
Combine Hiking Mount Muhavura with Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga
December 9, 2024
Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains
December 9, 2024Combine Hiking Mount Muhavura with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Experience the adventure of a lifetime by combining hiking Mount Muhavura with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, two of Uganda’s most exciting and memorable outdoor activities. Mount Muhavura, the highest peak in the Gahinga Mountains, stands at 4,127 meters (13,540 feet) above sea level and is located along the Rwanda-Uganda border. This challenging hike to the summit takes around 5 hours, with a similar time required for the descent. At the top, you’ll find a stunning crater lake and panoramic views across the Virunga mountain range—perfect for those seeking both adventure and natural beauty.
At Excursia Adventures, we help you plan the perfect itinerary to combine hiking Mount Muhavura with gorilla trekking in Bwindi, creating a seamless adventure that blends these incredible activities. Whether you choose to begin your adventure with gorilla trekking or mountain hiking, you’re in for a truly unforgettable experience.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers a unique opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter these endangered creatures. The park is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga, each home to different habituated gorilla families.
- Buhoma and Ruhija are located in the northern part of Bwindi, close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris.
- Nkuringo and Rushaga, in the southern part of the park, are closer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can also trek golden monkeys.
With Excursia Adventures, you can choose the sector that best suits your preferences and experience the thrill of trekking through dense rainforest to see these remarkable primates up close.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
- USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
- USD 700 for Foreign Residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African Residents
Your permit allows you one hour with the gorillas, during which you can observe their behavior, movements, and social interactions. Trekking is a physically demanding activity, but the reward of seeing the gorillas in the wild is truly priceless.
How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
To book your gorilla trekking adventure, you must secure a permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This can be done in advance through Excursia Adventures, who will assist with reservations, payment, and provide you with digital copies of your permit once secured. You can purchase permits in either Kampala or Kisoro, depending on your arrival route into Uganda.
Our team at Excursia Adventures is dedicated to ensuring that your gorilla trekking experience is seamless and hassle-free. Simply share your preferred dates with us, and we’ll handle the rest.
Best Time to Combine Hiking Mount Muhavura with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
The best time for both hiking and gorilla trekking is during the dry months, from January to February and June to early September. These months offer better weather conditions, with drier trails and clearer views of the gorillas and the stunning landscapes.
What to Wear During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
For your comfort and safety during the trek, we recommend the following gear:
- Long-sleeve shirt and long pants (to protect against thorns and insects)
- Waterproof hiking boots (the terrain can be muddy and slippery)
- A hat and sunglasses (for sun protection)
- Cameras and extra batteries (no flash allowed while photographing the gorillas)
- Binoculars (for birdwatching and spotting distant wildlife)
- Gardening gloves (useful for gripping trees and branches)
- Raincoat (Bwindi is a rainforest, so showers can be unpredictable)
- Mosquito repellent and sunscreen (to protect against insects and sunburn)
- Neutral-colored clothing (bright colors or black/blue attract insects like tsetse flies)
Accommodation Options for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Bwindi offers a wide range of accommodation options near each trekking sector:
- Rushaga Sector: Stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, or Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge.
- Nkuringo Sector: Try Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, or Lake Mutanda Resort.
- Buhoma Sector: Opt for Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, or Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
- Ruhija Sector: Stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, or Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.
These lodges offer a range of comfort levels, from budget-friendly to luxury, and are located conveniently close to the trailheads for gorilla trekking.
Why Book With Excursia Adventures?
At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves in customizing unforgettable gorilla trekking tours and mountain hiking experiences in Uganda and the wider East Africa region. With a team of experienced and passionate guides, we offer personalized itineraries that ensure you get the most out of your time in Uganda.
We are committed to providing you with prompt responses, efficient planning, and seamless service from start to finish. Our highly-rated services, as reflected in our reviews on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, speak to our dedication to excellence.
Let Excursia Adventures help you plan the ultimate hiking and trekking adventure. Contact us today to learn more about how you can combine hiking Mount Muhavura with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.