Why Gorilla Tracking Is Jewelry Safari of Africa

Gorilla trekking sceneries are rich with wonders that make lifetime memories. It all starts from booking the gorilla permit as competition is cut-throat for the few released for public booking each day.

Besides you also need to have accommodation reserved in the location where your gorilla tracking permit has been booked. The distance from one area to another is quite long and the terrain is ragged.

On the day of gorilla trekking you must remember to carry packed lunch to assist as the time of your return time is not known. The time taken to find the mountain gorillas varies according to the proximity of food that the gorillas eat or the conditions in the forest like if the gorilla trekking family you are trekking is mourning a loss of a member, they may go into hiding. This makes the search quite long

Gorilla trekking the Jewelry of Africa

What more To see during gorilla trekking

This being a volcanic area, lots of highlands and spectacular valleys form great scenery. The ground is generally ragged providing a unique sight for photographers.

Inside the forest are troupes of exciting primates like olive baboons that roam the forest, black and white colobus, dramatic vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest, and so much more. As for birders, this is one of the destinations that will give you free chance of seeing new birds but the most renowned are the incredible albertine endemics of which 23 species of the 24 species are residents here.

This forest is also a haven for botanists as it has being in existence for several years right from the prehistoric era or the ice age period. It is believed to be one of the still existing forests in the world that have stood a test of time.

While you walk along some trails, you may cross some rivers via a board walk as this is the water catchment area for the entire area. As you walk along some trails, you may meet some waterfalls with a very interesting view.

The forest canopy stands up high and when you hike the close by ridge, you get a clearer picture of the incredible forest cover.  Different layers of the forest can easily be identified and form a great scenery for photography.

Can I Visit other Wildlife Parks After Gorilla Trekking

The closest Wildlife Park is Queen Elizabeth National park. This is about four to five hours drive from Bwindi Gorilla forest National Park. The park can easily be accessed through Ishasha sector the home of the tree climbing lions but when it rains the bridge normally gets broken and you may be required to take the longer distance into the park. During a game drive, you may have the chance of meeting animals like herds of elephants, herds of buffaloes, leopards, jackals, Tsavo Cats, water bucks, bush bucks, warthogs, chimpanzees and a rich bird life. During the launch cruise, you may have the chance of seeing most of these animals as they slope to the banks of the Kazinga Channel.

Kibale forest National Park is also close and you may need about five to 6 hours to drive from Bwindi Forest National park to Kibale forest. This is the home of the chimpanzees who are the closest relatives of man. In the entire Africa, Kibale Forest is the biggest habitat for habituated chimpanzees. Lots of primates are residents of this park and if you wish to enjoy there presence this is the right park with black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheecked mangabey, blue monkeys to mention but a few.

Rwenzori Mountain National park is another close by park endowed with great wildlife especially close to the base of the mountain but unique plants grow as you hike up the mountain. The main activity is mountain climbing to the Magheritah snowcapped peak which last some days and requires earlier preparations.  

On your way to the airport, you may make a stopover at the lake Mburo National park which is the closest National park to Kampala the capital of Uganda. It is home to numerous animals like zebras, impalas, kobs, hyenas, giraffes, buffaloes, incredible rich birdlife and so much more.

Close to Entebbe International airport is the Uganda Wildlife Education Center which was initially called the Entebbe Zoo. Numerous animals are found in this center which is kept in exhibits. You may request for a guided walk in this incredible center. You have the opportunity of meeting other animals you might have missed while in the wild. Animals like cheetahs, lions, elephants, hyenas, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus, numerous reptiles, birds and so many others.

Alternatively, you may visit the Ngamba Chimpanzees sanctuary on one of the beautiful Islands of Lake Victoria. This is home to rescued chimpanzees and homeless chimpanzees that are rehabilitated after being rejected by there communities. You may take part in feeding the chimpanzees at the feeding platform.  

One Week Gorilla Trekking And Wildlife Africa Uganda Safari

When interested in an Africa holiday, you may want to spend a week in the wild but you need to prepare in advance. You may choose a pre-organised itinerary or tailor your itinerary to shoot your needs. Select your preferred activities and the tour consultant will put it together to avoid back tracking.

Uganda Holiday In One week

How To Spend a Week Holiday in Africa Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife Safari viewing

Summary

Day 1 Drive To Bwindi Forest National Park

Day 2 Gorilla Tracking

Day 3   Drive To Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4 Game Drive And Launch Cruise

Day 5 Drive To Kibale National park

Day 6 Chimpanzee Trekking

Day 7 Drive To Entebbe Air port

Day 1 Drive To Bwindi Forest National Park

Get up early in the morning for breakfast and drive to Bwindi forest National Park. This natural forest is home to numerous primates and forest animals. This is also the birder’s haven as several birds linger around including the albertine endemics which are represented by about 23 species of the 24 renowned albertine endemics.

On the way, have a stopover at the equator to perform a water experiment, take pictures standing on both sides of the earth at the same time. Carry on passed the rolling hills of Kigezi arriving in the evening to check in to your room.

