Reasons To Visit Kibale National Park

With industrialization and global warming sweeping the globe like wildfire, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find pristine places like Kibale National Park. One of the few remaining tropical rainforests where chimpanzees and other primates can find a home is Kibale National Park.

There are currently approximately 1500 chimpanzees known to roam the Kibale Forest. To engage in chimpanzee trekking or habituation, a permit card is required.

Birdwatching in Kibale National Park is a rewarding experience because over 325 bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift, find refuge in this tropical rain forest.

Kibale National Park is home to about 15 other primate species, including red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons, which can be observed during a guided primate walk through the jungle.

In Kibale National Park, what should one do?

Trekking chimpanzees With the most habituated chimpanzees in East Africa, Kibale National Park is Uganda’s largest chimpanzee trekking habitat. A chimpanzee trekking permit can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or via a travel agency such as katland Safaris.

The day hiking with chimpanzees begins early, typically between 8:00 a.m. and 1500 p.m. Your trip will be more pleasurable and unforgettable if you have the proper chimpanzee trekking equipment, such as safari boots, convertible pants, long-sleeved shirts, and others.

What Is The Price Of A Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Permit?

For foreign nonresidents, each Chimpanzee permit costs $300; for foreign residents, it costs $250; and for East African residents, it costs 150000shs.

The following is included in the price of a Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit:

Park admission costs.
costs for ranger guides.
Spending an hour with chimpanzees.
Safety when walking chimpanzees.
assistance from the local community.
support for chimpanzee conservation.
Transportation, gratuities, porters, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of the chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale National Park.

Is it possible to reschedule my Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Permit?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority must grant authorization for you to reschedule the cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale National Park.

Send a letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority asking for a date adjustment for the chimpanzee expedition. If at all possible, provide proof to support this.

Your chimpanzee trekking permit is transferred to the new date based on the current availability status after it has been authorized.

You must top up the Chimpanzee Trekking Permit before rescheduling if it still has to be done.

Can I buy the Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Permit in installments?

Chimpanzee trekking permits can be purchased in installments from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, but only if the permits are purchased 90 days before to the trekking date. 30% and 70% down payments are available for the Chimpanzee trekking permits for Kibale National Park.

Ninety days following the trekking date, you must remember to renew your partially paid chimpanzee trekking permits.

There is a penalty for noncompliance.

Experience of Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale National Park
Join a group of researchers and habituators as they trace and follow a semi-habituated chimpanzee colony in the wild as part of Kibale National Park’s Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This allows them to acclimate to human presence without changing who they are.

To participate in this activity, it would be ideal to acquire a Uganda Wildlife Authority chimpanzee habituation permit.

You get up early and follow researchers and habituators as they follow the chimpanzees during the chimpanzee habituation experience, often known as CHEX. You might see them just leaving their nests or de-nesting. To preserve recollections of your encounter, you take notes, observe the chimpanzees going about their daily lives, and snap pictures of them.

A troop of habituated chimpanzees may be followed by up to four gorilla permits. You have four hours to spend with the chimps once you find them.

What Is The Price Of A Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Habituation Permit?

It costs $300 per person per trek to obtain a chimpanzee habituation permit for Kibale National Park. To avoid last-minute anxiety when checking for availability, you can reserve the chimpanzee permits in advance. However, each group is only permitted to have a maximum of four chimpanzee habituation permits per day.

What Does Kibale National Park’s Chimpanzee Habituation Permit Include And Not Include?

The following is included in the price of the Kibale National Park permit:

a price for the researcher.
charge for ranger guides.
safety during the habituation period of chimpanzees.
conservation for chimpanzees.
Spending four hours with chimpanzees.
assistance from the local community.
Park admission costs.
The expense of transportation during chimpanzee habituation, gratuity, porter, and any other personal belongings are excluded.

Can I buy permits for chimpanzee habitat in installments?

For chimpanzee licenses purchased ninety days prior to the habituation date, the Uganda Wildlife Authority accepts installment payments. The ideal way to enjoy this experience is to pay in full for your chimpanzee habituation permit, however depending on your situation, you may choose to pay in installments.

A penalty will be imposed if the top-up is not completed within ninety days of the habituation date.

Kibale National Park birdwatching
A variety of rainforest birds can be seen in Kibale National Park, a vast biosphere national park. This tropical rainforest is home to about 335 different kinds of birds, and the main road near the Kanyanchu Visitors Center is the greatest place to go birdwatching.

A Ugandan birdwatcher’s paradise, the Bigodi sanctuary in Magombe Swamp is located just outside Kibale National Park. Birds like the endangered grey-headed Olive-back, Black-crowned Waxbills, Green-backed Twin Spot, Black and White Mannikin, and others can be seen from the observation tower and boardwalk.

Observing primates at Kibale National Park
During a primate walk, you can see approximately 13 different species of primates that call Kibale National Park home. Other primates, such as L’Hoest’s, potato, red colobus, blue, black and white, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, bush infants, and red-tailed monkeys, may be seen in addition to chimpanzees.

To guide you through this primate search, you will require an accompanying ranger guide.

Nature Trail and Cultural Heritage
Visitors can follow the two to six-day trails through the forest on this former long-distance walk. This hike begins in Sebitoli or the Kanyanchu Visitor Center and ends there. In places like Kikoni, Nyakalongo, and Nyaibanda, you can spend the day exploring the forest and come out in the evening to spend the night.

You can engage with locals, particularly those from the Bakiga and Batooro cultures. To assist you with lifting your things, you can hire porters. A porter is someone who helps you carry your things in the woods for a reasonable fee. The local community uses these cash to assist their family, thus this is the most direct approach to help them.

Activities for Kids in Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park offers kid-friendly activities because children under the age of 15 are not permitted to go chimpanzee trekking there. Children are led on a one to two-hour forest walk by trained instructors. In as little time as possible, the kids learn about ecosystems and the people that live there.

Youngsters engage in games and artistic pursuits like batik creation, cyanotype, photography, and pond dipping.

Hiking in the Forest in Kibale National Park

You investigate the park’s habitats while on the woodland stroll.

through the grassland, swamp, riverine forest, and tropical rainforest; keep an eye out for the various birds and primates that the forest is home to. Around 1400, the Elephant Wallow marks the end of this forest, which begins at the Kanyanchu Visitor Center.

Reservations are required for this hike.

What Time of Year Is Best For Kibale National Park Safari Reservations?

Although safaris in Kibale National Park are available year-round, the dry season is the best time to visit because of how vibrant the forest is. Other fascinating primates are fascinating to meet, and the chimpanzees are active in the wild.

In Uganda, the months of June, July, August, September, December, and January are often the busiest travel times during the dry season. During the dry season, Kibale National Park’s trails are easier to see because there is less overgrown vegetation to block your path.

Discounted rates from service providers are more likely to be available during the wet season, which is March, April, May, and November and corresponds to the slowest travel times in Uganda. For people who have a limited

budget, take advantage of the off-season, and, if available, seize the chance for a discount.

In Kibale National Park, how much does a safari cost?

There are three price ranges for safaris in Kibale National Park: premium, mid-range, and cheap. You must get the required permits if you plan to engage in chimpanzee trekking or habituation. As previously stated, the expense of each chimpanzee permit affects every budget.

The following variables affect the price of safaris in Kibale National Park:

Days spent at Kibale National Park
The cost of the safari increases with the number of days spent in Kibale National Park. The majority of service providers charge daily fees for things like lodging and car rentals.
It’s time to reserve your safari in Kibale National Park.
Because of the great demand worldwide, safari package prices are high during the busiest months of June, July, August, September, December, and January. Discounts are occasionally given by service providers during off-peak hours.
Activities available at Kibale National Park
Because each activity in Kibale National Park has a distinct fee, the cost increases as you engage in many activities there.
The safari package you select for your tour of Kibale National Park
The price of a premium, mid-range, or low-cost safari package varies since the inclusions and exclusions vary. The cost of the safari increases with the number of inclusions.

Is it safe to visit Kibale National Park?

A skilled group of rangers and wardens look after the animals at Kibale National Park. They work to raise local residents’ understanding of the importance of protecting chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

To maintain peace and order in and around Kibale National Park, other Ugandan security agencies conduct operations there.

If you want to go into the forest for any activity, you must be careful about your personal safety and look for an escorting guide. Primates and other wild creatures, such as enormous forest hogs and forest elephants, can be found in this rainforest. It might not be a good idea to face these by yourself because they are not accustomed.

Unknown individuals might not have the best interests of you in mind, so don’t let them into your room.

Keep any transactions involving significant sums of money out of the spotlight to avoid drawing the attention of thieves.

What Should You and Should Not Do When Visiting Kibale National Park?

Chimpanzees are wild animals that should rely on the forest rather than human food, hence they shouldn’t be fed. You should be at least 300 meters away from the chimpanzees if you want to eat or smoke.
Since chimpanzees are quite prone to human infections, offer to stay behind if you have the flu, a cough, COVID-19, or anything else.
It is not a good idea to provoke or imitate chimpanzees since you might need to be aware of what you are saying.
It is safe to enter Kibale Forest National Park with a guide. Seek for a ranger guide if you want to go on a woodland stroll.
Chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences are only permitted for those who are at least 15 years old. This is due to the fact that during chimpanzee trekking or habituation, all participants are expected to adhere to certain standards, which may be more difficult for a youngster younger than this to obey.
Ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you that is at least 30 cm deep and completely cover it when you need to urinate.
When taking pictures, avoid using a flashlight. Chimpanzees are easily frightened by odd things that happen around them.
When you find chimpanzees, avoid encircling them. They can feel like they’ve been ambushed.
No throwing trash or littering into the forest, which is home to chimpanzees and other forest inhabitants.
To reduce the possibility of transferring any germs to the chimps, stay approximately 8 meters away from them once you have located them.
You have four hours to spend getting used to the chimpanzees and one hour to hike them after you find them.
As a response to the coronavirus pandemic, masks are required for chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences.

Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda

One of the most amazing African holiday experiences is spending Christmas with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda.

Giving the mountain gorillas good news for Christmas is a unique experience. Christmas is a time to celebrate and make memories that will last till the next year. In order to remember each other of this event, you can go gorilla trekking on Christmas with family or friends.

The holiday season is Christmas. Booking gorilla permits for Rwanda, Uganda, or both during this season is great because vacation demand is at its highest.

Obtaining gorilla permits is a need for organizing a Christmas gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda or Uganda. You must comprehend the meaning of a gorilla permit and the need of obtaining one prior to planning a gorilla safari.

What is the permit for gorillas?

A gorilla permit is a card or document that serves as a one-hour admission ticket for gorilla trekking once you’ve found the mountain gorillas. Even though an hour might not seem like much, it is worth going to view mountain gorillas in the wild as opposed to those housed in captivity. You have to find a family of habituated mountain gorillas in the wild in this seek-and-find game.

How much do gorilla permits cost during the Christmas season?

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for foreign visitors, $500 for foreign citizens, and $300 for inhabitants of East Africa.

Foreign nonresidents must pay $800 per person for a Uganda gorilla permit, while foreign residents must pay $700 and East African residents must pay 300,000 shs.

What does the price of a gorilla permit include and exclude?

The following is covered by the gorilla permit fee:

Park admission costs.
costs for ranger guides.
safety when trekking for gorillas.
assistance from the local community.
support for conservation.
a certificate for finishing the gorilla trek.
The mountain gorillas for an hour.
Tips, snacks for the gorilla hike, a packed lunch, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of the gorilla ticket.

To arrange a gorilla safari package for Rwanda or Uganda, get in touch with katland Safaris. Wherever feasible, we offer free, pertinent advice and customize your Africa Safari itinerary to meet your needs.

When Is the Best Time To Reserve A Rwandan Or Ugandan Christmas Gorilla Permit?

It’s a great idea to get your gorilla permit ahead of time for Christmas. Booking your gorilla permit is possible at least six months to a year prior to Christmas Day, which falls on December 25 of each year.

By the final quarter of the year, both accommodations and gorilla permits for the holiday season are completely booked.

Keep in mind that gorilla trekking is only available to kids who are at least 15 years old if you are taking a family vacation over the Christmas break. A youngster under this age may find the misty Virunga jungle and its terrain uncomfortable. A child under the age of fifteen may find it difficult to follow the gorilla trekking safari restrictions.

Reserve lodging for use on the Christmas gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda.
The lodging you intend to utilize on the gorilla safari is the next step after obtaining the gorilla permit. This is because there are fewer lodging options available when Christmas or the holiday season approaches due to increased demand.

You must be aware of the region in which your gorilla permit is reserved if it is in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Your gorilla permit can be reserved in four different locations of Bwindi Forest: the Buhoma area, the Ruhija area, the Rushaga area, and the Nkuringo area.

Since the roads linking the various regions are somewhat distant and subject to local weather conditions, it is advisable to spend the night closer to the areas where your gorilla permit is reserved. To be permitted to go gorilla trekking, you must arrive early for the briefing.

Those who engage in gorilla trekking more than once are required to attend the briefing on each gorilla trekking day. You must be informed about what to expect on each journey because mountain gorillas are not all the same and have mood swings.

Gorilla trekking safari accommodations are categorized as luxury, mid-range, and budget.

Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Silverback Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Clouds Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Trekker’s Tavern, Chameleons Lodge, and other accommodations in the impenetrable national park of Bwindi

Accommodations in Mgahinga National Park include Mutanda Lake Resort, Majambere Iwachu, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle, Gahinga Lodge, and Community Camp.

Accommodations in Volcanoes National Park include the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel Mill Collines, Hotel La Palme, Hotel Muhavura, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Kinigi Guest House.

Where to go on a Christmas gorilla trip

In Uganda
Uganda’s most notable mountain gorilla habitat is Bwindi’s inaccessible national park, which spans roughly 327 square kilometers. At the moment, 18 gorilla families are completely acclimated and available for booking by the general public. In the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two gorilla families are available for gorilla habituation experiences.

Only 152 gorilla permits are made available for public booking each day, and demand is highest during the festive season, so you must reserve your Uganda gorilla permits in advance.

Other nine primate species, such as chimpanzees, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s, potato, and others, can also be found in the Bwindi forest.

More than 350 bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift, can be found in the Bwindi forest.

Park Mgahinga National

There is currently only one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi, in Mgahinga National Park, which is renowned for its breathtakingly wild landscape. It was difficult to reserve gorilla permits in advance since the Nyakagezi gorilla family used to stray into Rwanda.

Mgahinga gorilla permits can be reserved in advance, subject to availability, as this gorilla family has been residing in Uganda for a considerable amount of time.

The park is home to a variety of other primates, such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, golden monkeys, black and white colobus, and blue monkeys.

With ornithologists confirming approximately 115 bird species, including Albertine endemics, as park inhabitants, the Mgahinga forest’s bird list continues to grow.

In the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda

The only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas may be seen is Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the country’s northwest. In Rwanda, there are just 15 gorilla families that are officially accessible for gorilla trekking.

Other primates found in this park include olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, golden and blue monkeys, and more.

Volcanoes National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including endemics of the Albertine Rift.

How Can I Reserve a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda or Uganda for Christmas?

Gorilla permits must be reserved at least six months to a year in advance for the holiday season. This is due to the fact that they sell out quickly—even before the year’s last quarter—due to strong global demand.

You must choose whether you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda when you reserve a gorilla permit for Christmas.

Determine how many other individuals you want to go gorilla trekking with and how many times you can go gorilla trekking on different days.

Our safari adviser looks for availability from the Rwanda Development Board permit list or the Uganda Wildlife Authority when you inquire about gorilla trekking during the Christmas season. One of the authorized businesses with access to this list is katland Safaris.

We urge customers to buy their gorilla permits as soon as availability is confirmed because they sell out quickly. Although gorilla trekking permits are purchased on a first-come, first-served basis, no gorilla permits are reserved without payment.

Reserve transportation to gorilla trekking locations.
By road

Road transportation is available to Uganda’s gorilla trekking locations via routes such as:

To the Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi

Travel from Kampala to Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kihihi, and Buhoma

Nkuringo to Kabale to Kampala

Kabale, Kampala, Kanungu, and Buhoma

National Park Queen Elizabeth to Kihihi to Buhoma

To the National Park of Mgahinga

Kabale, Kisoro, Ntebeko, Kampala

To the National Park of Volcanoes

Musaze to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali

By Air

Uganda offers daily domestic flights to Kihihi or Kisoro from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip.

Charter flights to Kihihi or Kisoro are offered from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

Charter flights to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are offered from Kigali airport.

To what extent is the Gorilla Trekking Adventure challenging?

Know that the terrain of this region is rough, with elevations resembling plateaus or ridges covered in tangled foliage, whether you choose to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. You must trek because mountain gorillas occasionally eat from the slopes. When it rains, the path may become slick and wet due to the water logging, resulting in marshy conditions. The thick canopy of the forest reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground.

Safari boots that can endure such conditions are necessary because the route might occasionally become damp due to flooding caused by the thick network of rivers.

Trekking to the locations where the mountain gorillas might be spending the day or relaxing requires a certain level of fitness.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost in Rwanda or Uganda Around Christmas?

Luxury, mid-range, and budget packages are used to package gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. The price of gorilla permits is the same for both Rwanda and Uganda, regardless of whether you want to embark on a gorilla tour.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person per trek, whereas in Uganda it costs $800 per person every trek.

The following elements are taken into account while determining the price of the gorilla safari packages:

When scheduling a gorilla safari over the holiday season, service companies charge exorbitant fees because of the high demand.

The volume of Christmastime gorilla trekking travelers

The cost of the gorilla safari decreases with the number of participants. You bear the full cost of the safari if you are traveling alone.

Other pursuits in addition to gorilla trekking

The cost of a safari package rises when additional activities like game drives, chimpanzee trekking, birding, fishing, and others are included.

Which country in Rwanda and Uganda offers the finest gorilla trekking over Christmas?
The experience of encountering mountain gorillas is remarkable, whether you are gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Some visitors claim that you are able to forget about whatever hardships you may have had in getting ready for this Christmas vacation.

The distinction between Rwanda and Uganda as the top destinations for gorilla trekking over the Christmas season can be highlighted with

The price of a gorilla permit
A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500, whereas one in Uganda costs $800 per person.

The number of families that go gorilla trekking
There are two gorilla habituation experience families and 19 gorilla trekking families in Uganda.

Activities that can be added to gorilla trekking
There are further optional activities available in Uganda, such as wildlife drives, chimpanzee hiking, white water rafting, and visiting the Nile River’s source. Game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and visits to genocide memorials are among the few extra activities available in Rwanda to combine with gorilla trekking.

The duration of the travel from the airport to the locations for gorilla trekking
While it takes roughly eight to nine hours to drive from Entebbe airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, it takes three hours to go from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park.

Things to Bring to the Gorilla Trekking Safari Packing List for Christmas

A wide-brimmed safari hat to shield your hair from the raindrops that fall from the trees.
Binoculars for an excellent view of birds and animals with fur.
Apply sunscreen on your skin to prevent sunburns and while traveling to the gorilla trekking locations.
If you need to give your possessions to a porter, pack them in a backpack. It also needs to be waterproof.
Packing several long-sleeved shirts and convertible pants would be ideal. Clothing should be packed in dirt-friendly colors, such as Khaki. Having more clothing to change into after gorilla trekking would be ideal.
A raincoat to protect yourself in the event of unexpected downpours while in the forest.
Steer clear of vivid hues like black, blue, and white since they can draw stinging insects that could cause injury to your body.
Gorilla trekking snacks are necessary because breakfast is eaten too early to last the whole journey.
A camera to capture memories of your Christmas vacation in Africa, whether it’s in Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
In the event that you require an in-person transaction, some hard cash to convert into local currency.
In the event that one battery falls low, there is a backup fully charged battery.
Use insect repellent since stinging insects in the woods can cause skin damage.
A first aid kit should be kept on hand in case you have a recognized ailment or require immediate medical attention.
Toiletries, in case they are not provided by the lodge. Since certain skins are quite sensitive, you must feel at ease with them.
Energy nibbles to munch on during pack activities, like as game drives.

Why to do Uganda gorilla safaris starting in Kigali Rwanda

Recently, going gorilla trekking in Uganda via Kigali airport has become a popular safari activity. Because you may enter both Rwanda and Uganda with an East Africa visa, you can enjoy safari experiences in both countries.

You can enter two East African nations with the East African visa without having to reapply. In addition to being neighbors, Rwanda and Uganda are members of the East African community.

It takes five to six hours to drive from Kigali airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, which crosses the Cyanika or Gatuna border.

It may take eight to nine hours to drive from Entebbe Airport to either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Stopovers at national parks, such as Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and others, help reduce this travel.

Where in Uganda Can I Go Gorilla Trekking?

Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

The 327 square kilometer Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwest Uganda. With a substantial fauna and flora that includes about 51 reptiles, 88 months, 300 trees, 350 bird species, 10 monkey species, including mountain gorillas, and others, this refugia forest is thought to have existed for more than 30,000 years.

About 18 gorilla families reside in four regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Rushaga and Nkuringo, the Ruhija, and Buhoma. The southern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is designated as a reserve for two gorilla habituation families.

