Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four habituated gorilla centers which are Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Bwindi has over 400 gorillas in ss Each of these areas has gorillas families that have been habituated and opened for tourism purposes. Uganda currently has about 19 gorilla families open for tourism, of which 18 are in Bwindi Forest and another at Mgahinga National Park . Some of these gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include the Rushegura family, Mubare family, Oruzogo gorilla family, Bweza gorillas family, Nkuringo family, Bitukura family, and others. Bwindi is open for gorilla trekking all year long, and is the major activity forming uganda safaris but the best times to go are from June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience and photography will be easier. Mgahinga National Park has one habituated gorilla group that can be tracked by tourists. Gorilla tracking is the most thrilling tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The habituated gorilla group in this park is called the Nyakagezi, which consists of 9 members, 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 2 infants. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open to visitors throughout the year. But it is best done in June, July, August, and September then December, January, and February. During this period, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is easier because it is a dry season and the habitat remains relatively drier thus making it simpler for visitors to hike through the dense jungles and steep slopes to search for mountain gorillas. However, March, April, May, and October, November are equally good for one to embark on gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park but these months are characterized by heavy rainfall, muddy and slippery steep slopes which make it challenging for one to hike while in search for these apes. Gorilla tracking is an intensive experience at Bwindi national park that can take the whole day. The guide leads you through the gorilla’s world, explaining aspects of their ecology and behavior along the way. We must stress that, while you have a very good chance of seeing gorillas, success is NOT guaranteed! However, from the past sightings, there are high chances of meeting the mountain gorillas. When tracking, travelers should know that the mountain gorillas are wild creatures with no fixed routine, and finding them requires the skill and experience of your trackers and guides, as well as luck.

4 Days tour safaris in Uganda

Besides Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda , Uganda offers a variety of attractions . Uganda is rich cultural country, lots of wildlife of primates, big five forests for lots of bird watching , mountain trekking of Rwenzoris and mount elegon and many more offer challending terrain. Our uganda safaris will assist you to enjoy our tours and safari holidays around the country. our 4 days gorila and wildlife tour will conduct a sample of many attractions uganda can offer 4 DAYS GORILLA TREKKING BWINDI AND WILDLIFE VIEWING SAFARI Safari outline Day 1: Will be picked by our guide in Kampala & drive to Bwindi National park with a stop at the equator. Day 2: After breakfast shall trek gorillas at Bwindi Day 3: Drive to Ishasha-Queen Elizabeth National park, with game drive viewing climbing lions and a boat cruise at Kazinga channel Day 4: Drive to Kyambura for primate walk viewing chimpanzees and then proceed back to Kampala Gorilla safaris Sliverback gorilla of Bwindi Day 1: of 4 Days Gorilla safari: Kampala – Bwindi National park. This Morning, you will be picked from your hotel/residence in Kampala at around 7.00 am and proceed to the south western part of the country. Stop at The equator for land mark photo taking and continue to Mbarara. Break for lunch on the way then proceed to Bwindi National Park the home of Mountain Gorillas. It is estimated to half of the world’s surviving population of mountain gorillas –300 live within these boundaries shared by Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The drive is long but enjoyable. Proceed south to Buhoma viewing the terraced hills of Kigezi Highlands once known as Switzerland of Africa. Arrival at Buhoma will be in the evening. You will then settle in at your lodge for Dinner and overnight as you prepare for tomorrow’s event! FB Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas: Bwindi View Bandas: Nkuringo campsite tents: Virunga Hotel: Nkuringo safari centre Middle: Nkuringo camp site: Wagtail Eco lodge: similar/Gorilla Mist Camp: Shongi Gorilla Resort Up market: Lake Kitandara Lodge: Engagi lodge: Mahogany Springs Lodge: Gorilla Resort Camp: Traveler’s Rest Camp: Silver Back Lodge: Gorilla Safari lodge Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp: Buhoma Lodge: Clouds LodgeGahinga: Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge. Day2: Of 4 Days Gorilla safari: Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Morning after breakfast with packed lunch, you will be escorted to the starting point for briefing by your guide. you will be allocated guides to track gorillas with, and then will be off to begin your adventure. A briefing from your local guides and then it’s off! the time taken and the terrain vary (1- 8 hours) this depends on the movement of these gentle giants. the thrill of meeting face to face takes away the pain of some times long and arduous trek. Each encounter is different and has its own rewards, but you are likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters frolic and swing from vines in delightfully playful manner. After tracking will walk back to your lodge for overnight stay fb. You will need to carry long pants like light type, sturdy shoes to help you hiking steep and slippery slopes, long sleeved shirts and blouses to protect your bodies from thorns and itching plants. You may not rule out raining on you and at least a rain coat is needed to protect your bodies and any equipment carried along with like cameras. Also carry insect repellants and sun cream Day 3 : Of 4 days Gorilla wildlife safari: Bwindi national park _ Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth National park After early breakfast head for ishasha, which is the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park, carry out a game drive where you may sight tree-climbing lions and viewing other wildlife like elephant buffalo, hyena etc. Ishasha sector is dominated by acacia woodland and scrubland and features the meandering ishasha river, banked by a riparian forest. After Game drive in Ishasha sector proceed to Mweya peninsular where will do most yielding boat cruise on Kazinga channel. Will have chance of viewing at schools of hippos,herds of elephants,lots of birds and many more . After check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight. Budget: Albertine Camp: Farmland Resort Moderate: Hippo Hill Camp: Simba Safari Lodge: Bufallo Safari Lodge: Bush Lodge : Engazi lodge Up market: Mweya Lodge standard rooms: Katara Lodge Luxury: Mweya Safari lodge: Jacana safari lodge: Wilderness Safari Camp Day 4: of 4 days Gorilla wildlife safaris: Queen Elizabeth park – Kampala This day will be driven to Kyambura gorge for Chimpanzee tracking while doing a nature walk. The Kyambura gorge is famous for a primate walk where you will see chimps and other primates e.g. Columbus & velvet monkeys and baboons. After the chimp walk drive back to Kampala with your packed lunch. Arrival will in the evening END OF SAFARI Please Noe the safari cost will include: Meals and accommodation at full board for the agreed dates Gorilla permits 1 permit per person Game drive — Ishasha , park fees, 1 tracking chimpanzee permit per person safari driver /guide and 4×4 vehicle Park fees Applicable government taxes Drinking bottled water while driving on safari Excluded are: Beverages and bar bills, phone calls, personal insurance and any other services of personal nature like souvenirs, tips, laundry etc HIGH SEASON RATES: Dec-Mar:, Jun – Oct COST 2 People sharing: US$ 2320 per person luxury lodge : SRS 290 COST 2 People sharing: US$ 1955 per person Upmarket lodge : SRS 250 COST 2 People sharing: US$ 1400 per person Middle lodge : SRS 185 COST 2 People sharing: US$ 1300 per person Budget lodge : SRS 80

