The Remarkable Gorilla Trekking Uganda Experience

For a very long time, you might have heard of the Mountain Gorilla or Gorilla trekking Uganda safaris, hey know this, trekking or tracking the mountain Gorillas ranks among Africa’s premier wildlife encounters and among the world’s best. It should be on the bucket list of your upcoming African safari Holiday or Uganda safari. Reputable tour operators like ATW Holidays Africa curate exquisite Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Tracking the world’s largest Apes and the subsequent encounter with them makes you emotional. You can have a lifetime and life changing experience taking part in these Gorilla safaris.

Prior to your Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, you truly do not know what is in store. You may hear the climb could be simple, respectably testing, or horrendous. You could have heard the roads are all right and dreadful. Furthermore, you may have heard blended sentiments on the experience also regarding whether it merits the cost to go through an hour watching the gorillas.

Let us have some facts about Gorilla tracking in Uganda, to clear some misconceptions about the expedition.

 

When it is ideal to book a Gorilla tracking safari in Uganda. 

Preceding your gorilla trekking Uganda safari, your thought on this could be that it is ideal to book as ahead of schedule as could be allowed, which is recommended. However, during the visit, you would be astounded to discover that you can at times get permits near your flight date, though this could be risky but possible during off-season months.

You could book the least; four months in advance to make sure that you do not have any issue getting a permit. Gorilla trekking as earlier noted is one of Africa’s premier wildlife experiences, permits usually sell out very early and securing a permit may be required as early as possible. Important to note is that Gorilla tracking isn’t a form of mass tourism and therefore only limited to a small group of people to track a particular gorilla family in a day.

There are currently about 120 Gorilla permits in a day for both Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Mghinga Gorilla parks with only eight permits issued to track a specific group of gorillas and each group is tracked once a day. This presents a touch of direness for those hoping to appreciate a movement that is turning out to be increasingly more famous throughout the years.

Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable forest are possible all-year-round with the low season months of March, April, May and October being the advisable months for one to book a permit since their demand isn’t high during this time. However, one shouldn’t worry about the peak month’s availability if preparations are made earlier in advance.

In Mgahinga, Gorilla trekking is not an all year round activity and as such, permits are fixed due to the seasonal movements of the gorillas across Uganda and Rwanda.

 

The Uganda Gorilla tracking permit fee

Uganda is home to nearly 50% of the Mountain Gorilla population among the three nations which these Great Apes call home. It is an incredible decision and the expense is likewise the best parity for you. The majority of the fees go towards conservation to make possible for the endangered species to have a safe living. Effective July 1st 2024 the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is increased by 100 USD from 700 USD for Foreign Non-Residents. The gorilla permit fees for Ugandan nationals and East Africans will cost 300’000 Ugandan Shillings, 500 Usd for the Rest of Africa and 700 for Foreign Residents in Uganda. After extensive consultations, the Uganda Wildlife Authority came to a decision to make slight increase in the gorilla permit fees.

 

What Do You Wear While Hiking? 

A Gorilla trekking Uganda safari is a worthwhile experience described differently by everyone who takes the time and effort to take on the challenge. It could be a simple, dry encounter or a wet, sloppy one as you trek through the misty mountain forest all the way to the area where the gorillas may be residing. During your trek, it is ideal to wear the accompanying:

* Hiking (waterproof) Boots

*Thin/ light, Water Resistant Pants

*Sweat Proof/Water Resistant Long-Sleeve Shirt

*A Waterproof Wind/Rain Jacket

*A Hat/Cap

*Insect repellant

*Sunscreen

 

How long is the Gorilla trekking Uganda adventure?

Presently, this is the precarious part. How long does it takes to meet the gorillas when you’re on your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda?

This is a hard one to discuss, since gorillas are wild creatures they’re sometimes on a move, and can cover a reasonable distance in a moderately brief timeframe. There’re various factors which will determine how long it will take you to see the gorillas while on a trek into the forest. Some visitors can meet a group minutes from leaving the path while others can take several hours (about 6-8).

Gorillas usually build new nests everyday where they spend the night. Every day trackers head into the forest before the visitors, at about 6 AM to discover the families by trying to find where they built their nests and afterwards report to the officers and rangers that go with you on where to discover them and once you meet the gorillas after a simple or long trek depending, you are allowed one hour in their presence and this is your best chance to capture some of the best moments in Africa.

So how long it takes to track the gorillas will depend on factors like; movement of the gorillas or how far they’re from the trail head/ starting point, the pace of the visitors, the nature/ condition of the paths or trails on a particular day and much more but all in all you expect to encounter the gorillas after a short or long trek and its worth the effort.

