Category: Travel Blog

Other things to see in Uganda and Rwanda besides Gorillas.

Wild Life Safaris – Mountain Climbing – Community Encounters – Primates Trekking Tours – Adventure Tours.

Other things to see in Uganda and Rwanda besides Gorillas. Besides gorillas, there are many things to see and activities to participate in other than mountain gorilla trekking. These include activities such as wildlife safaris, mountain climbing tours, culture and community encounters, filming and photography safaris, and volunteer tours among other activities. By participating in a Wildlife safari for example, one may encounter exciting wild species including tree-climbing lions, elephants, Rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, chimpanzees, Birds such as a shoebill stork, beautiful lakes and rivers. We always advise our travelers to couple a wildlife safari with a mountain gorilla trekking safari in Uganda for the best Africa Safari Adventure. Uganda is endowed with the most beautiful flora and fauna, culture, and people. From the source of the Nile to the wide Savannah planes, to the birds and Africa’s big 5 games, Uganda will remain with you everywhere you go after a Uganda gorilla Safari.

Other things to see in Uganda and Rwanda besides Gorillas. Uganda may be the best safari country in Africa for a large variety of bird species and great birding safari habitats. Determined birders often see more than 400 species on a 12–14-day Uganda birding safari. There are also many other species of primates you are likely to see on a Mountain Gorilla trekking safari or a pure birding safari trip. The Rwenzori Mountains invite more extended hiking. Wetland habitats and Lake Victoria also hold cultural and natural history safari attractions.

Rwanda

Other things to see in Uganda and Rwanda besides Gorillas. In Rwanda besides gorillas, one can see wildlife in Akagera national park, Chimpanzee in Nyungwe Forest, visit Dian Fossey Museum, Kigali genocide memorial, and local markets.  Rwanda is a beautiful, green, thriving country attracting many visitors for wildlife viewing in Akagera national park and Nyungwe Forest. Rwanda is well known as the land of Thousand Hills. The volcanic soil is very rich and subsistence agriculture produces food year around. The genocide of 1994 is powerfully memorialized in Kigali Genocide memorial center and at other sites around the country offering visitors an opportunity to partake in these experiences and learn from them. Currently, there is no apparent ethnic conflict or significant insurgent or militant activity. There is a dynamic rebuilding of the social fabric and a commitment to the youth of the country. You might wish to hike to Karisoke where Diane Fossey conducted her pioneering research, or take a trek to see Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. This park has the greatest diversity. Other wildlife parks of Rwanda generally do not compare in diversity of species or quality of management with the parks and reserves of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Participate in Chimpanzee trekking.

Trekking chimpanzees in Rwanda and Uganda is done similarly to mountain gorilla trekking because chimps and gorillas are closely related to humans by sharing their 95-98% of DNA Genes with humans. There are more Chimpanzees than Mountain Gorillas left in the wild and they survive over a much broader range. The parks authorities of Uganda and Rwanda also monitor Chimpanzee populations and the groups which have been habituated for tourist visitors. Two main sites for viewing chimpanzees in Uganda are Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will hike in groups of 6-12 visitors accompanied by a park guide. Close encounters with Chimpanzees seem to be less predictable than with Mountain Gorillas, though less hiking may be involved.

Contact us for a combination of Gorilla trekking with other exciting activities while on a safari through Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda – Spend More Time with The Gorillas in their natural habitat – Uganda gorilla trekking adventures.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda. This is the most exciting and thought-after tourist activity opted for by visitors wishing to visit Uganda. In all the East African gorilla destinations of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gorilla habituation can only be well experienced in only Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national game and only in the Rushaga region of Bwindi.

This tourism activity was introduced and opened to tourists by the Uganda wildlife authority in 2014 and since then it has turned out to be the most exciting tourist activity of all.

Gorilla habituation

Gorilla habituation is the act of training and getting gorillas ready and used to the presence of human beings. This act involves researchers visiting a particular group or mountain gorilla family. It starts with spending a reasonable number of meters from the gorillas, the meters are reduced with time until the gorillas get used to the humans. This whole process of gorilla habituation takes in most cases two to three years for the process to be complete. With frequent visits to mountain gorillas, researchers give mountain gorillas names to be able to differentiate them from others.

When the habituation process nears an end, and researchers are now certain that the gorilla family is ready for humans, a maiden trek is conducted with researchers and the press before other members of the public are invited for the trek.

The gorilla habituation experience.

Like normal gorilla trekking, even gorilla habituation starts very early in the morning with a transfer to the park headquarters of Bwindi impenetrable national game park. Upon reaching the gate, you will be briefed by a ranger guide on how the gorilla trekking experience is going to be conducted highlighting the dos and don’ts of the habituation experience. Once the briefing is done, and all requirements are checked and in place, the gorilla trekking and habituation experience starts with the leadership of the ranger guide into the thick forest.

Bwindi is very thick and at times impenetrable, paths through the forest are created by the ranger using their pangas.

