Mountain Gorilla safaris in Uganda/Uganda Gorilla safari tours taking you to go Gorilla trekking in Uganda are the highlight of many Uganda safaris. This Uganda safari tour/safaris in Uganda involves participating in either Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris or Gorilla habituation to conserve the endangered Mountain Gorillas.
The Mountain Gorillas are endangered because they are only about 1,063 remaining in the world and they live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga ranges.
Bwindi National Park protects almost half of the world's population which is about 459 according to their last census.
On the other hand, the Virunga region which comprises Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park protects the remaining half population of the Mountain Gorillas.
Even so, the Democratic Republic of Congo protects both Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Thus, a favorable place to explore both species of Mountain and Lowland Gorillas through a memorable Gorilla trek.
However, Bwindi National Park has the highest number of Mountain Gorillas compared to any other park. Hence, a top spot for trekking Mountain Gorillas in East Africa.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda has about 20 habituated Gorilla families available for your memorable Gorilla trek in a Uganda safari.
More so, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park also has two habituated Gorilla groups that you can trek during your Gorilla safari tours.
However, Mgahinga National Park is additionally famous for having Golden Monkeys and the Virunga Mountains. Hence, an ideal tour destination for travelers who would love to add Golden Monkey trekking or hiking the Virunga Mountains to their Gorilla treks to Uganda.
Therefore, to participate in Gorilla treks either in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you need a Gorilla permit for the safari activity. You can either purchase your Gorilla permit personally from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or have your trusted tour operators purchase it for you.
Using your East African tourist visa, you can likewise tour Kenya for a more fulfilling experience to add to your Uganda and Rwanda excursions.
Top Tour Operators for Your Gorilla Tours to Uganda
Choosing the best tour operators for your amazing Gorilla Trekking in Uganda will hinge on some factors including flexibility, experience, and reviews. They will make your tours more comfortable by preparing and booking Gorilla permits and accommodation.
Some of the best tour operators to use for your Gorilla tour in Uganda include the following.
Below, we look at the many unique facts about Gorilla treks in Uganda.
Where To See Gorillas in Uganda | Where to Go for Mountain Gorilla Holidays in Uganda
You can go for Gorilla treks in either Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga national park. Let us explore these national parks as discussed below.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla tours in Bwindi impenetrable park are one of the biggest and most memorable adventures for travelers on Uganda safari and tours.
The activity is done by walking through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for about 2 to 8 hours to trek Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Bwindi national park has over 20 habituated Gorilla families living in the different sectors of the park which are;
a. Buhoma sector in the North
b. Ruhija sector in the East
c. Rushaga sector in the South
d. Nkuringo sector in the South
a. The Buhoma Sector
The Buhoma sector in the northern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest is the leading and most famous spot in the park. It has 5 Gorilla communities that are available for touring Uganda Gorillas. These are the,
Mubare Gorilla Group
Habinyanja Gorilla Group
Rushegura Gorilla Group
Katwe Gorilla Group
Muyambi Gorilla Group
This sector is most famed for Gorilla treks because of its properly developed trails, its relatively lower altitude compared to other sectors, its ease of access from Kampala, and the amazing safari lodges that it has.
The region avails 32 Gorilla permits every day for trekking Mountain Gorillas. However, a tourist may use their Buhoma Gorilla permit to trek Gorillas in other sectors.
Let us look at the different Gorilla groups in this region to see on your Uganda safari;
Mubare Gorilla Family:
Also known as the “M” group, this was the first family to be habituated in 1991 but was first tracked in 1993. The family gets its name from the Mubare Hills and currently has 9 family members.
Habinyanja Gorilla Group:
This family in the Buhoma sector was habituated in 1997 and first trekked in 1999. They are also called the “H” group.
The family’s name “Habinyanja” depicts where travelers first saw them. They were near a swamp which is translated as “Nyanja” in the local language.
There are about 18 members in this group and thousands of tourists go on Gorilla treks every year to see this family.
Rushegura Gorilla Family:
You can also call them the “R” group. This family comprising over 21 members was first habituated in 2000 and first visited in 2002. It split from the Habinyanja Group.