 

Is the Gorilla trekking Uganda adventure worth it?

Indeed. It is 100% yes. The Gorilla tracking Uganda experience is such, which you may fail to explain in words. The excitement, adventure and pleasure that you have during Gorilla trekking in Uganda with ATW Holidays Africa is one that you can’t imagine. It is emotional, epic, monumental and a moment to share back after your safari.

To plan your next Uganda Gorilla Trekking safari, please contact us via our website,  What’s App: at +256 773148649 or Send your Inquiry at atwholidaysafrica@gmail.com

Reasons Uganda is the Best Place for Safaris in Africa

Uganda is by far the best place for safaris in Africa. With not so much publicity as neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, with their well-known parks and epic wildebeest migration, Uganda is an incredible African safari goal, a dazzling destination; a reason early visitors like Sir Winston Churchill a former British Prime Minister regarded it “The Pearl of Africa”.

Though small and landlocked, the nation is the best place for safaris in Africa. There’s stunning sites and activities to offer vacationers, varied scenes ranging from the volcanic, block mountains and crater lakes to pristine evergreen forests and open yellow-golden savannas. More to that is the natural life and close-up wildlife encounters, as well as the implausibly welcoming individuals. The country is home to the source of the world’s longest river; The Nile whose flow is punctuated by the Murchison Falls- a true definition to the power of nature.

Uganda is at the confluence of the West African jungle and East African savannas. It’s pristine forests shelter two (2) of the three (3) world’s Great Apes, while its savannas host variety of mammals like the African Big Five. Uganda is purely a soothing African story…..and the best place to be for safaris in Africa.

 

Here are our four reasons Uganda is the paramount place for African safaris.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Africa

Uganda offers exquisite Gorilla trekking African safaris. Its home to half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas, and gorilla tracking is a one of the reasons for travels to the nation. Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of Africa’s best wildlife experiences and encountering the gorillas is amazingly adventurous and emotional.

Gorilla Adventure in Bwindi
Gorilla Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable forest

It is a moment to think about standing just 7 meters from a 150+ kilogram Silverback gorilla continuously eating leaves. Trekking through the misty African jungle and the brief hour you get the opportunity during adventure Uganda safaris to watch the gorillas will remain with you forever.

There are two Gorilla tracking locations in Uganda, and this explains why Uganda is Africa’s finest place for this epic adventure. One habituated gorilla group is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park while the second and best option for gorilla trekking safaris is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It has most of Uganda’s gorillas, in the sectors of; Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija. These reserves in the southwest of Uganda are about    10 hours drive from Kampala, and stunningly lovely, with slopes shrouded in rich, dim vegetation.

 

The Big Five safaris in Uganda

Uganda has all the members of the African Big Five which’re sought after by ardent and passionate safari makers to Africa. Its protected reserves shelter both big and small mammals are home to an impressive diversity of wildlife but key sites stand out. These offer remarkable scenes for wildlife as well as viewing. The protected reserves of; Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, shelter four of the African Big Five including; Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffalos alongside numerous different wildlife species, spread across the huge miscellany of savanna plains  and this therefore makes Uganda one of the best place to be for safaris in African.

Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary
Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary

The Rhinoceros can be traced in the wilds of Ziwa sanctuary to complete your Big Five search and list in Uganda. A part from the Big Five are two Great Apes; the Chimpanzees and Gorillas putting it at the pinnacle of the best places for African safaris and taking its list to the Big Seven. Where else to capture the best moments of an African safari if not Uganda?

 

Chimpanzee trekking

While gorillas are Uganda’s most celebrated wildlife, its Chimpanzees similarly draw guests from around the globe for the best safari experiences. Chimpanzee trekking is considerably remarkable, it is an exciting activity to trek your way through the forest, as you’re swatted by lianas, climbing over fallen trees and canopies towering overhead.

Kibale Forest National Park, which structures a continuous wildlife corridor with Queen Elizabeth National Park, is Africa’s most prominent Chimpanzee trekking site, with over 1,500 of the improbable individuals and 12 other primate species making it the best place for primate tracking safaris in Africa. In the park, you can either follow a habituated chimpanzee group for a couple of hours or go through an entire day doing a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX), where you are permitted to visit a Chimpanzee group that is being habituated.

Just outside of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest Reserve is a little hold that has two-habituated Chimpanzee groups you can follow. Other sites include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth and Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls.

