How Safe is gorilla trekking in the wilderness?

How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking in the Wilderness? Discover the Safety Measures and Expert Tips for a Secure and Unforgettable Gorilla Safari Experience in Uganda and Rwanda.

How Safe is gorilla trekking in the wilderness? | Book your Gorilla trekking safari to Uganda and Rwanda with a reliable tour operator

How Safe is gorilla trekking in the wilderness?

Gorilla trekking can be a thrilling experience, but safety concerns are natural when venturing into the wild. While gorillas are generally calm and gentle, they are still wild animals that demand respect. With proper precautions and export guidance, this article gives you an understanding of gorilla trekking, so whether planning your first gorilla tracking trip or just curious about a unique adventure, below is the gorilla trekking guide:

Risks incurred in gorilla trekking | How Safe is gorilla trekking in the wilderness?

Gorilla trekking comes with its set of risks; although gorillas are generally calm, they are still wild animals that can behave unpredictably. Attacks on humans are rare but often result from human mistakes like getting too close or making sudden movements. It’s vital to respect their space and exercise caution when observing them in their natural habitat. The biggest risks associated with gorilla trekking include injuries or illness from navigating challenging terrain, steep inclines, and dense forest. The high attitude and sickness, dehydration, and other health issues. Being physically fit and having vaccinations and medications is crucial before embarking on the trek.

Another concern is the potential transmission of diseases between humans and gorillas, which can be fatal; therefore, following park guidelines and taking precautions is essential to protect both humans and gorillas.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, consider these precautions before and during gorilla trekking:

Book with a reliable tour operator.

Gorilla trekking should be done with a reliable tour operator that prioritizes safety and follows park protocols. Research the tour operator’s safety record and reviews from past customers before booking.

Adhere to park rules and regulations.

To keep both humans and gorillas safe, it’s crucial to follow park regulations and guidelines. This means keeping a safe distance, being mindful of your surroundings, and following your guide’s directions.

Be mindful of your surroundings.

Since gorilla trekking occurs in remote areas with limited medical access, it’s vital to be mindful of your environment, carry essential items like a map, compass, and a first aid kit to ensure your safety.

Stick with the group.

It is essential to stay with the group and not venture off on your own. This can lead to getting lost or encountering dangerous wildlife.

Treat gorillas with respect.

Be mindful of the gorillas’ space and habitat. Refrain from touching, feeding, or littering and prioritize their well-being.

Get in shape before gorilla trekking, as it demands physical endurance and mental toughness.

Trekking through dense forests, steep terrains, and rugged landscapes can be challenging, and it’s crucial to be prepared physically and mentally.

Train beforehand.

Gorilla trekking requires a good level of fitness due to the forest and rugged terrain. Start exercising a few weeks before departure to build endurance. Activities like hiking, jogging, and strength training can help prepare you.

Get vaccinated

Before your gorilla trekking adventure, consult a doctor or travel clinic to determine the necessary vaccinations, including yellow fever, hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus.

Pack essential medication

Gorilla trekking usually takes place in remote areas with limited medical facilities. It is essential to bring necessary medication such as anti–malaria medication, altitude sickness medication, and any prescription medication you require.

Stay hydrated

Trekking at high altitudes can lead to Dehydration. It’s essential to drink plenty of water and bring a water bottle with you on the trek.

Appropriate dressing

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs, sturdy hiking boots with good traction to navigate rugged terrain.

Gorilla trekking involves entering the natural habitat of wild animalsand there are specific safety measures taken to ensure the safety of both humans and gorillas. Here are some safety measures during gorilla trekking.

Skilled guides.

Gorilla trekking is not allowed without guides. Guides are trained to understand gorilla behavior, identify potential risks, and ensure the safety of both humans and gorillas.

Maintain a safe distance, keep at least 7 meters away from gorillas, as guides will ensure this distance to guarantee safety for both humans and animals.

Avoid direct eye contact; direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat by gorillas. It’s essential to avoid direct contact and keep your head down when in proximity to the gorillas.

Minimal disturbance. It’s essential to minimize disturbance to the gorillas’ natural habitat and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. This can cause stress to the gorillas and potentially lead to aggression.

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

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

A Mountain gorilla Quest into the jungles of Bwindi

A Mountain gorilla Quest into the jungles of Bwindi

A Mountain gorilla Quest into the jungles of Bwindi. – Gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda – Booking a Gorilla trekking Trip to Uganda 

A Mountain gorilla Quest into the jungles of Bwindi

Embark on a thrilling 3–day Gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to majestic gorillas and exotic wildlife. Hike through dense forests, disconnecting from daily life and reconnecting with nature’s security. Track and spot gentle giants in their natural habitat, encountering rare primates, birds, and plants along the way.

