Uganda beyond mountain gorillas. What safari activities are there for tourists

Although there are many safari activities available in Uganda, gorilla trekking is the most popular.

Game drives, launch trips, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, Uganda birding, white water rafting, and bungee jumping are just a few of the safari activities offered in Uganda.

The majority of the well-known safari activities in Uganda take place in the country’s national parks. Although some creatures are found in nearly all of Uganda’s ten national parks, each one has its own unique wildlife. The following are a few of the national parks in Uganda: Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable, Semuliki, Mountain Elgon, Kibale, Mgahinga, and Rwenzori.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in the southwestern regions of Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To enter any of these national parks, you need to get a gorilla permit.

Additional Safari Activities in Uganda
Safari game drives in Uganda

Visitors can enjoy wild creatures in their natural habitat in the several Ugandan wildlife parks. You may take in the breathtaking scenery and the variety of wild animals that spend the day in these parks with the help of an experienced driver guide or ranger guide.

Kidepo Valley National Park in the country’s northeast, Lake Mburo National Park in the country’s west, Murchison Falls National Park in the country’s north, and Queen Elizabeth National Park in the country’s west are a few of Uganda’s wildlife parks.

Lions, leopards, herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, water bucks, oribi, giraffes, warthogs, giant forest hogs, impalas, zebras, hartebeests, cheetahs, aardwolves, and other creatures may be sighted during early morning or late afternoon game drives in these parks.

Some of the aforementioned creatures are unique to certain parks, but not all of them can be seen in all of these parks.

Start excursions on the Uganda Safari

As you get ready for your Uganda safari, you can make reservations in advance for one of two well-known launch tours.

Murchison Falls National Park launch trip

You can visit the world’s and the Nile River’s strongest falls on this launch excursion. A launch boat or private boat takes you out from the dock. Savor the stunning sight of the creatures that adorn the Nile River’s shore. Hartebeest, giraffes, cape buffaloes, serried crocodiles, schools of hippos, a variety of birds, and other creatures may be visible to you. Savor the breathtaking views of the plateaus of the Rift Valley and much more.

The strong River Nile water that falls to the bottom to continue the course increases the likelihood of boat turbulence as you get closer to the falls.

When the falls are in sight, you can observe how forcefully the Victoria Nile water squeezes through a ravine that is six meters wide before exploding with intensity and creating a foggy look. The water from the River Nile joins the remainder of the stream after tumbling down a steep cliff that is roughly forty-three meters high.

Trekking to the Falls’ Summit

You can trek to the top of the falls, where all the drama begins, to get a better idea of how fierce the River Nile is. As the water of the Nile River acquires power to navigate the small bend, it trips over underlying rocks as it travels over a bed of rocks for around 80 kilometers.

Because of the strong water flow as it strikes the rocks, this exhilarating location might not be suitable for those who are easily frightened.

Kazinga Channel Launch Trip

The stunning launch journey takes place in the Kazinga Channel at the base of the Rift Valley in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From the pier, you cruise while taking in the various wild creatures that like drinking from the canal banks.

While there are public launch trips, the Kazinga channel also offers private launch experiences.

Numerous animals that enjoy visiting the shore may be visible to you, including herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, topis, and others. Numerous birds, especially migrants from other countries, are drawn to this canal.

From the bottom of the rift valley, you might be able to see the snow-capped, glittering summit of Mount Rwenzori. One of the greatest things to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park is the launch voyage in Kazinga Channel.

Ugandan chimpanzee trekking

One of East Africa’s top locations for chimpanzee trekking is Uganda. Chimpanzee habitats vary throughout the nation and are found in various wooded locations.

Some privately owned chimpanzees may require a trekking permission, while others may not, but you will need to pay a certain amount.

With more than 1500 chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is Uganda’s most well-known chimpanzee trekking refuge. A chimpanzee hiking permit must be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale National Park currently cost $300 per person per expedition. Park fees are included in this price.

Another location for chimpanzee trekking is the Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The forest gorge at the base of the Rift valley level of this park is home to the chimpanzees.

Because it’s so steep, you should expect to hike to the chimps’ location. Wear the appropriate safari shoes to assist you navigate wet, slick slopes, particularly during the rainy season, which typically lasts from March to May and November.

To enter Kyambura Gorge, you must get a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit, which presently costs $50 and does not include park admission fees.

Murchison Falls National Park’s Kaniyo Pabidi

The distance between Kichubanyombo Gate and this chimpanzee habitat is roughly 8 meters. You get to see some of the mature mahogany trees that Uganda still has when you go chimp trekking in the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest.

Other primates found in the forest include blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and black and white colobus.

Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Ngamba

Chimpanzees are provided another home here, one of the few places they do so. Chimpanzees that have been rescued, orphaned, or abandoned and are unable to rejoin their native populations in the jungle are housed in this refuge.

Since the Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located on Koome Island in Lake Victoria, you must travel there by boat. You have the opportunity to feed the chimpanzees if you arrive at feeding time. It’s incredible to see the drama as the teacher tries to catch a meal.

Uganda Wildlife Education Center

Only a short distance from Entebbe Airport is the former Entebbe Zoo. There are two options for getting to the chimpanzee exhibit: a self-directed stroll or a guided walk.

See the Nile River’s Source

The only place where Lake Victoria water separates from River Nile water is Uganda. This location in Jinja is well worth a visit. The dramatic moment when the two split apart raises questions about what might be going on underneath.

Rafting on white water on the Nile River

It’s incredible to beat the Nile’s tides. Professional teachers are available to teach you all the necessary details, so you don’t need any prior expertise.

You can choose where to conclude your white water rafting adventure at Itanda Falls, which is subject to varying tide levels. Make sure you fasten your safety gear and adhere to the directions. Others can engage in tubing, kayaking, and other sports.\

Uganda Safari Birdwatching

With more than 1000 bird species, Uganda is one of Africa’s top birding sites. It is thought that this population is larger than all of Europe.

For the finest experience, you’ll need a well-planned Ugandan birding itinerary and an excellent birding guide.

Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Forest, Mabamba Swamp, Lutembe Beach, Mpanga Forest, Musambsa Island, and others are among the places in Uganda where birdwatchers can go.

Additionally, the nation is home to foreign bird species that travel from as far away as Europe, particularly during the harsh winter months.

Bungee Jumping on Safari in Uganda

A bungee jumping trip, in which you dangle by the rope from the top of a cliff to touch the River Nile, is a great way to get your heart racing.

You can dismount the rope and board the boat that is waiting to take you from below.

Safari Quad Biking in Uganda

You can ride a quad bike through the villages and along the shore of the River Nile. Savor the refreshing River Nile breeze and the beautiful gardens you see.

Ugandan mountaineering

There are several highland hikes in Uganda that you may do to test your fitness, but you must book in advance to be assigned a ranger guide.

The most notable is Rwenzori Mountain, where a round-trip hike could take more than seven days. To securely reach Margeritah, the snowcapped summit, you must have mountaineering equipment with you.

On other days, climbing excursions can be undertaken on mountains such as Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo, among others. You might not need trekking gear.

Sport Fishing on Safari in Uganda

There are both fresh and saltwater bodies of water in Uganda. In Uganda, freshwater environments are used for the majority of sport fishing adventure safaris. You must need a fishing permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in order to engage in sport fishing on the Nile, particularly in Murchison Falls National Park.

When Is the Best Time to Reserve Safaris in Uganda?

The majority of visitors choose the dry season, which runs from June to mid-September or December to January, although Uganda safaris are available throughout the year.

In the Ugandan game parks, the grass is lower and the wildlife vibrancy is at its most during this time, making visibility better.

There is less humidity in even the parks where you must hike, like as Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, which makes the conditions ideal for chimpanzee trekking.

However, because of competition for services, Uganda safari packages are expensive.

Low tourism also occurs during Uganda Safari’s wet season, which typically runs from March to May. This may be the ideal time of year to make reservations if you want to spend some undisturbed time at various Uganda safari locations because there are comparatively fewer tourists there.

This grace period is available to everyone with a little Africa Safari budget for Uganda. There may be opportunities to negotiate lower rates with service providers during off-peak hours.

How Much Does a Safari in Uganda Cost?

The price of the Uganda safari is divided into three categories: luxury, mid-range, and budget. You must be aware of how much you plan to spend on this vacation in Africa.You must first obtain a permit if you need to reserve one, such as a chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale National Park.

Uganda safari quotes are determined by a number of criteria, including:

The duration of the Uganda Safari

The cost of a Uganda safari increases with the number of days. You must be aware of how long you must spend on safari.

The more people that go on safari in Uganda

The cost of a Uganda safari is reduced per person when more people travel with you since you split the costs.

When to Make Your Uganda Safari Reservation

Many tourists typically plan Uganda safaris during the busiest times of the year, which are June to mid-September and December to January. Accommodations, car rentals, and other service providers may offer reduced prices during the off-peak period.

To what extent is Uganda a safe place to go on safari?
With the exception of a few rare acts of terrorism, Uganda has remained quiet for more than 30 years.

The Ugandan ranger guides are extremely watchful of any strangers who might appear suspicious in the parks. To maintain peace and order in the majority of Uganda’s destinations, they work in tandem with other Ugandan security organizations.

Safaris in Uganda are available for free, and you can be confident that you’ll get back home safely. All you have to do is focus on your personal safety. When on safari, you must keep your driver guide informed of your whereabouts.

If you must go on a nature walk in the forest, reserve a ranger guide in advance to ensure that you are safe from any attacks.

For additional information, get in touch with us.

What is the price of Rwanda gorilla permits

Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 for non-resident foreigners, $500 for residents, and $300 for citizens of East Africa. In Rwanda, gorilla licenses are sold and governed by the Rwanda Development Board. Rwanda’s only mountain gorilla habitat is Volcanoes National Park, which is situated in the northwest of the country.

As a conservation precaution to lessen the consequences of mass tourism, Rwanda presently has 15 gorilla families open for tourism, and only eight gorilla permits are distributed daily per family. Furthermore, because mountain gorillas are inherently vegetarians, a large crowd of visitors may trample the forest’s vegetation.

A Gorilla Permit: What Is It?

In order to visit a habituated gorilla family worldwide, you must get a gorilla permit. To be satisfied when on the ground, you need to get the gorilla permit in advance. Although there is a huge demand for mountain gorillas, the supply is restricted. This results in an annual shortfall that necessitates reservations in advance, particularly during the busiest times of the year.

What Does the Price of a Rwanda Gorilla Permit Include?
The park admission fees

This is a mandatory cost that all safari visitors to Rwanda National Park must pay. The cost of the Rwanda gorilla permit includes the park charge. Park fees are valid for 24 hours, so if you are remaining in the park after gorilla trekking, you might have to pay them.

In addition to providing other park requirements, this charge helps the Rwanda Development Board with conservation funding.

Fee for Ranger Guides

Rangers provide firsthand knowledge about the lives of mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants while escorting groups of tourists on all gorilla trekking excursions. They spent a great deal of time gathering and analyzing this data.

Give the rangers advice to help them continue to safeguard the mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants if you think they’re doing a great job. Tipping is merely a sign of appreciation and is not required.

Fund for Gorilla Conservation

Over the years, a lot of work has been done to save mountain gorillas, who deserve it. According to the mountain gorilla census conducted in the 1980s, there were roughly 300 mountain gorillas in the area. According to the most recent mountain gorilla census, there are more than 1000 mountain gorillas worldwide.

The conservation initiative, which involves both domestic and foreign gorilla conservation organizations, is to blame for this. Selling the mountain gorilla licenses is one way to raise the money needed for this effort.

Even though mountain gorillas are wild animals that must seek their own medical care, they occasionally require additional assistance from gorilla doctors. To determine the health status of the mountain gorillas, the gorilla doctors even conduct sporadic health examinations. A portion of this is funded by the Rwandan Gorilla Conservation Fund.

