Things to consider when booking a solo gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Things to think about when making reservations for a Ugandan solo gorilla trekking safari In the thrilling sport known as “gorilla trekking,” visitors journey through the tropical jungle in search of habituated mountain gorillas and, if they are located, spend an hour with them in their natural environment.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is conducted in two national parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, both of which are in the southwest. In addition to Uganda, gorilla trekking is also conducted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and the Virunga National Park.
This article will highlight several factors to take into account when booking a solo gorilla trekking safari. First-time solo travelers planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda typically have conflicting feelings about the cost of gorilla permits, where to purchase the permits, which travel agency to use, where to stay, and what to pack, among other things.
Experience trekking with gorillas for lone travelers
In both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla trekking begins at around 8:00 am with a training of the park’s rules and regulations at the park headquarters. Following the briefing, you will be split up into groups of eight, and each group will be paired with an experienced park guide who is familiar with the gorilla trekking trails and a habituated gorilla family to hike.
Because mountain gorillas prefer to roam around in search of food, trekking with them in Uganda might take anywhere from two to seven hours, depending on their location. You can see other wildlife while trekking, and after you find the gorillas, you can spend an hour with them in their natural habitat. This allows you to observe their daily activities, take pictures and videos, and learn more about their behaviors.
The price of a single traveler’s gorilla trekking permit
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a gorilla trekking permit costs 800 USD per person for non-resident foreigners, 700 USD per person for locals, and 300,000 UGX per person for inhabitants of East Africa.
How can I reserve a permit to gorilla trek in Uganda?
You can reserve gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by contacting a reputable tour operator, such as Experiya Tour Company, via phone or email. Please specify the date, month, and year of your desired gorilla visit. After getting in touch with us, we will see if there are any permits available on the days you have selected. If so, you will be required to pay a deposit. We can buy the permit on your behalf and email you a scanned copy of the receipt as soon as we receive the payment.
When to reserve a permit for gorilla trekking
Because gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are competitive and typically sell out quickly, especially during the peak season in June to September and December to February, it is recommended that you book three to six months prior to the trekking date. This will help you avoid last-minute disappointments.
Considerations for organizing a Ugandan solo gorilla trekking trip
Although obtaining a gorilla trekking permit at the last minute is not assured, it is possible to do so during the off-peak months of March through May and October through November when there are less tourists.
Accommodations for your Ugandan gorilla trekking expedition
During the gorilla trekking safari, a lone traveler can stay at any of the several lodging options available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ichumbi Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Jungle View Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Mutanda Lake Resort, Kisoro Travellers Rest Hotel, and others are available, and they are booked based on the sector you want to visit.
Things to bring on a Ugandan gorilla trekking safari
An individual traveling alone should bring a number of items for a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, such as long sleeves and trousers, insect repellent, gardening gloves, a waterproof rain jacket, hiking shoes, a camera and extra batteries, energy snacks and water, binoculars, a warm sweater, a walking stick, a backpack, and more.
How many days should a lone traveler stay on a gorilla trekking safari?
When organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda as a solo traveler, you should think about how many days you can spend on the safari. In Uganda, you can spend a minimum of three days on a gorilla trekking safari, which includes driving from Kampala to Bwindi impenetrable national park on the first day, going on a gorilla trekking safari on the second day, and driving back to Kampala on the third day.
In Rwanda, you can spend a minimum of two days on a gorilla trekking safari, such as day 1 transfer from Kigali to Bwindi impenetrable national park. On the second day, go gorilla trekking and return to Kigali by car. Depending on how many days you have, a lone traveler can also combine gorilla trekking with wildlife viewing or chimpanzee trekking.