To plan lodging for gorilla trekking or habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you must be aware of the location of your gorilla permit reservation. This will save you from having to drive late at night to get to a gorilla trekking briefing somewhere else.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can reserve a variety of lodging options for a gorilla safari, including

Among these are Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Bwindi View Bandas, Clouds Lodge, Gorilla Forest Lodge, Engage Lodge, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Park in Mgahinga National

Mgahinga National Park is located in Uganda’s far southwest. Nyakagezi is the name of the only fully habituated mountain gorilla family in the park. In the past, this family of gorillas would migrate into Rwanda. This explains why pre-booking a gorilla permit for Mgahinga National Park was so difficult.

Mgahinga National Park is home to the mountain gorillas, who are available for reservations through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

It is possible to trek the park’s three unique volcanoes, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Sabyinyo, every day. These feature a variety of lovely vegetation zones that are uncommon to see up close.

Other primates found in Mgahinga National Park include Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Golden Monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Blue Monkeys, and others.

Starting in Kigali, How to Reserve a Gorilla Permit in Uganda
Uganda’s gorilla permit sales and regulations are handled by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Your gorilla permit can be reserved via the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a tour company such as katland Safaris.

Decide how many persons you want to travel with and the day you want to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. As you describe the wonderful sensations you had when you find the mountain gorillas, the more the better.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority listing must be checked by our safari adviser to see if gorilla permits are available.

The safari consultant will contact you once the answer is affirmative. Since there can only be a maximum of eight gorilla permits per gorilla family, we advise our clients to buy their permits as soon as possible. However, only 152 gorilla licenses are issued daily in Uganda.

You must submit personal information such as your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality, and expiration date once your gorilla permit has been properly obtained. These serve as documentation, and some are included to your certificate upon completion of a habituation safari or gorilla trekking.

What Is The Price Of A Ugandan Gorilla Permit?

The cost of a Uganda gorilla permit is 300000 shs for East African residents, $700 for foreign residents, and $800 for foreign nonresidents each trek.

The optimum time to buy a gorilla permit is at least six months in advance because they sell out quickly, particularly during the busiest times of the year, which are June through September and December through January. Finding gorilla permits at the last minute at the busiest time of year is difficult.

Finding last-minute gorilla permits is more likely during the off-peak months of March through May and November, while it is not a given.

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

The following is included in the price of a Uganda gorilla permit:

Park admission costs.
safety when trekking for gorillas.
charge for ranger guides.
fee for gorilla conservation.
assistance from the local community.
a certificate following a gorilla hike.
Transportation to the gorilla safari destination, gratuities, porter fees, snacks, a packed lunch, and any other personal belongings are all excluded from a gorilla permit.

Are Gorilla Permit Instalment Purchases Accepted in Uganda?

Although paying in full for your gorilla permit in Uganda is the ideal option, there are situations in which you may be able to pay in installments.

If you reserve your gorilla permit at least 90 days before to the day of trekking, the Uganda Wildlife Authority will allow you to pay 30% or 70% in installments. Before the 90-day gorilla trekking day, you must top up. To avoid being penalized, please top up your gorilla permit.

Due to their limited supply, gorilla permits in Uganda are offered on a first-come, first-served basis; yet, demand for them is high globally.

How Much Does a Rwandan-Uganda Gorilla Safari Cost?

The price of the gorilla safari is categorized as budget, midrange, and luxury. A gorilla permit, which costs $800 per person each trek, is necessary for each.

When calculating the cost of a gorilla safari, several elements are taken into account.

The number of participants in the gorilla safari and the price per person decrease as more sign up.

The cost of the gorilla safari goes up as the number of days increases.

Due to the increased demand for safaris, the gorilla safari packages are more expensive during the peak season.

In addition to gorilla trekking, other activities like wildlife drives and chimpanzee trekking are more expensive.

Is a Gorilla Safari in Uganda Worth the Price?

Although it may appear pricey, the Uganda safari through Rwanda is well worth the money. Some extinct primates thought to have existed during the time of the dinosaurs are the mountain gorillas.

Only the Virunga region, which includes Rwanda, D.R. Congo, and Uganda, is home to mountain gorillas worldwide. By the 1980s, mountain gorillas were in danger of going extinct, according to the population census. American primatologist Dian Fossey reported at the time that there were roughly 300 mountain gorillas. Because of this, mountain gorillas are now considered to be among the world’s most endangered animals, and one way to raise money to help their conservation is through gorilla trekking.

You support the local communities surrounding the mountain gorillas when you get a gorilla permit and go gorilla trekking. Twenty percent of the money made from gorilla safari sales is donated to the local community each year. They use these revenues to promote community projects like the establishment of schools and health facilities, rather than hunting the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Apart from gorilla trekking, what else can I do in Uganda?

Community Visits to Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Around Uganda’s gorilla trekking locations, you can discover more about the local way of life. Communities like the Buhoma hamlet can be toured while in Bwindi’s impenetrable National Park. You can visit a banana beer brewery, a traditional healer, and a blacksmith, among other places. You may witness the traditional healer, homestead, blacksmith, and other items when visiting the Nkuringo community.

The Batwa, who were forced to leave Mgahinga National Park for conservation, can be seen there.

A local Mutwa guide leads the Batwa route, showing you some of the activities that took place in the forest before to their eviction in the 1990s. In their performances, they demonstrate their wild life, gather fruits, make fire from wood, and harvest honey.

A visit to the Garama cave, which is located near the northern edge of the park and just below the plateau, is a must-do while in Batwa. After they raided the Bafumbira’s farmlands, this cave served as a hideaway.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Birdwatching

It’s fantastic to go birdwatching in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Numerous birds, including endemics of the Albertine Rift, can be found here. Birds such as the Rocky Masked and Chestnut Throated Apalises, Western Green Tibkerbird, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Hill, Collared Apalis, Cinnamon Chested Bee Eater, and others may be recognized.

To get the most out of your safari in Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you need a qualified and experienced birding guide.

Trekking with Chimpanzees

You can hike chimpanzees in Kibale National Park or Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park after gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A chimpanzee hiking permit must be reserved through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Given that chimpanzees include almost 98% human DNA, it is important to observe the guidelines for chimpanzee trekking.

It takes around four to five hours to drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park and then to Kibale National Park. It takes roughly six hours to go to Kibale National Park, so you can see the chimps either before or after gorilla trekking. The closest relatives of humans can be found in the animal kingdom.

Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drives

You may be able to see a variety of species during an early morning or late afternoon game drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, including topis, waterbucks, bushbucks, elephant herds, cape buffalo herds, and tree-climbing lions.

You can recognize many of the wild species that inhabit this wonderful park by following their trails.

Murchison Falls National Park Game Drive

Murchison Falls National Park, which is divided by the River Nile, offers game drives. Animals such as giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, lions, hartebeest, and others can be seen on the park’s northern borders. The best wildlife track with more opportunities for animal drama is Buligi.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, begin your cruise.

As you take in the riverine fauna, the Kazinga Channel Queen Elizabeth National Park launch cruise is incredible. Numerous untamed creatures spend a portion of their day bathing and drinking by the channel banks. You might see lions, elephants, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, and other wild creatures.

Look for the glistening ice-capped summit of the Rwenzori peaks, which serve as Queen Elizabeth National Park’s backdrop on a clear day.

Murchison Falls National Park Launch Trip

The most thrilling yet spectacular excursion in Murchison Falls National Park is sailing to the falls. Savor the freebies along the banks and refresh your thirst while observing the natural species that live by the river. The Nile River’s shoreline is also home to a variety of birds.

Watch the River Nile as it squirms through a small bend that is only 6 meters wide, then erupts with vigor and a foggy appearance.

Trekking Through Rwenzori

Hiking atop Mount Rwenzori for roughly seven days on the way back is a good way to evaluate your fitness. Savor the various flora zones that make up the fauna on this mountain’s slopes. Mountaineering on Rwenzori is an option, as is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Go to Lake Bunyonyi

The deepest lake in Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi, is located in Western Uganda and is open for visits. Locally, the word “bunyonyi” means “small birds,” which is appropriate given the abundance of birds that call this lake home.

There are several islands in this lake that you can visit by boat to take in the beautiful surroundings. The punishment island, where girls who became pregnant outside of marriage were abandoned and drowned or killed while attempting to return to the mainland, is the most notable island.

You can swim in Lake Bunyonyi’s water since it is devoid of bilharzia. For some cool moments, zip-line across this lake.

How to book chimpanzee habituation permits in Uganda

How to reserve licenses for chimpanzee habituation in Uganda. The chimpanzee habituation experience is the best option if you want to spend more time with the chimpanzees than the one-hour hiking. You accompany a group of researchers and habituators into the field to monitor a group of semi-wild chimpanzees during chimpanzee habituation. You have four hours to spend with the chimpanzee after you find them during the chimpanzee habituation.

However, because to their semi-habituated nature, these chimpanzees may exhibit a variety of wild behaviors, such as hooting and hiding. These chimpanzees still require complete acclimatization to human existence. Chimpanzee habituation must occur before a chimpanzee trekking community can be confirmed.

You can practice chimpanzee habituation in Murchison Falls National Park’s Kaniyo Pabidi forest and Kibale National Park in Uganda. To see these human relatives, a chimpanzee habituation permit must be reserved.

You must first comprehend what chimpanzee habituation experience is in order to book chimpanzee habituation licenses in Uganda.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: What Is It?

Similar to CHEX, the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is an expedition in which you accompany researchers and habituators as they follow a troop of semi-habituated chimpanzees to acclimate them to human presence without changing their character.

You could be asked to write down some information about the chimpanzees during the habituation process. The knowledge gathered from these observations will be useful to future chimpanzee trekking tourists.

How to Reserve Permits for Chimpanzee Habituation

Decide when and where you want to go on a chimpanzee habituation safari in Uganda.

Our safari adviser will check the Uganda Wildlife Authority list for permission availability when you inquire about your chimpanzee habituation experience.

We recommend that you pre-purchase your chimpanzee habituation permit as soon as possible, if any are available. There can be no more than four tourists per troop every session with these permissions.

Due to strong demand worldwide and limited supply for conservation, these chimpanzee habituation permits sell out quickly, especially during the busiest times of the year.

According to Uganda Wildlife Authority regulation, these chimpanzee habituation licenses are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and none are held without payment.

How Much Does a Habituation Permit for Ugandan Chimpanzees Cost?

Each area has a different price for the Uganda habituation permit. However, the permit fee for Kibale National Park is presently 150000 shs for East African residents, $300 per person every session for foreign nonresidents, and $300 per person per trip for foreign residents.

What Does the Price of the Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Habituation Permit Include?

The following is included in the price of a chimpanzee habituation permit:

Park admission costs.
ranger guiding service.
support for chimpanzee conservation.
assistance from the local community.
An armed ranger guide provides security.
fee for the researcher.

What Does the Price of the Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Habituation Permit Not Include?

