Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Burundi

Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Burundi: Your Ultimate Safari Experience

Are you based in Burundi and looking to embark on a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda? Whether you’re traveling from Burundi or planning a combined safari to explore Burundi and Uganda, Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you plan your dream trip. Burundi, a landlocked gem nestled between Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offers scenic beauty with dramatic landscapes along its borders. The former capital, Bujumbura, sits on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second-deepest lake. With its mountainous terrain and rich culture, Burundi is a perfect starting point for your adventure into Uganda.

Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that draws travelers from all over the globe. Despite the challenges of planning and the physical demands of the trek, the reward of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is unparalleled. Trekking through Uganda’s dense forests, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offers the rare opportunity to observe these endangered primates up close.

The trek itself is physically demanding. It often involves navigating challenging terrain, thick vegetation, rivers, and swamps to find the gorillas. This unique experience allows you to spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures. For those wanting more time, the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi offers a 4-hour encounter with the gorillas under the supervision of trackers and researchers.

Where Can You Trek Gorillas in Africa?

You can begin your gorilla trekking adventure from Burundi, with Trek Africa Expeditions offering well-organized trips to Uganda. Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo are the three African countries where you can track gorillas. The four key parks where these majestic creatures live are:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
• Congo: Virunga National Park (home to mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (home to lowland gorillas)

A gorilla trekking permit is required for entry into these parks. Given the limited number of permits available, especially during peak seasons (June to September), it’s best to book your trek at least five months in advance.

Gorilla Permits in Uganda: Pricing and Availability

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit varies based on your residency status:

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person
• Foreign residents: $700 per person
• East African citizens (including Burundi): $80 per person

Each permit grants you one hour with the gorillas, which can be extended to 4 hours if you opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience (costing $1500 per person). Uganda offers 17 habituated gorilla families (16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga), meaning 136 permits are available each day. It’s important to secure your permits well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Age Limits for Gorilla Trekking

To participate in Uganda’s gorilla trekking, you must be at least 15 years old. The maximum age limit varies depending on fitness, but generally, those over 85 may find the trek difficult. For elderly trekkers, Uganda offers sedan chair carriers to assist those who need help navigating the forest. These chairs are carried by porters, and the cost is between $400 and $500. It’s recommended to book this service in advance.

Cancellation Policies for Gorilla Permits

Gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are non-refundable if canceled within 0-8 days of your trek. However, due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancellation policies have been relaxed, and travelers can change their trekking dates twice at no extra cost.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The best time for Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Burundi is during the dry months of January, February, and June to September. This is when the forest trails are more accessible, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot the gorillas.

What to Pack for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Preparing for your trek is crucial to ensure comfort and safety. Here are some essential items to bring:

• Comfortable hiking boots and socks (the terrain can be muddy)
• Long-sleeve shirt and lightweight pants for protection from vegetation and insects
• Rain jacket (weather can be unpredictable)
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight (with spare batteries)
• Water bottle
• Gardening gloves (for better grip and protection)
• Camera with spare batteries (for capturing unforgettable moments)
• Binoculars (for bird and game watching)
• Hat, sunscreen, and swimwear for sunny days

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in creating tailored Uganda Gorilla Trekking experiences for travelers from Burundi and beyond. We offer various safari packages, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. Our expert team will handle the booking process, including securing your gorilla permits, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our satisfied customers have to say. Whether you’re looking for a short gorilla trek or a more immersive experience, we guarantee a memorable trip.

Contact us today to start planning your Uganda Gorilla Trekking adventure from Burundi. Let us make your dream safari a reality!