Domestic Tourism on the Picking Trend in Uganda Safaris

Domestic tourism is growing in East African countries Uganda in Particular. East African tour operators and experts say domestic tourism is slowly catching up . All East African tourism experts and government agency, reported that in the first half of 2019, the number of domestic tourists was higher compared to the same period last year. The number of tourism-related agencies also has grown. There are currently increasing number of organisations with a tourism licensed in all 5 countries in East Africa. With more than Organisations are getting established in the past year. “The licenses are very difficult to obtain, and it is even more difficult to keep up with the competition and stay afloat,”said some of the directors of Travel industry. However, according to them, it is worth the risk, because interest is growing and this year has seen the number of customers at his firm jump 25% from last year.

Fred runs Travel Hemispheres his own small travel company, which, in addition to the standard services, offers city tours, gorilla safaris rwanda safaris in East africa “Generally the city tours are offered on weekends, have a special theme, and are quite affordable,” he said. His marketing method has also allowed him cheap advertisement. “I advertise the tours on the company’s website: www.travelhemipheres.com and on a social network page, and generally the people themselves invite their friends and family so they can spend quality time together,” Charles said the marketing director his business has built a solid following. “I almost never miss a tour organized uganda safaris , and there are many others like me. We even organized a Facebook group of tour safari enthusiasts, and as a result people are becoming more interested in the history of our country Uganda interest in the history of the region.”

One may wonder, why travel around your own city when you already pay to see it every day from the window of a bus or car. But as it turns out, taking a tour can lead to the discovery of amazing secrets that even a long time city residents. “I loved history at school, but thanks to these to East African wildlife tours and safaris I have become interested in historical literature, and in addition, it turns out that the ordinary places that are familiar to me from childhood are in fact historical monuments,” said Proffesor of History from Makerere university who added that the tours are appealing because of their low prices. Small tourism companies and mini-hotels, which successfully blend a European standard of service, oriental flavour and low prices. But we need support from the state. International tourists makebackbone of f our industry and tourist are welcome in the country Uganda to enjoy many safaris we offer. Companies also noted that problems with obtaining visas, for example,the number of tourists from abroad are also increasing doing uganda tours.

