Why You Should Plan to Do Gorilla Habituation Experience In 2024-2025.

See why you should gorilla habituate in 2024–2025. Gorilla habituation has been a popular African safari since 2014. You have more time with mountain gorillas on the four-hour habituation experience. One-hour gorilla trekking safaris are typical.

The gorilla habituation experience involves four hours with a semi-habituated mountain gorilla family and a team of researchers.

You have more time with mountain gorillas in the gorilla habituation experience than in gorilla trekking.

Booking the gorilla habituation experience between 2024 and 2025 might mark 10 years since its start and create history. Be part of history and celebrate this feat with gorilla habituation.

Four guests max for the gorilla habituation experience, allowing enough space and a better view of the mountain gorillas.

During the gorilla habituation experience, you may encounter waterfalls, other primates, uncommon tree species only found in Virunga, a diversity of birds, and a vast network of rivers. Beyond seeing mountain gorillas, the gorilla habituation experience offers all you need for great wildlife photography and filming.

The gorilla habituation experience reveals forest operations and visitor secrets. Mountain gorillas behave like humans with 96% human DNA. Gorilla habituation lets you comprehend their lives and makes leaving difficult without feeling closer to them.

Where should 2024–2025 gorilla habitat experience take place?

Southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is having gorilla habituation. Two gorilla families are available for this trip, with four public bookings each day.

Travelers may spend four hours with researchers and trackers in the jungle to experience gorilla habituation.

The cost of a Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit?

Gorilla habituation costs 750000shs for East Africans, $1500 for foreign non-residents, and $1000 for foreign residents.

Gorilla permits include government taxes, a certificate, four hours with mountain gorillas, local community aid, researcher expenditures, ranger guide fees, security, conservation, and more.

Porter job, accommodation, transportation, and food are exempt from gorilla habituation costs.

Worth the Gorilla Habituation Experience price?

A gorilla habituation permit is worth every dime. The globe respects mountain gorillas, a vulnerable primate. You’re lucky since gorilla families can only have four visitors. Gorilla habituation keeps gorillas semi-habituated, which helps conservation.

Purchase of a gorilla permit funds mountain gorilla preservation. This followed American primatologist Dian Fossey’s 1980s mountain gorilla census. However, the census found 300 mountain gorillas worldwide. Mountain gorillas are among the rarest and most endangered apes. Sales of gorilla permits and packages have raised the mountain gorilla numbers over 1000.

When should Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari be booked?

Booking gorilla permits is necessary to verify gorilla habituation. Some travelers seek gorilla permits six months to a year in advance because to their restricted availability. The world can book two gorilla families, but each family can only have four habituation permits.

Gorillas may live year-round, although the dry season—June, July, August, September, December, and January—is most popular. Virunga is notable for its yearly precipitation, yet the dry season may be less humid.

Why You Should Plan to Do Gorilla Habituation Experience In 2024-2025.

Even woodland roads are easier to walk on since the dense canopy lets more light dry the logged water. In dry seasons, rivers flow, preventing water overflow that causes mud. Mountain gorillas and other forest dwellers roam freely and near to the earth. The dry season simplifies mountain gorilla viewing.

Gorilla permit demand drops during Uganda’s low tourist season in March, April, May, and November, the rainy season. Most service providers try to break even this season, but last-minute gorilla permits are more likely if you plan to travel on a budget but have superior lodging and transportation.

Does the Gorilla Habituation Experience have an age limit?

Only those 15 and older may habituate gorillas. This matched Virunga’s volcanic mountains. Hiking to the hills or deep valley where mountain gorillas may be may be tough for children under 15.

A child under 15 may not comprehend gorilla habituation rules at first. Mountain gorillas may emit adrenaline. Visitors are expected to show signs of products, although children under 15 may not refuse. A child may create noise in the bush in front of mountain gorillas, frightening them and making them hide. The regulations prohibit this.

Do Mountain Gorillas Aggress During Habituation?

Though intimidating, mountain gorillas are peaceful primates. Mountain gorillas with sunken brown eyes have scary dark-furred bodies. Spending time with mountain gorillas reveals their essence. Shy and quiet primates.

This does not mean you encourage or imitate them since your message may be unclear. Mountain gorillas anger by hooting, chest-thumping, dragging grass, and more.

Don’t run away—this might ignite a forest stampede. Wait for the ranger guide to diagnose the issue, then crawl and try alternative methods.

