3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

How to acquire Gorilla Permits in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in 2 national parks; Mgahinga national park, which is a home to 1 gorilla family (Nyakagezi) and Bwindi impenetrable national park. Bwindi has 4 sectors, and each is a home to at least 2 gorilla families. All tourists planning to do gorilla trekking in any of these destinations will need a gorilla permit. The Gorilla Permit allows you enter the park with the company of ranger guides to look for these gentle giants. All permits are got from the Uganda wildlife authority headquarters in Kampala.

The gorilla permits cost $600 per person for foreign national residents (FNR), $500 for foreign residents (FR) and shillings 250000 for East Africans. This price goes up to May 30th, 2020. As of 1st July 2020, the prices will be increased to $700 (FNR), $600 (FR).

There are 2 options to acquiring the permit: you can make payment to UWA yourself or through your tour operator.

If Booking Uganda Gorilla Permits Directly Through UWA (Uganda wildlife authority), you first have to contact UWA’s reservation office by email inquiring about the availability of the dates you intend to track the gorillas. Note that you need to consider a full day of travel from Kampala to Bwindi after you have landed in Kampala. If the dates you want are unavailable, you can request UWA to let you know of the nearest dates (of which they will probably do). You will then decide to make payment.

At this time, they will advise you of their banking details, so that you can proceed to make an electronic transfer of the money. Please remember to immediately send a copy of the transaction receipt by email or fax to UWA. The transfer should usually take not more than 3 days and UWA will keep your tentative booking for at least 7 days as they await the transfer to go through. Please ensure that you instruct you bank to deduct the bank charges from you. If the money sent is less, your permit may not be booked.

Booking through a Tour and Travel Agent. Many tourists have however found the above procedure quicker and less tedious ways of reserving their gorilla permits by working with local Uganda tour operator. The tour operators will usually charge a fee of US$20-$50 per gorilla permit.

Some other companies will not charge you for buying gorilla permits if you are getting other tour services (like transfers and tours) through them. But if you only like them to help you acquire the gorilla permit alone, a maximum of $35 applies on each gorilla permit booked.

The procedure is almost similar as above, except that the tour agencies tend to speed-up the process and most likely you will get you gorilla permit confirmation faster.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

Gorilla trekking FAQs.

About Mountain Gorillas, the mountain gorilla is one of the two sub species of the eastern gorilla. On the IUCN Red List, it is listed as an endangered species. The total population is estimated to comprise of 1,004 individuals as of 2018 census. Mountain gorillas are tremendously social and live in groups of 2 to 40 led by the silverback, a dominant male that is the chief leader and protector. The majority of males leave their biological group around 11 years old. Some move alone and others travel with other males for a few years until they attract females to join them.

The silverback leads the group to the best spot for feeding and resting throughout the year. Generally, conflicts are resolved through standoffs and intimidating behaviors meant to frighten intruders away without causing physical harm. However, almost 10 times stronger than the biggest American football players, a silverback protects its group from attacks by humans, leopards, or other gorillas—even if it means sacrificing his own life.

The female usually gives birth when she turns 10 and has offspring every four or more years. Newborns are weak and weigh only about four pounds. Their first movements are awkward, like a human infant, but they develop almost twice as fast. Infants nurse and are gradually weaned after they turn three when they are more independent. Mountain gorilla infants have been a principle focus for poachers.

Their diet is made up of more than 10 different species of plants. These great ape favors celery, thistles, wood, and roots. And it rarely needs to drink since it gets most of its water from the plants it consumes.

Where can I see mountain gorillas?

Mountain gorillas can be seen in their natural habitat in only 3 African countries. One population lives in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the other in the Virunga Mountains in three adjacent national parks: Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda

Uganda is a home to over 500 mountain gorillas, which is half of the world’s population, making it an ideal destination. There are 18 habituated gorilla families in Uganda, 17 live in Bwindi impenetrable national park and 1 life in Mgahinga national park. Some of the gorilla groups include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, Nshongi, Mishaya, kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, Nkuringo, of Bwindi and Nyakagezi of Mgahinga.

Gorillas in Bwindi are split into four regions, which are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east Nkuringo and Rushaga in the southern section of Bwindi Forest. The Uganda gorilla permit is relatively cheap, costing $600.

