1 Day Gorilla Trek
1 Day Gorilla Trek
1 Day Gorilla Trek is a short primate viewing safari tour package well planned for travelers who are primate lovers and eagerly prefer engaging in this incredible life experience of our beloved cousins who share 98% of DNA with humans. However, one to be able to see these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment has to engage in a Gorilla Trekking Experience. More so, this 1 day Gorilla trek safari tour itinerary is planned into two world’s outstanding Gorilla Safari Destination Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Well, we continue to highlight the 1 day gorilla trek while basing on two countries –Uganda and Rwanda on how a traveler can go trek mountain gorillas in their nature inhabitant within a single day. To most of the people think it’s difficult to go trek mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National park estimations 8 to9 hours from Kampala Uganda’s capital to the final destination –Bwindi. Not knowing that there is the easiest way to do a 1Day Gorilla Trek- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Well, it is very possible, for a traveler to do a 1 Day Gorilla Trek in Uganda, apart from the common tour package of 3 Day Uganda Bwindi Gorilla Safari -1 Day traveling -2 Day gorilla trek -3 Day Depart.
1 Day Uganda Gorilla Trek –Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On this Uganda 1 Day Gorilla Trek, travel starts from Kabale or Kisoro towns the nearby town which is both located on the beautiful rim of Bwindi where a traveler on 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Trek can camp for a comfortable stay at night as gets prepared for tomorrow morning Gorilla trekking experience in Ruhija one of the four Gorilla trekking region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda. Note the Uganda gorilla tour includes; 1 Gorilla Permit at USD700 no foreign residents, USD600 foreign residents, and UGX250,000 East African members, paid per person per day. The Gorilla permit costs are included in the final costing. The 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Tours starts and ends in Kabale town.
Generally, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the world’s ultimate gorilla trekking safari because it harbors half population of endangered mountain gorillas around 650 individuals of the remaining total of about 1065 mountain gorillas still exist. More so, the park is home to over 22 habituated mountains gorilla families; Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Nkuringo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Nyakagezi, Kyaguliro, Busingye, Kahungye, Mishaya, Nkuringo among others all divided into four habituated Gorilla Trekking Regions –Sectors where gorilla trekking experience is conducted in Bwindi such as; Nkuringo gorilla region, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Buhoma Gorilla sector. Our 1 Day Gorilla Trek will be conducted in Ruhija Gorilla Sector a nearby region to Kabale town as it is the starting point of the Journey.
More then, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established in 1993 as a gazetted area to protect the mountain gorillas and other animal species and covers an area of about 33 square kilometers inhabiting over 120 mammals ,348 species of birds, 27 species of chameleon,220 butterflies and home to a wide range of flora including; 1000 flowering plants,163 tree species,104 species of ferns and many more. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in southwestern regions of Uganda, approximately 8 to 9 hours by drive from Kampala Uganda’s capital.
But one wishing to do a 1 Day Gorilla Trek by car, is advised to sleep in the nearby towns of Kabale which is a 50-minute drive, or in Kisoro town which is 1:25 hours to access the Park. Alternatively, you can access one of these parks by a domestic flight from ‘’EBB” Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip –Aerolink Uganda or Bar Aviation to fly you to Kihihi Airstrip near Bwindi or Kisoro Airstrip near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Take note, Bwindi is not only a great location for Gorilla trekking but also boosts with Gorilla Habituated experience a full day gorilla experience done in a fully habituated gorilla family which was first undertaken into the process of gently introducing wild Mountain Gorilla to the sight and presence of humans for research and conservation purposes. However, this activity gives trackers a great chance to spend 4 hours watching these unique mountain gorillas in their natural habitats as compared to 1-hour gorilla trek. In the world, Gorilla Habituation Experience is done only in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Rushaga Gorilla Sector a home with trained gorillas that can have eye contact with humans.
Gorilla Habituation Experience costs; USD1,500 for no foreign residents, USD1,000 for Foreign residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Members –paid per person per day. Uganda Gorilla permits can be bought directly from ‘’UWA” Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or with help of a trustworthy tour operator on the ground. We advise you always book in advice to avoid last-minute disappointments.
