Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is found in southwestern Uganda at the center of the Rift Valley. The park is located on the border of Democratic Republic of Congo close to Virunga National Park and well known for gorilla trekking. The park covers an area of 327km2. The hillsides that are mist covered are sheltered by the ancient wide-ranging rainforests that date 25,000 years’ way back and comprises of 400 varied plant species. The park protects a population of 320 mountain gorillas which is almost a half of the population in this world.  The most number is habituated in groups and they can be tracked by the tourists. Therefore, Bwindi inhabits more than half of the mountain gorillas in the world. Fans of gorilla come to Uganda from all over the continents in the world to enjoy the 300 gorilla tracking or ultimate safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi is usually known as “darkness” and once you hike around the forest, surely you will know why Bwindi was called so. It is called darkness because the forest is too thick thus full of darkness and is a tropical rainforest. Secondly you will also know the meaning behind impenetrable. One needs to be healthy like being physically fit so as to participate in mountain gorilla trekking /tracking since you will likely participate in climbing the steep terrain. Bwindi is called impenetrable because of the swampy and muddy place.

Part of the forest formed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is in Uganda and it became a national park in 1991. A rain forest of 127 square meters is protected and is a habitant of 340 endangered mountain gorillas. This is almost half of mountain gorillas in the world that is in the wild.

Nkuringo and Buhoma town provide wonderful budget campsites, restaurant, luxury lodges, rustic bandas and craft stalls alongside guiding services. Having a 3-day gorilla safari tour gives a chance to visitors to explore the cultures of Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy through village walks and well showcased in workshops and performances of the natives.

As you stay in Uganda as visitor of mountain gorillas, you can tour Bwindi, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo and Lake Mburo National Park as you touring areas too. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve was first gazetted 1942 and in 1992 it was advanced to Bwindi Impenetrable National park and UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site in Uganda in 1994. The park has slippery valley and high plus deep fissured landscape that is steep and also draughty ridges where a 327km tangled plant life is wrapped. Though the terrain is easily managed and the efforts put n are worth. Trekking through ancient rainforests in Africa gives a visitor a chance to spot vulnerable mountain gorilla and ranks.  Most tourist for gorilla trekking combine Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and also Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking in Tanzania.

After you have visited Uganda to explore and see mountain gorillas, you can now visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to give another insight of the remaining world’s mountain gorillas. You can also combine Congo and Rwanda as your gorilla tourist attraction areas as you also try to climb Nyirango.  Bwindi is always cold in nights and morning hours. Bwindi has got tropical climate and its mean annual temperature starts from 7 to 20 °C and with the coldest months as June –July. Therefore, it is advisable to come with warming clothes and wet weather gear since the rainfall that falls annually starts from 1,400 -1,900 millimeters in months of September-December and March-May. Rainfall in Bwindi always rains for long hours with soft drizzles rather than the short tropical deluge. Tour Agents are there to help a visitor to make preparations depending on the season. If you want to pay a visit to Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, you can put in place safari holidays to explore and have some wonderful wildebeest migrations safaris on the African continent. Nkorongoro crater and Serengeti are also spots that can be seen.  Kenya has safari vacation spots like Amboseli, Masai Mara and many more. When you want, you can visit the southern parts of Africa like Madagascar, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Location

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in south western parts of Uganda and is found around the triangle of mountains where countries of Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR), Uganda and Rwanda converge. The park is at the extreme end of the western Rift Valley and is almost 25km north of the Virunga volcanoes

Attractiveness of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a habitat for almost 350 bird species, 88 type of moths, 120 mammal species with 10 primates, 51 reptiles, 310 butterfly species, 200 tree species and 100 fern species. The park was also put on the UNESCO world heritage sites list in 1994. Gorilla tracking is the best attraction in the park and the park is protected by the Uganda Wildlife Authority

Altitude

The park has astonishing varied elevations sloping upwards and downwards with a wonderful and flourishing flora and the fauna of the uncommon spotted forest birds and with the largest wild Apes in the world.  The park has got misty hills and river gorges.  The largest part of the forest is forested with shrubs and bamboo. Bwindi’s elevation is said to be in-between 1160-2607 meters above sea level.

