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Gorilla Trekking In Uganda And Rwanda - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Gorilla Safari Tours
When to Go to See the Mountain Gorillas in Africa
Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed year-round in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. However, the optimal time to go gorilla trekking is during the months of June, July, August, September, and December. During these months, there is less rainfall, and the parks are drier, making the hikes easier and the chances of seeing gorillas higher. In Bwindi, the average temperature throughout the year is around 11°C (52°F) in the morning and 23°C (73°F) in the afternoon.
Bwindi Gorilla Trek
- January and February: These are low-season months with fewer crowds and minimal rain.
- March, April, and May: These months experience heavy rainfall, making the trekking conditions more challenging due to slippery slopes.
- June, July, and August: This is the peak season for gorilla trekking. It’s important to purchase your permits early as they sell out quickly. This period offers the best conditions for a gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
Where to Stay
Choosing the best safari lodge or accommodation for your gorilla trekking adventure will depend on your budget. Some lodges can cost as much as $2,500 per night, while budget options can be as low as $50 for a double room. The price varies based on the facilities, location, food, services, and more.
Average Cost of Hotels & Lodges in Uganda
- Budget Accommodation: $50 to $100 per night
- Mid-Range Accommodation: $150 to $200 per night
- Luxury Accommodation: $300 to $2,500 per night
It is recommended to book accommodations close to the tracking point and consult your tour operator for the best options.
Best 5 Gorilla Safari Lodges in Uganda
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge: From $760 per night
- Gorilla Heights Lodge: From $700 per night
- Mahogany Springs: From $240 per night
- Gorilla Safari Lodge: From $233 per night
- Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge: From $173 per night
How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost in 2024?
Gorilla Trekking Costs
- 1-Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Approximately $1,100
- 2-Day Gorilla Safari: Approximately $1,280
- 3-Day Gorilla Tour: Approximately $1,450
Kenlink Tours ream will provide different quotes depending on your interests. The most affordable gorilla safari typically costs around $1,100, depending on the number of people. Super luxury options range between $4,000 and $6,000 per person. Most tourists prefer mid-range options that are reasonably priced and not too budget. Booking during the low season can help reduce costs.
Why Gorilla Trekking Safaris are Expensive
- Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda: $800
- 75% of the fee goes towards conserving the gorilla population.
- 15% goes to the government.
- 10% supports local communities around the parks.
The permit cost includes park entrance fees, an hour of gorilla watching, advance trackers, and ranger fees.
Additional Trekking Costs to Consider
- Food and Drinks: About $50 per day (often included in tour packages)
- Transport Costs:
- Air ticket from your country: $500 to $2,400
- Chartered flights from the airport to trekking points: $600
- Car hire: Approximately $80 per day
- Packing Essentials: Insect repellents, sunscreen, etc.
- Visa and Border Crossing: East African tourist visa costs $100 (valid for safaris in Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda)
- Porters:
- Hiring a porter: $20
- Hiring a sedan chair for porters to carry you: $500
Tips for Cutting Costs
- Avoid traveling alone.
- Stay in budget-friendly lodges.
- Choose Uganda over Rwanda for lower costs.
- Avoid using public transport buses, as they are often unreliable.
- Avoid chartered flights.
- Book your gorilla tour during the low season.
Where Can I See Gorillas in Africa?
Gorillas can be observed in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Gorillas are primarily divided into mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas, each with its sub-species. For mountain gorillas, we recommend visiting Rwanda and Uganda, while the Republic of Congo is ideal for viewing lowland gorillas. Although mountain gorillas can also be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, political instability in some areas can make these regions challenging to visit.
Contrary to some tourists’ beliefs, gorillas are not found in Tanzania. While Tanzania and Kenya offer exceptional safari experiences, especially during the great wildebeest migration across the Mara River into the Serengeti plains, these countries do not have gorillas. Searches for “Kenya gorilla trekking” may be misleading, as there are no gorillas in Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa. However, combining gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with other safari destinations in East Africa can create a diverse and enriching travel experience.
Key Differences Between Lowland and Mountain Gorillas
- Lowland Gorillas: Smaller, with brownish-gray fur coats and a distinct brow ridge. Over 100,000 lowland gorillas live in the Republic of Congo.
- Mountain Gorillas: Larger, with darker black coats. They are the most uncommon primates globally, with fewer than 800 surviving in the African wilderness.
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda offers two primary locations for gorilla safaris: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Together, these parks host 18 gorilla groups or families, and visitors are allowed to track only one group per day.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi is home to 17 gorilla groups, making it the premier destination for gorilla trekking. This park also features 90 mammal species and 11 primates, including the black and white colobus monkey.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Groups:
- Ruhija Trek: Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro
- Buhoma Trek: Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura
- Nkuringo Trek: Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho
- Rushaga Trek: Kutu, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bushigye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In Mgahinga, you can track the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, located around the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, including Mt. Muhavura (4,127m), Mt. Gahinga (3,474m), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645m).
