Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Possible from the UK?

Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary experience that takes you deep into the heart of Uganda’s stunning natural landscapes, where you can observe one of the world’s most majestic creatures, the mountain gorilla, in its natural habitat. Uganda is one of the few countries where you can have this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, primarily in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

If you’re in the United Kingdom and considering this unforgettable experience, you might wonder: “Is gorilla trekking in Uganda possible from the UK?” The answer is yes! With proper planning and the right guidance, you can easily travel from the UK to Uganda for a memorable gorilla trekking journey. This guide will walk you through the process, including flight options, the costs of permits, and other essential details to help you plan your trip.

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How to Get to Uganda from the UK for Gorilla Trekking

Traveling from the UK to Uganda for gorilla trekking is relatively straightforward, though it requires some planning. There are no direct flights from the UK to Uganda, so you will need to take connecting flights through major international hubs such as Dubai, Addis Ababa, or Amsterdam. These cities offer frequent connections to Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and its international airport, Entebbe International Airport.

Popular Flight Routes from the UK to Uganda

From cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, several airlines offer convenient routes to Uganda. Ethiopian Airlines, for example, flies from London Heathrow with a layover in Addis Ababa before continuing to Entebbe. Qatar Airways and Emirates are other popular options, offering flights from London and other UK cities, with layovers in Doha and Dubai, respectively.

The journey typically takes between 13 and 16 hours, depending on the length of your layovers. After arriving at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll need to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where the trekking takes place. While this drive can take around 8-10 hours, there are also internal flights available from Entebbe to local airports like Kihihi or Kisoro, which cut down travel time to just 1 hour.

What Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, offers visitors the chance to trek through dense forests and rugged terrain to encounter these magnificent creatures.

The trek usually begins early in the morning, with groups of trekkers being assigned to specific gorilla families by experienced guides. Once you find a gorilla family, you are allowed to spend an hour with them, observing their natural behaviors and interactions. The trek itself can be physically demanding, as the forest environment can be quite challenging, but the rewards of being in the presence of these incredible animals make it all worthwhile.

Gorilla trekking is highly regulated to ensure the safety of both visitors and the gorillas. Each group is limited in size, and trekkers are only allowed to stay with the gorillas for one hour to avoid causing them stress or disrupting their natural activities.

The Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

When planning your gorilla trekking adventure, one of the most important details to consider is the cost of the trekking permit. As of 2024, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800 per person for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This fee includes the cost of your trek, the services of a guide, park entry fees, and contributes directly to the conservation efforts protecting the mountain gorillas.

If you want a more exclusive experience, you can opt for gorilla habituation instead of trekking. This experience, where you spend more time with the gorillas and even participate in their habituation process, costs US$1,500 per person. Gorilla habituation is a less common experience and is typically available in specific areas of Bwindi, so it’s important to book early if you’re interested.

Permits for both regular trekking and habituation are limited and often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons, so it’s advisable to book your permits as early as possible through a tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, which can assist with securing these permits for you.

Can I Combine Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?

One of the most common questions from travelers looking to visit Uganda is whether they can combine their gorilla trekking adventure with a safari to see the famous Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania. The answer is yes! It’s entirely possible to combine a gorilla trekking trip in Uganda with a wildlife safari in the Serengeti or Masai Mara to witness the incredible Great Migration, which is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet.

Gorilla Trekking Tours to Africa

Planning Your Multi-Country Safari

After completing your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, you can easily fly from Entebbe to Nairobi (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) for a safari. The flight between Uganda and Kenya or Tanzania is relatively short—typically 1-2 hours. This makes it feasible to witness the Great Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara or Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, both of which offer exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Many tour operators, including Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, offer tailor-made packages that combine gorilla trekking with safaris in Kenya or Tanzania. These packages allow you to experience the diversity of Africa’s wildlife, from the mountain gorillas of Uganda to the wild herds of the Great Migration.

Health and Safety Considerations for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and physically demanding activity, and there are several health and safety considerations to keep in mind before embarking on your trek.

Vaccinations and Health Precautions

Before traveling to Uganda, it’s essential to visit your doctor to ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations and to discuss any additional health precautions you may need to take. A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda, and proof of this vaccination is required upon arrival. Additionally, malaria is prevalent in Uganda, so it’s advisable to take anti-malarial medication and use insect repellent.

Fitness Levels

While gorilla trekking doesn’t require expert fitness, it is physically demanding. Trekkers should be prepared for long hikes through dense forest and varying terrain, which can sometimes be steep or slippery. It’s important to be in reasonable physical condition to fully enjoy the experience. If you have any medical concerns or doubts about your ability to trek, you should consult a medical professional beforehand.

Travel Insurance and Visa Requirements

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers going to Uganda. A comprehensive policy should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unexpected events.

As for visa requirements, UK citizens need a visa to enter Uganda. You can apply for an e-visa online before your trip or obtain a visa upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Uganda.

Why Choose Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd?

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a trusted and registered tour operator in Uganda, specializing in organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. As local experts, we know the ins and outs of the region and can provide personalized itineraries that meet your travel preferences and needs. From securing permits to arranging transportation and accommodations, we take care of all the details, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable adventure.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, our team at Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is committed to making your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Uganda is not only possible from the UK, but it’s also an experience that should be on every wildlife enthusiast’s bucket list. With flights easily accessible from the UK to Uganda, and the expertise of Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd to help you navigate the logistics, you can enjoy an incredible wildlife adventure. From securing trekking permits to exploring the possibility of combining your adventure with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, we are here to help every step of the way.

If you’re ready to take the leap and experience gorilla trekking in Uganda, contact Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd today for more details and to start planning your dream African adventure.

FAQs

How much is a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs US$800 per person for Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Can I combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with the Great Wildlife Migration in Kenya or Tanzania?
Yes, it’s possible to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with safaris in Kenya or Tanzania. Many tour operators offer multi-country safari packages to help you witness the Great Migration while enjoying gorilla trekking.

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd is a Uganda-based safaris tour operator. We operate with a high passion for taking you through the beautiful nation of Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. A destination that offers you the best jungle adventures in Africa. We will help you experience East Africa at large with insight from a local tour guide.