Bwindi safari activities 2024-2025

Bwindi safari activities 2024-2025.

Great gorilla trekking in Uganda is in store for 2024 and 2025, and this piece will focus on safari activities in Bwindi, the home of almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas. When planning a trip to Uganda, one of the top destinations to see habituated mountain gorilla families is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Virunga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda’s Mgahinga National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are all great places to see mountain gorillas. Even though mountain gorillas are the main attraction in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are plenty of other things to do there that will keep you occupied for days. Listed here are just a few of the many Bwindi safari activities available to you.

As an option for your Bwindi safari, you may go gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking is a popular activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. When the first gorilla family became accustomed and allowed visitors in 1993, the program began. Because they were the first gorilla family to be habituated, the Mubare gorilla family in Buhoma, northern Bwindi, is a must-visit for anybody interested in the history of gorilla trekking in the formidable and impenetrable Bwindi.

A gorilla permit, which is required for gorilla trekking as part of a Bwindi safari, costs USD800.00 for nonresident foreigners and USD700.00 for working permit holders. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, visitors from East Africa may spend shs300,000 to spend an hour in the company of mountain gorillas. In order to help you pick the perfect choice for your gorilla safari trip in Uganda, Katland Safaris is obligated to detail all Bwindi safari activities.

Habituation encounter with gorillas as part of Bwindi Safari

Gorilla habituation in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park permits you to see and photograph a family of habituated mountain gorillas for up to four hours, in contrast to the one hour allowed during gorilla trekking.

An individual must pay USD1500.00 for non-resident foreigners and USD1000.00 for working-permit foreigners in order to see a gorilla family during habituation; the maximum number of persons permitted per visit is four. If you are planning a gorilla safari vacation in 2024 or 2025, and would want more information about the habituation experience and the activities offered by Bwindi, you can get in touch with Katland Safaris.

Bwindi safari activities include hikes through forests and to waterfalls

As one may expect from a tropical rainforest, the scenery along any given path in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is quite breathtaking. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has laid up a network of routes across the forest that visitors may use to explore the area’s top attractions.

Forest treks at Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, among other areas of Bwindi, provide excellent opportunities to see a wide variety of birds, trees, bushes, and monkeys. The experience is quite breathtaking, since the majority of the pathways are adorned with picturesque waterfalls. As an additional Bwindi safari activity, you might go on a village stroll in one of the nearby communities.

You may have a better understanding of the locals and how they are indirectly benefitting from gorilla tourism by visiting the communities around the forest. We are certain that you will want to extend your stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after reading our description of the activities available on a safari there.

New gorilla families in Bwindi, Christmas and Katwe groups

This is a great time to announce the arrival of three new gorilla families to Impenetrable National Park: the Bwindi, Christmas, and Katwe groups. We at Katland Safaris take great pleasure in keeping our audience up-to-date with the latest facts on mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda via extensive and comprehensive research.

The Christmas gorilla family in the Mkuringo area and the Katwe gorilla family in the Buhoma region are two of the newest gorilla families in Bwindi. The addition of two more gorilla families to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—Christmas and Katwe—raises the overall number of gorilla families to seventeen, making Bwindi the park with the largest concentration of habituated mountain gorilla families globally.

The number of gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has grown from 15 to 17, thanks to the entrance of new gorilla families. As a result, 136 gorilla permits are available for reservation and booking for gorilla trekking activities.

Katland Safaris will arrange for your gorilla permit at no additional expense if you book any of our gorilla tours. Our three-day gorilla excursion departs from either Entebbe or b. Additionally, we offer a 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee safari as well as a 5-day gorilla and game safari.

An update on the status of the Bwindi-Christmas and Katwe gorilla families

New gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have been habituated and are now available for trekking or tourist visits, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The Nkuringo and Buhoma districts have just welcomed new gorilla families, according to an official statement from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

This information was sent to all tour companies. The Nkuringo area in southern Bwindi is now officially available to visitors in search of the Christmas gorilla troop. There are now three gorilla populations in Nkuringo, thanks to the Christmas gorilla family.

Nkuringo is home to three distinct gorilla groups: the original Nkuringo group, the Bushawo group, and the Christmas group. Now that there are three different gorilla groups in the area, tour companies and visitors may reserve up to 24 gorilla permits daily, up from 8 when there was only the Nkuringo group.

A family of Christmas gorillas in Nkuringo

This new gorilla troop in Nkuringo is called the Christmas gorilla family, and its dominant silverback leader is named Christmas. The Uganda Wildlife Authority reports that there are nine members of the Christmas gorilla family, with six of them being visible to the public due to their adoration of humans.

The sightings include one adult male, three juvenile females, and a single youngster. Additional information on the Christmas gorilla group will be revealed during future Katland safaris.

Kutwe gorilla group welcomes new family to Buhoma

Buhoma is home to the Katwe gorilla troop, another newly-introduced and trek-friendly gorilla family. Located in the park’s northern section, the Buhoma area is home to three more gorilla families. Along with the Katwe gorilla group, three other gorilla families—the Mubare, the Rushegura, and Habinyanja—were habituated and made themselves available for visitors in 1993. Consequently, the number of gorilla permits bought and reserved every day has grown from 24 to 32 permits, thanks to the new gorilla family known as the Katwe gorilla group.

