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

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

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

What The Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost Incorporates

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

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

What Does the Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost Not Include?

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

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

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

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

How Do I Reserve Gorilla Permits for Rwanda?

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

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

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

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

What Is Rwanda’s Gorilla Permit Count?

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

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

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

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

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

How Can My Rwanda Gorilla Permit Be Rescheduled?

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

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

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

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

When Can I Purchase a Gorilla Permit for Rwanda?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda Cost?

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

The duration of the gorilla safari in Rwanda

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

Time to Reserve a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda

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

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

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

Count of Participants in the Gorilla Trekking Tour

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

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

Is a Rwanda Gorilla Permit Worth the Price?

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

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

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

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

Do Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda Act Aggressively?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things Not to Do While Trekking with Gorillas in Rwanda

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

How To Book Mgahinga Gorilla Permits

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

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

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

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

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

How to Reserve Gorilla Permits in Mgahinga National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Does the Price of Mgahinga National Park Include?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is a gorilla permit worth the money?

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

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

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

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

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

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

There could be a penalty for noncompliance.

Is it possible to reschedule Mgahinga’s gorilla permit?

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

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

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

Take note

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

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

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

In Mgahinga National Park, how long is gorilla trekking?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To what extent are mountain gorillas aggressive?

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

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

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

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

Tracing the history of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

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

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

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

What Is Uganda’s Gorilla Trekking History?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Rwanda’s Gorilla Trekking History?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gorilla trekking: what is it?

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

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

Where in Rwanda and Uganda can I go gorilla trekking?

In the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda

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

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

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

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

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

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

Park in Mgahinga National

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The duration of the travel from the airport to the locations for gorilla trekking

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

The quantity of open gorilla trekking families

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Trekking with Gorillas Dangerous?

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

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

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

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

What is the duration of the Gorilla Trekking Safari?

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

The closeness of their food

In the event of conflict with another family of gorillas

When the silverback in charge is daring

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

The rest of the trekkers’ number one.

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

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

A List Of Top Uganda Safari Activity Options

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

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

What Are The Best Safari Activities in Uganda?

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

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

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

How Much Does a Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost?

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

A gorilla trekking permit’s total cost consists of:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.