Gorilla Trekking From United States Of America (USA)
Gorilla Trekking From United States Of America (USA): Are you a travel agent located in a city in the United States interested in organizing gorilla trekking from United States of America? Are you located in New York, Florida, Las Vegas, or Boston, and are you interested in embarking on a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda? Booking this safari is straightforward and can be accomplished via your laptop or telephone with minimal effort. Below are guidelines to provide you with essential information, including whether to engage a tour operator, various options for Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safaris, the optimal time to book a Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari, recommended locations in Uganda for such safaris, and other critical details to assist you in planning a memorable Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari from the USA.
What to consider when arranging gorilla trekking from the USA
If you are contemplating your maiden journey to Africa and Uganda and require additional information for preparing your gorilla and chimpanzee safari, the following are essential considerations to keep in mind when arranging small group safaris in Uganda from the United States.
What is the procedure for booking gorilla trekking from the United States of America?
To book gorilla trekking from the United States of America, it is essential to get a gorilla permit in advance to confirm your reservation for a Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari. Upon confirmation of your travel dates, please email us at Info@gorillarekkinginafrica.com so we can verify the availability of gorilla and chimpanzee permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once we confirm that the permits are available for your specified dates, we will inform you and send an invoice for payment. Upon receipt of your payment, we will promptly obtain your permits and provide you with a scanned copy for your records, confirming your reservation for the Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari from the USA. It is recommended to secure your Uganda gorilla and chimp trekking safari at least 2-3 months in advance, as permits are rapidly sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Facts about Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking entails traversing the forest to locate habituated mountain gorillas residing in familial groups accustomed to human presence. Upon discovery, participants engage in observation, photography, and education about the gorillas with guidance from a ranger. Gorilla trekking provides an opportunity to engage with mountain gorillas for one hour. Gorilla trekking is conducted in groups of eight individuals, each group assigned to a specific gorilla family.
Facts about chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking is an activity that entails traversing the forest to locate habituated chimpanzees residing in a specific group accustomed to human presence. Upon discovery, participants engage in an encounter that includes observing, photographing, and acquiring knowledge about the chimpanzees from a ranger guide. Chimpanzee trekking provides an opportunity to engage with them for one hour in their natural habitat.
Where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda harbors 50% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas in their native habitat. Mountain gorillas in Uganda are exclusively located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both situated in the southwestern region of the country in close proximity to one another. A multitude of individuals like trekking gorillas in Bwindi due to the numerous mountain gorilla groups present in the park, in contrast to Mgahinga, which hosts just the Nyakagezi family. This abundance facilitates a higher likelihood of obtaining a gorilla permit in Bwindi compared to Mgahinga. Both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park harbor mountain gorillas, and there is minimal distinction in the experience garnered upon completion of your walk. The sole distinction is that mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park inhabit the Virunga hills, predominantly characterized by bamboo flora, whilst those in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park reside in a tropical rainforest featuring diverse tree and plant species. The likelihood of observing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 98%, ensuring that whichever park you choose to visit, you will encounter these giant primates in their native habitat.
Where to go for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Uganda hosts around 5,000 chimpanzees, which are located in several areas, including Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kalinzu Forest, among other significant sites. Consequently, Uganda ranks among the premier destinations globally for observing chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National Park is renowned for its diverse array of resident primates, comprising 13 species, including Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees, estimated at over 1,500 individuals, making it the premier location for chimpanzee observation in Uganda. Other primates present in Kibale Forest include the nocturnal bushbaby and potto, as well as various monkeys and baboons. Kibale Forest National Park is a renowned destination for ornithologists, with over 335 documented bird species. Chimpanzee trekking occurs in two sessions, morning and afternoon, determined by the chimpanzee permit you get and your designated itinerary for the walk.
What is the duration and difficulty of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The dates and conditions for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park fluctuate significantly, as the gorillas traverse the rainforest in response to the prevailing environmental conditions during your journey. Preparation is prudent, as weather conditions might alter with minimal notice. The landscape is frequently rugged and traverses regions devoid of designated trails. The endeavor can be quite arduous, lasting from a few hours to a whole day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high-altitude circumstances; thus, it is imperative to prepare by attaining optimal physical fitness.
