A gorilla safari is one of the coolest and most fascinating experiences you should not miss while in Uganda. This tourist activity combines gorilla trekking and habituation experiences. Gorilla trekking entails people visiting fully habituated gorilla groups in their natural habitat, whereas gorilla habituation involves visiting gorilla groups that are still in the process of becoming accustomed to human presence.
Gorilla safaris in Uganda are conducted in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Uganda is the most popular and affordable of the three gorilla-hosting countries. Permits for gorilla trekking cost $700, which is less than the $1500 permit cost in Rwanda.
Bwindi located in southwestern Uganda is the most visited park in Uganda because it offers more permits compared to any other destination. With over 20 gorilla families available for trekking, 152 permits are available for grabs daily since only 8 people are allowed to visit a gorilla group per day.
Bwindi has a lot of vegetation cover hence being referred to as a “dark forest” / “impenetrable” however the vegetation is a blessing in disguise because mountain gorillas love it.
Mgahinga on the other hand has only one gorilla group known as Nyakagezi; it is an easier group to trek because it lives on low altitude areas hence easy to access. Mgahinga is also a favorite among tourists because despite the fact that the gorilla family within it is easier to trek, Mgahinga also contains slopes of three different mountains, Muhavura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga on which tourists can hike either of them.
Luxury gorilla safaris are better booked through travel agencies who will provide you with a VIP safari experience. These safaris include living in lavish lodgings, dining tasty meals, traveling in luxurious modes of transport such as charter / scheduled flights and enjoying your safari in comfort and with less worry.
A luxurious gorilla safari is not complete without participating in the Gorilla habituation process, this activity costs $1500 and it is only done at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you get to spend almost 6 hours with the primates studying their behavior. By the time you leave, you will be able to identify each of the individual group members.
Luxury Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
This opulent location provides breathtaking views of the forest canopy from the comfort of your own tent or cabin. Travellers prefer to stay in tents because they feel more connected to nature. In the evening, enjoy campfires and BBQ while you unwind for the night. It offers lovely gardens where you may relax while observing the trees and its occupants, such as birds. This resort is located in Buhoma sector.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
This eco-friendly lodge is situated in the highlands of Bwindi, surrounded by towering and lush trees. It was constructed primarily of wooden architecture to portray the surroundings. It boasts a stunning and one-of-a-kind design that is both welcome and calming.
From the balcony, you can see the lovely forest and some of the animals that live there, such as chimpanzees and birds. It has everything you could ever need while there.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Stay in any of its cottages elevated up high close to the clouds and enjoy one of the most amazing views of the forest; it is the actual meaning of comfort meets luxury. While here, you may observe clouds forming on surrounding highland places, which inspired the name.
The lodge offers a luxury spa where you can get relaxing body and foot treatments after a long day of gorilla trekking; taste some of their Ugandan inspired dishes; and wake up to the sounds of singing birds as the sun rises through the hills.
Advantages of a luxury gorilla safari
You get to stay in Uganda’s best luxurious accommodation facilities; be it hotel, lodge, cottage or tent. Once you are on a luxurious safari you will rest and relax in only top-notch places offering world class services that are highly exceptional. The rooms have all the amenities you would like Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, hot tubs and world class entertainment. Even though you are in the wild, you are still able to access whatever you need.
Enjoy exceptional delicacies; during luxurious safaris, you are served meals prepared by experienced chefs, the sumptuous meals also have an African touch to welcome you home. There are a variety of foods to select from all over the world.
Peace of mind. With luxurious safaris, everything is taken care of right from the airport pickup to meals to the gorilla trekking experience until you depart. No matter which tour operator you work with, you will relax in comfort knowing all things have been planned and all you have to do is enjoy the vacation.
Private Gorilla Trekking. A trek can be arranged for only you and your friends or family without including any other tourists whom you might not know or feel comfortable around. This gives you more privacy.
You have a personal driver and fully equipped Safari vehicle. To have the best of your gorilla experience, you need a safari vehicle that allows you to see all your surroundings with less destruction, the vehicles are 4 wheel drives and have comfortable seats with Wi-Fi and a mini fridge; there are charging ports such that your battery doesn’t run out. The cars are driven by professional drivers who are well versed with the routes and ensure that you travel safely
Packing List
A gorilla Safari is more enjoyable when you are well equipped, therefore don’t forget to pack the following items; A raincoat/ umbrella because all the gorilla destinations experience frequent rainfall, good hiking boots to withstand the rough and steep slopes, long clothes such as a trouser and long sleeved shirts to prevent insect bites, energy foods and water to give you strength to complete the hike, a camera to capture those once in a lifetime moments and sunglasses. Your travel and health documents are a must and a gorilla permit that is presented at the entrance shouldn’t be forgotten.
Best time to Visit Uganda on luxury gorilla safari
Gorilla safaris in general are best done during dry seasons and these run from December to March and from June to September. During these times, the trails are dry and easy to navigate through compared to wet seasons when they get muddy and hence slippery to pass through.
