Reasons to visit Lake Mburo National Park – Uganda Wildlife Safaris

Visit Lake Mburo National Park. Nearly all Uganda safaris to the western region of the country start at Lake Mburo National Park. It takes approximately three to four hours to drive the 228 kilometers from Entebbe Airport to Lake Mburo.

Lake Mburo is the best place to visit for a game park tour in Uganda.

Lake Mburo National Park’s wildlife is made up of grassy escarpments that stretch from the beach to the cassia forest fringe. The park features rocky slopes, grassland, aquatic habitat, and taller mixed woods.

There are grassy valley floors in the park’s northern section that get moist during the intense rainy seasons and stretch into the marshes and lakeshores.

Lake Mburo is home to a diverse array of natural creatures, including more than 68 mammals. Zebras, elephants, impalas, cape buffaloes, elands, warthogs, statungas, and other creatures may be spotted during Lake Mburo’s early morning or evening wildlife drives.

Why Visit Lake Mburo National Park?

Lake Mburo National Park Game Drives

Many wild animals, particularly ungulates, can be found in Lake Mburo National Park. You may be able to see creatures like cape buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, bushbucks, statungas, impalas, warthogs, oribi, Defassa waterbucks, giraffes, and more if you go on a game drive in the early morning or late afternoon.

Buffaloes and other savannah animals can be seen on the game trails in the eastern hinterland of Lake Mburo National Park. Kampala, Uganda’s capital, is thought to have gotten its name from impalas. The forest that once covered this area is thought to have been their home.

You can end up to the typical impala hanging spot if you follow the impala track. You can also reach the zebras’ hanging point by following the Zebra trail.

Lake Mburo National Park birdwatching | Visit Lake Mburo

Many birds have ideal habitats at Lake Mburo National Park. Savannah bird species are favored by the park’s savannah flora. Birds such as the Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, African Finfoot, African Scops Owl, Red-faced Barbet, Black Collared Barbet, and others may be seen.

As long as they have a skilled and informed guide, safari enthusiasts can see a wide range of birds in Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park Boat Tours

A boat from Rwonyo can be used to explore Lake Mburo. You may take in the serried crocodiles, schools of hippos, and the verdant greenery that envelops the beaches. You might see more beautiful park animals including fish eagles, unique shoebills, herons, pelicans, etc. throughout the boat ride.

Sports fishermen may occasionally be seen throwing their nets, but this is a planned practice.

Lake Mburo National Park Nature Walk | Visit Lake Mburo 

It’s breathtaking to go on a guided stroll through the Rubanga forest. You can enjoy the closed-canopy tropical high forests despite the track’s small size. Some primates that you might see include grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, and olIve baboons. During this tour, keen-eyed birds can spot a variety of forest birds.

Numerous wild species, like as waterbucks, bushbucks, zebras, statungas, and others, can be seen during a guided walk to the salt lick area near Rwanyo. By the timber observation deck, you stand.

One of the privately guided activities available in Lake Mburo National Park is horseback riding. Riding a horse allows you to see animals. It’s among the most incredible experiences you can have while in Lake Mburo National Park. It’s a healing exercise. You might see a variety of birds and a few wild creatures while on the ride.

A Break From The Prolonged Trip To Safari Locations In Western Uganda | Visit Lake Mburo  

In the western part of Uganda, Lake Mburo serves as the hub for all safari activities. When you want to take a break from the nine-hour drive to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s impenetrable national park, you can stop in Lake Mburo National Park. This is in case your safari in Africa lasts longer than expected.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Mburo National Park?

Since Lake Mburo National Park is only 228 kilometers away from Kampala, it is possible to visit at any time.

However, when wildlife is most visible, tourists favor the dry season. In general, even grass is shorter, improving visibility.

Typically, June, July, August, September, December, and January are the park’s dry seasons. There is no cap on the number of visitors to Lake Mburo, but if you want to stay in the park, there aren’t many lodging options. You could decide to spend the night in Mbarara town.

Due to the strong demand and the fact that it is also Uganda’s busiest travel season, most safari packages are expensive during this time.

Service providers provide lower rates throughout the off-peak months of March through May and occasionally November. This is a result of fewer safari reservations being made at Lake Mburo National Park.

You might take advantage of this chance to visit Lake Mburo National Park if money is tight. With your modest budget, you might be able to upgrade to a typically expensive facility during off-peak hours. Your ability to bargain will determine this.

What Is The Price Of A Safari In Uganda To Lake Mburo National Park? | Visit Lake Mburo  

Every visitor is required to pay park fees, which come before the cost of safaris in Lake Mburo National Park. At the moment, parking in Lake Mburo National Park costs $40 per person for a 24-hour period.

When calculating the safari to Lake Mburo National Park, you can also take into account the following factors:
The Duration of the Uganda Safari

The safari price increases with the number of days spent on a Ugandan safari in Lake Mburo National Park. The majority of service providers have daily fees.

When to Make a Reservation for a Uganda Safari to Visit Lake Mburo  

Due to the increased demand for safari-supporting amenities during the busiest times of the year, most service providers charge exorbitant prices. Discounts are occasionally offered by service providers during off-peak hours.

The number of passengers on the Uganda Safari

Because you may split expenses like car rental, gas, driver guide fees, and other expenses, the Uganda safari to Lake Mburo National Park costs less per person the more people sign up.

Activities available in Lake Mburo National Park | Visit Lake Mburo  

The cost of your Lake Mburo National Park itinerary increases with the number of activities you include. The gross price is hefty even when you include other Uganda Safari activities with a visit to Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park: Where Is It?

Nearer to the highway leading to Uganda’s west is Lake Mburo National Park.

On tarmac, the travel to Lake Mburo National Park from Kampala City or Entebbe Airport is roughly 228 kilometers.

Lake Mburo National Park: How Can I Get There?

Visit Lake Mburo, Between Masaka and Mbarara is Lake Mburo National Park. Nshara Gate, located 13 kilometers from Lyantonde, is one of two gates that provide access to Lake Mburo National Park. The trip to Rwonyo Center takes roughly twenty minutes.

Lyantonde is 27 kilometers away from the Sanga gate, and the Rwonyo center is roughly 20 minutes away by car.

By Air

Every day, domestic flights to Lake Mburo National Park depart from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. They sell out quickly, so you should book a seat as soon as possible.

At Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi, charter flights are also offered; however, previous arrangements are necessary to obtain Civil Aviation Authority authorization.

How Secure Is National Park’s Lake Mburo?

Your Uganda safari is safe in Lake Mburo National Park. The ranger guides keep a close eye on the habitat and safety of the wild animals. Because Lake Mburo is in the cattle corridor, cows will likely be seen feeding with wild animals, particularly zebras. Additionally, these cow keepers provide their animals with safety.

To maintain peace and order in this area, the range guide works with Ugandan security forces.

Additionally, you should be mindful of your personal safety by not leaving your lodging and entering the park without a ranger guide to accompany you. Although they are rarely spotted in action, it is thought that Lake Mburo is home to several carnivores, such as lions and leopards.

Protect your priceless possessions and refrain from flaunting them, as this could draw potential burglars. Stay away of the spotlight, even when calculating big quantities of money. If you want to sample local cuisine, stay away from street food as it can induce food sickness.

What is the minimum age to go on a safari in Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda?

All ages are welcome to visit Lake Mburo National Park, although parents are urged to watch their children closely to ensure they don’t venture out unaccompanied.

Make reservations at lodgings that will allow you to keep an eye on your kids while on safari.

Which lodging options are available in Lake Mburo National Park?

In Lake Mburo National Park, lodging options are categorized as luxury, mid-range, and economical.

In Lake Mburo National Park, some of the lodging options include

Facilities in Mbarara City include Acacia cottages, Rwonyo Rest Camp, Mantana Tented Camp, Mihingo Lodge, and Mburo Safari Lodge.

Are There Carnivores in Lake Mburo National Park? | Visit Lake Mburo  

Indeed, Lake Mburo National Park is home to carnivores like lions, hyenas, and others, although they are hardly ever observed in the wild. In Lake Mburo National Park, ungulates make up the majority of the frequently sighted wild animals. This explains why it is possible to ride a horse and ride a bicycle in Lake Mburo National Park, but you need always have an accompanying ranger guide.

List of Items to Bring on a Safari in Uganda to Lake Mburo National Park |Visit Lake Mburo  

1. Additional fully charged batteries to swap out for the one that is running low.
2. A travel diary to record the lovely moments during your safari in Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda. When you return home, you can turn back to them.
3. Canvas shoes and flip-flops are appropriate for outdoor pursuits like nature walks and game drives, respectively.
4. Binoculars to see the fur of birds and animals clearly
5. If you are going on safari without help, your duffel bags should be light enough to handle.
6. Your hair is shielded from dust by hair gear, which you can wear while you sleep.
7. Because some lodges are environmentally conscious and use solar power for lighting and water boiling, there is a torch for use at night when the lights go out.
8. Wear light clothing, preferably without sleeves, in case the gaming drive is too hot.
9. Wearing a safari hat will shield your hair from buzzing insects while on a game drive or nature stroll.
10. A camera to save the memories of your honeymoon in Lake Mburo National Park
11. If you wish to conduct business locally, you will need some hard currency to convert into local currency. In Uganda, credit cards are rarely utilized, particularly in small businesses.
12. Nighttime pajamas to wear before bed
13. Given that Lake Mburo National Park is situated in a tropical nation, sunscreen shields your skin from sunburns. You can use it when lounging by the swimming pool.
14. Using bug repellent will shield you from the park’s stinging insects.
15. Use a travel charger and adapter if you need to recharge your electrical devices.
16. In the event of an emergency assault or bite, keep a first aid bag containing some of your medications.
17. If you exit the safari vehicle, safari boots shield your feet from sharp objects.
    toiletries because some lodging establishments are unable to supply them.
18. When on a game drive, stow some of your safari equipment in your backpack to prevent it from scattering within the car in the event of an accident.
19. Energy snacks to eat while the game drives are going onBecause this pack endures cold weather in the early morning and late afternoon, it is recommended to wear a warm sweater or poncho.

Gorilla trekking with Kids in Uganda and Rwanda

Only youngsters who are 15 years of age or older are eligible to undertake gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Children under the age of 15 are not permitted to undertake gorilla trekking since it is unknown how long it will take to find the mountain gorillas, which could be too much for a younger person to handle.

Gorilla trekking: what is it?

Following a completely habituated gorilla family and spending an hour with them is known as “gorilla trekking.” Only eight people are permitted to go gorilla trekking each day in order to reduce disruption.

For foreign visitors, each gorilla permit costs $800; for foreign residents, it costs $700; and for East African inhabitants, it costs 300,000 shs.

The cost of a Rwandan gorilla permit is $1500 per trekper.

How Do I Reserve Children’s Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda and Uganda?

Choose the date you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, as well as how many people you plan to go with.

Our safari adviser looks for availability from the Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority list when you contact us about your desire to go gorilla trekking.

Because gorilla permits are in high demand globally, we urge our clients to book theirs as soon as possible if the availability status is favorable.

Obtain certain personal information, such as the full names included on the passport, birthdate, nationality, passport expiration date, and other facts.

What Does the Price of a Gorilla Trekking Permit Include?

The costs of park admission, ranger guides, security during the gorilla trek, assistance to the local community and gorilla conservation, a certificate upon completion of the hike, and an hour of gorilla watching.

What is not included in the price of a gorilla permit?

The price of a porter, gratuities, lodging, transportation, and any other personal expenses.

Additional services that facilitate gorilla trekking, including as lodging, transportation, and a driver guide, can be reserved through Katland Safaris. Our ten years of experience planning safaris in Africa have earned us the respect of service providers and positive feedback from customers on websites like TripAdvisor and SafariBooking.

Is it possible for me to buy the gorilla permit in installments?

The organizations that regulate gorilla permits, the Rwanda Development Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, accept 30% and 70% installment payments, respectively.

This partial payment is only available to those who obtain their gorilla permits 90 days prior to the gorilla trekking date. You risk being penalized if you don’t top up before ninety days prior to the gorilla trekking date.

Does Rwanda or Uganda accept rescheduled gorilla permits?