Protection While Trekking with Gorillas

Although gorilla trekking is a safari activity conducted in the jungle, everyone wants to feel safe. As a result, every day in Volcanoes National Park, the Rangers frequently patrol the gorilla families and their habitats. This makes it easier to track down mountain gorillas while gorilla trekking, and it also makes it simple to drive them back into the forest if they venture onto nearby farmlands.

In order to maintain peace and order in and around Volcanoes National Park, the rangers also work in conjunction with other Rwandan security services.

Even after the Rwandan tragedy in 1994, this gives prospective travelers confidence.

Spending an hour with mountain gorillas

It just takes an hour for mountain gorillas to become accustomed to human presence. You have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a portion of the mountain gorillas’ everyday routine. You can snap pictures, observe how they live, and bring back memories of your encounter with the mountain gorillas.

During gorilla trekking, you have only an hour to find the mountain gorillas, so you should make the most of every second. As humans’ presence somewhat disturbs the gorillas’ lives, you later quietly leave so that they are left to feed, groom, and attempt to conceive.

What Does the Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost Not Include?
Transportation to Volcanoes National Park, gratuity, additional days spent there, and other personal matters.

How Do I Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Rwanda?
Methodology

Decide on a day and how many people you want to go gorilla trekking with in Rwanda. Depending on your budget, you can trek with double gorillas or more.

Our safari consultant matches availability from the Rwanda Development Board’s gorilla permit listing when you check with them or send us an inquiry.

Since permits are scarce and in high demand, we advise our clients to buy them as quickly as possible, if they are available. Most visitors book their gorilla permits at least six months to a year in advance since they are in high demand during the busiest time of year.

We need your full name as it appears on your passport, along with your nationality, date of birth, and passport expiration date.

Some of these are listed on your certificate upon completion of the journey, and others are utilized for Rwanda Development Board records.

Is it possible to purchase a Rwanda Gorilla permit in installments?

As long as you purchase the Rwanda gorilla permit 90 days prior to the trekking date, you can pay for it in installments. 30% of the entire gorilla permit cost may be paid in installments, and 70% of the total gorilla permit cost may be paid in whole.

You risk losing it if you don’t remember to top it up before the ninety days before the trekking date.

Can My Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit Be Rescheduled?

It is possible to reschedule the Rwanda gorilla permit in accordance with the Rwanda Development Board’s rescheduling policy.

You send an email with your justifications for wanting to reschedule your gorilla permission to the Rwanda Development Board. Indicate the day you would like to reschedule your permit to go gorilla trekking. If you have any supporting evidence, please attach it.

Your permits have been rescheduled, and there will be a fee if you want to reschedule the same licenses for a different time.

To what extent is Rwandan gorilla trekking challenging?

Expect to hike in Volcanoes National Park because Rwanda is a mountainous country, thus its nickname, “land of a thousand hills.” Five of the six famous volcanoes have valleys and slopes that the mountain gorillas traverse. Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Bisoke, and Mountain Muhabura are some of these mountains.

To stay energized before finishing the walk, gorilla trekking requires a certain degree of athleticism. You can extend your muscles a bit more by doing certain exercises instead of spending all your time at the gym.

Breakfast is too early to last the whole time before finding the mountain gorillas, so bring some energy bits to chew on.

Avoid throwing trash into the forest. The nature of the soil where mountain gorilla food is grown will change as a result.

Is it safe to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is safe, as previously said, but make sure you also consider your personal safety.

To maintain peace and order in the Volcanoes area, the ranger guides work in tandem with other Rwandan security services.

During gorilla trekking, you as a visitor must also be mindful of your personal safety.

To ensure that you are remembered in the forest, stay near the people you are gorilla trekking with. While staying with the remainder of the group, the ranger guides keep up with the slowest hiker.

Refrain from counting big quantities of money in public as this will draw the wrong crowd.

When gorilla hiking, keep a close watch on your kids. Gorilla trekking requires participants to be at least 15 years old, but in Rwanda, adults must be at least 18 years old.

How Much Time Does It Take to Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?
Because the Rwandan gorillas roam freely across the forest, it is still difficult to pinpoint the best time to locate them. Being ambulatory primates, they have to look for food. They reside in a specific location and live in families till they finish the food.

Depending on the main elements in the forest, such as the mountain gorillas’ adventurous nature, the proximity of their food, and the possibility of a battle in the woods, the gorilla walk could take two hours or longer.

Gorilla trekking requires a certain amount of patience and an open mind, as does the quest. Other fascinating forest inhabitants in Volcanoes National Park include red-tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, black and white colobus, glittering waterfalls, old trees, and much more.

Which Rwandan Gorilla Family Is the Best for Trekking?
No matter where you go gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation takes place, the sensation of standing in front of a gorilla family is unparalleled and transformative.

There are currently 15 completely habituated gorilla families in Rwanda that are available for reservations. There are several families of Rwandan gorillas, including the Amahoro, Hirwa, Agasha, Sabyinyo, Muhoza, and Umubano groups.

It can be difficult to choose which gorilla family in Rwanda is best for trekking because each has unique characteristics unless you travel to see them all, which is highly costly. Thus, what you want to see will determine which family is better for gorilla trekking.

You might hope to witness a large, dominant silverback, a large family of gorillas, plenty of babies, endearing gorillas, and much more. But rather than being found in a single gorilla family, all of these characteristics are spread throughout several families.

Do mountain gorillas pose a threat?
Mountain gorillas are peaceful primates that live in harmony with their surroundings. With dark fur covering their entire body, sunken brown eyes, and knuckle-to-knuckle movement, their perspective is frightening.

Mountain gorillas are peaceful creatures in nature, and no attacks on tourists have ever been documented during the history of gorilla trekking.

What Are Rwanda’s Gorilla Trekking Regulations?
Because it changes the nature of the forest where mountain gorillas reside, it is prohibited to litter in the forest while gorilla trekking.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them. They are allowed to carry on with their regular activities as they are accustomed to spending that amount of time with people.
It is prohibited to eat or smoke before seeing mountain gorillas. To prevent them from being tempted to steal what you are eating, please do this at least 300 meters away from them. Since they are untamed creatures, they have to look for nourishment.
Due to the nature of the gorilla trekking environment, only youngsters aged 15 and over are permitted to participate. Furthermore, due to their mobility, the best time to locate the mountain gorillas is still up in the air.
It is prohibited to spit on the ground or foliage since this could infect mountain gorillas with pathogens. Mountain gorillas are susceptible to human infectious diseases such as cholera, flu, cough, and COVID-19.
Volunteer to remain behind and shield the mountain gorillas from infectious diseases if you have one. It is unknown how widespread this sickness could be and how many mountain gorillas it could kill.
One precaution to stop the COVID-19 virus and other infections from spreading to mountain gorillas is to wear a clean mask before seeing them.
To stop any infection from spreading, keep a minimum of 8 meters between you and the mountain gorillas when you find them.
Because loud noises could frighten the mountain gorillas, they are not allowed in the jungle. They are also vulnerable to strange noises while they are around.
Because the mountain gorillas might hide from the strange light, even flash photography is forbidden.
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What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Only Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers gorilla trekking. Nestled between Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in D.R.Congo, this Park is in Northwestern Rwanda.

Since the Belgian Colonial Authorities acquired this historical Park in 1925, this Park is among the earliest gazette National Parks in Africa.

American primatologist Dian Fossey established up the Karisoke Research Center after her study in Rwanda in 1967. The residents were rather resentful of her unwavering protection of mountain gorillas. This resulted in her horrific murder in 1985.

The beginning of the gorilla trekking safari was the relentless effort of Dian Fossey. After the 1980s census, she conveyed the suffering of virtually varnishing mountain gorillas to the world. By then, the findings revealed just 300 mountain gorillas alive globally.

Funds were needed to assist with the mountain gorilla conservation. People have to get closer to the mountain gorillas so they would come to value their presence.

One way to assist this great cause was through gorilla trekking, but first gorilla habituation had to take place. Gorilla habituation is the process by which wild mountain gorillas get to be used to human presence.

Depending on how fast the mountain gorillas adjust to the presence of women, the gorilla habituation process spans two years to more.

As one of the main battlefields, the 1994 Rwanda genocide slowed down gorilla trekking activity. There are about 15 gorilla families available for visitors at Volcanoes National Park right now.

Booking Gorilla Permits for National Parks and Volcanoes

Choose a date for your gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda together with the necessary permits. Volcanoes National Park offers several opportunities for gorilla treking.

You might get in touch the Rwanda Development Board or a reputable travel agency such as Katland  Safaris. Our safari expert has to verify whether the Rwanda Development Board permit listing shows availability of gorilla permits.

Should availability be good, we need you to buy them right away as they sell quickly. They are locked using first-come, first, served basis. Only 8 per gorilla family daily are allowed for public booking despite the demand for gorilla trekking permits.

Later on, we will need you to supply information such full names as shown on the passport, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiry date.

The cost of a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit?

For international nonresidents, the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person; for citizens of East Africa, it costs $300.

The expenses cover:

Park pay-offs.
Ranger guide payments.
Safety.
Support for Gorilla Conservation
Local civic support.
One hour with the gorillas in mountains.
The permit fee for the Rwanda gorilla leaves out transportation, beverages, packed lunch, snacks, personal item expenses.

Are installment purchases of Rwanda gorilla permits possible?

If you get the Rwanda gorilla permit 90 m days before the trip, you can buy it in installments.

The Rwanda Development Board lets you buy the gorilla permit using 30% of the entire cost and 70% of the whole permit cost.

You have to keep in mind that you run the risk of losing your gorilla permit if you forget to completely top it ninety days before the trekking date.

Is a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit worth the cost?
Though it seems expensive, the $1500 per person Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is well worth every minute spent with the mountain gorillas.

Not only do you get one lovely hour before the only remaining mountain gorillas on Earth, but you also get to observe them living their lives.

You help to preserve the mountain gorillas, unique species found only in East Africa.

Some of the closest cousins of humans in animal worlds, mountain gorillas contain around 96% human DNA.

About 10 of the yearly income from selling Rwanda gorilla licenses goes into the local community to assist their initiatives, therefore indirectly supporting the local population.

Every gorilla permit you to buy helps the pricey International Visit Rwanda campaign.

How expensive is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari?

The Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris are listed in luxury, middle range, and under budget.

The one universal expense whose price all packages pay for is the gorilla permit.

Other elements of the gorilla trekking program include:

The count of attendees to your gorilla trekking event. Less the cost per person the more people joining you for gorilla treking. You can provide various safari conveniences such gasoline, driving guides, etc.

Time for reserving the gorilla trekking safari for Rwanda; in low seasons, certain service providers may provide discounts while in peak seasons, which draws expensive rates.

Days in Rwanda safari: the safari cost increases with increasing number of days spent there.

Rwanda has various things to mix with gorilla trekking safari. In Akagera National Park Rwanda, you might combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safari, chimpanzee treking, golden monkey trekking, and others.

When should one plan Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda?

Although gorilla trekking in Rwanda is available all year long, most visitors choose the dry season—June through September and December through January.

Though they are rare, demand for gorilla permits during this season is very strong. Consequently, just eight gorilla permits for each family are provided daily for public booking.

Though the Virunga region is known for sudden rain, mountain gorillas are more active during the dry seasons. This is so because the forest rejects strong humidity and even other forest inhabitants like monkeys are more eager to observe.

The dry season is ideal for photography as the brighter illumination passes through the forest leaves.

During the dry season at Volcanoes National Park, walking the paths to reach the mountain gorilla is more preferable as they are smooth.

From March to May, the Wet season benefits gorilla treking in Rwanda.