Family of Katwe gorillas in Buhoma

The Katwe gorilla family consists of one silverback, two juveniles, and four adult females, and it is found in the Buhoma area in northern Bwindi. More information on the Katwe gorilla group will be available later on in your Katland tour.

Booking gorilla permits in Nkuringo and Buhoma is the way to go for those interested in trekking new gorilla groups in Bwindi. This necessitates making reservations for gorilla families in both the southern and northern regions of Bwindi.

After that, ask authorities from the Uganda Wildlife Authority if you may hike the Christmas gorilla family in Nkuringo or the Katwe gorilla group in Buhoma on the day of your journey. This is because, on the day of the journey, the gorilla families are assigned based on the interests and physical fitness levels of the tourists. Each tourist gets to request a gorilla family.

Affordable, personalized safaris to Rwanda and Uganda with a focus on gorillas and other wildlife are offered by Katland Safaris, a top tour operator in the industry. Gorilla permits, park fees, lodging, transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and availability are all taken care of by us.

Safari Bookings and Trip Advisor both give Katland Safaris great reviews. Contact us at your earliest convenience for details on the several vacation packages we provide that include stops in Rwanda and Uganda.

Our revised gorilla trekking paper is often sent to you when you request a price or you may send us an email and one of our safari designers will advise you appropriately. It contains additional information about both the old and new gorilla families in Bwindi.

Katwe gorilla family, Katwe gorilla group, Buhoma

The Katwe gorilla family, located in the park’s northern sector, is the latest addition to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s roster of protected gorilla species. Tour companies and other interested parties may now make reservations for gorilla trekking in the area with the Katwe gorilla troop, which has been habituated, according to a statement from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

With the addition of the Katwe gorilla family, Buhoma is home to four habituated mountain gorilla families. At first, there were just three habituated mountain gorilla groups in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These were the Mubare group, which was the first gorilla family to be habituated and opened for gorilla trekking in 1993.

The Rushegura group, which is beloved by tourists who visit Buhoma for gorilla trekking, and the Habinyanja group. Please refer to our revised gorilla trekking paper or ask one of our safari designers to send it to you if you would want additional information about the families you may see when trekking in Bwindi.

Concerning the Buhoma gorilla family Katwe.

The habituation and completion of the Katwe gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park might have taken as long as three years. A technique called “gorilla habituation” is employed to help wild mountain gorillas adjust to human presence.

Among the Katwe gorilla families or groups found in the northern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there is one silverback leader, two cubs, and four females, according to credible sources. Gorilla families and hiking activities in Rwanda and Uganda are still a mystery, but Katland Safaris is on the ball when it comes to providing up-to-date information. By offering up-to-date information and reasonable costs for gorilla tours in both Rwanda and Uganda, we have maintained our position as the top tour operator in both countries.

Buhoma gorilla permits and the Katwe gorilla family

There are now 32 gorilla permits available for hiking in the Buhom zone every day, up from 24 before the arrival of the Katwe gorilla troop to the Buhoma part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Keep in mind that no more than eight people should be trekking habituated gorilla families in Rwanda and Uganda for an hour each.

There were previously just three habituated mountain gorilla families in Buhoma (Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura), but the arrival of the Katwe gorilla group boosted the total number of permits available for this area. There are now more opportunities for tourists to go gorilla trekking in the Buhoma area, where they may see mountain gorillas.

Gorillas of the Katwe and Buhoma Groups

Within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Buhoma area is among the most sought-after locations for gorilla trekking. This is due to the fact that in 1993, the first party of tourists visited the Mubare gorilla group, and the location was the first to allow gorilla trekking. As a result of its long and illustrious past, the Buhoma area in northern Bwindi has grown rapidly, now offering a wide variety of lodges and extra activities.

Lodges in Buhoma are poised to reap the rewards of an influx of visitors once the Katwe gorilla family is acclimated. Along with Buhoma Community Camp, additional lodges in the Buhoma area include Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Haven Lodge Bwindi, Mahogany Springs, and Buhoma Lodge.

Among the reasonably priced gorilla safaris offered by Katland Safaris to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi are three-day excursions departing from Entebbe/Kampala and three-day excursions departing from Kigali/Rwanda; a five-day safari featuring trekking chimpanzees and gorillas; and a five-day safari including wildlife watching. Assuming you have sufficient time, we may arrange safaris ranging from 5 to 25 days.

The fact that Buhoma is located at the park’s lowest elevation is another reason why it is a popular area among visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Due to the fact that Buhoma is located at the base of Bwindi, it may seem that trekking gorillas in this location is much simpler than in others. Nevertheless, there are no concrete evidence to support this, and the matter is still up for debate.

Guests at Buhoma Lodges may enjoy a stay in Buhoma while trekking gorillas in Ruhija, two locations in the eastern portion of Bwindi. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a two- to three-hour drive from Buhoma; there, visitors may see the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and have a boat ride on the Kazinga canal in Mweya’s northern section. We have a 5-day safari planned just for this purpose, complete with gorilla and wildlife viewing.