Everyone who purchases a gorilla permit wants to go gorilla trekking, but they might not be allowed to because of unforeseen circumstances.

If you would like to travel at that time, you can reschedule your gorilla trekking date.

If you have a partially purchased gorilla permit, you must pay the remaining balance before rescheduling.

If you would like to modify the dates of your gorilla trekking, write to the Rwanda Development Board or the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If you have a valid reason for wanting to reschedule your gorilla trekking trip, mention it and provide supporting documentation.

Your gorilla trekking permit will be rescheduled to your new date if your request is granted, but this will depend on availability.

Note that Uganda permits two free rescheduling attempts for the same gorilla permit; however, the executive director must first approve the third attempt. 25% of the price of the gorilla permit, if applicable.

Rwanda costs to reschedule a gorilla permit.

Where in Rwanda or Uganda Can I Go Gorilla Trekking?

Uganda’s southwest region is home to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population resides there.There are currently 18 gorilla families in Uganda, although they are divided up based on the gorilla trekking region. Buhoma, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo are the four gorilla trekking zones that make up Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Chimpanzees, L’Hoests, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and other primates can be found in the Bwindi forest.

The Bwindi Forest is home to a diverse array of birds, with over 350 species identified to date, including seven on the IUCN Red List. This park also contains endemic species from the Albertine Rift.

Park in Mgahinga National

Located in the far southwest of Uganda, Mgahinga National Park is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family. It was challenging to reserve gorilla permits in advance because of this family’s history of straying into Rwanda.

This park offers golden monkey trekking and birdwatching, with over 155 species of birds currently known and more on the horizon. This park is home to several endemic species of the Albertine Rift, such as the Alpine Chat Malachite Sunbird and the Dusky Tutle Dove.

Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhabura, and Mountain Sabyinyo are among the mountains that surround Mgahinga National Park and provide a picturesque backdrop for a day’s hike. A 360-degree view of the border between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is available from the peak of Mount Sabyinyo.

With roughly 15 gorilla families fully habituated and accessible to tourists, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the country’s only gorilla home. Five mountains—Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Bisoke, and Mountain Karisimbi—background the primarily volcanic terrain.

Another thing you may do in Volcanoes National Park is golden monkey trekking. Visit the grave of Dian Fossey, who founded the Mountain Gorilla Research before her death in 1985, and go bird watching in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Is it possible to reserve a gorilla permit through a tour operator?

Booking gorilla permits on behalf of tourists is permitted for accredited travel operators. Tour operators are permitted to reserve gorilla permits on behalf of tourists through the Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority.

You must buy your gorilla permit as a client because none are given out or reserved without money. Gorilla permits are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

Katland Safaris can also help you create your safari package and customize your safari schedule to meet your preferences. We assist with reserving lodging, a rental car for the safari, domestic airline tickets, a driver’s guide, and other safari extras that will make your trip to Africa an unforgettable experience.

How much does a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda cost with children?

Regardless of whether you choose a premium, mid-range, or budget gorilla trekking program, the cost of the permit is the same. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is $1500 per person per trek, while in Uganda it is $800 per person per trek.

A gorilla trekking safari package is also created based on the following additional factors:

The kids are going on a gorilla trekking trip.

In the event where children are covering their own safari expenses, the cost per person decreases with the number of participants included in the gorilla trekking package. You use every amenity that is part of the gorilla trekking package when you are traveling alone.

Days spent on a gorilla trekking safari

The cost of a gorilla trekking safari increases with the number of days. The majority of service providers have daily fees.

The Gorilla Safari bundle that you select

The features and limitations vary depending on whether you choose a luxury, mid-range, or budget gorilla trekking package. The cost increases with the number of inclusions.

Other things to do in addition to gorilla trekking

The price goes up when gorilla trekking is combined with other pursuits like game drives, chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and mountaineering. The cost of each activity varies.

What Difficulties Can Children Anticipate While Trekking with Gorillas?

There may be stinging nettles in the bush because the gorilla trekking expedition takes place in the wild. To shield your body from itchy surfaces, dress in long-sleeved shirts and trousers.

Soft volcanic soils in the Virunga region get soggy during the intense rainy season, particularly in March, April, May, and November. When trekking to locate the mountain gorillas, be prepared for some slick terrain and muddy paths.

You must trek the slopes and descend the deep valleys, which are slick from the vegetation that breaks down on the ground, in order to locate the mountain gorillas, who occasionally graze from the slopes.

Even though mountain gorillas can be aggressive at times, you should avoid imitating them to avoid starting a stampede in the wild. To avoid transferring a contagious disease to the mountain gorillas, keep a distance of approximately 8 meters from them.

Because of their fur-covered bodies, enormous size, knuckle-to-knuckle gait, sunken brown eyes, and many other characteristics, mountain gorillas can occasionally be frightening to look upon. Being nervous in front of the mountain gorillas is not necessary because it could make you seem suspicious. In their natural habitat, mountain gorillas are terrified of strangers.

What Should Children Bring on a Gorilla Trekking Safari?

To protect the body from stinging nettles and other rough surfaces in the environment, wear long-sleeved shirts and safari pants.
Apply insect repellent to protect yourself from stinging insects while trekking to find the mountain gorillas.
A first aid kit that contains emergency medications that you can use in the wild.
Wearing safari boots will shield your feet from the harsh terrain found in the wild.
Put on garden gloves over your palms in case you trip or fall while strolling in a slick environment.
As you travel through the bush, use your camera to capture memories of your gorilla trekking adventure. Because mountain gorillas are terrified of strange light in the wild, the camera needs to have fewer flashes.
In case you need to recharge your electronic devices, bring along a travel charger and adapter.
When one battery becomes low, you can swap it out for another fully charged battery.
Since solar energy is the primary source of power for lighting and water heating in this area, a torch is used for nighttime illumination. Less sunlight is obtained, therefore trans-night lighting might not be supported.
Toiletries in case they are not provided by your accommodation.
a pair of binoculars to see objects farther away in the outdoors.
Stockings to attach to your clothing
When gorilla trekking, you should have a lightweight, waterproof backpack to hold your valuables and turn them over to the porter.
When gorilla trekking, you should have a raincoat or poncho to shield your body in case it suddenly starts to rain.
A hat that folds up to protect your head from stinging insects
To prevent being cold, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, wear warm clothing, such as a sweater.
Since breakfast is eaten too early to endure the full walk, energy snacks are for when you need to re-energize during gorilla trekking.
What Are the Dos and Don’ts of Rwandan and Ugandan Gorilla Trekking?
Because mountain gorillas are wild animals who must find their own food and not rely on human support, you should never feed them.
While gorilla trekking, offer to stay behind if you get a cold or cough. The mountain gorillas are extremely vulnerable to diseases that humans can contract.
To avoid infecting the mountain gorillas, keep your distance from them at least 300 meters if you must cough or sneeze.
Because mountain gorillas are extremely sensitive to intruders, it is best to speak quietly when trekking to find them.
Because littering changes the forest’s natural habitat, which provides food for mountain gorillas, it is prohibited. In general, they are vegetarians.
Spitting on plants or the ground can infect the mountain gorillas, therefore avoid doing so.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them.

What to pack for gorilla habituation experience safaris in Bwindi

It’s crucial to pack minimally yet appropriately for a gorilla habituation safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can put, among other things, a camera, garden gloves, safari boots, and a safari cap on your list of things to bring for gorilla habituation. The southern region of Bwindi Forest, which includes the Rushaga and Nkuringo areas, is where the gorilla habituation safari takes place in Uganda.

To accompany the researchers and habituators on this expedition, you must obtain a gorilla habituation permit. Only a maximum of four tourists are permitted to accompany the researchers and habituators to observe gorilla habituation each day.

Gorilla habituation adventure: what is it?

Spending four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family is known as a “gorilla habituation safari.”

You follow a team of scientists and habituated people who are tasked with acclimating a family of wild gorillas to human presence without changing their natural behavior. When attempting to establish a gorilla trekking family, this is the first stage.

There are currently 19 gorilla families available for trekking in Uganda, whereas only two gorilla families are available for habituation.

How Much Does a Gorilla Habituation Permit Cost?

For international nonresidents, gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 per person; for foreign residents, they cost $1000; and for East African residents, they cost 750000shs.

The gorilla habituation permits are sold and governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The gorilla habituation licenses are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis due to their restricted availability. Since paying is the only method to demonstrate a person’s dedication to the experience, no gorilla habituation permit is obtained without it.

What Does the Price of the Gorilla Habituation Permit Include and What Does It Not?

Park fees, ranger guide fees, four hours with the mountain gorillas, security, assistance from the local community, certificate upon habituation, and gorilla conservation support are all included in the price of the gorilla habituation permit.

The purchase of a gorilla habituation permit does not include lodging, transportation, gratuities, energy bites, or any other personal belongings.

Can I Get My Gorilla Habituation Permit Back?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority’s refund policy must be followed in order to issue a refund for the gorilla habituation permit.

The gorilla habituation permit’s validity expires on the day it is reserved. You will not be eligible for a refund if you fail to show up on the day of gorilla habituation and do not notify the authorities in advance.

If you are unable to attend gorilla habituation, you can reschedule to a different date or request a refund in accordance with Uganda Wildlife Authority rules. Before your gorilla permit refund or rescheduling is handled, you will need to be patient. The bureaucracy around this is the reason behind this.

How Can Gorilla Habituation Permits Be Rescheduled?

To modify the date of your gorilla habituation permit, send a letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Give an explanation for your inability to attend. Provide supporting documentation for your request to reschedule.

Your gorilla habituation permit will be rescheduled if it is accepted, however this will depend on the permits’ availability.

Uganda permits two reschedulings for the same gorilla habituation permit; however, the executive director must approve the third time with a 25% fee.

What Should I Bring on a Safari to Habitate Gorillas?

Safari boots may be used on wet terrain and are sufficiently comfortable to support you in the event that the slopes become slick.
The temperature drops to around 7 degrees Celsius, so wear warm clothing, such as a sweatshirt. It’s freezing in the mornings and late afternoons.
During habituation, energy snacks to eat while searching for the mountain gorillas. In the bush, breakfast is consumed too early to last the whole day.
A pair of stockings that firmly fasten your clothing so that insects can’t get inside.
During the gorilla habituation excursion, wear garden gloves to shield your palms from stinging nettles that could cause you to trip and fall.
To preserve the memories of your experience with the mountain gorillas, use a camera. Your encounter with the kind giants is worthwhile.
During the gorilla habituation safari, apply insect repellent to protect yourself from stinging insects.
A first aid kit including supplies to use in an emergency situation while in the jungle
When you’re thirsty, you can take a foldable water bottle with you.
If you want to go shopping on the ground, have some cash on hand to convert into local currency. Due to the paperwork involved in getting money from credit cards, they are not widely utilized in Uganda.
During gorilla habituation, extra batteries are available to swap out when one becomes low.
a charger or travel adaptor for your devices in case you need to recharge them.
If your skin is sensitive, use toiletries that are appropriate for it to prevent eczema.
For the bitterly cold nights in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, pajamas that are warm enough
Use a duffel bag to store your items when traveling. Make sure you pack them well so you can carry them with you if you need assistance.
Because it is a tropical rain forest, rain falls unexpectedly, therefore wear a raincoat or poncho.
After a long day in the bush, you can change into flip-flops.
After changing out of the gorilla habituation-stained garments, there are other clothes to wear.
If your resort has insect repellent, use it.
When gorilla habituation sets in and you don’t have time to clean your shoes, you can store them in a lightweight shoe bag. to avoid leaving stains on your clothing.
To carry your gorilla trekking supplies or give them to a porter, use a lightweight, waterproof backpack. They are not dispersed over the wilds.
What is the duration of the Gorilla Habituation Adventure?
Because it varies on the conditions in the bush, the gorilla habituation return period is unknown. Depending on how quickly you reach the mountain gorillas, some gorilla habituators can take six hours or longer.

A battle with another gorilla family or among family members is one of the things that could force the mountain gorillas to leave their recognized area. The mountain gorillas must look for new feeding grounds when their supply of food runs out. The gorilla family may relocate to the more remote areas of the forest to grieve the loss of a family member.