Rwanda

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is a luxury gorilla trekking destination with the gorilla permit costing $1500. The gorillas live in volcanoes national park and is a home to 10 habituated groups which are all open for trekking. Rwanda gorilla groups include Igisha group (Susa B), Kurira group (Susa A), Amahoro group, Umubano family, Karisimbi family, Sabyinyo group, Kwitonda group, Hirwa family, Agasha family, Bwenge group, Titus group, Muhoza family and Pablo family.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga national park is a home to 8 gorilla habituated gorilla families. D.R Congo is the least visited destination due to high insecurity threats associated with tourist kidnaps and killing of park rangers. The Congo gorilla permit costs $450. Gorilla families in Congo include Rugendo, Munyaga, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Kabirizi, Bageni, Nyakamwe, and Humba gorilla families.

How many mountain gorillas still survive in the wild?

The mountain gorilla is one of the most animals in the world and one of the most endangered. The new census reveals the surviving mountain gorilla population has now risen above 1,000. This represents a rise of 25% since 2010 in its heartland of the Virunga Massif in central Africa. It also marks success for intensive conservation work in a region riven by armed conflict, and where 6 park guards were killed.

What is the best time for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is an all-year-round activity. The best time to trek gorillas is during the dry season, which runs from December to early February and june to September. This is the best time because less rain is expected in the forest.

Gorilla trekking involves moving through forests for more than 2 hours, hiking some hills and highlands in the parks, depending on the location of the gorillas that day.

Trekking gorillas during the wet season is possible but a bit challenging. The trails get wet, muddy and slippery, which is tiresome for some trekkers. During the wet season, rain can be expected any time while in the forest, which really does make the experience enjoyable for most trekkers.

Can persons with disabilities trek gorillas?

Mountain gorillas live in mountains at altitudes above 2500 meters and the trek takes from between 3-6 hours. The older, less mobile and physically disabled people have always found gorilla trekking difficult due to the steep hikes and long hours of trekking.

Trekkers with disabilities can either use sedan chairs which is carried by 4 porters or a stretcher. This can be hired at the park headquarters at $300 or more depending on various factors like; time spent in the forest, distance, weight of the client. This way, the person is carried to the hills on the forest and gets a chance to watch the gorillas in their natural habitat.

What are the chances of seeing mountain gorillas?

Chances of seeing mountain gorillas on any trek in any of the destinations has been put at 95% meaning that chances are so high that when you pay that highly priced gorilla permit, you will see these gorillas.

On the trekking day, trackers go into the forest ahead of the group to look for the gorillas. They will keep in contact with your park ranger guide and direct him/her of where the gorillas are as they follow them. So, the chances are so high.

How much does a mountain gorilla weigh?

Gorillas are the world’s largest primates, with males weighing around 143-169kg and standing about 1.4-1.8m tall in the wild. Females tend to be 20-30cm shorter and weigh roughly half what the males do. A male gorilla’s armspan is enormous, stretching 2.3-2.6m, while female gorilla’s armspans are proportionally smaller.

The world’s largest gorilla in the wild weighed 267kg when it was shot in Cameroon, but it wasn’t as tall as another silverback gorilla that was shot in Congo in 1938. That silverback stood 1.95m tall, measured 1.98m around the chest, had a 2.7m arm span and weighed an impressive 219kg. In captivity, gorillas have reached even greater weights, sometimes in excess of 310kg.

What do gorillas eat?

Gorillas are mainly herbivores, and their diet mostly consists of bamboo, fruit and leafy plants, though western lowland gorillas also eat small insects. Adult gorillas can eat up to 30kg of food each day. As roaming herbivores, gorillas play a vital role in seed dispersal. Many large fruit trees depend upon these animals to survive.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

Getting around Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds.

Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos, lions, elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, zebras, eland, buffalo, giraffes among many interesting as well as different bird and plant species. There are various means to get around Uganda depending on one’s interests and budget.

Public Taxis (Matatus): these are minivans and carry 14 passengers. They are very common, easily accessible from almost anywhere in Kampala, and are relatively cheap. They stop almost anywhere to pick and drop off passengers, so it’s easy to get one. Every taxi usually has a driver and a conductor. If you are not sure of your destination you can always ask for directions from either of them.

They have a tendency to over-charge foreigners trying to make an easy profit from their ignorance. But they do not insist much if you quote the right price to them, because the other passengers will often back you up.

Boda Boda / public motorcycles: You can get a boda boda almost anywhere in Kampala. They maneuver through Kampala traffic in a very scary way, but more often than not get you to your destination in time. Boda bodas are much more expensive than taxis, but because they break almost every traffic law, they are fast and that is why many people think the cost is worth it. For many foreigners a boda boda ride is a new and exciting experience, especially if they have never been to Africa before. So, if you choose to use a boda boda, remember to wear your helmet and feel free to ask the boda boda rider to slow down if he’s going faster than you can handle.

