Uganda Gorilla Safaris from Europe

Uganda Gorilla Safaris from Europe

If you’re considering an unforgettable adventure, a Uganda gorilla safari is one of the most remarkable experiences you can have in Africa. For those planning a journey from Europe—whether you’re in Albania, Andorra, Austria, or any of the 44 countries across the continent—this guide will help you organize a memorable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda.

Essential Information for Planning Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Europe

Before you book your Uganda gorilla safari, there are several important factors to consider, including whether to use a tour operator, the various safari options available, the best times to visit, and the most suitable locations for gorilla trekking. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

This activity involves hiking through lush forests to locate habituated mountain gorillas that are accustomed to human presence. Once you find a gorilla family, you can spend an hour observing them, taking photographs, and learning about their behaviors from your knowledgeable ranger guide. Each trek is limited to a group of eight participants.

Popular Gorilla Safari Options: Here are some of the most sought-after gorilla safaris that you can book from Europe:

• 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Experience
• 4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 5-Day Gorilla and Game Safari
• 5-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

Best Locations for Gorilla Safaris

In Uganda, mountain gorillas can be found exclusively in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both situated in the southwestern region of the country. Bwindi is particularly popular due to its larger number of gorilla families, making it easier to secure a permit. While Mgahinga has only one gorilla group, the experience of trekking in either park is exceptional. Bwindi features a tropical rainforest, while Mgahinga boasts bamboo forests on the Virunga hills. Regardless of the park you choose, you have a remarkable 98% chance of encountering these majestic creatures.

When to Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Europe

Timing is essential when planning your gorilla trek. The best months to visit are typically during the drier seasons—January, February, June, July, August, and September—when the trails are more accessible and visibility is improved. Although trekking is possible year-round, the wet months (April, May, and November) can lead to shorter treks due to the gorillas’ proximity to food sources.

Steps to Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Europe

To ensure a smooth booking process, follow these steps:

1. Research and choose the right tour operator.
2. Decide on your preferred safari itinerary and dates.
3. Secure your gorilla trekking permits in advance.
4. Book your accommodation, keeping in mind that popular lodges can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest forests, earning its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. This lush sanctuary is home to over 400 plant species and shelters a rich variety of wildlife, including around 120 mammals. Among its most famous residents are the mountain gorillas, along with chimpanzees, baboons, forest elephants, and various antelope species.

One of the highlights of visiting Bwindi is the opportunity to trek and observe these magnificent gorillas in their natural habitat. Each day, permits are available for gorilla trekking, allowing visitors to spend one hour with these incredible creatures. The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages the protection and conservation of gorillas and oversees all tourism activities within the park.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in the Kisoro district of southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the renowned Virunga mountain range, which extends into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite being Uganda’s smallest national park, it is a vital habitat for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Mgahinga is bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The park features three prominent volcanoes—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura—each offering stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems, including tropical rainforests and bamboo forests.

Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Mgahinga is an essential destination for gorilla tourism and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Uganda.

What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga varies greatly in terms of duration and difficulty. The gorillas roam freely through the forest, meaning the trek conditions can change unexpectedly based on their movements and weather. It’s essential to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

Trekking can range from a few hours to an exhausting full day of hiking—sometimes even exceeding eight hours—through steep terrain and unmarked paths. To fully enjoy this adventure, it’s advisable to be in good physical shape and ready for a physically demanding experience.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is structured as follows:

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for residents
• $75 for East African citizens (from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan)

These permits grant you a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda boasts 17 habituated gorilla family groups, with 16 located in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga, making a total of 136 permits available for gorilla trekking each day.

For those wanting a more immersive experience, Uganda also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi. This allows you to spend four hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, under the guidance of expert trackers and researchers. The cost for a habituation permit is $1,500.

You can obtain gorilla permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a reputable tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

How Much Does a Uganda Gorilla Safari Cost?

When planning your Uganda gorilla safari, keep in mind that the cost of the gorilla permit is a significant part of your overall expenses. In addition to the permit, you’ll need to budget for transportation, accommodation, and guiding services. A three-day Uganda gorilla safari typically starts from around $1,272 per person, sharing.

Embark on this life-changing journey to encounter the incredible mountain gorillas of Uganda and create unforgettable memories in one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Is It Safe to Visit Gorillas in Uganda?

Concerns about safety when visiting Bwindi Forest National Park have arisen, especially following the unfortunate incident involving poachers that led to the tragic death of Rafiki, the silverback leader of the Nkuringo group. Such news has understandably caused apprehension among travelers planning their gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda. However, it’s essential to note that gorilla trekking in Uganda primarily occurs in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Despite occasional border tensions between Uganda and Rwanda, these have not significantly impacted travel between the countries. Bwindi Forest National Park shares its borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is adjacent to Rwanda. Visitors can still safely traverse these regions and experience the incredible wildlife.

How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Both Uganda and Rwanda are considered safe destinations for gorilla trekking. The activities in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks are well-organized, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors. During your trek, you’ll be accompanied by trained park rangers and tourism police, providing an additional layer of safety against any potential encounters with wildlife or other threats.

When Is the Best Time to Plan Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Europe?

The best months for a gorilla safari in Uganda are from June to October and December to March. These periods coincide with the dry season, featuring mild rainfall, which facilitates easier trekking conditions in Bwindi and Mgahinga. During these months, vegetation is less dense, allowing for better visibility and fantastic photo opportunities. While the wet season (April, May, and November) can lead to taller grass and foliage, treks may be shorter, as the gorillas tend to stay closer to food sources.

Steps to Book a Uganda Gorilla Safari from Europe

Booking a gorilla safari in Uganda is a straightforward process. First, secure your gorilla permit well in advance to ensure your spot. Once you have your travel dates, contact us to check for availability. We will confirm the permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Upon confirmation, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. After we receive your payment, we’ll promptly purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. It’s advisable to book your safari at least 2-3 months before your trip, as permits sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Stay During Your Uganda Gorilla Safari

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is conducted in various sectors, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. In Rushaga, consider accommodations like Rushaga Gorilla Camp or Gorilla Safari Lodge. In Nkuringo, options include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Lake Mutanda Resort.

For the northern sector, Buhoma offers lodges such as Buhoma Lodge and Bwindi Lodge. Ruhija features options like Trekkers Tavern Cottages and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge. In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can stay at Gahinga Lodge or Lake Chahafi Resort, all conveniently located near the trekking starting points.

How to Access Bwindi Forest National Park for Gorilla Trekking

By Road

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is accessible from Entebbe/Kampala via the main highway through Mbarara and Kabale. Depending on your trek’s starting point, you will follow the signs to either the northern or southern sections of the park.

By Air

Scheduled flights are available from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips, making travel to Bwindi much quicker. From these airstrips, it’s about a 1-2 hour drive to the park.

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for Gorilla Trekking

By Road

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is near Kisoro town, accessible via the main highway from Entebbe/Kampala, which takes about 8-9 hours. Alternatively, you can reach the park from Kigali, Rwanda, in approximately 2-3 hours.

By Air

Fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip. Domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda offer scheduled flights. Be sure to arrange transfers from the airstrip to your lodge with your tour operator.

Why Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Europe with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in booking unforgettable gorilla safaris from Europe. Our team is ready to assist you throughout the booking process and offer a range of packages from budget to luxury, including gorilla permits. We invite you to check our TripAdvisor reviews and see what our satisfied clients have to say.

With Trek Africa Expeditions, you can expect exceptional service and customer satisfaction. Our experienced tour consultants are dedicated to answering all your questions and ensuring you have a remarkable Uganda safari experience. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Uganda’s gorilla habitats!