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
Gorilla Trekking
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.
Gorilla Trekking Uganda TripAdvisor Reviews As Written By our Past Clients
Gorilla Trekking Uganda TripAdvisor Reviews: Reviews About Gorilla Trekking and Uganda Safari experience: Gorilla Trekking Uganda TripAdvisor Reviews are meant to help you understand better destination Uganda and be able to make an informed decision for your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari vacation. The Gorilla Trekking Uganda TripAdvisor Reviews also help you to get information about the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Company you are about to book your tour with in a bid to avoid dealing with fake companies.
Clients in a Game Drive at Murchison Falls National Park
Below is a copy and paste of some of the Uganda safaris Reviews and testimonials on TripAdvisor. These TripAdvisor Safari reviews also include Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Reviews of our past clients and they are independent thoughts from our past clients and they do not represent the views of Engabi Tours and Travel Ltd.
List of Gorilla Trekking Uganda TripAdvisor Reviews
Reviewed August 30, 2024 via mobile I started planning for this trip and talking with Chris about 8 months before we arrived. After speaking with Chris and looking at the itinerary he had planned compared with other tour companies, I decided to go ahead and book the trip. We planned to visit Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. We arrived in Rwanda at Kigali Airport to the smiling face of the most amazing and wonderful guide by the name of Allan. Allan made our next few days so much fun. We stayed in Hotel De Mille Collines for our first night in the city. Our next day Allan drove us to Uganda to Four Gorillas Lodge (5 stars) where we would be heading out the next day for our Gorilla Trek. Wow! So much fun. The Gorillas were amazing and we got to hang out for an hour with a group of about 10 gorillas. We opted for the medium hike (about a 4 hour steep down and then back up). Our next day was driving out for a nights stay in Lake Bunyonyi (lots of islands). Allan took us to lunch in one of the small towns. He also took us to one of the markets and we loved being able to buy some toys for the kids in the town and see their reaction to their new toys. We flew to Kilimanjaro to Tanzania and was met with our next guide, Miriki. The next few days we made our way through Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Serengeti (all the way from the South to the North). Miriki was very knowledgeable and made sure we had a chance to see every animal we could. We also were able to go into a Masai Village and meet the people and they showed us their dances and their homes (also inside) , how the started fire, and the school. Our third guide was Simon and we met him at the border between Tanzania and Kenya. We also had the pleasure of having Chris (who originally booked everything for us) come along and be our second guide. Kenya was beautiful and the Masai Mari had so many animals for the small area that we drove through. We literally were taken care of from the minute we stepped off the plane to the drop off at the airport where Chris literally walked us into the airport to say goodbye. I was a little nervous about paying so much money for a trip (I’m not a rich person and this was a lot for me, but I had saved). This trip was worth every penny. There had been some changes in Lodges by Chris and I was at home thinking to myself that maybe we wouldn’t be staying in nice places. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Every place Chris had booked was really wonderful. These Lodges are all really amazing. The tented lodges were definitely “glamping” – not roughing it. The food was all really good and they always had plenty of bottled water and drinks. It was a trip of a lifetime !!! Thanks Engabi tours and my guides. You all are wonderful!
Reviewed July 1, 2024 via mobile Myself and my partner our approaching the end of our trip organised by Engabi Tours travelling to Uganda and Tanzania and wow what a trip it’s been!!
We started our trip doing gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. Both experiences were organised very well and our tour guide, Alan (who was with us during our time in Uganda) was very knowledgable and made sure we arrived on time to each experience and made the most of them!
We then travelled to Tanzania for a safari in two of the main national parks in Tanzania (Tarangire and Serengeti). Our tour guide, Frank was amazing!! Frank was highly knowledgeable and was able to answer my many many questions. We managed to see the Big Five all thanks to Frank’s expertise. It is clear that Frank loves his job as a tour guide which shined through in his enthusiasm through the safari! If you are considering a safari in Tanzania, I would highly recommend Frank as a tour guide, you won’t regret it!
Reviewed July 1, 2024 via mobile We booked our tour with Engabi after looking at many other UK / local tour operators and Christopher at Engabi was the most responsive and clear in his communication from the outset despite us changing the itinerary many times and booking at short notice! The trip from start to finish was well organised and all the accommodation was great with very good service all round.
Allan (our tour guide in Rwanda and Uganda) did a great job and was very informative over the few days we were with him on the gorilla and chimp tracking experience.
Frank (our tour guide in Tanzania) was also fantastic and his knowledge of wildlife is very impressive. As soon as we arrived, he was able to identify various bird species, plants and animals and was able to give us good information and answer the many questions we had whilst on Safari. Despite our tight itinerary which involved a lot of driving, Frank kept the energy up and was always willing to go the extra mile on game drives even when we were tired! We saw the big 5, a Cheetah kill and also the wilderbeast migration (which were the highlights for us). If you travel to Tanzania on safari, we would highly recommend choosing Frank as your tour guide – you will not be disappointed!
Dealing with Christopher from the start has been so easy. Any questions we had he got back to us straight away! He explained everything accurately so we weren’t left in the dark! Our experience in Uganda through to Tanzania. Was well organised and included everything we wanted. The guides were good, pickups were on time! Need to make specially mention of our guide “Evans” who took us through the Safari part of our tour. He was so pleasurable, full of information. He worked very hard to make our experience unforgettable. Every morning we would get into a pristine clean car that we spent the night before cleaning. He has a lot of experience as a guide and you have the best time if you’re lucky enough to get him. Overall a great experience!
