Chimpanzee Vs. Gorillas

Chimpanzee Vs. Gorillas

Chimpanzee Vs. Gorillas | Chimpanzees and gorillas are both members of the great ape family

Chimpanzee Vs. Gorillas. Chimpanzees and gorillas are both members of the great ape family. Let’s explore the unique characteristics of chimpanzees and gorillas in more detail.

Chimpanzees are indeed smaller and more agile, with a slender build that allows them to climb and swing through trees with ease. Their long legs also enable them to walk for longer distances. Gorillas, on the other hand, are larger and more powerful, with broader chests and a distinctive crest on their skull. This crest serves as an anchor tough point for powerful jaw muscles, allowing them to chew and digest tough plant material.

Social Structure

Chimpanzees live in complex societies with a dominant male at the helm. These communications can be quite large, with up to 150 individuals, and are often characterized by intricate social dynamics and alliances. Gorillas, while also social, live in smaller groups led by a dominant silverback male. This silverback plays a crucial role in protecting the group and maintaining social order.

Communication

These communicate through a range of vocalizations, including grunts, roars, and hoots, as well as through facial expression and body language such as chest–beating and charging. Both species also use grooming as a form of banding and communication.

Diet and Foraging.

Chimpanzees are omnivores with a varied diet that includes fruits, leaves, insects, and even small mammals. They are also skilled tool users, using sticks and rocks to extract food and solve problems, such as using sticks to fish for termites.

Gorillas, on the other hand, are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, stems, and shoots. They spend a significant amount of time foraging for food as the diet requires them to consume large quantities of vegetation to meet their nutritional needs.

Gorilla trekking experience.

The gorilla trekking experience begins early with breakfast and a briefing at park headquarters, covering dos, don’ts, and safety precautions. You’re then divided into groups of eight and, with a guide, embark on a 1–6-hour trek through dense vegetation to find the gorillas. The challenging hike includes regular breaks until you locate the gorillas. You will spend an hour observing them in interactions, playing, and grooming.

Being just a few feet away from these majestic creatures is indescribable, and the experience is unforgettable and humbling, with gorillas accustomed to human pressure.

Booking gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda with Katland Safaris.

Katland Safaris organizes the best gorilla and wildlife safaris in East Africa. When it comes to gorilla trekking, we will book your gorilla trekking permits for Uganda`s Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national park and gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Besides booking your gorilla permit, we will also put all other gorilla safari accessories, like transportation and accommodation, in one package to make your gorilla trekking safari a memorable adventure:

Your gorilla trekking safaris can be customized to meet your safari expectations and needs, and budget. The safari package can range from budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris.

Feel free to contact our team of excellent safari consultants to help you organize the best Africa gorilla safari ever.

Embark on an unforgettable Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari experience in Uganda and Rwanda.

WhatsApp us at +256705778866 to book your safari today!

Email us at info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com for more information

Visit www.katlandafricagorillasafaris.com for exciting tour packages and itineraries.

Best places to visit in Uganda

Best places to visit in Uganda

Best places to visit in Uganda. – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Murchison Falls National Park

Best places to visit in Uganda

Uganda is referred to as the “pearl of Africa,” with a diverse landscape with rich wildlife, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas. Trekk through the dense forest to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, an unforgettable experience.

Murchison Falls National Park is located in the northwest of Uganda.

This park boasts the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River flows through a narrow gorge. Enjoy game viewing, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, and various bird species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park:

With a diverse ecosystem, including savannah, forest, and wetlands, this park is home to an abundance of wildlife, such as tree-climbing lions, hippos, crocodiles, and chimpanzees.

Kibale National Park:

A heaven for chimpanzee trekking, this park offers primates like red colobus monkeys and hosts monkeys.

Kidepo Valley National Park:

Located in the remote northeast, this park offers a unique wilderness experience with rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters with the Karamojong people.

Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

The only place in Uganda to see wild rhinos, this sanctuary offers guided walking safaris to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Uganda Martyrs Shrine:

A significant catholic site, this shrine commemorates the Uganda martyrs, and this is a place of pilgrimage, especially during the annual martyrs’ day celebrations

Ssese Islands:

Located in Lake Victoria, these islands offer pristine beaches, lush forests, and d relaxed atmosphere, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and exploring local villages.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

Another great spot to witness volcanic landscapes, and home to golden monkeys and various bird species.

Mabira forest reserve:

Just outside Kampala, this biodiversity hotspot offers hiking, bird watching, and canopy zip–lining amidst lush vegetation and waterfalls

Kampala:

Uganda’s vibrant capital city blends modern amenities, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions, including the Kasubi tombs, Uganda museum, and vibrant markets.

 Rwakobo rock:

NeaLakeke Mburo National Park, this rock offers panoramic views, comfortable cuttings game drives, horseback riding, and cultural village walks.

Lake Bunyonyi;

Dotted with small islands and surrounded by terraced hills, this lake is perfect for relaxation, canoeing, and exploring local culture.

Rwenzori Mountain National Park;

Known as the “mountains of the moon,” this park offers incredible trekking opportunities, glaciers, and diverse plant and animal species.

Budongo forest reserve;

Home to a significant chimpanzee population, this reserve offers chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, and picture opportunities.

Sipi falls;

As one of the stunning waterfalls in eastern Uganda, Sipi Falls offers hiking and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda, offers white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and boat cruises on the Nile River.

Semuliki National Park: With unique Wildlife and diverse habitats. This park is great for bird watching, primate viewing, and exploring hot springs.

Entebbe: As the gateway to Uganda, Entebbe is worth visiting for the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Botanical Gardens, and Ngamba Island chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Fort Portal; Most led in the foothills of Rwenzori Mountain, this charming town is surrounded by tea plantations, crater lakes, and beautiful scenery, perfect for exploring nearby attractions.

Gorilla trekking experience.

The gorilla trekking experience begins early with breakfast and a briefing at park headquarters, covering dos, don’ts, and safety precautions. You’re then divided into groups of eight and, with a guide and embark on a 1–6-hour trek through dense vegetation to find the gorillas. The challenging hike includes regular breaks until you locate the gorillas. You will spend an hour observing them in interactions, playing, and grooming.

Being just a few feet away from these majestic creatures is indescribable, and the experience is unforgettable and humbling, with gorillas accustomed to human pressure.

Booking gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda with Katland Safaris.

Katland Safaris organizes the best gorilla and wildlife safaris in East Africa. When it comes to gorilla trekking, we will book your gorilla trekking permits for Uganda`s Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national park and gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Besides booking your gorilla permit, we will also put all other gorilla safari accessories, like transportation and accommodation, in one package to make your gorilla trekking safari a memorable adventure:

Your gorilla trekking safaris can be customized to meet your safari expectations and needs, and budget. The safari package can range from budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris.

Feel free to contact our team of excellent safari consultants to help you organize the best Africa gorilla safari ever.

Embark on an unforgettable Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari experience in Uganda and Rwanda.

WhatsApp us at +256705778866 to book your safari today!