Katwe Community:
Having gone through habituation for over 3 years, the Katwe family was officially opened for Gorilla treks in 2018 and it has about 7 members.
Muyambi Group:
This family is the newest and was first opened for Gorilla watching in 2019. It alienated itself from the Mubare family and has 7 members.
b. The Rushaga Sector
Rushaga region on the South of Bwindiimpenetrableforest park has 7 Gorilla families for trekking and these are the,
Nshonji Gorilla Group
Mishaya Gorilla Group
Kahungye Gorilla Group
Busingye Gorilla Group
Bweza Gorilla Group
Bukingi Gorilla Group
Rwigi Gorilla Group
This sector was launched in 2008 andhas the highest number of Gorilla groups than any other region in Bwindi impenetrable forest in Uganda. With 7 Gorilla communities, this region avails over 48 Gorilla permits.
Because of the hilly nature of this region, different Gorilla groups split to form other families to occupy them all.
The great hills in this sector also allow tourists to trek Gorillas amidst the amazing scenery as they walk through the ragged beautiful nature. They will also be able to view the Virunga ranges which include Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhavura, and Bisoke among others.
Additionally, the presence of Lake Mutanda, one of the two lava-dammed lakes in Uganda allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking Canoe rides before or after a lovely Gorilla trek.
Rushaga sector is also famous because it is the only sector in Bwindi impenetrable forest where tourists can have a Gorilla habituation experience.
Let us dive into the various Gorilla communities in the Rushaga sector of Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest;
Nshonji Family:
This was once the largest Gorilla community in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but its members split to form Mishaya and later also Bweza Gorilla communities.
The group was formed in 2009 and currently has over 25 members that are led by Nshonji after whom the family gets its name.
There is a high chance of meeting this family since it is one of the largest families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mishaya Group:
The Mishaya Gorilla community split from the Nshonji Gorilla group in 2010.
The group, led by Mishaya is known for its endless battles with other Gorilla groups, hence having about 7 members by 2015.
Kahungye Gorilla Community:
This family was made available for tracking in 2011 and it has 14 members led by an alpha male called Rumansi. However, the group later split to form the Busingye family.
Busingye Gorilla Group:
Busingye Gorilla Group separated from the Kahungye family in 2012 and it has 12 individuals.
Busingye, whose name means peace leads it. This is quite ironic because he is known for having fights with other groups. When he meets a wild Gorilla group, he fights them and takes the women to join his group.
Bweza Gorilla Group:
Bweza Gorilla Group broke off from the Mishaya family which also earlier broke off from the Nshongi community.
Bweza leads this group and it has 12 Mountain Gorillas. This group has been available for Gorilla watching since 2014.
Bikingi Gorilla Society:
When some previous members of the Mishaya family were found living with wild gorillas, authorities declared them for Gorilla habituation.
They get their name from the part of Bwindi impenetrable forest where they were seen which is “Bikingi”. Their leader, Bikingi was named after this group.
Rwigi family:
The Rwingi Gorilla group is the newest in Rushaga and it was split from the Kahugye family. They get their name after their leader “Rwigi” and the group has 6 Gorillas.
c. The Ruhija Sector
Ruhija sector is in the Eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest park, and you can easily access it through Kabale or the Buhoma sector. It is also connected to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the home of the tree climbing Lions.
Hence, Bwindi Gorilla Park through Ruhija and Queen Elizabeth National Park through the Ishasha sector are the two neighboring destinations for wildlife safaris where you can meet the two endangered animal species. These are the endangered Mountain Gorillas and the tree climbing Lions.
In the peak season, the Ruhija sector takes care of extra visitors from the Buhoma sector.
It is the most geographically diverse sector of the park and this is why it is mostly used for scientific research.
The region’s biodiversity also makes it famous for the beautiful scenery of the awe-inspiring forest ridges spreading to the Virunga ranges.
Also, travelers can climb Rwamunyoyi Peak which is the coldest area in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rwamunyonyi is known as the “hill of many birds” for the many birds that it has and it also has a great swamp. Its diversity likewise makes it the only place in the park where there are Elephants.
