Planning a Gorilla Trekking/tracking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo what to consider, How to plan your 2016/2017 gorilla tracking program, transport to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mghinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, accommodation, how to book the gorilla permits, cost of the gorilla tour for 2016/2017

Planning a Gorilla Trekking/tracking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo what to consider, How to plan your 2016/2017 gorilla tracking program, transport to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mghinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, accommodation, how to book the gorilla permits, cost of the gorilla tour for 2016/2017

In Uganda Gorilla tracking can only either be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, in Rwanda Gorilla trekking can be done only in Volcanoes National Park and in DR Congo its done in Virunga National Park. However those the only National Parks where you can find the few remaining mountain gorillas in the world

To trek gorillas you must have a pre-booked gorilla trekking permit in Uganda each costs USD$600 in Rwanda each cost USD750 and DR Congo but Uganda has introduces specially discounted gorilla permits in the month of March April, May and November 2016/2017 to $450 . Since the gorilla parks are located far away from the airport you arrive from you will need transport (4x4 advisable) to reach the park. The drive from Kampala/ Entebbe to Bwindi takes about 8-9 hours. This means that if you are tracking gorillas in Uganda you will need at least 3 days to the gorilla trek: One day travelling to the park, another day tracking the gorilla, and the third day driving back to Kampala or Entebbe.

How to book your gorilla permit, you will need to either contact the relevant travel agency to book the gorilla permit Uganda Wildlife Authority for Uganda, RDB for Rwanda and UNESCO for DR Congo or book your permits through a local tour Company like us www.kisorotoursuganda.com or www.gorilla-tracking-uganda-rwanda.com Please note that gorilla permits are only confirmed by paying for them in full. You will need to send money for the permits in full to get your confirmation ad ensure that you take care of the bank charges involved to avoid disappointment.

If you intend to travel in high season like June, July August and December 2016/2017, be aware that most days are sold out and you may not be able to get the gorilla permit for the days you wish to travel. There are however some gorilla permits cancellations. These permits are not at the Uganda Wildlife Authority but with local tour agents. Which we can assist our clients to get such permits when contacted.

However, for the rest of 2016-2017, there are still plenty of spaces so you can confidently contact us now to book your space there.

If you arrange the gorilla permit on your own, please ensure that you pick it from the booking office in Kampala before travelling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mghinga Gorilla National Park. You must present your gorilla permit and passport on the gorilla tracking day to be allowed on the gorilla trek. In case your permit is booked through a tour agent and you are taking the tour with them you may not necessarily need to think about getting the permit from them but if you are not taking the full gorilla tour with them, consider getting your permit before travelling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mghinga Gorilla National Park.

Planning your Transport to the Gorilla Trek in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo:

You will require a 4x4 vehicle to go to the gorilla in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mghinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park . You need a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the rough pot-holed roads which often get tourists stuck for hours during rainy seasons. You may be able to hire a vehicle for US$150 per day including vehicle, fuel, guide/driver and allowances costs for the guide/driver. Alternatively you may take public buses to a nearby town but you will have to find a cab (preferably 4x4 and which will costs you $100 a day without gas fuel) to ferry you to the Park and to the hotel.

You have to report to the park for registration office at 7:30AM. So whatever method you choose, make sure that it is reliable, if you don’t turn up at the appointed time you risk invalidating your gorilla tracking permit and having to pay again. The gorilla tracking time is very unpredictable and you may as well take from 2-9 hours. So have your accommodation booked for the night after your trek as well. For this same reason also have with you a packed lunch for the day, plenty of drinking water, rainproof clothing (you are trekking through a rainforest and any time it can rain).

Planning Your Accommodation during your Gorilla Trek tour

In Uganda, the accommodation you choose will depend on the gorilla permit you book being that the available 15 gorilla families that tourists visit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mghinga Gorilla National Park range over a wide area. Please contact us for more details about which accommodation you will need to book for each different gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Hiring Porters and Walking Sticks for the Gorilla Trekking

There are porters for hire (at $15 each) at the park offices and a walking stick is free. Do not overestimate your strength; you may certainly need either or both of these. So consideration to hire one. It’s another way of giving back to the communities.

Can I book a gorilla permit without booking a tour?

Yes, Kisoro Tours Uganda offers the service to book a gorilla permit for you, even if you don't book a tour with us, We charge a handling fee of $45 per person to arrange this for you We will make sure all the paperwork is done and the permit(s) are at our office to be collected by you easily or send it to you at the hotel you will be staying at

What can I see after Gorilla Tracking/Trekking in Uganda

What can I see after Gorilla Tracking/Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is known as the pearl of Africa which is gifted by nature and her attractions its beyond gorillas and chimpanzee tracking, From north to south, east to west, Uganda is endowed with cultural and natural attractions that you should include when you are here for your Uganda safari.