Discount safari prices are possible as certain service companies provide them to break even.

For those who dislike crowds, the forest offers a great chance as there are few visitors there.

In the wet season, chances of unpreparedness for a single gorilla trekking safari are more present. This is so because occasionally you may be the only one scheduled for gorilla treking that day.

How Do One Get To Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?

Three hours’ journey from Kigali Airport brings Volcanoes National Park. You go along twisting lanes covered with verdant green grass. Although Kigali city offers public transportation, it terminates in Musaze; so, you must rent a car to Volcanoes National Park.

Alternatively one can charter from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park.

For how long is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

The unrestricted flow of the mountain gorillas in the bush makes it yet unknown when they were discovered during the Rwanda trip. Depending on a lot of elements in the forest, you can spend two hours or more.

Some of the elements influencing the location of mountain gorillas include

The gorilla’s feeding area’s closeness

Should they feed from distances, they might require assistance in locating. From a designated spot for some while, the mountain gorillas eat; they then leave when their food runs out.

In event of a conflict with another gorilla family

When gorilla families quarrel, the losers might be driven into hiding, thereby postponing wild tracking of them.

Usually occurring weather while gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda may be postponed on a wet day due of the slick slopes in the highlands where mountain gorillas spend their daily lives.

Gorilla Trekkers’ pace

If you are assigned a gorilla trekking party with sluggish walkers, you might require additional time to find the mountain gorillas. To prevent anyone from being lost in the woods, the ranger guide, on the other hand, moves at the slowest speed among the trekkers.

The difficulty of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Five of the six Virunga volcanoes cover the terrain of the national park. Volcanoes National Park’s terrain is more steeper than those of other mountain gorilla habitats.

Having some degree of fitness would help one to fully appreciate Rwanda’s whole gorilla trekking adventure. This keeps you caught up and lets you finish the full walk.

On Gorilla Trekking Adventure at Volcanoes National Park, what should one avoid?
To prevent transferring infections to the mountain gorillas, no spitting on the ground or in the jungle.
During the trip, keep silent or use a low tone to find the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla treking in Rwanda is reserved for those fifteen years of age and above.
No, if you are photographing mountains gorillas with light, you might startle them.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, keep around eight meters away.
Should you have an infection, offer to remain behind so you avoid passing it on to the mountain gorillas. They are rather prone to human infections.
Eat or smoke least three hundred meters away from the mountain gorillas.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, just one hour is permitted with them. This is so because they are used to be in front of people for precisely that purpose.
Apart from gorilla treking, what else may one do at Volcanoes National Park?
Golden monkey safaris

Golden monkeys find home in Volcanoes National Park. From its appearance to its bodily form, this is yet another unusual monkey species. Golden monkeys have a body size more than that of other monkeys.

Golden brown hairs define golden monkeys on the lower body. With around 30000 to 40000 thought to be living in the globe, they are some of the endangered primates.

Their great vitality and appealing demeanor make following them fascinating. Golden monkeys exhibit their natural behavior even if they are accustomed to human presence.

To be let to join this trip, you have to buy a Rwanda golden monkey trekking permit.

Dian Fossey climbed.

Dian Fossey’s bones of fallen mountain gorilla drugs were buried among the gorillas she was defending until her dying breath. American philanthropist and primatologist she dedicated her studies to mountain gorillas from 1967.

Unknown attackers slaughtered her mercilessly at her house in 1985. Hiking where the bones were placed will allow you to walk in the last steps of her life.

Volcanoes National Park Birding

One of Rwanda’s birding venues is Volcanoes National Park. Albertine rift endemics among other over 300 bird species presently call this Park home. To assist you on this Rwanda birding trip, you need engage a competent birding guide with background in Rwanda.

Among the birds you may find are Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky and Shelley’s red wings, and others.

Nature hike at Volcanoes National Park.

For nature hikes where you may find other monkey species such olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and others, volcanoes forest is great.

You might find some natural tree species that have endured several decades.

Volcanoes National Park Mountaineering

Mountains suitable for hiking abound throughout Volcanoes National Park’s geography. Mountains Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Bisoke are among these ones.

One may trek one day to reach the tops of any one of these hills.

Which country in Africa has more mountain gorillas?

Based on the most recent census, the present count of mountain gorillas in Africa exceeds 1000. Though Uganda has approximately half of the population, the mountain gorillas dwell in D.R. Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park house the mountain gorillas living in Uganda. There are just 19 fully inhabited gorilla families available for tourists right now. Two gorilla families in the southern sector so far exposed for habituation experience also reside in Bwindi forest.

Living at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda mountain gorillas number fifteen families available for visitors. Six gorilla families have been totally habituated and open for visitors; D.R. Congo mountain gorillas live in Virunga National Park.

According to a census, the number of mountain gorillas was at the brink of extinction by the 1980s; this is the history of gorilla treking in Africa. After doing this mountain gorilla count, American primatologist Dian Fossey and her colleagues reached this conclusion.

After the mountain gorillas were included to the global list of critically threatened primates, conservation grabbed the stage. But the then-unceasing political upheaval in the Virunga region—including the 1994 Rwanda Genocide—disturbed this conservation effort.

Beginning the gorilla habituation procedure in the early 1990s, the Uganda gorilla tracking adventure continued until 1993, when the Mubare gorilla family was first opened for visitors. Later on, the other three gorilla families— Rushegura, Habinyanja, and Nkuringo—were totally settled and open for visitors. Currently, there are nineteen gorilla families available for tourism out of Uganda that are suitable for treking.

Number of Gorilla Families Found in Uganda

With Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the biggest habitat, Uganda boasts around half the world’s total mountain gorilla count.

The Buhoma area in the north, the Ruhijah area in the east, the Rushaga area, and the Nkuringo area in the southern side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park comprise the distribution of these mountain gorillas.

Among the mountain gorillas families living in Uganda are the Rushegura family, the Mubare family, the Oruzogo family, the Bitukura family, the Nshongi family, the Bweza family, the Chrismas family, and others. Only one gorilla family known as Nyakagezi calls the Mgahinga National Park home.

Based on a recent mountain gorilla population count, Uganda is thought to be home to around 459 mountain gorillas from over 400 per the census 2011. As infants come forward and deaths are documented as well, this count is continuously growing.

Some mountain gorilla families have been released for public gorilla trekking after being well settled. In Uganda, nineteen gorilla families have so already opened for visitors.

Two gorilla families available for gorilla habituation safaris also reside in Uganda. Visitors of Gorilla Habituation Safari can accompany a family of semi-habituated mountain gorillas. They coexist with veterinaries, trackers, and researchers.

Number of Gorilla Families Within Virunga National Park

Additionally included in the Virunga region are Volcanoes National Park in D.R. Congo and Rwanda.

About 605 mountain gorillas were recorded to inhabit in the Virunga region during the most recent count of them. New births and mountain gorilla reported death are driving population increase.

There are around fifteen gorilla families available for visitors in Rwanda; you may reserve a permit for any one of them.

Among the Rwanda gorilla families are the Muhoza, Agasha, Amahoro, Susa, Sabyinyo, and several more.

How Can I Schedule Gorilla Permits For D.R. Congo, Rwanda, Uganda?

Choose a day when you want to go gorilla trekking, together with the safari companion count you intend to share.

Either pick a competent tour operator like Katland  Safaris or ask Uganda Wildlife Authority/Ruckus Development Board. We take off your shoulders the responsibility of verifying availability and assembling additional gorilla Trekking safari package components.

Based on your preferred date, our safari adviser looks at if gorilla permits are available in Uganda or Rwanda.

Should the gorilla’s permit availability be favorable, we urge customers to get theirs right away to ensure they receive all the perks. Although their supply is just 8 per gorilla family daily, mountain gorillas becoming increasingly rare as time passes due of great demand worldwide.

Later on, mention certain personal information such nationality, date of birth, names as shown on the passport, expiry date of the passport, and others. This information is used for record purposes; part of it is recorded on the certificate following the gorilla trekking.

In Africa, how much might I purchase a Gorilla Trekking Permit?

In Uganda, the gorilla licenses cost $800 per person each trip; in Rwanda, they cost $1500 per person; in D.R. Congo, they cost $450 every trek.

Included in the Gorilla permit fee is

Park fees, ranger guide fees, funds for gorilla conservation, local community support, one hour with the mountain gorillas.

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Transportation; tips; beverages; packed lunch; any other personal item.

Where in Africa’s Uganda should one go for gorilla trekking?

Mountain gorillas from Uganda call Bwindi Impenetrable National Park their habitat. Mountain gorillas found in this wooded National park make around half of the known population worldwide. The park is found southwest in Uganda.

Bwindi Forest is split up into the Ruhija area, the Rushaga area, the Nkuringo area, and the Buhoma area.

You have to know where the permit is booked before deciding on lodging for gorilla trekking period in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is so because it is impossible to keep up with the early morning briefing by moving from one place to another.

Rich in primate habitat, this park boasts olive baboons, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoest, red-tailed monkeys, and other species.

Gorilla hiking plus birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park presents twice the possibilities even for avid birders. This park boasts around 350 different bird species. Particularly when you follow the route to the Mubwindi marsh, the Ruhijah region is the best place for birding in the Bwindi forest.

Mgahinga National park

Comprising an area of around 33.7 square kilometers, this is among the smaller habitats of the mountain gorillas. Great landscape is created by the unique volcanic mountains that surround this park. Mountains Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga are among these ones.

This park only features one gorilla family—the Nyakagezi family—that is accessible for visitors. This family of mountain gorillas used to stray into Rwanda in the past, but it has been residing in the Mgahinga National Park regularly.

Thanks to Mgahinga National Park’s untouched environment, you may engage in mountaineering, birding, and scenic gazing in addition to gorilla trekking.

Rwanda

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda find sole home in Volcanoes National Park. The park is situated northwest in Rwanda. Volcanic highlands dominate its geography; some of the most remarkable mountains are found here. Included in Volcanoes National Park are five of the six Virunga ranges: Karisinbi, Bisoke Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Muhabura, and Mountain Gahinga.

Currently open for gorilla trekking in Rwanda are around 15 gorilla families. Among them are the Agashu family, the Umubano family, the Karisimbi family, the Her family, and several more. The Amahoro family

Albertine rift endemics among other over 300 bird species call this Rwandan National Park home. Additionally appealing to an ornithologist are birding excursions and gorilla trekking in this park.

Additional primates like golden, blue, red-tailed, olive baboons, black and white colobus, and others call Volcanoes National Park home.

In D.R. Congo

Among the four mountain gorilla habitats worldwide is included Virunga National Park. There are perhaps six gorilla families available for visitors in this National Park.

The gorilla habituation process in Virunga National Park has been hampered by the uncertainty in this region. This clarifies its limited number of gorilla families open for visitors.

Among the gorilla families in Virunga National Park are the Mapuwa gorilla family, Lulengo gorilla family, Rugendo gorilla family, Munyaga gorilla family, Kabirizi gorilla family, and Humba gorilla family.

Which nation in Africa would be best for gorilla treking?

Whether you go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or D.R. Congo, the experience you have standing before the sole surviving mountain gorillas is unparalleled anywhere. This one hour causes you to momentarily forget the difficulty you might have had tracking the mountain gorillas.

Among the elements influencing the three mountain gorilla habitats during gorilla trekking include;

The gorilla permission cost

The Rwanda gorilla permit now costs $1500 per person each trip; the Uganda gorilla permit now costs $800 per person; and the D.R. Congo gorilla permit costs $450 per person.

One spends time reaching the habitats of mountain gorillas.

From Kigali airport in Rwanda, the travel takes three hours over picturesque meandering roads. About eight to nine hours separate the travel from Entebbe Airport in Uganda to Mgahinga National Park. Unless you transit via Kigali airport in Rwanda, the trip from any D.R. Congo airport to Virunga National Park might take days.