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari
The most luxurious gorilla tours are found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. A gorilla permit here costs $1,500 per person, and a 9-day luxury safari can exceed $15,000, including stays at high-end lodges like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. In Uganda, top luxury accommodations include Clouds Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Gorilla Forest Camp.
Budget Gorilla Tours in Africa
The cheapest gorilla permits are $450 in Congo and $800 in Uganda. Budget accommodations in Bwindi National Park range from $100 per night, with options such as Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Buhoma Community Rest Camp. In Rwanda, the most affordable option is Hotel Muhabura.
Best Country for Seeing Mountain Gorillas: Uganda vs. Rwanda
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer exceptional gorilla trekking experiences. Uganda boasts more wildlife diversity, with attractions like Murchison Falls and Kibale Forest National Park, whereas Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is known for its luxurious trekking options.
Cost Comparison:
- Uganda: Gorilla permits cost $800 each.
- Rwanda: Gorilla permits have increased to $1,500 per person.
A gorilla permit grants you one hour with a gorilla group, in groups of up to 8 people. This fee supports the conservation of mountain gorillas and offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Conclusion
With only 80 people allowed to see the gorillas each day to protect their fragile habitat, Uganda stands out as the best place to see gorillas, offering a balance of affordability, diversity, and conservation.
Packing List for Gorilla Tours in Africa
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Day pack
- Insect repellent
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Poncho
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Bottled water
- Gloves (old pair of gardening gloves)
- Long pants or trousers
- Energy snacks
How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is rated between 50 and 100 in difficulty, classifying it as a moderate hike. The difficulty can vary based on factors such as:
- Physical Fitness: Your own fitness level plays a significant role.
- Weather Conditions: Rain and mud can make the trek more challenging.
- Pack Weight: Carrying a heavier pack can increase difficulty.
You can request to track a gorilla group that matches your fitness level. Hiring a porter is recommended, as gorilla trekking is not overly strenuous; many people in their 60s and 70s have successfully completed it.
Elevation and Terrain:
- 60% of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is over 6,600 feet in elevation.
- The park’s elevation ranges from 3,904 to 8,553 feet, with some steep slopes.
- Trekking can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Safari
On the day of your trek, expect an early start, leaving your comfortable bed to arrive at the briefing point by 7:30 AM. After the briefing, tourists are divided into groups of eight and assigned different tracking routes. Accompanied by guides and rangers, you will head into the forest to begin your search for gorillas.
In the forest, you may encounter various monkey species, butterflies, and other mammals. The terrain can be challenging, so a good level of fitness is required. By the end of the day, expect to be muddy and sweaty.
Once you locate the gorillas, you can take photos with your camera or iPhone, but avoid using flash as it might provoke the gorillas. You will spend between 40 minutes to an hour with these gentle giants, making for a life-changing experience. After the trek, you can return to your accommodation or opt for a cultural village experience with the Batwa pygmies.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Gorilla habituation involves training wild gorillas to become accustomed to human presence. This process, conducted by researchers and park rangers, takes about three years. During the training, you can join the team of researchers and rangers, with only four visitors allowed, making it a unique and special experience. The cost for the gorilla habituation experience is $1,500 per person per day. This immersive experience allows you to actively engage in the habituation process.
How to Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. However, due to the inconsistency of gorilla sightings in Mgahinga, most permits are for Bwindi NP. Each gorilla permit costs $800. In the past, permits used to cost $450 in April, May, and November, but these offers are no longer available. Each day, around 72 people visit Bwindi to see gorillas, with only 8 people allowed per gorilla family.
It’s strongly recommended to book your gorilla permit through a safari agent to avoid the common mistake of booking a gorilla family far from your accommodation. The routes to Bwindi and its various regions can be tricky as it is a remote area. Attempting to organize the trek independently to save costs may end up being more expensive. Safari guides are trained to assist you with these logistics.
Packing List for Gorilla Tours in Africa
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Day pack
- Insect repellent
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Poncho
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Bottled water
- Gloves (old pair of gardening gloves)
- Long pants or trousers
- Energy snacks
Gorilla Tracking Rules for Post-COVID Visitors
Since gorillas share 98% of human genes, they are susceptible to COVID-19, flu, and other airborne diseases. The following guidelines are in place to protect them:
- Maintain a distance of 7 meters (about 23 feet) from the gorillas. However, sometimes these gorillas may end up coming too close to you, (do not run. stay calm, it’s a very rare experience) as rangers will always tell you.
- Visitors must be at least 15 years old.
- Gorilla viewing is limited to one hour.
- Masks are mandatory.
- Avoid sneezing near the gorillas.