Reach Buhoma in order to hike Family of Katwe gorillas

Accessing the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road from Entebbe/Kampala or by air from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi Airstrip are two options for individuals interested in trekking the Katwe gorilla family or other habituated gorilla groups. Contact Katland Safaris to arrange for daily scheduled flights or charters.

Thanks to the addition of the Katwe gorilla group and the Christmas gorilla family (located in the Nkuringo area), the total number of habituated gorilla families in Uganda and Bwindi National Park has risen from fifteen to seventeen, making Uganda the site with the largest concentration of habituated gorilla families globally.

This also means that there are 136 gorilla permits available for trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, thanks to the 17 gorilla families. Because gorilla permits in Uganda are somewhat less expensive than in Rwanda, the country continues to be a budget-friendly option for individuals interested in gorilla trekking.

You, too, may see the three-year habituation process that the Katwe gorilla family went through to get used to humans. To achieve this, you must schedule a unique four-hour gorilla habituation experience safari to Bwindi, where you will spend the whole day in the company of mountain gorillas that are still in the habituation process.

Unfortunately, Buhoma isn’t part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you can have this experience. Originating in Entebbe, we provide a 3-day gorilla habituation safari, while our Kigali office offers a 3-day Bwindi gorilla habituation experience trip. We provide a 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee habituation safari that is ideal for anyone who are interested in combining the two types of habituation experiences.

Contact Katland Safaris, a reputable tour operator in Uganda and Rwanda, for additional information about the Katwe gorilla family and how to reserve permits to see the gorillas in the Buhoma or Katwe forests. Because of our unparalleled knowledge and skill while dealing with customers and tourists, we come highly rated on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings.

2025 best chimpanzee trekking spots in Uganda

2025 best chimpanzee trekking spots in Uganda.

If you are planning a trip to Uganda in 2025, you should definitely go chimpanzee trekking. It’s second to gorilla tracking as an unforgettable primate trekking experience. Where can one go to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in 2025? We’ll do our best to find out in this post.

Kibale Forest national park

For 2025, our top pick for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda would have to be Kibale National Park. Several habituated populations of chimpanzees call this national park in southwestern Uganda home. Your chimpanzee trip in Kibale National Park may also reveal eleven other primate species. One of the top chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda for 2025–26, Kibale National Park also offers a variety of woodland species for birdwatchers.

If you are interested in hiking habituated chimpanzees, Kibale National Park offers three different sessions. The sessions begin in the morning, continue in the middle of the morning, and end in the evening. Due to rising demand, the Uganda Wildlife Authority added a third session to Kibale National Park, which had previously just two.

You may spend an hour in the company of chimpanzees in Kibale for $300.00 per person. For those with a little more disposable income, there is the option of a chimpanzee habituation experience, which lasts for a whole day and costs only USD220.00 per person. Katland Safaris is the place to go if you want all the info.

Budongo forest reserve

Budongo Forest is the second-best place in Uganda to go chimpanzee trekking in 2025. Visitors to the Kaniyo Pabidi portion of Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park may go on a trekking adventure with chimpanzees. One may hike in the morning or afternoon with chimpanzee licenses for Budongo forest, which cost USD150.00 per person. Combining a visit to Murchison Falls with a wildlife drive or river boat will give visitors more time to see the chimpanzees in Budongo Forest.

An ecotourism location at Karinzu and the kyambura gorge

In western Uganda, you may find the Chambura gorge and the Karinzu ecotourism park, two of the best spots to go trekking with chimpanzees. A day permit to enter Chambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park costs USD100.00, whereas an hourly pass to Karizu costs USD100.

We have compiled a list of the top places in Uganda to go chimpanzee trekking in 2025. To learn more about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda as well as other wildlife and community activities, get in touch with Katland safaris.

Christmas gorilla family, Nkuringo gorilla groups

Christmas gorilla family, Nkuringo gorilla groups.

The Christmas gorilla family is the newest gorilla group to have been fully habituated and made themselves available for gorilla trekking, according to the latest news from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In the Nkuringo area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park you may find the Christmas gorilla family.

Nkuringo and Rushaga form the vast southern region of the UNESCO-recognized Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The introduction of the Christmas gorilla family has increased the total number of habituated mountain gorilla families in Nkuringo to four, according to credible sources in Uganda, Wildlife Authority. In the past, there was only one gorilla group in the Nkuringo area; however, three groups have since emerged. (Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Holi).

Subject: Family of Christmas gorillas

The Christmas gorilla family, as mentioned before, lives in the Nkuringo area, which is in the southern portion of Bwindi. Nkuringo is now home to three habituated gorilla groups, including this third mountain gorilla family, making it an ideal location for gorilla trekking.

Ground reports and the Uganda Wildlife Authority both indicate that there may be as many as nine individuals in a single family of Christmas gorillas, with six of those members being the most often seen on treks.

