Bwindi Mountain Gorilla trekking Safaris

A tale about gorilla trekking in Africa would be lacking without including safaris to see the Bwindi mountain gorillas and similar adventures. In Africa, you may see mountain gorillas in one of four protected areas.

These mountain gorillas are permitted to roam freely in Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. Because half of the world’s mountain gorillas call Bwindi Impenetrable National Park home, we feel compelled to provide you with all the information you need to plan a successful mountain gorilla trekking safari or tour.

Safaris and excursions to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda

The districts of Kanungu, Rubanda, and Kisoro all share the southern Ugandan Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to more than half of the world’s wild mountain gorillas, who were once considered endangered, as shown by the most recent census.

Are habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi your goal? Do you want to know where to get the most affordable and worthwhile Bwindi gorilla tours? Kindly submit a request, and we will provide you with the necessary guidance.

Discover the wonders of Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking on our official website!

Affordable Bwindi gorilla safari packages are available from Katland Safaris. You have the option to begin and finish your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari in either Entebbe or Kigali. If you are interested in flying into Entebbe, our Gorilla tours to Bindi, Gorillas and Chips, Game, and Water Rafting are available for 3 days, 5 days, and 5 days, respectively. If you are interested in Gorilla Habituation, click here.

While trekking with the Bwindi mountain gorillas, some of our guests opt to fly into Kigali. This is a list of some of the GORILLA TREKKING SAFARIS FROM KIGALI that we recommend: a 2-day safari, a 3-day safari, a 5-day safari with game and chimpanzees, and tailor-made safaris that may last up to a month.

Safari permits for hiking with Bwindi’s gorillas

To begin planning a gorilla safari to any of Uganda’s national parks, including Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safaris, one must first consider making a reservation or obtaining a gorilla permit. Everything you need to know about reserving a mountain gorilla family is right here.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues gorilla permits, which enable visitors to spend one hour in the company of habituated mountain gorillas in their native environment. In addition to spending an hour with habituated mountain gorillas, the same gorilla ticket covers the services of a ranger guide who speaks English, the protection of tourists in Bwindi, and the use of early-morning trackers.

Katland Safaris makes it easy to book your gorilla permits when you purchase an all-inclusive Bwindi mountain gorilla trekking safari. In the case that you get in touch with us, we will see to it that your gorilla permits are reserved, checked for availability, and then purchased.

Booking and paying for your gorilla permit is the only way to ensure that you will be able go gorilla trekking. Also, the Uganda Wildlife Authority sells and issues gorilla licenses on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve a gorilla permit, just let us know when you would like to come, and we will check with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to determine the availability of permits for that specific day. In order to proceed with the payment process, we will inform you promptly after we determine if the day you have chosen has the necessary gorilla permits.

Due to Katland Safaris’ round-the-clock access to the database of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, where we can see all available spaces in each area, we can do this. We will inform you of other dates when permits are available if we discover that none are available.

After we confirm the dates for your booking, we will send you an invoice for the amount that needs to be paid in order to get your gorilla permit. A scanned copy of your Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit will be sent to you for your records and inspection once you purchase it. We will visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority to get your printed gorilla permits, which you will need to submit on the day of your walk.

Safari areas in southern Uganda and home to the Bwindi mountain gorillas

Among the greatest tropical rainforests in East Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to four distinct areas where one may go trekking with gorillas. You may hike with gorillas in four distinct areas, each of which is in a separate part of the forest and home to a unique habituated gorilla family. Rushaga and Nkuringo are to the south, Ruhija is to the east, and Buhoma is to the north.

You will be advised by Katland Safaris when you book your gorilla permits which area has permits and where you will be trekking. Reason being different regions sell gorilla permits. The area you will be trekking in has an effect on both the gorilla family you will encounter and the lodges you will stay at throughout your gorilla trek.

By reserving a Rushaga gorilla permit, you may spend the night in a resort or campground in either Rushaga or Kisoro town and embark on a hike with one of the numerous habituated mountain gorillas in the area.

Staying in Nkuringo and trekking with Rushaga mountain gorillas is another option. Depending on your interests and level of fitness, Katland Safaris will either book you into the location of your choice or provide you with trekking recommendations.

When is the best time to plan a safari to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi?

It is highly recommended that anybody interested in scheduling a Bwindi mountain gorilla safari or any other safari with Katland Safaris do so well in advance. It is recommended to make your reservations for the Bwindi gorilla trip at least four to five months or a year in advance. Because gorilla permits sell out fast, we highly recommend that you plan your Bwindi visit well in advance to avoid missing out.

