Category: BLOG

Things to Do In Tanzania

Things to Do In Tanzania-The Ultimate Travel Bucket List to Tanzania 2024/2025

The top things to do in Tanzania or the ultimate Tanzania Travel Bucket List activities include Big Five safaris, Mountain Kilimanjaro Hiking, Wildebeest Migration viewing, Balloon Safari or a beach stay on Zanzibar Beaches. So if you are still wondering what you can do in Tanzania during your stay or perhaps during your vacation period, Engabi Tours and Travel has a variety of options for you! We plan numerous holiday relaxation safaris in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Zanzibar. To plan successful Tanzania safari tour, you must determine your vacation budget, followed by the number of days you intend to spend in Tanzania or the above-mentioned countries. With all of this, you can contact us directly and we will assist you in customizing the best experience for you based on the number of days you wish to spend in Tanzania.

Top Tanzania Travel Experiences

Honeymoon Holidays 

One of the things that happens during or after a honeymoon is that you will feel a lot closer to your partner. The uninterrupted quality time, newlywed status, enormous love, and heartfelt conversations will all bring you closer to your partner.  Engabi Tours and Travel will ensure that you have an amazing time in Tanzania with your partner. Depending on your budget, we can prepare you for an unforgettable time in Tanzania in the best destinations such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar Beach Holidays, and if you love adventures and different experiences with your partner, we can prepare you for an amazing Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Experience.

Zanzibar Beach Holidays

 Experience our spectacular beachfront views from Zanzibar Hotels, from glistening infinity pools with coastal views to private cabanas on white sands. On romantic vacations, book a stay with beach dining experiences and gaze into the sunset. Everyone will be smiling on family vacations with so many water sports to choose from, such as paddle boarding on calm waters or letting the kids run wild on a treasure hunt. On all-inclusive beach holidays in Zanzibar, take advantage of the wonderful facilities, limitless drinks, and boastful beaches. Make this beach vacation one to remember, whatever you’re looking for. Forget about Thailand’s, Fiji’s, and Malaysia’s beaches. Zanzibar beaches are without a doubt the best beaches in Africa, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. This Indian Ocean beach is simply the best place to visit in Tanzania.

Family Holidays/Family Safari Holidays

Family vacations are all about keeping everyone entertained. If you’re traveling with children, parents, cousins, or friends, we recommend staying somewhere close to the beach with mild temperatures so the kids don’t get too hot. Tanzania offers amazing places and absolute classics for family vacations.

Cultural Tour Experience

Culture and tourism have a symbiotic relationship that can boost the allure and competitiveness of locations, regions, and nations. The importance of culture as a component of the tourism product is rising as it helps destinations stand out in a crowded international market. Taking a tour of a town or village. Learning about the culture of the locals, including the Maasai and Chagga peoples, as well as local employment, for instance, through a tour of a tea plantation or factory. Working as a volunteer in the neighborhood. Spending time on things like cooking, art, a way of life, embroidery, etc.

 Mountain Climbing

 Mountaineering, also known as mountain climbing, is the sport of reaching or making an effort to reach high points in mountainous terrain, primarily for enjoyment. It involves mountaineering, rock climbing, and navigating snow- and ice-covered slopes. You can rely on Engabi Tours and Travel to get you to the top of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Mountaineers are at risk from falling rocks, falling ice, snow avalanches, the climber falling, falling from ice slopes, falling down snow slopes, falling into crevasses, and the risks associated with altitude and weather, among other objective hazards.

The best place to test your adventure and climbing skills is on Mount Kilimanjaro. Anyone, from youngsters older than ten years old to seniors in their 60s and 70s! To reach the summit, all you need is the will and the determination. The altitude and the rate of ascent are what present the biggest difficulties when climbing Kilimanjaro. Depending on the route you take, Mount Kilimanjaro’s hiking distance varies. The quickest route is Umbwe, but it’s also the steepest. It is 23 miles long (37 kilometers). The Northern Circuit, which is 56 miles (90 kilometers) long and has a higher success rate, is the longest route.

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Lion tracking vs mountain gorilla trekking

Lion tracking vs mountain gorilla trekking : Uganda is known for famously having the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world and in the recent years the country has also been known for having a rare species of lions, the tree climbing lions.

The tree climbing lions are found in the ishasha sector in queen Elizabeth national park. These rare lions have become a popular attraction as many people will want to visit  queen Elizabeth to have a glance at these peculiar lions.

Its because of that growing demand that people keep wondering, between mountain gorilla trekking and lion tracking which adventure is better or if they had to drop one; which should they drop on any given safari?.

Answering this is not easy, but we will surely try our best to find the suitable answer.

