Your complete Gorilla Safari Planner for 2025- 2025 in Uganda
Here is how to Plan your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda – Step- by Step Advice
Planning a Gorilla Safari in Uganda – The Number One Mountain Gorilla Testing
How to Plan your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda – Planning a Gorilla Safari in Uganda –Step-Step Advice: Planning a Gorilla Safari in Uganda can feel overwhelming, and many people make costly mistakes. To avoid these pitfalls, it is essential to work with someone with experience in Gorilla Tourism.
When organizing your worry-free Gorilla Safari, choose a tour operator who understands the intricacies of this type of travel. Look for a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators, as they are licensed and accredited by the Uganda Tourism Board. The Uganda Wildlife Authority allocates most permits for Gorilla trekking to these operators, which means only licensed tour operators can obtain Gorilla Permits.
Think of planning your Gorilla Safari as solving a puzzle; every piece must fit perfectly. You must coordinate your permits with travel dates, arrange hotel accommodations, and organize transportation to the park. It’s also essential to choose a Gorilla lodge that is conveniently located near the trekking starting point.
We highly recommend working with a professional tour operator with over 16 years of experience in Gorilla tourism. Often, using a tour operator does not increase the overall cost of your safari; it can save you money by helping you avoid common mistakes you might not be aware of.
At Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, we will work with you to customize your safari to match your preferences. Our motto is “Hakuna Matata”—No Worries—and that’s precisely what we strive to provide. Let us handle the planning so you can focus on the adventure ahead!
How to Plan your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda – Step- by Step Advice
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Which Country is best for my Gorilla Safari?
How to Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda: When it comes to tracking mountain gorillas, you have three options: the luxurious experience in Rwanda, the less stable and healthy environment of the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the secure and cost-effective choice of Uganda.
Uganda is the premier destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa, offering unmatched opportunities to encounter these gentle giants in a secure and welcoming setting. Discover the unique advantages of choosing Uganda for your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, and get ready to be amazed.
The Uganda Gorilla Trekking Advantages that will benefit you and save you money:
$750 Gorilla Permit Price: A gorilla Safari in Uganda costs half the price in neighboring Rwanda without compromising the quality of the experience.
- Gorilla Safaris at Half the Price or Less: A Gorilla Trekking Safari that includes midrange Luxury Lodging will usually be half the price or less of the same SafariSafari costs in ySafarihigh-end Rwanda.
- More Gorilla Permits: Uganda has half of the endangered Mountain Gorillas and more Habituated (used to Humans) Gorilla Families, meaning Uganda has the most available permits for Gorilla Trekking.
- Safe, Secure, Guerrilla-Free Trekking: Uganda is the only Mountain Gorilla Destination with no guerrilla acuities in the last twenty years. Uganda is safe for Gorilla Trekkers.
- Spend More Time with the Gorillas: On a Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari, you spend up to four hours with a Gorilla Family with only four participants. The Permit Cost is $1,500.
- Two Parks with Different Habitats where you can Track Gorillas: You can choose to track Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Many decide to follow the Gentle Giants in both Parks. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is made of ridges and valleys, while Mgahinga Gorilla Park trekking takes place on the sides of the Virunga Volcanoes.
- A more excellent Choice of Lodges: There is a broader variety of Gorilla Lodges to choose from in Uganda than in either Rwanda or Uganda.
- Beyond Gorilla Trekking Uganda offers more: Extend your Gorilla Trekking Safari by adding on Chimpanzee Trekking, Wildlife and Game viewing, Rhino Trekking on Foot, and Golden Monkey Trekking: Volcano Climbing, Rwenzori Mountain Climbing, and the best White-Water Rafting on the Nile.
- Private Gorilla Trekking: You and your family or friends can embark on a private trek without any other participants but you, the rangers, and porters at a fraction of what it costs you in Rwanda.
You will need a licensed Uganda Tourism Board Licensed Tour Operator for your Gorilla Safari!
Why You need a Licensed and Accredited Ugandan Tour Operator to plan your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda!
Going on a gorilla encounter in Uganda is a life-changing experience that requires careful planning and consideration. One of the most crucial steps in ensuring a successful and memorable trip is to engage a licensed and accredited tour operator recognized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
Only such approved tour operators have the authority to obtain Uganda Wildlie Authoirty Gorilla Permits, which are mandatory for international tourists and East African expatriates, as stipulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the governing body responsible for the conservation and management of the mountain gorilla populations in Uganda.
How to plan your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda – Step- by Step Advice
Use Kabiza Wilderness Safaris; Licensed ad accredited
While numerous tour operators offer gorilla trekking packages, few possess full accreditation from the Uganda Tourism Board UTB license (UTB/TT/8244 and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). For example, Kabiza Wilderness Safaris is an established and licensed operator with a track record of providing worry-free and enriching safari experiences since 2008. Our extensive experience in the industry and deep knowledge of the local landscape allow us to offer you an unparalleled adventure.
At Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, we pride ourselves on our specialization in mid-range and luxury gorilla safaris, particularly in the renowned Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—two of the most iconic locations for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Over the past 15 years, our dedicated team, with their extensive experience in the industry and deep knowledge of the local landscape, has honed their skills in navigating the complexities of obtaining Gorilla Permits from the UWA, ensuring that every detail is meticulously handled for your convenience. We understand the nuances of the gorilla trekking experience and strive to provide you with a seamless and enjoyable adventure.
As a licensed and accredited toir Operato we are official agents for issuing Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Permits in UWA-administered areas. Our accreditation guarantees that you are in safe hands and enhances your overall experience.
Gorilla Permits are the first thing to be acquired:
When planning your gorilla trek, understanding the different types of permits available is essential:
Gorilla Trekking Permit: This permit, priced at $750, allows you to engage in a traditional gorilla trekking experience. You will hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Uganda for one hour to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Gorilla Habituation experience Permit: This permit gives you four hours with a gorilla family and is available for $1,500 and will remain until June 30, 2026. It offers a unique opportunity to spend four hours with a gorilla group that is in the process of being habituated to human presence, providing an intimate experience with these incredible animals.
How to plan your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda: We invite you to plan your gorilla safari with us at Kabiza Wilderness Safaris. Our team is eager to assist you in designing a comprehensive itinerary tailored to your needs, ensuring you have an extraordinary experience with a family of gorillas. Please fill out the form below to get in touch with us, and let us help you create lasting memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Your adventure awaits!
Getting your Gorilla Permit in Uganda
When is the Best Time of Year for a Gorilla Trekking Safari?
Gorilla Tracking takes place in Uganda all year long. There are two rainy seasons, during which the trails become pretty muddy. One must realize that it does not rain all day during the rainy seasons; it will often rain during the night and early morning hours, and the Sun will still come out most days.
Month by Month – High Seasons are the Dry Seasons of the Year
The busiest seasons for gorilla trekking are mid-June to September. October is the shoulder transition month, moving toward the rainy season, with fewer tourists in September and October.
The other High-and Dry Season is from mid-December to March; March is the transition or shoulder season month.
Low Seasons – Rainy Seasons of the Year
April to mid-June is part of the rainy season. Luxury Lodges lower their rates during those times, but dates vary Lodge by Lodge. The benefits for some are fewer people, and the Savannah parks begin to bloom afresh.
November into mid-December is the other rainy season in Uganda. Rainy Season in Uganda does not mean monsoon-like weather. Most rain falls at night, and the Sun still comes out, but the trails are muddy.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking takes place in Rainforests. There, it can rain anytime. However, most rain falls at night or early pre-dawn morning hours. Read more about UgUganda’s Best Time of the Year for a Gorilla Trekking Safari here. Read more,
How to plan your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda – Step- by Step Advice
What do you want to see and do on your Gorilla Safari?
Here are some of the Things to do and see in addition to Gorilla Trekking
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Kibale Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth Park, Semliki Park. The best park for Chimpanzee Trekking is in Kibale Forest, where 12 other primates reside.
- Nocturnal walk in Kibale Rainforest: An out-of-the-ordinary experience where you encounter the rainforest creatures of the night.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: The golden monkey is a beautiful, endangered species that lives in the Bamboo Forest of the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
- Savannah Wildlife: Kidepo Valley Park, Murchison Falls Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Semliki Park, Kabwoya and Pan Upe Wildlife Reserves, Lake Mburo Park.
- Hot Air Balloon Safari: At dawn in Murchison Falls Park, UgUganda’s largest and most popular Savannah Park. A traditional Sparkling Wine Bush Breakfast follows the Hot Air Balloon Safari. Plan your Safari in Uganda for 2023
- Hiking—Climbing: Mgahinga Gorilla Park Volcanoes, Bwindi Impenetrable in and near Queen Elizabeth Forest, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, including the Foothills, Mount Elgon, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo Park, Semliki Park, and Kibale Forest.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations in Uganda: Uganda without the Crowds
- Authentic Africa: It can still be found in Uganda, in places like Kidepo Valley Park, as it was 50 years ago.
- Nile Adrenaline Pumping Adventures in Jinja: White Water Rafting, Kayaking, mild to wild.
- Birding: Uganda is the best destination for birders in Africa.
- Cultural Encounters in Uganda include Time with the Batwa, Karimojong, and Ik Peoples.
- Relax and Chill out: At the end of the SafariSafarid, a few days at the Tropical Sandy Beach Ssese Islands, Bulago IsIsland’s Pineapple Beach resort is perfect for relaxing.
How many Days will I need for my Gorilla Safari?
The number of days depends on the activities that you choose. A 3-day Gorilla Trekking Safari is like dipping your toes into a swimming pool and calling it swimming. Ten days or longer allows you to immerse yourself in Safari Life and offers various activities and places.
Below are some examples of Gorilla Safaris for you to consider. All safaris are changeable to your liking.
- 3-Day Gorilla Trekking or Habituation Safari: The minimum Time for a Gorilla Trekking or Habitat Experience Safari is three days.