When with the mountain gorillas

The trekking in search of mountain gorillas can take anything between 30 minutes to six hours depending on how fit you are but most important of all dependent on where the mountain gorilla was seen the previous night because this is where the trekking starts.

Upon encountering the mountain gorillas on habituation every tourist is permitted a t more than four hours to observe them and take pictures and videos to share with loved ones back home.

The cost of gorilla habituation permit

The permit for gorilla habituation in Uganda goes for 1500 us dollars per person per experience. The gorilla permit includes entrance to the gorilla destination, fees to the ranger guides, and four hours with the mountain gorillas.

What to carry for Mountain gorilla habituation in Uganda

Long comfortable shirts and trousers, Insect repellent, Sturdy gardening gloves and a hat, Waterproof backpack, Snacks, lunch, and enough drinking water.

Contact us with any inquiries about the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

Flying to Bwindi for gorilla tracking

Fly-in safaris for Gorilla trekking  – Uganda gorilla tracking Adventures 

Flying to Bwindi for gorilla tracking. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is Uganda’s and the world’s premium destination and home to more than half of the remaining population of the most endangered primate specie; the mountain gorilla. Almost close to 70% of travelers choosing Uganda as a destination come for the gorilla trekking experience to Feel enthused overtaking this once in a life lifetime experience, gorilla trekking Uganda and encountering these mighty apes of Bwindi Forest impenetrable national park. Watching little juveniles play from one tree branch to the other is simply an experience for life.

The most pressing concern though for almost more than half of the traveler population that seeks to do mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is the 8 to 9 hours drive from Entebbe international airport to the home of mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga gorilla national park.

This journey takes almost a full day of just transferring to the park while sitting in the vehicle and this is something that most travelers find to be so tiresome and time-consuming, especially to those with little safari time.

It’s because of the reasons above that many Uganda’s tourists to Bwindi national park have been currently visiting the park by flying to Kigali Airport Rwanda because for is much closer and more convenient to connect to Bwindi from Rwanda than driving from Uganda’s capital Kampala and her main airport Entebbe and transferring to Bwindi by road.

However, the drive from Entebbe to Bwindi is no longer a challenge to travelers more concerned about the long 9hr drive transfer journey to the park ahead of their gorilla trekking experience the next morning. At Katland Safaris, we present to you flying Bwindi gorilla safaris to Bwindi’s impenetrable forest national park to make your Uganda gorilla safari a great adventure.

Uganda currently offers excellent domestic flight services through domestic flight offering companies like Aero Link, and Eagle Air and so far, all operations are going on smoothly, no failures have been registered on our Flying Bwindi gorilla safaris. Flights are scheduled on different hours and days. However, even chartered services can be provided.

There are direct flights from Kajjansi airstrip to different national parks in the country like Queen Elizabeth Np, Murchison Falls Np, Kidepo Valley Np, and the mighty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP. Including other tourist destinations around the country to ensure that their accessibility is paramount. Therefore, Flying Uganda Safaris offer travelers with limited time, a chance to encounter and explore the pearl of Africa in a very short convenient time.

In addition to that; now with domestic flights to Bwindi impenetrable national park, Ugandan gorilla trekkers are saved from the 9hr drive journey by flying from Kajjansi to Kihiihi airstrip and which takes about 1hr. Then from Kihihi, travelers are transferred by vehicle to their respective regions/sectors of Bwindi impenetrable forest Np. And the fact that flying to Bwindi national parks takes about 1 hour, it is very easy and convenient for trekkers going through the gorilla trekking experience in just two days using the scheduled flights, and if at all it’s a chartered flight, it can be possible even trekking the gorillas and fly back to Kampala on the very same day.

Leaving wildlife interests aside, Katland Safaris enables you to explore the multicultural country with over 50 cultures of different norms and beliefs, clothing, cultural songs and dances, and even languages. Uganda is simply one African destination that all travelers should not stop only hearing about and reading about but instead must take a step to visit Uganda the pearl of Africa.

Contact us for any more inquiries about booking a fly-in gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest national game park, the home of mountain gorillas.

Flying Bwindi gorilla safaris

Paying for a gorilla permit in installments

Paying for a gorilla permit in installments – Gorilla trekking Uganda – Gorilla permits – Bwindi Impenetrable national park.

Have you thought about an encounter with the mountain gorillas of Uganda and you still have lots of time to plan, check on the weather put all logistics in order, and important of all acquire your gorilla trekking permit while paying for it in installments, this is the right blog.

If you still have time on your hands to plan for your gorilla trekking safari to Uganda, purchasing a gorilla permit in installments is possible and this is how you can do it.

What’s a gorilla permit?

This official government document allows you access to spend time with mountain gorillas in two of Uganda’s National Parks: Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. To go on any gorilla trek to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you need a valid gorilla permit that includes spending one hour with these great apes, park entry fees, a ranger guide, and a certificate at the end of your trek. For those interested in spending more hours still, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a chance to spend four hours if you book a gorilla habituation experience permit.