The world has got many forests but few have got the unique ancient and biologically rich tropical rain forest which Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has got. The forest harbors 200 butterfly species, 346 bird species and mountain gorillas. 324 species of trees are in the park and ten are only found in Uganda and nowhere else. Every traveler appreciates the uniqueness of the rainforest and the fascinating mountain gorillas that are within Bwindi Impenetrable forest. And imagine the permit is just $500 per individual. For sure Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a place to explore.

Geography and climate.

Kabale is the closest town near the park. It is almost 29km away as you use the road.  The park has got two blocks of forests which are linked with a corridor of forest. This shape of the park originates from 1932 when the 2 forest blocks were put under protection. There is farming land nowadays on the former land where trees were outside the park thus cultivating in the area is too much.

The park’s core geology involves Precambrian shale phylite, schist, granite, quartz and quartzite. The park is found at the verge of western rift valley in Kigezi highlands that were formed by up- warping of the rift valley in the park. The topography of the park is rugged with narrow valleys interconnected by steep hills and steep hills. The elevation of the park ranges from 1,190 to 2,607m above the sea level. The highest elevation is said to be Rwamunyonyi Hill which is at the edge of eastern sides of the park. Also the lowest elevation part is said to be at the northern tip.

The forest is a water catchment area which has general impermeable underlying geology for the water to flow via fault structures, aquifers and water infiltration that are limited. The forest is also the originality of more rivers that flow to the north, south and west. The main river that rise up in the forest park are Munyaga, Ivi, Ishasha, Ihihizo and Ntengyere rivers that flow to L. Edward. Some rivers flow to L. Bunyonyi and L. Mutanda. Bwindi is a supplier of water to farming local areas.

Bwindi has got tropical climate and its mean annual temperature starts from 7 to 15 °C (45 to 59 °F) as minimum and 20 to 27 °C (68 to 81 °F) as maximum. The rainfall that falls annually starts from 1,400 -1,900 millimeters (55 – 75 in). The rainfalls normally rain in the park during September to November and March to April. Surprisingly the coldest time you will ever find in Bwindi is from June to July. The parks forest is a regulator of climate to the surrounding environment. The forests lessen flooding, soil erosion and also ensure that the river streams continue to flow perfectly even in the dry season.

Biodiversity

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is biologically rich, complex and old. The park has got diverse species as features found within the park. The park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological significance. Bwindi harbors distinct tree species, reptiles, birds, moths, butterflies and small mammals. The parks distinct species are because of large variations of elevations and also the types of habitats in the park. This may also be due to the result of glaciations in the Pleistocene epoch to the habitat species.

The park has a rare Afromontane vegetation that is not even commonly seen in African continent. On the meeting point of mountain forests and plains, you will see a range of low altitude-high altitude forests within the park. The park consists of more than 220 tree species and this sums to almost 50% of the tree species in Uganda. The park has 100 fern species and more with the brown mahogany that is an endangered species within the park.

The park is said to have the richest faunal societies in East Africa at large with Afromontane fauna, 200 butterfly species, 350 bird species, 120 mammal species and among them, 10 are primates with 45 more small mammals. The species in the park include; mountain gorillas, Lhotse’s monkey, velvet’s, common chimpanzee, African green broadbill, African elephant, cream-banded swallowtail, red-tailed monkeys black and white colobus, giant forest hog and small antelope species. The fish species in the rivers of the park are still untold. Carnivores include African golden cat, side-striped jackal and African civet.

The biologically varied region provides shelter to the further 120 mammals and of which some are different primate species like chimpanzees and baboons not forgetting elephants and antelopes. 350 bird species are protected in the forest with almost 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Bwindi National Park is an inhabitant of remarkable biodiversity and this is because of two factors. One of the factors is the slopes that stretch over a broad altitude range of 1447m as they are fashioning homes in lowland forests of 1160m towards exceptional Afromontane vegetation which is above 2600m. this tells you why Uganda gorilla safaris need one to be physically fit.

The second factor is that it is too ancient. This is so because most of Africa’s forests got damaged during the arid conditions of the ending ice age which is 12,000-18,000 years ago. Therefore, Bwindi is among the few refugia that persevered and remained.

