How to plan a gorilla trekking safari for elderly and people with disabilities

Elderly and disabled people may need to rent a sedan chair or woven stretcher, so preparing ahead is necessary when organizing a gorilla trekking safari for them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but make sure to reserve your gorilla permit in early because they sell out first.

The likelihood of being unable to hike and complete the gorilla trek is considerable because, as an elderly or disabled person, your level of fitness may not be sufficient to navigate the uneven terrain of this volcanic region.

To be carried, you will require a sedan chair or woven stretcher, which you can reserve with porters. You must let the trip operator know these details before booking the gorilla trekking experience.

How to Arrange an Elderly or Disabled Person’s Gorilla Trek Adventure

Select a Gorilla Trekking LocationTwo of the most popular places to go gorilla trekking are Rwanda and Uganda. Although these nations may share a border, they are all separate nations, which helps you today when you book your gorilla permit.

Rwanda Gorilla Safari Location
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s gorilla trekking park, and 15 families are available for reservations. The Rwandan gorilla trekking permit must be purchased. To really enjoy this adventure, you must bring the appropriate gorilla trekking equipment. Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Bisoke are the five volcanoes that provide the park’s backdrop.

Uganda Gorilla Safari Locations
Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are two Ugandan gorilla trekking sites. Nineteen gorilla families in Rwanda are fully habituated and available for reservations. Families of gorillas inhabit the Buhoma region in the north, the Ruhija region in the east, the Nkuringo region, and the Rushaga region in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to two gorilla families that are available for gorilla habituation experiences.

Have a gorilla permit booked.
The elderly and disabled must make reservations in advance to utilize the gorilla permit because there are only a limited number available and they are sold out first due to great demand. A maximum of eight gorilla licenses per gorilla family may be sold to the general public each day.

The gorilla permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis due to their restricted quantity. Without payment, no gorilla permit is reserved.

Most travelers get their gorilla permits at least six months or a year in advance since they sell out early during the busiest travel seasons, which are June to September and December to January in Uganda or Rwanda.

Because gorillas shift positions according on the conditions of the forest, it is difficult to choose the nearest or finest gorilla trekking family to reserve.

How much does a Gorilla Trekking Permit cost?

Gorilla trekking licenses in Uganda cost 300,000 shs for East African citizens, $700 per person for foreign residents, and $800 for foreign nonresidents per gorilla family.

Permits to trek with Rwandan gorillas cost $1500 per person.

What is covered by the gorilla trekking permit fee?

Park entrance fees, ranger guide fees, gorilla conservation support, community support, an hour with the mountain gorillas, security during the gorilla trek, community support, and a certificate upon completion are all included in the purchase of the gorilla trekking permit.

What is not covered by the price of a gorilla permit?

Transportation to the gorilla trekking locations, sedan chair fees, gratuities, porters, and any other personal belongings.

For information on facilities that support a gorilla trekking safari, such as lodging, car rental, driver guide fees, etc., contact Katland Safaris. Our knowledge on how to provide visitors with an unforgettable African safari has been acquired over the course of our more than ten years of safari preparation experience.

Make reservations for lodging for the gorilla trekking expedition.
In the case of Uganda, you must reserve lodging near or inside the boundaries of your gorilla permit when you book a gorilla trekking safari. Because gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are sold by area, lodging needs to be close to the permit booking location.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, Hotel La Palme, and other lodging options are available in Rwanda for gorilla trekking. You can spend the night in Kigali, but in order to attend the briefing, you will need to drive early to Volcanoes National Park.

Clouds Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, and more lodging options are available in Uganda for gorilla trekking.

Tell the lodge to reserve a room at the bottom floor with a ramp when making reservations for an elderly or disabled individual.

Reserve a Seat for the Gorilla Trekking Safari Fly-in
Make sure to reserve a seat on one of the daily scheduled flights in Uganda if you are participating in a fly-in gorilla trekking expedition. Particularly during the busiest time of year, when many tourists relocate to Uganda’s rural, these airline seats sell out quickly. Domestic flights to Kihihi or Kisoro Airport depart daily from Entebbe or Kajjansi Airport.

Rwanda offers charter flights to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali Airport. From Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airport or Kisoro Airport, Uganda even offers charter flights.

Reserve international travel to Rwanda (Kigali Airport) or Uganda (Entebbe Airport).
To take part in the gorilla trekking expedition, book your foreign flights in advance. Arriving in Rwanda prior to embarking on the gorilla trekking safari is the ideal way to recuperate from jet lag, particularly if you are traveling straight to the gorilla trekking locations in Rwanda or Uganda.

When you request it, Katland Safaris may help you get to the airport so you can rest.

For gorilla trekking, reserve a woven stretcher or a Sedan chair.
Renting a sedan chair is necessary if you have a physical impairment or are unable to complete the walk due to limb itching. You can rent sedan chairs or woven stretchers at reasonable prices in any national park; the price varies depending on the brand.

Sedan chairs vary in price depending on where they are manufactured, with locally produced models being less expensive than imported ones.

Even the porters who will hoist the sedan chair are scheduled in advance when you reserve it.

Work out to stay in shape. For Trekking with Gorillas
Even though you are elderly, you must maintain your muscular fitness if you want to engage in physical activities to find the mountain gorillas and your limbs are still strong enough to carry you through the journey. It is a difficult journey to find the mountain gorillas, particularly when the footing is slick from frequent rain and muddy.

You may have to hike to the location where the mountain gorillas may be grazing or relaxing because they occasionally feed closer to the slopes.