The sector avails 16 Gorilla permits and it has 3 well habituated Gorilla families that are worth visiting. These families in the region include
Bitukura Family
Oruzugo Family
Kyaguliro Family
Mukiza Family
Bitukura Gorilla Family:
This family was first seen around River Bitukura after which they got their name. Gorilla habituation for this family began in 2007 and within 15 months, visitors were already trekking Mountain Gorillas of this family even though their habituation process took over 2 years.
They are united and even usually have “group meetings”. This family has 13 members who prefer feeding around the Ruhija Tourism Station.
Oruzugo Gorilla Family:
Trekking this group began in 2012 and their big size, together with their playful and energetic juveniles and toddlers make them a lovable family for many visitors.
They were named after the “Alchornea hitela” plant which the natives refer to as “Oruzogo” because these Gorillas in Africa like feeding on it.
This group has 19 individuals whom visitors from the Buhoma and other sectors can trek. This is because of the few accommodation choices in Ruhija more so the budget options.
Kyaguliro Gorilla Group:
Habituating this family for Gorilla watching began in 1995 and in 2015, their leader Rukina died of an electric shock from lightning.
Later, a young Mukiza took over leadership but Rukara, a silverback, attacked his group causing the group to split. Rukara leads 4 Mountain Gorillas who remain in the group, and they enjoy feeding from the inner forest.
Mukiza Gorilla Family:
The Mukiza Gorilla community split from the Kyaguliro group after Rakara attacked the young and inexperienced Mukiza. However, Mukiza left with more members, and they are currently 15 in the group.
d. The Nkuringo Sector
The Nkuringo region is in the South of Bwindi Uganda, along the Nteko Ridge. This region is a spectacular spot for scenery as it gives beautiful views of the Kashasha Valley.
Nkuringo which was established in 2004 translates to mean a round hill. This refers to the round forested hills on its premises. It avails 24 Gorilla permits every day but trekking Gorillas in the region requires one to be more physically fit during their Uganda safari as it is quite challenging.
The Nkuringo sector has 3 Gorilla communities including;
Nkuringo Community
Bushaho Community
Christmas Community
Nkuringo Gorilla Group:
Nkuringo means a round hill in the Rukiga language. The group hence got its name from the hill in the region where travelers first spotted them.
It was the first Gorilla community to be habituated in the Southern region of Bwindi Uganda in 1997.
Poaching during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the death of their leader Rafiki, but now Rwamutwe, a blackbuck leads them.
This family has 11 members who are quite challenging to trek but rewarding upon meeting them.
Bushaho Gorilla Community:
This family has 8 members and Bahati, a silverback who broke off from the Nkuringo family group leads them.
As a result, many members of the Bushaho group followed him. He then formed a group that consisted of wild Gorillas, but they were habituated and opened for tracking in 2016.
Christmas Gorilla Society:
Christmas Gorillas Family has 9 members who are led by a silverback called Christmas. Christmas was born on Christmas day, thus his name.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Park is another beautiful destination where to go for Gorilla watching and Golden Monkey trekking in Uganda. You can merge your Gorilla walking with Golden Monkey tracking to have one of the best primate experiences in Uganda.
The park has one famous Gorilla community and another transboundary group that crosses between Mgahinga NP and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
The two Gorilla communities in Mgahinga Uganda include.
Nyakagezi Family
Hirwa Family
Nyakagezi Gorilla Community:
The Nyakagezi family is the major Gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla Park and was habituated in 1991 and first trekked in 1994.
The family got its name from the area where Gorilla trekkers first saw them. They formerly moved between Uganda (Mgahinga NP), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga NP) making it difficult for tourists who trek Gorillas to buy Gorilla permits for tracking them. However, they finally settled in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla Park, hence a viable reason to purchase your Gorilla permit. Additionally, they are easiest to trek in the Virunga region because they live in the lowlands of the Virunga Mountains.
The Nyakagezi family also has the highest number of males compared to all the Mountain Gorilla families. Therefore, many consider them to be a multi-male tolerance group.
