Everything you need to know about gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Go through these frequently asked questions about gorillas and the gorilla trekking experience at large.
Is it better to trek in Uganda or Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done in Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park while in Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes national park and both countries provide unique and unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences.
Cost wise, Uganda has more affordable gorilla permit prices which is 700 USD while Rwanda charges 1500 USD for gorilla trekking.
Uganda also has half the population of mountain gorillas in the world which increases chances of seeing the gorillas during a trek. Rwanda, on the other hand, offers a more convenient gorilla trekking experience with its shorter travel distances.
However, the choice of which country to choose for gorilla trekking depends on individual preferences and choice.
Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
Gorilla trekking is definitely worth the money for many reasons including that the experience is unique as visitors encounter the endangered mountain gorillas up-close in their natural habitat which is a priceless experience.
Another reason why the gorilla trek is worth the money is because it contributes to conservation efforts and also supports the local communities hence promoting sustainability.
When can I visit Bwindi national park
The best time for gorilla tracking in Bwindi national park is during the dry season, from December to February and June to October and for bird watching in the park, the best time to visit is during the wet season, from March to May and September to November.
Do you need to book gorilla trekking in advance?
It is highly recommended to book gorilla trekking tours in advance due to the limited number of permits available each day and the high demand for this experience.
Are gorilla permits refundable?
Once a gorilla permit is purchased, it is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Where to sleep in Bwindi national park?
There are several accommodation options available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, catering to different preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from a range of luxury lodges, midrange lodges and budget lodges.
How to get to Bwindi national park
Bwindi national park can be accessed by flights from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip and Kihihi airstrip and another way to access the national park is by driving from Kampala to Masaka to Mbarara and to Kabale which takes about 8 hours.
Where is Bwindi national park located?
Bwindi national park is located in south western Uganda.
Can you access Bwindi national park from Rwanda?
Yes, Bwindi national park can be accessed from Rwanda using the Cyanika border or the Gatuna border.
Can I reschedule a permit?
Gorilla permits can be rescheduled by contacting the Uganda Wildlife Authority provided that they have not been used or exceeded the dates of tracking.
A reschedule form is filled including details of the tracking dates and the new dates of the reschedule.
What is the cost of a gorilla habituation permit?
Gorilla habituation permits cost 1500 USD for foreign nonresidents, 1000 USD for foreign residents and 750,000 UGX for East Africans.
Are there other activities to do in Bwindi?
Bwindi national park offers a variety of activities for tourists to take part in including gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, hiking, guided forest walks, bird watching and also community tours.
Can children visit Bwindi national park?
Children can visit Bwindi National Park, but there are age restrictions for gorilla trekking. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 15 years old. However, children under 15 years can still enjoy other activities in the park such as nature walks and bird watching.
How long is gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park?
The duration of gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the location of the gorilla group. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour in their presence to observe and photograph them.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
The trek usually involves hiking through dense vegetation and rugged terrain in search of the habituated gorilla families.
The terrain in Bwindi national park is rugged and hilly, with many steep inclines and uneven ground. This can make it difficult to navigate, especially for those who are not used to hiking in rough terrain. However, walking sticks are provided to provide support during the experience and porters can also assist during the gorilla trek in Bwindi.
What to pack for the gorilla trek?
To prepare for a gorilla trek in Bwindi, it is important to be physically fit and to bring appropriate clothing and gear, such as comfortable hiking boots, long sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellant, sun hat, sunglasses, cameras, rain gear including ponchos and jackets, sunscreen, snacks and water among other items.
What to do after the gorilla trek?
After the gorilla trek in Bwindi national park, there are several activities and experiences that one can engage in such as batwa community tours, guided forest walks, relaxing at the lodge. Depending on time of completing the gorilla trek, visitors can visit neighboring places like Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth national park or Mgahinga national park.
Can I camp in Bwindi?
It is possible to camp in Bwindi national park at some of the lodges which have designated camping grounds.
Camping in Bwindi gives visitors have the chance to connect with nature surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. However it is also important to consider the cold weather of Bwindi national park when choosing to camp in the national park since it gets very cold.
What are the park entrance fees for Bwindi national park
Park entrance fees for Bwindi national park is $40 for foreign nonresidents, $30 for foreign residents and Ugx 20,000 for East Africans.
Are gorillas dangerous?
Gorillas visited during the treks are habituated and accustomed to the presence of humans in their natural habitat which makes the interaction safe and ranger guides also protect the visitors.