Bring the Proper Equipment for Gorilla Trekking
You must have the appropriate gorilla trekking equipment, such as safari long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, insect repellent, thick clothing, a bag, etc., even if you will be lifted in a stretcher or sedan.

Having your own gorilla trekking gear makes the walk more comfortable and secure, even though you can rent some on the spot, particularly in Rwanda. To determine whether the gorilla trekking equipment will suit you, you might need to measure it on the ground. By the time you get on the ground, they might have already been employed. See our list of items to bring on a safari that involves gorilla trekking.

Are Elderly or Physically Disabled People Safe to Trek With Mountain Gorillas?

As long as you abide by the guidelines provided during the briefing, gorilla trekking is safe for everyone. During gorilla trekking, Rangers guides are there to keep you safe; one holds a rifle, and another a machete to clear the path.

Other security services from Rwanda or Uganda are on the ground to maintain law and order and provide additional protection in the gorilla trekking regions.

In accordance with gorilla trekking regulations, you should also refrain from disturbing the mountain gorillas by hooting back when they do so, since you might need to be instructed on the meaning of the sound. For the safety of your belongings and other people, stay away from consuming street food that can upset your stomach and don’t let strangers inside your apartment.

Is Trekking with Gorillas Hard?

The trek to the mountain gorillas might be challenging at times because it passes through a volcanic region with rocky slopes. You must have a certain degree of fitness if you can continue gorilla trekking without experiencing any limb itching or muscle strains afterward. You can stretch your muscles more than usual without having to conduct strenuous activities.

Please be considerate of the porters and encourage them to accompany you the entire time if you must use a sedan chair.

What is the duration of the Gorilla Trekking Safari?

Both the return time from gorilla trekking and the time needed to locate the mountain gorillas are still being worked out. The amount of time you need to spend finding the mountain gorillas and their return time depends on their movement in the wild and the nature of the forest. After two hours or more than three-quarters of the day, some visitors had returned from their gorilla trekking expeditions.

Despite their size, mountain gorillas must forage for food throughout the day and night to sustain their massive size. This occasionally forces the mountain gorillas to roam freely, extending the time spent gorilla trekking.

To emerge from the gorilla journey content and successful, it would be ideal if you had some patience.

Which of Rwanda and Uganda Is Best for Elderly and Disabled People to Go Gorilla Trekking?

The only three mountain gorilla habitats you can choose from for your gorilla trekking trip are Rwanda and Uganda. Every gorilla trekking location has exceptional qualities that make it a fantastic safari location. Because you sense a connection to the mountain gorillas, the experience of being in close proximity to them is unique. To find the mountain gorillas, you might need to recall everything you have been through.

The following are some distinctions between the best countries for gorilla trekking:

The price of gorilla permits
Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per trek, whereas those in Uganda cost $800 per person every trek.

The quantity of families that go gorilla trekking
About 19 gorilla families, 152 mountain gorilla permits, and two gorilla habituation experience families are available for public reservations in Uganda. There are roughly 15 gorilla families in Rwanda, and 96 gorilla permits are available for public reservation.

Driving time from the airport to gorilla trekking locations
It takes roughly three hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park, and eight to nine hours to drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

Activities that can be added to gorilla trekking
Chimpanzee trekking, white water rafting, exploring the Nile River’s source, game drives, and other activities are among the many activities available in Uganda that are related to gorilla trekking. However, Rwanda’s options for combining gorilla trekking with other optional activities are limited.

The gorilla trekking area’s steepness
Compared to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park typically features steeper topography. Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Bisoke, and Mountain Karisimbi are among the five highlands that provide the backdrop of Volcanoes National Park, despite the fact that the entire Virunga region is volcanic.

Comparing gorilla and chimp habituation experiences in Bwindi and Kibale NPS

You may become fully immersed in the lives of these magnificent primates by going on gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzee habituation in Kibale National Park. You can follow mountain gorillas and semi-habituated chimpanzees in the wild for four hours in each of the two expeditions.

Let’s examine the concept of chimpanzee or gorilla habituation.

What is the experience of gorilla habituation?

The gorilla habituation experience involves tracking a family of semi-habituated mountain gorillas and spending four hours with them. A gorilla trekking family is formed through the gorilla habituation process. It is a method of acclimating semi-habituated gorilla families to human presence without causing behavioral changes.

What is the habituation experience of chimpanzees?

Following a family of semi-habituated chimpanzees while they are accompanied by a group of habituators and researchers to acclimate them to human presence without changing their nature is known as the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.

Chimpanzee habituation aids in the formation of troops within a chimpanzee community, which can be observed throughout the morning and afternoon sessions of this activity.

What distinguishes chimpanzee habituation in Kibale National Park from gorilla habituation in Bwindi Forest?

The price of gorilla trekking and chimpanzee habituation

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

How Many Times to Perform Chimpanzee and Gorilla Habituation

In Kibale National Park, chimpanzees undergo habituation twice a day, in the morning and the afternoon, but gorillas undergo habituation once daily in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Destinations in Uganda for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Habituation

Gorilla trekking is limited to the southern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, whilst chimpanzee habituation is conducted from Kibale National Park and Kaniyo Pabidi Forest.

