Gorilla trekking In Uganda – Affordable gorilla trekking Permits at USD700 – 19 Gorilla Trekking Families – Gorilla trekking In Uganda is considered the Best & safest gorilla tracking experience in Africa.
Gorilla trekking is among the top things to see & do on a Uganda Safari. Uganda is known to be home to well over half of the total mountain gorilla population in the world all spread through two (02) national parks; Bwindi forest National Park and Mgahinga National park.
Where should I go to see Gorillas – Bwindi or Mgahinga?
Gorilla trekking In Bwindi takes place in four (04) regions; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and the far-flung Nkuringo region. Bwindi Forest National Park boasts of having the highest number of habituated gorilla groups open for tourism. There are currently 19 habituated groups which translate into 152 gorilla permits among all four regions available each day.
However for anyone to track gorillas in Uganda, they ought to have booked and fully paid for a gorilla permit. A Gorilla permit in Uganda costs USD700 per person but will increase to USD700 per person after 01st/July/2020.
Unlike Bwindi, Mgahinga only has one (01) habituated mountain Gorilla family (Nyakagezi gorilla group) open for gorilla tourism. Just like Bwindi, gorilla permits to trek gorillas in Mgahinga National park cost USD600 per person but will increase to USD700 per person after 01st/July/2020.
Latest: Uganda is offering Discounted promotional Gorilla permits at $400 – valid till 31st/March/2021.
How to book a Uganda gorilla permit
The best way to book a Uganda gorilla trekking permit is through a local tour operator. However, before you decide on who or which tour operator to book your Uganda Gorilla permit, ensure that the company you intend to deal with is a current member of the Association of Uganda tour Operators – AUTO. You can confirm this by visiting the AUTO website, email them; admin@ugandatouroperators.org or even call them on +256 414 542 599 / +256 702 542 599.
There are quite a number of reputable gorilla trekking safari companies known to offer great value service in arranging budget-friendly Gorilla safaris in Uganda. Some notable gorilla safari companies you may consider reaching out to include; Realm Africa Safaris™, Kisoro tours Uganda and Great Adventure Safaris – all locally owned and operated Gorilla Safari companies. For a wider range of other Companies, see our trusted list of Uganda tour operators.
Where to stay while on a Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Bwindi Forest as earlier mentioned has four (04) designated gorilla trekking regions; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo. All four offer varied categories of accommodation ranging from basic low-budget, Mid-range to high-end properties.
Mgahinga unlike Bwindi, has only one (01) high-end property owned by Volcanoes Safaris. The luxury Gahinga Lodge is only a stone-throw from the Mgahinga Park offices where all the gorilla trekking briefing is done starting at 8:00 am on the day of your trek. Its location makes it the ideal base for your Mgahinga gorilla safari. ( See: Why Gahinga Lodge is a favourite for luxury travellers)
The final choice on where you decide to Stay on your gorilla safari is entirely up to you. However, for an in-depth( more to detail) insight into what to expect of the accommodation(s), we would recommend working with a local tour operator (see: Best Gorilla Safari Companies)
Best time to go on a Gorilla safari in Uganda.
Bwindi & Gahinga by virtual of location both experience similar weather & climatic patterns.
While you can visit anyone or even both parks all-year-round. In our opinion, the best times to go gorilla trekking In Uganda are in the drier months of June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience and photography will be easier.
What to wear/bring on my gorilla trek to Uganda.
What to wear on my gorilla trek.
- Sturdy Lightweight walking shoes. the lighter the better. Extra weight on the trek is not good.
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers to provide extra body protections against thorny shrubs.
- Long socks that allow you tuck you pants in to avoid bugs from climbing into your pants while on the trek.
- Rain jacket in case it rains. Remember you are trekking in a tropical rain forest.
- Gaiters (Optional). Don’t spend On new ones. These can well be substituted with long socks to serve the same purpose.
What to bring on your trek.
- A camera for your photographic needs. Don’t spend BIG on a camera. if you own an iphone, they too take amazing pictures especial under limited forest light.
- Binoculars (optional). They might come in handy when spotting some forest birds. Your ranger will have a pair that he is willing to share.
- A hat (optional). This is to keep branches and leaves let alone bugs from falling into your hair.
- Drinking water. Its a norm for tour operators to provide the guests with Water. check with them to ensure they will provide.
- Packed Lunch. Its a norm for tour operators to provide the guests with Water. check with them to ensure they will provide.
- A Day Pack to carry all your personal items while on the trek.
IMPORTANT ADVICE: KINDLY DON’T IGNORE THIS!
** We recommend using a local porter to assist carry your bag and also give you a hand on the trek to the gorillas. This however, costs EXTRA. (See: Why Use a porter on your gorilla Trek)