Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda : Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the most intriguing animals on the planet and close relatives of people. You will spend hours in the deep tropical jungles and mountains that are home to the only remaining wild gorillas when you go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You will be accompanied on the trip by knowledgeable rangers and porters from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), RDB of Rwanda, and IUNC of Congo. They will be using machetes to cut through the dense jungle, pointing out gorilla signs and assisting in gorilla tracking.

It might occasionally be difficult to hike through the forests of Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, or Bwindi National Park. Even yet, the experience of getting close to mountain gorillas is invaluable, especially when you get to see them interact, play, eat, and groom one another. The opportunities for birding in Uganda, Rwanda, and interacting with the native Batwa and Bakiga people, learning about their customs and traditions, and even making coffee during your coffee tour in Bwindi Forest are all included in gorilla trekking tours in addition to gorilla encounters.

UGANDA GORILLA TREKKING

Uganda has two national parks where visitors can go gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga. Gorilla trekking is available in five distinct areas of Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Parks. Under the Uganda Wildlife Authority, these sectors include Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija in Bwindi, and Ntebeko in Mgahinga. There are 160 gorilla trekking permits available daily, and there are 20 habituated mountain gorilla groups in Uganda. With half of the world’s population, Bwindi Forest National Park is renowned as the top gorilla trekking destination.

Bwindi is a region of lowland, montane, and ancient forest that is 131 square kilometers (128 square miles) in size. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it protects a large number of endangered species. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which spans 12 square miles of forest, bamboo, and mountains, is Uganda’s second gorilla park. Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo are the three main Virunga peaks in Mgahinga. Both Rwanda and the DR Congo are a part of this ecosystem.

The Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks provide a variety of additional activities, such as bird viewing, nature hikes, community initiatives, and gorilla habituation activities like bird watching. Depending on where gorilla permits are available when booking your gorilla trekking vacation, gorilla trekking parts will differ. Peak seasons, such as June to August and December to February, are when permits are most in demand. However, the off-peak season gives you the freedom to select the best gorilla trekking region for you.

  HOW MUCH IS GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA? 

The price of gorilla trekking in Uganda varies depending on a number of variables, including the season and the style of lodging, which can range from budget camps to luxurious hotels. However, a gorilla trekking permit typically costs $800 in Uganda and does not include transportation to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park, meals, or porters. Taking 2 people on a 3-day gorilla trekking excursion on a budget will run you roughly $1800.

The proceeds from the sale of gorilla permits are frequently used towards conservation efforts, community development, and the protection of wildlife corridors that link protected areas like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The 800 dollar gorilla permission price is split as follows: 75% goes to conservation, 15% to the government, and 10% goes to the nearby towns.

FOR GORILLA TREKKING, HOW TO GET TO BWINDI FOREST NATIONAL PARK

By Air

You can take a scheduled or private airplane to go to Bwindi. The airports closest to the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors are Kihihi and Kisoro, respectively, while the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are served by Kihihi. Both locations are roughly 40 km/25 mi from the park, and the trip there typically takes 1 and a half hours.

By Road

The drive to the park from Kampala, the Ugandan capital, or the Entebbe airport takes about 9 to 10 hours. By taking a 2- to 3-hour drive to the south from Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitors can reach Bwindi with ease. On this path, you can pass via Ishasha to witness the renowned tree-climbing lions before reaching the Buhoma or Ruhija region. It takes 5–6 hours to drive up from Lake Mburo National Park.

From Rwanda

The majority of the park’s sectors may be reached by car in 4 to 5 hours from Kigali, Rwanda, to Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda.

WHERE TO RESIDE WHILE GORRILLA TRAVELING IN UGANDA

In determining which safari lodge or lodging is best for you, your budget will be a key factor. In some lodges, a double room can cost up to $2500. However, you can expect to pay as little as $80 per night for a double room at lodges that are affordable.

1. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
2. Gorilla Height Lodge
3. Mahogany Springs starting

4. Bweza Inn for
5. Friends of the ruhija gorilla