How long it takes to drive from Entebbe to either Kibale National Park or the impenetrable Bwindi National Park

It takes roughly five to six hours to drive from Entebbe Airport to Kibale National Park, and nine hours to drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The topography of the chimpanzee habitat area and the gorilla habitat area differs

While the topography of Kibale National Park, which is chimpanzee habituation forest, is relatively flat with less undergrowth, making the trek easier, the topography of the Gorilla Habituation Area is primarily volcanic, with ragged landforms in Bwindi Forest with dense undergrowth that can be difficult to walk over at times.

What does the price of the chimpanzee and gorilla habitat permits include?

Park entrance fees, ranger guide services, researcher fees, four hours prior to the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, community support, conservation assistance for the chimpanzees or golden monkeys, and security during the habituation expedition are all included in the cost of a gorilla or chimpanzee habituation permit.

What does the cost of a habituation permit for chimpanzees or gorillas not include?

The cost of lodging, gratuities, transportation to and from locations, porter fees, and any other personal belongings.

Your golden monkey or chimp trekking trip can be organized by a tour operator, who can also arrange for lodging, car rental, and other safari activities based on your preferences.

Finding the ideal solution for your Ugandan primate habituation journey is something we at Katland Safaris take great pride in. We have been doing chimpanzee and gorilla habituation safaris for more than ten years.

We offer free consultations regarding lodging options for chimpanzee or gorilla habituation safaris.

Can I pay in installments for the Chimpanzee Habituation Permit or the Gorilla Habituation Permit?

The wisest course of action is to pay for your gorilla or chimpanzee habituation permit in full, however owing to unforeseen circumstances, you may choose to pay for them in installments.

For 30% and 70% of gorilla or chimpanzee habituation permits, respectively, the Uganda Wildlife Authority permits installment purchasing.

However, this only applies to permits that are acquired ninety days before to the date of gorilla or chimpanzee habituation. Be sure to top up before ninety days prior to the habituation date.

If you miss the deadline for renewing your gorilla or chimpanzee habituation permit, you will be penalized.

Is it possible to reschedule the chimpanzee or gorilla habituation permit?

If you are certain that you will travel for your vacation at that time, you can reschedule your permit to a later date if you find out that there is a significant probability that you will not observe your chimpanzee or gorilla habituation date.

Visitors can use this process to reschedule their permit if they are unable to go for various reasons, such as gorilla or chimpanzee habituation.

Send a letter to the Uganda Wildlife Authority explaining your desire to reschedule your permission and asking for a new date for gorilla or chimpanzee habituation. Provide supporting documentation if you have any.

Your gorilla or chimpanzee habituation permit is changed to the new dates after your request is accepted. The availability of permissions for the dates of your new choice will determine this relocation.

Take note:

Two free opportunities for chimpanzee and gorilla habituation permit rescheduling are permitted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. For the third time, the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s executive director gives his approval. This adjustment is subject to a 25% fee.

How Much Does a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Habituation Safari Cost?

The expense of chimpanzee and gorilla habituation is categorized as luxury, mid-range, or cheap. You must get a habituation permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority for each activity.

Other things to think about when going on a chimpanzee or gorilla habituation safari include
The number of passengers on the chimpanzee and gorilla habituation adventure

The cost of the gorilla and chimpanzee habituation safari decreases with the number of participants. You split expenses such as gas, driver’s guide fees, and car rental. You must pay for a gorilla or chimpanzee habituation safari if you are traveling alone.

Days spent on the chimpanzee and gorilla habituation tour

Because service companies charge per-day fees, the cost of a gorilla and chimpanzee habituation safari increases with the number of days.

It’s time to schedule a chimpanzee and gorilla habituation tour.

While the low-tourism season may provide cheaper safari rates, the peak gorilla and chimpanzee habituation safari seasons—June to September and December to January—have the highest safari quotation fees.

The number of activities that can be combined with a safari to observe chimpanzees and gorillas

The cost of a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari increases with the number of activities included. The cost of each activity varies depending on your preference. Game drives, launch trips into Queen Elizabeth National Park, birdwatching, white water rafting on the Nile, and other safari activities are available in Uganda.

How Risky Is Habituation for Chimpanzees or Gorillas?

As you accompany a troop of semi-habituated monkeys throughout a gorilla or chimpanzee habituation event, you should anticipate seeing strange behavior that is not typical of fully habituated primates.

The chimpanzees or gorillas may hide at any time or scream at their guests, but you shouldn’t be alarmed because you are with a group of researchers who know how to handle them.

You must abide by the guidelines provided during the briefing regarding gorilla or chimpanzee habituation.

Because chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are untamed creatures with emotions of their own, try not to agitate them while they are becoming accustomed.

Is it safe to habituate chimpanzees or gorillas?

It’s safe to go gorilla or chimpanzee habuation because rangers are there to keep you safe from any potential threats. To maintain law and order in the Kibale Forest and Bwindi Forest regions, additional Ugandan security personnel are stationed.

It would be ideal if you were mindful of your personal safety and avoided going into the forest by yourself without a ranger guide to accompany you. Other people who are not accustomed to living in the forest might not be pleased to see you.

If you want to experience the local cuisine, avoid eating street food. Find the most reliable eateries where you can sample regional cuisine by consulting your driver’s recommendations.

To feel secure on this adventure, wear the appropriate gorilla or chimpanzee habituation gear.

You may need to hike in order to find the mountain gorillas, therefore you should be somewhat fit, especially for gorilla habituation. To shield your skin from stinging insects, bring insect repellents. Were colors other than black, blue, or white that attracted insects like tsetse flies, such as khaki or tan, suitable for the wilderness?

Because you can attract criminals, only count a little amount of money in public.

