Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Luxury Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Excursia Adventures offers unforgettable luxury gorilla treks in Uganda, with tours starting from Entebbe, Kampala, or even Kigali in Rwanda. Whether you’re beginning your adventure in Uganda and ending it in Kigali, or crossing the border from Rwanda to Uganda, we’ve got you covered. Our luxury gorilla safaris are designed to give you an exceptional experience, taking you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and other famous national parks in Uganda.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, we also provide affordable Uganda gorilla safaris starting and ending in Kigali, perfect for travelers seeking an exciting experience without breaking the bank. By starting your trek in Kigali, you can significantly cut down on travel time, as the journey from Kigali to Bwindi is only 4-5 hours versus the 8-9 hour drive from Entebbe.

What to Expect on Your Luxury Gorilla Trek

When you book a budget gorilla trekking safari with Excursia Adventures, you can expect expert advice and a well-organized, all-inclusive experience. Our packages include comfortable budget accommodation in and around Uganda, a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up roof for optimal game viewing, and an experienced English-speaking driver guide to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey.

Starting Your Gorilla Trek from Rwanda (Kigali)

At Excursia Adventures, we pride ourselves in arranging luxury gorilla treks that start in Kigali, Rwanda. If you prefer to start your tour in Kigali but still want to explore Uganda, this option is perfect for you. Rwanda is just a short drive from Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, allowing you to cut down on travel time while still experiencing the beauty of both countries.

As one of the leading operators for Uganda and Rwanda safaris, we’re highly recommended on TripAdvisor. Our professional safari designers are based in Entebbe and are always available to offer you timely and relevant advice to help plan your dream safari. Once you arrive in Uganda, one of our expert guides will be at your service to make sure you have the best possible experience. This option is especially beneficial during the high season, as it reduces the travel time from Entebbe to Bwindi.

Gorilla Trekking Locations in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two main national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Each sector has its own habituated gorilla families, and Rushaga has the highest number of families.

Bwindi is located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you’re trekking in the Buhoma or Ruhija sectors. The Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, located in the southern part of Bwindi, are near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can also enjoy golden monkey tracking.

With over 18 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and a growing population of mountain gorillas, Uganda is one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking in the world.

Costs for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs:

• USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for East African residents
• USD 80 for East African citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas once you find them during your trek. A 3-day Uganda gorilla trek from Rwanda starts at USD 1,290 per person, including accommodation, transport, and the gorilla permit.

How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

To secure your luxury gorilla trek, you need to book your gorilla permit in advance. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be purchased at their offices in Kampala or Kisoro (near Bwindi). If you’re arriving via Kigali, we recommend purchasing your permit at the UWA office in Kisoro.

Excursia Adventures can take care of booking your gorilla permit on your behalf. Once you share your preferred dates with us via email or WhatsApp, we’ll reserve your permits and send you an invoice for payment. After the payment is received, we’ll immediately purchase your permits and send you the scanned copies for your records.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, which typically fall between January, February, and from June to early September. These months offer easier access to the parks, with drier trails and less dense vegetation, making it easier to spot the gorillas. The weather is generally more favorable, providing clearer views and a more comfortable trekking experience.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Wondering what to wear on your gorilla trek? Here’s a helpful list of essentials to pack for your adventure:

• Long-Sleeved Sweater: The weather can get chilly in the morning, so a warm layer is essential.
• Two Pairs of Long Trousers: Protect your legs from the forest undergrowth and any thorny bushes.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: The trails can be muddy and slippery, so sturdy, waterproof boots are a must for comfort and safety.
• Hat and Sunglasses: These are optional but useful for protecting yourself from the sun, especially if you’re trekking during warmer months.
• Camera and Spare Batteries: Don’t forget your camera to capture unforgettable moments! Ensure you have long-lasting batteries and turn off the flash to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
• Binoculars: If you’re interested in birdwatching or spotting other primates, binoculars will be very helpful.
• Gardening Gloves: These can be useful for gripping tree branches or bushes while navigating the trails.
• Raincoat: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a rainforest, so rainfall is unpredictable. Carrying a raincoat will keep you dry during sudden downpours.
• Mosquito Repellent: To protect yourself from insect bites in the forest, it’s wise to wear or carry a good mosquito repellent.
• Sunscreen: This is optional, but if you’re trekking in hotter months, sunscreen can help prevent sunburn.
• Neutral Colors: Avoid bright colors as they might startle the gorillas. Also, stay away from black or blue, as these colors attract Tsetse flies. Earthy or neutral tones like khaki, olive, or brown work best.

Where to Stay During Your Luxury Gorilla Trek

There are several accommodation options near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you can stay for your luxury trek, depending on which sector of the park you’re trekking in.

Southern Bwindi: Rushaga & Nkuringo Sectors

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Nsongi Camp
• Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Valley Lodge
• Karungi Camp
• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Lake Mutanda Resort

These lodges are all located near the starting points for Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla Trekking experiences.

Northern Bwindi: Buhoma & Ruhija Sectors

• Buhoma Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Ride 4 a Woman
• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Agandi Eco Lodge
• Gift of Nature Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Broadbill Tented Camp

These accommodations are ideal for trekkers starting in the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors, close to the park entrance and trailheads.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Luxury Gorilla Trek?

At Excursia Adventures, we organize personalized and memorable gorilla trekking safaris. We are a locally-owned tour operator in Uganda with a team dedicated to ensuring your trip is seamless and unforgettable. Whether you’re booking luxury gorilla treks from Kigali, Rwanda, or Uganda, we have the experience and knowledge to design a safari that suits your preferences.

Here’s why you should book with us:

• Tailor-Made Safaris: We offer customized gorilla trekking experiences designed to meet your needs.
• Expert Advice: Our professional consultants respond to your inquiries within 20 minutes, ensuring you get quick, relevant information.
• Local Knowledge: We know the ins and outs of Uganda’s best gorilla trekking locations and accommodations, guaranteeing a smooth experience.
• Experienced Guides: Our knowledgeable guides speak various languages and are passionate about sharing the beauty of Uganda.
• Booking Assistance: We take care of your permits, accommodations, and transportation in advance, so you can focus on enjoying your trek without worrying about logistics.

From 11-day Uganda Gorilla Tours to 25-day safaris, we have a range of itineraries to match your timeframe and preferences. Contact us today to plan your dream luxury gorilla trek and experience the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas of Uganda!