Uganda Gorilla Trekking safaris 2021-2022
Uganda Gorilla Trekking safaris 2021-2022, gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity that involves moving on foot into the forest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Uganda is known for harboring the highest mountain gorillas population which makes it the best gorilla trekking destination in Africa. Gorilla trekking is also carried out in other destinations like Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Democratic republic of Congo.
Gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two destinations that is Bwindi impenetrable national park which is famously known for harboring the highest number of gorillas and the Mgahinga gorilla national park. Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda in Kanungu district and it’s a home of about 19 habituated gorilla families which are found in four sectors that is Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern Uganda in the Kisoro district and it’s a home of one habituated gorilla family Nyakagezi which is available for trekking on a daily basis. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park starts in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters where after you will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and then start trekking in the jungle with an experienced park guide. Trekking of the mountain gorillas takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other wildlife species including birds, primates, plant species among others and once the gorilla families are located you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to observe their habits, behaviors, lifestyle, watch them feed, breastfeed, groom young ones, take photos and record the breathtaking moments.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda 2021-2022
Gorilla trekking permits are legal documents that are offered to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a habituated gorilla family in either Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority a government body that is in charge of wildlife conservation and they costs USD 700 per person for Foreign non residents, USD 600 per person for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 per person for east African citizens. The gorilla trekking permit allows visitors to spend one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas and it’s valid for one day.
How to acquire gorilla trekking permits in Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can either be acquired directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting their offices through email or telephone calls. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can also be acquired through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. When using a tour operator you will contact us with your names, date, month and gorilla destination that you want to visit. We will later check for permit availability and once the permits are availably you will be asked to make a deposit for the permits. Once the deposit has been made we will purchase the gorilla trekking permit on your behalf and send you a scanned receipt as confirmation.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda should however be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because the permits are competitive and usually get sold out quickly especially during the peak season in the months of June to September and December to February.
Best time to go for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris 2021-2022
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is little rainfall in the national parks therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be passable and vegetation will be thin which makes viewing of the mountain gorillas and other animals easy.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can also be done in the wet season also known as the low season in the months of March to May and October to November. through the wet season is characterized by heavy rains it has some advantages like less crowds in the national parks, there will be plenty of food in the forest therefore gorillas will easily be found, there will be low demand for gorilla trekking permits and accommodations offers discounts hence favoring the budget travelers.
What to pack for your Uganda gorilla trekking safari 2021-2022
- Hiking shoes to keep your feet dry when trekking
- Insect repellent to protect you from biting insects like mosquitoes and tsetse flies
- Long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm and protect you from biting insects.
- Energy giving snacks like food and water to keep you hydrated.
- Camera to take photos and record videos
- A pair of binoculars for clear viewing of far wildlife species such as birds, mammals, other primates among others.
- A walking stick to support you during trekking in steep slopes
- A hat and sunglasses to protect you from direct sunlight.
- Waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall
- Waterproof backpack to carry you essentials like water, camera, binoculars, energy snacks etc.
Visitor who want to have breathtaking and unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences can contact Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various gorilla trekking packages because we provide luxury, moderate and budget Uganda gorilla trekking safaris 2021-2022.