You might not want to invite strangers to your room because they might not be the right folks.

Bring luggage you can keep an eye on, so pack small yet appropriately for the experience of chimpanzee or gorilla acclimatization.

What Should I Bring for My Habituation Experience with Gorillas and Chimpanzees?

You can walk through the various circumstances in the forest in comfort while wearing safari boots.
You can wear warm clothing in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature drops.
Wear a safari foldable hat to shield your head from buzzing insects that could get into your hair while you’re in the bush.
a camera that can create flash when taking pictures. Keep one with an excellent lens so you can take a decent picture even when water is dripping down the tree and the leaf surfaces.
a pair of gardening gloves so you can hold on to the creepers as you walk by.
An additional fully charged battery that can be swapped out when the first one falls low.
Since this region is typically cold both during the day and at night, you should bring a shawl or jumper to stay warm.
Energy snacks to eat in the wild when you’re hungry. You need some energizers because trekking can be difficult and exhausting at times.
A torch to provide additional illumination when the lights go out at night.
In the event that you fall while traveling in the bush, a waterproof backpack will keep your goods safe and prevent them from becoming dispersed across the forest.
If you want to make any purchases while on the ground, such as purchasing souvenirs, you will need some cash to convert into local currency. Credit cards are rarely utilized for transactions in Africa due to the lengthy process of receiving money from them.
In case your lodging does not supply toiletries,
A travel charger and converter in case you need to recharge your electronic devices
Warm Although the supplied slippers might be cool, flip-flops are recommended for usage while in the hotel because most rooms have cold floors.
Wearing pajamas at night will help you stay warm because it gets cold here.
A pair of stockings to provide protection when walking and to tuck into your pants
An additional set of batteries to swap out in case some run low.
Insect repellent protects your skin from stinging insects in the wild by being kind to it.
Sunblock Africa is a tropical region, thus it is important to shield your skin from harmful UV radiation.
A water bottle so you can stay hydrated while trekking to find the mountain gorillas.
To protect your full body from stinging insects while wandering through the forest, wear comfortable, convertible long-sleeved shirts and pants.
In the woods, sunglasses shield your eyes from buzzing insects.
Binoculars for observing distant sights in the wilderness
A journal or notebook to record your interactions with the mountain gorillas
When traveling for gorilla habituation, you should bring a duffel bag to hold your possessions.
If there are bugs in your room, use bug repellent.
A first aid kit that contains supplies to use in case of an emergency while looking for these primates in the wild.
What should not be done when chimpanzees or gorillas are becoming habituated?
Avoid feeding the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. Since they are untamed creatures, they have to search for nourishment.
During chimpanzee or gorilla habituation, avoid making noise.
Avoid spitting on grass or the ground. These primates can contract infections from you.
When you find the chimpanzees or mountain gorillas, stay around 8 meters away from them.

Planning a low-budget gorilla safari in Rwanda

Do you have a tight budget for a Rwandan gorilla safari? The gorilla permit must be reserved first.

With a gorilla permit, you can spend an hour with the fully habituated gorilla family and take part in the hunt for mountain gorillas in the wild.

The organization that sells and regulates gorillas is the Rwanda Development Board. Only 96 gorilla permits with 15 gorilla families have been made available for public viewing thus far, despite the fact that Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s only location for mountain gorillas. The Susa, Hirwa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Umubano, Agashya, and Muhoza families are among the gorilla families found in Volcanoes National Park.

To participate in this safari in Rwanda, one must have a gorilla permit.

How to Arrange a Low-Cost Rwandan Gorilla Safari

Reserve a Gorilla Permit for Rwanda
You should check with the Rwanda Development Board to see if gorilla permits are available. A Rwandan gorilla permit currently costs $1500 per trekper. You need to decide on a date for your Rwandan gorilla safari and, if you’re going in a group, how many people you want to go with.

Our tour adviser looks for gorilla permit availability from the Rwanda Development Board listing and responds as soon as possible when you inquire about it from a tour operator such as Katland Safaris. The Rwanda Development Board can be contacted directly to check availability, but be prepared for a lengthy call queue.

Due to the restricted amount of permits granted per gorilla family, we suggest tourists to acquire their gorilla permits as soon as they confirm positive availability. A maximum of eight gorilla permits per family are made available to the public each day.

Before granting the gorilla permission, provide some passport information as well, such as full names as they appear on the document, nationality, birthdate, and passport expiration date.

What does the Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost Include?

A gorilla permit costs $1500 per person per trip, which covers the ranger guide price, park admission taxes, security during the hike, support for the local community, gorilla conservation, and an hour spent with the mountain gorillas.

What does the Rwanda Gorilla Permit fee not include?

Porter fee: A porter is someone who pushes you when you’re tired and helps you carry your gorilla trekking equipment. Transportation, lodging, tips, and any other personal belongings

At Katland Safaris, we assist you in scheduling extra safari activities, lodging, and transportation based on your needs and the duration of your safari. Over the course of our ten years in business, we have accrued the Africa Safari Credit. We work with several service providers, such as lodging establishments, and where appropriate, we may obtain discounted rates for our customers.

Is it possible for me to buy the Rwanda Gorilla Permit in installments?

The best course of action would be to buy the gorilla permit in full, but occasionally you might not be able to. The Rwanda Development Board permits 30% and 70% installment sales of gorilla permits, respectively.

Only when you reserve gorilla permits 90 days prior to the gorilla trekking date and top them up 90 days prior to the trekking date is this applicable. There is a penalty for not replenishing the gorilla permits.

