What to Pack for a Tanzania safari

What to Pack & what clothes to wear for a Tanzania safari .

What can i pack for a Tanzania safari?. Having paid for your safari, transportation and accommodation  what clothes and shoes to pack for a Tanzania lingers in your mind. You now have to make sure that you have packed the right safari gear in terms of clothes,shoes,sun glasses,hats among others for your Tanzania safari trip. Safari clothes cut across all major national parks and reserves. The advice we have provided below is a Tanzania safari packing list and for Wildlife safaris across East Africa and therefore you might need more if you want to combine your safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda as an additional.

Tanzania safari packing list

• Valid passport and Visa
• Photo copy of passport
• Airline ticket
• International health card with immunisations (yellow fever)
• Travel insurance
• Medical insurance
• US$ cash / travellers cheques (checks) / credit card
• Small lock to lock zippers together
• Sleeping bag for adventure camping
• Small diary and pen
• Clothing
• Non-coloured clothing
• 4 – 5 short sleeve t-shirts
• 2 – 3 pairs of shorts
• 2 sweaters or sweatshirts
• Socks
• Underwear
• Hankies
• 2 pairs of casual trousers
• 2 long sleeve shirts
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Walking shoes
• Lightweight shoes
• Swimsuit
• Warm sleeping outfit for camping safaris
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Accessories
• Toilet kit (soap, tooth brush, toilet articles, handy wipes, etc. It’s best to bring small trail size containers.)
• Towel
• Sun screen and lip protection (SPF 30)
• Ziploc bags to protect camera, binoculars and other such things from dust
• Money belt
• Insect repellant spray
• First aid
• Aspirin
• Imodium
• Valoid
• Painkillers
• Bandages
• Throat lozenges
• Eye drops
• Other accessories
• Camera, lenses and extra film, where applicable (ASA 200 film recommended)
• Binoculars
• Pocket knife
• Insect repellent
• Reading and writing material
• Snacks
• Sweets
• Nuts
• Video camera
• Video tapes (if applicable)
• Battery packs
• Tri-pod

Contact us for your “Hakuna Matata” Tanzania safari, Uganda safari,Rwanda safari and Congo safari

Different Tanzania and combined safari packages;

3 days Tanzania safari

5 days Tanzania safari 

4 days Tanzania safari

6 days Tanzania migration safari

8 days Tanzania safari

8 days Rwanda Tanzania safari

14 days Rwanda Uganda and Tanzania safari 

Tanzania National Parks Entrance Fees

Tanzania National Parks entrance Fees-TANAPA Fees 2022/2023

Tanzania National Parks entrance fees for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara Parks are charges set by  TANAPA(Tanzania National Parks Authority) and NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority) that tourists are required to pay in order to access the parks and take part in different Tanzania safari wildlife viewing activities. Tanzania National Parks entrance fees is something any traveler heading to Tanzania should endeavor to know during the planning of their trips. The fees can be paid through the agent or at the gates using credit cards(Master cards and Visa cards)

In addition to Tanzania park entrance fees, tourists who overnight in accommodations or camps inside the park are required to pay Concession fees.

Updated Tanzania National Parks entrance fees 2022/2023

Park Fees (Adults)

Arusha National park-     $59 (High Season), $53.10 (Low Season)

Kilimanjaro National Park-$82.60 (High Season), 82.60 (Low Season)

Lake Manyara National Park-$59 (High Season), $53.10 (Low Season)

Ngorongoro Conservation area-$60

Serengeti National park- $82.60 (High Season), $70.80 (Low Season)

Tarangire National Park- $59 (High Season), $53.10 (Low Season)

Park Fees for Children

Arusha National Park-$17.70

Kilimanjaro National park-$23.60

Lake Manyara national park-$17.70

Ngorongoro conservation area-$20

Serengeti National Park-$23.60

Tarangire national park-$17.70

Concession Fees

Arusha National Park-N/A

Kilimanjaro national park-N/A

Lake Manyara National park-N/A

Ngorongoro conservation area-$70.80

Serengeti national park- $70.80 (High Season) $59.0 (Low Season)

Tarangire National park-n/a

Special Campsite fees

Arusha National Park-N/A

Kilimanjaro national park-N/A

Lake Manyara National park-N/A

Ngorongoro conservation area-$70.80

Serengeti national park- $70.80 (High Season) $59.0 (Low Season)

