The Best Uganda Gorilla Tours

If you're looking for a Uganda gorilla tour company, there are a few things you should consider. First, do some research to find companies with good reputations and positive reviews. Make sure the company is licensed and experienced in organizing gorilla tours. Safety should be a top priority, so find out about their safety measures and trained guides. Look for companies that promote ethical and sustainable tourism by supporting wildlife protection and local communities. Also, think about the size of the group and the flexibility of the tour package. It's a good idea to check out the qualifications and experience of the guides, read customer reviews, and assess the company's communication and responsiveness. Finally, consider whether the price is worth the overall value of the tour.

By considering important factors like reputation, trust, expertise, experience, flexibility, and price, Nkuringo Safaris is the best travel company in Uganda for an enjoyable and responsible gorilla trek.

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, specifically from January to February and June to September. This ensures that you won't encounter heavy rainfall and that the roads will be smoother, although there is still a possibility of rain or muddy conditions. However, it's important to note that the peak season, which coincides with the dry season, presents some challenges in securing gorilla permits and finding available accommodations. Therefore, make your bookings well in advance, preferably 4-6 months or even a year ahead.

On the other hand, the low season, spanning from September to November and March to May provides discounted rates for gorilla expeditions in Uganda but comes with guaranteed downpours, typically lasting up to two hours each day. Nevertheless, the views during this time of year are breathtaking. Additionally, during the dry season, Uganda gorilla tours often extend for wildlife game viewing in the savannah parks, as animals tend to gather around water sources. Bird watching is also exceptional all year round, particularly from November to April when migrant species are present. Even during the rainy season, April and May are excellent periods for birding during your trip.

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Gorilla habituation offers a longer and more immersive experience, with up to four hours spent observing and interacting with a gorilla family not fully familiarized with humans. However, it's more expensive at US $1,500 per permit per person, and only four tourists are allowed to participate. The experience is limited to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla trekking costs USD 700 per permit per person, and visitors are allowed only one hour with a gorilla family fully accustomed to human presence.

Read more on Gorilla Trekking vs Habituation Experience >>>

Uganda and Rwanda gorilla permits are non-refundable and non-transferable since your passport details are checked against the ticket. If you cancel your gorilla tour or fail to turn up on the tracking day, you can not get your money back for whatever reason. However, you or your tour operator can reschedule the permit to another date up to a week before the tracking date. You can book the gorilla permit up to two years before the trekking date. You must pay at least 30% of the permit price at reservation time, remit the balance less than 90 days before the trekking date, or lose the 30% deposit and the permit. However, if you must cancel your booking, you must incur expenses.

Read more Gorilla Permits - All you need to know >>>

Uganda gorilla expeditions can be quite expensive due to the cost of the gorilla permits, which serve as a vital conservation funding tool. Approximately 75% of the fees generated from these permits are allocated towards human resources and conservation initiatives. Additionally, a portion of the funds goes towards developing infrastructure and creating income opportunities for the communities residing near the parks.

The individuals responsible for security, healthcare, and trekking services endure extremely challenging and remote conditions, often spending extended periods away from their families. Despite these hardships, gorilla safari lodges located in these remote areas go above and beyond to provide luxurious amenities to their guests. While these factors contribute to the higher cost of gorilla expeditions, they are necessary for the success of gorilla conservation efforts and to ensure truly unforgettable encounters with these magnificent creatures.

Read moreDetails on the costs of a gorilla expedition >>>

You should definitely hire a porter on your gorilla trek. The trek is quite tuff for many people. Porters are very useful in helping you navigate challenging terrain by pulling your hand, pushing you up steep slopes, and sometimes carrying you when injured. They also hold your pack or gear, so the hike through high altitude is smooth and pleasant. On a responsible travel note, hiring a porter is an excellent way to support the local communities directly. The men and women offering their services as porters come from remote villages that would be looking at the rainforest for livelihood. The 20 bucks you pay can support an entire family for almost twenty days, which is quite something for low-income families living near gorilla habitats.

Your packing list for gorilla trekking should include a tourist visa, waterproof hiking shoes, jacket, trekking trousers, gloves, sunhat, fleece, waterproof backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, walking poles or staff, drinking water, energy bites, disposable facemasks, and a basic first aid kit.

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Gorilla trekking in Uganda is generally considered safe, thanks to the measures put in place by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and various conservation organizations. Decades of scientific research have resulted in strict ground rules that aim to protect humans, gorillas and other animals in the protected reserve. Tourists can safely visit mountain gorillas habituated to human presence by following these rules. Some of the rules include wearing a facemask and gloves, staying at least ten meters away from the gorillas, and avoiding direct eye contact with them. By preparing physically and adhering to the ground rules, visitors can safely and enjoyably experience the wonder of mountain gorillas in their natural sanctuary. Read more: Is trekking with gorillas in Uganda safe?

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer great gorilla safari expeditions, but there are a few differences to consider. Rwanda offers upmarket accommodation options, but gorilla permits are more expensive at $1,500 per person, and it's a shorter drive from the airport to Volcanoes National Park. Conversely, Uganda offers a more challenging and raw experience with more safari options and accommodation choices for all markets. It's also cheaper, with more trekking trailheads, more gorilla families habituated to tourism, and more gorilla permits available. Ultimately, the choice between the two destinations for the best gorilla expeditions in Africa depends on your preferences, including physical fitness, proximity to the airport, accommodation options, permit pricing, and entry restrictions.

Detailed comparison Rwanda vs Uganda >>>

You have a 98% guaranteed chance of seeing gorillas on a trek in Uganda or Rwanda. Rangers and researchers have perfected gorilla treks, with a team of rangers going out at dawn to find the gorillas before they leave their nest. They stay with them and send coordinates to your lead trackers, who will guide you to where you can spend time with the gorillas. There have been very few instances where people don't see the gorillas, typically due to other wild animals or unfriendly weather. In such cases, the trekking office will assign you to another mountain gorilla family you can observe.

Tipping the gorilla trekking rangers, guides, and porters is highly appreciated but optional. Standard tipping rates for gorilla tours in Uganda or Rwanda include:

• Transfer driver - $5
• Service staff at safari lodge/camp - $15 per couple per day
• Safari Guide - $20 per couple per day
• Trackers - $15 per couple per day
• Porter - $20 per person (standard hiring fee)
• Butler - $15 per couple per day

You can give a bigger tip if you desire. Tips should be in small US dollar bills (post-2006), but local currency is preferred. Visit the airport Forex shop or bank before heading to the countryside to get local currency and understand the exchange rate.

Recommended reading: Etiquette of Tipping on Safari: A Comprehensive Guide