Realm Africa Safaris™ – a local gorilla tour operator based in Uganda operates; budget, midrange and luxury Gorilla trekking Safaris starting in Kampala.
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. this Vibrant city is the economic hub for most businesses in Uganda. Kampala city also doubles up as the main administrative centre with quite a couple of government offices and ministries having offices in this city. Diplomatic missions have also found Kampala a much more convenient city to base in.
For convenience’s sake, Realm Africa Safaris™ offers tailormade Gorilla tours starting and end in Kampala specifically built to cater to the city dwellers that live and work in and around the central city of Kampala. All our gorilla safaris starting in Kampala include gorilla Permits, accommodation, meals, transport, and a fully escorted by a local safari driver/guide whose role is to ensure you enjoy your gorilla holiday without having to bother getting to your gorilla trekking destination.
For Better Planning purposes, let’s understand Gorilla Trekking
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a fully active adventure experience that involves hiking up uneven terrain, mountains and through tangled vegetation cover hacked by rangers and porters using machetes to create a temporary passage to the gorillas. The type of gorillas you are trekking to see is the rare mountain gorillas.
Where to do gorilla trekking? Gorilla Safaris starting in Kampala
Mountain Gorilla tracking in Africa can only be done in three (03) countries; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Uganda and Rwanda are considered the Safest Places to see Mountain Gorillas. DR Congo, unfortunately, suffers ongoing political unrest which makes it unsafe to visit at the moment. (see: Why DR. Congo is considered unsafe for Gorilla tracking)
In Uganda, Gorillas can be seen in two (02) National Parks; Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In Rwanda, Gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National park and nowhere else.
Price Of a gorilla Permits. Gorilla Safaris starting in Kampala
- Gorilla Permits in Uganda cost $700 per person to trek in either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park
- In Rwanda, Gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
**Both permit fees mentioned include; park entry fees, 0ne (01) gorilla trekking permit and guide fees.
Latest: Uganda slashes Gorilla Permit Prices from $700 to $400pp – Valid till 31st/March/2021.
Best time to go gorilla tracking.
Although Gorilla tracking can happen anytime all-year-round come rain or sunshine, the best time to go gorilla tracking is in the dry season months of June to August and December to February. During this time, the trails and drier and less slippery. Trekkers are likely to enjoy a fairly drier gorilla trekking experience and good weather for photography.
What to expect during gorilla trekking. Gorilla Safaris starting in Kampala
Your morning on the day of the trek starts with you getting dressed up in the appropriate gorilla trekking gear and outfit (see: Gorilla trekking Clothing & Gear). You will then be transferred by your guide to the respective gorilla briefing point where you will be briefed about gorilla trekking, the dos & don’ts ( see: gorilla trekking rules). After the briefing, you will walk into the forest and start your gorilla tracking experience in the company of UWA/ RDB rangers who will interpret the plants, birds, insects and anything of interest in the forest. On finding the gorillas, you will be allowed a maximum viewing and photography time frame of one (01) hour. Return to your start point for a certificate awarding ceremony. The certificates are souvenirs for you to take back at the end of your gorilla Safari.
What to wear/bring on your Gorilla trek. Gorilla Safaris starting in Kampala
What to wear on my gorilla trek.
- Sturdy Lightweight walking shoes. the lighter the better. Extra weight on the trek is not good.
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers to provide extra body protections against thorny shrubs.
- Long socks that allow you tuck you pants in to avoid bugs from climbing into your pants while on the trek.
- Rain jacket in case it rains. Remember you are trekking in a tropical rain forest.
- Gaiters (Optional). Don’t spend On new ones. These can well be substituted with long socks to serve the same purpose.
What to bring on your trek.
- A camera for your photographic needs. Don’t spend BIG on a camera. if you own an iPhone, they too take amazing pictures especial under limited forest light.
- Binoculars (optional). They might come in handy when spotting some forest birds. Your ranger guide will have a pair that he is willing to share.
- A hat (optional). This is to keep branches and leaves let alone bugs from falling into your hair.
- Drinking water. Realm Africa Safaris™ will provide adequate bottled drinking water for the entire trip.
- Packed Lunch. Realm Africa Safaris™ will take care of this. All our trips include meals unless agreed otherwise
- A Day Pack to carry all your personal items while on the trek. ** We recommend using a porter to carry your day pack for you (see: why use a porter for Gorilla trekking)
Uganda Safaris that include Gorilla Trekking
2021 – 2022 Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris
