How to plan a Uganda Gorilla Safari from Arusha, Tanzania

Embarking on a thrilling Uganda gorilla safari from Arusha, Tanzania offers a gateway to an unforgettable adventure. Thanks to the East African Visa, which grants access to both Uganda and Tanzania, travelers can seamlessly transition between these two East African countries without the hassle of reapplying for a visa. The journey into Uganda commences at the Mutukula border, whether by road or air.

For those opting for air travel, a convenient option is to fly from Arusha to Entebbe Airport, where the gorilla safari awaits. Alternatively, ground transport from Entebbe or Kampala is also available. To beat the morning traffic, it’s advisable to set off early, as the drive from either city to the gorilla destinations takes approximately 8 to 9 hours without factoring in stopovers.

Uganda boasts two exceptional gorilla safari destinations. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to 18 gorilla families available for public trekking, stands as a prime choice. Additionally, two gorilla families in southern Bwindi offer the exclusive opportunity for gorilla habituation experiences.

Mgahinga National Park, nestled in southwestern Uganda, is another remarkable gorilla safari destination. Here, Nyakagezi, a unique gorilla family, can be encountered. Though Nyakagezi once roamed into Rwanda, they are now firmly settled in Uganda.

The key to participating in this awe-inspiring adventure lies in securing a gorilla trekking or habituation experience permit. The Uganda Wildlife Authority exclusively manages and sells these permits, but travelers can seek the assistance of tour operators to simplify the permit acquisition process.

In Uganda, visitors have the choice between gorilla trekking, an exhilarating journey to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, or gorilla habituation experiences, allowing for a deeper, more immersive encounter with these incredible animals. Whichever option one selects, a Uganda gorilla safari promises an enchanting and unforgettable expedition into the heart of the wild.

Planning a gorilla safari in Uganda from Tanzania, specifically starting from Arusha, is an exciting adventure that promises an unforgettable wildlife encounter. The highlight of this journey is the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. To ensure a seamless and successful gorilla safari, there are several key steps you need to follow, from securing your gorilla permit to booking accommodations, arranging transportation, and planning additional activities to complement your gorilla experience.

1. Secure Your Gorilla Permit:

The first and most crucial step in planning your gorilla safari is securing a gorilla permit. These permits are your golden ticket to either gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience, allowing you to enter the protected areas where these incredible primates reside. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues a limited number of permits each day: 152 for gorilla trekking and 8 for gorilla habituation experience. Therefore, it’s essential to book your permits well in advance.

When booking your gorilla permits, you’ll need to specify the date of your trek or habituation experience and the number of people in your group. You can check permit availability through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or accredited tour operators like Encounter Africa Safaris. It’s important to note that permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must make the payment to secure them.

2. Reserve Accommodation:

Choosing the right accommodation for your gorilla safari is crucial for a comfortable and convenient experience. Your choice of lodging should be based on the location of your gorilla permit in Uganda. To make the most of your adventure, it’s advisable to spend the night before your trek or habituation experience as close as possible to where your permit is issued. This will help you avoid long drives and ensure that you can attend the early morning briefing, which is the last entry point for the activities.

In the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you’ll find a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. Some popular options include Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Buhoma Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Backpacker’s Camp, Silverback Lodge, Trekkers Tavern, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Engage Lodge, and Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.

If you plan to visit Mgahinga National Park, consider staying at accommodations like Gahinga Lodge, Majambere Iwachu, Community Camp, or Mutanda Lake Resort.

3. Book Transportation:

Getting to the gorilla safari destinations in Uganda from Arusha, Tanzania, can be quite a journey, so it’s essential to book your transportation in advance. You have two main options: traveling by road or by air.

By road, the journey from Kampala City or Entebbe Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. There are various routes you can take, including Kampala to Kabale to Kanungu to Buhoma, Kampala to Ntungamo to Rukungiri to Buhoma, and Kampala to Kabale to Nkuringo, among others. For Mgahinga National Park, you can follow routes from Kampala to Kabale to Kisoro.

If you prefer a quicker option, you can take daily domestic flights from Kajjansi or Entebbe Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. These flights are in high demand, so it’s advisable to secure your seat in advance. Additionally, charter flight services are available for a more private and convenient fly-in gorilla safari experience.

4. Reserve Additional Activities:

While gorilla trekking or habituation is the primary focus of your safari, Uganda offers a wealth of other incredible activities to complement your adventure. Depending on the duration of your holiday, you can combine your gorilla experience with various activities that showcase Uganda’s diverse natural beauty and wildlife.

Some of the additional activities you can consider include:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, Kyambura Gorge, and other chimpanzee habituation areas.
• White-water rafting on the exhilarating Itanda Falls in the River Nile.
• Visiting the source of the River Nile, a historical and geographical landmark.
• Birdwatching in Uganda’s rich birding habitats.
• Mountaineering in the Rwenzori Mountains or other scenic areas.
• Scenic viewing of Uganda’s stunning landscapes.
• Exploring Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake with more than 29 islands.
• Going on game drives to spot diverse wildlife.
• Enjoying launch trips on Uganda’s serene water bodies.

To make the most of your gorilla safari, it’s advisable to create a well-tailored itinerary that aligns with your budget and the number of days you have available. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in Uganda’s natural wonders and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

In conclusion, planning a gorilla safari from Arusha, Tanzania, to Uganda is an adventure of a lifetime. By securing your gorilla permit, reserving accommodation, booking transportation, and considering additional activities, you can ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience with these remarkable creatures and the beauty of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes.

What is a gorilla trekking safari?

A gorilla trekking safari is an extraordinary wildlife adventure that offers tourists the unique opportunity to observe and interact with one of our planet’s most majestic and endangered species: the mountain gorilla. This captivating experience takes place in the lush forests of Uganda, specifically within the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Within this pristine wilderness, 19 fully habituated gorilla families await the presence of intrepid travelers.

To ensure the well-being of these incredible primates, a maximum of eight gorilla permits are made available per gorilla trekking family each day. This limitation helps minimize human impact on the gorilla communities, ensuring their safety and minimizing stress.

For those seeking an even deeper immersion into the world of gorillas, there is the gorilla habituation experience. This adventure allows tourists to accompany a dedicated team of researchers and skilled trackers into the heart of the gorilla’s habitat. Here, visitors have the extraordinary privilege of spending up to four awe-inspiring hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, gaining a deeper understanding of their behavior and social dynamics.

However, it’s important to note that the gorilla habituation experience is an exclusive opportunity, with only a maximum of four tourists allowed to participate each day. Currently, Uganda offers just two gorilla permits for this exceptional adventure, both of which are situated in the southern part of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

In total, Uganda opens its doors to 152 gorilla permits for public booking each day, catering to both regular gorilla trekking enthusiasts and those seeking the unparalleled gorilla habituation experience. Whether you choose the traditional trekking safari or the habituation adventure, witnessing these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat is a truly life-changing experience that fosters conservation awareness and contributes to the preservation of these magnificent creatures for future generations.