Day 2 Gorilla Trekking

Rise up early in the morning for breakfast, wear your gorilla trekking wear and carry your light bag with gorilla trekking gears like the camera, energy bites, garden gloves, water and so much more. You will meet other trekkers at the ranger station where briefing takes place

Later you will be divided into groups of 8 and escorted into the forest to start searching for the mountain gorillas. You may meet black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheecked mangabey, olive baboons, blue monkeys and so much more. Birds that linger in the forest make the trek very interesting as they whistle from the branches.

Finally when you get to meet the gorillas, stand at a distance of about 7 meters take there photos, watch the infants play and interact with each other. Return to the lodge to relax

Day 3 Drive To Queen Elizabeth National park

Home to the tree climbing lions is Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its backdrop is beautifully designed with snowcapped Rwenzori ranges. As you drive into the park, you may have the chance of seeing animals like lions, buffaloes, hyenas, giant forest hogs, topis, water bucks to mention but a few. The drive is about four to five hours arriving ready to relax.

Day 4 Game Drive And Launch Cruise

An early morning game drive gives you the chance to see animals return to there day hide outs and early risers get to there day hangouts. Northern crater area is rick with wildlife and most of the jungle drama can be witnessed in this area. Lots of crater lakes are found in this area both dry and wet but the most outstanding is Lake Nyamunuka with a putrid smell that you notice as you drive by. You may have the chance of seeing animals like lions, elephants, buffaloes, mangoos, topis, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, wild dogs, tsavo cats to mention but a few

After lunch a launch cruise welcomes you to the wonders of Queen Elizabeth National park. First of all lots of crocodiles, hippos find home in the waters of Kazinga channel.  The banks are regularly graced by thirsty animals like herds of buffaloes, prides of lions, elephant families, leopards, waterbucks and birds that flock the shores.

Day 5 Drive To Kibale National park

Kibale national park is rich with primates but host of the biggest number of habituated chimpanzees in Africa. Birds are in plenty and butterflies also add color to the busy forest. The drive from Queen El;izabeth National park to Kibale forest may last between 2 to 3 hours.

Day 6 Chimpanzee tracking and visit Bigido Sanctuary

Having taken your breakfast you will head to Kanyanchu the briefing point before chimpanzees trekking. You may spot out some of new species of primates that you may have missed out in Bwindi forest like black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, the list is endless. Birds also have the forest drama and listen to there hymns to. You may hear the Chimpanzee hooting as if to alert there fellows of your presence. Chimpanzees live in communities led by the alpha male who is democratically chosen. The females in the community have an upper hand in choosing the alpha male

In case you are not tired, you may take an optional walk to Bigodi Sanctuary where numerous primates, butterflies and birds live. This is also home to the rare shoe bill stork. Visit the community workshop and return to the lodge

Day 7 Drive back to Entebbe Airport

Having enjoyed the moments in the jungle, watching the drama in the wild, interacting with the hungry savages as they grab the day’s hunt drive back to the airport to catch up with your flight back home.

What is The age Limit for Gorilla tracking

GorillaTracking in Uganda Rwanda or D.R.  Congo is open to tourists from the age of 15 years. Several reasons have been stated to back this up like

The terrain where mountain gorillas live is ragged with some steep slopes which may be quite a challenge to someone below the age of 15 years. You need some fitness to hike to the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Age Limit

You need to pack and carry some gorilla trekking gears that may exert some weight on your tired body while in the wilderness. This may exhaust you before getting to meet the gorillas therefore delaying the entire group as the ranger guide follows the slowest trekker.

Several other animals live in the forest like reptiles, frogs, birds, creeping plants that may frighten a person below the age of 15 years while in the forest.  Besides mountain gorillas are usually agitated by noise in the forest which makes them move further into deeper ends of the forest therefore prolonging the journey

When in the presence of the mountain gorillas, it is an adrenaline stimulating moment where different people respond differently to this first sight. I can’t say it is not quite frightened but exciting at the same time. However you do not need to show the gorillas that you are scared this makes them feel suspicious especially the silverback which is supposed to protect the family and this may lead to change in the gorillas’ mood.

5 Day Primate And wildlife Uganda Safari

On this 5 day primate and wildlife safari, you will visit Bwindi Forest National Park for gorilla trekking, head to Queen Elizabeth national park for game drive and launch cruise. Enjoy Chimpanzee tracking too.

Day 1 Drive To Bwindi forest National Park

On the first day, drive through the eye captivating countryside and before you know it there will be a change in the freshness of the air you breathe away from town chaos. Depart Entebbe or Kampala city early in the morning, enjoy breakfast at the equator, take photos standing on both sides of the earth. Perform the water experiment which is so mesmerizing.

 Carry on passed several baboon troupes that may give you something to laugh about with there acrobatic moves. The drive may be quite long but very entertaining and enjoy African massage arriving late in the evening to check in to our room.