Email us at info@katlandafricagorillasafaris.com for more information

Visit www.katlandafricagorillasafaris.com for exciting tour packages and itineraries

Rwanda Gorilla naming Ceremony Kwita Izina

Rwanda Gorilla naming Ceremony

Rwanda Gorilla naming Ceremony Kwita Izina 2025

What transpired at the Rwanda gorilla naming ceremony – Gorilla naming, Gorilla trekking – Rwanda – Kwita Izina

Kwita Izina 2022. Kwita Izina is a gorilla naming ceremony held in Rwanda once every year, hosted in Kinigi, Musanze District, in the Northern Province of Rwanda. The ceremony has been held in its current incarnation since 2005, derived from the centuries-old Rwandan tradition of naming one’s children in the presence of family and friends.

For each ceremony held every year, a line of prominent individuals from across the world are given invitations to give names to newborn baby gorillas at every year’s Kwita Izina ceremony. For this year, the gorilla naming ceremony took place on 2nd of September 2022. The list of prominent people invited for the gorilla naming ceremony was topped by Prince Charles, Duke of Wales. Other prominent people on the list included Didier Drogba, former Chelsea striker, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary General of the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie, Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Kenyan music band Sauti Sol, Gilberto Silva, former Arsenal midfielder, and Salma Rhadia Mukansanga, Rwandan International Football Referee, among many other prominent individuals.

The ceremony is inspired by and modelled on an old tradition from many centuries ago in which Rwandans gave their newborn children names in a celebration graced by friends and family. The population of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world is only slightly above 1000. Therefore, the birth of any new baby gorilla comes with lots of excitement as it promises a better future for the conservation of these gentle giants. Over the last 17 years, 354 mountain gorillas have been given names in this Rwanda gorilla naming ceremony called Kwita Izina.Kwita Izina 2025

The event is first intended to add a higher value to these mountain gorillas in the eyes of Humans by giving these gentle giants names that the general public can relate to to further gorilla conservation initiatives. Second, the event is also an opportunity to thank the communities that live around Volcanoes National Park, research partners, veterinarians, conservationists, rangers, trackers, and the general public who, with great effort, protect these mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas remain a critically endangered species, and despite efforts to protect them, they are still hunted down for their meat or just to be turned into trophies. The Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF) estimates that only about 1,000 of these great apes remain in the wild globally.

Mountain gorillas are one of two subspecies of the eastern gorilla and one of the world’s largest living primates. They have muscular arms, a massive chest, and broad hands and feet, and they have longer hair and shorter arms than their lowland cousins.

In the whole of Africa, these gentle giants can only be trekked in Uganda, Rwanda, and the democratic republic of Congo.

Many conservation efforts have been started in recent years, intended at protecting the mountain gorillas and as well increase their number. Rwanda intends to play a pivotal role in creating a very safe space for mountain gorillas, and that’s the spirit from which the gorilla nnamingceremony K,wita Izina, comes.

Contact us with any inquiries about attending the next gorilla naming ceremony or trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

Flying to Bwindi for gorilla trekking adventures

Flying to Bwindi for gorilla trekking Bwindi gorilla safaris – Affordable Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Flying to Bwindi for gorilla trekking

Bwindi gorilla safaris –

Affordable Gorilla trekking in Uganda – Luxury Gorilla trekking Trips

Flying to Bwindi for gorilla trekking Safaris. 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 species, 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-lifetime experience, gorilla trekking in 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 sets out 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.

What to see and do on a Bwindi gorilla Safari from Kigali
What to see and do on a Bwindi gorilla Safari from Kigali

It’s because of the reasons above that many Ugandan tourists to Bwindi National Park have been visiting the park by flying to Kigali airport, Rwanda, because it is much closer and more convenient to connect to Bwindi from Rwanda than driving from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and its 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 9-hour 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, 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 tourist destinations around the country to ensure that their accessibility is paramount. Therefore, Flying Uganda Safaris offers 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 9-hour drive journey by flying from Kajjansi to Kihiihi airstrip and which takes about 1 hour. 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 Park 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 flying 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 Park, the home of mountain gorillas.

Flying Bwindi gorilla safaris

Cost of a 10 days Safari to Uganda.

Cost of a 10 days Safari to Uganda

Cost of a 10-day Safari to Uganda.

Uganda Budget Safaris – Luxury Safaris through Uganda

Cost of a Safari to Uganda. Taking a Safari through Uganda is one of the best decisions anyone interested in experiencing the country should take. It allows one to have a true African experience from a single destination, Uganda. The Safari involves trekking the Mountain Gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting activities while on a safari through Uganda and is a must-do. It involves a hike and trekking through the thick impenetrable vegetation of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park until you have the opportunity to look directly into the eyes of the mountain gorillas.

For this exciting safari activity, we encourage visitors to carry their cameras and at times be on standby to take lifetime moments with the mountain gorillas with the Guidance of the game rangers.

What is the cost of a 10-day trip to Uganda?

A 110-daysafari through Uganda can cost anything between 5500 dollars to 3200 dollars per person. This is, however, dependent on several factors.  

The price of safari packages through Uganda differs in price depending on several factors that have a significant impact on the overall safari cost. These factors are the basis of how safaris are divided into the categories of budget, mid-range, and Luxury.

Private tours are often more expensive than shared ones. Some travelers might wish to think about a fly-in safari on a 10-day journey, although fly-in safaris are relatively more costly than road safaris. Visitors should also take note that low-season costs can also be advantageous, and even if it may rain more during this time, the countryside is at its most beautiful.

Highlight of a 10-day Safari through UgandaCost of a 10 days Safari to Uganda

Discover the famous Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park,s home to more than half of the remaining population of Mountain gorillas.

Primates Trekking. Look into the eyes of a mountain gorilla, Trek the Ugandan jungles to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, golden monkeys, and many other primates.

Wildlife safaris Uganda’snda Savanah National Parks, including Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Rhino tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

A visit to Murchison Falls National game park.

Private tour guide in English and other languages

Transport in a travel Van Customized for safaris.

Accommodation selected to fit your expectations.

An All-inclusive safari including lodging, entrance fees, meals, and transport

Guided walks with professional and knowledgeable guides

Unique accommodation,s including safari lodges and tented camps in various parks.

Cultural encounters with some of Uganda’s unique societies

What is included in the Cost of a 10-day trip through Uganda

The Cost of your 10-day Safari Includes Gorilla permits, Chimpanzee Permits, an Experienced English-speaking guide, Park entrance fees, Cultural Encounters, Luxury lodge accommodation, Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bottled water, and government taxes.

Tour exclusions

Visa fees, laundry services & alcoholic drinks, International/domestic flights, and Tips to the driver guides, waiters, and porters.

Must do tourist activity on a 10-day safari through Uganda

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity for a 10-day Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Game. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place in Uganda to track mountain gorillas. The park protects 40% of the world’s mountain gorilla population and has an incredible 350 species of birds.

Accommodation offered on a 110-day Uganda safari?

After a long day surveying the incredible landscape and Uganda wildlife on offer, guests can look forward to the very best safari accommodation Uganda has to offer. The accommodation here is excellent, with numerous options from tented camps and luxury lodges to camping grounds.

From camping in the bush with amenities to mid-range and luxury lodges, there’s something for everyone here. There are various accommodation options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including Gorilla Heights Lodge.