How much is a gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs 700 dollars for foreign nationals and is only issued to individuals of 15 years of age and above. Foreign residents with work permits in Uganda are charged 600 dollars and 250,000 Uganda shillings are charged to East African residents. The gorilla habituation permit cost 1500 dollars including four hours of access to the mountain gorillas from when you encounter them.

Paying for a gorilla permit in installments

All gorilla trekking permits for both Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national game park are issued by one body and that’s the Uganda Wildlife Authority UWA the official government of Uganda body in charge of all national parks and conservation areas in the country. You can choose to pay your permit with 100% full payment or pay in installments with a 30% initial deposit, and 70% later.

Make an initial deposit of 30% of the total fee of your gorilla permit.

On booking your gorilla permit, you can pay 30% of $700 which is $210, and then pay the remaining 70% which is $490 three months before the trekking date. If you are interested in the gorilla habituation experience, your initial deposit of 30% will be $450, and the last deposit of 70%, $1050 three months before the trekking date.

What is included in the gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit is the most important element in planning your gorilla trekking safari to Uganda and the only document that guarantees access to the gorillas.

Paying for a gorilla permit in installments allows visitors effectively plan for their gorilla trekking safari to Uganda.

Terms and conditions followed when paying for a gorilla permit in installments

Whereas paying for your gorilla trekking permit in installments is possible there are terms and conditions to follow for this to happen

• The initial 30% deposit is only accepted if the client is planning to trek three months or more before the actual trekking date. This, therefore means, paying for gorilla permits in installments applies to those visitors planning to go gorilla trekking in advance for 6 to two years
• All permits bought in installments must be topped up three months before the trekking date otherwise the holder stands to lose out if not done.

Where to buy gorilla permits in Uganda

All gorilla trekking permits in Uganda for both Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks are only issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). One can buy his or her gorilla permit directly by contacting UWA by email or telephone for the reservation of their gorilla trekking permits. This however has at many times proved to be challenging to many victors who have tried it and that’s why we advise using option two, which is using a licensed tours and travel agent in Uganda like Katland Safaris. Licensed tour operators are knowledgeable about booking a gorilla permit and putting together all the logistics necessary to make your gorilla trekking safari through Uganda an experience.

Process of booking gorilla trekking permit in Uganda

Whether planning to pay your gorilla permit in full or in installments, the process of reserving and securing your gorilla permit remains the same. It starts with checking the availability of the permit on the desired date of your choice, followed by reserving and then making payment. A gorilla permit can only be guaranteed if it is paid for. Gorilla permits are very scarce and to secure them, payment must be made as quickly as possible to avoid disappointments.

Much as it’s possible to book your gorilla permit directly, it is wise to hire the services of a licensed tour operator like Katland Safaris to do the job for several reasons. When contacted, checking availability, reservation, and securing your gorilla permit becomes extremely very simple and swift. If you get any challenges and you want to cancel or postpone your gorilla trip, Katland Safaris comes in to assist instead of you having to contact the relevant offices at the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Things to consider when paying for a gorilla permit in Uganda

Before proceeding with any gorilla bookings, note that permits are issued as per sectors and it is this that will determine your overnight accommodation and route to be used to the gorilla destination.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sectors with each sector having around 4 to 5 habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking. These regions are Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma. When booking gorilla trekking permits for a particular region, we recommend that you consider lodging options in that region and their availability.

Feel free to contact us with any details about Paying for the gorilla permit in installments.

Africa Gorilla tracking for the first time – Complete guide to Planning for a gorilla tracking adventure to Uganda for the first time –  Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking.

Gorilla tracking is one of the most adventurous tourist activities for any traveler planning to carry out a safari through Africa. However, planning for it more especially when you are gorilla trekking for the first time can be a challenge.

This article by Katland Safaris gives you a detailed guide on how to prepare for a gorilla trekking safari for the first time explained in various steps as explained below.

 Where to Go when Africa Gorilla trekking for the first time

Uganda is a prime and the most popular destination for gorilla trekking in East Africa. There are two gorilla destinations in Uganda and these include Bwindi Impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga Gorilla National game park.

Planning for your first gorilla trekking safari starts with choosing which National Park to do gorilla trekking from. Bwindi’s impenetrable forest is the most popular known gorilla trekking destination in the whole world because it’s home to more than half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi forest has got 18 gorilla families that are situated in different regions of the forest with the most popular ones including Rushaga, buhoma, Ruhijja, and Nkuringo.

When to Go When Africa Gorilla trekking for the first time

After a decision is made on which park to go to for your first gorilla trekking adventure, you then choose what time of the year to do it. Important to note is that gorilla trekking in Uganda can happen any time of the year.

However, the terrains are easier to take on in the drier months of June, July, August, and September. Throughout these months, there is little rain and chances are that the trek will be easy. The months of April, May, and November are the wettest months and the clients avoid them.

Consult a local travel agent when Africa Gorilla trekking for the first time

Katland Safaris at all times advise clients, especially those visiting Uganda or any other East African country for the first time to consult a local travel agent who understands the country and whatever is required for the activity. A travel agent will help you with all the necessary guidance you need and other any questions about all other steps that follow.

Book a Gorilla Permit

A gorilla permit is an official document that gives you access to gorilla trekking in any gorilla destination in Uganda. No visitor treks mountain gorillas without a permit. It gives a full hour with the mountain gorillas on normal trekking and four hours when doing gorilla habituation.

Once you buy the gorilla permits, you are good to go. We at all times advise visitors to contact a local tour operator. They will check and advise you on the availability of the permits. In Uganda, the permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority through the registered tour operators on a first come first serve basis. To keep away from the shortage of gorilla permits, organize this in advance.

Book logistics for your Gorilla trekking safari when Africa Gorilla trekking for the first time

Once you have obtained the gorilla permit, you can determine to be booked for you among many other factors. You have to create your interest and in case you need a simple trek, it’s better to book the permits for either Ruhija or Buhoma. In case you need a more demanding trek, you can go to Rushaga region or Nkuringo. With the altitude problem, then you should avoid the southern sector of the Bwindi Forest since it has got the highest altitudinal point.

After the Accommodation is done, you then book your transport and guide for that safari.

 Book Your Flights and pack for your gorilla trekking safari.

After you have booked your gorilla permit and all other logistics like accommodation are put in place, you then book your flight to that destination with a packed safari bag.

What to pack for a gorilla trekking trip.

Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi is sometimes a challenge because of the thick nature of the forests. Some of the things that can’t miss out on in your safari bag include hiking boots, long-sleeved trousers and shirts, gloves, long stocks, insect repellent, a camera, a hut, sunglasses, and energy-giving food.

Get more information about Your Destination when Gorilla trekking for the first time

After all that is put in order, you can get more information about the country from which you are taking the safari, get to know her political climate, her  weather, and other possible safari activities to do besides gorilla trekking

Embark on your first gorilla trekking safari.

How much does a Ugandan Safari Cost?

Budgeting for a safari to Uganda – Luxury and Mid-Range Safaris Through Uganda

How much does a Ugandan Safari Cost?. Independent travel in Uganda is inexpensive by most standards. The cost of your safaris through Uganda will therefore largely depend on how you want to travel and what destinations and activities would you wish to go to and do.

A Ugandan safari costs anywhere between $125 and $1,500 per person per night. A budget safari averages $150 per night, mid-range $350, and luxury $750. The extreme top safaris can easily go up to $1,500 per night, or more. There is a safari to suit every budget.

How much does a Ugandan Safari Cost?

In most parts of the country, it will be difficult to keep your basic travel expenses below 30 dollars per day including transport, food, and accommodation.

When you choose to go on an organized safari, the only expense over and above your basic travel costs will be incurred in national parks where you can expect to spend around 85 dollars per day every 24 hours on entrances and activities as well as on meal prices. If you choose to go gorilla trekking, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is 700 dollars per person per trek.

How much does a Ugandan Safari Cost?

If Funds are very tight, it’s usually advisable to consider cheaper options like camping or urban Lodging instead of going in for the high-end lodges.

For a fantastic safari experience, we recommend a safari cost of between 1000 to 2000 dollars per night per person sharing per night. This cost will include transportation and Guides, accommodation in nice lodging facilities, Land air Transfers where required, and tourist activities while in the national parks.

Our guests tend to prefer smaller, more intimate, and more exclusive properties which are more expensive to operate. As a result, these luxury safari properties are more expensive to book. Of course, rates vary greatly depending on the season and it’s possible to find better rates during shoulder seasons.

Because we’re a boutique-style team with close friends in the industry, we can make “the impossible” happen. We can arrange the safari of your dreams If you’re willing to be flexible with your budget, we can honor any request.

How much does a Ugandan Safari Cost?

Other Factors Influencing the Cost of a Safari to Uganda

• When you want to go

Visiting much of Africa during the school holidays costs more than going outside the holidays, but other local factors can also impact the cost of your safari. The majority of African national parks have periods when the wildlife spotting is better than other times. If you want to keep costs down, try visiting during a park’s off-season. While this can mean less visible wildlife and, if it’s the Wet season, occasionally washed-out roads, it does bring significantly lower prices, fewer tourists, and gorgeously lush countryside.

The best time to visit Uganda is between July to September and between November to January.

• How many days do you want to do a safari?

We hardly need to state that the length of time you spend on an African safari has a direct impact on how much it’s going to cost you. And the more days you spend on safari (with the same company), the less you’re going to end up paying on a per-day basis.

• Where do you want to go

Many people are surprised to discover that much of Uganda, where park infrastructure is often better and self-drive and camping safaris easier, offers a cheaper safari experience than in any other East African country.

How much does a Ugandan Safari Cost?

• What level of accommodation you are comfortable with

As with any holiday, accommodation is going to eat up the lion’s share of your budget. Starting at the very top are the highly exclusive, tented camps. Deliciously romantic they might be, but there’s no getting away from the fact that these places cost a fortune. In high season many come in at a cool $600 per night for two people.

