Murchison falls National Park

This National Park was named after the beautiful and roaring Murchison falls formed from the tremendous bursting of Nile River waters through a narrow gorge prior to crashing in strong and roaring cascades. This Protected Area is so far the largest extending for over 3840 square kilometers with must-see wildlife being four of the big five game (elephants, lions, buffaloes and leopards), Rothschild giraffes, Topis, Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, warthogs and so much more. Activities enjoyed by visitors to Murchison falls National Park include hot air balloon tours, boat cruises, game drives, walking safaris, bird watching, chimpanzee trekking, cultural tours and hike to the top of the falls among others.

Jinja, – the source of R. Nile

While exploring Lake Victoria (the largest freshwater Lake and source of the Nile), you might get interested in visiting Jinja. This Town is one of the beautiful Colonial Towns and is nestled close to the source of the Nile River. A number of activities can be enjoyed by visitors to this Town and these include quad biking, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, horseback rides, biking/cycling and many others.

Kampala City

Kampala City is the Capital of Uganda, in addition to being a historical and culturally rich safari destination in the country. It is usually the starting point for most Uganda safaris and it would be a disservice not to explore its beauty that includes the thatched relics of the former glory years within Kasubi Tombs, learn about how innocent Christian youths were murdered on orders of a renowned Buganda King at Uganda Martyrs Shrine, the iconic mosque minarets at Gadhafi National Mosque, Ndere Cultural Center, Owino Market and other magnificent sites.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in south-western Uganda and boasts of jaw-dropping mountain views verdant landscapes as well as rich wildlife species that include 95 mammal species. Trekking mountain gorillas is the main reason for visiting this Park although other thrilling tourist activities such as mountain biking, guided forest walks, Batwa Cultural Experiences and bird watching are also offered.

Ssese Islands

Ssese is an archipelago consisting of over 84 Islands dotted on the tranquil north-western part of Lake Victoria. Some of these Islands are large and habited while others are small and inhabited, with exceptional species of flora and fauna including chimpanzees, hippos, Nile crocodiles and fish species including Nile Perch and Tilapia. A number of tourist activities can be enjoyed on these Islands and they include horseback rides, chimpanzee trekking, and relaxation/unwinding, wind surfing, bat cruises and many others.

Kibale Forest National Park

Just taking a guided walk through the verdant and thick jungles as well as wetland forests of Kibale Forest National Park you will be sure to get unforgettable experiences. What await visitors to this Park are our closest cousins-Chimpanzees in addition to encountering other forest flora and fauna species. There are over 13 primate species that also include L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons and patas in addition to over 375 bird species and many others.

Other animals you are likely to encounter in this Park are forest elephants, giant forest hogs, duikers, buffaloes and Sitatunga. Besides forest walks, it is also possible to undertake birding tours, the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience to spend the whole day with semi-habituated Chimpanzees and coffee/tea farm tours.

Entebbe

For most International tourists, Entebbe is the gateway into Uganda and en-route point to other safari destinations. However, this Town offers more than just being a gateway and boasts of beautiful tourist sites that include white sand beaches, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Reptiles Village, Entebbe Craft Village and many others.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda offers a small slice of most things Uganda offers with diverse ecosystems (wetlands, savannah, woodland, Lakes and forest) with numerous animal and bird species. Animals to expect in this Park are elephants, leopards, Defassa waterbucks, lions (manned and tree-climbing lions), buffaloes, Hippos, spotted hyenas, chimpanzees, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks and common warthogs. There are a number of visitor experiences in this Park and they include hot air balloon tours, Boat Cruises, game drives, bird watching, experiential tours and chimpanzee trekking among others. Besides the animals, natural features such as Kazinga Channel, Lake Katwe Explosion Crater and many others are found in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the closest Park to Kampala City (only about 3-4 hours away) and despite it being the smallest Savannah Park, it boasts of sweeping savannah plains dotting with acacia trees. These areas are habitats to Reedbucks, Cape buffaloes, spotted hyenas, Burchell’s zebras, impalas, Defassa waterbucks, Elands, leopards and many others. The park also boasts of a forest gallery where forest bird species can be spotted and game viewing here is wonderful in the dry season when animals converge around water points.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is situated in Nakitoma Trading Center, Nakasongola district along the Kampala-Gulu Highway. This exceptional tourist destination shelters the country’s only population of Rhinos in the wild with current.ly 32 southern white Rhinos in the Sanctuary. Rhino tracking is obviously the main reason why travellers visit the area but other activities such as shoebill tracking and canoe rides, guided nature walks and birding are also offered at the site.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is popular for mountaineering where visitors are offered views of snow-capped peaks, glacial Lakes as well as animals and birds that you will not find in other places of the country. Get a chance to see the three-horned chameleons alongside other animals such as Red forest duikers, black and white colobus monkeys, giant forest hogs, L’Hoest monkeys as well as over 200 bird species that include Rwenzori and Albertine Rift endemics.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Hidden in the remote north-western part of the country is Kidepo Valley National Park extending for a whopping 1442 square kilometers and over 790 kilometers from Kampala. This raw wilderness area is perfect for visitors who wish to explore Africa’s Parks away from the crowds. Majority of the country’s unique animal species such as Somali ostriches, Oryx, cheetahs, African wild dogs and striped hyenas are found in this Park

