One-day Uganda gorilla safari from Kisoro
A One-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kisoro is an amazing experience for tourists and other travellers who have little time but want to witness the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Kisoro town is the main prime location in Uganda gorilla trekking, Kisoro is where you can access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park before you can embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Africa. Below is some detailed information to help you in planning your one-day Uganda gorilla safari from Kisoro town
Overview of Kisoro and Its Surroundings
Kisoro district is located in southwestern Uganda, right on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kisoro is the main gateway to the most significant natural wonders in Uganda like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is the most famous national park in Africa for its population of endangered mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Forest is divided into four sectors for gorilla trekking which are the Rushaga sector and the Nkuringo sector, both sectors are located in the southern part of Bwindi Forest which is close to Kisoro town. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another park in Kisoro where one can go for gorilla tracking. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area which is shared between Rwanda, Uganda, and DR-Congo.
What to Expect on a One-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kisoro
Mountain gorilla trekking starts early Morning with the advance team/trekkers who begin early at around 6:00 AM because gorilla trekking starts between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. If you book with us, our driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel/accommodation within Kisoro and drive to the trekking starting point in either Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga for your one-day gorilla safari.
The driving time from Kisoro to Bwindi Forest’s Rushaga sector or Nkuringo sector takes about one and a half hours to two hours’ drive, while the drive from Kisoro town to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes about 30-to-40-minute drive.
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On the arrival at Rushaga or Nkuringo park headquarters, as soon as you reach you will go through a registration process before you go for a briefing which is led by park ranger/guides from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The briefing is essential because it provides you with crucial information about the rules and guidelines for mountain gorilla trekking, you get to know some gorilla behaviour and also know what to expect during the trekking and most importantly you get to know how to stay safe and protect the mountain gorillas from human diseases such as flue among other.
The actual gorilla trekking: Once the briefing is done, you will be grouped (groups which are usually limited to 8 people each group) Once all this is done, you will embark on your trekking into the dense Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga to locate a gorilla family you have been allocated to trek. Gorilla trekking can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours but all will depend on the location of the gorilla family have been allocated to trek.
What is involved in Mountain gorilla trekking from Kisoro
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the rainforest is steep up and down, the trails are often muddy which means one needs a moderate level of fitness to enjoy this activity. Gorilla trekking is led by well-experienced rangers who are more familiar with the mountain gorillas’ movement and can communicate with trackers already in the forest to locate the gorilla family it means that the chance of seeing gorillas is at 100% provided you can walk in the rainforest up and down for few hours and one you have found them you are allowed to spend one full hour with the gorillas observing and photographing and take videos as you will witness their different behaviours, interactions, and family dynamics like those of humans.
What to Bring for One-day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kisoro
To have a successful and comfortable Uganda gorilla trekking, the following list of items is highly recommended:
- Proper hiking boots are highly recommended because the trails can be steep and slippery.
- It is also recommended to bring a Rain jacket/poncho because in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga, it can rain at any time hence its name “the rainforests”.
- Have a Long-sleeved t-shirt or shirt and pants to protect you from insects, thorny bushes and stinging plants.
- Garden gloves are highly recommended because they protect your hands as you walk and sometimes need to grab onto vegetation for support and in this case garden gloves are helpful.
- A good camera with extra batteries and memory cards is highly recommended for you to capture every moment for memories of your one-day Uganda gorilla safari.
What are the costs involved in a One-day Uganda gorilla safari from Kisoro?
- For anyone to see mountain gorillas in Uganda you are required to first obtain a gorilla permit, gorilla permit is the most significant cost of every gorilla trip to Africa. As of September 2024, the Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Uganda gorilla permits are in high demand so permits must be purchased and booked in advance.
- Another cost involved is transportation, if you intend not to book your gorilla trip through the local tour operator, you must hire a private vehicle to take you from Kisoro to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga depending on which park you wish to trek in. The transportation costs from Kisoro to either of the parks typically range from USD 150- 250 for a day round trip. When purchasing a gorilla permit it includes Ranger guide fees so you don’t have to worry about park ranger fees.
After trekking, you will return to Kisoro depending on your other programs and energy levels, we recommend that if you get a chance, you should visit Lake Mutanda one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda.
When and what is the best time for a one-day Uganda gorilla safari from Kisoro
Gorilla trekking is done every day throughout the year, but normally the best time to visit gorilla trekking is during June, July, August, September, December, January and February which is also known as the dry season. This is because, during these months, walking trails are dry while during the rainy season, it’s muddy which makes the dry season the most favourable for most of the tourists and other travellers.
However, during March, April, May and November, it is also gorillas although the rain can make trekking more challenging during these months you also have to keep in mind that it’s during this season when the parks are less crowded which sometimes makes even more tranquil experience.
In conclusion, a one-day Uganda gorilla safari from Kisoro is a thrilling, albeit brief gorilla trekking adventure for those with limited time who wish to see mountain gorillas. Getting the opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which offers a deep connection with Africa’s most iconic endangered species.