Transportation, lodging, the porter charge, snacks, and any other personal belongings to the chimpanzee habituation site.

If you require help booking accommodations, transportation, and driver guides that promote chimpanzee habituation experiences. katland Safaris relieves you of this stress by organizing all of your safari needs within your spending limit. We take great satisfaction in our more than ten years of expertise planning client safaris to several East African nations, which has earned us positive evaluations on travel websites such as TripAdvisor, SafariBookings, and others.

When Can I Schedule a Habituation Experience with Chimpanzees?

All year long, the Chimpanzee Habituation Safari is open. However, the dry season—typically June, July, August, September, December, and January—is preferred by the majority of visitors. This is because it’s thought that the forest experiences less humidity during that time.

Open space makes it easier to see the chimpanzees and other monkeys that live here. Throughout the dry season, the forest is more alive. Because there is less foliage encroaching on the paths, even the trails are easier to navigate.

Discounted rates from service providers such as lodging facilities, car rentals, and others are more likely to be available during the wet season, which is often March, April, and May. You can take advantage of this if you have a tight budget.

Does a Chimpanzee’s Habituation Experience Make It Aggressive?

Chimpanzees visited during chimpanzee habituation are peaceful despite being semi-habituated. You must pay attention to the researchers in your team and adhere to the guidelines provided at the briefing. By then, they have some experience with these chimps and are aware of how to respond to the majority of their characteristics.

Avoid encircling the chimpanzees as this agitates them; it is prohibited to make noise in the woods because chimpanzees are afraid of strange things that happen nearby; Avoid making fun of or imitating the chimps because you might not understand what they are saying.

How long does it take for chimpanzees to become habituated in Uganda?

Because of the various forest conditions that determine the chimpanzees’ hanging out area, the time required to complete the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience relies on how long it takes to locate the animals. Within two hours, some visitors were able to find the chimpanzees, while others took longer.

It can take longer to track chimpanzees if they go to a different eating place.

The losers of conflicts between the chimpanzee communities are forced into hiding.

For individuals practicing chimpanzee habituation, it can be difficult because the chimpanzees feed from up the trees during the intense rainy season.

It could take longer than usual to complete the chimpanzee habituation experience with a slow group. To ensure that no one is left behind in the woods, the ranger guides keep up with the slowest visitors.

How Secure Is It to Habituate Chimpanzees?

Chimpanzee habituation in the wild is an amazing experience, but it is only available to well-trained Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and park wardens.

It is imperative that you attend the ranger guides’ briefing at the Kanyanchu visitor center for Kibale National Park on the day of chimpanzee habituation. The rules of chimpanzee habituation and some of the characteristics you might anticipate during this experience are explained to you.

Because you can get lost in the bush when practicing chimpanzee habituation, stay close to the team you are traveling with. The ranger guide keeps up with the slowest visitor, but everything else remains the same.

Since you have no idea what you are saying, avoid making fun of or imitating the chimpanzees when you are in front of them.

To maintain peace and order, the park security works in tandem with other Ugandan security services.

You should be mindful of your personal safety by avoiding consuming street food that might lead to digestive issues. It is forbidden for anyone who has a contagious illness, such as dysentery, to engage in chimpanzee habituation. Since chimpanzees are the closest humans have to wild animals, they are particularly vulnerable to human infections.

Because the forest contains additional inhabitants that are not accustomed to human presence, such as enormous forest hogs and forest elephants, only enter the area with an accompanying ranger guide.

What Distinguishes Chimpanzee Habituation Experience From Chimpanzee Trekking?

In chimpanzee trekking, you follow a troop of completely habituated chimpanzees and spend an hour with them; in chimpanzee habituation experience, you follow a troop of semi-habituated chimpanzees and spend four hours with them.

For Kibale National Park, chimpanzee trekking permits cost $300 per person each trip, and chimpanzee habituation experience permits cost $300 per person per trek.

A maximum of six tourists per troop is permitted for chimpanzee trekking, and a maximum of four tourists are permitted for chimpanzee habituation.

For the morning session, the chimpanzee habituation experience begins early, between 0530 and 0630, which may allow you to see the chimpanzees as they de-nest. In the morning, chimpanzee trekking usually begins around 8:00 a.m.

Is it possible to buy the Ugandan Chimpanzee Habituation Permit in installments?

Purchases of 30% and 70% installment chimpanzee habituation permits are accepted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Only individuals who buy their chimpanzee permits 90 days prior to the habituation date are affected by this. Don’t forget to top up 90 days prior to the habituation date.

You are subject to a fine if you neglect to renew your chimpanzee permit.

To reduce the possibility of forgetting to top up, it is preferable to buy your chimpanzee habituation experience permit in full.

Does Uganda Allow Chimpanzee Permit Rescheduling?

If you follow the steps below, you can reschedule your permission for chimpanzee habituation.

Note: Before rescheduling, you must top off your chimpanzee permit if you bought it in installments.

Request a new date for your chimpanzee habituation permit in writing to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Put the date you want to transfer your chimpanzee permit here. If you have any supporting documentation, include it with your request.

Your chimpanzee habituation permit is moved based on availability after it is approved.

You are permitted to reschedule two free chimpanzees for the same permit by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority must give his or her consent if you want to reschedule for the third time. There is a 25% fee.

How Old Must Be To Experience Chimpanzee Habituation?

Chimpanzee habituation is only permitted for those over the age of fifteen. This is because a child under this age may not be able to tolerate the amount of time you spend in the forest looking for the chimps.

You must speak quietly when looking for chimpanzees, but for a child younger than this, it can be difficult to tolerate due to the sometimes-provocative character of the chimps.

The chimpanzees may appear to be afraid of a youngster younger than this, but you should not be afraid because this could make you appear suspicious to the chimps, which could cause them to hide.

What Rules Apply to Ugandan Chimpanzee Habituation Experiences?

When you find the chimpanzees, stay around 8 meters away from them. Since they are wild animals, you may infect them or they could infect you. This is among the potential safety measures you can implement.
If you contract a contagious disease such as the corona virus, the flu, cholera, etc., offer to stay behind. Since their DNA is almost 96% that of humans, these animals are vulnerable to this infection.
The chimps can be tempted to take it from you if you eat or smoke in front of them. Chimpanzees should naturally seek their food and not rely on human assistance, therefore please do not feed them. Eat approximately 300 meters away from them if you want to.
Since the time needed to locate the chimpanzees is still being determined, children under the age of 15 are not permitted to participate in chimpanzee habituation experiences because they may not be able to endure the harsh conditions in the wilderness or prolong their stay in the forest.
Because other forest inhabitants could hurt you or lead you to go lost, only go into the forest with a park ranger.
Ask the ranger guide to dig a hole at least 30 cm deep and completely conceal the waste if you want to take a long call.
It is prohibited to make noise in the outdoors when looking for chimpanzees. They are extremely sensitive primates that get frightened by strange noises in their environments.
Flash photography should never be used when hiking chimpanzees since it can frighten these magnificent primates. Chimpanzees are frequently frightened by strange things that happen nearby. The chimpanzee might be forced into the more remote areas of this tropical jungle as a result.
Although it has never happened in Uganda’s history of chimpanzee trekking, it is prohibited to provoke the primates because doing so could trigger them to become violent. It’s also feasible. Chimpanzee mimicry is prohibited because it could convey strange messages. These primates are extremely sensitive, particularly to the actions of those who are intruding on their territory.
Once you find the chimps, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them.

Tracing the history of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Following Dian Fossey’s 1980s mountain gorilla population census survey, which estimated that there were 300 mountain gorillas in the globe, the idea of gorilla trekking safaris was born. One of the most endangered primates in the world was the mountain gorilla.

In order to lessen hostility between people and mountain gorillas and raise money for their conservation, gorilla trekking was established.

Nothing was done to promote gorilla trekking in the 1980s because of political unrest in various African nations, including as Rwanda and Uganda.

What Is Uganda’s Gorilla Trekking History?

In Uganda, gorilla habituation began in the 1990s in the impenetrable national park of Bwindi. The process of acclimating a family of wild gorillas to human presence without changing their character is known as “gorilla habituation.” Depending on how long the gorillas take to adjust, it is still unknown how long it will take to acclimate a family of wild gorillas to human presence. It could take up to two years for gorillas to become habituated.

The process of gorilla habituation takes time.

The Mubare gorilla family became accessible to the general public in 1993. Ten members make up this gorilla family, and there was formerly a dominant silver. The gorilla family is headed by the dominant silverback. He is entitled to all females, defends the family, and discovers new feeding grounds.

Additional gorilla families, such as the Rushegura Group in 302 and the Habinyanja Group in 1998, were made accessible for hiking. The rest is history.

There are currently 19 gorilla families in Uganda that are available for reservations and reside in either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is another location where gorillas can be habituated. The gorilla habituation experience is an adventure in which you accompany a group of researchers as they follow a family of semi-habituated gorillas to assist them adjust to human presence without changing their natural behavior.

There are now two gorilla habituation families available for reservations in Uganda, and a team of habituators and researchers may bring up to four visitors.

What is Rwanda’s Gorilla Trekking History?

The Albertine National Park, which was administered by Belgian Colonial Authorities, was created in 1929 by extending Volcanoes National Park, the site of gorilla trekking, far into Rwanda.

Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, conducted research on mountain gorillas in Rwanda in 1967. She established the Karisoke Research Center, where she constructed snares to capture forest residents, protected mountain gorillas from people who slaughtered them, and much more.

About 300 mountain gorillas were found to reside in the Virunga region following a census she and her team conducted in the 1980s. As a result, the world began to recognize the predicament of mountain gorillas as one of the most endangered primates.

By 1985, unidentified assassins had brutally slain Dian Fossey at her residence.

When the Rwanda Genocide occurred in 1994, the country’s civil instability intensified. Many Rwandese lost their lives during the 100 days of ignorance. As Volcanoes National Park turned into a battlefield, the majority of the mountain gorilla conservation efforts came to a complete halt.

With the reopening of Volcanoes National Park to tourists in 1999, gorilla trekking was once again possible.

There are currently 15 gorilla families in Rwanda that are accessible for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking: what is it?

Following a completely habituated gorilla family in the wild and spending just one hour with them is known as “gorilla trekking.” The gorillas are accustomed to being around people.

To participate in this expedition, it would be ideal to have a gorilla trekking permit; however, only eight people are permitted per hike per day.

Where in Rwanda and Uganda can I go gorilla trekking?

In the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda

The only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas can be found is Volcanoes National Park. There are now 15 gorilla families in this park that are accessible to tourists. Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Gahinga are the five volcanoes that make up the park’s topography.

Other primates found in the forest include blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, and black and white colobus.