Meanwhile, Mountain Gorilla Trekking in the world can only be done in three countries Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda can be done in two National parks –Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in the southwestern region of Uganda and the same traveling hours from Kampala to each final destination covers 8 to 9 hours drive and 1:30 hours by domestic flight –Aerolink Uganda.
Detailed Itinerary
After morning breakfast at the hotel in Kabale, you will be picked up by your safari driver guide at 6: 00 am. Transfer you to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National park where you will arrive at the park headquarter at the time of briefing about the gorilla’s rules and regulations. However, one coming from Kabale for gorilla trekking advised booking a gorilla family in the Ruhija region the easiest region to be accessed by travelers from Kabale. More then, after the briefing, you will meet up with the park ranger to group you into a group of 8 individuals to your assigned gorilla group.
After the park ranger will lead you into the forest trailhead in search of mountain gorillas in the Ruhija gorilla sector one of the four gorilla regions within the park. The trekking experience can take about 30 to 7 hours depending on the movement of the gorilla family you’re trekking on that particular day.
Note trekking seems to be tough sometimes. So you need a walking stick which is given at the park headquarters, carry also enough mineral water bottle, energy-giving snacks, a waterproof bag, warm clothes, and hiking rubber shoes to make your gorilla trekking experience memorable and worthwhile. You will also need a porter to help you carry your luggage at a small cost of USD10 to USD15. Note, while in the forest always follow the ranger’s instructions.
Once you locate them should always keep a distance of about 5 to 7 kilometers away from the gorillas as you enjoy viewing them as you also take memorable photos and video capture for your future remembrance. After the trek on your single day -1Day Gorilla Trek in Bwindi’s Ruhija region. You will hike back to the park headquarter and drive back towards Kabale.
End of Uganda 1 Day Gorilla Trek
Safari Includes
- A Gorilla permit ‘’ USD700 per person’’
- Ground Transportation
- Mineral bottled water on safari
- A knowledgeable English-speaking safari guide
- Pick-ups and drops from the hotel in Kabale
- Fuel
- 4×4 Wheel vehicle.
1 Day Gorilla Trek Exclusions
Visa fees
International flights
Personnel expenses: laundry services, tips, beverages, extra money.
Rwanda 1 Day Gorilla Trek
Rwanda gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda’s top visited safari destination because it features a lot of attractions that attract visitors here such as the unique mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and beautiful vegetation, Volcanoes, a visit to Dian Fossey tomb many more. Furthermore, the park was gazette in 1925 with the intent of protecting the gorillas from poachers. Volcanoes are a small area is bounded by volcanos –Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Mikeno, located in the northwestern Rwanda Region, covering an area of about 160 square kilometers.
More so, the park is home to about 10 habituated gorilla families includes; Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Bwenge, Agashya, Ugende many more. Each gorilla family is led by a giant silverback in charge of protecting the territory against any danger.
Volcanoes National Park can easily be reached from Kigali town Rwanda’s capital or Kigali International airport in just 2 hours drive by public transport means or safari vehicle. Meaning one can do Gorilla trekking –tracking on the same day and then driving back to Kigali after the activity. While on your stay in Kigali town for 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek, you’re required to arrive at the park headquarter of ‘’ORTPN’’ in Kiningi on time- right at the park entrance by exactly 7 am. Therefore, upon your arrival, you will go trek mountain gorillas for a single day. With great advice, at your hotel in Kigali will have to wake up very early for your Gorilla Trekking Journey to Volcanoes National Park on time. Volcanoes National Park is a perfect life-changing experience that rewards travelers with a close encounter face-to-face with our wild cousins.
Rwanda 1 Day Gorilla Trek Detailed Itinerary
This 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda’s Capital. You will wake up and have breakfast at a hotel or lodge in Kigali. Our safari driver guide will pick you up from the hotel at 4:30 am to set off on your 2-hour traveling journey to one of the world’s most visited safari destinations –Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. You will arrive at the park headquarters in Kiningi, be briefed by park rangers, and then be grouped into your assigned gorilla group –a family in a group of 8 individuals.
