How to plan to see gorillas in Uganda during the winter break.
See gorillas in Uganda: What better way to spend the world’s most beloved holiday—Christmas—and winter break than with the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda? We can assist you in planning the ideal safari to Uganda, home to half of the world’s gorilla population.
As long as you have the appropriate knowledge, planning a Uganda winter break gorilla safari is easy. Learn about mountain gorillas, what to anticipate, and the destination country. You must know these things to have a good safari.
Uganda offers two gorilla trek destinations.
Bwindi or Mgahinga. Choose one for your safari. Mgahinga, Nyakagezi, and Bwindi, with 19 habituated gorilla families, are in southern Uganda. Bwindi is perfect for crowd-tolerant gorilla enthusiasts who seek a unique experience. Mgahinga is less crowded.
When to go
Winter break is Uganda’s dry season, and Christmas brings enormous throngs of hikers. Permits sell out quickly, so book safaris and permits early. After choosing dates, contact Encounter to schedule your safari.
Where can I for for gorilla trekking in Uganda during winter break? | See gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park provide gorilla trekking in Uganda. Both southern Ugandan national parks offer distinct gorilla trekking experiences. Though Bwindi and Mgahinga permit charges are identical, your option depends on your trip intentions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southern Uganda is the principal gorilla trekking destination in Uganda, with half the world’s gorilla population. Trek Bwindi’s habituated gorilla groups from Nkuringo, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Rushaga. Each area includes distinct gorilla families.
Mgahinga National Park, in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a famous safari destination because of the Nyakagezi gorilla family. It offers Uganda’s only golden monkey trekking. Mgahinga gorilla hikes are easier than Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ones. Secluded gorilla trekking is ideal for travelers who want fewer people. Mgahinga National Park houses over 10% of the world’s gorillas.
Trekking expectations | See gorillas in Uganda
You may wonder what to anticipate on a Ugandan gorilla safari. The experience depends on the trekker, but it’s a thrilling and great experience everyone should have.
After breakfast, a lead guide will review hiking restrictions at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you’ll be allocated gorilla families in Bwindi by sector (based on booking). If you are unfit, ask for a shorter or gentler hike and cancel if you become ill.
Following group assignment, the trip begins with a guide and porters for those who require them and lasts 2–6 hours, depending on family location. You shouldn’t worry about not seeing the gorillas in Uganda since it’s never occurred.
After finding the gorilla family, you spend an hour with them learning about their human interactions and taking photographs and movies. Return to the headquarters for a certificate of participation after one hour. Anxious gorillas may cut the hour short.
Gorilla permits in Uganda.
Uganda Wildlife Authority and travel operators sell gorilla licenses. Uganda no longer reduces low-season permits, so reserving one at least six months before winter break is best. UWA determines gorilla permit prices according to visitor type, making them lower than Rwanda.
East African natives pay 300,000 ugx for a gorilla permit, while international residents pay $700 and non-residents $800. The Rushaga sector gorilla habituation costs $1500 per person and allows you four hours with the gorilla groups. Permits cost the same wherever you get them.
Contact the tour provider to get a permit, then provide your passport information, name, and birthdate, and pick your winter break trekking days. The tour provider verifies the availability of your preferred dates. After confirmation, you’ll be provided dates and payment instructions.
To prevent scams, understand that no purchase will be performed without full payment. Pay the corporate bank account, not yours. After payment is verified, the permits will be purchased and a copy delivered to you for evidence. If the tour organization arranges the full safari, fees are due three weeks in advance.
Gorilla permits are non-refundable unless you observe no gorillas while unusual hiking.
Ugandan gorilla trekking rules
Your safari will begin with a list of rules and instructions to follow. It’s crucial to understand and follow Uganda’s gorilla conservation guidelines.
After finding and communicating with gorillas, each party spends an hour with them. Gorilla habituation lets you spend more time with gorillas. After purchase, the gorilla habituation permit cannot be switched to regular gorilla trekking.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority set a 15-year age restriction for gorilla trekking to safeguard primates.
A maximum of 8 trekkers may see a gorilla family each day. Gorillas are highly overwhelmed, thus only 8 people are allowed.
After meeting gorillas, avoid rapid movements and loudness. Gorillas’ stillness and noise may be seen as an assault.
Gorillas cannot be photographed with a flash.
Sick people, particularly those with sickness and cough, cannot journey with others.
If you need to cough or sneeze when among gorillas, turn aside and cover your mouth and nose.
Trekkers must always keep 7 meters from gorillas.
Uganda gorilla trek winter break attire
Without proper attire, walking in a thick forest is difficult. Uganda’s brief dry season in winter requires proper attire for gorilla treks. Comfortable clothes are needed for the endless trip to find the gorillas. Trekking attire is listed below.
Strong, durable hiking boots. These should be ankle-length, waterproof, and durable for muddy treks.
Long-sleeved shirts keep you warm and prevent mosquito bites and scratches.
Dust, dirt, and water may damage the upper legs, hence gaiters are necessary.
Light hiking pants. Walk in the forest with varied bugs and shrubs, so avoid shorts. Also, avoid hiking in jeans.
Trekkers must wear long socks over their pants.
Any additional clothes, undershirts, etc.
Gardening gloves help prevent thorns, tree scrapes, and blisters when hiking over challenging terrain.
A raincoat or windbreaker
Warm jacket.
Winter vacation essentials Safari gorilla trek
You should prepare for any Uganda safari since you don’t want to be under or over-packed. Safari baggage is essential, and so is gorilla trekking gear in Uganda.
Use insect repellant and sunblock.
A camera with additional batteries, lenses, tripod, lens cleaning, and a waterproof bag.
Binoculars
Rehydration salts
Refillable water bottle
A walking stick is available at the start of the hike.
snacks
A flashlight and additional batteries
Waterproof bag
First Aid Kit.
Ugandan gorilla trek accommodations
When arranging a Uganda gorilla trek safari, there are several hotel alternatives for guests. Some basic/budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations exist in the national park, while others are in adjacent towns. Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, Haven Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Nkuringo Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge are among the lodgings.
Reaching Ugandan gorilla trek sites
Bwindi and Mgahinga are accessible by road or air. Traveling to national parks by car is the most popular since it’s affordable and fun. The journey to the national parks takes 9–10 hours, including stops at the Equator monument and lunch in Mbarara. After driving the first day, you arrive at the parks late evening for supper and a motel overnight. Although pricey, flying takes one hour and 45 minutes and is the best way to go. Domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip may be chartered in advance.
Contact our safari advisors immediately to organize your trip.