Where to buy or book your gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda.

Where should you book your gorilla permit in Rwanda or Uganda? The selling body for any Uganda permit is the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Rwanda Development Board sells the licenses for gorilla treks. These two entities are tasked with overseeing all of the national parks in the nations where they exist.

You must have a permission issued by Uganda or Rwanda to be allowed to engage in gorilla trekking safari in Africa. It is the admission ticket for any event held in the parks.

Two Gorilla Trekking parks in Uganda are Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Together sharing a Board with Virunga National park in Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, all of them are in southern Western Uganda.

Apart from gorilla trekking in these Parks, every birding safari in Uganda must include a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga national park.

Volcanoes National Park, in the northern part of Rwanda, has gorilla trekking. Other primates include golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus and others call the park home from gorilla trekking. Over 90 bird species call Volcanoes National Park home; 13 of these species are endemic placed on the red list of IUCN.

How much does gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda or Uganda?

Right now, the Uganda gorilla trekking passes $800 per person. To get this card—which has some for your personal information—you have to pay completely. You must provide specifics such your country, date of birth, passport expiration date, complete names as per your passport, and others.

Sales of gorilla permits for Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park follow the areas of Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga.

Anyone wishing to reserve lodging in any of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has to know where their permit is registered. This is thus related to the size of the park, which calls for a considerable road distance to link one part to another. Sometimes the roads are unworkable or logs shut off access to the opposite side.

Should you sleep elsewhere, all these challenges might prevent you from reaching the briefing point. You could not be allowed to go gorilla treking in Uganda if you skip briefing.

Currently, a Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 per person each trip. You also have to provide certain personal information for yearly Rwanda development Board review and accountability.

Included with the Gorilla Permit Cost

One of the methods to get money to support the gorilla trekking permits is sales of them. Along with much more, some of the funds goes toward park admission, ranger guide pay, gorilla medicine, certificate of success after gorilla treking.

Twenty percent of the overall proceeds from the gorilla trekking sales are returned annually to the community to assist their initiatives. Among the community initiatives are roads, a hospital, a school, and much more. Its one means of inspiring the people to cherish the mountain gorillas among them.

Purchase Gorilla Trekking Permits in Rwanda or Uganda

You have to know the date you want to go gorilla treking in Rwanda or Uganda. Tell your safari consultant in advance if it is a definite date or just approximative.

Booking the gorilla permits is much easier when you know the approximate number of persons you want to include in your group or the total number of passengers flying with.

Ask about your dates and the frequency of the mountain gorilla trekking you plan to do. While some people prefer to conduct gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, others wish to do double gorilla trekking. You have to decide where to go gorilla trekking; at Katland  Safaris we suggest you properly.

Then, depending on the state of the day, our safari advisers verify availability per your request. Katland  Safaris is one of the fortunate businesses that exceeds the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board gorilla permit availability lists as a registered member of Uganda Tourism Board and Rwanda Development Board.

Should availability exist, the Safari Consultant gets back to you right away. We cannot reserve a permit for anybody without fees as we have no access into the gorilla permit booking system. Uganda Wildlife Authority has this policy as they apply first come first served basis.

The great demand globally drives quick sales of just 8 gorilla trekking permits, which are issued for public booking each gorilla family.

Since status changes any time, particularly in the peak season June to October and December to January, we ask all of our customers to get their permits right away.

Could one pay for a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda or Uganda in instalments?

Indeed and not reliant on the terms and circumstances decided upon for this agreement either by Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board.

A specific amount of your purchase of a gorilla trekking permit at least at least 90 days before the date of your gorilla trip might be approved. This is just on condition; you top up before the journey day, 90 days away. Your sole proof of your desire in embarking on this journey is paying for your gorilla trekking permit.

Of Uganda and Rwanda, which is the best country for gorilla trekking?

Generally speaking, regardless of where you go, gorilla trekking experience is a lifelong journey in the forest.

From Kigali Air to Volcanoes National park, the journey distance in Rwanda is around three hours on winding roads with beautiful green forest cover. In Uganda, the distances traversed on the route to reach Mgahinga National park or Bwindi Impenetrable National park are 540km and 530km respective. This might go from eight to nine hours.

While the Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person, the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is presently $1500 per person.

Before the day of the gorilla walk in Rwanda, you may sleep in Kigali, the capital of this nation. It is not feasible to sleep in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and then hike the gorilla in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park the following day.

About six hours separate traveling for gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda via Rwanda from driving across Uganda to do go trekking in Rwanda without stopping over. The car trip is somewhat lengthy and hence exhausting.

Uganda has a range of additional activities that you might mix with gorilla trekking including white water rafting on River Nile, Chimpanzee trekking, wildlife drives, boat cruises and others.

Rwanda, on the other hand, offers few places for safaris. Apart from mountain gorilla attractions, wildlife drives in Akagera National park and Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National park appeal to some of its main visitors.

Because they sometimes wander into Uganda or D.R. Congo, the mountain gorillas of Mgahinga National park in Uganda are untrustworthy. There is just one gorilla trekking family here known as Nyakagezi. Every gorilla family in Rwanda is always clearly inside its borders all year long.

Do Mountain gorillas pose a threat?

Despite their immense weight, among of the most quiet and reclusive animals in the forest are mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas have black hair covering a large body form with sunken brown eyes.  Mountain gorillas cherish peace and have never attacked anybody in the history of gorilla trekking, despite their looks.

Wild mountain gorilla families must become habituated before they are suitable for visitors. This is the activity of bringing a gorilla family used to human presence without changing their surroundings. One of the methods to establish a connection with the mountain gorillas respecting their environment is here.

Stay close to the group to avoid seeming suspicious of ambushing the gorilla family you are walking. Following the directions provided during the briefing helps you avoid provoking the mountain gorillas.

When Should You See The Mountain Gorillas?

Finding the mountain gorillas might take two hours from the beginning point till three quarters of the day.  Though their mobility may not be quick, they must seek for their own nourishment. Usually vegetarian, they have to eat enough food to last them through the day and into night.

Usually not feeding very far from where they spent their night, mountain gorillas, hence, when you find the apparently new nests, you might be coming near to viewing them.

You follow the trail leading to where they were last spotted the previous day because they eat from a designated area for some time until food runs out.

Should they engage in conflict with a wild family, the mountain gorillas might go to another location should they be the losers.

The gorilla family suffers too when a family member passes away; so, if you come at this period, you may find it difficult to discover the mountain gorillas.

A family having a baby is eager and you can find them in a good mood.

These times help one to discover the mountain gorillas and create the atmosphere one gets while visiting the family. Though they are wild creatures, they also have emotions, just like people do.

The Difficulties of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Although mountain gorillas reside in a usually hilly terrain, various gorilla groups occupy different locations depending on the circumstances in the forest.

Karisimbi, Gahinga Mountain, Muhabura Mountain, Sabyinyo Mountain, and Bisoke Mountains circle the geography of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. These cause the whole region to be more steep than other gorilla trekking Parks.

Comparatively to other gorilla trekking areas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park topography in Uganda is quite low.

The Age Limit For Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda and Uganda

Gorilla treking is only allowed 15 years and above. This is so since being on a quest for the gorillas calls for a great degree of patience. Sometimes they go into the deeper reaches of the forest, which increases the distance traveled.

Children below this age often find the first view of the mountain gorillas frightening because of their vast surroundings. It might induce some adrenaline, which would not sit well with the mountain gorillas raising some mistrust.

What To Pack for African Gorilla Trekking

Whether your gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, you will need some kit to get you through the whole trip.

Garden gloves will shield your hands should you have to tighten a grip.

Safari’s Boots able to survive in the wilderness in water logged circumstances should the rivers over flow.

a folding safari cap with a broad brim designed to shield your hair from water running off the tree leaves

Safari long shirt and trouser built to survive in wilderness conditions. They have to be in tones like tan or khaki to hide dirt.

First aid bag including emergency supplies particularly in case of a noncommunicative infection that can call for quick medical attention.

Medicated insect repellant meant to deter wilderness stinging insects

To save memories of your safari, a camera will record highlights of the gorilla trekking expedition.

Two binoculars can help you to bring near the far distant objects of your interest.

particularly if your skin is susceptible to certain kinds of bodily toxins.

When hungry, energy bites to eat and keep you going.

Shoe bags help you to retain your filthy shoes in particular, particularly in cases of limited time to clean them after the trip.

Hard cash to convert into local money should you have to buy any mementos. Because of the involved method of getting money from them, credit cards are little utilized in Africa.

Get in touch to get more information.

How paying for services in Dollars is affecting Tourism in Uganda.

How does one pay for services in Dollar is influencing travel in Uganda. The primary foreign currency used in Uganda is dollars, which indigenous Ugandans do not natively understand. Most of Uganda’s business sector consists of ignorant people who support its existence but must spend dollars for commercial exchanges.

Most of the charges used in the Uganda tourist industry are paid for in dollars. Charging the expenses in the shill makes it somewhat unsettling given the unpredictable dollar to local Uganda shillings.

Among the tourist services paid in dollars are lodging, park admission fees, activities inside the parks, the driving guide, and so much more. For those who do not grasp the enormous Uganda shilling amounts, the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 per person, so it is more practical.

As stated below, the usage of a dollar for paying for tourist services in Uganda either favorably or badly influences tourism.

Easy service exchanges for foreign visitors to Uganda

It is practical for international visitors on Uganda safaris to use the dollar as their form of currency for services rendered. This is so because its international currency is accepted everywhere.

Unlike the fluctuating Uganda shill, the dollar values are more consistent and understandable to the user.

brings foreign dollars for Uganda

Uganda receives foreign money in dollars from the sales of travel services. One of the intangible products Uganda markets internationally without crossing boundaries is tourism.

It is quite expensive for the nation to pay taxes paying money to pass another nation.

Enhanced pay for employees

Dollar pay for tourist employees increases their earnings. They may work harder, support and enjoy the expansion of Uganda tourism. With money as a source of income, staff people employed in the tourist sector in Uganda have better lives. Nobody wants to be served on holidays by an irate staff. A component of their grin reflects what they earn.

Hiring a porter on Gorilla Trekking and paying them in cash directly helps to fuel the passion to preserve mountain gorillas under protection.

Although it is not required, tips after any Uganda event or service offered are a little gesture of gratitude for the efforts made. Maintaining service to people on holidays even if their employment requires a lot of bravery.