Most luxury lodges also offer a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, and a shower. There is also a kitchen in some of the units equipped with a microwave, an oven, and a stovetop.

Chameleon Hill Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a luxury lodge built overlooking Lake Mutanda. The lodge has a beautiful compound with great views of the three volcanoes and a superb spot for those who have come for gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey tracking, or canoeing on Lake Mutanda.

What is the best time to go on a 10-day safari to Uganda?

The best time to go on a 10-day gorilla trek in Uganda is during its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and other wildlife animals.

Cost of a 10 days best of Uganda Safari to Uganda

Cost of a 10 days Safari to Uganda

Cost of a 10-day Safari to Uganda

Uganda Budget Safaris – Luxury Safaris through Uganda

10 days Uganda Safari cost. Taking a Safari through Uganda is one of the best decisions anyone interested in experiencing the country should take. It allows one to have a true African experience from a single destination, Uganda. The Safari involves trekking the Mountain Gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla trekking is a must-do and one of the most exciting activities while on a safari through Uganda. It involves a hike and trekking through the thick impenetrable vegetation of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park until you have the opportunity to look directly into the eyes of the mountain gorillas.

For this exciting safari activity, we encourage visitors to carry their cameras and at times be on standby to take lifetime moments with the mountain gorillas with the Guidance of the game rangers.

What is the cost of a 10-day trip to Uganda?

A 110-day safari through Uganda can cost anything between 5500 dollars to 3200 dollars per person. This is, however, dependent on several factors. Cost of a 10 days Safari to Uganda

The price of safari packages through Uganda differs depending on several factors that significantly impact the overall safari cost. These factors are the basis of how safaris are divided into the categories of budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury.

Private tours are often more expensive than shared ones. Some travelers might wish to think about a fly-in safari on a 10-day journey, although fly-in safaris are relatively more costly than road safaris. Visitors should also note that low-season costs can also be advantageous, and even if it may rain more during this time, the countryside is most beautiful.

Highlights of a 10-day Safari through Uganda.

Discover the famous Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, home to more than half of the remaining population of Mountain gorillas.

Primates Trekking. Look into the eyes of a mountain gorilla, Trek the Ugandan jungles to see chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, golden monkeys, and many other primates.

Wildlife safaris to Uganda’s Savanah National Parks, including Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.

Rhino tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary

A visit to Murchison Falls National Park.

Private tour guide in English and other languages

Transport in a travel Van Customized for safaris.

Accommodation selected to fit your expectations.

An All-inclusive safari including lodging, entrance fees, meals, and transport

Guided walks with professional and knowledgeable guides

Unique accommodation, including safari lodges and tented camps in various parks.

Cultural encounters with some of Uganda’s unique societies

What is included in the Cost of a 10-day trip through Uganda

The Cost of your 10-day Safari Includes Gorilla permits, Chimpanzee Permits, an Experienced English-speaking guide, Park entrance fees, Cultural Encounters, Luxury lodge accommodation, Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bottled water, and Government taxes.

Tour exclusions

Visa fees, laundry services & alcoholic drinks, International/domestic flights, and Tips to the driver guides, waiters, and porters.

Must do tourist activity on a 10-day safari through Uganda | 10 days Uganda Safari cost 

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity for a 10-day Uganda safari. Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Game. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best place in Uganda to track mountain gorillas. The park protects 40% of the world’s mountain gorilla population and has an incredible 350 species of birds.

Accommodation offered on a 10-day Uganda safari?

After a long day surveying the incredible landscape and Uganda wildlife, guests can look forward to the best safari accommodation Uganda offers. The accommodation here is excellent, with numerous options from tented camps and luxury lodges to camping grounds.

From camping in the bush with amenities to mid-range and luxury lodges, there’s something for everyone here. There are various accommodation options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including Gorilla Heights Lodge.

Most luxury lodges also offer a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, and a shower. There is also a kitchen in some of the units equipped with a microwave, an oven, and a stovetop.

Chameleon Hill Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a luxury lodge built overlooking Lake Mutanda. The lodge has a beautiful compound with great views of the three volcanoes and a superb spot for those who have come for gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey tracking, or canoeing on Lake Mutanda.

What is the best time to go on a 10-day safari to Uganda?

The best time to go on a 10-day gorilla trek in Uganda is during its two dry seasons: between December and February, and between June and August, when conditions are particularly good for trekking to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and other wildlife animals.

How to book Bwindi gorilla trekking permits

How to book Bwindi gorilla trekking permits

How to book Bwindi gorilla trekking permits

Planning a gorilla trekking Trip to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking – Low-budget gorilla trekking in Uganda – Gorilla habituation safaris in Uganda

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. All gorilla safari preparations in the prehistoric Bwindi Impenetrable National Park begin with the booking of a gorilla trekking permit. All gorilla permits in Uganda are sold and governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In a location devoid of tourists, Bwindi Forest offers an astounding array of natural treasures.

For expedited administrative services, all Bwindi Gorilla permits are reserved based on the park’s divisions. The Buhoma region in the north, the Ruhija region in the east, and the Rushaga and Nkuringo regions in the south are the four gorilla trekking locations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This is why you should find out which area your gorilla permit is scheduled in before making any reservations for lodging during the gorilla safari. About 327 square kilometers of pure woodland make up Bwindi’s impenetrable national park, which is difficult to go through in a hurry. Due to potential obstacles like slick roads, fog, complete darkness, flat tires, etc., the journey from one place to another is somewhat drawn out and unsettling. If you don’t attend the briefing, you can miss the gorilla trekking day.

Let’s first define a gorilla permit card before moving on to the specifics of how to reserve a gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

What is a card for a gorilla trekking permit?

A gorilla permission card is a reusable plastic card with a black stripe on the reverse that stores and retrieves your passport information on the day of the gorilla trek. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is the exclusive owner of this gorilla trekking permit card.

How Do I Go About Scheduling a Bwindi Gorilla Permit?

Decide on a date for your gorilla trekking safari, either formally or informally. It’s great to know how many gorilla permits you want to reserve.

Speak with the Uganda Wildlife Authority directly or an authorized travel agency such as katland Safari. Keep in mind that the Uganda Wildlife Authority reservation office’s phone lines are frequently busy, so you’ll need to be patient.

Our safari adviser looks up availability from the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit list after receiving your inquiry.

When gorilla permits are available, we encourage customers to get them in advance to prevent last-minute requests when they sell out. During the peak months of June, July, August, September, December, and January, the majority of gorilla permits are sold out in advance.

For comfortable gorilla safari preparation, it is best to reserve your gorilla permit at least six months to a year in advance.

You must send us your passport information, including your entire name as it appears on the document, nationality, birthdate, and passport expiration date, before you can pick up your Uganda gorilla permission card.

What is the price of a permit to trek with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. A Uganda gorilla trekking permit currently costs $800 per person per trek, $700 per person each trek, and 300000shs for residents of East Africa.

Purchasing a mountain gorilla permit helps ensure the mountain gorillas have a sustainable existence. By the 1980s, American primatologist Dian Fossey and his team conducted a population census and found that there were approximately 300 mountain gorillas left in the world, putting these primates in danger of extinction.

By participating in gorilla trekking, you may help the fund that sustains the conservation effort for mountain gorillas.