Accommodation: Clouds Lodge/ Gorilla Forest camp/ Engage Lodge/ Bwindi View Bandas

Day 2 Gorilla Tracking Experience

 Rise up early for breakfast them proceed to the ranger station for gorilla trekking briefing. You will be placed in groups of 8 trekkers per gorilla family. The Ranger guide will follow the pace of the slowest trekker in order for everyone to enjoy each moment. Before starting the trek, request for a porter to assist carry your baggage as the trek at times is quite tedious especially if the gorillas are moving fast and into fur spots. As you trek into the forest, you may be greeted by a number of birds that and if you are a keen birder, you may easily identify them by sound and appearance.

The monkeys also differ as there blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey tailed mangabey, red tailed monkeys to mention but a few. Several ancient trees and plants species are present for botanist to identify.

As you get closer to the mountain gorillas, you may here them murmur and pull some shrubs . When you finally get up close, your guide may request you to lower your voices and start taking some photos. Watch how they take care of each other especially in case the gorilla trekking family has an infant. They feed them on breast milk and protect them so highly. The mothers also comb the hairs of there infants and keep checking for any pests. Of course the silverback may try to show his top rank in the family.

After an hour return to the lodge to relax.

Day 3 Drive to Queen Elizabeth National park

Leaving Bwindi Forest with only photos and memories of our meeting the mountain gorillas drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.  May go through the Ishasha sector of the park,  may get to see several animals like tree climbing  lions, leopards, the kobs, buffaloes, bush bucks, warthogs the list is endless. The park has a wonderful back drop of Rwenzori ranges. In case it is a clear day you could see the ice tops on the mountain up high in the sky. Check into your lodge.

Accommodation: Mweya safari Lodge/ Katara Lodge/ Simba Safari Lodge

Day 4 Game Drive and launch cruise

Rise up early in the morning for the morning game drive to the Crater Lake area. You may have a chance of seeing the earlier risers come to life while the nocturnal rush to get back to there day hiding like the hippos. The amazing network of dry and wet crater lakes is picturesque. One of the noticeable lakes is Lake Nyamunuka with a putrid smell of rotten eggs.

Drive through the park with a chance of seeing a number of birds, the vegetation variation, may meet a pride of lions, buffalo herds, a leopard, warthogs the list is endless

After lunch, head to the pier for a launch cruise on Kazinga Channel. Wow this is heaven on earth as a number of bird species flock the banks, wild animals are also common visitors here and this is where you may meet incredible herds of elephant, buffaloes, lions, warthogs and so much more.

Return to the lodge keeping only memories and photos of our safari.

Day 5 Chimpanzee Tracking

muujjjEarly in the morning, take breakfast and head to Kyambura gorge for chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzees are the closet relatives of humans and there behavior is similar to that of humans.

Chimpanzees are led by alpha male and live in communities. To get to the chimpanzees, you will have to hike to the gorge. Return to the lodge and relax.

Day 6 Drive to Entebbe

Having completed the entire primate and wildlife safari itinerary, it is time to get back home drive to the airport to catch up with our return flight.

Gorilla trekking holiday tops most of the buckets lists of most travel addicts in the world but a few succeed in securing gorilla trekking permits because of there scarcity and conservation reasons.

The mountain gorillas are some of the still surviving ice age animals which existed with the dinosaurs, aliens and so many other fased out animals species. Meeting the mountain gorillas is one of the memorable safaris and a privilege too as you stand to be one of the lucky 8 people to be in there company that day.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Just like any other trip, you must prepare for gorilla trekking carrying the right gears.

Long trousers are a must because mountain gorillas live in the jungle where there are biting nestles as well as pricking and piercing surfaces.

A poncho or rain coat because it may rain at any time of the day without warning

A hut to cover up your head and protect it

Tracking boots to protect your feet from the rough and boggy surface of the jungle.

Gloves assist you in getting hold of the slippery surfaces and in case you fall, your hands re protected

A flash less camera is the only evidence of you holiday in the Mountain Gorilla land.

Insect repellant will save you from stinging insects

To mention but a few

How to book Gorilla Trekking Safari

Gorilla Trekking is only a sure deal when you have fully paid for a Gorilla permit. The price for a gorilla permit in Uganda is $700 while in Rwanda, the gorilla Permit costs $ 1500 

 Accommodation is next to this as most of the lodges are fully booked especially during the peak season when everyone is travelling.

A 4x4 safari vehicle is another component

Safari guide must be knowledgeable to

Fuel or Gas

Book your in bound flight on for the day before the start of your gorilla trekking safari and also your outbound flight must be a night flight or a day after the Gorilla trekking  safari to avoid panic.

Best Time for Booking a Gorilla Trekking Safari

Gorilla trekking is done throughout the year but there are tourism peak seasons and low seasons. During the peak seasons the prices for all the safari packages  are very high yet during the low seasons, the prices for the packages my differ.

You need to book a gorilla trekking permit atleast 3 months in advance of travel to prevent last minute panic as only 8 gorilla permits are released for tourism per day.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is open to everyone but you must be at least 15 years of age

However it’s not a good idea to track gorillas when you have a cold for conservation reasons.

Do some exercises to keep fit because the topography of Bwindi Impenetrable Park and Volcanoes National Park is volcanic. While in the jungle, you hike and get done the valleys, bypass numerous rivers as this area is a water catchment surface.