First and fore most we never want to see you or any traveller forced to drop an activity for any reason. It’s not cool and we don’t want to see it happen to our clients. So we hope you are never in that position where you have to drop one activity for the to other.

That said, these two experiences are totally different and each gives you a unique adventure in it’s own right; so really we cany compare them.

But to help you understand the experiences best we are going to breakdown for you what each experience is and everything about it.

Lion tracking

We start with lion tracking because its relatively new compared to mountain gorilla trekking.

Lion tracking is the activity that involves using a tracker to find tree climbing lions and when you find them you spend sometime viewing them as they rest on the tree branches or climb the trees. This is a guided activity so a tracking guide will go with you and specifically operate the tracker to seek out the lions as you watch on.

Like any other game drive you will be in the game drive car as all this happens . This whole experience will take a about 2 to 3 hours of your time especially If the lions are near you and not in trees so far away from you. You will watch them take pictures, enjoy the surrounding flora, birds etc..

After viewing the lions you can head back to your accommodation or continue on the game drive to see other animals in the park.

It’s that simple, the guide will do all the heavy lifting and your job is just to view the lions.

Mountain gorilla trekking

This trekking on the other hand is a real involvement adventure. It’s also a guided experience. You are led into the forest by a mountain gorilla trekking ranger who will guide you to the gorillas  are. He/she will also ensure you trek up and down the mountainous forest safely and that you adhere to the rules of Gorilla trekking as you trek.

The experience takes most of your day which is different from lion tracking. Here you also trek the forest your self instead of staying in a car and watching as is the case with lion tracking.

Mountain gorilla trekking therefore is the process of trekking the forest to find the famous apes the mountain gorillas.

The trek takes about 6 to 8 hours and the time of viewing the gorillas is strictly one hour.

When viewing the gorillas your in close proximity with the gorillas only a 7 meter distance between you and them.

So you have the opportunity to admire and study them up close. In lion tracking however you have to be quite far from the lions.

After the one hour of viewing the gorillas you will slope down the forest back to your accommodation or your next stop.

You realise since you are doing the trekking yourself, you get experience the forest personally seeing the different tree species, the birds, butterflies as you enjoy the mountain terrains, it’s a unique experience all together.

Reasons to Go on A Safari

Amazing Reasons To Go On a Safari-Why do people go for safaris?

There are a number of reasons why you should go on a safari in Africa especially if you are an adventure and wildlife lover. Going on a safari will give you an opportunity to see wild animals in their natural wild habitat, support conservation efforts, interact with and support local communities, get great photographic moments and view spectacular landscapes in the countryside. It’s such an exciting experience to be in a close encounter with the wild animals you always see on television.

Well if you are looking for reasons to go for a safari, we have some for you below:

To escape the noisy city and get away from work

If you live in the city and work in the city the noisy urban life can drive you crazy at times you need to get away from it and find some sanity. Now don’t get me wrong the city is great but sometimes it gets to you and you need a time out.  One of the ways to reset and refresh is going for a safari in the calm or rather nature, see the wildlife interact with nature hear the birds sing generally enjoy a different environment away for the urban.

To Celebrate

Safaris can be a great away to celebrate milestones at work, school, family, etc.  Take the party to the wild, see the animals and nature – celebrate with nature per say.

For Fun

Sometimes going for a safari is just for fun. Safaris are fun especially when taken with great company, so if you feel like fun go for that safari. Weekend safaris are the best for this.

To relax and vacation

More like getting away from the noisy city, you can take a break relax and vacay on a safari. Enjoy activities outside the routine of work and everything. Have some time to slow down, walk, and meet new people and just chill. Safaris are very good for that.

To explore and discover

For safari lovers and enthusiasts, they take safaris to explore and discover new places, or new things in the wild like animals, vegetation, features etc. And this is one of the main reason people take safaris

For Adventure

Safaris are adventurous and if you love adventure, then safaris are for you. Actually most safari lovers are adventurous, they like to test their limits, feel the adrenaline rush among other things. Safaris that involve activities like mountain climbing, mountain gorilla trekking, hiking, cycling among other things are considered adventurous.

The experience

The safari experience is one to die for, one everyone needs to experience this in their life time. And that is why most people go for the safari. It’s an experience you can even put in words, you have to go for a safari yourself to experience it.

To study

Some scholars also take safaris to study animals, nature and other things concerning the jungle. Actually wildlife scholars are the ones give guidelines on how safely people can enjoy touring and exploring the jungle.

Other reasons people may go for safaris include but not limited to curiosity, peer pressure, seasons like Christmas, IDD etc, safari offers, availability of resources, proxy to the safari destination, company and many other reasons.

