Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Authentic tailor-made Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours | Uganda Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safaris Uganda is a brand of Engabi Tours and Travel Ltd, a Ugandan-licensed tour operator based in Uganda with operations offices in Rwanda, Tanzania & Kenya.
We specialize in crafting unique gorilla trekking safaris, Chimpanzee tracking tours and Wildlife Safari holidays to Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya. Since 2016, our team of seasoned Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife safaris experts have extensively explored the diverse landscapes of Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania focusing on the major primates and savannah national parks.
We collaborate with quality and affordable Gorilla safari lodges and we have experienced Gorilla Trekking Safaris guides and dedicated local teams to design exclusive and unforgettable Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife safari adventures just for you including our popular 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari . Join the many who have chosen Uganda Gorilla Trek to experience our curated Gorilla Trekking safaris and Game park Safaris in style and comfort.
Uganda offers some of the best Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa that will Create a lifetime gorilla trekking experiences you have always dreamt. Watch gorillas in their natural habitat with our exclusive gorilla trekking safaris and tours crafted by our passionate Uganda Gorilla Trekking safaris experts.
Book with us affordable gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda or Rwanda combined with game park and great migration safaris in Tanzania and Kenya and we will take care of your vacation planning by booking your gorilla permit, putting together your gorilla trekking safari itinerary, securing your entry permits, organizing your transfers and ensuring that you are booked in quality lodges.
We are a tested local Gorilla Trekking company and we are highly recommended by our past clients. We are available to serve you and get back to you promptly! Chat with us now on WhatsApp at +256757341593
Popular Gorilla Trekking Safaris In Uganda to Inspire You
These popular gorilla trekking Safaris and Packages can be customized to match your budget and the number of people you are planning to travel with.
1 Day Uganda Gorilla Tour from Kigali
2 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari
5 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
5 Days Uganda safari
8 Days Uganda Safari
10 Day Uganda wildlife safari
6 Days uganda Safari
Uganda Safari Experiences
Uganda is blessed with 10 national parks and a variety of wildlife reserves where travelers can visit and enjoy a dream wildlife experience. For gorilla trekking safaris Uganda, Bwindi impenetrable national park in the southwest is the prime destination. The park protects the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world with over 20 habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by trekkers. Mgahinga gorilla national park also offers another alternative for gorilla trekkers though the park has got only one habituated gorilla group.
Game viewing enthusiasts can visit some of Uganda’s large savanna parks and maximize their experience. These include Murchison Falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park and Lake Mburo National Park. All the “big five” gem are available in Uganda including lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant and rhinoceros. For more primate experience, Kibale national park protects 13 primate species and including chimpanzees, monkeys, baboons, among others.
Uganda is also a haven for bird lovers with over 1000 species found within her boundaries including Albertine Rift endemics. Travelers with longer vacations can enjoy more experiences in Uganda such as cultural and historical tours, white-water rafting at the source of the Nile, Mountain Climbing at the Rwenzori, nature walks, among others.
Enjoy your Gorilla trekking
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Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda take place in Volcanoes national park in the northwest of the country. The park is part of the greater Virunga Mountains, a vast conservation area extending into Uganda and DR Congo too. The area is popularly known for protecting endangered species in particular mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Both these species are present within Volcanoes national park as well a variety of other species including rare birds, forest elephants, baboons, and more.
Rwanda is also one of the best places to see chimpanzees which can be found within Nyungwe national park in the south alongside other 12 primate species. Akagera national park in the east is the country’s only savanna park where all the famous big five species can be found. The park also protects a variety of other species including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, warthog, crocs, birds, among others. Cultural and historical tours are also popular in Rwanda with tours around Kigali, genocide museums, ancient palaces, markets, among others.
Popular Gorilla Trekking Safaris In Rwanda to Inspire you
These popular gorilla trekking and Wildlife safari itineraries can be customized to match your budget and the number of people you are planning to travel with.
1 Day Rwanda gorilla safari
3 Days Rwanda gorilla tour
4 Days Rwanda gorilla tour
8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
Combined Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris To Inspire You
Many travelers love experiencing Gorilla Trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda on the same itinerary. Whereas many have enjoyed gorilla tours in both countries to maximize the experience, majority carryout this encounter in Rwanda and proceed to Uganda for other wildlife experiences. A combined Uganda Rwanda gorilla tours can start and end in any of the two countries depending on the interest of the traveler. We always customize our itineraries to best suit the interest of our clients with tips and advise from our team of experienced tour consultants.