What to Do And Not To do while with the mountain Gorillas

Conservation is the main reason why few people are allowed to be with the mountain gorillas each day, you must be ready to follow the instructions.

Do not trample on the grass use the tails because the mountain gorillas entirely feed on foliage for survival.

If you eat anything while in the jungle, do not liter because the mountain gorillas may eat anything and die. This is a great loss.

In case you have a cold, be kind to these animals and say before starting the search because they are highly susceptible to human infections which may turn into death.

Keep up with the other group to avoid getting lost in the jungle.

In case you need to ease yourself, its best to ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you and afterwards you have to cover beyond recognition to keep the environment clean and protect the animals that may be curious of what you have covered.

Keeping your voices low while you trek to see the gorillas gives you enough chances of seeing the mountain gorillas since they get to notice your presence before you do.

Where To Do Gorilla Tracking In Africa

Mountain gorillas are some of the survivors of the prehistoric era but in the entire world, they can only be found in 3 countries that is to say Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo. Gorilla trekking therefore can be possible in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.Congo.

Gorilla Tracking Experience in Uganda

Gorilla tracking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Uganda hosts the biggest number of mountain gorillas almost half of the total number of the mountain gorillas.

You need to secure a gorilla tracking permit in Uganda from Uganda wildlife authority ( UWA)  which cost $ 700. Despite this gorilla tracking permit cost, the demand is so high as just a few permits are released per day for tourists to buy. Only 8 gorilla permits are available to the tourists.

When to book a gorilla tracking permit in Uganda

Gorilla permits are booked throughout the year but for safety, you need to book your gorilla permit atleast 3 month in advance of travel.

Why book gorilla permit in advance.

Gorilla tracking permits are on a very high demand yet there supply is scarce as conservation of the mountain gorillas takes precedence of the gorilla tracking.

Just eight gorilla permits are released each day for tourists to book. Very many people would like to be part of gorilla tracking activity but this limit denies them the chance of this life time activity.

How to book gorilla tracking safari in Uganda.

Upon inquiring about any gorilla tracking safari, you state the date when you prefer taking this great activity. A tour consultant contacts Uganda wildlife Authority about availability of the gorilla permit. Later get back to you to decide on how many you wish to buy.

We highly recommend our clients to pay for the gorilla permits as soon as possible because they are on first come first served basis. Any delay may cost you a lot of opportunities os securing a gorilla permit in a particular date of your preference.

A receipt is issued for your gorilla permit payment and a few days to the start of your gorilla tracking tour a card is issued that allows you to track the mountain gorillas.. You need to provide the below details for the gorilla permit to be issued

Full Names as presented on your passport

Expiry date of your passport

Nationality

Date of birth

And others.

What happens during gorilla tracking in Uganda

On the day of gorilla tracking, this card is presented to the ranger guides who will brief you about gorilla tracking. You later proceed into the forest to search for the mountain gorillas with other trekkers. The ragged terrain is as a result of volcanic action in this area so you will hike some steep slopes and cross rivers before meeting the mountain giants.

When you finally get to see them, stay in there vicinity for just one precious hour watching there daily activities like juveniles hop from one tree branch to another, infants play close to there mothers as the silverback watches over there entire family to ensure that it is in harmony.

Take photos while standing at about 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas and later return to the lodge to relax.

What You must Know about Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

You must book a gorilla tracking permit in advance of travel

Gorilla permits are booked according to area of gorilla tracking that is to say Buhoma gorilla tracking area, Ruhija Gorilla tracking area, Rushaga gorilla tracking area and so many others area.

When booking accommodation, you must know the area where your gorilla permit have been reserved to avoid waking up early in the morning to drive long distances to get to the briefing point.

Gorilla tracking in Uganda starts with briefing from the ranger station and if you miss it, you are 

disqualified from participating in gorilla tracking.   

Gorilla tracking Experience in Rwanda

Rwanda is another gorilla tracking country in Africa with Volcanoes National park as the destination.

You can track mountain gorillas in Rwanda in Two days as the drive from Kigali to Volcanoes national park is quite short. However you must have a gorilla tracking permit which costs $ 1500 per trek. It is an amazing experience.

You must book accommodation close to the park for your convenience before gorilla tracking and after gorilla tracking.

Where to buy gorilla tracking permits in Rwanda

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is the selling body for Rwanda gorilla tracking permits. You also need to request for availability of gorilla permits in Rwanda by calling and then walk in to purchase the permit or get a tours agent to purchase the gorilla permit on your behalf.  

Upon acquiring a gorilla permit, ensure your accommodation is reserved too especially if you expect to travel to Rwanda during the peak season that is to say from June to about September and December to about February.

How many gorilla permits are sold In Rwanda

Each day Rwanda releases 8 gorilla tracking permits for each gorilla family. This is for conservation reasons as the mountain gorillas are agitated by huge crowds. Also to protect there food ( foliage) from trampling  crowds. The bid to conserve mountain gorillas and there environment is the top reason to consider.

Gorilla Tracking In D.R. Congo

D.R. Congo is another gorilla tracking park where to enjoy gorilla tracking. Although some times because of insecurity it is not a frequented park, Virunga National park harbors the mountain gorillas. It is home to several bird species and primates also roam around the park.