Bugingo formerly led them after their Gorilla habituation but he is now an elder in the group. Their current leader is Mark and Ndugutse assists him. There are nine members in this group.
Hirwa Group:
The Hirwa family is a Transboundary family that moves between Uganda (Mgahinga NP) and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park). This group split from the Susa family when the late Munyinga their former alpha broke off to form his group.
Their name means “lucky one” in the Rwandese language and their current leader is Uburanga.
The group has 13 members, and they usually still move between Uganda and Rwanda.
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda refers to the process of making wild Mountain Gorillas get used to human presence by travelers and researchers staying with them for long hours.
The experience currently occurs only in Bwindi National Park in the Rushaga sector. Habituated Gorillas make safaris in Africa possible when you go Gorilla trekking in Uganda because the primates become more comfortable with humans being around them.
The Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda takes about two to five years. However, when visitors travel to be with the primates, they spend at least four hours with them in a day.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost | How Much Does It Cost to See Gorillas in Uganda? | How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Many tourists coming for a Uganda safari inquires, “How much does it cost to trek with Gorillas?”
Below, we look at the Gorilla trekking permit cost and Gorilla habituation experience costs in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga park.
Kindly note that the Gorilla permit includes park entrance fees and there are no discounted Gorilla permits. However instead of discounted Gorilla permits, you can instead easily purchase one in the low season. In the low season, discounted Gorilla permits are sometimes available even during the last days of your holiday adventure.
CATEGORY
FOREIGN NON-RESIDENT (USD)
FOREIGN RESIDENT (USD)
EAST AFRICAN CITIZEN (UGX)
GORILLA TRACKING
700
600
250,000
GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCE
1,500
1,000
750,000
How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost In 2023?
The cost of a Gorilla holiday mostly depends on the number of days that the tourist will spend on their tour. Also, it will depend on whether the tourist is coming for a budget, midrange, or luxury safari.
However, other factors to consider while calculating the Gorilla tracking costs in Uganda include the cost of the Gorilla permit, transport, food, paying porters, visa and border crossing costs, the cost of your necessities like camera, sunscreen, guides, insect repellants and so much more.
A 1-day Gorilla trek safari in Uganda costs about USD 1000 inclusive of the Gorilla permit cost.
2-day Gorilla tour in Uganda will cost about USD 1300, with the cost of a Gorilla permit inclusive.
3 day Gorilla watching trip will take about USD 1500 with the Gorilla permit cost inclusive.
How To Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda
You can purchase Gorilla permits in Uganda through the offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Alternatively, your tour operator or tour company can also help to purchase you a Gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority during your trekking safari in Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking Holidays- Rules and Regulations in Uganda
Usually, before going for a Gorilla trek, the park rangers first take you through some cautious instructions at the park headquarters. Some of these to pay attention to at the park headquarters include the following.
Always have your payment receipts and your Gorilla permit with you.
If you suspect that you have a cold or flu, make sure that you do not go for the activity. This is because these primates can easily catch human sicknesses.
Only those who are 15 and above can go on Gorilla treks in Uganda, by purchasing a Gorilla permit.
Every trekking group should have a maximum of eight individuals.
In case you empty your bowels in the wild while trekking, make sure that you bury the human waste 30 cm (12 inches) below the ground.
The park rangers at the park headquarters will also brief you on how to behave when you finally meet Gorillas. The following will be some of the instructions they will give you.
Keep a distance of 7m (21ft) away from the animals.
Make sure that you do not eat, drink or smoke during your Gorilla tours in Uganda.
In case you are to sneeze, ensure that you cover your face as you turn away from the primates. They can catch a cough or flu too, just like humans.
Each group is supposed to spend one hour with a Gorilla group.
If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the Gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans.
Do not use flash photography when with Mountain Gorillas. This will either attract their attention or threaten them. It will consequently lead the Gorilla to either take the camera or attack you.
Gorilla Trekking Uganda Vs Rwanda | Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are wonderful destinations for doing your safaris for Gorillas in the national parks that protect them.