When Is the Ideal Time to Reserve a Gorilla Permit for Rwanda?

The safest option, particularly during high season, is to book the Rwanda gorilla permit at least six months to a year prior to the gorilla trekking date. In Rwanda, June, July, August, September, December, and January are often the busiest safari seasons. Due to global demand, it is quite difficult to obtain gorilla permits at the last minute during Rwanda’s busiest time of year.

March, April, May, and November are typically Rwanda’s low safari seasons, so there may be a chance for last-minute gorilla permits during these times. Discounted gorilla permits are occasionally offered by the Rwanda Development Board during the off-peak months, but this is not a requirement.

Reserve lodging for Rwanda’s Gorilla Safari.
You can spend the night somewhere around Kigali City, which is roughly two and a half hours away, or Volcanoes National Park.

Budget lodging options available for the Rwanda gorilla safari include

Villa Gorilla, Hotel Muhabura, and Kinigi Guest House

Employ a vehicle For trekking with gorillas
In Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking is accessible via land. It takes roughly three hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park.

Because the roads in Volcanoes National Park are reasonably decent and weave through picturesque, verdant mountains, you can rent a minivan or take an airport taxi there.

Before going gorilla trekking, take an antimalarial.
There are mosquitoes that spread malaria in Rwanda, a tropical nation. Despite the country’s generally frigid climate, mosquitoes are unlikely to breed there. To be safe, swallow antimalarial medication.

Before the gorilla trekking safari, work out.
You might have to trek up the rocky, steep slopes of Volcanoes National Park to reach the areas where the mountain gorillas might be resting or feeding. It helps to stretch your muscles a bit more to stay in shape and extend your time in the woods. To avoid muscle strains while gorilla trekking, you might perform gradual exercises instead of spending all of your time at the gym.

Book your international flights to the airport in Kigali in advance.
To ensure that nothing will stop you from traveling to Volcanoes National Park, purchase your international airline ticket to Kigali airport well in advance. Your ticket is considered void if you are unable to go gorilla trekking. The gorilla permit is only valid for the day it is reserved.

Choose Extra Activities to Add to Rwandan Gorilla Trekking.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers various activities such as wildlife drives in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, city tours of Kigali, genocide memorial tours, and trekking for golden monkeys.

You may make the most of your trip to Rwanda outside of a gorilla trekking safari with a carefully planned Rwanda Safari itinerary and vacation time.

Bring the Proper Equipment for Gorilla Trekking
Bring the appropriate, wilderness-safe gorilla trekking equipment. Bring only what you can carry on your own. You can lift your items more quickly if you pack in a duffel bag. Although ORTPN offers some gorilla trekking equipment for rent, you might not feel comfortable using it for personal use.

Gorilla trekking supplies, such as energy bites, insect repellents, boots, clothing, and hats, can be packed.

Enroll in a Rwandan gorilla trekking group.
You can participate in a group gorilla safari if you feel more at ease sharing your gorilla trekking safari with others. Gorilla trekking organizations have a set itinerary that is difficult to modify if you want to complete your adventure. In addition to having set dates, scheduled gorilla safaris also involve age restrictions, a cap on the number of participants before the start, and other restrictions.

You split some safari costs as a group, such as renting a car, paying the driver guide, gas, lodging (if you have twin rooms), and other costs.

All Rwandan gorilla safari costs are borne by you as a lone traveler on a low-cost safari.

What Time of Year Is Best to Reserve a Low-Cost Gorilla Safari in Rwanda?

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is available year-round. It would be ideal, though, if you had visitors who would rather go during the dry season, when the mountain gorillas are most active. During the dry season, even other forest inhabitants, such as birds, butterflies, and monkeys, are more active. Typically, June through September and December through January are Rwanda’s safari dry seasons.

Booking is crucial before alternatives are reduced since Rwanda gorilla safari supporting amenities are reasonably priced during the dry season.

Discounts on gorilla permits may be available during the off-peak months of March, April, May, and November, making them affordable for those on a tight budget. In the off-season, even service providers like lodging, car rentals, and driver guides occasionally lower their rates.

Depending on your negotiating ability, you have a better possibility of moving from a low-service provider to a better facility during the off-peak safari season.

How Safe Is Gorilla Safari in Rwanda?

Because rangers are trained to safeguard mountain gorillas, other forest inhabitants, and tourists, Rwanda is a safe place to go on a gorilla trekking safari. Other Rwandan security services work alongside ranger guides to maintain law and order in Volcanoes National Park.

In order to ensure your personal safety, you should never enter Volcanoes National Park without a ranger guide accompanying you. The other forest inhabitants are not used to seeing people.

To avoid attracting the wrong people to follow you, try not to flaunt your wealth in public.

To avoid getting lost in the wilderness, make sure you remain close to the gorilla trekkers you have been assigned. The slowest hiker’s pace is followed by the ranger guide.

Despite their reputation for being calm, mountain gorillas should never be provoked. Additionally, their moods fluctuate according on the treatment they receive.

Is Rwandan Gorilla Trekking Hard?

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in a volcanic region with steep slopes and angular mountains, where mountain gorillas occasionally spend the day. To reach the potential locations of the mountain gorillas, it would be ideal if you were somewhat fit. If you are not, you can use a woven stretcher or sedan chair.

When gorilla trekking, wearing the proper safari boots helps keep your feet safe from harm in the bush. In the wild, applying insect repellent shields you from stinging insects.