It’s difficult to predict how long the gorilla habituation experience will go, but if you persevere, you will eventually be able to pick up your certificate of gorilla habituation.

What is the cost of the Gorilla Habituation Safari?

Depending on whether you select a premium, mid-range, or budget package, the price of the gorilla habitat safari varies. The cost of the gorilla habituation permit is currently $1500 for foreign nonresidents, $1000 for foreign residents, and 750000 shs for East African residents. This fee is the same for all packages.

The following other variables are taken into account while determining the cost of the gorilla habituation adventure:

The duration of the gorilla habituation safari in days. Because service providers charge by the day, the cost of a gorilla habituation safari grows with the number of days.

The more activities like game drives, birdwatching, chimpanzee trekking, and golden monkey trekking that are added to gorilla habituation, the more expensive the trip.

Which gorilla habituation package—luxury, mid-range, or budget tour—do you select? Their inclusions and exclusions vary. The cost increases with the number of inclusions and vice versa.

The number of participants in the gorilla trekking safari, whereby the more participants, the lower the cost of the safari per person. You split some safari expenses, such as the cost of renting a car and hiring a guide. The full cost of a safari is borne by lone tourists.

How Can the Gorilla Habituation Adventure Be Improved?
Drives for games

Numerous wildlife parks with a variety of native wild species can be found in Uganda. You might see a variety of wild creatures during an early morning or late afternoon game drive, either coming out of their night hideouts or making their way there.

Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park are a few of Uganda’s national game parks.

Some creatures are unique to distinct Ugandan game parks, even though others are found in all of them. Giraffes, cape buffaloes, elephant herds, hartebeest, lions, leopards, aardwolves, warthogs, bushbucks, topis, impalas, zebras, wild cats, statungas, and oribi are just a few of the creatures you might see at Uganda’s wildlife parks.

Ugandan chimpanzee trekking

Given that their DNA is almost 98% similar to ours, chimpanzees are the closest animal relatives of humans. You can undertake chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in places like Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Semuliki National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Kaniyo Pabidi in Murchison Falls National Park, among others.

Some of these locations require a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit, however the cost varies depending on where you go.

Ugandan birdwatching

With an estimated population of over 1000 bird species—more than all of Europe combined—Uganda is Africa’s top destination for birdwatchers. Many RAMzA sites can be found in Uganda, and during the winter months, they serve as a draw for birds from as far away as Europe.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Mpanga Forest, Lutembe Beach, Botanical Beach, Musambwa Island, Mgahinga National Park, Sango Bay, Mabamba Swamp, Echuya Forest Reserve, Mabira Forest, and others are among the places in Uganda where one may go birdwatching.

The Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Kivu Ground Thrush, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, White-bellied Robin Chat, Archer’s Robin Chat, and many more birds are among the ones you might be able to see. To get the most out of your Ugandan birding experience, you need a knowledgeable and experienced guide.

Ugandan Sport Fishing

To enter Uganda’s sport-fishing site, you must have a fishing permit. There are several freshwater lakes in Uganda where you can catch a variety of fish. The Nile perch, tilapia, cut fish, mudfish, and other fish species are prevalent in Uganda.

Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Albert, Lake Mburo, and the River Nile at Murchison Falls National Park are a few of Uganda’s sport fishing locations.

To get around the body of water, you will need to rent a boat and bring your own fishing gear.

Rafting in white water in Uganda

At Itanda Falls, where the raging River Nile tides tumble over embedded rocks, you can enjoy pedaling the tides. There are teachers on the ground who will teach you all you need to know in the least amount of time, so you don’t need any prior experience.

To fully enjoy the experience, beat the tides and pay close attention to the white water rafting instructions. Which tide levels you want to stop at is up to you. As you proceed, the water’s pressure rises. Kayaking and tubing on the River Nile are options for anyone who might enjoy this heart-pounding adventure.

Ugandan mountaineering

You can trek for at least seven days to reach Margheritah Peak on the way back from the Rwenzori mountain range, which is Uganda’s highest ice-capped mountain range throughout the year. To fully appreciate the journey, you must be reasonably fit and not fear heights. Bring trekking equipment so you can ascend Rwenzori Mountain.

It is possible to trek Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Sabyinyo in a single day. The borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo may all be seen at once from the summit of Mount Sabyinyo.

See the Nile River’s Source

The longest river in the world originates in Uganda and flows through South Sudan, Ethiopia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt as a tributary. At Jinja, serene Lake Victoria water abruptly splits from ferocious River Nile water. You can sail to the departure point, but while you’re there, check the banks for a variety of primates, lush foliage, lovely birds on the marshy beaches, and much more.

Ugandan Cultural Tour

Every culture in Uganda has its own distinctive characteristics. The kingdoms of Buganda in the center, Busoga in the east, Bunyoro and Tooro in the west, and several more in Uganda are open for visits.

In addition to enjoying scheduled cultural dances, you might have the opportunity to attend a traditional ceremony, such as a marriage ceremony, among many other events.

Where to do primate habituation experience safaris in Uganda

Compared to an hour of primate trekking, the primate habituation safari in Uganda allows you to spend more time with the endangered chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Primate habitats in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, and Kaniyo Pabidi.

You need a permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to embark on a gorilla or chimpanzee habituation expedition in Uganda. Reservations for permits must be made in advance since gorilla or chimpanzee habituation is restricted to a maximum of 4 visitors. The demand for gorilla or chimpanzee trekking is increasing every year, but only four people are allowed to participate in order to minimize disruption.

Primate Habituation Safari: What Is It?

In the adventure known as “primate habituation,” visitors accompany a group of researchers and trackers into the jungle to follow untamed monkeys and acclimate them to human presence without altering their natural behavior.

In Uganda, you can embark on chimpanzee or gorilla habituation safaris.

Where in Uganda Can I Go on a Primate Habituation Safari?

Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

Gorilla habituation is possible in the Rushaga, Nkuringo, and southern regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla habituation adventure has so far been found in two gorilla households.

obtaining a Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit and spending four hours observing gorillas. Since these mountain gorillas roam freely in the wild, the best time to find them is still up in the air. Additionally, there are roughly eighteen gorilla families in the jungle that are fully habituated and available for gorilla trekking reservations.

You might see other primates like black and white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys, ghosts, and others while traveling through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is a biosphere reserve.

With over 335 known bird species, including Albertine endemics and more than seven species on the IUCN Red List, Bwindi Forest is a birdwatcher’s paradise in Uganda.

How to Travel by Road

Kabale, Kampala, Kanungu, and Buhoma

Traveling from Kampala to Ntungamo, Rukingiri, Kihihi, and Buhoma

Nkuringo to Kabale to Kampala

National Park Queen Elizabeth to Kihihi to Buhoma

By Air

Domestic flights to Kihihi Airport are scheduled daily from Kajjansi Airport or Entebbe Airport.

Additionally, charter flight services are offered.

Reservations for lodging in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a gorilla habituation safari.
In order to avoid having to get up in the middle of the night and drive in the dark to catch the briefing, it is recommended to reserve lodging in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Among these are Clouds Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Eco-lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, and Trekker’s Tavern.

Kibale National Park
Although there are more than 1500 chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, you can engage in chimpanzee habituation. You join a group of researchers and habituators on their daily mission to help the wild chimpanzees become acclimated to human presence during the chimpanzee habituation safari in Kibale National Park.

The chimpanzees still need to get used to being around people, so expect some crazy behavior from them. Over the course of your four-hour watch, the chimpanzees might hide. When this occurs, stop whatever you’re doing and allow researchers to guide you.

During the early morning session, you might spot the chimpanzees right after they’ve finished nesting. You might see chimpanzees building nighttime nests during the afternoon habituation session.

How to Get There

Kibale National Park is reached by two roads, forming a circuit that is:

The northern route is from Kampala to Mubende to Fortportal to Kanyanchu.

The southern route is Kampala to Mbarara to Kamwenge to Kanyanchu.

By Air Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe Airport are the starting points for daily domestic flights to Kasese Airstrip.

For private transportation, charter flight services are also offered.

Booking Accommodations for Kibale National Park’s Chimpanzee Habituation Safari.
Chimpanzee Guesthouse, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Primates Lodge, Kibale Safari Lodge, and Chimps Nest

In Murchison Falls National Park, the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

Some of Uganda’s rarest chimpanzees can be found in this woodland. The Kincumbanyombo entrance of Murchison Falls National Park is eight kilometers away. One of the few remaining areas with mature mahogany trees is the woodland where chimpanzees reside.

After an early-morning briefing, you follow habituators and researchers into the forest to track the semi-habituated chimpanzees in the wild.

Other primates that you might see are black and white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, to name a few.

Numerous birds, including endemic Albertine species, can be found in the Kaniyo Pabidi woodland.

How to get to Kaniyo Pabidi Forest from Kampala via Luwero, Budongo, Karuma Falls, Kicumbanyombo Gate

Accommodations at the National Park of Murchison Falls: Baker’s Lodge, Red Chillis Camp, Nile Safari Lodge, Sambiya Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, and Murchison River Lodge

How Much Do Ugandan Primate Habituation Permits Cost?

Cost of a Gorilla Habituation Permit

Foreign nonresidents pay $1500 per person, foreign residents pay $1000, and East African citizens pay 750,000 shs.

What Does The Price Of A Gorilla Habituation Permit Include And Exclude?

A gorilla habituation ticket costs four hours with the mountain gorillas and covers park taxes, security, ranger guide services, assistance for the local people, and gorilla conservation.

Accommodation, porter fees, tips, and any other personal belongings are not included in the purchase of a gorilla habituation permit.

The cost of a chimpanzee habitat permit in Kibale National Park

In Kibale National Park, chimpanzee habituation treks cost $300 per person.

Ranger guides, park fees, four hours with the chimpanzees, security, and chimpanzee conservation support are all included in the price of chimpanzee habituation at Kibale National Park.

The cost of a chimpanzee habitat permit does not include refreshments, transportation, porter services, or any other personal belongings.

How Long Is a Habituation Safari for Gorillas or Chimpanzees?

The amount of time you spend on these monkey safaris is unclear, whether you are going on a chimpanzee or gorilla habituation experience in Uganda. There is nothing to prohibit these primates from wandering freely in the wild.

After two hours, some visitors have found the chimpanzees or mountain gorillas, while others could need more time. Since there are many things that influence the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees to travel or remain in the forests, it would be advisable to exercise patience.

You must be physically fit enough to navigate the bush more easily because gorilla and chimpanzee habituators move at different speeds.

To what extent is primate habituation challenging in Uganda?

Habituation in primates, such as chimpanzees or gorillas, occurs in the forest. These wooded regions may have highlands, such to those seen in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Wear a comfortable bug repellent because the stinging insects in the forests can irritate your skin.

Wear long sleeves, long pants, and garden gloves because the fauna may include stinging nettles.

Whether on chimpanzee or gorilla habituation, have a certain degree of fitness to avoid muscle pulls during the journey. You might not realize how long primate habituation trips can take.

Is It Safe to Habitate Primates in Uganda?

The best precaution is to listen to the team of seasoned habituators and researchers who are familiar with the characteristics of chimpanzees or mountain gorillas.

Other security services are in place to maintain peace and order in each of the Ugandan National Parks where chimpanzee or gorilla habituation safaris take place.

You should only enter the forest with a ranger guide to ensure your personal safety. Try to adhere to the gorilla or chimpanzee habituation guidelines and stay near the group you are habituating with.

For added protection, bring the appropriate gorilla or chimpanzee habituation equipment that you can utilize in the wild.

What Distinguishes Ugandan Chimpanzee Habituation From Gorilla Habituation?

Experiences with gorilla and chimpanzee habituation bring you closer to the closest relatives of humans in the wild. An African safari experience that will never be forgotten is encountering chimpanzees or mountain gorillas on a habituation trip.

In Kibale National Park, chimpanzee habituation costs $300 per person, whereas gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 per person.

Gorilla habituation occurs once a day, but chimpanzee habituation occurs in two periods, morning and afternoon.

Chimpanzees can be habituated in Kibale National Park or Kaniyo Pabidi Forest, whilst gorillas are currently habituated in southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Is it possible to purchase Ugandan primate habitat permits in installments?

