Double Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga and Bwindi
Double Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga and Bwindi : Double gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable national parks is a great alternative if you are interested in spending more time with gorillas and at an affordable price. This is only possible thanks to the affordable price of gorilla permits in Uganda’s gorilla national parks.
There are not many experiences as intense and poignant as seeing wild mountain gorillas in east African woods. The gorillas are the world’s most endangered ape, with only around 1,000 remaining in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Uganda is home to around half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, and a gorilla walk here allows you to spend up to an hour with a family of wild mountain gorillas.
For those who want to spend more time with these fascinating creatures, Uganda also provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in a full-day Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
You’ll spend up to four enthralling hours with the gorillas, escorted by skilled guides and trackers – it’s one of the most incredible animal experiences on the globe. We’ve put up a comprehensive reference on gorilla trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda.
Where in Uganda are Mountain Gorillas Found?
Mountain gorillas may be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (in southwest Uganda) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (near Rwanda’s northern border). Bwindi is the bigger and more well-known of the two habitats, as well as the location of the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Bwindi impenetrable national park is separated into four gorilla trekking areas that span 331 square kilometers of deep forest. Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga are the sectors, with each holding many gorilla families.
Buhoma, in the north, is the most popular area since the hikes are simpler and the gorilla families are easier to discover. The Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is where the Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place.
Where to get Gorilla Permits in Uganda?
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 20 gorilla families, however only 18 are habituated for gorilla trekking.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) only grants 144 permits each day (8 gorilla trekking permits per family), therefore you’ll need to arrange your gorilla permit months in advance. The Gorilla Habituation Experience has just eight permits available per day, with four permits allotted to each gorilla family (the Bushaho and Bukingyi families).
We recommend reserving the Gorilla Habituation Experience at least six months in advance, especially if you want to travel during the busiest seasons of July to October and December to March.
Cost of gorilla permits in Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks.
In Uganda, a single-day gorilla trekking permit costs $700. In instance, Rwanda has raised the price of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to $1,500 per day.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda, on the other hand, costs $1,500 and includes four hours with the gorillas rather than the normal one hour with gorilla trekking.
The permit fee includes park admission, skilled guides and trackers, 24-hour armed protection in the park, and one hour with the gorillas (for gorilla trekking) or four fantastic hours with the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
It also helps to conserve gorillas through research, veterinary care, national park operations, and community development.
When is the best time to go double gorilla trekking in Mgahinga and Bwindi?
Mountain gorillas may be tracked in Uganda all year, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The dry seasons, from June to August and December to February, are ideal for gorilla trekking.
The primates retire into the thick forest during the rains during these months, and the rainforest is less muddy and treacherous for walking.
The wet season lasts from March through May, with a lesser rainy season in October and November. Although traveling to view mountain gorillas is still possible, be advised that the routes can be rather muddy and difficult to navigate.
The rainy season may also provide the ideal circumstances for gorilla photography since the air is free of dust after a rain shower, creating a lovely setting to picture the gorillas.
What to pack for your double gorilla trekking in Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks?
You should come properly equipped for the unique experience of tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda, but you don’t need much gear.
Domestic flights often limit luggage to 20 kilos per person, so bring a soft case or holdall to maximize room.
Here’s what we recommend packing for a gorilla trekking trip in Uganda:
Waterproof hiking boots with excellent ankle support. To avoid unpleasant blisters, make sure your shoes are fully worn-in before leaving.
Waterproof Jackets and pants that are light, breathable, and waterproof, as well as long-sleeved shirts. Because of the changing weather and to minimize mosquito bites, it is necessary to dress in light, long layers.
Long trails of safari ants are expected; pull your long pants into your socks to prevent being bitten!
Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
Woolen socks that are long and lightweight.
Sun protection is provided with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Sun cream, bug repellent, sunscreen, bite relief cream, and lip balm are examples of toiletries.
Garden gloves to protect your hands while gripping the foliage on your hike.
A compact backpack for carrying water, food, additional clothing, binoculars, and a camera.
Extra lenses and batteries are included with the camera. Bring more memory than you believe you will require.
Binoculars to see everything well and to spot other animals such as birds and monkeys.
Snacks – Because the trip might be tough, carry some snacks for extra energy.
A reusable water container to reduce waste – you’ll need lots of drinking water on your adventure.
You will also need to pack travel adapter with many connections. Rwanda use plug types G (three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle configuration) and runs on a 240V supply voltage and a standard frequency of 50Hz.