What does the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking Permit include and exclude?

The price of each gorilla trekking permit covers park admission costs, nationality, birthdate, ranger guide services, assistance for the local community, gorilla conservation, and a certificate at the conclusion of the journey.

The price of a gorilla permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park does not include transportation to gorilla trekking sites, lodging during a gorilla safari, tips, snacks to eat on the trek, or a packed lunch.

Your ideal African primate vacation with the mountain gorillas can be realized with katland Safaris. We have developed business relationships with a wide range of lodging establishments of all price ranges in our field. Depending on the length of your Uganda safari, we may help you create an itinerary that fits your needs and priorities.

When Can I Reserve Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Permits?

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. It is comfortable to book your gorilla permit at least six months to a year in advance, but you can do it as early as three months before the day of the gorilla trek. Permits to enter Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are available year-round; however, gorilla permits are in high demand during the busiest times of the year and quickly sell out. A maximum of eight gorilla permits per day per hike are available; thus, reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.How to book Bwindi gorilla trekking permits

Because there is less demand for safaris during the low season, which runs from March to May and November, you may be able to get last-minute gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Can Gorilla Permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park be rescheduled?

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. You must first request permission in writing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority if you would like to change the date of your gorilla permit.

If you want to move your gorilla permit, you must have a new date in mind.

Request a new date for your gorilla permit in writing to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If you have a valid cause, include it as an attachment. This serves as a fallback for your request to reschedule your gorilla permit.

Your gorilla permit is shifted to the new date according to availability when your request is approved.

Can I Receive My Money Back for My Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Permit?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority’s refund policy applies to gorilla permit refunds. Your gorilla permit is considered void if you fail to show up on the day of the gorilla hike without providing the Uganda Wildlife Authority with supporting documentation of your whereabouts. The validity of each gorilla trekking permit is limited to the day of the hike.

In accordance with the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s refund policy, you must take care of this in advance if you must cancel your gorilla trekking expedition but would still prefer a refund for your permit.

During a gorilla trek, what ensures that you will find the mountain gorillas?

There is a 99% likelihood of finding the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. An adult male mountain gorilla weighs roughly 300 kg, making them a large animal. Because of their immense stature, mountain gorillas are unable to move quickly through the forest.

For this reason, you begin your gorilla trekking day by following the trail where the mountain gorilla was last spotted the day before. Usually, they don’t feed that far away.

You might get reimbursed roughly 75% of the price of your gorilla permit in Uganda if you spend the entire day gorilla trekking and are unable to find the mountain gorillas.

What is the minimum age to reserve a permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

The minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 15 years of age or older. This is due to the volcanic terrain of the Bwindi forest, which features rocky hills whose slopes can serve as areas for the mountain gorillas to feed or relax.

Hiking these ridges and plateaus may not be quick for kids under fifteen.

Because of the frequent rains and the extensive network of rivers that could flood everywhere, the path to find the mountain gorillas can occasionally get slick. Youngsters under the age of fifteen might not be able to navigate these surfaces.

Because of their physical appearance, which can raise adrenaline levels, mountain gorillas may initially appear frightening. Someone might shout if they are unsteady. If children under the age of 15 are permitted to go gorilla trekking, this reaction is more likely to occur. Mountain gorillas may withdraw into the dense forest when there is disturbance because they are frightened of strange sounds and activities.

Which lodging options are available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking?

You must first be aware of the location where your gorilla permit is booked to reserve lodging for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The four sections of Bwindi Forest—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—each have their own accommodations.

Accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Buhoma region Accommodations include Volcanoes Lodge, Engage Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Bwindi View Bandas, Gorilla Forest Camp, and Gorilla Resort.

Accommodations in the Nkuringo area: Gorilla Hill Eco Lodge, Clouds Lodge, and Nkuringo Safari Lodge

Accommodations in the Rushaga area include the Trekkers’ Tavern, Broadbill Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, and Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge.

Accommodations in the Ruhija vicinity include Chameleons’, Broad Bill Lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla Lodge.

How Can I Get to the Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi?

From Buhoma to Kabale, Kanungu, and Kampala
You travel 414 kilometers on the highway to Kabale, which takes five to six hours. You spend an additional four to five hours traveling 150 kilometers on a winding Murram road through Kanungu and Kanyantorogo. A 4×4 wheel drive vehicle is required.

Between Kampala, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kihihi, and Buhoma
It is the most direct route from Kampala or Entebbe airport, where you travel 390 kilometers to Rukungiri and then 82 kilometers to Buhoma along a Murram road.

From Buhoma via Ruhija to Kabale to Kampala
You require a 4×4 wheel drive car to go the 414 kilometers from Kampala to Kabale and then the 95 kilometers to Ruhija to the Buhoma road, which is in bad shape.

Queen Elizabeth National Park From Kihihi to Buhoma
You can drive roughly 160 kilometers from the Mweya area to Buhoma and 64 kilometers from the Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha section.

How Secure Is It to Trek Gorillas in the Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi?

Bwindi gorilla trekking permits. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is safe because all of the gorilla families that are available for reservations are acclimated to human presence. In order to acclimate a family of wild mountain gorillas to human presence without changing the natural environment, researchers and trackers utilize a technique called “gorilla habituation.”

Depending on how long the mountain gorillas take to adjust to human presence, the gorilla habituation process can take up to two years. This time frame is sufficient to eliminate any potential hostility that might develop between people and mountain gorillas.

Each gorilla trekking group is escorted by a well-trained team of rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, one of whom is armed with a rifle and the other with a machete. These gadgets are used to time creepers and make room for tourists, or you can use a rifle to protect yourself if necessary.

What Rules Apply When Trekking with Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

When you find the mountain gorillas, stay around 8 meters away from them. This will lessen the possibility of infecting the mountain gorillas.
Volunteer to stay behind if you are ill, especially if you have a contagious illness like the flu, a cough, or COVID-19. Human infections can seriously harm mountain gorillas.
Children must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla trekking.
Always have a ranger guide accompany you when you enter Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Ask the ranger guide to dig a hole approximately 30 cm deep and cover it completely if you need to urinate.
It is prohibited to spit on plants or the ground since doing so could infect mountain gorillas and other forest inhabitants.
It is prohibited to provoke mountain gorillas because doing so could drive them into hiding, yet you are only permitted to spend an hour with them.
Avoid using a flashlight when shooting pictures since the mountain gorillas may become frightened by unexpected events in the outdoors.
To avoid tempting the mountain gorillas to take stuff from you, if you want to eat or smoke, do it away from them. They must not be dependent on human sustenance because they are wild creatures.
When you find the mountain gorillas, you have only one hour to wait.

Are there habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Are there habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Are there habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda?- Gorilla trekking Safaris in Uganda

Both Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are home to habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda. There are currently two semi-habituated gorilla families available for habituation experiences and 19 gorilla trekking families in Uganda that are completely acclimated to human presence.

The habituation of a wild gorilla family must come first to establish a gorilla trekking family. Depending on how the mountain gorillas adjust, the period required to complete gorilla habituation may take up to two years.

Only four hours are permitted to be spent with mountain gorillas for gorilla habituation, and one hour is permitted for gorilla trekking fun.