 

Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Parks

The three yellow-golden savanna reserves make Uganda one of the best place to be for game viewing safaris in Africa. The great Murchison Falls National Park is known for the powerful snow-white waterfalls; described as one of the greatest events in the flow of the Nile river. The brooding Kidepo Valley with its sweeping plains hosts a huge band of wildlife and great scenery while Queen Elizabeth which is known for its wealth of wildlife and medley of habitats like craters that’re curved dramatically on the brim of its plateaus contribute to Uganda’s fascinating scenery.

These parks offer exquisite game viewing on safari drives and launch cruises, photography, and birdwatching among other African safari experiences.

So if you’re planning to visit Uganda for any kind of safari and experience, reach out to us to customize your ideal way to. Call in/What’s App at +256 773 148649 to speak to the safari specialist or Send your Inquiries at atwholidaysafrica@gmail.com

African holidays and Safaris, the best Places to visit in Africa

Are you planning where to go for a safari in Africa? Or asking yourself which places to visit in Africa for a holiday? Know this, there are lots of unimaginable places one can visit in Africa or be at for an African holiday during a winter or summer break but some definitely stand-out.Some are famous while others are remote and less known but can make your African holiday dreamlike or a story to tell.

The diversity of Africa make it a place or destination like no other, with lots of mesmerizing sites like national parks, game and wildlife reserves, cultural landmarks, regions and nations/countries among other places to visit or encounter while on your African holiday.

Some of the most famous and frequented places travelers visit in Africa are located in the northern and southern parts of the continent, with countries like Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Botswana and Namibia among others being at the pinnacle of tourist arrivals. The northern countries of Africa are mostly known for their desert safari encounters and experiences while the southern countries are known for their epic wildlife safari experiences.

Have you been for long asking yourself which places to visit in Africa? Here is what you have to know, it is not only those places/ countries that receive the highest tourist arrivals or great coverage in media that will make your African holiday a soothing or fascinating one.

The east African region is a great place to visit in Africa, harboring some of the greatest African holiday resorts like beaches, islands, wildlife parks and reserves, adventure sites and many others.

Here is a brief of some of the places to visit in Africa while on your East African safari.

National Parks and Wildlife reserves

East Africa is a region endowed by nature, with a wealth of wildlife reserves and national parks sheltering several habituated and non-habituated species. The region is a confluence of the West African rainforest and East African savannas, hosting a flourishing number of both forest and savanna wildlife like birds, mammals including the famous African Big Five (the Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant) and two species of the 4 world’s Great Apes (primates)i.e. Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees.

National parks like Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania are some of the best places to visit in Africa, known for their epic Wildlife migration while the 2 national parks of the Virunga massif and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park are famous for their Gorilla tracking safaris and adventure. Safari tours to Nyungwe forest and Kibale will let you in a lifetime encounter with some of the world’s most delightful primates; the Chimpanzees swinging in tree canopies.

Other parks like Amboseli, Tsavo, Aberdare, Hell’s Gate, and Lake Nakuru in Kenya, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth in Uganda, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Selous in Tanzania among others are a true reward of nature if you are looking out for a wildlife experience.

For African adventure holiday enthusiasts, if hiking is what you’re looking for, the region has the most rewarding places, that is; Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kenya and the Rwenzori’s in Uganda. East Africa’s national parks give you a taste of various experiences such aswildlife viewing activities like nature walks and trekking safaris, big game viewing on safari drives, photography, balloon safaris, launch and boat cruises along major streams like the Nile River and bird watching safaris among others.

Coastal areas, the beaches and Islands.

If wildlife isn’t the reason behind your search for the places to visit in Africa, know this, the coastal area of East Africa encompasses a heavenlyarras of land and sea; from the mountains, grassy plains to white sandy beaches and coral reefs. The extension from the mainland to the sea offers a superb area for enjoying the breathtaking beaches while major and minor inland water bodies like lakes harbor lots of tropical islands on which travellers can spend their holidays in Africa.

Coastal Kenya stretches from Lamu- north via Malindi to Mombasa in the south with a wealth of tourist activities like skiing, kayaking, sea diving, windsurfing and many others, Tanzania on the other hand takes in the island resorts of Zanzibar and Pemba with a coastal stretch from Tanga-north via Dar-es-Salaam to Mtwara in the south.

East Africa shelters some ofthe most exquisite coastal and inland places to visit in Africa; beaches and resorts like Diani, Watamu, Mombasa, Chale in Kenya, Nungwi and Paje on Zanzibar, Misali island on Pemba, Tanzania among others as well as the tropical Ssese Islands; an archipelago of 84 islands in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria in Uganda hosting the famous Kalangala island, are places to visit for an African holiday.

