Uganda Gorilla Safari from London: Travelers are planning a gorilla trekking safari from London with the United Kingdom in Europe. London is among the capital city of England located in the southern part. Uganda gorilla safaris from London are one of the interesting activities that travelers from London can engage in. Uganda is one of the interesting destinations where travelers can see mountain gorillas. Uganda is considered to be home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Gorillas are one of the large and powerful primates that live in the densely forested areas of the country.
What is the best place to see gorillas in Uganda when I am from London?
For a gorilla safari from London to Uganda, there are two national parks where travelers on their Uganda safaris can see the mountain gorillas and they include;
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This park is located in southwestern Uganda at the border of Uganda Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. The park is home to the mountain gorillas and it is also located within the Virunga region. In this park, there is one habituated gorilla family that travelers on their Uganda safaris can visit to see the mountain gorillas. It is also home to several volcanos that are part of the Virunga ranges including Mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura. In this park, travelers can also see other wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, vervet monkeys, golden monkeys, and many others.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and it is one of the largest protected areas of mountain gorillas within Uganda. The park has a large number of mountain gorillas in Uganda. It is divided into four sectors that are situated around the park and they include; Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. In all these sectors travelers engage in the Uganda gorilla safaris.
Activities to do on a Uganda safari from London
While on a Uganda gorilla safari, travelers engage in several activities including;
Gorilla trekking
This is among the primary activities that travelers on their Uganda safaris from London engage in. Gorilla trekking is the search for mountain gorillas within the forested areas of the park. Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing about gorilla trekking where travelers are highlighted the dos and don’ts about the gorilla trekking. Then travelers go ahead with the activity which takes about 2 to 7 hours of the day. Travelers to see the mountain gorillas are supposed to have booked a gorilla trekking permit which allows you to see the mountain gorillas in the park. In a day each gorilla family is visited by a group of 8 people.
Gorilla habituation experience
Gorilla habituation is the training of the mountain gorillas to get used to the human presence during the visit. The habituation process takes about 2 years for a gorilla family to get used to human interference. Travelers on the Uganda gorilla safaris from London can also engage in this activity where travelers have more time with the mountain gorillas. Travelers usually take a full day in the activity and it is only done in the Rushaga sector.
How much is a gorilla trekking and habituation permit in Uganda for travelers from London?
Travelers to engage in the Uganda gorilla safaris, travelers are supposed to have gorilla permits to see the mountain gorillas on their safaris. Travelers from London are considered foreign nonresidents. The gorilla trekking permit for travelers on their Uganda safaris from London costs about 800 USD. Travelers also planning gorilla habituation are supposed to have booked a gorilla habituation permit. A Gorilla habituation permit costs about 1500 USD for foreign nonresidents.
How to book a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda from London?
Travelers planning a Uganda gorilla safari are supposed to use authentic tour operators like Native Africa Tours to purchase the gorilla trekking permit and then go ahead with the booking. The Uganda Wildlife Authority only sells the gorilla trekking permit to only licensed tour operators. Travelers are supposed to share with the tour operators a copy of their passport, traveling dates, and electronic cash transfer for the permit, and also the dates should be in line with the period of 2 to 3 months. Once the booking is made, travelers are assured of tracking the mountain gorillas on the dates.
Sample itinerary for Uganda gorilla safari from London
Below is a sample short Uganda gorilla trekking safari itinerary best fit for tourists from London.
Summary of the safari
- Day 1: Pick up and transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 3: Transfer back to Entebbe
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On day 1 of the 3 days Uganda gorilla safari to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will be picked up from the Entebbe International Airport and then transferred to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which will take about 7 to 8 hours per day. On arrival in the park, you will transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2 of the 3 days Uganda gorilla safari will start with the early morning breakfast and then transfer to the park headquarters for the briefing about the gorilla trekking. While at the park headquarters, you will be highlighted the dos and don’ts about the gorilla trekking. Then you will go ahead with the activity which will take about 2 to 7 hours of the day. Later on, you will visit the Batwa community where you will learn about their lifestyles.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Transfer back to Entebbe – Departure
On the last day of day 3 of the 3 days Uganda gorilla safari, you will be transferred back to Kampala for your outbound flights back home.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
What is the best time for a Uganda gorilla safari from London?
Uganda is open for travelers throughout the year. The best time is during the dry season June to September and December to February is the best time since the park is dry and clear for the travelers to engage in the activity.