The ranger guide uses a machete to cut down any creepers that might be blocking your path to the area where the mountain gorillas might be spending the day.

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

The terrain of this area makes it impossible to estimate how long gorilla trekking would take because you have to hike over to the mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas may be forced into the deeper forest if they lose a conflict with another family.

The highland slopes become slick during the intense rainy season, and the combination of water and rotting matter makes the pathways sloppy. Over the intricate system of rivers that occasionally overflow to flood the ground, you must move more slowly.

Do Mountain Gorillas Pose a Threat?

Despite their enormous size and shaggy body, mountain gorillas are calm primates in the wild. They move their knuckles as they walk, giving the impression that they are going to grab you. Despite their intimidating appearance, mountain gorillas are peaceful creatures that keep to themselves, even when you are around.

The mountain gorillas could go into hiding if you agitate them.

Mountain gorillas can become agitated when their babies are touched, which could lead to a stampede through the forest. The mountain gorillas will pull grass around themselves, thump their chests, hoot, and hide when they are upset.

What Should I Bring to Rwanda for a Gorilla Trek?

Safari boots provide comfort when walking on damp terrain.
Given how cold it gets here, a warm sweater or poncho is recommended.
Safar A long-sleeved shirt and convertible pants
A backpack that is waterproof
Water bottle that folds up
The camera
These are binoculars.
First aid pack with emergency care and insect repellent
A pair of stockings
Additional fully charged batteries
In the event that you come into contact with stinging nettles in the wild, use garden gloves.
Toiletries
A poncho or raincoat in case of unexpected rain
Warm enough pajamas for the chilly evening
Flip-flops to switch into following a gorilla trip
A charger and travel adaptor in case you need them
Lighting torch in case the light goes out. The primary energy source is solar electricity. It does occasionally light brightly enough to charge the solar batteries.

Planning a low-budget gorilla safari in Rwanda

Do you have a tight budget for a Rwandan gorilla safari? The gorilla permit must be reserved first.

With a gorilla permit, you can spend an hour with the fully habituated gorilla family and take part in the hunt for mountain gorillas in the wild.

The organization that sells and regulates gorillas is the Rwanda Development Board. Only 96 gorilla permits with 15 gorilla families have been made available for public viewing thus far, despite the fact that Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s only location for mountain gorillas. The Susa, Hirwa, Amahoro, Karisimbi, Umubano, Agashya, and Muhoza families are among the gorilla families found in Volcanoes National Park.

To participate in this safari in Rwanda, one must have a gorilla permit.

How to Arrange a Low-Cost Rwandan Gorilla Safari

Reserve a Gorilla Permit for Rwanda
You should check with the Rwanda Development Board to see if gorilla permits are available. A Rwandan gorilla permit currently costs $1500 per trekper. You need to decide on a date for your Rwandan gorilla safari and, if you’re going in a group, how many people you want to go with.

Our tour adviser looks for gorilla permit availability from the Rwanda Development Board listing and responds as soon as possible when you inquire about it from a tour operator such as Katland Safaris. The Rwanda Development Board can be contacted directly to check availability, but be prepared for a lengthy call queue.

Due to the restricted amount of permits granted per gorilla family, we suggest tourists to acquire their gorilla permits as soon as they confirm positive availability. A maximum of eight gorilla permits per family are made available to the public each day.

Before granting the gorilla permission, provide some passport information as well, such as full names as they appear on the document, nationality, birthdate, and passport expiration date.

What does the Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost Include?

A gorilla permit costs $1500 per person per trip, which covers the ranger guide price, park admission taxes, security during the hike, support for the local community, gorilla conservation, and an hour spent with the mountain gorillas.

What does the Rwanda Gorilla Permit fee not include?

Porter fee: A porter is someone who pushes you when you’re tired and helps you carry your gorilla trekking equipment. Transportation, lodging, tips, and any other personal belongings

At Katland Safaris, we assist you in scheduling extra safari activities, lodging, and transportation based on your needs and the duration of your safari. Over the course of our ten years in business, we have accrued the Africa Safari Credit. We work with several service providers, such as lodging establishments, and where appropriate, we may obtain discounted rates for our customers.

Is it possible for me to buy the Rwanda Gorilla Permit in installments?

The best course of action would be to buy the gorilla permit in full, but occasionally you might not be able to. The Rwanda Development Board permits 30% and 70% installment sales of gorilla permits, respectively.

Only when you reserve gorilla permits 90 days prior to the gorilla trekking date and top them up 90 days prior to the trekking date is this applicable. There is a penalty for not replenishing the gorilla permits.

When Is the Ideal Time to Reserve a Gorilla Permit for Rwanda?

The safest option, particularly during high season, is to book the Rwanda gorilla permit at least six months to a year prior to the gorilla trekking date. In Rwanda, June, July, August, September, December, and January are often the busiest safari seasons. Due to global demand, it is quite difficult to obtain gorilla permits at the last minute during Rwanda’s busiest time of year.

March, April, May, and November are typically Rwanda’s low safari seasons, so there may be a chance for last-minute gorilla permits during these times. Discounted gorilla permits are occasionally offered by the Rwanda Development Board during the off-peak months, but this is not a requirement.

Reserve lodging for Rwanda’s Gorilla Safari.
You can spend the night somewhere around Kigali City, which is roughly two and a half hours away, or Volcanoes National Park.

