Safari Accommodation in Uganda – Best Safari Lodges and Hotels In Uganda – Where to stay while on a safari through Uganda 

Safari Accommodation in Uganda. Lodging in Uganda is not just an option for travelers visiting parks, game reserves, or forest reserves in Uganda, but an experience itself. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip or an unforgettable weekend getaway, you’ll find what you’re after in Uganda’s national parks.

If a night spent in a camping tent is not your style, you have the option of luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation in and around national parks, in cities, in small towns, and in villages around tourist attractions.

Economically the further you stay from the park; the less expensive accommodation will be but a truly rewarding East African safari comes with the convenience that comes with staying near the attractions. Take into account how much mileage you will be driving to and from the park as well as through the park. Add this up to determine where the best place to stay for your budget.

Safari Accommodation in Uganda

Planning a safari to any of the Uganda Parks is exciting and the trip itself is one of the most memorable adventures you can take while in Africa. One big thing you can do to avoid issues during your road trip would be to make your reservations for hotels in advance. Towns nearby the parks usually fill up fast, so you don’t want to be stuck driving around looking for an available hotel or lodge. Another thing to keep in mind is that there are usually a limited number of towns near the parks. If you haven’t reserved your hotel or lodge in advance, you might find yourself driving to the next town which could easily be many miles away. Don’t do this to yourself, plan, make your reservations early, and enjoy your road trip to the National Parks stress-free!

Lodging and Accommodation options in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

BUHOMA LODGE

10 chalets with private verandahs invite a breathtaking view over Bwindi. The cottages offer comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, flushing toilets as well as hot showers (some have a bathtub too). The lodge has been carefully designed with a sustainable approach in mind, focusing on the use of natural as well as local products to respond to a responsible tourism policy. An elevated lounge, dining, and bar area overlook the stunning forest scenery. Activities easily accessible include gorilla tracking, forest walks, birding and cultural interactions.

CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE

Built of local volcanic stone, each of the 7 cottages has a large sitting room with a fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets. There are soaring ceilings, massive exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes, and mountains; and a gentle, warm welcome, quiet dedication from the personal butlers, and smiles on the faces of all the staff. It is a short walk from the lodge to the Nkuringo trailhead or a transfer to the Rushaga base to track the gorillas. Clouds, with the ultimate goal of protecting the natural habitat of the mountain gorilla, directly benefit the community of Nkuringo in a multitude of ways as they have a significant stake in the lodge and its income. It was built in conjunction with AWF, USAID, IGCP, and NCCDF and offers many community-based activities. It is the ultimate accommodation in either Northern or Southern Bwindi.

MAHOGANY SPRINGS LODGE

Mahogany Springs Lodge rooms are all spacious and include an en suite bathroom with an open shower as well as a private terrace. A dressing table and desk add more comfort to the already exquisitely designed suites. If you are seeking more luxurious accommodation, the presidential suite will cater to these needs by offering an additional bedroom and bathroom, an expansive living room, and a terrace overlooking the Munyanga River and the ancient forest. Gorilla tracking stands at the top of the activities list when visiting this good-value lodge. Additional activities include watching some of the rarest East African bird species, forest walks, and visits to the local Batwa tribe.

Safari Accommodation in Uganda

SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP

8 stylish and spacious tents are on offer at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. They feature queen-sized beds as well as a large bathtub facing the jungle, perfect for recharging your batteries after a day filled with exciting and adventurous walks around the forest. Observing some of the rarest forest animals from your bathtub, or the private viewing desk while being served by a personal attendant will create an unforgettable experience. The camp’s main area consists of a welcoming lounge and bar area, comfortable dining facilities as well as a mini spa where you can enjoy numerous treatments. The bar and dining cottage is situated on a raised platform, overlooking the rainforest. Aside from gorilla tracking, cultural interactions through the community walk or the Batwa tribe visits will enhance your understanding of the traditions and cultures of the old inhabitants of the park. A highly recommended lodge.

CHAMELEON HILL LODGE

This exclusive, colorful, and vibrant lodge enjoys spectacular views across Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Volcanoes as a magnificent backdrop. Each chalet flaunts its own identity and color scheme along with high-quality, handmade furnishings that boast a unique Euro-African style.

The lodge offers a special blend of comfort and relaxation, where attention to detail and personalized service are paramount. As well as being the perfect base to visit the mountain gorillas, one can also enjoy a trip on the hand-built boat available for excursions. The kitchen is famous for its mouth-watering food. Specialties include bread, slowly baked in our wood-fired oven, homemade muesli with hand-picked ingredients, and the freshest fruits and vegetables from our very own organic garden.

Gorilla valley lodges

Located on the border of the impenetrable forest and set on a steep slope the lodge has a truly unique setting. Imagine waking up with the sounds of the forest, having your cup of coffee or tea on your private terrace, experiencing the forest coming alive and the mist mysteriously giving way to a lush jungle.

Gorilla Valley Lodge a ‘medium range hotel’, consists of 12 rooms, with spacious private bathrooms, Toilets, Dining/Waiting area beautifully situated in a lowland evergreen forest allowing breathtaking views of the African Eden, rich with wildlife and at a close distance the majestic Virunga Volcanoes. Every room has been lovingly furnished with twin beds and decorated in a modern retro style.

Gorilla Valley Lodge is a slice of wilderness paradise far from the madding crowd; a place of renewal and reconnection with the natural world. And trust, one could never get closer to Bwindi!!!! The gentle Giants are at home at GVL, Sometimes the gorilla’s come out of the forest to spend some time feeding and playing in our gardens…… From the veranda of the rooms, you can almost touch this national park and home of our mountain Gorillas.

Lodging and accommodation options  in Entebbe

SERENA LAKE VICTORIA

Serena Lake Victoria presents a selection of unique accommodations. Choose from standard rooms, executive suites, and presidential suites. Housed in Tuscan-style buildings, which are widely spaced around the terraced rose gardens, the standard room accommodation is elegantly presented in shades of terracotta and cream. Each room features either a queen-sized or 2 twin beds, a dressing table, work station, a seating area, a balcony, and a lavish marble bathroom with a walk-in shower. The suites offer many additional facilities and are great for those looking for the next level. With massive gardens, this hotel is more of a resort than a hotel in terms of its look and feel and its facilities. It’s pretty stylish and has a laid-back, relaxed feel to it.

THE BOMA

The Boma is located 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport. Double rooms, triple rooms, and family rooms are all available. It is a combination of modern comforts and charm of character from the 1940s. All rooms are individually decorated in a mixture of African and European décor and reflect colonial architecture. Facilities available include a bar and restaurant, swimming pool, beach area, and the Internet. The Boma is a long-standing favorite stopover of many visitors to Uganda.

HOTEL NUMBER 5

From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.