After your time with the mountain gorillas, exit quietly to avoid notice. Mountain gorillas are sensitive primates that want to assert their dominance in the wild, thus follow gorilla habituation recommendations. Have fun with the gorilla family without touching the infants, even if they approach. Though active and adventurous, babies and juveniles should not be handled.

Are Tedious Gorillas habituated?

Gorilla habituation is exhausting due to the terrain. Volcanic activity formed hills and plateaus in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Mountain gorillas may feed on these heights, but sometimes their starting points are distant in the lowlands and you must descend. Maybe you have to walk to see mountain gorillas.

You may need some fitness to complete the gorilla habituation challenge.

Does my Gorilla Habituation Experience need a Porter?

Yes, if you need affordable gorilla habituation equipment. A Uganda Wildlife Authority-hired porter can assist you carry your belongings while hunting and staying among mountain gorillas.

Gear may slow you down while searching for mountain gorillas, but you must know when. The porter may push you when fatigued.

Hiring a porter is one way to give back to the community. They live with this money instead of searching for the forest.

Safe Gorilla Habituation

The gorilla habituation experience is safe since these mountain gorillas were acclimated before public access. Mountain gorillas may behave strangely during habituation because they are natural yet not panicked. With knowledge about mountain gorilla features and how to overcome them, researchers can assist you through the procedure.

Follow gorilla habituation instructions from the briefing.

The gorilla habituation team includes ranger guides with at least two directions and emergency kit like a knife and rifle. Rangers carry a radio call to stay in touch with ground security in case of backup.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National territory Security and other Ugandan security forces maintain law and order within and beyond the territory.

Not entering the forest without a ranger guidance and staying near to the people’s habituation will help you avoid getting lost. Keeping your valuables concealed may attract the wrong business.

Encounter Africa Safaris offers a selection of gorilla habitat experience safaris, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options. Since gorilla habituation spans all safari packages, its costs are higher.

As previously stated, gorilla habituation experience permits cost $1500. To calculate the cost of a gorilla habituation experience safari, we consider the number of days, the itinerary, additional activities, certified companions, and others.

Planning a team-building safari to trek gorillas in Rwanda.

arranging a Rwandan gorilla safari for teambuilding. Planning a team-building safari and looking for the best gorilla tracking location? Rwanda is a renowned African safari destination because to its mountain gorillas. Rwanda, renowned as the nation of a thousand hills, boasts some of the best safari spots. Rwanda’s northwestern Volcanoes National Park, which borders Uganda and the DRC, is one of the only two countries that allows gorilla trekking.

Volcanoes National Park includes 400 vulnerable mountain gorillas in 15 habituated groups for hiking. Gorilla trekking, also known as gorilla tracking, involves searching Volcanoes National Park’s dense forests for gorillas and spending an hour with each group.

Early morning gorilla tracking starts with a guide briefing on the walk, regulations, and laws, followed by gorilla family assignments. The journey starts immediately, so anybody who feels sick should cancel. After finding the gorillas, each party spends one hour with them. It may take one to six hours, depending on the family.

Team building is about worker well-being, thus the best way to acknowledge it is Rwanda’s safari destinations, like Volcanoes National Park, provide several activities. Volcanoes provide various activities than gorilla monitoring; visiting local villages helps one comprehend their culture. You may ride safaris, participate in the Kwita Izina rite, and see golden monkeys on volcanic cycling pathways.

About Rwandan gorilla trekking

One may encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo via trekking. Before Dian Fossey studied and preserved gorillas, they were a prime poaching target and almost extinct. When planning a team-building gorilla trek safari, you should consider the cost, rules and regulations, the gorilla permit used to reach the primates, and more. Knowing these will prepare you for your Rwandan gorilla team-building excursion.

Bring what for the gorilla safari team-building trip?

Know what you’re carrying for your Rwanda gorilla safari to enjoy it. We’ll cover important gorilla excursion things below.

Clothes: You must dress appropriately for a jungle or unknown place. Instead of jeans, wear long-sleeved shirts and lightweight trousers. The extra fabric on your clothes keeps you warm and protects you from bug bites and scratches while walking. Strong colors attract attention, thus gorilla safari clothes should be neutral.