Anyway whatever your reason for going for a safari are, make sure you plan to go for one this year. There are a number of safaris in East Africa that you can enjoy. Consult one of our consultants on information on how to plan and have a beautiful and successful safari.

CONTACT US to start Planning your next African Safari Vacation in  Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park | Kibale Park Activities, fees

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the best wildlife experiences in Uganda and Africa at large. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park takes place every day all year round with two treks per day- one in the morning and one in the afternoon each lasting for 3 hours with 1 hour of interacting with the chimps. The terrain of Kibale forest is not too challenging which makes the Chimp trekking in Kibale National Park more comfortable and more accessible for those who aren’t up for challenging hikes.

How Does a Typical Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park look like?

A typical Chimp trek in Kibale will start with a briefing from the park rangers where they will take you through the chimpanzees behaviors and habits, the route you will be taking and the safety precautions. After the briefing you will head into the forest in search for a habituated group of chimpanzees and on finding them will only be allowed to stay with them for 1 hour observing their behaviors and character. Kibale National Park is home to about 1,500 individuals.

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What is the cost of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park Uganda?

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale goes at USD250 per person per day for Foreign Nationals and chimpanzee habituation experience costs USD390 per person per trek for foreign Nationals.

What to carry for Chimpanzee trekking safari?

Well, Chimpanzee trekking is conducted in the wet tropical rainforest where rain is unpredictable. So, on your visit, we recommend visitors carry essential items such as poncho, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sweaters, Insect repellents, Camera and extra batteries, rain jacket, and drinking water among others.

What is the best time to go for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda?

Chimpanzee trekking Uganda Primates safari is done throughout the year but best the time to trek chimps without heavy rain is during the dry season. That tends to happen from June to September and December to February. Note; Chimpanzee trekking is quite a humbling life experience, and one shouldn’t miss engaging in on Uganda Wildlife Safari.

Generally, Kibale Forest National Park was established as a national park in 1994 and covers an area of about 795 square kilometers, standing at 1,590 meters above sea level with the lowest point of 1,100meter on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley to the south of the park. More so, the park’s altitude supports different types of habitats ranging from wet tropical forests, woodland, and savannah on the rift valley floor.  More to that, Kibale is not only home for primates but also for wildlife species over 70 forest wildlife species including buffaloes, forest Elephants, and antelopes among others. However, the park is the habitat of the 13 primate species like Red- the tailed monkey, Olive baboon, Galago, Potto, Black – and – white colobus, Grey–cheeked mangabey, and among the most sought endangered Chimpanzees. More then, the forest contains more than 380 species of birds such as; White-napped pigeon, Cassin’s spine tail, Green-breasted pitta, Abyssinian ground thrush, Little greenbul, Brown-chested alethe, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Double-toothed Barbet, Black-billed Barbet, Yellow- Billed Barbet, Papyrus Canary, and Yellow–spotted Nicator many more.

Other places in Uganda to do chimpanzee trekking includes; Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Ngamba Island which is located 23 kilometers southeast of Entebbe in Lake Victoria, covering an area of about 100 acres,98 of which are forested and separated from the visitor’s area by an electric fence where the chimpanzees roam all day around. You can visit Ngamba Island and engage in a feeding experience as well as memorable photography.

Apart from doing chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, you can participate in birding, guided nature walks, Crater lakes tour

CONTACT US for inspiration or to book a Uganda primates Tour

Tourist Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park

Tourist Attractions in Murchison Falls National Park-What to Do and See

The Popular attractions in Murchison Falls National Park include hiking the powerful Murchison Falls, Game Park Safaris, Boat Safaris, Birding Safaris and Chimpanzee tracking in the nearby Budongo Forest.

Murchison falls national park is famously known as the largest national park in Uganda compared to all other game parks in the country and it covers a total surface area of about 3,840 square kilometers. It was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1926 and then later it was officially established as a national park in 1952 which makes it to be considered among the oldest national parks in the country. More so, this national park is located in the Northern region of Uganda in Masindi district and it is known to have deprived its name from the Murchison falls that are within the park and were happened to be named by Sir Samuel Baker after the president of the Royal Geographical society who was known as Sir Roderick Murchison. However, in 1970, the former president of Uganda who was named President Idi Amin Dada renamed the falls to Kabalega after the King or Kabaka of the Bunyoro kingdom but it later in 1979 it was again renamed to Murchison falls after the downfall of the King.