 Gorilla tracking in D.R. Congo can be arranged on arrival and then return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

5 Must do Activities During Gorilla tracking in Uganda

Uganda is endowed with interesting adventure activities that you can be part of like Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest, Game drives in Murchison Falls, Kidepo valley, Queen Elizabeth national parks, Boat cruises are so interesting and dramatic, chimpanzee trekking gives you the chance to be close to human cousins in the animal kingdom.

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Activities To Do During The Gorilla Trekking Uganda safari

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda being the major reason for taking your adventure tour in Africa. Uganda has the largest number of mountain gorillas in the world and the biggest chances of meeting the chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the same forest is only possible in Bwindi  Forest national; park in Uganda.

You only need to secure a gorilla trekking permit with a price of $600, have an overnight stay at a lodge close to the area where your gorilla permit was booked. This is in a bid to reduce on the distance to the briefing point early in the morning.

Only one magical hour is allowed in the presence of the mountain gorillas so that they are given enough time to do there day activities like feeding, playing, making nests and so on. The mountain gorillas are habituated to be in the presence of human beings for only 1 hour. You have the chance to watch them, take there photographs are return to the lodge.

Game drives

Queen Elizabeth National Park

You may opt to go for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park which is about 5 to 6 hours away from Bwindi Forest the home of the mountain gorillas.

The Northern Crater lakes region of the park is the busiest with wildlife life. You have the chance of meeting the leopards, herds of elephants, buffaloes, prides of lions, elands, water bucks, hyenas, bush bucks, Uganda Kobs, numerous birds including the foreign migrants which fly from as far as Europe. Chimpanzee tracking would be another great moment. Birding in queen Elizabeth National park is awesome. The highlight of this park is the incredible launch cruise on Kazinga channel.

Murchison Falls National park

Another incredible park where numerous games drives can be done. This park is bisceted by the longest river in Africa the Great Nile. It is home for the Rothschild Girafees, buffaloes, lions, statungas, hartebeests.

An early morning game drive in the Northern sector of this park gives you ample time to meet various animals as they carry on there day today activities. Lion, giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, olive baboons, hartebeests, hyenas, and so many birds find home here.

The highlight of this park is the launch cruise to Murchison Falls getting you closer to the dramatic point where the Nile waters squeeze through a narrow gorge, bursting out vigorously to make a cloudy appearance. The vibration of the water tides below the boat is very interesting. The foamy appearance that builds up after the water cascading to join the rest of the course is picturesque.

Birding In Uganda

Birding is one of the experiences you can be part of when you book a gorilla trekking safari. Bwindi Forest is one of the top birding sceneries in the World. It has over 350 bird species and about 23 of the 24 albertine endemics.

Some of the birds that reside in this forest include Canopy and Mid-storey flock, western Green Tinkerbird, Mountainand Yellow-streaked Greenbird, Red-faced Woodland,Rwenzori Batis and white-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Collared Apalis to mention but a few.

Along the Queen Elizabeth National park Kazinga Channel, you can have the birding experience while on a launch cruise after the gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi forest.

 Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking is an experience that gives you the chance of getting closer to human cousins. After gorilla trekking, you may opt for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National park. This park is about 5 to 6 hours from Bwindi Forest and home to the chimpanzees.

This natural forest is home to numerous birds, primates, butterflies, forest elephants the list is endless. During the trek to find the chimpanzees, you have an opportunity to get closer to the some of these wonderful animals and birds.

Launch cruise

After gorilla trekking, you can have a launch cruise in Queen Elizabeth National park. This epic experience is done on Kazinga Channel. This busy channel is always flooded with flocks of birds including foreign migrant birds that fly from as far as Europe,

Several wild animals also find there way to these banks to quench there thirst and others cool of the day’s heat by taking a bath in the water. Crocodiles and Hippo schools make a wonderful display in the water. The vegetation along the banks is stunning.

Where To Stay during Gorilla Tracking Safari In Uganda

Accommodation is readily available for your stay during a gorilla trekking experience however this is very much dependent on your budget. Super Luxury facilities are available  and majority have full board basis, luxury accommodations are also available but with full board meal basis and specious well aerated rooms, Midrange accommodation during gorilla tracking are also available and majority offer full board meal plan and budget facilities are also available however majority have shared facilities but well kept.CONTACT US

Gorilla Trekking Safari

7 Day Gorilla Trekking And Wildlife safari Itinerary with accommodation

Day 1: Drive To Bwindi forest National park

Rise up early in the morning for breakfast and your guide driver will pick you from your overnight hotel and take you to Bwindi forest National Park. This road trip is about 8 to 9 hours but very scenic. Make a stopover at the equator for picturesque experience as you stand on both sides of the earth at the same time. Perform the water experiment and carry on passing through the rolling green covered hills of Kigezi.

Arrive in the evening ready for dinner and overnight at

Accommodation: Clouds lodge/ Gorilla Forest Camp/ Engage Lodge/Ruhija Gorilla Lodge/ Bwindi View Bandas

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking

Rise up early in the morning for breakfast and head to the ranger station for briefing. Learn how you must behave to succeed in your gorilla trekking safari experience. You must be free of any communicable disease like a cold because the gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses like this.