Negative Impact of the Dollar on Uganda Tourism

There is not encouragement of domestic travel.

Most native Ugandans find the charges expressed in dollars incomprehensible. Though the dollar weighs much more than the Uganda shill, the numbers seem tiny. A $1 to dollar conversion rate is excessive and could not be within local Ugandan budgets.

This makes internal Uganda travel somewhat difficult to advertise. Even majority of the native Ugandans lack the vacation culture in a setting apart from their natural surroundings. Many would much prefer spend holidays in their own houses.

Still suffering the illness of unpopularity is domestic Uganda tourism.  Domestic tourism would be ideally timed during the low seasons when fewer international visitors are arriving into Uganda. This is so because the locations’ low demand for tourist products. Even lodging and hotel providers might have lowered rates than the regular rates.

Changing tourist service expenses in Uganda

Traveling from Uganda is erratic, and certain providers make planning somewhat difficult. If you are planning a DIY (Do It Yourself) travel package for Uganda, there is a good possibility of discovering many rates that fit your budget. This is so because, save from inside Uganda’s tourist circles, no one alerts you about these developments.

 Credit cards are seldom utilized as a form of payment in Uganda.

Using a credit card would be the other option as the dollar exchange limits the amount you travel with in cash. The long procedures of obtaining money off credit cards make them unusual tools for usage in Africa.

Even the devices used to collect money from them are rare and need recharging; nevertheless, energy power is not yet fairly distributed in Uganda.

Using a credit card calls for one with adequate understanding on how to use it—a rarity in Uganda. To run the credit machine, you must have someone or a train properly qualified somebody.

What Dollar Value Uganda Safari Activities Pay For

The permit for Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Uganda Wildlife Authority receives payment for the gorilla permit in dollars. For international nonresidents, the Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit now costs $800; for foreign residents, it costs $700; and for East African residents, it costs 300000 shs.

Ranger fees, park security, park upkeep, gorilla fund, community assistance and others are included in this gorilla trekking permit cost. Such funds help to enable the mountain gorillas under threat to live sustainably.

Entrance Fee Policies for Uganda National Parks

Every activity carried out within Uganda National parks calls for paying park fees. This charge is ingrained in even those with licenses like those for mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Among the Uganda National parks are Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semliki National Park, Rwenzori National Park, and other ones.

Right now, Uganda National Park prices go between $40 and $45 per person, 24 hours. Schools have a unique setup to let kids or pupils value environmental preservation including other aspects.

Trekking on Chimpanzees Regarding Uganda

Uganda Wildlife Authority handles sales of the Uganda chimpanzee trekking licenses. With DNA around 98% that of humans, chimps are most like humans in the animal world. Mostly at Kibale National Park, Uganda chimpanzee trekking occurs. Right now, one person’s chimpanzee hiking permit runs $300.

Another fascinating chimpanzee trekking site in Queen Elizabeth National Park is Kyambura gorge. Kyambura river erosion created it as it empties into the Kazinga waterway.

Another well-known site for chimpanzees in Uganda is Kaniyo Pabidi in Murchison falls National Park. Orphaned, rescued, abandoned chimpanzees unable to be reunited with their natural habitats find refuge in Ngamba Chimpanzee Island.

Former Entebbe Zoo’s Uganda Wildlife Education Center also has several chimpanzees for viewing via the displays. You just pay center entry fees instead of parking charges at Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary and Uganda Wildlife Education centers.

Start Trip On Uganda Safari

Two Uganda game parks provide chances to see wildlife and other breathtaking scenery from the Launch excursion. The launch trips for Murchison Falls and Kazinga channels are very amazing.

You go three hours back on the launch journey on Kazinga waterway. Look out for a variety of creatures that adorn the shoreline throughout time including lions, leopards, herds of elephants, water bucks, hippos, crocodiles, cape buffaloes and more. Look out to the stunning Rwenzori, whose snowcapped summit Margheritah is visible on a clear day. Sometimes, when it sets beneath the horizon, you have great possibilities of seeing the slowly dim.

Murchison Falls National Parks Launch travels one of the most powerful spots of River Nile, the longest river on Earth. River Nile is the lifeline of Murchison Falls National Park as it divides it in half.

Look for schools of hippos, crocodiles, herds of elephants, giraffes, herds of cape buffaloes, leopards, hartebeest, and others on the launch voyage on River Nile. Most descend to satisfy thirst and cool the heart of the day.

An abundance of birds, particularly riverine species that like eating from the marshy banks, graces both Kazinga channel and River Nile banks.

The cost of Uganda Launch Trips varies according on the vessel you select. There is the universal vessel; some may privately embark the launch journey on many privately owned boats. Dollar charges abound in all these.

 Game Drives on the Uganda Safari

The national parks of Uganda abound in wildlife. Though wild creatures inhabiting the national park may be similar, those only known to be found in certain parks. Lions, leopards, waterbucks, bush bucks, warthogs, elands, zebras, hartebeests, cheetahs, jackals, wild cats, gigantic forest pigs and others are some of the Uganda wild animals housed in the national parks.

Park admission costs must be paid in USD between $40 and $45 each person, 24 hours.

Early dawn or sunset hours when animals are waking from night hideouts or day hangouts, respectively represent the greatest wildlife viewing in Ugandan parks.

Among the Uganda wildlife parks are Murchison falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and others. On top of icing, having a competent safari guide or ranger to lead you over the wildlife drives is great.

Safari Birding in Uganda

One of the most unique activities available in Uganda is birdwatching, which calls for a well-versed Uganda birding guide with past expertise. The costs of birding guides in Uganda vary depending on expertise or predicted field annoyance and are charged in dollars.

Uganda is the finest place in Africa for birdwatching; it boasts more than 1000 different species. Some birding locations in Uganda need some risk-taking to get the finest of what you want.

Among the birding sites in Uganda are Mabamba swamp, Mpanga woodland, botanical gardens, queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National park, Bwindi Impenetrable National park and others.

Among the species you may find are Standard-winged nightjar, Green-tailed Bristlebill, Yellow-throated Greenbul, Red-Headed Bluebill, Dusky Twinspot, Bronze Nannikin, African Finfinch, Spotted Palm Thrush, Capped Wheatear, Sooty Chat and more.

Mountaineering in Uganda Safari

Trekking the Uganda’s magnificent highlands is unique, and all the fees are paid in dollars. Their differences depend on the peak you choose and where you want to stop your walk.

Highest to climb in Uganda are the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon. Its height, with a snowcap, is Magheritah. One should spend seven days on a return trip over the Rwenzori mountains. All fees are paid according on the services you choose to use during this muscle-challenging trip.

One day climbing experience may be obtained on Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, among others.

Nature walks on Uganda’s Safari

Though it depends on what you want to view, nature hikes in Uganda are not given any certain pace. Natural beauty abound in Uganda; you may stroll in the woods with a guiding ranger. Walking in the wild alone is prohibited as you are not acquainted with the wild.

You have great odds of coming into wild animals without armed defense.

Primates like red colobus monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus and others might be seen during the wilderness nature excursions.

Uganda Cultural Escapes

Uganda is a cosmopolitan nation presenting a great range of tributes. Kings and chiefs lead most of these tribes from a cultural standpoint. The expenses are paid in dollars and there is no uniform price for this experience; so, one reaches the Uganda cultural sites.

Among the Cultural sites you might see are Tooro palace with King Called Omukama, Bunyoro Kingdom with King Omukama, Bulange Mengo with King Kabaka, Bugembe castle in Jinja with Kyabazinga, King.

White Waters Rafting

The Itanda falls offers white water rafting only a few kilometers from Uganda’s river Nile source. Here the Nile picks more impetus to guide itself toward Egypt.

Enjoying the white water rafting adventure does not depend on your expertise. There are teachers ready to guide you through all the prerequisites of white water rafting.

The most crucial is beating the tides; you may choose the level of the tides you want to visit.

White water rafting fees are paid in dollars as well, varying depending on degree of skill.

Get more information by contacting Katland  Safaris.

Gorilla permit overbooking in Uganda.

Exists overbooking under gorilla permits in Uganda? The gorilla permit regulatory agency is the Uganda Wildlife Authority; nevertheless, sometimes overbooking may occur particularly in response to high demand for the permits. Sometimes visitors are waitlisted for a certain day, which strains the park headquarters.

Two national parks in Uganda are well known for housing the mountain gorillas of Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.Usually ranging from June to September and from December to January, Uganda’s gorilla trekking peak seasons To lower their risk of becoming victims of gorilla permit overbooking, we suggest our customers to reserve their gorilla permits ahead of time.

Usually offered based on territory inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda There are around eighteen gorilla families in this park, spread across four areas: Buhoma, Ruhijah, Nkuringo, Rushaga.

Due to the unstable only gorilla trekking family in this park, ground sales of the Mgahinga gorilla trekking permit used in the past The Nyakagezi gorilla family would wander into D.R. Congo and Rwanda. It has been living in Uganda consistently lately.

Waitlisted for a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, you eagerly await a no show. Should no opportunity arise, you might be sent to walk the still under habituation gorilla families. This is just not certain, however.

Reserving your permit at least three months in advance or to be safe at least six months ahead can help you avoid such uncertainty on your lifetime gorilla trip. If you buy your permit before 90 days to the trekking date, you may be let pay for it in installments. Usually asked for 90 days till the tour date, top up is something you could forget.

Book Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits: How

Our safari consultant examines availability when you ask us about the day or time you would like to go gorilla treking. One of the lucky businesses in Uganda able to access the Uganda Wildlife Gorilla permit status list is Katland Safaris.

If your permit’s status on your date is favorable, we urge you to book it right away. This is so because of the great demand internationally, which causes them to sell fast. The gorilla licenses are reserved with the Uganda Wildlife Authority on first come first served basis. The basic idea is order with cash.

This helps to prevent allowing customers who book with no intention of utilizing their licenses. The only proof of your will to embark on this gorilla trekking safari is reserving the permission.

You have to find out where your gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is scheduled. This helps one avoid making hotel reservations on the other side of the park. This error can lose your ideal Africa trip access to mountain gorillas.

We ask for certain personal information toward your gorilla trekking day: your complete names as per the passport, nationality, date of birth, passport expiration date, and others.

