How do I book last minute gorilla trekking reservations in Uganda? – Everything You Need To Know.
Gorilla trekking, one of the most sought-after activities in Uganda, often raises questions about how to arrange last-minute adventures. We’ll address that question in this article to ensure that adventurers have all the information about the activity at hand.
Firstly, the gorilla trekking activity involves traversing through Africa’s thickest tropical rainforests in search of wild mountain gorillas. Due to the complexity of the experience, it’s not advisable to undertake this adventure alone, especially if you’re unfamiliar with animal movements, park sectors, forest paths, local roads, languages, and accommodations. This is where experienced tour operators in Uganda, such as Ibuth Safaris, become invaluable partners.
Where is gorilla trekking done in Uganda?
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is only available in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks. Of these, Bwindi is the more popular destination for several compelling reasons. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosts one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests and has been a natural habitat for mountain gorillas since ancient times. Most notably, it houses half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park is divided into four gorilla sectors—Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo—each home to several gorilla families, offering visitors excellent opportunities to observe various groups of these magnificent creatures.
Bwindi’s ecosystem offers more than just gorillas. Visitors can encounter other primates including black and white colobus monkeys, velvet monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’hoest’s monkeys. The park also boasts an impressive array of bird species endemic to the Great Lakes region, including secretary birds, African darters, African spoonbills, grey crowned cranes, great-breasted pittas, and shoebills in areas like the Mubwindi marshes.
Though fewer visitors come to Mgahinga National Park, it offers breathtaking views. As part of the Virunga massif, it hosts the Nyakagezi gorilla family, a well-habituated group famous among visitors for its playful juveniles. The park offers a unique gorilla trekking experience in its own right.
How do I book last minute gorilla trekking reservations in Uganda?
Booking last-minute gorilla trekking reservations in Uganda is relatively straightforward when working with an experienced and approved tour operator. Simply send an email to info@ibuthsafaris.com, and they will help guide you through the process hassle-free. Their established connections within the industry ensure a smooth experience for clients.
Procedure for booking last minute gorilla trekking reservation.
The process begins when a traveler contacts the tour operator about their interest in gorilla trekking. The operator then gathers information about the preferred national park—either Bwindi or Mgahinga. Most last-minute treks occur in Mgahinga due to factors like distance and permit availability. For last minute visits, traveling through Kigali is often more convenient as it’s closer to the parks.
After collecting park preferences, the operator checks permit availability with authorities. The daily limit of eight visitors per gorilla family creates urgency for booking. Bwindi, with its multiple families, often offers more chances in finding available permits.
Once permit availability is confirmed, the operator informs the traveler about the specific park sector they’ll visit, which determines accommodation options, travel timing, and optimal routes. The operator then proceeds with permit acquisition upon payment and crafting an itinerary for the guest through which they can suggest additional activities to enhance the trip.
The day of gorilla trekking.
Visitors must arrive at the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a mandatory briefing with park rangers. The briefing covers essential guidelines and safety protocols while on the trek. Trekking begins at 8:00 AM under ranger guidance. The experience typically lasts 5 to 7 hours depending on gorilla family location. Rangers share information about encountered wildlife throughout the trek, making it educational as well as exciting.
When the gorillas are encountered, visitors must follow their guide’s instructions carefully and adhere to all briefing guidelines. This ensures a harmonious interaction that respects the animals and their habitat while allowing visitors to gain deep insights into the daily life of mountain gorillas. The experience offers and hour which is ample time to observe and appreciate these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.
Cost of last-minute gorilla trekking permits.
Gorilla trekking permits maintain standard rates. That is; $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for foreign residents, $500 per person for African passport holders, and UGX 300,000 per person for East African citizens. However, last-minute bookings might involve higher costs if permits need to be acquired from other travel agents who have existing reservations. This potential price variation, along with challenges in securing accommodations and transportation, makes advance booking highly recommended for the best experience possible.
Want to do Last Minute Gorilla Trekking In Uganda? Send Us an Inquiry and we’ll gladly help you with it. You may as well contact us at at+256 393 247 137 / +256 742 678 918 to speak to our Tour Consultant. Or send an email to info@ibuthsafaris.com.