For one of the most flavorsome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired with an international wine list and served with pride. Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this bustling city. Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym.

KARIBU GUEST HOUSE

Just 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport, we are a boutique hotel set in a former presidential residence. Catering to a small number of guests at any one time, we offer a high level of personalized service, quality food, 24-hour reception, a relaxing swimming pool, and comfortable sleep. Whether your visit to Entebbe is for business or pleasure, you’ll feel at home with us.

With a background in managing African Safari Lodges, Luxury European Hotels, and operating Safaris in Uganda, we understand what is important during your stay – and that it is the little things that count. Whilst we are proud of our room designs, food, and tropical gardens – it is our staff who we believe set us apart from the rest. Our team of 18 comes from all parts of Uganda, and many of them have been with us from the first day we started.

LAICO LAKE VICTORIA HOTEL

Lake Victoria Hotel is located in Entebbe, 1.6 km from Victoria Mall Entebbe and 500 meters from State House. Free WiFi access is available. It also has a free shuttle service, restaurant, and outdoor pool. The Uganda Wildlife Education Center is 1.4 km from the hotel.

All accommodation at the hotel is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a balcony, and a private bathroom. The Lake Victoria Hotel offers some rooms with views of the pool. A full continental and English / Irish breakfast is offered each morning at the property. Lake Victoria Hotel also includes a terrace. In the vicinity, you can go cycling. The reception is open 24 hours. The staff speaks English and Swahili. Attractions near the Lake Victoria Hotel include the Victoria Shopping Center and the Entebbe Botanical Garden.

Entebbe stay

Enjoy all the glamour of Entebbe in this bespoke apartment nestled into the lush greenery of Lake Victoria on a gated property, providing a cool and airy cocoon for downtime or entertaining. Harmonies of light-toned wood, luminous white, and touches of vibrant color create a soothing atmosphere.

The entry level is dedicated to gathering and socializing featuring a hidden spa, a bar with Mahogany wood finishes, and a fully integrated entertainment system. The open-concept, living/dining area boasts a fully equipped kitchen with Viking appliances and an ample living-room area flowing out to the balcony.

Generous wide windows and glass doors let sunlight wash over plush couches. The backyard opens onto a pool with a fountain, while potted succulents set the tone for alfresco dining.

Safari Accommodation in Uganda

Hotels in jinja

 Lamella WILDWATERS LODGE

Wildwaters Lodge is the ultimate luxury and intimate accommodation in Jinja. The 10 large canvas-walled rooms are scattered around the island in a calm forest environment featuring free-standing baths (they are amazing!). The restaurant and bar area is easily reached by the elevated wooden paths, and the mother-nature-created swimming pool nearby is situated almost in the rapids! The roaring sound of the rapids with its refreshing breeze makes this place a hidden treasure. The lodge is on a calm forest island with only the rushing water and the special bird species interrupting the peaceful atmosphere, but you can experience some of the most extreme action sports such as bungee jumping from a platform right above the Nile, intermediate to extreme white water rafting or racing against the strong Nile River current in a 450HP jet boat very close by.

Living waters resort jinja

Living Waters Resort is located at the Source of the Nile at the point where the Nile River emerges from Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. The property includes botanical gardens with a plethora of birds and tropical plants. Established in 2010 as a Prayer and Healing center and a leisure garden, Living Waters Resort has grown to now include luxury camping accommodations.

Safari Accommodation in Uganda

Hotels in Kampala

SERENA hotel KAMPALA

The Serena Kampala offers generously proportioned deluxe rooms, executive suites, business suites, and royal suites, all of which feature a large en suite bathroom, dressing table, work station, seating area and terrace, air-conditioning, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, voicemail and 24-hour room service. It is close to activities such as banks, the national theater, shopping malls, and a variety of social life, but this is not felt whilst inside the 5-star hotel as it has large gardens and an extensive swimming pool area with a rocky waterfall. There is a mind/body/spirit spa, a running track on the grounds, and a golf course close by. A hair and beauty salon, VIP entrance, helipad, dedicated car park, taxi and limousine service, and business center also add to its facilities. It is a huge hotel but is a safe base to start/end a safari in Uganda.

SHERATON KAMPALA

This International brand hotel offers many room types (classic, executive, club, diplomatic suites, suites, and presidential suites). All rooms have an extensive entertainment system, a comfortable bathroom, and all other necessities. Sports enthusiasts can pursue their fitness activities with a personal trainer in the in-house health club or enjoy the day playing a relaxing round of golf on the course nearby. The sauna facilities and the outdoor pool will ensure that you can recharge your batteries after an exhausting day wandering around Kampala. Cold drinks and good dining can be enjoyed in any of the several bars and restaurants serving cocktails, snacks, and meals. The Sheraton suits all types of guests but perhaps is best geared towards conferences and business people.

Safari Accommodation in Uganda

KIBALE FOREST N.P – FORT PORTAL & THE SEMLIKI VALLEY

KYANINGA LODGE

The 8 cottages at Kyaninga Lodge are built on platforms and set apart to ensure peace and intimacy. There are large beds with soft duvets and cushions in the spacious bungalows, as well as freestanding baths and large showers in the en suite bathrooms. In the main area, a cozy fireplace, two intimate galleries and an outdoor platform with comfortable loungers are available. If the numerous outdoor decks are not enough, the view from the pool overlooking the valley is pretty spectacular. Tennis and cricket fanatics will also love this lodge with its grass tennis court and cricket field surrounded by a British-inspired landscape. With Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park just a few hours away, you will be able to track down some of Uganda’s most impressive wildlife. Kyaninga is one of our favorites in the area.

NDALI LODGE

Ndali can host 16 guests in their 8 luxurious chalets – each one has an en suite bathroom with a bathtub and shower and an intimate verandah from where you can enjoy beautiful sundowners with the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. A special feature of this accommodation is that it is ‘missing’ electricity or generators and runs fully on solar energy. At night the open dining room is filled with candles creating a romantic and private feeling. The nearby crater lake can be used for relaxing afternoon swims or sunbathing which allows you to forget entirely about the stresses of the real world. With Kibale Forest National Park only 45 minutes away and Queen Elizabeth National Park also in close range, Ndali Lodge represents a great stopover for people visiting these areas.

PRIMATE LODGE

 Kibale Forest N.P – Fort Portal

Primate Lodge offers several variations of accommodation including 8 safari tents which gives camping a whole different meaning with their queen-sized beds and en suite bathrooms, 7 intimate forest cottages with private verandahs, and a sky tree house. The sky tree house particularly is often visited by forest elephants and will make you think of the adventures we all dreamed about as children. Would you like to simply relax in comfortable large chairs or pillows while listening to the sound of the forest and watching red-tailed monkeys playing around in the trees? The lounge of the Primate Lodge is the perfect place to do so. A mid-range lodge, but good value.

