. Please contact us via email if you need assistance with reserving licenses for gorilla tracking; we recommend doing so at least three to five months in advance. When you book your gorilla permits, you’ll know exactly where you’ll be trekking the primates.

This information will let you find the perfect resort and decide between Kihihi and Kisoro for your airport. You will need to take a flight to Kisoro if you want to participate in the gorilla habituation experience during your safari in Bwindi, since it is currently only offered in the southern portion of the park.

Think about charter flights instead of scheduled ones.

Instead of taking a regular aircraft from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you may want to look into charters that land in Kisoro or Kihihi. This is due to the fact that charter flights are available 24/7 and that all amenities on board may be customized to meet the specific needs of your high-end clientele.

If you want to make sure your customers have enough of room for seats and baggage, you should go with charter instead of scheduled and think about larger crafts like a Grand Caravan. Most Ugandan businesses provide both options from Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airstrip. Please be aware that charter flights are pricier than regular flights. Send us a message if you’d want more information about charter flights and the businesses that provide them.

Bwindi National Park by airlineBwindi by domestic flight
When planning your stay in Bwindi, think about staying at a luxury lodge.

After deciding the area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park you want to visit to undertake mountain gorilla trekking (subject to availability), the next step is to see what luxury lodges are available in that area and reserve accommodations in advance.

If you’re thinking about going all out for your vacation, you may choose to reserve all of the rooms and amenities at an exclusive luxury lodge. You may also choose between affordable and mid-range accommodations; just tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll make it happen.

Kisoro and Kihihi are two neighboring airstrips that both scheduled and chartered aircraft may land at. Depending on the sector you booked your gorilla walk via, you will need to move to the Bwindi lodge from here. The most suitable vehicles for luxury customers are 4×4 luxury land cruisers or jeeps, as they are designed to meet the minimal requirements expected of such a class. On the other hand, for budget travelers, we will use a 4×4 safari van that is both comfortable and customized for the transfer.

Think about the low and high seasons while planning your trip to Bwindi.

High season for gorilla trekking in Bwindi begins in June and continues through August, December, January, and February. These months are also good for trekking gorillas because the weather is mild and the trails are drier than in the wetter months. Plus, the vegetation isn’t fully grown, so seeing gorillas is easier and more clear.

During the other, slightly rainier months—March, April, May, October, and November—you can take advantage of the low season discounts offered by flights, lodges, and our own business. However, most tourists avoid going gorilla trekking during these months due to the fully grown vegetation and the slick trails. Get in touch, and we’ll take care of making the reservations.

From Entebbe to Kihihi/Kisoro, how can one arrange for a flying gorilla safari to Bwindi?

From Entebbe to Kihihi/Kisoro, we can arrange and schedule an all-inclusive flying gorilla excursion to Bwindi, and there are many different packages to choose from. Please let us know when you’d like to go so that we can inform the local airline operators to see if there are any available routes to Kihihi or Kisoro. Once we hear back from them, we’ll provisionally book your flights while we wait for you to confirm and pay.

Charter flights to Bwindi Forest National Park can be reserved at any time; if you prefer a more private flight, this is an option to consider. Additionally, some charter flights land at smaller airfields closer to the park, cutting down on the distance between the main airfield and your lodge. Fly Uganda and Aero Link Uganda are two of the main local airlines that provide flights to Bwindi Forest National Park.

Prices for flights to Kihihi/Kisoro start at USD283 for a one-way ticket and go up to USD543 for a return journey, depending on the route you choose. Once you touch down at the airport, one of our guides or cars will be ready to whisk you away to your lodge, where you may enjoy game drives and other activities.

Where can I stay between Entebbe and Kihihi/Kisoro on my flying gorilla safari to Bwindi?

If you’re planning to fly gorillas from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro on your safari, it’s a good idea to spend the night in either Entebbe or Kampala before your safari starts or ends. This will give you time to adjust to the time difference and make sure you don’t miss your flight due to things like lost luggage or a missed connection.

You may find cheap, mid-range, and luxury accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the lower end of the price spectrum, you’ll find Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ride 4 a woman, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Camp Lodge, and others; on the upper end, you’ll find Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Icumbi Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Buhoma Havens Lodge, among others, with prices ranging from $100 to $300 per night per person; and finally, there are the more luxurious options; Prices for these and other five-star accommodations start at $300–$400 per person per night. Some of these possibilities are Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Sanctuary Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, and more.

Burma Gorilla Sanctuary
One or more of the top places to stay in Bwindi

Traveling with Katland Safaris from Entebbe to Kihihi/Kisoro in Bwindi for a flying gorilla encounter is a great idea.
If you are looking for a reliable safari business that offers trips to several East African countries including Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo, go no further than Katland Safaris. For almost a decade, we have been enthusiastically leading safaris.

For help planning your safari to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, just give us a call, and one of our safari planners would be happy to assist you. On both Safari Bookings and TripAdvisor, Katland safaris comes highly rated.

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.