Uganda Gorilla Trekking from South Sudan

Uganda Gorilla Trekking from South Sudan

Are you planning to embark on an exciting gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda starting from South Sudan? Or perhaps you want to explore both South Sudan and visit Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo for an unforgettable safari experience? Trek Africa Expeditions can help you plan the perfect gorilla trekking trip from South Sudan.

South Sudan, one of East Africa’s 8 nations, is home to 6 national parks and 13 game reserves that cover about 10.4% of the country’s land area. Despite challenges due to civil war, it still offers incredible safari opportunities. If you’re traveling from South Sudan to Uganda, you’ll be able to combine your gorilla trekking experience with a deeper dive into Africa’s wildlife.

Why Go Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience that attracts many travelers to Africa. It may be physically demanding, but the opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences you can have.

While it can be costly and time-consuming, the effort is well worth it. Trekking through dense forests, navigating difficult terrains, and crossing rivers is a challenging yet thrilling experience. For those who want more time with the gorillas, Gorilla Habituation in Uganda allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas, as opposed to the standard one-hour encounter.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, where you’ll find the only remaining mountain gorillas in the world. In Uganda, you can trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda is home to Volcanoes National Park, while Virunga National Park in Congo also offers trekking opportunities.

Additionally, if you’re traveling to Congo, you can visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park, where you can see lowland gorillas.

Before you embark on your trek, a gorilla permit is required to access any of these national parks. As gorilla permits sell out quickly, especially during the peak season (June to September), it’s recommended to book at least 5 months in advance. You can book directly through the respective authorities or use a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions to ensure a smooth booking process.

Gorilla Permit Costs in Uganda

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is as follows:

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for residents
• $80 for East African citizens (including South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi)

This allows you to trek and spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda boasts 17 habituated gorilla families (16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga), meaning there are 136 permits available daily for trekkers.

For those who want to experience more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, offered only in Bwindi Forest. This experience costs $1500 per person and gives you a 4-hour encounter with the gorillas, guided by researchers and trackers.

Permits can be booked directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through an experienced tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy and Penalties in Uganda

To embark on an unforgettable Gorilla Trekking experience, securing a gorilla permit is essential. It’s important to note that once you book a permit, it is expected that you will use it on the scheduled date for the trek. If you are unable to attend, the cancellation policy applies.

The cancellation policy for gorilla permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is the same: If you fail to attend your trek within 0 to 8 days of the trek date, you will not receive a refund for the permit. However, the cancellation policies have undergone changes in the past six months, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Uganda and Rwanda have relaxed their policies, allowing travelers whose treks were affected by the pandemic to reschedule their trekking dates twice.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible all year round. However, the best time to visit for a more enjoyable experience is during the drier months. These include January, February, June, July, August, and September. During this period, the trails are less muddy, and the vegetation is thinner, which makes it easier to spot the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forests, and the conditions can be quite challenging. To ensure you’re comfortable and well-prepared, here’s a list of items to pack:

• Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
• Long-sleeve shirt and lightweight trousers to protect from undergrowth and insects
• Insect repellent to keep biting bugs away
• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries for navigating early mornings or dark trails
• Water bottle to stay hydrated during the trek
• Wet wipes for cleaning off mud or sweat
• Camera and lenses for capturing the experience
• Gardening gloves for better grip while walking through dense areas
• Sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun
• Rain jacket for unexpected showers
• Sweater or fleece for warmth in the early mornings or evenings
• Swimwear if you plan to visit a pool or waterfall
• Binoculars for bird or game watching along the way

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions makes it easy for you to book your Uganda Gorilla Trekking adventure, whether you’re traveling from South Sudan, Rwanda, or Congo. We offer a range of gorilla trekking safari packages to suit all budgets, from affordable to luxury options. We also take care of your gorilla permits, ensuring a seamless experience.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to read feedback from our satisfied clients. Our team of expert tour consultants is always ready to help you with any questions and guide you through the booking process.

Whether you’re seeking a thrilling adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, we guarantee you’ll have a memorable experience with Trek Africa Expeditions. Let us help you plan the perfect gorilla trekking holiday!