Uganda is undeniably a first stop center for gorilla safaris in Africa. The small landlocked country is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas ranking as the premier gorilla safaris destination in Africa and the whole world. For that case, gorilla trekking has become the leading tourist activity in Uganda done by the highest number of travelers to Africa’s Pearl. Fortunately, Uganda gorilla tours are far cheap compared to neighboring Rwanda. A single gorilla permit in Uganda costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs 250,000 for East African residents.
Where to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda
Gorilla treks in Uganda are done in two regions and the experience in each destination is unique and exceptional in its own kind. Gorilla national park in Uganda include:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
A gorilla in Bwindi Forest
Located between the district of Kabale and Rubanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park is a first stop center for all gorilla safaris in Uganda. The Impenetrable forest is home to 17 gorilla families available for trekking every day. The forest is divided into four sectors, which are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the north, east and south respectively. The habituated gorilla families in Bwindi forest include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Kyaguliro, Kahungye, Oruzogo, Kahungye, Bweza, Nshongi, Katwe and Christmas among others. Each gorilla family is visited by 8 people a day.
In addition to gorilla trekking, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is the center for gorilla habituation experience in which wild mountain gorillas are trained to get familiar with human presence before they are opened to travelers for trekking. Apparently, 2 gorilla families of Bushaho and Bikyingi are undergoing habituation experience. However, unlike the 8people allowed per gorilla group in gorilla trekking, only 4 people are allowed to visit each family undergoing habituation experience. A gorilla habituation experience permit costs $1500 allowing travelers to spend four hours with gorillas
Mgahinga gorilla national park
Mgahinga gorilla national park is Uganda’s smallest park located in Kisoro district bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For many years, Mgahinga gorilla national park has been home to the one and only Nyakagyezi gorilla family. In the past decades, Nyakagyezi gorilla group would cross to the neighboring Congo, which makes Uganda gorilla tours to Mgahinga unpredictable. However, the gorilla family is now fully settled in Mgahinga and available for trekking every day. 8 gorilla permits are issued out each day to trek Nyakagyezi gorilla family rewarding travelers with a memorable gorilla safari experience. In addition, Mgahinga recently received the visiting Rwanda’s Hirwa gorilla family which migrated from Volcanoes National park and now living in Gahinga mountain regions.
Therefore, Mgahinga today is home to 2 gorilla families hence 16 gorilla permits available. For Rwanda’s Hirwa gorilla family, 50% of the gorilla permit revenue will be given to Rwanda Development Board while 50% kept by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Like in Bwindi forest, a gorilla permit in Mgahinga gorilla national park costs $600 for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs 250,000 for East African residents. With effect from 1st July 2020, the cost of a Uganda gorilla permit will increase to $700 for foreign non residents, $600 for foreign residents and shs 300,000 for East African residents.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Forest
In addition to gorillas, Mgahinga is a center for golden money trekking being home to the endangered golden monkeys. The park also houses 3 extinct Virunga Volcanoes (Mt Gahinga, Mt Muhabura and Mt Sabyinyo), which offer you the best hiking experience. Still, in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, enjoy the experiential Batwa cultural trail in which travelers are introduced to the traditional forest life of Batwa pygmies and how they lived harmoniously will wild animals in the forest. Batwa cultural trail costs $80 per person which money is used to support the livelihood of Batwa pygmies.
When to book for a Uganda gorilla permit and how?
Gorilla permit booking in Uganda is recommended at least 6 months before the trekking date. This is to ensure timely planning and gorilla permit allocation especially in Bwindi Forest where mountain gorillas live in sectors. Regarding on how to book, Africa Adventure Safaris is your ultimate gorilla tour company in Uganda.
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Among the things to carry for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include:
• Hiking boots
• Ponchos/sweaters
• Long pants
• Hats and sunglasses
• Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
• Gardening gloves
• Rain jackets
• Bottled drinking water
• Insect repellants
• Energy giving snack
Wondering where to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda? Contact Africa Adventure Safaris today, book your gorilla tour to Bwindi forest or Mgahinga and enjoy this wonderful experience at affordable rates.
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