Considering gorilla safaris, you must know the cost, time, and equipment required. These tips will help you make the most of your trip. However, if you need clarification on whether a gorilla safari is suitable, we’ve provided some information below.
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Cost of a gorilla safari in Uganda
Gorilla safaris in Uganda are one of the most popular wildlife activities in the world, and over 100,000 people visit the country each year to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. However, gorilla trekking can be expensive, with permits costing as much as $700 in Uganda and up to $1500 in Rwanda and Congo. To save money, consider booking your trip in advance.
When planning your Uganda gorilla safari, consider the cost of transportation. A trip to Bwindi requires up to eight hours from Entebbe International Airport. Therefore, you must factor in the price of transport and accommodation. Your tour operator should include the cost of transportation, including a private vehicle, in the cost of your tour.
Getting to the area can be an expensive endeavor, but luckily, the price of permits for gorilla tracking is lower in Uganda than in Rwanda. A car rental in Uganda will cost about $80 per day, and a day in Rwanda will cost around $140. You’ll need to drive eight to 10 hours to the park, depending on which national park you’ll visit.
Requirements for a gorilla safari in Rwanda
To go on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, you must first secure a Rwanda gorilla permit. This permit, issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), is required for anyone older than 15 who wants to go on a gorilla trek. This permit will grant you the right to spend one hour with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. You can purchase this permit online or from a reliable local tour operator. As gorilla permits are extremely limited in Rwanda, you should book well in advance.
Gorilla trekking requires a lot of physical exertion, so pants protect your legs from nettles. It would help to fill a waterproof daypack with a camera and a water bottle. Consider hiring a porter to carry your daypack and photo equipment. The weather in Rwanda and Uganda can change frequently.
As gorillas are wild animals, it is essential to respect their space and be respectful of their habitat. You should keep at least five meters away from gorillas and obey the instructions given by your guide. You will spend about an hour with each gorilla family. It is advisable to book more than one trip in Rwanda to ensure you get the chance to track different gorilla families.
Time to go on a gorilla safari
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether it is time to go on gorilla safaris. The most important thing is ensuring you are physically fit enough to take the trek. It can be tiring and strenuous, so make sure you are comfortable hiking in all weather conditions. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and long-sleeved shirts and pants. You should also bring gardening gloves to avoid getting scratched by overgrown brambles.
First, you need to obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits will allow you to visit a particular part of the forest where different gorilla families live. It is best to purchase a license at least three days before your trip. After that, you can take public transport to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters. Or you can hire a private car.
Another essential factor to consider is the climate. In Uganda, there are two seasons, one dry and the other wet. Most people associate the drier months with the best gorilla trekking, but you should be aware that the wettest months can result in slippery trails and flooded rivers in the national park.
Equipment needed for a gorilla safari
If you’re planning to go on a gorilla safari, it’s essential to bring the right equipment. An excellent digital camera with a lens that can capture good pictures in low light is necessary. It should also have spare batteries and memory cards. It would also be helpful to bring a camera cover. Gorillas’ families are often high in the trees, so you’ll need sturdy hiking boots above ankle height. It would help to pack long socks to keep your feet dry and clean. Also, keep in mind that flash photography will agitate the gorillas.
Another must-have is a waterproof jacket. Even during the dry season, rain may fall in the mountain gorillas’ tropical areas. So if you’re trekking in these places, you’ll need to bring a waterproof jacket. It would help if you also chose a lightweight coat that isn’t too thick. Otherwise, your jacket will get punctured by vegetation.