Best gorilla tracking tours in Uganda and Rwanda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park.

The top trips to see gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda – Located in the southwestern region of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park encompasses 321 km2. Its gorilla trekking areas are further subdivided into four regions: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga in the lower south, and Nkuringo in the west.

The eastern section of the park has been the most popular and has recorded the easiest hikes throughout the years, although there aren’t many places to stay there. Because of the high heights, the region has a distinct advantage when it comes to plant life.

Since more than a hundred gorilla permits are available each day, Bwindi is a prime location for gorilla trekking and a great place to see the naturally occurring habitat of the very endangered mountain gorillas.

Booking gorilla permits for your trek: how to do it?

If you are considering a trip to Uganda, this firm may assist you in purchasing the gorilla permits. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sells these permits to licensed tour companies in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: How to Get There?
Via plane

You can now fly into the neighboring towns to the park and take transfers that take an hour to two hours to get to the park, and this works throughout the whole park.

Coming from Kampala or Entebbe via road

It is feasible to take a 9-10 hour road transfer from either Entebbe or Kampala, the capital, in a 4×4 safari land cruiser.

The Rwandan city of Kigali

You may now fly into Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and take a four- or five-hour journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, all thanks to the East African Multi-Entry Visa Pass.

Reviewing the Top Rwandan and Ugandan Gorilla Tracking Tours

For tourists interested in seeing gorillas up close, the two most popular activities in Rwanda and Uganda are gorilla trekking trips, which cost about $2,000 (not including the gorilla permit fee). Gorilla tracking licenses are mandatory for all tourists; in Uganda, they cost $800 per person, each hike, while in Rwanda, the price has risen to $1500. Due to extensive monitoring, the likelihood of seeing mountain gorillas in any country is 98%.

The top gorilla tracking tours: what can you anticipate?

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kampala/Entebbe takes a whole day by car. On the way, you’ll stop at the equator crossing for some photo ops. From Bwindi, there are four sectors to choose from: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga, also known as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You will spend the night there before setting out on your gorilla hike and observation the next day. When you get up, eat breakfast, pack a lunch, and start the short journey to the National Park headquarters.

Prior to your encounter with the gorillas in their native environment, you will get a safety briefing and then begin your trip into the rainforest. The trek can last anywhere from half an hour to three quarters of a day, but words fail me when I try to describe how enthralling it is to stand just meters away from these incredible animals, who are both distant relatives and amazing predators.

Just keep in mind that mountain gorillas are still animals and, as such, they don’t understand human behavior, especially in the case of the younger ones, who can get dangerously close to tourists—even to the point of torturing them.

What kind of physical condition is necessary?

varied gorilla families have varied departure schedules; some gorilla families are located higher up in the mountains, where trekking may be challenging, while others are much easier. On the day of trekking, your driving guide may arrange for you to see a less strenuous gorilla family if you are in poor health or are approaching old age; however, this is something you should discuss in advance.

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris recommends that hikers bring plenty of water, a packed lunch, and a porter to assist with the weight of the backpack and provide support when needed. To go to and from the gorillas, we may arrange to be carried in a sedan chair, which is great for elderly people who may not have walking sticks.Gorilla hiking in Uganda: a primer on staying fit

On the gorilla expedition, what should one eat?

The lodge will provide you with a packed lunch, which is sufficient for your journey up to Bwindi forest, while you savor a hearty breakfast in the morning before your hike.

For families, the top gorilla trekking excursions
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris and the lodge can arrange a special program for your children with a caretaker, games at the lodge, nature walks and community walks around the lodge, or if you can bring some games with you to Uganda or Rwanda, there is no gorilla trekking in the forest for children under the age of 15.

What to bring and what to wear?

Among the many inquiries that people often have is this one. Because Bwindi is a tropical rain forest, you should bring hiking shoes or trekking boots for your gorilla trekking adventure. Other items to consider are a raincoat or poncho, long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a raincoat or jacket in case it rains unexpectedly. For the most memorable gorilla tracking trips in Rwanda and Uganda, get in touch with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.