To determine whether Uganda has habituated mountain gorillas, we must first understand gorilla habituation.

Gorilla Habituation: What Is It? – Habituated mountain gorillas

The technique of acclimating a family of wild mountain gorillas to human presence without changing their character is known as “gorilla habituation.” The gorilla habituation process

comprises researchers and trackers who document the gorilla family and the characteristics of each individual.

When tourists are assigned to a specific gorilla family during gorilla trekking, they are informed of this information. In Uganda, gorilla trekking began in 1993 after the Mubare Gorilla family began the gorilla habituation process in the 1990s. The rest is history.

Experience with Gorilla Habituation?

Two gorilla families have been designated thus far for the gorilla habituation experience in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

In the gorilla habituation experience, you accompany a group of researchers and trackers to spend four hours with a family of semi-habituated gorillas in the wild. Gorilla habituation is permitted for a maximum of four tourists per day.

A gorilla habituation permit must be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Gorilla Habituation Permit?

It costs $1500 per person per trek for foreign nonresidents, $1000 for foreign residents, and 750,000shs for East African citizens to obtain a gorilla habituation permit.

Gorilla Permit Cost Inclusions and Exclusions
The following is included in the price of a gorilla permit:

Park admission costs.
Safety when trekking for gorillas.
Charge for research.
With the mountain gorillas for four hours.
Services for ranger guides.
Conservation of mountain gorillas.
Assistance from the local community.
Transportation to the gorilla habituation site, gratuities, beverages, and any other personal belongings are not included in the cost of a gorilla permit.

Does Uganda Accept Instalments for Gorilla Permit Purchases?

The best course of action is to pay for your gorilla permit in full. You can, however, pay for this gorilla permit in 30% and 70% installments.

You must buy your gorilla permit 90 days before the gorilla habituation date in order to be eligible for an installment purchase. If you don’t renew your gorilla habituation permit within ninety days of the gorilla trekking date, you may be penalized.

Gorilla trekking: what is it?

Following a completely habituated gorilla family in the wild and spending just one hour with them is known as gorilla trekking. To see the mountain gorillas on the trekking safari, you need to buy a gorilla permit.

What is the cost of a Ugandan gorilla trekking permit?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is 300000shs for East African citizens, $700 for foreign residents, and $800 for foreign nonresidents.

An hour with the mountain gorillas, park entrance fees, conservation assistance for the gorillas, support for the local community, and ranger guide services are all included in the price of a gorilla trekking permit.

Tips, transportation, lodging, snacks, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of a gorilla permit.

katland Safaris makes it easy for our customers to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience by organizing gorilla safari packages. We make reservations for lodging, car rentals, and other safari extras that enhance a visitor’s gorilla safari experience.

Where in Uganda might one locate habituated mountain gorillas?

As shown below, each of the two gorilla parks in Uganda where gorilla safaris are conducted—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park—has its own habituated gorilla family.

Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

Are there habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda?
Eighteen completely habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are accessible to tourists. This enormous forest was split up into four gorilla trekking regions for administrative reasons:

The northern region of Buhoma
The Eastern region of Ruhija
The region of Rushaga
The southern region of Nkuringo
Area-specific gorilla permits are restricted for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Every region has gorilla families that are completely habituated, such as

The Mubare family, also known as Group M, the Rushegura family, popularly known as Group R, and the Habinyanja family, also known as Group H, are found in the Buhoma area of Northern Bwindi Forest. The Uganda Wildlife Authority habituated several of these gorilla families early on.

As of right now, the Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, and Mukisa families reside in the Ruhija area of Eastern Bwindi Forest.

Southern Bwindi Forest’s Rushaga area is home to the Busingye, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Kahungye, Nshongi, Rwigi, and Mishaya families.

The Nkuringo, Muhozi, and Christmas families are all found in the Nkuringo region of the southern Bwindi forest.

Keep in mind that since gorilla habituation is being conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the number of gorilla families is continually growing.

For gorilla habituation, two gorilla families in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have been split up. Before being permitted to take part in this expedition, each participant must get a gorilla habituation permit.

Park in Mgahinga National Park

There is currently only one gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park that is accustomed to human visitors. It was difficult to reserve gorilla permits in advance because this family of primates used to migrate into Rwanda. The only gorilla family that is habituated in Mgahinga National Park is the Nyakagezi family.

The briefing for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park is held at the Ntebeko Visitor Center.

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

How Do I Reserve a Ugandan Gorilla Permit? – Habituated mountain gorillas

You can book a gorilla permit by following the steps below, whether you’re going gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation.

Choose the date you want to engage in habituation or gorilla trekking. The date and the number of individuals you want to go on this African trip with may be confirmed or tentative.

It should be noted that eight people per gorilla family is the maximum number permitted for gorilla trekking, while four people per gorilla family is the maximum for gorilla habituation.

Wait for a response whether you ask katland Safaris if gorilla permits are available for the dates you have selected, or if you inquire directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority’s gorilla permit availability list is used by our safari consultant to verify availability. One of the recognized safari operators authorized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to acquire gorilla permits is katland Safaris.

Send your passport information, including your full name as it appears on the document, country, birthdate, passport expiration date, and other facts, so that it can be included on your gorilla permit card.

How old can you be to go on a gorilla safari in Uganda?

The minimum age to embark on a gorilla safari in Uganda is 15. The volcanic nature of the region’s geography is the source of this. You should anticipate hiking across various peaks and plateaus where mountain gorillas occasionally spend a portion of the day.

If the mountain gorillas are relaxing on the slopes of these highlands, it might be difficult for kids younger than this to hike to them.

Because mountain gorillas enjoy roaming the jungle, it takes some patience to do gorilla trekking or habituation; occasionally, the mountain gorillas move quite quickly, making the gorilla journey take longer. Gorilla hikers under the age of 15 may find this difficult to endure.

Because of their stature and dark fur, mountain gorillas can make you feel a little more apprehensive. The mountain gorillas may become agitated and flee into hiding if you respond suspiciously in front of them. Children under the age of fifteen find it difficult to control this kind of reaction, which might result in a loud outcry that could frighten the mountain gorillas and cause them to flee into hiding.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari in Uganda Cost?

Whether going on a gorilla trek or a habituation experience, the first expense of a Ugandan gorilla safari is the gorilla permit. Whether choosing the premium, mid-range, or budget packages, the gorilla permit fees are the same.

When determining a gorilla safari package, other elements to take into account are:

As the number of persons participating in a gorilla safari increases, the cost per person decreases. You are responsible for any gorilla safari expenses if you are traveling alone.

The best time to reserve a gorilla safari is during the busiest times of the year, when service companies raise their rates. The price of the gorilla safari can occasionally be reduced by offering travelers discounts during the off-peak months.

Number of days on a gorilla safari: The cost of a gorilla safari increases with the number of days.

Other activities that can be combined with gorilla trekking include game drives, launch expeditions, chimpanzee trekking, and others.

When can I anticipate returning from my trip with gorilla trekking or habitat?

Depending on how long it takes to find the mountain gorillas, returning from gorilla habituation or trekking is variable. While some visitors spend more time in the forest, others have been fortunate enough to spot the mountain gorillas within two hours.

