Gorilla Trekking on weekends in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done over the weekends in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If you are short of time but need to do Gorilla trekking, careful planning is important. Start by booking a gorilla trekking permit in advance at least 6 months before the trek date because they are limited and their demand is high. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is about an 8 to10 hours’ drive from Kampala or Entebbe which gives you beautiful landscape views of the countryside and a leisurely feeling. Alternatively, you might consider flying to nearby airstrips like Kihihi or Kisoro to save time. Giant Holiday Safaris has weekend tour packages that include transport booking plus accommodation and permit booking recommended to ensure that you have a smooth and memorable trip in Uganda.

Key things to remember about Gorilla Trekking on weekends in Uganda

You are advised to book your gorilla trekking permit in advance because they run out fast especially during the peak season.

Gorilla trekking permits with Giant Holiday Safaris are non-refundable.

Gorilla trekking is physically demanding and can take almost 8 hours.

Tour booking with a reputable company like Giant Holiday Safaris is important to avoid disappointments.

Benefits of weekends gorilla trekking in Uganda

A unique experience

Gorilla trekking on a weekend gives you a chance of trekking through dense forests and meeting wild gorillas in their natural home.  You will watch gorillas’ social behavior like feeding, playing, mother gorillas grooming their young ones and gorillas training. While in their company, you will feel a connection to nature which will make your weekend trip worth. This adventure stands out from other usual weekend activities which leaves you with memories and stories you will remember forever.

Comfort

Gorilla trekking on a weekend in Uganda is comfortable for tourists with limited time. This period gives you time to escape from your daily tiring work routines to experience relaxing sights of gorillas. With weekend gorilla trekking, you can choose to fly into Kihihi or Kisoro on Friday, do gorilla trekking on Saturday and return on Sunday which makes it the best option for visitors with busy schedules within the week days.

Accessibility

Gorilla trekking on a weekend can be an accessible adventure for trekkers because trusted tour companies like Giant Holiday Safaris offer well organized weekend tour packages that cater for permits, accommodation and transportation which simplifies the process for weekend travelers. Trekking itself requires moderate physical fitness but do not worry because porters are available to assist with carrying your belongings ensuring every tourist can participate in gorilla trekking comfortably on a weekend. In addition, most trekking sites are near major cities or airports which makes it possible to reach your destination on a Friday evening or Saturday morning. Make sure that you choose accommodations near the trekking parks to save time and avoid last minute rush since you need to wake up early morning for briefing at the park headquarters.

Productive

Trekking through the green vegetation in search for gorillas on a weekend is a great way to stay active and challenge your body in a rewarding way. The sense of success after reaching your destination and seeing these gorillas in their natural home is unmatched. This experience can also boost your mood and inspire creativity because of being surrounded by nature and wildlife.  Gorilla trekking on a weekend gives you a chance to bond with friends, family or fellow trekkers on the trip creating memories that last a lifetime.

Adventure

Gorilla trekking on a weekend is an unmatched adventure that combines exploration with the joy of meeting gorillas and other wildlife. You will hike through misty forests guided by expert trackers who lead you to gorillas’ natural home. The journey itself is an exciting challenge as you cross rough trails, streams and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the wilderness. The real magic happens when you come face to face with gorillas. Their expressive eyes and human-like behavior creates a connection that words cannot describe. A weekend trek also offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. The physical energy combined with the calm environment during the weekend leaves you feeling relaxed.

Relaxation

Gorilla trekking on a weekend can be an incredibly relaxing experience as you enjoy views of the green forests, fresh air and the sounds of wildlife which creates a peaceful atmosphere that instantly soothes your soul. While Gorilla trekking might involve a bit of physical effort, it gives trekkers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and see gorillas in their natural home interacting with one another. This moment reminds you of the beauty and simplicity of life. You can finalize your trek on a weekend with a boat ride on lake Bunyonyi or a relaxing massage at your accommodation.

