Questions & Answers About Uganda
If this is your first time travelling to Uganda you probably have countless questions. On this page, we compiled some questions and answers that we feel will shed some light on your planned journey.
You can click the question’s title, and the answer will expand below. If we missed anything, please email us, and we will gladly send you detailed information on your questions.
What is the best time to do Gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking tours are conducted throughout the year. The terrain can be slippery and muddy since mountain gorillas live within tropical rainforests. We recommend the dry season, which stretches from June to September and December to March. During this time, the gorillas move further afield in search of food, so treks during the dry season can last longer.
How much does a Gorilla permit cost?
Gorilla trekking permits – US$ 700 per permit (as of 1 July 2020).
Gorilla habituation experience: US$ 1500 per permit (spend 4 hours with a gorilla family).
A permit lasts one day and allows one hour with the gorillas.
In what areas can Gorillas be tracked?
The best places in the world to see Mountain Gorillas are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas can be tracked in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DR Congo, and Western Lowland Gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.
What is the minimum age to go Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking?
You must be 15 years or older to go on the gorilla trek and 12 years or older to go on the chimpanzee trek.
What is the difference between trekking Gorillas in Rwanda versus doing it in Uganda?
The experience of trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is not so different. The most significant factor is price, with a gorilla permit costing Rwanda $1500 compared to Uganda’s $700. Both countries have the same rules, with a maximum of eight persons trekking with a single gorilla family and spending one hour with the gorillas. The terrain in Bwindi, Uganda, and Volcanoes, Rwanda, is quite different. Bwindi has thick vegetation with no clear trails, while Volcanoes National Park is less dense and has clearly marked tracking trails.
How fit do you need to be?
Due to the thick vegetation in Bwindi, you need to be fairly fit to enjoy the trekking. Rwanda offers easier trekking, but do not underestimate it. You hike in higher altitudes and will need to be reasonably fit.
What are the chances of seeing Mountain Gorillas?
The chances of seeing gorillas in Bwindi or Volcanoes are very high. Gorilla trekking teams in Bwindi impenetrable forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda all try to optimise your chance to see the gorillas by using trackers and park rangers to trek them as early as possible. Once they find them, they will communicate the location with the park headquarters and your gorilla’s guide. The team will keep in touch with your guide to ensure he knows where the gorillas are, enabling you to reach them via the most direct route.
Is Rwanda/Uganda and the DRC malaria areas?
You must take malaria preventive medication before and during your trip to Rwanda/Uganda and the DRC. The rainy season (October and November) is a higher risk period.
Is Uganda safe and politically stable?
Despite common misconceptions, Uganda has had a stable, progressive and democratic government for over ten years.
What wildlife can I see in Uganda?
Uganda is known for its gorillas and chimpanzees, but it also has many other primates, reptiles, birds, plants, and wildlife. Apart from being one of the best locations to spot the shoebill stork, Uganda boasts more than 1050 recorded bird species. Uganda has 12 resident species of primates and the most significant diversity of primates in all East African reserves.
Although it is a Big Five destination, you can only see rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary near Murchison Falls National Park.
ANYTHING ELSE THAT I SHOULD KNOW?
We can answer any questions you may have at any stage.