What is the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
You will have the opportunity to spend one hour encountering mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park if you purchase a gorilla permit in Uganda. The gorilla permit costs $800 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for residents, and $70 per person for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan). Uganda hosts 17 habituated gorilla family groups, with 16 located in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga, resulting in the availability of 136 gorilla permits daily for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers the opportunity to engage in the Gorilla habituation experience, exclusively available in Bwindi Forest. A Gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 per person, allowing for a four-hour encounter with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, supervised by trackers and researchers, in contrast to the one-hour duration of standard trekking. Gorilla permits in Uganda can be acquired directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a reputable tour operator like Gorilla Trekking in Africa
What is the duration and difficulty level of Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is typically less arduous than gorilla trekking; still, preparation is essential, as weather conditions can change abruptly in the jungle. Therefore, taking a rain jacket is advisable. The landscape is typically mild for chimpanzee trekking, featuring clearly delineated routes and trails.
What is the cost of a chimpanzee hiking permit in Uganda?
The cost of a Kibale Chimp permit is USD 200 per individual. The cost of a chimpanzee permit for non-foreign residents at Kyambura Gorge is USD 50 per individual. Kalinzu chimpanzee permits for non-foreign residents are priced at USD 50 per individual. Non-Foreign Residents and Budongo require a permit costing USD 130 per individual. Non-Domestic Residents. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda consists of two sessions: the morning session commencing at 8:00 AM and the afternoon session beginning at noon throughout the year.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is optimally conducted from June to October and December to March, coinciding with the dry season characterized by minimal rainfall. This facilitates treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Additionally, during this period, the vegetation is not fully developed, enhancing visibility of the mountain gorillas and providing excellent photographic opportunities. The months of April, May, and November are typically characterized by increased precipitation, vegetation flourishes, obscuring visibility. However, during this period, treks are generally shorter, as mountain gorillas do not travel long distances in search of food, which is abundantly available. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is available year-round, as it is a well organized activity with a 99% probability of encountering mountain gorillas.
When is the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is optimally conducted from June to October and December to March, coinciding with the dry season characterized by minimal rainfall. This period facilitates easier trekking in the forest, as the vegetation is not fully developed, enhancing visibility of the chimpanzees and providing excellent photographic opportunities. In the months of April, May, and November, typically characterized by increased precipitation, vegetation flourishes, obscuring visibility. However, during this period, treks are generally shorter, as chimpanzees do not traverse long distances in search of food, which is abundantly available. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is available year-round, as it is a well structured activity with a 99% probability of encountering chimpanzees.
Accommodation options and pricing for Gorilla trekking from the United States of America
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National Park occurs in the northern regions of Buhoma and Ruhija, as well as in the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. In Rushaga, accommodations include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo, accommodations include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Lake Mutanda Resort, all in proximity to the Gorilla Habituation starting point.
In the northern region, namely in the Buhoma sector, accommodations include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and Ride 4 a Woman, among others. In Ruhija, options include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp, among others.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park features accommodations such as Gahinga Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge.
Kibale National Park offers a variety of accommodation options for your chimpanzee trekking experience, ranging from affordable to luxury. Please inform us, and we will make the appropriate arrangements for you. Budget accommodation options comprise Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Isunga Lodge, and Kibale Home Stay, with rates ranging from USD 90 to USD 100 per person per night. Mid-range options include Primate Lodge and Turaco Treetops Lodge, priced between USD 150 and 200 per person per night. Luxury establishments encompass Papaya Lake Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, and Nadli Lodge, with costs varying from USD 250 to 700 per person per night.
The best path for your gorilla and chimp trekking safari in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and are in proximity to one another. To access one of the parks for gorilla trekking, utilize the primary highway from Entebbe/Kampala through Mbarara and Kabale, thereafter continuing to either the northern or southern section of Bwindi, contingent upon your gorilla trek reservation. To access the northern region, travel onto the Kabale-Kisoro route, where you will see a signpost for the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Proceed along this road to reach either the Ruhija or Buhoma sector. The southern parts, Nkuringo and Rushaga, are accessed by diverging at Muko town along the Kabale-Kisoro route. To reach Mgahinga, continue through Kisoro town to arrive at the park.
By air, scheduled flights are accessible at Entebbe International Airport, run by Aero Link Uganda, and at Kajjansi Airfield, operated by Air Uganda, which service both Kisoro and Kihihi airstrips near Bwindi Forest National Park. You will reach the park for gorilla trekking, which requires a roughly 1-2 hour drive.
Your route and intended destinations will determine whether you commence with gorilla trekking or conclude with chimpanzee trekking, contingent upon availability and reservations.