The ultimate preparation for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Spending some time with the mountain gorillas in the wild means a lot of memorable experiences for ultimate good preparation for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda for many people and it’s one of the most unique encounters you can have on earth. With mountain gorillas, you get the exact sense of connection since these are our closest relatives. Both Uganda and Rwanda offer great unforgettable experiences. Below are some of the guidelines to follow as you are planning to go gorilla trekking either in Uganda or Rwanda.
How do I access Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda?
Rwanda is a small country than the pearl of Africa Uganda, it has got good and excellent roads and it takes one only 2 hours to access Volcanoes National Park from Kigali City. There is also an option of taking a chartered flight to the Park and this takes only 30 minutes to arrive at the Air strip with in the park to be able to trek the mountain gorillas as well.
How do I access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Even though the distance from Entebbe to Bwindi is long and takes between 9 to 10 hours, it’s so scenic filled with great vegetation as well as many stopovers that are so enjoyable. You can therefore drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi impenetrable National Park in one day. Public transport can also be used.
You can as well take a scheduled Flight from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro Air strip and the guide will be there waiting to transfer you to the park to be able to track the mountain gorillas. Also note that this option requires a $100 East Africa Visa.
Where should I stay while in Rwanda?
Rwanda has got variety of luxury accommodation facilities and these are located in different national parks. However, with in Volcanoes National Park, there are many of these lodges including; Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Governor’s Lodge, SingitaKwitonda, Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and many more. These are located just 30-45 minutes from the park headquarters, meaning you also need to wake up early and have your breakfast in time.
Where can I stay while in Uganda?
Uganda’s Hotels and lodges are so clean and well appointed; these are arranged from Luxury, mid-range as well as budget. The top picks of these lodges are located only five minutes from the park headquarters. These include; Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge,Ruhija Gorilla safari, Nkuringo Gorilla safari found in Nkuringo sector. There are many budget lodges that are available for the very budget clients and these can be booked directly with the lodge or through your tour operator.
How does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda and Rwanda?
These two countries have got different prices of their gorilla trekking permits. In Uganda, a gorilla permits costs $700 per person per day and in Rwanda, a gorilla permits costs $1500 per person per day. The majority of the revenue goes to the conservation and maintaining of the wildlife and their habitants. 10% of the revenue goes to the local communities surrounding the National Parks.From November to May, Rwanda offers a 30% discount ($450) on the gorilla permits in case you are visiting Other Rwanda National Parks, that’s Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park.
How is the gorilla trek in Rwanda?
The gorilla treks in Rwanda are generally shorter and less difficult even though volcanoes National Park is at a higher elevation. The gorilla trek in Rwanda is easier since it can even be done in one day or 2 days.
What is the gorilla trek like in Uganda?
The mountain gorillas cover very large territories with in Uganda and the tracking time vary from day to day. This can take from 1 to 9 hours since Bwindi forest is older than Volcanoes National Park and it has great diversity in flora and Fauna. The thicker forest gives an opportunity for artistic photos. With Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, be sure to say your fitness level to your tour operator so they can recommend the best trek based on endurance.
Does Rwanda or Uganda have more gorilla permits?
It’s vital to note that both countries only allow 8 people to track a particular gorilla group, and each group is allowed one hour with the gorilla family each day. Rwanda’s volcanoes National Park has got 10 groups of mountain gorillas and this means those are 80 permits per day.
Uganda has half of the mountain gorillas in the whole world. Bwindi National Park has got 88 permits for the 11 groups and Mgahinga has got 1 gorilla family for the 8 permits.
What is the minimum Age for gorilla trekking?
Those interested in gorilla trekking must be 15 years and above in order to obtain a gorilla permit in both Uganda and Rwanda. Bin case you are traveling with a kid below 15 years of age, don’t get scared, there are many lodges that offer activities to the little ones as the elders go for gorilla trekking.
Is there any other activity I can engage in after trekking mountain gorillas?
Even though gorilla trekking is the most sought after activity in Uganda and Rwanda, there are many other tourist activities that can be enjoyed after trekking mountain gorillas. While in Rwanda’s volcanoes national Park, you can engage in Golden Monkey tracking, community walks, a visit to Dian Fossey tomb, musaze caves visit and many more.
In Uganda, there are many national parks that can be visited after trekking the mountain gorillas, these include; Murchison falls national Park, Kidepo national Park, Kibale national Park for chimpanzee trekking, wildlife safaris can be carried out in any of the national Parks in the country. There are also the tree climbing lions that are found in Ishasha sector.
And When should I visit Uganda and Rwanda?
The best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons of December to February and June to September since there is little rains. The Rainy season is from March – May and again in November. This means that you need to obtain your gorilla permit 12 months in advance in order to secure a spot for your preferred region.
What to park for a gorilla trek?
Always remember to pack the garden gloves, long stocks, water resistant pants, walking stick, rain jackets, sturdy walking boots with good ankle support, long sleeved shirts, medicines, enough water for drinking, a light weight foldable backpack for carrying your essentials, and many more.
In case you have failed to decide whether to track in Uganda or Rwanda, you can consider the cost of the gorilla permit and with this Uganda has got the cheapest permit as long as you book in advance; your permit is guaranteed with your preferred region. With both countries, your tour operator can always help you out to get the memories of your gorilla trek.
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