Uganda Safari Tours, Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safaris & Holidays

Uganda Safari Tours and Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide to Booking Gorilla Trekking Safaris

Thinking of where to have your first or next safari? Look no further than a Uganda safari offer which includes; gorilla trekking safari, wildlife safari or cultural adventure? The legendary such as Winston Churchill; a wartime prime minister of Europe couldn’t hide his pleasure After watching the array of wildlife and natural wonders marking the countryside, but rather state in his book entitled “My African Journey” as Uganda, “the pearl of Africa”.

Though unknown to many, Uganda ranks as one of the most spectacular destinations in the world, with an array of wildlife, a calm climate, breathtaking sceneries, fantastic security, and very hospitable people. It is set at the heart of the great lakes region in east Africa, bordered by South Sudan to the south, Kenya to the west, Tanzania and Rwanda to the north, and the democratic republic of Congo to the east. Three great lakes surround it, notably Lake Victoria (the second largest lake in the world), Lake Albert and Lake Edward.

Uganda is a land-locked country, with plenty of flora, birdlife, cultural treasures and natural wonders which defy its popularity and size. The beauty, undulating hills and breathtaking sceneries welcome visitors to the different regions across the country notably, the east, north, central, west, and the islands.

The country is also famous for harboring some of the natural wonders in the world such as; The world’s most powerful waterfalls’-Murchison falls; the tree climbing lions At queen Elizabeth national park (the medley of wonder), The snow-capped mountain Rwenzori; (the third tallest mountain in Africa); The giant endangered mountain Gorillas at Bwindi and Mgahinga; The longest river on earth; River Nile; the equator, and the second-largest freshwater lake on earth- Lake Victoria. We can’t fail to talk of the cool climate, diverse cultures, and four of Africa’s Big Five in the different conservation areas spread across the Country.

The dominance of national parks being the main tourist attraction and visitor destination in the country is gradually getting to a balanced board, with the different cultures, lakes, rivers, forest reserves, the game reverses, cities, and the beautiful white sand beaches winning the attention of hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Uganda safaris can be Luxury to cater for the high-end consumers; Budget to cater for those with fixed amounts but desire to explore this beautiful part of the world; solo for those who prefer self-adventure; Group safaris; family vacations, and camping for those with the love and passion of spending nights under the moonlight of Africa.

The trips can last for as many days as possible, in either one or more destination while engaging in Hiking, game drive, nature walk, photography, and cultural adventure.

You wouldn’t want to miss out any of these three Uganda safari offers

Gorilla trekking

Hosting half of the world’s remaining mountain Gorilla species in the wild, Uganda is a perfect gorilla trekking destination. Hundreds of visitors arrive at the different trekking destinations of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park annually, either through Rwanda or Entebbe to reunite with their closest relatives; sharing over 98% human DNA. Gorilla trekking is a lifetime activity, leaving members with a lifetime memory. It requires one to traverse the dense jungle to the place where the Apes are either feeding or resting.

The exercise may last for approximately 1-8 hours, plus one extra hour of witnessing these gentle Apes play, rest, or take photos. Only 8 people aged 15 years and above, with updated gorilla trekking permits, can be in a position to track the different habituated gorilla families.

Wildlife

Is it the mammals you want to see, Birds, Lakes, reptiles, Rivers, Flora or mountains? A Uganda wildlife safari is all you need. Uganda is an asylum to a variety of mammals such as lions, Buffaloes, numerous antelope species, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, leopards, and hippos among others, residing in the different conservation areas across the country.

Exploring the wildlife is done through game drives, Hot air balloon, hiking, nature walk, whitewater-rafting, and forest walks. It might be for a day or more in either one destination or more. Wildlife safari is very rewarding and worth one’s effort and finances

Culture

With over 56 unique cultures in Uganda; a visit to one or two isn’t a bad idea since you will learn, have fun, and make new friends; especially those staying at the boarders of the conservation areas. Interestingly, the hours spent exploring other people’s culture through their cuisine, village walk and sightseeing is extremely entertaining.