How to do Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda

 

Gorilla trekking in Uganda  is and Incredible experience. You need to arrange tour with us - Travel Hemispheres Uganda Safari company and we arrange for you a best safari holiday with us. Uganda safaris combine as many  as you may think that it is just a walking, driving, trekking, name it. . But gorilla trekking is carried out in an impenetrable forest of Bwindi forest that has existed for thousand years and is among the African tropical forests that are still intact and exist in south western  Uganda as a country. You will be trekking hills up and down as the topography  of the area is hilly and  with wide valleys . The day begins with briefing from rangers post or park headquarters. The assembling will be  composed of rangers to guide you, trackers and guides. Also strong Bakiga men who work as porters whom individual trackers will hire their services to  help them carry their back packs and even can support you to give you push if will get tired before getting out of the forest.   Will also need good walking shoes  and a jacket call it rain coat as rain may not be ruled out on every day while still deep in the forest. At times this real African rain forest because you may not miss rain almost on daily basis what a blessing. Gorilla trekking takes place under the canopies of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park.

View Golden Monkeys at Mgahinga park in Uganda

 

 

Uganda is ranked among the best wildlife safari destinations in African safaris offered by many African countries. Mgahinga Gorilla national park does not only offer mountain gorilla trekking but also offer Golden Monkeys trekking a rare activity in Africa. Golden Monkeys are fascinating creatures and stay together with mountain gorillas in this park. In Uganda Golden Monkeys are viewed here only. https://www.travelhemispheres.com/uganda/mgahinga-gorilla-national-park.html. Apart from this will enjoy viewing volcanic views of volcanic mountains of Muhavura, Sabinyo and Mt Gahinga. Also will get to know or do Batwa trail giving you an experience of batwa people and their lifestyle.

 

Travel Hemispheres offer many safari packages   of different tastes and Mountain Gorilla trekking is the gist of Uganda safaris and tours taking place in Uganda. will enjoy over 12 species of primates in Uganda viewd at different parks. Chimpanzees ranked second to Mountain Gorillas in viewership. Will experience walking safaris in primates parks and will carryout game drives in wildllife national parks viewing the Big five lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinos,  and many more. Uganda offer variety of attractions- mountain trekking of the Rwenzoris, Mount Elgon, all give special mountain climbing challanges.

 

Uganda receives 1st Airbus to boost Uganda Airlines flights to Big cities of the world

Uganda receives 1st Airbus to boost Uganda Airlines flights to Big cities of the world connecting to Dubai   and China Cities. Many Ugandans fly to these cities for trade links . Uganda  has  already mapped  out long routes that include Guangzhou and Beijing in China, London, and Dubai as the first routes.The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce's latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with an increased span. The cabin provides the comfort of the new airspace amenities including state-of-the-art passenger in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity systems, amongst others.

 

Uganda tourism is likely to be boosted by direct flights from these big cities. If Chinese can get direct flights to Uganda then many  exponential tourists from china are likely to buy Ugandan safari packages to destination Uganda. London is another busy hub that will allow many tourist to connect to Entebbe airport without any difficult.Thus in such cases tourism will be boosted. Uganda has got one major airport Entebbe Airport and receives many flights arriving from flights of Emirates, Ethiopian airlines, Kenya airways. Sn Bruseels, KLM Royal dutch, Egypt air  and many more connect to Entebbe airport on daily basis

Travel Hemispheres brings you special flying tour packages to the Pearl of Africa Uganda. That will help you experience the hospitality of Ugandans both by air and road traveling. Booking and planning tour with us in time will save you the hassle and time to secure a life time experience of Uganda’s beautiful attractions. Among these include gorilla tours, wildlife safaris gorilla safaris, bird watching and primate safaris plus lots of game viewing and bird watching. As Covid 19 continue eating up  tourism industry  dew to social distance issues, when you do flying safari in Uganda will be easily done.

Uganda Flying Safaris to Solve Covid Safari Touring in Uganda

 

Travel Hemispheres brings you special flying tour packages to the Pearl of Africa Uganda. That will help you experience the hospitality of Ugandans both by air and road traveling. Booking and planning tour with us in time will save you the hassle and time to secure a life time experience of Uganda’s beautiful attractions. Among these include gorilla tours, wildlife safaris gorilla safaris, bird watching and primate safaris plus lots of game viewing and bird watching. As Covid 19 continue eating up  tourism industry  dew to social distance issues, when you do flying safari in Uganda will be able to avoid covid and do your holiday successfully  Hemispheres will offer special flying safaris to different national parks in the country. If you are on working visit to Uganda , any delegate booked can do a flying safari with us.