This forested National Park is home to a variety of birds, including endemic Albertine species.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Ten refuge woods, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, are thought to have survived Africa’s ice age. It is estimated that this ecosystem has existed for more than 30,000 years. About ten primates, including mountain gorillas, L’Holst’s, Pottos monkeys, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, olive baboons, black and white colobus, and others, are among the diverse fauna and flora that call it home.

This park is home to more than 350 species of birds, seven of which are listed on the IUCN Red List. This region is home to a number of Albertine endemic birds.

Park in Mgahinga National

This habitat, which is roughly 33.7 square kilometers in size, is the smallest gorilla trekking area. In this park, only one gorilla family—Nyakagezi—is presently accessible to tourists.

Other primates found in this park include vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus, and others.

Hiking any one of the three unique volcanoes that make up the park’s topography—Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Gahinga—offers breathtaking views.

Which of Rwanda and Uganda Is the Best Place to Go Gorilla Trekking?

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas is gorilla trekking. Standing in front of the legendary mountain gorillas is an experience that cannot be equaled, whether you are gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.

The following factors distinguish Rwanda from Uganda as the top destinations for gorilla trekking:

The price of a permit for gorilla trekking
A gorilla permit for Rwanda costs $1500 per person, whereas one for Uganda costs $800 per person.

The duration of the travel from the airport to the locations for 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.

The quantity of open gorilla trekking families

Rwanda has 15 gorilla families available for public reservations, whereas Uganda has 19 gorilla trekking families and two gorilla habituation families available for tourists.

Activities that can be added to gorilla trekking
Rwanda offers less safari chances to interact with gorilla trekking than Uganda, which offers more extra safari activities.

When is the ideal time to reserve a permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?

Although gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year in Rwanda and Uganda, travelers typically choose the dry seasons of June, July, August, September, December, and January.

Securing your gorilla permit at least six months or a year in advance is safe because this is also the busiest time of year for tourists. During this time, service providers have more choices, such as lodging options, to utilize when gorilla trekking.

Due to competition from other safari activities for expert driver guides, vehicle rental, and other services, gorilla safari packages are expensive during this peak season.

If you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda but have a tight budget, you can pick the off-peak months. There is minimal competition for gorilla permits, and there is also the possibility of receiving services at a reduced cost.

During the low season, there is a greater opportunity of going gorilla trekking alone or with a small group of other trekkers.

Is Trekking with Gorillas Dangerous?

Because mountain gorillas are timid creatures who hardly ever fight with people, gorilla trekking is safe. There have never been any reports of visitors being assaulted by mountain gorillas in the history of gorilla trekking.

To find the mountain gorillas, you must abide by the gorilla trekking guidelines that are explained during the briefing and the ranger’s informational sessions.

Even if the mountain gorillas are accustomed to humans, try to avoid upsetting them. They still exhibit the characteristics of wild creatures. Since wild animals must find their own food and are not dependent on human support, it is even illegal to feed mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas have a spy network that serves as informers for the Dominant Silverback because they are sensitive to outsiders in their immediate area.

What is the duration of the Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Since mountain gorillas are untamed creatures that roam freely in the wild, the best time to locate them is still up in the air. In two hours or more, you might find the mountain gorilla. Finding the mountain gorillas depends on a number of variables, including

The closeness of their food

In the event of conflict with another family of gorillas

When the silverback in charge is daring

The wet season is the current weather state. Sometimes the trails are impassable due to their slick surface.

The rest of the trekkers’ number one.

What Are the Guidelines for a Rwandan or Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Due to the nature of this activity, which may require hiking to reach the mountain gorillas, the gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years of age and up.
Whenever you are around mountain gorillas, try not to move. Because it makes the mountain gorillas feel that their visitors are ambushing them, it is not permitted to surround them when you are meeting them. They might hide if they become irritated.
It is essential to wear a clean mask before to encountering the mountain gorillas. Sanitizing your shoes before entering the jungle is the best course of action. Steer clear of bare-handed contact with foliage since this could infect the mountain gorillas.
Let’s say you contract a contagious illness, such as the flu, COVID-19, or a cough. In order to prevent spreading this sickness to the extremely vulnerable mountain gorillas, you might have to volunteer and remain behind.
It is prohibited to eat or smoke within 300 meters of gorillas because the smoke may eventually make the animals unwell or even cause them to steal your food and become dependent on you. Since they are untamed creatures, they have to look for nourishment.
Since the mountain gorillas are accustomed to being around people for that brief period of time, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them when you first meet them. You must later let them go to their everyday activities on their own.
To allow the forest to flourish in its natural environment, littering is prohibited there. Throughout their lives, mountain gorillas eat leaves. Throwing non-biodegradable materials like drink cans and plastic wrap can change the forest’s composition over time.
Since mountain gorillas are typically frightened of new things in their environment, please refrain from using flash photography when shooting pictures. In order to avoid creating conflict among the gorillas, the camera must also be soundproof.
To reduce the possibility that the forest inhabitants may exhume anything, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you that is about 30 cm deep and then cover it well. Try to avoid spreading viruses to the mountain gorillas because they can be curious at times.
The vegetation is contaminated by spitting, which could spread human diseases to the mountain gorillas. It’s not hygienic either.
The family may go into hiding if you provoke the mountain gorillas when you find them. Primates that are extremely sensitive and aware of their surroundings include mountain gorillas.
The maximum distance allowed to be distant from the gorillas is eight meters. This will lessen the likelihood of contracting an infection. If they come near you, back off gradually so they won’t notice your movements.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price For Foreigners, Foreign Residents And East Africans

The cost of a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is $1500 for non-resident foreigners, $500 for residents, and $300 for citizens of East Africa. The Rwanda Development Board oversees all activities in the Volcanoes National Park, including the sale and regulation of gorilla licenses.

Only the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s northwest is suitable for gorilla trekking. Other primates found in the park include the grey-cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, golden monkeys, and blue monkeys.

What The Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost Incorporates

Security during the 24-hour trek, park admission fees, an hour spent with the mountain gorillas, ranger guide fees, gorilla conservation assistance, community support, and a certificate of completion are all included in the price of a Rwanda gorilla permit.

The selling of gorilla licenses raises money to maintain the sustainable life of mountain gorillas, one of the most endangered primate species in the world. With these funds, further research is conducted, drugs to treat sick mountain gorillas can be purchased, and much more.

What Does the Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost Not Include?

Porter costs are among the expenses not included in the Rwandan gorilla permit price. A porter is someone who lets you move freely in the outdoors without anything dragging you back by carrying your equipment and bags. When you’re exhausted, the porter pushes you. They do all of this for a nominal fee, which they use to fund their daily expenses, such as purchasing food, school supplies, and medical care, to name a few.

Tips, lodging during gorilla trekking, transportation, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of the Rwandan gorilla permit.

katland Safaris can assist you in creating a Rwanda gorilla package that fits your vacation schedule and your preferred activities.

Many service providers, including resorts, driver guides, vehicle rentals, and other facilities that enhance your stay in Rwanda, have excellent relationships with us. If needed, we might work out a price for you, but only with your permission. We provide safari packages for Rwanda in every possible category, including budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris.

How Do I Reserve Gorilla Permits for Rwanda?

The Rwanda Development Board or a tour company can arrange for Rwanda gorilla permits.

Decide on a day that works for you to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and how many gorilla permits you want to buy. This makes it easier to stop retreating while looking for gorilla permits. To reduce disturbance, just eight gorilla permits per gorilla family are made available for public booking each day.

We ask that you buy your gorilla permit as soon as possible if there is a positive availability for your day, since they sell out quickly due to great public demand. Since obtaining a gorilla permit is the only method to demonstrate your sincerity about going on a gorilla safari, gorilla permits are reserved in advance.

Keep in mind that gorilla permits in Rwanda are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Is Rwanda’s Gorilla Permit Count?

There are 15 gorilla families in Rwanda with 96 gorilla licenses available for public reservation.

To fully enjoy the gorilla trekking experience, you must abide by the rules. It’s possible that mountain gorillas have become accustomed to people. Don’t provoke them, though, because they still have natural characteristics.

Can I Make Payments in Advance for a Rwanda Gorilla Permit?

The ideal option is to pay for your Rwanda gorilla permit in full, but you can also buy it in 30% and 70% payments, respectively. Those who purchase gorilla permits 90 days prior to the gorilla trekking date and remember to top them up 90 days prior to the gorilla trekking date are covered by this.

If you forget to top up before your ninety days of gorilla trekking, you will be punished.

How Can My Rwanda Gorilla Permit Be Rescheduled?

You are prepared to go on the gorilla trekking adventure when you get the gorilla permit, but unanticipated events can force you to change your plans.

How to obtain a rescheduling of a gorilla permit in Rwanda
Request a date change for your gorilla permit in writing to the Rwanda Development Board. Indicate the day you would like it relocated and the reason for the change. If you have any supporting documentation, include it with your request to reschedule your gorilla permit.

Your gorilla permit is moved in accordance with your request after it is approved, based on the current availability status for your new date.

Note: Rearranging the gorilla permit incurs fees from the Rwanda Development Board.

When Can I Purchase a Gorilla Permit for Rwanda?

Permits for Rwandan gorillas are available year-round. However, most tourists buy their gorilla permits at least six months to a year in advance if they want to travel during the busiest safari season, which includes June, July, August, September, December, and January.

The fierce competition for gorilla licenses around the world is the reason for this, as each gorilla family is only allowed to have a maximum of eight permits.

Because you have to check their availability, purchasing a gorilla trekking permit at the last minute on the spot or waiting for resells is exhausting.

Last-minute gorilla permits are more likely to be available in March, April, May, and November, which are the slowest safari seasons in Rwanda.

Discounted Rwanda gorilla permits are occasionally offered by the Rwanda Development Board, though this is not always the case.

To be safe and prevent last-minute disappointments, buy your Rwanda gorilla permits in advance.

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

Due to various changes in the forest and among the mountain gorilla groups, the duration of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is still being calculated.

Sometimes it takes two hours for gorilla trekkers to find the mountain gorillas, and other times it takes three-quarters of the day. It can be difficult to hike and find mountain gorillas when they are feeding on the hillsides, particularly during the intense wet season.

It can take some time to find the gorillas since they might split up after a family dispute.

The other members of the gorilla family are compelled to follow the daring silverback’s pastime in order to approach or venture farther into the jungle.

Because mountain gorillas are free primates and are not confined to specific areas of the forest, you must exercise patience when on a gorilla trekking expedition.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda Cost?

The cost of a Rwandan gorilla permit is prohibitive for all travel budgets, whether they are luxury, mid-range, or low-cost. Additional elements that affect Rwanda safari prices include

The duration of the gorilla safari in Rwanda

The number of days on the Rwanda gorilla safari increases with the trip’s price. In Rwanda, you can go on a 2-day gorilla safari, a 3-day gorilla trek, and more. Lodges and other service providers charge by the day, therefore the more days, the more expensive it is.