Christopher from ENGABI organised our 15-day individual trip (3 pers.) perfectly from the first to the last moment. The lodges were super and far exceeded our expectations. We liked Bweza Gorilla Lodge best (such friendly staff and great atmosphere in the rainforest) , Aardvark Safari Lodge (huge rooms, great restaurant, elephants by the bed, hippos and buffalos and warthogs on the evening walk) and Rubalika Safari Lodge (what a welcome, you can’t get more African than that!) (each of us in a different order), but Pakuba (antelopes and warthogs in the grounds) and Rwakobo Rock were also great. Of our 3 Africa trips, this was the best, most exciting and most impressive. There is no question that we saw gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, leopards, elephants and much more up close and in abundance. Allan was an excellent driver, knowledgeable guide, experienced guide and friend. The safaris with him were just great, the drives never boring; in the mornings, as an early riser, he made sure we got out too! Allan was always approachable and had an answer to every question. We would especially like to thank Allan for his patience in fulfilling our special requests, which was not always easy! An unforgettable trip – to be recommended without reservation.
My husband and I did a 4 day and 3 night trip to Uganda with Engabi Tours which was amazing. We did gorilla and golden moneky tracking. Our tour guide, Fred, was very nice and always willing to take his car anywhere to be the most convenient for us. The gorillas in Bwindi were incredible. The hike was very difficult between the terain and the altitude. I would 100% recommend hiring a porter. However, seeing them is one of the most amazing experiences. We also saw the golden monkeys on another excursion. Our trek was long but not as strenuous as the gorillas. These guys are so active and incredibly fun to watch. We stayed at Four Gorillas Lodge. The staff were very friendly and super accommodating. The food was good. Drinking water was provided. It is a beautiful space that is very close to Bwindi. Their credit card machine was down while we were there; so, cash is a must which we did not realize ahead of time. We stayed our last night at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort. It is another very nice lodge. The staff and food again were excellent. We loved being right on the water. They do take credit cards here. Keep in mind when traveling to Uganda that it is a third world country. The roads are terrible in some places. Many places require cash, and the wifi is spotty at best. Also, most of the places are solar powered so electricity has to be conserved. However, it is a beautiful country. We are so grateful we got to have this once in a lifetime experience. Chris with Engabi made planning ahead of time pretty easy. I gave him my ideas, and he put together the itinerary perfectly. If we ever return to Uganda, I’d book with Engabi Tours again.
Where does one start with such an amazing experience visiting a beautiful country with wonderful heartfelt people. The beauty of the land and breathtaking views of some of the world’s most spectacular animals left us feeling blessed beyond measure. Every day was a new adventure in search of animals one would never get tired of seeing over and over again. Having the opportunity to see the leopard was thrilling. Watching the sunrise with an elephant and her young one in the view took my breath away. The chimpanzees and gorillas were awe inspiring and entertaining. Every moment was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Thank you, Allan and Engabi Tours for providing such a gift!
Putting to words how fabulous Engabi Tours is is a daunting task! My wife surprised me for my 50th birthday with this once-in-a-lifetime holiday. I have always wanted to experience the wonders of Africa, and this trip did not disappoint! The attention to detail in accommodations and tours far exceeded my expectations. From the very first moment when Allan picked us up from the airport I knew we were in for a great time! He is the kindest, most patient and knowledgeable guide we have ever had during our world travels! I can confidently say that I feel as if we started as clients, but left as friends (Allan, if you ever make it to the states, you have a place to stay and a couple of decidedly mediocre tour guides at your disposal)! There are so many highlights from this trip, it’s impossible to pick a favorite! From seeing the big-5 before 9 am the first day at Murchison Falls, to an incredible stay at Four Gorillas Lodge (capped by an impromptu birthday celebration complete with a delicious cake), up close interactions with gorillas, chimpanzees, and even a charging hippopotamus! Allan was by our side introducing us to the local culture and explaining the details of the natural wonders, all while patiently answering our myriad questions! Of all of our travels, Engabi Tours have set the bar High!
I cannot recommend Engabi Tours and Travel enough for adventures in Rwanda and Uganda. Not only are they cool and kind people, who are fun to be around, but every aspect of your tour will be well thought out, planned, and executed with care, by local experts and guides. We did a gorilla trek in Uganda and Engabi had a close partnership with the lodge where we stayed, which turned out to be the best safari lodge we’d ever experienced.
The Engabi tours and Travel company is superb. The service and accommodations offered is world-class. We tour the Impenetrable Forest of Uganda to visit the mountain gorillas, and afterwards visited the Batwa people and learned about their history and customs. It was an incredible trip that will never be forgotten. Peter, our driver, was great and super helpful during our trip. We had the privilege to do part of our tour with Christopher, owner of Engabi Tours. His presence during the trip, and his camaraderie with Peter were wonderful to have for the 3 days we were with them. We learned so much about Rwanda and Uganda. Also, the lodge that was part of the package was the best place we’ve ever stayed at. Four Gorillas Lodge is staffed with the most thoughtful and friendly staff we’ve ever encountered. Nestled at the edge of the forest, the views from the balconies is incredible. One not to miss. Moreover, they handled all the permits necessary for us and helped us with the border crossing into and out of Uganda. I highly recommend taking any tour of Tanzania, Uganda, and/or Rwanda with Engabi. You will not be disappointed.
Most incredible experience of my life! As an American, I was worried about booking with a travel group in Uganda. But Christopher instantly set my mind at ease. Attentive, responsive and patient, he handled every single detail. Our driver, Allan, was our local tour guide and our accommodations at the Four Gorrillas Lodge was, by far, the best service we’ve EVER received! (Which is saying a lot since one of us in our group travels for a living). The property was superb (look at our review) and the Gorrilla trekking far exceeded our every expectation. Highly (CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH) recommend! You won’t be disappointed! (Ps see the review for the trekking. Our guide was AMAZING!)