Due to these factors, Forests of these days do not date more than 12,000 years’ old but Bwindi has been in existence for over 25,000 years and thus having a number of various species. These include; 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 310 butterfly species, ,88 moths, 120 mammal species, red tailed, black & white colobus, blue monkey, chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s and baboon plus Bwindi’s famous resident. Bwindi is also prime place for bird watchers. It has almost 350 bird species with 7 that are IUCN red data listings. These Albertine rift endemics species are very hard to be spotted in other parts of East Africa apart from Bwindi. A bird watcher can watch 100species in a day if truly is a good bird watcher.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is about 463.6 km and can be accessed by use of road transport and by air.  Bwindi can be reached when coming from Queen Elizabeth heading to northern parts when driving a vehicle and it can only take around 2-3 hours. And when you are from Kampala and you want to pass through Mbarara using Masaka road, it will take you a 6-8-hour drive. And from Kabale town to the southern part, it will take you a 1-2-hour drive. The roads join Butogota which is 17km from the Buhoma entrance gate. During rainy season, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. Buses travel on a daily basis from Kampala to Butogota through Rukungiri and Kihiihi.  The park can easily be accessed by road means. After jumping out of the bus, a tax can be used for the last 17km to Buhoma. Nkuringo does not public means what you can do is to hire a vehicle from Kisoro.

Bwindi can also be reached by air means of transport. You can take your flight from Entebbe or at Kajansi airfield to airstrip located in Kisoro that is tarmac. Planes also can be chartered at the Savannah Kayonza airstrips. Bwindi has got a service of three airfields, that is at Kihiihi, Kayonza and Nyakabande that is located in Kisoro for the visitors who are taking a track of mountain gorillas in the southern area. That is Nkuringo, Nshongi and Mishaya.

Routes.

(Mweya)- Kihihi-Buhoma.

As you are going to the park, you will go through Ishasha and this will give you an opportunity to spot climbing lions and monkeys as you’re on the road. Bwindi refuges an area of approximately 64km from Ishasha and 160km from Mweya.

Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma.

The road is tarmac and is highway to Kabale. It covers 414km in terms of area and this is about 5-6 hours’ drive in terms of time. The following route/road has murram and is approximately 120km. The route passes via Kanungu and Kanyantorogo and this route is approximately 4-5hrs drive. A4WD vehicle is recommended as a reliable one.

Kampala- Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi-Buhoma.

The most reliable and convenient route from Kampala direct to Rukungiri and on a tarmac road is this one. It has roughly 390km that is when murram road to Buhoma is added.

Kampala-Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma.

This route takes 3-4hrs and is said to be covering an area of 95km2. 4WD is the only vehicle that can take you through Ruhija.

Kampala-Kabale-Nkuringo.

This route takes 4hrs roughly and it covers a distance 105 km from Kabale town to the mountainous murram road. When visitors reach Kisoro, they take up nights their and proceed to the remaining journey which is 80km distant from Kabale to Nkuringo.  Kisoro road takes around 1-1.5 hrs since it is a meandering road of 35km. 4WD vehicle is also recommended for this route.

When moving around the park, the diverse trailheads of Bwindi are reached by use of vehicle. There are no roads within the park that are travelled on foot because the vegetation is thick and steep and the paths go through them. But you can use a stick to walk around the park.

Local people

The natives that surround the park are mos’ and Bafumbira. Batwa are the minor communities in the region. Bwindi area covers some rural population densities of 350 ugandan people in terms of number.

Best time to go and watch the Mountain Gorillas in Africa.

In Uganda, Congo and Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place thought the year.  The best time which is recommended for gorilla trekking is in the period of less rains and this period occurs during the months of June and July, August, September and December. During this period, the land is dry and the park too thus simplifying hiking and spotting of gorillas.  The morning annual average temperatures in Bwindi is 11°C/52° and afternoon has got 23°C/73°F.

January and February has low season contribution and less huge crowds.  Rainfall rains drizzling or it doesn’t rain at all.

March, April and May:  during these months, it rains a lot and this causes most challenges during the trek because the slopes are slippery.

