Low season gorilla trekking safari in Uganda; Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular activities that attracts many tourists to travel to Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in south western region and it involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking can also be done in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi biega national park in Democratic republic of Congo. Are you planning a low season gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, this article will help you plan a successful gorilla trekking safari.

Gorilla trekking experience

Mgahinga gorilla national park is a home of one habituated gorilla family and Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home of over 24 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking daily. Gorilla trekking in Uganda starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will be subdivided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and an experienced park guide. Trekking of mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park takes about 2 to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their habitat which gives you a chance to learn more about their behaviours, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record videos.

Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits in 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. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda were however increased to 800 USD per person for foreign non residents, 700 USD per person for foreign residents, 500 USD per person for African citizens and 300,000 UGX per person for East African citizens effective 1^st/July/2024.

How to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park can be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact our tour consultants with the date, month, year and gorilla destination that you wish to visit. After contacting us we will check for permit availability on your preferred dates from Uganda Wildlife Authority and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once the payment has been made, we will be able to purchase the gorilla trekking permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking safari in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season which is also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this period there is less rainfall in the national parks therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable.

How to get to the gorilla destinations

Both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are located in south western part of Uganda and can be accessed by air transport means where you will book scheduled or charter domestic flight from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrip and later connect to the park headquarters by road.

Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park can also be accessed by road transport means where you will drive from Kampala/Entebbe via masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive in a safari van.

You can also access Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park from Kigali Rwanda where you will fly to Kigali international airport and then cross to the park headquarters via cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kabale which takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive.

What to pack for gorilla trekking?

There are a number of essential items that you should pack or carry for low season gorilla trekking safari in Uganda including waterproof rain jacket, hiking shoes, insect repellent, long sleeved shirt and trouser, camera and extra batteries, face masks, a hat and sunglasses, energy snacks and drinking water, garden gloves, long socks, warm sweater, a pair of binoculars, walking stick, backpack among others.

Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari

Both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park have a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari including Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Hill Eco Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Guesthouse, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Camp, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Gorilla Close-up Lodge, Karungi Camp, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Tracker Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort, Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Wagtail Safari Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Travellers Rest Hotel, Mucha Hotel, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Nshongi Camp, Silverback Lodge among others.

Are you planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda during the low season, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for affordable safari packages as we offer low season discounts on transportation and accommodation if you book an all-inclusive gorilla trekking package.