A Gorilla Trek is a highlight of all visits done in Uganda and Rwanda and certainly mountain gorillas are the major reason as to why very many people visit these 2 destinations. Find information about gorilla trekking holidays to see gorillas in the wild, how to acquire a permit, as well as tour companies arranging such treks. Gorilla trekking is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
When To Go To See The Mountain Gorillas In Africa?
Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year around in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The best time to go gorilla trekking in during the months of June, July, August, September and December. This is because there are less rains and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorillas .In Bwindi the average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon.
- January and February: Low season offering less huge crowds. Very little or on rain.
- March, April and May: Its rains a lot during these months. Most challenging during the trek, the slopes are slippery.
- June, July & August: Peak season, its important to buy your permits early since they run out. Best time for gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
Which Company Should I Use For Gorilla Trekking ?
Best Gorilla Tour Companies in Uganda
Ngoni Safaris Uganda.
There are so many gorilla safari tour operators in Uganda and Rwanda. How to choose a tour company will depend on various factors including price, availability of gorilla permits, online reviews and recommendations on various websites.
Where To Stay ?
Choosing the best safari lodge or accommodation will depend on how much you can afford. Some lodges charge as high as, $2500 while the budget ones can pocket as low as $ 50 for a double room. Its all about the facilities, location, food, services and so much more.
Average Cost Of Hotels & Lodges
- $50 to 100 for budget accommodation
- $150 to $200 for mid range
- Luxury from $300 to $2500 per night.
- book close to the tracking point, ask your tour operator.
Best 5 Gorilla Safari Lodges In Uganda
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, from $760
- Gorilla Height Lodge from $ 700
- Mahogany Springs from $ 240
- Gorilla Safari Lodge from $ 233
- Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge from $ 173
How Much Does A Gorilla Safari Cost In 2023?
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1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Costs About $1100
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2 Days Gorilla Safari Costs About $ 1280
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3 Day Gorilla Tour Costs About $ 1450
Of course, various tour operators will give you quotes, roughly the cheapest gorilla safari should have a price of about $ 1100 of course depending on the number of people. The super luxury should be cost you between $ 4000 to $ 6000 per person. Based on reviews of most gorilla tour operators in Uganda, most tourists prefer the mid-range, not so budget, but affordable. Booking your safari during the low season should get those costs lowered! In Case you are not interested in Uganda, Click here for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking or Congo Gorilla safaris, otherwise, proceed with the rest of the article.
You may wonder why a gorilla trekking safari is expensive and whether it is worth the money. Here is the breakdown.
A Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $ 700 and 75% of the money raised is to conserve the gorilla surviving population. The government pockets 15% while 10% is meant for the local communities around the parks. As you purchase the Uganda gorilla permit, note that the cost includes park entrance fees, gorilla watching for an hour, advance trackers and ranger fees.
Other Trekking Costs To Consider
Cost Of Food
Food and Drinks about $50 per day. Most Tour Operators include meals and soft drinks.
Transport Costs
Air ticket from your country should cost $ 500 to $ 2400.
Chartered flights from airport to close to gorilla trekking points, $ 600.
Hiring a car should cost you about $80 per day.
Cost of Items For Packing
insect repellents, sunscreen and more.
Visa and Border Crossing
East African tourist visa costs $100, which can take you on safaris in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda.
Cost of Porters
$ 20 dollars, and $500 to hire a Sedan chair for porters to carry you.
Tips On Cutting Costs
- Do not travel alone.
- Stay in best budget lodges.
- Choose Uganda over Rwanda.
- Avoid public transport buses do not leave on time.
- Avoid chartered flights.
- Book Your gorilla tour during low season.
Where Can I See Gorillas In Africa?
You can see gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. However, note that gorillas are mainly divided into the mountain and the lowland with a couple of other sub-species in that. We suggest Rwanda, Uganda for views of the mountain gorillas and the Republic of Congo for the lowland gorillas. It is also possible to find mountain gorillas within the DR of Congo however due to the instabilities within the country, it has been challenging in some areas.