The gorilla trekking permits that are needed to embark on these adventures sell out quickly, especially during the peak months of June, July, August, December, January, and February. During the off-season months of March, April, May, November, and October, there are usually plenty of permits available for booking at any time. Having said that, if gorilla permits are still available, Katland excursions may still organize last-minute gorilla trekking excursions. At any moment, you may reach out to us.

The time of year that is ideal for a vacation to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

When planning a safari to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the topic of when is the ideal time to go constantly comes up. Because of Uganda’s consistently pleasant temperature, visitors are able to enjoy Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at any time of year.

Having said that, the best time to visit is during the dry season, when the rains are at their lowest, and gorilla trekking, the major attraction for tourists in the forest, is somewhat easier to pull off. Late June, July, August, and the beginning of September are the driest months in Uganda. During this time, a large number of Europeans go to Uganda to undertake gorilla trekking.

Although the dry season is ideal for a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, visitors should be aware that the park is located in an equatorial zone and that rain is possible at any time of day. You should not assume that just because you plan your gorilla trip during the dry season, you will be completely dry. Please be aware that gorilla permits are in high demand and sell out fast throughout the dry seasons of the year.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is supposedly more challenging and exhausting in the rainy months of March, April, October, and November; many visitors try to avoid going during those times. It becomes more difficult to walk to the gorillas when the grounds grow sleepy.

That being said, it’s worth mentioning that trekking gorillas during either the dry or rainy season increases your odds of seeing Bwindi mountain gorillas to 95%. So, be certain that when you take a vacation with Katland Safaris, you’ll definitely encounter mountain gorillas. Lodges and tour companies sometimes offer significant discounts during the off-season. Details on these deals may be obtained by contacting Katland Safaris.

By what percentage is it likely that I will encounter Bwindi mountain gorillas during my trek?

Undoubtedly, going on a gorilla trek is one of the most costly tourist activities on the planet. Spending an hour with mountain gorillas may cost as much as $700 or $800. Going for a gorilla habituation experience, which involves spending up to four hours with mountain gorillas who are still in the habituation process, adds another $500 to the price tag.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is already a costly destination without adding the expense of flying there from places like Europe, Asia, or the United States. Transportation to Bwindi by road, as well as lodging and food during the hike, are not included in the aforementioned. With all those costs, it’s important to know for sure that you’ll get to see gorillas before you book.

Katland Safaris is pleased to announce that all treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park now have a possibility of seeing mountain gorillas of more than 90%. The very structured nature of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park makes this a reality.

Typically, a team of very skilled trackers will get up at the crack of dawn to go into the bush in search of the sleeping quarters of the mountain gorilla family you are intended to see. Every nightfall, gorillas often relocate to a new area to build their nests. Starting from their sleeping spot, these UWA trackers will continue to follow the mountain gorillas. They will keep an eye on the gorillas and report any changes to park headquarters. Additionally, they will keep tabs on their whereabouts in order to notify the day’s guide of the habits of a certain gorilla family.

Your day begins with a briefing at the park headquarters in Bwindi at precisely 8:00 to 8:30 in the morning, followed by a trek into the bush in pursuit of the endangered mountain gorillas. If you continue on your journey, you will eventually reach the spot where these animals spent the night.

The gorillas’ whereabouts will be relayed to your guide by the trackers. Upon their discovery, you will devote one hour to the standard gorilla trekking experience and four hours to the habituation session. Your gorilla trekking certificate will be handed to you when you return. For this reason, the success rate of several Bwindi mountain gorilla excursions has always been 98%.

What would happen if the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park weren’t there?

Even though mountain gorilla sightings are more than 90% likely in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, many visitors have been disappointed when they did not spot any on their mountain gorilla trekking safaris or excursions. An inability to walk the lengthy distances required to search for these gorillas is one possible reason why people don’t see them.

Another reason is that they are too old or too unfit. We will not give you your money back just because you didn’t see the gorillas on your excursion. If, despite your best efforts, you are unable to locate these gorillas on your trek, UWA has the option to either reimburse your payment in accordance with their return policy or reschedule your trip for the following day.

Lodging options for your Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trek

All four of these areas are home to lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga are the locations of the lodges. Katland Safaris will suggest our top-rated budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges based on your interests and available money. We at Katland Safaris are able to get the finest and most affordable lodges in the area around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park because of our close relationships with these establishments.

