Traveling as a Solo Person for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Traveling as a Solo Person for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Traveling as a solo person for gorilla trekking in either Uganda or Rwanda exposes you to chances of making personal memories. You get the chance to get up close with these gentle giants in the wilderness extensively. No one to stop you from having a special moment with the mountain gorillas in front of you.
You have to be extremely prepared for gorilla trekking especially parking the right gear because traveling solo means you may not have anyone to borrow from.
Follow the advice given about preparing for gorilla trekking in Africa as this is like the guide to give you the perfect packing list.
Booking your gorilla trekking safari in advice gives you the greatest opportunity to re-confirm and recheck the requirements of gorilla trekking. This also saves you the trouble of forgetting the most essential travel requirements which may push you into panic.
Taking on some mini-exercise to keep your muscles fit for the trek to locate the mountain gorillas gives you more advantage. Imagine meeting the mountain gorillas which are some of the most sought-after primates of the world while you are so exhausted. Make that moment memorable and worth your waiting and saving for.
Even after confirming your gorilla trekking tour, keep checking with your operator as often as you wish so that you are on the same page by the time of your departure. Inform the tour operator about your flight schedule and provide your travel details for follow up especially if the ground operator is to do your airport transfer.
At Safari Vacations & Travel Services, we may reconfirm your flights especially the departure flights from either Entebbe or Kigali Airport so that in case of any changes you are in the know.
Most Popular Safaris
8-day Uganda safari via Kigali
5 days gorillas and chimp safari
17-day Uganda Mid-range Safari
16-day primate game and culture
11 days gorilla tracking safari
5 days gorilla and Nile River source
Where to do gorilla safaris in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the largest home of the mountain gorillas, home to more than 19 gorilla trekking families and so far 4 gorilla habituation experience families. This tropical rainforest is a biosphere reserve that is believed to have been in existence for over 25000 years ago. This has enabled the forest to accumulate a long list of inhabitants.
Gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi are booked according to the four areas under which the forest is divided which are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushag, and Nkuringo.
It is best to reserve accommodations to use during the gorilla safari in Bwindi within or closer to the area where the gorilla permit is booked. This is because the obstacles that separate one area from another make it quite hard to easily cross and find briefing time.
Bwindi hosts other inhabitants including Chimpanzees though they are wild, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, over 88 butterfly species, 350 bird species, over 200 tree species, 51 reptiles, and others.
Sometimes the mountain gorillas spend time on the slopes of these highlands so you need to hike to get to them.
Mgahinga National Park
The small size of Mgahinga National Park amongst the Uganda National Parks doesn’t stop it from being one of the few homes of the mountain gorillas in the world. Mgahinga National Park whose area is estimated to be 33.7 square kilometers is home to so far one gorilla family called Nyakagezi.
The mysterious golden monkeys one of the highly endangered primates in the world are also residents of Mgahinga National Park. More than 115 bird species have been recorded as residents of Mgahinga forest including Albertine rift endemics. Mgahinga forest is one of the untouched natural forests in the world so if you are searching for authentic nature, this may be part of your choice.
What is the cost of the Uganda gorilla safari?
The cost of Uganda gorilla safari currently costs $ 700 per person per trek however this price is changing effectively from 1st June 2024 and it will cost $ 800 per person per trek. The cost is only issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. However, you can book your gorilla permit through a reputable tour operator like Safari Vacations & Travel Services to purchase for you a permit.
Where to stay while on Uganda gorilla safari
When planning a Uganda gorilla safari, choosing the right accommodation is crucial to enhancing your overall experience. There are various accommodation options available, ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites, each offering a unique and immersive experience. For those seeking luxury and comfort, staying at exclusive lodges located near the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can provide a lavish experience with top-notch amenities and personalized service.
On the other hand, for travelers on a tighter budget, some affordable guesthouses and campsites offer basic yet comfortable lodging options while still allowing you to be close to the gorilla trekking activities. No matter your preference, choosing the right accommodation can truly enhance your Uganda gorilla safari experience and create lasting memories in the heart of nature.
When is the best visit to Uganda for a solo gorilla safari experience?
The best time to visit Uganda for a solo gorilla safari experience is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to September. This time of year offers the best weather conditions for trekking through the lush forests in search of mountain gorillas. The dry season also provides better visibility and hiking conditions, making it easier to navigate the rugged terrain and spot the gorillas in their natural habitat. Additionally, the dry season coincides with the peak tourist season, so you may have better chances of securing permits and accommodations for your solo adventure. Be sure to plan your trip well in advance to ensure a memorable and successful gorilla safari experience in Uganda.
How do I get to the Gorilla trekking?
It is possible to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park either by road or by domestic flight. To get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is around a nine-hour drive from Entebbe/Kampala and to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is around a 10–11-hour drive. By domestic flight, you fly from Entebbe to arrive in towns near the mountains (Kihihi or Kisoro depending on where you are trekking). And then you are driven the last bit up into the mountains.
