The two countries of Uganda and Rwanda offer a unique experience of meeting the mountain gorillas, great apes in the wild! Recently, I returned from an expedition that involved a double gorilla trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable Park of Uganda and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. The trip also involved wildlife safaris in savanna national parks.

The week long safari was arranged by Jackie and guided by Emma. From the first email to Jackie to the last day with Emma, the experience was excellent and exceeded my expectations and I would definitely recommend this company Rwanda Gorilla Safaris. Jackie responded promptly, thoroughly and professionally to all of my emails. Emma was an exceptional guide throughout the trip. He was pleasant, knowledgeable, polite, punctual and an excellent driver. As a woman traveling alone, I never felt unsafe or awkward. He has a keen eye for wildlife including birds large and small and could spot them from incredible distances and recognizes a wide variety of bird calls and knows their identifying features. He went out of his way to find monkeys, birds and other wildlife as well as the best places for photos during our long drives which made the drive itself pleasant. In addition, he knows about Ugandan history and politics which was quite interesting.

The trek in Rwanda was difficult for me due to the altitude but the ranger and porters were quite understanding and helpful with plenty of rests and helping hands. The trek in Uganda was at times steeper and muddier than Rwanda but was not as difficult. I would definitely recommend hiring a porter or two which is well worth the $10 to 20 per porter which included carrying camera equipment and water and lending a helping hand when needed. The gorillas themselves were beyond description and amazing.

You will need all of your strength to climb up and down the tracks for several hours. I was expecting the trek to be a lot more strenuous – I have an artificial knee joint and am not at all fit but I found the trek quite easy. We walked for around an hour along narrow tracks with several armed guides in our group. I felt totally safe throughout the day. Once the gorillas are located, you leave the tracks and walk through the bush. The guides use machetes to cut a path through the jungle. This is when the walking stick and strong gloves come into their own.

Remember that the animals are in the shadow of the jungle so you will need a good camera. NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS PERMITTED.

In Rwanda the family appeared completely relaxed on the ground and carried on with their business of interacting with each other in the most endearing ways. In Uganda most of the gorillas were in the trees but a few were on the ground and easier to observe. In both cases, some of the gorillas would pass by in close proximity, seemingly undisturbed by our presence. The primate/chimpanzee trekking in the Kibale forest was much easier. Most of the chimpanzees were in the trees though a few did come down towards the end.

I also was taken on the Swamp tour towards the end of my tour which I thought was also enjoyable. Next to the office where the tour starts are a couple of trees filled with weaver birds and their distinctive nests. It was a wonderful experience to watch the beautiful birds and their nests up close. On the tour, we saw black and white colobus monkeys, beautiful birds, papyrus plants and more. Additionally, I would highly recommend visiting the Genocide Memorial and Museum in Kigali. It is sensitively done and a truly moving experience.

I chose the moderately priced accommodations which I found completely acceptable. The rooms and food were fine. All served simple meals and delicious fruit such as bananas, passion fruit, pineapple, papaya and apples.

Taking a trip in Rwanda can be fascinating and relaxing as this can make you fall in love with wildlife and make you discover a new home with its favorable climate, hospitable people and wonderful tourism amenities at your disposal. Rwanda has vast of tourist attractions that are worth a visit.

The Grand Canyon is an incredible natural spectacle which has to be seen in person to be believed. The Canyon is in the state of Arizona and is managed by the Havasupai Tribe, the Hualapai Tribal Nation and the Grand Canyon National Park. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World due to its spectacular dimensions. The Canyon itself is 277 miles long, is around 18 miles wide and is over a mile deep in places.

Whitewater rafting in this area is extremely popular and even just the idea of doing so on the iconic Colorado River is a wonder within itself! Imagine the incredible views as you travel through the Grand Canyon. You can truly get a good feel for the size and awe inspiring vastness of the Canyon when white water rafting here.

There have been rafting trips in this area for many years and when you book you can talk through all the requirements with experienced staff. It has been recorded that many who try out a white water rafting trip are incredible moved by the whole experience and excitement of being there specifically.

A typical day’s white water rafting in the Grand Canyon generally consists of an early start in order to make the most of the day. You usually travel to the actual site by jeep and onto Diamond Creek Road which is the only road at the bottom of the Canyon. This is a great little journey within itself as you will get a chance to take in your surroundings, the nature and unusual desert plants.

On disembarking the jeep you will meet your own river guide who will get you kitted out with life vests and so on before boarding the raft. Your waterproofs will come in very handy as you will find that you get soaked almost immediately you get going on the boat! You will also have a chance to see and experience moderate classed rapids. This is excellent as children over 8 can therefore accompany you on this trip. After your trip you take a break for lunch before trying out a helicopter flight to Grand Canyon West!

White water rafting trips in the Grand Canyon can last anything from one day to a week – it’s up to you, your stamina and your need to take part in this spectacular action sport!

Uganda is a well known destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa. This country located astride the Equator is home to nearly half of the remaining 1000 mountain gorillas left in the whole world. Mountain gorillas turn out to be major tourist attraction though the country is also a fascinating destination with many other touristic adventures/ activities including white water rafting along the Nile, chimpanzee tracking, game viewing in small groups, mountain trekking and more.

The country has two gorilla national parks and the endangered mountain gorillas can be trekked from Uganda’s hilly and forested national parks basically from Bwindi Impenetrable Natural Forest ( a home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas) and Mgahinga National Park in the Virunga ranges in the South West of Uganda.