Which place in Uganda is the best for gorilla trekking? | A Mountain gorilla Quest into the jungles of Bwindi

Uganda’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for adventure seekers. The country is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, with over half of the world’s remaining gorillas calling Uganda home. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a prime destination for gorilla trekking. Offering a unique opportunity to spot these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a biodiversity hotspot home to many rare and endangered species, including Gorillas, African elephants, and over 350 species of birds. As you trek through the forest, you will be immersed in the world of lush vegetation and exotic wildlife. The experience is not just about spotting animals, it’s also about connecting with nature and appreciating beauty. Uganda’s gorilla trekking experience is unique in that it offers visitors the chance to interact with local communities.

The Batwa people, who were once forest-dwelling hunters and gatherers, are now involved in conservation efforts and are eager to share knowledge and culture with visitors. This interaction experience makes it an unforgettable journey.

Preparations for gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity that requires a high level of fitness. Before embarking on the trek, you should ensure that you are in good health and fit enough to hike through the forest. You will need to carry a backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, and a camera.

It’s recommended that you book your gorilla trekking permits in advance as they are limited. The licenses cost 800 per person with a guide who will lead you through the forest and help you spot the gorillas. The guide fee is included in the permit.

The journey to the gorilla’s habitats can be long and tiring, but it’s worth it. Most visitors fly into Entebbe International Airportwhich is located close to the capital city, Kampala. From there, you can either hire or charter, or take a domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The drive to the park can take up to 10 hours, depending on the route you take. However, it’s an opportunity to see the stunning countryside and interact with locals along the way. If you opt to take a domestic flight, it takes about an hour from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip, which is the closest airport to the park.

Plan a gorilla trekking honeymoon
Plan a gorilla trekking honeymoon

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

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

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 holiday for your family in Uganda and Rwanda

Planning a gorilla trekking holiday for your family in Uganda and Rwanda

Planning a gorilla trekking holiday for your family in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking holiday for your Family. Are you organizing a family vacation that includes gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda? Prioritize booking the gorilla permits. In Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla trekking vacations are only available to those who are at least 15 years old. Planning how many days you want to spend on a gorilla safari vacation in Rwanda or Uganda is the best course of action.

While a two-day gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is appropriate, a three-day gorilla safari in Uganda is the minimum duration. Let’s say you want to mix gorilla trekking with other pursuits, such as game drives, birding safaris, chimpanzee trekking, etc. If so, you should think about when you and your family will go on your African safari.

Planning a gorilla trekking vacation with the family is a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime. Mountain gorillas are a perfect representation of human families, with the dominant silverback serving as the head of the family.

When you go on a gorilla safari vacation, I’m confident you’ll encounter a family member who looks like you. It is simpler to be assigned to the same gorilla family to travel with if you reserve the gorilla trekking permits for the whole family in advance. Because the process for assigning gorilla families is dependent on factors like age and physical fitness, this is only occasionally guaranteed.

What is a vacation that includes gorilla trekking? – Gorilla trekking holiday for your Family

You can spend an hour with a fully habituated gorilla family in the wild while on a gorilla trekking vacation. You need to have a Rwanda Development Board or Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit.

A gorilla permit: what is it?

A gorilla permit is a card or paperwork that grants you access to trekking locations. Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are two of Uganda’s gorilla trekking sites. Tourists can reserve 152 gorilla permits for Uganda’s 19 gorilla families every day.

Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s gorilla habitat, and 15 families are available for tourists to reserve. You can reserve 96 gorilla permits in Rwanda per day.

How can a family gorilla trekking vacation in Rwanda and Uganda be organized? – Gorilla trekking holiday for Family

Determine the Best Places in Uganda to Go Gorilla Trekking
Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi

There are several gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to which you may be assigned.

What are the 18 gorilla families that have reservations in four separate locations, each with a different kind of lodging?

The Buhoma area in the north, the Ruhija area in the east, the Rushaga area, and the Nkuringo area in the south are the areas that are used to get gorilla permits for the Bwindi forest.

Chimpanzees, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, L” Honest’s, and other primates are among the approximately nine additional species of primates that inhabit this biosphere reserve.

Over 350 different bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift, can be found at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it a great place for any avid birdwatcher. Birders’ paradise in the Ruhija section of Bwindi forest, particularly at Mubwindi wetland. Among the birds you might see are the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, African Hill Babblers, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and Mountain Masked Apalises.