Security at the sites of gorilla treks

Civil turmoil at Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo causes security issues. This is slowing down the gorilla trekking activities here. Nonetheless, the political environment of Uganda and Rwanda is long outstanding, so the gorilla trekking safari is safe.

Gorilla families open for visitors count.

1. R. Congo has six gorilla families; Rwanda has around fifteen; Uganda has nineteen available for tourism. Consequently, given the higher number of gorilla families, Uganda offers the best possibilities of getting a gorilla permit during the peak season.

More Safari Activities to Match Gorilla Trekking

Along with gorilla trekking, Uganda offers a range of additional alternative activities including chimpanzee treking, wildlife drives, birdwatching, mountaineering, and others. Rwanda and D.R. Congo have only extra activities related to Africa safaris.

What Should One Not Do Regarding Gorilla Trekking Safari in Africa?

No, walking into the forest without an escorting ranger guide will expose you to other residents not accustomed to human presence that can endanger you, such forest elephants.

Since this is nourishment for the mountain gorillas, spitting on flora is against. Usually vegetarian, they may eat soft stems, leaves, tubers, and other foods; bamboo being their favorite.

Making noise while gorilla trekking is against policy as it might frighten the mountain gorillas revered of new events in their proximity.

It is against littering the forest with trash as you change the habitat where mountain gorillas get their food. Avoid throwing plastic wrappers in the forest as well.

Once you find the mountain gorillas, keep a distance of around eight meters from them; if they approach you, gently back off. This lowers the possibility of infecting the extremely sensitive to human illnesses gorillas with an infection.

Flash photography is banned as it could disturb the mountain gorillas that might be scared by such events.

One of the methods to guard the mountain gorillas from absorbing human contagious viruses like Covid-19 is by wearing a fresh mask in front of them.

Should you have a communicative infection, offer to remain behind to prevent passing it on to the mountain gorillas. Their DNA is almost 96% of that of people, hence they are quite vulnerable to illnesses such cough, flu, COVID-19, and others.

Eat or smoke at least three hundred meters away from the mountain gorillas; they are wild creatures looking for food.

Staying with the mountain gorillas is only one hour, thus they are left to go about their daily business like feeding, grooming, conception, and others.

Reason to visit or trek Uganda mountain gorillas through Kigali Airport instead of Entebbe.

Common of late is trekking Uganda mountain gorillas—especially those using vehicle travel—through Kigali Airport of Rwanda. For mountain gorilla treking, the journey time from Kigali Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park is six to seven hours. On the road, the travel from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park is eight to nine hours.

One reason some visitors choose to pursue gorilla trekking in Uganda through Kigali Airport is this variance in time taken on the journey.

Two national parks in Uganda house gorilla treks: Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

About 530 kilometers on a dusty, rough road offering African Massage, the distance from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. About 540 kilometers via twisting roads, the travel from Entebbe Airport to Mgahinga National Park.

To enjoy this adventure, one must advance book a Ugandan gorilla trekking permit. Booking an East African tourist visa will help you to enter another East African nation. This lessens the paperwork you must complete for immigration visa application to Rwanda.

What is gorilla trekking?

Trekking among gorillas is an activity whereby one encounters completely accustomed mountain gorillas in their natural environment. You have just one hour allotted in their presence so that you may let them go about their daily activity grooming the infants, nursing, reproduction and so much more.

A Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit’s worth

For foreign non-residents, a Uganda gorilla permit costs around $800 per person each trip; for foreign residents, it costs $700 per person. East African citizens pay 30000shs.

Ranger guide costs, one hour with the mountain gorillas, security, gorilla conservation fund assistance and park fees comprise Uganda’s cost of gorilla permits.

This gorilla permit cost excludes porter charge, travel to the location, refreshments, energy bites and any other item of personal nature.

Why Do Gorilla Trekkers From Uganda Travel Through Rwanda?

Driving Time to Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The travel from Kigali Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park takes six to seven hours as was already explained. About three hours less than the travel from Entebbe Airport to Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Driving from Kigali airport, you admire the lush green foliage cover; the route is picturesque as you pass undulating hills of this nation of a thousand hills. You may travel into Uganda from either Gatuna or Cyanika border.

Variations in Gorilla Permit Cost

Whereas the Uganda permit is $800 per person each trip, the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit runs $1500 per person. The reason visitors choose gorilla trekking in Uganda through Rwanda is this permit fee differential. About $800 off the gorilla permit is saved, which may be utilized for additional safari conveniences such lodging, car rental, and so much more.

A gorilla habituation permit for Uganda permits you four hours in the presence of the mountain gorillas; the cost of the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit, where you have only one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas, is similar to that.

Extra activities To mix with gorilla trekking

There are many natural wonders in Uganda that you might mix with gorilla trekking. These include wildlife drives, chimpanzee trekking, visits to the River Nile, cultural encounters, white water rafting, launch cruise, bungee leaping, and so on.

Rwanda has few safari vacation choices, but it makes the most of them by means of advice such as the Arsenal team jersey visit Rwanda Campaign. Although Rwanda’s tourist potential is little, government is enthusiastic in promoting what they have. Game drives in Akagera National park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, cultural experiences, museum and other visits may all be undertaken.

Experience the variations between Uganda Safaris and Rwanda.

Even if you might not engage in safari activities in Rwanda, driving around the nation allows you to see the way of life of the local people. You could meet the locals and experience the differences between the people of both nations even on your gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Driving across Rwanda lets you take in its picturesque surroundings; driving through the countryside of Uganda’s southwest will let you experience the friendliness of the locals. Even if you are not known to them, they are eager to wave at you.

How can I arrange a gorilla trekking permit for Uganda?

The gorilla permit-selling and controlling body of Uganda is the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The Reservation office or a certified tour operator will help you to arrange the gorilla permit. Having over ten years of safari planning expertise, Katland  Safaris is a fully certified travel operator.

We arrange other safari facilities on behalf of our guests and help them to bear the weight of obtaining a gorilla permit from the shoulders. Our excellent working connection with safari service providers makes us proud as it has enabled us to schedule some of our clients’ greatest African trip experiences.

Method For Reservation of Uganda Gorilla Permits

Choose the day you want to go gorilla treking and the quantity of permits you desire to reserve. As long as you reserve a gorilla permit for every trip, you can conduct gorilla treking as many times as you like.

Our safari consultant investigates gorilla permit availability from the Uganda Wildlife Authority when you ask questions of us. Approved firm Katland  Safaris get access to the gorilla permit list.

Should the gorilla permit availability status be good, we urge our clients to buy their permits immediately, particularly for the season of June, July, August, September, and December. In Uganda, these are months of maximum travel.

Though they are only around 152 Uganda gorilla licenses, the gorilla permits are sought heavily. Gorilla hiking is only permitted for maximum eight people. This is for preservation as overwhelming the forest might cause trampling on the plants the mountain gorillas eat. These vegetarians with bamboo are rather particular.

Later on you must enter certain personal information such the entire names shown on the passport, nationality, date of birth, passport expiration date, and others.

How much is Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda through Uganda?

Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda via Rwanda offers packages based on luxury, middle range, and budget. The gorilla permit is the one expense shared among these safari types. Right now, the uganda gorilla permit is $800 per person each excursion.

Form the Gorilla Trekking Safari Quotation here Of these, some are regarded as

When more people join a gorilla trekking group, the per person fee decreases. The number of people you travel with on such trips.

Spending more days on safari increases the expense of the gorilla trekking trip, hence the time spent is more important.

Extra exercises mixed with gorilla walking. The safari cost increases when you mix gorilla trekking with additional activities including chimpanzee trekking, wildlife drives, white water rafting and others.

the safari package you decided upon for the gorilla trip. Traveling on gorilla treks is estimated based on luxury, middle class, and budget. Each includes and excludes distinct things.

The gorilla trekking safari schedule. All services are expensive when you schedule gorilla trekking in the peak season—June through September and December through January. Usually spanning March to May and November, the low season offers opportunity for lower safari prices.

From Kigali Worth, is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Though expensive, the gorilla trekking package is well worth every dollar. It is unlike anything else to feel standing before some of the few surviving mountain gorillas on Earth. You temporarily forget about all you may have gone through organizing your gorilla trekking trip.

You help mountain gorillas to be preserved when you buy the gorilla permit. Among the most highly endangered primates worldwide are these ones. About 1000 mountain gorillas live worldwide at the time. All thanks go to the mountain gorilla protection organizations and visitors that return year after year for gorilla treking.

Only three nations in the world: Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo allow gorilla trekking, one of the best wildlife safaris available in Africa. Only dwelling in the Virunga region, the mountain gorillas nowhere else.

Is safeness of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The alertness of the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and other security authorities makes the gorilla trekking trip in Uganda rather secure.

Not entering Bwindi or Mgahinga woods without an accompanied ranger guide will help you also pay attention to personal safety. Other woodland residents in the forest are not accustomed for human presence.

Try to avoid street food that might irritate your stomach.

The difficulty of gorilla trekking in Uganda

Expect to trek various ridges and plateaus to reach the mountain gorillas as the geography of Bwindi Impenetrable national park or Mgahinga National park is volcanic.

To get lost in the forest, you must keep up with the rest of the party assigned for gorilla treks. After briefing, you might assign a porter. A porter is someone who helps you carry your things or pushes you when fatigued while looking for the mountain gorillas.

A certain degree of fitness helps you avoid being rather exhausted before finishing the gorilla trekking experience. To track the mountain gorillas, occasionally you have to sneak under dense twisted bushes. Usually, the ranger guides clear path for you with machetes.

Take insect repellants to avoid stinging insects that could damage your skin somewhat. Even carry the appropriate safari footwear that will traverse muddy and slick terrain without aggravating a twisted ankle.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: How Long

There are unexpected moves that make the timing of finding the mountain gorillas unpredictable. They are free wild creatures with nothing to stop them from savoring the unspoiled surroundings

Depending on the conditions in the jungle, locating the mountain gorillas might take two hours to three quarters of the day.

Some timed the mountain gorillas’ movement to another eating place in case their current food runs out. The task of the dominating silverback is to look for fresh feeding sites, maybe far from rapid access.

Should a fierce conflict arise between another mountain gorilla, the loser may find themselves pushed into the farthest reaches of the jungle. Tracing such a gorilla family might also prove difficult.

The speed of the gorilla walkers assigned to you also dictates your ln the jungle length. You might take a long time to locate the mountain gorillas if the company you are walking with is sluggish.

What should I bring for Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda?

To stop insects from invading your garments, attach two stockings on top of them.

Should it rain when gorilla trekking, a poncha or rain suit is handy.

Since this location has low temperatures that may dip as low as 7 degrees centigrade, a sweater or any other warmers is advisable.

Binoculars to improve view of fascinating far distant items.

a camera to record the beautiful occasion involving mountain gorillas.

Safari boots cover your feet from hazardous jungle things.

Long sleeved shirts and jeans in tones like khaki or tan

Insect repellent designed to guard your skin against stinging insects,

Foldable safari helmet to guard hair.

Garden Gloves

Essentials for toilets.

Foldable water bottle

waterproof rucksack

Turn-flops

extra totally charged batteries

Why you should plan to do gorilla habituation experience in 2025.

Participating in a gorilla habituation expedition increases your time in the mountain gorilla habitat. Visitors mountain gorilla viewing of 4 hours other than one hour of gorilla trekking was made possible by gorilla habituation safari.

Two gorilla families are accessible for this experience; Uganda is the only place where gorilla habituation is now practiced.

 Description of Gorilla Habituation Experience

Following a semi-habituated gorilla family under the direction of researchers and habituation is the basis of Gorilla Habituation Safari.

