Gorilla Trackings | Wildlife Safaris | Rwanda & Uganda Tours
Monumental Expeditions
About Us
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris: Professionally, we are able to deliver fascinating gorilla-tracking safaris across all different gorilla destinations. Game viewing Africa is yet another outstanding safari and vacation idea to consider. we offer customized gorillas and wildlife safaris. For your next gorilla tracking, Africa safari, family wildlife safari, gorilla tours, game drive in the savannah, boat cruise, big game adventure, east African safari, and several ways how to plan your vacation and honeymoon getaways.
Game Viewing Africa | Wildlife Tours
The Savannah is home to several species of wildlife, including (but not limited to): the cheetah, hippopotamus, and zebra. It also has one of the highest densities of biodiversity on Earth. Here are some facts about this incredible place. Game viewing Africa is quite remarkable and one of the most sought out ways of viewing Africa’s diverse wildlife. The safaris are very affordable.
Africa is the land where you can find some of the wildest animals in the world roaming around freely, they are waiting to be spotted by you. If a safari is what you’re looking for, then it’s time to book your game viewing Africa. Uganda wildlife safari takes you to several wildlife destinations across the pearl of Africa. Here you find a wide variety of wildlife like the cheetah, baboons, rhinoceros, and various bird species.
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most exotic animals, there are destinations around the pearl of Africa where these creatures are literally out on display for your viewing pleasure. On your Uganda wildlife safari you can also expect to see Uganda primates including monkeys, colobus and black-and-white colobus. With the blue-crowned mangabey being the next largest in size after the mountain gorillas. Some of the safari activities to engage in include game drives, boat cruise, primate walks, nature walks, hiking, and trekking.
Popular Wildlife Safaris
Savannah and Uganda primates Super Luxury Safaris
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Bwindi impenetrable national park
- Lake Mburo national park
- Kibale forest national park
- Queen Elizabeth national park
- Rwenzori mountains national park
- Kidepo valley national park
- Semuliki national park
- Mountain Elgon national park
- Mgahinga gorilla national park
- Masai Mara
- Volcanoes national park
Do you want to go on a wildlife safari/Big five safari? Murchison Falls National Park is now the greatest place to watch wildlife in Uganda. It is home to four of the big five (elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards), with rhinos accessible for tracking at the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary located near Nakasongola on the way to Murchison Falls National Park. The Murchison Falls National Park, formerly known as Kabalega Falls, is also famous for possessing one of the world’s strongest waterfalls, the Murchison Falls, which is located at a spot in the park where the Nile makes its way through an 8-meter-wide ravine.
Bwindi is a popular place for mountain gorilla trekking. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and is hence the most popular place for tracking these endangered creatures. There are various additional things to view at Bwindi, including birds, chimps, and Forest Elephants. There are also various nature paths and treks to explore. If you want to have cultural contact, you may go to the Batwa Pygmies, a group of indigenous people who used to hunt and gather in the forests of Bwindi before it was designated as a national park.
Lake Mburo is one of the most accessible safari parks near Kampala. Zebras, Eland, Buffaloes, Impala, Kobs, Giraffes, and various antelope species may be seen in the park. Leopards can also be seen, especially if you go on a night safari. Lake Mburo is also one of the Ugandan parks where you may go on a walking safari.
The Kibale Forest National Park is recognized as the world’s primate capital, home to 13 primate species such as Chimpanzees, L’hoest monkeys, White and Red Colobus monkeys, Patas Monkeys, and others. This is the most popular Chimpanzee trekking site in Uganda. It is highly recommended for anybody hoping to encounter our closest relatives in the primate world, who share almost 99% of our DNA. One of the other activities available in Kibale Forest National Park is a nature walk through the Bigodi wetlands, which will reward you with sightings of more monkeys, birds, and butterflies.
A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular parks, is required as part of every Uganda safari. The biggest activities to do in Queen Elizabeth National Park include game drives in Kasenyi and the Ishasha sector to see the tree-climbing lions, visiting the crater lakes and salt licks, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, chimp trekking in Kyambura or the Kalinzu forest, visiting Maramagambo and the bat caves, cultural encounters.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is well-renowned for mountain hiking, with many visitors traveling to Uganda to ascend this magnificent mountain, which has a snow-capped summit known as Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley at an elevation of 5,109 m above sea level.