Time to Reserve a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda

Low-season gorilla trekking safaris may offer some savings on gorilla permits, lodging, and other service providers, while peak-season reservations for Rwanda gorilla safaris are expensive due to strong demand.

The Count of Extra Activities That Can Be Included in Rwanda Gorilla Safari

Gorilla trekking can be combined with additional activities such as game drives and boat cruises in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee trekking and canopy walking in Nyungwe National Park, a tour of Kigali, and a cultural experience in Rwanda. The cost of gorilla trekking increases with the number of activities you include.

Count of Participants in the Gorilla Trekking Tour

The cost per person for gorilla trekking decreases as more people join you because you may split the cost of transportation, gas, driver guides, and other safari facilities.

All of the expenses involved in the gorilla safari package are borne by you as a lone traveler.

Is a Rwanda Gorilla Permit Worth the Price?

The Rwandan gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person per trek, which may seem expensive, but the opportunity to see the mountain gorillas makes it worthwhile. Among the world’s leftovers are the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Only Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are home to mountain gorillas.

In order to raise money for gorilla conservation and lessen hostility between people and mountain gorillas, the gorilla permit sale was implemented.

Research on mountain gorillas, medical care, ranger guide salaries, a fund to assist the local community with their initiatives, and much more are all funded by the proceeds from the selling of mountain gorilla permits.

You contribute to the sustainable conservation of mountain gorillas when you buy a gorilla permit.

Do Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda Act Aggressively?

Habituation is a prerequisite for opening a gorilla family for gorilla trekking. The technique of acclimating a family of wild mountain gorillas to human presence without changing their character is known as “gorilla habituation.” Depending on how they handle it, gorillas might take anywhere from two years to more to become habituated.

As they continue to nibble at the vegetation, the mountain gorillas may appear to be unconcerned when you first meet them. Being with them makes you realize how calm and fragile they are in spite of their size.

How old can you be to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

For several reasons, gorilla trekking in Rwanda is only open to those who are at least 15 years old.

Because the mountain gorillas wander around in the large forest, it is still difficult to pinpoint the best time to locate them. A child under the age of fifteen can get too exhausted to continue the gorilla trip.

Because of their enormous size and black, hairy bodies, mountain gorillas appear frightening at first glance. The sight of these enormous primates may be too much for a child under the age of fifteen, and they may scream. The mountain gorillas are frightened by unfamiliar sounds.

Mountain gorillas may spend a portion of the day on the slopes and plateaus that make up Volcanoes National Park’s often ragged topography; to approach them, you must be reasonably fit. Hiking to the mountain gorillas might not be possible for a child under the age of fifteen.

Things Not to Do While Trekking with Gorillas in Rwanda

Because mountain gorillas are wild animals that must fend for themselves rather than rely on human supplies, please do not feed them.
In order to prevent the mountain gorillas from contracting human-transmittable diseases, a clean mask was implemented following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because mountain gorillas are extremely vulnerable to human viruses, offer to stay behind if you contract a contagious illness like the flu, a cough, or COVID-19. Approximately 96% of their genes are human.
It is prohibited to leave trash in the forest, especially non-biodegradable trash. The forest in which mountain gorillas live is changed.
When looking for mountain gorillas, keep your voice low or remain silent as you can frighten them. They have a strong conscience when it comes to wilderness intruders.
When you find the mountain gorillas, don’t imitate them. You might not be aware of what you’re saying.
Stay at least 300 meters away from the mountain gorillas if you want to eat or smoke. This will lessen the likelihood that they will take advantage of you.
To lessen the possibility of getting infected by the mountain gorillas, keep a distance of approximately 8 meters from them once you have located them. If they come at you, silently back off.
Once you have located the mountain gorillas, you are permitted to spend one hour in their presence. They are accustomed to spending that amount of time in human presence.
Avoid using flash when taking pictures to avoid starting a stampede in the forest. The mountain gorillas are frightened by unfamiliar events in the jungle.

How To Book Mgahinga Gorilla Permits

You must know the date you intend to go gorilla trekking in order to book gorilla permits for Mgahinga National Park. Decide how many individuals you want to bring on your gorilla trekking expedition. Note that there is currently only one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi, in Mgahinga National Park. There is a history of this family of gorillas wandering into Rwanda.

A Few Specifics of Mgahinga National Park Gorilla Trekking
With a total area of roughly 33.7 square kilometers, Mgahinga National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda. This park, which is surrounded by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is home to one of the few mountain gorillas in the world.

Other primates like as golden monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and others exist here in addition to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which roams the area.

The three volcanoes that make up Mgahinga National Park’s topography are Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Sabyinyo. These highlands have unique, intact vegetation zones on their slopes, including montane woods, an alpine zone with enormous lobelia and groundsel forms, and an Ericaceous zone with big tree heather.

Mgahinga woodlands’ constantly growing list of birds is making it a popular destination for Ugandan birdwatchers. Ornithologists have so far proven that approximately 115 bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift, call this place home. As fewer birders have been visiting Mgahinga National Park, this list is anticipated to grow with time.

How to Reserve Gorilla Permits in Mgahinga National Park

Decide how many gorilla permits you want to reserve and the date you plan to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park. Eight gorilla permits are now available for public reservation in this park.

You can reserve a gorilla permit directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through an authorized tour operator such as katland Safaris. When calling the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you must exercise patience because the reservation phone lines are frequently busy.

Our reservation staff looks up availability from the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit list when you contact us. Other than the previous 24-hour turnaround time, katland Safaris is one of the businesses that has been proven to have access to this list, allowing us to update gorilla permits for our clients more quickly.

Since gorilla trekking permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, we encourage our guests to buy them as soon as possible. The public can only reserve a maximum of eight gorilla permits per day.

Provide certain passport information later, such as your entire name as it appears on the document, nationality, birthdate, and passport expiration date.

What is the price of the Mgahinga National Park gorilla permit?

The current price of a Uganda gorilla permit for Mgahinga National Park is $800 for foreign nonresidents each trip, $700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 shs for inhabitants of East Africa.

Only a maximum of eight gorilla permits for Mgahinga National Park are available for public reservation per day. In Mgahinga National Park, trekking for golden monkeys is another option. A Golden Monkeys trekking permit must be reserved.

What Does the Price of Mgahinga National Park Include?

The price of a gorilla permit covers park admission costs, security during the gorilla walk, an hour spent with the primates, assistance for the protection of mountain gorillas, support for the local people, and the cost of a ranger guide.

By purchasing a gorilla permit, you are contributing to the long-term survival of mountain gorillas, which were in danger of going extinct by the 1980s. After conducting a census that resulted in the counting of 300 mountain gorillas, American primatologist Dian Fossey brought the predicament of the species to the attention of the world’s conservation community. More than a thousand mountain gorillas currently reside in the Virunga region, a feat made possible by conservation initiatives.

What Does the Price of a Gorilla Trekking Permit Not Include?

In addition to helping you carry your safari supplies, a porter can push you as needed while gorilla trekking. The most immediate way to improve the lives of the locals is to engage a porter. The price of the gorilla permits does not include transportation to the location, gratuities, snacks, lunch, or any other personal belongings.

katland Safaris helps you plan your ideal gorilla safari in Africa and customizes an itinerary to meet your needs. We work with several lodging establishments that, when feasible, might offer some savings.

We take pride in our more than ten years of expertise organizing gorilla safaris and other safari activities in Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, which has earned us excellent reviews on travel websites like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, among others.

Is a gorilla permit worth the money?

Despite being one of the priciest holiday tickets, the gorilla permit is well worth the money. Some of the last mountain gorillas in the world that were in danger of going extinct by the 1980s are found in the Virunga region.

Since the Dian Fossey team counted roughly 300 mountain gorillas in the 1980s, the population has grown to over 1000 thanks to the money raised by the sale of gorilla safaris.

Twenty percent of the annual revenues from your gorilla trekking donations are donated to the local community to support their initiatives, such as building health centers, maintaining roads, and enhancing schools. This is one method to lessen the hostility that existed between people and mountain gorillas and involve the local population in the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Board.

Can I buy my Mgahinga National Park gorilla trekking permit in installments?

Although it is advisable to pay in full for gorilla permits, the Uganda Wildlife Authority also allow 30% and 70% installment permit purchases.

However, this only applies to those who buy their gorilla permits 90 days before to the trekking date. Before the ninety-day trip date, you must top up.

There could be a penalty for noncompliance.

Is it possible to reschedule Mgahinga’s gorilla permit?

After booking a gorilla permit, everyone wants to go on a gorilla trekking excursion, but unanticipated events may prevent this from happening. You can reschedule the gorilla permit if you still want to go gorilla trekking in the future.

Methodology
To reschedule your gorilla permit, send a letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If you have any supporting documentation for your request to amend your dates, please include it in an attachment. This serves as a contingency plan in case you need to reschedule your gorilla trekking permit.

Depending on the current gorilla permit availability status, your permit is transferred to the new date after it has been approved.

Take note

Two free gorilla permit reschedulings for the same permit are accepted in Uganda. Only the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s executive director has the authority to provide approval for the third time. If you want to postpone the same gorilla permit for the third time, you will be penalized 25%.

For those who buy them in installments, you must top up your gorilla permit before it is relocated.

You can only reschedule a gorilla permit during the discounted time if discounted permits are made available to the general public. You must top up to the rate for that date if you want to move your discounted gorilla permit to a date after this window.

In Mgahinga National Park, how long is gorilla trekking?

Due to the various conditions that affect when to find the mountain gorillas, it is unknown how long gorilla trekking takes.

While some trekkers spend more than three-quarters of the day with the mountain gorillas, others glimpse them within two hours of beginning their journey.

When to look for mountain gorillas depends on a number of circumstances, including:

The gorilla hiking group’s speed
It could take a while to find the mountain gorillas and finish the trip if you are assigned to gorilla trekking with a slow group. Being physically active helps you go more quickly when gorilla trekking. Additionally, the range guide keeps up with the slowest hiker.

The weather at the time of gorilla trekking
If it’s the extreme rainy season, the ground could be slick and damp on a particularly rainy day. They can cause your hiking time to be delayed. During the intense rainy season, even the mountain gorillas enjoy feeding on the slopes. To find the mountain gorillas, you might need to hike.

The mountain gorillas’ feuding families
The losers of a quarrel among the mountain gorillas might be forced into hiding. Finding them could seem pointless if this is the family you are assigned to visit. The Uganda Wildlife Authority’s return policy may grant you a refund or let you to see another gorilla family in the future.

Having a Dominant Silverback that is adventurous
The entire family follows the dominant silverback when he engages in an exciting pastime, making it easy or challenging for trekkers to find this type of gorilla family.

