Can You Exclusively Trek the Katwe Gorilla Family?

How to Exclusively Trek the Katwe Gorilla Family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The Katwe Gorilla Family is the newest addition to the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It took nearly three years of habituation for this group to be ready for visitors. The Katwe family includes a dominant silverback, several females and two babies. Over the last five years, the family has grown in size with the birth of new members. However, the exact number of gorillas can vary as some individuals move in and out of the group.

If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to book the Katwe gorilla family for a private, exclusive trekking experience, the answer is yes! With Trek Africa Gorillas, you can block all permits for the day, allowing your group to have an exclusive experience. This means you get to spend time with these incredible mountain gorillas without sharing the experience with other tourists.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking an Exclusive Trek with the Katwe Gorilla Family

To secure a private trekking experience, you need to block all the permits for the Katwe group for a specific day. Here’s how it works:

1. Permit Costs:
   • Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per permit
   • Foreign Residents: $700 per permit
   • East African Citizens: 300,000 Uganda Shillings per permit
2. Number of Permits:
   • The Katwe gorilla family offers 8 permits each day. To trek exclusively, you need to book all 8 permits, which would cost $5,700 for foreign non-residents.
3. Payment Options:
   • You can secure the permits by paying 100%, 70% or 30% of the total cost in advance.
4. Booking in Advance:
   • It’s essential to book 3-4 months in advance, especially during the high season, as permits tend to sell out quickly.

Booking all the permits for the Katwe family will give you the unique opportunity to trek this group privately, making it a truly special encounter in the heart of Bwindi.

Essential Tips for Planning Your Exclusive Katwe Gorilla Trek

1. Secure Your Permits Early

The Katwe gorilla family has only 8 permits available daily and they are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure an exclusive trek, you must block all these permits well in advance. Whether you choose to pay the full amount or a partial deposit, early booking is crucial to guarantee availability.

2. Book a Private Lodge for Your Stay

For the ultimate private experience, consider booking a lodge exclusively for your group. The Buhoma sector offers several excellent options, including:

• Buhoma Lodge (Luxury)
• Bwindi Lodge (Luxury)
• Silverback Lodge (Luxury)

Booking your lodge in advance ensures you have a private and comfortable stay, enhancing your overall experience.

3. Plan Comfortable Travel to Buhoma

Traveling to the Buhoma sector can be a long journey by road, so consider your transportation options:

• By Road: A 4×4 Land Cruiser is recommended for comfort on the bumpy roads. The drive from Entebbe/Kampala takes about 8-9 hours but it can be shortened to 4-5 hours if you travel from Kigali, Rwanda via the Katuna border.
• By Air: For a quicker option, fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip. This reduces travel time significantly, with just a 2-hour drive from Kihihi to your lodge in Buhoma.

What to Wear for an Exclusive Gorilla Trek with the Katwe Family

Wondering what to wear for your exclusive trek of the Katwe Gorilla Family? Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you’re well-prepared and comfortable for your adventure:

1. Long-Sleeved Sweater
   Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can get chilly, especially in the early morning hours. A long-sleeved sweater will help keep you warm.
2. Long Trousers (2 Pairs Recommended)
   The terrain is dense and rugged, so long trousers are essential for protection against thorns and stinging plants.
3. Waterproof Hiking Boots
   You’ll be trekking through uneven and sometimes muddy trails. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots will give you the grip and support you need.
4. Hat and Sunglasses (Optional)
   Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses can provide additional protection from the sun.
5. Camera and Extra Batteries
   Capture every special moment! Bring a good camera with extra batteries. Remember, keep the flash off to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
6. Binoculars
   Bwindi is a bird-watcher’s paradise. A pair of binoculars will help you spot the vast array of bird species and other wildlife in the forest.
7. Gardening Gloves
   These are useful for gripping onto tree branches and vines as you navigate through the forest.
8. Raincoat
   Bwindi is a rainforest, so rain can happen at any time. A lightweight, waterproof raincoat is a must-have.
9. Mosquito Repellent
   Protect yourself from insect bites by applying mosquito repellent before your trek.
10. Sunscreen (Optional)
    In case of sunny weather, sunscreen will help prevent sunburn, especially if you have sensitive skin.
11. Neutral-Colored Clothing
    Avoid bright colors, as they can startle the gorillas. Also, avoid black and blue, as these colors can attract tsetse flies. Opt for neutral tones like khaki or olive green.

Best Time to Plan Your Exclusive Trek with the Katwe Gorilla Family

The best time for trekking the Katwe Gorilla Family is during the drier months, which include January, February, June, July, August and early September. During this period, the weather is more predictable, the trails are drier and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot and photograph the gorillas.

How to Get to the Buhoma Sector for Katwe Gorilla Trekking

Flying to Buhoma

The fastest way to reach the Buhoma sector is by flying with Aerolink, a domestic airline offering scheduled and charter flights. You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip, which is the closest airstrip to Buhoma.

• Transfer from Kihihi Airstrip: Once you arrive at Kihihi, our professional guide will pick you up and drive you to your lodge, which is about a 1-hour drive.
• Check-in: Make sure to check in 90 minutes before your flight departure.
• Baggage Allowance: The standard baggage allowance is 15 kilograms per person. Excess baggage is charged at $3 per kilogram.
• Private Charters: For those seeking flexibility, private charters are available with customized timings and routes.
• Traveling with Kids: Infants under 2 years old fly for free, while children above 12 years are charged 70% of the adult fare.

Driving to Buhoma

If you prefer to travel by road, there are a couple of routes you can take:

• From Entebbe/Kampala: The drive takes around 8-9 hours. You’ll pass through Kabale town before proceeding to Buhoma.
• From Kigali, Rwanda: This route is quicker, taking about 4-5 hours and involves crossing the border at Katuna.
• Via Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector): This scenic route allows you to enjoy a game drive in the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, before arriving in Buhoma.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Exclusive Katwe Gorilla Trek?

Choosing Trek Africa Gorillas means opting for a seamless, personalized experience. Here’s why we stand out:

1. Tailor-Made Itineraries
   We create customized safaris based on your interests and preferences. Whether you want a luxury experience or a more budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered.
2. Fast and Reliable Service
   We respond to your inquiries within 20 minutes, ensuring you get timely answers and assistance. Our team of professional tour consultants will craft a travel plan tailored to your needs.
3. Expert Guides
   Our guides are highly knowledgeable about the region and fluent in multiple languages, ensuring you have a great experience no matter your language preference.
4. Seamless Booking
   We take care of all the logistics, including permit reservations, accommodation and transport arrangements. You can relax knowing that everything is handled in advance, avoiding last-minute hassles.
5. Exceptional Client Reviews
   Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our clients have to say. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service and unforgettable safari experiences.

Ready for a private, exclusive trek with the Katwe Gorilla Family? Contact us at Trek Africa Gorillas today and let’s start planning your unique gorilla trekking adventure!