SEMLIKI SAFARI LODGE

Nestled in the mystical Wasa River Valley is the intimate and luxurious Semliki Safari Lodge. The 8 rooms are tented with large four-poster beds, Persian carpets, and en-suite bathrooms. At night you can hear the animals moving around you… particularly the leopard’s harsh sawing as it hunts baboons. There is a great swimming pool area and the fresh food is renowned as some of the best in Uganda. You can go for a boat ride on Lake Albert in search of the endangered Shoebill and enjoy open-vehicle game drives. There are miles of amazing trails cut through the riverine forests that crisscross the savanna – perfect for guided walking. They helped develop the Semliki Chimpanzee Research Project – so have a chat with the chimp researcher and learn about evolution and bipedalism. Staying at Semliki is like stepping back in time. It evokes the spirit of the old explorers, piques curiosity, and inspires discovery.

Safari Accommodation in Uganda

KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

APOKA SAFARI LODGE

Everything at Apoka is handmade by local craftsmen, everything is large and capacious. 10 expansive rooms with natural canvas walls surround a rocky kopje with endless views. Inside sitting rooms and private verandas provide plenty of places to relax, read, and sprawl. Big hand-hewn beds with soft duvets are draped with mosquito nets, hand-woven woolen carpets… you may be as far away from the city as you’ll ever be, but you won’t miss a thing. Step outside to a sheltered terrace and slip into your outdoor stone bathtub. The swimming pool – deep and cool – has been carved out of the big rock. This is the kind of pool that makes you want to jump in, splashing and yelling, feeling like a kid again. Do you want to stride out across the savanna and walk with zebras? Spend time in a Karamojong village learning about their traditional way of life. Enjoy a sundowner in the arms of a massive fig tree? Come to Kidepo…

Kidepo savannah lodge

On the edge of one of the most beautiful national parks in Uganda…

Our latest and most remote property of Nature Lodges, Kidepo Savannah Lodge does justice to this wildlife gem which has received several international awards as one of the greatest Parks of Africa. Being just 500 mt away from Kalokudo gate, the lodge is a stone’s throw from the park. It offers unparalleled vistas of the expansive Narus Valley, Mount Morungole, and the distant mountain ranges which form the border with Southern Sudan.

The lodge is inspired by the savannah surroundings, the grasslands, rocky outcrops, and … the karamajong, the tribe with their typical manyattas and colorful blankets.

The lodge had to blend in rather than stick out, so we opted for a choice between the more luxurious self-contained safari tents and comfortable lazy camping tents.

Safari Accommodation in Uganda

Lake Mburo

MIHINGO LODGE

The luxury safari tents covered by a thatched roof and built on a wooden deck featuring en suite bathrooms make Mihingo Lodge a very special retreat. The 10 tented rooms are situated in diverse environments and are placed in different corners of the property which ensures tranquility and privacy. The infinity pool is a special feature of this lodge as it seems to disappear into the countryside below, adding a special feeling to your swimming experience. Late afternoons can be spent watching a variety of wildlife coming together at the nearby water hole while the sun disappears in the vast landscapes of the Lake Mburo National Park. Spotting zebras, buffalos, hippos, or leopards during an exciting game drive, horse-back safari or boat tour are only a few of the activities offered by the environmentally friendly Mihingo Lodge and Mburo National Park. Safari Accommodation in Uganda

Kigambira safari lodge

A fusion of rustic African & luxury

Kigambira Safari Lodge is a luxury eco–lodge built in the Southern part of Lake Mburo National Park; Uganda’s smallest park. Nestled between Lake Kigambira and the Rubanga Forest, the location provides the ideal base for the adventurous traveler with a range of activities from game drives & boat trips on Lake Mburo, to exhilarating hikes through the low canopied forest or the looping trail around Lake Kigambira.

Mburo safari eco-lodge

Mburo Safari Lodge is a luxury and eco-friendly lodge in Lake Mburo National Park. Relax in one of our luxurious cottages, all raised on a wooden platform and covered by a grass-thatched roof, perfectly blending with the natural environment, stylishly and thoughtfully designed for your absolute comfort, convenience, and pleasure. All cottages have a private balcony with a great view and chances to see the wildlife of Lake Mburo. The luxury cottages are spacious, very comfortable, and equipped with a clean private bathroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet. Comfortable king-sized beds with mosquito nets will make sure you have a perfect night. Safari Accommodation in Uganda

Safari Lodges in MURCHISON FALLS  National Park

BAKERS LODGE

The newest lodge in this park is our personal favorite: Bakers Lodge, with 10 safari tents. Each of the individual cottages is raised from the ground on supporting pillars and has its deck overlooking the river. Privacy is guaranteed but with a beautiful view. The main area offers a lounge, restaurant, and bar with a 180-degree river view. Enjoy their great menu that changes daily or have a sundowner drink on the deck while enjoying the sounds of nature. It’s a carefully constructed lodge, with attention-to-detail, and excellent service levels. The ideal base to explore Murchison Falls, National Park.

PAARA SAFARI LODGE

Paraa Safari Lodge is the largest within Murchison Falls National Park. It is well located for the game and has 54 rooms, all of which have en suite bathrooms and mosquito nets. For those looking for more luxury, there are suites available and a luxury private cottage as well as safari tents built with great views over the Nile. Staying at Paraa will remind you of the Africa of old. A classic safari experience with a modern touch. The lodge has a large swimming pool looking out over the Nile with a bar right in the water. The meals at the lodge are generally served as a buffet. Even though the lodge is large it certainly is a little piece of heaven in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park and provides a good standard of service. Safari Accommodation in Uganda

Safari Accommodation in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National game park.

ISHASHA WILDERNESS CAMP

You will be staying in one of 10 large tented rooms with en suite bathroom surrounded by forest and in close range to the river, complete with hot water bush shower. The main building allows you to have your dinner either under a cool thatched roof or on the shaded area by the river. The evenings can be spent around the fireplace where you can exchange your exciting and adventurous stories about the happenings of the day or simply enjoy a relaxing sundowner. There is an eco-friendly approach to everything which is the reason why the solar-powered outlets are limited to the central lodge area. But don’t worry about having to sacrifice anything… most requirements are catered for here. The Ishasha Community Uplift Group provides you with fulfilling community visits that will broaden your knowledge of the local inhabitants. We highly recommend the Camp as the best in the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth. Safari Accommodation in Uganda

KATARA LODGE

The 8 cottages at Katara Lodge have been built with the help of the community. Local products have been used to build the large cottages from where Queen Elizabeth National Park can be viewed. The 8 cottages’ movable beds allow for romantic and peaceful nights under the stars on the veranda. In addition, the large refreshing rain shower allows you to recharge your energy after a long day in the wilderness. An additional bedroom and sitting area are included in the slightly larger family cottage. The swing couch and hammocks make it an ideal place for the entire family to hang out and discuss the happenings of the day. Next to the pool, you are welcome to pick a book from the lodge library which you can enjoy reading in one of the sitting areas or the comfortable hammocks.