Murchison falls national park is a good destination where tourists on a Uganda safari should visit because it provides you with the best adventurous safaris due to the fact that it is a home to over 76 mammal species that tourists can sight see as they tour around the park such as; African Bush elephants, Nile crocodiles, antelopes, buffaloes, duikers, hippos, elands, giraffes, lions, leopards, Zebras and primate species like; white and black colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons and many others. more so, Murchison falls national park also harbours around 451 bird species that bird lovers can sight see such as; Nightjars, the rare shoebill stork, Marabou stork and many others. More so, this beautiful national park consists of many tourist attractions, which make it a fascinating destination, and attracts many tourists to travel from all over different parts of world to the park. Therefore, these attractions include;

1. Boat Safaris to the Power Full Murchison Falls.

Murchison falls is considered the top, greatest attraction found in Murchison falls national park, and it is known to be formed by the waters of the River Nile, which force their way through a gap in rocks hence forming a 7 meters wide and 43 meters waterfall. Murchison falls is a spectacular waterfall, which is also commonly known as Kabalega fall, and it lies between Lake Albert on the Victoria Nile and Lake Kyoga. More so, visiting the Murchison falls is always on a to do list of every tourist exploring within the park and visiting the falls gives you chances to capture the view of the permanent rainbow as it flows westward into Lake Albert and also the falls causes a thunderous roar as it flows which is always best for the sights and the expedition.

2. Game Park Drives

Murchison Falls National Park is home to 76 species of mammals, and 451 species of birds, which you can explore over a 3 to 4-hour game drive. The game drive will mainly take place in the northern part of the park which is dominated by open savannah grasslands. You will start with an exploration of the Albert delta track where you will be able to see water birds, buffaloes, crocodiles, lions and giraffes among others. The Buligi Peninsula track is also key for game viewing and in these open grasslands you will be able to see elephants, buffalos, leopards, hippos and giraffes lazing by the water side.

3. Boat Safaris

A boat Safari in Murchison Falls is such an amazing experience and there are two options of boat cruises to choose from with each heading in a different direction along the Nile River that cuts through the park.

The first optionis the launch trip which leaves Paraa heading upstream towards the powefull Murchison Falls. On approaching the falls, you witness the water cascading through a small 7-metre gorge which creates a powefull splash and carries mist through to the boat. The 3 Hour launch cruise won’t feel long enough as you will have opportunities to see pods of hippos, Crocs, different birds species and the bathing elephants.

The second option is the Albert delta boat crusie which takes off from Paraa and leads you down the Nile towards the shores of Lake Albert. It takes between 4-5Hours on a distance of 28km. On this cruise you will have an opportunity to see birds and wild animals by the riverbanks.

4. Budongo Forest Home to Chimpanzee Tracking and Habituation Experience

Budongo forest is another fascinating attraction that is found within Murchison falls national park and it is located within the Southwestern region of the park. Budongo forest is famously known as a home to the large numbers of primate species and also as a royal Mile  which is best for bird watching activities due to the fact that it is  harbours around 360 bird species  such as; the African Dwarf kingfisher, the blue-breasted kingfisher, the black-eared ground thrush, Cassin’s hawk eagle, capped flycatcher, Cassin’s spine tail, brown twin spot, chestnut-capped flycatcher, Ituri batis, chocolate-backed kingfisher, crowned eagle, grey headed sunbird, lemon bellied crombec, little green sunbird, olive-breasted greenbul, white-spotted fluff tail, white thighed hornbill, yellow crested woodpecker and yellow-footed flycatcher among others. more so, Budongo forest is commonly visited for chimpanzee trekking activities because it is a home to over 800 chimpanzees that are always available to sight se and 9 primate species such as; black and white colobus monkeys, potto, galago species, olive baboons, potto, blue monkeys and many others.

Apart from the mentioned above, there are so many other tourist attractions that are found within Murchison falls national park and some of these are; Rabongo forest, beautiful wildlife animals, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, Buligi game tracks, the Nile-Lake Albert Delta and many others.

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Attractions In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Attractions In Queen Elizabeth National Park-Things to Do & Activities

Tourist attractions in Queen Elizabeth National park include activities such as Game drives, boat safaris, birding safaris and Chimps tracking among others. Queen Elizabeth is located in the Western region in Uganda in Kasese district and it is famously known to be the second largest national park in the country after Murchison falls national park covering a total surface area of about 2080 square kilometers. This national park was first known as the Kazinga channel but later in 1954, it was renamed as Queen Elizabeth national park after the visit of the Queen of England. More so, this national park is considered to be among the top destination that tourists planning to go on an adventurous safari in Uganda could ever choose to visit because it is surrounded with a beautiful scenery of green lash vegetation, dense forests which cat as a good natural habitat to large numbers of wildlife species, stunning water bodies such as; lakes and rivers, volcanic features like; craters and volcanic cranes, woodlands and many others. More so, Queen Elizabeth National park shares boarders with kibale national park and Virunga national park found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and it also crosses over around 4 districts like; Rubirizi, Kamwenge, Rukungiri and Kasese.