And if you end up staying in Entebbe before or after your trip, we also highly recommend the Airport View Hotel. The rooms are spacious and clean and a cocktail in the gazebo is a wonderful way to experience a peaceful Uganda evening. Overall, the hospitality and kitchen/bar is unmatched.
So, Engabi Tour& Travel is an excellent travel company!. They are very professional, kind and everything was wonderfull in all our tours managed by Engabi. Thank you Christopher, Vincent, Alan ans Susan! All off you are very nice people and we felt that all of you really helped us to have a wonderfull time in Uganda! Cristopher helped us with everything. We had 3 tours with Engabi. 1. Safari trip in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda – the trip was very good organised. We had a very nice and good driver and of course a nice car. The lodge that Cristopher recommended to us was nice, very clean and with good food (as he promised to us when we talked on the phone). I don`t want to say about the game drive that it was wonderfull… we saw the lion, the elephant and even the leopard!. 2. Jinja trip to the sours of Nile – also very good organised, with nice car and a very kind driver. 3. The amazing part of our Uganda trip was of course the Gorillas Trekking!. I have no word to describe this amazing experience!. Although it is expensive it is totally worth it. Engabi Tour and Christopher organised for us a wonderfull tour. All that he recommended to us was very good (the lodge was wonderfull, clean and good food). Actually being so close to the gorillas was a unique experience and I totally recommend to every people who love animals and Africa. So, as a conclusion, I totally recommend Engabi Tour & Travel, professional, very helpful, nice people, they explained us everything about our trips and most important they do what they promise. So, thanks again to all of you, for sure in my next trip in African countries near Uganda I will contact you again!
Chris and Hamza are amazing! Everything was arranged and sorted out. This was a trip of a lifetime! The best experience of my life. Travelling solo wasn’t a problem either as I had chance to meet others and Chris and Hamza were also great company! I couldn’t recommend Engabi more. 10/10!
We were a family of four, booked a Uganda / Tanzania Safari tour for August 2021. Although we were a little anxious to travel during the pandemic, we took a chance and were glad we did! I cannot say enough about the whole experience-we booked through Christopher, who made sure our itinerary was everything we wanted. The lodges were beautiful, the food was yummy, and the people were all so amazing-friendly, accommodating, and so happy!! Our drivers were Allan and Cathburt-how they manage those roads is short of a miracle!! They all knew so much of the country and the animals, very informative and interesting! We felt safe throughout our trip and were well taken care of! Definitely, the trip of a lifetime!!!
Date of experience: August 2021
We implore you to book your Gorilla Trekking and Uganda safari with us now and have a review of your own!
Contact Usfor information, Inspiration or a Quotation for a Gorilla Trekking and Uganda Safari Vacation.
Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price | Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost 2024 : Rwanda Gorilla Permit Price is 1500USD Per Person Per day for ordinary Gorilla Permits, 15,000$ Per Person Per day for Private gorilla trekking of an entire group with an exclusive personalized tour guide service and 30,000$ for a minimum of 3 visitors trekking 3 consecutive days. An all Inclusive Rwanda Gorilla Trekking cost starts from 1900$ Per Person Sharing for 2 Persons and it includes Gorilla Permit, Transportation and accommodation among other components.
Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost Breakdown
The price of a 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour ranges from US $2,500 to US $5,800 Per Person Sharing for 2 People depending one’s Choice of accommodation and budget. The Price is inclusive of transportation from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and back, Full board accommodation for 2 Nights, Gorilla Permit, English speaking driver, drinking water and government taxes. The Price of a Gorilla Tour does not include air tickets, tips, alcoholic beverages and any other expenses that appear personal in nature.
In General, the Price of a Gorilla Trekking Tour in Rwanda depends the number of people traveling (Traveling alone is more expensive), the number of days one intends to stay (the more days one stays the more costs incurred), the type of accommodation and budget and the administrative Costs.
How to Acquire a Rwanda Gorilla Permit
You can acquire or Book a Rwanda Gorilla Permit by contacting Rwanda Development Board or through a recognized East African Tour Operator. Engabi Tours and Travel Ltd is a reliable local East African Tour Operator with Tripadvisor reviews from previous guests and we provide much more than just a permit by also reserving your hotel, providing transportation and also showing you other destinations within Rwanda.
How To Plan a Tailored Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari For First Timers
For First Timers that are craving for the bloody drama of the great migration that passes through the Serengeti and Mara Eco systems, it can be overwhelming to start planning a Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari because of a number of things including the choice of accommodation, the number of days to stay and how to get there among others. Planning a Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania requires you to book your Vacation very early in the year or a year in advance to ensure that you don’t miss out on accommodation and some time transportation since the migration takes place during the high season Months of June, July, August and September. Our Ultimate guide to planning a Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari provides tips to book your Wildebeest Migration Safari Vacation that occurs in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
The annual Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania goes through the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem as over 2 million animals including the wildebeest as well as zebra and gazelle follow the rains from region to region. The migrating herds undergo a number of challenges and hardships including attacks from predators and crocodiles that lie in wait at various river crossing points. The Migration goes through the south and central Seronera areas into the Western Corridor and arrive in Grumeti River during the month of April to May residing till June. Then Migrating herds then move towards the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya crossing the Crocodile infested Mara River around the Months of July and August all through to September and arriving in the Lobo and Loliondo areas in eastern part of Serengeti during the Months of October and November. The wildebeest Migration comes back to the southern part of Serengeti in the Ndutu calving grounds with arrivals starting around December staying till March (read more on when is the best time to visit Serengeti ).
