Gorilla Safaris from Europe to Uganda

Gorilla Safaris from Europe to Uganda

Planning a gorilla safari in Uganda from Europe? Uganda offers one of the most unforgettable safari experiences in Africa and trekking with the mountain gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If you’re located in any of the 44 European countries such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands or others and you’re considering a trip to Uganda for a gorilla safari, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your dream safari.

Things to Know Before Planning Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Europe

Before you book your Uganda gorilla safari, it’s essential to gather all the information you need. Some key points to consider include whether you should book with a tour operator, what different safari options are available, the best time to visit and what permits you’ll need. Here are some helpful guidelines to ensure you’re well-prepared:

• What is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
• Where to Go for Gorilla Safaris in Uganda?
• How to Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
• How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost?
• Is It Safe to Visit Gorillas in Uganda?
• Which is Better: Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
• When Should You Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari?
• Popular Gorilla Safari Options in Uganda

What Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through Uganda’s dense forests to find habituated mountain gorillas. These gorillas live in family groups and are accustomed to human presence, allowing you to observe them in their natural environment. Once you find a gorilla family, you’ll spend one hour with them, guided by a ranger who shares insights about their behavior, habitat and conservation efforts. The trek is done in groups of up to 8 people, ensuring an intimate and respectful experience.

Popular Gorilla Safari Packages from Europe

Whether you’re looking for a short adventure or an extended tour, there are plenty of gorilla safari options in Uganda. These can be customized to fit your interests and you can opt for all-inclusive safaris or tailor your itinerary. Here are some popular packages:

• 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 3-Day Gorilla Habituation Experience
• 4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 4-Day Gorilla Trekking & Habituation Experience
• 5-Day Gorilla and Cultural Tour
• 5-Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

Where Can I Go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

In Uganda, mountain gorillas are found only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwest of the country, close to each other. While Bwindi has more gorilla families, making it easier to secure a permit, Mgahinga has a smaller but equally incredible population of gorillas. Both parks offer similar trekking experiences, with the main difference being the environment:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: A tropical rainforest with diverse vegetation and various primate species.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Set in the Virunga volcanic mountains, this park features bamboo forests and is shared with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Both parks offer 98% success rates for spotting gorillas, ensuring an incredible wildlife encounter.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The park is home to over 400 species of plants and 120 mammals, including the iconic mountain gorillas. It’s one of Uganda’s most popular safari destinations. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manages permits for gorilla trekking, which allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas during your trek.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in Kisoro district, Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park and is part of the Virunga volcanic mountain chain shared with Rwanda and Congo. The park is famous for its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys and features spectacular volcanic landscapes, including Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura. It’s a tropical rainforest with bamboo and montane vegetation, offering a unique trekking experience.

How Tough Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, as the terrain in both Bwindi and Mgahinga can be steep, uneven and challenging. The trek involves navigating through dense vegetation, muddy paths and at times, high altitudes. The duration of the trek can vary greatly—some treks are shorter and last a few hours, while others can extend up to 8 hours. Fitness is important, as the trek can be physically taxing but the reward of meeting the gorillas makes it all worth it.

When Should You Book Your Gorilla Safari from Europe?

It’s recommended to book your gorilla trekking safari 6-12 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling from Europe. Gorilla permits are limited and popular travel seasons (like June to September) tend to book up quickly. By booking early, you ensure a better chance of securing a permit and you’ll have more flexibility in choosing the best safari package for your interests.

How Much Is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda? Here’s a breakdown of the costs for securing a permit:

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person per trek
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan): $80 per person

The permit allows you to spend an unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to 17 habituated gorilla families—16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga—providing 136 permits each day for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

If you’re looking to spend more time with the gorillas, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Bwindi Forest. This exclusive experience costs $1500 per person and you’ll have the chance to spend up to 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas, guided by researchers and trackers.

How to Book Your Gorilla Permit

Booking a gorilla permit in Uganda is easy! You can purchase your permits directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or with the assistance of a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas. We can help you secure your permits, ensuring your gorilla safari is smooth and stress-free.

How Much Does a Uganda Gorilla Safari Cost?

While the price of your gorilla permit is a major component, there are other factors to consider for your safari costs. In addition to the permit fees, you’ll need to account for transport, accommodation and guiding services.

For example, a 3-day Uganda gorilla safari starts from $1272 per person (sharing). This includes the cost of your gorilla permit, accommodation, transport and a guide.

Is It Safe to Visit Gorillas in Uganda?

Safety is a top priority in Uganda’s gorilla trekking activities. Despite some past concerns related to poaching and the tragic death of a silverback gorilla named Rafiki in Bwindi, Uganda remains a safe destination for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking is regulated and carefully managed in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each trek is accompanied by two armed park rangers and tourism police, ensuring safety during your trek.

Best Time to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

The best time for a gorilla safari in Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to March. The weather is mild, making treks easier and the vegetation is not as thick, improving visibility for great photo opportunities.

While April, May and November bring rain, they also offer shorter treks since the gorillas tend to stay in one area. Regardless of when you visit, the chances of spotting the gorillas are extremely high, at around 99%.

Steps to Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Europe

Booking your Uganda gorilla safari is straightforward:

1. Secure Your Gorilla Permit: Send us your travel dates and we’ll check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
2. Make Payment: Once we confirm availability, we’ll send you an invoice. After you make the payment, we’ll immediately purchase your permits.
3. Confirmation: We’ll send you a scanned copy of your gorilla permit for your records.
4. Book Early: It’s advisable to book at least 2-3 months in advance since permits sell out quickly.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Safari in Uganda

Accommodation options vary depending on the sector of the park you’re visiting:

• In the Southern Sector (Rushaga and Nkuringo): Stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• In the Northern Sector (Buhoma and Ruhija): Choose from Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.

For those visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, consider staying at Gahinga Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort or Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge.

How to Access Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

• By Road: Travel from Entebbe/Kampala via Mbarara and Kabale. From Kabale, head to either the Northern Sector (Buhoma/Ruhija) or Southern Sector (Rushaga/Nkuringo).
• By Air: Fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips with AeroLink Uganda or Air Uganda. From there, it’s a 1-2 hour drive to the park.

How to Access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• By Road: Mgahinga is about an 8-9 hour drive from Kampala, passing through Kabale and heading to Kisoro. Alternatively, it’s about a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda.
• By Air: Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip with AeroLink Uganda or Fly Uganda. Transfers from the airstrip to the park are easy to arrange.

Why Book Your Uganda Gorilla Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable Uganda gorilla safaris from Europe. Whether you’re looking for budget, mid-range or luxury options, we have you covered. We offer personalized services and expert guidance throughout the entire booking process.

Check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see how past clients have experienced our services. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have a smooth, memorable and safe journey.

Ready to embark on your dream gorilla safari? Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today to begin planning your adventure!