Is Bwindi Safe for Gorilla Trekking? | Your Ultimate Guide to Safely Track Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

When planning a Mountain Gorillas trekking adventure, safety is a top priority. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda, is renowned for its remarkable gorilla trekking experiences. But you might be wondering, “Is Bwindi safe for gorilla trekking?” This guide will provide you with all the information you need to ensure a safe and memorable adventure in this stunning location.

Why Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The park is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts. The dense forest environment and diverse wildlife make it a unique and exciting destination for travelers.

Safety Measures for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

  1. Health and Safety Protocols

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which has implemented stringent health and safety protocols. Before your trek, you will be briefed on the guidelines to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the gorillas. These include maintaining a safe distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas to prevent the transmission of diseases.

  1. Guided Treks

Your trek will be led by experienced guides who are well-versed in gorilla behavior and the terrain of Bwindi. These guides are trained to handle any situation that may arise during the trek, ensuring that you are in safe hands. They also have extensive knowledge about the park and can provide valuable insights into the wildlife and conservation efforts.

  1. Trekking Conditions

Bwindi’s terrain can be challenging due to its dense vegetation and hilly landscape. However, the UWA ensures that trails are well-marked and that trekkers are accompanied by experienced guides. It’s important to wear appropriate hiking gear and be prepared for a strenuous trek. The guides will help navigate the trails, making the experience both safe and enjoyable.

  1. Health Precautions

Before embarking on your trek, you should be in good health. UWA requires all trekkers to present proof of vaccination and to undergo a health screening to minimize the risk of transmitting diseases to the gorillas. It’s also advisable to carry basic medical supplies, such as first aid kits and personal medications, during the trek.

Safety for Different Groups

  1. Families

Families with children can safely enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi, provided that the children are at least 15 years old. Families need to prepare adequately and be aware of the physical demands of the trek. The guides will ensure that the experience is enjoyable and safe for all family members.

  1. Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will find Bwindi a safe destination as long as they adhere to the guidelines set by UWA. Joining a group trek is a great way to share the experience and benefit from the guidance of expert rangers. Solo travelers are advised to travel with a reputable safari company like Katland Safaris, which can offer additional support and safety measures.

  1. Elderly Travelers

Elderly travelers should consult with their healthcare providers before undertaking a gorilla trek. The trek can be physically demanding, and it’s important to assess your fitness level and prepare accordingly. Guides are trained to accommodate different fitness levels and will adjust the trek to ensure safety.

Conclusion

Is Bwindi safe for gorilla trekking? Absolutely! With rigorous safety protocols, expert guides, and proper preparation, your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will be both safe and unforgettable. The park’s commitment to conservation and the well-being of its visitors ensures that you can focus on enjoying the awe-inspiring experience of observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

For a seamless and safe gorilla trekking experience, consider booking with Katland Safaris. Our expert team will guide you through every step of your adventure, ensuring a memorable and secure journey into the heart of Bwindi.

High mountain gorilla filming fees affecting Uganda Tourism promotion.

Reducing the high mountain gorilla filming fees is one way the Uganda Wildlife Authority may encourage gorilla trekking and tourism. It should be mentioned that photographing mountain gorillas in Uganda is one of the most costly wildlife filmmaking activities.

According to interviews done by Katland Safaris, a lot of people who ended up booking safaris to Uganda were searching for a cheap and safe place to do gorilla trekking, but they didn’t know much about the country itself.

There is a lot of work that has to be done in public relations and advertising Uganda as a fantastic tourist destination, no matter how much we praise its beauty as the jewel of Africa or a gift from nature. Whatever the case may be, Uganda should capitalise on the increased international interest in mountain gorilla trekking by distributing more promotional materials and raising awareness.

Costs associated with shooting Uganda’s high mountain gorillas

For the 2024–20-25 season, the Uganda Wildlife Authority set a rate of $4300.00 per hour for up to eight crew members to shoot mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Additionally, USD800.00 per person for one hour is the price that each crew member is required to pay for their gorilla permit.

High mountain gorilla filming fees affecting Uganda Tourism promotion.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority adds 5% to the already exorbitant mountain gorilla filming expenses as a monitoring fee. In addition to fees levied by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Uganda Media Council charges television and production firms for accreditation and the temporary importation of equipment. The whole procedure of recording mountain gorillas for an hour becomes very costly due to this. Try to put a price on three or four hours of filming mountain gorillas.

