Uganda is the best place in Africa to see gorillas up close! Uganda gorilla tours adventures take you to the remote south-western region in the misty mornings, where you can visit the incredible mountain gorillas. The rural landscape boasts world-class forest lodges that offer idyllic settings, giving you priceless moments with the enchanting gorilla families. With two national parks available for gorilla trekking, five visitor centres, and over half of the last endangered mountain gorilla population, Uganda is the best destination for your once-in-a-lifetime experience with Africa’s gorillas.
Bwindi and Mgahinga are perfect for travelers who want to do gorilla trekking Uganda at an affordable cost. Such gorilla safaris are characterized by simple or basic safari lodges, minimal number of days and the cheaper safari vehicles for transferring.
Uganda is an ideal affordable gorilla safari destination based on her relatively priced gorilla permits ($700) and variety of accommodation facilities within and outside the 2 gorilla parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Always remember the best time to trek gorillas. It should be noted that, the best time to do gorilla trekking is during the 2 dry seasons between June to early September and December to February and are considered high season as many tourists prefer trekking mountain gorillas when it is dry.
The choice of safari lodge you make makes it affordable: Uganda offer a range of accommodations from the unrated to 5-star hotels and lodges. When choosing lodges for an affordable Uganda gorilla safari, always opt for the cheaply priced but comfortable lodges/hotels.
The Transportation Mode also makes it affordable: There are flights organized from Entebbe to Bwindi but, that is for the excluded. For affordable travelers, travel in basic private safari vehicles that are simple but well maintained to avoid breakdowns while on trip.
The Start and End Point also determines the affordability: Bwindi and Mgahinga are highly isolated from Kampala and Entebbe airport. So, in order to minimize the cost of transportation, you are advised to fly in through Kigali airport Rwanda. The distance from Kigali to Bwindi is relatively short compared to that of Kampala to Bwindi. Kigali city is then preferred as our start/end point on short Budget Uganda gorilla safaris.
The group size also matters: Being a sole traveler has advantages but, when it comes to costs, you foot all the bills on your own. When you travel in a group, you tend to reduce costs as you will be sharing costs with your traveling companion hence spending less.
The number of days: However, much you may need to save; you can never spend less on a longer gorilla safari than the one on a short gorilla safari. The more you stay on a trip, the more you spend yet the main tourist activity, gorilla trekking can easily be done in 2 or 3 days.
Visitors on tour can experience gorillas in two different ways. The first is the regular gorilla trekking, which allows visitors to spend an hour with a fully human-habituated troop. Alternatively, visitors can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows them to spend at least four hours with a semi-habituated (wild) group accompanied by researchers and rangers. Both gorilla expeditions are truly immersive.
Tours to see gorillas in Uganda start from any of UWA’s five visitor centres or park management quarters in the early misty-morning hours. Since the national parks are far from the International Airport, you must spend a night near the park entrance to join the early morning forest experience. Fortunately, several idyllic safari lodges surround the visitor centres
The great apes of tropical Africa are undeniably fascinating. Their sheer size is impressive and captivating, even to someone who may be tired or overwhelmed. Watching mountain gorillas is a truly emotional experience.
The combination of immense strength and gentle nature, along with strong social bonds, connection to the environment, vulnerability, and struggle for survival, leaves visitors feeling humbled. It’s amazing to see how similar these basic primates are to humans, both in appearance and behaviour.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is not only a haven for gorillas but also a safe haven for several other species, including over 350 bird species and rare plants unique to the park. Trekking permits for gorilla adventures are limited per day, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave a lasting impression on you. The thick vegetation, misty mountains, and lively wildlife all come together to create an atmosphere of pure enchantment.
Local guides take visitors on daily gorilla trekking adventures to witness the sheer power and grace of Africa’s mountain gorillas, the largest primates on Earth, as they roam freely in their natural habitat, forming intricate social bonds and captivating our hearts.
Exploring this remarkable ecosystem is like stepping back in time, providing a glimpse into a world untouched by modern civilization.
Conservation efforts in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are of paramount importance. The park’s management works tirelessly to protect its diverse flora and fauna, enforcing strict regulations to ensure the well-being of the gorillas and their habitat.
By limiting the number of permits available for gorilla trekking, the park ensures that human impact is minimized, allowing the gorillas to thrive undisturbed. Additionally, local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts, providing them with economic incentives to protect this invaluable natural resource. Through education and sustainable tourism initiatives, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a shining example of successful conservation in action.