To keep away mosquitoes, pants are tucked into stockings while walking. Thick long socks keep you warm.
Strong, waterproof, natural ankle-length walking shoes are recommended for gorilla tours.
Dry and wet seasons need gaiters to protect against dirt, water, dust, and insects. Get adjustable walkers.
At least one liter of refillable water and snacks for the stroll.

Safari gear should include binoculars, a camera, and other necessary instruments. Make sure your storage memory doesn’t run out when photography.

Rwandan gorilla hiking guidelines

After seeing gorillas, trekkers must stay seven meters away. The distance prevents tourists from touching and infecting gorillas.
Only eight tourists may trek a gorilla family. The statistics are limited to help gorillas.
Sick or injured guests should volunteer to stop to rescue the gorillas. Mountain gorillas are prone to illnesses, which may affect the entire family.

Planning a team-building safari to trek gorillas in Rwanda
You must collect rubbish to keep the park clean and gorillas safe.
All hike groups spend an hour with gorillas after finding them. The hour was designed to not disrupt behavior; if they were upset, it would be cut short.

Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited within 300 meters of gorillas. The guides may also decide whether resting and eating are safe.
Rwandan hikers must be 15 years old. This was because kids may break hiking rules and are harder to handle.

When you need the toilet, dig a 30-centimeter hole and cover it.
Flash is prohibited while photographing gorillas.

Rwandan gorilla permit

Every gorilla hiker needs a Rwanda Development Board-issued written authorization. Only with permission can you visit the gorillas. To secure dates, gorilla permits must be booked early due to high demand.

Rwandan gorilla permits cost $1500 per person for one hour. You may purchase it from the Rwanda Development Board, a travel operator, using the same process. After speaking with the tour operator, you’ll be asked for your group’s preferred dates and passport details to confirm availability. After confirmation, you will be emailed and requested to pay for the appointment.

After confirmation of payment using the company’s bank details, permits are booked and acquired and evidence is delivered to you. If you don’t pay the permission fee, no sales will occur.

Rwanda offers 10% discounts to Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park tourists to stimulate tourism. Visitors before and after conferences get discounts on bulk gorilla trip permits.

When to acquire gorilla permits is a common question. To properly plan your Rwanda gorilla trekking team-building safari, get permits six months in advance.

Price of gorilla safari

The cost of a gorilla safari depends on numerous factors. Safari prices depend on various factors, including:

Travel time.
Total touring group size.
Modification.
Days of the gorilla safari.
Gorilla allowance.
Luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels abound near Volcanoes National Park. Your choice determines Safari pricing. There are luxury hotels and budget or mid-range hotels if you want to go full out without spending.

Large gorilla safaris are cheaper than smaller ones. When traveling in larger groups, expenditures are split, making the trip cheaper. This differs in smaller groups or alone.

Days spent on a gorilla safari affect its cost. Remember that the more days you spend on your Safari, the more you pay, and the less you spend, the cheaper it is. A three-day gorilla trek safari is recommended.

Travel season affects Safari’s pricing. Gorilla hiking has two seasons: wet/low and dry, or peak. Peak/dry season (June–September and December–January) is great for trekking. Still, the rainy season (October to November and March to May) is the best time for budget travelers, although service providers raise prices due to the high number of tourists.

Safaris to Rwanda offer other team-building activities.

In addition to gorilla tracking and safaris, Rwanda organizes additional activities.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, on the Rwanda-DRC border, is the best place to see chimpanzees and over 13 permit species, including baboons, vervet monkeys, gray-cheeked Mangabeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Canopy hiking, birdwatching, monkey tracking, and chimpanzee habituation are all available at Nyungwe.

Game drives at Akagera National Park are another method to see animals. Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Savannah Park, has bush deer, hippos, zebras, impalas, crocodiles, and oribis. Birdwatching and Akagera River boat rides are additional options.

A gorilla team-building adventure in Rwanda: where to stay?
Prices vary from $100 to $1,000 per night for Volcanoes National Park’s budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels.

Safari hotel alternatives include Five Volcanoes Hotel, Davinci Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Bisate Lodge, Virunga Volcano Lodge, Faraji Hotel, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, La Palm Hotel, Kinigi Hotel, and Mountain View Mountain Gorilla View Hotel.

When should a Rwandan team-building gorilla safari happen?

Rwanda’s dry months of June–September and December–February are ideal for team-building gorilla treks. This time of year, gorillas are abundant. Walking pathways are easy in the dry season, unlike in March–May and October–November, when mud and rain make hiking difficult.