Budget lodging options available for the Rwanda gorilla safari include

Villa Gorilla, Hotel Muhabura, and Kinigi Guest House

Employ a vehicle For trekking with gorillas
In Volcanoes National Park, gorilla trekking is accessible via land. It takes roughly three hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park.

Because the roads in Volcanoes National Park are reasonably decent and weave through picturesque, verdant mountains, you can rent a minivan or take an airport taxi there.

Before going gorilla trekking, take an antimalarial.
There are mosquitoes that spread malaria in Rwanda, a tropical nation. Despite the country’s generally frigid climate, mosquitoes are unlikely to breed there. To be safe, swallow antimalarial medication.

Before the gorilla trekking safari, work out.
You might have to trek up the rocky, steep slopes of Volcanoes National Park to reach the areas where the mountain gorillas might be resting or feeding. It helps to stretch your muscles a bit more to stay in shape and extend your time in the woods. To avoid muscle strains while gorilla trekking, you might perform gradual exercises instead of spending all of your time at the gym.

Book your international flights to the airport in Kigali in advance.
To ensure that nothing will stop you from traveling to Volcanoes National Park, purchase your international airline ticket to Kigali airport well in advance. Your ticket is considered void if you are unable to go gorilla trekking. The gorilla permit is only valid for the day it is reserved.

Choose Extra Activities to Add to Rwandan Gorilla Trekking.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers various activities such as wildlife drives in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, city tours of Kigali, genocide memorial tours, and trekking for golden monkeys.

You may make the most of your trip to Rwanda outside of a gorilla trekking safari with a carefully planned Rwanda Safari itinerary and vacation time.

Bring the Proper Equipment for Gorilla Trekking
Bring the appropriate, wilderness-safe gorilla trekking equipment. Bring only what you can carry on your own. You can lift your items more quickly if you pack in a duffel bag. Although ORTPN offers some gorilla trekking equipment for rent, you might not feel comfortable using it for personal use.

Gorilla trekking supplies, such as energy bites, insect repellents, boots, clothing, and hats, can be packed.

Enroll in a Rwandan gorilla trekking group.
You can participate in a group gorilla safari if you feel more at ease sharing your gorilla trekking safari with others. Gorilla trekking organizations have a set itinerary that is difficult to modify if you want to complete your adventure. In addition to having set dates, scheduled gorilla safaris also involve age restrictions, a cap on the number of participants before the start, and other restrictions.

You split some safari costs as a group, such as renting a car, paying the driver guide, gas, lodging (if you have twin rooms), and other costs.

All Rwandan gorilla safari costs are borne by you as a lone traveler on a low-cost safari.

What Time of Year Is Best to Reserve a Low-Cost Gorilla Safari in Rwanda?

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is available year-round. It would be ideal, though, if you had visitors who would rather go during the dry season, when the mountain gorillas are most active. During the dry season, even other forest inhabitants, such as birds, butterflies, and monkeys, are more active. Typically, June through September and December through January are Rwanda’s safari dry seasons.

Booking is crucial before alternatives are reduced since Rwanda gorilla safari supporting amenities are reasonably priced during the dry season.

Discounts on gorilla permits may be available during the off-peak months of March, April, May, and November, making them affordable for those on a tight budget. In the off-season, even service providers like lodging, car rentals, and driver guides occasionally lower their rates.

Depending on your negotiating ability, you have a better possibility of moving from a low-service provider to a better facility during the off-peak safari season.

How Safe Is Gorilla Safari in Rwanda?

Because rangers are trained to safeguard mountain gorillas, other forest inhabitants, and tourists, Rwanda is a safe place to go on a gorilla trekking safari. Other Rwandan security services work alongside ranger guides to maintain law and order in Volcanoes National Park.

In order to ensure your personal safety, you should never enter Volcanoes National Park without a ranger guide accompanying you. The other forest inhabitants are not used to seeing people.

To avoid attracting the wrong people to follow you, try not to flaunt your wealth in public.

To avoid getting lost in the wilderness, make sure you remain close to the gorilla trekkers you have been assigned. The slowest hiker’s pace is followed by the ranger guide.

Despite their reputation for being calm, mountain gorillas should never be provoked. Additionally, their moods fluctuate according on the treatment they receive.

Is Rwandan Gorilla Trekking Hard?

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in a volcanic region with steep slopes and angular mountains, where mountain gorillas occasionally spend the day. To reach the potential locations of the mountain gorillas, it would be ideal if you were somewhat fit. If you are not, you can use a woven stretcher or sedan chair.

When gorilla trekking, wearing the proper safari boots helps keep your feet safe from harm in the bush. In the wild, applying insect repellent shields you from stinging insects.

The ranger guide uses a machete to cut down any creepers that might be blocking your path to the area where the mountain gorillas might be spending the day.

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

The terrain of this area makes it impossible to estimate how long gorilla trekking would take because you have to hike over to the mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas may be forced into the deeper forest if they lose a conflict with another family.

The highland slopes become slick during the intense rainy season, and the combination of water and rotting matter makes the pathways sloppy. Over the intricate system of rivers that occasionally overflow to flood the ground, you must move more slowly.

Do Mountain Gorillas Pose a Threat?

Despite their enormous size and shaggy body, mountain gorillas are calm primates in the wild. They move their knuckles as they walk, giving the impression that they are going to grab you. Despite their intimidating appearance, mountain gorillas are peaceful creatures that keep to themselves, even when you are around.

The mountain gorillas could go into hiding if you agitate them.