7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari
8 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
10 Days Uganda-Rwanda Safari
11 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari
13 Days East Africa Safari
15 Days Uganda Rwanda safari
Combined East Africa Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari Packages to Inspire you
We tailor make itineraries for our clients who would like to visit more than one country in East Africa to maximize their safari experience in the region. Visitors can opt to visit any two or more of these destinations on a comprehensive East African safari. Many visitors love enjoying primate experiences like gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda or Rwanda and then proceed for game viewing in either Kenya or Tanzania.
Visit primate parks such as Bwindi impenetrable national park and Volcanoes national park in Uganda and Rwanda respectively for breathtaking primate experiences. Proceed to Kenya or Tanzania in stunning parks like Serengeti and Masai Mara for a lifetime game experience including watching the breathtaking wildebeest migration
7 Days Masai Mara & Serengeti
7 Days Masai Mara & Bwindi
8 Days Kenya & Uganda safari
9 Days Uganda & Tanzania Safari
10 Days Serengeti and Bwindi
10 Days East Africa Safari tour
10 Days Uganda & Kenya safari
18 Days Uganda & Tanzania Safari
More Information About Gorilla Trekking In Uganda, Rwanda and Congo
About Gorilla Trekking Uganda -All You Need to Know
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda offers a unique and thrilling opportunity to observe and interact with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where these magnificent creatures can be found making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Half the population of mountain gorillas is found in Uganda. There are two national parks in Uganda which are renowned for gorilla trekking and they include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla Trekking National Parks in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
It is located in southwestern Uganda, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the highest concentration of mountain gorillas in the world. The actual gorilla trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be physically demanding as the terrain is rugged and dense with vegetation. There are four sectors in Bwindi where gorilla trekking is carried out and they include Buhoma sector, Rushaga sector, Ruhija sector and Nkuringo sector.
The gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are endangered species and approximately 400 mountain gorillas live in the park making it one of the largest populations in Africa. The gorillas in Bwindi are known for their habituation meaning they have become comfortable with human presence and can be safely visited by tourists.
Getting to Bwindi national park during a gorilla safari can be either by a domestic flight to Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrips and the second option to get to the park is to embark on a scenic road trip to Bwindi national park which takes approximately 10 hours but allows for breathtaking views of Uganda’s countryside.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
It is situated on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area and provides another opportunity to encounter these incredible primates. The national park is also found in south western park of Uganda in Kisoro district. Mgahinga national park is home to a habituated gorilla group, known as the Nyakagezi group, which consists of around 10-15 individuals, including several adult males, females, and juveniles.
Visitors to Mgahinga National Park can go gorilla tracking which involves hiking through the dense forest to find the gorillas and observe them for a limited time. The experience is truly unforgettable and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close. Other experiences for tourists during their Gorilla Trekking Safari in Mgahinga national park include golden monkey trekking and volcano hiking.
To reach Mgahinga national park from Kampala or Entebbe, visitors can take a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip or drive for approximately 10 hours.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is the main activity offered in both national parks. It involves hiking through dense forests in search of habituated gorilla families. The trek can be physically demanding, as it often requires traversing steep terrain and thick vegetation. However, the effort is well worth it once you come face to face with these gentle giants. To ensure the safety and conservation of the gorillas, only a limited number of permits are issued each day for gorilla trekking.
It is advisable to book your gorilla permit well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be obtained through authorized tour operators or directly from UWA offices. Once you have secured your gorilla permit, you will join a small group led by experienced guides and trackers who are familiar with the gorilla families’ movements and behaviours.
The gorilla treks usually start early in the morning, and the duration can vary depending on the location of the gorilla group you are assigned to track. On average, the gorilla trek can take anywhere from four to six hours. When you finally encounter the gorillas, you will have a strictly regulated amount of time to observe and photograph them. About 1 hour is spent with the gorillas when they are located in their habitat. This is to minimize disturbance and ensure the gorillas’ well-being. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the guides to maintain a safe distance and avoid any unnecessary stress to the animals.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda can vary depending on several factors such as the type of safari, duration, accommodation, transportation, and permits required to track the gorillas.
One of the most significant expenses when it comes to gorilla safaris in Uganda is the cost of permits. In order to go gorilla trekking, visitors are required to obtain a gorilla trekking permit. These gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are limited in number to ensure the conservation and protection of the gorillas. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda for non-residents is $800 per person for a single trek in both Bwindi and Mgahinga national park.
Group trekking tours are generally more affordable as the cost is shared among a larger number of participants. Private and luxury gorilla trekking tours offer a more exclusive and personalized experience but tend to be more expensive.