• Specific requirements due to interests or hobbies

National Park boards are fully aware that people are willing to pay more to see a cheetah than a hornbill (a type of bird). Visiting a park with an abundance of large and visible mammals will invariably cost you more than visiting a small, low-key park where wildlife attractions are more specialized. If keeping costs down is important then limit your time in big-name parks and instead get excited by the birds and the bees in the smaller, lesser-known protected areas.

How much does a Ugandan Safari Cost?

If your budget is slightly less than $650 pp/day, here are a few ways to maximize your travel investment:

Travel during the shoulder season

Choose a program that includes large, permanent lodges and camps that accommodate between 30-80 people

Choose destinations that offer greater value due to economic and climatic conditions

Shorten the duration of your trip and experience superior conservation areas and accommodations.

How much does a Ugandan Safari Cost?

Katland Safaris specializes in tailor-making and crafting Unique safaris throughout Uganda. Contact us with any inquiries about organizing a trip of your dreams through Uganda.

Preparing for a gorilla trekking safari

Uganda gorilla trekking – Rwanda gorilla trekking – Affordable Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the most loved tourist activities in East Africa and One of the most frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking is How easy is preparing for a gorilla trekking safari adventure?

Katland Safaris offer you a detailed guide on how you can very well prepare from the word go to have a thrilling and lifetime encounter with the mountain gorillas.

There are various steps involved in preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure in East Africa and these include the following.

Step one

Choose a gorilla trekking destination first.

Gorilla trekking the world over is popularly done in three countries and that’s from Uganda, Rwanda, and the democratic republic of Congo. Daily, hundreds of tourists check into these three countries for their gorilla trekking adventure.

Of all the three, Uganda is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking and this is so because the country is home to more than half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. In Uganda, they can tremolo two destinations and that’s from Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national Game Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park.

If your dream is to look into the eyes of mountain gorillas, then Bwindi’s impenetrable national game park is the best destination to make your dreams come true. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the edges of the Rift Valley on the border of Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo, covering an area of 331 square kilometers within the Districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to now nineteen Gorilla families that can be tracked by tourists in a day, each family can be trekked by only eight tourists per a move intended to conserve the gentle giants. The gorilla trek can take anywhere from 1 hour to eight hours and the search starts from where the gorillas were last seen the previous evening. When found, each visitor is allowed not more than one hour to spend some time with the gorillas taking a picture and short videos to share with loved ones back home.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park is located in southwestern Uganda bordering Rwanda to the south and Congo to the west and only 14 kilometers from Kisoro town. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of all national parks in Uganda. The park was created to protect the mountain gorillas that roam freely within the Virunga region. Many tourists visit the Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking. Currently, there is only one habituated gorilla group that can be visited by tourists and that’s the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group.

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in the famous volcanoes national game park.

Found in the North Western part of Rwanda, Volcano’s national park is a breathtaking unforgettable place where culture, adventure, and conservation intersect.

The Volcanoes National Park lies along the Virunga Mountains with ancient volcanoes shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In just a short two hours drive from Rwanda’s capital Kigali, to the small town of Musanze, the park is a central location for the exploration of some distinctive Rwanda adventures, while a visit to the Mountain gorillas is often at the top of the visitors’ list.

Volcanoes national park is the only stop center for all gorilla trekking safaris and a shelter for quite a good number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation area. its strategic location of only about two hours drive from Kigali international airport makes it the most accessible gorilla national park in the world.

In Congo, the gorilla trekking adventure is done in Virunga National game park.

Step two

Contact a trusted travel agent.

When a decision is made about which country and what the specific gorilla destination is, then the next step is to contact a trusted travel agent in that country. We advise the use of trusted travel agents like Katland Safaris because we understand the destination and arraign for all the logistics better.

A travel agent will help you in putting all the pre-logistics required for your gorilla trekking safari in order. These will include, bookings or your gorilla trekking permit, your guide’s transport and accommodation, and more.

Step three

Get fit for the gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla trekking mostly in Uganda is done in very challenging environments and involves climbing very rigorous mountain terrains and this, therefore, requires you to have a certain level of fitness to be able to move through these challenging environments.

Before embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure, we advise you to start doing cardio and body excises before touring on a gorilla trekking safari to East Africa.

Step four.

Put your Safari bag in order.

Packing for a gorilla trekking safari is slightly different from packing for another wildlife safari.

Katland Safaris give you a detailed guide with a list of what must be included in the safari bag you pack for your gorilla trekking adventure to East Africa.

Your safari bag to the mount gorillas must include the following item if you are to have a very successful and memorable gorilla trekking safari through East Africa.

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers

A hut

Sunglasses

Hiking boots

Insect repellant

Rain jacket

Sweaters and scarfs

Energy drinks

Garden gloves

And a camera.

Preparing for a gorilla trekking safari

Important to note is that the endangered mountain gorillas are susceptible to diseases, the most dangerous ones being caught and flu. It’s therefore advisable that tourists intending to do gorilla trekking visit health facilities in their home countries to check for the above diseases before embarking on a gorilla trekking safari to East Africa.