Four hours of this journey with the mountain gorillas are spent in company, yet there is expected some wild behavior like hiding. Therefore, it would be important to be alert with directions provided during briefing not to irritate the still sensitive gorillas.

Where would one do a Gorilla Habituation Experience?

gorilla habituation safari visits the southern portion of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Two gorilla families are available for gorilla habituation right now, but only a maximum of four visitors daily have the opportunity to have this life-changing encounter.

How can I get Gorilla Habituation Permits?

The selling body for gorilla habituation licenses is the Uganda wildlife administration. Use the following to reserve the gorilla habituation permit:

Choose a date for the gorilla habituation safari and the gorilla permit count you need. For a habituation experience, remember maximum of 4 gorilla permits allowed day.

Our safari adviser investigates availability from the Uganda Wildlife Authority permit database when you contact Katland  Safaris. Uganda Wildlife Authority offers your gorilla permit; however, be ready for a protracted line of calls to the reserve office.

Should availability be good, we suggest our customers to get theirs right away as they sell quickly. This is so because while the gorilla habituation licenses are few, the demand for gorilla habituation is fast growing.

Before producing the gorilla habituation card, certain information is needed like nationality, date of birth, passport expiration date, and complete names as shown on the passport. Record-keeping and foundation for promoting Uganda safari locations depend on this data.

The Gorilla Habituation Permit’s value

For foreign non-residents, a gorilla habituation permit currently is $1500 per person each trip; for foreign residents, it runs $1000. For East African citizens, it runs 750000shs.

Included and excluded from the cost of a Gorilla Habituation Permit?

Ranger and researcher guide costs, park admission fees, local community assistance, certificate after gorilla habituation, security, and gorilla conservation help define the gorilla trekking permit cost.

Gorilla habituation fee excludes transportation to the destinations, tips, refreshments, packed lunch, and other goods of personal nature.

Can I get the Gorilla Habituation Permit In Installment?

Indeed, one may buy the gorilla habituation permit in installments ranging in percentages of 30% and 70% of the whole amount. Only those who purchase their gorilla permits ninety days before the trekking date are allowed this. You have to top up after that. Remember to top up ninety days before the gorilla trekking date. Please cooperate to prevent losing the percentage of the gorilla habituation permit payed.

Is a gorilla habituation permit refundable?

Only the Uganda Wildlife Authority return policy allows one to repay the gorilla habituation permit. Given the bureaucracy involved in retrieving this money, it might be advisable to exercise some patience during gorilla habituation.

You have to follow the rules required to be qualified for a gorilla permit refund. Should you be absent on the day of gorilla habituation, your permit is declared worthless later on. The date booked marks the end of the validity for the gorilla habituation permit.

How much is Gorilla Habituation Safari?

First, the gorilla habituation safari begins with a permit bought from Uganda Wildlife Authority. Whether your package is luxury, middle class, or economy, the cost of the gorilla habituation permits does not differentiate.

Other elements taken into account in computing the gorilla habituation quotation are:

Count of persons seeking gorilla habituation

There is less the cost per person the more people join you for the gorilla habituation vacation. You also get to share some safari facilities.

Booking gorilla habituation safari: Time

Prices of the habituation safari packages are expensive during the peak season, which falls June, July, August, September, December, and January. This is thus because African safaris demand rises during the peak season and the service providers charge daily expenses.

Count of activities to mix with gorilla habituation

Safari is more expensive the more activities you mix with gorilla habituation. Every Uganda safari activity is priced independently.

Days on the gorilla habituation safari

Since service companies charge day fees, the cost increases the more days on gorilla habituation safari.

Events During the Gorilla Habituation Experience

You wake early than others on the day of gorilla habituation and go for briefing. You have to know your return time; remember to take lunch and your gorilla trekking equipment.

You accompany the ranger guides and habituated mountain gorillas in following their semi-habituated state.

Since these mountain gorillas are still vulnerable to human presence, make sure you follow the advice provided during the briefing. During gorilla habituation, one should be more composed and submissive.

The semi-habituated mountain gorillas are still wild, hence anticipate them to hide whenever. Furthermore, they have not yet been applied in human presence.

Please take note certain specifics you have seen on the mountain gorillas during habituation.

Watch closely the habitats and researchers in case the mountain gorillas hide. Be cool and patient instead of pushing your way to find them.

Once you find them, just four hours are permitted with the mountain gorillas. They can reach any part of the forest, hence they are always migrating into the wilderness.

The mountain gorillas are very sensitive to human illnesses, hence keep a distance of roughly eight meters from them. Should you obtain a communicative illness such as flu or cough, you could infect these mountain gorillas.

Should the mountain gorillas approach you, gently back off from them without causing disturbance.

To ensure that nobody gets lost in the forest, the ranger guide and habituation follow the slowest gorilla pace.

The nature of the mountain gorillas and events in the forest make some degree of patience necessary during gorilla habituation.

When in habituation do you find the gorillas?

It is currently unknown when to find the mountain gorillas on a habituation trip. You follow the route to the spot where the gorilla family spotted under habituation the day before. From the beginning of gorilla treking, you may find them in two hours or more depending on the dominant conditions in the jungle.

Still free in the woods, the mountain gorillas hunt food and relax. Should conflict arise among the mountain gorillas, you may have a difficult finding of them.

If the members of your gorilla habituation group travel slowly, you might have some time to find the mountain gorillas.

Four hours are allotted with the mountain gorillas after you find them during gorilla habituation. Late you let them continue their daily business.

Are Mountain Gorillas Dangerous in Habuation?

Though they are large, mountain gorillas are naturally timid creatures living in the wild. Looking at the mountain gorillas, their dark-furred bodies, brown sunken eyes, and knuckle movement make one afraid.

During habituation, avoid aggravating the mountain gorillas as you can set off their wrath. Usually concealing, the mountain gorillas allow limited time in their presence so that they may be left free to go about their daily business.

Angry, the mountain gorillas pound their chests, gather grass about them, hoot, and move on one foot. There has never been anybody recorded to be a victim of mountain gorilla conflict in the history of gorilla habituation adventure or trekking.

Gorilla Habituation: How difficult is it?

The geography of the mountain gorilla habitat makes wild tracking difficult at times. Usually volcanic, the Virunga region has slopes and plateaus where mountain gorillas might spend their daily lives. To navigate and reach the mountain gorillas, you must therefore have some degree of fitness and wear the suitable safari boots.

Having a waterproof backpack and raincoat shields you from the elements as well as from your things. Hire a porter to carry your items and provide you a push when worn out during gorilla habituation.

Ask for a walking stick to provide more assistance for the gorilla habituation trip.

Things to Bring for the Gorilla Habituation Experience

Firefox starts

These cozy safari boots capable of traversing treacherous hills and damp ground.

Safarihat

Foldable safari helmet designed to shield your head from buzzing insects and water seeping from forest plants

Sweaters and warmers

Early dawn or late evening, the gorilla habituation area had cool weather.

binoculars, a pair

For better view of more fascinating wilderness elements, pack a pair of binoculars.

Additional fully charged batteries

One battery falls low; you may trade it for another to avoid missing those priceless times with the mountain gorillas.

Gardening gloves

Use garden gloves to protect your hands from coming into contact with dangerous surfaces such as stinging nettles.

Ponché or raincoat

Since the jungle is tropical, it gets rain anytime without heating. You have to dress in rainproof clothing to avoid becoming excessively chilly and wet.

Pajamus

They have to be warm enough as the evenings are somewhat chilly.

Safari shirts and long-sleeved pants

Put on safari clothing to guard against nettles and stinging insects. The forest’s uneven surfaces could scratch your skin. Pack khaki and tan, two nature suitable hues, for gorilla trekking attires.

First aid box

Arrange the correct supplies for usage in case of an emergency during gorilla habituation.

Even if your lodge does not have them, you have to take toiletries if your skin is rather sensitive.

A pair of stockings

You should include a pair of socks for additional protection while tacking in your garments.

Behavior During Gorilla Habituation Experience:

If you develop a communicative illness like flu, cough, COVID-19, volunteer to remain behind. Mountains gorillas are very vulnerable to human diseases.

Try not to encircle the mountain gorillas you come across as your presence can cause them to grow irritated.

Keep a distance of around eight meters from the mountain gorilla during habituation as you could carry infections to the mountain. Gradually withdraw as they approach to avoid suspending you.

Mountain gorillas become startled by new environmental events, hence flash photography is not allowed.

Before the mountain gorillas, avoid eating or drinking as wild creatures have to hunt for their meals. Mountain gorillas should hence avoid relying on people as indicated.

In case you cough or sneeze, do it away from the mountain gorillas to avoid infecting the mountain gorillas.

Cover thoroughly beyond recognition and burry all feet in a hole of 30 cm deep.

Even on the ground, spitting on flora is banned as the mountain gorillas might choose tainted foliage that can spread germs causing their great mortality.

Only visitors fifteen years of age and above are permitted to engage in gorilla habituation. This is so because of the kind of forest mountain gorillas inhabit. Sometimes the mountain gorillas migrate to the slopes; you must therefore follow them by trekking, which may be somewhat taxing.

Only four hours are permitted in their presence when you find the mountain gorillas; so, you let them to continue on with daily routines like eating, grooming, lounging, and others.

Keep your voices quiet during gorilla habituation to avoid frightening the mountain gorillas not accustomed to unusual noises in the forest.

Reasons To Visit Lake Bunyonyi In Kabale District.

Comprising numerous lovely islands, Lake Bunyonyi is located in Deep Southwestern Uganda. Second deepest lake in Africa, Lake Bunyonyi has breathtaking surroundings. From Lake Bunyonyi, Gorilla Trekking sites—especially Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—are quite close.

Trip to Lake Bunyonyi allows you to review and break away from a demanding gorilla trekking activity. Lake Bunyonyi is bilharzia free, hence you may swim in it and savor perfect peace. This lake is in steep valleys formed by lava from surrounding volcanoes. Lake Bunyonyi has around 29 islands, among which is the well-known punishment island where prior pregnant women were left to die.

Activities To Do Regarding Bird Watching On Lake Bunyonyi

Locally, Bunyonyi refers to a habitat for little birds; Lake Bunyonyi is definitely fitting for this name. Ornithologists with experienced birding guides have enough of birding to enjoy. Residents of Lake Bunyonyi include more than three hundred different bird species. Among the birds you could see are red-chested sunbirds, woodpeckers, herons, slender-billed ball grab, grey-crowned cranes, and more.

Boat Cruise

Riding a boat on Lake Bunyonyi lets you appreciate the fresh wind of this lovely lake and environs. When visiting these islands and their environs, you might go canoeing. Look for beautiful birds gracing the edges of the surrounding flora around Lake Bunyonyi.

You may enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, go canoeing, and see the sunset throwing its rays over Lake Bunyonyi. Free of hazardous wild creatures like crocodiles and hippos, Lake Bunyonyi allows you to stop for swim and beautiful scenery.

Over Lake Bunyonyi: Zip Lining

The zip-lining trip over this lovely lake will release some adrenaline. First, a sufficiently tightened rope is fastened from one bank to another. You then find yourself belted on the zip wire and swinging over Lake Bunyonyi.

Swimming at Lake Bunyoni

Dive at Lake Bunyonyi to experience additional holiday excitement away from the traditional swimming pool. Lake Bunyonyi lacks coastlines, although buildings allow you to exit from deepwater swimming. This lake is bilharzia free, and from the shores you can tan too. Appreciate the cold air from Lake Bunyonyi, which controls local temperature.

Batwa Cultural Trip

Among the casualties of the effort at forest preservation in this region are the Batwa pygmies. The forest was the only source of Batwa until they were expelled in the 1990s; time immemory.