KYAMBURA GORGE LODGE

The 8 bands are situated on a hilltop creating a fabulous view surrounding this small but luxurious lodge. The bands include an en suite bathroom and large beds. They reflect the local architectural style by making use of brick/timber walls in combination with iron sheets or thatch roofs. The lodge is built out of an old coffee store, and one can call a stay at this lodge a journey back in time. Although the original structure has been mostly retained after the restoration, one will not have to sacrifice anything, as luxurious features have been added which will make your stay a unique experience. Would you like to do more than simply track chimps, leopards, lions, hippos, etc.? You will be able to discover the hidden wetlands, visit the busy beehives, kick around a ball with the locals at Omumashaka playground or simply seek total relaxation through the different massages available at the lodge.

MWEYA SAFARI LODGE

 Queen Elizabeth National Park

Mweya Safari Lodge is a large lodge offering standard rooms, deluxe rooms, suites, and a variety of cottages, all of which have en suite bathrooms and a balcony. The cottages will cater to the needs of most looking for more spacious and luxurious accommodation. Especially the presidential and queens cottage, which offers more intimacy and exclusivity. You will be able to spot different animals bathing in the Kazinga Channel while enjoying a dip in the large swimming pool overlooking the valley. After a long day out tracking wildlife, the verandah of the safari-themed Tembo Bar is the perfect place to enjoy an ice-cold drink while peering over Lake Edward during the sunset. Spotting hippos on a water safari, watching lions on the hunt, enjoying a romantic bush breakfast, or spotting animals from a hot-air balloon are only a few of the activities available in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Important Points About Camping or Lodging

No matter where you plan to stay if it is in a hotel/lodge or a campsite, you should always plan your trip and book as early as possible. Lodges and campsites inside the parks book up very quickly while hotels outside the parks you have a little more time with in regards to planning. In busy parks such as Yellowstone, you should consider making your reservations several months in advance.

Keep a watch out for early bird specials! Often the parks and towns nearby will offer specials if you visit early in the year. This is great because it is a less populated time of the year and you can save a few extra pennies.

If you do not book your hotels in advance and decide to say, “wing it”, do some drive-bys of hotels and inquire to them about room availability. If you find that multiple hotels have room availability, you have a chance of getting a discount. Compare the prices, visit some rooms, and request at least 10% off.

If You Will Arrive Late

If you know you will be arriving late at a hotel, call in advance and let them know. This can help avoid any confusion and ensure that they don’t give your room away! This is extremely important if you will be entering areas where choices are slim and the next down is a distance away.

For any inquiries about arranging a road trip through Uganda, feel free to contact info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com

The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda – The best time for Gorillas in Rwanda – The best time to book your gorilla trekking safari

The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda can be carried out all through the year, but because gorilla trekking is the most exciting tourist activity in both destinations, every traveler wants the best time to encounter the gentle giants in the natural habitat.

The best time for gorilla trekking is determined by mostly one factor and that’s the weather. Bwindi’s impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks being thick rainforests, they receive a lot of rainfall in the months of March, April, and May. Too much rain, combined with the nature of the forest terrain makes it difficult at times for tourists to navigate through the thick forests. Therefore, the best time of the year to track the mountain gorillas in Uganda starts from the months of June, July, August, early September, December, and January to February. During these months of the year, there is relatively less rain as compared to other months.

These months, therefore, offer the best gorilla trekking safari experience ever. During the dry seasons, it’s easy to navigate through the thick tropical rain forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Bwindi national park.

it should However be noted that because these are tropical rain forests, the two destinations can receive rain any time of the year and that’s why we advise all our visitors to pack wisely for their gorilla trekking safari to Uganda. (What to pack for gorilla trekking to Uganda or Rwanda)

Best time for Gorillas in Rwanda.

Just like the case is for Uganda, the months of January, February, June, July, August, early September and December are the best months for gorilla trekking in Rwanda because the country is relatively dry in those months compared to other months of the year. We advise all our victors to consider booking their gorilla trekking safaris in those months as the experience will come out better. However, it should be noted that despite the time of the year you chose to go for a gorilla trekking safari, you should carry the equipment that will make your gorilla trek easy even when it rains. Your gorilla trekking picklist must include rain jackets, long pants and shirts, comfortable hiking boots, gloves, and head gear.

Best time to book your gorilla trekking safari 

We advise our guests at all times to book their gorilla trekking safaris six months in advance or even a year before.  Booking in advance makes it so easier for Katland Safaris or any other travel agent to secure your gorilla trekking permit and put all other logistics like transportation and accommodation for an amazing gorilla trekking safari.

Why book your gorilla trekking safari early enough?

Starting to plan for your gorilla trekking safari early enough gives you a variety of options to choose from in terms of dates, the gorilla destination, trekking sector, Accommodation, and inclusion of other tourist activities like wildlife and community encounters on your gorilla safari.

Feel free to contact us with any inquiries on the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda and how to plan and book your gorilla trekking safari in advance.

Gorilla groups in Bwindi – Mountain Gorilla Families of Uganda – The Habituated Gorilla Groups – Habituated Gorilla Groups of Uganda

Gorilla groups in Bwindi. With slightly over 1006 mountain gorillas remaining in the world according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (2018) is home two more than half of the world’s total gorilla population with the majority of these living within the different sectors of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park a renowned world heritage site as well as the Mgahinga National Park found in the far southwestern corner of Uganda.

For each gorilla family, a maximum of eight (8) gorilla permits are offered for gorilla trekking an experience during which tourists get a chance to visit these amazing hairy forest Giants in their natural habitat. Because mountain gorillas do not stay in the same place for more than one night and move to new places each day, during the gorilla trekking safari experience you will have to walk through the forests for 2 to 44 hours searching for them.

Gorilla groups to trekk while on a Safari to Bwindi impenetrable forest in Uganda

Nshongi Gorilla Family

This group was first sighted close to River Nshongi after which it was named. In 2009 in September it was opened for tourism with a total of thirty-six (36) individuals which made it the biggest habituated gorillas group in Uganda. This large gorilla family had three (3) silverbacks and a total of seven (7) blackbacks that lived in harmony without making any attempts to lead. In July 2010 this group split into two with a group of 10 members led by silverback Mishaya leaving.

Mishaya Gorilla Family

In July 2010 this group separated from the huge Nshongi group led by silverback Mishaya. Due to his fighting character, he conquered several other gorilla families and over the years managed to increase in number. Sadly in 2011 in April he encountered a wild gorilla family that wasn’t habituated and got several injuries together with one of the infants in his group who was just two-year-old. Fortunately, these were treated and recovered well by the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project veterinaries.