A silverback named Christmas serves as leader of this gorilla group, which also includes one blackback, three females, and a newborn. Katland Safaris is a dependable tour operator in Uganda and Rwanda; they can help you get gorilla permits for the Nkuringo area if you’re interested in hiking with the Christmas gorilla family.

The holiday gorilla family’s effect on Nkuringo permits

With the addition of the Christmas gorilla group as a new gorilla family to Nkuringo, the number of gorilla permits that may be reserved and booked each day has increased. Nkuringo is one of the top areas to walk habituated mountain gorillas from 8 to 16 and currently 24.

Safaris Across Africa offers guided gorilla treks to Nkuringo, where visitors may see the Christmas gorillas, the Bushaho gorillas, and the Nkuringo gorillas in their natural habitat. Note that in order to trek with the Christmas gorilla family, one must first get gorilla permits for the Nkuringo area, and then, on the day of the journey, one must specifically request to travel with the Christmas gorilla group. This is due to the fact that trekkers are allowed to choose their own gorilla family based on their interests, physical health, and the time available on the day of the trip.

Bwindi permits and the Christmas gorilla family

There are now more gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including the Christmas gorilla group (Nkuringo) and the Katwe gorilla family (Buhoma). Additionally, there are more gorilla permits available for booking and trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

There are now seventeen gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, up from fifteen before, and 136 gorilla permits are available every day because to the addition of these two groups. Every gorilla family can only be visited for one hour, and no more than eight persons may do so in a single day.

Getting to the Nkuringo area for a Christmas gorilla hike

This new gorilla family calls the Nkuringo area home. One may reach the Christmas gorilla group from Entebbe or Kampala by driving via Mbarara, Kabale, and Nkuringo. Alternatively, one may fly into Kigali Airport and then move to Nkuringo by car, which takes around 5-6 hours.

To reach Nkuringo, one may use either the Chanika or Katuna border. Scheduled flights departing from Entebbe International Airport and landing at Kisoro Airstrip are available every day for anyone interested in traveling to the southern region of Bwindi. Due to the local climate and elevation. The Kisoro Airstrip is our usual destination for our early journey.

Places to Stay in the Nkuringo State

The most dependable and trustworthy lodges in Nkuringo are Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, both of which are within a 5-minute drive from the beginning site of treks with the Christmas gorilla family or other gorilla groups. There are a number of lodges in the Rushaga area where tourists may stay.

From Rusdhaga to Nkuringo, the journey takes about 45 minutes. If you book any of these gorilla safari packages with Katland Safaris, they will arrange for your transportation to and from Nkuringo, accommodation, and gorilla permits. Extending from Entebbe, there are three-day gorilla safaris; a five-day journey that includes chimpanzees is also an option.

Combining a gorilla habituation experience with a trip with a Christmas gorilla family is another option to consider while in Nkuringo. You get the opportunity to spend a maximum of four hours in the company of habituated mountain gorillas via the gorilla habituation experience. Exclusive to the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this encounter involves two gorilla families that have been set aside for it.

Get in touch with Katland Safaris, a dependable tour provider for Rwanda and Uganda, if you would like more details on the Christmas gorilla family or any of the other groups found in the Nkuringo area. When it comes to safari reservations and TripAdvisor reviews, Katland Safaris comes highly recommended. For budget-friendly vacations to Rwanda and Uganda that include gorilla trekking, contact us.

Gorilla and Uganda safaris from South Africa

Gorilla and Uganda safaris from South Africa.

From South Africa, it is very feasible to arrange safaris to Uganda that include the gorillas. When visiting East Africa or perhaps Africa as a whole, gorilla trekking via Uganda is still the way to go. Uganda is a tiny East African nation with the world’s biggest concentration of mountain gorillas, who call the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park home.

To this day, hiking for gorillas in Uganda is the safest and least expensive option. Gorilla permits in Uganda are still priced at USD800 (2024–2025), but might go up or down depending on if the Uganda Wildlife Authority changes its tariffs, making it the best alternative after Rwanda, where the price went up from USD750 to USD1500.

An annual influx of visitors to Uganda comes from a variety of places, including South Africa. When it comes to arranging gorilla and Uganda safaris from South Africa, a number of travel providers in the country are collaborating closely with their Ugandan counterparts. Both individual customers and tour companies may rely on Katland Safaris to plan and execute their gorilla and Uganda safaris from South Africa.

Safaris to Uganda and Gorillas from South Africa

Safaris to Uganda and the gorillas from South Africa are a great idea for several reasons. Of the three nations where gorilla trekking is possible—Uganda, the Congo, and Rwanda—Uganda is still the safest and most cost-effective option. Gorilla trekking has been banned in this section of the large and big nation owing to instability, yet it is true that the Democratic Republic of the Congo provides the lowest gorilla permits.

Because of this, our only choices are Uganda and Rwanda. Now that the price of a Rwandan permit has jumped from USD750 to USD1500, the only nation where you can go gorilla trekking without breaking the bank is Uganda. The number of gorilla families in Uganda has been raised from 15 to 17 due to the growing demand for gorilla trekking. This rise follows the successful habituation of two groups—the Katwe group in Buhoma and the Christmas gorilla family in Nkuringo.