Although they moved to the boundaries of the Kabale and Kisoro districts, the communities they joined still kept them at margins.

Visitors who schedule time off for local community excursions where they further discuss their daily existence and previous life provide financial assistance. Consequently, they know most of the mysteries of the forest as revealed by the elders via songs and folk stories.

Usually quiet, the Batwa live in modest grass thatched and stick homes.

The Batwa people show you their hunting, honey collecting, disease treatment, and so much more when you visit their town.

Mountain riding at Lake Bunyonyi

After setup, you may test your riding ability and ride to some nearby highlands or ridges around the lake. You avoid local gardens, pause to take in the stunning surroundings, and so much more on the route. From the hills, gaze across the lovely islands in Lake Bunyonyi; avid birders will be able to see numerous species there.

Tour Islands around Lake Bunyonyi

Although Lake Bunyonyi has roughly 29 islands, the most important one is Akampene Island, where pregnant women were left to die of starvation or drown while attempting to swim a cross. Men who refused to pay dowries would save certain girls and marry them.

The biggest island is Bwama Island; Bushara Island has first-rate landscapes and diverse birds. Driven by missionary Dr. Leonard Sharp, it was a leprous treatment clinic. Sadly, some individuals received treatment here since the society discriminated against them. On this island, the old hospital runs as a school for youngsters.

Explore the neighbourhood market.

Local residents run a market where one may purchase locally made goods like meals, clothing, shoes, crafts, etc. You learn about the way the residents run enterprises. The long process involved in collecting money from credit cards makes them useless in this industry. Bring some hard cash as credit card machines cannot handle this transaction.

A community walk around Lake Bunyonyi

Walking to the nearby towns surrounding Lake Bunyonyi will let you appreciate lovely countryside. You follow the paths leading to banana fields, survey the 29 islands from all sides, visit a nearby farmhouse, and so much more.

A Safari Worth To Bunyonyi Island

Bunyonyi Island’s safari package runs from premium, mid-range, to economical. You may choose from your schedule the activities you want to engage in.

Every activity is priced separately; every Lake Bunyonyi safari package includes and excludes certain activities. Safaris are more expensive the more items they provide.

These are taken into consideration to determine the Lake Bunyonyi Safari Package.

When to reserve safari trips to Lake Bunyonyi?

The peak time is Since low seasons allow you to receive some discounts from service providers like hotel, car hiring, and others, Lake Bunyonyi safari packages are somewhat expensive.

Count of visitors to Bunyonyi Safari

The per-person fee is reduced the more persons joining you for a safari to Lake Bunyonyi. You may split expenses like driver guide fees, petrol, rental of a car, etc.

The safari package costs more the more days one spends on it.

Many additional events to go along with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi, wherein the more events to mix with this trip, the more expensive it becomes.

Is a Safari safe on Lake Bunyonyi?

Travelers should find Lake Bunyonyi rather secure. But you also have to pay regard to personal safety by avoiding counting money in public that might draw the wrong kind of persons. Besides, there are better ideas than consuming street food. Ask your driver guide for the finest and safest locations where you may sample local food if you so like.

Only continue the exercise knowing your driving guide will help you avoid being corned or lost.

When should one go to see Lake Bunyonyi?

Although visitors favor the dry season, which runs June, July, August, September, December, or January, the peace of Lake Bunyonyi is appreciated all year round. As most activities surrounding Lake Bunyonyi are outside, the weather is ideal for them.

The paths utilized for the nature walks are accessible as well; open view reveals birds, butterflies, and some primates. For most wild animals, the dry season offers free existence as they are in the open.

Since this is also Uganda’s low tourist season, the wet seasons might include reduced costs. Therefore, particularly during the busy season, planning your safari to Lake Bunyonyi Island in advance is ideal.

Activities To Match A Safari To Lake Bunyonyi

Trekking a gorilla

After or before seeing Lake Bunyonyi, you may undertake gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. After the effort of gorilla trekking, time off to see Lake Bunyonyi is healing. Gorilla trekking is taxing.

Since there are only eight gorilla licenses offered per family and they are restricted daily, you must have a gorilla trekking permit booked from Uganda Wildlife Authority prior.

Drives in Games

The nearest game park you may mix with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi is Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early morning or evening game drives may allow you to see creatures such lions, herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, topis, warthogs, bushbucks, waterbucks, leopards, etc. Another wildlife park you might mix with a safari at Lake Bunyonyi is Lake Mburo National Park.

Starting cruise on the Kazinga waterway

The Kazinga Channel, home to a variety of exotic creatures that often visit Queen Elizabeth National Park’s coasts and an abundance of birds that bless them too, is bestowed upon her. You appreciate the breathtaking view of the rift valley bottom throughout the launch journey.

chimpanzee walking

Before or after a visit to Lake Bunyonyi National Park, participate in chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. To see these chimps, you must, however, get a chimpanzee trekking permission from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Another chimpanzee trekking site you might include in the things to do with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi is Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Flying in Uganda

Birding Uganda at many sites lets you compile a longer list. Among the birding destinations you might include into your Uganda safari are Mabamba Island, Mpanga Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mabira Forest, Botanical Gardens, and others.

white river rafting

White water rafting destination for River Nile is the Itanda Falls. Attending white water rafting requires no expertise on your side. Instructors ground you through all the required training to succeed. Just correctly fasten your safety gear and paddle to ride the waves.

See the Source of River Nile.

River Nile flows from Jinja on Lake Victoria; you may view the stunning site when River Nile water splits off from Lake Victoria water. You may sail from this picturesque area using a boat you rent from the pier.

See the Uganda Wildlife Education Center

This is the old Entebbe Zoo, where many species from different parks are housed in displays with a wilderness-like surroundings, where they are often seen. One may explore this facility either individually or with guidance. Among animals you may find cheetahs, lions, rhinos, chimpanzees, birds, monkeys, vipers, giraffes, elands, and others.

ngamba chimps Sanctuary

Respected chimps abandoned by their families, housed in prison, rescued by snares, and much more call home the Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary. Unfortunately, some chimps cannot go back to the wild to live with their groups.

What should one pack for a Safari to Lake Bunyonyi?

Warm clothing as early morning and late evening are rather chilly.

Safari shoes for use on village walks and particularly on trips in the great outdoors.

Breakfast is consumed too early to last you the length of various activities, hence energy bits to chew on.

You have to be able to carry your stuff if you receive no help; a duffel bag will help.

Extra clothing to change into after activities near Lake Bunyonyi.

Especially in the rainy seasons, raincoats or ponches help to shield against even severe rainfall.

After the safari, remove your shoes and wear flip sandals.

a camera to save your experience’s memories when visiting Lake Bunyonyi

Some cash to be converted into local money should you have to pay for personal activities or buy anything.

Garden gloves to wear should you have to live in the outdoors, particularly in wooded locations with stinging nettles.

To avoid dispersing your items throughout the wilderness, light backpacks to take with you or pass them over to porters.

Use a pair of binoculars to get a better perspective on lovely far-reaching birds and characteristics.

Sunscreen if you want to lounge under the sun and enjoy the cool wind from the lake.

Sunglasses to wear in intense sunlight

Foldable safari helmet for covering your head.

Reasons to visit Kibale National Park

The greatest chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda is Kibale national park. It would therefore be ideal if you could visit Kibale national park.

Covering 795 square kilometers, Kibale national park’s northern section is the wettest while its southern park next Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Based on the latest count of chimpanzees in Kibale national park, there are around 1500 of them. East African park has the highest number of habituated chimpanzees.

With now 13 species identified, many additional primates also exist in Kibale national park. Among these primates found in Kibale national park are black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, ghosts, pottos, olive baboons, and others.

When the parents go chimpanzee treking, Kibale National Park offers a unique package for kids. The kids do cyanotype, batik making, pond dipping, and photojournalistic.

Activities For Safari In Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Trekking

Every day in Kibale National Park two chimpanzee treks take place. The chimpanzee permits for the morning session—which runs from 0800 hours—or the evening session at 1500 hours may be bought.

per day per session, six chimpanzee hiking licenses are sold each troop. For the chimpanzee hiking, therefore, it is advisable to take safari equipment capable of surviving wilderness circumstances.

To learn more about how to behave while chimpanzee trekking, you have to show up for a briefing at the Kanyanchu tourist center. Before beginning the journey in case you cannot carry any of your items—like the chimpanzee hiking gear—ask for a porter to carry some of them. A porter helps you to pay a friendly price for carrying your chimpanzee hiking equipment.

Only those above fifteen years are permitted to engage in chimpanzee treking. This is so because of the regulations and character of the forest chimpanzees live in.

Birding in the National Park of Kibale

One of Uganda’s better birding locations is Kibale national park. In Kibale national park, containing Albertine rift endemics, more than 325 bird species find home. Furthermore protected by the forest are vast blocks of rainforest birds. Ornithologists have therefore a range of bird species to identify during a Uganda birding trip to Kibale National Park.

Among the few are green-backed twin spot, grey-headed olive back, green–backed twin spot, blue-headed sunbird, small greenbul, black-breasted king fishers as you stroll to Bigodi refuge and stand at the observation tower across papyrus reeds.

Habituation in chimpanzees

The process of wild chimpanzees becoming used to human presence without changing their innate characteristics is known as chimps’ habituation. Visitors may schedule visits to chimpanzee habituation sessions wherein they see semi-habituated chimps. You then accompany a group of trackers and habituators into the jungle to spend four hours in chimpanzee companionship.

Every member of a chimpanzee habituation safari must have a permit. Chimpanzees may be habituated only by visitors over the age of fifteen.

You have a long time in the bush as chimpanzees de-nesting at around 0530 to 0630 hours or re-nesting at 1900 hours will be seen throughout your excursion.

The entity used for habituation permits sale for chimpanzees is the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Forest treks at Kibale National Park.

You may discover the many ecosystems in Kibale national park including a tropical rain forest, riverine forest, marsh, and grassland on this nature walk. Black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and other primates species you may have missed on chimpanzee trekking come to light here.

You have to go to a briefing at the Kanyanchu visitors center before beginning this walk to the elephant’s wallow.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary 

On the edge of the magombe marsh, you may go to Bigodi wetland refuge. Kibale National Park has various primates you may have overlooked. Among them are olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, and others.

This is a community-run project aiming at raising environmental worth of the primates and their habitat as well as biodiversity.

Just outside Kibale National Park, near Sebitoli, Kihingani wetland walk lets you view a variety of birds and primates.

Nature trails and cultural legacy

This two to six day journey takes place in Kibale National Park and surrounds. You meet in Kanyanchu or Sebitoli, spend the day in the forest, and return in evening to spend nights at the community campground at Kinoni, Nyakalongo, and Nyaibanda.

You get opportunity to engage with the residents and gain knowledge about daily life there. Mostly Bakiga and Batooro live in this region. For a nominal fee, you may have a porter carry your safari items.

Children’s Actions

Only those above 15 years old are permitted to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park; there’s no need to worry about the kids. Children’s rangers trained to care for and conduct activities engaging them to engage them in actually studying the ecosystems have been provided by the forest management.

The kids engage in artistic projects like cyanotype, batik creation, pond dipping, and photojournalistic work. Knowing their children are in capable care, the parents enjoy the woodland hikes.

A chimpanzee hiking permit for Kibale National Park costs what?

For international nonresidents, the Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit is $300 per person; for foreign residents, it runs $250,000sh; for East African residents, it runs 250,000sh.

The Kibale national park chimpanzee hiking ticket fee comprises

Day of hiking park fees; ranger guide charge; security; one hour with the chimpanzee; community support fee; chimpanzee conservation support price

This expenses beverages, energy snacks, porters, transportation to the location, and any other personal item.

Could I pay for the Kibale Chimpanzee trekking permit in installments?