When Should One Plan Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits?

Having your gorilla trekking permit reserved ahead of time ensures your gorilla safari in Uganda. It also serves as the base for scheduling other parts of this safari, including lodging, the guide, car rental, and others.

Reserving the Uganda gorilla permit at least six months in advance helps you avoid the trouble of looking for one just before.

Usually, the peak seasons coincide with great demand for lodging facilities, so you should reserve your permit in advance to avoid falling out of the greatest options of where to spend the night.

Are Gorilla permits for Uganda refundable?

Yes and no depending on the principles of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You must have backup honest reasons for missing the scheduled gorilla trekking date. The Authority has to have this report before the journey date.

Before beginning the journey, you have to notify the problem to the Uganda Wildlife Authority even if you offer to remain behind in case you develop a communicative disease.

Uganda Wildlife Authority’s policies dictate how all gorilla permit refunds are handled, hence Katland Safaris has no involvement in returning payments for permits. Uganda Wildlife Authority has terms and conditions applicable here.

Which gorilla Trekking Park in Bwindi and Mgahinga Is Best For Trekking?

Meeting the mountain gorillas is unforgettable as it helps you forget the effort you may have gone through throughout the climb.

The greatest answer of which park of Bwindi impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National Park is ideal for this activity is the emotion you experience after gorilla trekking. Trekking gorillas in both parks even improves it. That comparison is really easy to do.

There are now around 18 gorilla trekking families in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, all consistently accessible. As of yet, Mgahinga National Park has only one gorilla family available for visitors. But it has a history of straying into Rwanda and D.R. Congo, a neighboring nation.

Mgahinga National Park is little frequented, hence its pristine surroundings abound in still entwined creepers. Regular park visitors have developed a number of paths in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

While the distance you may go by car to Mgahinga national Park may be 540km, the journey from Entebbe airport to Bwindi impenetrable National park is around 530km.

For gorilla treking and other activities, the Bwindi Impenetrable National park offers a variety of lodging options. Mgahinga National Park, however, has restrictions on where one may spend nights.

From Buhoma the primary gorilla trekking location in Bwindi Impenetrable National park to Queen Elizabeth National park is roughly five to six hours; Mgahinga National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park may take seven hours or more.

After Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, what more might one do?

Game Drives Uganda
Uganda offers a range of activities beyond gorilla trekking, and a well-planned schedule can help you to experience an African safari in great delight. The game drives in Uganda’s big parks lead you into the wild animal life of the country.

You may mix several of the Uganda wildlife parks—Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park—with gorilla trekking.

Among the species you may view are giraffes, cape buffaloes, lions, hartebeests, water bucks, elephant herds, topis, oribi, jackals, cheetahs and more.

Trekking in Uganda among chimpanzees
One of the amazing primate adventures is trekking the chimpanzees in Uganda. Following gorilla trekking, you might do chimpanzee trekking at Kibale National Park, home to Uganda’s highest population of habituated chimps. Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park; Kaniyo Pabidi in Murchison Falls National Park; Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and others.

The optimal flow of your gorilla trekking and chimpanzee safari in Uganda depends on a properly tailored agenda.

Uganda’s Birding
On a gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda, keen birders have the opportunity to pot a range of species including Albertine endemics. On the red list of IUCN, some of the amazing birds of Africa including Albertine endemics call the Ruhijah section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park home.

Among the birds you could find here are Western Green Tinkerbird, Mountain Masked and Chestnut-throated Apalis, African Hill Babbler, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, white-tailed Crested Fly Catcher.

Neighbour walks around The locations of Gorilla Trekking
Some community-based initiatives have been allowed to be connected to gorilla trekking in order to include the local people into the activity.

The Batwa village and Garama cave excursion transports you into the local lives of the Batwa people, erstwhile forest dwellers. This trip is led by a native Mutwa guide knowledgeable in the background of their forest existence. Following their raids on the farms, the Batwa hid in the Garama cave.

Also leading Buhoma community tour is a local guide who brings you to experience the daily lives of the people living in the community. You may be able to visit the local beer brewery, medicine man, and more.

The Nkuringo Community Tour offers opportunity to see homestead, local beer brewery, black smith, local businesses, and more.

Nature walks either before or after the Gorilla Trekking
To experience the elements you may have missed while gorilla trekking, you might choose to go on a nature stroll throughout the forest. Primates include black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons and others may be seen here.

White River Rafting
It’s not necessary to have expertise to take some time to appreciate the white water rafting on River Nile. There are teachers here to guide you through all the required processes.

To go over the strong tides, you must securely fasten your safety gear and use your peddles to battle the tides.

There are various tides here, but you may decide where to stop as this is an exhilarating experience via excitement.

The guidelines of gorilla trekking in Uganda

Steer clear of inciting the mountain gorillas as it annoys them and can force them into hiding.

Should you discover any communicative disease, such as flu, cholera, COVID-19, offer to remain behind to prevent passing these illnesses to the gorillas.

Never encircle the mountain gorillas you come across. Your surroundings seem to ambushed them.

Flash photography is disallowed as gorillas are generally afraid of strange events in their surroundings.

Eat not before the mountain gorillas, since this might cause them to seize this from you. These wild creatures have to fend for their own survival.

Should you want to cough or sneeze, do it either in your elbow or away from the mountain gorillas.

One of the tight rules after the Corona virus is wearing a mask while in front of the mountain gorillas.

A void spitting on plants as mountain gorillas eat this. It is also unsanitary for the frequent visitors.

Littering the forest is against policy as it changes the environment from which they eat.

The mountain gorillas are only seen by those fifteen years of age and above. This is so although the topography is high and the moment of discovering the gorillas is uncertain.

Strictly, one hour is permitted to be spent among the mountain gorillas. This is so because they have been used to live in human presence for exactly that period.

What should one pack for a gorilla trekking? Safari: Uganda
A camera to save memories of your mountain gorilla encounter.
Safari tracking boots shield your feet from woodland sharp objects’s damage.
Repellants for insects to prevent stinging from harming you
Foldable objects Safari hat with a big brim to guard your hair from being wet
As it turns chilly early morning and late afternoon, a fleece or sweater will remain warm.

Garden gloves will let you get a closer hold on slippery creepers.
Energy bites help you stay going should you grow hungry.
a travel adaptor and charger to revitalize you upon wilderness hunger
Given how chilly this location gets, pajamas would be ideal for nighttime additional warmth.
Toiletries should be available should your resort not provide them.

First Aid pack for any kind of emergency
Carry a light water resistant bag with your goods to prevent them from blowing around the woods.
Two binoculars would let one observe objects with better distant range.
Medicated insect repellent meant to ward against stinging insects.

Since sometimes you may have to carry your luggage by yourself, a duffel bag might be handy.
Long sleeved shirts or pants in wilderness suitable hues. The gorilla trekking experience calls for colors like khaki or brown.
Get in touch to ask more questions.

Enforcing gorilla trekking minimum age in Uganda and Rwanda.

These days, enforcing the gorillatrekking minimum age in Uganda and Rwanda is much valued. Minimum age for gorilla treks is fifteen years and above. Age limit cuts across D.R. Congo and Uganda, Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking is conducted at Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, both volcanic regions of Uganda. Gorilla trekking takes place at Volcanoes National Park for Rwanda.

Although your age is rather important in obtaining a gorilla trekking permit for numerous reasons, you must book one as the entrance ticket to join the trip.

For Uganda, you have to know where your gorilla trekking permit is reserved, particularly for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because of their great scale, all gorilla permits for this park are allocated based on area.

Four sections of the park were segregated for faster observation of the gorilla trekking operations. There are Buhoma gorilla trekking areas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Area, Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking Area and Ruhijah Gorilla Trekking Area. Every one of these unique locations includes gorilla families to whom a daily limit of eight guests are permitted to visit.

Though the mountain gorillas live among humans, several rules should be observed to make the most of one’s one hour with them. Young children less than fifteen years old may find it difficult to follow all these guidelines.

Why Underline Age During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Terrifying First View of the Mountain Gorillas

If you let your instincts run wild, the initial look of the mountain gorillas may set off some adrenaline, which would not be ideal. Children under this age may not be in control of their reflex behaviors even if they attend briefings.

Mountain gorillas are very alert for outsiders in their area; if you display any suspicious behavior, the dominant silverback may order the entire family to hide.

Not Knowing When to Search for the Mountain Gorillas

Depending on the state of the forest, locating the mountain gorillas might take two hours to three quarters of the day. The mountain gorillas never stop looking for vegetation to sustain their pure physique during the day and night.

The ranger guide travels the path the mountain gorillas were sighted on yesterday while beginning the gorilla hike. On the other hand, depending on the location of their food or in case they battle with another family and loose, they may go further than where they are supposed to be.

Success in finding the mountain gorillas depends on some degree of patience.

Young children under fifteen years old could not be in a position to wait patiently when strolling in the forest.

The landscape of the Gorilla Trekking Area

Given the volcanic nature of the Virunga region, one can anticipate negotiating some mountains in order to reach the gorillas. Rwanda has a thousand hills; hence, even Volcanoes National Park consists of five volcanoes. These include Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Karisimbi, and Mountain Sabyinyo.

Sometimes you have to climb to find the mountain gorillas who rest or eat on the slopes. This is one of the reasons one needs some degree of fitness before embarking on gorilla trekking. Even the safari boots you use for gorilla trekking have to be positioned to help you throughout your trip.

Children under the age of fifteen might not be fit enough to climb mountains for your duration in the forest.

You are advised to keep your voices quiet when gorilla trekking, as mountain gorillas are afraid of strange sounds in their habitat.

Given their immature nature, the youngsters below this age may not be able to be quiet to complete the trip. Control over them is also difficult.

Unfamiliar loudness may also frighten other primates, such the black and white colobus, olive baboons, grey-chipped mangabeys, blue monkeys and various birds.

Exuberant mountain gorillas

Sometimes the mountain gorillas will stroll over to touch or feel their guests. A youngster under the age of fifteen may not find this appealing. Pulling a way forcibly is very likely.

The remainder of the mountain gorilla families may not find this appealing.

Originally calm animals, mountain gorillas get disturbed when they see hostile actions from their guests. Usually, they pound their chests, gather grass about them, walk on one leg and hoot to indicate their wrath.