Other beautiful places to visit in Uganda include Lake Bunyonyi, Fort Portal Tourism City, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mount Morungole, Mount Elgon National Park and Sipi falls, Nyero Rock Paintings, Lake Mutanda and Semliki National Park among others.

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Interestingly, gorillas have for the last 5 decades been the flagship species of World Wildlife Fund for nature (WWF) through the “African Great Apes Programme”. Their main conservation works protect all the four gorilla sub-species through increasing support for gorilla conservation among local and International communities, improving the effectiveness of Gorilla National Parks as well as minimizing illegal trade of Gorilla products. Surprisingly, these Gorilla Conservation Programs not only work to protect gorillas alone but also the many flora and fauna species in the gorilla natural habitats.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also undertake the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) programs where all the four gorilla sub-species as well as their natural habitats are protected. They conduct campaigns in different countries. Different initiatives are encouraged such as calling upon nature lovers from across the world to trek gorillas because it is from these treks that local communities also benefit directly, giving a gift where Gamba Complex (home to western lowland gorillas) is protected, buying and using sustainable wood to protect gorilla habitats and donating to Organizations undertaking Gorilla conservation.

Conservation projects for Mountain Gorillas

The most popular Conservation initiatives for mountain gorillas were pioneered by Dian Fossey who through her works in the 1960s established Karisoke Research Center. This came along with habituation of mountain gorillas to get accustomed to human presence and this she did to closely observe and document gorilla behaviors, movements and status among others.  Today, the Dian Fossey Fund (set up after Dian Fossey’s death and to continue with her legacy) comprises of trackers, researchers and Rangers under Rwanda Development Board. The Dian Fossey Fund has also dedicated anti-poaching teams that patrol different sectors of gorilla habitats to offer protection against illegal activities such as poaching and habitat encroachment. The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) also secures the future for mountain gorillas by forming coalition of International Conservation Organizations, National and local partners to ensure the long-term survival of endangered mountain gorillas. These collaborations go across the three countries (Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda) with improved social and political support for conservation, pioneering tourism revenue-sharing schemes among surrounding communities in addition to elevating effectiveness in the managements of the National Parks sheltering mountain gorillas.

Conservation initiatives for Eastern Lowland Gorillas

Besides mountain gorillas, the Gorilla Fund also contributes to the conservation of Eastern Lowland Gorillas that have unfortunately not been protected or studied outside Kahuzi-Biega National Park. These largest gorilla species are one of the 25 most endangered primates of the World with over 80% of their population extinct in the last two decades. Given the fact that majority of the Eastern lowland Gorillas find shelter outside their designated Protected Areas, thus making it important to engage local communities in different conservation efforts. A research and Conservation Field Station was established in Nkuba Village, at the boundary of a verdant forest and it is where these gorillas are habituated, tracked and studied.

Conservation of Western Lowland Gorillas

The western lowland gorillas are also facing tremendous decline resulting from increased access to their once secluded habitats, poaching, diseases such as Ebola, weak law enforcement and corruption. Because of this, regional conservation initiatives are being used to protect these creatures that are said to be critically endangered. There has been increased collaboration with private sector in minimizing negative effects of extractive industry on these Giant Apes, setting up of agro-industries (rubber and palm oil) to make way for crops that have less effect on gorillas and their habitats.

They World Wildlife Fund for nature through the African Great Apes Programme is also active in engaging different conservation measures such as strengthening Protected Areas that shelter these gorillas, supporting gorilla trekking tours in the different Parks, adapting the human Ebola vaccine that will also save gorillas and promoting sustainable development of Parks in the Dzanga Sangha Protected Area Complex among others. You and I also have a responsibility in conserving these gorillas that include donating to WWF, using sustainable fuel options, booking gorilla safaris and spreading the gospel of gorilla conservation.