Tarangire National park-n/a

Ngorongoro crater fees-$295

Ranger fee -$17.70

Oldupai gorge-Adults($35.40) Children($11.80)

Letoli foot prints- Adults($23.60) Children ($11.80)

Mountain Cabins

Mt. Kilimanjaro-$70.80

Mt.Meru-$35.40

Other fees

Photography fees-$100

Over speeding(all types of Vehicles)-$100

For Park Fees, the ‘High Season’ runs from 01/07/21 to 14/03/22 and 16/05/22 to 30/06/22; and the ‘Low Season’ from 15/03/22 to 15/05/22.
For both Concession and Camping fees, the ‘High Season’ runs from 01/07/21 to 30/09/21; and the ‘Low Season’ runs from 01/10/21 to 30/06/22.

Note: Tanzania national park fees and rates published by TANAPA and NCAA may be subject to changes any time.

Contact us to book your Tanzania migration safari ,Gorilla safari, wildlife viewing safari and cultural tours.

Other Tanzania safari packages to book;

3 Days Tanzania safari

5 days Tanzania safari

6 Days Tanzania Migration safari

14 days Rwanda Uganda and Tanzania safari

CONTACT US For a Tanzania Safari Quote, information or inspiration

 

Why you should become a volunteer in Uganda on a Safari holiday.

Volunteer and Safari in Africa for free during your Volunteering Gorilla and wildlife safari holidays in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania

Volunteer and Safari in Africa for free: East Africa is a region under change and a lot has been achieved in terms of development. Through our safari packages that combine safari and holiday experiences with volunteering experience at a request, we give you an exciting opportunity to volunteer and safari in Africa for free in a humanitarian and environmental cause through which you can leave a lasting change among communities and individuals across East Africa. If you are planning a safari trip or holiday to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania  and would like to volunteer during or after your safari  in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania , we have some planned volunteer and  safari trips in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania  for you that would interest your charity soul.

Going for a Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania  Safari holiday is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle but i think you don’t actually get to explore the continent and its people to the fullest without being a  volunteer in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania.

Many tourists and travelers wonder what kind of opportunities are presently available for them to take part in and at Engabi Tours and Travel we believe you can spend part of your Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania safari time taking part in different life changing activities in East Africa like building new relationships, life empowering buildings such as classrooms, medical facilities, wells, latrines, or teaching in a classroom, tutoring and much more.

Volunteer and Safari opportunities in Africa on a Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania safari tour.

• Teaching Opportunities especially the English language
• Tutoring in areas of Math, English, Reading, Writing and other basics.
• Improving on Libraries and Reading skills
• Sports Clinics of all kinds
• Community Projects such women in business empowerment, literacy projects and ethical trainings among others.
• Medical Volunteering
• Slum Children Projects
• Vocational Training
• Vacation Bible Schools
• .Construction Work and Building

Still thinking about it!! Below are some amazing reasons why you should involve yourself in a Volunteer and Safari program in Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania  with Engabi Tours and Travel.

It helps you fulfill a dream

Perhaps you have been dreaming of seeing an elephant? Then why spend money heading to a zoo or a safari!!.There are opportunities for you to volunteer with a charity that supports the welfare of these beautiful animals. With so many animals now on the endangered list, there is no better time to get involved.

 Escape the tourists

We have all been on those holidays where we are abused from the airport to a hotel full of people with the same nationality.

If you want to meet local people and avoid the crowds then volunteering allows you to do that. Stay and work with local people making a genuine difference to their countries and avoid becoming a ‘typical’ tourist’.

Challenge yourself

Push your limits – try something new. Volunteering is not easy and it requires hard-work and dedication. At the end of each day you will be able to sleep happy knowing that you have done something worthwhile since you don’t just lounge at the pool – develop your skills.

Meet new friends

Volunteering is social because it involves the beauty of heading out on a volunteering project where you are guaranteed to meet people who are just as passionate as you.

Working closely with a group of people will mean that you will fly home having made some amazing life-long friends.

Gain a unique experience

No two volunteering experiences are the same. Each day you will get involved in different activities and meet new people. Each day’s activities will be governed by what is needed by the charity.

Become a local

After a few days living like a local, you will be surprised how quickly you are seen as a part of the community. Rather than being an outsider, looking in. Then why not become an insider and learn what really makes the community unique.