Honeymooners, old age and clients on Business visit to Uganda can take short gorilla safaris, wildlife safaris and other adventure Uganda tours using our flying safari services in Uganda. Will take this advantage of taking our flying safaris to avoid long time driving on the roads.

When is the best time to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda?

The best time to trek Mountain gorilla in Uganda all depends at time  you would wish to  have your holiday. Mountain gorilla trekking takes place throughout the year around .  In Uganda and Rwanda we experience 2 rainy seasons and  may be it’s the time your can postpone gorilla trekking. The months of June July and August are  dry seasons . Also the months of January and February  experience less rains.  June, July August and September receive less rains and are the best to to track and book gorilla safari with : https://www.travelhemispheres.com  .All these months are good for mountain gorilla trekking experience.

During  the  dry season months of  January , February, June, July- and  August   usually receive many tourists wanting to track mountain gorillas. Its advisable to book early some good months before your trekking date  because at timed gorilla permits on some days get sold out before. Its better you book in time and avoid disappointments  or missing out.

Other months of the year gorilla trekking also takes place but this time there is less traffic of people trekking. May be its better to book during this months as will be assured of  gorilla permit availability and congestion is limited while trekking . Bwindi offer the best gorilla trekking followed by Volcanoes park of Rwanda.

The months of months of  January , February, June, July- and  August   remain are the best time of the year even to visit other  national parks in the country when visibility is very good and have less overgrown bushes thus allowing viewing wildlife easily in the wild. Also animals tent to concentrate in one place for water, security and pasture and when other predator animals also will be closing on them for prey.

The best time to trek the gorillas in Uganda and ad Rwanda  the nearby countries that have the same activity  and DR Congo. Although in both counties, the activity is done all year round. But knowing the best time and the season would be of an advantage since it may help to cut the costs of the travelers like during the higher and the lower seasons where by some discount is offered to travelers during the lower seasons.

Uganda has  the best climate in East Africa  due to its location along the Equator and surrounded by the great water bodies like the mighty river Nile with its climatic changes. In Uganda, there are two seasons that’s the dry and the wet seasons of the year. The rainy seasons start from march to May and from October to November.

In Uganda,  climate is hot and wet  with cool  days regulated by diverse forests, Rivers lakes and altitude throughout the years. Temperature will always range from 20.5c to 28 degrees these results to variation in altitude. The rainfall received in Uganda ranges from 1000-2000 mm and it received throughout out the year causing changes in the climate and weather in the country thus making it difficult to predict th best times of the year to carry out the gorilla trekking exercise in Uganda.

 Uganda safaris can still be visited throughout the year but the most appropriate time to visit the gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga national park is from June. July, August and September and  there is reason to postpone your gorilla holiday trip due to weather issues. We usually advise our visitors to carry warm Jackets because evenings and nights during rainy seasons can be cold. , hiking shoes  are also good to carry  all these will help you to keep warm during rainy seasons.

 

How Much is Gorilla tracking Permit?

 

How Much is Gorilla Permit?

One can ask himself or herself this question. What is a gorilla permit?  Before we get to know how much is gorilla permit cost , one need to know what is this gorilla permit all about?  A gorilla permit is paper print or virtual/card   document issued by Government body and  in Uganda by  Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and in Rwanda by ORTPN   authorizing the holder to visit the gorillas in the their natural habitat in this case in Uganda gorilla trekking or call it tracking takes place at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National park. While in Rwanda gorilla tracking take place at Volcanoes National park and IN DRC Congo at Virunga National park.

Effective 1^st July 2020 a gorilla permit in Uganda will cost US $ 700. While in Rwanda the cost of Gorilla permit has been and is still costing US $ 1500. A gorilla permit is a one day visit to the gorillas . A gorilla permit is usually booked  and paid in advance say for some good months or a year before coming. This is done because gorilla permits at time are sold out and to avoid missing out on trekking mountain gorillas it better booking and paying for in advance. Travel  Hemispheres as a ground tour operator in Uganda , Rwanda and DRC Congo will help you to book and secure for  your gorilla trekking permit in time .