The wisest course of action is to purchase all of your gorilla or chimpanzee habituation permits, but you may need to be able to do so for a variety of reasons.

Installment payments of 30% and 70% of the total amount are accepted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for gorilla or chimpanzee habituation licenses, respectively.

Please take note that you can only purchase gorilla or chimpanzee licenses in installments if you do so at least ninety days prior to the date of the habituation adventure.

Make careful to replenish 90 days prior to the date of chimpanzee or gorilla habituation. If you don’t, you can be penalized.

When Can I Reserve a Habituation Permit for Chimpanzees or Gorillas?

Chimpanzee or gorilla permits are available every day of the year, but they quickly sell out due to their limited supply—four per day or every session.

Primate habituation licenses, particularly those for the busiest months of June, July, August, September, December, and January, can be obtained at least six months to a year in advance.

Due to low demand, the low season months of March, April, May, and November are probably still accessible at the last minute, though this is not always the case.

Due of the limited safari amenities, make all of your reservations in advance to avoid last-minute stress when organizing your primate habituation safari in Uganda.

How Risky Are Primates in Uganda During a Habituation Safari?

The chimpanzees or mountain gorillas that are habituated are just slightly used to seeing people. Although they are not aggressive, you should heed the counsel of researchers and rangers who possess knowledge of the characteristics of the chimpanzee community or mountain gorilla family.

Because these primates are wary of people entering their habitat, keep your cool around them. To prevent upsetting the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, TRY not to provoke them. During a habituation adventure, you get four hours with the chimpanzees or mountain gorillas, but once they see something strange, they might hide.

Despite their enormous size and frightening demeanor, mountain gorillas are often quiet and timid creatures. The chimpanzees might attempt a non-violent altercation.

What Are The Guidelines For Uganda’s Primate Habituation Safari?

Since the chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are vulnerable to contagious diseases like the flu or cough, offer to stay behind if you get any of these.
To prevent killing the chimpanzees or mountain gorillas during primate habituation, speak quietly. You can come out as suspicious.
To prevent being exhumed by woodland inhabitants, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you and cover it completely if you want to make a lengthy call.
Avoid leaving trash in the forest, especially non-biodegradable items, as this might change the forest’s ecosystem and the food source for mountain gorillas.
Avoid spitting on the ground or plants that chimpanzees or mountain gorillas eat.
You get four hours to spend with the primates after you find them.
Chimpanzee habituation is for visitors who are at least 15 years old, but gorilla habituation is only for visitors who are at least 15 years old.
Stay away from chimpanzees and mountain gorillas if you want to eat or smoke. to lessen the possibility that they will take it from you and consume it. Since they are untamed creatures, they have to search for nourishment.
Avoid using flash photography when shooting pictures. You might frighten the chimpanzees or mountain gorillas.
Before entering the forest during gorilla or chimpanzee habituation, put on a mask and some hand sanitizer.

How to trek Uganda gorillas from Kigali Rwanda

In order to save the time and distance spent traveling from Entebbe airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, gorilla trekking through Rwanda is the newest safari trend in Uganda. Driving from Kigali Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park takes roughly five to six hours, while the travel from Entebbe Airport to these same locations takes eight to nine hours each way.

From Rwanda, you can travel across Uganda by way of the Katuna border to Kabale town, which leads to Northern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, or the Chanika border to Kisoro town, which leads to Mgahinga National Park or Southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Uganda wildlife authority or an authorized Uganda tour operator, such as Katland Safaris, is where you must buy the Uganda gorilla trekking permit.

How to Reserve a Gorilla Permit in Uganda

Choose a date when you want to go gorilla trekking in either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Two gorilla habituation permits are now available in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, out of Uganda’s 152 total mountain gorilla permits.

Our safari adviser verifies availability from the Uganda Wildlife Authority list for the dates of your choice when you contact Katland Safaris.

Due to the strong demand globally, we urge our clients to buy their gorilla permits as soon as possible, if they are available. Securing Uganda gorilla licenses is done on a first-come, first-served basis to lessen the possibility that some people will book gorilla permits but not buy them.

Enter personal information to be included to your gorilla permit card, such as your date of birth, expiration date, and full name as it appears on your passport.

A Gorilla Permit: What Is It?

You can find a completely habituated gorilla family and spend an hour with them if you have a gorilla permit, which is a card provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. There are 19 gorilla families in Uganda that are available for gorilla trekking, but the public can only reserve up to eight gorilla permits per family each day.

What is the price of the Uganda Gorilla Permit?

For foreign nonresidents, a Uganda gorilla permit costs $800 per person per trip; for foreign residents, it costs $700; and for East African citizens, it costs 300,000 shs.

You can avoid last-minute anxiety when trying to locate availability by purchasing the gorilla permit in advance. Booking a gorilla permit at the last minute also restricts your options for lodging.

What Does the Price of a Gorilla Permit Include And What Does It Not?

The following is covered by the gorilla permit fee:

After 24 hours at the park, park fees are paid.
Service costs for ranger guides.
assistance from the local community.
Gorilla conservation help.
safety.
The mountain gorillas for an hour.
Tips, a packed meal or drink, lodging, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of a gorilla permit.

Katland Safaris arranges safari support services and relieves our clients of the hassle of rushing around looking for the ideal resort, car, skilled and informed driver guide, and much more.

On request and at a reasonable cost, we even provide airport pickups for our clients when they arrive.

Can I pay in installments for the gorilla trekking permit?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority permits 30% and 70% of the total payment to be paid in installments for the gorilla permit.

Only travelers who obtain gorilla permits 90 days before to the trek date are subject to this requirement; otherwise, they risk fines.

Paying for your gorilla permit in full is the best option because it will prevent you from forgetting to top it up later, which could result in a fine.

How Much Does It Cost To Trek With Gorillas In Uganda?

The price of a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda can be categorized as budget, mid-range, or luxury. The cost of the gorilla permit is included in all packages and is an essential investment when planning a gorilla safari.

When determining gorilla trekking packages, other factors to take into account include

The quantity of individuals making the journey to gorilla trekking

When to make reservations for the gorilla trekking safari

Days spent on a gorilla trekking safari

Other pursuits in addition to gorilla trekking

Choose a gorilla trekking safari package.

Can I Trek with Gorillas More Than Once?

As long as you buy a gorilla permit each day, you are allowed to go gorilla trekking more than once. Since gorilla trekking is only permitted for one hour, you can do it twice if you would like to spend more time with the mountain gorillas.

For individuals who want to spend more time with the mountain gorillas in a single day, there is a Gorilla Habituation Expedition. A gorilla habituation permit must be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Gorilla Habituation Adventure: What is it?

A gorilla habituation safari is an excursion in which you spend no more than four hours with a family of semi-habituated mountain gorillas. To help a gorilla family become accustomed to human presence without changing their nature, a team of researchers and habituators can only have a maximum of four tourists accompany them.

For foreign nonresidents, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person per trek; for foreign residents, it costs $1000 per person; and for East African residents, it costs 750000shs.

Park costs, researcher fees, ranger guide service fees, security, a certificate of successful gorilla habituation, local community assistance, and mountain gorilla conservation support are all included in the price of a gorilla habituation permit.

Transportation expenses, refreshments, lodging, and any other personal belongings are not covered by gorilla habituation permit funding.

When Is the Best Time to Reserve a Rwanda-to-Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Although gorilla trekking experiences are available year-round, most visitors choose the dry season when the majority of forest inhabitants are at their best. It is more thrilling to combine Uganda gorilla trekking with other activities during the dry seasons, which are typically June, July, August, September, December, and January.

Since this is the busiest time of year for safaris in Uganda, most services are in high demand. The gorilla trekking expedition must be scheduled at least six months to a year in advance. Options for service providers are restricted to the final days of the busiest safari days in Uganda.

There are occasionally reduced rates offered to visitors during Uganda’s off-peak gorilla trekking safari season. March, May, April, and November are often the slowest times of year for Uganda safaris. If your budget for an Africa Safari is tight, you might select this season. Additionally, you are likely to use upscale amenities on a tight budget.

Where in Uganda Can I Go Gorilla Trekking?

Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

Locally, the word “Bwindi” means “impenetrable,” and this park certainly matches both meanings. There are currently 18 gorilla families living in this biosphere reserve, spread across various regions. Four categories are used to book gorilla permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

The northern region of Buhoma
The Eastern region of Ruhijah
Other fascinating wildlife, such as more than ten species of primates, including black and white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’hoest, and olive baboons, as well as more than 300 tree species, may be found in the Rushaga area of Nkuringo in the south Bwindi impenetrable national park.

When booking lodging for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you need to take into account the location where your permit has been obtained. In order to make it to the early morning briefing before gorilla trekking, this will help you avoid driving in the dark. Even though one location is rather remote from the others, the roads that connect them occasionally need to be upgraded.

Park in Mgahinga National

Despite being Uganda’s smallest national park, Mgahinga is home to some of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. In Mgahinga National Park, just one gorilla family has been completely acclimated and made available for gorilla trekking.

Because the Nyakagezi gorilla family had a history of wandering into Rwanda, it was difficult to reserve gorilla permits in advance because they were available only when space was available. Gorilla permits can be reserved in advance, and the gorilla family has been residing in Uganda for a long time.

Three unique volcanoes—Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Gahinga—backdrop the about 33.7 square kilometer park. You can trek to the summit and back of any of them in eight hours.

The borders of Rwanda, D.R. Congo, and Uganda may all be seen at once from the top of Mount Sabyinyo.

Among the more than 115 bird species known to inhabit Mgahinga Forest, avid birdwatchers have a lengthy list of species to identify, including Albertine endemics.

Although there aren’t many places to stay in Mgahinga National Park, you can spend the night in Kisoro town, which is roughly 14 kilometers from the Ntebeko headquarters. Gahinga Lodge, Majambere Iwachu, Community Camp, and Mutanda Lake Resort are a few lodging options for Mgahinga National Park.

Which Park Is Best for Trekking Bwindi and Mgahinga Mountain Gorillas?

Whether you visit Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the moment you spot the mountain gorillas is a breathtaking and unique safari experience. The following may help you determine which park is best for gorilla trekking:

There are roughly eighteen gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that are completely accessible to tourists, whereas Mgahinga National Park only has one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi family.

Because it receives fewer visitors, Mgahinga National Park offers the best experience in a virgin forest.

There are several places to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, however it’s preferable to make reservations near the gorilla trekking region. There are possibilities for lodging in Mgahinga National Park, although they are limited.

Other Uganda safari choices, like as game parks, chimpanzee trekking parks, tourist attractions, and much more, are located closer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

What is the duration of a gorilla trek in Uganda?

The proximity of the gorilla food, the possibility of an inter-gorilla family battle, the death of a gorilla family member, and other uncontrollable events in the forest make it difficult to determine when to locate the mountain gorillas.

Depending on the conditions in the jungle, some visitors have been able to locate the mountain gorillas within two hours after beginning the gorilla walk or longer.

Even the gorilla trekker’s speed, where the ranger guide keeps up with the ten slowest trekkers to ensure that nobody gets lost in the bush. Since there is no internet or phone connection to track you down, the rain forest is too big for one to become lost.

You must be physically fit enough to maintain yourself during the mountain gorilla search in order to stay up with other hikers.

What Not to Do in Uganda While on a Gorilla Trekking Safari?

In order to avoid being lost in the wilderness where other unfamiliar forest inhabitants might find you and hurt you without somebody to protect you, try to enter the forest with an accompanying ranger guide.
If you have a contagious illness, such as the flu, COVID-19, or a cough, you should never go into the forest. The mountain gorillas might perish horribly when they see it. Conservation of gorillas has advanced significantly.
Because mountain gorillas are extremely sensitive to trespassers in their surroundings, you should speak quietly or in a low voice to avoid disturbing them.
Keep a distance of approximately 8 meters from the mountain gorillas once you have located them to lessen the possibility of infecting them. Avoid creating any suspensions when you slowly back away from the gorillas as they approach.
Because gorilla trekking is an experience that takes place in the wild and involves many challenges, children under the age of fifteen are not permitted to participate.
When you find a mountain gorilla, spend only an hour with them because that is how they are accustomed to being around people.
Never spit on the ground or flora since this could contaminate the foliage, which is the mountain gorillas’ primary food source.
Mountain gorillas must forage for their food, so don’t feed them.