- 5-DAy Gorilla Wildlife Safari: The Safari includes Gorilla Trekking and wildlife, including the Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha.
- 5 Day Gorilla – Chimpanzee Trekking Safari: Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.
- 8-Day Gorilla Trekking – Hiking – Dugout Canoeing – Volcano Climbing Safari: Trek Gorillas in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Forest. Hike through the forest to the southern area. There you trek gorillas again. Hike to Lake Mutanda. Climb a Volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
- 8-Day Gorilla Trekking – Wildlife – Chimpanzee Trekking Safari: Gorilla Trekking or Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- 12-Day Gorilla—Chimpanzee Wildlife Safari: This Safari includes trekking with Gorillas and Chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Falls Park, and Rhino Trekking.
- 14-Day Gorilla—Chimpanzee Wildlife—White Water Rafting on the Nile: The Safari includes Gorilla—chimpanzee TrGorilla Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Falls Park, Rhino Trekking, and Jinja on the Nile with White Water Rafting.
- 20-Day Gorilla—Chimpanzee—Wildlife Safari —Jinja on the Nile—Mount Elgon-Sipi Falls—and the remote Kidepo Valley Park: This Safari covers most of Uganda.
The above-suggested Safari types gave you the days to incorporate various activities into your Safari. For more oSafariinge Gorillas, go here; for Luxury Gorilla Safaris, click here.
The Activities and Parks you choose determine the number of Days you need for your Safari. You can also give us the number of days, and we will design a suitable safari for you. Additionally, the kind of accommodation you want further determines the cost of the Safari. When you check out Safariius, let us know if you like midrange, luxury, or exclusive Hhotelsand Llodges.
What Should I wear tracking Gorillas?
Here is practical advice about what to wear while Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. Often, Trekkers are not dressed right for the occasion, which can spoil your day, and your focus might not be on the Gorillas but personal discomfort and misery. Wearing suitable clothing and footwear is about protection.
Packing for your Gorilla Safari – including Gorilla Wear and Gear
- Daypack: Preferably a waterproof daypack, you can use it as a carry-on flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside the
daypack.
- Hiking Boots: Make sure that they have good tread. Boots provide ankle support and help you react to muddy trails. Also, have a good pair of Merino wool socks.
- Long Trouser: They will protect you from nettles and thorns. Tuck the trousers into your socks for added protection from ants.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Neutral in color. Again, this is for your comfort and protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Pack into your daypack. You never know when it will train. You are in an Afro-montane Rainforest.
- Tough Gardening Gloves protect your hands from thorns, nettles, and sharp branches.
- Wide Brimmed Hat: It gives you protection from the Sun.
- Camera Equipment – Binoculars: Ensure extra batteries and storage devices. Put them into Ziploc bags. Binoculars are not needed if you are not a birder.
- Insect Repellent, Sun Lotion, and Sunglasses: We recommend the effective Australian RID Insect Repellent, good sun blocker cream, and sunglasses.
Read more about Gorilla Gear and Wear here. Read more detailed information about packing for a Gorilla Safari here. Here is more information about packing for your Safari that you may find helpful
Choosing a Gorilla Lodge:
When planning a gorilla trekking safari, it is highly recommended that you choose accommodations from the mid-range or luxury categories rather than opting for budget or basic lodges. This selection ensures that your focus remains on the unforgettable gorilla encounter experience rather than dealing with any shortcomings in your lodging that could detract from your adventure.
Booking a stay in the lodge closest to your trekking location is essential; working with a reputable tour operator like Kabiza Wilderness Safaris can be incredibly helpful. They can assist you in finding the perfect lodge tailored to your needs and the specific trailhead you intend to visit.
There are four main trailheads within the stunning Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, each surrounded by various mid-range lodges. These lodges offer comfortable accommodations and amenities that enhance your overall experience. The luxury lodges, known for their superior services and breathtaking views, are primarily concentrated in the Buhoma area, which holds historical significance as the original gorilla trekking site in the 1990s.
In South Bwindi Forest, particularly in the Rushaga and Nkuringo regions, luxury and exclusive lodges are more limited, providing a sense of intimacy and seclusion. One notable option is the Mount Gahinga Lodge, situated right at the entrance of Mgahinga Gorilla Park, offering both comfort and easy access to trekking adventures. For those preferring mid-range options, there are several lodges located along the scenic shores of Lake Mutanda, providing a picturesque backdrop to your stay.
By selecting the right accommodations, you can fully immerse yourself in the incredible gorilla trekking experience, ensuring that your memories are rich and lasting.
All lodges have on-site security. No security breaches have been reported at Mgahinga Gorilla Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest lodges.
Advice on Booking your Flight to Uganda for your Gorilla Safari:
Try to resist the temptation to book a flight deal to Uganda before you have a good idea of your gorilla safari plans. First, having your safari plans and booking flights is always better, giving you more freedom to pick a gorilla safari that suits you and your budget. Also, having set travel dates (due to flights ) limits your choices, and you could miss fantastic travel deals.
How to plan your Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda – Step- by Step Advice
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