Call us immediately to book your team-building safari.

How many days do you need for gorilla and chimp trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla and chimp trekking: Rwandan gorilla and chimpanzee hikes: how long? Rwanda attracts travelers year-round for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Nearly 90% of Rwandan safari travelers visit Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorillas and Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzees.

Visitors often question how long itu takes to view both species in one trip. A combined gorilla and chimpanzee trek safari should last at least four days, but five is better to allow for additional safari activities.

Schedule a 5-day Rwandan hiking trip with Gorilla and chimp trekking

Trek through Rwanda’s woods for five days to see gorillas and chimpanzees. First, we’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to Nyungwe Forest National Park for canopy walking and chimpanzee trekking. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park will conclude our trip.

What safari fees cover

Accommodation
Bottled water
Transfers from/to the airport
Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking and 4×4 permit.
Driving companion who speaks English
The park charges admission.
Items not included in safari pricing.
Getting dressed Insurance Visas
Expensive drinks
Individual purchases
Tips
Flight vouchers

Kigali-Nyungwe Forest National Park: Day One
Our driving guide will pick you up from Kigali International Airport after a brief welcome and safari area orientation. A stop at Kigali’s Genocide Memorial Centre will precede your transportation to Nyungwe National Park.

After arriving in Nyungwe in the afternoon, explore the Gisakura Tea Estate after lunch and check-in. At the tea estate, you may drink fresh coffee and learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, and processing. After seeing Gisakura, we’ll eat and stay at the lodge.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
After a full breakfast, you’ll be taken to the park headquarters for a briefing and separated into eight groups to hike with the chimpanzees. Make sure you’re on time to start the walk at 8:00 am with a lead guide. The family’s travel to Nyungwe’s 80 habituated chimpanzee groups may take one to six hours, depending on their location.

How many days do you need for gorilla and chimp trekking in Rwanda?

You spend an hour with the chimpanzees after finding them. You could witness baboons, red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys. Before the next activity, you will be taken to a safe place to have your lunch or rest at the lodge.

After lunch, go to the Uwinka center for our canopy stroll. Nyungwe’s canopy walk, East Africa’s longest at 160 meters and 70 meters above sea level is thrilling. The trip has three phases, so height-phobics may start slowly. This walk offers aerial views of Nyungwe.

Return to the resort for dinner and overnight after the climb.

Day 3 Volcanoes National Park Transfer | Gorilla and chimp trekking

On Day 3, our last day in Nyungwe, we will check out of the lodge and visit Volcanoes National Park after breakfast. In Volcanoes National Park, have lunch at our resort and then climb to Twin Lakes with a guide. After that, we’ll have dinner and stay at the lodge before hiking the next day.

Day 4: Gorilla hiking and Iby’iwacu culture.
A morning meal at the lodge will allow us to visit the national park. After learning about the trek’s rules, you’ll be assigned to gorilla families and separated into eight groups. The park hikes depend on your family.

The duration of the trip depends on numerous factors, including walking speed and gorilla tracking time. You discover the gorillas, spend an hour with them, then return to headquarters. After lunch and leisure, you may get your gorilla trekking and conservation certificates.

Our gorilla expedition ended with an Iby’iwacu culture visit. Near the national park, the hamlet helps rehabilitate poachers and offers them alternate means of livelihood. Meet the people, get to know them, and return to the lodge for dinner and the night after viewing ethnic dances and listening to traditional music.

Day 5: Kigali Transfer/Departure
After breakfast, your guide will drive you to Kigali. Your five-day Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee tour ends with transport to the airport or your hotel.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s lone gorilla trekking destination is Volcanoes National Park, a two- or three-hour drive from Kigali International Airport. Over fifteen habituated families and 400 gorillas live in the national park. Volcanoes gorilla trekking is available year-round, however December–February and June–September are the driest.

Mountain gorilla hiking requires a permit since no other identification will get you in. Whoever buys permission sets the price. Non-resident foreigners pay $1500, Africans $500, and EAC nationals $300. Visitors who register in advance for Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park get a 10% discount, while conference attendees who book in bulk enjoy savings.

Two to six hours may be needed to hike gorillas, depending on the family. However, you must first attend a lecture where they explain trekking rules, including the fact that no more than eight people may visit a gorilla family each day. No sick people should go gorilla trekking. If you see gorillas, stay seven meters away and don’t ruin the national park. You’ll spend an hour with them, so remain calm. You may eat and drink at certain places, but not near the gorillas.

