Rwanda Gorilla Safaris

What is gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is a popular adventure where people explore forests in Central Africa in search of habituated gorilla families. It’s mainly done in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo where mountain gorillas live.

To see mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park Volcanoes National Park, or Virunga, you’ll need to get a gorilla permit first. The process usually involves a morning briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a hike into the forest along gorilla trails. Once you find them, you can spend only an hour with the gorillas before heading back.

When is the best time to trek gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda?

The perfect time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is usually during the dry seasons. These are from June to September and December to February. During these times, the trails are less muddy, making the trekking easier and more enjoyable. Gorillas also tend to stay at lower places during these dry seasons, which makes finding them simpler.

But you can still go gorilla trekking all year round. Each season has its perks. In the wet seasons (March to May and October to November), the landscapes are lush and green, and there are fewer tourists around. However, trekking might be harder because of the muddy trails and thick vegetation.

The best time for you to go gorilla trekking depends on what you prefer. If you want the best conditions for trekking and clear views, choose the dry seasons. But if you’d rather have fewer people around and see the lush green landscapes, go during the wet seasons. Just make sure to check the weather before you plan your trip because it can vary from year to year.

What is Gorilla habituation Experience?

The Gorilla Habituation Experience refers to a specialized gorilla trekking activity offered in some gorilla trekking destinations, notably in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Unlike traditional gorilla trekking, where visitors spend an hour observing habituated gorilla groups, the habituation experience allows participants to spend an extended period (usually four hours) with a group of wild gorillas undergoing habituation.

Participating in the Gorilla Habituation Experience provides a unique opportunity for visitors to spend more time observing gorilla behavior in their natural habitat

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?

Going on a mountain gorilla trekking adventure is super safe for you and your safari buddies. In Uganda, when you’re out on your gorilla safari, a ranger and guide will be with you the whole time. These rangers come prepared, sometimes carrying guns just in case any other wild animals show up. And don’t worry, when you’re observing the mountain gorillas, you’ll be standing about 7 meters away from them. This distance helps keep you safe during your Uganda gorilla safari.

What’s the minimum age for gorilla tracking?

The minimum age for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda, as well as for golden monkey trekking in Uganda, is 15 years. Authorities strictly enforce this rule, so everyone involved must be 15 or older to avoid any issues, like being denied permission to track. Before booking your safari with us, we’ll make sure you know all about these age limits.

For chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, the minimum age is 12 years old. In Rwanda, children aged 10 and up can trek golden monkeys if they’re with an adult. While children under 15 can visit Dian Fossey’s tomb, keep in mind that the hike there is tough, so it’s not recommended for kids under 15-13 years old.

How much does getting a permit to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda cost?

In Uganda, for non-residents, it’s $800. If you’re a foreign resident, it’s $700. In Rwanda, it’s $1500 for everyone. This permit is like your ticket to spend an hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). If you’re planning a gorilla safari in Rwanda or Uganda, you have to make sure you get this permit beforehand.

How long does gorilla trekking usually take??

The duration of a gorilla trekking experience can vary depending on several factors, including the location of the gorilla group, the terrain, weather conditions, and the movements of the gorillas themselves. However, in general, a typical gorilla trekking experience can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours.

In some cases, visitors may locate the gorillas relatively quickly, while in other instances, it may take longer, particularly if the gorillas have moved deeper into the forest. Once the gorillas are located, visitors typically spend around 1 hour observing and photographing them before returning to the starting point.

When should I get my gorilla permit for Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda and Rwanda?

It’s best to book your gorilla permit at least three months ahead, especially during busy times, to make sure you don’t miss out. If you want to go gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda on a specific day, let us know your preferred date for your trip. We’ll check if permits are available and help you plan your amazing gorilla trekking adventure.

What’s included with the gorilla permit?

To go on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or. Rwanda, you need a permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National. With your permit, you get to spend 1 hour with mountain gorillas in the stunning settings of these parks. The permit covers entry fees to the parks so you can see the gorillas in their natural habitat. Plus, experienced guides and rangers from the National Park will accompany you through the forest, making your gorilla trek even more special. We’ll make sure to get your permits well in advance, so you can have a smooth and unforgettable encounter with these incredible animals

What are the chances of seeing mountain gorillas?

Although mountain gorillas are often on the move, making new nests to rest in each night, chances of finding them on a Uganda gorilla safari are pretty high. Some authorities have perceived the chance to be as high as 99%. The gorilla trackers will head out early and find the gorillas then alert your guides of their whereabouts, who will, in turn, lead you straight to them

What other safari activities can I engage in while on a gorilla trek?

There are plenty of activities that you can undertake while on your gorilla safaris and they include; chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking, birding, sight-seeing, game viewing, hiking or mountain climbing and cultural tours. All these activities work together to give you a blissful Uganda gorilla safari

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris

We plan special trips to Uganda so you can have a great time in the “Pearl of Africa.” You can do lots of cool stuff like seeing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, watching animals in big grassy areas, finding chimpanzees, looking at birds, taking walks in nature, climbing mountains, and learning about Uganda’s culture and history.

The best places to go on these trips are Murchison Falls National Park , Queen Elizabeth National Park, , Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park for seeing animals. Kibale Forest National Park is where you can find lots of primates like chimpanzees and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is good for seeing golden monkeys and gorillas. Mount Rwenzori National Park and Mount Elgon National Park are where you can go mountain climbing.

Bwindi Impenetrabel National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, particularly its population of endangered mountain gorillas. However, beyond its remarkable wildlife, the park also holds significant cultural value.
Wildlife

Nearly half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. tourists can trek through the forest to see these amazing creatures up close, which is a dream come true for wildlife lovers and bird watchers, more than 350 bird species can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, including unique ones like the African green broadbill, Grauer’s rush warbler, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers an exciting mix of wildlife and cultural experiences, making it an unforgettable destination for anyone exploring Uganda

Highlights of Cultural Experience at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Batwa People: The Batwa are indigenous hunter-gatherers who historically inhabited the forests of southwestern Uganda, including Bwindi. While their traditional way of life has been significantly impacted by conservation efforts, some Batwa communities still reside near the park. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about their unique culture, traditions, and survival skills through guided cultural experiences.

Cultural Performances: Local communities around Bwindi often showcase their traditional dances, music, and ceremonies for tourists. These performances provide insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region, including storytelling, drumming, and vibrant costumes.

Community Engagement: Various community-based initiatives and eco-tourism projects have been established around Bwindi, aiming to promote sustainable development and empower local communities. Visitors can participate in activities such as village walks, handicraft workshops, and cultural exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and support.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is renowned for its incredible wildlife, offering visitors a chance to witness some of Africa’s most iconic creatures. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Mountain Gorillas: Just like in Bwindi, this park is a sanctuary for mountain gorillas. Trekking through lush forests offers a rare chance to see these majestic creatures up close.
• Golden Monkeys: Alongside gorillas, the park is home to golden monkeys, known for their vibrant fur. Watch them gracefully swing through the trees, adding to the park’s rich biodiversity.
• Other Wildlife: Beyond gorillas and golden monkeys, the park teems with diverse wildlife like playful chimpanzees, colorful birds, and elusive forest elephants. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the park’s different habitats.