Why is the price of gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda so high?

The gorilla permits for Rwanda and Uganda are expensive, but they are well worth the cost. Among the remaining members of this species worldwide are the mountain gorillas found in Rwanda and Uganda.

About 300 mountain gorillas were known to exist worldwide by the 1980s, according to a census conducted by primatologist Dian Fossey and her team. As a result, mountain gorillas are now listed as one of the world’s most endangered primates.

Funds were needed to continue saving mountain gorillas in order to counteract the possibility that they might vanish off the face of the earth, just like dinosaurs did. One strategy to lessen hostility between humans and mountain gorillas was to get them closer to one other. One way to raise money and help the mountain gorilla conservation effort is through gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation.

To spend time with the mountain gorillas, you must obtain a gorilla trekking permit or a gorilla habituation permit.

A Gorilla Permit: What Is It?

You can enter a fully or semi-habituated gorilla family with a gorilla permit, which is a document or card. Only one hour is permitted for gorilla trekking with mountain gorillas. Visitors are permitted to spend four hours in the company of the mountain gorillas for the gorilla habituation experience.

Gorilla trekking: What is it?

Gorilla trekking is an excursion in which you spend just one hour with a fully habituated gorilla family. To minimize disturbances, a maximum of eight visitors are permitted to interact with the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Habituation: What Is It?

The act of acclimating wild mountain gorillas to human presence without changing their natural behavior is known as “gorilla habituation.” In a gorilla habituation safari, you follow a family of semi-habituated gorillas while being escorted by trackers and habituators.

How much does a permit for gorilla trekking cost in Rwanda or Uganda?
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is 250,000 Shs for East African citizens, $700 for foreign residents, and $800 for foreign nonresidents. All Uganda gorilla permits and activities are sold and governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

A permit to trek with Rwandan gorillas costs $1500 per person. The Rwanda Development Board is the organization that sells and regulates Rwandan gorilla permits.

What is covered or not covered by the price of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda and Uganda?
In Uganda and Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit covers park fees for the day, an hour of gorilla viewing, security, ranger guide costs, funding for local communities, and gorilla conservation.

Transportation to the destination, gratuities, beverages, lodging, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of the gorilla permit.

How Much Does a Permit for Gorilla Habituation Cost?
Foreign nonresidents must pay $1500 per person per trek for a gorilla habituation permit in Uganda, whereas foreign residents must pay $1000 per person per trek, and East African residents must pay 750,000 shs. Gorilla habituation permits are sold and regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

What Does the Price of a Gorilla Habituation Permit Include And What Does Not
The gorilla habituation permit covers four hours of gorilla viewing, park fees, ranger and researcher fees, security, and assistance for gorilla conservation and the local community.

Transportation, energy bits, beverages, lodging, and any other personal belongings are not included in the cost of a gorilla habituation permit.

Where in Rwanda and Uganda can one go gorilla trekking?
Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

Approximately 18 gorilla families are currently available for tourists to see at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These gorilla families are found in four regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: the Buhoma region in the north, the Ruhija region in the east, the Rushaga region, and the Nkuringo region in the south. Area-specific gorilla permits are offered for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The deep and expansive primeval forest that is thought to have existed for more than 30,000 years is known as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because it served as a haven for several wild animals throughout the ice age, it is thought that its biodiversity has increased.

More than 350 bird species, 300 tree species, 88 insects, 51 reptiles, and many more can be found in the forest. As new findings are noted from each census, the list of Bwindi forest inhabitants’ fauna continues to grow.

Park in Mgahinga National

Mgahinga National Park is located in the southwest region of Uganda and spans 33.7 square kilometers. There is now only one gorilla family in the park that visitors can see. It was well known that the Nyakagezi gorilla family occasionally wandered into Rwanda. This family of gorillas currently resides in Mgahinga National Park.

Golden monkeys, one of the world’s endangered primate species, live in this woodland. Blue monkeys, red-tailed mangabeys, olive baboons, black and white mangabeys, and other monkey species can be found in the Mgahinga forest.

The Mgahinga forest is home to more than 115 bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift. The list of birds found in the Mgahinga forest is still growing, according to ornithologists.

The National Park of Volcanoes

The North Western Park is home to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. There are currently 15 gorilla families available for tourists to visit Volcanoes National Park.

Five of the six Virunga Volcanoes provide the backdrop of Volcanoes National Park, which has a generally rugged topography. They consist of the following: Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhavura.

The park is home to a variety of primates, including grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and golden monkeys. The Rwandan birding paradise is the ever-growing list of birds found in the volcanic forest. Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 300 bird species as of right now.

When is it possible to reserve a gorilla permit?
It is preferable to book your gorilla permit at least six months to a year in advance. They are restricted to eight gorilla licenses per family per day. Eight gorilla habituation licenses and 152 gorilla trekking permits are currently available for public reservation in Uganda.

There are now 96 gorilla permits available for public reservation in Rwanda.

Although there is competition for these few spots worldwide, they are secured on a first-come, first-served basis.

Permits for gorilla trekking are in high demand during the months of June, July, August, September, and December to January. This season, obtaining gorilla permits at the last minute is really difficult.

Last-minute gorilla permits may be available during the off-peak months of March, April, May, and November, depending on the day’s demand.

Rwanda and Uganda occasionally provide cheap gorilla permits, particularly during the off-peak months, but this is not always the case. Regarding when to offer discounted gorilla permits, the Rwanda Development Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority have the final say.

Can I buy my Rwandan or Ugandan gorilla permit in installments?
Although it is advisable to pay in whole for the gorilla permit, there are situations where you may like to pay in part. Payment in installments of 30% or 70% of the total amount is accepted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Rwanda Development Board for gorilla permits.

This is only applicable to Gorilla Permits purchases made prior to 90 days of the tracking date. Don’t forget to top up before then to avoid losing the prepaid amount.

Is it possible to reschedule a gorilla permit in Rwanda or Uganda?
You can reschedule the gorilla permit for Rwanda or Uganda as long as you contact the Rwanda Development Board or the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Send a letter to either body explaining why you are unable to go gorilla trekking or habituation on the scheduled date. If you have proof to support your request, please attach it.

Once granted, your gorilla permit can be rescheduled to the day of your choice, but only if that date is still available.

The rescheduling of the Rwanda gorilla permit has been paid for. Uganda offers two options for rescheduling the same permit, but the executive director alone can accept the third option. A quarter of the entire price of the Uganda gorilla permit must be paid.

How Do I Reserve Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda or Uganda?
Methodology

Choose a date for your gorilla trekking adventure, either a confirmed or tentative date. Keep in mind that each individual can only get one gorilla permit per day, so decide how many gorilla permits you would want to reserve.

Our safari adviser verifies availability when you contact Katland Safaris with your desire to go gorilla trekking and other information. Our organization is one of the officially recognized safari firms in Rwanda and Uganda that is permitted to view the gorilla permit listings from the Rwanda Development Board or the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You can check availability directly with the Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority.

We encourage our clients to buy their gorilla permits as soon as possible if availability is favorable so they won’t have to modify their dates when permits sell out.

In order to include your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality, passport expiration date, and other personal information on your gorilla permit, we will later need you to supply it.

What is the duration of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?
Due to the many conditions that exist in the forest, it is unknown when the mountain gorillas can be found. After two hours, some visitors have a chance to find the mountain gorillas, while others spend more than three-quarters of the day there. As free primates, mountain gorillas follow their instincts when moving. Occasionally, the gorillas may move when they fight among themselves. They may go into hiding if a gorilla family member dies because it makes them feel depressed.

Finding the mountain gorillas is an amazing experience, regardless of the time of day you find them. When they encounter them, they typically continue to chew on leaves or relax, but they do not violate gorilla trekking regulations or habituation. The majority of visitors leave the mountain gorilla families with a sense of intimacy.

Do Mountain Gorillas Pose a Threat?
Despite their frightening appearance, mountain gorillas are among the most peaceful primates. Because they are bashful, avoid looking them in the eyes as they can hide.

No human has ever been assaulted by a mountain gorilla in the history of gorilla trekking or habituation.

They hoot, draw grass around themselves, thump their chests, walk on one foot, and hide in the furthest reaches of the forest when they are upset.

To avoid starting a stampede in the forest, heed your ranger guide’s advise when you observe this.

Is It Hard to Gorilla Trek in Rwanda or Uganda?
The geography of the area makes it difficult to walk in the forest for gorilla trekking or habituation. Because of the occasional volcanic activity in the Virunga region, several landforms, including ridges, mountains, and plateaus, have formed over time.

You must hike to find the mountain gorillas because they occasionally spend the day on the slopes of these land types. Reaching the mountain gorillas requires a certain amount of physical fitness. Prepare your body to withstand any difficult forest circumstances before embarking on a gorilla trekking or habituation trip.

Put on appropriate safari boots that can traverse damp terrain and climb steep peaks.

Is it possible for an elderly person to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?
Yes, anyone above the age of 15 is eligible to go gorilla trekking. Due to their age, some hikers are not allowed to go gorilla trekking; nevertheless, sedan chairs can be reserved. Sedan chair services are offered for gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, but reservations are required in advance.

The cost of using these sedan chairs for habituation or gorilla trekking varies by brand. Locally produced sedan chairs are less expensive than those that are imported. Porters carry it to the location of the mountain gorillas.

What to Bring to Rwanda or Uganda for Gorilla Trekking or Habituation

Boots from Safari
Energy bites from cameras
Safari clothing in hues that complement the wilderness
Water bottle that folds up.
A backpack that is waterproof
toiletries.
Safari hat that folds up
A duffel bag
A little cash
A first aid kit
Additional fully charged batteries
Additional clothing
Warmers
Gloves for gardening
A flashlight
A pair of eyeglasses
charger or adopter.

Reasons why Rwanda has no gorilla habituation experience in Volcanoes National Park

Joining a group of habituators and researchers into the wild to track a family of semi-habituated mountain gorillas is an adventure known as “gorilla habituation.” Gorilla habituation is currently being done in Rwanda to create gorilla families, however no tourists go on an expedition with this team in Volcanoes National Park.

There are currently 15 gorilla families in Rwanda that are fully habituated for public viewing; nevertheless, Volcanoes National Park requires a gorilla permit. The Susa, Hirwa, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, and numerous other families are among the Rwandan gorilla families among others.

A Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person for an hour-long hike.

In the southern region of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can experience gorilla habituation. There are two gorilla families available for gorilla habituation, however a maximum of four guests are permitted to participate.

What is the experience of gorilla habituation?

Following a family of semi-mountain gorillas for four hours with a group of habituators is known as the “gorilla habituation experience.”

In Uganda, a permit to experience gorilla habituation costs $1500 per person per trek, with a maximum of four hours permitted with the gorilla family.

What the Gorilla Habituation Permit Cost Does Not Include
Park fees, researcher service costs, security during gorilla habituation, community assistance, gorilla conservation support, and a certificate upon completion of the gorilla trekking experience are all covered by the gorilla habituation permit.

Tips, transportation to the site, the porter fee, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of the gorilla habitat permit.

Given that a gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for an hour, but a four-hour gorilla habituation experience in Uganda costs the same $1500 per person, the competition between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla licenses may also be the reason Rwanda lacks gorilla habituation permits.

How Do I Reserve Gorilla Permits in Rwanda?

Decide how many gorilla permits you want to buy and the date you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Our safari adviser looks up the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit on the Rwanda Development Board list when you inquire about it, and they get in touch with you as soon as the results are favorable.

Because they sell out quickly, we ask that you buy your gorilla permit as soon as possible. Gorilla permits sell out quickly during the busiest months of June, July, August, September, December, and January. Due to lower demand, low-season gorilla permits can still be available at the last minute.

Provide certain personal information as listed on the passport, such as your complete name, date of birth, nationality, and the date the passport expires.

Is It Possible to Reschedule the Rwanda Gorilla Permit in Parts?

The most pleasant option is to purchase your gorilla permit in full, but you may ask for installment payments owing to various reasons. The Rwanda Development Board permits 30% and 70% installments of gorilla permits, respectively. A Rwandan gorilla permit costs $1500 for each trekper.

