Uganda Gorilla Safaris
Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Uganda Gorilla Safaris – Gorilla Trails Safaris specializes in organizing gorilla trekking safari holidays in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Our Gorilla safaris offer thrilling adventures into the lush rainforest jungles of these countries, where you can encounter magnificent gorillas and other wildlife.
Experience the wonder of meeting gorillas in their natural habitat at renowned locations like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. In addition to gorilla trekking, our holiday packages feature diverse wildlife and cultural experiences across Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Congo
Our gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda take you to the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the gorilla tracking destination as well as Virunga National Park in Congo. These are the only gorilla trekking destinations of the world.
Book guided Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda and hear the sounds of the lead silverback gorillas as they take control of their families. Gorilla walking tours comprise trekking both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas of Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park
Apart from gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, Congo gorilla safaris, Gorilla Trail Safaris also offers other African safaris. We customize wildlife viewing tours, bird-watching tours, chimpanzee trekking safaris, and cultural tours. We have established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional tours across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Congo
We are flexible enough with expertise in customizing short and long safaris with an expert team ready to handle trips for travelers who would love to have whether Luxury, Mid-range or budget holiday tours. We handle private tours, group tours both small and large, student tours, research groups, family trips and all kinds of traveler groups.
We are committed to responsible tourism and excel in customizing not only gorilla tours Uganda but also Kenya wildlife safaris and Tanzania tours to the renowned Serengeti National Park and other destinations. With several successful trips in the past years, some of our clients have appreciated out travel services and reviewed us on our TripAdvisor & Safari Bookings Pages.
Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda is an exhilarating experience, allowing you to encounter mountain gorillas up close. It’s an essential activity for anyone exploring East Africa, Gorilla Trails Safaris has been fulfilling this dream for countless travellers, earning a stellar reputation backed by glowing reviews.
Come with us as we venture through Bwindi National Park and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
Our expertise lies in meticulously organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. We provide exclusive insights into Gorilla permit prices, availability, selecting the ideal gorilla family to track, the best time to visit mountain gorillas, packing tips, recommended travel routes, and a range of accommodation options. Whether you are a solo or with a group, based on your budget. You can also spice up your gorilla trip by adding a classic wildlife safari or opt for a shorter route via Kigali in Rwanda. Picking the right destination route is key for an amazing gorilla-tracking adventure.
In Uganda, gorilla safaris are only carried out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There is one always mobile, habituated mountain gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park called Nyakagezi with about 9 individuals. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on the other hand has about 7 mountain gorilla families with each trek tailored to meet your Uganda gorilla safaris needs.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Gorilla habituation experiences are special chances for people to spend more time with gorillas than usual treks, which typically last only an hour. These experiences are available in Uganda and Rwanda.
In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population resides. Here, visitors can spend up to four hours with a gorilla family being habituated. It’s an opportunity to learn more about gorilla behaviour and conservation efforts.
In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park, situated in the Virunga Mountains, is famous for its mountain gorillas. Rwanda doesn’t offer as many habituation experiences as Uganda, but sometimes park authorities may arrange similar opportunities for those seeking a more immersive gorilla encounter.
Both countries have strict rules to keep visitors and gorillas safe. Permits for gorilla habituation are limited and should be booked well in advance
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Packages
FAQs about Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda
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.