The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari dates and timing entirely depends on the annual rains and availability of fresh pasture which may seasonally occur earlier or later in the year but the experience is worth the effort as you get to watch over 1 Million animals move across the Serengeti plains driven by instinct or necessity. The epic journey is one of violence and endurance as the Migrating herds battle forward through the lion infested kopjes and crocodile infested rivers.
All you need to know to plan an epic Serengeti Migration safari
-Book your Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Very early
Early booking is highly recommended because camps tend to fill up quickly especially during the Months of June to October which is a high season and a great time to view the popular river crossings in Grumeti and Mara River. It is better that you start planning and making inquiries in December or March or even a year in advance. However tourists should note that the Migrating herds can be seen all year-round and one can choose to see the calving season instead of the river crossings. Start Planning your Serengeti Migration Safari with Engabi Tours and Travel
-Choose the right Month for your Migration Safari and Number of Days to Stay:
There are no specific dates to witness the Wildebeest Migration crossings in Serengeti though the months June until early October provide high chances of witnessing the Natural wonder in either Grumeti River ( June) or the Mara River ( Mid July, August, September up to very early October) . We therefore recommend that you go for your Serengeti Migration Safari ( River Crossings) between the Months of June up to mid October though Serengeti National Park can be visited all year round. Tourists should consider a stay of 7 Days Serengeti Migration Safari minimum ( when Transfers are by Road from Arusha and if the Migration tour is combined with other Northern Circuit parks of Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater) or 3 Days Migration Safari minimum when one decides to fly to the Serengeti. Tourists may also consider combining the Migration Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda or Uganda ( See here a sample Gorilla Trekking and Migration Safari Itinerary)
-Choose the right accommodation Camp:
Your place of accommodation matters a lot on your migration safari as it helps you to have wonderful experience and get the best views of the Natural wonder. The Migration Camps tend to be more luxurious and expensive due to the prime locations closer to the wildebeest crossings and we recommend an early booking for one to be able to secure the best camps in the best locations. Contact us for advise on the camp and availability. Other things to consider include what to pack and the travel requirements to enter Tanzania.
What is the Best Month to go for a Serengeti Migration Safari?
The Best Months to go for a Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari is from June-September as explained below:
June up to early July is traditionally the Grumeti River crossing period though the intensity and drama of the crossing depends on the water levels of Grumeti River which occasionally sees raised levels like the Mara River sees in July and August. Expect a rewarding experience in June as the herds will be spread out.
Late July marks the start of the Mara River crossings as well as mating season in the Serengeti and since it’s a dry season with a more arid Serengeti, the wildebeest herds begin moving faster in search of water and greener grass making their way across Grumeti River and Mara River where crocodiles are encountered.
August is arguably the best month to see the dramatic Mara River crossings in the Serengeti or Masai Mara and it’s the time the dry season kicks into overdrive. The herds are continuing their search for greener grass making their way across the crocodile infested Mara River.
September is one last chance to see the epic Mara River crossings in the Serengeti or Masai Mara and around this time its more hot and dry in both Serengeti and Masai Mara. Most of the wildebeests have already crossed into the greater Masai Mara area and are enjoying the lush green resources before venturing North wards.
Our Recommended Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari Packages that may Inspire you!
The 3 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania is a fly-in-fly-out Serengeti Safari package that takes you to view and experience that Great Migration Serengeti Mara River Crossing in the Kogatende Area North of Serengeti National Park. The 3 Days 2 nights Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari itinerary takes is recommended during the Months of late July, August through to September
This 7 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari is a 1 Week Tanzania Itinerary that is designed specifically to increase your chance to see the great Northern Serengeti Wildebeest Migration (Mara river crossing) and is recommended in the Months of July, August, September and through to October. The 7 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari will take you to both the Central Serengeti National Park (Seronera area) and the Kogatende area (Remote Northern Serengeti National Park) through the Lobo area (Area North of the Central Serengeti National Park) and it includes a visit to the Ngorongoro crater.
Get to watch Mountain Gorillas and the famous Wildebeest Migration Mara River Crossing across the Mara River with this 11 Days Private Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration Serengeti Safari in Uganda and Tanzania. This Gorilla Trekking and Wildebeest Migration Serengeti Safari is recommended during the Months of Late July, August, September all through to Early October and will involve flying from Arusha to Serengeti North and drive back to Arusha through Ngorongoro and Tarangire on your Tanzania leg of the trip.
The 12 Days Serengeti Migration and Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour to Tanzania and Uganda through Rwanda features two of East Africa’s Wildlife experiences, Gorilla Trekking and the great Wildebeest Migration specifically the Mara River Crossing. This memorable Great Wildebeest Migration Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour is recommended during the Months of late July, August and September as this is the time when the Migration head has reached the Kogatende Area in North Serengeti and has started or is already crossing the crocodile infested Mara river to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
The 13 Days Combined Masai Mara, Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking Safari offers tourists an ultimate African Safari in the World’s Wildlife and Primates Capitals of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Masai Mara, Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking Safari takes you to witness two of Africa’s top wildlife encounters the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda and the Big Five animals combined with Mara River Wildebeest Migration Crossing in the famous Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Park. This Classic African Safari to Masai Mara, Serengeti and Bwindi National Parks will begin in Uganda’s via Kigali International Airport-Rwanda then you will head to Tanzania and finally finish it off from Masai Mara in Kenya and it will create a lifetime’s worth of memories for you.
Ready to start planning your Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari in 2025 or 2026, we have great and professional safari experts available and ready to help you design a unique safari experience itinerary.