However, visitors usually choose the best destinations based on the easier accessibility, cost of trekking Gorillas (including the cost of the Gorilla permit), number of Gorilla groups and destinations, and hiking ease.
Uganda has two Gorilla tracking destinations, and these are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Nevertheless, Bwindi National Park is more famous for Gorilla tours as it holds more Gorilla groups than Mgahinga Park. In addition, both national parks hold about half of all wild Mountain Gorillas existing habituated ones.
Even so, the cost of trekking Gorillas is less than half the price in Rwanda, making Uganda cheaper. For a Rwanda Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, Gorilla permits are USD 1500 while Gorilla permits are USD 700.
Additionally, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is at a lower altitude than Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, making trekking Rwanda Gorillas easier in the former than in the latter destination.
On the other hand, a Rwanda Gorilla trek, done in Volcanoes National Park is more easily accessible from Kigali.
Additionally, both destinations are famous for other primate safaris like Chimpanzee tracking and Golden Monkey tracking. Uganda gives the best Chimpanzee tracking experiences in Kibale NP which is also known as “the primate capital of the world”. In Rwanda, you can do Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest and Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.
To add on, Uganda will give you a wide range of destinations for other wildlife tours compared to Rwanda’s famous Akagera National Park.
Rwanda Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park to see Rwanda Gorillas is, therefore, better than the Bwindi NP trek in terms of accessibility and logistics thanks to the Rwanda Development Board. However, in terms of costs, Gorilla permits are cheaper in Bwindi Uganda, hiking is relatively easier and a variety of safari activities to add to your Gorilla itinerary is also available.
All in all, both national parks offer the best Gorilla experiences, even though Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda offer more advantages. The Rwanda Gorilla trek is more advantageous for travelers with either single or fewer activities on their Rwanda safaris.
Where To Stay While for Gorilla Travels in Uganda
Various lodges ranging from budget to midrange, to luxury offer different services to travelers. Their prices will depend on factors such as the season, location, facilities, and services offered among others.
Some of the lodges to stay in while for your Gorilla safari in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include the following.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Luxury accommodation in Bwindi; Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Volcanoes Safari Lodge.
Midrange accommodation in Bwindi;Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, and Silverback Lodge.
Budget accommodation in Bwindi; Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Nshongi Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and Trekkers Tavern Cottages.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Luxury accommodation in Mgahinga; Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge and Mount Gahinga Lodge.
Midrange accommodation in Mgahinga; Lake Chahafi Resort, Mutanda Lake Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.
Budget accommodation in Mgahinga; Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp.
Average Cost of Accommodation in the Above National Parks
Budget accommodation ranges between USD 50 to USD 100 every night.
Midrange accommodation ranges between USD 150 to USD 300 per night.
Luxury accommodation is between USD 300 to USD 2500 every night.
For easy accessibility, it is important to book accommodation that is near the tracking sector or point.
Best Gorilla Trekking Packages in Uganda
Below are some of the best Gorilla packages in Uganda. Some of these packages include wildlife safaris to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Kidepo Valley National Park.
However, you can also visit and trek Gorillas in Rwanda or the wildlife in Akagera National Park by combining your travel itinerary to see Gorillas in Uganda.
How Can You Help the World’s Remaining Mountain Gorillas
To contribute to the conservation as you trek Mountain Gorillas, visit them in their natural habitat. The money that you pay to see these gentle giants facilitates the conservation of these animals and also a percentage goes to the community. Hence, visiting Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas is a great way to contribute to conserving them, and other wild animals and also supporting the local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Watching in Uganda
Are There Gorillas in Uganda?
Yes, Uganda has over 500 Mountain Gorillas which is about half of the population in the world.
What Is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas in Uganda? | Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda | Best Time to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda | Which Month Is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The best time to go Gorilla trekking in Uganda is in the dry season, that is, from around June to August and December to February. These are the peak season so it is important to purchase your Gorilla permit early enough.
In the wet months of March to May and September to November, the tracks are wet and, therefore hard to pass through. Sometimes, you can purchase discounted Gorilla permits through a tour company in the low season.
Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical?