Rwanda’s USD15000 exclusive gorilla trekking expensive.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda | Volcanoes National Game Park

Gorilla and chimp trekking: Other activities on a Volcanoes National Park gorilla trek safari include:

Visiting the Iby’iwacu village: This community was founded to protect and employ former poachers who now conserve gorillas. Friendly villagers will help you carry your things while you tour the hamlet. They’ll also demonstrate Kinyarwanda music and dancing.

The president of Rwanda and other dignitaries attend Kwita Izina annually. Founded to preserve gorillas from poaching and increase their number, it names baby animals.

Golden monkeys and birds are abundant at Volcanoes National Park, making it an excellent site to view them. Just follow the bamboo shoots left behind to trek them. Birdwatching during the rainy season is an excellent method to view migratory species.

Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park chimpanzee hike

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most popular chimpanzee trekking destination, second only to gorilla trekking. Chimpanzee tracking involves traveling through the jungle for one to six hours to discover habituated groups. Chimpanzee walk safaris in Nyungwe allow visitors to see thirteen primate species. At Nyungwe Park’s chimpanzee habituation experience, you may observe them more.

When arranging a Nyungwe chimpanzee trek safari, consider the permit costs, trip rules, and ideal timing.

Rwanda Development Board hike permits are the only way to see chimpanzees. Tourists must buy permits in advance to climb the two chimpanzee families. EAC citizens pay $25, non-residents $250, and international residents $75. Entering the park costs $60 for foreign residents, $10 for East African Community members, $60 for African nationals, and $100 for non-resident foreigners.

You should also know trekking tips. While trekking with chimpanzees, you must keep a 7-meter distance, not eat or drink, not touch or smoke them, not use all-flash photography, not trek if you’re sick, cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough, spend no more than an hour with them, and trek in groups of no more than eight people.

The following activities are available at Nyungwe National Park. | Gorilla and chimp trekking

Visitors visiting the country for chimpanzee treks increasingly look forward to the canopy walk. The canopy trek is unsurpassed in East Africa at 160 kilometers and 74 meters above sea level. The canopy walk, which gives you a bird’s-eye view of the national park and lets you observe baboons, chimpanzees, monkeys, and birds, takes two to three hours.

The Gisakura tea estate outside the national park is a famous Rwandan attraction. Touring tea plantations lets you experience the whole process from seed to completed product. A hot cup of tea will be served along the route.

You may hike around Nyungwe Forest National Park on one of its numerous pathways. The waterfall walk is the most popular hike since it takes you through the forest to numerous beautiful waterfalls with spectacular views. Longer, half-day guided nature tours allow you to see numerous birds and primates.

Safari necessities for Rwandan gorilla and chimpanzee trekking

When trekking around chimpanzees or gorillas, pack similar gear. Because you will be trekking through nearly identical terrains filled with bushes and trees, a first aid kit, neutral-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts, pants, ankle-length hiking boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sunhat, sunglasses, a camera, a flashlight, a waterproof backpack, a waterproof raincoat, a poncho or warm sweater, additional batteries, and snacks are essential.

Contact us for a customized itinerary and more information on our ultimate Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trek safari. Questions? Our staff can assist.

What to expect on a gorilla trek in Mgahinga National Park.

The dirt on Mgahinga National Park gorilla travel. Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga, borders two other Virunga parks, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and a DR Congo park. If they follow gorilla trek standards, guests may view one gorilla family daily. The lush rainforest of Mgahinga National Park is home to over 100 bird species, gorillas, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and other primates.

It takes at least six months to obtain a gorilla permit in Mgahinga to hike with the Nyakagezi family, the only ones permitted in the park, like in Bwindi. Eight permits are provided daily at Mgahinga, and they are in high demand during peak season, the best time to go gorilla trekking. According to tourist categories, gorilla trekking costs 300,000 UGX for Ugandans and other East Africans, $800 for non-resident tourists, and $700 for foreigners.

Guides at Mgahinga National Park’s headquarters advise tourists on the sole gorilla trekking session each day. You might expect the following when gorilla trekking in Mgahinga:

Depending on the family’s location on the day of the trip, you may spend more than five hours trekking with gorillas or less than an hour.
Visitors should bring bug repellant and long-sleeved clothes since the park has many butterflies and insects.