You must have bought your gorilla permit 90 days prior to the gorilla trekking date in order for installment payments to be accepted.

You risk a fine if you don’t renew your gorilla permit 90 days prior to the gorilla trekking date.

Take note:

Rwanda charges for the gorilla permit rescheduling.

Why Visit Rwanda for Gorilla Trekking
The sole mountain gorilla habitat in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, where gorilla trekking took place.

Gorilla trekking offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the gentle giants that are only found in the Virunga region of the universe.

When you buy the gorilla permit, you are contributing to the conservation effort for mountain gorillas. According to a census conducted by primatologist Dian Fossey, there were only about 300 mountain gorillas left by the 1980s, putting them in danger of going extinct.

When you climb to Dian Fossey’s grave while seeing Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, you can donate to the Dian Fossey Foundation. You can hike in the footsteps of the late primatologist Dian Fossey after gorilla trekking.

Other fascinating primates, such as golden monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, and others, can be found at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

With more than 300 species found in the volcanic forest, the number of birds in volcanic National Park is unparalleled. This is a double opportunity for avid birders, who may be able to spot several Albertine endemics while gorilla trekking. Among the birds you might see are the Handsome Francolin, Dusky’s Crimsonwing, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Rwenzori Turaco.

Is It Hard to Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

The Rwandan gorilla hiking habitat, Volcanoes National Park, has a primarily volcanic landscape with highlands including Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhavura and Mountain Sabyinyo, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Karisimbi. To reach the mountain gorillas, who spend a portion of their lives on the slopes eating or relaxing, expect to climb.

Expect to trek steep hills and descend deep valleys because the trees grow on the slopes of mountains, ridges, and plateaus.

Stay close to the folks you are assigned to go gorilla trekking with since the ranger guide follows the pace of the slowest hiker. The ranger guide uses a machete to cut and clear the way since the forest is covered in creepers that you must crawl under to reach the mountain gorillas.

How Much Time Does It Take to Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

It’s unclear how long it takes to find the mountain gorillas in Rwanda because some hikers report seeing them two hours after beginning their walk, while others may need up to three-quarters of the day. There are several theories as to why the mountain gorillas were delayed or quickly located.

The mountain gorillas’ food is near by; the closer the food is, the more likely it is that the gorillas will be found.

When mountain gorillas fight, they do it for a variety of reasons, including dominance and the right to mate. The gorilla family may become divided as a result, and it might be difficult to locate at times.

It may take some time to reach the mountain gorillas during the intense rainy season because they usually remain on the slopes, which can be slick and wet at times.

the speed with which you are paired with a gorilla family of trekkers. Finding the mountain gorillas takes longer when other hikers are sluggish. The gorilla trip can go quickly if everyone is healthy and motivated.

When going on a Rwandan gorilla trek, are mountain gorillas hostile?

Despite their intimidating appearance and stature, mountain gorillas are calm, shy creatures by nature. A mock exercise is used to acclimate a gorilla family to the presence of strangers in order to verify that they are prepared for human presence.

To ensure that you act appropriately in front of the mountain gorillas, you must adhere to the guidelines provided by the ranger guide at the ORTPN.

The ranger guide sets the tone for the gorilla family on gorilla trekking days before allowing trekkers to enter the area. Because they share 96% of their genes with humans, mountain gorillas likewise experience mood swings.

The mountain gorillas will hoot, pull grass around them, bang their chest loudly, or walk on one foot when they are upset. When this occurs prior to tourists, the ranger guide looks to see what is causing the ire before allowing you to continue seeing the mountain gorillas if it has nothing to do with the tourists.

When Can I Reserve A Rwandan Gorilla Trekking Permit?

The easiest way to guarantee the gorilla permit and lessen last-minute anxiety is to book it in advance. There is a daily cap of eight mountain gorilla permits per family per trek.

Although gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year in Rwanda, it is most popular during the dry season, which typically lasts from June to September and December to January.

The jungle is teeming with life during this season, and the mountain gorillas are feeding closer to the ground. People who live in national parks, including birds, butterflies, and other primates, are eager to observe other volcanoes.

Because there are typically fewer reservations during the wet season, which runs from March to May and November, you might be able to go gorilla trekking alone.

According to the Rwanda Development Board, there is a chance that gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda will be less expensive during the off-peak months, but this is not a given.

How Much Does a Rwandan Gorilla Trekking Safari Cost?

Rwanda’s gorilla trekking safari packages are categorized as luxury, mid-range, and affordable. The one expense that affects all programs is the gorilla trekking permit.

The following factors are taken into account when creating the gorilla trekking quotation:

The duration of a Rwandan gorilla trekking safari

The cost of the safari increases with the number of days on the Rwandan gorilla trekking vacation. The majority of service providers have daily fees.

When to reserve a Rwandan gorilla trekking safari

Gorilla trekking is expensive during the busiest time of year because of the strong demand for services, particularly from nearby Uganda safari reservations.

The frequency of your gorilla trekking excursions in Rwanda

In Rwanda, you can go gorilla trekking more than once. For every interaction, a gorilla permit must be purchased.

The safari package you select for Rwandan gorilla trekking

There are three different gorilla trekking packages available: luxury, mid-range, and economical. There are differences in the features and exclusions of each gorilla safari package. The cost of the bundle increases with the number of inclusions.

The quantity of tourists visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking

The cost per person is lower when going gorilla trekking in a group than when going alone.

What other gorilla trekking activities are available in Rwanda?

Trekking with chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is available in Nyugwe National Park, which has its headquarters in Uwinka. A Rwanda Development Board chimpanzee trekking permit is required. Because they are semi-habituated, chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park are likely to venture into the park’s more remote areas at any time.

While trekking with chimpanzees, you might see a variety of different primates, such as grey-cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus,

You can sport a variety of birds because the forest is home to a large variety of them.

Akagera National Park game drives

In Akagera National Park, you can go on a game drive in the morning or the afternoon. Due to its use as a battlefield during the Rwandan genocide in 1994, the park is still recuperating. Zebras, elephants, waterbucks, bushbucks, lions, leopards, and other creatures might be visible to you.

A voyage by boat

You can take a boat ride on Lake Ihema and take in Rwanda’s highlands, often known as the “land of a thousand hills.” Keep an eye out for a variety of birds along the coast, particularly those that feed on the swamp flora.

Rwandan cultural encounter

The Rwanda Ethnography Museum in Huye is a great place to learn about Rwandan ethnology. The various Rwandese cultural norms are explained here. This institution teaches Rwandese arts and crafts as part of a community rule project. The purpose of this is to teach the kids about Rwandan culture. Among other things, you can paint, weave, make ceramics, and perform traditional dance steps.

Visit to Rwanda Genocide Memorials

Many genocide memorials are positioned throughout Rwanda to educate the next generation about the reasons behind the 90 days of ignorance that killed millions of people in 1994. Learn about what might have happened and how Rwanda is moving past this tragedy by going there.

The Gisozi Memorial, St. Familie Memorial, and other genocide memorials are among those you can visit.

Rwandan birdwatching

You can visit a number of birding locations in Rwanda. Among the fascinating places to go birdwatching in Rwanda are the Volcanoes Forest and Nyungwe Forest. Numerous birds, including endemic Albertine birds, can be found in these forests.

Nyungwe National Park canopy walk.

A suspension bridge allows you to cross the thick canopy of Nyungwe National Park. Savor the stunning scenery of the nearby greenery and landscapes.

What is the age limit (minimum age) for gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi

In Uganda, gorilla habituation is limited to those who are at least 15 years old. This is due to the fact that gorilla habituation involves walking into the bush for a while before seeing mountain gorillas. Gorilla habituation in Uganda is restricted to a maximum of four visitors who spend four hours with the mountain gorillas. It is advisable to initially comprehend what a gorilla habituation safari is.

Gorilla Habituation Adventure: What Is It?

In a gorilla habituation safari, you follow a family of semi-habituated gorillas as they become accustomed to humans without changing who they are.

The southern region of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is currently the gorilla habitat. There are currently two gorilla families available for habituation safari, with a daily cap of four visitors. The gorilla habitat is located in the southern region of Bwindi’s impenetrable national park, which is made up of the Rushaga and Nkuringo areas.

You accompany a team of trackers and habituators who monitor the mountain gorillas, make notes, and follow the gorilla family. To make it simple to identify the mountain gorillas, they list each gorilla’s characteristics and assign unique names.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Permit To Habitate Gorillas?

For foreign nonresidents, a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person per trek; for foreign residents, it costs $1000; and for East African residents, it costs 150000 shs.

Ranger guide fees, four hours with the mountain gorillas, security, a certificate upon completion of the program, gorilla conservation assistance, local community support, and park admission fees for that day are all included in the price of a gorilla habituation permit.

Transportation to the destination, gratuity, porter rental, beverages, energy bits, etc. are not included in the purchase of a gorilla habituation permit.

Is it possible for me to pay for a gorilla habitat permit in installments?

The best deal is to pay in full for a gorilla permit. Additionally, you have the option to pay 30% and 70% of the whole cost in installments. Permits can only be acquired in installments if they are purchased 90 days prior to the gorilla habituation date.

Ninety days before to the period of habituation, you must renew this gorilla permit; else, a penalty will be applied.

Can I get a refund for my gorilla habitat permit?

You must meet all the requirements outlined in the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s gorilla refund policy if you are unable to keep your gorilla habituation permit on the scheduled date but would still like a return.

Since the gorilla habituation permit expires on the scheduled day, you cannot expect a refund if you fail to show up without notifying the Uganda Wildlife Authority beforehand.

How Can the Gorilla Habituation Permit Be Rescheduled?

To postpone your gorilla habituation permit, you must write to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Explain why you are unable to perform gorilla habituation on the scheduled day. Provide supporting documentation for your request.

You have one more chance to postpone your gorilla permit if your request is granted and it is rescheduled. A 25% premium is applied, and the executive director must provide his or her approval three times.

Why Is Age 15 and Up The A Limit For Gorilla Habituation?

Volcanic formations cover the landscape of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of mountain gorillas. In the wild, mountain gorillas roam freely and may spend some time in the valleys or slopes.

It could be necessary to hike to the mountain gorillas’ location in order to track them down. For a child under the age of 15, this could be difficult. Gorilla habituation requires a certain level of fitness, which a child under the age of 15 would not possess.

Due to shifting forest conditions, such as the closeness of their food, conflicts between the mountain gorillas, the intense rainy season, and many other things, it is impossible to pinpoint the exact time of year to locate the gorillas. Gorilla habituation requires some patience, which a child younger than this may find difficult to demonstrate.

During gorilla habituation, which is difficult for children under the age of 15, it is forbidden to make noise. There are some difficult parts of the forest that could make you want to shout, but you have to try not to start a stampede. Unfamiliar noises around them frighten mountain gorillas.

What Takes Place During an Adventure in Gorilla Habituation?

Along with researchers and trackers, you get up earlier to attend a briefing at the ranger station. Remember to pack a lunch because you never know when you’ll return from gorilla habituation.

Keep in mind to have all required gorilla trekking equipment, and if you want assistance, hire a porter.

For a nominal price, a porter helps you carry your possessions during the gorilla habituation trip. Giving back to the community directly can be accomplished in this way.

Following the briefing, you are split up into groups of no more than four tourists to follow the trackers and researchers. It could be vital for you to take note of certain observations and provide support as needed.

The trail to the location where the mountain gorillas were last spotted the day before is where you begin your gorilla search. They rarely leave that region unless there is a compelling reason to do so, such as a battle between them or with other gorilla families, the depletion of food, the death of a family member, etc.

When you find the mountain gorillas, wait for the experts to give you instructions before moving or taking pictures. They must first assess the gorilla family’s mood.

Finally, if you are permitted to take pictures, avoid using flash because it could frighten the mountain gorillas and force them to go farther into the jungle.

For the sake of documentation, take part in identifying some of the characteristics displayed by the mountain gorillas. It may occasionally be necessary for you to attempt chewing the grass in order to demonstrate elegance to the dominant silverback. The gorillas could assume you’re trying to harm them, so try not to resist. They are the jungle’s rulers.