Conservation of Cross River Gorillas

The African Conservation Foundation joins other International and regional Organizations such as WWF in saving Cross River Gorillas of Nigeria and Cameroon from extinction. The Cross River Gorilla Conservation Programme for instance provides long term security to these critically endangered gorillas by mainly implementing community-based management strategies. A number of steps that include establishing of new Gorilla Parks/Reserves in the two countries, supporting monitoring efforts of these gorilla sub-populations in the main forest areas, delivering effective conservation education strategies and supporting the development of sustainable livelihoods as well as economic development initiatives and gorilla research are currently on-going.

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However, gorilla trekking is conducted through rough terrains, dense forest and hilly slopes that require basic to moderate fitness levels to maneuver through the humid areas, thick vegetation as well as long and steep trails that are sometimes even muddy. Given these trekking conditions, a certain packing list for recommended for gorilla trekking adventures and this includes;

Long Safari-style pants

Regardless of the destination you choose for the gorilla trekking safari, the vegetation will always be dense, verdant, tall and filled with unpleasant plants, thickets and uncomfortable tree branches, hence wearing long safari-style pants are important to ensure that your legs are covered from insect bites, bruises and tree scratches which are particularly common in the jungles. Make sure that the chosen clothes are of khaki material and colors that properly camouflage with the forest.

Additionally, the chosen trousers should be easy to tuck into your socks (although you must avoid tight trousers), have pockets and should be waterproof.

Long sleeved shirts/t-shirts

The vegetation of the Gorilla National Parks is thick and weather sometimes gets cold, especially in the higher altitudes where the Mountain gorillas live. The shirts/t-shirts should be safari-style and of neutral colors (brown, black and green) to properly camouflage with the natural environment. Avoid short sleeved shirts that will not protect your arms from tree branches, stinging nettles and many other unpleasant vegetation.

Poncho or Rain jacket

The Rain jacket is one of the essentials that shouldn’t be forgotten for gorilla treks, at whatever cost, reason being that the Tropical rainforests where these mountain gorillas live are verdant because rains are experienced all year round, even sometimes in the dry season. You wouldn’t wish to be in the middle of the forest without protection when it finally begins raining. The rain jacket you choose should be lightweight, breathable, neutral colors (Khaki, brown and green) to camouflage properly into the natural environment, must have a hoodie and comfortable enough.

Wide-brimmed hat or hair Bandana to protect your head

Travellers with long hair should make sure that it is properly covered to avoid getting stuck in the tree branches or getting filled with rubbish or dust. Therefore, a wide-brimmed hat or bandana for protection against dirt/dust and even scotching sunshine.

Strong and waterproof hiking shoes with enough ankle support

The kind of footwear to carry for gorilla trekking will greatly determine your entire experience because if you are not comfortable with your shoes, your experience will be totally ruined. The Park rangers and guides usually wear gumboots which keep their feet warm and provide enough grip when crossing rivers, walking in mud and hiking slopes. Because it is difficult to pack gumboots, it is advisable to pack rainproof hiking boots with enough ankle support to keep your legs dry in case of rain or stepping in mud, crossing rivers and puddles. Open shoes and sandals must be avoided at whatever cost.

Rainproof backpack

Most of the items you will need during gorilla trekking will be kept/stored in the backpack that you will carry along during the trek especially camera, binoculars, snacks, lunch box, bottled water, rain jacket and sunglasses. You might need to hire a porter to carry the backpack on your behalf and therefore should be waterproof to keep your camera and other items dry.

Insect repellant

Packing insect repellant when visiting Africa is a good decision and having it during gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda or even Democratic Republic of Congo is no brainer whether you are exploring Urban centers or remote National Parks. It is uncomfortable to be bitten by tsetse flies or be stung by the noisy mosquitoes hence make sure that you carry an insect repellant.

Camera with extra batteries and enough memory space

Packing a goof camera with enough memory space and extra batteries will make your gorilla trekking safari complete, because memories of your trips will be documented. Remember that flash cameras are prohibited because your flash will scare and sometimes make them charge.

Other important items for gorilla trekking include your travel documents (passport, visa and air ticket), thick and long socks, re-usable water bottles, extra energy giving snacks, gaiters, gardening gloves to protect hands when finding leverage in grabbing vegetation for support, pair of binoculars for spotting small and far creatures in the forest, first aid kit, face mask and hand sanitizer (given the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic at time of writing), and toiletries (deodorant, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair gel, sunscreen, lotion and many others) and warm sweater.

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This document is only issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for Uganda and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for Rwanda gorillas.

Although Gorilla Permits are only issued by any of the two mentioned Tourism Bodies, they can be obtained in two ways-directly from these Authorities/Bodies or the faster and stress-free process by trusted Tour Operators or Safari Companies.