Many media and production firms have been discouraged from shooting and photographing Ugandan mountain gorillas due to the prohibitive cost of doing so. This further suggests that major corporations like National Geographic and the BBC have been the subjects of professional films about mountain gorillas and tourism in Uganda.

It is quite probable that several production companies will visit Uganda to shoot mountain gorillas and documentaries on the country’s tourist potential if the hefty filming costs for Bwindi Impenetrable are lowered. More tourists will flock to Uganda as a result of its increased visibility in the global community.

Naturally, if you were to question an official from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you would hear that their only motivation for defending the high mountain gorilla filming fees is to shield these endangered primates from human exposure and disturbance.

Although this is accurate, the Uganda Wildlife Authority continues to charge a 5% monitoring fee in order to lessen these impacts. At the same time, while protecting these endangered great apes, it would be wise to investigate ways to increase gorilla tourism by lowering the fees for filming high mountain gorillas. Currently, many television and production companies are hesitant to film in Uganda, which could lead to negative publicity for the country.

Free entrance for Tour Company driver guides.

With the rapid expansion of the tourism industry in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced that all tour company driver guides in the country, as well as safari guides with credentials from recognized schools, will receive complimentary admission to all of their destinations.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), and the Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA) have all worked together to make this happen.

Safari guides and tour company drivers will be able to enter the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s parks and wildlife reserves at no cost.
As per a letter that Mr. Stephen Masaba wrote and sent to the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), Tour guides are trained experts with credentials from accredited institutions, while tour drivers transport visitors in tour vehicles, according to the Director of Tourism and Business Services at the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Free entrance for Tour Company driver guides.

Because they are only transporting guests and not coming to enjoy the parks on their own, tour company drivers are eligible for free admission. He goes on to say that the Uganda Wildlife Authority would work with the Uganda Tourism Board to try and confirm the status of safari guides before issuing them special safari guides’ passes.

Additionally, other travelers will foot the bill if the guide doubles as the driver. He went on to say that many visitors miss their scheduled transportation to the park and must make do with whatever is available. Here, the Uganda Wildlife Authority will coordinate with area stages and associations to vet and suggest taxi drivers from their own associations for the permit program.

The elimination of the need for tour company driver guides to pay to enter popular national parks in Uganda, like Murchison Falls, Kidepo, and Queen Elizabeth, is a welcome change that will undoubtedly lower the price of vacation packages to these destinations. People who accompany visitors from the start of the trip all the way to its conclusion are called tour guides.

Such encouragement and assistance from UWA and Lodges is essential if they are to carry out their duties effectively. In light of the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s decision to waive entry fees for tour company drivers, we are crossing our fingers that lodges would follow suit and provide free rooms for guides.

Kenya Direct Flight to United States of America to boost Uganda gorilla trekking holidays.

A direct flight from Kenya Airways to the US will increase tourism, business, and gorilla trekking in Uganda. A direct flight from Nairobi to the United States of America will be operational as of October 28, 2018, according to Kenya Airways. In order to kick off this vague initiative, tickets are being offered on these specific days.

Anyone planning on flying directly to or from the US may now purchase a round-trip ticket for USD869.00. Travelers hopping from the United States to Kenya (East Africa) may find this direct trip to be the most convenient, but it won’t be cheap. Supposedly, it will save travel time by six hours. Tourists may look forward to a sixteen-hour journey instead of the typical twenty-two-hour lengthy flights.

A direct flight from Kenya to the US.

could increase demand for gorilla trekking vacations in Uganda—how?

A direct flight from Kenya Airways to the United States will undoubtedly have an effect on Kenya’s economy and tourism, just as a direct flight from Kenya Airways to the United States would increase demand for gorilla trekking vacations in Uganda.

Kenya Direct Flight to United States of America to boost Uganda gorilla trekking holidays.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a popular tourist attraction in Uganda, but many would-be visitors have passed on the opportunity due to the high cost, lengthy travel time, and limited accessibility to the country.

Tourists from all over the world flock to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to undertake gorilla trekking. The US is a popular starting point for these adventures. Tourists from the US and other countries who go to Kenya for safaris often choose to add gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda to their itinerary so they can see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes, Bwindi Impenetrable, or Mgahinga National Parks.

The East African region—which includes Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi—will undoubtedly see an uptick in tourism and commerce as a result of Kenya Airways’ direct flights to the United States. With more than four nonstop flights each day between Nairobi and Entebbe International Airport, getting to Uganda and, from there, to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your gorilla trekking vacation in Uganda couldn’t be easier.

Because Kenya Airways also flies to Rwanda, some visitors opt to enter Uganda via Kigali International Airport. This makes it easier for tourists to explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Positioning Uganda as an inexpensive gorilla trekking destination in East Africa is crucial if Kenya Airways wants to increase tourism, commerce, and gorilla trekking vacations to the country. Since the Uganda Wildlife Authority has kept the price of gorilla licenses at USD800, Uganda stands to gain a lot from the recent hike in the price of Rwandan permits, which went up from USD750.00 to USD1500.00 per person.

An additional perk of visiting Uganda is the opportunity to spend as much as four hours in the company of mountain gorillas at the new habituation experience taking place in the park’s southern section, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. But that being said, there are a plethora of other stunning national parks in Uganda that may be included in your gorilla trekking vacations, such as Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, and many more.

Now that a direct flight from Kenya to the US is an option, there’s no reason for Uganda to not join Kenya in celebrating the success of gorilla trekking vacations in that country. Get in touch with Katland Safaris if you want to know more about their gorilla trekking vacations in Uganda.

Gorilla Habituation experience holidays rushaga bwindi

2024-2025 Uganda Safari Holiday Options.

We focused on the opportunities to go trekking with gorillas and chimpanzees in Bwindi Impenetrable/Mgahinga National Park and Kibale Forest National Park in our previous post on safari vacations in Uganda for 2024 and 2025.

But that being said, there are additional locations where habituated chimpanzees may be seen or trekked; these locations include, but are not limited to, Budongo Forest, Chambura Gorge, and Karinzu Ecotourism site.

Part two of our 2024–2025 Uganda safari vacation choices will focus on additional safari activities that visitors may enjoy on their own or in combination with gorilla and chimpanzee viewing for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Options for a Uganda safari in 2024-2025.

Hiking with golden monkeys and more

The only place you’ll ever see gold and silver collide is at Mgahinga National Park. That is to say, the only place you will ever see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys coexisting is in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. It is possible to see these unique and endangered golden monkeys on foot in Mgahinga National Park, which is part of your safari in Uganda.

You may get a half-day trek permit for $100.00 per person, or an experience permit that allows you adequate time with golden monkeys for $100.00. For customers who purchase all-inclusive trips and vacations with Katland Safaris, we provide golden monkey trekking permits.

Please let us know if a golden monkey encounter is something you’re thinking about include in your 2024-2025 Uganda safari vacation plans, and we’ll make sure you have reliable information.

Volcano and Rwenzori hiking are two alternatives for 2024-2025 Uganda safari holidays.

2024-2025 Uganda Safari Holiday Options.
Uganda offers the greatest opportunities for mountain climbing and hiking for enthusiastic and daring travelers. It is possible to embark on treks in Uganda such as Mgahinga, Muhavura, Sabinyo, Mount Elgon, and Rwenzori.

Hiking Mgahinga costs USD100.00 and Mountain Elgon costs USD50.00 per person for those interested in our 2024-2025 Uganda safari trip choices that include mountaineering. Hiking tours to Mgahinga may be organized by Katland Safaris. If you need more information, please contact us via email.

Explore more of the reasons why Uganda is the place to go on a safari in 2024-2025 in our next post. Get in touch with Katland Safaris for more information about their tailor-made and group-set trips.

Uganda Safari tour options 2024-2025.

Uganda safari tours and tourism are set to have a blast in 2024 and 2025. Those planning a trip to Uganda in 2024 or 2025 will find a summary of our best safari packages in this post. It is safe to say that Uganda is among the world’s most picturesque nations. Uganda, sometimes called the “pearl of Africa,” is a fantastic destination for safaris and vacations in 2024.