Yes, a Gorilla trek is ethical because as you trek Mountain Gorillas, you help to protect and conserve them as part and parcel of our environment. When tourists follow the right guidelines on their Gorilla safari holidays, then they make Gorilla tours an ethical act.
Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Safe? | Is It Safe to Visit Gorillas in Uganda?
Uganda is safe to go on Gorilla trekking tours because it does not have any civil or external wars going on. More so, professional, trained, and armed guides usually walk with you as you go for your trekking or Mountain Gorilla habituation activities.
Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda | Gorilla Trekking Uganda Age Limit
Only those who are 15 years and above are allowed to trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda.
Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth It?
Yes, your Gorilla trek is worth it, especially during your Uganda safari. When you do Gorilla tracking safaris, you directly contribute to the conservation of these primates and their environment.
Also, you get to enjoy the lively and breathtaking scenery of Bwindi Impenetrable NP while on a Gorilla safari. Most important of all, Gorilla watching in Uganda is cheaper hence you get to enjoy value for money during your tours.
How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking? | How Hard Is the Gorilla Trek in Uganda? | How Difficult Is the Gorilla Trek in Uganda? | How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda | How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla hiking is a moderate hike that requires normal physical fitness, and it is not difficult. Elderly people of about 70 years successfully trek Mountain Gorillas therefore it should not be strenuous.
However, factors that may make the experience difficult for some are if the visitor has heavy luggage or if tracking is being done in the rainy season. Therefore, get a porter to help you with luggage and also visit in the dry season when the tracks are dry and easier to hike.
You can also prepare for the activity both physically and mentally by doing some exercises weeks before your African safari.
What To Pack for Gorilla Trekking Holidays | Uganda Gorilla Trekking Packing List
Below, we look at what to pack when you go Gorilla trekking in Uganda on an African safari.
Important documents; include your necessary vaccination cards and your visa. In case you plan to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, you can purchase an East African tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. Additionally, carry your Gorilla permits with you for the Gorilla walking activity.
Camera: this will enable you to take memorable photos and videos of the rare primates in Uganda.
Notebook and pen: as you travel you will learn about many things that you would wish to document. Your notebook and pen will come in handy for this.
Backpack: this will help you to keep all your belongings safe.
Snack and a bottle of water; because Gorilla tracking takes about 2 to 8 hours, you are not sure when you will meet them. Therefore, you will need your snack and a bottle of water.
Insect repellants: your insect repellants will prevent insects from biting you, hence making your experience more comfortable.
Sunscreen lotion; is important for protecting your skin against the harsh sun of tropical Africa.
Likewise, you need a walking stick for your safaris for easier trekking during your tour.
What To Wear for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers; are important for protecting your skin against the sun and harsh weather conditions.
A hat or cap; your hat and cap will likewise protect your head and face from the hot sun of tropical Africa.
Hiking boots or strong sturdy shoes: the hiking boots will make your movements easier during your tours that require hiking.
How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla walking safari in Uganda will cost between about USD 1000 to over USD 7000 depending on several reasons. Some of these factors include;
The number of days spent on the Gorilla watching tour.
The class of accommodation that a traveler chooses to use, that is, luxury, midrange, or budget.
Whether you are using a tour operator or you are going for self-travel.
The cost of the Gorilla permit.
11. Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money?
Gorilla tracking in Uganda is definitely worth the money because it is cheaper compared to the Rwanda Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. More so, you will also be able to enjoy some great scenery in Uganda.
How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take?
This safari activity takes about 1 to 8 hours depending on how close the Gorillas are and how soon you find them.
How Do I Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
You can prepare for Gorilla tracking in Uganda by doing some physical exercises to make your trek less strenuous when you finally go for it.
Also, ensure that you get your Gorilla trekking permit ready, accommodation, transportation, the best tour operator or Tour Company, and knowledge about different travel tips to Uganda.
Gorilla tours in Uganda are one of the greatest and most famous safaris in the country. If you are interested in the legendary Gorilla tours, then Uganda is the best destination for your Gorilla trek.
Let us help plan your trip today for an exclusive encounter with the endangered gentle giants in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda.
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