Kahungye Gorilla Family

This is among the most recently habituated family of gorillas found within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and comprises twenty-seven individuals among which were three silverbacks. In October, 2011, it was opened for tourism and about one year later this gorilla family split to form the Busingye gorilla family. Today dominant silverback Gwigi whose name means ‘door’ leads this active group.

Bweza Gorilla Family

In 2009 in September the largest group to ever be habituated in Bwindi National Park – the Nshongi was opened for tourism however silverback Mishaya slip from the family to form his group the Mishaya gorilla family in July 2010. But just two years down the road after its formation, silverback Bweza decided to leave the group forming the Bweza family and in December 2012 the gorilla family was opened to tourism.

Busingye Gorilla Family

In June 2012 silverback Busingye split from the Kahungye gorilla family to form his own. The dominant silverback Busingye whose name means ‘peace’ on the contrary loves fighting and, on several occasions, has fought off wild gorilla groups that have attacked him and grabbed females and added them to his own gorilla family.

Gorilla Groups Found In Bwindi Impenetrable  National Game Park.

Mubare Gorilla family

In 1993 the Mubare gorilla family was opened for tourism activities which makes it the oldest habituated mountain gorilla family in the whole of Uganda. This family was first seen on Mubare Hill found in the depth of the Bwindi impenetrable forest and it was after this that it was named.  According to the trackers who first spotted this group comprised eighteen 18 individuals with Ruhondeza as the dominant male silverback. The leadership of Silverback Ruhondeza was challenged in March 2012 when a wild gorilla group attacked his family and left with a couple of females. The defeated Ruhondeza had at the time grown old and weaker and fled to the neighboring community Forest where he took refuge. Nonetheless, the wildlife researchers of Bwindi national park continued to monitor his progress until on the 27th of June 2020 he sadly died in his sleep. This dignified silverback who was said to be more than 50 years old was buried close to the park headquarters offices and his gravestone can be seen today. This silverback was well known as a gentle-mannered yet lazy leader a character well depicted by his name which means ‘sleepy fellow’.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

First opened for tourism in 1999, the Habinyanja gorilla family habituation process began in 1997. this group was first sighted close to a swamp within the impenetrable forest of Bwindi National Park and it’s from this that its name Habinyanja which was derived from ‘Nyanja’ a local word in the Rukiga language that means ‘a place with water’. Mugurisi a word that means ‘old man’ was the name for the dominant silverback that was leading this group at the time when it was discovered. Unfortunately, he died due to old age and his two brothers Mwirima and Rwansigazi took on the leadership of this gorilla family. Because of the differences in their nature, this joint leadership did not last long as Rwansigazi loved moving a lot due to his adventurous nature while his brother Mwirima preferred covering a small range. This indifference among others led to the two brothers parting ways in a surprisingly very peaceful way that did not involve any fights. The group that remained with Mwirima was called the Rushegura family while the one that left with Rwansigazi retained the name Habinyanja. Today the Habinyanja gorilla family is laid by silverback Makara who took over leadership from Rwansigazi. From time to time these groups have been seen to come across each other and they peacefully exist. in 2011 in June the very social and friendly blackback Mizano was discovered dead with several spear wounds around his neck and shoulders and it said that some porches who were with dogs attacked this group. This unfortunate incident was recorded as the first scene ever since 1995 where a gorilla was killed by poachers.

Rushegura gorilla family

This group separated from the bigger Habinyanja family and the separation happened in 2002 at a place called Rushegura after which it was named. At the time of separation, the dominant silverback Mwirima left with twelve individuals among which were five females. By 2010 the family had increased in number to a total of nineteen individuals. Over the years, silverback Mwirima had been devoted to protecting his family and fought several attacks by wild gorilla groups. Previously this family would cross into the democratic republic of Congo which shares a border with the Bwindi NP, board however it eventually settled and made permanent residence in the Bwindi National Park. Fortunately, this group is very calm and has harmoniously lived with the people of the nearby village, and on several times, it has been observed visiting the gardens of Gorilla Forest camp.

Gorilla Groups In Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

In the local Rukiga language, the name Nkuringo means a ‘round hill’ and it is on a round hill that this group was first seen. This family tended to move to the lower slopes into the Village communities nearby where it turned out to be problematic to the people as it would eat farm produce such as sweet potatoes, bananas, and other crops. Because of the numerous complaints from the local people, this group was eventually habituated to tourism in order to protect it as well as enable the local people to gain from revenue acquired from gorilla tourism. At the time of habituation, this group was led by silverback Nkuringo who at the time was old and weary. After his passing in 2008 in April two silverbacks Rafiki and safari remained in the family however leadership shifted to his son Safari. An adult female Kwitonda not long after gave birth to twins Muhozi and katungi however the latter died after succumbing to an illness at the age of one-and-a-half years

Bitukura Gorilla Family

This gorilla group was first seen close to River Bitukura after which it was named. It was opened for tourism in October 2008 after a habituation process starting in July 2007. unique about this gorilla family is that, unlike another group whose habituation process takes two years, it only took 15 months to get it fully habituated and fit for tourism. This uniqueness is believed to have been caused by the close bond between the Bitukura family and the Kyaguriro family. Previously it comprised 24 members but as the years went by, they reduced to just 14 members with a number of them joining other families.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family

Led by silverback Tibirikwata this gorilla family was opened to tourism in 2011 and over the years it has increased in number thanks to the various births within the family. In June 2011 Ntamurungi a female adult gave birth and later that very year in October Musi another adult female gave birth as well. In 2012 in March, Kakoba another adult female give birth to twins a thing that brought tremendous joy to the gorilla family

Contact us with any inquiries about booking a gorilla safari to trek any of the above gorilla groups in Bwindi.

Track Nyakagezi Gorilla family. Habituated Gorilla family –Mgahinga National Park – Gorilla Trekking – Uganda.

About the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

This gorilla group is found in South-Western Uganda, just in the renowned slopes of the three Virunga Volcanoes that includes the Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga. The group borrows its name from Nyakagezi a place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where there is a lot of food attractive to the gorillas. Nyakagezi family is the easiest to track in Mgahinga given the fact that it prefers a narrow home range for feeding, nesting, relaxing and recreation.

The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only fully habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This fact offers tourists a great opportunity to track the rare mountain gorillas in the wild. The Nyakagezi family is composed of 9 members; 4 silver backs, 2 infants, 2 Adults females 1 juvenile. Mark is the the name of the dominant silverback and he took over leadership from his father Bugingo. The other silver back members include Mathew and Mafia. Nyiramwiza and Nshuti are adult females, Nkanda is a juvenile, and Mutagamba and Rukundo are Infants. Bugingo the oldest silverback is believed to be more than 54 years. A rare but an interesting fact about the Nyakagezi group is that Bugingo still lives in the family yet in most cases, once the dormant silverback is overthrown, he is banished and dies in isolation or seeks refuge from other gorilla groups.