Contact us with any inquiries about planning for your gorilla trekking safari to East Africa.

Visa Requirements for Tourists in Uganda.

A guide on how to apply, renew or replace any immigration facility.

Uganda Tourist Visa – Single Entry

Visa Requirements for Tourists in Uganda. A visa is an official government Document provided by the government to travelers coming to Uganda for tourism, medical treatment, family visit, and any other reason. Tourists are offered a single-entry visa and can be granted up to 3 months.

The tourist Visa allows the holder to visit for holidays, sightseeing or even to spend time with friends and family who may be Ugandan citizens or permanent residents. This visa is strictly for tourism and other non-economic social engagements, so you are not allowed to seek employment in Uganda with it. It is available online and applicants don’t have to visit the Ugandan embassy or consulate in their country to apply for one. To apply, one simply needs to fill out the online application form on the Uganda immigration website and attach their passport, a recent photograph, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and a host of other documents as directed by the website.

Once it is approved the electronic visa will be mailed to their email and they must print out the e-visa confirmation and travel with it to Uganda as evidence.

The Uganda Government has introduced an electronic pre-approval system to ease the Tourist Visa application process. All travelers must complete an online application before arrival in Uganda. Once the application has been approved, travelers will have the visa issued and printed at the Immigration Office Headquarters at the point of entry.

Tourist Visa Validity

The Ugandan tourist visa is valid for 90 days which is three months starting from the day it is issued. This means that you must use it as soon as you get it since it is only a single-entry travel document and is not renewable. If it expires you must apply for a new one and pay a fresh application fee to make the trip again.

Who Needs This Uganda Tourist Visa?

This visa is required for foreign nationals from non-visa-exempt countries who wish to visit as tourists.

Tourist Visa Processing Time

This Uganda online visa processing time is 3 days after submitting the online application and required documents. However, in special circumstances, it may take a while longer. Hence it is advisable to apply at least 5-7 days before the day you intend to travel. Applicants should also consider submitting their applications within three months of their trip, so the visa does not expire early.

 Uganda Visa-Free Countries:

Not all visitors require visas to enter Uganda unless they wish to stay for more than the approved 90 days. If you are from any of the following countries, you don’t need a visa for a short-term visit to the country.

Angola, South Sudan, Ireland, Eritrea, Botswana, Swaziland, Madagascar, Malawi,  Malaysia, Seychelles, Tanzania,  Comoros, Zimbabwe,  Rwanda,  Kenya, Mauritius, Ghana, Zambia, Grenada, Barbados, Antigua,  Sierra Leone, Fiji,  Lesotho,  Solomon Islands & The Grenadines,  Burundi, Vanuatu,  Bahamas, Cyprus, United Nations laissez-passer,  Malta, Belize, Jamaica, Gambia, St Vincent Tonga, and Singapore

Diplomatic and Service passport holders from Italy, Namibia, India, and South Africa do not need visas for 3 months visits.

Requirements when applying for the Uganda Tourist Visa.

• Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least 6 months validity
• Tour Plan or Travel itinerary/booking
• Recent Passport-size Photograph
• Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
• Hotel booking or reservation (if any other accommodation, provide an address)

Tourist Visa Application Steps.

A guide on how to apply, renew or replace any immigration facility.

• Step 1: Log into the Immigration Portal and select Start a New application
• Step 2: Accept the terms and conditions displayed in the Disclaimer.
• Step 3: Select the visa or permit type, category, and sub-category
• Step 4: Complete the application form
• Step 5: Upload the required documents; a six-digit application ID eg. (234790123) is automatically generated as the reference number
• Step 6: Make payment for applications that require prepayment.
• Step 7: Upon approval, for applications that don’t require top-up payment, an approval letter will be generated and emailed to the applicant on the home page
• Step 8: Upon approval, make a top-up payment for applications that require a top-up payment. After payment, an approval letter is generated and emailed to the client
• Step 9: Report to the immigration office/ border for biometric capture with all documents uploaded, payment receipts, approval letter, and passport

Visa Policy of Uganda

Uganda’s visa policy is regulated by Chapter 66 of the Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, Part VI of Immigration Control. This law guides the citizenship and immigration regulations of the country. Chapter 66 regulates the entry and residency of foreign nationals in Uganda who visit the country briefly or settle temporarily or permanently. The law establishes the identity and rights of Ugandan citizens and residents who are allowed to freely enter and exit the country.

Furthermore, the law states that while residents enjoy the same entry and exit rights as citizens do, others who are not from visa-free countries must apply for an entry permit (which is called an entry visa for tourists). A tourist visa is the only legal document that allows a foreign national to enter Uganda as a tourist.

For countries with established reciprocity agreements with Uganda, their citizens can enjoy visa-free entry but can only stay for a limited time (for not more than 30-90 days in most cases).

Chapter 66 also clearly spells out what is allowed and prohibited for tourists in the country. For instance, the law prohibits tourists from working or schooling in Uganda on a tourist visa. It also empowers the immigration officers at the airport and border crossings to inspect visitors and to turn back persons who do not have valid travel documents or have suspicious reasons for visiting. Visitors who have been issued visas but cannot justify their intentions or are found to have obtained the visa under a false pretext can be denied entry in line with Uganda’s visa laws.