Purchasing the chimpanzee trekking permit between 30% and 70% of the entire amount is accepted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Remember to top up 90 days to the day of trekking or stand-to forfeit another paid part of the gorilla permit.

Are Kibale chimpanzee trekking permits eligible for a refund?

To qualify, you have to abide by the refund procedure the Uganda Wildlife Authority offers for chimpanzee licenses. Still, the process your return must pass before it is granted calls for patience.

Can I postpone the permission for the Chimpanzee Trekking?

If you top up your permit for people who buy it in installments, then it is really feasible to postpone chimpanzee trekking permission.

You write to Uganda Wildlife Authority explaining why you want to change your chimpanzee permit date. Attach documentation supporting your chimpanzee permit rescheduling request as backup.

Once your request is accepted, your chimpanzee trekking permission for Kibale National Park will be postponed.

Where may I get a permission for chimpanzee treking?

For Kibale National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority is the selling and controlling authority for chimpanzee trekking permits. Safaris relieves you of hassling to verify the availability of chimpanzee trekking permits and other supporting facilities by using a trip operator such as Katland .

Booking lodging, transportation, and driver rental, we assembled the chimpanzee trekking safari package and provide free recommendations on the requirements you need to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

The Cost of Chimpanzee Habituation Adventure

For East African citizens, the chimpanzee habituation permit for Kibale National Park is $300 per person per trip and 150000shs.

Park fees, four hours with the chimpanzee, security, ranger guide fees, local community assistance, and chimpanzee conservation help make up the chimpanzee habituation permit cost.

This excludes lodging to use during chimpanzee habituation, transportation, tipping, and any other personal item.

For what duration is chimpanzee habituation in Kibale National Park?

Depending on where the chimpanzees would have spent the night and the general state of the forest, the timing of finding them is still under flux. You could discover the chimpanzee soon after de-nesting as you have to start chimpanzee habituation early in morning. On the other hand, they could travel slowly; hence, you follow the trail to where they were observed the day before.

Once you find the chimpanzees, carefully follow the guidelines provided by habituation and rangers as they understand the special qualities of the chimpanzee society. Under habituation, the companionship of the chimpanzee group allows only four hours.

To reduce disruption, a maximum of four people may conduct chimpanzee habituation using the trackers and rangers each session.

A safari to Kibale National Park would set you back what?

The major activity in Kibale National Park is chimps’ trekking; a permit is required. You require access regardless of your choice for a premium, mid-range, or cheap chimpanzee hike.

These are some of the elements thought to constitute a safari package for Kibale National Park.

The count of people on the safari for Chimpanzees

The expenses per person decrease the more individuals participate in the chimpanzee trekking safari.

Time For Kibale National Park Safari

Demand drives the high cost of a safari booked to Kibale National Park during the peak season, which runs from June to September and December to January.

Extra Pursues Inside Kibale National Park

If you have a lot of activities planned in Kibale National Park—birding, primate trekking, gorilla habituation, and others—you may find The safari is expensive as every activity in Kibale National Park is priced separately.

The Days Count in Kibale National Park

The safari price increases with increasing number of days booked in Kibale National Park. Most service providers bill daily rates.

What are the Kibale National Park’s donts?

Once you find the chimpanzees, keep around eight meters apart from them. Having roughly 96% human infections, they are very vulnerable to human illnesses.

Offer to remain behind when unwell so as not to transfer a virus capable of causing great chimpanzee mortality.

If you want to smoke or eat, do it away from the chimpanzees so you avoid feeding them. These wild creatures have to find their sustenance.

Only those over 15 years are permitted to engage in chimpanzee treking as young people may not find the jungle circumstances comfortable.

Enter the woodland only with a ranger escort; other non-habited species call the forest home.

Ask the ranger guide to dig a hole as least 30 cm deep and bury it far beyond recognition if you must defecate.

Try not to aggravate the chimpanzees as you could disturb them and force them to hide into the furthest reaches of the forest.

Use flash photography when photographing. But because chimpanzees are somewhat similar to environmental invaders, this might alarm them.

Meeting chimps takes one hour for hiking; their habituation lasts four hours before you encounter them.

What should one pack for Safari inside Kibale National Park?

Safari footwear suitable for easy walking during Kibale National Park treking

Safari clothing in wilderness suitable hues like brown or khaki.

Warm clothing because early morning or late evening brings chilly weather for this location.

Garden gloves in case you come across stinging nettles that could irritate your skin.

Cosmetics that complement your skin and avoid aggravating eczema.

You have more energy to exercise when you had breakfast early.

Repellant for insects guards against jungle stinging insects.

To protect yourself from rain falling in a tropical jungle, pack waterproof clothing such as a poncha or raincoat.

Foldable water bottle to bring to satisfy thirst.

Safari cap to guard your hair from jungle buzzing insects.

Flip flops for leisure time change of wear.

Carry a backpack with your safari equipment and make sure a porter finds it pleasant.

Two binoculars will help you to get a better perspective on fascinating wilderness features.

How to plan a family gorilla trekking safari and holiday.

The ages of every participant should be taken into account when organizing a gorilla trekking expedition for the family. Only visitors fifteen years of age and above are qualified for gorilla treking. Think about the places you want to go gorilla trekking with the family; family memories are highly valuable.

Three African nations—that is, Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo—are gorilla trekking sites. Security-related concerns drive Uganda and Rwanda as the most desired destination for family gorilla trekking adventure safaris.

Family gorilla trekking safari planning

Choose a day when you want to go gorilla trekking as a family and indicate the number of persons qualified for this experience.

Choose Rwanda or Uganda if you want to go gorilla trekking with the family from another nation.

Advance book the gorilla trekking permits to prevent last-minute frantic search for bookings.

When you ask us, our safari adviser investigates the availability of gorilla permits within the dates of your preferred option.

Should good availability, we ask our customers to buy their gorilla permits as soon as first come, first served basis is used to reserve them.

Every family member should be encouraged to work out beforehand to maintain their body in shape and ready to negotiate the wilderness circumstances you will be in while gorilla treking.

Where in family life should one find Trekking Safari with Gorillas Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda only find habitat in national parks around volcanoes. In Rwanda, some fifteen gorilla families are completely habituated and available for visitors.

Among the Rwanda gorilla families are Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Agashya, Hirwa, Susa, Sabyinyo, and others.

Tourists assemble at the ORTPN for briefing on the gorilla trekking day. Tourists are assigned to these gorilla families based on age, degree of fitness, and other factors; groups of a maximum of eight visitors are used. Unfortunately, the sudden changes in the forest that force the Rwanda gorilla family to migrate make it difficult to find the simplest family.

Rwanda has 96 gorilla permits accessible for visitors right now. Still, given the great demand, they sell quickly—especially in the peak seasons, June through September and December through January. The reason completion for booking Rwanda gorilla permits so competitive is their restricted supply.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The biggest gorilla walking ground in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable national park. About 327 square kilometers of land make up the park. From its great scale, the park was split into four gorilla trekking areas: the northern Buhoma region, the eastern Rihijah area, the Nkuringo area, and the southern Rushaga area.

Two gorilla families are accessible for gorilla habituation whereas eighteen gorilla families are now completely habituated for gorilla trekking trips.

Every gorilla permit granted for Bwindi impenetrable national park is reserved based on the area. This is one reason you should think about where your gorilla permit is reserved before lodging is arranged.

 Mngahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is situated in western deep southern Uganda. Comprising only 33–7 kilometers, the woodland is the smallest national park. Mgahinga National Park’s geography consists also of three volcanoes: mountain Sabyinyo, mountain Muhavura, and mountain Gahinga.

Mgahinga National Park roams from the northern slopes of these mountains; these surroundings are where the sole gorilla family of this park resides. Within Mgahinga national park, the only completely habituated family is the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

In the past, the Nyakagezi gorilla family was known to travel into Rwanda, but today, it’s continuously residing in Uganda.  You may pre-book the gorilla permits for Mgahinga national park.

What is treking in a gorilla?

Following a completely habituated gorilla family in the forest and spending only one priceless hour in their company is the experience known as gorilla trekking. To be allowed to participate in extraordinary Africa safari trip, you have to get a gorilla trekking permit.

Describe Gorilla Habituation.

The method of bringing a wild gorilla family used to human presence without changing their nature is known as gorilla habituation. For a gorilla trekking safari, for instance, you follow a semi-habituated gorilla family accompanied by habituators and researchers.

A Gorilla Trekking Permission’s Value

The cost of the gorilla permit varies depending on your chosen destination for gorilla treking.

For international non-residents, the Uganda gorilla permits cost $800; for foreign residents, $700; and for East African citizens, 300 000shs.

Right now, a Rwanda gorilla permit is $1500 per person per expedition.

D.R. Congo gorilla permits now run $450 per person each trip.

The gorilla permit fee includes and excludes what?

One hour with the mountain gorillas, ranger guide fees, mountain gorilla conservation expenses, park admission fees, security, local community assistance, and others makes one gorilla permit.

Gorilla permit fee excludes transportation to the locations, tips, refreshments, packed lunch, and any other item of personal nature.

For what length of time is gorilla trekking?

You just have one hour to find the mountain gorillas; the exact moment of discovery is still unknown. Their unrestricted mobility in the forest and other possible wilderness events help to explain this. You might so spend around two hours or more from the beginning of the gorilla trip.

If you could have some patience during gorilla trekking to follow the path of the gorilla family you are assigned to, it would be ideal. Although the ranger guide matches the slowest trekkers, this does not imply postponing the remainder of the party.

A family gorilla trekking safari costs what?

The main expense of the gorilla trekking trip is the gorilla permit; other elements also affect the whole cost. Every family member has to obtain a personal gorilla permit. Some of these comprise:

Gorilla hiking qualified family members’ count

The gorilla trekking safari costs less per person the more paying people join it. Among safari facilities, you may split car hiring, gasoline, driver guide price, etc.

Days on the gorilla hiking safari

Since most service providers charge by day, the fee increases with the more days you spend on the gorilla trekking safari.

Timing for the family gorilla trekking expedition booking

Peak season gorilla trekking is expensive because of the great demand for services in this high Uganda travel season. The low season might provide safari discounts.

Extra events beside gorilla trekking

The total safari cost increases with increasing activity mix including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife drives.

The Danger of the Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas’ dark-furred bodies help them to remain peaceful animals despite their frightening appearance. Their rich brown deep eyes reflect knuckle local movements. Nevertheless, the mountain gorillas remain calm despite their appearance; historically, there has never been any conflict between mountain gorillas and people during gorilla trekking.

For the gorilla trekking safari, which lodging should one choose?

While it would be fantastic to book family accommodations for gorilla treks, if not feasible you might ask for rooms next to one another. This allows you time to sleep closer to one another and enjoy yourself together.

The gorilla trekking lodgments go into luxury, mid-range, and economical categories.

Among the Rwanda gorilla trekking lodges are Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi guest house, Hotel Mille Collines, Le Bambou, and La Palme.

Among Uganda’s gorilla trekking lodges in Bwindi are Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, and Mahogany Springs.

Accommodations at Mgahinga National Park: Gahinga Lodge and others are bookable from Kisoro town.

Can I postpone the permits for the Gorilla Trekking?

Indeed, you may arrange the gorilla trekking permits in line with the policies of the competent authorities.

You write to Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority asking the gorilla permits to be changed. In case you have any supporting documentation, attach some.

Your permits are booked and our safari consultant rechecks availability as per your revised dates when allowed to reschedule to another date. Uganda gives two chances for rescheduling; the third time calls for a premium of 25% of the total Uganda permit cost and Executive Director approval.

For family gorilla treking in Rwanda and Uganda, which nation is best?