Rainstorms are possible year-round in a tropical rainforest. Even in dry weather, pack a raincoat.
Our gorilla search will take us off the beaten path.
Rainy season paths are muddier.

Visitors to Mgahinga National Park should be in excellent health since gorilla trekking takes a long time and incorporates different terrain.

Gorilla trekking prep

On hiking day, people have great hopes, yet anything may happen in a forest. Just know it will be a fun and memorable day. After breakfast and a briefing at the park headquarters, the trip may start at 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. if allocation is confirmed. For the safety of everyone, tour leaders emphasize gorilla trekking practices.

To identify the gorilla family, rangers and guides communicate during the trip. Once you arrive, you photograph and video the gorilla family for an hour, studying their customs. Never forget to tip porters or guides.

Gorilla Trekking Tours to Ugandas Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park
Gorilla Trekking Tours to Uganda Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park

Gorilla hiking rules in Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Gorillas are threatened by poaching by indigenous peoples who live in and around the national park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has made legislation to preserve them. The following policies help maintain the park and conserve gorilla habitat:

Visitors are 7–10 meters from gorillas. This precaution is used to prevent human-gorilla conflict, which is rare.
Trekking gorillas needs 15 years of age.
Don’t turn on the lights while photographing gorillas—they run away.
Food and alcohol are strictly prohibited around gorillas.
Even though gorillas seldom fight, if one approaches, bend down, lower your head, and slowly retreat. Give up sprinting.

No smoking around gorillas.
To avoid sickening the gorillas, dig a hole and cover it before urinating in Mgahinga.
A gorilla family may walk with eight people each day. This would reduce human-gorilla infections and disruptions to gorilla habits caused by large groups.

To protect the gorillas, it is best to offer to skip the trek if you become sick.
Trekking with gorillas requires quiet, gentle speech and no unexpected movements since they can read body language.
If you need to sneeze or cough, avoid monkeys.
No litter in Mgahinga National Park.

Gorilla trekking packing list | Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Since preparation is crucial to a good safari, what to pack on a Mgahinga gorilla walk should be your first consideration. You should pack minimally and intelligently for a gorilla trip. Some must-haves:

Except in emergencies, don’t carry much clothing. Avoid military camouflage, pack green or brown, blue for tsetse flies, and black for heat. To avoid mosquito bites and tree scratches, wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and jeans. Avoid jeans since they become bulky when wet.

Strong ankle-length hiking boots are essential for the walk. Though they don’t have to be new, they should be tight enough to avoid toe blisters, robust enough to withstand the hike’s slippery trails, and waterproof. The muddy and difficult terrain makes this gorilla walk unsafe in shoes or sandals.

Bring lots of big, soft socks and gaiters since pants are commonly tucked up to keep bugs out. They keep you toasty and nettle-free on cold mornings. We propose adjustable gaiters for wet weather.

Safaris need phones, cameras, and binoculars. A camera, cleaning equipment, binoculars, extra lenses, and batteries are included. It’s encouraged to carry a camera, however experienced guides will help first-timers.

Wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat since it may be hot.

Eco-friendly toilet paper and wipes

Raincoats and bulky sweaters should be added to your wardrobe for chilly nights and wet weather.

Gardening gloves will protect your hands when hiking with gorillas. You may use gardening gloves to climb vines and branches on this trek.

Hiking using a daypack may let you carry all your things without weighing you down. For the trek, bring a refillable water bottle, wet wipes, cameras, binoculars, toilet paper, sunscreen, bug repellent, personal hygiene items, and anything else you need.

Bring any insect repellant that keeps insects away. In case you need to reapply while hiking, pack it.

Bring a first aid kit containing painkillers, bandages, plasters, spirit, iodine, and any other drugs your doctor recommends. Most tour guides carry an emergency first aid kit.

What to expect on a gorilla trek in Mgahinga National Park

More Mgahinga Gorilla Park activities

The main attraction of Mgahinga is gorilla trekking, although safari-goers may also do other activities.

Mgahinga is well known for gorilla trekking, although golden monkey trekking is second. As the inquisitive golden monkeys hunt for food and water, you have a fascinating and amusing experience. Walking with golden monkeys is easier than with mountain gorillas since they live at lower heights. The park’s new golden monkey habitat is open year-round.