The natural volcanic slopes are house to the endangered species of Mountain Gorilla. In Uganda these primates can be seen in Volcanoes National Park. Among tourists who visit Africa, there might be only a handful who would not want to have a glance on these endangered creatures on a carefully planned gorilla safari in Uganda.

Mountain Gorillas

Nearly half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas can be found in Uganda’s jungles of Bwindi Natural forest and Mgahinga ranges. Tracking mountain gorillas from Uganda, is an exciting an thrilling encounter/ experience one can ever have. Mountain gorillas too are a close relative of human race, sharing so much character in common like caring for the young ones, eating, and playing among others.

In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Natural Forest hosts the highest number of these endangered species and with 14 habituated gorilla family groups (Mubare Group, Habinyanja Group:, Rushegura Group, Bitukura Group among others) for visitors. In their family groups, a Silverback-a male adult gorilla is usually the head and therefore responsible for the protection of its family members from any sorts of attacks if any.

Visiting the mountain gorillas is such a wonderful experience, however it’s done only in groups of 8 members where 8 visitors are allowed to visit a gorilla family group per day and limited to only an hour’s stay with the animals . During this one hour stay, tourists are permitted to take photos, make videos and even watch them as they play, eat and even tease each other.

Packaged Tours

The Bwindi Impenetrable  Forest is the place where trained experts from tour operators are going to take you to achieve Gorilla Trekking. Now before you go to visit these Gorillas you must remember that not all of them are equally friendly in their behavior towards visitors. Certain families of these Mountain Gorillas have been made to be habituated with visitors.

Now in order to visit the Uganda mountain gorillas you need to obtain passes or permits which are mostly included in your package fees that you pay to the Safari Hub.This has been aimed to reduce random visitors just irritating these primates. Also the major part of money from these goes to the welfare of the Gorillas. You can have a closer scrutiny at their way of life, their activities and thus come to know about them in details. Usually you would not find them in gangs everywhere round about. They will be scattered throughout the thick vegetation.

There are many gorilla families in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They are the Susa Family, sabyinyo family. Many other groups like Amahoro, Umubano and Amasha are also noteworthy.

Africa Tours Adventure has the popular package of Best of Rwanda and Uganda. In this package the most amazing experience that you will have is this Gorilla Trekking mentioned above. This package is a 11 days tour. In these 11 days you will get to visit those destinations in Rwanda and Uganda that are not only world renowned but also completely fulfilling in itself.

When you complete the tour you will be left with memories that you are going to relish throughout your life. The safari starts from Kampala. All the tourists are guided to reach the Entebbe International Airport. The next day you will be taken to the Murchison Falls National Park. Here you will have a beautiful view of the rhinos. The rhino Sanctuary is present here. This is also an equally thrilling experience.

On the next 3 days you will be taken to the Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National park. These wildlife hubs are also well known throughout the world for the varied and immensely dense populations of primates many of which are exclusive to only this part of the world. The other destinations which are included in this Safari Package are twin lake and mgahinga National park.  So you can very well understand how thrilling the entire adventure is going to be

Africa Tours Adventure is very passionate about Africa and it’s rich natural heritage. It is aimed at providing the tourists the best possible services. Premium quality services at affordable range makes tourists prefer Safari Hub. As for the Gorilla Trekking experience, the expert guides who are going to accompany you will help you to have the best possible experience.

Which company should I use to trek gorillas in Uganda?

There are many credible companies to book with for your gorilla safari in Uganda. We advise you to book your gorilla safari with a legitimate tour operators in Uganda.

When to go and see the mountain gorillas?

Mountain gorilla trekking can be carried out throughout the year though the best season is June to September as well as from December up to February.

Where can you stay when you trek gorillas?

To choose the best safari lodge, it will depend on how much you can afford some lodges and among best lodges to include Clouds Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla forest Camp and Mahogany springs and Nshongi Gorilla Resort

How Much does a Good Gorilla Safari Cost?

Different tour companies do give different quotes though the cheapest gorilla safari should have a price of $ 1000 while the super luxury should cost $ 1500 to $ 2000 per person however, based on the reviews of most tour operators in the country most tourists prefer the mid- range which affordable.

How can one get a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

A gorilla permit goes for US $800 though you are highly encouraged to book your gorilla permit with a safari agent and also book according to type of gorilla family to avoid inconveniences in your accommodation.

Booking with a tour operator, you will have to inform them about the dates for your tour, your preferred dates available for gorilla trekking and the tour operator will send you the bank details. An acknowledgement email will be for money transfer and you will have to remember to instruct your bank details in order to transfer money for the gorilla permits.

A copy of the passport will be required to send a copy of your passport which also avails the details to be used and normally you need your full names, nationality and the passport number. Then after, your names will be registered and then you will acquire a gorilla permit.

Which Clothes are Required during a Gorilla Safari?

You require good quality walking boots, warm layers of cloth for the cold evenings and clothing for wet weather since it becomes cold and wet at this high altitude.

Where to Stay During Your Safari

For accommodation, its best to book those around and near the established sectors since this gorilla tracking activity starts early mornings. And are various accommodation facilities in both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla National Park such as lodges, camps and cottages with standard bed services and cuisines. Upon making your booking for a gorilla safari you need to get to know the location of the gorilla group prebooked so that you can get possible lodges where you will stay.

How to Get There

The journey from Kampala to Bwindi Forest takes between 7 and 9 hours to drive from Kampala to the two mountain gorilla homesteads in Uganda. During this drive, you can be able to enjoy en route views of the real Uganda’s scenic views as well as enjoying game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo national parks.

Alternatively, you can use charter planes from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips that are near Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks.