Detailed Guide on Planning for a Gorilla trekking safari for the First Time – Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking Destinations – The best time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
In recent years, the number of tourists flocking to Uganda has steadily increased due to several factors with the most prominent one being the population of mountain gorillas that call Uganda home. For those coming to Uganda for gorilla trekking safaris for the first time, you need proven easy steps to planning a successful safari to this gorilla destination.
Gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Uganda and there are only two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda and that’s Bwindi impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Game Park.
Detailed Guide on Planning for a Gorilla trekking safari for the First Time
- Choose Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking.
With a variety of wildlife reserves and national, towns, cultural villages, and communities to choose from, deciding the nature of safari and the particular destination in Uganda is in most cases a challenging task. The first step is determining the kind of vacation you want or the specific things you’d like to see and do.
If getting deep into the natural forest trekking the jungles in search of the gentle giants is for you. Then, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home to the highest population of remaining mountain gorillas is the perfect choice of a destination for your gorilla trekking safari for the first time.
If you want a mix of other primates most preferably Chimpanzees, then the addition of Kibale forest to the list of destinations is highly recommended if your dream is to have a complete wildlife and Gorilla trekking safari, you can add Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth national game parks to the list of destinations to visit.
Decide on When to Go for your gorilla trekking Safari for the First time.
Once your destination has been Chosen, the next step is to agree on when to take the safari.
Best time to visit Uganda for Gorilla trekking safaris for the First time
Uganda has two optimum travel seasons that most travelers consider; the Dry season and Rainy Season. most travelers prefer exploring Uganda during the Dry Season in the months of June to September and December to February. It is the best time for gorilla trekking adventures. During this time, the forest floors are less damp, trails are passable, and your photography equipment will not get drenched in torrential downpours. However, it would be best if you didn’t rule out rain while hiking in Uganda’s rainforests.
Contact a local travel agency and Book Your safari Activities and other logistics like safari Lodging
Next, you need to decide whether you’re going to travel solo or with the help of a tour guide. Also, will you plan the trip yourself or find a tour operator to take care of the local travel logistics? We at all times recommend the use of a local tour operator like Katland Safaris since they understand the destinations better and will best tailor make your safari to your expectations.
An all-inclusive guided safari is a preferred option for most foreign tourists. With it, your tour operator organizes the itinerary details like accommodations, meals, transport, activities, and guides. You pay the tour operator, and they’ll pay the service provider and manage your entire trip, chauffeuring you from one place to another.
Even if you decide to book everything yourself, especially if you are a foreigner, you’ll probably have to arrange transport and permits through a specialized safari company.
Get in touch with your preferred local operator sooner than four to twelve months beforehand. It’s a good idea to book your gorilla permit well in advance because the mountain giants are highly restricted to a few people a day.
Get more information about your Destination.
Researching about Uganda before you get there is a great way to increase your excitement level and improve your local knowledge.
Phrasebooks are a good idea, too, because knowing even a few local language sentences will go a long way toward helping you make friends. Try Swahili or Luganda-English phrases for travelers.
fictional books written by African writers or set in Uganda should be you’re traveling companion to help give you a sense of what to expect before you travel.
Book Your Flights to Uganda for your Gorilla trekking safaris for the First time
Depending on where you’re flying from, flights to Uganda can be expensive, and a limited number of carriers often means that seats fill up quickly. For the best rates, book as far in advance as possible.
If you have air miles, check whether the corresponding airline flies to Entebbe International Airport Uganda’s only international Airport.
Try to communicate your international flights with your local operator when booking, so the ground handler or first-night hotel will be responsible for arranging airport transfers.
Check Your Visa Requirements to Uganda
Several months before your departure date, check with your consulate whether you need a visa. That is determined based on your nationality, not your country of residence. Uganda visa rules change anytime, so checking with an official government source is essential rather than relying on advice from outdated travel websites.
Pack your bag with all Your Travel Equipment and Hit the road for your Gorilla trekking safari for the first time.
The fun part of planning your impending safari trip to Uganda comes from buying and packing all your specialized equipment. Your travel pack list to Uganda must include items from mosquito repellents to a good set of binoculars and a pair of durable hiking shoes.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Nights in the southwestern highlands can be freezing even in the dry season. Yet days are unpredictable, with random tropical showers and bursts of hot sunlight.
Think about preserving your memories, whether investing in a quality camera, expanding your smartphone camera space, or buying a scrapbook and a spare set of pens.
Another essential purchase is a first aid kit, complete with any personal medications and all items you’ll need to treat minor pains and injuries.
Hit the road to Uganda and encounter mountain gorillas on your gorilla trekking safari for the first time.
Contact us with any inquiries and questions about organizing a gorilla trekking safari to Uganda for the first time.
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