June, July & August:  This is the Peak season and it is the best time to visit the park for gorilla trekking and other activities.

Tour Companies to use for Gorilla Trekking.

There are various tour companies/operators in Rwanda and Uganda but Africa Adventure Vacations will get you served. When choosing a tour company, you should consider the price, permits availability, the online reviews plus other factors. Check Africa Adventure Vacations website

Activities In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi impenetrable national park has a number of activities visitors tend to undertake on their safaris and tours in Uganda. Below is a list of key activities;

Birding In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is Uganda’s oldest forest with about 350 species of birds recorded. It has a variety of birds with 90% of the Albertine Rift endemics. It has 23 endemics including Blue-headed Sunbird and Short-tailed Warbler. There are also seven IUCN red data listed species. It is easy to spot Red-headed Bluebill, Flycatchers African, Emerald Cuckoo and Common Bulbul, African Blue and White-tailed Blue.

Birding is a common practice on Bwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija, Buhoma Waterfall Trail and the bamboo zone.

Cultural tours in Bwindi.

Bwindi is rich with the local Bakiga and Batwa cultures. These two communities practice a lot of handcraft such as the beeswax candles, fabrics, and wood carvings. On the three-hour village walk you will meet some shops selling these artefacts. These cultural activities are very important in the living of the Batwa and Bakiga communities. The Batwa also prove their talents in cultural aspects of cultural/traditional songs and dances.  These songs and dances portray the Batwa past life in the forest.

Black smith is also practiced in the area. Traditional doctors also heal their patients using the local herbs got from the plants. Beers from banana are also made and a visitor can buy if he or she wants to test.

Gorilla Tracking In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In Uganda, Bwindi forest is well known for being a habitat of Mountain Gorilla. Also Gorilla tracking is must see experience. Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Ruhija are the four main tracking locations in Bwindi. These locations have 18 families. Tracking permits are bought by booking directly with the reservations office at Africa Adventure Vacations (AAV). You can pay for the permit advance of up to two years.

A number of 8 visitors aged above 15years are allowed to view gorillas for one hour in a day. A tour guide from Africa Adventure Vacations will accompany the visitor while touring and sighting Gorillas.

Mountain biking in Bwindi.

Mountain cycling in Bwindi is a good rail that starts from the headquarters of a park; Buhoma to Ivi River. It is a 13km trail. While mountain biking you spot red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus and bushbucks. It takes six to seven hours. The cycling is always organized by Buhoma Community Rest Camp. It is under the community development initiative known as “Ride for a Woman”.

Hiking Or Nature Walks In Bwindi

Primate encounters, waterfall walks, mountain views, impressive birdlife and forest walks are the main trail in Buhoma. When walking from Rushura Hill Walk, you go through a forest shared by two countries. During the day you will view the conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes, Rwenzori Mountains and lakes Edward and George.

When exploring the impenetrable forest, you will find Muyanga waterfall walk departing from Buhoma to river Ivi Nkuringo trail. It is sighted 33m with the falls plummeting.  After a walk of 6km aound a hill of Muzubijiro, you will spot birds and primates that will attract your attention. You view Virungas too.

Wild pigs are also found in a place known as Mukempunu. The seven hours walk of Ivi river which is 14km makes trail pass through a place of wild pigs “Mukempunu”. The legendary African Corner is found along a trail found the Habigorogoro and Riyovi Ridge which gives you a chance of spotting Buhoma river. Habinyanja trail is estimated 4-6hours. On the steep ascent the hikers enjoy a comfort of sloping habinyanja swamp. Birders walking on this route will see African Black Duck and Black Bee Eaters, Pel’s Fishing Owl and more.

The tail of Buhoma-Nkuringo is roughly three hours. It crosses through the park hence connecting two villages. This has an oversight of impressing misty hillsides of Nkuringo. It is also good to leave the luggage with the driver to meet you on the other side of hill. The walk to Ivi river can be put into consideration to complete the trail.

Comparison of Uganda Vs Rwanda on the Gorilla tracking experience.