The fact that mountain gorillas are the main attraction for tourists visiting Uganda is a major shame. To help you extend your vacation in Uganda, Katland safari offers a variety of safari trip choices. You can’t do justice to Uganda in just one blog post since there is so much to see and do there. While later editions will cover various 2024 Uganda safari possibilities, this one will focus on mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

First choice for 2024 Uganda safari: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking and habituated gorilla encounters

Going on a safari to see the gorillas is a popular choice for safaris in Uganda in 2024. A lot of people think that seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda is an essential part of any safari or vacation to Africa; it’s a fascinating and unforgettable experience.

A minimum of a three-day gorilla safari package is required to see mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This package includes transportation to and from the park, two nights of lodging, and a gorilla permit.

You may spend an hour with a family of habituated mountain gorillas in any location of Bwindi—Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, or Nkuringo—for USD800.00 per person if you visit and hike gorillas in Uganda. Affordable, all-inclusive gorilla safaris to Bwindi may be organized with the help of Katland safari in 2024 and 2025.

Uganda Safari tour options 2024-2025.

We have a new gorilla habituation experience in the rushaga southern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park available on our 2018 safari tours if you would want to view mountain gorillas. Those interested may now spend up to four hours with habituated mountain gorillas on gorilla habituation safaris, thanks to the availability of two habituated gorilla families.

There is a USD1000.00 fee for foreign residents of Uganda and a USD1500.00 fee for non-resident foreigners for a gorilla habituation experience permit. If you would want to incorporate a gorilla habituation experience or just regular gorilla trekking into your Uganda vacation, you may let Katland safari know when you book your trip.

Alternatively, you may choose for a chimpanzee trekking and habouring adventure in Kibale as part of your 2024 Uganda safari.

Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda is quickly becoming known as the primate capital of Africa, and it is the ideal site to go trekking with habituated groups of chimpanzees and other primate species.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has pioneered the development of thrilling, but reasonably priced, chimpanzee trekking experiences. If you’re planning a safari to Uganda in 2024, you may extend your stay by combining a gorilla encounter with chimpanzee trekking or habituation.

While chimpanzee trekking only gives you one hour of face-to-face time with the primates, chimpanzee habituation permits you six. A chimpanzee habituation experience permit costs $300 and a chimpanzee permit costs $250.00 per person. One hundred dollars might be spent on the buraiga chimpanzee habituation experience. Please get in touch with Katland safari for more information.

If you want to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Magahinga National Park, and Kibale National Park, you’ll need at least five days. Our 5-day Katland safari includes hiking with both chimpanzees and gorillas. Reach out to us if you are looking for reliable, low-cost options.

Part one of our Uganda safari alternatives for 2024 and 2025 focused on seeing gorillas and chimpanzees, but in part two, we’ll give you other options for safari holidays and activities in other national parks.

Buraiga chimp habituation experience at USD300.

New developments and goods, such as a habituation encounter with buraiga chimpanzees, are making 2024 an exciting year for tourism in Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has created a new innovation and product for the 2024–2025 year: a Buraiga chimpanzee habituation experience, which costs USD300.00.

For those interested in partaking in this unusual activity, they may reach out to Katland Safaris or the Uganda Wildlife Authority for more information. Kibale National Park now offers a Buraiga chimpanzee habituation experience for USD300.00.

Buraiga chimp habituation experience at USD300.

The Buraiga chimpanzees are one of the habituated groups in Kibale National Park, but they are still learning to tolerate humans. Kanyanchu is where you’ll begin your buraiga habituation journey, while the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala is where you’ll get your permits.

Why is it that the Buraiga chimpanzee habituation experience costs less than $300?

Although both Buraiga and Kibale National Park provide chimpanzee habouruation, the former costs $300.00 per person for six hours and the latter costs $300.00 per person for each trip. The disparity in cost is due to the fact that both the Buraiga chimpanzee population and the likelihood of encountering habituated wild chimpanzees are in their infancy.

Those who have endured the Buraiga chimpanzee habituation experience, which costs USD300, warn that it is not for the faint of heart and requires a strong constitution since the apes are still in their natural habitat and constantly on the go.

Due to the novelty of the product, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has not yet provided us with any formal details. The 2024–2025 UWA tariffs clearly show the Buraiga chimpanzee habituation licenses, which cost USD300.00.