Fill in Our Contact Formwith the details of your desired travel dates, accommodation type and number of travelers you intend to travel with or Send us a WhatsApp text on +256757341593
What is Serengeti National Park Famous for? What is Serengeti famous for? Serengeti National Park Tanzania is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration a natural wonder that sees millions of wildebeests, Thompsons gazelles, zebras and elands migrate further North to Masai Mara in Kenya each year from June to October. The Serengeti is also famous for the high concentration of a variety of wildlife populations including the African elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, rhino, leopard as well as cheetahs, gazelles, giraffes and zebras among others not forgetting the sunrises and sunsets that make the heart go wild.
Basically a Safari in Serengeti National Park takes you to explore Africa’s best safari park known for it’s world’s largest wildlife migration and a high concentration of big cats like lions, cheetah, leopard and hyenas and With no doubt, Serengeti National Park Tanzania is where safari goers come to truly experience an ultimate Serengeti National Park Safari on their safari holiday in Africa and the park is undoubtedly the best kept and known wildlife sanctuary in the world also known for having accommodated the early man himself at Olduvai Gorge about two million years ago. The near by areas of Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire National park and Lake Manyara National park are also worth a visit.
Serengeti National Park is the oldest and Tanzania’s most popular National park located in Northern Tanzania and bordering with Kenya’s Masai Mara. The park covers an area of 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) of grassland plains, savanna land as well as riverine forest and woodlands. Traditionally it’s inhabited by the Maasai people who call it Siringitu,“meaning the place where the land moves on forever”.
A Serengeti National Park safari is a spectacular experience no matter what time of the year you visit and below we have listed what we think are the best things to do in Serengeti to guide you in planning a Serengeti Safari holiday.
Famous Things to do in Serengeti National Park
Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration
Arguably one of the world’s top Natural wonders, this annual event sees over one and a half million wildebeest accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebra and numerous antelope species move in search for greener pastures. Their movement covers about 500 kilometers in a clockwise direction from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. The highlights of the Great wildebeest Migration are the Grumeti River crossing (May/June) and Mara Rivers crossing (July-September) which take place as the wildebeest head back north wards the Masai Mara. Between February and March, you can witness wildebeest birthing their young ones in the Ndutu area which attracts predators and therefore a lot of dramatic predator action.
Game Viewing /Wildlife Game drives
The Serengeti National Park is a top destination for an ultimate Tanzania safari game drive on an African safari Vacation. The park is home to 2,500 lions and more than one million wildebeest that roam the Serengeti plains. Given the large size of the park, tourists cannot explore it in a single day and may require at least 4 days to explore each section of the park.
Serengeti is known for predators like cheetah, leopards, hyena, jackals and a ton of lions in addition to elephants, Buffalo, wildebeest, Zebra, Gazelles and antelopes among others.
A lion in Serengeti
Masai Village Cultural tour
Masai semi-nomadic people have been the inhabitants of the Serengeti ecosystem for centuries. They live in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya along the Great Rift Valley and their traditional ways of life and the unique traditional clothing make a visit to their villages memorable. Here you will learn about their customs, traditions and lifestyles with a brief dancing ceremony, a visit to the traditional boma made of sticks, mud and cow dung, a visit to the village schools and craft village among other activities.
Hot Air balloon Safari
Experience the Serengeti plains and its wildlife in a special way by embarking on a hot air balloon Tanzania safari. This is a memorable way of exploring the Serengeti and helps tourist have a different perspective of the wildlife and the vast plains on the hot air balloon as they have a bird eye’s view of the park.
Visit Oduvai Gorge & Kopjes
Arguably one of the most ancient and historical spots to visit during a Tanzania wildlife safari, the Oduvai Gorge is a famous spot where archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered human fossils and tools dating back to over 2 million years ago. Fossil remains of over 60 hominids have been found in this area making it one of the most important pale anthropological sites in the world. It is a convenient stop for tourists traveling between the Ngorongoro crater and the Serengeti National Park. The Kopjes on the other hand are granite rocks that stand out in the Serengeti Plains and add to the already spectacular flat grassland. They offer perfect places to see wildlife like the lions, cheetahs and reptiles.
On your visit to Tanzania’s oldest national park and a major lead for the northern safari circuit, you can also visit other northern Tanzania circuit Parks that include the Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with extension trips to Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking and to Zanzibar and Ssese Islands for a beach holiday.
Our Recommended Serengeti National Park Safari Tours:
3 Days Serengeti National Park Safari
Duration: 3 Days | Locations: 1
This Serengeti National parktour is for Business travelers or Tanzania visitors with time constraints but interested in visiting the Serengeti for wildlife viewing or the great migration (June-October). You may decide to fly into Serengeti or you may be transferred by Road from Arusha (We recommend you fly into the Serengeti so that day 1 of the trip can also be utilized since the journey is a long one (Approximately 8 hrs). The package can be tailor made to fit your style of travel whether luxury or Budget
This Serengeti safari tour is designed to give safari goers enough time to explore the Serengeti wildlife and the wildebeest migration (if visiting in July –October). You may decide to fly into the Serengeti or you may be transferred by Road from Arusha (We recommend you fly into the Serengeti so that day 1 of the trip can also be utilized since the journey is a long one (Approximately 8 hrs). The package can be tailor made to fit your style of travel whether luxury or Budget
Highlights:
Game drives
Bush walks
Diverse landscapes and experiences for photography
5 Days Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro crater Tanzania Safari
Duration: 5 Days | Locations: 3
This Tanzania safari tour takes you to Lake Manyara National park home to tree climbing lions and flamingos, Serengeti and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater
This Serengeti safari tour is perfect for travelers with more time on hand for a longer Tanzania safari and it takes you all Northern Circuit parks of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
8 days Gorillas and Serengeti Uganda Tanzania safari
Duration: 8 Days | Locations: 4
This gorilla trekking and Serengeti Safari tour takes will take you to trek the last remaining Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park in Uganda and to view to wildlife and the Big Five animals in Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and Tarangire Parks in Tanzania. It brings you the two top highlights of an African Safari -gorilla trekking and Serengeti safari
Highlights:
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Big Five safari in Ngorongoro crater
Game drives in Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks
Leading Inbound Destination Management Company (DMC) in Uganda : Engabi Tours and Travel Ltd a leading inbound Destination Management Company in Ugandaand a reliable ground handling tour operator that provides travel support services and ground handling services to International Travel agents and Tour Operators.