Only one hour is permitted to spend time with the mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking after they have been located. You are permitted to spend four hours with the mountain gorillas during gorilla habituation.

When you hope to find the mountain gorillas depends on the speed of the party you are gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation with.

A gorilla family may break up, or some members may lose their lives in combat when they fight. The gorilla family feels depressed as a result, which can drive them to the park’s more remote areas.

There may be a delay in finding the mountain gorillas if the dominant silverback is an adventurous member of the gorilla family, forcing the other members to follow his pastime and continue to move through the jungle.

The trails are slick and wet from the constant rains that fall throughout the extreme rainy season, which typically lasts from March to May and November. However, less sunlight can reach the ground during this time.

What are Uganda’s gorilla safari regulations? – Habituated mountain gorillas

Gorilla trekking is limited to one hour, and four hours are permitted with the mountain gorillas once you have located them for gorilla habituation. They are accustomed to spending only that amount of time with people, leaving them to carry out their daily tasks.
It is prohibited to eat or smoke before seeing mountain gorillas. To prevent them from being tempted to steal what you are eating, please do this at least 300 meters away from them. Since they are untamed creatures, they have to look for nourishment.
Due to the nature of the gorilla trekking environment, only youngsters aged 15 and over are permitted to participate. Due to their travel, the best time to locate the mountain gorillas is still up in the air.
It is prohibited to spit on the ground or foliage since this could infect mountain gorillas with pathogens. Mountain gorillas are susceptible to human infectious diseases such as cholera, flu, cough, and COVID-19.
Volunteer to stay behind if you have a contagious illness so that the mountain gorillas are not exposed to such illnesses. It is unknown how widespread this sickness could be and how many mountain gorillas it could kill.
Wearing a clean mask prior to seeing mountain gorillas is one of the precautions taken to stop the COVID-19 virus and other pathogens from infecting the primates.
To stop any infection from spreading, keep a minimum of 8 meters between you and the mountain gorillas when you find them.
In order to avoid frightening the mountain gorillas, it is prohibited to make loud noises in the jungle. They are vulnerable to strange noises around them.
Since mountain gorillas may hide from strange light, flash photography is not allowed when taking pictures.
Because it changes the environment in which mountain gorillas live, it is prohibited to throw trash into the forest during gorilla trekking.

Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda

Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda

Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda

Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas. One of the most amazing African holiday experiences is spending Christmas with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda.

Giving the mountain gorillas good news for Christmas is a unique experience. Christmas is a time to celebrate and make memories that will last till next year. In order to remember each other of this event, you can go gorilla trekking on Christmas with family or friends.

The holiday season is Christmas. Booking gorilla permits for Rwanda, Uganda, or both during this season is great because vacation demand is at its highest.

Obtaining gorilla permits is a necessity for organizing a Christmas gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda or Uganda. You must comprehend the meaning of a gorilla permit and the need to obtain one before planning a gorilla safari.

What is the permit for gorillas? – Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas

A gorilla permit is a card or document that serves as a one-hour admission ticket for gorilla trekking once you’ve found the mountain gorillas. Even though an hour might not seem like much, it is worth going to view mountain gorillas in the wild as opposed to those housed in captivity. You have to find a family of habituated mountain gorillas in the wild in this seek-and-find game.

How much do gorilla permits cost during the Christmas season? – Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 for foreign visitors, $500 for foreign citizens, and $300 for inhabitants of East Africa.

Foreign nonresidents must pay $800 per person for a Uganda gorilla permit, while foreign residents must pay $700, and East African residents must pay 300,000 shs.

What does the price of a gorilla permit include and exclude?

The following is covered by the gorilla permit fee:

Park admission costs.
Costs for ranger guides.
Safety when trekking for gorillas.
Assistance from the local community.
Support for conservation.
A certificate for finishing the gorilla trek.
The mountain gorillas for an hour.
Tips, snacks for the gorilla hike, a packed lunch, and any other personal belongings are not included in the price of the gorilla ticket.

To arrange a gorilla safari package for Rwanda or Uganda, get in touch with katland Safaris. Wherever feasible, we offer free, pertinent advice and customize your Africa Safari itinerary to meet your needs.

When Is the Best Time To Reserve A Rwandan Or Ugandan Christmas Gorilla Permit?

It’s a great idea to get your gorilla permit ahead of time for Christmas. Booking your gorilla permit is possible at least six months to a year prior to Christmas Day, which falls on December 25 of each year.

By the final quarter of the year, both accommodations and gorilla permits for the holiday season are completely booked.

Keep in mind that gorilla trekking is only available to kids who are at least 15 years old if you are taking a family vacation over the Christmas break. A youngster under this age may find the misty Virunga jungle and its terrain uncomfortable. A child under the age of fifteen may find it difficult to follow the gorilla trekking safari restrictions.

Reserve lodging for use on the Christmas gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda.
The lodging you intend to utilize on the gorilla safari is the next step after obtaining the gorilla permit. This is because there are fewer lodging options available when Christmas or the holiday season approaches due to increased demand.

You must be aware of the region in which your gorilla permit is reserved, if it is in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Your gorilla permit can be reserved in four different locations of Bwindi Forest: the Buhoma area, the Ruhija area, the Rushaga area, and the Nkuringo area.

Since the roads linking the various regions are somewhat distant and subject to local weather conditions, it is advisable to spend the night closer to the areas where your gorilla permit is reserved. To be permitted to go gorilla trekking, you must arrive early for the briefing.

Those who engage in gorilla trekking more than once are required to attend the briefing on each gorilla trekking day. You must be informed about what to expect on each journey because mountain gorillas are not all the same and have mood swings.

Gorilla trekking safari accommodations are categorized as luxury, mid-range, and budget.

Gorilla Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Silverback Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Clouds Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Trekker’s Tavern, Chameleons Lodge, and other accommodations in the impenetrable national park of Bwindi

Accommodations in Mgahinga National Park include Mutanda Lake Resort, Majambere Iwachu, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle, Gahinga Lodge, and Community Camp.

Accommodations in Volcanoes National Park include the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel Mill Collines, Hotel La Palme, Hotel Muhavura, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Kinigi Guest House.

Where to go on a Christmas gorilla trip

In Uganda
Uganda’s most notable mountain gorilla habitat is Bwindi’s inaccessible national park, which spans roughly 327 square kilometers. At the moment, 18 gorilla families are completely acclimated and available for booking by the general public. In the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, two gorilla families are available for gorilla habituation experiences.Planning a Gorilla trekking safari on Christmas in Rwanda and Uganda

Only 152 gorilla permits are made available for public booking each day, and demand is highest during the festive season, so you must reserve your Uganda gorilla permits in advance.

Other nine primate species, such as chimpanzees, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus, L’Hoest’s, potato, and others, can also be found in the Bwindi forest.

More than 350 bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift, can be found in the Bwindi forest.

Park Mgahinga National

There is currently only one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi, in Mgahinga National Park, which is renowned for its breathtakingly wild landscape. It was difficult to reserve gorilla permits in advance since the Nyakagezi gorilla family used to stray into Rwanda.

Mgahinga gorilla permits can be reserved in advance, subject to availability, as this gorilla family has been residing in Uganda for a considerable amount of time.

