Is Uganda good for gorilla trekking?
Located in southwestern Uganda, on the border with the Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of just two parks in Uganda where visitors can go on a trek to see the world’s magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is well-known as the best place to trek mountain gorillas because it is home to over half of the world’s remaining wild mountain gorilla population.
Gorilla tourism in Uganda began here in 1993. The park was designated as a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO because it has one of the oldest forests in Africa. In Bwindi Forest National Park, gorilla monitoring takes place in four distinct sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. In every area, you can expect the same great experience.
Mgahinga National Park
Trekking mountain gorillas is a popular pastime in Mgahinga National Park, which is located in the Virunga volcanic mountain range that stretches over Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo. Located in the Kisoro area in southwestern Uganda, the park shares a border with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park, and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park.
Three of the six Virunga Mountains—Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura—are located inside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Despite its little size, this Ugandan park is home to a variety of endangered species, including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and others. Gorilla trekking is only possible with one habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga.
What is the number of habituated families in Uganda that may be visited for gorilla trekking?
In Uganda, you may undertake gorilla trekking with one of nine habituated gorilla families situated in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Of these, eighteen are in Bwindi, while one is in Mgahinga.
The Buhoma sector in Bwindi is home to the Mubare Gorilla Family, the Habinyanja Gorilla Family, the Rushegura Gorilla Family, and the Katwe Gorilla Group. Each sector in the park is named after a gorilla family, and tourists may hike with them on certain days.
The Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, and Kyaruguriro gorilla families are all located in the Ruhija area. The Rushaga area is home to many different groups of gorillas, including the Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Bikyingi, Kahungye, Busingye, and Mucunguzi families. There are three different gorilla families in Nkuringo: the Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas families. You may undertake gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park with only one habituated gorilla group, the Nyakagezi.
Can you tell me how much the Ugandan gorilla trekking permit costs?
With 176 licenses issued daily, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is much lower than in Rwanda, making it an attractive destination for gorilla trekking enthusiasts. Non-Foreign Residents pay $800 per person for the Uganda gorilla trekking permit, Foreign Residents pay $ 700 per person, and East African Citizens pay 300,000 Shs. Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park charge the same amount for a gorilla trekking permit, yet you may only spend an hour in the park seeing the primates.
During the peak months of January, February, July, August, September, and December, gorilla trekking permits often sell out in record time. Get in touch with Katland Safaris with the details of your planned trek and the dates you’d like it to take place.
We’ll check the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system for permit availability and send you an invoice to pay for them. If they’re not available on the dates you’d like, 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. Getting a gorilla permit is a breeze, and visiting Uganda will undoubtedly provide an unforgettable encounter with these majestic creatures.
When in Uganda is it ideal to go on a hike with the gorillas?
The driest months to go gorilla trekking in Uganda are January, February, June, July, and early September; these months have less rainfall than others, however the weather might change at any moment. You are welcome to see the gorillas at any time of year.
Because gorillas are more visible and the vegetation is lusher after a rain, some people believe that the rainiest season is the best time to observe them. Those hoping to go gorilla trekking around this season should definitely reserve their permits in advance, since they sell out fast.
Finding your way to Uganda for a gorilla trek?
If you’re planning a gorilla hike in southern Uganda, you may fly into Entebbe International Airport in Kampala to go to Uganda. You have the option of taking a 9–10 hour road journey or flying to the airstrips at Kisoro or Kihihi, which are serving the national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga. The alternative is to fly into Kigali International Airport and then drive to the southwest of Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna Border.
This route takes around four or five hours, including the time spent at immigration. Tourists visiting Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda should seriously consider getting an East African Visa, which grants them entry to all three countries several times. It is more cost-effective to purchase the East African Visa in bulk (USD100) rather than individual entry visas, and you may do it either online or at the airport upon arrival.
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. You should choose Uganda for your gorilla trekking since it is conveniently accessible and guaranteed for all nations.
Where can one stay in Uganda when hiking with gorillas?
Guests on gorilla trekking tours may choose from a wide variety of lodges and hotels in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks. With the assistance of Katland Safaris, you may reserve a room at any of these hotels, from the most modest to the most extravagant. The Mgahinga National Park is home to a variety of lodging options, including the five-star Gahinga Lodge, the moderately priced Lake Chahafi Resort, and the affordable Lake Mulehe safari lodge.
For easy access to the park headquarters, we suggest lodging in the area where you are hiking in Bwindi. 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. Guests of Buhoma, Mahogany Springs, Bwindi, and Gorilla Forest Camp may choose from a variety of lodging options in the Buhoma area.
There are a number of lodges in the Ruhija area, including those at Bakiga, Lake Bunyonyi, and the Trekkers Tavern Lodge. While Bwindi is home to a plethora of lodges, it is recommended to make your reservations well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak season. As a normal service, we guarantee the safety of our guests at all times.
When planning a gorilla trip in Uganda, why should you choose Katland Safaris?
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 gorilla trekking safari is made easier because to our long-standing and positive partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both give Katland Safaris great reviews. If you are interested in visiting Uganda to gorilla trekking, you should get in touch with Katland Safaris.