Both countries are habitats of mountain gorillas and they almost live in the same environment. Uganda is far better in terms of wildlife if compared to Rwanda. Apart from mountain gorillas in Bwindi, you can also tour Murchison falls and Kibale Forest National Park to see primates. For the sake of permits, a Rwandese permit goes up to $1500 per individual and a Ugandan permit goes up to USD 700.

The permit only allows you to watch mountain gorillas for one hour and in a group of 8 people. Always remember that only 80 people can watch the gorillas in their natural habitats a day. This is because the habitats for these animals is fragile and if many are allowed it will cost the park since when walking you can leave foot prints behind. Uganda is a wonderful pace for gorilla trekking.

Places for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Uganda has mainly two sections for gorilla safaris, that is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. There are roughly 18 families or groups of gorillas and you will only track one group a day.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has the highest gorilla group of almost 17.  This is the best park where you can spot gorillas in the wild. Bwindi has the ancient forest in East Africa and harbors 90 mammal species with 11 primates and the white and black colobus monkey are involved.

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Groups / Families

Ruhija Trek:   when with gorilla families, Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaguliro and Bitukura

Buhoma Trek:  Katwe, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Mubare.

Nkuringo Trek:  Nkuringo, Christmas, Bushaho

Rushaga Trek:  Kutu, Mishaya, Bikingi, Kahungye, Bushigye, Bweza, Rwigi, Mucunguzi, Nshongi.

Packing list for Gorilla Tours in Africa

There are so many reasons that make gorilla trekking challenging and the common one is being physically fit. The other challenges comprise of pack weight and weather conditions.  You can hire a porter and also you can look for a gorilla pack that fits your level.  People of late 60’s and 70’s too are doing gorilla trekking since it is not difficult. The entire elevation of the park is estimated between 3,904-8,553ft. The park has slopes that are steep in some areas. You can spend 2-6 hours experiencing the gorilla family. These are some of the things you need to pack when going for gorilla safari;

• Waterproof hiking boots.
• Day pack.
• Insect repellents.
• Light weight rain jacket.
• Poncho
• Camera.
• Binoculars
• Bottled water
• Boots: hiking boots
• Gloves, old pair of gardening gloves
• Long pants or trousers
• Energy snacks.

Gorilla Tracking Rules towards Post Covid Visitors

Remember that these apes share almost 98% of human genes and therefore they are also at risk of being infected with corona virus. Therefore, these are the procedures you need to follow when in the park.

Always observe a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas.

Age limit of 15 years or more stands.

You will be allowed for only 1 hour to see the gorillas

Always Wear a mask.

 Always avoid sneezing.

Sanitize and observe other SOP guidelines.

Expectations On a Gorilla Safari.

On the first day of gorilla trekking, you are expected to leave early morning and go for briefing at around 7.30am. when briefing is done, visitors will be allocated various tracking routes and in a group of 8 each. You will be headed by the head of the forest and also tour guides and rangers will be available as you set off searching for gorillas in the park.

While searching for gorillas in the forest you will spot mammals, butterfly species and monkey species. You need to be physically fit and by the day ends you will be sweating and muddy or dusty depending on the season. When you come across gorillas, you will be free to take photos using your camera but flashing camera is not advisable. You will be allowed to stay with gorillas for only one hour.  When you are done with the trekking, you can now go back to your booked hotel or lodge for relaxation or you can also decide to walk in the village so as to explore the culture of the Batwa pygmies. This will give you an experience that will forever be memorable.

Other primate safaris in Africa

Other than mountain gorillas, you will track chimpanzee’s or golden monkey in Chimpanzee trekking that are in Kibale Forest National Park.  Mgahinga Gorilla National park also can offer you golden monkey trekking and some othe kinds of monkey species that are found in Uganda. You can also decide to visit tree climbing in Ishasha, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and PianUpe Reserve after you are done with your gorilla trekking.

After your gorilla safari, you can visit the tree climbing lions of Ishasha, Kidepo Valley National Park and for the very best of wildlife safaris in Uganda.

Gorilla Habituation Experience In Bwindi

Gorilla habituation means the exercise that wild gorillas go through to get used to mankind. These gorillas are trained by park rangers and researchers for almost three years. You can also join the rangers and researchers during the period of training but only 4 visitors are accepted in and this is what makes it special. Gorilla habituation for an individual cost around $1500 a day. Most important experience is you actively participating in gorilla habituation.