Park in Mgahinga National Park – Gorilla trekking holiday for Family

The smallest Ugandan national park, Mgahinga, is only 33.7 square kilometers in size, although it does have some mountain gorillas. The Nyakagezi family is the only gorilla family that is accessible to tourists.

Due to the gorilla family’s history of relocating to Rwanda, obtaining permits was difficult. The Nyakagezi gorilla family’s existence determined the sale of the gorilla permits.Planning a gorilla trekking holiday for your family in Uganda and Rwanda

The list now includes about 115 bird species that have been identified in Mgahinga National Park, but it is anticipated to grow as the area has not received much attention from ornithologists.

Other primates that are of interest to primatologists include olive baboons, black and white colobus, golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys in Mgahinga National Park.

Three unique mountains—Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Sabyinyo—backdrop of Mgahinga National Park. An 8-hour return hike to one of these mountains is a good way to gauge your level of fitness.

In the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

With 15 gorilla families available for tourists, this park is Rwanda’s only gorilla trekking destination. Rwanda’s northwest contains Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda gorilla permits are sold and governed by the Rwanda Development Board.

Five volcanoes—Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, and Mountain Sabyinyo—back the landscape of Volcanoes National Park.

Other primates, such as olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, and blue monkeys, can be found in Volcanoes National Park.

Enthusiastic birdwatchers can see a range of bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift, while gorilla trekking. Alpine Chat, Malachite Sunbird, Montane Double-collared Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, and more bird species can be found in Volcanoes National Park.

Get a permit to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda.
Because gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda requires participants to be at least 15 years old, take their age into account when reserving gorilla permits for your family.

How to Reserve Gorilla Permits

Ask the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a recognized travel agency, such as katland Safaris, about the availability of gorilla permits. If you want to go gorilla trekking, you must have a tentative or confirmed day in mind.

We urge our clients to buy their gorilla permits as soon as possible if there is a positive availability. This is because they only have a maximum of eight gorilla licenses per gorilla family and sell out quickly due to great demand worldwide.

Since gorilla permits are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, none are guaranteed without payment in advance.

Your gorilla permits include personal information such as your country, date of birth, expiration date, and the full names of your family members as listed in your passport.

After you finish the gorilla walk, these details are put on your certificate and utilized for record-keeping.

Determine How Many Days the Family Will Spend on the Gorilla Trekking Vacation
The minimum duration for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is two days during a gorilla safari vacation. The minimum duration for a gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda is three days.

Five-gorilla trekking, six-gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, eight-gorilla, chimpanzee, wildlife safari, and other activities are available.

The number of days you have scheduled to spend in the forest will determine how long your family’s gorilla safari vacation lasts.

To create an unforgettable experience, we at katland Safaris customize gorilla safari packages to meet the needs of our customers. We recognize that for the majority of visitors to Africa, gorilla trekking is at the top of their bucket list, and we want to make it an unforgettable African safari experience that fits within your budget.

For many families, taking trips together creates enduring memories.

Make reservations for lodging for the gorilla trekking expedition.
You must make reservations for lodging inside or near the trekking park when you get a gorilla permit. The lodging options available for the gorilla trekking vacation are categorized as luxury, mid-range, and cheap. The best deal for lodging on a family vacation would be to reserve a family room or adjacent rooms.

You must schedule lodging near the locations where your gorilla permit is registered if you plan to do gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Due to its enormous size, this park is divided into four areas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. You have to drive at night to make it to the early morning briefing when you spend the night somewhere else. Because of the frequent rains in this area, logs can occasionally block off the roadways or make them slick, making this extremely dangerous.

Due to great demand, these parks’ lodgings are completely booked throughout the busiest months of June, July, August, September, December, and January. Your family’s lodging must be reserved in advance.

Depending on your destination, you can reserve a variety of lodging options for gorilla trekking, such as:

Clouds Lodge is the lodging option for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rihija Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Engage Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Trakker’s Tavern, and Broadbill Camp

Accommodations at Mgahinga National Park include Majambere Iwachu, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Traveler’s Inn, Gahinga Lodge, and Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle.

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

Make Transportation Reservations for Gorilla Trekking
You and your family should be aware of the mode of transportation you intend to employ for the gorilla trekking expedition. Depending on your financial situation, you can either take the road or the air.

You can rent a safari car or safari van for your family to go by road; it should be roomy and cozy enough to accommodate all of your belongings. Because of the volcanic road conditions in the Virunga region, you will need to rent a 4×4 wheel drive car with a window seat for at least everyone. You need a comfy car for the rough roads, whether you’re in Rwanda or Uganda.