We are registered in Uganda with our head offices in Kampala, licensed by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) , members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are in the process of acquiring a public liability insurance covering up to 500,000 US$.
We help international travel agents and tour operators to purchase and book gorilla trekking permits and Chimpanzee tracking permits in Uganda . Whenever you are in need of gorilla permits in Uganda, we will help you to check availability and advise you on the way forward.
The other Ground Handling travel support services we offer to international travel agents and tour operators include transportation and transfers arrangement, accommodation booking and activities tickets booking. See what travelers say about us on Tripadvisor
If you are interested in selling Uganda destinationswith extension to Tanzania or if you have a trip program in mind and you need advice, please do not hesitate to contact us for our travel agents/tour operator’s rates, information and inspiration.
Highly Recommended Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour Package (4 Days)
This Highly recommended Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour Itinerary takes you to see the best attraction in Uganda-the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. The 4 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Tour is unique in a way that it is a slow paced Gorilla Trekking package to Bwindi forest National park where you will spend two nights in Bwindi with a day trekking with the infamous mountain gorillas and a day on the shores of Lake Victoria. This Bwindi Gorilla trekking Tour is a relaxed trip that will see you take your time as you appreciate nature to the fullest in addition to spending an hour with these incredible primates.
Please Note that this Tour can start and end in Kigali Rwanda to avoid long hours of travelling from Entebbe to Bwindi
Cost of the 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour
The cost the 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour Itinerary will entirely depend on the number of people you are traveling with and the type of accommodation and transport you will prefer in terms of Budget/Mid-luxury/ luxury.
This final price of this tour will include full Board accommodation, all transportation, gorilla permit, English speaking driver, Drinking water and all meals
4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi forest national park via the equator
Day 3: Gorilla trekking Uganda experience
Day 4: Transfer to Entebbe to catch your outbound flight
Detailed 4 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda
On arrival at Entebbe international Airport, you will be met by your driver/guide who will transfer you to your hotel where you will spend a night as you prepare for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience.
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer toBwindi forest National Park
After an early breakfast you will be transferred in a comfortable 4*4 vehicle to the home of gorillas Bwindi via the Equator with lunch en-route. You will arrive at your lodge in the evening and check in as you prepare for your dinner and overnight relaxation. Alternatively you may decide to take a flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today you will get up very early and transfer to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking briefing. Here you will be told about the dos and don’ts of Gorilla trekking and thereafter head into the forest in search of the gorillas. On finding them you will be allowed to spend one hour with them as an experienced ranger explains to you interesting facts about flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Later return to the lodge for lunch, dinner and overnight. There is also an option of going for a village walk in the nearby communities.
Baby Gorilla in Bwindi Rushaga Sector
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Transfer back to Kampala/ Entebbe
Today you will wake up at leisure and have breakfast. After breakfast you will be transferred to Kampala/Entebbe as you enjoy the beautiful views of south western Uganda that include the hills and thick vegetation as well as the terraced farms. Have a hot lunch en-route and afterwards transfer to the international airport to catch your international flight back home.
Accommodation Option: N/A
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
CONTACT US with the number of people you intend to travel with and your preferred type of accommodation to book this Gorilla Trekking package or for information. You may also reach us on WhatsApp on +256757341593
Wildlife and Gorilla Uganda Safari Bookings Guidelines
Wildlife and Gorilla Uganda Safari bookings online are made easy with Engabi Tours and Travel which is a reliable local Uganda Tour Operator. Our knowledgeable travel advisors are available 24/7 to help you start planning your Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari tour. For smooth wildlife and gorilla Uganda Safari bookings, you need to know what you want to do on your safari in Uganda, when you want to go and you should have a budget estimate among other requirements.
Our website offers safe and secure online wildlife and gorilla Uganda safari bookings for Gorilla treks and wildlife safari tours. Contact Us to book your Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari tour (with your desired experience, travel dates, number of persons and your desired type of accommodation between budget, mid range and luxury) and your dedicated Tour planning expert will be in touch with you ASAP. You may also reach us through WhatsApp texting on +256 757 341 593
Ultimate Uganda Safari Bookings Guidelines
1- Know what you want to do on your safari holiday in Uganda
Always first come up with what you would like to do on your African safari holiday to Uganda. From Gorilla trekking, wildlife spotting, Mountain hiking to beach stays, Uganda has a lot to offer and it’s all about you to choose what you want to do and that question should be answered within your mind before sending your inquiry because that makes it even easier to come up with a once for all travel plan.
There are 14 things to do in Uganda that include Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National park, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest National park, wildlife spotting in Queen Elizabeth National park, Murchison falls National park, Kidepo valley national park or Lake Mburo National park, Tubing the Nile and adventure tours in Jinja and cultural tours among others.
If you have enough time at hand and a good budget, you may combine a Uganda Safari with a Rwanda touror a Tanzania safari!!