From South Africa, go on a gorilla and Uganda safari (flights)

From South Africa, you may conduct gorilla and Uganda safaris at any time of year or month. Those planning a safari to Uganda or the gorillas from South Africa have a few airline options to choose from. Rwanda Air and South Africa Airways are two of the most well-known airlines that connect the two countries.

You will reach your destination in either Rwanda (Kigali International Airport) or Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) after a four-hour trip. Get in touch with Rwanda Air, South Africa Airways, or Katland Safaris if you want to know more about the prices and deals on tickets.

Our flying safaris to Bwindi and other national parks are an option for South Africans landing in Entebbe for gorilla and Uganda safaris. If you would rather not endure the lengthy trip from Entebbe to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga, a fly-in safari is the way to go.

From Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Katland Safaris will take care of all arrangements for scheduled and charter flights. One might pick from sample fly-in safaris that we offer. For those who are just interested in gorillas, we offer a 3-day flying safari.

However, for those who would want to see mountain gorillas as well as other animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park, we offer a 5-day flying safari that includes game. Combining a Bwindi gorilla safari with a visit to Murchison Falls or Kidepo Valley in northeastern Uganda is another option available on safaris with Katland.

Enjoy game drives, boat cruises, and chimpanzee trekking (in Kibale) on one of our many road excursions to national parks including Bwindi Impenetrable, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Kibale, and Murchison Falls. all safari guides are highly skilled and informed about the culture, flora, and animals of Uganda, and we always travel in 4×4 vehicles for all road adventures.

Choose between a three-day gorilla trek from Entebbe or a five-day safari that includes gorillas and games. Our 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, or longer itineraries, may be more to your liking.

Katland Safaris may arrange for a vehicle to transport you from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park if your aircraft lands in that city. After crossing the border into Uganda from Rwanda, we will continue on to either the eastern or southern sections of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Ruhija, Nkuringo, or Rushaga, respectively), passing via the Chanika or Katuna boarders.

It may be necessary to get an East Africa tourist visa for USD100 in order to visit both Rwanda and Uganda simultaneously, allowing for easy movement between the two countries and back again. You have the option to purchase your East Africa tourist visa either online or upon arrival at Kigali International Airport.

From our base in South Africa, we will take care of all the necessary preparations for your gorilla and Uganda safari. All of your travel arrangements, including lodging, transportation to and from the airport and national parks, payment of park fees (where required), and gorilla permits, will be taken care of by us.

Take a look at our Safari bookings and Trip Advisor ratings to see why Katland Safaris is still one of the best Rwanda and Uganda trip operators. Uganda safaris may be planned from three to twenty-one days, or even longer, upon request. Feel free to shoot us an email with any queries you may have, and one of our safari designers will be happy to help.

Gorilla permit price Uganda Rwanda and Congo

The current gorilla permit fee is one of the variables that decides a nation where one will go gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas are found in their native habitats in only three nations on our world. These endangered animals call the hilly, wooded regions of these three African nations home. Two East African nations, Rwanda and Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo make up this trio of nations.

It is encouraging news that the recent mountain gorilla census has confirmed a population of more over 1,000 individuals. Four national parks—Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, and Mgahinga National Park in Rwanda—have made significant efforts to protect mountain gorillas, who are an endangered species. Anyone planning a trip to any of these three nations should be aware of the gorilla permit prices in advance.

Price discrepancy for current Gorilla permits The Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda

The price of a gorilla permit varies depending on whether country has mountain gorillas. As a result of a number of considerations that must be made before to deciding on a destination, the current gorilla permit pricing in Uganda differs from that in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For non-resident foreigners, the current price of a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga for an hour is $800; for foreign residents, it’s $700; and for citizens of East African countries like Southern Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, it’s 300,000 Shillings.

The cost of a gorilla habituation permit is $1500 for non-resident foreigners and $1,000 for inhabitants of that country who want to spend up to four hours in the company of mountain gorillas. Only in Uganda, namely in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, are gorillas now habituated. The entry fee to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, where visitors may observe mountain gorillas, is $1500 USD. At the moment, a one-hour Congo gorilla permit costs $400.00 USD. The gorilla permit rates mentioned here are subject to change and are based on the tariffs for 2024 and 2025.

Guaranteed gorilla permits for your gorilla safari

Affordable and adaptable gorilla excursions are offered by Katland Safaris, a top gorilla safari operator in Uganda and Rwanda. Upon your request, we will get the necessary gorilla permits for your gorilla safari. Please have a look at our sample gorilla trips, which include a three-day excursion departing from Entebbe Airport, a five-day excursion to Uganda that combines gorilla trekking with chimpanzee viewing, and a five-day excursion to Queen Elizabeth National Park that combines gorilla trekking with wildlife drives.

Traveling to Kigali Airport and then taking a road connection to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park allows one to hike gorillas in Uganda. We offer a variety of gorilla excursions in Uganda departing from Kigali, including a three-day habituation experience safari, a four-day double trekking excursion, and a three-day gorilla safari.