The places highlighted in the article are developed into some of the best safari destinations, resorts and places to visit in Africa with a variety of fascinating tourist activities, Avens Travel World is an expert travel operator based in East Africa that specializes in creating topnotch African holidays, and we will customize your vacation into lasting African memory. Call in/What’s App at +256 773 148649 to speak to the safari specialist or Send your Inquiries at safaris@avenstravelworld.com

Connecting with Nature: The Therapeutic Benefits of Bird Watching Safaris in East Africa

Nature has an incredible ability to heal and rejuvenate the human spirit, and one of the most captivating ways to connect with the natural world is through bird watching. East Africa, renowned for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers unique and enriching bird watching experiences like no other. Beyond the thrill of spotting rare and colorful avian species, this activity provides a plethora of therapeutic benefits that can nourish the mind, body, and soul. In this article, we will delve into the therapeutic advantages of bird watching in East Africa, exploring how this immersive experience can foster mental well-being, physical health, and a profound connection with the environment.

Stress Reduction and Mental Well-Being
Bird watching serves as a form of mindfulness meditation, enabling individuals to disconnect from the fast-paced demands of modern life and immerse themselves in the present moment. The act of focusing on the birds’ behavior, Melodies, and flight patterns creates a tranquil and calming environment, reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of relaxation. Observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat can shift the focus away from worries, fostering a clear and peaceful state of mind.

Moreover, East Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests to expansive savannas, tranquil water bodies provide a soothing backdrop for birding. The sheer beauty of the surroundings can help alleviate anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation, promoting a more positive outlook on life. Imagine relaxing on a boat cruise looking through your camera lens or telescope /binoculars capturing and watching these interesting creatures along the shores or in marshes nearby, or taking on a walk through the tropical forests of Eastern Africa to watch these species.

Physical Health Benefits
Engaging in bird watching safaris often involves walking or hiking in search of avian treasures, making it an excellent form of exercise. Exploring the diverse terrains of East Africa while seeking elusive species can improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and strengthen muscles. The physical activity, combined with the fresh air and exposure to natural morning and evening sunlight, contributes to overall well-being and boosts the immune system. Birding is mostly done and recommended at early morning 6-10am and in the evening 5-7pm and these are the best and recommended times of experiencing the sun for Vitamin D.

Additionally, bird watching encourages exploration and adventure, allowing enthusiasts to venture into new territories and engage in activities that enhance their physical fitness. This sense of discovery and achievement can further elevate mood and self-esteem.

Connection with the Environment
East Africa’s rich avian biodiversity offers a unique opportunity to learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of conservation. Birding enthusiasts become more attuned to the interconnectedness of all living beings, fostering a deep sense of responsibility toward the environment.

By observing birds in their natural habitats, visitors can witness the impact of climate change and habitat destruction on these winged creatures. This firsthand experience often leads to a heightened awareness of the urgent need for conservation efforts. Many bird watchers become advocates for environmental preservation, supporting local initiatives and contributing to the protection of endangered species and their habitats.

Enhancing Patience and Mindfulness
Bird watching is not merely a passive activity; it requires patience, keen observation, and the ability to be fully present in the moment. As enthusiasts wait quietly for a rare bird to reveal itself such as the Shoebill among others, they learn to appreciate the beauty of patience and mindfulness.

In East Africa, where some species are particularly elusive, bird watchers understand that the best encounters come to those who remain patient and receptive. This valuable lesson extends beyond the safari experience, teaching individuals to embrace patience in their daily lives and develop a more profound sense of gratitude for the small wonders of nature.

Birding in East Africa offers far more than just a chance to spot beautiful birds; it provides a transformative and therapeutic experience that can profoundly impact one’s well-being and connection with the environment. Through the practice of mindfulness, physical exploration, and a newfound appreciation for nature’s intricacies, bird watchers can nurture their mental, physical, and emotional health.

As more people discover the therapeutic benefits of birding, they not only cultivate a deeper bond with the avian world but also become enthusiastic advocates for the conservation of East Africa’s precious natural heritage. By immersing ourselves in the wilderness and embracing the wonders of avian life, we not only find solace but also recognize our responsibility to protect the invaluable treasures of this breathtaking region for generations to come.

Explore an unforgettable avian adventure with ATW Holidays Africa! Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of East Africa’s birdlife on our exceptional bird watching safaris. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, from lush forests to vast savannas, mountain ranges to sparkling water bodies, as you spot rare and colorful avian species. Our expert guides ensure an enriching experience, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting mental well-being. Join us on this therapeutic journey, where each moment brings you closer to the captivating world of East Africa’s birds. Book your birdwatching safari now and embrace the magic of the wilderness like never before!