At What Time Does Gorilla Trekking Start and End in Uganda?

At What Time Does Gorilla Trekking Start and End in Uganda?

At What Time Does Gorilla Trekking Start and End in Uganda? If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure, knowing the start and end times is essential for organizing your itinerary.

Gorilla trekking officially begins at 7:00 AM with a briefing about the rules and regulations of the activity. Then, at 8:00 am, you head to the forest in search of the gorillas in their natural habitats. The activity typically ends by 3:00 PM, though the duration can vary. The length of the trek depends on the gorillas' movements within the forest. Some treks may take the entire day, while others might be shorter.

Through the briefing session, trekkers are introduced to the dos and don’ts for navigating the forest and interacting with gorillas. Afterward, park guides, rangers, and trackers lead the group into the forest to locate the gorillas. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed one hour to observe and photograph them. After this memorable experience, trekkers return to the starting point, where they are awarded certificates to mark their successful gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda. Contact us for more information.

Where in Uganda Does gorilla trekking Take Place?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi, renowned for its dense forest and diverse wildlife, has four trekking sectors: Buhoma in the North, Ruhija in the Northwest, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, each with habituated gorilla families. Mgahinga, located in the Virunga Mountains, offers a unique trekking experience and is also home to golden monkeys. Both parks provide exceptional opportunities to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

How can I Book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda?

To book gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can do so directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or via a trusted tour operator. Once you confirm your travel dates, send an email to check the availability of permits with the UWA. If permits are available for your desired dates, an invoice will be sent to you for payment. After your payment is received, the permits will be purchased immediately, and a scanned copy will be sent to you for confirmation. It’s recommended to book your permits at least 3-6 months in advance, as only a limited number are available daily, and they tend to sell out quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cost of gorilla permits and how to get them

In Uganda, gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and cost $800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents, $700 for Foreign Residents, and $90 for East African Citizens. These permits allow for a one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda offers 176 permits daily, with 22 habituated gorilla family groups—21 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga.

For a more extended experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which costs $1,500 per person and provides a four-hour encounter with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of researchers and trackers. Gorilla permits can be booked directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or via a reliable tour operator like (us)

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The minimum age for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 15 years, and the maximum age is 85 years, depending on a person's fitness level. Uganda Wildlife Authority set the age limit because younger individuals usually suffer from colds and flu, which may affect the gorillas health when they contract it. Also, they may be intimidated by the first look at the gorillas, hence reacting in an awkward way that may make the gorillas to also react fiercely. Another reason is that young individuals may not be able to match the physical needs once they For elderly visitors, Bwindi offers sedan chair carriers, which are used to transport those who are unable to walk into the forest. These chairs are carried by porters during the trek. You can hire a sedan chair in advance or on the day of the trek, with prices ranging from $400 to $500.

What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These months offer better trail conditions, making it easier to navigate through the forest and increasing the chances of spotting gorillas. Although gorilla trekking can be done year-round, the dry periods are more comfortable due to less rainfall, clearer views, and dry trails which makes trekking easier.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable national park for gorilla trekking

To get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park by road, you can drive from Entebbe or Kampala, which takes about 8-9 hours. From there, turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road, where you'll see the Uganda Wildlife Authority signposts that will guide you to your lodge in the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors. Alternatively, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala's Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Both scheduled and chartered flights are operated by domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Once you arrive, make arrangements with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the park.\

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