Gorilla Trekking Safari
Best Last-Minute Uganda Gorilla Safaris
Book last minute Uganda Gorilla Travel Holidays and enjoy a close encounter with the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the tropical rain-forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. At Maranatha Tours and Travel, it is possible to go on a last-minute gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, the pearl of Africa.
Note on Booking: To avoid disappointment, it is recommended to book your gorilla permit and safari early. While last-minute arrangements are possible, they carry risks such as lack of permit availability or fully booked flights.
Best Selling Uganda Gorilla Travel Holidays
- 25 Day Adventure Uganda Safari
- 21 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari
- 18 Day Uganda Primate Safari
- 17 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari
- 15 Day Best of Uganda Safari
- 14 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
- 13 Day Tanzania & Uganda Safari Tour
- 10 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
- 10 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek Uganda Chimpanzee Safari
- 9 Day Uganda & Tanzania Safari Tour
- 9 Days Wildlife Safari Uganda Primate Tour
- 9 Days Exclusive Uganda Primate Safari
- 7 Day Uganda Safari
- 7 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee & Gorilla Safari Tour
- 7 Day Best of Western Uganda Safari
- 6 Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari
- 6 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
- 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari
- 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience & Chimp Tracking Safari
- 4 Days Luxury Gorilla Trek Uganda Lake Bunyonyi
Arranging Last-Minute Uganda Gorilla Holidays
Ranger Lead Travel Africa is a committed ground tour operator and the best provider of unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. Whether you have limited time or a busy schedule, we ensure you get a chance to meet the mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
Our Process:
- Inquiry: We immediately check permit availability with the respective authorities.
- Quote: We provide a quote to allow for effective payment.
- Payment: Clients should have cash ready to secure the permits immediately.
- Confirmation: We do our best to realize your dream; if permits cannot be found, we inform you immediately.
Traveling via Kigali, Rwanda
It is possible to start your last-minute Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali.
- Accessibility: Traveling from Kigali to Mgahinga or Bwindi takes approximately 3-4 hours.
- Comparison: Traveling from Entebbe or Kampala takes 8-9 hours.
- Options: This accessibility allows for shorter trips, including 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day gorilla tours.
Guide to Gorilla Trekking: Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Gorilla trekking is the leading tourist attraction in these three countries. Uganda is particularly famous for its unsurpassed biodiversity.
- Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei beringei
- Locations: South-western Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga).
Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda holds more than half the world’s surviving mountain gorilla population.
- Mgahinga National Park: Home to one habituated family (Nyakagyezi).
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Home to 20 habituated families across four sectors.
- Permit Availability: 160 permits are available per day in Bwindi.
Costs of Uganda Gorilla Travel Holidays
Uganda safaris are relatively cheaper than those in Rwanda. Total cost depends on transport, accommodation (budget, midrange, or luxury), and seasonality.
Standard Permit Costs:
- Foreign Non-Resident: $600
- Foreign Resident: $500
- East African Community Resident: Shs 250,000
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (High Demand): January, February, June, July, August, September, and December. Trails are drier and less slippery.
- Wet Season (Easier Tracking): March, April, May, October, and November. While rainy, primates tend to stay in lower elevations due to plenty of food, making trekking faster.
Essential Packing List
- Gorilla Permit (Priority #1)
- Waterproof Hiking Boots (Strong grip)
- Gardening Gloves (Protection from branches)
- Rain Jacket & Rainproof Backpack
- Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts/tops, long trousers, and long cotton socks.
- Accessories: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and binoculars.
- Electronics: Camera with extra batteries and memory.
- Health: Insect repellant, Toiletries, First Aid Kit.
- Energy: Snacks and water.
- Support: Hiring a porter is highly recommended.
Gorilla Trekking Guidelines & Tips
Before Setting Off
- Age Limit: Must be over 15 years old.
- Health: Always wash your hands before the trek. Do not track if you are sick (flu, cough, etc.).
- Group Size: Maximum of 8 tourists per gorilla family per day.
- Fitness: Ensure you are in reasonable shape as trekking is physically demanding.
During the Search
- Waste Management: “Pack it in, pack it out.” Do not litter.
- Call of Nature: Speak to a ranger to dig a 30cm pit; it must be covered after use.
- Noise: Keep voices low and only ask relevant questions to the guides.
In the Presence of Gorillas
- Time Limit: 60 minutes maximum interaction.
- Distance: Maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters.
- Photos: No flash photography allowed.
- Behavior: Avoid staring directly into their eyes. Do not touch them.
- Safety: Do not make abrupt or swift movements. If they charge, crouch down submissively.
- Consumption: No eating or smoking near the gorillas.
- Health Hygiene: Cover your mouth/nose with a handkerchief if you must cough or sneeze, and turn away from the animals.