Only after you go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda will you be able to decide which country is ideal for that activity. Most visitors experience something mysterious after seeing the mountain gorillas. It is incomparable to know you are among the fortunate visitors for the day to experience gorilla trekking. Some of the items below highlight the gorilla trekking expedition between Uganda and Rwanda.

While the Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 per person each trip, the gorilla trekking permit issued by Uganda is $800 per person.

Driving from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park takes about three hours. By comparison, visiting Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes around eight to nine hours.

Uganda has 152 hike permits with two utilized gorilla habituation safaris and 19 gorilla families. With 96 licenses for gorilla trekking, Rwanda now has 15 gorilla families.

Rwanda is the perfect place for a stopover gorilla trekking adventure in Africa as two days are the least amount of days available for a gorilla trip. By contrast, Uganda has three days of gorilla trekking safari, the least amount of days on safari.

While Rwanda offers few options for activities to mix with gorilla trekking, Uganda offers many extra safaris for those purposes.

Though one of a transit nation, gorilla trekking in Uganda via Rwanda can let you experience both nations. About six to seven hours separate the travel from Kigali airport into Mgahinga national park.

What Guidelines Apply To Gorilla Trekking? Within Families

Stay with the group of trekkers assigned; avoid surrounding the gorillas so as not to cause ambushing of them.

Talk at low tome when looking for the mountain gorillas in the woods. Other forest residents, like mountain gorillas, are very wary of visitors in their surroundings.

Spitting on ground and plants is against policy as it provides food for mountain gorillas.

You might spread pathogens to these very sensitive monkeys causing human diseases.

Offer to remain behind should you develop a communicative illness such as Coronavirus. The mountain gorillas may so die in great numbers. Mountains gorillas have around 96% human DNA.

It is banned to provoke the mountain gorillas as once they become irritated, they might migrate into the deeper parts of the jungle.

Mountain gorillas are wild creatures who have to hunt for their food so never feed them.

Remember to clean your shoes before beginning the gorilla trip; wearing a mask is an essential when gorilla trekking as a step established after the Covid-19 epidemic to lower the possibilities of transferring this virus or other diseases to the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking is reserved for those fifteen years of age and above. This is so because the terrain of the forest is steep but the exact location of the mountain gorillas is yet unknown. These may not be in favor of a youngster under these years.

Once you find the mountain gorillas, just one hour is permitted with them. This is for conservation purposes as they are used to be in human proximity for that certain period.

Dumping trash in the woods, particularly non-decomposable rubbish like plastic wraps, might change the environment mountain gorillas eat from. The mountain gorillas get their food only from the forest.

How to book a Rwanda or Uganda gorilla trek holiday on New Year day.

Booking gorilla trekking for the Christmas season—especially New Year’s Day—is fantastic. Starting the year with a visit to gorilla land marks a lifelong journey.

Making prior gorilla trekking safari plans will help to commemorate the birth of a New Year.

One might decide to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Or Mgahinga National Park are the locations of the Uganda gorilla treks. Volcanoes National Park is the gorilla safari location for Rwanda.

Booking the gorilla trekking permits for either Uganda or Rwanda is a smart choice as they sell quickly, particularly during the festival season when vacations are in full force. For this reason, we counsel our customers to get the gorilla trekking permits for peak seasons latest three months before the New Year. This is so due to the great demand for gorilla trekking safaris as visitors commemorate New Year’s with the mountain gorillas for many reasons.

How To Book Gorilla Trekking Permits Process

Choose a day when you would like to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Count the gorilla trekking licenses you want to buy. Depending on your time on trip and finances, gorilla treking may be done more than once. Every gorilla trekking permission lets you undertake one day of gorilla trekking.

When you contact us, our safari adviser investigates gorilla permit availability using the dates of your preferred option. Accredited safari operator Katland  Safaris bought gorilla licenses under Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board.

About gorilla permit availability, you may also ask Uganda Wildlife Authority. Still, you have to be patient with the unpleasant voice message to the reservation office and the lengthy wait of calls.

Should availability be good, we ask our customers to buy theirs right away. This is to stop last-minute frantic quest for gorilla permits. Each gorilla family daily only has a maximum of eight licenses. Particularly in June, July, August, September, December, and January—the peak season—they are quickly sold out.

As asked, provide personal information such your complete name, country of birth, passport expiration date, and others. These are for record-keeping and help to guide where tourist marketing should be focused.

A Gorilla Permit: How Much Is it

Each trip on the gorilla permit for Rwanda costs $1500 per person. For international nonresidents, Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 per person; for foreign residents, $700 per person; and for East African citizens, 300,000 shs.

A gorilla treking permit costs park fees, security, gorilla conservation support, ranger guide fees, and local community assistance.

Transportation, beverages, packed lunch, tips, porters, and other personal things all count toward the permit fee.

Can I purchase an installment gorilla permit?

The gorilla permits for Rwanda or Uganda may be bought in installments. One may purchase it in thirty- percent and seventy- percent ratios. Buying gorilla permits in installments counts 90 days before the trip. Keep in mind to top up 90 days to the gorilla trekking date or stand to forfeit even the purchased half.

Uganda Wildlife Authority is the gorilla permit-selling authority of Uganda. Rwanda Development Board is the entity authorized for selling gorilla permits.

Is refund for possible Gorilla Permits?

Indeed, based on the refund policies of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board, a gorilla permit return is conceivable. But given the bureaucracy involved in repossessing this money, you should be patient with the reimbursement procedure.

Should you miss the gorilla trekking date, you should not expect a refund since the permit only valid till that day. It becomes useless after the day of gorilla trekking. Regardless of your reason for not turning up, expect no reimbursement once the gorilla trekking date passes and you do not notify authorities in advance.

Could I change the New Year Gorilla Trekking Permission date?

The gorilla permit may be rescheduled as long as it is before the trip. You have to then write to Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board. Tell the reason you want to postpone your gorilla permit. Prepare some supporting documentation for your argument including some proof.

Once you arrive, notify our safari adviser on the dates you want to change your gorilla permit to and reschedule the go-ahead for a gorilla permit.

The safari consultant double-checks availability based on Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit listing. Your gorilla permit dates then get shifted to your preferred date in case spaces for gorillas remain open.

Notice

Two times Uganda gorilla permit rescheduling is possible; the third time depends on the permission of the Uganda Wildlife Authority executive director and a 25% surcharge of the overall permit fee imposed.

Should reduced gorilla permits be provided and you choose to postpone this permit to a date beyond the designated time, you must top up the permit to reflect the price of that period before proceeding.

Rescheduling gorilla permits charges Rwanda.

When can I get a New Year’s Gorilla Trekking permit for Rwanda or Uganda?

Purchasing your gorilla permit at least six months to a year in advance is preferable as the New Year is a prime holiday period for travel in Uganda and Rwanda. Many, however, have reasons for choosing to begin the year among mountain gorillas.

This causes a shortage of both lodging and these gorilla permits as early as the latter part of the year.

Especially on desirable days like the new year, last-minute gorilla permit search is nerve-breaking as you require aid locating the gorilla permit and lodging.

How Many Gorilla Permits One Could Book?

With 156 gorilla permits available for gorilla trekking and two gorilla families open for habituation with eight permits daily, Uganda now boasts 19 open gorilla families for tourism.

With 96 daily permits, Rwanda now has 15 gorilla families available for gorilla treking.

Should I via a tour operator book a gorilla permit?

Booking your gorilla permit lifts off your shoulder via a tour operator relieves the responsibility of verifying availability, lodging, and other safari facilities.

Having ground safari experience and relationships with top service suppliers, they offer great knowledge and expertise. Every visitor would want an unforgettable lifelong gorilla trekking experience. Great and safe preparations start everything, particularly if you are a first-time visitor.

Since 2003, we at Katland Safaris have over 10 years of gorilla safari expertise. We appreciate value for money and strive for outstanding service delivery.

Safety Level of Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?

Adventure in gorilla treking is safe in Rwanda and Uganda. Both nations provide the mountain gorilla habitats greatest protection to preserve them as other forest inhabitants would find. Well-trained, the ranger guides help to preserve the environment and mountain gorillas themselves.

The rangers help the security authorities of every nation to maintain law and order. The ultimate aim of Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board is for clients returning home safely after gorilla trekking.

You have to be careful with your possessions, avoid going into the jungle without an accompanying ranger guide, and bring appropriate gorilla trekking gear and extras for personal protection.

In Uganda and Rwanda, which nation is the ideal for gorilla trekking?

The best approach to find this out is to undertake gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. Remember what you could have gone through during preparation when you meet mountain gorillas. One might decide which nation is ideal for gorilla trekking between Uganda and Rwanda by:

The gorilla permit fees

While a Ugandan gorilla permit costs $800, a Rwanda gorilla permit is $1500 per person per trip.

Time is spent at the locations for gorilla treking.

While the journey duration is roughly three hours from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park, you spend about

Eight to nine hours separate Entebbe airport from Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga National Park.

optional activities after Gorilla Trekking

Uganda offers many events you might mix with gorilla trekking as viewing the River Nile source, chimpanzee treking, wildlife drives, launch tours, and more. Sadly, Rwanda offers little choices to go with gorilla trekking. Game drives in Akagera national park and chimpanzee treking in Nyungwe national park are other safari activities offered by Rwanda.

While Rwanda has 15 gorilla families available for tourism, Uganda boasts nineteen gorilla families open for habituation safari.

About a six to seven hour trip from Kigali airport to Bwindi Impenetrable national park Uganda, you may do gorilla treks in Uganda via Rwanda. This lets you explore both nations.

For what length of time is Gorilla Trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda?

The many events in the forest make the timing of finding the mountain gorillas erratic. Still, you could spend two hours to three-quarters of the day from the gorilla trekking location.

Finding the mountain gorillas relies on elements such the closeness of their food, in case of a battle with another gorilla family or among the family members, death of a member, victory, having an adventurous dominating silverback, and others.

Some elements influence your arrival time—that is, that of the gorilla family assigned to you.

The speed of the group members you have assigned for gorilla trekking also affects your arrival speed to the mountain gorillas. The ranger guide moves at the slowest speed of the slowest trekkers to ensure none gets lost in the woods.

The terrain and paths are muddy and hazardous during the heavy rain seasons, hence postponing the gorilla journey.

Given that mountain gorillas are wild creatures that roam the forest freely, patience would be advisable when looking for them. In the woods, they have no limitations or guidelines that would prevent mobility.

How challenging is gorilla trekking?

Mountains, ridges, plateaus, and other landforms make up the volcanic remnants found in the Virunga region. Some of them should be climbed when gorilla trekking as mountain gorillas sometimes spend their daylight on the slopes of these highlands.

Your degree of fitness will help you reach the mountain gorillas.

To provide access for visitors to the mountain gorillas, the ranger guide also cuts down creepers draped over these highlands using machetes.

Using bug repellants and donning the correct safari footwear gives your body more defense while gorilla trekking.

List of Items for Gorilla Trekking Safari hat

Using a folding safari hat shields your hair from flying insects.

Garden gloves since the woodland has stinging nettle where you might land your palms when your tripe.

Insect repellent protects your skin from stinging jungle insects.

Safari boots designed to negotiate wet, slippery paths and muddy conditions

sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects

In wilderness-friendly tones like brown or khaki, long pants and a sleeved shirt Bright hues like white, black, and blue might attract tsetse flies.

Extra batteries to swap out should one run low.

Two binoculars for better view.

First aid kit with wilderness emergency supplies.

Foldable water container to carry drinking water to satisfy thirst while gorilla trekking.

Pajamas suitable for the night as this part is chilly.

Flip flops for wear after gorilla treks

Extra clothing for the gorilla trekking

Sweater or poncha since the local temperature can dip to about 7 degrees centigrade.

Toiletries in case your lodging runs out or your skin is sensitive.