During gorilla habituation, don’t be shocked if the mountain gorillas stealthily leave. The presence of humans is still unfamiliar to them. Stealthily back off if the mountain gorillas approach so they won’t be alarmed by your presence.

Return to your lodge gradually after four hours of gorilla habituation to wind down and recuperate from your time spent with the mountain gorillas.

What is the duration of the Gorilla Habituation Safari?

Since mountain gorillas are nomadic animals, it is unknown how long it takes to locate them during habituation. The trackers and ranger guides follow the route that leads to the location where the habituated gorilla family was sighted the day before. Usually, they don’t begin their day that far away.

It could take up to two hours to find the mountain gorillas during the habituation experience.

Because you are working with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, gorilla habituation requires a little more patience. During your visit, they might hide and exhibit some crazy antics. In the event that the mountain gorillas hide, the trackers and habituation have already learned how to handle them.

Because no two gorillas habituate at the same rate, the rangers follow the slowest habituation tempo. Finding the mountain gorillas could take longer if participants move slowly.

To avoid missing-fire, pay close attention to the researcher’s directions and your own habits.

Is It Hard to Habituate Gorillas?

A certain amount of fitness is necessary to undertake gorilla habituation in the bush, although occasionally the mountain gorillas lounge on steep, slick slopes that need strenuous hiking.

Additional protection can be obtained by applying insect repellents and other gear, as well as by wearing the appropriate gorilla trekking gear, such as safari boots and required safari clothing.

The ranger guide occasionally has to use a machete to cut through the jungle’s overgrown creepers, which have endured for many years, in order to make room for the mountain gorillas.

To what extent is the habitat of gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park safe?
Gorillas can safely become accustomed to Bwindi’s unforgiving national park. Rangers are constantly available to protect forest inhabitants and their habitat from trespassers such as snare setters and frequently patrol the forest.

To maintain law and order in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and its environs, the Uganda Wildlife Authority management team collaborates with other Ugandan security authorities.

Additionally, you need to be mindful of your personal safety by staying near the group of mountain gorillas you are accustomed to. This will keep you from getting lost in the woods.

Because the forest contains other inhabitants who are not accustomed to human presence, you should never approach it without a ranger guide accompanying you. Among them are huge forest hogs, forest elephants, and others.

Gorilla Habituation Safari: How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of the gorilla habituation permit is the same for all safari packages, whether they are luxury, mid-range, or budget.

The following elements are taken into account while designing a gorilla habituation safari package.

The number of participants in gorilla habituation because single gorilla habituators bear all safari expenses, and the more people who join, the lower the cost per person.

In addition to gorilla habituation, other activities include game drives, chimpanzee trekking, visiting the Nile River’s source, and more.

The more days spent on a gorilla habituation safari, the more expensive the package will be.

The best time to reserve a gorilla habitat safari is during the busiest time of year, when prices are higher owing to increased demand, but low season may provide lower safari rates.

Which lodging should I reserve for my gorilla habitat adventure?

To perform gorilla habituation, you must reserve lodging in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Accommodations for gorilla habituation are categorized as luxury, mid-range, or low-cost.

Gorilla Safari Lodge, Clouds Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Trekker’s Tarvern, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge are a few of the lodging options.

What Not to Do While Habituating Gorillas?

Because you have little defense against other untamed forest inhabitants, you should never enter the forest without a ranger guide accompanying you.
It is prohibited to provoke the mountain gorillas since doing so could make them angry.
It is prohibited to spit on plants and the ground since doing so could infect the mountain gorillas.
Because mountain gorillas are wild creatures, stay away from them. They might be infected, and you or they could contract it. You should keep around 8 meters away from them. They stealthily flee even when they approach.
Before beginning the gorilla journey, put on a mask and clean your shoes. Once you have located the mountain gorillas, change into a clean mask. Following the coronavirus pandemic, this conservation measure was implemented.
Never throw trash in the environment because it changes the ecosystem where mountain gorillas graze.
During gorilla habituation, flash photography should not be used since mountain gorillas are afraid of new things in their surroundings.
Since mountain gorillas must forage for their own food, it is prohibited to feed them. Stay at least 300 meters away from the mountain gorillas when you want to dine or smoke.
Since the forest’s characteristics may not be favorable to them or because it’s unclear when the mountain gorillas will be found, children under the age of fifteen are not permitted to become habituated to gorillas.
To prevent the mountain gorillas from feeling ambushed, avoid encircling them once you have located them.
If you want a lengthy call, the ranger guide will dig a hole for you that is at least 30 meters deep and well covered. Don’t give them a chance to uncover what you’ve concealed.
You are only permitted to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas. You get four hours with the mountain gorillas once you find them during habituation.

How to plan a gorilla trekking honeymoon in Uganda and Rwanda

Beginning your romantic journey with a gorilla hike in Rwanda or Uganda is an unforgettable experience. The family structure of mountain gorillas is comparable to that of humans, including a hierarchy of authority.

Your honeymoon gorilla trekking safari requires advance planning. Both Rwanda and Uganda provide gorilla trekking, as well as double gorilla trekking and gorilla trekking in Uganda via Rwanda.

The timing of your honeymoon depends on your wedding, so you should prepare beforehand to avoid having a panic attack while looking for the gorilla permits.

Gorilla trekking: what is it?

Following a completely habituated gorilla family and spending just one hour with the primates is known as “gorilla trekking.” Gorilla trekking is restricted to hikers who are at least 15 years old. There are currently 152 gorilla permits available for tourists to observe each day in Uganda, along with 19 gorilla families. There are now 15 gorilla families and 96 gorilla licenses issued daily in Rwanda.

A Gorilla Permit: What Is It?

Gorilla permits are cards or pieces of paper that resemble tickets and provide you the opportunity to go gorilla trekking on a specific day. To reduce disturbance, a maximum of eight gorilla permits per gorilla family are made available for public booking each day, and the fee is per person per day.

Is the Gorilla Trekking Permit Priced?

Foreign nonresidents presently pay $800 per person per trek for a Uganda gorilla permit, while foreign residents pay $700 and East African residents pay 150000 shs.

The current cost of a Rwandan gorilla permit is $1500 per trekper.

The price of the gorilla trekking permit covers park admission, ranger guide costs, a certificate upon completion of the hike, an hour spent with the gorillas, security, assistance for the local people, and support for gorilla conservation.

Energy snacks, lodging, transportation, a packed lunch, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of the gorilla trekking permit.

Is it possible to purchase the gorilla permit in installments?

Although it is recommended to purchase the gorilla permit in full, the Uganda Wildlife Authority permits 30% and 70% of the total cost to be paid in installments if necessary. This is only applicable if you buy your gorilla permit 90 days prior to the trekking date and top it up 90 days prior to the trekking date.

Can I reschedule my permit to go gorilla trekking?

You can reschedule if you are unable to go on your honeymoon and go gorilla trekking but would like to do so at a later time.

Send a letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority asking for a new date for the gorilla hike. If you have supporting documentation for your safari, include it.

Your gorilla permits are transferred as requested once they are ratified, although this is contingent on availability for your revised gorilla trekking dates.

Uganda can reschedule the same gorilla permit twice for free, but the executive director must allow a third attempt. The entire cost of the gorilla permit is subject to a 25% fee.

How Can a Honeymoon Gorilla Trekking Safari Be Arranged?

How to Reserve a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda or Uganda

Decide when you and your spouse will go gorilla trekking on your honeymoon. You must decide between Rwanda and Uganda if you want to go gorilla trekking. You may trek gorillas in Uganda through Rwanda and undertake double gorilla trekking in both countries.

Our safari adviser verifies the availability of gorilla permits from the Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority when you inquire about a safari that includes gorilla trekking on a honeymoon. This is dependent on whether you are going to Rwanda or Uganda. We at Katland Safaris relieve you of the stress of organizing a honeymoon safari that includes gorilla trekking in Africa.

You can also inquire directly with the Rwanda Development Board or the Uganda Wildlife Authority reservation office about the availability of gorilla permits. Be prepared for an irksome voicemail and a lengthy call queue before you get through.

If there are gorilla permits available, we encourage our clients to buy them as soon as possible, especially during the busiest times of the year. June, July, August, September, December, and January are the busiest travel seasons in Uganda. Although there is fierce competition for gorilla licenses during this time, each family is only allowed to have eight gorillas each day.

Add a few more personal facts, such as your country, birthdate, full name as it appears on your passport, and the date of expiration.

Reserve lodging for when you go gorilla trekking.

There are various types of lodging available at each gorilla trekking location in Rwanda or Uganda, depending on your budget. Accommodations for gorilla trekking are divided into three categories: luxury, mid-range, and economical. It is recommended to reserve lodging closer to the destination for the honeymoon gorilla trekking tour.

Clouds Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Forest camp, Ruhijah Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Lake Kitandara Tented Camp, and Gorilla Resort are just a few of the lodging options available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gahinga Lodge, Majambere Iwachu, Community Camp, Mountain Gahinga Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, and more lodging options are available in Mgahinga National Park.

The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel La Palme, and Kinigi Guest House are just a few of the lodging options available in Volcanoes National Park.

Which kind of transportation is appropriate for my gorilla trekking honeymoon trip in Rwanda or Uganda?

Ugandan Road Transport
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible by a variety of routes, some of which include

The quickest way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is from Kampala to Ntungamo, then to Rukungiri, Kihihi, and finally to Buhoma. The 390-kilometer travel from Kampala to Rukungiri is followed by an 82-kilometer connection to Buhoma.

Ruhija to Buhoma to Kabale to Kampala. The 414-kilometer journey from Kampala to Kabale is followed by a 95-kilometer connection from Kabale to Ruhija and finally to Buhoma. A 4×4 wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to the bad state of the road.

Buhoma, Kabale, Kanungu, and Kampala. It takes 414 kilometers to drive from Kampala to Kabale, and another 150 kilometers to drive to Kanungu and Kanyantorogo.

Get to Mgahinga National Park by car.

Kisoro to Kabale to Kampala. After traveling 414 kilometers from Kampala to Kabale, it’s an 80-kilometer trip through a twisty road to Kisoro. Continue 14 kilometers to the Mgahinga National Park’s Ntebeko main gate.

Travel to the National Park of Volcanoes

Along the road that gives Rwanda its nickname, “land of a thousand hills,” the drive from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park takes almost three hours through lush flora on the slopes of the serried hills.

Air Travel
You can reserve a seat on one of the daily domestic flights to Kihihi or Kisoro from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip in Uganda. The duration of the flights is approximately one and a half or two hours, respectively. Due to the airstrips’ distance from either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will need to rent a transport vehicle.

Entebbe airport and Kajjansi airstrip both offer charter flight services.

Volcanoes National Park is accessible by charter from Kigali airport.

When is the ideal time to reserve a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda or Uganda for a honeymoon?
Although gorilla trekking is available year-round in Rwanda and Uganda, visitors prefer the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to January. The majority of forest inhabitants can be active in the light and comfortable woodland environment.

To avoid scrambling to get a gorilla permit at the last minute, book it at least six months to a year in advance. Although there is a limited amount, gorilla permits for the busiest travel season in Uganda sell out quickly.

Since it is the only way to demonstrate commitment to going on this safari, no gorilla permit is reserved without payment.

Can I get last-minute gorilla permits in Rwanda or Uganda?

There is little prospect of last-minute permit availability because of the high demand for gorilla permits, particularly during the busiest times of the year, which are June through September and December through January.

There is a greater likelihood of last-minute gorilla trekking permit availability during the slow travel months of March, May, April, and November, but this is not a certainty. Depending on the regulatory agencies, there may even be more opportunities for cheap gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda during the off-peak months.

Which Country Is Best for Gorilla Trekking Between Rwanda and Uganda While on Honeymoon?

The experience of seeing mountain gorillas is unparalleled, whether you choose to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. You forget whatever difficulties you may have had organizing the gorilla trekking safari when you experience this thrill. The following are some distinctions between gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda and Uganda:

The price of a gorilla permit

Rwandan gorilla permits currently cost $1500 per person per trip, whereas Ugandan permits cost $800 per person per trek.

Park fees, one hour of gorilla viewing, security, assistance for the local people, gorilla support, and other expenses are all included in the price of gorilla permits.