The duration of the gorilla trekking tour also plays a significant role in determining the cost. Gorilla tours typically range from 3 days or more. As the duration increases, so does the overall cost due to increased accommodation costs, transportation costs and park fees.
The choice of accommodation greatly influences the cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda. There are various options available, including luxury lodges, mid-range lodges and also budget lodges. Transportation costs are another factor to consider when calculating the overall cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda. Some tour operators include transportation in their package, while others may require travelers to arrange their own transportation. The cost of transportation can vary depending on the distance travelled, the type of vehicle used and fuel prices.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda offers a range of other activities and attractions for visitors. These include game drives in national parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, boat safaris on the Nile River, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, and cultural encounters with local communities.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Uganda provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The opportunity to witness these mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring. With proper planning and guidance from experienced tour operators, visitors can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that contributes to the conservation efforts of these endangered species.
Gorilla trekking frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Gorilla trekking refers to the activity of hiking and watching gorillas in their natural habitat typically in dense forests and mountainous regions of Central Africa. Gorilla Trekking allows individuals to venture into the natural habitats of wild gorilla populations and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat going about their normal lives. To go gorilla trekking, one can book any of our Rwanda Gorilla tour packages or Uganda gorilla Safaris listed on our website. For those seeking something special tailored to their needs, get in touch.
A gorilla trekking permit is one of the major requirements for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga, Volcanoes NP, or Virunga for one to be able to see these mountain gorillas. The process of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda normally starts with an early morning briefing at the respective park headquarters, then a hike or walk into the forest following the trail used by mountain gorillas, and once found, you spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas.
A Gorilla Trekking permit grants visitor the unique opportunity to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in the breathtaking surroundings of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Mgahinga, or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and the gorilla permit cost includes entry fees for the respective parks, giving you access to the gorillas’ natural habitat. Additionally, the services of experienced National Park guide and rangers who will accompany you through the forest and enhance your gorilla trekking experience are also part of the package. To ensure a seamless adventure, Engabi Tours and Travel will take care of securing your permits well in advance, ensuring a hassle-free and unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures.
a brisk twenty minutes to a substantial three-quarters of the day. It’s essential to be prepared for a range of possibilities. Several factors influence the trek’s duration, including the movement patterns of the mountain gorillas, the location where they spent the previous night, and the mood of the gorillas. Additionally, the pace of the trek can be influenced by the individuals in your group, as guides and rangers move at the pace of the slowest person. Engabi Tours and Travel is more than happy to provide you with all the necessary advice and information to ensure you are well-prepared for this unique and captivating experience.
We are delighted to assure you that the likelihood of encountering gorillas in either Bwindi National Park or Volcanoes National Park is an impressive 98%. It’s common for some tourists to consider booking multiple gorilla treks, fearing they might miss out on seeing gorillas during the first trek and hoping for better luck on subsequent treks. The reality is that gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes in Rwanda is well-organized. Every day, an advanced team of trackers sets out early to locate the gorilla groups.
Once located, they communicate the whereabouts of the gorillas to the park headquarters and your assigned ranger guide for the day. Your trek then begins from the area where the gorillas spent the previous night until you find them. Throughout the trek, the advanced team maintains communication with your guide to ensure you stay on the right track. If the gorilla family is on the move at a rapid pace, the team will coordinate with your guide. If necessary, and to ensure your safety and enjoyment, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) may decide to redirect you to another gorilla family.
For more detailed information and personalized advice, please feel free to contact us.
Yes, it is indeed possible to track Uganda gorillas via Kigali, Rwanda. By flying into Kigali International Airport, travellers can significantly reduce the drive time to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which takes approximately 5-6 hours. This is a more time-efficient option compared to using Entebbe International Airport, where the drive time can range from 8-9, and sometimes up to 10 hours from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The introduction of the East African tourist visa has further streamlined travel between Uganda and Rwanda. With this visa, costing USD 100.00, you can easily visit three East African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Additionally, travellers can now apply for a Rwanda visa upon arrival, simplifying the visa acquisition process. For more details about Bwindi gorilla safaris through Kigali Airport and assistance with travel arrangements, feel free to contact Encounter Africa Safaris. They can provide you with the necessary information to plan a seamless and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience
All gorilla Trekking safaris in Rwanda take place in Volcanoes national park in the northwest of the country. The park protects about 360 mountain gorillas with 12 habituated gorilla groups. Some of the habituated gorilla families in Rwanda include Susa, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Umubano, Kwitonda, Agashya, Bwengye, Ugenda, among others. Rwanda’s gorilla permit is sold at $1,500 per person.