Below are the different safari trips that would compliment your charity soul for a once in a life time experience;

12 Days Uganda tour

8 Days Uganda safari

3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari

Inquire for a customized Volunteer Safari in Uganda,Rwanda and Tanzania.

Gorilla Safari Lodges In Bwindi

Gorilla Safari Lodges in Bwindi | Best Lodges For Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) include Four Gorillas Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge and Bweza Gorilla Lodge. These Gorilla Safari Lodges come with the best amenities to make visitors’ stay comfortable and memorable and the must-find amenities/facilities include hot showers, bathtubs, restaurants, fully stocked bars, and more.

Gorilla Safari Lodges are also strategically located across the 4 main gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi (Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija and Buhoma) thus guaranteeing you not only incredible chance to track different gorilla families, but also enjoy exceptional view of the surrounding areas.

This blog shows you the travelers most favorite gorilla safari Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda including Luxury, Mid Range and Budget Gorilla Safari Lodges.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is remarkably the most exceptional destination in Africa where tourists can find the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Over 459 of the 1063 mountain gorillas in the world all live in Bwindi and what makes it a complete destination is the fact that visitors have a variety of accommodation options to choose from.

There are comfortable gorilla safari lodges inside and in the outskirts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for tourists to book for a night stay before or after gorilla trekking experience. What kind of accommodation facility are you looking for on Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi? Is it budget, midrange or luxury? All categories of gorilla safari lodges exist in Bwindi NP.

Travelers Favorite Gorilla Safari Lodges in Bwindi

Four Gorillas Lodge (Luxury Option)

Four Gorillas lodge Uganda offers the best Luxury Accommodation of all worlds to those who travel to Bwindi Forest National Park. In this oasis of privacy, serenity and rejuvenation, there are no crowds, just Mountain Gorillas as well as the soothing sound of birds, rustling trees, soft breezes and breath-taking views – the Four Gorillas Lodge is the closest to the headquarters of the Bwindi National Park, only 10 minutes away from the Gorilla tracking and briefing center.

 Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (luxury option)

Built on the Nteko ridge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is one of the beautiful gorilla safari lodges anyone on Uganda gorilla tour in Bwindi should expect to book for their overnight stay. This comfortable lodge is built suitably in an area where guests are guaranteed of splendid views over the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the surrounding Virunga Volcanoes.

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge features 11 private cottages, 2 family-style villas, and 3 luxurious suites set above the Bwindi NP on a forested ridge with a unique elegance. This safari lodge comes with incredibly styled furnishings, luxurious rooms, cozy dining, reception, ceilings, volcanic stone fireplaces, African-styled furniture, garden of flowers and trees.

Buhoma Lodge (Luxury Option)

Boasting of its incredibly commanding views of the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is a luxury facility worth considering for a night stay. Located in the Northern sector of Bwindi – Buhoma region, Buhoma Lodge offers easier access to the park thus making it the ideal place to stay if you have plans to track mountain gorillas in Buhoma region.

Buhoma Lodge is an award winning facility; with about 10 chalets all providing the incredible views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The chalet feature private veranda and they en suite bathroom, good beds, hot shower, flushing toilet and more.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (luxury Option)

This gorilla lodge is found in Nkuringo area, the Southern gorilla trekking region of Bwindi. This is an eco-friendly facility, built on a forested ridge near the Nkuringo gorilla trekking trailhead. This lodge features 8 luxurious cottages constructed from local volcanic stones. It is strategically lying in an area with breathtaking views of the park and the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda, Congo’s Nyiragongo Volcanoes plus the Congo borders.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is a luxury lodge comprising of 7 guesthouses. Set at an altitude of 7000ft, overviewing the Virunga Volcanoes, Bwindi and has facilities including fireplace, en-suite bathrooms with accessible shower, separate lounge, outside veranda for relaxation, restaurant, parking, and more.

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge(Luxury Option)

Lying in the Northern region, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge is an intimate luxury lodge offering guests truly distinct jungle safari experience. Overviewing the spectacularly primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge prides itself of its stylish setting perfect for relaxation before or after having your thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. There are 8 stone and timber glass-fronted bandas, overviewing the forest; en-suite rooms, showers (cold and hot), central lounge, gardens, comfortable beds, fully stocked bar, dining area and more. The amazing bit about spending a night at this facility is that guests have a chance to see gorillas that often come roaming around.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge(Luxury Option)

The Retreat Gorilla Forest Lodge is a remote and atmospheric facility set deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP. This luxury facility is run by Abercrombie and Kent, featuring 8 comfortable tents, Queen-sized beds, bathtubs overviewing the lush forest canopy; shower, lounge, fully stocked bar, fireplace, and other amenities fitted to make guest stay comfortable.

Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Mid Range Option)

Bweza Gorilla Lodge is on the boundary line of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, close to the starting point of trekking to the gorillas. The area is in the Kisoro region in south-west Uganda. Bweza Gorilla Lodge is in a remote area and the journey to paradise is long, but eye-opening and scenic. The quickest route is by air to the Kisoro airstrip.

Ichumbi Lodge(Mid Range Option)

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge provides Luxury Cottages, with en-suite facilities and a private balcony to enjoy the spectacular view of Bwindi Forest and beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge(Mid Range Option)

This is one of the best midrange lodges, set on 6 acre land in Rushaga region. This safari camp features 30 beds, six self-contained bandas, 2 family bandas, and it is built overviewing the stunning Rwenzori Mountains.

Gorilla Valley LODGE(Budget Option)

The Haven Lodge is built in a luxurious area above Buhoma village. This was officially opened to guests in December 2014, and has facilities plus services such as bar, cellphone, mosquito net, laundry services, parking area and more.

Other gorilla safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

1. Chameleon Hill Lodge
2. Jungle View Lodge
3. Gorilla Friends Lodge
4. Gift of Nature Lodge
5. Wagtail Eco-safari camp
6. Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort
7. Engagi Lodge
8. CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp
9. Silverback Lodge

CONTACT US for price Quotation and information of an all Inclusive Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda.

Planning a Gorilla Tour In Uganda

How To Plan  A Gorilla Tour In Uganda For First Timers (5 Steps)

Planning a Gorilla Tour in Uganda involves deciding on where you want see Gorillas from in Uganda between Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks, how long you want to stay on your Gorilla Tour in Uganda, choosing a reliable Gorilla Trekking Company or Tour Operator, knowing what to pack for a Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda and Finding out which travel requirements you need to travel to Uganda.

Some of the answers to your questions will be obvious and others you just have to search the internet or ask a friend who’s been to that destination before. Our guide to planning for a Gorilla Trekking Uganda Experience for first timers is designed to help you and make it easy for your to plan your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour.

5 Steps to Planning a Gorilla Trekking Tour to Uganda: 

• Choose where to watch or trek Gorillas in Uganda
• Decide how long to stay on your Gorilla tour in Uganda
• Choose a reliable Gorilla Trekking Company or Tour Operator to book your tour with
• Know what to pack for a gorilla Trekking tour in Uganda
• Find out which travel requirements you need to travel to Uganda

1-Choose where to Watch or Trek Gorillas in Uganda

There are two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi  Impenetrable National Park is arguably the more popular choice because it’s home to a large population of Mountain gorillas, has a wide range of accommodation, is easily accessible by air and can be easily be combined with a Savannah Safari for wildlife viewing lovers. On the other hand Mgahinga National Park is a popular option for cross-over itineraries with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and it’s also the only park in Uganda where you can trek Golden Monkeys making it the best place for an option of combining gorilla trekking with Golden Monkey Tracking. Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga can also easily combined with Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga (Bwindi) or Nkuringo (Bwindi) for Trekkers interested in double Gorilla Trekking.

Gorilla Trekking lovers should however note that the Price of a Gorilla Permit at 800$ and the chances of Seeing the Gorillas is the same for Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. Contact us for guidance on which park to visit

2-Decide how long to Stay on Your Gorilla Tour in Uganda

It is very important to decide on how many days you want to stay on a Gorilla Safari Tour in Uganda and this depends on a number factors including your budget, your schedules and the kind of experience and additional activities you want. For first time Gorilla Trekking Lovers, we think 3-5 Days will be perfect for a memorable gorilla trekking safari. However for Gorilla Trekkers interested in adding more activities such as wildlife viewing in Savannah Park or Chimpanzees Trekking, 5-21 Days are enough to Cover the best of a Uganda Safari. Gorilla Trekking Lovers should note a Gorilla Tour can be exhausting hence they need to have to themselves enough time to relax on arrival or after the long hiking encounters and long driving hours.