By far Uganda’s most popular wildlife safari destination is Kidepo Valley National Park. The Kidepo Valley, located in the uncharted northern area of the nation known as Karamoja, never ceases to astound tourists looking for a unique safari experience and cultural explosion.
Gifted with a female and male hot spring and a blend of endemic bird species. Offering unique primate walks and game-viewing safaris.
The block mountain is situated 4,321m high relegating as the 4th highest peak in east Africa and the 8th on the continent. Some of the activities to engage in while at mount Elgon national park include birding, summit hikes, nature walks, and cave visits.
Mgahinga National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Uganda. Mgahinga National Park is one of the four gorilla parks in the world that protect endangered mountain gorillas.
Masai mara National Park is one of Africa’s most well-known and significant animal conservation and wilderness regions, notable for its outstanding lion, African leopard, cheetah, and African bush elephant populations. It also hosts the Great Migration, which has earned its recognition as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders and one of the World’s Ten Wonders.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is most renowned for mountain gorilla trekking, but the park still offers a variety of other exciting activities. This park is part of the Virunga volcanoes, which are split by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This park has an everlasting bamboo forest as well as grassland, wetland, and heath habitats.
Uganda Wildlife Safaris
Gorilla Trekking Tours and Uganda Wildlife Safaris: Monumental Tours and Expeditions
Gorilla trekking Africa – Uganda is one of the top Safari destinations in Africa most popular for gorilla tracking and wildlife Safaris. At Monumental Expeditions, we specialize in creating lasting memories through our trips to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. There are several activities we offer in our bespoke and scheduled tours ranging from Gorilla tracking safaris and chimpanzee trekking, Game Watching Safaris, Boat trips, Birding Safaris, Photography tours, Adventure Sports and So much more.
Uganda Wildlife Safari- Because of Uganda’s numerous safari activities and parks, Uganda Safaris provides a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Uganda, also known as “the Pearl of Africa,” is bestowed with several wildlife species, including the endangered mountain gorillas, that can trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can also see the African Big five (Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Elephants, and Rhinos), and chimps can trek across several locations in Uganda. All of this means that you can only anticipate a one-of-a-kind Uganda safari experience when you visit the gem of Africa since there are several activities to choose from.
Uganda and Rwanda Safaris
Gorilla Trackings Rwanda Vs Uganda Vs Congo, Comparing Best Gorilla Safaris In Africa.
GORILLA TRACKINGS IN RWANDA VS UGANDA VS DR CONGO; COMPARING GORILLA SAFARIS IN AFRICA
Trekking Costs, Distance, Difficulty, and Other Extra Activities
Seeing mountain gorillas in the forest is one of the most magnificent and unforgettable experiences for trekkers, but deciding where to go, when to go, and what to bring is essential before departing for your mountain gorilla trekking location.
Mountain gorillas can only be found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This means they may trek in four National Parks in these three countries: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda). It is critical that you gather as much information as possible before deciding whether to hike gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As a result, the most common question among travelers is which nation is superior to the other. The solution may be found in the comparison below.
Gorilla Trackings In Uganda
Hiking gorillas in Uganda is primarily done at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with a small amount also done in Mount Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga, like the other two Virunga National Parks, is part of the Virunga Massif, although it only includes one habituated gorilla family, whereas the other groups are in Bwindi Forest.
Uganda is home to around 400 mountain gorillas, accounting for half of the world’s surviving population of this endangered species. There are 17 gorilla groups to hike, 15 in Bwindi and two in Mgahinga.
One gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is significantly less expensive than in Rwanda, costing only $600 per day. According to this comparison, in most cases, the cost of the gorilla permit influences the visitor’s selection about where to trek gorillas from, and they end up picking Uganda as their destination. Nevertheless, accessing gorillas in Uganda is more difficult and time-consuming than in Rwanda.
Visitors may also participate in Gorilla Habituation, which entails spending around 4 hours with the gorillas as opposed to the 1-hour experience spent trekking gorillas. The habituation permit costs $1500 per person per day, which is less than the $1500 required in Rwanda to view gorillas for one hour. Apart from seeing gorillas, there are 9 additional National Parks to explore in addition to Rwanda’s four! You may combine your gorilla vacation with a visit to Kibale National Park, which has the largest concentration of chimps in Africa, or you can see the Murchison Falls, walk Rwenzori and Mountain Elgon, go Nile rafting, or attend one of the 52 tribes’ cultural exhibits, among other things.