Bugingo silverback is estimated to be 53 years and still thriving in the gorilla family something uncommonly seen in gorilla life. In normal occasions, any silverback gorilla that happens to be overthrown from the main group would resort to a lonely life or totally abandons the family like the case was with Mubare gorilla group in the Buhoma North of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Tracking the Nyakagezi familay.

The Nyakagezi gorilla group was famous for their migratory behavior across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. However, this gorilla group has today settled in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda where tourists are assured of gorilla trekking experiences.

Though this group is mobile and crosses over to Rwanda and DRC, it is considered the easiest to track in Uganda because they are found in areas of lower altitude and prefer a small home range for nesting, relaxing and feeding because of abundance of food. The Nyakagezi group is one of the most interesting gorilla groups worth tracking in Uganda because of it being the only gorilla group in Mgahinga, their mobile behavior and the fact that the silverbacks of the family especially the oldest silverback “Bugingo” and the reigning silverback live together happily.

The success rate to see these great apes stands at over 95% chances. Now it is easier to track this gorilla group because they have a permanent settlement unlike initially where they were always on the move. More and more tourists are now visiting the Park to track this interesting group. Due to their mobile and unpredictable behavior, gorilla permits for Nyakagezi group have to be booked at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park headquarters in Ntebeko and it is always important to first confirm within 24 hours to ascertain whether they are within the park or have crossed to other countries. Because it is the only group in the park.

Visiting the Nyakagezi gorilla group shouldn’t be an experience that centers on mountain gorillas but also an excitement that is built around the most incredible three Virunga volcano summits, the gorge and then the magnificent flora. Indeed, you will appreciate taking gorilla safari to Uganda’s most gifted remote national park. However, there are only 8 (eight) gorilla permits that are always available for visitors to track the Nyakagezi gorilla group and this also be quantified to only 8 visitors per trek.

Getting to Mgahinga to track mountain gorillas in Nyakagezi gorilla group

If you are interested in tracking the mountain gorillas in this group, you can choose to travel on road or by air. Nyakagezi gorilla family is situated in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and interested visitors can take scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip and then land in Kisoro Airstrip where they can to be moved to the park on road from their respective lodge. By road: You can take the Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route where you can easily connect to park where gorilla trekking is done.

Where to stay when trekking Nyakagezi gorilla family in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Tracking the mountain gorillas at Nyakagezi gorilla group has no worries since there are lodging facilities. Some of the comfortable lodging facilities around the park include Mount Gahinga Lodge and Mutanda Lake Resort.

In conclusion, the Nyakagezi gorilla group is the only habituated gorilla family that offers unforgettable and ultimate gorilla safari experiences to tourists who get into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Although the group used to roam around and past DRC and Rwanda borders, today you can track the mountain gorillas in the group which leaves them with authentic gorilla experiences of a life time.

Contact us with any inquiries about tracking the Nyakagezi Gorilla family.

Flying for gorilla trekking to Bwindi 

 Bwindi gorilla safaris – fly-in safari for Gorilla Trekking.

Flying for gorilla trekking to Bwindi, Bwindi’s 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 sicks 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 for 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, and 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 too mighty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP. Including other tourtouristtinations 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

CNN Ranks Uganda among Top Travel destinations for 2023

Gorilla trekking – Wildlife Safaris – The best time to Visit Uganda 

CNN Ranks Uganda Top Travel destinations. “From the expansive shores of Lake Victoria to the snowy Rwenzori mountains, Uganda is a beautiful wilderness playground with opportunities for adventure including treks through the Bwindi impenetrable national forest, the craters of the Virunga Volcanos or white water rafting along the Victoria Nile.

There is considerable change brewing in Uganda Travel offerings at the moment with the east African country looking beyond the traditional staples of safari and wildlife spotting to appeal to both regional and international visitors” CNN wrote.

Since the creation of the world, Uganda has been the most beautiful country on earth. Its therefore by no surprise that CNN travel walks in the footsteps of sir Winston Churchill who referred to Uganda as the pearl of Africa.

Many features make Uganda a very unique destination for safaris.

Gorilla population and trekking adventures.

CNN Ranks Uganda Top Travel destination. Uganda is home to more than half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas present in the whole world. These gentle giants can be trekked in only two destinations that are from Bwindi impenetrable National game park and Mgahinga gorilla national game. This population of mountain gorillas gives any tourist from around the world an adventurous and exciting gorilla adventure safari that can’t be got from any other part of the world.

Besides gorilla trekking, Uganda is home to more primate species more notably chimpanzees than any other destination in the world.

CNN Ranks Uganda Top Travel destination

The source of River Nile, the longest river in Africa has its origin in Uganda. It starts from the tourist city of Jinja flowing northwards through north Eastern Africa to Drain into the Mediterranean Sea.

Uganda has close to one hundred and sixty-five lakes offering a great opportunity for tourists to take sunset and sunrise cruises and involves in quite many water-related tourist activities like sport fishing and canoe boat riding.

The country is also home to close to 506 central forest reserves with incredible and rich biodiversity offering great opportunities for tourists to take exciting chimpanzee trekking adventures, therapeutic nature walks, and great bird-watching expeditions.

Cultural encounters

Uganda is a diversity of cultures each with unique foods, languages, Music, norms, and beliefs but most important of all, the country is home to the most welcoming and friendly people on earth.

Safari destinations in Uganda

CNN Ranks Uganda Top Travel destination. From the north to the south, east to the west, every part of the country has a feature or a destination that makes Uganda a safari destination of Choice for any traveler. The western part of the country is dominated by exciting safari destinations including Bwindi impenetrable National game park, Mgahinga gorilla National, Queen Elizabeth national game park, Murchison falls national, Kibaale forest national game, fort portal, and semiliki national game park.

The northern part of the country is home to Kidepo valley national game park, and Piane Upe game reserve, and is home to yet another unique culture of the Karamajong. Other exciting and unique destinations in Uganda include Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja, among other cities and towns.

Tourist activities in Uganda

Uganda offers some of the most exciting tourist activities than any other destination in Africa and the world at large. The tourist activities include Gorilla trekking and habituation, Chimpanzee trekking adventures, wildlife and game viewing safaris, bird watching safaris, mountain climbing, boat rides, cycling, filming and photography tours, and Volunteer trips among others.

CNN Ranks Uganda Top Travel destination

Uganda is indeed the pearl of Africa. There is Uniqueness about Uganda in every aspect and that’s what makes the country a perfect destination for safaris.

Contact us with any inquiries about organizing a safari to Uganda.