Special Hire Taxi: They are the most expensive means of travelling in and around Uganda. It can be a bit cheaper if you are sharing with someone, so you split the cost. Most hotels always know the trustworthy taxis, you can always ask them to recommend one for you. They will call up a taxi for you, but you probably will not get the best price, but you can always negotiate.

Vehicle hire: Another alternative means of transport is to hire a vehicle from a vehicle hire company. Many tour and travel companies also offer this service. You can hire a vehicle with a driver for a day with fuel inclusive in the cost. Some companies give you the option driving yourself, rather than using a company driver. Hiring a vehicle to move in around Kampala of course is cheaper than hiring one to travel to other parts of Uganda. But it is convenient and comfortable if you are on a Uganda safari.

Buses: To many places that are not too far, you can take a taxi. Otherwise, there are buses that will take you there for a very reasonable price and at a speed that is often faster than what you might be comfortable with. They are a bit crowded but the normal way to getting somewhere 350 kilometers away.

Buses are also the means of getting to Rwanda, Kenya, and South Sudan.  You can fly, but the price difference is huge.

Air transport: There are various charter and scheduled flights which can transfer you to different far places of the country from Kampala including national parks. This the fastest way to access far places but quite expensive.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

Getting a Uganda Visa.

Types of visas.

 

The easier way of getting a visa to Uganda is purchasing it at the entry point, Entebbe Airport or any border station. This is very possible for tourists. All you need to do is pay USD 50, fill in the application form with passport dates and information. The visa fee of USD 50 usually runs for 90 days.

You can also get a visa applying online if you a citizen of the following countries, USA, UK, South Africa, Russia, Japan, Italy, India, Germany, France, Denmark, China, Canada, and Belgium. All you need to do is to download the application from the embassy website of your country of origin. you will need to attach 2 passport photos.

Tourist visa to Uganda

All tourists to Uganda are kindly requested to comply with the requirements below before they can get a visa to Uganda.

Every traveler must have a valid passport of nationality or origin issued their government.

It’s safer to have the International Inoculation Certificate against yellow fever.

You may also be asked to show your return ticket. This is usually not asked.

Please note that individuals who are American or British citizens as well as almost all commonwealth nations and Europe do need a visa to get to Uganda. If you a national form the countries below, you do not need a visa.

African countries namely, Zambia, Tanzania, Swaziland, Seychelles, Rwanda, Madagascar, Mauritius, Malawi, Kenya, Eritrea, Comoros, Burundi and Angola.

Others include St. Vincent and the Grenadines Islands, Barbados, Bahamas, Antigua, Gambia, Jamaica, Lesotho, Malta, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Cyprus

21 Days Uganda Bird Watching Safari

21 Days Uganda Bird Watching Safari

21 Days Uganda Bird Watching Safari

Let's Start Planning

Book Now
First
Last

Our Partners

Uganda Tourism Board

.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

.

The Buhoma Gorilla Camp

.

The Bwindi Kids Charity

.

What our customers Say ?

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

15 Days Birding Uganda and Wildlife Safari.

Let's Start Planning

Book Now
First
Last

Our Partners

Uganda Tourism Board

.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

.

The Buhoma Gorilla Camp

.

The Bwindi Kids Charity

.

What our customers Say ?

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

4 days Uganda Bird watching safari

4 days Uganda Bird watching safari.

Let's Start Planning

Book Now
First
Last

Our Partners

Uganda Tourism Board

.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

.

The Buhoma Gorilla Camp

.

The Bwindi Kids Charity

.

What our customers Say ?

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

22 Days Uganda gorillas, Wildlife and Hiking Safari

Let's Start Planning

Book Now
First
Last

Our Partners

Uganda Tourism Board

.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

.

The Buhoma Gorilla Camp

.

The Bwindi Kids Charity

.

What our customers Say ?

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

15 days Uganda Safari adventure

4 Days Mountain Rwenzori Hiking safari.

Let's Start Planning

Book Now
First
Last

Our Partners

Uganda Tourism Board

.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

.

The Buhoma Gorilla Camp

.

The Bwindi Kids Charity

.

What our customers Say ?

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi NP.

14 Days Uganda Safari

14 Days Uganda Safari

Let's Start Planning

Book Now
First
Last

Our Partners

Uganda Tourism Board

.

Uganda Wildlife Authority

.

The Buhoma Gorilla Camp

.

The Bwindi Kids Charity

.

What our customers Say ?