How Many Days are Needed for Gorilla Trekking in the Wild?

How Many Days are Required for a Wild Gorilla Trekking Experience?

It is important to understand the minimum duration required for a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda or Rwanda before making any bookings. Unlike other tourist activities in Africa, gorilla trekking is scheduled and starts at 8:30am in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This means that all participants must be present at the park headquarters for a briefing before the trek begins. Therefore, it is essential to factor in these requirements when planning your gorilla trekking safari.

How Long Does a Gorilla Tour in Uganda Take?

If you’re planning a gorilla tour in Uganda and starting from Kampala or Entebbe, you’ll need at least three days to make it a successful experience. This is due to several reasons, including the long distance from the capital and main airport, which takes a whole day of driving. It takes about 8-9 hours to reach the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and 9-10 hours to reach the southern part of the park or Mgahinga National Park. Therefore, the first day of your trip will mostly be reserved for the journey from Kampala or Entebbe to the park.

On the second day of your trip, you will be going on a gorilla trek. The trek starts at 8:30 am, but it is necessary to arrive at the park headquarters by 7 am for registration and to confirm all requirements with the park authorities. During this time, you will receive a briefing and any necessary information before being taken to the park. Some entertainment may also be provided before the trek. Your assigned ranger guide will provide a general briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking before heading into the forest to search for the rare mountain gorillas. You will be with the same guide throughout the trek. When you find the gorillas, you will have a maximum of one hour to observe and take photographs before returning to the park headquarters. Here, you will receive a certificate recognizing your contribution to the conservation of mountain gorillas in Uganda. A portion of the gorilla permit fee is used to support the conservation efforts by providing medication for the gorillas and paying Uganda Wildlife Authority employees who manage national parks in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking typically lasts between 30 minutes to three-quarters of a day, and due to the restriction of tourist vehicles driving past 7 pm, it is not possible to return to Kampala on the same day. Thus, you will spend a minimum of three days for the gorilla tour, including the second night at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The third day is for driving back to Kampala or Entebbe. You can check out our 3-Day gorilla trekking tour starting from either Kampala or Entebbe.

Minimum Duration for Gorilla Tour to Bwindi from Kabale or Kisoro

For those planning a gorilla safari, a minimum of three days is required if departing from Kampala or Entebbe. However, if departing from Kabale or Kisoro, a minimum of one or two days is necessary. Gorilla trekking excursions from Kabale or Kisoro to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park are possible, and visitors can trek the gorillas and drive back to their respective town. This arrangement is only for those who have spent a night in Kabale or Kisoro or reside in those towns. Visitors interested in trekking mountain gorillas from Kabale or Kisoro should begin their journey early in the morning, leaving at 5 am to arrive at the park headquarters in time for the briefing. It is important to note that landslides can sometimes block roads, causing delays. If such an event occurs, visitors should call UWA or fellow tourists for rescue. After gorilla trekking, visitors will return to Kabale or Kisoro. It is essential to book gorilla permits in advance from the UWA park headquarters before driving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Trek Africa Expeditions recommend a minimum of two days for a gorilla tour from Kabale or Kisoro. The first day should be for driving closer to the park headquarters, while the second day is for gorilla trekking before driving back to Kabale or Kisoro. This will reduce the risk of missing out on the gorilla trek due to challenges that may be encountered on the early morning drive from Kisoro/Kabale to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is important to note that the road connecting Kabale/Kisoro to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be slippery, flooded, or blocked by mudslides. Arriving a day before the trek will help alleviate stress and worry associated with these challenges.

Essential Tips for Planning a Successful Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda

Whether you’re starting your gorilla tour from Entebbe or Kabale, it’s crucial to ensure that your trek to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park is well-organized. Gorilla trekking can be quite expensive, and even the slightest mistakes during preparations can be costly. Before embarking on this adventure, it’s important to conduct thorough research to determine the best time to trek gorillas, availability of gorilla permits, the different gorilla families, the various sections of the park, as well as how to book your accommodation and permits. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with transportation options to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as both driving and flying are viable options.

If you’re seeking information about gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, including the minimum number of days required for a gorilla tour, and the process of booking gorilla permits, look no further than Trek Africa Expeditions. We can provide expert advice on availability, reserve and book all services on your behalf, making your booking process stress-free.

Planning Your Gorilla Trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers the advantage of being located in close proximity to Kigali City and the International Airport. This makes gorilla trekking in Rwanda a popular choice for many tourists who prefer shorter travel times. For example, the drive from Kigali to Musanze takes only 2-3 hours, which is significantly less than the time it takes to travel from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

With the ease of travel to Volcanoes National Park, a gorilla trek can be completed in just one or two days, although we recommend allowing for at least 3 days to fully enjoy the park and its activities. It’s important to plan your trip carefully to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Research the best time to trek gorillas, make sure to book your gorilla permits in advance, and explore the various activities available within the park.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we can help you plan and book your gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Contact us to learn more about available services and to ensure that your booking process is stress-free.

Reasons Why You Should Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Uganda or Rwanda Gorilla Tour

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in providing tours and excursions to Uganda and Rwanda, allowing them to develop expertise and strong relationships in these two countries. Our professional office staff will provide you with accurate and reliable information to ensure a successful gorilla tour. Trek Africa Expeditions has earned high praise on both Trip Advisor and Safari Bookings, so you can trust us to deliver a memorable and satisfying experience. Contact us via email or phone for further details on booking your Uganda or Rwanda gorilla tour with Trek Africa Expeditions.