Gorilla Trekking Guide Archives

Gorilla Trekking Guide

Gorilla Trekking Guide through Uganda and Rwanda- Budget Gorilla trekking

Gorilla Trekking Guide.- Gorilla trekking is one of the most opted for, most adventurous and most exciting adventure activity in both Uganda and Rwanda. This activity involves tourists moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated and free ranging mountain gorillas and when found, spend one hour with them in their true habitat. In Uganda Gorilla trekking is done in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda and harbors the highest number of the remaining mountain gorillas and Mgahinga gorilla national park. In Rwanda gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes national park.

In all the gorilla trekking destination, the gorilla trekking adventure starts very early in the morning at the park headquarters with a briefing about the rules and regulations on gorilla trekking. After the briefing is done, tourists are divided into groups of 8 people and each group is then allocated a gorilla family to trek and this is based on the booked sector for your gorilla trekking. After all is done, experienced park guides well conversant with gorilla trekking trails are then allocated to your group. Gorilla trekking in both destinations can take any time between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas where last seen the previous day in search of food. While on the trekking journey in search of the gorillas, you will be able to view different bird species, other primates, plant and tree species. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you are allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record videos.

Gorilla Trekking Guide

What is the Cost of the gorilla trekking permit?

You can’t participate in the gorilla trekking adventure without a gorilla trekking permit. This is a legal document that is issued by Uganda wildlife authority if Uganda is your opted for destination and by Rwanda development board is Rwanda is your opted for destination. This permit gives visitors the access to gorilla family in either Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park or Volcanoes national park. A gorilla trekking permit is issued out to any visitor above the age of 15 years and above. In Uganda the gorilla trekking permit costs USD 700 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD 600 per person for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 per person for East African citizens while a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person for all nationalities.

In both destinations, A gorilla trekking permit can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) a government body in charge of tourism in Uganda or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) a government body in charge of tourism in Rwanda by contacting the head offices via email or telephone calls. But the best recommended way to book your permit in Uganda and Rwanda is through a tour operator like us at Katland Safaris, and it’s done by a client contacting us with the dates and destination you wish to visit. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability and if there are permits that match with your dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permits. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.

For easier preparations, it’s advisable that permits in both Uganda and Rwanda be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because the permits are competitive and usually get sold out quickly especially during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February.

The Best time for gorilla trekking

Gorilla tracking in both destinations can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less or little rainfall in the national parks therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the wet season when the trails are wet, muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.

Things to pack for your gorilla trekking adventure

Garden gloves to protect you from germs, Waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, Hiking boots to protect your ankles and keep your feet dry, Warm sweater to keep you warm during morning hours and at night while at the lodge. Insect repellent to protect your skin from biting insects. Waterproof backpack to carry your gorilla trekking items such as packed lunch, camera, insect repellent, binoculars, drinking water, rain jacket among others. Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos during the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas. Long sleeved shirt and trouser to protect you from biting insects and also keep you warm during gorilla trekking in the morning, Energy snacks like packed lunch from the lodge and drinking water to keep you hydrated during trekking.

Accommodation options during your gorilla trekking adventure through Uganda and Rwanda

There are a number of accommodation facilities in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Volcanoes Bwindi lodge. Four gorillas lodge, Ichumbi gorilla lodge, Bakiga lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Ruhija gorilla safari lodge, Buhoma lodge, Trekker’s tavern cottages, Chameleon hill lodge, Gift of nature lodge, Cuckooland tented lodge, Lake Mulehe lodge, Lake Mutanda lodge, Mucha lodge, Ruzizi tented lodge, One and Only gorilla nest, Bisate lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, Le Bambou gorilla lodge among others.