Main tourist attraction in Queen Elizabeth National park.

Queen Elizabeth National park is also considered to be the most visited national park in the country and this is because it the only place in Uganda where tourists can be able to see the tree climbing lions. Therefore, these tree-climbing lions are seen as the main tourist’s attraction in this park that attracts many tourists to travel from all over many parts of the world to this park with an aim of tracking the tree-climbing lions. In addition, the best area where to spot these species in large numbers is within the Ishasha sector, which is located within the Southwestern part of the park.

The ishasha sector is considered as the best area where to see the tree-climbing lions because it is surrounded with Candelabra trees that have big branches, savannah woodlands, Acacia trees, and huge fig trees, cactus trees where the lions always hang to relax and rest. However, it is noted that these lions usually climb most especially during the dry season, which helps them to avoid the heat on the ground, and research shows that these lions climb in order to protect themselves from being bitten by the parasites on the ground. More so, it also helps them to ease their hunting processes as they look down to watch over their prey such as; the Uganda kob, which are always noticed feeding in the field and antelopes. However, touring around Queen Elizabeth National park does not only give chances to see the tree climbing lions but also one can be able to sight see other beautiful wildlife species such as; 4000 African elephants, 3000 hippos, 2000 buffalos, bush bucks, duikers, water bucks, antelopes, warthogs, leopards. More so, bird lovers can be able to sight see very many beautiful bird species because this national park also harbours around 600 bird species such as; the great blue turaco, yellow throated cuckoo, red chested sun bird, robin chat, collared pratincole,  lesser and the greater flamingos, papyrus gonolek, vereux eagle owl, African skimmer, papyrus canary white tailed lark,  broad billed roller, grey winged robin chat, Caspian plover, white backed night, heron, yellow billed wattle eye and many others. This park is also a home to primate species such as; black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, snakes, baboons,

Apart from the tree-climbing lions, more other tourist attractions within Queen Elizabeth National park also attract the attention of many tourists to travel to this park while on their safari. Therefore, these attractions include; the Mweya Peninsula which is located within the northeastern region of the park and it is seen as the best destination where individuals can go for mongoose tracking , the Kazinga channel which is known to connect the two stunning water bodies; lake George and lake Edward, Kyambura George which is situated in the Eastern region of the park and it is also commonly referred to as the Valley of apes and famously known as the best destination where tourists can go for chimpanzee trekking activities which are charged at a cost of about 50 USD per person, Lake Katwe which is known as the salt lake and touring around this lake, grants individuals opportunities to watch the salt mining processes and also to listen about the privileged stories that are told by the women miners about the salt mining and this helps tourists learn more about the history  of the Germany salt factory and many others.

Best time to visit in Queen Elizabeth National park.  

Tourists planning to visit Queen Elizabeth National park while on a Uganda safari are free to travel at any time they want throughout the year. However, the dry season is considered to be the best time they could ever choose to travel because it is during this period of time that there are less rains and the grass vegetation is always short which enables tourists to capture classic views of all the interesting features and the wildlife species within the park. Therefore, they should note that dry season is always between months of June to September and from Mid-December to February.

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Gorilla Conservation Experience

Gorilla Conservation Experience : Gorilla conservation is key in the drive of preserving the Gorillas and other world primates living within the Conservation zones. Engabi Tours is here to share with our prestigious clients the awesome Gorilla Safaris Discovery Tours into the real African Jungle to have a moment with Africa’s most prestigious Wildlife treasure. Some of our lucky tourists to have experience our Gorilla Conservation Experience packages have seemed to want more and more of the Gorilla Trekking experience.

Gorilla conservation is an effort towards protection of the wildlife resources Gorillas in particular.  We have made it our company duty alongside other organizations such as Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Gorilla Friends, Nature Uganda among others to see it that Gorilla and natural environment surrounding the Gorillas Habitats are kept in preserved and protected from any human destruction so as to ensure the future prosperity of the lives of Gorillas.

The Gorilla Conservation struggles have been done towards fighting different human activities such as Today, mountain gorillas are threatened not due to a demand for their meat or their infants, but due to a demand for the lush forest in which they live. For the poverty-stricken communities living around the gorilla habitat it is the forest that provides them with many of their basic human needs, and in the war torn areas of DR Congo these needs are over harvested. This has greatly lead to the habitat loss takes away the gorillas’ source of food and shelter, and diminished territory to roam in can also affect breeding patterns.  Mountain gorillas are also at risk from poachers. While they do not hunt gorillas, they do leave traps on the forest floor and the gorillas can get caught in these. Poaching, civil unrest, extractive industries (mining, logging, illegal charcoal trade), lack of legal habitat protection.

