Places to Go For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
01
Ruhija Trek
Located in the south western region of Uganda, the Ruhija sector is often said to have a vast population of mountain gorillas in the entire world. Inside the Bwindi Forest National Park, this trail among the gorilla trekking in Uganda helps you explore the hilly terrain covered by dense thickets of verdant green forests. This unique trek helps you see the different families of gorillas such as the Nyaguriro family, Oruzogo family and the Bitukara gorilla family.
The trek is an exciting opportunity to encounter many fascinating birds like hornbills, Crimson wing, fly catchers, African blue etc. When you are here, you can also get a closer sneak peek into the lives of the Batwa tribe who indigenously used to stay here. You can also partake in community projects like weaving, art and craft making etc.
Price: 600 USD
The trek is an exciting opportunity to encounter many fascinating birds like hornbills, Crimson wing, fly catchers, African blue etc. When you are here, you can also get a closer sneak peek into the lives of the Batwa tribe who indigenously used to stay here. You can also partake in community projects like weaving, art and craft making etc.
Price: 600 USD
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02
Buhoma Trek
A trek in the Buhoma sector is one of the most adventurous experiences of your life. This trek will help you see the Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura group. One of the astounding features of this trek is that you get to indulge in a fascinating Gorilla Habituation Experience to see these gorillas with a closer lens.
Apart from gorilla trekking, various other activities that can be enjoyed here are waterfalls, birdwatching and Buhoma village walk to understand the local lifestyle and culture.
Price: USD 700 per person
Apart from gorilla trekking, various other activities that can be enjoyed here are waterfalls, birdwatching and Buhoma village walk to understand the local lifestyle and culture.
Price: USD 700 per person
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03
Nkuringo Trek
This trek experience in Uganda takes you to the larger groups of gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The Nkuringo group comprises 19 members with 1 male dominant and 3 silver backs.
This trek will help you explore the mountain gorillas inhabiting the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Jungles. The experience is breathtaking with verdant Savannah regions, rich wildlife and plenty of birding opportunities.
Price: USD 700 per person
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04
Rushaga Trek
Rushaga trek is one of the adventurous respites in the Southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It offers a glimpse of many endangered mountain gorillas with the major families like Nshongi, Busingye, Kungye, Bweza, and Mishaya inhabiting this region.
This trek lasts for about 2 to 6 hours after which you can spend an hour with the gorillas and watch their lifestyle and click tons of pictures to keep as cherished memories for the future. In this trek, you can also opt for a gorilla habituation experience where you can spend about 4 hours with the gorillas and get to know these endangered creatures more closely.
Price: USD 600 per person
This trek lasts for about 2 to 6 hours after which you can spend an hour with the gorillas and watch their lifestyle and click tons of pictures to keep as cherished memories for the future. In this trek, you can also opt for a gorilla habituation experience where you can spend about 4 hours with the gorillas and get to know these endangered creatures more closely.
Price: USD 600 per person
Essential Information for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
05
Gorilla Permit
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Gorilla permit is required if you wish to see the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. These endangered species can be seen while trekking through the reserved forests as a sustainable way of eco-tourism. The permit is applicable for one hour to enjoy an adventurous trek in the national park. The price of a permit for a gorilla trek in Uganda ranges between USD 600-700. If you want to indulge in a habituation experience, which allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas to make them feel more comfortable, it will cost you about USD 1500 per person.
These permits can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation. You can also choose to book from a reliable tour operator at least six months in advance for a confirmed experience. A total of 152 permits are issued for a day on a daily basis (prior booking), where you can see Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The permit offers access for a trek in the jungle and allows you to spend about one hour with the gorillas for a normal trek.
These permits can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation. You can also choose to book from a reliable tour operator at least six months in advance for a confirmed experience. A total of 152 permits are issued for a day on a daily basis (prior booking), where you can see Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The permit offers access for a trek in the jungle and allows you to spend about one hour with the gorillas for a normal trek.