2-Know when you want to go on a safari holiday in Uganda
Although there is no bad time to schedule an Uganda safari, the best time to go on a safari holiday in Uganda is between June and October which is the dry season hence offering you the clearest views of wildlife in different parks however a Uganda safari booking can be done all year around.
3-Look for a more hands on safari holiday in Uganda
From experience it’s a fact that the more hands-on the safari tour is, the better the trip and there is no shame in this sort of pampering. Therefore we recommend that you find a safari holiday where you are eagerly debriefed about the daily activities and travel routes of your trip, ensures that you always have bottled water nearby, assigns you a personal driver/guide throughout the tour who knows your name and handles your luggage, escorts you back to your lodge or room after dark and politely offers to fetch anything you may need. Engabi Tours and Travel will ensure that you get all these services!!!
Wildlife and Gorilla Uganda Safari Bookings
4 – Decide on how much you wish to spend on your African safari to Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania
Now that you have an idea of what you want to do or achieve on your Uganda safari holiday, its time to decide on how much you wish to spend on your African safari holiday in Uganda.
The cost of your Uganda Safari tour is determined by a number of factors that include the number of persons you are traveling with (the higher the number of people, the cheaper the safari trip), standard of accommodation (budget/mid-range or luxury), the mode of transportation (basic vans or Land cruisers), the cost of activity tickets and the season of travel (high season or low season)
5 – Send us an email or fill in our inquiry form
You now know what you want to do or see on your Uganda safari holiday and have an idea of how much you wish to spend!!! Kindly send us an email or fill in our inquiry form and our travel advisor shall get back to you as soon as possible with an itinerary or travel and a price quotation. If you are not satisfied with the itinerary or the price quoted, you are advised to request for amendments until you are satisfied and once you are satisfied, we shall send your invoice.
6 – Pay a safari confirmation deposit for your Uganda Safari holiday.
On receiving your invoice, you will be required to pay a confirmation deposit of 30% of the total invoice amount by money transfer into our bank account or by credit card using a payment link that will be provided on request. This amount is used to secure activity tickets (gorilla permits), reserve accommodation, flights and any other services to be booked by us. The remaining balance can then be paid the same way at least a Month to your arrival or by cash on arrival.
Our friendly safari travel advisors are ready to help you put together a Uganda safari tour customized in your own style of travel or to help you join a small group safari and share costs.
Best Uganda Safari Company | Reliable Tour Operator In Uganda
Engabi Tours and Travel Ltd is a licensed and recommended Uganda Safari Company/Tour Operator that is highly recommended by past clients on TripAdvisor. Engabi Tours and Travel offers tailor-made budget and affordable luxury Gorilla Trekking Tours and Wildlife viewing safari vacations in Uganda combined with Serengeti safaris, Rwanda Gorilla Tours and Zanzibar tropical retreats. We are highly recommended by our past clients on TripAdvisor
Engabi Tours and Travel-Uganda Safari Company Profile
Name of Safari Company: Engabi Tours and Travel Limited
Safari Company Registration Number: 80020001109126
Head office: Kampala, Uganda
Sales Offices: Tanzania (Arusha) and Rwanda (Kigali)
Things To Consider While Choosing a reliable Uganda Safari Company
A Uganda safari or Uganda adventure safari holiday is a genuine adventure but with so many destination attractions, accommodation options, transportation options and safari companies in Uganda to consider, planning your first safari to Uganda can be a very daunting process trying to find out best place to go, the best time of year, the best itinerary and the best Uganda Safari Company to use. We have put down a few things to consider while choosing the best Safari Company for your vacation in Uganda.
-Preferably use a Local Uganda Safari Company
Local safari companies in Uganda have better knowledge about the country and the different National parks and destinations. They have enormous information or knowledge and can guarantee a better and memorable Uganda Safari experience.
–Always find out about the resources and reputation of your preferred Uganda Safari Company
After you have selected your Uganda Safari Company, make sure you get to know about them in terms of if they are legally operating, have physical address and are knowledgeable about the destination.
Additionally get information about their resources such as the cars they have to run safaris, their drivers and how knowledgeable they are about destination Uganda and if they are able to speak the language you understand. Always ensure to avoid companies that request to be paid through Western Union or individual accounts because genuine Uganda safari Companies have company accounts in the names of the company or request to be paid through payment links such as PayPal or PasaPal.
-Always take note of the Price and Quality relationship.
Different Uganda Safari Companies will offer different price quotations for same itinerary meaning the quality also will differ greatly. From experience we have learnt that cheap quotation are in most cases not the best in terms of safari quality and the same applies to the expensive quotations.
We therefore recommend that you analyze the different activities you are interested in and the cost of accommodation you intend to stay in to be able to get a clear idea on how much your Uganda safari tour will cost.
-Request for References from Previous clients.
As you get closer to finally booking a Uganda Safari with your selected Uganda Safari Company, request to have a few references or contacts of past clients that they have dealt with. This is an important aspect though there may be a few genuine Uganda Safari Companies that are new and may not have references however much they might be good and require a chance to serve you. You can check Tripadvisorto find reviews about companies!!
We guess you are now excited and ready to book your Uganda Safari tour and it’s now time to get everything right by communicating your diet or healthy issues, get the timing right and always request for adjustments if you need any to ensure that you get a memorable Uganda Safari experience.
Our Recommendation
We highly recommend Uganda for your African safari and that you let Engabi Tours and Travel Limited show you around. We have 8 years of experience offering unique, unforgettable and customized safaris in Uganda with extension to Rwanda and Tanzania.