Hard to Maintain Eight Meters From the Mountains Gorillas

When they see mountain gorillas, visitors are urged to stay about eight meters away from them. Following these guidelines is somewhat difficult in case the toddler considers the gorillas cute.

Young children under the age of fifteen may want to reach out and touch such beautiful apes as they find it difficult to avoid.

Transferring a communicative infection to the mountain gorillas

Mountain gorillas are very vulnerable to human diseases; hence, youngsters under the age of fifteen might have the virus and avoid public speaking out. Later on, this might be given to the mountain gorillas, who might not find fit.

From the 1980s, when Dian Fossey records show that the number was only 300 gorillas, the mountain gorilla conservation effort has evolved. According to the latest census of mountain gorillas, there are over 1000 of them worldwide.

All of this is because to the conservation effort and guidelines controlling gorilla trekking activities.

Distribution of Random Gorilla Trekking Families

Following the briefing, the current visitors are scattered haphazardly among the gorilla families found in Rwanda and Uganda. Their division is based on capacity to access the remote mountain gorillas.

A youngster under the age of fifteen may not be in a position to hike the mountain gorillas alone without an accompanying parent, merely in case he or she is assigned another household.

The youngster needs an accompanying parent or guardian for the trip to guarantee they have a trustworthy support team to guide them through this journey.

What Can a Child Under 15 Years Do in the gorilla Trekking Areas in Uganda and Rwanda Community Visits?

Visit the neighborhood with a young kid under the age of fifteen either before or after gorilla treking to observe local behavior

A local guide leads the Buhoma community walk to the usual farmhouse, traditional healer, banana brewer, and may even accompany a scheduled traditional dancing ensemble. The money raised supports community-driven initiatives like road repair, medical facilities, schools, and others.

Along with so much more, the Nkuringo community walk with the youngsters below 15 years allows you to see traditional healers, rural farmhouses, blacksmiths, and local beer brewer.

When on gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National park, Batwa path and Garama cave visit at the foot of Mountain Muhavura might be a choice activity. After invading the Bafumbira, Batwa used the 342-meter Garama cave as a refuge. You could go to a local music venue here, but this calls some previous planning. The secrets of the jungle life the Batwa pygmies know are yours to discover.

Nature Trail in Children under the age of fifteen have opportunity to see other primates in the Rwanda and Uganda during nature hikes in Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Forest. You must arrange this with the ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The nature of other forest users that might endanger you means that nobody is permitted to enter the forest without an accompanied ranger guide.

Among the monkeys you may find are blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-chipped mangabeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoests, Pottos and others.

Living in the Virunga region helps many birds, including some Albertine endemics like Shelley’s Crimmsonwing, find solace. This section has breathtaking views of the forest canopy, including a glittering waterfall created by a rich river network inside the forest.

The Golden Monkey Trekking

If you would like to go golden monkey trekking with a youngster, the age restriction is 15 years and above. Golden monkey trekking calls Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda home.

Do other safaris in Uganda or Rwanda?

There is no age restriction for game drives at Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Akagera National Park in Rwanda or at Uganda Queen Elizabeth National Park. Children allow you to participate in these events free from age restrictions so they may fully enjoy the Africa safari experience. You may see lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, elephants, and others.

With a 15-year-old and above chimps’ trekking age restriction, this might be another way to include youngsters. In Uganda, chimpanzee trekking takes place at Kibale National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and others. Trekking with chimpanzees in Rwanda occurs at Nyungwe National Park.

City trips bring you to Uganda’s and Rwanda’s business centers. You might see Bulange Mengo location for Buganda Kingdom, Kabaka’s manmade lake, Uganda Martyrs’ shrine Namugongo and others during Kampala city trip in Uganda. The Rwanda city trip offers opportunity to see the market hubs, ethnological museum, genocide monument, and so much more.

Uganda has amazing whitewater rafting. Since professors are here to guide you through the whole process, you have no experience needed. You have to paddle over the tides and tightly fasten your safety gear.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda have pricing ranging from luxury, middle-class, and budget based on The uniform expense cutting across all safari types is the gorilla trekking permit. Whereas Rwanda gorilla trekking licenses cost $1500 per person, Uganda’s gorilla trekking permit is $800 per person.

Number of days to spend on safari, number of people traveling with safari, lodging to reserve for gorilla safari and others define the overall cost of gorilla trekking safaris.

Customizing or prepackaging a gorilla trekking safari itinerary allows you to enjoy your African trip free from retracing possibilities.

When schedule Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda or Uganda

While gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda are available all year, you must first get a gorilla trekking permit.

Despite great demand globally, a few gorilla permits are available daily to the public to book. Only eight Gorilla Trekking licenses are daily public accessable. In Uganda, you have to take into account that you have to know the location of the region your permit is booked for before choosing lodging.

To prevent last-minute worry, you must reserve your seat in advance even if you choose to utilize Fly-in gorilla trekking safari packages in Uganda. Usually, particularly in June to September and December to January, the booked flights to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip are in great demand.

Which nation would be ideal for gorilla trekking between Uganda and Rwanda?

It is pretty difficult to decide which nation is ideal for gorilla trekking, as the experience of meeting the mountain gorillas is unparalleled. A few of the elements tourists take into account help them to differentiate between the two countries’ paths.

Cost of a gorilla trekking permit

While in Rwanda the gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person, in Uganda it now costs $800 per person.

Travel times to Gorilla Trekking Parks

While the road travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Entebbe Airport is around eight hours to nine hours, the time you spend arriving Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda from Kigali Airport is approximately three hours driving.

Trekking Gorillas in Uganda Through Rwanda

From Entebbe Airport or Kampala, gorilla trekking in Uganda may be done via Rwanda; the journey is around six hours as compared to the eight to nine-hour drive.

Compare gorilla trekking and habituation experience in Uganda.

Following previously acclimated chimpanzees acquainted with human presence is known as gorilla trekking. Following semi-habited chimpanzees under researcher and habituator control helps them to get acclimated to human presence.

To be regarded as a participant, you have to have a gorilla trekking permission or habituation permit from Uganda’s Wildlife Education Center.

Gorilla habituation experience is so far done in only two gorilla trekking families located in southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In Uganda gorilla trekking is done Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National park with about 19 gorilla families open at the moment.

The expense of either a habituation permit or gorilla trekking

While gorilla habituation costs $1500 per person per day, the price for gorilla treking permits in Uganda right now is $800 per person. Booking beforehand may enable you to buy in installment as long as you top up before the day of trekking.

Others expenses related to gorilla trekking might be comparable to lodging, however for gorilla habitation you must reserve lodges in the southern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National park.

Allowance for hiking or habitation of mountain gorillas

While only maximum of 4 visitors are permitted to perform gorilla habituation in Uganda, maximum of 8 tourists are allowed to be in the vicinity of the mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking. This is meant to lower the number of humans living in the forest who would damage the food source for those large apes—that is, the flora.

About 300 pounds of leaves will let a full-grown mountain gorilla sustain its own weight both night and day.

Time permitted for gorilla habituation or hiking among the mountain gorillas

Only one hour is permitted to remain in their presence to let the mountain gorillas go about their daily routines once you find them during gorilla trekking.

You must spend four hours tracking the mountain gorillas with researchers and rangers to accomplish gorilla habituation. You help to record data about mountain gorillas with unique traits.

Starting times for gorilla hiking and habituation

Every day, gorilla trekking begins with a briefing about at 0730 hours. To be at ease seeing the mountain gorillas in the wild, you have to carry your gorilla trekking equipment.

On the other hand, gorilla habituation begins earlier—between 0530 and 0630 hours—to enable one to see de-nesting. You track the gorilla family all day and record their actions for historical use.

Where in Uganda Gorilla Trekking and gorilla habituation is carried out

Currently residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National park are nineteen live gorilla trekking families exposed to visitors. Two gorilla families are accessible for gorilla habituation residing in the southern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park exclusively.

Besides Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation, what else is to do? Within Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Birding Uganda

In Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo, the Virunga region is the main birding hotspot. Among the many birds found here are around 23 species of the 24 species of Albertine Rift endemics. The finest birding display in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found in Ruhowicz region of Mubwindi Swamp.

You could find shelley’s Crimmsonwing, African Green Broadbill, Western Green Tinkerbird, Red-faced Woodland Wabers, Rwenzori Batis, Collared Apalis and more.

Given Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks harbors around 350 bird species, skilled birders may see over 100 species when gorilla trekking.

Though the area is rarely frequented, the list of bird species found in Mgahinga National area is continually growing; currently reported numbers range from around 115.

Other Primate walks

Apart from mountain gorillas, Mgahinga national parks and the Biwndi Impenetrable National park house additional primates. On some of the paths built by frequent users, you may see primates such olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus and others on nature walks.

Neighborhood walks

Run by local people, Buhoma settlement in the Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park You enjoy in the life of the area such local brewing, farmhouse visit, traditional healer visit and others along the tour. During the Nkuringo Community tour in southern Bwindi Impenetrable National park, you could have opportunity to observe native black smith, rural house stead, local brewer and more.

The Batwa path and Garama cave tour in Mgahinga National park transports you into the lives of displaced Batwa people from past forest living. A Mutwa leads this route under a plateau known as Garama cave. After attacking the Bafumbira farmers, the Batwa used this as a retreat place. Cultural dances are being carried out here, however on prior request.

Mountain climbing in Mgahinga National Park

Apart from gorilla walking, you may spend a day hiking on one of the three volcanic mountains inside Mgahinga National Park. Mountain Sabyinyo locally meaning old man’s teeth is 3669 meters above or Mountain Muhavura; Mountain Gahinga whose meaning is pile of little stones sits at 3474 meters above sea level.

For hiking any of these mountains, advance scheduling is required, as is a ranger guide to accompany you all through the walk and return.

Other Events To Combine with Habituation and Gorilla Trekking

You may link with wildlife drives in Uganda National parks include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National park, Lake Mburo National park and others after seeing the mountain gorillas. It is rather remarkable to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park either before or after gorilla trekking. Highlights of Uganda safari experience include the launch expeditions at Murchison Falls national park and Queen Elizabeth National park.

River Nile flows from Uganda into Jinja; so, visiting here is rather unique. Although instructors are in place to guide you through all processes, white water rafting on the Nile is exhilarating; you do not need any expertise to visit.

