A guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
An overview of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla trekking is the most well-known and daring sport that entails walking through tropical rainforests to find habituated gorilla families and spending an hour with them in their natural environment.
In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place in Volcanoes National Park, whereas in Uganda, it is conducted in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Due to its abundance of mountain gorillas, which can be found in two national parks in the southwest—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—Uganda is one of the greatest places to undertake gorilla trekking.
One habituated gorilla family can be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while approximately 21 habituated gorilla families can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trekking is conducted in four sectors: Nkuringo in the south, Buhoma in the north, Rushaga in the south, and Ruhija in the east.
Rwandan gorilla trekking
at Rwanda, gorilla trekking is conducted at the Volcanoes National Park, which is situated near Musanze Village in the northwest and borders the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. About 15 habituated mountain gorilla families may be found in Volcanoes National Park, which welcomes tourists every day. A guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
Experiences hiking with gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda
Early in the morning, participants in gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park get a training on the guidelines they must adhere to. Following the briefing, you will be split up into groups of eight, each of which will be assigned a habituated gorilla family to hike with and a knowledgeable park guide who is familiar with the various trekking routes.
Because mountain gorillas like to roam about in search of food, trekking with them in Rwanda and Uganda may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. You will be able to see a range of bird species, other primate species, and many plant and tree species while hiking.
After the gorillas are located, you will have the opportunity to spend an hour with them in their natural environment, where you can observe their daily activities, learn about their habits, take pictures, and document the amazing moments to share with others back home.
The best times to visit Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking
Although gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is possible at any time of year, the ideal time to go is during the peak season, which is the dry season, which falls in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.
Because there is little or no rainfall in the gorilla areas during the dry season, the foliage will be sparse, making it easier to see the mountain gorillas and other animals. Access roads to national parks and gorilla trekking paths are dry and navigable during the dry season, making hiking easier than during the rainy season, when the trails are muddy and treacherous.
Because gorilla trekking permits are readily obtained and you may explore the gorilla sites with less people, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can also be done during the wet/rainy season, which runs from March to May and October to November.
The price of permits for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
Visitors above the age of 15 are granted gorilla trekking permits, which are valid documents that provide entry to any habituated gorilla family in either Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
All nationalities must pay 1,500 USD for a gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park, while foreign non-residents must pay 800 USD, foreign residents must pay 700 USD, and East African citizens must pay 300,000 UGX per person for permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
How to reserve permits for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
In Rwanda and Uganda, gorilla trekking permits may be booked directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by calling or emailing the head offices. You may also reserve gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda and Uganda by contacting a reputable tour operator, for as Maseke Adventure Co.Ltd, and providing the day, month, year, and gorilla location you want to visit.
After getting in touch with us, we will verify if permits are available on the dates you have selected. If they are, you will be required to pay a deposit. As soon as the funds are received, we will buy the permits on your behalf and confirm with you a scanned copy of the receipt. A guide to Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking.
Things to bring on your Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking expedition
When traveling to Uganda or Rwanda for a gorilla trekking safari, you should bring a variety of items, such as garden gloves to protect your hands from thorny plants, hiking boots to keep your feet dry, insect repellent to protect your body from biting insects like mosquitoes and tsetse flies, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to keep you warm while trekking, a waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rain, a backpack to carry your trekking gear, energy snacks and bottled drinking water, a camera and extra batteries, binoculars, a pair of binoculars, a hat, and sunglasses, among other items. A guide to Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking.
Accommodations for your Rwandan and Ugandan gorilla trekking expedition
You may stay in a variety of lodging options on your gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda and Uganda, ranging from affordable to luxurious. Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One and Only Gorillas Nest, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Best View Hotel, Garden Place Hotel, Faraja Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Virunga Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Village, and Garr Hotel are among the lodging options in Volcanoes National Park.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Ruhija Community Resort, Gorilla Mist Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Ntebeko River Camp, Mondi Lodge Kisoro, Travelers Rest Hotel, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Mutanda Eco Community Camp, and Mutanda Lake resort are just a few of the lodging options available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