Then the park ranger will lead you into the forest trailheads to search for gorillas. However, gorilla trekking in Rwanda can last between 1 to 7 hours depending on where were last seen the previous day. Upon locating the gorilla family you’re assigned to, you will be given an hour to watch them as they play, feed, and survive in the forest as well as enjoy the unique picture-taking adventure. After an hour of the gorilla viewing experience. You will then trek back to the bamboo forest. Then transfer back to Kigali.
End of Rwanda 1 Day Gorilla Trek
1 Day Gorilla Trek Includes
- Gorilla permit ‘’USD1500 per person’’
- A knowledgeable English-speaking safari guide
- Pick-ups and drops
- Ground Transportation
- Fuel
- 4×4 wheel drive vehicle
- Bottled mineral water on safari
- Lunch
- All Taxes –VAT
1 Day Gorilla Trek Excludes
- Visa fees
- International Flights
- Personnel expenses; tips to the guides –staff, laundry services, extra money
Facts About Gorilla Trekking –Tracking Rules and Regulations
Note: Always follow instructions given to you by the park ranger guide and below are some of the rules to put in use while trekking gorillas in the nature inhabits;
- Wash your hands before heading out for gorilla trekking
- Smoking, drinking, or eating in the park is not allowed
- Respect the limited time given on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. I might be a small group of eight after the assigned gorilla families for tracking.
- Follow the instruction given to you by the park ranger guide
- Always keep a distance of 7 to 8 meters away from the gorillas. Since gorillas are our closest relatives and this is the best way to protect them from catching human diseases.
- Advised not to leave any rubbish in the park but rather carry back the one you came with
- If you are ill, you are likely not trek gorillas
- If you’re in the forest and want to sneeze always cover your nose or turn around
- If you want to go for long call, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Should be 30 cm deep and fill it when you finish.
- The maximum age must be –Children 15 years of age and above.
- Always lower voices in their natural inhabit.
- Avoid prolonged eye to eye contact with the gorillas.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking?
Both Gorilla safari destination recommends one planning for gorilla trekking to carry a useful item to keep your unforgettable life experience that involves trekking –hiking to visit mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda
A waterproof bag is essential because it helps to carry your documents traveled with, bottled mineral water, packed lunch, camera, and binoculars.
Comfortable hiking boots; You need to carry these due to the tropical nature of the park and its altitude. They are also supportive of one that comes above the ankle bone.
Lightweight jumper-waterproof jacket and trousers help in weather conditions changes.
Long wool socks: They attain comfortable hikes while in mountain tropical forests.
Long-sleeved shirt-trouser; They help in protecting forest insect bites such as safari ants which might enter your trousers.
Warm sweaters: They are for cool evenings and mornings due to the nature of the park.
Hat with a brim: Helps in sun protection – from the strong sun rays it is hot.
You may carry some sunglasses
Digital clear camera: You can use them to capture photos and videos of the mountain gorillas Not forget to carry extra lenses and batteries
Insect repellents: They protect you from mosquito bites while in the tropical forests of Bwindi or bamboo of Volcanoes National Park.
Pair of binoculars: Don’t forget to carry this on your safari, provides clear views of everything during your trek in search of the rare mountain gorillas. You will have a chance to spot other forest species like small primates, birds, and large mammals.
Hand gloves: Protects from morning and evening coldness. They also guard you against sharp tree branches not inch you.
Energy-giving snack: Basing on gorilla trekking activity which may take 30 to 7 hours. So with such long hiking hours, you need to move with snacks and bottled water as supplements.
Note; Gorilla trekking experience is tremendous, while on a gorilla safari with huge luggage you can hire a porter to give you a push so that you can make your gorilla trekking safari successful.
Best Time to Visit Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla Safaris
Uganda and Rwanda are neighboring country meaning they experience the same weather conditions. Going for Gorilla trekking –tracking safaris in one of these countries can be visited throughout the year but the best time to travel without facing disappointments is during the drier seasons, between June to September and December to February within this period of the year –temperate goes up to 29 degrees Celsius. Well, you can still visit in the wet season months of March –Mid May and July to September best for birding and accommodates rates lows. Visiting gorillas in low season, there is a low demand for gorilla permits which guarantees visitors a great chance to see these critically endangered mountain gorillas with no competition though the trekking trails can be muddy and slippery, don’t meet that you can’t achieve in experience.