Why is there a variation in the pricing of gorilla permits right now?

For each country, the price of a gorilla permit is somewhat high since trekking gorillas is considered an expensive tourist activity. Regardless, mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are identical; the only variation is the price of permits to see these primates. This essay will attempt to explain this discrepancy.

Policy is one factor that contributes to the fluctuation in gorilla permit prices. The conservation efforts to rescue these mountain gorillas are almost same throughout Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, however the price policy for gorilla permits varies. Recently, Rwanda has maintained a high price for gorilla permits in an effort to market the country—popularly known as “A country with a thousand hills”—as a high-end tourist destination.

In Volcanoes National Park, habituated mountain gorillas are under threat, thus Rwanda is trying to recruit a small number of high-paying visitors. Building upscale hotels and lodges, improving infrastructure like roads, and providing reasonable flights from all over the globe via Rwanda Air are just a few of the many things done to entice luxury travelers.

Despite the fact that mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda are identical, the price of gorillas in Uganda is somewhat cheaper than that in Rwanda. Uganda competes with Rwanda on price, even though the country does not actively promote tourism. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is more affordable than in Rwanda, which attracts budget-conscious travelers.

Presently, there are 17 habituated gorilla families in Uganda, making it the country with the largest number globally; Rwanda has 10 such families. It is worth mentioning that gorilla permits for Uganda sell out fast, even at the present price. Therefore, at least three to four months before to your intended gorilla viewing, make your reservation with Katland Safaris.

Visiting the mountain gorillas in the Congo costs the least amount of money anywhere in the world, as said before. During peak season, gorilla licenses in the Congo cost $400, while low season costs $300. The political instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been going on for a while, and as of 2024, gorilla trekking has been put on hold due to the murdering of tourists in Virunga National Park, which is why the price of gorilla permits is so cheap. This is why the only two countries where Katland safaris are available are Uganda and Rwanda.

Please contact us via email if you would like more information regarding the cost of gorilla permits, how to arrange for gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda, and when permits are available. We will also provide you with reliable information and advice, as well as competitive prices for gorilla tours in Rwanda and Uganda. When you contact Katland Safaris, we guarantee that you will get the finest service possible, and we have excellent reviews on both TripAdvisor and SafariBookings.

High Budget gorilla safaris and tours

As a top travel operator, Katland Safaris is known for its affordable gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. We learned that vacationers would be thrilled to save money without sacrificing quality. No matter how tight your budget is, we at Katland Safaris think that even the most frugal traveler deserves our usual level of care. A lot of folks are let down by their low-budget gorilla expeditions. Our high-budget gorilla trips will be discussed today. Budget travel, in our opinion, does not imply shabby travel.

Highlights of our Affordable Gorilla Safaris

The quality of transportation, lodging, and other facilities, including guiding, are carefully considered while planning our affordable gorilla safaris. There are a lot of inexpensive places to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park, but Katland Safaris chooses each one based on how well it meets our criteria and how satisfied our customers will be.

Our affordable gorilla safaris at Bwindi Lodges

Incorporating the finest budget accomodation property is a key component of our high budget gorilla tour packages. Each area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park offers a variety of affordable hotels and campsites that are overseen by Katland Safaris to ensure they are maintained and improved upon on a regular basis.

The northern section of Bwindi is Buhoma, the eastern part is Ruhija, and the southern sectors are Rushaga and Nkuringo. Here are a few of the more affordable safari resorts that Katland Safaris use.

Features of our affordable gorilla safari accommodations

Our luxury gorilla tour lodges all share the same or comparable features. They are generally situated near the gorilla trekking starting point so that there is less driving to be done on the day of the hike. We also check if these resorts are located near volcanoes or offer breathtaking views of the wilderness. We prioritize cleanliness above everything else, therefore each lodge has its own private bathroom.

Our rooms and beds are spacious and thoughtfully constructed to ensure our guests’ comfort. The freezing weather in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park had us wishing for hot baths back at our hotel.

Although the majority of lodges do not provide WiFi in guest rooms, many do so in common areas like restaurants. Most lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park do not have power but do have solar panels and backup generators because of the park’s rural setting in Uganda. Guests often purchase all-inclusive stays at any of the properties listed above, which include three courses each day.

Lodge for Rushaga gorillas

Known as Rushaga, this stunning resort is situated in Bwindi’s southern region. Its location is strategic, since it is on the road leading to the Rushaga gorilla hiking trailhead. The park headquarters in Rushaga is around 15 minutes away by car, whereas the park headquarters at Nkuringo is about 45 minutes away.

Aside from having one of the best forest views, the accommodations at Rushag Gorilla Havens Lodge are also quite large and come with free WiFi. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced gorilla safari lodge in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this is a great option.

The Tervan Trekkers

The finest low-cost gorilla resort used by Katland safaris is Trekkers resort, which is situated in Ruhija, which is in the eastern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You may easily spend the night at the lodge before and after your gorilla trek since it is just a 5-minute drive from the Ruhija Park headquarters.

There is free WiFi in the restaurant and private toilets in every room. This resort is perfect for our high-budget gorilla excursions because of its convenient location and excellent service.