Because Bwindi Forest National Park is distant from Entebbe International Airport, the travel is exhausting and lengthy, especially if you do not have a layover in any of the other National Parks. It is a 9 to 10-hour trip from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi, but if you don’t want to drive, you may take a scheduled aircraft to the park. Most travelers who wish to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, however, fly into Kigali and then drive 4 hours to Bwindi, which is considerably simpler.
Gorilla Trackings In Rwanda
Mountain gorillas in Rwanda may be seen in Volcanoes National Park, which is 113.1 kilometers from Kigali International Airport and takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach. The park is located in the country’s northwest, near the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The short distance and minimal time spent going to gorilla habitat provide Rwanda the largest benefit over the other two nations, making Rwanda the most convenient option for tourists, particularly those who wish to stay one night and have fewer activities to do while on safari.
Volcanoes National Park is home to around 150 habituated gorillas organized into ten groups, as well as many wild gorillas. In addition, 96 gorilla trekking permits are provided to guests per day.
It’s in Rwanda where Dian Fossey’s work of conservation and primatology was taken when she was forced to cross to the country’s border during the civil war in DR Congo and consequently the oldest gorilla populations are discovered here.
Rwanda raised the price of a gorilla permit from $750 to $1500 in 2017, more than double Uganda’s and nearly tripling DR Congo’s. Rwanda, while having the highest permit fee, is the ideal option if you have limited time on your African safari.
Because Rwanda is well-known for its high-end tourism strategy, numerous exclusive resorts have been recruited, promising a rise in revenue for the locals who live surrounding Volcanoes National Park, which is home to huge gorillas. As a result, going on a gorilla safari on Volcanoes is one of the most expensive safari experiences; aside from the $1500 gorilla permit, gorilla lodges are expensive with limited options; for example, two people staying two nights at Bisate lodge can spend around $10,000 in that short period of time. Prices are greater, but they are accompanied by superior quality and amazing experiences.
Gorilla Trackings In The DRC
Notwithstanding the problems associated with the Goma political upheaval, hiking gorillas in Virunga National Park is less expensive than in Uganda or Rwanda, with a Congo gorilla trekking permit (foreigners) costing $400 and a Congolese permit costing $150. The park is Africa’s oldest, and it has the most biodiversity.
The Park still exists as one of Africa’s most distinctive locations with a multitude of magnificent characteristics including the active volcanoes; Nyiragongo which can be ascended in one day and the Nyamuragira Volcano which last erupted in 2011.
Despite the instability, violence, and conservation challenges, the team and park rangers have managed to increase the number of mountain gorillas from 75 to over 300 individuals over the years.
There are approximately 6 habituated families in Virunga, however, these numbers fluctuate as new families are introduced and groups of gorillas might travel from Rwanda. All mountain gorillas may be found in the Park’s south-eastern section, near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda.
In addition, the number of people visiting the park has surged since 2014, when it reopened after a long period of closure. In addition to trekking gorillas, Virunga National Park has a habituated troop of chimps that you may visit.
While deciding where to hike mountain gorillas, there are several aspects to consider. The cost of a gorilla permit does not provide a whole picture of what it is like. So, since we are comparing Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we should consider other factors such as the airport to fly to, the location where gorilla trekking begins, the number of habituated gorilla families, accommodation options, weather conditions, safety, and other activities to do.
The Most Affordable Safari
If all you want is the cheapest Gorilla safari, DR Congo is the place to go. It is also pretty inexpensive and simple to go to Virunga because you fly to Kigali and then drive 3 hours to Goma. Nonetheless, there are a number of safety concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Some activities to do after hiking include watching habituated chimps or climbing Mount Nyiragongo to round up your time in DRC.
The Second Reasonably Priced Choice
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the second most economical choice; a gorilla permit is still $700 per person. Accommodation options range from deluxe lodges to inexpensive accommodations, depending on where you start your trip.
If you don’t want to drive for 9 hours to get to Bwindi National Park, you may fly from Entebbe to the park utilizing domestic aircraft. Uganda has become extremely popular during the peak season since Rwanda raised the cost of gorilla licenses. As a result, you must make your reservation as soon as possible to minimize inconvenience.