The locals turn your moods to the African lifestyle through their enchanting stories, thrilling dances, and cultural wear. The most notable cultures which host visitors include; the Batwa pygmies (former hunters and gatherers in the jungle of Bwindi and Mgahinga), Karamojong, and The IK people among others.

Best months to Visit Uganda

You are free to fly to Uganda at any time or month of the year. However, June to October and December to February is with no doubts the best months for visiting Uganda. These months fall at a time when there are either no or very fewer rains that can’t affect the exploration and adventure in one way or the other.

He who picks a Uganda safari offer picks fun, adventure, and unforgettable vacation experience. The four corners of Uganda (east, west, north and central) have it all and offer a perfect answer to those seeking to uncover wildlife, culture and the endangered mountain gorillas in the country. Book now and find a good share of your personal experience and adventure in the pearl of Africa.

Guide for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Heard of Gorilla trekking in Uganda but uncertain of how gorillas appear, the cost of tracking, the location, the best time for a tracking safari, what to carry for gorilla trekking, and the destinations harboring Gorillas, this piece of information will certainly be of help.

Uganda is a landlocked country, situated east of Africa, with plenty of flora and fauna, good weather, hospitality, and good security. Interestingly, it is among the three countries in the world hosting the sought-after mountain Gorillas in the wild, residing in the giant Virunga mountains; shared by three countries notably Rwanda, the democratic republic of Congo, and Uganda.

Mountain gorilla is a unique gorilla species found only in Africa around the Virunga chain of mountains. They have giant bodies, and leave in groups known as families, led by one dominant silverback whose role is to settle disputes, lead the group to different territories and offer security whenever need be. Other family members include two lesser silverbacks that assist the elder; black backs for security, adult females, adolescents, and infants among others.

These gentle Apes are always peaceful unless attacked; spend most of their time on treetops, and feed mostly on tree leaves, fruits, stems, and insects on rare occasions.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda starts at about 8:30 am with briefing and document verification at the park headquarters. It is done by the park rangers who elaborate on the dos and don’ts while with the Apes, allocate members to one of the gorilla families of their choice, and give company for about 1-8 hours of search, plus one extra hour of close observation of the Apes, and question time. Only 8people aged 15 and above, with an updated gorilla trekking permit, are allowed to track a gorilla family per day. The exercise is very exciting, though requires fitness. However, the disabled shouldn’t shy off because there is a provision.

For conservation to continue, gorilla trekkers are advised to abide by the following Rules governing the Jungle. No littering the place; no making of noise, no using flash while taking photos; no smoking, no going for trekking in case of cold or flu, standing 7mtrs off the gorillas, and no looking straight into the eyes of the Apes.

Gorilla trekking is done in two destinations located in the southwestern part of Uganda, all around the vast Virunga Mountains. The Bwindi impenetrable national park has over 350 individuals in four of her sectors and receives the highest number of visitors annually. Reports suggest that the Gorilla species here are different from the rest in the other parks, and tracking them is amazing. The other destination is Mgahinga national park; one of the smallest yet very rewarding destinations for tracking the Gorillas. It only has one gorilla family known to be one of the most exciting to watch and easy to locate.

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda

In both Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national park; Gorilla permits sale at the same cost. As indicated in the 2020-2022 Uganda wildlife authority tariffs; foreign non-residents pay 700usd, Foreigners 600usd, and East Africans, inclusive of Ugandans pay 250,000UGX.

Best time for gorilla trekking

From January to December, the gates of the national parks, border posts, and the airport are open for visitors. However, this exercise requires hiking through the valleys and slopes. The weather condition plays a big role and for that reason, it is advisable to travel during the dry periods; June to October, and December to march.

Travel Requirements

As a responsible traveler; you must travel with all that you need for convenience purposes. Carry medical documents such as COVID 19 testing form, visa, passport, trekking permit that can be obtained upon arrival, hiking boots, hand gloves, camera, binoculars, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, stockings, and warm clothes.

In conclusion; gorilla trekking in Uganda captures the attention of many, and leaves trekkers with a permanent memory; it’s not only exciting but also epic safari offers in the country with hundreds of thousands of visitors flooding to the destinations annually.