The law also empowers the immigration authorities to sanction tourists who flout the law during their time in the country. With predetermined sanctions listed for erring visitors.

Visa Requirements for Tourists in Uganda. Contact us with any inquiries about acquiring a visa to take a safari  through Uganda 

Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Uganda Wildlife Safaris – Budget Gorilla Trekking.

A safari through Uganda is not complete unless it combines gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris encounters. Uganda s one of the very few African gorilla safari destinations that offer clients a lifetime opportunity to track mountain gorillas and a lot of exciting wildlife species on a single safari.

Uganda is a special destination for mountain gorilla trekking and this is because it’s the only country all over the world with the highest number of these gentle giants. Uganda is home to more than half of the remaining population of gorillas which makes the country an ideal gorilla trekking destination.  Mountain gorillas can be trekked in two destinations and that’s from Bwindi’s impenetrable National game park and Mgahinga Gorilla national game park.

Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Bwindi impenetrable Impentrable National Game Park

If your dream is to look into the eyes of mountain gorillas, then Bwindi’s impenetrable national game park is the best destination to make your dreams come true. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the edges of the Rift Valley on the border of Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo, covering an area of 331 square kilometers within the Districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to now nineteen Gorilla families that can be tracked by tourists in a day, each family can be trekked by only eight tourists per a move intended to conserve the gentle giants. The gorilla trek can take anywhere from 1 hour to eight hours and the search starts from where the gorillas were last seen the previous evening. When found, each visitor is allowed not more than one hour to spend some time with the gorillas taking a picture and short videos to share with loved ones back home.

Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park is located in southwestern Uganda bordering Rwanda to the south and Congo to the west and only 14 kilometers from Kisoro town. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest of all national parks in Uganda. The park was created to protect the mountain gorillas that roam freely within the Virunga region. Many tourists visit the Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking. Currently, there is only one habituated gorilla group that can be visited by tourists and that’s the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group.

Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Africa gorilla trekking safaris become more fulfilling when it’s combined with an encounter with other wildlife species in other Ugandan national parks. In most cases, a gorilla trekking safari would take a maximum of these days to encounter mountain gorillas and for clients with extra days on their hands and a thirst to explore other parts of Uganda, more exciting destinations can be added to the package.

Some of the gorilla trekking and wildlife safari Combs include

Gorilla trekking and Murchison Falls safari

Gorilla trekking and Queen Elizabeth game Park safari

Gorilla trekking and Lake Mburo Safari

Mountain Rwenzori and gorilla trekking safari.

Some of our popular gorilla and wildlife safaris include

5 Days Gorilla and Chimps Tracking in Uganda

5 Days Bwindi Gorilla and Murchison Falls Safari

8 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

A 9 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

10 Days Best of Uganda Safari

14 Days Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

15 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari

18 Days Ultimate Uganda Adventure Safari

Contact us with any inquiries about booking a Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari in Uganda

Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

How to trek mountain Gorillas from Uganda’s Capital Kampala – Kampala City excursion.

Kampala walking tours – Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking from Kampala. It’s almost impossible to start planning for a gorilla trekking safari through Uganda without putting Kampala as part of the gorilla trekking adventure.

Combining a one-day Kampala city tour with Gorilla trekking gives you a blend of mixed cultures with an excellent wildlife encounter thus offering you the best African gorilla trekking safari of a lifetime.

Kampala is the pulsating heart of Uganda’s economic, social, cultural, and intellectual life. It is also the country’s largest urban center, with a population of 3.1 million (Microtrends 2020). And is the capital city of Uganda. Like Rome, Uganda’s capital was initially built across seven hills, but today, it sits on about two dozen hills.

Kampala derives its name from the local Luganda language saying ‘Akosozi k’empala,‘ meaning ‘Hill of Antelope.’ This a reference to the domestic impala (impala) antelope, which grazed the lawns of Mengo during Buganda’s King Mutesa’s reign in the 1880s.

Historically, Kampala Hill and the surrounding hills had lain at the Buganda Kingdom’s political center for several decades before the arrival of the first Europeans. Capt Fredrick Lugard arrived in 1890 and set up camp on Kampala Hill, so he is generally considered the founder.

You can choose to Visit Kampala either before or after your gorilla trekking adventure.

Some of the Iconic places and areas you can’t miss while planning for your Gorilla trekking from Kampala include the following.

Kampala City Center

Kampala’s most obvious reference point is the modern mufti-storied city center on Nakasero Hill. It is surrounded by more discreet but no less identifiable landmarks on neighboring summits.

Old Kampala Hill

Old Kampala Hill towers just a few hundred meters southwest of the city center, enclosed within the oval Old Kampala Road. Fine colonial buildings of Asian design mushroom the hill, generally somewhat rundown or strikingly renovated.