Where to do gorilla trekking in Uganda on  weekends

You can do gorilla trekking in Uganda on a weekend from either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to almost half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided into four sectors that is Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors with more than 468 gorillas. For a weekend trip, Buhoma is an excellent choice because it is easily accessible with many accommodation options from luxurious lodges, mid- range to budget friendly options.

On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is part of the Virunga Mountains offering beautiful volcanic views alongside its gorilla trekking experiences.  Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the best option for visitors looking for a quiet and less crowded option because it is home to one habituated gorilla group called the Nyakagezi family which means your chances of having a private gorilla meeting are high.

Weekends gorilla trekking experience in Uganda

Your gorilla trekking journey in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park starts very early in the morning with briefing at the park headquarters from experienced guides and trackers about rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. You will then venture into the dense forest with rough paths and thick vegetation but every step is worth it. Along the way, you will meet beautiful exotic birds, plants and other wildlife. Gorilla trekking takes between 30 minutes to 5 hours and once you find a gorilla family group, you will spend an hour watching them from a safe distance as they interact, play and run their human like daily lives. You also have a chance to take their videos and pictures with less or no flash light to avoid disrupting them. After one hour, you will be escorted back to your starting point where you will be given certificates for participating in weekend gorilla trekking. This experience is memorable, adventurous, educative and impactful as you indirectly contribute to wildlife conservation through participation.

How much do gorilla trekking permits cost in Uganda?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs 800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 700 USD for foreign residents and 300,000UGX for East African citizens. These permits are essential for anyone planning to go on a gorilla trekking trip and they are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or can be purchased through a reputable tour company like Giant Holiday Safaris. A gorilla trekking permit includes a guided trek, certificate of participation and park entry fees but does not cater for your accommodation, meals and transport costs. Note that permits are limited to a specific number of visitors per day to minimize the impact on the gorillas and their home which makes securing your permit in advance important especially during peak trekking seasons from June to September and December to February.

How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda on a weekend

You can book your gorilla trekking permit through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or a reputable tour company like Giant Holiday Safaris.

With Uganda Wildlife Authority, you will contact them through email or phone to inquire about permit availability. Once they confirm your preferred gorilla trekking dates and permit availability, you will need to make payment to secure your booking. Be prepared for some back-and-forth communication if you choose this method of permit booking.

With a reputable tour company.  Many travelers find it more convenient to book their permits through reputable tour companies like Giant Holiday Safaris because we handle all the logistics including transportation, accommodation and permit booking. It is a smooth option especially if you are not familiar with the process. When booking your permit, you need to provide your full name, passport number, nationality and preferred trekking date. Once we confirm permit availability on your trek date, you will need to make payment to confirm your permit. Payments can be made through bank transfer or credit card and we shall send you a scanned copy of your receipt for a gorilla trekking permit.

Once your permit is secured, it is time to plan the rest of your adventure for example where you will stay that is lodges near Bwindi and Mgahinga and how you will get there and what else you would like to see on your weekend trip in Uganda.

Where to stay on a weekend during gorilla trekking in Uganda

There are high-end lodges, mid -range and budget friendly options located near gorilla trekking parks like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These lodges have beautiful views, exceptional services and amenities like private cottages, gourmet dining and spa treatments. They include Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Silverback Lodge and many others.

Best time for gorilla trekking on a weekend in Uganda

Uganda has two dry seasons that are from December to February and June to August. These are considered the best times for gorilla trekking on a weekend. During these months, the trails in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are less muddy making gorilla trekking smoother and more enjoyable. Crossing through the forest is easy and the chances of seeing gorillas are higher because they stay in lower altitudes.

Alternatively, if you do not mind rain, visiting during the wet seasons for gorilla trekking in months of March to May and October to November can also be rewarding. The forests are greener and vibrant and there are fewer tourists offering a more private experience. For quick responses about any luxurious or budget friendly gorilla trekking trip on a weekend in Uganda, please contact Giant Holiday Safaris.