In the company of an armed ranger guide, start trekking to find the mountain gorillas. They are well versed with all corners of the forest so you will follow the trail where they were seen the previous day. Avoid making noise while trekking because the mountain gorillas are agitated and scared of noise.

Other primates like enchanting monkeys, olive baboons, black and white  colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheecked mangabey to mention but a few. Birding is awesome here. You do not have to look for the birds there show is readily available for you to watch there day drama of building nests, pecking the wood and picking fruits from different trees.

Finally when you get to spot the gorillas, you may hear them murmur as if warning each others of your presence. Even if ones of them move close to touching your camera, you just need to relax and avoid touching it because these are wild animals whose mood swings are uncontrollable. Photographs which you will remind you of the moments with the mountain gorillas and after an hour return to the lodge and relax.

Day 3 Drive to Queen Elizabeth National park

This is drive may go through Ishasha sector the home of the renowned tree climbing lions but going through this side of the pack depends on the condition of the bridge over Ishasha river. During this game drive, you may have the chance of meeting herds of buffaloes, elephants, lions, warthogs and so much more.  Check in to your lodge waiting for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge/ Jacana lodge/ Ishasha Wilderness Lodge/ Simba safari Lodge

Day 4: Game Drive And Launch Cruise

Get up early in the morning for game drive in the Northern crater lakes area of the park. You may have the chance of meeting the early risers get out of there night hide outs, to day hangout places. Carry on to the pavilion where you will take photographs of the incredible crater lakes display.

You may have the chance of seeing animals like the lions, elephants, buffaloes, bush bucks, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and numerous birds are residents of this park.

Having enjoyed the great views of the park, carry on to the pier to enjoy a launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The banks of this channel are so dramatic always decorated with animals that quench there thirst from its waters. This is home to countless birds that are residents of this park and flock the channel banks regularly. Hippos and crocodiles are very many in this channel and the vegetation around is so spectacular. Return to your lodge and relax

Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Rise up early and get ready to meet human closest cousins in the animals kingdom. This hike to Kyambura gorge to meet the chimpanzees is very interesting. You may get to meet them at the bottom of the gorge. So interesting to be close to these great apes whose life is very dependent on foliage and to some extreme moments they get to feed on the monkeys incase there is limited resources to feed on in the forest. Return to the lodge and relax

Day 6: Drive back to the airport

Having enjoyed your time in the wilderness and experiencing the service of the lodges, return to Entebbe Airport to catch up with the flight back home.

Pros And Cons Of Gorilla trekking

Volunteer to stay behind in case you have a communicable disease because mountain gorillas area highly susceptible to human disease which may cause them to die.

Mountain gorillas fear lightening so you need to carry a flashless camera to take pictures.

Feeding the mountain gorillas is forbidden because they are wild animals that need to search for there own food.

When you dump anything in the forest, you spoil nature yet mountain gorillas entirely depend on foliage   for survival.

While you trek to see the mountain gorillas, do not forget to stay quiet or speak with a low tone so that you do not scare the mountain gorillas. They get frighten by noise.

Do stand at a distance of about 7 meters from the mountain gorillas when in there presence.

 In case the gorilla gets close to your camera, it is best not to touch them so that they do not get to transfer any contagious disease to you from the wild or you transmitting any communicable disease. It is the best way to conserve the mountain gorillas.

How To Select A Safe African destination For Holiday

Travelling to Africa for a vacation may be quite challenging at times but you must put your safety first so as to make memories with your friends and family. A gorilla tracking and chimpanzees tracking experience is a safe for your preferred African Experience. CONTACT US

How To Package Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzees Tracking

Gorilla Tracking In Uganda Africa

Gorilla Tracking Permit

Gorilla trekking requires you to have a permit card in Uganda the gorilla trekking permit costs $ 700 and in Rwanda the gorilla tracking permit costs $1500. You have to present some details like your names on the passport, age, validity of passport, country of origin so that you can secure a gorilla permit.

Chimpanzee trekking permit

A chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda costs $200 and in Kibale Forest National park you can take part of this experience. Chimpanzees live in communities under a democratically chosen alpha male. His powers are always checked by the community members as he is responsible for defending them and finding new feeding grounds for the community. His failure may cause another alpha male to take over but this is very rare.

Hire a driver guide

An experienced driver guide will make your travel experience on a gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking safari. He will assist you in discovering the best spots for photographing, touring some additional sites enroute, and he will keep you updated on the safari activities and itinerary.

Gas/ fuel

Gas is very vital during your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experience as there are no gas stations in the Park or few can be accessed in the countryside. You have to fill full tank that will sustain you throughout your stay in the wilderness.

Accommodation to book during gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking

Several accommodations according to your budget are available for you to book. What is unique about gorilla tracking accommodation is you need to book a lodge closer or within the area where your gorilla permit was booked.