Old Kampala is historically known as Capt Lugard’s 1899 encampment site. It’s most notable today as the focal point for Kampala’s Islamic community and the sight of an imposing Uganda National Mosque.

Lubiri

Due south of Old Kampala, Kabaka’s Twekobe Palace stands on the broad, low hill of Lubiri. The ill-fated Kabaka Edward Mutesa was driven from this palace in 1966 by Idi Amin on Obote’s orders. The army subsequently occupied the site until 1993, gaining a reputation for terror. Amin and Obote’s agents took hundreds through its gates, never to be seen again.

Namirembe and Rubaga hills

Lubiri is neighboring Namirembe (Mengo) and Rubaga hills in the southwest, elevated by Anglican and Catholic cathedrals. The imposing dome identifies St Paul’s on Namirembe Hill and Rubaga Cathedral by two bell towers.

Mengo and Rubaga are Kampala’s oldest suburbs affluent in history and historic architecture, including the Royal Palace.

Bulange Building

Less than 500m past the turn-off to Namirembe, the Bulange Building — the traditional seat of the Buganda Parliament — stands on the south side of Albert Cook Road, directly opposite the junction with Sentema Road. It is one of the most impressive colonial-era buildings in Uganda.

Makerere Hill

Northeast of Namirembe is Makerere Hill, commonly known for housing the country’s oldest University. The white bell tower of Makerere University used to be visible on the green ridge of Makerere Hill until accidental fires gutted it in September 2020

Gorilla trekking In Uganda from Kampala

Gorilla Trekking Information – Mountain Gorillas In Uganda

Most of these mountain gorillas do reside in South Western Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This Park consists of almost half of the number of Mountain Gorillas that are believed to be remaining in the whole world.

It’s also believed that the remaining Chimps in the entire world Co-exist in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. For any interested person willing to visit Ugandan gorillas, you must pay for a gorilla trekking permit that goes for USD 700.00 per trek per person.

Mgahinga National Park; this park is found in the Virunga ranges shared between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. This Park is also another place that is known for being a home of Ugandan gorillas.

Gorilla trekking experience:

For a person to have a wonderful, memorable, and unforgettable adventure you will have to endure all the efforts needed to reach Bwindi and trek through this wonderful natural forest. There are thirteen habituated gorilla groups for tourists to trek. And all these groups are found in different sectors such as Buhoma,  Nkuringo, and others are habituated in the Ruhija and Rushaga regions of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A proposed itinerary for Gorilla trekking from Kampala.

These four days gorilla trekking safari is going to allow you to watch two of the many Gorilla groups in this impenetrable forest. Therefore, allowing you two good hours of interaction with these primates and maybe a community walk to see the Batwa people and see how they live their daily lives.

Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Kampala City Tour.

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park.

Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable.

Day 4: Transfer to Kampala

Detailed Itinerary

Day one of Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

Kampala city tour

Early morning after breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel of residence, for a tour of Kampala. We will visit the key sites that make Kampala a unique tourist destination and these will include the King’s Palace, the kingdom parliament, Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedral, the old Kampala Mosque, and Nakasero Hill. Owino market, the Kabakas lake, and end with the Visit to ndere center for an evening of cultural performances.

We will return to the Lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay and preparations for the start of the gorilla trekking safari.

Day two of  Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Be early to hit the road in the morning since a long journey to the southwestern part of Uganda where the park is located. During your journey, you will have a brief stop in Mbarara town where you will have your lunch meal plus maybe mini shopping if you, please, and thereafter head on. While on the road you will then be in sight of Uganda’s other amazing beauties inclusive of which is the beautiful scenery of the city. On reaching the park you will check in at the accommodation. dinner and overnight.

 Day three of Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

Mountain Gorilla Tracking and Community Walk

The day that you’re going to be the insight of the gorgeous primates the gorillas.  Wake up early to buy yourself time to have breakfast and pick your packed lunch plus drinking water since you ought to have long hours in the forest searching for these apes. You will be expected to be at the park headquarters on time for your briefing and their head to the forest to engage in your first track which may take you 2 to 6 hours depending on the animal’s movement. A Full hour is allowed you to visualize the animals as they move around and react differently to your visit, while here you will be able to know why these apes are called cousins to man since the semblance to human character is positive. Thereafter the trek head back to the park headquarters and then finally the lodging. Freshen up and take on a community walk to see the Batwa people and their ways of life you can enjoy their cultural dances and songs as they demonstrate it all for you. Then dinner and overnight at the accommodation slept at the previous night.

Day 4  of Gorilla Trekking from Kampala.

Transfer to Kampala

Wake up early enough to have your fantastic breakfast meal, then head for the stunning boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi that will allow you a view of some of the islands on this lake as you observe the well-terraced hills surrounding the lake and many more scenic views. Then you will pack up and be on your way to Kampala with lunch en-route plus other stopovers that you would love to make as we come to the very beginning of the end of our double trekking safari. On reaching Kampala you will either be dropped at the airport for your flight or to a hotel in case your stay is still on.

End of Gorilla Trekking from Kampala safari from Kampala.