1 day Gorilla trekking from kisoro
1 Day Gorilla Trekking from Kisoro offers an extraordinary opportunity for visitors and travelers with little time to observe the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Kisoro town is the principal hub for gorilla trekking in Uganda, serving as the access point to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, from whence one can commence this extraordinary journey in Africa. Presented herein is comprehensive information to assist you in organizing your 1 Day Gorilla trekking from kisoro, departing from Kisoro town.
Kisoro District is situated in southwestern Uganda, adjacent to the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It serves as the primary access point to Uganda’s most notable natural attractions, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Forest is partitioned into four sectors for gorilla trekking: the Rushaga sector and the Nkuringo sector, both situated in the southern region of Bwindi Forest near Kisoro town. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an additional location in Kisoro for gorilla tracking. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park constitutes a segment of the Virunga Conservation Area, which is jointly administered by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What to expect on a 1 Day Gorilla trekking from kisoro
1 Day Gorilla trekking from kisoro entails an early morning commencement of mountain gorilla trekking with the advance team and trekkers initiating their journey at 6:00 AM, as the actual trekking begins between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Upon booking with us, our driver/guide will collect you from your hotel/accommodation in Kisoro and transport you to the trekking commencement point in either Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga for your 1 Day Gorilla trekking safari from kisoro
The travel duration from Kisoro to the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Forest is approximately one and a half to two hours, whereas the journey from Kisoro town to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is about 30 to 40 minutes.
What is involved in Mountain gorilla trekking from Kisoro
Gorilla trekking entails going over steep, muddy rainforest routes, necessitating a moderate level of athleticism to really appreciate the experience. Gorilla trekking is conducted by highly experienced rangers who possess extensive knowledge of the mountain gorillas’ movements and can effectively communicate with forest trackers to locate the gorilla family. This ensures a 100% probability of encountering gorillas, provided one is capable of traversing the rainforest for several hours. Once located, participants are permitted to spend a full hour observing, photographing, and filming the gorillas, allowing for an insightful view of their behaviors, interactions, and familial dynamics akin to those of humans.
What to Bring for One-day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kisoro
For a successful and pleasant gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, the following items are strongly advised:
It is strongly advised to wear appropriate hiking footwear due to the potential steepness and slipperiness of the paths.
It is advisable to bring a rain jacket or poncho, as Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga might experience rainfall at any moment, hence their designation as “the rainforests.”
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and trousers to shield yourself from insects, prickly vegetation, and stinging flora.
Garden gloves are strongly advised since they safeguard your hands when walking and occasionally grasping vegetation for assistance, making them beneficial in such instances.
A high-quality camera, together with additional batteries and memory cards, is strongly advised to document every moment of your one-day gorilla safari in Uganda.
What is the cost of 1 day gorilla trekking in kisoro?
To track mountain gorillas in Uganda, one must first acquire a gorilla permit, which constitutes the primary expense of any gorilla expedition in Africa. As of September 2024, the cost of a Uganda gorilla permit is USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Uganda gorilla licenses are in high demand; therefore, they must be acquired and reserved in advance.
Another expense to consider is transportation; if you choose not to arrange your gorilla excursion through a local tour operator, you must procure a private vehicle to transport you from Kisoro to either Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga, depending on your preferred trekking destination. Transportation expenses from Kisoro to either park generally vary between USD 150 and 250 for a full-day round trip journey. The purchase of a gorilla permit encompasses ranger guide expenses, alleviating concerns around park ranger charges.
Upon completion of the hike, your return to Kisoro will be contingent upon your subsequent itinerary and energy levels. We recommend seizing the opportunity to explore Lake Mutanda, one of Uganda’s most picturesque lakes.
What is the best time for a 1-day gorilla safari from Kisoro, Uganda?
Gorilla trekking occurs daily year-round, with the optimal visiting period typically being during the dry season, specifically in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. This is due to the fact that, in these months, walking routes are arid, whereas during the rainy season, they become muddy, rendering the dry season the most advantageous for the majority of tourists and travelers.
Nevertheless, in March, April, May, and November, gorillas are present; however, rainfall may complicate trekking during these months. It is important to note that this season also sees fewer visitors, which might enhance the tranquility of the experience.
In summary, a 1-day gorilla safari in Uganda from Kisoro offers an exhilarating, but concise, trekking experience for individuals with constrained schedules seeking to observe mountain gorillas. Experiencing these majestic creatures in proximity is a unique opportunity that fosters a profound connection with Africa’s most emblematic endangered animals.