3-Choose a reliable Gorilla Trekking Company or Tour Operator to book your Tour With

To ensure a smooth planning, you need to choose and contact a reliable Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator with your dates of travel, your desired experience, number of travelers and your desired type of accommodation between Budget, Mid-range or luxury and they will help you to book your Gorilla Trekking Permit, Transportation means, accommodation and provide you with any additional local information and knowledge to ensure safety, responsible travel and easy communication in addition to saving you time and money by securing discounts in lodges and other activities. Engabi Tours and Travel Ltd is a reliable Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator Uganda with TripadvisorReviews from our past client. We also organize trips to Serengeti and Maasai Mara. 

4-Know what to Pack for a gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda 

Gorilla trekking clothes and what to wear cuts across for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park and the advice we have provided below is for gorilla trekking though one might need more if they have wildlife safaris as an additional. Read hear about Gorilla trekking safari packing list. Please note that it is good to pack ahead of time since it gives you enough time to shop for whatever item you may need for your tour without panicking.

5-Find out which Travel Requirements you need to travel to Uganda

Always find out if you need a Visa to enter Uganda as some countries are exempted. Currently Visas to Uganda can be applied for online only and we advise that you always use the country’s official Immigration website instead of commercial websites that charge extra fees.  In addition to Visas, always ensure that you know which vaccine certificates are required and we advise that you get administered with yellow fever vaccine and other travel vaccines as per the rules of your destination and based on the recommendation of  your doctor you should take anti-Malarial tablets

Finally since you are ready to go on your Gorilla Trekking tour in Uganda, don’t forget to travel responsibly because going on a Gorilla Tour is as much about the local people as it is with the wilderness. Therefore take sometime getting to know the local people and their culture. Try learning the local language and keep a diary so that all the wonderful things seen and experienced are kept and remembered. You can also inquire from your tour operator if there are community projects you can support or volunteer in while on your safari holiday.

CONTACT US for a Gorilla Safari Tour Price Quotation or information and inspiration

Popular Uganda Gorilla adventure holidays: 

1 day Uganda Gorilla trekking tour from Kigali

2 Days Gorilla trekking safari tour

3 Days Uganda Gorilla trekking safari

3 Days Murchison falls safari

3 Days Kidepo Valley safari

3 Days Queen Elizabeth NP Safari

5 days Uganda safari

6 days Uganda safari

8 days Uganda safari

9 Days Uganda safari and Ssese islands beach safari

11 Days Uganda safari

12 Days Uganda safari

Popular Combined East Africa vacations packages.

8 days Uganda Tanzania safari

11 Days Uganda Rwanda safari

12 Days Uganda Tanzania safari through Rwanda

14 Days Uganda Rwanda and Tanzania safari

16 Days Uganda Rwanda and Congo safaris

16 Days Gorilla trekking Tanzania safari and Beach holiday

 

Facts About Mountain Gorillas

19 Facts about Mountain Gorillas | Why are Mountain gorillas endangered?

Facts about Mountain Gorillas and why are Mountain gorillas endangered?. Mountain Gorillas are some of the most exciting primates to spend your time with. The major exciting facts about Mountain Gorillas are that they are very strong, very good eaters, very similar to humans and have pretty much the smallest sexual organs( why mountain gorillas are unique). Whether you have already booked your permit or planning to book one, maybe you  are  just  challenging  yourself  to  have  more  knowledge  about  this  exciting primate. You can probably find all the important information in this blog about nineteen facts about the mountain gorillas.

To save you the suffering of navigating several pages of textbooks and hours of internet surfing, we have narrowed all the information about a mountain gorilla in just nineteen paragraphs. You find it exciting. We hope!!

