Uganda Safari with a German-Speaking Guide

Uganda Safari with a German-Speaking Guide

Are you a German speaker planning a trip to Uganda? If you’re looking to visit the majestic gorillas and experience other incredible wildlife like the Big 5 and chimpanzees, a Uganda safari with a German-speaking guide is the perfect choice for you. This guide will help you plan and book your gorilla trek with ease.

Gorilla trekking in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, attracting many travelers from around the world. Despite the high costs and the challenges of hiking through dense forests, the experience of watching these endangered creatures in their natural habitat is unforgettable. Whether you’re in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, it’s an experience that every wildlife enthusiast should add to their safari itinerary.

Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you organize and book a Uganda safari with a German-speaking guide. Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the forest on sometimes challenging terrain, with thick vegetation and swamps to navigate. As physically demanding as this activity may be, it offers a rare opportunity to encounter gorillas in the wild. In Uganda, you can spend one hour with the gorillas during your trek. If you’d like to spend more time with these incredible creatures, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll have up to four hours with the gorillas.

Where Is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?

Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo—countries that are home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. The trekking destinations in these countries include:

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
• Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
• Virunga National Park in Congo

In Congo, you also have the opportunity to see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. To trek in any of these parks, you’ll need to secure a gorilla permit.

It’s important to book your gorilla trek well in advance, as permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak season (June to September). We recommend booking at least 5 months before your planned trek to ensure availability. You can book directly through the park authorities or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Uganda

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

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

This fee grants you a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to 17 habituated gorilla families, with 136 permits available daily for trekking.

For those who want to spend more time with the gorillas, Gorilla Habituation Experience is available in Bwindi Forest, where you can interact with semi-habituated gorillas for up to four hours. The cost for this special experience is $1500 per person.

Gorilla permits can be booked either directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or with the help of a tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in Rwanda

Rwanda offers a gorilla permit for the following prices:

• $1500 for foreign non-residents
• $500 for foreign residents
• $200 for East African citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. With 12 gorilla families in Rwanda, only 96 permits are available daily for trekking.

You can obtain your permit either by booking directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Cost and How to Get Gorilla Permits in DR Congo

In Congo, you can trek mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park and lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

• Virunga National Park:
  • High season (mid-December to mid-March and June to October): $400 per person
  • Low season (mid-March to mid-May and mid-October to mid-December): $200 per person
• Kahuzi Beiga National Park:
  • $400 for foreign non-residents
  • $200 for East African residents
  • $20 for national residents

Permits can be booked directly through Virunga National Park or with the help of a tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Important Notes on Gorilla Permits

When booking your gorilla permit, remember that the price only covers the permit itself. Accommodation, transportation, meals, and other expenses are not included in the permit fee. Be sure to check with your tour operator to get the full details of your package.

What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Africa is 15 years, and the maximum age is generally 85 years, depending on your fitness levels. For older travelers, gorilla trekking has become more accessible, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where sedan chair carriers are available. These chairs are designed for individuals who feel they may not be physically fit enough to walk into the forest. With the assistance of porters, you will be carried to and from the trekking site. You can arrange for a sedan chair in advance or on the day of your trek, and the cost typically ranges from $400 to $500.

Gorilla Permit Cancellation Policy in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo

When booking a Uganda safari with a German-speaking guide, securing a gorilla permit is required. If you wish to trek with your guide, you’ll need to cover the cost of their permit as well. It’s essential to note that once a gorilla permit is booked, it is non-refundable, especially if you fail to show up on the scheduled trek date.

In the event that you need to cancel, the policies in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are similar: if you cancel within 0 to 8 days before the trek, you will not receive a refund for your permit. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these cancellation policies have been relaxed, with many permits allowing for date changes if the trip is affected by the pandemic. In Uganda, for instance, all treks affected by the virus have been granted the option to change dates up to twice.

What is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

Gorilla trekking can be done year-round, but the best time to visit is during the drier months, which are typically January, February, and June through early September. These months offer more manageable conditions for trekking, as the trails are less muddy and the vegetation is less dense, giving you a better chance of spotting the gorillas in their natural habitat.

What to Pack for a Uganda Safari with a German-Speaking Guide

When preparing for your Uganda safari with a German-speaking guide, packing appropriately is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential items to bring for your gorilla trekking:

• Comfortable walking/hiking boots: The terrain can be muddy and slippery, especially during the rainy season.
• Insect repellent: The forest is home to various insects, and repellent will help keep them at bay.
• Torch/flashlight & spare batteries: Useful for early morning treks or if you’re staying in areas with limited lighting.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your trek.
• Camera & lenses: Capture your memorable moments with the gorillas and wildlife (don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards!).
• Gardening gloves: These will protect your hands as you navigate through the forest.
• Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirt & trousers: Protect yourself from nettles, biting ants, and thorny bushes.
• Sandals/flip-flops: Ideal for resting after the trek or during your downtime.
• Hat & sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun, especially if you’re trekking at higher altitudes.
• Rain jacket: The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Sweater/fleece: For cooler mornings or evenings.
• Swimwear: If your accommodation offers a pool or lake for relaxation after your trek.
• Binoculars: Perfect for bird or wildlife watching on your safari.

Why Book Your Uganda Safari with a German-Speaking Guide Through Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize Uganda safaris with German-speaking guides. Whether you’re planning to trek gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, we’ve got you covered. We offer a range of safari packages, from budget to luxury options, all of which include gorilla permits and expert guidance.

We are dedicated to providing top-notch customer service, and our team of experienced tour consultants is always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns. With us, you can be sure of a memorable and smooth safari experience. Feel free to check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see how satisfied our clients are with our services.

For a seamless experience on your Uganda safari with a German-speaking guide, contact Trek Africa Expeditions today, and let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!