Tracking wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s tropical forests.

Why trekking chimpanzees in Uganda is one of the best summer adventure experiences in Africa?- Chimpanzee trekking adventures in Uganda

Tracking wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s tropical forests.  The thrill of tracking our snobbish cousins in the middle of an ancient rainforest jungle is one of the most endearing adventures on the African continent.

These intelligent, curious, noisy, and social apes live in small communities in equatorial Africa, with about 172,700 to 299,700 individuals thought to be living in protected rainforests. Uganda houses almost 5000 of these chimps with a couple of groups habituated for tourism. Observing a troop of habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat is one of Africa’s top bucket list experiences that any adventurer shouldn’t miss.

One of the best places to encounter chimpanzees in the wild is in Kibale National Park the primate’s capital of the world in western Uganda, home to five habituated groups within easy walking distance.

Chimpanzees are members of the great ape family with gorillas, humans, and orangutans. Chimps are intelligent, curious, social, and very noisy. They live in loose communities of about ten to more than 100 individuals sharing a home range that they protect from intruders.  They have complex behavior patterns, many of which they progressively learn. They can solve problems, plan for anticipated events, and make and use tools. Scientists have also observed them utilizing medicinal plants for a variety of ailments.

The idea that we have much in common with chimps, including more than 98 percent of our genetic code, is why so many travelers flock to Uganda and other parts of central Africa to watch these fascinating primates. Thanks to Jane Goodall’s long-term research, which has contributed to a comprehensive study that identified significant cultural variations in chimpanzee communities. Now we can relate to how our ancestors lived and make relevant adjustments.

Chimpanzees have been observed using tools, target throwing, and nest building. We’ve watched them grooming, rain dancing, and engaging in courtship rituals, and behavior scientists trace to multi-generational social learning and customs — in other words, culture. Imagine locking eyes with a primitive humanoid and seeing two million years into primate evolution; they are just like us.

On a chimpanzee-tracking adventure in Uganda’s thick rainforest jungles, tourists watch chimps regularly hold hands, touch and groom each other and sometimes kiss when they meet.

An adult chimp often has a special buddy with whom it spends a lot of time, with the most potent relationships within a troop between adult males.  Male chimps tend to spend a lot of time together and groom each other, almost four times as much as females. Females give their young a great deal of attention and help each other with babysitting chores.

The band’s older chimps are usually reasonably patient with active youngsters — watching over them as grandparents do with human kids. A crucial social activity in chimp societies is social grooming. Not only does grooming help remove ticks, flakes of dead skin, and dirt from the hair, but it also helps create and maintain social bonds. Walking with chimpanzees in Kibale National Park feels like walking with sugar-high kids. Still, it is when they come down from the canopy to the forest floor that tourists get the closest to them and observe their intricate social structures.

Tracking wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s tropical forests

Kibale forest National Park’s Chimpanzees

Located in the shadows of the Rwenzori mountains in western Uganda, Kibale forest National Park beams with an enchanting combination of scenic landscape scenery and forest creatures. Kibale has the highest concentration of primates in Africa; 13 primate species make it home but the most prominent is the 1500 chimpanzees swinging its canopy.

Visitors can track any of the five habituated troops and spend an hour or the entire day following their energetic antics. The best chimpanzee tracking excursions in Uganda happen twice daily from the Kanyanchu visitor center in Kibale.

At a Kanyanchu, expert local guides escort small groups to meet one of the most enthralling chimpanzee troops of about 120 individuals. Early morning excursions set off at bout 8:00 and typically last about four hours, and all you need to join the party is a tracking permit. With a regular chimpanzee trekking permit ($200 per person), visitors can spend up to one hour observing the chimps. Alternatively, visitors can spend the entire day walking with and observing wild chimps undergoing the habituation process on a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX) for a permit price of $250 per person.

However, the habituation experience is physically demanding; prepare for a fair bit of fast-walking in the jungle with unmarked and sometimes damp trails. Kibale chimpanzees are boisterous and move fast, only stopping for a few minutes to listen out for enemies, breathe, feed, a socialize; the rewards during these moments are always worth the sweat.

Other destinations for Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Tracking wild chimpanzees in Uganda’s tropical forests

For any inquiries about chimpanzee trekking adventures through Uganda and Rwanda, reach out to us at info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda – Uganda Gorilla Safaris – Gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda. Gorillas are considered a critically endangered species all over the world with only just one thousand of them still existing. These are found in a few African countries including Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Uganda serves as a safe home to more than half of the remaining population of Mountain gorillas and they are found in only two destinations and that’s Bwindi impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Mountain gorillas in Uganda and all other African destinations found are threatened by quite a several things including, disease, loss of habitat, illegal hunting for meat and trophies, and the most prominent one being encroachment on their habitat by humans a thing that is influenced by worsening conditions of living, lack of social services, poverty, and high human population growth.

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda. To address these threats to gorilla conservation many gorilla conservation organizations have been set up and many have come up with incredible initiatives to safeguard the future of these gentle giants. The most popular one of all organizations is Conservation through Public health.

To tackle the threats above, conservation through public health has focused on improving gorilla health, through regular health monitoring of habituated gorilla groups, improving community attitudes to gorilla and forest conservation, and improving community conservation practices through the promotion of clean energy. Special emphasis has been put on the meaningful engagement of women and other community members in their co-existence with the mountain gorillas and the forests they call a safe place.

Gorilla Health monitoring

Conservation for public health set up the gorilla health monitoring unit to proactively address and tackle species disease outbreaks between people, gorillas, and livestock by establishing an early warning system. To make this very effective, a Gorilla Research Clinic was established in 2005 at Buhoma – Bwindi’s main tourist site. In 2015, the research clinic was upgraded to a larger Gorilla Health and Community Conservation Centre with support from Tusk Trust where samples from gorillas, livestock, and people are analyzed to test for diseases that have the potential to be shared across species. This initiative has proved so important as it has reduced threats to the mountain gorillas by providing early warnings for disease outbreaks between people, livestock, and the gorillas.

Community volunteers have been trained and turned into Gorilla-Human Conflict Resolution teams with responsibilities including reporting clinical signs in gorillas and collecting fecal samples from gorilla night nests and trails both inside and outside the national park, safely chasing gorillas back into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park when they encroach on community land often when foraging for banana plants, collect gorilla fecal samples left on community land as part of monitoring gorilla health at a time when they are most at risk from human diseases.

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda

Communication for Conservation

Through the Village Health and Conservation Teams, families bordering protected areas are designed to receive conservation messages through peer education programs. Each VHCT is in charge of 50 homes and while delivering critical health services, they also deliver information on the importance of gorillas and the conservation of their forest habitat.