 

8 people are allowed to visit one gorilla family . Mature people are allowed to Trek gorillas  and minimum age is 15 years of age allowed to trek mountain gorillas. 1 hour is allowed to view and stay with gorillas  once gorillas are sited.  Trekking can take many or few hours and all depend on the family trekked. Remember gorillas move inside the parks and are not stationed in one place. Your guides  will help you to  lead all the way through until you are out of the forest back to your Lodge.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking safaris

 Country Uganda is famous for Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris. Uganda is the home of mountain Gorillas found in Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mgahinga National parks. These 2 national parks are a natural habitat for mountain gorillas and famous for gorilla tracking safaris. We have arranged captivating Gorilla tours of unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experiences of one’s lifetime. Mountain gorillas stay in families and are habituated for human interaction. Gorilla safaris include gorilla habituation experience and gorilla trekking safaris and tours inside Bwindi impenetrable forest National park and Mgahinga National  Park. Uganda Hosts more than half the population of mountain gorillas living in the world.

Gorilla trekking is and Incredible experience that one may not underestimate as many may think that it is just a walk. But gorillatrekking is carried out in an impenetrable forest of Bwindi forest national park  that has existed for thousand years and is among the African tropical forests that are still intact and exist in south western  Uganda as a country. You will be trekking hills up and down as the topography  of the area is hilly and  with wide valleys . The day begins with briefing from rangers post or park headquarters. The assembling will be  composed of rangers to guide you, trackers and guides. Also strong Bakiga men who work as porters whom individual trackers will hire their services to  help them carry their back packs and even can support you to give you push if will get tired before getting out of the forest.   Will also need good walking shoes  and a jacket call it rain coat as rain may not be ruled out on every day while still deep in the forest. At times this real African rain forest because you may not miss rain almost on daily basis

 

The time taken for trekking mountain gorillas vary .  Time may range from half and hour to 8 hours if not  the whole day. All depends on the movement of these gentle giants in the forest habitat . Rangers will lead you where the family of gorillas slept. Then from here will start walking into their foot steps until you encounter them. It is this process that trackers will be taking you through where will climb hills/mountains and come down into the valleys and repeat the same activity for different hills and valleys. Then your efforts will pay when you hear low grunting  sound followed by another grunt and your guide turns his head and tells you that keep quite and move forward slowly.

 

Remember you are in a thick canopy of vegetation putting on a curtain and visibility is almost limited. Actually at one point when interacting with our clients of Travel Hemispheres she paused this question . Since it  is always dark ( impenetrable forest) are  we going to carry torches to help us provide light? Well I laughed but told the client that during the day you do not have to carry a torch but the canopy above ,allows  limited sun light that will mange to get through and seeing mountain gorillas will be fine.  So here will come time when you see the family of gorillas you have been trekking. Will sit back and watch juveniles  - play rolling and shoving each other across the forest while the other members of the family chewing what they have eaten. Each family has head called Sliverback  mountain gorilla. This  can be seen easily because it the dominant  one with grey hair on its back . Usually the sliverback is usually reserved and will keep on watching you at distance. He may demonstrate  his ability and authority by pushing himself through the family moving forward and backwards his sheer size and stature casting a shadow of respect. He may pose momentarily , flick at one of the juveniles absently or crash to the forest floor but it realizes no body is questioning his authority  yourself will feel a tingle going down your spine.

 

Having watched for an hour viewing your forest hosts then your guide will  tap your shoulders signaling that time is over to start trekking back slowly back to your location of  stay. As move and walk back  will be exalted the life of these mountain gorillas in such cold environments and have existed here from time immemorial .

Mountain gorillas are trekked throughout the year and booking gorillas expedition will require you to purchase and secure gorilla permit in time before  visitation date. Travel hemispheres has been leading in gorilla safaris and securing mountain gorillas on behalf the clients . We offer full packages of gorilla safaris combining them with other wildlife  Uganda safaris. We scale out down budget gorilla safaris that will fit your pockets.

  

What is  a Mountain Gorilla Sliver Back Gorilla?

Mountain gorillas differ from lowland gorillas (Western Gorillas). At first scientists thought there was no difference between these gorillas.  The sliver back  gorilla is from the  is Mature male mountain gorillas of about 12 years that have grown a sliver grey hair on its back. A saddle of grey hair grows on its back after attaining sexually maturity age. Gorillas are very social animals and each group call it a family may have 5 up 30 or 40 members headed by 1 sliver back mountain gorilla.  A such group will have a sliver back or two of them heading the family. Other members of the group may contain females who are wives to the sliver back thus sliver back gorillas are polygamous in nature. Others are Juveniles and infants. The dominant sliver back commands the family and gives protection and other young sliver backs take orders from the head. Orders may include the directions to take while searching for food and if threatened who should fight first . A silver back enjoys the center of attraction at any time in the group or family.