Each gorilla group is visited once a day by a group of 8 trekkers who are permitted to spend one hour in the presence of the animals. Visitors to Volcanoes national can also visit the Dian Fossey tomb which lies within the park Fossey was an American primatologist who started the incredible work of protecting mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains. She was murdered by poachers in 1985 and her tomb is situated at Karisoke Research Centre which she established before her demise. See more..
Gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda (Kwita Izina)
Gorilla habituation is the process through which wild gorillas are made to get used to the presence of humans in their habitat. It is this process that enables gorilla trekking tours to take place by making gorillas less hostile to the visitors. During the habituation process, trackers and rangers follow a group of gorillas for a period of time until the animals get used to their presence.
When this happens, the gorilla group/family in question is considered to be successfully habituated and made available for tourists to visit it. Bwindi impenetrable national park offers trekkers an opportunity to take part in the gorilla habituation process in Rushaga sector. The cost for this experience is $1,500 per person and the exercise lasts for four hours per day. Read more..
Mountain Gorillas can be trekked with or watched all year-round in Uganda and Rwanda though the dry months of June, July, August, and early September as well as December through February are considered to be the best time to trek Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda and this time is referred to as the high season.
Planning the trek during the low season can be a strategic approach for those mindful of costs while still seeking an enriching gorilla encounter as lodging prices are discounted. For more information about Uganda and Rwanda gorilla treks, get in touch on WhatsApp (+256757341593) or email(info@gorillatrekkingsafarisuganda.com)
In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs USD 800 for non-residents and USD 700 for foreign residents. In Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit is priced at USD 1500 for non-residents. This permit is like your special card that allows you to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). All Gorilla trekking safaris to Rwanda and Uganda require you to hold a valid gorilla permit which must be booked and paid for in advance
We recommend that you secure your Uganda or Rwanda gorilla permit at 1 Year in advance, especially if you intend to trek the gorillas during high season to avoid potential shortages. To ensure availability on your preferred date for gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda, please reach out to us with your intended booking date for Uganda holidays or Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris and we will provide guidance on gorilla permit availability for that specific day and assist you in planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
The age limit for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda, as well as golden monkey trekking in Uganda, is 15 years. It’s important to note that authorities strictly adhere to this age restriction. Therefore, all clients and children must be 15 or older to participate in these activities to avoid any disappointments, such as being refused to track. Before booking your Gorilla Tracking Uganda safari holidays with us, we ensure that you have all the necessary details regarding age restrictions.
For trekking chimpanzees in Uganda, the age limit is 12 years old. In Rwanda, children aged 10 years and older are allowed to trek golden monkeys as long as they are accompanied by an adult. While children under 15 years are permitted to visit Dian Fossey’s tomb, it’s essential to note that the hike to the tomb is challenging, so it is not recommended for children under 12-13 years.
When planning for your gorilla safari in Rwanda and Uganda, thorough preparation is key. We recommend packing trousers, long-sleeved shirts or blouses, and long socks to tuck into your trousers for added protection. Don’t forget to bring garden gloves, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking boots for comfort and safety on the trek. Insect repellents are essential to ward off bugs in the forest environment. Additionally, pack some energy-giving foods to keep you fueled and energized throughout the trek. Being well-prepared ensures a more enjoyable and comfortable gorilla trekking experience.
Only a maximum of 8 people is allowed to trek or visit a given gorilla family in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park in Uganda and Rwanda. In Bwindi, where there are about 14 habituated gorilla families, each family is limited to hosting a maximum of 8 people per day for one hour. While this is the standard guideline, there may be rare circumstances where park management allows more than 8 people, and if such situations arise, the park authorities will provide explanations.
For gorilla habituation experiences, which involve spending an extended four hours with mountain gorillas under habituation, only 4 people are permitted to be present. This smaller group size ensures a more controlled and intimate experience for those participating in the gorilla habituation process.
For detailed information about Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Permits availability and cost of securing gorilla permits, please reach out to Engabi Tours and Travel. We can provide assistance and guide you through the process of booking your gorilla permit to ensure a smooth and successful gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla Trekking Safaris Congo
Gorilla Trekking safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) take place in Virunga national park in the east of the country. The park protects two subspecies of gorillas including mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. There are about 250 mountain gorillas in Virunga national park and 8 habituated gorilla groups. Some of the habituated gorilla groups in the park include Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Rulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe and Bageni.
A gorilla permit to visit mountain gorillas in Congo is sold at $400 per person. Due to civil conflicts in the area around Virunga national park, gorilla safaris and other tours in the park are periodically suspended especially in times when the security threat is considered to be high. Therefore, travelers who may want to visit the park are advised to first inquire about the security situation and the status of the park. Read more.
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