The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks
The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks: Gorilla trekking is one of the leading activities in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, which are home to the endangered mountain gorillas with over 98% of the same DNA as humans. Following the ultimate gorilla trekking safaris, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks inhabit more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Get ready to experience the splendor of the majestic mountain gorillas on this ultimate gorilla trekking safari. Unquestionably, travel to Uganda to observe their social life and behaviour while recording every moment of this incredible experience—a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation in Bwindi
Considering the ultimate gorilla trekking safaris, seeing these gentle giants takes an hour-long visit with fully habituated mountain gorillas, while gorilla habituation takes four hours of interaction with semi-habituated mountain gorillas. The rangers who teach the activity’s laws and regulations give trekkers a briefing at the sector headquarters very early in the morning before the start of both activities.
A maximum of 8 individuals can go trekking, and a maximum of 4 people can go habituating. Armed ranger guides lead the hikers into the jungle, where they follow various trekking routes to locate the mountain gorilla families. There is a 100% probability of sighting them in their natural habitats, and the search takes two to four hours.
Trekkers spend one hour with fully habituated mountain gorillas and four hours with semi-habituated ones when spotted. Trekkers can observe the gorillas going about their everyday lives, take pictures and movies, and learn about their behaviours.
The cost of gorilla permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga Impenetrable National Park
Followng the ultimate gorilla trekking safaris, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has gorilla trekking and habituation permits that cost differently. A single gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for non-foreign residents, $700 for foreign residents, and $500 for the rest of Africa and UGX300,000 citizens of East African Member States. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 for non-foreign residents, $1000 for foreign residents & Rest of Africa, and UGX750,000 citizens of East African Member States.
Golden monkey trekking/habituation in Mgahinga National Park
During the ultimate gorilla trekking safaris, the only location in Uganda where endangered golden monkeys can be found is in Mgahinga National Park. Golden monkeys are subspecies of blue monkeys with darker spots on their forehead, armed legs, and a golden orange patch on their back. Seeing these primates is a dream come true, and Mgahinga is the sole location to do so.
Golden monkey trekking and habituation begin with a briefing from the park headquarters very early in the morning, just like gorilla trekking or habituation. Trekkers receive instruction on the laws and regulations of the activity from this point on, after which they are led into the jungle by armed ranger guides to look for elderly monkeys.
To find the bamboo areas where the golden monkeys of Bwindi often reside, the search team follows many trekking trails. Due to their high level of mobility, finding the golden monkeys may take time. With their long tails, they may move from one tree branch to another.
During these ultimate gorilla trekking safaris, visitors get a close encounter with the golden monkeys. Trekkers accompany these monkeys as they engage in various daily activities, such as feeding, hunting, mating, nursing, and playing, to name a few, because they cannot remain in one location for extended periods. Trekkers are permitted to film videos and snap pictures for their records.
The cost of golden monkey permits in Mgahinga National Park
Trekking or habituation permits are required to view the Mgahinga golden monkeys. A single Golden Monkey trekking permit is $100 for non-foreign residents, $80 for foreign residents, and UGX65,000 for citizens of East African member states. The cost of a golden monkey habituation permit is $140 for foreign non-residents, $120 for foreign residents, and UGX125,000 for citizens of East African Member States
What is the best time to have a Bwindi and Mgahinga safari?
Following the ultimate gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, the driest months of the year are June through September and December through February. The little rain and sunshine during these months keep the trekking paths dry and convenient. The scenic views provided by the sparse and sporadic vegetation and the park’s roads are in good shape, enabling visitors to arrive on time.
Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are more accessible to tourists on a budget during the off-peak months of March through May and October through November. Travelers should be aware that despite the inexpensive trip packages, there is little sunshine and rain. The roads are in bad shape, the vegetation is dense, making it difficult to see the animals, and the trekking tracks are muddy and slick, which could slow down hikers.