- Sanitize regularly and follow other standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Gorilla Safaris Permit Prices
- Uganda Gorilla Permit: $700 (1 hour with the gorillas)
- Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permit: $1,500 (Full day experience)
- Rwanda Gorilla Permit: $1,500
- Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit: $400
- East African Citizen Permit: 250,000 shillings
Many travelers find the permit booking process tedious and prefer to reserve their trekking permits through local Uganda safari operators. These operators typically charge an additional fee of $60 to $150 per permit for handling the process. If you use their other tour services, such as transfers, they may not charge this extra fee.
Booking Process for Gorilla Permits through Tour Operators
- Inform us about the travel dates: Provide the dates for your Uganda tour and specify the date you wish to trek the gorillas.
- Availability Check: Then our team will check if your preferred dates are available and temporarily reserve them.
- Payment Details: You will receive bank details for transferring the permit fee or the option to pay by credit card.
- Payment Confirmation: An acknowledgment email will be sent upon receipt of your payment. Ensure your bank deducts any transaction charges from your account.
- Provide Passport Details: Send a copy of your passport with your full name, nationality, and passport number for registration. They cant be sent on our email: info@kenlinktours.com
- Permit Acquisition: Once payment is received, the operator will buy the permit. Note that having a permit doesn’t guarantee seeing the gorillas, though the success rate is about 98%.
Other Primate Safaris in Africa
Beyond mountain gorillas, you can track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park or golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda also offers the chance to see other monkey species. After your gorilla safari, consider visiting:
- Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
These destinations provide some of the best wildlife safaris in Uganda.
Kibale Forest National Park Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale Forest National Park is home to 13 primate species. Chimpanzee trekking is available from 8 AM to 2 PM, with the common trail being the Kanyanchu. The park also offers a chimpanzee habituation experience. A Chimpanzee tracking permit costs $250. A three-day safari to Kibale is ideal, and we recommend staying at Primates Lodge Kibale. Check out our 3 day chimpanzee tracking safari here.
Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari & Chimpanzee Trek
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can visit Kyambura Gorge to see chimpanzees. Sixteen permits are issued daily, and the trek here is more challenging than in Kibale, taking about three hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees and your fitness level. The cost is $50 per person per trek, with a minimum age of 12 years. Other primates in the park include baboons, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. The park also features wildlife such as tree-climbing lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopards, elephants, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Recommended lodges include Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, and Jacana Safari Lodge.
Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Safari
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga mountains. A gorilla permit costs $1,500. Rwanda has 17 gorilla families, with the Susa group being a top choice for tours. The best time to visit is late June, July, and August. Besides Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorillas can also be found in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Africa
Golden monkeys are tracked in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, both within the Virunga mountains. This is the third most popular primate trekking activity after gorilla and chimpanzee tracking.
What to Wear: Choosing the Right Clothing
For gorilla trekking, it’s essential to have appropriate gear:
- Good quality walking boots for hikes
- Warm layers for cold evenings
- Clothing for wet weather
- Lightweight jacket
- Gloves
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Knee-high hiking gaiters
Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Characteristics of Gorillas
Male gorillas are about twice the size of females, growing up to 6 feet tall and weighing 350-500 pounds. They are muscular with long arms and are called silverbacks because their back hair turns silver as they mature. Silverbacks are ten times stronger than the strongest human boxer. Gorillas have longer, darker hair compared to lowland gorillas due to their colder, higher-altitude habitat. They live for 40-50 years and mainly stay on the ground, although young gorillas play in trees. Gorillas share 98% of their genetic composition with humans.
Gorilla Population and Conservation
Most gorillas in zoos are lowland gorillas, while mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are found in the Virunga highlands of Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are about 786 mountain gorillas worldwide, with Uganda hosting nearly half of them. Conservation efforts, supported by funds from tracking permits, have helped increase their numbers.
Gorilla Feeding Habits
Mountain gorillas in Uganda can be seen in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, part of the Virunga volcanoes, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi supports the largest population of mountain gorillas. These gorillas consume large quantities of flowers, leaves, fruits, roots, bamboo, and shoots, with adults eating up to 75 pounds daily. Their day starts at 6 AM and ends at 6 PM, with a midday nap. They build nests from twigs and leaves each night.
Are Mountain Gorillas Dangerous?
While strong and dominant, mountain gorillas are gentle and shy. Those seen by visitors in Uganda have been habituated to human presence, a process taking about two years. Despite their strength, they typically only attack when threatened. Mountain gorillas live in groups of 2-40, usually around 10, with no specific mating season. Males start breeding at 15 years, and females give birth between 10-12 years, typically having 4-6 offspring in their lifetime. Gorillas communicate through various sounds, with 25 documented by researchers.
Visiting Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC. Uganda’s government, along with local communities, has made significant efforts to protect these endangered species, leading to a gradual increase in their population.
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