What to pack on gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Packing for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda refers to preparing and bringing the necessary essential items. When packing for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, essentials include sturdy hiking boots or shoes, comfortable clothing, and layers for changing weather conditions. Trekkers should also bring a waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves, as well as a backpack with snacks, water, and a packed lunch. Additionally, items including a camera, binoculars, and charger, as well as sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit are essential. Moreover, you should pack a trekking stick for the challenging terrain, along with a portable toilet seat or personal hygiene wipes. Lastly carry your important documents like a passport, visa, and permit, as well as cash and a tip for the guides and the porters should be carried.
What to Expect During Your Uganda Gorilla Trek
Your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure begins with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters. Here, experienced guides will provide essential information about gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the trek.
The trek itself is an exhilarating journey through the dense rainforests of Bwindi or Mgahinga, following trails that wind through lush vegetation and across varying terrain. The duration of the trek can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you’ll be visiting.
Once you encounter the gorillas, prepare to be mesmerized. You’ll have one precious hour to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Watch as the gorillas of Africa play, groom each other, and forage for food. Witness the silverback’s gentle leadership and the playful antics of the youngsters. This is an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Suggested 5-day Gorilla Trekking for Solo Gorilla Trekking In Uganda.
Start Day One Road Trip To Bwidi Forest National Park Uganda
Get into your vehicle preferably 4×4 because the nature of roads close to Bwindi’s Impenetrable forest turns boggy, especially during the severe rainy seasons. The route to Bwindi forest to do gorilla trekking is entertaining.
Several landforms beautifully make up the way, especially the volcanic area. Numerous crater lakes can be seen at the base of the highlands.
Arrive late evening and check into your lodge
Day Two Gorilla trekking In Bwindi Forest
After breakfast, carry your gorilla trekking gear to the ranger briefing point. Do not forget to park an extra clean mask to change into as you approach the mountain gorillas.
You will be divided into groups of 8 clients to trek each gorilla family. Follow your ranger guide because he is more familiar with the forest. Although the ranger guide follows the slowest trekker try not to delay the rest of the group because you do not know when to locate the mountain gorillas.
Watch out for other troupes of monkeys like olive baboons, black and white colobus, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and L’hoest to mention but a few
The rich avian life in the forest is like the life of the party. It makes your trek even more interesting. Several birds make their way into the forest including those on the IUCN red list.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
When you finally approach the gorillas, you may hear them murmur at each other so come into view as per the instructions of the ranger. Keep a distance of about 8 meters away from the gorillas and watch. Take photos but try not to touch the gorillas even if they are adorable to be around.
Exhaust every minute you are with the mountain gorillas and take as many pictures as you can for keeps.
Return to your lodge to relax.
Day Three Drive To Queen Elizabeth National Park
A combo of gorilla trekking with wild game drive makes the Africa trip adventure more exciting. Nothing can do this best other than touring Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
The distance between the two parks is about 4 hours to 5 hours on the road but as you get into Queen Elizabeth National Park, you may drive through Ishasha sector. Ishasha sector is the famous home of the tree-climbing lions that you may be able to see relaxing in the figs.
Other animals you may have a chance to see include herds of buffaloes, elephants, leopards, water bucks, and beautiful landscapes to mention but a few.
Check into your lodge
Day Four Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
An early rise gives you the best view of the park as it comes to day life. Watching the nocturnal return to their day hideouts and others rise from their night hideouts is spectacular.
The north Kazinga and Kasenyi ground has the biggest chances of watching wildlife drama especially the famous Kasenyi area where lots of Uganda Kobs spend their biggest time of the day. Lions sneak at the jobs to have a meal for the day. The chances of watching the hunting drama are more opposable in this area.
Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Watch out for rich bird life in the Lake Edward Flats which are marshy bird feeding grounds all year round. Chances of supporting the shoe bill, white-winged warbler, papyrus gonolek, black-rumped buttonquail and so many others are high. An opportunity to spot tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of the southern part of the park is here.
Get back to your lodge for lunch.
Launch trip after a morning game drive is like a cherry on top of the icing. Get to relax on the boat that sails from Mweya pier on the Kazinga channel. The amount of wildlife that graces the shores is amazing and the birds that flock to the shores are unbelievable.
Even foreign migrant birds like lesser and greater flamingos, Egyptian geese, and others find their way to the shores. Watch a clear view of the rift valley floor and surrounding features like the Rwenzori ranges that stand up to make a beautiful backdrop.
Return to your lodge to relax
Day Five departure date
Having enjoyed the wilderness of Gorilla trekking Bwindi impenetrable park and game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park drive to Entebbe Airport. Catch up with your departure flight.
Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Moreover, Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a business for a Ugandan native, we specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and with registration from the Uganda Tourism Board. We have a good and long working relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority making it easy to book your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari. Safari Vacations and Travel Services is also high in Trip Advisor reviews.