One option to spend more time with chimpanzees is via a chimpanzee habituation session, which allows for up to six hours of watching and photography. At Kibale National Park, visitors may see and interact with wild chimpanzees via a variety of activities designed to acclimate them to human presence.

For $300 and $300, respectively, you may have a chimpanzee habituation experience with Katland Safaris. Once all the specifics are ironed out, we will get you the lowdown on the buraiga chimpanzee habituation experience for USD300 per person.

 

Christmas gorilla safari option for 2024.

Enjoy the holiday season in Uganda with Katland Safaris and one of their Christmas gorilla safari choices. Uganda is full of unexpected travel surprises. There is a lot of enthusiasm for the holidays, and many individuals choose to do whatever that would make the celebrations stand out. With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the gem of Africa.

Explore 2024’s Christmas gorilla safari possibilities

The standard and typical gorilla treks are available as 2024 Christmas safari choices, and they cost USD800.00 per person. Although there are several habituated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Christmas day gorilla permits sell out fast, so it’s best to register in advance to avoid disappointment.

Christmas gorilla safari option for 2024.

For Christmastime mountain gorilla trekking, anybody interested should get in touch with Katland Safaris to arrange for permits, lodging, and transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you may participate in a gorilla habituation experience (Nkuringo and Rushaga), which is another kind of Christmas gorilla safari. An chance to help shape these mountain gorillas’ attitudes toward humans awaits you at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s gorilla habituation experience.

You will have the opportunity to see, photograph, and participate in the whole process with four ours at your disposal. To add some excitement to your Christmas season, Katland Safaris may arrange for you to embark on a gorilla habituation safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

If you book an all-inclusive vacation with Katland Safaris, we can arrange for you to have a gorilla habituation experience permit, which costs USD1500.00 per person for four hours, from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

There are a plethora of additional things to do in Uganda at Christmastime. Christmasgorila safaris aren’t the only choice; game drives and boat tours are also available in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks.

Notably, there are ten national parks in Uganda where you may go on safari and do all sorts of other things. Please get in touch with Katland Safaris for more information if you would want to extend your Christmas vacation.

Rwanda tour operators are rushing for Uganda gorilla permits.

There are a number of reasons why tour companies from Rwanda are now trying to get gorilla licenses from Uganda. It caught Rwandan tour companies off guard in 2017 when the government decided to immediately raise the price of mountain gorilla permits from USD750.00 to USD1500.00.

Despite Rwanda’s decision to double the price of mountain gorilla permits, Uganda has opted to keep them at USD800.00 year-round and has done away with the cheaper ones provided in April, May, and November. Instead of going to Volcanoes National Park to follow gorillas, Rwandan tour companies are hurrying to get gorilla permits in Uganda.

The demand for gorilla permits in Uganda and why it’s affecting Rwandan tour businesses
The low cost of living in Uganda has tour companies from Rwanda vying for gorilla licenses. Travelers in need of budget-friendly gorilla safaris may find what they’re searching for in Uganda.

Rwanda tour operators are rushing for Uganda gorilla permits.

For only USD1500.00, in addition to a gorilla permit for USD800.00, a person can have a three-day gorilla safari that includes lodging, transports to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and more. This means that tour companies in Rwanda are finding it easier and more lucrative to market tours to Uganda that include gorilla tracking. That’s why tour companies from Rwanda are scrambling to get gorilla licenses from Uganda.

Rwanda via Kigali Airport has an edge over Entebbe International Airport, which is another reason why tour companies from Rwanda are hurrying to get gorilla permits and organize treks in Uganda. One must be prepared to be transported several kilometers from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park if they are interested in trekking Uganda gorillas via Uganda.

The time it takes to drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Park, where you may undertake mountain gorilla trekking, ranges from eight to ten hours. Traveling from Rwanda’s Kigali Airport to either the southern or eastern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, depending on the border crossing you choose, will take about three to four hours.

It is recommended to monitor mountain gorillas in Ruhija, situated in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, if you use Katuna boarder, and to track gorillas in the southern part of Bwindi National Park, if you use chanika boarder.

Because the East African tourist visa allowing travelers to transit freely throughout the three nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, the whole process of marketing Uganda via Rwanda and Rwandan tour operators racing for Uganda gorilla permits is made possible. As a result, a visitor only needs one visa to enter both Rwanda and Uganda.