Trekking lasts three to six hours, depending on where your golden monkeys are. Players with golden coats, and golden monkeys may be found anywhere on the body. Follow all golden monkey hiking rules. Must have Golden Monkey Trekking Permit. Post-hiking, visitors must spend an hour with the monkeys, stay 7 meters away, and not use flash photography.

While on a gorilla safari in Mgahinga, guests should follow the Batwa track, which is thrilling. To protect the gorillas, the Batwa people—pygmies—were forced out of the national park, but tourists may now meet them. Batwa Path will notify you whether you’ve encountered any forest residents or walked through the forest.

You’ll view exhibits describing the Batwa people’s forest living, hunting excursions, and warriors’ protection and search for food, water, and medicine as you go down the route. Visitors may learn about Batwa culture and lifestyle on the Batwa walk, developed by knowledgeable Batwa people.

Batwa guides accompany tourists down the Batwa walkway, which opened on June 11, 2011, and attempts to conserve the endangered Batwa culture. Although June–September and December–February are the driest, you may trek the path year-round.

You may witness around 184 bird species at Mginahga National Park year-round. Among the birds in Mgahinga are the cape robin chat, gorgeous francolin, white star robin, and western green tinker bird. Best for birding are March–June and October–November, the rainiest months.

A natural hike in Mgahinga is amazing. Birds, trees, and monkeys may be seen at the national park. Going into nature this way is fantastic.

Mgahinga Wildness Lodging 

Mgahinga hotels are basic/budget, mid-range, or premium. Reservations are advised during July–September’s peak season. Stay at the Mount Gahinga Lodge, Montana Guest House, Virunga Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mucha Hotel, or Community Camping at Mgahinga, an hour away.

Visitors to Mgahinga National Park may enjoy gorilla safaris, learn a lot, and conduct some study. Please contact us for help organizing a gorilla trekking trip to Mgahinga or one of our other year-round sites.

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda on your wedding anniversary.

Trekking gorillas in Rwanda on your wedding anniversary: Rwanda is a top African safari location for gorilla treks. Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC provide gorilla trekking. Volcanoes National Park in Virunga is Rwanda’s gorilla trekking location.

How to plan to see gorillas in Uganda during the winter break.

See gorillas in Uganda: What better way to spend the world’s most beloved holiday—Christmas—and winter break than with the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda? We can assist you in planning the ideal safari to Uganda, home to half of the world’s gorilla population.

As long as you have the appropriate knowledge, planning a Uganda winter break gorilla safari is easy. Learn about mountain gorillas, what to anticipate, and the destination country. You must know these things to have a good safari.

Uganda offers two gorilla trek destinations.

Bwindi or Mgahinga. Choose one for your safari. Mgahinga, Nyakagezi, and Bwindi, with 19 habituated gorilla families, are in southern Uganda. Bwindi is perfect for crowd-tolerant gorilla enthusiasts who seek a unique experience. Mgahinga is less crowded.

When to go

Winter break is Uganda’s dry season, and Christmas brings enormous throngs of hikers. Permits sell out quickly, so book safaris and permits early. After choosing dates, contact Encounter to schedule your safari.

Where can I for for gorilla trekking in Uganda during winter break? | See gorillas in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park provide gorilla trekking in Uganda. Both southern Ugandan national parks offer distinct gorilla trekking experiences. Though Bwindi and Mgahinga permit charges are identical, your option depends on your trip intentions.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southern Uganda is the principal gorilla trekking destination in Uganda, with half the world’s gorilla population. Trek Bwindi’s habituated gorilla groups from Nkuringo, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Rushaga. Each area includes distinct gorilla families.

Mgahinga National Park, in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a famous safari destination because of the Nyakagezi gorilla family. It offers Uganda’s only golden monkey trekking. Mgahinga gorilla hikes are easier than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ones. Secluded gorilla trekking is ideal for travelers who want fewer people. Mgahinga National Park houses over 10% of the world’s gorillas.

Top destinations for gorilla trekking.
Top destinations for gorilla trekking.

Trekking expectations | See gorillas in Uganda

You may wonder what to anticipate on a Ugandan gorilla safari. The experience depends on the trekker, but it’s a thrilling and great experience everyone should have.

After breakfast, a lead guide will review hiking restrictions at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you’ll be allocated gorilla families in Bwindi by sector (based on booking). If you are unfit, ask for a shorter or gentler hike and cancel if you become ill.

Following group assignment, the trip begins with a guide and porters for those who require them and lasts 2–6 hours, depending on family location. You shouldn’t worry about not seeing the gorillas in Uganda since it’s never occurred.

