What does Kids do when Adults go for Gorilla Trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda?

When adults embark on the exhilarating adventure of gorilla trekking in the Virunga area, encompassing Uganda and Rwanda, children below the age of 15 are often left seeking engaging activities to keep them immersed in the African safari experience. Although the age restriction may exclude them from the gorilla trekking itself, with some thoughtful planning and assistance from park management, children can still have a memorable and educational time.

One excellent option for children is to partake in educational forest walks. These guided walks are not only informative but also allow kids to explore the rich biodiversity of the region, getting up close with various flora and fauna. They can learn about the delicate ecosystem and the fascinating creatures that call it home. Identifying playful monkeys and observing their behavior can be a delightful experience for young minds.

For a deeper cultural immersion, children can visit local communities and schools around the gorilla trekking parks. This provides them with a unique opportunity to interact with local residents, gain insights into their way of life, and perhaps even participate in some traditional activities. Tasting banana brew, visiting a traditional healer, or exploring a local homestead can be both educational and entertaining.

For the creatively inclined, cyanotype photography workshops are an excellent choice. Children can learn this alternative photographic process, creating unique and memorable images of their African adventure.

Some lodges in the area may offer special programs and activities tailored for children who are not eligible for gorilla trekking. These programs often include nature-based educational activities, wildlife storytelling sessions, and more. However, it’s advisable to make these arrangements in advance to ensure that your children receive proper care and attention during their stay.

When parents return from their gorilla trekking expedition, a rewarding family activity is a community walk with the children. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can explore communities like Buhoma and Nkuringo, where you can engage in activities such as visiting traditional healers, tasting banana brew, observing local homesteads, and learning about traditional blacksmithing techniques. These interactions offer valuable cultural insights and create lasting memories for both parents and children.

In Mgahinga National Park, children accompanied by their parents or guardians can embark on a Batwa and Garama cave visit. Led by a Mutwa native guide, this experience provides a glimpse into the ancient way of life of the Batwa, a forest-dependent community that was displaced for mountain gorilla conservation. The visit to Garama cave, steeped in history, is a highlight of the journey. Depending on prior arrangements, the Batwa traditional group may even entertain you with their cultural performances.

What are the requirements during Gorilla Trekking In Uganda and Rwanda?

Booking a Gorilla Permit

The first and foremost requirement for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is obtaining a gorilla permit. These permits serve as your entry ticket to this extraordinary adventure. It’s important to note that gorilla permits are limited to a maximum of 8 per family for conservation reasons, and they are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your permit, payment is required upfront.

In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority oversees the issuance of gorilla permits. You have the option to utilize the services of accredited tour operators like Iconic Africa Safaris to assist in reserving a gorilla permit on your behalf. To facilitate this process, you will need to provide some of your passport details, including your full name as it appears on your passport, nationality, date of birth, and passport expiry date.

Reserving Accommodation

Both Uganda and Rwanda offer a range of accommodation options in proximity to the gorilla trekking destinations. Choosing the right accommodation is essential for a comfortable and memorable experience. In Rwanda, accommodations are available in the Musaze area, with additional options in Kigali city, which is approximately 2.5 hours away from Volcanoes National Park. Accommodations in Rwanda are categorized into luxury, mid-range, and budget, ensuring that there is an option to suit every traveler’s preferences.

Some of the notable accommodations in Rwanda include Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel Mille Collines, Hotel La Palme, Kinigi Guest House, and Hotel Muhavura. In Uganda, accommodations are organized according to the different areas within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, such as Buhoma in the North, Ruhija in the East, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern sector. Similar to Rwanda, Uganda offers accommodations ranging from luxury to budget.

Notable accommodations in Bwindi include Gorilla Forest Camp, Engage Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Broadbill Camp, Gorilla Resort, Lake Kitandara Tented Camp, and Silverback Lodge. For those planning to visit Mgahinga National Park, where there is one gorilla family called Nyakagezi, accommodations are more limited. Additional options can be found in Kisoro town, which is a short drive from Mgahinga National Park.

