Uganda is a safe and hassle-free country to visit, in general. Tourists will be safe in Uganda as long as they travel with a local tour operator instead of opting to travel independently. It is advisable for visitors to take the precautions and follow all government travel advisories in order to avert any untoward incident while traveling in Uganda. Incidences of terrorism are rare in Uganda and general crimes like petty thefts, street mugging and bag-snatchings can be evaded by simply staying away from the crime hotspots. Avoiding secluded areas, traveling alone after dark, respecting the sense of local dress-up and carrying minimum cash or valuables while strolling around are some ways of staying safe in this wonderful country. Also, try not to use a bag-pack and use a taxi in the night time in the cities.
The Mountain Gorilla, Gorilla beringei beringei, occurs in two known populations within three countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda. The populations live almost entirely within national parks. One of them is spread around the extinct volcanoes of the Virunga Massif (450km²), which constitute a single contiguous area of Mountain Gorilla habitat. These gorillas are protected officially within Virunga National Park in DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The second population is found mainly in southwest Uganda, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (331km²), on the border with DRC. The two areas are separated by 25 km of farmland. The three national parks within the Virunga Massif contain most of the surviving forests in the region. These rainforests range in elevation from 2,000m to 4,500m, covering a large spectrum of different natural habitats, including various montane rainforest types, bamboo stands, as well as areas with little tree cover and abundant herbaceous vegetation. The Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi live between 1,160m and 2,600m.
The Mountain Gorilla is a protected species in all its Range States, thus Standards are developed which minimize the opportunities for disease transmission from humans to gorillas, which could include a health education programme for local residents, good hygiene and waste disposal practice by researchers, tourists and officials in contact with gorillas in all range states.
The mountain gorilla subspecies can only be found in the high, forested mountains of the African countries of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The only two places in Uganda where you can see mountain gorillas is either Mgahinga Gorilla National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The best way to see them is by joining a trekking tour where a knowledgeable guide will show you how to track the gorillas by their hoot sounds. The wildlife authorities in Uganda have strict rules about viewing the endangered animals so as to protect the gorillas and tourists alike.
The great thing about a trekking tour is that while you track a mountain gorilla group, you can also view other African wildlife species as well. The best time to view the mountain gorillas is during the dry season from December to February or from June to August.
The cost of a single gorilla permit in Uganda is US$700 per person. However, gorilla permits do vary in price according to the country. Permits in Rwanda are the most expensive at US$1,500 and DRC has the cheapest permits at US$400.
A gorilla habituation experience permit in Uganda costs US$1,500 per person.
There are currently around 160 permits available per day. These are split between the habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
If you think you will struggle, hiring a porter (for 20 bucks) is strongly advised. The porter will carry your day pack and lend a hand getting up and down the hill. Taking a walking stick is also a perfect idea; you can pick one from the visitor center or pack one of those modern adjustable ones.
Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year around in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The best time to go gorilla tracking in during the months of June, July, August, September and December. This is because there are less rains and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorilla’s. In Bwindi the average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon.
January and February: Low season offering less huge crowds. Very little or no rain.
March, April and May: Its rains a lot during these months. Most challenging during the trek, the slopes are slippery.
June, July & August: Peak season, it’s important to buy your permits early since they run out. Best time for gorilla safari in Uganda and Rwanda.
If you would wish to come and see gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda, feel free to talk to us about planning a gorilla tracking safari for you. We plan with you at every stage of the way and make sure that every last detail is looked over and sorted – leaving you simply taking in the unbelievable experiences of your gorilla tracking holiday.
You can also check out some of our already made safari itineraries to get a more complete idea of how a safari typically runs.
You will find a number of accommodation options on your Uganda holidays. Luxurious lodges can be found in the national park regions and safari circuits that may vary greatly from a three to five star level. Heritage buildings have been used for accommodation in the country side. Hotels in Uganda vary from the expensive luxury hotels in cities and popular tourist areas to mid-range universal and cheap BB hotels in the regional towns.
There are safari lodges and public campsites in all national parks and game reserves. Luxury tented camps have the amenities similar to that of a hotel or a lodge with en-suite bathitems, restaurants and swimming pools while simple camps have basic facilities including toilets and showers. Most of the lodges are basic aimed at families and tour groups while a few top-end luxury lodges come in an exorbitant price. Most visitors who come to climb Mt. Rwenzori will sleep in the tents during their climb, or at huts in some of the climbing routes.
Depending on which part of the country you are visiting, Wi-Fi facilities differ in terms of accessibility. There is no doubt that major hotels lodges throughout the country will have Wi-Fi or an internet connection. However, there may be no Wi-Fi access in the mountain regions such as Rwenzori, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, during safari trips some lodges may offer you a computer with internet access in case they do not have Wi-Fi facilities.
Our guides have satellite phones with them at all times. In case you are concerned about your well-being at the least coverage areas such as campsites or mountain peaks, we will never let you completely cut off with your family and friends.
Uganda, termed the “Perl of Africa” has been frequently voted as the best tourist destination in terms of wildlife and safari tours. There are so many reasons to select a Ugandan safari holiday over any other countries in Africa and anywhere else in the world. Firstly, compared to other African nations, Uganda is more affordable, less-crowded and relatively safer with an established political scenario.
Next, Uganda has the broadest ranges of wildlife on the continent and it is easily accessible for international tourists with different entry routes. The scenic landscapes and topography of the country offers absolute beauty that doesn’t fail to mesmerize visitors at every bends. Safari tours are far from just exploring on dusty four-wheelers in but with a variety of options for stalking on animals include a hot air balloon ride, mountain gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, diverse cultural encounter and safe walking tours to see what prowls behind the head-high grasses.
Uganda has multiple safari options regardless the time of year although most of Africa has dry and wet seasons that may affect wildlife viewing. One more reason to prefer Ugandan safari over others is the option to suit all budgets. Right from 2-day safari to a more luxurious 14-day trip, each trip has something to offer to all visitors. Also, when you are in Uganda, you may extend your trip to other neighboring countries faster than you could expect affordably after your safari tour, which is added fun and leisure.