Air transportation for the whole family to go gorilla trekking

Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip are the destinations of daily domestic flights in Uganda. You must reserve additional seats in advance of your Ugandan gorilla safari vacation if you require them.

Gorilla Safari offers charter flight services from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip.

To go to Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from the airport, you need to reserve a transfer car.

There are charter flights to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park from Kigali airport.

Reserve flights to Rwanda or Uganda internationally. It can be really stressful to plan a vacation trip with family in advance. To ensure that no one is left behind if they are a member of the gorilla trekking group, you must purchase your airline tickets in advance.

To make sure you have everything you need to enter the bush, it is advisable to go to Rwanda or Uganda before the start of the gorilla safari. Make sure that everyone in the family has their gorilla trekking equipment ready. Buy some gorilla trekking equipment from the nearby malls if you still need it.

When Is The Best Time For The Family To Reserve Gorilla Permits?

To avoid last-minute hassles attempting to locate availability, you can obtain the family gorilla permits at least six months to a year before the day of trekking. Gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda sell out quickly during the busiest travel seasons. June, July, August, September, December, and January are the busiest travel seasons.

What distinguishes Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking?

Whether traveling to Rwanda or Uganda, a gorilla trekking safari is an incredible experience. Standing in front of the mountain gorillas is a life-altering experience that can completely erase the hardships you may have endured to organize the family gorilla safari.

The following are some ways that gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda differs:

The price of a gorilla permit
Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per hike, whereas those in Uganda cost $800 per person.

The number of families of gorillas
Recently, Rwanda has had 15 gorilla trekking families with 96 gorilla permits, compared to 19 gorilla trekking families with 152 permits in Uganda.

Optional activities, in addition to Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be combined with a number of other activities, such as chimpanzee trekking, game drives, white water rafting, sport fishing, exploring the Nile River’s source, and launch trips.

There aren’t many other activities in Rwanda that you may combine with gorilla trekking, such as game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and trips to Rwanda’s genocide monument.

Travel time by car from the airport to the locations of gorilla trekking
It takes roughly three hours to drive over picturesque, winding roads from Kigali airport to Volcanoes National Park. It takes roughly eight to nine hours to drive from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park via dusty, uneven country roads.

You can go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through Rwanda to cut down on the amount of time you need to drive there. It takes roughly five to six hours to drive there.

What Are Rwandan and Ugandan Gorilla Trekking Dos and Don’ts? – Gorilla trekking holiday for your Family

Because mountain gorillas are particularly vulnerable to illnesses like the flu and cough, offer to stay behind if you have one of these contagious illnesses.
To lessen the possibility of spreading an infection through direct touch, keep a distance of roughly 8 meters from the mountain gorillas when you find them.
Garbage dumping in the forest is prohibited because it changes the environment, which is home to mountain gorillas.
During gorilla trekking, avoid spitting on plants or the ground as this could infect the mountain gorillas.
Because of the characteristics of the area where mountain gorillas reside, gorilla trekking is only permitted for youngsters who are at least 15 years old.
All fecal contents should be buried in a 30-centimeter hole and completely covered.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, you are only permitted to spend an hour with them.

New year’s gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

New year’s gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

New Year’s gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda – Booking Gorilla trekking Safaris in advance.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Uganda. You must reserve your gorilla permit in advance if you want to spend the New Year hiking gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. The gorilla permits sell out quickly since this is the busiest time of year for safaris. Making reservations for lodging for the gorilla safari is also essential because there are fewer options available as the new year approaches.

As the year is still very early, meeting the mountain gorillas on New Year’s offers you time to think about your goals. Being silent or speaking quietly in the jungle is a necessity of gorilla trekking, which gives you time to reflect on yourself.

Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are peaceful locations where you can only hear the sounds of the jungle. Listen to your inner self and sketch out your goals for the year at the beginning of the new year.

The Virunga region provides a lovely setting for you to plan your life for the upcoming year.

Where in Uganda Can I Go Gorilla Trekking?

Impenetrable National Park in Bwindi
Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, and blue monkeys are among the roughly ten primates that inhabit this environment. The extensive list of plants and animals has grown over 30,000 years.

More than 300 tree species, 88 moths, 51 reptiles, 350 bird species, 310 butterflies, and other flora and wildlife may be found in Bwindi Forest.

You must be aware of the location of your gorilla permit reservation to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Buhoma area, Ruhija area, Rushaga area, and Nkuringo area are the four divisions of this enormous national park.

You must first be aware of where your gorilla permit is booked to make reservations for lodging when gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This reduces the possibility of waking up in the middle of the night to drive from one location to another to attend a briefing.

