Planning Gorilla Trekking Tours From South Africa
Planning Gorilla trekking tours From South Africa to Uganda or Rwanda involve flying from any of the major Airports in South Africa to either Kigali International Rwanda or Entebbe International Airport Uganda. South Africa is one of the leading destinations on African continent offering myriad of wildlife and wine testing experiences. Combing your South African safaris with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is by far the wisest decision one can make.
Where to go to enjoy gorilla trekking?
The renowned and must-visit gorilla trekking destinations in Africa include Uganda and Rwanda. Visiting any of these two countries guarantees you up close with the massive and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. A trek through African jungles and finally you come a family of these apes is what many describe as a mind-blowing experience and other term it as a lifetime experience.
In Uganda, Engabi Tours and Travel organizes the most memorable gorilla safaris to Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. With only 1063 mountain gorillas left in the wild, all half of these large apes survive in Uganda. Besides, Uganda is an affordable destination to explore mountain gorillas with each gorilla permit costing only USD 800 per person per trek.
Crossing to Rwanda, you will be visiting Volcanoes National Park where over 30% mountain gorillas live. Volcanoes NP is found in the Northwestern side of Rwanda and access to it is easier from Kigali or Kabale/Kisoro in Uganda. Considering its proximity to Southwestern Uganda, tourists on Rwanda gorilla safari can cross to Bwindi or Mgahinga to track gorillas. Double gorilla trekking is possible and it is a great chance for visitors to make comparison about the two destinations.
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits per day cost USD 1500 per person. Engabi Tours and Travel is available 24/7 to assist you obtain the Rwanda gorilla permit or Uganda gorilla trekking permit at ease.
How to get there
Traveling from South Africa to Uganda is easier and the easier way for connectivity to Uganda or Rwanda where you be visiting mountain gorillas is by flying into Kigali International Airport Rwanda or Entebbe International Airport Uganda. From Entebbe you may take a small flight connecting to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip in order to avoid the long hours of driving by road(10hrs)
When to visit Uganda/Rwanda for gorilla trekking from South Africa?
Gorilla trekking is an open adventure to visitor- Rwanda and Uganda enjoy favorable weather and climatic conditions all year-round. But the most ideal time to book or travel for your gorilla trekking experience is during the dry season –that is during the long or short phase. The long dry season is recorded around June, July, August and September while short dry months begin from December, January to February –these are also most popular as peak months of the year.
What you should pack?
A successful gorilla Safari in Uganda /Rwanda involves adequate planning and part of this includes considering what to pack for your adventure. The list of items to carry is endless but here is a must-pack for your memorable gorilla trek: daypack, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, insect repellents, rain jacket, and bottled water, energy giving snacks, valid visas, passports, gorilla permits, a sweater, and others.
How long is a normal gorilla trek?
A normal day trek through Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park/Volcanoes NP Rwanda to get up close and personal with a gorilla family takes between 2 and 6 hours. The length of a gorilla trek with mountain gorilla varies depending visitor speed of walking, nature of habitat and location of these primates in the course of the day. But you will be guaranteed of one hour for photography and closely interacting with mountain gorillas.
Where to stay
All accommodation categories exist in Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking holidaymakers to book for their night stay. The available gorilla safari lodges include Buhoma Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, & Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge,
Mgahinga NP gorilla safari lodges: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Kisoro Traveler’s Rest Camp, Mucha Hotel, Virunga Hotel, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, and others.
Contact us for information or to start Planning your Gorilla Safari Tour in Uganda or Rwanda From South Africa