To make sure you don’t arrive too late, we recommend staying at a hostel that is closer to the gorilla trek’s starting site. The standard recommendation is for two nights since you’ll need somewhere to stay both before and after the hike. Get in touch with us if you want to know more about our Bwindi gorilla trips.

Katland Safaris suggests a number of affordable lodges in Rwanda, including the Buhoma Community Rest Camp, the Ruhija Trekkers Tervan, the Buhoma Forest Camp, and the Rushaga Gorilla Haven. For the Buhoma area, we suggest Gorilla Sanctuary retreats; for the Nkuringo and Rushaga regions, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Nkuringo Mountain Gorilla Lodge; and for the Ruhija region, Bird Nest Lodge in Kabale. Each region also has its own selection of luxury lodges. You may read about the excellent service at most of the lodges suggested by Katland Safaris on the review site TripAdvisor.

Directions from Entebbe and Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Many different routes go to Bwindi, making it easy for anybody interested in mountain gorilla trekking excursions to reach the park. For those arriving by plane from Entebbe, the trip to either side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will take nine or ten hours. Along the route, you will pass through undulating hills, cattle fields, and the equator at Kayabwe.

Another alternative is to fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and then drive to Bwindi via the Gatuna or Chanika borders. Based on the stops you make along the way, the driving duration here might range from four to five hours. Ishasha is the gateway to the northern and eastern parts of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from Fort Portal or Kasese.

Katland Safaris may book your charter or scheduled flight from Entebbe/Kajansi to Kihihi or Kisoro if you’re interested in traveling to Bwindi. You will be transferred to your lodge in a specific part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road after an internal or domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi, which may take up to two hours.

Is there anything more I can do or see while visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

You won’t run out of things to see or do at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a great place to see monkeys, birds, and a variety of plants, in addition to trekking with gorillas.

Birdwatchers consider Bwindi a paradise because of the estimated 25 unique species that call it home. Batwa experiences, nature or forest walks, community walks, and waterfall hikes are some of the other things to do in and around Bwindi. Get in touch with us if you want to know how to combine gorilla trekking with community visits.

A vacation with Bwindi Mountain Gorillas: Why Should You Plan It?

When comparing Bwindi Mountain Gorilla National Park to other national parks that provide gorilla trekking, there are several advantages. More than half of the world’s mountain gorillas call Bwindi Impenetrable National Park home. In the four gorilla hiking zones of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, Bwindi still has the largest number of habituated mountain gorilla families.

The only place you can go on a gorilla habituation experience, where you get to spend up to four hours with mountain gorillas that are still in the habituation process, is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The fact that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located entirely inside Uganda, rather than in another country, is another perk compared to other mountain gorilla areas. Since there are other gorilla parks in Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is less affected by events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Important information for anyone planning to walk with Bwindi mountain gorillas

All those interested in reserving Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safaris should read these important points. First and foremost, be sure to reserve your gorilla permit well in advance. The minimum age to embark on a gorilla trek is fifteen years old. A letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority may increase the likelihood of a permit to go mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by 90% if the applicant is a physically fit 14-year-old who is about to become 15 years old.

Please see the gorilla permit cancellation policy and terms and conditions before purchasing. By familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions, you can be confident that you will be prepared for any eventuality. Get the lowdown on how to tip, what to wear, and which gorilla family you should see. You are more than welcome to get your gorilla trekking certificate after your journey is over. Get in touch with Katland Safaris at your earliest convenience for more information on gorilla trekking.

Why should you use Katland Safaris to plan your Bwindi Safari vacation and permits?

With offices in Rwanda and Uganda, Katland Safaris has been providing safaris for a decade. We have earned the confidence of many travelers by providing them with unforgettable experiences that have a positive impact on local communities and contribute to environmental protection. We have built a strong and dynamic field team of professionally trained guides throughout the years, in addition to our professional office staff.

Katland Safaris has evolved into a top tour operator for unforgettable safaris to Rwanda and Uganda because of their skilled and efficient office and field staff. We are proud to provide a gateway that we hope will address most of your inquiries about Rwanda and Uganda.

Our primary focus is on primate and gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda, but we do our best to cover all aspects of these safaris in our articles. Every review, good or bad, for Katland Safaris, is much welcomed on the worldwide review sites TripAdvisor and SafariBooking.

Even a critical review may teach us something about how to better serve our customers in the future. The more positive feedback we receive on TripAdvisor, the more motivated we are. Please get in touch with us so that we can arrange your safari to Rwanda and Uganda.