The Buhoma Community Rest Bandas and Campsite is our go-to spot for affordable lodging in the northern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bandas and tents are available in the Buhoma village for individuals who are looking to save money without sacrificing quality.

Details about our affordable gorilla safari cars

Customized 4×4 Safari vehicles are used for our high-budget gorilla excursions so they can handle the rugged African roads. Anywhere from five to eight passengers may be accommodated in our fleet of safari vans.

Every customer is guaranteed a window seat in our luxurious vehicles. We will make sure you have access to water while you are in our cars. Our certified driver guides are experts in the East African flora and animals and operate our cars with precision and expertise.

Because of the difficulties and risks involved, Katland Safaris usually stays away from cheap gorilla safaris. In most instances, the food arrangements are unclear, accommodations are shared, and low price gorilla safaris employ these conditions.

You need to be comfortable in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park if you’re going on a gorilla trekking adventure, which is one of the most exciting and pricey tourist activities. To escape the hassles of low-budget safaris, book one of our high-budget gorilla excursions.

Feel free to get in touch with us by phone or email if you have any questions about the affordable gorilla safaris and excursions offered by Katland. Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both strongly suggest Katland Safaris as a top local tour operator in Rwanda and Uganda.

Uganda Wildlife Authority Gorilla Permits, UWA gorilla permits

Uganda Wildlife Authority Gorilla Permits, UWA gorilla permits.

Gorilla licenses in Uganda, Bwindi, or Mgahinga are what people mean when they speak of the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s gorilla permits. The conservation of Uganda’s wildlife in game reserves and national parks is overseen by the semi-autonomous Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Because the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) oversees two of Uganda’s ten national parks—Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga—gorilla permits issued by that agency are identical to those issued by Uganda.

Booking permits to see gorillas with the Uganda Wildlife Authority

Viewings of Uganda’s mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks need a permission, which is issued by UWA. The first step in obtaining gorilla permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is to decide which national park you would want to visit. You have the option of visiting either Bwindi or Mgahinga, two national parks in Uganda, to undertake gorilla trekking.

Picking the year, month, and day of your planned visit to the national park is the next step after deciding on the park to visit. When you’ve made up your mind, Katland Safaris can assist you in checking the availability of UWA gorilla permits on the day you’re interested.

We at Katland Safaris have round-the-clock access to the database of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, where we can look up and hold your gorilla permits for a maximum of seven business days. The UWA reservation and booking system will issue these permissions automatically after 7 working days. Try your best to settle accounts within 7 business days.

Getting a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority

Paying to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is the only way to secure or book a gorilla permit. After you let Katland Safaris know that you’re interested in going mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, they’ll see if any permits are available, reserve them, and then give you an invoice to pay for them.

It usually takes up to two or three business days for Katland Safaris to process credit card or wire transfer payments. Once you send us proof of payment, we will proceed to secure your UWA gorilla permits from UWA Headquarters in Kampala using our credit.

Criteria for obtaining a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority

Your country, date of birth, and names will be required by Katland Safaris in order to confirm and reserve your UWA gorilla permits for either Mgahinga or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. UWA requires this for several reasons. The price of gorilla permits is affected by your nationality, thus it is necessary to provide it.

For instance, a reduced pricing for gorilla permits is available to citizens of some East African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania. The price of the gorilla permit is reduced for foreign nationals who are residents of Uganda. If you want to visit gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, you’ll need to be at least a certain age, which is why UWA asks for your date of birth when you book your gorilla permit.

In order to visit Bwindi or Mgahinga to observe gorillas, visitors must be at least 15 years old and have a valid UWA permit. Children who are physically healthy and who are about to become 15 years old may also be permitted to hike gorillas, but only if they are not yet 15 years old. Get in touch with Katland Safaris without delay if you are the parent of a minor who is about to turn fifteen.

The UWA Permit Guarantee We Offer

Upon receipt of payment, Katland Safaris will promptly arrange for the purchase of gorilla permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, get them printed, and provide you with scanned copies of your paperwork. If we are unable to get gorilla permits on the day you have chosen, we will inform you of any permits that become available either before or after your desired dates.

To get your UWA gorilla permits, it is necessary to arrange an all-inclusive gorilla trip with us at your convenience. We take care of everything from arranging transportation to and from Bwindi or Mgahinga to booking accommodation in Bwindi, transports to and from the gorilla starting places, and all park admission payments.

Appointment window for gorilla permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority

Because of how fast UWA gorilla permits sell out, we recommend that you plan ahead and reserve yours at least four to five months before your desired visit. Booking your UWA gorilla permits in advance is highly recommended since gorilla trekking is a very popular tourist activity worldwide, and Uganda is renowned for being one of the safest and most cheap destinations in Africa and the globe for this sport.

When compared to Uganda, Rwanda’s gorilla permits are far more costly, making Uganda a more attractive travel option. Gorilla trips may be arranged at short notice by Katland. Feel free to contact us at any time, and we will verify availability and get back to you.