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06
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The most preferred time to enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season that is witnessed from January to February and from June to September. This is the time when the average temperature here is 21.5 degree Celsius and the rainfall ranges between 1000-2000 mm.
The clear skies permit the trekkers to traverse through the tough terrain and catch a glimpse of these rare wild animals. However, most importantly the best time to enjoy a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is when you get a permit from the government to do so.
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The clear skies permit the trekkers to traverse through the tough terrain and catch a glimpse of these rare wild animals. However, most importantly the best time to enjoy a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is when you get a permit from the government to do so.
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07
What to Pack?
- Carry a good pair of boots for hiking that protect your feet. As it helps you cross through the challenging terrain and protects your ankles.
- A nice pair of gloves always come in handy to help you find your grip while holding trees and branches on your upward climb through the forests. You can also use an old pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands.
- Take a good jacket to protect yourself from the unexpected rains in the tropical rainforests of Bwindi and Virunga. Keep yourself protected on this trek by wearing trousers and shirts.
- Don’t go into the forests without taking a reusable bottle of water which is safe for the environment and also helps you refill whenever you need it.
- Other important items to carry here are citronella soap, insect repellants, sun blocker cream, hand wipes, sunglasses, malaria medicine, first aid kit etc.
- A nice pair of gloves always come in handy to help you find your grip while holding trees and branches on your upward climb through the forests. You can also use an old pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands.
- Take a good jacket to protect yourself from the unexpected rains in the tropical rainforests of Bwindi and Virunga. Keep yourself protected on this trek by wearing trousers and shirts.
- Don’t go into the forests without taking a reusable bottle of water which is safe for the environment and also helps you refill whenever you need it.
- Other important items to carry here are citronella soap, insect repellants, sun blocker cream, hand wipes, sunglasses, malaria medicine, first aid kit etc.
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08
Tips for Visiting
A session for gorilla trekking in Uganda lasts for about 45 minutes to 1 hour where you can watch the animals in their natural habitat. You should make sure that you have a considerable level of fitness to navigate through the tough terrain.
Make sure to have a good pair of hiking boots that are broken in along with good socks. Also, ensure that you are not suffering from any contagious diseases that could be transferred to the gorillas.
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Make sure to have a good pair of hiking boots that are broken in along with good socks. Also, ensure that you are not suffering from any contagious diseases that could be transferred to the gorillas.
09
What to Wear?
Image Credit : Tetyana Dotsenko / Shutterstock.com
You should make sure to wear the following or keep in your backpack when you are gorilla trekking safari in Uganda:
- A sturdy pair of broken in hiking boots
- Long trousers
- Light sweater
- Long-sleeved shirts with gloves
- A pair of gloves
- Comfortable cotton undergarments
- A rain jacket
- A hat to protect from harsh sunshine
- An insect repellent to protect from mosquitoes
- A sturdy pair of broken in hiking boots
- Long trousers
- Light sweater
- Long-sleeved shirts with gloves
- A pair of gloves
- Comfortable cotton undergarments
- A rain jacket
- A hat to protect from harsh sunshine
- An insect repellent to protect from mosquitoes
10
What To Expect On A Gorilla Safari?
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A Gorilla safari in Uganda is one of the most adventurous and fulfilling experiences for anyone. You will encounter the family of gorillas going on with their daily life in the thick and green forests of Uganda. You will go through one of the most challenging trails in the dense reserved forests of East Africa to have an adventure to remember for a lifetime.
The up-close wildlife experience can be enjoyed under the supervision of experienced guides who know the region well and help you get a closer sneak peek into the way of living of many communities inhabiting the region and a splendid bird watching experience.
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The up-close wildlife experience can be enjoyed under the supervision of experienced guides who know the region well and help you get a closer sneak peek into the way of living of many communities inhabiting the region and a splendid bird watching experience.
Places to Stay For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
11
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
Image Credit : sanctuaryretreats.com
Tucked inside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this place offers you a slice of tranquillity away from the mundane affairs of life. This is a place where you enjoy the silence of forests, listen to birdsong and enjoy a luxurious getaway inside the mountain sanctuary in Uganda.