• The mountain gorillas are the largest and the rarest of all the three species. A male mountain gorilla  can  reach  an  average  of  6  feet  tall  when  standing upright and weigh 180 to 230 kilograms.  Females are smaller with 4 ft. 5 ft. average height while standing and weigh between 70 and 120 kilograms.
• There  are  three  species  of  gorillas  and  the  mountain  gorilla  is  one  of  the subspecies of Gorillas  that  exist  today; the  western  lowland  gorilla  which occurs  in  West  Africa,  the  Cross  River  gorilla  that  can  be  found  at  the Nigerian/Cameroonian  border  and  Grauer’s  gorilla  or  the  eastern  lowland gorilla in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Males develop a streak of silver hair when they are mature and thus adopt the name silverback. The silvery appearance  is  caused  by  short,  grey  hairs which cover the back and extends to  hips and  upper  thighs. The silver back develops when they are about 15 years of age in the wild.
• Man is the Gorilla’s closest relative. The nuclear DNA differs by 1.6% between humans and gorillas and there’s 99% likeness between man and a mountain gorilla. Their hands and feet resemble our own so much and interestingly the distance between their big toe and the other toes is very short. Their teeth too very much  resemble  ours,  except  for  the  very  long,  the likeness  is enormous.
• A mountain gorilla is an endangered species and fewer of them are left today and only inhabit the tropical rainforest ecosystems of Virunga volcanoes of Rwanda,  Zaire and  Uganda  with  Uganda  having  the  largest  last  remaining population of the mountain gorilla.
• The  population  sizes  and  densities  of  mountain  gorillas  are  difficult  to ascertain for it is not possible to count non-habituated gorillas directly. What researchers   and   wildlife   authorities   do   to   obtain   their   numbers   and population densities is that they make estimate based on the number of nest.As of 2019 the gorillas in Uganda are 459 mountain gorillas.
• They create transects within the forest over a given distance and a walk along these  transects  and  record all  gorilla  nests  visible until  the  entire  forest  is covered. That’s how the population sizes and densities of non-habituated mountain gorillas are arrived at.
• The mountain gorillas have shorter arms than the other populations and very long, silky hair, mainly on the arms. Though the hair on their backs is shorter than on most other body parts.
• Mountain Gorillas are actually shy animals; they live in social groups of 2-35 individuals. These are  called  families  however  a collection of  mountain gorillas  is  called  a  band.    The  silverback who  is  the  dominant  male is  the leader of the group and commands all respect from all other group members, as a leader he’s responsible for the safety and security of the family.
• Mountain  Gorillas are herbivores and  so  eat  a  lot  of  vegetation  they  feed  on roots, leaves, stems and bamboo. But the gorilla actually loves foraging on bamboo. They also eat soil occasionally. It is believed that the soil contains minerals that maybe missing in their normal diet, or the minerals neutralize poisonous substances in their food.
• Gorillas live primarily on the ground. They spend only 5–20% of the day in trees and when they climb, they mainly do eat fruits and leaves on higher branches.
• Mountain gorillas unlike other species occasionally climb beyond the tree line. The tree line is the altitude above which trees do not grow.
• Mountain Gorillas leave their sleeping sites very early in the morning, feed and take rest around noon. In the afternoon they forage again before resting at night. The rest periods are for Social contacts, the females will be breast feeding and the  older  gorillas  will  play  a  little  bit  while  the  leader  watches over. Occasionally the silverback participates and plays with the young ones.
• The sleeping nests are made using the branches of bushes and other plants. The animals pull the branches into the center and plants are bent in to form a rim around the nest.
• Mountain gorillas can never sleep in the same nest for more than one night. Every evening the gorillas construct a new nest, each animal constructs its own nest and it’s only the infant gorillas that share a nest with their mothers.
• Man is the mountain Gorilla’s main threat, apart from you and I, gorillas do not really have enemies. And when there’s a threat, Silverback male(s) responds immediately  by  giving  off  an  intense  vocalization,  gnashes  the canine teeth and beats the chest.
• The other group members drive the group away from the source of danger. The dominant male is entirely responsible for defending his family. There can be a show of strength when two mountain gorilla groups meet especially between the leading silverbacks.
• A mountain gorilla that is under great care can survive up to 53 years in a zoo; however one in the wild can live up to 35 years. Like in humans, old mountain gorillas are susceptible  to  certain  illnesses  as  well  as  body  and  muscular weaknesses.
• They suffer from the loss of teeth and find difficulty in feeding. The other group members take the responsibility of nursing and looking after the aged members.