Other activities to enjoy after a gorilla trek include game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park (the most visited park) and watching its climbing lions, Pygmy visits that include traditional dances and visits to the local medicine man, and visiting Lake Bunyonyi, especially if you are from Mgahinga.
The Elite Traveller
Are you looking for more private and personal encounters as a premium traveler? Rwanda responds nicely. The lodges in and surrounding Volcanoes National Park are magnificent, in stunning locations, and have prominent brands in the luxury tourism industry.
The Low-Cost Traveler
Uganda’s gorilla permit costs $ 600, yet the country has ten national parks, compared to Rwanda’s four. As a result, there is a lot to see and do in Uganda.
Despite the fact that Rwanda’s gorilla permit is the most costly than Uganda and DR Congo (offered at $1,500 per permit), Rwanda still stands out as the most well-organized and safest area to hike gorillas.
After the trip, you may extend your experience by visiting Dian Fossey’s grave, seeing local towns, climbing volcanoes in the region, visiting Lake Kivu, visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Museum, and watching golden monkeys.
Safari Activities
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Uganda Tracking chimpanzee troops in Kibale, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu, Budongo & Semliki Valley
Camping
Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home, either without shelter or using basic shelter such as a tent, or a recreational vehicle.
Cultural Encounters
Most of the cultural experiences are enjoyed while at the major wildlife destinations as a supplement to the wildlife itineraries.
Gorilla Tracking
Gorilla Tracking In Uganda, Rwanda & Congo The appeal of watching wildlife in their natural environment continues to capture the imagination of millions around the world.
Boat Cruise
Boat cruise safari offer fascinating views of the wildlife that come to take water along the aquatic based predators and the beautiful bird species.
Hot air balloon safari
A Hot Air Balloon Safari across the murchison and Serengeti is a once in a lifetime adventure.
Horseback riding safari
Discover Africa on horseback and have a wonderful horse riding holiday with Horizon Horseback.
Bird Watching
A birdwatcher may observe by using their naked eye, by using a visual enhancement device like binoculars or a telescope, by listening for bird sounds, or by watching public webcams.
White Water Rafting
Come roll down with the six grades of the Nile leaving you with everlasting memories of the pearl of Africa.
Nature Walk
Nature and Forest walks in Uganda can be done any part of the country and each region rewards hikers differently.
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing or game fishing is recreational fishing activities that focus mainly on the physical exertion and thrilling experience.
Game Viewing
Embarking on a game drive in any of the pristine wilderness areas in Uganda gets you the best of African safari experiences.
Gorilla Habituation Experience In Uganda – Spend More Time With The Gorillas
The true definition of the Gorilla Habituation Experience is unknown. Nevertheless, it may simply be described as the act of acclimating wild gorillas to the presence of humans. It incorporates several groups of individuals like trackers, conservationists, trackers, researchers, and rangers, among others, who complete this habituation process over a period of 2 to 3 years. It is a learning experience that has only lately become a steady activity offered on a modest scale by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This experience limits the number of people to a maximum of four each day, thus bookings for this type of activity must be made 6 months before the actual habituation day, especially between the months of December through March and July through October.
Unlike gorilla trekking, which enables only an hour of interaction with the gorillas, gorilla habituation allows a person to spend four hours with the gorillas. Additionally, the cost of the Habituation experience is slightly higher – US$1500 for each person required, as opposed to US$600 for gorilla tracking.
Because this type of encounter is scarce in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it can only be found within Ugandan borders at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It is here where close to 11 habituated Uganda gorilla safari groups may be discovered, including Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Mubare at Buhoma in the north of the park, and Mishaya, Bweza, Nshonji, Kahungye, Busingye, and the Nkuringo gorilla group at Rushaga in the south. The Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, and Bitukura gorilla groups are located far to the east in Ruhija. Unfortunately, only two groups, Nkuringo and Rushaga, were designated as gorilla families eligible for habituation.
During this process, the participants gain a better understanding of the gorillas as individuals, learn about their activities, and even learn to name them all. Finally, if the researchers are confident that the wild gorillas are not bothered by the presence of humans, a fake exercise is performed to validate their findings. After the gorillas pass this type of exercise, which now includes media and scientists, the gorilla troop becomes ready for trekking.