Safety of Gorilla Trekking and Habituation in Uganda

Because the ranger guides operate with other Uganda security authorities and surrounding security agencies to guard the region, gorilla treking in Uganda is secure.

Before entering the jungle to begin looking for the mountain gorillas, you must show early morning attendance at briefing.

Carrying your gorilla trekking gear provides additional bodily protection, much like wearing long sleeved shirts and pants, safari boots, smearing insect repellant, garden gloves and others.

Make sure you go at the speed of other hikers to avoid becoming lost in the wildness. Though the ranger guide moves at the slowest speed of the slowest trekkers, avoid letting the remainder of the group cross you.

Never encourage the mountain gorillas or forest dwellers—like the monkeys—to stir around. They fluctuate in mood as well.

During gorilla trekking, you should not trust anybody you know not acquainted as you could draw individuals with bad intentions.

Never count money in public, particularly if the amounts are big; you could draw burglars.

Since individuals from all walks of life engage in gorilla trekking safari, carrying precious goods may not be secure.

Buy meals from approved areas to prevent food contamination on the gorilla trekking trip.

The Difficulties of Gorilla Trekking and Habituation in Uganda

Expect to climb at times to find the mountain gorillas; the overall geography of the gorilla trekking or habituation zone is volcanic.

Even the local flora is full of twisted vines and creepers that must be cleared with a machete to create space.

Rivers over flow causes the pathways to be slick when it rains particularly during the extreme wet seasons. You have to be ready to follow marshy route ways to discover the mountain gorillas; these monkeys sometimes eat from the slopes therefore you must trek there to spot them.

Since you may have to climb at times, some degree of fitness is required for gorilla treking and habituation.

When Should You See The Mountain Gorillas?

Finding the mountain gorillas might take two hours to over three quarters of the day. Though not speedy, mountain gorillas are mobile creatures. One reason a group of rangers gets up early than others is to hunt the mountain gorillas. They report back to park headquarters, who use it as one of the hints to pursue throughout the hunt.

This indication does not imply the gorillas will not depart where the rangers found them. They look for food, in case they are assaulted by wild gorilla families, lose a family member and so much more.

To really appreciate the gorilla trekking experience, one must be somewhat patient. Having an open mind also helps you to stay on because the jungle offers plenty to see beyond only the site of the mountain gorillas.

Once you find the gorillas, you need maintain about eight meters away from them to avoid any possibility of spreading any disease. You must optimize every second to realize your ambition of seeing the mountain gorillas; just one hour is permitted to be in their company.

The Guidelines of Gorilla Trekking and Habituation

All operations carried out in the mountain gorilla habitat have as their goal preservation of the mountain gorillas. It is to gather the money for the campaign on mountain gorilla preservation; yet, certain regulations must be in place to control these operations.

Although mountain gorillas are prone to human diseases, anybody with a communicative infection is not permitted to go gorilla trekking; you do not know what it will do to the now celebrated gorilla population.

Once you find the mountain gorillas, keep about eight meters away. This lowers the possibility of any virus transferring to these gorillas.

Flash photography is against usage as it disturbs the mountain gorillas.

The mountain gorillas feel attacked, hence you do not need to surround them. They may also go into the deeper parts of the forest when they get upset.

It is against policy to provoke the mountain gorillas as they are timid creatures that could get uneasy in this regard.

Eat and smoke far from the mountain gorillas; they may grab what you have and it may not be in line with their health. One major loss is losing even one mountain gorilla due to thoughtlessness.

Should you have to cough or sneeze, avoid the mountain gorillas or cover your mouth to lower the risk of transferring infections to them.

Ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you thirty cm deep and hide all waste beyond recognition for extended calls in the forest. This is to stop anybody living in the jungle from exhuming anything.

Littering the forest is illegal as it changes the environment in which mountain gorillas find food.

Spitting on plants is not advised as it looks bad and harmful. The ideal method is to keep the ecosystem where mountain gorillas reside as it is found.

As a covid-19 precaution, wear a fresh mask before seeing the mountain gorillas. Even your footwear are cleaned before the trip starts.

Gorilla treking is not permitted anybody under fifteen years old.

Once you find the mountain gorillas, one hour is allotted.

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda.

Chimpanzee filming in Uganda.

Filming chimps in Uganda may be done at certain locations. You must meet the standards set by Uganda’s wildlife Authority for filming.

You should also know that among animal relatives, chimps are the closest ones to humans. Their DNA is quite close to that of humans—about 98% Their actions might be similar to those of humans, hence you should use great caution with your tools in the wild.

Only once authorization from Uganda Wildlife Authority and National Forestry Authority is Chimpanzees able to meet encounters in Uganda. One of the few nations in the world still possessing natural areas where large numbers of chimpanzees may still flourish is Uganda.

The Uganda chimpanzee natural habitats are more far-off, so visiting them might need renting a 4×4 vehicle to avoid running over the road. If you have a lot of luggage and cameras, it might be advisable to rent an additional automobile to transport your stuff.

Where Chimpanzees Call Home in Uganda

Depending on what you want to get out of the whole experience, wherever the chimpanzees dwell might be a potential shooting site in Uganda.

Kibale National Park 

About 795 square kilometers of diversified tropical rain forest lie Kibale National Park in western Uganda. Among the near 13 primate species found in this forest are the chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, pottos, L’Hoest’s, grey cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, bush babies to name just a few.

Under the direction of the alpha male, about 1500 chimpanzees call Kibale Forest National Park home. The community votes him democratically, hence he needs to wow the women most. Their impact on the election outcomes is really great.

Kibale National Park’s normal temperature range is from 14 degrees centigrade to 27 dregree. Kibale National Park is around 1590 meters above sea level in terms of height. Regarding rainfall, 1800 mm on average are obtained every year.

Comprising a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees with evergreen species predominating, the Kanyanchu portion of the park is mostly With a corridor of 180 km of length utilized for animal movement, its Northern tip is the wettest location and Southern half adjoins Queen Elizabeth national Park.

Filming chimpanzees in Kibale National Park may allow you to see a variety of natural species, including many birds. About 325 bird species have been identified so far; the list is continually growing. Among the birds you may find are shoe bill, black bee-eaters, crowned eagle, yellow spotted nicator, blue-breasted kingfisher, Abyssinian ground thrush, brown chested alethe, African pitta to list but aways.

Visit the Bigodi Wetland refuge to record the most fascinating birdwatching opportunities. Nestled in Magombe wetland, Kibale National Park has one of the best birding sites. Primates like black and white colobus, chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, mammals including mongoose, bushbucks, forest elephants, wild forest hogs and others might also be found here.

Walking to Kihingani Wetland outside Sebitoli would help you to spot more birds. Its bird list is quite amazing.

Gorge of Kyambura in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura Gorge, 100 meters deep, is near Queen Elizabeth National Park’s bottom of the rift valley. River Kyambo running into the Kazinga channel sculpted the Gorge.

Filming chimpanzees in this park starts with briefings in Kyambura Fig tree camp about 0800 hours and 1400 hours daily. Those engaged in chimpanzee trekking may attend these two sessions. Filming this section of chimpanzee habitat is preferable during the dry season with less slippiness on the hills.

For those attempting chimpanzee trekking, some degree of athleticism is needed to get into the valley. Make sure you carry safari boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, water proof bags for your cameras and others, the correct chimpanzee hiking equipment.

Kaniyo Pabadi Forest In the National Park Murchison Falls

About 8km inside Kichubanyombo gate, Kaniyo Pabidi woodland is part of Murchison Falls National park. You conduct chimpanzee filming here in a jungle with some of Uganda’s residual grown mahogany trees.

There are birdwatching habitats in Murchison Falls National Park right here in this section of the park.  If really keen, you have great possibilities of catching birds such Blue-caped Mousebirds, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Black-headed Gonolek, Green winged pytilias, Spotted Morning Thrush to name just a few.

Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria

Filming chimpanzees on Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary Island transports you into the world of abused survivors of mostly human activity and abandoned primates. Situated 23km southwest of Entebbe in Uganda, Koome Islands in fresh water Lake Victoria has an island chimpanzee refuge.

Under Dr. Jane Goodall, Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust ( CSWCT) developed this conservation effort.

Rescued, saved, homeless, orphaned chimpanzees unable to be returned to their natural habitat find themselves at this chimpanzee sanctuary. Establishing this refuge was partly meant to educate guests, the general public, and the local population on the need of preserving chimpanzee habitats and species.

Some of you could be involved in feeding; you stand at the feeding platform and help to distribute meals. Usually, the male and adults get the most portion; the less strong may consume the list in line with human nature.

Education Center on Uganda Wildlife ( UWEC)

The Uganda Wildlife Education Center is the place to visit if you want to shoot chimpanzees in a limited area and at a more near range. Most animals from Uganda’s national parks are kept at this old Entebbe zoo.

These wild creatures reside in displays where their natural habitat is replicated. Among other species and birds, one may see ostriches, chimpanzees, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, waterbucks, cape buffaloes, wild cats, elephant, zebras, giraffes to name but a few.

Kalinzu Forest

Kalinzu Forest sits just beyond Queen Elizabeth National Park. These chimpanzees are mostly visited for study most of the time, however you may be let to video them at busy times.

You have to ask for this ahead of time to enable timely preparations.

Requirements for filming Chimpanzees in Uganda

The crew of chimpanzees shooting need a filming permission derived from the relevant authorities and entities. Should you be recording chimpanzees in National parks, you must get permission from Uganda Wildlife Authority and abide by its policies.

Every member of the filmmaking team need a chimpanzee trekking permit, same as the regular one. The chimpanzee hiking permit lets you spend just one hour among the chimpanzees once you find them.

Alternatively, you might choose for each crew member chimpanzee habituation licenses allowing four hours of recording the chimps.

The booking staff has to draft a letter asking Uganda Wildlife Authority to shoot chimpanzees at a certain site.

When an application comes forward to you, you must complete every element and support it with a copy of the description, screenplay, and filming schedule.

These are thereafter forwarded the authorities in charge of approval.

Uganda Media Verification

Every member of the shooting team is obliged to complete form G, which is used to get authorization for gathering material to be recorded from Uganda, via Uganda media council. Before any Ugandan material is created, media accreditation is very vital.

Every one must scan a copy of form G, attach scanned copy of passport displaying the front and where personal information are available after filling details on form G. One passport picture should be attached to the media cards.