Engabi Tours greatly advises its tourists to participate in the different Gorilla Conservation Experience awareness activities that it has been able create to be done by the different tourists while on a Gorilla Safaris Discovery Trip to Africa, all intended with due purpose of preserving the Gorillas within their usual natural habitats. Our Volunteers on a Gorilla Safaris Discovery trip have been able to experience lots of amazing fun filled activities while on a visit on our Gorilla Safaris destinations.

Volunteers will engage in a wide variety of activities as part of the project, involving themselves with the local community and supporting areas of conservation, tree planting, aiding in the education of the people living around the national parks and of course, taking part in a breathtaking (quite literally) trek to see the beautiful mountain Gorillas. Volunteers can expect to take part in the following:

• Building and establishing a tree nursery bed for the community to raise indigenous trees and provide an income for the community school. Community tree planting to expand the coverage of forest and provide alternative sources of fuel, fodder, food and handicraft materials.
• A trip to National park where you will go on a very fun filled Gorilla trekking Safari adventure more so visit the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda primary schools to see the children that have benefited from the Gorilla Conservation Experience as part of the donations goes to the development of Primary schools within the regions.
• Have a trip to the Queen Elizabeth National Park where you can visit other primates too within the kyambura gorge. Have a boat cruise with scenic sight viewing experience around the Kazinga.
• Game drives where spotted hyenas, hippos, leopards, and even rare tree-climbing lions can be seen in the Ishasha region of the Park.

Engabi Tours has been able to boost the struggle in creating awareness around the wildlife conservation zones with in Uganda as its creating conservation volunteering wildlife packages to its clients so as to create a platform whereby they too can activity participate in the wildlife conservation struggles of the National conservation zones with in East Africa.

Where Is Gorilla Trekking Done In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Where Is Gorilla Trekking Done In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Gorilla Trekking is done in the four major sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park including Buhoma Sector, Rushaga sector, Ruhiija Sector and Nkuringo Sector. These gorilla trekking sectors make Bwindi Impenetrable Forest stand out as probably the best place in the world to watch gorillas.

A gorilla trek in Bwindi is all about soaking yourself into the dense rainforest to enjoy up close and personal with a family of mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.

Location of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) is found in southwestern Uganda, Kabale district. Kanungu, Kisoro and Rubanda districts are additional districts surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, and this park was gazetted in 1991 then designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Over 459 of the entire 1063 mountain gorilla population left on earth reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park, and they distributed in the park’s 4 main sectors. In each of the four gorilla trekking sectors, there are fully habituated gorilla families to be visited by tourists on Uganda gorilla safaris. Bwindi alone accounts for about 20 fully habituated families of endangered mountain gorillas and on a single day, each group/family is visited by a maximum of eight pax.

Where to start your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi National Park

All gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park begin from the 4 major sectors/regions/trailheads. They include;

Buhoma

Gorilla trekking in Buhoma is all about exploring habituated families of mountain gorillas that roam in the northern sector. This sector has amazing gorilla families such as Rushegura, Habinyanja, Katwe, Muyambi, and Mubare groups. They translate to about 40 gorilla permit since each group takes a maximum of 8 visitors.

Rushaga

Rushaga is the Southern gorilla trekking region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). This particular sector holds the highest number of habituated gorilla families including Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, Biking, Mucunguzi, Busingye, Busingye, and Kutu.

Nkuringo sector

Nkuringo trailhead is another special gorilla trekking region located in the Southern sector of Bwindi. The available gorilla families to visit in the Nkuringo region include Bushaho, Christmas, Nkuringo and Posho –but this is still undergoing habituation.

Ruhija region

Ruhija trailhead is a gorilla sector lying in the Eastern part of Bwindi. The special gorilla families to visit include Oruzongo, Bitukura, Mukiza and Kyaguriro groups.

Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi N/Park

Anyone visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires a valid gorilla permit to be allowed to explore the park’s habituated families. The price of gorilla permits for Bwindi is no different from that of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park permits, with each costing USD 800 (for foreign non-residents), USD 700 (foreign residents) and shs.300,000 (Ugandan + the rest of the East African member states).

Best time to travel to Bwindi for gorilla trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park welcomes visitors all year round to enjoy Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari adventures. However, the dry season is the most favorable time if you want to enjoy excellent gorilla treks. The dry season occurs twice a year with long phase running from June, July, August to September and short dry months: December, January to February.

