Essential factors to keep in mind when planning a solo gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
Factors to keep in mind when planning a solo gorilla trekking safari in Uganda; Gorilla trekking is an exhilarating experience that takes travelers on foot into the lush tropical rainforest in pursuit of the habituated mountain gorillas. Once located, visitors can spend an unforgettable hour with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two remarkable national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both nestled in the stunning southwestern region. In addition to Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, as well as in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Solo travellers preparing for their inaugural gorilla trekking safari in Uganda often experience a whirlwind of emotions regarding the expenses of gorilla permits, the best places to purchase them, which travel company to choose, accommodation options, and packing essentials. This article will outline several key factors to keep in mind when planning a solo gorilla trekking adventure.
Embark on a thrilling journey of gorilla trekking designed for solo adventurers.
Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park starts early in the morning at around 8:00am with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will be divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide who is well conversant with gorilla trekking trails. Trekking of mountain gorillas in Uganda takes about 2 to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. While trekking, you will encounter various wildlife species, and once the gorillas are found, you will have the chance to spend an hour in their natural habitat. This experience allows you to observe their behaviors, watch them engage in their daily routines, and capture photos and videos of these magnificent creatures.
The price of a gorilla trekking permit for an individual explorer
A permit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is priced at 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 700 USD per person for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
What are the steps to secure gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?
Permits for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be arranged through a reliable tour operator. Simply reach out to us via email or telephone, providing the date, month, year, and the specific gorilla destination you wish to explore. Once you reach out to us, we will explore the availability of permits for your chosen dates. If permits are open, we will invite you to secure your spot with a deposit. As soon as we get the payment, we can go ahead and secure the permit for you, and we will send you a scanned copy of the receipt right away.
When to secure a gorilla trekking permit
Booking gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is essential to ensure an unforgettable experience. It is recommended to secure your permits 3 to 6 months ahead of your trekking date, as they are highly sought after and tend to sell out rapidly, particularly during the peak seasons from June to September and December to February. To prevent any last-minute setbacks, planning ahead is strongly advised.
Essential factors to keep in mind when planning a solo gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
Gorilla, a creature of the wild, embodies the spirit of exploration and the thrill of the untamed. Its presence evokes a sense of wonder and excitement, inviting us to delve into the mysteries of nature.
Last-minute gorilla trekking permits can be booked during the low season from March to May and October to November when there are fewer travelers. However, acquiring a permit at the last minute is not guaranteed.
Discover the best accommodations for your thrilling gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a variety of accommodation options for solo travelers embarking on an exciting gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations are booked according to the sector you wish to visit and they range from budget, midrange and luxury including Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ichumbi Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Wagtail Safari Lodge, Bwindi Jungle View Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort, Kisoro Travellers Rest Hotel among others.
Essential items to bring for an unforgettable gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
When organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a solo traveler should prepare by packing essential items such as a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, insect repellent, garden gloves, a waterproof rain jacket, hiking shoes, a camera with extra batteries, energy snacks, drinking water, a pair of binoculars, a warm sweater, a walking stick, and a backpack, among others.
How many days to spend on a gorilla trekking safari as a solo traveller
When planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda as a solo traveler, it is essential to consider the duration of your adventure. The minimum time you can dedicate to a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is three days. On the first day, you will embark on a drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The second day is reserved for the exhilarating experience of gorilla trekking, and on the third day, you will make your way back to Kampala. In Rwanda, the minimum duration for a gorilla trekking safari is two days; for instance, on day one, you would transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. day 2 engage in gorilla trekking and drive back to Kigali. As a solo traveller you can also combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee trekking or wildlife viewing depending on the number of days you have.