The park is home to a variety of other primates, such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, golden monkeys, black and white colobus, and blue monkeys.

With ornithologists confirming approximately 115 bird species, including Albertine endemics, as park inhabitants, the Mgahinga forest’s bird list continues to grow.

In the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda

The only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas may be seen is Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the country’s northwest. In Rwanda, there are just 15 gorilla families that are officially accessible for gorilla trekking.

Other primates found in this park include olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, golden and blue monkeys, and more.

Volcanoes National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including endemics of the Albertine Rift.

How Can I Reserve a Gorilla Permit in Rwanda or Uganda for Christmas?

Gorilla permits must be reserved at least six months to a year in advance for the holiday season. This is because they sell out quickly—even before the year’s last quarter—due to strong global demand.

You must choose whether you want to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda when you reserve a gorilla permit for Christmas.

Determine how many other individuals you want to go gorilla trekking with and how many times you can go gorilla trekking on different days.

Our safari adviser looks for availability from the Rwanda Development Board permit list or the Uganda Wildlife Authority when you inquire about gorilla trekking during the Christmas season. One of the authorized businesses with access to this list is katland Safaris.

We urge customers to buy their gorilla permits as soon as availability is confirmed because they sell out quickly. Although gorilla trekking permits are purchased on a first-come, first-served basis, no gorilla permits are reserved without payment.

Reserve transportation to gorilla trekking locations.
By road

Road transportation is available to Uganda’s gorilla trekking locations via routes such as:

To the Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi

Travel from Kampala to Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Kihihi, and Buhoma

Nkuringo to Kabale to Kampala

Kabale, Kampala, Kanungu, and Buhoma

National Park Queen Elizabeth to Kihihi to Buhoma

To the National Park of Mgahinga

Kabale, Kisoro, Ntebeko, Kampala

To the National Park of Volcanoes

Musaze to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali

By Air

Uganda offers daily domestic flights to Kihihi or Kisoro from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip.

Charter flights to Kihihi or Kisoro are offered from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

Charter flights to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are offered from Kigali airport.

To what extent is the Gorilla Trekking Adventure challenging?

Know that the terrain of this region is rough, with elevations resembling plateaus or ridges covered in tangled foliage, whether you choose to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. You must trek because mountain gorillas occasionally eat from the slopes. When it rains, the path may become slick and wet due to the waterlogging, resulting in marshy conditions. The thick canopy of the forest reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground.

Safari boots that can endure such conditions are necessary because the route might occasionally become damp due to flooding caused by the thick network of rivers.

Trekking to the locations where the mountain gorillas might be spending the day or relaxing requires a certain level of fitness.

How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost in Rwanda or Uganda Around Christmas?

Luxury, mid-range, and budget packages are used to package gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda. The price of gorilla permits is the same for both Rwanda and Uganda, regardless of whether you want to embark on a gorilla tour.

A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 per person per trek, whereas in Uganda it costs $800 per person every trek.

The following elements are taken into account while determining the price of the gorilla safari packages:

When scheduling a gorilla safari over the holiday season, service companies charge exorbitant fees because of the high demand.

The volume of Christmastime gorilla trekking travelers

The cost of the gorilla safari decreases with the number of participants. You bear the full cost of the safari if you are traveling alone.

Other pursuits in addition to gorilla trekking

The cost of a safari package rises when additional activities like game drives, chimpanzee trekking, birding, fishing, and others are included.

Which country in Rwanda and Uganda offers the finest gorilla trekking over Christmas?
The experience of encountering mountain gorillas is remarkable, whether you are gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Some visitors claim that you are able to forget about whatever hardships you may have had in getting ready for this Christmas vacation.

The distinction between Rwanda and Uganda as the top destinations for gorilla trekking over the Christmas season can be highlighted with

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

The number of families that go gorilla trekking
There are two gorilla habituation experience families and 19 gorilla trekking families in Uganda.

Activities that can be added to gorilla trekking
There are further optional activities available in Uganda, such as wildlife drives, chimpanzee hiking, white water rafting, and visiting the Nile River. Game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and visits to genocide memorials are among the few extra activities available in Rwanda to combine with gorilla trekking.

The duration of the travel from the airport to the locations for gorilla trekking
While it takes roughly eight to nine hours to drive from Entebbe airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park, it takes three hours to go from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park.

Things to Bring to the Gorilla Trekking Safari: Packing List for Christmas

A wide-brimmed safari hat to shield your hair from the raindrops that fall from the trees.
Binoculars for an excellent view of birds and animals with fur.
Apply sunscreen on your skin to prevent sunburns, and while traveling to the gorilla trekking locations.
If you need to give your possessions to a porter, pack them in a backpack. It also needs to be waterproof.
Packing several long-sleeved shirts and convertible pants would be ideal. Clothing should be packed in dirt-friendly colors, such as Khaki. Having more clothing to change into after gorilla trekking would be ideal.
A raincoat to protect yourself in the event of unexpected downpours while in the forest.
Steer clear of vivid hues like black, blue, and white since they can draw stinging insects that could cause injury to your body.
Gorilla trekking snacks are necessary because breakfast is eaten too early to last the whole journey.
A camera to capture memories of your Christmas vacation in Africa, whether it’s in Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
If you require an in-person transaction, some hard cash to convert into local currency.
If one battery falls low, there is a backup fully charged battery.
Use insect repellent since stinging insects in the woods can cause skin damage.
A first aid kit should be kept on hand in case you have a recognized ailment or require immediate medical attention.
Toiletries, in case they are not provided by the lodge. Since certain skins are quite sensitive, you must feel at ease with them.
Energy nibbles to munch on during pack activities, like as game drives.

What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

Only Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers gorilla trekking. Nestled between Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in D.R.Congo, this Park is in Northwestern Rwanda.

Since the Belgian Colonial Authorities acquired this historical Park in 1925, this Park is among the earliest gazetted National Parks in Africa.

American primatologist Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center after her study in Rwanda in 1967. The residents were rather resentful of her unwavering protection of mountain gorillas. This resulted in her horrific murder in 1985.

The beginning of the gorilla trekking safari was the relentless effort of Dian Fossey. After the 1980s census, she conveyed the suffering of virtually vanishing mountain gorillas to the world. By then, the findings revealed just 300 mountain gorillas alive globally.

Funds were needed to assist with the mountain gorilla conservation. People have to get closer to the mountain gorillas so they will come to value their presence.

One way to assist this great cause was through gorilla trekking, but first, gorilla habituation had to take place. Gorilla habituation is the process by which wild mountain gorillas get used to human presence.

Depending on how fast the mountain gorillas adjust to the presence of women, the gorilla habituation process spans two years to more.

As one of the main battlefields, the 1994 Rwanda genocide slowed down gorilla trekking activity. There are about 15 gorilla families available for visitors at Volcanoes National Park right now.

Booking Gorilla Permits for National Parks and Volcanoes – What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

Choose a date for your gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda together with the necessary permits. Volcanoes National Park offers several opportunities for gorilla trekking.

You might get in touch with the Rwanda Development Board or a reputable travel agency such as Katland  Safaris. Our safari expert has to verify whether the Rwanda Development Board permit listing shows availability of gorilla permits.

