Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda the most popular safaris since half of the world’s last surviving mountain gorillas found in this country. Gorilla tracking ranks number one on the list of things to do in Uganda. And included on the usual classic wildlife safaris.
We do offer customized Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. But one can choose from our different suggested Uganda gorilla tour safari sample itineraries. Gorilla Safaris in Uganda are currently among the best Africa safari things to do. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda take place in two national parks where mountain gorillas live. These mountain gorillas are habituated and comfortable with human encounters. Meaning they will not charge, run away or hide especially if you follow what your guide instructs you.
Where to go for Mountain Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best places where to see mountain gorillas. The Park is a World UNESCO Heritage site, located in South Western Uganda characterized by rolling hills. About 14 mountain gorilla families have been habituated for gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda and at the moment, two are being habituated. Actually it is possible for a traveller interested in being part of the habituation process. The habituated mountain gorillas that are habituated for gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda are found in four regions of Bwindi. Buhoma in the northern part and has three Gorilla groups namely Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura, Ruhija. Ruhija in the Eastern side has three Gorilla groups of Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyagurilo, Rushaga and lastly the Southern Sector which has about nine Gorilla groups. These include Mishaya, Nshongi, Bweza, Kahungye, Christmas, Busingye etc and then Nkuringo
Apart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is located in Kisoro district and is part of the Virunga Volcanoes, has one gorilla family habituated for gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda. The family here is called Nyakagezi and is trekked from Ntebeko Visitor Center and the Muhabura base.
Cost of a Gorilla Tracking permit
In order to enter, ermitted into Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park for gorilla trekking, one needs a gorilla trekking permit. A gorilla permit costs $600 US dollars for foreign non-residents for the normal gorilla treks (one hour face to face with mountain gorillas) and a gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 US dollars per person for foreign non-residents(4 hours face to face with mountain gorillas)
Best Time for Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda
Travellers can come for gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda throughout the year. The country has a good tropical climate. Most travellers prefer the dry months on June-October and December to February, but it can rain anytime during the gorilla treks since Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mgahinga forest are rain forests. The wet months are November and March to May- wet and very green. Noted however that the weather or season will not affect the gorilla trekking experience. More on Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Where to stay while on Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda
In Buhoma, you can stay at Gorilla Forest Camp (High end), Buhoma Lodge (Luxury), Bwindi Lodge (High end) and Mahogany Springs (Sem-luxury) Buhoma Haven Lodge (Mid-range) Buhoma community camp (Budget)
Ruhija, the Eastern part, you can stay at Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-range) Broadbill Forest Camp (Budget).
Rushaga, the Southern Part of Bwindi Impenetrable forest, you can stay at Chameleon Hill Lodge (Semi-Luxury), Mutanda Lake Resort (Mid-range), Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) and Rushaga Gorilla camp (Mid-range)
Nkuringo, you can stay at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Luxury) and Nkuringo Gorilla Camp (Mid-range)
Mgahinga one can stay at Gahinga Lodge (Luxury) and Lake Chahafi resort (Mid-range)
All lodges not mentioned, there are so many with different budgets for every traveller.
Mode of Transport of Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda
We use 4 x 4 WD safari land cruisers and safari vans for travellers going to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park.
Air transport through our Partners Aerolink is also available for clients who have less time or who dread long travel distances.
Suggested Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Uganda
Gorilla Link Tours Africa committed to organizing the best affordable Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda. And below are some suggested packages customized to your needs