Gorilla Habituation itinerary
3 Days Gorilla Habituation in Uganda safari
Overview
This 3 days gorilla habituation in Uganda safari takes tourists to the mountain gorilla habituation experience, guaranteed to spend 4 hours with the gorillas, as opposed to the standard gorilla trip, when visitors only have one hour with the gorillas upon encounter. This habituation exercise trains gorillas to get accustomed to human presence over a three-year period, after which the groups are considered suitable for routine tracking.
Clients that choose the habituation experience are highly recommended to follow the regulations and procedures established by the Uganda Wildlife Authority while trekking, as the gorillas may be wild at times.
Gorilla habituation is only done in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s Southern Sector (Rushaga region). However, just two Bushaho and Bikyingi families are being trained for the tracking experience, which will be formally offered soon.
It is strictly 4 guests per day for each family for a total of 8 visitors, and tourists are urged to reserve their habituation licenses in advance owing to high demand, with each permit costing (USD) $1500. Our gorilla habituation package is all-inclusive, and we handle the habituation permit bookings.
Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Travel to Bwindi impenetrable park
- Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Day
- Day 3: Return to Kampala.
Activity Highlights
- Gorilla habituation
Day 1: Travel to Bwindi impenetrable park
At 7 a.m., a professional tour guide from monumental expeditions will pick you up from the airport or your accommodation, brief you on your habituation safari, and take you to Bwindi. The drive to the southern portion is roughly 540km / 9 hours. The journey is rather long, but it is well worth it because there is so much to see along the route. You could even observe zebras and impalas grazing at Lake Mburo National Park. You will stop near the equator for pictures and the trial, and then return to Mbarara for lunch.
Continue your travel until you arrive at your destination in the evening. A leisurely dinner and overnight stay at your lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Day
an early breakfast at your accommodation, followed by a transport to the briefing point. Following the briefing, you will proceed to the starting place for your journey through the thickly forested, steep jungle forest. To have a great adventure, one must be physically fit, and it may take 3/8 hours or the entire day. Depending on where you are assigned for your journey, you may begin at the park headquarters or drive to a starting place in the forest. You are only permitted to watch the gorillas for one hour after discovering them, and you may shoot movies or images of your interaction with the gorillas. It should be noted that feeding mountain gorillas is not permitted.
After the excursion, you will return through the forest, reflecting on your yester animal encounter. A relaxing dinner at your resort, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 3: Return to Kampala.
After a leisurely breakfast, this will be your final day in Bwindi as you arrange to go back to Kampala, with lunch on route and a halt near the equator. You will be left off at your accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe, and if you have a flight later this evening, you should be dropped off at the airport.
End Of Tour
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Why Travel with Monumental Expeditions?
- Experience and dependability
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Guaranteed departures
- Clear and reliable fees
- Plenty of tour packages
- Customized trips
- Comfortable vehicles
Why choose Tanzania Specialist for your safari?
There are several tour companies to pick from. Why should you go with us? Although other tour providers will take you to the national parks, the safari experience will be quite different. We provide you all of the reasons why you should book your safari with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.
Uganda-based travel operator
One of the most significant advantages is that we are not reliant on local operators because we have our own office and crew in Kampala. We plan and manage the complete journey from A to Z. Furthermore, the crew is primarily made up of Ugandans who are familiar with the nation and culture.
Private Safaris
We provide customised private safaris so that you may experience the land at your own pace and in exactly the way you desire! It gives you a lot of freedom to have your own car and guide. You choose where to travel, when to go, and how long to stay. Everything revolves around you.
Safari guides of the highest calibre
Our tour guides have extensive training and expertise. We carefully choose our guides; just 10% of candidates pass our screening procedures.
Professional guidance
Our skilled travel planners specialise in Uganda safaris, Gorilla trekking, and group vacations. They are there for you from the start of your safari to the last day of your adventure. They can advise you on lodging, the finest areas to visit, game drive planning, and anything else related to your safari.
Best overall value
We provide high-quality private safaris at reasonable pricing.
Safari automobiles
Our 4-wheel drive safari vehicles are comfortable and well-maintained, and the extra-large windows and pop-up roofs provide superb viewing chances.
There is no distance limit for driving.
We do not having game drive mileage like most other safari companies. That is why we can take you to lovely rural locations that other tour companies would not.
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