After finding the gorilla family, you spend an hour with them learning about their human interactions and taking photographs and movies. Return to the headquarters for a certificate of participation after one hour. Anxious gorillas may cut the hour short.

Gorilla permits in Uganda.

Uganda Wildlife Authority and travel operators sell gorilla licenses. Uganda no longer reduces low-season permits, so reserving one at least six months before winter break is best. UWA determines gorilla permit prices according to visitor type, making them lower than Rwanda.

East African natives pay 300,000 ugx for a gorilla permit, while international residents pay $700 and non-residents $800. The Rushaga sector gorilla habituation costs $1500 per person and allows you four hours with the gorilla groups. Permits cost the same wherever you get them.

Contact the tour provider to get a permit, then provide your passport information, name, and birthdate, and pick your winter break trekking days. The tour provider verifies the availability of your preferred dates. After confirmation, you’ll be provided dates and payment instructions.

To prevent scams, understand that no purchase will be performed without full payment. Pay the corporate bank account, not yours. After payment is verified, the permits will be purchased and a copy delivered to you for evidence. If the tour organization arranges the full safari, fees are due three weeks in advance.

Gorilla permits are non-refundable unless you observe no gorillas while unusual hiking.

How to plan to see gorillas in Uganda during the winter break.

Ugandan gorilla trekking rules

Your safari will begin with a list of rules and instructions to follow. It’s crucial to understand and follow Uganda’s gorilla conservation guidelines.

After finding and communicating with gorillas, each party spends an hour with them. Gorilla habituation lets you spend more time with gorillas. After purchase, the gorilla habituation permit cannot be switched to regular gorilla trekking.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority set a 15-year age restriction for gorilla trekking to safeguard primates.
A maximum of 8 trekkers may see a gorilla family each day. Gorillas are highly overwhelmed, thus only 8 people are allowed.
After meeting gorillas, avoid rapid movements and loudness. Gorillas’ stillness and noise may be seen as an assault.
Gorillas cannot be photographed with a flash.
Sick people, particularly those with sickness and cough, cannot journey with others.
If you need to cough or sneeze when among gorillas, turn aside and cover your mouth and nose.
Trekkers must always keep 7 meters from gorillas.

Uganda gorilla trek winter break attire

Without proper attire, walking in a thick forest is difficult. Uganda’s brief dry season in winter requires proper attire for gorilla treks. Comfortable clothes are needed for the endless trip to find the gorillas. Trekking attire is listed below.

Strong, durable hiking boots. These should be ankle-length, waterproof, and durable for muddy treks.
Long-sleeved shirts keep you warm and prevent mosquito bites and scratches.
Dust, dirt, and water may damage the upper legs, hence gaiters are necessary.
Light hiking pants. Walk in the forest with varied bugs and shrubs, so avoid shorts. Also, avoid hiking in jeans.
Trekkers must wear long socks over their pants.
Any additional clothes, undershirts, etc.
Gardening gloves help prevent thorns, tree scrapes, and blisters when hiking over challenging terrain.
A raincoat or windbreaker
Warm jacket.
Winter vacation essentials Safari gorilla trek
You should prepare for any Uganda safari since you don’t want to be under or over-packed. Safari baggage is essential, and so is gorilla trekking gear in Uganda.

Use insect repellant and sunblock.
A camera with additional batteries, lenses, tripod, lens cleaning, and a waterproof bag.
Binoculars
Rehydration salts
Refillable water bottle
A walking stick is available at the start of the hike.
snacks
A flashlight and additional batteries
Waterproof bag
First Aid Kit.

Ugandan gorilla trek accommodations

When arranging a Uganda gorilla trek safari, there are several hotel alternatives for guests. Some basic/budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations exist in the national park, while others are in adjacent towns. Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, Haven Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Nkuringo Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge are among the lodgings.

Reaching Ugandan gorilla trek sites

Bwindi and Mgahinga are accessible by road or air. Traveling to national parks by car is the most popular since it’s affordable and fun. The journey to the national parks takes 9–10 hours, including stops at the Equator monument and lunch in Mbarara. After driving the first day, you arrive at the parks late evening for supper and a motel overnight. Although pricey, flying takes one hour and 45 minutes and is the best way to go. Domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip may be chartered in advance.

Contact our safari advisors immediately to organize your trip.

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