Uganda Gorilla Safari from Singapore: Travelers from Singapore can enjoy an amazing gorilla safari in Uganda, one of the fantastic travel spots. Situated in Asia, Singapore serves as a starting point for those eager to explore Uganda’s rich wildlife. There are multiple locations in Uganda where visitors can encounter mountain gorillas, including:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This national park is in the southwestern part of Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It serves as one of the largest protected habitats for mountain gorillas in Africa. The park is segmented into areas called Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Each of these areas hosts various habituated gorilla families that visitors may see during their safaris. To view the mountain gorillas in this park, travelers must obtain a gorilla permit, which is an official document allowing access to the gorillas.
Each day, around 172 permits are available for tourists wanting to experience these magnificent creatures. The initial gorilla family was habituated back in 1991. Additionally, visitors can participate in the gorilla habituation activity available in the Rushaga area, where approximately 12 habituation permits can be obtained.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This park is also located in southwestern Uganda within the Virunga region, near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Within the park, travelers can discover several Virunga mountain ranges, including Muhavura, Mgahinga, and Sabyinyo. There is one habituated gorilla family available for visitors to see in this park. Here, only 8 gorilla trekking permits are available for booking.
What is the cost of the gorilla trekking permit?
In Uganda, the price for a gorilla trekking permit is 800 USD for foreign nonresidents, 700 USD for foreign residents, 500 USD for other African residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African residents. For those interested in the gorilla habituation experience, the fee is 1500 USD for foreign nonresidents, 500 USD for foreign residents, and 750,000 UGX for East African residents.
Travelers are advised to book their gorilla permits through reputable, licensed tour operators, as the Uganda Wildlife Authority sells these permits exclusively to these operators. The number of permits is restricted as part of conservation efforts. Each day, there are around 196 gorilla permits available, so it is important for travelers to make their bookings promptly.
How to reach the gorilla destinations while on a Uganda gorilla safari from Singapore?
For those emerging from Singapore on a gorilla safari in Uganda, the challenge is determining how to reach the various gorilla destinations, all of which are located in southwestern Uganda.
Upon arriving at Entebbe International Airport, travelers have the option to use either air or road transportation. If they choose air travel, they can book domestic charter flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to either Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. The journey to the parks takes approximately two to three hours by air.
On the other hand, for those opting for road transport, it takes roughly eight to nine hours to reach the park via the Kampala – Mbarara – Kabale Highway. Additionally, travelers can also start their Uganda gorilla safaris from Kigali, which typically takes about five to six hours to arrive at the park.
What regulations should travelers from Singapore adhere to when participating in gorilla safaris in Uganda?
There are important rules that must be followed during gorilla trekking, which include:
- No littering is permitted in the park during the trek.
- Travelers should sanitize their hands before participating in gorilla safaris.
- Gorilla trekking begins early in the morning at the park headquarters with an informative briefing about the activity.
- A distance of 7 meters must be maintained while observing the gorillas.
- Each gorilla family can only be visited by a group of eight people.
- It is important to avoid making direct eye contact with the gorillas during the trek.
What travel documents are necessary for travelers from Singapore engaging in Uganda gorilla safaris?
Those planning to travel to Uganda for gorilla trekking must possess several documents, including:
- A valid passport that must not be within six months of its expiration date.
- A tourist visa valid for about 90 days for a single entry.
- Medical documents, including a COVID-19 vaccination card and a yellow fever card, among others.
- A travel ticket indicating the travel dates.
Where to stay during the gorilla trekking safaris?
While in Uganda for gorilla safaris from Singapore, travelers can choose from various accommodation options during their stay. These options are categorized into midrange, budget, and luxury.
Accommodations are available both within and outside the national parks, which include Rushaga Havens Lodge, Nkuringo Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Chameleon Lodge, Volcanoes Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Lodge, Ride 4 Women Community Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, and more. Travelers should make their bookings early to guarantee availability during the safaris.
When is the optimal time for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking can take place throughout the year. However, the best times for this activity are during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February, as the trails are clearer and easier to navigate. Additionally, gorilla sightings are more likely during the dry season because the gorillas are more active compared to the wet season.