Park in Mgahinga National Park
The far southwest of Uganda is home to Mgahinga National Park. Because it receives fewer visitors, this forested national park is one of Uganda’s still-unexplored national parks. Some of the world’s most renowned mountain gorillas can be found in Mgahinga National Park. Currently, just one gorilla family is accessible to the general public. The Nyakagezi gorilla family, which has a history of straying into Rwanda, is housed at Mgahinga National Park.

Booking gorilla permits for Mgahinga National Park used to be difficult because it depended on the mountain gorillas’ presence.

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

This park’s rocky mountains, such as Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo, and Mountain Muhavura, provide a stunning backdrop. You can hike for roughly eight hours back and forth in a single day.

Where in Rwanda Can I Go Gorilla Trekking?

The National Park of Volcanoes
Volcanoes National Park is located in Rwanda’s northwest. Currently, 15 completely habituated mountain gorilla families in this park are accessible for gorilla trekking.

Because of the five mountains that make up this park, its topography is steeper and more volcanic. Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Karisimbi, and Mountain Sabyinyo are some of these mountains.

More primates, including olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus, golden and blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and others, can be found at the Volcanoes National Park, according to primatologists.

Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 300 bird species, including endemics of the Albertine Rift. You can combine Rwandan birdwatching with a double gorilla trekking experience during this safari vacation.

The Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Malachite Sunbird, Kivu Ground Thrush, White Tailed Blue Fly Catcher, and other birds can be seen in Volcanoes National Park.

How and Where Do I Reserve Rwandan and Ugandan Gorilla Permits?

Uganda gorilla permits can be purchased on your behalf by an authorized tour operator; however, they are sold by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The Rwanda Development Board oversees and sells Rwanda gorilla permits. These gorilla permits can also be purchased via a recognized travel agency.

The process for reserving gorilla permits
Since January 1st is always New Year’s, you might ask the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a tour operator if gorilla permits are available. You can make reservations for your gorilla walk based on the number of gorillas.

The Rwanda Development Board and Uganda Wildlife Authority lists are used by our safari consultant to verify availability. One of the authorized businesses with access to the list of gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda is katland Safaris.New year’s gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

We urge our clients to buy their gorilla permits as soon as possible when the availability of permits is confirmed. This is because their first-come, first-served policy causes them to sell out quickly.

Without payment, none of the gorilla permits can be obtained.

Provide personal information such as the passport’s full name, nationality, birthdate, and expiration date.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gorilla Permit In Rwanda And Uganda?

For treks in Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit is $800 per person, $700 per person, and 300,000 shs for citizens of East Africa.

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

It’s crucial to reserve your gorilla permit in advance, particularly during the busiest times of the year, which are June through September and December through January. In Rwanda and Uganda, this is the busiest travel time of the year. The majority of service providers, including lodging and driver guides, raise their rates at this time of year.

What Does It Cost To Get A Gorilla Permit In Rwanda And Uganda?

An hour with the mountain gorillas, park admission costs, security throughout the trip, assistance for the protection of the mountain gorillas, support for the local people, and a certificate upon completion of the journey are all included in the price of a gorilla permit.

What Does the Gorilla Permit Cost Exclude?

Porter, beverages, snacks, transportation, gratuities, and other personal belongings.

You relieve yourself of the hassle of organizing this safari package; katland Safaris helps you put together your gorilla trekking package.

We’ve been planning safaris in Uganda and Rwanda for more than ten years, and the feedback we’ve received from customers has helped us keep improving. We have excellent working relationships with lodging establishments, and where appropriate, we may obtain lower rates for our customers.

Can I get Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla permits for the new year in installments?

The simplest way to make sure you don’t forget to top up your gorilla permit is to pay for it in full.

30% and 70% of gorilla permit installments are accepted in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively. Installment gorilla permit purchases are only available to visitors who buy their permits 90 days before the gorilla trekking date.

Remember to renew your gorilla permit ninety days before the gorilla trekking date, or else you risk being penalized.

What Month Is Best For Buying Rwandan And Ugandan New Year Gorilla Permits?

It is preferable to buy your permit for January 1st at least 6 months in advance because the New Year is a joyous celebration that many people prepare for as early as the beginning of the year.

Due to the high demand for gorilla safaris throughout the holiday season, permits are only available for a maximum of eight gorilla families per day.

Not even on the ground, last-minute gorilla permits for the new year are difficult to obtain, since they might wish to create memories that will last all year. Gorilla trekking offers the opportunity to spend time with some of the world’s few remaining mountain gorillas, making it more than just a typical monkey safari experience.

Can I reschedule my gorilla permit for Rwanda or Uganda for the new year?

