Why Choose Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Over Rwanda?

Why Choose Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Over Rwanda?

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Africa, you might be wondering whether to choose Uganda, Rwanda, or even the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here’s why booking your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is a fantastic choice.

Gorilla trekking takes place in a few select locations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. When comparing these destinations, Uganda stands out as the safer and more affordable option. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD 800 per person, significantly less than the USD 1,500 charged in Rwanda and the USD 400 in DR Congo, which is often considered unstable.

In Uganda, your safari offers a unique opportunity to spend one unforgettable hour with the majestic mountain gorillas. This immersive experience involves hiking through the lush forests alongside experienced ranger guides as you search for habituated gorilla families. Once you find them, you’ll gain insights into their lives and behaviors during your hour of interaction.

How to Book a Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda

To secure your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, the first step is to purchase a Gorilla Permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The pricing is as follows:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for East African Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

Contact us to assist you in obtaining your gorilla permit. Once you have your travel dates in mind, we’ll check for availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available, we’ll reserve your spot and send you an invoice for payment. After receiving your proof of payment, we’ll finalize your permit purchase and provide you with a scanned copy for your records.

Gorilla trekking groups are limited to 8 tourists per gorilla family, and there are 36 habituated mountain gorilla groups in Bwindi. This means only 288 permits are available daily, so booking well in advance (at least 3-5 months prior to your visit) is recommended to ensure you secure a permit.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost?

The cost of a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda varies based on your travel preferences—whether you’re looking for luxury, mid-range, or budget options, as well as your itinerary and duration of stay. The primary expense is the gorilla permit, priced as mentioned above.

In addition to the permit, you can expect the following accommodation costs:

• Budget: USD 100 per night
• Mid-range: USD 200 per night
• Luxury: USD 300 – USD 700 per night

A popular choice for travelers is the 3-Day Gorilla Tracking Budget Safari, with prices as follows:

• USD 1,600 for a solo traveler
• USD 1,190 per person for 2 people sharing
• USD 1,170 per person for 3 people sharing
• USD 1,150 per person for 4 people sharing

These prices include the gorilla permit, budget accommodation, transport in a 4×4 safari van, an English-speaking driver-guide, and drinking water. Please note that tips, visa fees, flights, and alcoholic beverages are not included.

When is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking can be enjoyed year-round in Uganda, but the best time to plan your safari is during the drier months: January, February, and from June to early September. These months make it easier to access the park and provide clearer views of the gorillas since the vegetation is not overly dense.

Interestingly, some travelers prefer the rainy season as well. During this time, there is abundant food growth, which means that gorillas tend to remain within shorter distances. This can lead to easier sightings, as they don’t wander too far in search of food.

Where to Stay for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

When planning your gorilla tracking adventure in Uganda, you’ll have various accommodation options near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This incredible destination is divided into northern and southern sectors: Buhoma and Ruhija in the north, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south.

Accommodations in the Southern Sector

In Rushaga, you can choose from several cozy lodges, including:

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Nsongi Camp
• Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Valley Lodge
• Karungi Camp

Over in Nkuringo, consider staying at:

• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Lake Mutanda Resort

All of these options are conveniently located near the starting points for gorilla trekking.

Accommodations in the Northern Sector

If you’re in the Buhoma sector, you have options like:

• Buhoma Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Ride 4 a Woman

In Ruhija, some popular places to stay include:

• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Agandi Eco Lodge
• Gift of Nature Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Broadbill Tented Camp

Getting to the Gorilla Tracking Locations

Gorilla tracking in Uganda primarily occurs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can reach these parks by flying into Entebbe International Airport. From there, you can travel by road to southwestern Uganda, passing through the towns of Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale. The road trip takes approximately 9-10 hours.

Alternatively, you can take a short flight to Kisoro Airstrip for the southern part of Bwindi or Kihihi Airstrip for the northern region.

For those flying into Kigali International Airport, you can reach the parks via the Cyanika or Katuna border crossings, which take about 4-5 hours, including immigration checks.

We recommend obtaining the East African Visa, which allows for multiple entries into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. This visa costs USD 100 and can be purchased upon arrival at the airport or online, making it a cost-effective choice compared to single-entry visas. Single visas are also available, with the Rwandan visa costing USD 30 and the Ugandan visa USD 50.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we’re dedicated to helping you book your gorilla trekking tour in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Our team is ready to guide you through the booking process, offering a range of safari packages tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for budget, mid-range, or luxury options.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews and see what our happy clients have to say about their experiences. With us, you can expect a memorable safari holiday marked by excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our knowledgeable tour consultants are always here to answer your questions and assist you every step of the way.

Ready to embark on your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda? Contact us today to learn more!