Clothing

Gorilla Trekking gear guide, walking boots for hiking or climbing, warm clothing’s for the using during cold evenings and wet weather. Do not forget, it becomes cold and wet at this high altitude. A light weight jacket is recommended. Gloves, trousers, long sleeved shirts, Knee high hiking gaiters are also important. You need to look for the best hiking boots to use when gorilla trekking. More so, you can wear an African safari alongside with the best binoculars and camera to use on an gorilla safari.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

There is a diversity of accommodation places that a visitor can stay after a long day of Gorilla trekking in Uganda. You can book the accommodation depending on which gorilla group you ae going to track. These are some of the budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation places that are found in Bwindi forest national park and their contact information.

• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp
• Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
• Buhoma Lodge
• Silverback Lodge
• CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp
• Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge
• Engagi lodge
• Mahogany springs camp
• Gorilla Resort
• Bwindi View Bandas
• Bwindi Guest House
• Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort
• Gorilla Friends Lodge
• Jungle View Lodge
• Nshongi Area
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
• Nshongi Camp
• Nyundo Valley Hill Bandas
• Cuckooland
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp
• Trekkers Tavern cottages
• Gift of Nature Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Resort
• Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort & Campsite
• Ruhija Community Rest Camp
• Gorilla Safari Lodge

Costs for different Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Average Cost of Hotels & Lodges

$50 to 100 for budget accommodation

$150 to $200 for midrange

Luxury from $300 to $2500 per night.

book close to the tracking point, ask your tour operator.

Cost of Gorilla Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A gorilla trekking permit costs $ 700 in Uganda. 75% of the paid money is used to conserve the surviving gorilla population. The government also cuts off its 15% and the local community take 10%. Remember the permit also includes gorilla watching for one hour, entrance fee ranger fee and advance trackers. These are some of our prices for gorilla trekking safaris;

2 Days Gorilla Safari Costs About $ 1280

3 Day Gorilla Tour Costs About $ 1450

Other Trekking Costs to Consider

Food and drinks cost about $50 per day. Many tour operators include soft drinks and meals.

Transport Costs

Air ticket depends on the country you are from but it is estimated to be $500-$2400

If chartered flights are to be arranged from airport to the nearest gorilla trekking points, it will cost $ 600.

Hiring a car will cost you around $80 per day.

Visa and Border Crossing.

The visa for East Africa is at an amount of $100. The visa works in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda

Cost of Porters

A porter can be paid 20 dollars and also you can hire a Sedan chair at around $500 for porters to carry you.

Tips for Cutting Costs

Do not travel alone.

Stay in finest budget lodges.

Select Uganda over Rwanda.

Dodge using public transport buses and do not leave on time.

Dodge chartered flights.

Book Your gorilla tour during low season.

Getting a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda.

In Uganda, Gorilla trekking is done in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Due the inconsistency of gorillas found in Mgahinga NP, you find majority of permits being sold are for Bwindi NP. Gorilla permits cost $ 700 per person in Uganda presently. 72 tourists per single day travel within Bwindi to watch gorillas and 8 people are accepted to watch gorilla family at a time. It is good for a visitor to book a gorilla permit using a tour agent. Always book gorilla family that is near to your accommodation place. The routes to Bwindi and the different regions is not clear since it is a remote area.  Do not make a mistake of doing gorilla trekking at your own since it will even make you pay more than what you would have paid when using tour guides.

Gorilla Permit Price in Africa

Many travelers who are planning to gorilla trek find the process tiresome and that’s why they decide to use Uganda local tour operators so as to easy the process of reserving trekking permits.  The tour operators always add some extra fee of about US$60 – US$100 on each permit. Tour companies don’t charge on procuring a gorilla permit if you are to use their other services like transfers but they will charge you if you need them to purchase you a permit only. These are the prices below;

Uganda gorilla permit costs $ 700 (1 Hour with the gorillas)

Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permit Costs $1500 (full Day Experience)

Rwanda gorilla permit Costs $ 1500

Congo Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs $ 400

East African Citizen will pay 250,000 shillings for the permit