With the second option, you will need to provide your passport details and payment for permit plus commission to cover administration costs for the Company.

However, it would be unwise to just entrust the Tour Operator/Safari Company with booking permits and still go through the stress of planning accommodation and transport when the Company can actually plan your entire Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda.

For permit booking directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority or Rwanda Development Board (mainly for travelers who are outside the respective countries) have options of sending email to the Board or Authority’s reservations office to inquire on the availability of gorilla permits for the dates you intend to trek the mountain gorillas.

After checking and confirming positive, you will be requested to send passport details and pay deposit with scanned copies of receipt.

After bookings have been done, you will receive scanned copies of gorilla permits on your email and you can now go ahead to pack and make other necessary arrangements for your gorilla safari.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is conducted within Volcanoes National Park are presently 12 gorilla groups are open for trekking all year round.

With only 8 permits provided for each gorilla group, a maximum of 96 gorilla permits can be sold each day.

For Uganda, the adventure is undertaken within Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, although the mobility and unreliability of these Giant Apes in Mgahinga makes most travelers to avoid it hence most Uganda gorilla tours are carried out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Prior to embarking on gorilla treks, participants are informed of the gorilla family to trek and this usually depends on personal interests, age and level of physical fitness especially for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that boasts of over 20 habituated gorilla groups distributed across the four trekking regions of Ruhija in the East, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the south and Buhoma in the Northern part of the Park.

Perfect time to book for Gorilla Permits

It is recommended for travellers to book Gorilla Permits at least 3-4 months in advance for low season (wet season) or 6 months during peak season (dry season).

The earlier you purchase the gorilla permit, the faster and less stressful it is to get the permits especially for peak season (months of January, February, May, June, July, August, September and December).

How much do gorilla permits cost?

In Rwanda, gorilla permits cost $1500 per person for all categories of travelers while in Uganda, they cost about $700 for foreign non-residents (trekkers that don’t live and work in Uganda), $600 per person for foreign residents (visitors who live and work in Uganda hence a work permit will be required alongside passport details when booking for the gorilla permit) and Shs 250,000 for East African Community Citizens (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi).

Remember, just like you will be required to present an air ticket before boarding a plane, a gorilla permit is needed for getting into the jungle to search for mountain gorillas.

Your full details-name, date of birth, nationality and passport number will be required when booking for gorilla permits.

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Gorilla trekking is one of the prime safari activities in Uganda, with the highest concentration of primates in the continent of Africa, longest river on earth-river Nile, most hospitable people and home to half of the total Mountain Gorilla species in the world.

Uganda’s neighbors are; Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Sudan and Tanzania.

Gorillas can only be found in the continent of Africa. The mountain Gorillas, most loved and visited number about 1060 individuals, spread across the gigantic Virunga ranges near Volcanoes national park-Rwanda, Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla national park; as well as Bwindi impenetrable national park in the pearl of Africa – Uganda.

These apes have huge bodies and stay in groups called troops, deep in the forest. They are reportedly man’s closest relatives, sharing about 95% of Human-like genes, characteristics, and behaviors.

A group submits to one dominant silverback, whose duty is to ensure discipline, find new territories, protect the family and train the young stars. It is a lifetime experience coming face to face with these rare creatures.

A gorilla permit is a compulsory document issued to all those intending to encounter the Gorillas in Uganda. They are in high demand and limited to only 8 people, aged 15 years and above, per gorilla group.

The standard charges for these permits, as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority June 2020-2022 tariff are 250000ugx for Ugandans and East Africans, 700usd for Foreign Non-residents and 600usd for foreign residents.

The permits are acquired from the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala or through a trusted local tour operator.

However during such hard seasons like COVID-19 pandemic, the Authorities agree and set a discounted price for the given period, so as no one misses on the fascinating glimpse of the apes.

The discounted price was 150,000ugx for East African nationals including Ugandans, 400usd for foreign non-residents, and 300usd for foreign residents.

Months for Discounted Gorilla permits

Currently Uganda does not offer discounted during the low season months like it used to be a few years ago. However, in response to Covid 19 easing of lockdown, you may also have not missed out on these creatures.

However you can enjoy several other discounted services during this season, like accommodation facilities, transportation, flight tickets and cheap packages from tour operators. Typical low season months in Uganda are – March, May, October and November.

Where to go with a discounted permit?

You can pick from any of the two mountain gorilla habitats in the far ends of the tropical forests in the southwestern part of the Country.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the largest concentration of individual gorillas in its four trekking sectors – Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with its one gorilla family – Nyakagezi.

Participate in gorilla trekking in Uganda and have a forever amazing memory, with each safari moment without a hustle. Spend less but see and enjoy more.

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