Group Safaris Gorilla Trekking Guide

Booking gorilla trekking for group safaris has got no much difference from gorilla trekking for individual safaris. Mountain gorilla permits prices cost $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 foreign residents and shs250,000 East African citizens, $1500 in Rwanda, $450 in DR Congo. The price of gorilla permits doesn’t change according to the individual status but every individual planning to trek gorillas will pay the same amount of money for the trekking permit.

When to book a gorilla trekking permit

Booking mountain gorilla permits is always done in advance of 3-4 months most especially in Uganda because of high demand and this applies most especially when booking permits in Uganda. Gorilla permits are only sold to people above the age of 15 and those with infectious diseases such as flu, cough, and diarrhea are not allowed to trek as these can be transmitted to mountain gorillas. Gorilla family allocation will depend on some factors such as age and physical fitness so you will not be guaranteed that your whole group will trek together as one group.

How to plan gorilla trekking safaris for a large group

When booking gorilla trekking for group safaris in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which is located in the southwestern part of Uganda, it is always advisable to book permits in advance of 3-4 months so that you can obtain permits in one region of the park instead of getting permits in different sectors. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park has four sectors namely Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Booking permits in one sector will give an opportunity for the group to trek mountain gorillas in the same region and saves time instead of others waking up early in the morning to move to other regions for hours.

Booking permits in the same region of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park will also give the group an opportunity of sleeping in one hotel or lodge depending on availability. Sleeping in one lodge will reduce your expense in case rooms are to be shared by group members.

Though allocation of mountain gorilla families is done according to age and physical ability, trekking a gorilla family in a group not exceeding 8  can be done if requested at the park headquarters on the morning of trekking but this can be done just in case there are a few people trekking on that day and the physical abilities of other trekkers have been met.

When planning gorilla trekking for large groups, also keep in mind that only 8 people are allowed to visit each mountain gorilla family in a day and a period of one hour is given to them to observe gorilla behaviors and take photos. Each sector in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park has more than 3 gorilla families so you will have to be split according to the gorilla families available.

Sick people with infectious diseases such as cough, flu, and diarrhea in the group will also not be able to trek mountain gorillas simply because they are exposed to human diseases and they have no immunity to fight diseases this means any infection on one gorilla will lead to several deaths yet they are endangered.

What would be the best time of the year to trek mountain gorillas?

Visiting mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park can be done at any time of the year but the most preferred time to trek mountain gorillas is from June to September and December to February when there is no or little rainfall and the vegetation is not thick marking it easy to pass through the jungle. The roads to the park are also accessible during the rainy season. The rain season can make the trekking trails very slippery and steep though during this season lodges give discounts on their rates.

Choosing your accommodation on Group Safaris Gorilla Trekking

There are several accommodations in Bwindi so don’t worry about the size of the group, the accommodation facilities in Uganda can cover your needs and satisfy the group’s requirements ranging from luxury to mid-range to budget; they are strategically located and large enough to accommodate whatever number of people. Pick from the available options of luxury, mid-range and budget lodges, hotels, Hostels and Inns. Camping is also a very good option, especially when the group has to many people, it gives an all-round unique experience not common to many, the story will be different and enjoyment at the campfire unmatched.

Joining Group Safaris during Gorilla Trekking

Knowing a group before joining it is very important because less of that, the fun, enjoyment, and experience can be compromised; yes, it’s fine for those who have groups, but to you who doesn’t have any no need to worry. You can still join a group from whatever part of the world but going for the same activity, the same age bracket, similar interest, with the same preference and ready to work together. The experience got when you join the right group of travelers is very satisfying and memorable. As we sum up, Rwanda group safaris are the best offers tourists can never miss out because it is not only cheap but also safe, flexible, very rewarding and memorable.

What to carry for gorilla trekking?

These are some of the things you should pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda; long-sleeved warm clothes, waterproof hiking shoes, waterproof backpack, snacks, enough drinking water, garden gloves, wool socks, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellents, binoculars, face mask, sanitizer, camera, and extra batteries.