 Hotel and Lodge Bookings

We carry out accommodation bookings on the behalf of our clients based on preference and budget.

 Wildlife Safaris

We organize wildlife safaris that involve game drives, nature walks, boat trips and more, depending on your interests. In Uganda, safaris can be carried out in Murchison Falls NP; Queen Elizabeth NP; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; Lake Mburo NP; Kidepo NP; Kibale, and the Semliki Reserve Mgahinga national park and other parks that are part of the virunga ranges in Rwanda and Congo neighbouring countries.

 Spot Fishing Safaris

We would like to take you fishing! Fishing safaris are a leisurely way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Uganda- not to mention its tasty fish! Fishing safaris are carried out in Murchison Falls NP, lake Mutanda, and murehe and on Lake Victoria.

 Cultural Tourism

We create memorable cultural tours for clients interested in learning about different cultures and customs in Uganda including the threatened Batwa culture commonly known as “the first forest people”. There are several heritage sites in Uganda not to be missed!

 Study Tours

We carry out study tours for students wishing to learn more about Uganda. These tours can target specific interests such as flora, fauna, or culture.

 Gorilla ,Chimpanzee & Golden monkey Tracking

We take care of bookings for gorilla and chimp permits. Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking are amazing activities, but they require advance planning, since permits are required. Gorilla permits are especially in high demand and should be booked early to avoid disappointment. Permits are obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and only guaranteed upon full payment. Gorillas are tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park (depending on the movement of the gorillas). Chimps can be tracked in Kibale, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Semliki.

 Bird Watching

Our expert guides will take you to the best birding sites in Uganda. Bird watching is a popular activity in Uganda because of the numerous species and high number of birds. Bird watching is possible in all national parks and other sites throughout the country.

 White Water Rafting & Bungee Jumping

We organize trips that will get your adrenaline flowing! White water rafting and bungee jumping are not for the faint hearted! Opt for half or full day rafting, or a package including both bungee jumping and a half-day’s rafting. Both activities take place on the Nile, at Bujagali Falls in Jinja.

 Camping

We can assist you in planning a camping safari. Camping is an economical and adventurous way to enjoy nature. Several campsites are available throughout the country, including in national parks. Camp facilities vary depending on location; it is important to inquire early as to the equipment required for this activity. We can assist in securing tents and other equipment.

 Boat Trips

We book boat trips for safaris, as well as for trips on Lake Victoria and Bunyonyi. Boats include canoes, kayaks, and motorized boats. Boat trips are offered in Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Bunyonyi.

 Biking experience Along the Banks of River Nile & in Lake Mburo

Looking for a little adventure? (Mountain biking experience). Biking is now available along the banks of the River Nile as well as in Lake Mburo National Park. This activity is a great way to enjoy a thrilling ride with beautiful scenery. Safety and fun guaranteed!

 Biking

We can assist you in booking mountain bikes for your biking tour. Mountain biking is available in some national parks, as well as in and around Kampala. Contact us for more details.

 City Tours of Kampala, Jinja & Entebbe

We will take you on exciting and informative tours throughout Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe. In Kampala, you may be interested in visiting the national museum, the local markets, cultural heritage sites, and different religious establishments. In Jinja, you can walk around the town; have a visit of the Nile Breweries, the Uganda Museum, the Source of the Nile, and Bujagali Falls. In Entebbe, you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, the Botanical Gardens, and the beach. There is much to see!

 Car Hire and Leases

We offer car hire for both corporate and personal needs. We also provide on time airport transport, long distance drives, co-operate services for staff and school picks and drops. Our vehicles range from saloon cars, four-wheel drive such as Land Rovers, minibuses, and vans. Our fleets are in good mechanical condition, highly experienced drivers and comprehensively insured. Below is our competitive Car hire rates and their specification and kindly note that these rates are friendly and negotiable depending on the length of the contract whether it’s a town service or upcountry:

Vehicle Make /Type $ (USD)

Saloon Cars Toyota Corona /Corolla 60 per day

Saloon (4×4) Rav 4 80 per day

Four-Wheel Drive Double Cabin Station Wagons Pajeros 130 per day

Omni Buses (7 seater, 10 seater, & 12 seater) 140 per day

Coaster bus (25 seater & 28 seater) 200 per day

Safari Land Cruisers 5 seater 200 per day

Safari land Cruisers 7 seater 250 per day

Four Wheel Drive Super Custom 130 per day

Airport Transfers 100 per day

www.kisorotoursuganda.com