Yes, even after the increase of Uganda gorilla permits to $700, the pearl of Africa still ranks as the best and leading gorilla tour destination in Africa and the whole world. Uganda is one of the three destinations to see and trek the endangered mountain gorillas besides Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nowadays, Uganda gorilla safaris have increasingly improved compared to past years. Uganda is apparently the first stop gorilla trekking destination, which receives the highest number of travelers coming to see gorillas. At times, some travelers have questioned what makes Uganda the best gorilla destination. Others have gone beyond to compare gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Africa Adventure Safaris brings you reasons why Uganda is the best destination for gorilla trekking
Low-cost gorilla permits
Even after the hike of gorilla permit costs from &600 to &700, Uganda gorilla permits are still cheap and affordable compared to the neighboring Rwanda where a single gorilla permit costs $1500. The low-cost gorilla permit in Uganda make it a favorite gorilla destination for most travelers especially those traveling on a budget. The cost of gorilla permits in Uganda is categorized based on travelers’ nationality. it costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Gorilla permit booking can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through us at Africa Adventure Safaris.
The high number of mountain gorillas
Uganda is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas counting to half of the world’s total gorilla population. The 2029 gorilla census results show that Uganda is home to over 500 mountain gorillas habituated into 18 gorilla families. 17 gorilla groups live in Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park while Mgahinga park is home to 1 Nyakagyezi gorilla family. The high number of gorillas guarantee the availability of gorilla permit compared to Rwanda and Congo who have limited gorillas. Each day, Uganda has 144 gorilla permits available for issuing. This gives last time travelers a chance to also trek gorillas after making a last-minute booking.
Gorilla Habituation experience
Uganda is the only destination to do gorilla habituation experience in which wild mountain gorillas are trained to make them familiar with human presence. The four hours gorilla ensures is an experimental activity, which gives travelers an in-depth understanding of gorillas, behavior, and lifestyles unlike in gorilla trekking where time is limited to an hour. Gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 but the magical feeling that comes with spending four hours with gorillas is worth the cost.
Gorilla trekking add on activities
Yes, gorilla trekking in Uganda is complemented by a variety of travel activities to make it more fun and enjoyable. Among the gorilla trekking add on activities in Uganda include game viewing especially in the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park, golden monkey trekking, boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, bird watching nature walks and cultural tours to the neighboring Batwa communities. Uganda is naturally gifted by nature, the reasons why it’s called the “Pearl of Africa”. The combination of rolling hills, Lakes, Rivers, hospitable people, game safaris, birds; mountains and valleys make Uganda an exceptional destination.
Ease of access
Despite the many kilometers from Kampala to Bwindi Forest, the home to the famous mountain gorillas can be easily accessed within the shortest time possible. Uganda flying safaris from kajjansi to Kihihi airstrip is the best and quickest way to trek Bwindi gorillas starting from Kampala Uganda. Also, Kigali Bwindi gorilla trekking has presently become popular. Travelers fly into Kigali Rwanda and cross gorillas in Uganda through Cyanika and Katuna borders. Travelers doing a 1 Day Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali set off at 3:00 am to catch-up with the pre gorilla trekking briefing in Bwindi at 7:00 am.
Pre gorilla trekking experience
A full day drive from Entebbe international airport to Bwindi forest offers you the best pre gorilla trekking experience. The scenic drive through Ankole cattle farms, banana plantations, kigezi rolling hills and a stop at Uganda equator is a good start for gorilla trekking.
Uganda is the world’s leading gorilla safari destination with the highest number of mountain gorillas, cheap gorilla permits and gorilla add on activities to offer y a memorable Uganda gorilla safari package.
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