Combine Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Combine Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Combine Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda — Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano located in Tanzania, stands as Africa’s highest peak, rising to an impressive 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. It is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro’s majestic landscape is characterized by its three volcanic peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The mountain offers several trekking routes, each with its own unique challenges and scenic rewards.

Among the popular routes are Rongai, known for its relative ease and northern approach, and Machame, renowned for its challenging ascent and breathtaking vistas. Other routes include Mweka, Umbwe, Marangu, Shira, and Lemosho, each catering to different preferences and fitness levels. Machame, while the toughest, is favored for its stunning views and varied terrain. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a remarkable adventure, featuring diverse landscapes and the opportunity for outdoor camping amidst the mountain’s striking scenery. We offer various packages for all routes, ensuring you can find an option that suits your adventure style.

Best Time for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Given its equatorial location, East Africa generally experiences a tropical climate throughout the year. The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which spans from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are drier, making the hike more accessible, and the roads leading to the mountain are in better condition. Despite the dry season, expect occasional drizzles and slippery conditions at higher altitudes. Proper hiking gear is essential for a successful and enjoyable climb.

Combining Kilimanjaro Climb with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Combining a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro with gorilla trekking in Uganda offers an extraordinary adventure. After summiting Kilimanjaro, you can embark on a gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda, or vice versa. Gorilla trekking is a must-do activity in Uganda, with opportunities to encounter mountain gorillas in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences.

How to Combine Kilimanjaro Climb with Gorilla Trekking

You can easily combine a Kilimanjaro climb with gorilla trekking in Uganda by starting your adventure with gorilla trekking in Uganda and then flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport to begin your climb. Alternatively, you can climb Kilimanjaro first and then travel to Uganda for gorilla trekking. Flights between Tanzania and Uganda are operated by various airlines, including Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Airlink, making it convenient to arrange your trip.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Buhoma and Ruhija are located in the northern and northeastern parts of Bwindi, respectively, and are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which allows for easy combination with game viewing. Rushaga and Nkuringo, situated in the southern part of Bwindi, are near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can also experience golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated gorilla families available for trekking, with Rushaga offering the most families.

Gorilla Trekking Costs in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are priced as follows:

• USD 700 per person for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 600 per person for East African Residents
• USD 70 per person for East African Citizens

The permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you plan and book your combined Kilimanjaro climb and gorilla trekking adventure. Contact us for personalized assistance and to start planning your extraordinary African safari experience.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Booking a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda requires securing a permit in advance. Gorilla permits are essential for trekking and can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). For those traveling through Entebbe, it is advisable to purchase your permit from UWA’s headquarters in Kampala. If you are arriving through Kigali, you can buy your permit at the UWA office in Kisoro, which is conveniently located just 1-2 hours from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Trek Africa Expeditions simplifies this process by handling the permit acquisition for you. Once you confirm your trekking dates and share them with us via email or WhatsApp, we will tentatively reserve your permits online. We will then send you an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of your payment, we will finalize the purchase of your permits and provide you with scanned copies for your records. This ensures that your gorilla trekking permits are secured efficiently and promptly.

What is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The optimal time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, and from June to early September. These months offer the best conditions for travel to the park and provide clearer views of the gorillas due to reduced vegetation. The drier trails make the trek more manageable and enhance your overall experience.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Choosing the right clothing is crucial for a comfortable and successful gorilla trekking experience. Here’s a detailed guide on what to wear:

• Long-Sleeved Sweater: The temperature in the park can be chilly, so a long-sleeved sweater is essential.
• Long Trousers: Wear two pairs of long trousers to protect your legs from scratches and insects.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: Durable, waterproof boots are necessary for navigating muddy and uneven terrain.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Optional but useful for sun protection depending on weather conditions.
• Cameras and Extra Batteries: Capture your memories with a camera; ensure you have long-lasting batteries and keep the flash off.
• Binoculars: Useful for spotting birds and other wildlife in the dense forest.
• Gardening Gloves: These help with gripping branches and trees during the trek.
• Raincoat: The rainforest climate means rain is unpredictable, so a raincoat is essential.
• Mosquito Repellent: Protect yourself from insects by applying mosquito repellent.
• Sunscreen: Depending on the season, sunscreen may be necessary to prevent sunburn.
• Neutral Clothing: Avoid bright colors and black or blue clothing, as these can either scare the gorillas or attract tsetse flies. Neutral colors are best.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Accommodation options for gorilla trekking in Uganda vary by sector:

• Rushaga Sector: Options include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp.
• Nkuringo Sector: Consider Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, or Lake Mutanda Resort.

In the northern part of Bwindi:

• Buhoma Sector: Stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, or Ride 4 a Woman.
• Ruhija Sector: Options include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp.

Why Book Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in creating personalized travel experiences, including combining gorilla trekking in Uganda with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. As a local tour operator, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our team of professional tour consultants is available to answer your queries within 20 minutes and will craft a tailored travel plan to suit your needs. We also provide knowledgeable safari guides in various languages to enhance your experience. Contact us to start planning your adventure, combining the thrill of Kilimanjaro with the awe-inspiring experience of gorilla trekking in Uganda.