Jinja is the Adventure Capital of Uganda. It is here that Africa’s most enjoyable Grade 5 white water rafting can be done on River Nile. After you are done rambling the Nile, we get arrange a 4 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari to Bwindi from Jinja.
Realm Africa safaris™ organizes affordable Gorilla Trekking Safaris & tours starting from Jinja. Our gorilla trekking safaris starting in Jinja visit Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
For one to book a Gorilla trekking safari starting in Jinja, all you need to do is email or call us with your preferred gorilla trekking date(s), prefered type of accommodation (budget, midrange or luxury) and also advise on the preferred mode of transport (air or road).
Alternatively, you could simply give us an idea of what you would like to spend on say a 4 Days Gorilla trekking holiday, and we will give recommendations based on your budget.
Popular Gorilla safaris & tours starting in Jinja
Additional information about Gorilla Trekking – worth reading before you go
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?
Mountain Gorilla trekking 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 Permit. discounted Gorilla trekking for expats
The price of Gorilla Permits in Uganda:
- USD700 per person for foreign non residents.
- USD600 per person for foreign Residents including ex-pats in East Africa.
- UGX250,000 per person for East African citizens.
Related: 2021 Promotional Gorilla permits at $400 – offer valid till 31st/March/2021
In Rwanda, Gorilla permits cost:
- USD1,500 per person for foreign non-residents.
- USD450 for foreign Residents including ex-pats in East Africa but not living in Rwanda.
- USD375 per person for Foreign residents including ex-pats living /working In Rwanda.
- USD300 per person for East African Citizens.
- FRW30,000 per person for Rwandan citizens including those living in the Diaspora.
**Both permit fees mentioned include; park entry fees, 0ne (01) gorilla trekking permit and guide fees.
Best time to go gorilla tracking.
Although Gorilla trekking 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.
Best time to book your Gorilla Trekking Safari starting in Jinja
While Gorilla trekking can be done at any time of the year, we recommend going during the dry season months of January – February and from June to September. We advise our clients to consider booking there gorilla trips at least six (06) months in advance. This is because gorilla trekking permits are scarce and very competitive to secure – there are scenarios where all permits are sold out. booking earlier gives us ample time to book and guarantee your gorilla trekking holiday.
Getting to Bwindi / Mgahinga Gorilla Safari Park from Jinja
The most common way of getting to Bwindi from Jinja is by road. Bwindi for Jinja is approximately 553km/344mi a journey that lasts about ±10hours by road.
Getting to Mgahinga from Jinja takes round about the same time (±10 hours) by road.
Besides getting there by road, you can fly to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Flying from Jinja Out of Kimaka Airstrip is possible but might only be by charter something we honestly think will cost you an arm and a leg. However, you may opt to drive your own car or ask us to arrange a transfer to Entebbe (See: Recommended accommodation in Entebbe), stay overnight and connect with an aero link flight departing Entebbe International airport for Bwindi. Realm Africa Safaris™ can assist in planning and booking you an “all-inclusive” Gorilla trekking safaris starting in Entebbe.
What to expect during mountain gorilla trekking.
You 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 & dont’s ( 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.
What to wear on my gorilla trek.
- A face mask ( See: Best Mask for gorilla trekking )
- 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)