Get a letter of good behavior from your nation’s international police, Interpol.

This is sent to Uganda Media Council by our filming fixer crew for review and clearance. Getting feed back takes two to three days.

Customs Clearance in Uganda

Customs on arrival must momentarily clear anything you have with you. Note Uganda is not a Carnet member so no carnets are permitted.

Uganda Revenue Authority grants a temporary Import Permission for all the equipment you travel with and charges certain taxes on it. You may make equipment clearance quicker on arrival with a bonded agent.

Right now, tax is paid with around 10% non-refundable charge deducted from the whole worth of your equipment. It relates to the safe arrival and existence of your stuff.

Forwarding us the list of what you want to carry speeds things and helps to avoid extended clearance time on arrival at the Entebbe customs.

Alternatively, you can choose to outsource from the nearby filmmaking teams in case you explain to them the specifics of what you desire to have in time. Remember not very many modern filming devices exist in the nation or even getting them is most in Kampala the business heart of Uganda.

Accommodation During Chimpanzee filming in Uganda

You must remain inside or near the location where you want to shoot in Uganda. This helps you to record the special events. Even the chimpanzees may visit your resort early in the morning, a special event for your collection.

Every place a possible site for chimpanzee shooting offers various lodging and other amenities.  One of the things you might give top attention is making sure your recording tools are safe.

Hire a car. applied at the chimpanzee filming site

Hiring a vehicle to transport equipment is essential as most production teams travel with a lot of fragile machinery. Keep in mind most chimpanzee locations are in far-off areas with sometimes slick road. Your fragile tools ought to be kept in secure bags.

The rental car ought to have strong shock absorbs. One option for improved transit may be to hire a 4×4 vehicle.

The ideal moment for chimpanzee filming in Uganda

Though they are quite friendly animals, chimps often hang on tree branches during the rainy seasons. The drier months of June through October and December through January would be ideal for catching the spectacular photos and moments of the chimpanzees in Uganda.

Since they are few, expect to see chimpanzee hikers or even permits sold out; the dry months are busy seasons as well. Each group receives only six chimpanzee hiking licenses daily. Every day just two sessions, morning and afternoon chimpanzee trekking periods permitted.

What Is Uganda’s Chimpanzee Destination Topography Like?

Excellent location and topography are also important for setting your equipment in order to get the ideal moments of the wildlife cinematography.  Ground in most of Uganda’s chimpanzee habitats is usually level. The forest has low undergrowth, hence paths built by frequent visitors speed up progress.

To obtain the finest content, you must bring or hire stands for your devices. Keep some rain gears on hand, ones that would protect your machinery should it rain.

 The guidelines of chimpanzee filming in Uganda

The chimpanzees have human tracks and could turn on you or hide, hence never provoke them.

Given that chimpanzees are wild creatures who have to search for their own food, feeding them is for bidden.

It terrifies the chimpanzees if one uses flash photography and sound-activated cameras.

Enter the forest only with an accompanying ranger guide; other species there might endanger you.

Littering the forest is against policy as it provides food for chimpanzees and other forest inhabitants.

Once you find a chimpanzee or get a permission for a habituation, just one hour is permitted with them.

Should you desire to relax yourself as the rangers accompany you to excavate a 30-centimeter-deep pit and cover beyond recognition.

Best places to see chimpanzees in Uganda.

Trekking in Uganda among chimps transports you to some of the closest cousins of humans with almost 98% DNA. The wild chimpanzees must be accustomed to be in the company of people at least for an hour without changing their natural nature, thereby enabling chimpanzee trekking. This gets us to the greatest sites to visit chimps in Uganda.

Among all the habituated chimpanzees in Africa, Uganda has the most in tropical Kibale forest. As of right moment, Kibale National Park has a 1500 chimpanzee population.

Other Uganda chimpanzee trekking sites include Kalinzu forest on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National park, Kaniyo Pabidi Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Forest National Park though not habituated, Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and others.

You have to get a chimpanzee trekking permission from Rom Uganda Wildlife Authority or another agency looking for Uganda’s ecosystems for chimpanzees. Depending on their closeness, two chimpanzee trekking sessions scheduled for morning at 0800 hours and 1500 hours last two to three hours.

Once you find the chimpanzees, just one hour is permitted in their company. This is to provide them time to do daily tasks include grooming newborns, feeding, procreating, and others.

Booking a chimpanzee habituation experience will provide you extra time with the animals at Kibale National Park. You have to get up early than others and follow the rangers and researcher at dawn. The chimps are scheduled to be de-nesting between about 0530 and 0630 hours.

Where in Uganda one may see chimpanzees?

 Kibale National park

About 795 square kilometers, this tropical rain forest is located in western Uganda. Among the 13 primate species found in the forest are the chimps, black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, bush babies, pottos, L’Hoest’s, grey cheeked mangabey, olive baboons and others.

About 1590 meters above sea level, the woodland is located. Average 1800 mm of rain fall is obtained yearly. Its northern point is the wettest location, while its southern half connects Queen Elizabeth national Park with a 180-kilometer long corridor for animal movement.

Kibale National Park has a rich birdlife, with over 325 species identified apart from wild animals. Black bee-eaters, yellow-spotted nicator, blue-breasted kingfisher, Abyssinian ground thrush, African pitta and others are among the birds you could see even though the list is continually expanding.

One of the main birding sites in Kibale National Park, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is situated in Magombe wetland. Primates like black and white colobus, chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, mammals including mongoose, bushbucks, forest elephants, wild forest hogs and others might also be found here. You get a similar feeling from a stroll to Kihingani Wetland outside Sebitoli as from Magombe Wetland.

Gorge of Kyambura in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kyambura gorge is located at the bottom of the rift valley in Queen Elizabeth National Park about at 100 meters depth. River Kyambo running into the Kazinga channel sculpted the Gorge.

Starting in Kyambura Fig tree camp at around 0800 hours and 1400 hours daily, the journey takes approximately One must be somewhat fit if one intends to climb into the valley. Especially in the west, you also need comfortable tracking boots to let you negotiate the treacherous hills.

Kaniyo Pabidi Forest inside National Park Murchison Falls

You go about 8 kilometers inside Kichubanyombo Gate of Murchison Falls National Park to reach this chimpanzee refuge. Under some of Uganda’s overgrown remnant mahogany trees, you have the chance to go chimpanzee treking.

Among Murchison Falls National Park’s top birding locations is this one. You are very likely to find birds such Vitelline Masked Weavers, Black-headed Gonolek, Blue-caped Mousebirds, Green winged pytilias and others.

Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary inside Lake Victoria

This is part of the fresh water Lake Victoria Koome Islands 23km southwest of Entebbe, Uganda. Under Dr. Jane Goodall, Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust ( CSWCT) launched the refuge project.

Respected, saved, homeless, orphaned chimpanzees that cannot be restored to their natural habitats live here. It seeks to educate guests, the general public, and the local community on the importance of preserving the chimpanzees and their habitats.

You stand on the feeding platform and help distribute food while seeing battle for the fitness come to life when you visit during the feeding time.

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre ( UWEC)

This once was the Entebbe Zoo. Uganda is delighted to have practically all of this wild fauna summarized here.  The wild creatures are housed in displays with surroundings that reflect their natural habitats. On a self-guided or guided tour at the center, some of the species you could encounter include chimps, lions, cheetahs, leopards, waterbucks, cape buffaloes, elephant, zebras, giraffes a variety of birds and so much more.

Kalinzu Forest 

Kalinzu Forest is situated on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. While most of these chimpanzees are employed for study, possibilities for trekking them present themselves at busy times.

Booking Chimpanzee Trekking Permits in Uganda

Uganda’s wildlife Authority, KIbale National Park and Kyambura Gorge chimpanzees permits, sells part of the chimpanzee hiking licenses issued there. The caretakers of these chimpanzee sanctuaries sell the others. This helps to explain the differences in the cost of chimpanzee trekking permits all throughout the nation.

Right now, the Kibale National Park chimpanzee trekking passes are $300 per person.

Securing them depends on knowing the date, amount of people to walk with, most practical time to perform chimpanzee trekking. Your chimpanzee hiking permits should be bought ahead as they sell quickly. For the public to book per troupe, only six permissions are realized.

The Age Limit for Chimpanzee Trekking

The age restriction for chimpanzee treking is fifteen years and beyond. A youngster older than this is said to be able to survive in the wild. The surroundings of National Park have limited under development a youngster at this age can go through.

Areas where chimpanzees reside have somewhat flat terrain, which facilitates travel without requiring hiking. You may find the chimpanzees by following the paths made by consistent hikers. To warn others of your existence, you can hear hoot or thumping buttress roots.

The time you spend finding the chimpanzees may not be in line with a youngster under the age of fifteen’s patience.

Sometimes the chimpanzees harass guests, which would not be appropriate for a little kid below this age. A youngster may find it uncomfortable if they reach out, touch you, or pull your hair.

Making noise is forbidden in the forest as it disturbs even other forest residents which might be difficult for a youngster below this age to control.

Fast in mobility, chimps keep hikers on their toes. Keeping up with a youngster less than fifteen years old might be challenging.

What can a child under fifteen years do when parents go chimpenzee trekking?

Children under the age of fifteen may be scheduled for environmentally friendly activities in Kibale National Park under the direction of the child ranger instructors. Children cane travel for roughly one to two hours for instructive forest hikes while parents go chimpanzee trekking in the pack.

These hikes teach them about ecosystems and its occupants. Participate in environmentally friendly games, artistic projects like cyanotype, photography, batik creation, pond dipping.

As you go hiking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, you have nothing to worry about where to put your youngster.

When should one book chimps’ trekking permits?

Although chimps travel all year round, peak seasons are in the drier months, June through October and December through January.

Because there is much to eat during the dry seasons, chimps eat closer to the ground. Usually, the rainy seasons coincide with damp mushy ground—which the chimpanzees find objectionable. Chimpanzees most of the rainy seasons remain up in the tree branches, hence pack a pair of binoculars to get a better view.

How much is chimpanzee trekking safari?

Among the many chimpanzee trekking programs, luxury, mid-range, or budget, securing the permit is the ongoing expense.

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale National Park cost $300 per person per trip. You might also schedule two sessions in morning and afternoon.

The cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale National park include park fees, ranger guide fees, security during chimpanzee trekking, park upkeep, chimpanzee medical fund and others.

Twenty percent of the overall yearly income from chimpanzee trekking is returned to the nearby town to help with initiatives. This is one approach to include the nearby population in the protection of the chimpanzees.

Which makes the finest Chimpanzee Trekking Destination?

Although Kibale National Park in Uganda has the most number of habituated chimpanzees, its permits are few. Every troop of chimpanzees receives just six daily chimpanzee hiking permits.

Seeing some of the closest relatives of man in their natural habitat rather than in a zoo or circus where they could be trained to perform makes seeing the chimpanzees in the forest interesting. That thrill is unequaled wherever you go.

Every site is different on its own, depending on your desired feeling after seeing the chimpanzees. You have some difficulties finding Kyambura gorge chimpanzees in the wooded depression as they reside in a steeper terrain.

Murchison lies within the Kaniyo Pabidi National Park. Living amid some of Uganda’s oldest left over mahogany trees are chimps. Along with several other primates like black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, they share habitat. These chimpanzees occupy the same territory as Murchison Falls, the nicest section of the River Nile flow.

Visitors to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary get opportunity to see chimps up close and help them be fed as well. Visitors get a better perspective of how people may co-exist with these monkeys and understand the need of preserving the environment where these apes eat.

What guidelines apply for Chimpanzee Trekking?

Once you find the chimpanzees, keep around eight meters apart from them. These are wild creatures that may infect either you or they might spread to each other. One of the many steps you might follow is this one.

Offer to remain behind should you develop a communicative illness such as flu, cholera, Corona virus, or another. With their DNA ranging from around 96% to that of humans, these animals are prone to these infections.

Eat and smoke nothing before the chimpanzees; they could be tempted to seize it from you.

The chimpanzees are naturally meant to search for their own food; so, give them nothing depending on human help.

Children 15 years of age or under are not permitted to engage in chimpanzee trekking as time of finding the chimpanzees is unclear and they may not be able to survive in the wilderness or prolong their stay in the forest.

Never enter the forest without a park ranger; other forest users can endanger you or cause you to get lost.

Ask the ranger guide to dig a hole at least 30 cm deep and cover waste beyond awareness if you want to have a lengthy call.

It is against policy to make noise in the bush looking for chimpanzees. Unknown noise in their environments scares them.

Flash photography should never be used for chimpanzee trekking as it may frighten these amazing creatures.

Although it has never occurred in the past of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, encouraging the chimps is illegal as they may get aggressive. Furthermore plausible is this.

One hour is permitted with the chimpanzees once you find them.

Can I Choose A Gorilla Family Of My Choice In Uganda And Rwanda.

In Uganda and Rwanda, may I select any gorilla family of my liking? You may choose your own gorilla trekking family in Uganda and Rwanda provided you tell your operator in advance what you want to see. Like humans, all mountain gorillas lack the same features. This is not a clear bargain, however, as all the powers someone visits a gorilla family in Uganda or Rwanda originate from Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide on duty.

Mountain gorillas live at Volcanoes National park in Rwanda; at the moment, only 13 gorilla families have been allowed for visitors. You have to be carrying a Rwanda Development Board gorilla trekking permit.

Uganda gorilla trekking experience is experienced from Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National Park.

Among the three nations hosting mountain gorillas, Bwindi National park sits over an area of 327 square kilometers, the biggest habitat for them. There are now four gorilla trekking sites in the park: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhijah, and Nkuringo.

This was done to allow gorilla families all around to be seen as just the Buhoma region was originally visited. Other gorilla families have begun exhibiting wild behavior that calls for re-habituation.

With around 33 square kilometers of territory, Mgahinga National Park is among the smaller gorilla trekking destinations. Less frequented is the remaining virgin park, however, as its only gorilla family is movable. Sometimes free from political constraints, the Nyakagezi gorilla family wanders into D.R. Congo or Rwanda. It has lately been living stably in Uganda for several years.

Usually having case studies to guide their analysis, clients visiting for gorilla research have a goal. They could indicate the kind of gorilla trekking family they want to utilize in their research. Thanks to study, the world now knows more about the massive mountain gorillas once described as monsters.

From the days of Dian Fossey, who established the Karisoke Research Institute in Rwanda, researchers have been able to rescue mountain gorilla lives. Based on census taken at the time, the globe had around three hundred mountain gorillas by 1980: Included on the red list of the most severely threatened primates worldwide were the mountain gorillas.

Based on studies conducted by groups such as Gorilla Fund, Gorilla Doctors and others, the estimated current global mountain gorilla count is somewhat near to 1000 individuals. None of this could be accomplished without research.

Mountain gorillas were among of the primates at risk to receive the virus when the Covid 19 epidemic struck the planet after researchers found the virus among those housed in a zoo. Every visitor is expected to wear a mask and wash before seeing the mountain gorillas in order to help to conserve them. Either bring a corona virus vaccination certificate or show negative results of covid 19 obtained within the preceding 72 hours.

A few number of researchers are permitted to visit a certain gorilla family at a time in order to help the mountain gorillas to survive going forward.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has to handle this arrangement as the entity in charge of wildlife management.

Close Off Gorilla Trekking For Unique Experience

Sometimes customers want to restrict gorilla trekking activities in a certain location for just their group to visit. They are meant to pay off the gorilla permits for that region so that no one else follows them. Under this agreement, the customer is able to choose which gorilla family in that region they want to see.

Maxium of eight gorilla permits are available daily for public booking. 

One idea is to restrict gorilla trekking rights to one gorilla family. This is more sensible, however, in case nobody has been reserved on that family yet. These elements all provide viable substitutes for this cause. Clients reserve gorilla permits as early as one year in advance, so all these have to be taken into account.

Low Season for Safaris Based on Gorilla Trekking

Sometimes gorilla trekking excursions have poor customer attendance during low season, which runs from March to May and November. This opportunity allows you to choose which gorilla family to see should you so like.

Sometimes you get the whole briefing time to yourself, which allows you to indicate which gorilla family you would choose. Clients are randomly split into groups of maximum eight to visit a certain household during the busy season. Not even those who have traveled together are granted one family unless previous plans are approved by Uganda Wildlife Authority. This is done to prevent disputes among the visitors or travel agencies arranging the gorilla trekking safaris.

Sometimes booking gorilla trekking safaris in low season also results in lower rates of additional facilities such lodging, driving guides, and others. Even a combination of safaris in other locations like wildlife parks, chimpanzee trekking may be somewhat less expensive during the low season.

Physical Impairment of a Gorilla Trekking Client

Although gorilla trekking is a wilderness walking experience, even physically challenged guests may enjoy it. Should your tour operator alert Uganda Wildlife Authority with your physical capacity, chances of producing a family less demanding are great. Still, this is just a matter of opinion.

Arranged reasonably priced, Sedan chairs or stretchers will let you reach the gorilla trekking family. Porters you need to hire will carry your gorilla trekking equipment and you over the trail.

Though some degree of fitness is required to really appreciate the gorilla trekking safari, you should be physically competent of accomplishing it. You need not spend all day at the gym. Your muscles must be stretched in a rhythm that will get you over the whole journey. Sometimes climbing the hills to find the mountain gorillas is rather taxing.

The gorillas may relax on the hills either during the rainy season or when they find fresh eating area. Finding them calls for some fortitude.

Experience with Gorilla Habituation

Gorilla habituation safaris in Uganda take place in southern Bwindi Impenetrable National park. Gorilla habituation safari is the process of partially habituating mountain gorillas acquainted with human presence.

So yet, just two gorilla families have been opened for this experience in Uganda. Only four customers per family area permitted joining this trip, so you have opportunity to choose which one to choose.

While gorilla trekking is only permitted one hour with the mountain gorillas, gorilla habituation is allowed four hours following the family. Unlike most hikers, you get up early and accompany a researcher into the forest.

Nevertheless, these gorillas may not be as quiet as the completely acclimated ones as they still exhibit wild actions. Following the directions from your ranger guide and searchers with every detail in the forest is quite vital. Remember mountain gorillas are rulers of the forest so have all the laws of gorilla trekking and habituation at your fingertips to avoid spoiling your Africa safari.

When Should You See The Mountain Gorillas?

The migratory nature of the mountain gorillas makes their whereabouts uncertain. These free roaming animals have to hunt for their own sustenance. Depending on the state of the jungle, you can find the mountain gorillas in two hours or three quarters of the day.

When looking for the mountain gorillas, you must have an open mind and patience.

Apart from gorilla trekking, you may encounter other primates such olive baboons, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, red colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and more.

There are even many birds in the parks, so you might maintain your attention on such species rather than finding the mountain gorillas rather. Should your trip be postponed, you might have bores.

How Dangerous African Gorilla Trekking Is

As long as you follow the guidelines of this adventure, gorilla treking is not harmful. Attending briefings will help you to be taken through all the required do and avoid rules of gorilla trekking.

Nobody is allowed into the forest without briefing to prevent you from inciting stampede in the area should you do so.

Though their thick coats and large physique and dark brown eyes might make the mountain gorillas seem frightening in nature, they are calm animals. Not one person has been documented as having been assaulted by the mountain gorillas so far. You just have to be a devoted visitor in that zone.

Usually thumping their chests, they pull the grass around them, walk on one foot and go toward the deeper portions of the park. They are angry. Never encourage the mountain gorillas toward peace with humans.

How To Get A Gorilla Trekking Permission From Rwanda and Uganda

Before one begins to consider the gorilla trekking adventure, a date is required.  You have to know when you want to send us an inquiry about gorilla trekking safari.

You must know the exact amount of individuals you want to go gorilla treking with.

Having checked the gorilla permit status on Uganda wildlife Authority link or Rwanda development Boards, our safari specialist is ready to get back to you with availability.

Should the gorilla permits become available, we urge you to reserve in early to prevent last-minute frenzy to get one. Gorilla permits are restricted to only 8 permits sold day, per family. Since it is the sole proof of your intention to go gorilla trekking, no gorilla permit is spared for anybody without fees.

Getting a gorilla permit is the main reason you should arrange lodging, particularly in Uganda if you have to spend overnight near your gorilla trekking site.

Overnighting in another region might lead you to miss gorilla trekking as getting up in another place to drive is difficult at times. The rural area’s roadways are often inaccessible due to their slick surface; logs at times impede mobility and so much more.

When booking a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda or Uganda

Booking your gorilla trekking permit ahead of time—at least ninety days before the date of the trip—is ideal. This helps one prevent last-minute worry as gorilla permits sell quickly. First come first is their premise.

The mountain gorillas cannot be seen without permission by anybody.

Right now, the Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign citizens and East African nationals 300,000shs.

Each individual on the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking pays $1500.

Should you schedule your gorilla permit at least one year in advance, you will be able to pay in installments based on policies of the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board.

You must complete certain information to get the gorilla permission card for Uganda. Among these specifics are your complete names as shown on your passport, nationality, date of birth, expiration date of your passport and others.

Which Nation Is Ideal For Gorilla Trekking Between Uganda and Rwanda?

Generally speaking, gorilla trekking is an intriguing hobby wherever you visit. Every nation offers something breathtaking and visually appealing that liven up the gorilla trekking trip.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda may be paired with other wildlife safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and others. While wildlife safari may also be paired with gorilla climbing in Rwanda, Akagera National Park has smaller wild animal populations.

While Uganda gorilla trekking parks distance from Entebbe Airport is around 8 hours to 9 hours for a distance of about 530km, Rwanda gorilla trekking destination is near to Kigali airport which takes about 3 hours.

Can I resell my gorilla permit if I fail to trek ?

Could I be able to resell my gorilla permit if I miss treking? Depending on how you got your gorilla trekking permit, reselling it before the day of hiking is both feasible and impossible. Should you have bought your gorilla trekking permit from an agency, you might find opportunity to resale it through the agent.

At times, the umbrella group Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) provides members with chances to promote their resale licenses elsewhere. This is not certain, however, since purchasing the gorilla trekking licenses relies on demand.

Demand for gorilla permits is strong throughout the peak seasons, which run June to September and December to January. The gorilla permits for these days are sold out quickly, so there is great opportunity for reselling them during this time. This does not certain, however, that your gorilla permit on selling will attract a buyer.

Even the amount of gorilla permits you are reselling counts as it gets difficult to sell them if they are so many but on various days.

The number of days between the day of the trekking and when you submit your gorilla permit for resale counts as demand decreases as times get closer the actual date of gorilla trekking.

Reselling the gorilla permit on the day of the gorilla trekking area slim relies on the presence of persons on waitlist. Even the networks of the person reselling the gorilla permit or permits matter on the day of trekking. There are good chances of finding someone to pay less than you paid for it.

Should another company resell the same day for gorilla trekking as you are, the survival of the fittest principle may be relevant. The one that offers a more extensive range of gorilla permit advertising can get the most business.

At least 90 days before the day of gorilla trekking, if you purchased the permit in installments and failed to top up before the due date. Half purchased gorilla trekking licenses have little chances of not reselling. These permits bind you to lose possession should the top up date be past due.

Customers who reserve gorilla trekking permits separately may not be able to get their money back should they choose to cancel the trip. It becomes really lengthy, hence a lot of time may be used as specifics have to actually support your argument.

Is it possible to refund Gorilla Permits?

The terms and conditions of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) determine the Gorilla Permit Refund Policy.

The Authority or Board terms and conditions are followed when a visitor provides a sincere explanation for missing gorilla trekking day with evidence in advance to decide how to revoke their gorilla licenses.

When you find a communicative infection before gorilla trekking or feel sick right before gorilla trekking, notify the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board beforehand.

You may be able to get your money depending on Uganda Wildlife Authority’s or Rwanda Development Board’s Refund policy. Although you may still try your luck even if getting it back might not be certain.

Where should one go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Among the four habitat areas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda has the biggest gorilla trekking area. About 327 square kilometers of land make up the park. Its heavy forest cover gets it the moniker Impenetrable. Locally, Bwindi is Impenetrable, and this moniker fits this forest really well.

There are about eighteen gorilla trekking families in the forest accessible for visitors. They are all scheduled under gorilla trekking regions. Rushaga gorilla family, Buhoma gorilla area, Nkuringo region, Ruhijah area are the four gorilla trekking sites. This was carried out for administrative reasons.

Previously, visitors needed to reserve gorilla permits specifically for the Northern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Less frequented, the habituated gorilla groups in other parts of Bwindi have begun returning to natural behavior. Their rehabilitation takes time and money.

Uganda Wildlife Authority developed a per region approach to find a balance in gorilla trekking.

Over 10 primate species including blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, red tailed monkeys and others call Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a biosphere reserve home.

Bwindi Impenetrable National park’s abundant wildlife makes it a recommended visit for those interested in African birding. Including Albertine Endemics on the IUCN red list, over 350 bird species have so far been documented to be present in this area. List of bird species for Bwindi impenetrable National Park is currently under development.

Magahinga gorilla National Park

This park runs in the southern Western corner of Uganda and Rwanda. One of the mountain ranges in the park, Mountain Sabyinyo, is reachable from which one may observe the border of Uganda Rwanda and D.R. Congo.

About 33.7 square kilometers make up Mgahinga National Park. This park is on the Northern slopes of Mountains Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura. This serves as a regional background.

Mgahinga National Park comprises one gorilla trekking permit known as Nyakagezi gorilla family. Because mountain gorillas are free ranging with no concept of political borders, this gorilla trekking family used to wander into Rwanda in the past.

Booking the gorilla permits for Mgahinga National park was on arrival then and contingent on their presence in the park.

The mountain gorillas have now been shown to be long-standing residents of Mgahinga National Park.

Mgahinga National Park has around 115 different bird species. One of the less frequented national parks still has virgin greenery including crisscrossing twisted climbers.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

Mountain gorillas only find habitat in this wooded national Park located in Rwanda. The park covers 160 square kilometers on ground.

The geography of the park consists of five volcanoes: Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Gahinga.

Sometimes the mountain gorillas eat off the slopes, which makes gorilla trekking here somewhat difficult. Sometimes the trek is steep and somewhat challenging, particularly in heavy weather.

Currently available for visitors, Volcanoes National Park has around 13 gorilla trekking families.

With about 90 bird species so far identified, including around 13 species of Albertine endemics as Shelley’s Crimmsonwing, beautiful Francolin, and others, Kilimanjaro National Park is the birding hotspot for Rwanda.

Several other primates call this home golden monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys to name but a few.

Virunga National Parks 

About six gorilla families available for tourism in D.R. Congo makes this National Park home. Among the Gorilla families are those of Munyaga gorilla, Kabirizi gorilla, Mapuwa gorilla, Rugendo gorilla family, Humba gorilla family, and Lulengo gorilla family.

The volatility in this region has delayed the growth of gorilla trekking safaris here.

Along with other primates such red tailed monkeys, olive baboons, De Brazaa monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkey, blue monkeys, the park houses chimpanzees.

Great vegetation that supports the survival of many species, especially the Albertine endemics, explains its large bird list.

How To Purchase Gorilla Trekking Permits

Gorilla trekking permits supplied in Uganda exclusively come from the Uganda Wildlife Authority The body in charge of Uganda’s National Parks is…

Rwanda Development Board sells the gorilla permit from Rwanda.

Before you get a gorilla trekking permit, you should find out daily availability of them.

When availability is favorable, you have to get yours right away as they run quickly out. First come first served basis means that none is permitted to reserve a permit for you without paying.

For Uganda, on the other hand, you must supply certain personal information such your complete passport name, nationality, date of birth, expiration date of your passport and others. Some of these are completed on your gorilla trekking certificate and card.

The status of the gorilla permits changes in a flash as demand for them during the peak season is quite great yet few are realized daily to the public.

When should one book Gorilla Trekking Permits?

You may book your gorilla trekking permits all year long, but you should take into account the busiest seasons—June through September and December through January. This is the time when even the lodging is somewhat sought after and the desire for gorilla trekking activities is strong.

Though ideal at least six months in advance, the least time needed to book the gorilla trekking permits is ninety days to the day of the trip. This prevents last-minute stress in order to get the gorilla trekking permits.

The Difficulty of Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorillas dwell in the Virunga region, whose terrain is usually mountainous. Since the vegetation in this region has been there for more than 30000 years, entangled creepers are very common. The ranger guide may sometimes have to make room for the party to pass with a machete.

It is somewhat difficult to encounter the mountain gorillas as they eat from the slopes during the heavy wet seasons. To really appreciate the gorilla walk, one must be somewhat fit beforehand.

Are Mountain Gorillas belligerent?

Some of the most calm primates on Earth are mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas physically seem frightening because of their huge weight and dense black hair covering their whole body. That they are usually vegetarian is rather remarkable. Bamboo, leaves, delicate stems, fruits and others are delicacies.

As of now, no one has been claimed to have been victim of a gorilla assault. To savor every second of this adventure, you only have to follow gorilla trekking guidelines. Generally calm primates are mountain gorillas.

What Should One Bring For Gorilla Trekking?

Foldable safari Use this hat to guard your hair from flying insects in the bush while in the wild.

a flashless camera to preserve jungle memory of your trip. Every minute is very valuable to save for future reference.

Travel adapter to replenish your devices in case of low power supply

Given the chill of the forest, fleece or pocho will help to remain warm. You have to guard yourself from cold catching.

Pajamas to don before turning in for sleep.

Two binoculars for close inspection of far-off attractions.

Savannah Tracking footwear to protect your feet from jungle’s harsh terrain. Make sure your feet are safe as the terrain is muddy and damp at times that makes mobility difficult.

Just in case it rains while you are looking for the gorillas, Rain Coat or Poncha

When you feel hungry in the outdoors, snacks to match.

Hand sanitizer helps to avoid bacteria that can contaminate the plants you handle. For mountain gorillas, it is their meal.

Garden gloves will help you get a firmer hold on the slippery creepers during rain.

A mask to don in front of the mountain gorillas

A light water resistant bag to save your belongings from dispersing into the bush.

To dress in the outdoors, long sleeved shirts and convertible trousers have to be in tones fit for the wild.

Use insect repellent to spread over the body and avoid stinging flies like tsetse flies.

First aid pack with some medicines should you sustain an injury.

Use bag spray to prevent any pest invasion into your room.

Some hard cash to convert into local money should you have to buy anything like souvenirs. Since receiving money from credit cards is somewhat difficult, they are seldom utilized as a form of transaction.