Booking Transport

The gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda and Rwanda are primarily accessible by road transport. Due to the challenging terrain resulting from volcanic activity and frequent rainfall, it is imperative to use a 4×4 wheel vehicle for this journey. The drive time from Kigali Airport to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is approximately 3 hours, involving winding roads due to the hilly landscape. In Uganda, the drive from Entebbe Airport to Kampala City takes about 8 to 9 hours, with some bumpy and dusty roads, particularly in rural areas. If you are prone to motion sickness, carrying necessary medications is advisable.

Alternatively, both Uganda and Rwanda offer domestic flights. Uganda has daily domestic flights from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe Airport to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip. It’s important to reserve your flight seats in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. However, once you arrive at the airstrips, you will still need to hire a transfer vehicle to reach the gorilla trekking destinations, as the distance can be quite substantial. Charter flight services are also available in both countries for added convenience.

Packing the Right Gear

Preparing for gorilla trekking involves packing the right gear to ensure your comfort and safety in the jungle. The wilderness can be rugged, so it’s essential to wear attire that offers protection from biting insects and stinging nettles. While you don’t need to overpack, having the appropriate gear enhances your experience during the gorilla safari.

Some of the essential gorilla trekking gear includes garden gloves, safari boots, insect repellent, a first aid kit, a brim safari hat, and other items suitable for the environment. If you require assistance with carrying your gear, consider bringing a waterproof backpack that can be handed over to a porter for a reasonable fee. This not only eases your trek but also contributes directly to the local community’s well-being.

Physical Preparation

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding as the Virunga region’s terrain is characterized by ridges and plateaus resulting from volcanic activity. To locate the mountain gorillas, trekking is often necessary, and this may pose challenges for those who are not physically fit. Even reaching the starting point of the gorilla trek may involve hiking, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas from the previous day.

While you don’t need to spend all day at the gym, it’s advisable to engage in simple exercises beyond your normal routine to stretch your muscles and improve your fitness level. This physical preparation will help you navigate the challenging terrain and enjoy the gorilla trekking experience to the fullest.

The Cost of Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Now that we have covered the essential requirements for gorilla trekking, let’s delve into the cost of this incredible adventure in Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla safaris are typically packaged into different categories, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options. However, the one common cost factor in all these packages is the gorilla permit.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Cost

As of the most recent information available, the cost of a Uganda gorilla permit varies depending on your residency status:

1. Foreign Nonresidents: $800 per person
2. Foreign Residents: $700 per person
3. East African Residents: 300,000 Ugandan Shillings per person

The cost of the Uganda gorilla permit covers several important aspects of your gorilla trekking experience, including park entrance fees, ranger guide fees, security during gorilla trekking, local community support, one hour of precious time with the mountain gorillas, mountain gorilla conservation support, and a certificate to commemorate your gorilla trek. It’s important to note that this cost does not include transportation to the gorilla trekking destinations, porter fees, tips, accommodation, or other personal expenses.

Rwanda Gorilla Permit Cost

In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla permit is different from Uganda and varies based on residency:

1. Foreign Nonresidents: $1,500 per person per trek
2. Foreign Residents: $500 per person per trek
3. East African Residents: $200 per person per trek

The Rwanda gorilla permit cost includes ranger guide fees, one hour with the mountain gorillas, security during gorilla trekking, local community support, mountain gorilla conservation efforts, park entrance fees, and a certificate as a token of your gorilla trekking achievement.

Conclusion

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is a truly exceptional experience that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures. To embark on this adventure, it is essential to fulfill specific requirements, such as obtaining a gorilla permit, reserving accommodations, arranging transportation, packing the right gear, and ensuring physical readiness. Understanding the costs associated with gorilla safaris in both countries is also crucial for planning your unforgettable journey.