It happens to be an ideal place to enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda and they also organise forest walks to Munyaga Waterfall and many community visits to help you explore the region and culture well. The stay promises to treat the guests with evening drinks, dining cottage with views of the forests and many other amenities.
Price: Starting USD 395
It happens to be an ideal place to enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda and they also organise forest walks to Munyaga Waterfall and many community visits to help you explore the region and culture well. The stay promises to treat the guests with evening drinks, dining cottage with views of the forests and many other amenities.
Price: Starting USD 395
12
Gorilla Height Lodge
A stunning getaway to enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda, this place treats you to the most luxurious views of Nkuringo Hill. The luxurious retreat is hidden away amidst the forests and offers you a splendid glimpse into the African lifestyle.
The multiple amenities offered here include a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, a garden, an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. To help you rejuvenate, there is also a spa and a wellness centre where you can enjoy the sauna after a strenuous trek through the jungles. The popular trekking trails that you can enjoy from Gorilla Height Lodge are the Nkuringo trail, Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Mgahinga.
Price: Starting USD 800
The multiple amenities offered here include a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, a garden, an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. To help you rejuvenate, there is also a spa and a wellness centre where you can enjoy the sauna after a strenuous trek through the jungles. The popular trekking trails that you can enjoy from Gorilla Height Lodge are the Nkuringo trail, Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Mgahinga.
Price: Starting USD 800
13
Mahogany Springs
Image Credit : mahoganysprings.com
Have your realm of peace at Mahogany Springs where you can experience luxury and comfort at its finest in the country of Uganda. With is stunning lodges and impeccable amenities, Mahogany Springs also treats you with many amazing delights for a wonderful gastronomic experience.
At Mahogany Springs, many gorillas visit the lodge to enthral you with splendid rendezvous wildlife. It is a perfect area to enjoy bird watching along with gentle streams cutting through the landscape. It offers a superb base to enjoy an adventurous getaway with gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Price: Starting USD 240
At Mahogany Springs, many gorillas visit the lodge to enthral you with splendid rendezvous wildlife. It is a perfect area to enjoy bird watching along with gentle streams cutting through the landscape. It offers a superb base to enjoy an adventurous getaway with gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Price: Starting USD 240
14
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Image Credit : facebook.com/GorillaSafariLodgeRushaga
Located inside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, this lodge is where you can enjoy living inside the forests with all the amenities. It is one of the perfect places to enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda and offer many other recreational activities.
Some of the popular activities that you can enjoy here include community visit to the Batwa pygmies, mountain biking, guided community walks and forest walks to the Bayenda Falls. The peaceful retreat is a haven for nature lovers as you get to live amidst the verdant flora and fauna.
Price: Starting USD 375
Some of the popular activities that you can enjoy here include community visit to the Batwa pygmies, mountain biking, guided community walks and forest walks to the Bayenda Falls. The peaceful retreat is a haven for nature lovers as you get to live amidst the verdant flora and fauna.
Price: Starting USD 375
15
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
Allowing you to forget your routine affairs of life, Mulehe Safari Lodge is where you can enjoy a memorable stay with your loved ones. This is where you can listen to the unperturbed silence of nature occasionally disturbed by the sound of insects and explore the diverse way of community living in the region.
The stay offers all the amenities you need to have a remarkable experience of gorilla safari in Uganda. Other popular activities to enjoy here include a community visit of the Batwa tribe in Mgahinga, a canoe boat cruise on Lake Mulehe and experiencing the Bafumbira culture on a guided community walk.
Price: Starting USD 140
The stay offers all the amenities you need to have a remarkable experience of gorilla safari in Uganda. Other popular activities to enjoy here include a community visit of the Batwa tribe in Mgahinga, a canoe boat cruise on Lake Mulehe and experiencing the Bafumbira culture on a guided community walk.
Price: Starting USD 140
