A guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda; Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and the most famous activity that involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated gorilla families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park while gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of the best gorilla trekking destinations in that it harbors the highest number of mountain gorillas which are found in two national parks Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in southwestern region. Mgahinga gorilla national park is a home of one habituated gorilla family and Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home of about 21 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking and trekking is done in four sectors namely Nkuringo sector in the south, Buhoma sector in the north, Rushaga sector in the south and Ruhija sector in the east.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern region in Musanze village bordering with Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. Volcanoes national park harbors about 15 habituated mountain gorilla families which are open to visitors daily, A guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park and Volcanoes national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will be sub-divided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide who is well conversant with different trekking trails. Trekking of mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda 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 primate species, variety of bird species, view different plant and tree species among others. Once gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record the incredible moments to show people back home after the safari.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can be done anytime throughout the year 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 less or little rainfall in the gorilla destinations therefore vegetation will be thin which helps you to view the mountain gorillas and other wildlife species clearly. During the dry season access roads to the national parks and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to the wet season when the trekking trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda can also be done in the wet/ rainy season during the months of March to May and October to November because during this period you will be able to explore the gorilla destinations with less crowds and gorilla trekking permits will be easily purchased.

Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking permits are legal cards that are issued to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit any habituated gorilla family in either Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga gorilla national park or Volcanoes national park.

A gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes national park costs 1,500 USD per person for all nationalities and a gorilla trekking permit in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.

How to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) by contacting the head offices via email or telephone calls. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda and Rwanda can also be booked through a trusted tour company like Achieve Global Safaris whereby you will contact us with date, month, year and gorilla destination that you wish to visit. After contacting us we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available on your desired dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation A guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda

There are a number of items to pack when going for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda including garden gloves to protect your hands from thorny plants, hiking boots to keep your feet dry, insect repellent to protect your body from biting insects like mosquitos, tsetse flies, long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm while trekking, waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, back pack to carry your trekking items, energy snacks and bottled drinking water, camera and extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, hat and sunglasses among others, A guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.

Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda

There are a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda. The accommodations in Volcanoes national park include Ruzizi tented lodge, Five volcanoes boutique hotel, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, One and Only gorillas nest, Mountain gorillas nest lodge, Best view hotel, Garden place hotel, Faraja hotel, Da Vinci gorilla lodge, Mountain gorilla view lodge, Gorilla solution lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Virunga lodge, Gorillas volcanoes hotel, Le Bambou gorilla village, Garr hotel.

The accommodations in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park include Volcanoes Bwindi lodge, Ichumbi gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Rushaga gorilla lodge, Gorilla hills eco lodge, Gorilla safari lodge, Engagi lodge, Four gorillas lodge, Ruhija community resort, Gorilla mist camp, Sanctuary gorilla forest lodge, Clouds mountain gorilla lodge, Mahogany springs lodge, Buhoma lodge, Rushaga gorilla haven lodge, Buhoma community rest camp, Mount Gahinga lodge, Mgahinga gorilla triangle lodge, Amajambere Iwacu community camp, Ntebeko river camp, Mondi lodge Kisoro, Travelers rest hotel, Lake Mulehe safari lodge, Mutanda eco community camp, Mutanda Lake resort among others.

Gorilla trekking is an incredible activity that shouldn’t be missed during your safari in Uganda and Rwanda. For more information, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various gorilla trekking packages.