Both Rwanda and Uganda have rescheduling policies that allow for the rescheduling of gorilla permits.

You must send a letter to the Rwanda Development Board or the Uganda Wildlife Authority asking to reschedule your gorilla permit. If you have a gorilla trekking date in mind, explain why you would like to change it. To support your request, include some details.

Upon approval, your gorilla permit is rescheduled to the date of your choice, subject to availability.

Take note
Two free gorilla permit rescheduling times are accepted by Uganda. Only the third time, with a 25% penalty, does the executive director approve.

Rwanda charges for the rescheduling of gorilla permits.

Between Rwanda and Uganda, which country is the best for gorilla trekking in the new year?
You forget the hassles of planning a gorilla safari in Rwanda or Uganda the moment you are in front of the mountain gorillas.

Additional elements to take into account while comparing gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda are as follows:

The price of a gorilla permit

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

The quantity of gorilla families

Rwanda has 15 gorilla trekking families with 96 gorilla licenses thus far, compared to 19 gorilla families in Uganda with 152 gorilla permits.

Other Things to Do Along With Gorilla Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking, game drives, exploring the Nile River’s source, white water rafting, and other activities are among the many activities available in Uganda that can be combined with gorilla trekking.

In addition to gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers a few additional optional activities, such as chimpanzee trekking, Rwandan cultural tours, and visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Travel Time Between Airport and Gorilla Trekking Locations

While it takes roughly three hours to drive from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park, it takes over nine hours to go from Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

Rwanda offers gorilla trekking in Uganda; it takes roughly five to six hours to get from Kigali to either Mgahinga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Since both nations are part of the East African community, you can enter them using an East African visa. You can enter Uganda from Rwanda by crossing the Gatuna or Cyanika borders.

How Challenging Is It to go Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda?

The terrain where gorilla trekking takes place is volcanic, with lush vegetation covering the slopes and plateaus. Due to the deep canopy’s restricted ability to let sunlight through, the earth becomes extremely damp and soggy during the intense rainy seasons.

The intricate system of waterways occasionally overflows, creating muddy paths that are difficult to traverse. Even the fallen vegetation’s rotting materials could make the path slick. It would be ideal to have safari boots to prevent injuries to your feet.

Finding the mountain gorillas on the slopes where they occasionally eat or relax is made easier if you are somewhat fit.

Bring the appropriate gorilla trekking equipment to keep you safe from the severe forest conditions and to support you during the entire walk.

How to Act While Trekking with Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda

To avoid giving the mountain gorillas the impression that you are ambushing them, stay close together when you find them. The mountain gorillas become agitated by this and might go into hiding.
Following the coronavirus pandemic, it is crucial to wear a mask and sanitize your shoes before beginning the gorilla journey.
It is not permissible to spit on plants or the ground because you could infect the mountain gorillas.
Volunteer to stay behind if you have a contagious illness, such as the flu, COVID-19, or a cough, to prevent the mountain gorillas from contracting it. They might die horribly as a result.
To avoid spreading any infectious diseases to the mountain gorillas, keep a distance of approximately 8 meters when you are in proximity to them. Retrench gradually without appearing suspicious as they get closer.
Avoid using a spotlight when photographing mountain gorillas since it could frighten them. New events in their presence frighten them.
Ask the ranger guide for help digging a hole approximately 30 cm deep and covering it completely if you need to defecate.
Because you could not understand what you were saying, it is prohibited to provoke and imitate mountain gorillas.
Be at least 300 meters away from the mountain gorillas if you want to feed or smoke in front of them. Because mountain gorillas are wild creatures that must forage for food, this will lessen the likelihood that they will take it from you and become dependent on you.
Gorilla trekking is restricted to hikers who are at least 15 years old.
Once you find the mountain gorillas, you get an hour to spend with them.

New Year’s gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

New Year’s gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

New Year’s gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

New Year Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trekking with gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda and Uganda is a chance to expand your horizons this year. The peace of the Virunga region allows you to relax and forget about the hectic events of the previous year.

You may escape the bustle of the cities by spending some time in the peace of the chimpanzee habitats in Rwanda and Uganda. As you establish strategies, you can organize your hopes for the coming year and schedule time for yourself.

Because this is the holiday season and there is a cap on the number of permits sold per activity, make sure to reserve your gorilla and chimpanzee permits from Uganda and Rwanda well in advance. In Rwanda and Uganda, a gorilla family may only purchase a maximum of eight gorilla licenses per day. Each troop may only purchase a maximum of six chimpanzee hiking licenses per day.