Food sources for mountain gorillas nearby
Mountain gorillas can graze for a long time in one place, but the dominant silverback must look for new food sources when the supply runs low. It can take a while for them to relax, which would make the gorilla trekking experience more difficult.

Gorilla trekking requires a certain amount of patience because the creatures are allowed to roam freely in this environment. You can’t expect to find the gorillas in a specific area at this zoo.

Keep an open mind and keep an eye out for other fascinating species and characteristics in the forest, such as birds, butterflies, monkeys, and other creatures that this historic forest may have, to avoid becoming bored.

Is it challenging to go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park?

The mountain gorillas spend some of their time in the relatively steep terrain of Mgahinga National Park, which is framed by the mountains Gahinga, Muhavura, and Sabyinyo.

The trails may be slick and have a lot of undergrowth that topples over during the intense rainy season, which is often March, April, May, and November. The water flowing down the slopes may even overflow the rivers. The wet season increases the likelihood of a marshy ground.

The proper gorilla trekking equipment, such as rainproof clothing, safari boots, long sleeves, long pants, and much more, must be carried.

You can rent a sedan chair service to assist you with your gorilla trekking expedition in Mgahinga National Park if you are elderly or physically disabled.

To what extent are mountain gorillas aggressive?

The mountain gorillas’ massive, dark-furred bodies and knuckle-moving gait make them appear frightening on the surface. When you glance into their eyes, you see that they are shy and have sunken brown eyes. The mountain gorillas are quiet and reserved in their natural habitat.

In the history of gorilla trekking, there have never been any reports of mountain gorillas assaulting people. Following several simulated visits, the mountain gorillas are made available for public viewing after becoming accustomed to human presence for at least two years.

What Rules Apply to Trekking with Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park?

It is prohibited to litter the forest during gorilla trekking because this changes the habitat of the mountain gorillas.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them. They are accustomed to spending only that amount of time with people, leaving them to carry out their daily tasks.
It is prohibited to eat or smoke in front of mountain gorillas.To prevent them from being tempted to steal what you are eating, do this at least 300 meters away from them. Since they are untamed creatures, they have to find their own food.
Due to the nature of the gorilla trekking environment, only youngsters aged 15 and over are permitted to participate. Due to their migration, it is unknown when the mountain gorillas can be found.
Spitting on the ground or plants is prohibited because it could infect the mountain gorillas with pathogens. Mountain gorillas are susceptible to human infectious diseases such as cholera, the flu, cough, and COVID-19.
Volunteer to stay behind and shield the mountain gorillas from infectious diseases if you have a contagious illness. It is unknown how widespread this sickness could be and how many mountain gorillas it could kill.
One of the precautions taken to stop the COVID-19 virus and other pathogens from infecting mountain gorillas is to wear a clean mask before seeing them.
When you find the mountain gorillas, keep at least 8 meters between you and them to avoid infecting them.
Because loud noises could frighten the mountain gorillas, they are not allowed in the jungle. They are extremely sensitive to noises that are unfamiliar to them.
Because the mountain gorillas might hide from the strange light, even flash photography is forbidden.

Tracing the history of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Following Dian Fossey’s 1980s mountain gorilla population census survey, which estimated that there were 300 mountain gorillas in the globe, the idea of gorilla trekking safaris was born. One of the most endangered primates in the world was the mountain gorilla.

In order to lessen hostility between people and mountain gorillas and raise money for their conservation, gorilla trekking was established.

Nothing was done to promote gorilla trekking in the 1980s because of political unrest in various African nations, including as Rwanda and Uganda.

What Is Uganda’s Gorilla Trekking History?

In Uganda, gorilla habituation began in the 1990s in the impenetrable national park of Bwindi. The process of acclimating a family of wild gorillas to human presence without changing their character is known as “gorilla habituation.” Depending on how long the gorillas take to adjust, it is still unknown how long it will take to acclimate a family of wild gorillas to human presence. It could take up to two years for gorillas to become habituated.

The process of gorilla habituation takes time.
The Mubare gorilla family became accessible to the general public in 1993. Ten members make up this gorilla family, and there was formerly a dominant silver. The gorilla family is headed by the dominant silverback. He is entitled to all females, defends the family, and discovers new feeding grounds.

Additional gorilla families, such as the Rushegura Group in 302 and the Habinyanja Group in 1998, were made accessible for hiking. The rest is history.

There are currently 19 gorilla families in Uganda that are available for reservations and reside in either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is another location where gorillas can be habituated. The gorilla habituation experience is an adventure in which you accompany a group of researchers as they follow a family of semi-habituated gorillas to assist them adjust to human presence without changing their natural behavior.

There are now two gorilla habituation families available for reservations in Uganda, and a team of habituators and researchers may bring up to four visitors.

What is Rwanda’s Gorilla Trekking History?

The Albertine National Park, which was administered by Belgian Colonial Authorities, was created in 1929 by extending Volcanoes National Park, the site of gorilla trekking, far into Rwanda.

Dian Fossey, an American primatologist, conducted research on mountain gorillas in Rwanda in 1967. She established the Karisoke Research Center, where she constructed snares to capture forest residents, protected mountain gorillas from people who slaughtered them, and much more.

About 300 mountain gorillas were found to reside in the Virunga region following a census she and her team conducted in the 1980s. As a result, the world began to recognize the predicament of mountain gorillas as one of the most endangered primates.

By 1985, unidentified assassins had brutally slain Dian Fossey at her residence.

When the Rwanda Genocide occurred in 1994, the country’s civil instability intensified. Many Rwandese lost their lives during the 100 days of ignorance. As Volcanoes National Park turned into a battlefield, the majority of the mountain gorilla conservation efforts came to a complete halt.

With the reopening of Volcanoes National Park to tourists in 1999, gorilla trekking was once again possible.

There are currently 15 gorilla families in Rwanda that are accessible for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking: what is it?

Following a completely habituated gorilla family in the wild and spending just one hour with them is known as “gorilla trekking.” The gorillas are accustomed to being around people.

To participate in this expedition, it would be ideal to have a gorilla trekking permit; however, only eight people are permitted per hike per day.

Where in Rwanda and Uganda can I go gorilla trekking?

In the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda

The only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas can be found is Volcanoes National Park. There are now 15 gorilla families in this park that are accessible to tourists. Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Gahinga are the five volcanoes that make up the park’s topography.

Other primates found in the forest include blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, and black and white colobus.

This forested National Park is home to a variety of birds, including endemic Albertine species.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

Ten refuge woods, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, are thought to have survived Africa’s ice age. It is estimated that this ecosystem has existed for more than 30,000 years. About ten primates, including mountain gorillas, L’Holst’s, Pottos monkeys, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, olive baboons, black and white colobus, and others, are among the diverse fauna and flora that call it home.

This park is home to more than 350 species of birds, seven of which are listed on the IUCN Red List. This region is home to a number of Albertine endemic birds.

Park in Mgahinga National

This habitat, which is roughly 33.7 square kilometers in size, is the smallest gorilla trekking area. In this park, only one gorilla family—Nyakagezi—is presently accessible to tourists.

Other primates found in this park include vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus, and others.

Hiking any one of the three unique volcanoes that make up the park’s topography—Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Gahinga—offers breathtaking views.

Which of Rwanda and Uganda Is the Best Place to Go Gorilla Trekking?

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas is gorilla trekking. Standing in front of the legendary mountain gorillas is an experience that cannot be equaled, whether you are gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.

The following factors distinguish Rwanda from Uganda as the top destinations for gorilla trekking:

The price of a permit for gorilla trekking
A gorilla permit for Rwanda costs $1500 per person, whereas one for Uganda costs $800 per person.

The duration of the travel from the airport to the locations for 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.

The quantity of open gorilla trekking families

Rwanda has 15 gorilla families available for public reservations, whereas Uganda has 19 gorilla trekking families and two gorilla habituation families available for tourists.

Activities that can be added to gorilla trekking
Rwanda offers less safari chances to interact with gorilla trekking than Uganda, which offers more extra safari activities.

When is the ideal time to reserve a permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?

Although gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year in Rwanda and Uganda, travelers typically choose the dry seasons of June, July, August, September, December, and January.

Securing your gorilla permit at least six months or a year in advance is safe because this is also the busiest time of year for tourists. During this time, service providers have more choices, such as lodging options, to utilize when gorilla trekking.

Due to competition from other safari activities for expert driver guides, vehicle rental, and other services, gorilla safari packages are expensive during this peak season.

If you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda but have a tight budget, you can pick the off-peak months. There is minimal competition for gorilla permits, and there is also the possibility of receiving services at a reduced cost.

During the low season, there is a greater opportunity of going gorilla trekking alone or with a small group of other trekkers.

Is Trekking with Gorillas Dangerous?

Because mountain gorillas are timid creatures who hardly ever fight with people, gorilla trekking is safe. There have never been any reports of visitors being assaulted by mountain gorillas in the history of gorilla trekking.

To find the mountain gorillas, you must abide by the gorilla trekking guidelines that are explained during the briefing and the ranger’s informational sessions.

Even if the mountain gorillas are accustomed to humans, try to avoid upsetting them. They still exhibit the characteristics of wild creatures. Since wild animals must find their own food and are not dependent on human support, it is even illegal to feed mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas have a spy network that serves as informers for the Dominant Silverback because they are sensitive to outsiders in their immediate area.

What is the duration of the Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Since mountain gorillas are untamed creatures that roam freely in the wild, the best time to locate them is still up in the air. In two hours or more, you might find the mountain gorilla. Finding the mountain gorillas depends on a number of variables, including

The closeness of their food

In the event of conflict with another family of gorillas

When the silverback in charge is daring

The wet season is the current weather state. Sometimes the trails are impassable due to their slick surface.

The rest of the trekkers’ number one.

