Gorilla Trekking with Dr. Gladys Kalema in Buhoma

Gorilla Trekking with Dr. Gladys Kalema in Buhoma

Embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure with Dr. Gladys Kalema in Buhoma is a truly rewarding experience that is well worth the investment. Many travelers who have trekked with Dr. Kalema in Bwindi report unforgettable, educational, and life-changing encounters with these majestic creatures. Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, a renowned Ugandan veterinarian and the founder of Conservation Through Public Health, is dedicated to fostering a harmonious coexistence among endangered mountain gorillas, other wildlife, humans, and livestock in Africa. Following in the footsteps of the late Dian Fossey, she has emerged as one of East Africa’s leading conservationists and scientists, committed to protecting the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

The Experience: Gorilla Trekking and Dinner with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi requires purchasing a gorilla permit, which plays a crucial role in the conservation of both the mountain gorillas and their natural habitat. The funds generated from these permits are essential for preserving Bwindi Forest, one of Dr. Kalema’s primary conservation focuses. Without the revenue generated from gorilla trekking, this rich ecosystem could face severe degradation. The Uganda Wildlife Authority, in collaboration with local communities, utilizes these funds to ensure the protection of Bwindi’s wildlife and promote environmental conservation efforts across Uganda.

Your investment in a gorilla trekking experience not only supports the protection of these incredible animals but also directly benefits the local communities living near Bwindi. Tourists contribute 20% of the permit and park entrance fees to these communities, empowering them to play a vital role in gorilla conservation. This financial support helps fund infrastructure improvements and community projects, such as schools and healthcare facilities, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

Despite the higher costs associated with trekking permits and the physical demands of navigating through the forest, many visitors find that gorilla trekking in Bwindi is worth every penny. The thrill of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is so profound that many travelers choose to trek multiple times, often purchasing additional permits for different days.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking and Dinner with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Experiencing gorilla trekking with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka comes at a cost of $1,100 per group. This fee includes guiding services and accommodation in Buhoma, but it does not cover the return ticket with Aerolink Uganda for travel to and from Bwindi, which is priced at $552.

To trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park, you’ll also need a gorilla trekking permit. The costs for these permits are as follows:

• $800 for non-residents
• $700 for residents
• 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East African citizens

This permit allows you a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas, a truly unforgettable experience. Additionally, you’ll need to budget for other services such as transport, accommodation, and guiding to ensure a successful gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

To secure your spot for gorilla trekking, you must book your permit in advance. Once you have your travel dates confirmed, simply send us an email so we can check the availability of trekking permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Dr. Kalema. If permits are available for your chosen dates, we will notify you and provide an invoice for payment.

Upon receiving your payment, we will purchase your permits and send you a scanned copy for your records. To enhance your chances of securing a permit, it is advisable to book at least 2-3 months in advance, as these permits tend to sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

The ideal time for gorilla trekking and dinner with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is between June and October and from December to March. During these months, Uganda experiences its dry season, characterized by mild rainfall that makes treks more manageable. The vegetation is also less dense, enhancing your chances for clear sightings and great photographs of the primates.

In contrast, from April to May and in November, the wet season can lead to taller vegetation, making sightings more challenging. However, during this time, treks are generally shorter since the primates do not move far in search of food; it’s readily available within the forest.

Regardless of when you visit, seeing gorillas in Bwindi is highly likely, with a 99% chance of encountering them in their natural habitat.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Gorilla Trekking with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves on crafting unforgettable gorilla safari experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Our highly rated services on TripAdvisor reflect our commitment to providing eco-friendly, high-quality adventures that support biodiversity conservation and uplift local communities.

In addition to gorilla trekking, we offer a variety of exciting activities, including chimpanzee trekking, Big Five safaris, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters. This holistic approach ensures you have the best African safari experience possible while visiting popular destinations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia.

Feel free to reach out to us to book your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience with Dr. Gladys Kalema in Buhoma!