All members of the gorilla trekking party must be qualified for the activity and receive a gorilla and chimpanzee permit. In Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla trekking is restricted to those who are at least 15 years old. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is restricted to those who are at least 15 years old. You must be aware of the locations for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.

Where in Rwanda and Uganda can I go gorilla trekking?

In Rwanda
The only gorilla trekking habitat in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, which is situated in the northwest of the nation. There are perhaps fifteen gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park that are available for reservations.

Other primates found in this park include olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, golden and blue monkeys, and others.

Volcanoes National Park, which is home to more than 300 bird species, including Albertine endemics, is the only place in Rwanda to go birding. Archer’s Robin-Chat, Rwenzori Turaco, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, and other birds are among the ones you might be able to recognize.

The park is beautifully framed by the stunning landscape that the five Virunga Volcanoes have produced. Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi, and Mountain Sabyinyo are among these highlands.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

The foggy Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that have gathered throughout time. Approximately 18 gorilla families, including nearly half of all mountain gorillas worldwide, reside in this virgin woodland.

Over 310 butterfly species, 51 reptiles, 88 months, 300 trees, 10 primates, and 350 bird species—seven of which are on the IUCN Red List—are among the species that have been documented in this park thus far.

The diverse range of vegetation in Bwindi Forest, which includes lowland forest at elevations of roughly 1160 meters and Afromontane vegetation over 2700 meters, is astounding to the expanding list of wildlife and flora.

Park in Mgahinga Nationa Parkl

One of the most striking parks is Mgahinga National Park, which is situated on the flanks of three volcanoes: Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Gahinga, and Mountain Sabyinyo. The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only gorilla family now available for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.

Since the Nyakagezi gorilla trekking family used to stray into Rwanda, gorilla trekking in this park has only ever been verified on the ground. Permits for Mgahinga National Park can be reserved in advance, and this gorilla family is now residing in Uganda.

In addition to golden and blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus, olive baboons, and others, Mgahinga National Park is a primate’s paradise.

Gorilla trekking in this park offers you two chances to spot a variety of birds, including endemic Albertine species. There are now 115 bird species known to exist in Mgahinga National Park, but more are anticipated to be added, according to ornithologists.

It is worthwhile to attempt the 8-hour climb back to the summits of Gahinga, Muhavura, and Sabyinyo. You may take in the breathtaking views of Mgahinga National Park’s recently added forest cover.

Chimpanzee trekking locations in Rwanda and Uganda
In Rwanda
National Park Nyungwe

The sole chimpanzee trekking habitat in Rwanda is Nyungwe National Park. Cyamudongo is another chimpanzee trekking habitat on the park’s edge. Expect some wild behavior from the semi-habituated chimpanzees at Nyungwe National Park.

Uwinka is home to Nyungwe National Park’s headquarters. Nyungwe National Park is roughly 230 kilometers from Kigali Airport, and it takes five hours to get there.

The Angola Colobus, Mona monkeys, blue monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, silver monkeys, olive baboons, and other primates can be found in Nyungwe National Park.New Year’s gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

With over 283 bird species—27 of which are endemic—and a large population of Albertine Rift endemics, Nyugwe Forest is a popular destination for avid birdwatchers on a Rwanda Safari. The Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red Collared Mountain Babbler, Kivu Ground Thrush, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Red Throated Alethe, and other species may be seen at Nyugwe National Park.

Kibale National Park in Uganda

Uganda’s primate sanctuary is Kabale National Park, where the chimpanzees are the main attraction. It is estimated that Kibale National Park is home to more than 1500 chimpanzees. This park offers two chimpanzee trekking sessions: one in the morning at 08:00 and one in the afternoon at 1500.

Other primates that call this park home include potatoes, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoests, black and white colobus, and bush babies.

There are currently 325 bird species and over six Albertine Rift endemics included on this park’s constantly growing bird list. When visiting Kabale National Park, birdwatchers choose to visit the Bigodi wetland in Magombe swamp. The Yellow Spotted Nicator, Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird, Little Greenbul, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle, and other species may be found at Kibale National Park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Kyambura Gorge

Chimpanzee trekking in the 100-meter-deep Kyambura Gorge is an exciting experience. Kyambura Gorge was created by the erosion of the River Kyambura, which empties into the Kazinga channel. During the rainy season, you must prepare to hike on slick terrain and wet your chimpanzee trekking equipment.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge takes place every day between 0800 and 1400 hours.

In Murchison Falls National Park, the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest

Kaniyo Pabidi Forest is roughly 8 kilometers from Kichumbanyombo Gate when traveling via Masindi Road. Giant ironwood and mahogany trees make up this chimpanzee habitat. Keep an eye out for other primates, such as olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Periphery: Kalinzu Forest Reserve

On the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park is this forest. Despite its reputation for chimpanzee research, demand may permit tourists to engage in chimpanzee trekking here during the busiest times of the year.

The Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island

Chimpanzees that have been rescheduled from snares, abandoned, orphaned, and unable to return to their communities reside on Ngamba Island. This sanctuary was established to raise awareness of amazing species and the importance of their delicate habitat among tourists, the local population, and the general public.

There are two visiting sessions every day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You can use the feeding platform to participate if feeding time is available. Observe how the chimpanzees illustrate the concept of survival of the fittest through their feeding drama.

How to Reserve Permits for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Decide on the dates you want to hike with chimpanzees and gorillas. You can get advice from our tour expert on the best days and how to carry out these activities. Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking cannot be done on the same day since gorilla trekking takes a full day.

Our safari adviser looks through the permit lists of both Rwanda and Uganda when you ask about the availability of gorilla and chimpanzee permits in those countries.

We recommend that you get your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits in advance, if there are any available. This is because they sell out quickly, particularly during the busiest times of the year when demand for primate safaris in Rwanda and Uganda is highest.

What is the cost of purchasing a gorilla permit for Rwanda and Uganda?

For foreign non-residents, Uganda gorilla licenses cost $800 per person per trip; for foreign residents, they cost $700 per person each trek; and for East African citizens, they cost 300,000 shs.

For foreign non-residents, Rwanda gorilla licenses cost $1500 per person per trek; for foreign residents, they cost $500; and for East African residents, they cost $300.

What does the price of a gorilla permit include?

In Rwanda and Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit covers park admission fees, ranger guide costs, security for gorilla trekking, assistance with gorilla conservation, support for the local people, and an hour with the mountain gorillas.

Tips, transportation to gorilla locations, porter fees, lunch, and any other personal belongings are not included in the cost of a gorilla permit.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Rwanda or Uganda?

Permits for Ugandan chimpanzees vary in price depending on the location. Currently, chimpanzee permits in Kibale National Park cost $300 per person per hike for non-resident foreigners, $250 for natives, and 150,000 shillings for East African residents.

Take note, Park entrance fees are included in the price of Kibale National Park.

The current cost of a Rwanda Chimpanzee trekking permit is $90 per person per trek.

Chimpanzee trekking permit inclusions in Rwanda or Uganda
Chimpanzee conservation, ranger guide costs, security during chimpanzee trekking, community support, and an hour spent with the primates

Transportation to the location, gratuities, porter fees, food, and any other personal belongings are not included in the Chimpanzee Trekking Permit for Rwanda or Uganda.

When is the best time to reserve a trekking permit for chimpanzees and gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

Gorilla permits must be obtained six months in advance, and chimpanzee permits must be obtained three months in advance, particularly during the busiest times of the year, which are June through September and December through January.

Which of Rwanda and Uganda Offers the Greatest Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris?

In Rwanda or Uganda, you can get closer to the giant African primates by combining gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. You learn the distinction between chimpanzees and mountain gorillas throughout this tour. The experience of hiking with gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda or Uganda is enchanting, no matter where you go.

The following are some distinctions between chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda or Uganda:

The quantity of gorilla permits

While Rwanda has 15 gorilla trekking families with 96 gorilla permits, Uganda has roughly 19 gorilla trekking families with 152 gorilla permits available to the public every day.

Numerous activities that can be combined with trekking for chimpanzees and gorillas

You can combine your primate safari with a variety of other activities in Uganda, such as sport fishing, wildlife drives, white water rafting, and viewing the Nile River’s source. There aren’t many options in Rwanda to go along with this primate safari, such as game drives in Akagera National Park or city tours of Kigali.

How much a gorilla permit costs

Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per hike, whereas those in Uganda cost $800 per person.

While Rwandan chimpanzee permits currently cost $90 per person each trip, Ugandan permits vary in price depending on the region.

Travel time from the airport to the gorilla trekking locations

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

How to Act When Going on a Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trek in Rwanda and Uganda

When you see the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, keep around 8 meters away from them because they can contract human illnesses such as the flu, cough, COVID-19, and others.
Before going on a chimpanzee or gorilla trek, offer to stay behind if you have a contagious illness.
Chimpanzee trekking requires participants to be at least 15 years old, whereas gorilla trekking requires participants to be at least 15 years old.
If you must defecate, dig a hole that is at least 30 centimeters deep and completely cover it.
When you find chimpanzees or mountain gorillas, don’t use flash photography.
You are only permitted to spend an hour with the chimpanzees or mountain gorillas, so try not to upset them.

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