Some tourists think that you can find gorillas even where you opt for safaris in Tanzania ! This is wrong. However Tanzania and Kenya can be a great addition to your safari tour especially during the great wildebeest migration where herds of animals cross the Mara river into the Serengeti plains! On google, you find searches as Kenya gorilla trekking. There are no gorillas in Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa. These are multi destination safaris which we always encourage you to visit especially in East Africa.
Generally, the lowland gorillas are smaller and have brownish-gray far coats and a distinct brow ridge, whereas the mountain gorillas are larger with darker black coats. The Mountain gorillas are the most uncommon primates in the entire world with less than 800 surviving in the African wilderness. on the contrary there are more than 100,000 lowland gorillas just in the Republic of Congo.
Where To Go For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Uganda has 2 sections for gorilla safaris namely, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In total there are 18 gorilla groups or families and you can only track only one group a day.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 17 gorilla group making it the best place or park where you can see the gorillas in the wild. Bwindi tours gives you access to 90 mammal species, 11 primates including the black and white colobus monkey.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Groups
- Ruhija Trek : with gorilla families, Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyaguliro
- Buhoma Trek: Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura
- Nkuringo Trek: Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho
- Rushaga Trek: Kutu, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bushigye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi
Mgahinga Gorilla Family
In Mgahinga Park, you can track the Nyakagezi group which is surrounded by the Slopes of Virunga Volcanoes, Mt. Muhavura(4,127m) Mt Gahinga (3474m) Mt. Sabinyo(3645m).
Luxury Gorilla Trekking Safari
The most luxurious gorilla tours are done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. While a gorilla permit costs $ 1500 per person, a 9 day luxury Rwanda safari costs over $ 15,000 when you sleep in luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in Rwanda. In Uganda, Clouds Lodge, Mahogany Springs and Gorilla Forest Camp take the crown.
Budget Gorilla Tours In Africa
The cheapest gorilla permit costs $450 in Congo and $ 600 in Uganda. Budget accommodation in Bwindi National Park for Uganda gorilla tours costs from $100 per night. Choose between Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Buhoma Community Rest Camp. In Rwanda, hotel Muhabura is the most affordable.
What Country Provides The Best Option For Seeing The Mountain Gorillas ? Comparing Uganda Vs Rwanda
This is quite a tricky question since they are all mountain gorillas living in the forests! Almost same environment. Comparing Uganda to Rwanda is not a good idea since Uganda has more wildlife than Rwanda. Besides the mountain gorillas, you can visit Murchison Falls, or see other primates in Kibale Forest National Park. If its about the cost, please note that, Gorilla permits within Rwanda were recently increased up to $1500 per individual and then in Uganda they go each for USD 700.
The permit offers you one hour with the mountain gorillas in a group of 8 people. In case you are threatened by the price look at it in this point of view that you are contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas and as a form of thank you, you will be rewarded with an hour in the midst observing and enjoying their company.
Keep in mind that just 80 people are allowed to see the gorillas in their natural habitat each day. Because their habitat is very fragile, every time you walk in this forest you leave a footprint. Conclusion, Uganda is the best place to see gorillas.
Packing List For Gorilla Tours In Africa
- 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.
How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla Trekking has a numerical rating of 50 to 100
Difficult Rating: Moderate Hike
There are many factors that influence the gorilla trekking difficulty and the commonest is your physical fitness. Others include weather conditions and your pack weight. It is possible to ask for a gorilla group that will march your fitness levels. A porter is important, Gorilla Trekking is not very hard, some people in their 60’s and 70’s have done it.
So how strenuous is the hike? To begin with 60% of Bwindi Impenetrable National park has an elevation of over 6,600ft. Elevation of the entire park is from 3,904 to 8,553 ft. It has steep slopes in some areas. The experience takes between 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla family.