Luxury accommodations are available for up market travellers who would like exclusive attention, there is a variety of accommodation to select from. Most of them have well aerated spacious rooms with windows overlooking the Bwindi forest and occasionally visited by numerous birds. Several luxury accommodations also offer full board facilities but drinks are normally limited. Luxury accommodations have mainly Twin or double rooms but in case you wish to have a single supplement, there is a small additional fee for more comfort.

Midrange accommodations are also available for you to book, you can contact us to select the best lodge to fit your budget.  This will be confortable all the nights you will spend in the wilderness. They provide full board meal plan but you can make your preferred meal order.

Budget accommodations are also many providing varying services for you to choose. Majority of them however have shared facilities but regularly cleaned to keep them well maintained. Most of them are on bed and breakfast meal basis but have restaurants available for you to order meals.

What happens During Gorilla And chimpanzee trekking

 Early in the morning you have to report at the ranger guide station for briefing. No one is allowed to move into the forest without being briefed. This is to ensure that the rules of the forest are followed.

Later an armed range guide escorts you into the forest to start searching for the mountain gorillas or the chimpanzees. He is normally armed for your safety in case there is anything that attacks you there is ready defense. But the forest is safe enough for you as it is regularly supervised to ensure the safety of tourists.

The ranger guide follows the pace of the slowest tourists so that no one is forgotten in the wilderness.

 During gorilla trekking a team of ranger guards is always in communication with the ranger guide on tour so that your movements are regularly checked and the tourists are safe.

What happens during Game drives

Uganda is endowed with numerous wildlife parks where game drives take place that is to say Murchison Falls National park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National park and others

 Most tourists rise up early in the morning for game drives where they have a chance to meet animals like the pride of lions, elephants, water bucks, zebras, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes to mention but a few however, you must know that your safety is paramount. During the game drives, you are given a ranger guide to assist you go through the park.

At some point, you may be allowed to get out of the car to take better pictures of sceneries and selfies in the wilderness. No matter how calm the animal is, you are not allowed to touch it or feed it because it is a wild animal that may charge at you any time.

Enjoy and tour you wish to have in Africa Uganda but enjoy it safely.

Game Viewing, Launch Cruise And Gorilla Tracking Africa Uganda

On this Africa Safari to Uganda for 5 days, you will have the opportunity of an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls national Park where pride of lions, herds of elephants, rich avian life and incredible view can be seen. CONTACT US

The show stopper for this safari is the breathtaking launch cruise to the Murchison falls where the River Nile water squeezes through a narrow gorge and burst out to form cloudy appearance.

Meeting the mountain gorillas is a life time experience as they are the only surviving mountain gorillas in the entire world. You are a winner of a gorilla trekking permit as the demand for them is very high worldwide.

Day 1: Drive To Murchison Falls National park And Ziiwa Rhino sanctuary
Rise up early in the morning for breakfast and drive to Murchison Falls National park. This park is bisected by River Nile which is the longest river in Africa the second longest in the World.

Enroute, have an excursion to Ziiwa Rhino Sanctuary where rhinos are being rehabilitated after extinction during the civil wars in Uganda in 1980s. Have your lunch and proceed to Murchison Fall national park enjoying a game drive enroute where you may have the chance of seeing  warthogs, Rothschild girafees, statugas to mention but a few. Arrive ready for diver and overnight at
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge/ Nile safari Lodge/ Red Chilli Campsite

Day 2 Game Drive And Launch Cruise

Rise up early in the morning for breakfast and head to the northern part of the park for a game drive. You may have the opportunity of seeing animals like lions, leopards, hartebeests, Rothschild giraffes, cape buffaloes rich avian life, olive baboons, crater lakes the list is endless. Its hard to drive without seeing any animals going about there day activities.

Return to your lodge for lunch and head for spectacular launch cruise with great drama. The Nile water squeezes through a narrow gorge, bursts out in a roar and forms a cloudy appearance as it joins the rest of the course. The water miraculously starts vibrating making a foamy appearance.

The cruise boat stops at a distance to give you an opportunity of taking photographs and enjoy this stunning moment. Return to your lodge to relax at your lodge.

Day 3: Fly/ Drive To Bwindi Forest National park
Early in the morning, your driver guide will pick you from your overnight accommodation and embark on the journey to Bwindi forest national park. This forest is one of the still serving forests of the prehistoric era with a fantastic varying canopy. The drive is quite long but very entertaining. 

Arrive in the evening ready for dinner and overnight.
Gorilla forest camp/ Gorilla Resort/lake Kitandara camp/Buhoma community Bandas

Day 4: Gorilla Tracking day

After your early morning breakfast, move to the ranger station for briefing. Carry a light backpack with the relevant gorilla tracking gear including packed lunch. For the safety of your skin, dress up in long trousers because there are stinging nettles in the forest.

Join others for briefing at the station by the Uganda wildlife Authority ranger guide who will later lead you into the forest to start searching for the gigantic brown eyed mountain gorillas. Although the time you take to find these apes is not definite, the walk is rewarding as you may have an opportunity to meet other primates  like baboons, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey tailed mangabey, black and white colobus monkeys the list is endless.

