Gorilla trekking from Zanzibar

Gorilla trekking from Zanzibar, Many tourists often long for a gorilla safari combined with relaxation at the pristine sand beaches of Zanzibar. It is always pleasant to start with a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda and then fly to  Zanzibar or vice versa. Tourists need at least 3 days for a successful gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda then spend the rest of the days on their itinerary in Zanzibar.

How to combine gorilla trekking  in Uganda and Zanzibar

Before you set off for your combined expedition, plan your itinerary based on your financial budget. Ideally,  look for a trusted tour operator who will give you a clear plan and a general idea of how your safari should be undertaken. In this situation, look no further than Active African Vacations, a recognized tour company ready to solve all your travel issues.

If you opt to start with the gorilla trekking experience, obtain a gorilla trekking permit through your travel agent. The permit will enable you to reach a closer range with the gentle giant apes in their natural habitat. Be ready to go through formidable hikes as you enjoy a guided trekking experience.

After the gorilla trekking expedition, fly to Zanzibar and consider starting from Stone Town Zanzibar’s historical and cultural center. Explore the markets, streets, and various cultural places for at least one or two days.

Other days can be used to explore the sand beaches on the island like Kwenda, Paje, and Nugwi.  Relax at the sand beaches with clear blue waters as you enjoy some of the activities like diving, snorkeling, and water sports.

Make further exploration of the island and visit the Prison Island home to giant tortoises and the Jozani Forest for red colobus monkeys. Think about a spice tour for more information about spice history.

Avoid both destinations of your safari without sharing the local cuisine. Uganda offers a variety of tasty dishes like steamed green bananas, Luwombo, Posho, Creamy groundnut sauce, Rolex, and many others while Zanzibar offers more sea foods and Swahili flavours like Biryani, Pilao, Nyamachoma, Kaimati, Viazi Karai, and Urojo.

Gorilla tracking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an enchanting adventure that immerses you in the heart of some of the world’s most biological and untouched ecosystems.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are carried out in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Maghinga Gorilla National Park.  the gorilla trekking experience enables people to trek through dense rain forests to encounter the gentle giant apes in close range. As you traverse through dense vegetation and rugged terrain, you will finally encounter a gorilla family. you will be allowed to spend one unique hour watching and learning about their social behavior and how they react to human presence.

The gorilla trekking experience always starts with a briefing at the park headquarters so early in the morning trekkers are led by experienced game guides and rangers who have all the knowledge about the park and gorilla behaviors. They help to guarantee security on the encounter of the wild gentle apes.

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda from Zanzibar.

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda depends on different factors, including the location of the trekking destination (park), the season of the year, the cost of the trekking permit transport, accommodation, and the specific tour operator you choose.

A gorilla trekking permit is the main document that enables one to participate in the gorilla trekking activity. Trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Each permit is reserved for a single trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Maghinga Gorilla National Park costs $800 for foreigners who are non-residents, $700 for foreigners who are residents, and ugx300, 000 for East Africans. However, permit prices can change with time.

Travelers often organize their trips through trusted operator companies. These operators provide transportation, accommodation, meals, guides, and booking trekking permits. The cost of these packages varies depending on the level of accommodation(luxury,midrange, budget) duration of the safari, and other safari inclusions.

The cost of the safari may include additional expenses like tips to guides and porters, personal insurance, souvenirs, and other optional activities.

How to access Uganda from Zanzibar

There are alternative ways of traveling from Zanzibar to Uganda, but the fastest and most convenient way is to travel by air. There are no direct flights from Zanzibar to Uganda, but you can book a one-stop flight through Dar es Salaam or Nairobi and then connect to Entebbe. The transfer takes 4-6 hours including the stopover.  From Entebbe continue with a flight to Kisoro and Kihihi air strips, which are close to the gorilla parks. Check with Kenya Airways or Ethiopian Airlines for flight schedules.

Alternatively, you can travel by sea and land. Since Zanzibar is an island, you will take a two-hour ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam then take a bus to Kampala. This journey is a bit long as it takes 20-24 hours but so adventurous as you explore the beautiful nature of Uganda and Tanzania. From Kampala,  travel for 7-9 hours to the gorilla parks in southwestern Uganda.

Another option could be taking a ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam then flying from Dar es Salaam to Entebbe and later connecting to the gorilla parks by road or flight to Kisoro airstrip or Kihihi airstrip.

It is always important to know the necessary travel documents like passports and visas to the different countries and the border crossing procedures. Do thorough research on the weather in your travel month and the road conditions before you set off for your safari.

 How to book a gorilla permit in Uganda from Zanzibar

A gorilla permit is an authorization card that allows you to visit the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. when you fully digest the idea of trekking gorillas in Uganda, choose and contact a recognized tour operator. This tour operator will help you find out the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Avail your preferred travel dates, passport details, the number of people who may wish to join you for the same activity, and full payments to secure the permit. It is advisable that you purchase your permit 2-3 months before your travel dates as they are usually scarce in the peak season, and they are sold on a first come first serve basis.

What is the best time for a gorilla safari to Uganda from Zanzibar?

The dry season offers more favorable trekking conditions due to the reduced rainfall and drier trails. In the dry seasons, the trekking trails in the gorilla parks are less slippery and easier to navigate.  This makes the trekking experience more pleasant as gorillas can be spotted in the dry vegetation. However, you may consider visiting the parks in the rainy season when there are fewer crowds of tourists. Trails are challenging but you have clear views of the gorillas.

Regardless of the time of the year, the gorilla trekking experience remains a unique and amazing experience that brings you to close contact with the gentle giant apes in their natural habitat.

What to wear for gorilla tracking in Uganda.

As you prepare for your gorilla tracking safari, it’s important to know the right gear for comfort, safety, and obedience to park regulations. Below is a shared list of what you should have for your safari:

Clothing: you are required to wear long-sleeved trousers, shirts or blouses, and long socks to cover your body properly as you trek.

Rain Jacket and sweater: since the weather is unpredictable in tropical forests. A lightweight, waterproof rain jacket should not miss your luggage.

Gardening or work gloves to protect you from pinches of thorny vegetation during the trek.

Carrying a small backpack to hold your essentials, such as water, snacks, a camera, and a reusable water bottle is highly recommended.

Travel with Insect repellent to spray onto your skin to help prevent insect bites.

A camera with a good zoom lens helps you capture photos, but you should not forget that flash photography is not allowed during gorilla trekking.

Binoculars help you have a clear observation of animals and birds.