What you must pack

Packing list for Bwindi gorilla safari: long-sleeved shirts, waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, cameras plus extra batteries, daypack, bottled drinking water, a sweater, sunscreen, gorilla permits, first aid kit, rain jacket, insect repellents, safari hat, pair of thick socks, gardening gloves, and others.

How to obtain gorilla permits for Bwindi tours

The easiest and safe way of obtaining a gorilla permit for Bwindi is by contacting a trusted tour operator on the ground. With the help of Engabi Tours and Travel, your gorilla permit can be secured and also the entire gorilla tour can be planned appropriately. Our reservation team can be reached via email – info@gorillasafaridiscovery.com or call: +256757341593

Where to stay on gorilla safari in Bwindi

After securing a gorilla permit, next should be booking accommodation facility for your overnight stay. At Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park, visitors have many accommodation options to choose including budget, midrange and luxury with price of about USD 80 to USD 1500 per night. They include Silverback Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Rest & Campsite, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Campsite, Mahogany Springs, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and others.

How to get to Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible using two options- road and air transport. By road: journeys to Bwindi start from Kampala or Entebbe and driving up to the park takes between 8 and 9 hours depending on the route. You could also spend few hours by connecting from Kigali city through Chanika border to Kisoro or Katuna to Kabale town- about 4-5 hours’ drive.

Contact Us to start Planning Your Gorilla Tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

How To Purchase A Gorilla Permit For Trekking In Bwindi

How To Purchase A Gorilla Permit For Trekking In Bwindi

The most convenient way of purchasing a Gorilla Permit for trekking gorillas in Bwindi-Uganda is by using a reliable local gorilla trekking tour operator who will also plan the entire trip. This is because According to the current Uganda Wildlife Authority guidelines, the largest number of gorilla permits (Approximately 80%) are sold through registered tour operators who are licensed to operate by Uganda Tourism Board. Tourists should however note that Gorilla permits are officially issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Engabi Tours and Travel is a reliable local Gorilla Trekking Tour Operator based in Kampala. We are available to book/purchase your Gorilla Permits and plan your entire safari Discovery in Uganda with extensions to Rwanda and Tanzania.

Contact Us to book your Gorilla Permit or to start planning your entire trip. This means you stand a higher chance to have a permit obtained through a reliable and recognized tour company/operator such as Engabi Tours and Travel. If you really cant wait for tour to begin, Chat with us right now on WhatsApp at +256757341593

Who is eligible to purchase a gorilla permit for trekking in Bwindi?

All travelers above 15 years can purchase a gorilla permit. The acceptable Gorilla Trekking age limit for visitors to be allowed to go gorilla trekking is 15 years –this is a standard age limit across all the 3 countries where mountain gorilla trekking adventures are conducted.

When to book A Gorilla Permit in Uganda

A gorilla permit for trekking in Bwindi must be booked early at 1 year before the actual visit to enjoy a guided gorilla trek. This considering the high demand for the permit, especially during the peak months of the year –June, July, August, December, January and February. It is noted that about 160 gorilla permits are always available for purchasing by tourists on a gorilla tour to Bwindi National Park. This is considering the fact that this park contains about 20 gorilla families and each group takes 8 visitors daily.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and other destinations is conducted only once a day. The adventure begins in the morning and visitors are accompanied by an experienced park guide. Gorilla family groups of Bwindi National Park roam freely in Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo sector.

What is the cost of Bwindi gorilla permits?

Gorilla permits in Uganda are open for purchasing at;

• USD 800 per person =foreign nonresidents.
• USD 700 per visitor =foreign residents
• 300,000 per tourist =Ugandans & other East African citizens.

Gorilla permit cancellation guidelines

• 75 percent refund if a visitor cancels booking within 91 days/more.
• 50 percent refund for cancellation made 46-90 days before.
• 25% refund for cancelation done within 9 days to 45 days before the date of trekking gorillas.
• No refund in case a visitor cancels 0-8 days before actual gorilla trek.
• Deposits paid –no refund on cancellation.
• Refund applies to visitors who make full payment for permits.

What comes with gorilla permits?

Gorilla permits booked offer visitors a chance to track mountain gorillas and you get to visit one habituated gorilla family. After Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park, the park authority allows visitors to stay with gorillas for 1 hour. This is the time when you will have great moment exploring their daily behaviors, and taking photos.

The price of gorilla permits includes park guide services, park entry fees and a close encounter with a family of mountain gorillas. Before you start trekking with Bwindi gorillas, the park official will brief you about gorilla trekking rules and also verification exercise to be certain that you are eligible to go track gorillas will be conducted early in the morning.