Youth engagement in Conservation

Youths and children are motivated to learn about the conservation and health of mountain gorillas through sports and cultural entertainment projects. Through partnerships with various international bodies, conservation for public health organizes football and netball tournaments at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to improve youth community engagement in conservation. conservation education curriculums have been designed to provide lessons to the participants about gorilla conservation and future existence.

Gorilla Conservation in Uganda

Women’s engagement in the conservation of gorillas.

Meaningful engagement and participation of women and girls in gorilla conservation projects have been initiated. opportunities have been created to support them in roles of conservation leadership, within the communities in which they work, in recognition of the pivotal role that women and girls have in environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

Feel free to contact us with inquiries on how you can participate in the conservation of mountain gorillas as a volunteer and very many other initiatives.

Fly in safari for gorilla trekking in Bwindi – Luxury gorilla trekking in Uganda – 3 days gorilla trekking by air.

Fly in safari for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Flying into Bwindi impenetrable national game park is the most comfortable way to access Uganda’s most prominent destination Bwindi impenetrable national game park for gorilla trekking, most especially for travelers who do not wish to do seven hours countryside drive to Bwindi. The fly-in safari to Bwindi allows you to make the most of your time and also be able to spare some time for other wildlife activities after gorilla trekking.

The fly-in safari for gorilla trekking can either start from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airstrip to the airstrip in Kisoro for a flight of about an hour.

Detailed itinerary by days.

Day one: Transfer to Bwindi by air.

Day highlights

Breathtaking views of the countryside with an aerial view

This trip will start with having an early morning breakfast at your hotel or residence. After breakfast, you will be picked up by a guide from Katland Safaris who will brief you about your three days safari and then transfer you to either Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airstrip for your flight to Kisoro. The flight from either Entebbe or Kajansi to Kisoro lasts around an hour with breathtaking views of Uganda’s countryside. Upon arrival at the airstrip in Kisoro, you will be picked up by a representative from Katland safaris who will welcome you, brief you again and transfer you to the lodge for check-in. After checking into the lodge, you will relax a bit as you wait for lunch.

Evening community walk.

Since you have a whole evening at the national park, you can choose from a range of optional activities the most popular one being a walk through the rural village to visit the Batwa community. This is the group that used to live with the mountain gorillas in the impenetrable forest before they were evicted for the conservation of mountain gorillas. They will take you through how they used to live life in the forest with gorillas, how they gathered food through hunting, how they treated themselves from disease and so much more. This can climax with entertainment from the local community of the Batwa men and women with a dance you are free to participate in.

Day two: All day of gorilla trekking.

The main activity of the second day of the 3 days fly in safari to Bwindi is gorilla trekking.

You will wake up very early in the morning for breakfast, with packed lunch and enough drinking water or dry foods, you will be transferred to the gate of the national park for a briefing from the rangers before gorilla trekking starts.

After the briefing and with the leadership of the ranger guide, you will then embark on a full-day adventure into the thick Bwindi impenetrable forest to track the famous mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the most important destinations in Uganda. This park is a safe home to more than half the population of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. You will then start the trek into the impenetrable forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park.​ This is a true adventure and part of the excitement is finding the gorillas. Follow the guides as they make paths through the thick vegetation until the special moment when you come in contact with these majestic gentle giants. Coming so close to the mountain gorillas is truly a priceless and extremely unique experience and will surely be one of the standout moments of your fly-in gorilla safari to Bwindi. After meeting the mountain gorillas, you will be awarded an hour to spend with the mountain gorillas, observe them and take pictures to share with friends and loved ones back home.

After the gorilla encounter, you will return to the gate of the national park where the trekking started, and there meet with the representative from Katland safaris who will transfer you back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer back to either Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport from Kisoro.

Wake up early morning for breakfast and then our guide will transfer you to the airstrip to Kisoro to catch your flight back to either kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport. Upon arrival at kajjansi or Entebbe international airport, you will again meet a representative from Katland Safaris who will transfer you to either your hotel of residence, home or transfer to Entebbe international airport for your international flight back home.

Fly in safari for gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Contact us for more information about a fly-in safari to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

Booking a gorilla safari to Uganda – Gorilla trekking – Gorilla Habituation – Uganda – Rwanda

Booking a Gorilla Safari to Uganda. Uganda is a top destination for gorilla trekking in the world. This is because the country is home to more than half of the remaining population of the gentle giants. The gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda can only be done from two destinations, that’s from Bwindi impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga’s gorilla national game park. Both parks are located in western Uganda and are part of the Virunga conservation area shared by three countries, Rwanda Uganda, and the democratic republic of Congo.

When booking a gorilla safari to Uganda, a lot of things are supposed to be put into a plan for a swift and adventurous gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla booking starts with deciding to take Uganda as a gorilla trekking destination. When the decision is taken, we at all times advise that the traveler uses a trusted-on-ground tour and travel agent to put all safari logistics in check.

Booking a gorilla permit.

A gorilla permit is the official government document that allows you access to two of Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations and that’s Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national game parks.

A gorilla permit also gives you an hour on normal gorilla tracking and four hours when it’s gorilla habituation. Within this time frame, a client is allowed to spend time with the gorillas, observe their ways of life, and take memorable pictures to share with loved ones back home. Travelers can book using a trusted tour operator to book in advance for three months before the travel to the country and it can be done by sending your biodata passport and the day of the month you are planning to travel.

Alternatively, a client can book his or her gorilla permit directly by contacting Uganda wildlife Authority by either male or direct contact for reservation of gorilla permits on particular dates. However, this process has proven to be challenging to many visitors as compared to using a trusted tour and travel company like Katland safaris.

The cost of a gorilla permit.

Only a maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek a gorilla group in a single day. Because gorilla trekking is a very popular tourist activity, very few gorilla trekking permits are released in a year and they at most times get finished very quickly. That’s why we at all times advise booking your gorilla permit early enough for easy planning for your gorilla adventure safari to Uganda.

A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 700 for normal gorilla trekking. Gorilla habituation permits cost 1500 USD and also only eight visitors are allowed for the habituation process for each group.

Bwindi has got four gorilla trekking sectors and including Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga gorilla sector. Bwindi has 12 gorilla families whereas Mgahinga has 1 gorilla family known as the Nyakagezi family.

 Best time for booking a gorilla safari t Uganda.

The best season for gorilla trekking is during April May, October, and December when trekkers are few. During these months, a visitor can easily get the permits however we advise you to book your gorilla trekking permits early enough, four to six months in advance. Important to note is that gorilla trekking goes on throughout the year.

What to carry for the gorilla trekking safari.

• A rain jackets
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Long-tour trousers and long sleeves protect you from thorny and sharp things in the forest.
• Huts
• Lotions and repellants
• Sunglasses
• A camera for memory pictures to share with loved ones back home

Contact us for any inquiries about booking a gorilla safari to Uganda, and do not forget to move with your rain jackets.