Plan a visit to the mountain gorillas in Africa using our resources. Here is exclusive information about gorilla trekking, best places to go, when to go and more. Trips to see remaining in 3 African countries of East Africa; Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Make an adventure of a lifetime with us and track mountain gorillas beyond two countries and maximize your travel excitement with the largest primates on planet earth.
We’ll track gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park; Rwanda and learn about what it takes to habituate them from their natural wild state till they are calm and accommodating to humankind for tourism activities.
Cross over a few kilometers into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and get mesmerized by the rugged terrain, thick and mist covered forests. Get extra doses of excitement by tracking these wild giants again and take great note of comparisons and similarities for they are never the same. Walk at leisure in the communities close to the park that have lived with the Mountain Gorillas all their lifetime. Share their experiences, listen to their music and moving stories, dance to their tunes. Wash off the fatigue of taming African jungles with an adrenaline raising boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi; the second deepest lake in Africa. The cool breezes will sooth your body and big swarms of beautiful birds tweeting in the air and magical views of floating islands calm your nerves. You have a big volume of wonderful experiences and authentic stories to live with and talk about all your lifetime.
Plan a Gorilla Visit
When should I track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?Tourists want to get the best out of the fee they pay for gorilla tour and usually some tourists ask questions like; when is the best time for gorilla trekking?. While Mountain Gorillas can be trekked throughout the whole year, it is more pronounced during the drier months of June, July, August and early September then December up to February are the most preferred months for Gorilla trekking. No is guarantee is there that it will not rain in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest since it is a tropical rain forest and it is influenced by micro conditions of the area.
How much is Gorilla Tracking Permit in Uganda or Rwanda?
To obtain a gorilla permit, you should pay USD 600 to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. There are some months where there discounted permits at US$450 and this during the months of April. Following an announcement from the Uganda Willdife Authority all gorilla permit bookings from July 2020, the price for the gorilla permit has been increased to US$700 per person.
How can I reach Bwindi Impenetrable National park?
The park is located in south western Uganda and is divided into four regions. Buhoma region in North, Ruhija region in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Each of this region has got habituated gorilla families for trekking/ tracking. If you are to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National park, then you will need to mind about the specific regime where you are going as this will affect the lodge to be booked, gorilla as well as your transport.
When should I book my Gorilla permit/Tour?
Your Gorilla permit should be purchased three (3) months in advance to shortage most especially during the high season. The date you wish to travel should known by the tour company you wish to travel with.
What is included in a gorilla permit?
A gorilla permit allows you one hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park. Included in the cost are park entry fees for the respective parks, services of National Park guides/rangers who will escort you to the forest. Gorilla Tracking Uganda will ensure that you secure permits in advance
How long is a Gorilla Trek in Uganda or Rwanda?
Mountain gorilla trekking exercise can take from twenty minutes to three quarters of the day so one needs to prepare for both. This depends on several factors that include, mountain gorilla movements, where the gorillas stayed the previous night and the mood of the gorillas. It may also depend on the people in your group since the guides/rangers move following the slowest person in the group. Gorilla Tracking Uganda trading as Encounter Africa Safaris is happy to provide all relevant advice.
What is the age limit for Trekking Gorillas?
The age limit for gorilla tracking (Uganda and Rwanda) and golden monkey trekking (Uganda) is 15 years. The authorities are very strict on this, so kindly make sure all clients and children are 15 or older in order to avoid any sad incidents like guest(s) kids being refused to track!
The age limit for trekking chimpanzees in Uganda is 12 years old and children 10 years and older are allowed to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Children under 15 years are allowed to Dian Fossey’s tomb – although the latter hike is a stiff one so we do not recommend that either to children under 12-13 years.
What should I pack for Gorilla trekking?
You need to prepare very well for your gorilla trek in Rwanda or Uganda, we advise trousers, long sleeved shirts or blouses, long socks to enable you tack in your trousers, garden gloves, a hat, sun glasses, hiking boots, insect repellents and some energy giving foods.
Do you have any questions about Gorillas?
In case you have any questions about Gorilla tracking, you will send an email with the tour company you are travelling with.
What is gorilla habituation experience?
The Gorilla habituation experience is an activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National park where tourists are allowed to stay four hours with mountain Gorillas after paying USD 1500 for a gorilla habituation permit. The Gorilla habituation safaris are currently taking place only in Rushaga located in southern part of Bwindi Forest.
The experience of Gorilla tracking with a booked Tour Company of your choice.
In Uganda, most tour companies organize safaris for Gorilla tracking and are conducted in depth with knowledgeable guides. They guarantee you a highly personalized gorilla trekking experience safari in the National Parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The endangered apes have been drawing for decades to the mountainous slopes of Virunga. The National park Bwindi is quite a threatening name and rightly so as thick jungle looms before you set off in search of hairy cousins.
It is not easy to get there because it is hard work. There is nothing interesting as the magical hour you spend with the Mountain Gorillas. The close proximity changes images of devoted mothers which care for their young cheeky babies clambering through the trees and awesome light of a massive silverback which will remain with you forever. Your sole journey to Uganda for Gorilla tracking will make you feel rewarded. Other activities which can be carried out along side Gorilla tracking in Uganda include; Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale Forest. This offers you a glimpse into the lives of our primate brothers. An additional tour is to Murchison falls national park where you will see the mighty Nile squeezes through a tiny seven meter gap. The tree climbing lions at queen Elizabeth National park are also interesting to your safari in Uganda.
Safaris with most tours and travel companies
African safari featuring gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo are intoxicating affair with a greater diversity of animals. You are called upon to visit the gorillas in the wild on exciting guided safaris offered by selected tour operators. A combined safari will enable you see a lot of amazing African animals including the big five as well the scenic landscapes that will make you fall in love with Africa.