 After this remarkable encounter crown it up with a visit to the Batwa land probably if you are not so worked up. These are pygmies whose life full depended on Bwindi forest for survival till the early 90s when conservation of the mountain gorilla habitat by the government became reason to relocate them.

 To keep there ancient cultural candle burning they demonstrate there past way of life to there visitors through amazing stories and unique traditional performances. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Return Home After Gorilla Tracking

Finally after the 5 day gorilla trekking drive to Entebbe Airport to catch up with your flight back. In Uganda, this is the shortest gorilla trekking safari you can book.
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Why Choose Africa Safari Vacation As Gorilla Tracking Tour

Gorilla tracking safari experience in Africa Uganda is a once in a life time opportunity to be up close with some of the survivors of the prehistoric period. It is a chance that most people yarn to get as few gorilla permits (only 8 gorilla permit per gorilla family) are released each day for gorilla trekking. Yet mountain gorillas live in only Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.  Congo yet only two countries Uganda and Rwanda are very secure for tourists to visit.

 Are you tired of the usual beach expeditions and want to try a natural wildlife safari experience with mountain gorillas

  CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAIL

Africa Gorilla Tracking Tour In Uganda

Why Is Unique about Gorilla Trekking Safari

Gorilla tracking in Uganda makes you feel an achiever as you are one of the lucky achievers for the day to get a gorilla permit. Gorilla permits are on very high demand all day long since few (only 8 gorilla permits) are released for the entire world to book. When you get one, you have actually won a safari lottery.

No matter which gorilla family you have been booked at, the experience of so phenomenal and nothing can prepare you to meet the mountain gorillas. It is a mixture of excitements and adrenaline stimulating.

What Is Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves following the mountain gorillas in there wilderness and staying with them for just one hour(not dictionary meaning).This may sound just an hour but it is a lifetime encounter not easily forgotten. Taking pictures and selfies closer to the mountain gorillas keep this experience and feeling fresh

Are mountain gorillas Dangerous?

Mountain gorillas have a huge dark hairy body that is adrenaline stimulating at first sight however they are serene animals that are shy and feed on foliage despite there sheer size. The do not bite there life fully depends on vegetation

When trekking to see the mountain gorillas, you are instructed not to make noise while you trek to see the gorillas because they are easily intimidated by foreign voices. While in front of the mountain gorillas, you are requested not to show freight because they will tease you which may not ne comfortable for you.

 Sometimes a gorilla may want to touch your camera but show that you are not scared of there presence. Do not touch them because they are susceptible to human infections.

A sample itinerary

 3 day Gorilla Tracking Tour in Uganda

3 day  in Uganda is composed of two nights and three days to Bwindi Forest National Park.  It includes gorilla trekking but you must have booked a gorilla trekking permit prior. Prepare to enjoy 3 day in Uganda with the mountain gorillas which are wonderful giant among the apes. As free as nature provides, you may have an opportunity to encounter other primates such as black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey checked mangabey, red tailed monkeys the list is endless.

Day 1: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This gorilla trekking safari starts with an early morning drive to Bwindi forest national Park.  Although the journey is quite long, it’s absolutely memorable as you spot wonderful scenery such as incredible highlands, green forest cover, meandering rivers on the valley of highlands and so much more enroute. The renowned Bwindi Forest National park is a thick ancient forest situated in southwestern part of Uganda. This breathtaking Forest is a habitat to the Mountain gorillas that are considered by UNESCO as one of few survivors of the ice age period. The forest is very thick with talk trees that form a very dense canopy at the top. Enjoy your lunch enroute and carry on passing the rolling hills of Kisoro. Arrive late in the evening and enjoy your dinner and overnight at:
Gorilla forest camp/ Gorilla Resort/lake Kitandara camp/Buhoma community Bandas

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking day

After your early morning breakfast, move to the ranger station for briefing. Carry a light backpack with the relevant gorilla tracking gear including packed lunch. For the safety of your skin, dress up in long trousers because there are stinging nettles in the forest. Join others for briefing at the station by the Uganda wildlife Authority ranger guide who will later lead you into the forest to start searching for the gigantic brown eyed mountain gorillas. Although the time you take to find these apes is not definite, the walk is rewarding as you may have an opportunity to meet other primates  like baboons, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey tailed mangabey, black and white colobus monkeys the list is endless. After this remarkable encounter crown it up with a visit to the Batwa land probably if you are not so worked up. These are pygmies whose life full depended on Bwindi forest for survival till the early 90s when conservation of the mountain gorilla habitat by the government became reason to relocate them. To keep there ancient cultural candle burning they demonstrate there past way of life to there visitors through amazing stories and unique traditional performances. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Return Home After Gorilla Tracking

Finally after the 3 day gorilla trekking drive to Entebbe Airport to catch up with your flight back. In Uganda, this is the shortest gorilla trekking safari you can book. BOOK NOW

What To Carry As Wear For Gorilla Trekking

Garden gloves
Flashless Camera
Long trousers

Long sleeved shirt

Tracking boots

Second battery fully charged.

Energy bites.

Large brim hat

Insect repellant

Hard cash and on arrival you can change it to local currency.

Hire a porter who will give you a push when tired and carry your package while in the forest