The number of families of gorillas

There are currently 15 gorilla families and 96 gorilla licenses in Rwanda and 19 gorilla families and 152 gorilla permits available for tourists in Uganda.

Travel time from the airport to the locations of gorilla trekking

It takes roughly three hours to drive from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park, and eight to nine hours to drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

Other things to do in addition to gorilla trekking

In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda offers a range of other activities, such as chimpanzee trekking, game drives, visiting the Nile River’s source, white water rafting, bird watching, cultural experiences, and more. There aren’t many things in Rwanda that can be combined with gorilla trekking, such as visiting a genocide memorial, trekking with golden monkeys, or trekking with chimpanzees.

The topography of places to go gorilla trekking

Gorilla hiking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is more difficult than in other places, despite the fact that the Virunga region is primarily volcanic. In Rwanda, where the geography of Volcanoes National Park includes five volcanoes—Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi, and Mountain Sabyinyo—you should expect to hike further in order to find the mountain gorillas.

NOTE:

Because it only takes roughly 6 to 7 hours to drive from Kigali Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, you can go gorilla trekking in Uganda through Rwanda.

This drive takes less time than the eight to nine-hour travel from Entebbe airport to Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In Rwanda or Uganda, is gorilla trekking safe?

Every couple wants to return home safely after their honeymoon, and gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda is a safe option.

Because each party is led by an armed ranger guide in case of an attack, the ranger guides offer protection during the gorilla trekking adventure. In the event that some pruning is required, a second ranger guide will hold a machete to clear the path for you.

The rangers use radio call services to stay in touch with people at headquarters so that backup requests may be made more quickly in the event that they are needed.

To maintain law and order, additional Rwandan or Ugandan security forces surround the gorilla trekking locations.

All visitors must be mindful of their personal safety and refrain from granting outsiders who they do not know access to their rooms.

avoiding street food if you want to experience regional cuisine. An unsettled stomach could prevent you from going gorilla trekking.

During gorilla trekking, when can you find the mountain gorillas?

The current conditions in the woods determine how long it takes to find the mountain gorillas. It has been stated that some visitors spot the mountain gorillas within two hours of starting their trip, while others may take up to three quarters of the day to do so.

Since mountain gorillas are unrestricted in their movement, the ranger guide takes the trekking group to the trail where they were last spotted the day before.

The time it takes to find the mountain gorillas is also influenced by the pace of other hikers. To ensure that no one is left behind in the woods, the ranger guide keeps up with the slowest hiker. For this reason, you need to be somewhat fit in order to undertake gorilla trekking more quickly.

To enjoy the gorilla trekking adventure on your honeymoon, you will need to be patient and considerate of other competitors.

Gorilla habituation permit booking information by UWA

For this safari trip, the only way to guarantee participation is to book gorilla habituation permits. If you want to perform gorilla habituation, you must have a date in mind. Gorilla habituation missions are only permitted for those who are at least 15 years old.

Since gorilla habituation was introduced in 2014 to provide visitors more time to spend with the mountain gorillas, the number of visitors embarking on this journey has increased dramatically every year. While gorilla trekking only permits one hour prior to the mountain gorillas, gorilla habituation safari permits four hours in their company.

You must have a gorilla habituation permit in order to access this adventure in Southern Bwindi’s Impenetrable National Park.

Let’s first define a gorilla permit before learning how to book a gorilla habituation permit.

A Gorilla Habituation Permit: What Is It?

A card with a black strip that may be swiped into a card reader to access personal data about the gorilla habituation adventurer is Uganda’s gorilla habituation permit.

There are now two gorilla families in Uganda that are open for habituation safaris, but only four gorilla permits can be reserved for this experience.

How much do gorilla habituation permits cost?

Foreign nonresidents must pay $1500 per person for a gorilla habituation permit, while foreign residents must pay $1000. East African residents must pay 750000shs.

This safari can only be confirmed by purchasing the gorilla habituation permit.

What Does the Cost of a Gorilla Habituation Permit Include?

Since protecting these endangered animals comes before any other activity, the gorilla conservation fund is included in the cost of the gorilla habituation permit. Security during gorilla habituation, ranger guide service, and daily park admission fees.

20% of the yearly cost of gorilla permits is donated to the local community to support their projects. Furthermore, the researcher continues to gather more information about the habituated gorilla family.

What is not covered by the cost of a gorilla habituation permit?

Tips, lodging during gorilla habituation, transportation to the gorilla habituation location, a porter to carry your possessions during gorilla habituation, and other items of personal interest are all excluded from the gorilla habituation permit.

Katland Safaris is prepared to set up your gorilla habitat amenities so you can unwind and enjoy your African safari, which is a dream come true.

We customize our safaris based on the interests of our customers and provide free consultations regarding our knowledge of gorilla habituation and other safari topics gleaned from our more than 10 years of safari expertise in Rwanda and Uganda.

How Can a Gorilla Habituation Permit Be Scheduled?

Decide on a date for gorilla habituation, whether it is a confirmed or tentative date, and how many gorilla permits you would like to reserve. Keep in mind that there are presently just two gorilla families available for gorilla habituation. As a result, each family is only granted four gorilla permits each day.

Booking a gorilla habituation permit requires that the applicant be at least 15 years old. This is due to time, the state of the forest, and other elements that a child under the age of fifteen might not be able to handle.

You must either make a reservation through a certified tour operator like Katland Safaris or check with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to see whether gorilla permits are available for your dates.

We encourage our clients to obtain their gorilla habituation permits as soon as possible if they are available and arrange them via Katland Safaris. Although there are only eight gorilla habituation licenses available each day, demand is extremely strong, particularly during the busiest time of year. June through September and December through January are Uganda’s busiest travel seasons.

Due to the fierce global demand, gorilla permits for this season are best reserved at least six months in advance. Gorilla habituation licenses are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. If payment is not received, no permission is reserved.

Send some information to your Gorilla Habituation Card, such as your entire name as it appears on your passport, the date of your birth, country, and the passport’s expiration date.

Can I pay in installments for the Gorilla Habituation Permit?

Although it is sometimes unavoidable, paying in full for your gorilla habituation permit is the greatest way to lessen the likelihood that you will forget to top it up. As a result, you can buy the gorilla permit in 30% and 70% installments, respectively.

Gorilla permits can only be paid for in installments if you buy the permit 90 days prior to the gorilla habituation date and top it up 90 days prior to the habituation date.

You receive a penalty if you neglect to top up.

Is it possible to reschedule the gorilla habituation permit?

You may choose to travel, but you may also choose not to observe the gorilla habituation date for personal reasons.

You must follow the steps listed below in order to postpone your gorilla habituation permit.

Send a letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority asking that your gorilla habituation permit be rescheduled for your new dates. You can include the justifications for your desire to alter your dates as well as any supporting documentation.

Depending on the permits’ availability, the gorilla habituation permit is postponed as desired after it is approved.

The same gorilla permits can be rescheduled again for free in Uganda. A 25% fee is then imposed following the third approval by the executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

When is the ideal time to reserve a permit for gorilla habitat?

You can minimize last-minute anxiety when verifying availability by scheduling the gorilla habituation permit in advance.

For the months of June, July, August, September, December, and January, it is prudent to book your gorilla permit at least six months to a year in advance. Demand is particularly strong because this is Uganda’s busiest travel season.

Even while making reservations for additional safari-related services like lodging, car rental, etc., it would be wise to take the gorilla permit into account. Because accommodations fill up quickly, especially during peak season, planning your gorilla habituation trip too late restricts your alternatives.

Which lodging should I reserve for the gorilla habitat safari?

To avoid getting up very early and driving in the dark to make it to the briefing before the gorillas get habituated, you must reserve lodging for the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

There are three types of lodging available for gorilla habituation adventures: luxury, mid-range, and economical.

Clouds Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Hill Eco Lodge are some of these lodging options.

How Much Does a Gorilla Habituation Safari Cost?

There are three price categories for gorilla trekking safari packages: luxury, mid-range, and budget.

To ensure attendance and cost savings across all budgets, a gorilla trekking permit would be ideal.

The amount of individuals going on this journey determines how much a gorilla habituation safari costs.

Because you share certain safari facilities like gas and car rental, the number of days spent on a gorilla habituation safari lowers the cost per person as more people sign up. When you go on a gorilla habituation safari alone, you are responsible for all costs.

Safari time coincides with Uganda’s busiest travel season. Due to demand, most prices are high, however gorilla habituation safari prices may be lower during the off-peak months.

The cost of a safari increases with the number of gorilla-habituated activities, such as game drives, chimpanzee trekking, birding, and others.

The prices of luxury safari, mid-range, and budget packages vary depending on what is included and what is not. Naturally, the price increases with the number of safari features.

What is the duration of gorilla habituation?

Since the exact moment of the mountain gorillas’ whereabouts is still unknown, it is unknown when they will return from gorilla habituation.

It may take six hours or longer to return to the lodge following the briefing, depending on the conditions in the forests, because mountain gorillas roam freely.

The mountain gorillas switch to a new feeding spot when the current one runs out of food. This could delay the time it takes to locate them.

Due to habituation, the gorilla family may split up or be compelled to move to the more remote areas of the jungle in the event of a conflict with another gorilla family or a familial feud. It could be difficult to find this family of gorillas.

The gorilla family may hide to grieve when a member dies; it may take some time to find them.

Since gorillas are wild animals leading their own lives without being influenced by their decisions, you must be patient if you want to successfully navigate their habits.

How Risky Are Mountain Gorillas for Adventures in Habituation?

Even when they are semi-habituated during gorilla habituation, mountain gorillas remain quiet and timid creatures. However, this does not certain that visitors will provoke or tease them.

The mountain gorillas’ enormous size and physical attributes may first cause some adrenaline to be released. Their eyes are sunken brown, and their body is coated with dark fur. You might think the mountain gorillas are going to grab you since they move by knuckle-to-knuckle.

This perspective should guarantee that you have the most unforgettable four hours of gorilla habituation with the researcher and trackers.

In the history of gorilla trekking and habituation, no tourists have ever been attacked by mountain gorillas, who are friendly creatures.

When mountain gorillas are upset, they HOOT, thump their chests violently, walk on one leg, drag grass around themselves, and withdraw into the deeper reaches of the jungle.When you observe this behavior, don’t freak out; instead, follow the researchers’ directions and follow your habit. They have a glimmer of this gorilla family’s characteristics by now. There are times when it’s a familial dispute unrelated to human presence. Keep your cool and wait for the ranger guides to give you instructions.

What Can I Expect From the Habituation of Gorillas?

Following a family of semi-habituated gorillas with a group of researchers and rangers is an exhilarating experience known as “gorilla habituation.”

You have to be at the ranger guide station early on the day of gorilla habituation for a briefing before those who are going gorilla trekking.

With your gorilla habituation equipment, don’t forget to bring a packed lunch and a waterproof backpack.

Because the journey is exhausting, hire a porter to assist you in carrying your gorilla habituation equipment. During gorilla habituation, a porter is someone who helps you carry your things and might push you when you’re tired.

You accompany a team of researchers and rangers into the forest as part of a habituation program to try acclimate wild mountain gorillas to human presence without changing their natural behavior.

Being physically fit will help you endure this amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience with mountain gorillas, as the path can be difficult at times.

Because the rangers are better knowledgeable about how to handle the gorilla family you are observing, make sure you follow their directions.

Be as obedient as you can to avoid any conflicts in the forest because the mountain gorilla family is extremely sensitive to human presence.
During gorilla habituation, you spend only four hours with the mountain gorillas, but as they are still becoming acclimated to humans, you should expect them to hide and attack you at some point.
During gorilla habituation, wait for the ranger’s instructions before snapping pictures. Flash photography should never be used while gorillas are becoming habituated. Mountain gorillas pay close attention to anything new that happens in their surroundings.
Keep a distance of approximately 8 meters from the mountain gorillas, and if they approach, attempt to return quietly without generating any disturbances.
Once the allotted hours for gorilla habituation have passed, carefully and respectfully leave the mountain gorillas.
As you go, speak quietly or in a low volume to avoid creating a suspension gap. The dominating silverback is fiercely protective of his family and particularly interested in outsiders. Therefore, avoid trying to test his patience.