What Are the Guidelines for a Rwandan or Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Due to the nature of this activity, which may require hiking to reach the mountain gorillas, the gorilla trekking age limit is 15 years of age and up.
Whenever you are around mountain gorillas, try not to move. Because it makes the mountain gorillas feel that their visitors are ambushing them, it is not permitted to surround them when you are meeting them. They might hide if they become irritated.
It is essential to wear a clean mask before to encountering the mountain gorillas. Sanitizing your shoes before entering the jungle is the best course of action. Steer clear of bare-handed contact with foliage since this could infect the mountain gorillas.
Let’s say you contract a contagious illness, such as the flu, COVID-19, or a cough. In order to prevent spreading this sickness to the extremely vulnerable mountain gorillas, you might have to volunteer and remain behind.
It is prohibited to eat or smoke within 300 meters of gorillas because the smoke may eventually make the animals unwell or even cause them to steal your food and become dependent on you. Since they are untamed creatures, they have to look for nourishment.
Since the mountain gorillas are accustomed to being around people for that brief period of time, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them when you first meet them. You must later let them go to their everyday activities on their own.
To allow the forest to flourish in its natural environment, littering is prohibited there. Throughout their lives, mountain gorillas eat leaves. Throwing non-biodegradable materials like drink cans and plastic wrap can change the forest’s composition over time.
Since mountain gorillas are typically frightened of new things in their environment, please refrain from using flash photography when shooting pictures. In order to avoid creating conflict among the gorillas, the camera must also be soundproof.
To reduce the possibility that the forest inhabitants may exhume anything, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you that is about 30 cm deep and then cover it well. Try to avoid spreading viruses to the mountain gorillas because they can be curious at times.
The vegetation is contaminated by spitting, which could spread human diseases to the mountain gorillas. It’s not hygienic either.
The family may go into hiding if you provoke the mountain gorillas when you find them. Primates that are extremely sensitive and aware of their surroundings include mountain gorillas.
The maximum distance allowed to be distant from the gorillas is eight meters. This will lessen the likelihood of contracting an infection. If they come near you, back off gradually so they won’t notice your movements.

A List Of Top Uganda Safari Activity Options

In an uncrowded environment, Uganda provides a stunning array of natural safari locations and cultural attractions. It would be ideal to create a customized itinerary based on the amount of days you will be on safari in Uganda. The most popular safari activity in Uganda is gorilla trekking. The majority of safari activities in Uganda take place in wilderness areas, which are home to a variety of habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife and plants.

Despite being landlocked and lacking a seaport, Uganda offers a variety of water sports due to its fresh and salty water basins. Due to the fact that Uganda’s attractions are spread out over the country, a safari should last a fair number of days, including transport time.

What Are The Best Safari Activities in Uganda?

Trekking with Gorillas in Uganda
One of Uganda’s most amazing wildlife experiences is gorilla trekking. Only eight hikers per gorilla family are permitted to engage in the unique activity of gorilla trekking each day. 19 gorilla families currently reside in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To reduce forest disturbance, 152 gorilla hiking permits are now available for public booking per day.

To enter Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations, anyone must obtain a gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

You must be aware of the location where your gorilla permit is reserved in order to undertake gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your gorilla permit is valid in four locations inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, the Buhoma area in the north, and the Ruhija area in the east.

How Much Does a Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost?

Gorilla licenses for Uganda cost 800 shillings per person for foreign visitors, $700 for foreign residents, and 300,000 shillings per person for East African trekkers.

A gorilla trekking permit’s total cost consists of:

a charge for a ranger guide.
safety when trekking for gorillas.
assistance from the local community.
conservation assistance for mountain gorillas.
Spend an hour with the mountain gorillas.
Park admission costs.
The purchase of a gorilla permit does not include transportation to gorilla trekking locations, gratuities, porter services, or any other personal belongings.

Experience of Gorilla Habituation
The demand for gorilla habituation is growing every season, despite the fact that it is one of the more recent activities added to Uganda’s list of things to do. In the gorilla habituation experience, you spend four hours in the wild following a family of semi-habituated gorillas with a group of researchers and habituators. A method known as “gorilla habituation” allows a family of wild mountain gorillas to become accustomed to human presence without changing who they are.

The southern region of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is where gorillas get habituated. For the gorilla habituation experience, two gorilla families are set aside.

During gorilla habituation, you are permitted to spend four hours with the mountain gorillas once you have located them.

Game Drives While on Safari in Uganda
There are four national game parks and a few wildlife reserves in Uganda. Among the game parks in Uganda are

National Park at Murchison Falls
This game park is located on the banks of the Nile River in northern Uganda. The Buligi track region is the best place to see wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park, and the Northern banks offer the most fascinating game drives.

You might see giraffes, lions, leopards, waterbucks, reedbucks, herds of elephants, a herd of buffaloes, hartebeests, Uganda kobs, and other creatures during the early morning or late afternoon game drives in Murchison Falls National Park.

The launch excursion to Murchison Falls National Park highlights the park’s breathtaking splendor. You take pleasure in the riverine creatures that bathe or satisfy your thirst along the banks of the River Nile. Along the way, you’ll see an amazing school of otters and hippopotamuses and keep an eye out for serried Nile crocodiles that like tanning at the crocodile café. Lions, giraffes, elephant herds, and hartebeest are among the creatures you might see.

Savor the breathtaking image of the River Nile as it thunders out of a gorge that is six meters wide, creating a hazy look.

There is a 360-degree view of the precise drama point where the River Nile violently stumbles over a bed of underlying rocks before forcing its way through the canyon when you add a hike to the top of the falls to the launch journey to Murchison Falls National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Rwenzori ranges serve as the backdrop for Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is located on the bottom of a rift valley. During a game drive, you can follow a network of pathways where you might see creatures like elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, and others having fun in the patchwork of grassland thickets, particularly in the northern Kazinga and Kasenyi area.

Tree-climbing lions are common in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha area. Lions enjoy preying on Ganda Kobs, who frequent the Kasenyi plains as a daytime hangout, thus you might see lion drama there.

You can see the marshy banks where both native and exotic birds flourish during the launch cruise on the Kazinga channel at the bottom of the rift valley. Many different kinds of animals enjoy bathing and drinking along the banks of the waterway.

Elephants, cape buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, and other creatures may be spotted enjoying this channel’s offerings.

The golden sun may be seen illuminating the channel as it sets beyond the horizon on a hot, sunny day.

Lake Mburo National Park
The starting point for all safaris traveling to western Uganda is Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo National Park is 228 kilometers away from Entebbe or Kampala.

You might see creatures like impalas on the impala track and zebras that enjoy lounging on the grass valley floor on the zebra track during the game drives that use various paths in this park. Klipspringer can be seen in the rock kopjes along the Ruroko trail.

More wildlife, including as giraffes, waterbucks, reedbucks, warthogs, cape buffaloes, elephants, bush duikers, and others, may be seen on game drives in Lake Mburo National Park.

You can experience the refreshing breeze of Lake Mburo National Park by boating there. Many swamp birds enjoy spending the day in the marshy areas along Lake Mburo’s beaches, so keep an eye out for them. Many crocodiles and hippos enjoy spending time in this lake, so keep an eye out for them.

Valley of Kidepo National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park, with its relatively level plains, is a wildlife-rich area in northeastern Uganda. Unlike other Ugandan national game parks, Kidepo Valley National Park boasts an impressive amount of species.

Bat-eared foxes, klipspringers, black-backed and striped jackals, reedbucks, striped hyenas, cheetahs, aardwolves, lions, Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes, ostriches, and other creatures may be sighted during the game drives at Kidepo Valley National Park.

Ugandan Birdwatching
More than a thousand bird species can be found in Uganda, with various habitats spread throughout the nation. Depending on the amount of time available for your safari, we may create an itinerary for avid birdwatchers that includes visits to the best places in Uganda.

Some endemics of the Albertine Rift, which are found in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, are found in Uganda.

Bwindi National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mabamba Swamp, Lake Bunyonyi Area, Botanical Gardens, Musambwa Island, Mpanga Forest, Lutembe Beach, and others are among the places in Uganda where birdwatchers can go.

The Shoebill Stork, Grey-Headed Warbler, Red-Chested Sunbird, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Ostriches, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimson Wing, Alpine Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Malachite Sunbird, Papyrus Gonolek, Red Faced and Black Collared Barbets, and Others are among the birds that call Uganda home.

Trekking with Chimpanzees In Uganda
With almost 98% human DNA, chimpanzees are among the closest relatives of humans. One of Africa’s fortunate destinations for chimpanzee trekking safaris is Uganda. Kibale National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Semuliki National Park, and other locations are among the chimpanzee habitats in Uganda.

You must obtain a chimpanzee permit in advance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority in order to enter certain chimpanzee destinations. It is necessary to reserve a seat on the boat to Koome Island in order to see white chimpanzees at Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Rafting on white water on the Nile River
The River Nile encounters a bed of rocks as it leaves its source on Lake Victoria, resulting in the spectacular tides of Itanda Falls. You don’t need any prior expertise to go white water rafting because instructors are there to walk you through the steps. You use a tube boat to sail on the falls and continue peddling over the choppy tides when white water rafting. The falls’ varying levels are what make for an exhilarating experience.

To establish the current water currency, a leading kayak and a certified skipper accompany each journey.

If white water rafting makes you uneasy, you can kayak or tubing on the Nile.

In Uganda, mountaineering
With Margherita, the highest mountain at 5109 meters above sea level, you may trek the entire year-round, glacier-topped Rwenzori ranges. It takes roughly seven days to return from Hiking Mountain Rwenzori, but you must plan ahead.

Hiking through stunning vegetation zones with unusual plants is a fantastic experience that leads to the Mountain Elgon caldera. The view is breathtaking as Mountain Elgon reaches 3070 meters above the surrounding plains. This mountain offers a variety of paths, including the Suam, Piswa, Sipi, and Sasa trails.

Highlands of Mgahinga National Park, such as Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhavura, offer excursion mountaineering activities.

Safari in Uganda: Cultural Experiences
Uganda is a multiethnic country with various chiefdoms and kingdoms. With advance preparation, an ethnologist can learn more about Uganda’s varied culture. Kabaka is the ruler of Buganda Kingdom in Central Uganda; Kyabazinga is the monarch of Busoga Kingdom in Eastern Uganda; and Omukama of Tooro and Omukama of Bunyoro are found in Western Uganda.

Ugandan Religious Tourism
In Africa, Christians from all walks of life come together to celebrate the Ugandan martyrs who were slaughtered by Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda, one of the kings. These religious adherents were Muslims, Catholics, and Protestants. At Namugongo, where a conical basilica has been built in their honor, they were set on fire.

Ugandan Nature Walks
There are several forests and marshes in Uganda where you can go on nature walks. Numerous birds, primates, butterflies, native natural trees, and other creatures can be found in these woodlands.

The lone Mgahinga forest in Uganda is home to golden monkeys, as well as potto, bush babies, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and others.

See the Nile River’s Source
The Nile River’s source is located in Jinja, Uganda. The greatest option would be to take a boat to the point where the water from Lake Victoria leaves the River Nile. Given that the water in the Nile River begins to flow more quickly than the still water in Lake Victoria, the drama beneath this water is mysterious. The same spot is where the water on both sides emerges.

The world’s longest river, the Nile, flows through Ethiopia, Egypt, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. They fill the Mediterranean Sea with its water.

Leaping from a Bungee
In Jinja, experience the rush of bungee jumping off a steep cliff overlooking the Nile River. A boat is waiting for you at the bottom, and you are safely restrained by a hefty rope. It is difficult to locate a spot like this again in the Nile course, therefore this exhilarating journey is worth a shot.