Engabi Tours and Travel are a specialist tour operator and safari company in Uganda that tailor-makes luxury, Mid-luxury and budget Uganda safaris and Gorilla trekking tours. We are registered in Uganda and are licensed by Uganda Tourism Board-UTB. The company is founded on many years of visiting many locations in Uganda as the mighty Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison falls national park and Kibale National park among others.
Our specialist team of local Ugandans has travelled extensively around Uganda and we think a better way to start planning your budget, Mid-Luxury or luxury Uganda safari would be to give us a call and get in touch! We can run you through the best Uganda safari options for you from which park to visit and the best possible itinerary, the time of year and type of accommodation and transportation means to use hence making your Uganda safari a memorable one.
Feel free to visit our TripAdvisor page and checkout the reviews left by some of our previous clients!!!
CONTACT USfor a Uganda safari price Quotation, information and inspiration!!
How Much Is a Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit in 2025?
A Uganda Gorilla Permit costs US $800 Per Person for foreigners, US $700 for foreign residents and UGX300,000 for East Africans.
According to the current UWA gorilla trekking permit Purchasing or Booking guidelines, only local Tour Operators who are licensed by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) can purchase Uganda gorilla permits on behalf of tourists. On the other hand, East African Citizens and Foreign residents with valid work permit, Certificate of residence or de-pendant pass are allowed to purchase not more than Five Permits.
An ordinary Uganda Gorilla Permit allows you to stay with the gorillas for a maximum of 1 hour in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park. On the other hand, a gorilla habituation permit costs US $1,500 and it allows you to spend maximum 4 Hours with the gorillas.
Book your Uganda Gorilla Permit through Engabi Tours and Travel Ltd a local Gorilla trekking company/Tour Operator that is Licensed by Uganda Tourism Board ( UTB) with registration Number: UTB/RTT/TA/2020/00733 and they will help you in reserving and booking your Gorilla Trekking permit to see Gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Send us an email at info@gorillasafaridiscovery.com or a WhatsApp Text on +256 757 341 593
Send us your preferred dates of gorilla tracking ,a scanned copy of your passport and we will have your Gorilla Trekking Permit reserved. For tourists interested in just a permit booking instead of our gorilla packages, we charge extra USD $30 in addition to the standard fee of USD $800 Per Person to book your Gorilla Permit and we accept credit cards for payment
We ensure a smooth booking of your Uganda Gorilla trekking Permits and Tour by making sure that everything is secured starting from transportation, accommodation to your Gorilla Trekking Permit. We recommend that you obtain or book your Gorilla trekking permits at least up to 2 years in advance to guarantee a memorable gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
An ordinary Uganda gorilla permit is a document that grants tourists access to the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National Parkor Mgahinga National Parks. It allows tourists to do one gorilla trek and spend one hour with a habituated Gorilla Family on the other hand a habituation Gorilla permit allows tourists to take part in the habitation process which is the process of gradually making wild gorillas feel comfortable in the presence of human being and they are allowed to spend maximum four hours with the gorillas.
A Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit requirement not only helps Uganda to control the number of people visiting gorilla groups but it also helps the country to generate revenue necessary for gorillas conservation and funding the locals who safeguard gorillas. In this article, we try to provide the most important information you need to know about a Uganda gorilla permit in 2024 to 2025.
How Many Gorilla Trekking Permits are Available in Uganda?
There are more than150 Gorilla Trekking Permits available at Uganda Wildlife Authority per day for Trekking more than 20 Gorilla Groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park with a maximum of 8 Tourists per group Per day and these can be booked by contacting a local tour operator licensed by Uganda Tourism Board.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit Availability normally depends much on the season in which the Tourist wishes to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and there are two tourism seasons that is; Peak season which is in the months of January, February, June, July, August, September and December and Low season which is in the months of March, April, May, October and November.
The high season is normally during dry season where little or no rainfall is expected and during this season a lot of travelers visit the gorillas hence lots of competition for the permits. Therefore tourists are advised to book their gorilla trekking permits as early as they can advisably 3-5 Months to avoid disappointments. Low season on the other hand is normally during the rainy seasons and therefore less competition for the gorilla trekking permits.
A Uganda Gorilla Permit Card
In which region of Bwindi Impenetrable National park can I do gorilla trekking?
There are different sectors or regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from where gorilla trekking can be done as per the allocation made by Uganda Wildlife Authority. These regions include:
Buhoma Sector in the north.
Ruhija Sector in the East
Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors in the South.
A Uganda Gorilla trekking permit determines the sector in which you will trek gorillas and the accommodation lodge. Unlike other mountain gorilla National Parks, Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park has several sectors and thus each sector has its own gorilla families and accommodation properties.
Gorilla trekking permit refund and cancellation policy in Uganda
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) understands that due to unforeseen situations tourists may not be able to trek the gorillas in Uganda as planned even after paying the fee and therefore UWA is always able to refund your money back depending on the number of days you want to cancel before the trekking date as explained below.
If you cancel from 0 to 8 days to the gorilla trekking date, you will not be refunded anything.
From 4 to 45 days to the trekking date, UWA refunds only 25 % of the permit price to you
From 46 and 90 days to trekking Date, you will be refunded 50% of the permit cost
From 91 days and above to trekking date, UWA refunds 75% of the permit cost
Kindly note that the above policy only applies to tourists who have paid the entire gorilla tracking fees as deposits are not refundable.
Additionally, if you fail to track due to illnesses UWA will refund at least 50% of your money at the recommendation of the warden in Charge who has to ascertain that you are sick and this policy only applies if you are trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National park.
CONTACT US for information or to book your Gorilla Permit or an all-inclusive Uganda Gorilla trekking safari
Below are some of our popular Uganda Gorilla Safaris and Combined Uganda Tanzania Safari Tours that you may book for your African Safari