Mountain gorillas can become agitated when their babies are touched, which could lead to a stampede through the forest. The mountain gorillas will pull grass around themselves, thump their chests, hoot, and hide when they are upset.

What Should I Bring to Rwanda for a Gorilla Trek?

Safari boots provide comfort when walking on damp terrain.
Given how cold it gets here, a warm sweater or poncho is recommended.
Safar A long-sleeved shirt and convertible pants
A backpack that is waterproof
Water bottle that folds up
The camera
These are binoculars.
First aid pack with emergency care and insect repellent
A pair of stockings
Additional fully charged batteries
In the event that you come into contact with stinging nettles in the wild, use garden gloves.
Toiletries
A poncho or raincoat in case of unexpected rain
Warm enough pajamas for the chilly evening
Flip-flops to switch into following a gorilla trip
A charger and travel adaptor in case you need them
Lighting torch in case the light goes out. The primary energy source is solar electricity. It does occasionally light brightly enough to charge the solar batteries.

Reasons to visit Lake Mburo National Park

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

Lake Mburo is the best place to go if you want to go on a game park tour in Uganda.

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

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

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

Why go to the National Park of Lake Mburo?

Lake Mburo National Park Game Drives

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

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

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

Lake Mburo National Park birdwatching

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

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

Lake Mburo National Park Boat Tours

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

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

Lake Mburo National Park Nature Walk

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

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

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

A Break From The Prolonged Trip To Safari Locations In Western Uganda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The number of passengers on the Uganda Safari

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

Activities available in Lake Mburo National Park

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

Lake Mburo National Park: Where Is It?

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

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

Lake Mburo National Park: How Can I Get There?

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

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

By Air

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

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

How Secure Is National Park’s Lake Mburo?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which lodging options are available in Lake Mburo National Park?

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

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

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

Are There Carnivores in Lake Mburo National Park?

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

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

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

Gorilla trekking with Kids in Uganda and Rwanda

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

Gorilla trekking: what is it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Does the Price of a Gorilla Trekking Permit Include?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does Rwanda or Uganda accept rescheduled gorilla permits?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rwanda costs to reschedule a gorilla permit.

Where in Rwanda or Uganda Can I Go Gorilla Trekking?

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

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

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

Park in Mgahinga National

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The kids are going on a gorilla trekking trip.

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

Days spent on a gorilla trekking safari

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

The Gorilla Safari bundle that you select

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

Other things to do in addition to gorilla trekking

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

What Difficulties Can Children Anticipate While Trekking with Gorillas?

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

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

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

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

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

What Should Children Bring on a Gorilla Trekking Safari?

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

What to pack for gorilla habituation experience safaris in Bwindi

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

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

Gorilla habituation adventure: what is it?

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

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

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

How Much Does a Gorilla Habituation Permit Cost?

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

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

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

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

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

Can I Get My Gorilla Habituation Permit Back?

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

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

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

How Can Gorilla Habituation Permits Be Rescheduled?

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

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

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

What Should I Bring on a Safari to Habitate Gorillas?

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

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

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

What is the cost of the Gorilla Habituation Safari?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ugandan chimpanzee trekking

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

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

Ugandan birdwatching

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

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

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

Ugandan Sport Fishing

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

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

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

Rafting in white water in Uganda

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

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

Ugandan mountaineering

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

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

See the Nile River’s Source

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

Ugandan Cultural Tour

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

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

Where to do primate habituation experience safaris in Uganda

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

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

Primate Habituation Safari: What Is It?

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

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

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

Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

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

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

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

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

How to Travel by Road

Kabale, Kampala, Kanungu, and Buhoma

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

Nkuringo to Kabale to Kampala

National Park Queen Elizabeth to Kihihi to Buhoma

By Air

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

Additionally, charter flight services are offered.

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get There

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

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

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

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

For private transportation, charter flight services are also offered.

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

In Murchison Falls National Park, the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Do Ugandan Primate Habituation Permits Cost?

Cost of a Gorilla Habituation Permit

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

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

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

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

The cost of a chimpanzee habitat permit in Kibale National Park

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

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

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

How Long Is a Habituation Safari for Gorillas or Chimpanzees?

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

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

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

To what extent is primate habituation challenging in Uganda?

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

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

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

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

Is It Safe to Habitate Primates in Uganda?

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

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

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

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

What Distinguishes Ugandan Chimpanzee Habituation From Gorilla Habituation?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Risky Are Primates in Uganda During a Habituation Safari?

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

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

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

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

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

How to trek Uganda gorillas from Kigali Rwanda

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

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

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

How to Reserve a Gorilla Permit in Uganda

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

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

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

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

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

A Gorilla Permit: What Is It?

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

What is the price of the Uganda Gorilla Permit?

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

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

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

The following is covered by the gorilla permit fee:

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

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

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

Can I pay in installments for the gorilla trekking permit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The quantity of individuals making the journey to gorilla trekking

When to make reservations for the gorilla trekking safari

Days spent on a gorilla trekking safari

Other pursuits in addition to gorilla trekking

Choose a gorilla trekking safari package.

Can I Trek with Gorillas More Than Once?

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

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

Gorilla Habituation Adventure: What is it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where in Uganda Can I Go Gorilla Trekking?

Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

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

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

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

Park in Mgahinga National

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the duration of a gorilla trek in Uganda?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Gorilla Permit: What Is It?

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

Gorilla trekking: What is it?

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

Gorilla Habituation: What Is It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Park in Mgahinga National

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

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

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

The National Park of Volcanoes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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