Gorilla Trekking Expeditions Uganda Rwanda
Gorilla trekking expeditions provide a lifetime opportunity for tourists to get up close and personal with mountain gorillas in the wild. Interested in gorilla trekking expeditions in Uganda, Rwanda or D.R. Congo? At Engabi Tours and Travel, we organize remarkably the most memorable gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. This includes securing valid gorilla permits and accommodation in advance before the actual visit to see the endangered mountain gorillas.
With only 1063 endangered mountain gorillas left in the wild, tracking through the African jungles and spend an hour face-to-face with them is by far a life changing experience. These large apes survive only in 4 areas: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Where to go for gorilla trekking expeditions?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) –Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the leading destination in Uganda for gorilla trekking expeditions, home to 459 mountain gorillas. Located in Southwestern Uganda, along the Albertine rift valley, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park supports over 120 mammal species and include 11 primate species such as mountain gorillas, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons and more.
Gorilla trekking expeditions in Bwindi are enjoyable in anyone of the 4 sectors that is Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma regions. Each of these 4 regions contains fully habituated gorilla families: Ruhija sector (has gorilla groups- Bitukura, Mukiza, Kyaguriro and Oruzongo group. Nkuringo region – visit gorilla families like Bushaho, Nkuringo and Christmas. At Rushaga region, available gorilla families to track include Bweza, Rwigi, Busingye, Mishaya, Kutu, Mucunguzi, Kahungye, and others.Considering the park’s location, to have a full gorilla trekking experience, you need 3-day gorilla safari.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Kisoro) –Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a Ugandan National Park, lying in the Southwestern part of the country. About 9-10 hours are required for you to drive from Kampala to Kisoro to visit Mgahinga NP. The park also shelters three of the eight Virunga Volcanoes including Mount Gahinga 3474m, Sabyinyo 3645 and Mount Muhabura 4127m. At Mgahinga, Nyakagezi is the only one gorilla group that has been fully habituated and ready for trekking.
Mgahinga National Park Uganda is accessible 10km South of Kisoro, bordering Rwanda to the South and D.R. Congo to the west.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, located in Ruhengeri is the only park in Rwanda where a section of endangered mountain gorillas thrive. This park was established in 1925 primarily to host these large apes and about 30% of them survive here. It is a compact protected area with land area coverage of 1063 mountain gorillas, and 12 habituated families.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda takes 2 to 3 hours for you to drive from Kigali city or you can also drive from Kabale or Kisoro through Chanika/Katuna border.
When to visit Uganda & Rwanda for gorilla trekking expeditions?
Gorilla trekking expeditions can be carried out all year round. When planning a gorilla tour to Uganda or Rwanda, 2 seasons must be put into consideration –the dry and wet season. The most preferred or what is considered the best time for gorilla trekking is the dry season and this takes place twice a year. The longest dry months run from June, July, August, September; and December, January to February –being the shortest dry months.
Visiting mountain gorillas during the two dry seasons allows you to have a trek less of stress because the trails are kept drier due to limited or no rains. The steep slopes remain drier with vegetation clear making it easier to capture pictures of gorillas in the wild.
Regardless of some challenges, tracking gorillas can also be done during the wet or rainy season. This is also regarded as the low or off season, and begins from March, April, May & October, November. The advantage the wet or rainy season has over the dry season is that gorillas have abundant food supply and can take fewer hours to locate them.
Gorilla permits & how to book them
In order to have a chance to get up close and personal with a family of gorillas, you must have a valid gorilla permit. A permit must be obtained in advance, about 2 to 6 months before the actual date of tracking gorillas and during the dry season/peak months, the demand is even high. Gorilla Permits Booking can be done through a local tour operator licensed by Uganda Tourism Board or Rwanda Development Board
A single gorilla permit for Uganda gorilla trekking expeditions costs USD 800 per person visiting as foreign nonresident, USD 700 for foreign residents & shs. 3000,000 East African citizens/residents. If Rwanda is your favorite gorilla safari destination, a gorilla permit is available for reservation at USD 1500 per person.
What pack for your gorilla trekking expeditions –Uganda & Rwanda?
A lot is needed during a Uganda safari like gorilla trekking trip but always consider carrying essentials and pack lightly. Your gorilla trekking expedition packing list should contain a good camera, waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, daypack, a pair of gardening gloves, a sweater, rain jacket, first aid kit, safari hat, bottled water, long trousers, insect repellents, snacks, and more.
What is gorilla trekking expedition in Rwanda/Uganda like?
Tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is all about visiting already habituated gorilla families. Before the trek begins, you will be undertaken through briefing starting at 7:00 am at the respective park offices and gorilla families are assigned to every group comprising of 8 visitors. The actual trekking begins at 8:00 am expecting to run between 2 and 6 hours inclusive of one hour of a close encounter and photo taking.
Mountain gorillas as their name suggests do survive in high altitude areas and some fitness level is required to have a complete trek. Also, consider having adequate drinking water and energy giving snacks to boost your energy levels throughout the gorilla trek. You may also consider hiring a porter to assist you carry heavy luggage and walking stick for support while walking through muddy areas.
Are gorilla trekking expeditions in Rwanda and Uganda safe?
Unlike Congo, the safest and secure destinations to see mountain gorillas include Uganda and Rwanda. These for decades have enjoyed peace and stability, however, during the normal treks you have gorilla regulations or rules to be observed, and include;
- Always keep a distance of 8 meter off from gorilla families so as to limit any chances of them contracting human infectious diseases.
- Stay calm if the gorilla charges at you and lower your face as a way to show that you are submissive.
- No flashlight camera should be used during photography and you can turn the flashlight off before taking pictures.
- You can be assigned to a gorilla group or allowed to book a gorilla permit if you are above 15 years.
- Once you come across a gorilla group in the wild, you have a guarantee to enjoy one hour face-to-face.
Where to stay
Visitor stay during gorilla trekking is possible in budget, midrange and luxury accommodation facilities. Gorilla safari lodges in Uganda include Four Gorillas Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Gift of Nature Lodge, Rushaga Camp, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge,
Other Uganda gorilla safari lodges to book: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Mutanda Island Lodge;
Rwanda gorilla safari lodges Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Best View Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and more.
Contact us for Gorilla Safari Packages, Inspiration or Information about Gorilla Trekking Expeditions in Uganda or Rwanda