Gorilla habituation permits 

Before gorilla families are officially opened for trekking, they undergo through habituation. This is the process in which wild gorillas are made used to human presence in the wild. The process normally takes 2 years less or more and depends on how quick gorillas get acclimatized to human presence in their natural habitat. So far, this experience is offered only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and gorilla habituation permits are issued out at USD1500 per person.

Rwanda gorilla permits –as of 2024, the Rwanda gorilla permits still stand at USD 1500 per person. Like gorilla permits in Uganda, booking Rwanda gorilla permits is easier when you deal with a reliable tour operators such as Engabi Tours and Travel.

Contact Us to book your Gorilla Permit or to start planning your entire trip.

Why Is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive?

Why Is Gorilla Trekking So Expensive in Uganda and Rwanda? Why is gorilla trekking so expensive? Gorilla trekking is so expensive because the cost involved in conserving and protecting gorillas is very high. The largest percentage of gorilla permit fees is used to support different activities involved in saving the lives of gorillas in the wild. There is a high cost involved in conserving these apes and it involves a number of aspects including paying staff–the park trackers, rangers, veterinary doctors and others.

Gorilla trekking is costly but still stands out as Africa’s most favorite primate adventure. It is a bucket-list adventure among most visitors’ travel plans to Africa. Gorillas are huge in size and share over 98% of their DNA with humans which makes them our closest relatives. Each gorilla has a unique nose prints just like humans do have distinct thumb prints.

Reasons why gorilla trekking is so expensive in Detail

Gorilla trekking is so expensive due to various reasons. First, the cost involved in conserving and protecting gorillas is very high. The largest percentage of gorilla permit fees is used to support different activities involved in saving the lives of gorillas in the wild. There is a high cost involved in conserving these apes and it involves a number of aspects including paying staff –the park trackers, rangers, veterinary doctors, and others.

Mountain gorillas are endangered species living in only 3 countries worldwide, and the demand to track or see them is high. To minimize the huge numbers and exposure to humans, respective gorilla safari destinations have set prices for gorilla permits. In Uganda, a single gorilla permit for foreign non-residents goes for USD 800; foreign residents obtain Uganda gorilla permits at USD 700 and shs. 300,000 is charged for Ugandans and the rest of the East African citizens.

Gorillas have up to 98% of their DNA similar to that of man, which makes them very susceptible to infectious human diseases. Considering this fact, there is a lot that is required to ensure that these apes survive today and for the next generations to come.

Support adjacent communities & conservation initiatives –gorilla trekking and gorilla permits are expensive the fact that part of the money paid for this adventure goes back to finance the various projects in the local communities adjacent to protected areas such as Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Uganda through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offers 20% of the tourism revenue collection back to community –this is through their tourism revenue sharing scheme while in Rwanda, Rwanda Development Board provides 10%.

Through the tourism revenue sharing scheme, there are different projects run by communities that are financed including bee-keeping, goat rearing, provision of clean water, craft making, and more. All these projects are intended to make locals living adjacent to the park to embrace wildlife or gorilla conservation and protection.

Other factors that make gorilla trekking expensive

There are many others that make gorilla trekking costly include accommodation choice, cost of transportation and other activities. The accommodation rates in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo vary and a budget option can cost from USD 50 to USD 130 per night. A good standard/moderate/midrange lodge can be booked at USD 150 to USD 200 while luxury options are available at USD 400 to USD 5500 per night.

When planning a gorilla tour, you can choose the lodge that fits your wallet size. If you are on a budget trip, there is no need to go for a luxury lodge. There are many budget/basic lodging options to retire for a night while on Gorilla Trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda including Gift of Nature Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Buhoma Rest Camp, Kinigi Guesthouse, Musanze Caves Hotel, Bwindi View Bandas, Broadbill Forest Camp, and Muhabura Hotel.

Transport costs –you must plan for your flight from your home country to Uganda/Rwanda/Congo and back then travel to and from your gorilla safari destination. Depending on the airline, you may require at least USD 600 to USD 2500 for your flight from country of origin.

Within Uganda or Rwanda, there is an option of hiring a car for your road trip to and back from gorilla parks. Driving time from Kampala to Bwindi/Mgahinga is between 8 and 10 hours from Kampala, and from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, it is about 2-3 hours’ drive.

Cost of items to be packed for your gorilla tour –there are essentials to be included on your packing list and include sunscreen, insect repellent, hand/gardening gloves, waterproof hiking, daypack, a camera, long trousers, long sleeved shirts, a sweater and rain jacket, etc.

Contact Us to Start Planning your unforgettable Budget Friendly Gorilla Safari Tour. You May also reach us through WhatsApp Texting on +256 757341593