Mountain Gorilla Most Rare Facts

• A Gorilla is one of the largest animals with very small sexual organs. Its testes and penis are as small as 3 cm long when erect averagely whereas its testes weigh between 30–35 g. whereas an average man’s penis 12.9cm long when erect and 10-15 grams of testicle weight.
• The gestation period of a gorilla is about 257 days on average. It is also known that Twin births occur among gorillas as often as in humans. A new-born baby gorilla can weigh up to 2.4 Kgs on average.
• Gorillas mainly use vocalizations for communication. This is because they live in thick forests and they use the vocalizations to trace group members they cannot see and can accompany social interactions.
• On average, an adult silverback can   make   eight vocalizations   per   hour,   most   often   during travelling.
• A  gorilla  male  achieves  his  high-ranking  position  not  only  because  of  his strength,  which  he  proves  when  fighting  against  competitors,  but  also because  of  his  experience  and  abilities.
• If the females notice that their silverback is too inexperienced, they will transfer to another group where the silverback is more experienced especially in handling human enemies.

Contact us to book a Gorilla Safari in Uganda or Rwanda.

The Best Time To Visit Gorillas

When is the Best time to Visit Gorillas In Uganda?

The Best time to visit Gorillas in Uganda is during the Months of June, July, August and September through to October. The alternative best time to visit Gorillas in Uganda is during the Months of January and February. Travelers should however note that they can visit Gorilla in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks all year around.

Uganda has two rainy seasons (the short season that starts in October to November and the long rainy season that starts from Mid-March to the end of May). The rainfall ranges from 1000-2000mm every year though of recent it’s hard to predict the dry and wet seasons of the year due to the effects of climate change. Uganda is blessed with clear skies through the year with average temperatures at 21.5 C and 71F which makes her an all year round travel destinations for safari and gorilla trekking lovers hence the best time to visit gorillas in Uganda and actually neighboring Rwanda is all year.

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking In Uganda?

For Primates and Wildlife Safari lovers, the best time of the year to visit Gorillas In Uganda is during the Months of June, July, August and September. January and February are the other alternative months you can go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

From experience, many tourists choose to visit Gorillas In Uganda from May to September and from January to February since in these months it’s sunny in most of the safari destinations in the countries. December is one of the busiest months of the year in most national parks and it’s advisable to book the accommodation in time to avoid disappointments.

Low season  is an opportunity to visit Gorillas In Uganda at less cost since most accommodation are cheap in a bid  to encourage many tourists to travel even though it’s a rainy season. Visiting Gorillas in this season also means that you will enjoy the jungle with relatively low crowds.

In addition to Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Safari lovers can take on Game viewing in all the national parks of Uganda and Rwanda which is perfect in the dry season ( from February and March, September and beginning of October ).  This is mainly because the wildlife species are concentrated around water bodies within those parks.

Bird watching as an activity an also be added on a gorilla trekking tour and is best carried out between November and April when the migrant birds are present in the country but can also be carried out all year round. Tourists are however advised to avoid taking vacations during the heavy rain months of April and May.

CONTACT US for a Gorilla trekking safari Quote, information and inspiration to get the best “Hakuna Matata” combined gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing safari in Uganda.

Uganda Frequently Asked Questions

Uganda Frequently Asked Questions-Uganda Travel information

Our Uganda Travel guide tries to answer a number of Uganda Safari frequently asked Questions by travelers especially about the Covid 19 Certificates and Vaccinations. We get so many concerns and questions by our visitors and we think that the information below will be of help as you plan your next journey to Uganda. Find the frequently asked questions below:

Do I need to buy travel insurance when travelling in Uganda?

Absolutely, all tourists travelling with Engabi Tours and travel are required to buy travel insurance before the start of their trip.

Do I need a Covid 19 Certificate to enter or exit Uganda?

Covid 19 Certificates are not required for travelers who have evidence of being fully vaccinated. However for travelers who are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated, they require PCR Certificates to enter and exit Uganda.

Can I drink water in Uganda?

It’s not recommendable to drink tap water in Uganda. For conservation purposes, always try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It’s also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are ATM machines accessible in Uganda?

ATMs are accessible and easily found in bigger cities and tourist areas, but you won’t find them in small towns and rural areas. Always remember to have other payment methods available when getting out the cities for your safari.

Are credit cards accepted in Uganda?

Credit cards are accepted by major hotels, restaurants and business but not by smaller vendors. Always ensure that you have enough cash to make purchases you may not be able to make using credit cards.

CONTACT US for Uganda travel information and to book your Uganda Safari Tour

Are you planning to visit Uganda below are some of the safari packages you can get involved in during your short or long stay in Uganda

3 days Uganda gorilla safari

8 days Uganda safari

12 days Uganda safari