Uganda And Rwanda Gorilla Tours
Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours is an amazing safari that every nature enthusiast should give it a try. As Beyond Sight Safari, we specialize in packaging gorilla trekking safari holidays to Uganda, Congo and Rwanda, wildlife safaris in Kenya & Tanzania. Our gorilla safaris and wildlife excursions will take you on a memorable experience into the tropical rainforest jungles of East Africa due to the availability of plenty forage the great apes depend on.
These legendary great primates are found in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park that is ranked among the best park for gorilla trekking due to the lush rainforest home it provides for the largest population of endangered mountain gorillas that includes habituated families that can be accessed from four trail heads ; buhoma , ruhija , rushaga and nkuringo offering diverse trekking .
other gorilla trekking hotspots include, Mgahinga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park on the Rwanda side to see the elusive mountain giants.
Our trips take care of all the hustle and bustle of Rwanda and Uganda trip including processing the gorilla permit, entry fees & permits, putting together your itinerary, and transfers, and making sure you are booked in the best accommodation facilities. A Rwanda gorilla trekking cost is higher than Uganda because of the price permits
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a wildlife activity that involves hiking through dense forest in search for wild gorillas. the activity includes walking through steep hills, dense forest, rivers and water streams before finally encountering a gorilla family. It is usually led by park rangers who often use machetes to create temporary paths through the foliage. Gorilla trekking is considered to be one of the most amazing wildlife activities in Africa .
Gorilla trekking is more expensive and special because it takes you for an encounter with a creature that is seen to behave like humans, gorillas are known to be endangered primates which makes an encounter with them even more appealing to tourists
To see gorillas, one must enroll on one of our Rwanda Gorilla safaris packages or Uganda gorilla treks listed on the website. For one to experience the unique activity one needs to be 15 years or more to acquire a gorilla permit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga, Volcanoes NP, or Virunga to be able to see these mountain gorillas.
The process of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda normally starts with an early morning briefing at the respective park headquarters, then a hike or walk into the forest following the trail used by mountain gorillas, and once found, you spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas. You will then return back and be offered a certificate.
What Is Gorilla Habituation Experience?
Gorilla habituation is the process of training mountain gorillas to live closer to people as they continue with their day to day lives. Habituation occurs when animals are exposed to the same stimuli repeatedly and eventually stop responding to that stimulus. It is the process of gently introducing wild mountain Gorillas to the sight and presence of humans for research ,care and conservation purposes .
visitors are now able to take part in this process via gorilla habituation experience, it requires a maximum of four tourists and they spend to about four hours with the gorillas.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is a specialized and extended version of gorilla trekking, where visitors have the opportunity to spend more time in the presence of wild gorillas during the habituation process.
Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours best trekking time
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the two dry seasons, which is from June-September and December -February. You can still expect some rain during these periods but conditions are generally more comfortable and trails less muddy and more clear
March-may bring the heaviest rains and going can be tough especially in Bwindi impenetrable forest which is generally steeper , muddier and more dense than in Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking can be done year round. The peak seasons are June to august and around Christmas and new year. If you plan to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda during the peak season or if your in a large group you should book six months before in advance.
The earlier you book the more choice you have on where you trek gorillas and where to stay. Last minute bookings may be possible during low season.
There is no absolute assurance of avoiding rain, given that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a tropical rainforest, is subject to microclimatic variations. Consequently, weather conditions may vary even during the suggested months. During the high season, gorilla permits for visiting gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi National Park are priced at USD 1500.00 and USD 700.00 per person, respectively.
For budget-conscious travelers, taking advantage of Rwanda’s low season gorilla permits at USD 1050.00 provides an opportunity to experience Rwanda gorilla trekking at a more affordable rate.
Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours permit
In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs USD 800.00 for non-residents and USD 700.00 for foreign residents. In Rwanda, the gorilla trekking permit is priced at USD 1500.00 for non-residents.
This permit is like your special card that allows you to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). All Gorilla safaris to Rwanda and Uganda require you to hold a valid gorilla permit which must be booked and paid for in advance. Read more about gorilla tracking and permit booking.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park is a renowned conservation area located in the northern part of Rwanda, known for its captivating landscapes and the protection of the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is part of the larger Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanic mountains that spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Volcanoes National Park is famous for its role in gorilla conservation and Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris. The park is divided into sectors, each offering a unique gorilla tracking encounter.
During Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours,visitors can explore different regions, such as Kinigi, Bisate, and Sabinyo, each home to specific habituated gorilla families. When planning a Rwanda gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park, the choice of sector matters, influencing accommodation options, gorilla permit details, and transportation arrangements.
For more guidance on Volcanoes National Park gorilla treks and holidays, reaching onto Beyond Sight Safaris can provide more insights and assistance tailored to individual preferences and plans.
When to book a gorilla permit?
It is recommended to secure your Rwanda or Uganda gorilla permit at least three months in advance, particularly during high season, to avoid potential shortages. To ensure availability on your preferred date for gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda, please reach out to us with your intended booking date for Uganda holidays or Rwanda gorilla trekking tours.
We will provide guidance on permit availability for that specific day and assist you in planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
What is included in a gorilla permit?
Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours can only be guaranteed if one has secured a gorilla permit for Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Your gorilla permit grants you the unique opportunity to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in the breathtaking surroundings of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Mgahinga, or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).
The permit cost includes entry fees for the respective parks, giving you access to the gorillas’ natural habitat. Additionally, the services of experienced National Park guides and rangers, who will accompany you through the forest and enhance your gorilla trekking experience, are also part of the package.
To ensure a seamless adventure, Gorilla Tracking Uganda will take care of securing your permits well in advance, ensuring a hassle-free and unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures
Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours trekking hours.
The duration of Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours trekking hours vary widely, ranging from a brisk twenty minutes to a substantial three-quarters of the day. It’s essential to be prepared for a range of possibilities. Several factors influence the trek’s duration, including the movement patterns of the mountain gorillas, the location where they spent the previous night, and the mood of the gorillas.
Additionally, the pace of the trek can be influenced by the individuals in your group, as guides and rangers move at the pace of the slowest person. Gorilla Tracking Uganda, operating as Beyond Sight Safaris, is more than happy to give the necessary guidance and information to ensure you are well-prepared for this unique and captivating experience
chances of seeing a mountain gorilla during Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours
During Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours, we are delighted to assure you that the likelihood of encountering gorillas in either Bwindi National Park or Volcanoes National Park is an impressive 98%. It’s common for some tourists to consider booking multiple gorilla treks, fearing they might miss out on seeing gorillas during the first trek and hoping for better luck on subsequent treks. The reality is that gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes in Rwanda is well-organized.
Every day, an advanced team of trackers sets out early to locate the gorilla groups. Once located, they communicate the whereabouts of the gorillas to the park headquarters and your assigned ranger guide for the day. Your trek then begins from the area where the gorillas spent the previous night until you find them. Throughout the trek, the advanced team maintains communication with your guide to ensure you stay on the right track.
If the gorilla family is on the move at a rapid pace, the team will coordinate with your guide. If necessary, and to ensure your safety and enjoyment, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) may decide to redirect you to another gorilla family. For more detailed information and personalized advice, please feel free to contact us.
What to pack for a Uganda and Rwanda gorilla Tours?
When going for a Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours, thorough preparation is key. We recommend packing trousers, long-sleeved shirts or blouses, and long socks to tuck into your trousers for added protection. Including; protective leather gloves, a hat, sunglasses, and hiking boots for comfort and safety on the trek.
Insect repellents are essential to ward off bugs in the forest environment. Additionally, pack some energy-giving foods to keep you strong and energized throughout the trek. Being well-prepared ensures a more enjoyable and comfortable, safe and memorable gorilla trekking experience. Don’t forget of carrying a face mask.
Does Rwanda have discounted gorilla tours?
Discounted gorilla permits are a way of increasing tourism flow within the country but there are special circumstances that need to be met if you wish to participate in gorilla trekking in Rwanda and the three are; you need to have at least booked to spend a night or visit one of the two national parks in the country that is Nyungwe forest park and Akagera national park.
other tourist that are viable for the discounted gorilla permits are the ones that come to participate in a conference before or after depending on you itinerary. Discounted permit is at 1050 dollars
Is it possible to track Uganda gorillas via Kigali airport?
Trekking Uganda mountain gorillas through Kigali airport of Rwanda, especially those taking road transport is common of late. The drive time from Kigali airport to Bwindi impenetrable national park or mgahinga national park for mountain gorillas trekking is about 5-6 hours
This is a more time-efficient option compared to using Entebbe International Airport, where the drive time can range from 8-9, and sometimes up to 10 hours from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.Book your amazing adventure with us at info@beyondsightsafaris.com where every trip is a story.