Packages for gorilla safaris with guaranteed permits from UWA

Gorilla safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are organized by Katland Safaris, and they are both inexpensive and worth the money. Private and group gorilla trekking experiences are available at reasonable pricing with us.

Take a look at our three-day gorilla tours departing from Entebbe or Kigali, or combine gorillas and chimpanzees on our five-day trekking adventure. We provide a 3-day gorilla habituation safari and UWA gorilla habituation permits for anyone who would want to spend more time with mountain gorillas.

Why should you choose Katland safaris for your gorilla safari?

One of the best safari companies in the world, Katland Safaris arranges trips to Rwanda and Uganda that include seeing primates, animals, and local culture. They reached out to us since we are a 100% Ugandan company that provides genuine tours of Rwanda and Uganda.

Our extensive experience in leading wildlife and gorilla trips speaks for itself. On safari reservations and TripAdvisor, we come highly rated. Contact us at your earliest convenience for details on our reasonably priced gorilla trips.

Mucunguzi gorilla family Rushaga

Mucunguzi gorilla family Rushaga.

The Rushaga section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the Mucunguzi gorilla family, another population of mountain gorillas. Mucunguzi, whose name means “Savior” in the local Bwindi Impenetrable National Park language, was the third silverback gorilla in the Bweza group and the youngest of the group’s offspring.

It split from the Bweza gorilla group and went on to create and command the Rushaga gorilla group currently known as the Mucunguzi. Among the several gorilla families found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the one in Rushaga, located in the park’s southern half, is the most numerous. The following information pertains to the Rushaga family of Mucunguzi gorillas.

The Mucunguzi gorilla family trees begin in their native Africa.

Rumor has claimed that the Mucunguzi gorilla family got its name from the lone silverback known as Mucunguzi, according to data gathered from the rushaga gorilla trail head. Supposedly, during a violent altercation inside the habituated mountain gorilla family known as Bweza, the adolescent silverback or third in charge, Mucunguzi was the one to die.

The Bweza gorilla group expelled Mucunguzi, and he began a life of solitude. As time went on, Mucunguzi joined forces with the dominant silverback from the Bikingi gorilla family, kidnapped many females, and eventually established a new gorilla family that they called the Mucunguzi gorilla family.

From the Rushaga UWA headquarters in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, trekkers may reach the Mucunguzi gorilla group, which consists of eight individuals, the majority of whom are female. At the headquarters of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, via Katland Safaris, one may arrange for gorilla permits to hike with the Mucunguzi gorilla troop.

Family of Mucunguzi gorillas on a trek

You may book a three-day gorilla trip from Entebbe or Kigali with Katland Safaris if you’re interested in trekking the Mucunguzi gorilla group or family. Our gorilla safaris include all parts of Bwindi mpenetrable National Park. From there, you may arrange a journey to the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you can embark on a hike with the Mucunguzi family of gorillas.

It is important to mention that gorilla permits in Uganda are subject to regional availability. The northern sector of Buhoma, the eastern section of Rushija, and the southern portions of Rushaga and Nkuringo are all available for permit booking. You are allowed to request a specific gorilla family on the day of your journey once you know the area where your gorilla permit is reserved.

An individual’s interest and physical condition determine which gorilla family they are assigned to. You may express your interest in trekking the Mucunguzi gorilla group to the personnel at the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and they will do their best to accommodate your request. On the day of your journey, they will attempt to accommodate no more than eight persons.

When our clients book all-inclusive gorilla treks with us, we take care of reserving and booking the permits for the Mucunguzi gorilla family, as well as the accommodation and transportation to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

We will arrange for the necessary permissions and provide you with scanned copies for your records and review if you choose for our 3-day gorilla trip or 5-day gorilla and chimpanzee tour. We kindly request that you inform us of the specific day, month, and year in which you want to undertake mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After that, we will verify whether gorilla permits are available on that particular day and respond to you appropriately. While you wait for payment to clear, Katland Safaris may hold your gorilla permit in the Uganda Wildlife Authority database for up to seven days.

We will ensure that you may see gorillas in any area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park after you pay to our bank account, and we will also pay to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Credit cards and bank transfers are also accepted at Katland Safaris. We are here to assist you in whatever way you desire. Please provide us with the information of your passport so that we can process your gorilla permit. This is a requirement set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

If you are interested in going gorilla trekking in Uganda, Katland Safaris is the place to go. We will keep you apprised of any changes in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Do you want to know more about Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Do you want to know how to make a reservation for a gorilla permit? Is seeing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on a tight budget something you’re interested in? Get in touch with Katland Safaris if you have any queries about the gorilla trekking in Uganda that aren’t answered here.

The fantastic and fruitful gorilla treks that Katland Safaris has organized in Rwanda and Uganda are a source of great pride for the company. Our top-tier safari designers and advisors are here to assist you in creating a tailor-made gorilla trip that takes into account your preferences, interests, and available time.

Safaris with Katland provide unrivaled value on trips of Rwanda and Uganda. Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both give Katland Safaris great reviews. Please get in touch with us by phone or email if you would like more details on our trips and specials. Goko Doctors is the source of the photo.

Author: Katland Safaris