Should availability be good, we need you to buy them right away, as they sell quickly. They are locked using a first-come, first, first-served basis. Only 8 per gorilla family daily are allowed for public booking despite the demand for gorilla trekking permits.

Later on, we will need you to supply information such as full names as shown on the passport, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiry date.

The cost of a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit? | What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

For international nonresidents, the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 per person; for citizens of East Africa, it costs $300.

The expenses cover:

Park pay-offs.
Ranger guide payments.
Safety.
Support for Gorilla Conservation
Local civic support.
One hour with the gorillas in the mountains.
The permit fee for the Rwanda gorilla leaves out transportation, beverages, packed lunch, snacks, and personal item expenses.

Are installment purchases of Rwanda gorilla permits possible? | What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

If you get the Rwanda gorilla permit 90 days before the trip, you can buy it in installments.

The Rwanda Development Board lets you buy the gorilla permit using 30% of the entire cost and 70% of the permit cost.

You have to keep in mind that you run the risk of losing your gorilla permit if you forget to completely top it ninety days before the trekking date.

Is a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit worth the cost?
Though it seems expensive, the $1500 per person Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is well worth every minute spent with the mountain gorillas.

Not only do you get one lovely hour before the only remaining mountain gorillas on Earth, but you also get to observe them living their lives.

You help to preserve the mountain gorillas, a unique species found only in East Africa.

Some of the closest cousins of humans in the animal world, mountain gorillas, contain around 96% human DNA.

About 10 of the yearly income from selling Rwanda gorilla licenses goes into the local community to assist their initiatives, therefore indirectly supporting the local population.

Every gorilla permit you buy helps the pricey International Visit Rwanda campaign.

How expensive is the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari? | What to know about gorilla trekking in Volcanoes

The Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris are listed in luxury, mid-range, and budget.

The one universal expense whose price all packages pay for is the gorilla permit.

Other elements of the gorilla trekking program include:

The count of attendees for your gorilla trekking event. The lower the cost per person, the more people join you for gorilla trekking. You can provide various safari conveniences such as gasoline, driving guides, etc.

Time for reserving the gorilla trekking safari for Rwanda; in low seasons, certain service providers may provide discounts, while in peak seasons, which draw expensive rates.

Days in Rwanda safari: the safari cost increases with the number of days spent there.

Rwanda has various things to mix with a gorilla trekking safari. In Akagera National Park, Rwanda, you might combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safari, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, and others.

When should one plan a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda?

Although gorilla trekking in Rwanda is available all year long, most visitors choose the dry season—June through September and December through January.

Though they are rare, demand for gorilla permits during this season is very strong. Consequently, just eight gorilla permits for each family are provided daily for public booking.

Though the Virunga region is known for sudden rain, mountain gorillas are more active during the dry seasons. This is so because the forest rejects strong humidity, and even other forest inhabitants, like monkeys, are more eager to observe.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price.
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price.

The dry season is ideal for photography as the brighter illumination passes through the forest leaves.

During the dry season at Volcanoes National Park, walking the paths to reach the mountain gorilla is more preferable as they are smooth.

From March to May, the Wet season benefits gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Discount safari prices are possible as certain service companies provide them to break even.

For those who dislike crowds, the forest offers a great chance as there are few visitors there.

In the wet season, the chances of unpreparedness for a single gorilla trekking safari are more present. This is so because occasionally, you may be the only one scheduled for gorilla trekking that day.

How does one Get To Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda?

A hour’s journey from Kigali Airport brings Volcanoes National Park. You go along twisting lanes covered with verdant green grass. Although Kigali city offers public transportation, it terminates in Musaze; so, you must rent a car to Volcanoes National Park.

Alternatively, one can charter from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park.

For how long is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

The unrestricted flow of the mountain gorillas in the bush makes it unknown when they were discovered during the Rwanda trip. Depending on a lot of elements in the forest, you can spend two hours or more.

Some of the elements influencing the location of mountain gorillas include

The gorilla’s feeding area’s closeness

Should they feed from distances, they might require assistance in locating. From a designated spot for some while, the mountain gorillas eat; they then leave when their food runs out.

In the event of a conflict with another gorilla family

When gorilla families quarrel, the losers might be driven into hiding, thereby postponing the wild tracking of them.

Usually occurring weather while gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda may be postponed on a wet day due to the slick slopes in the highlands where mountain gorillas spend their daily lives.

Gorilla Trekkers’ pace

If you are assigned a gorilla trekking party with sluggish walkers, you might require additional time to find the mountain gorillas. To prevent anyone from getting lost in the woods, the ranger guide, on the other hand, moves at the slowest speed among the trekkers.

The difficulty of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Five of the six Virunga volcanoes cover the terrain of the national park. Volcanoes National Park’s terrain is steeper than that of other mountain gorilla habitats.

Having some degree of fitness would help one to fully appreciate Rwanda’s whole gorilla trekking adventure. This keeps you caught up and lets you finish the full walk.

On the Gorilla Trekking Adventure at Volcanoes National Park, what should one avoid?
To prevent transferring infections to the mountain gorillas, do not spit on the ground or in the jungle.
During the trip, keep silent or use a low tone to find the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is reserved for those fifteen years of age and above.
No, if you are photographing mountain gorillas with light, you might startle them.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, keep around eight meters away.
Should you have an infection, offer to remain behind so you avoid passing it on to the mountain gorillas. They are rather prone to human infections.
Eat or smoke at least three hundred meters away from the mountain gorillas.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, just one hour is permitted with them. This is so because they are used to being in front of people for precisely that purpose.
Apart from gorilla trekking, what else may one do at Volcanoes National Park?
Golden monkey safaris

Golden monkeys find a home in Volcanoes National Park. From its appearance to its bodily form, this is yet another unusual monkey species. Golden monkeys have a body size larger than that of other monkeys.

Golden brown hairs define golden monkeys on the lower body. With around 30000 to 40000 thought to be living on the globe, they are some of the endangered primates.

Their great vitality and appealing demeanor make following them fascinating. Golden monkeys exhibit their natural behavior even if they are accustomed to human presence.

To be allowed to join this trip, you have to buy a Rwanda golden monkey trekking permit.

Dian Fossey climbed.

Dian Fossey’s bones of fallen mountain gorilla drugs were buried among the gorillas she was defending until her dying breath. American philanthropist and primatologist, she dedicated her studies to mountain gorillas from 1967.

Unknown attackers slaughtered her mercilessly at her house in 1985. Hiking where the bones were placed will allow you to walk in the last steps of her life.

Volcanoes National Park Birding

One of Rwanda’s birding venues is Volcanoes National Park. Albertine rift endemic, among other over 300 bird species, is presently called home by this Park home. To assist you on this Rwanda birding trip, you need to engage a competent birding guide with a background in Rwanda.

Among the birds you may find are Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky and Shelley’s red wings, and others.

Nature hike at Volcanoes National Park.

For nature hikes where you may find other monkey species such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and others, the Volcanoes Forest is great.

You might find some natural tree species that have endured several decades.

Volcanoes National Park Mountaineering

Mountains suitable for hiking abound throughout Volcanoes National Park’s geography. Mountains Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Karisimbi, and Bisoke are among these.

One may trek one day to reach the top of any one of these hills.

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