Combining game viewing with Gorilla trekking is every tourist’s dream when exploring the diverse East African region. Tanzania is undeniably one of the best safari destinations in Africa for classic game drives conducted within Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Arusha National Park among others, while gorilla trekking adventures are mainly conducted in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks).
After days of exploring Tanzania’s top safari destinations, gorilla Trekking tours from Arusha involve flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport in northern Tanzania into Uganda. On arriving Entebbe International Airport, travelers can then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with an 8-9 hours’ drive, awaiting to trek endangered mountain gorillas the following day. With this option, travelers can drive back to Entebbe or even Kigali City then fly out to the next destination. Still on this option, you can fly from Kilimanjaro Airport to Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport then embark on the 3 hours’ drive to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking adventure or better still the 4-5 hours’ drive to Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Travelers planning to trek mountain gorillas from Arusha (Northern Tanzania) can take the one-hour flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport into Entebbe International Airport, then take a domestic flight to Kihiihi or Kisoro Airstrip. For flights from Tanzania, the commonly used Airlines are Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair, Precision Air and South African Airways among others.
How to book Gorilla Permits?
The cost and where to book gorilla permits depends on the country but one thing that remains constant for both countries is that these permits have to be booked at least 3-4 months in advance. But nonetheless, for Uganda, gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority at only $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents (with evidence of valid work permit) and Shs. 250,000 for East African Community nationals. For Rwanda, these permits cost $1500 per person for all categories of visitors and are issued by Rwanda Development Board.
When is the best time to undertake gorilla trekking tours from Arusha?
There is no better time to undertake gorilla trekking adventures because they can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Regardless of the time you choose to visit these Gorilla Parks, be sure to taking part in the adventure although trekking conditions and experiences may vary. For the dry season-June to August and December to February, the vegetation is sparse while trekking trails are drier hence the reason most travelers prefer this time.
Rainy season of March to May and October to early December offers more difficult trekking conditions, given the thicker vegetation as well as slippery and muddy trails brought about by the heavy downpours experienced during these months.
What you need to pack for gorilla trekking from Arusha?
For Gorilla trekking Adventures in Rwanda or Uganda, it is advisable for travelers to pack lightweight and breathable safari pants as well as long sleeved shirts, waterproof daypack for storing items (camera, binoculars, rain jacket and snacks) needed during gorilla treks, strong hiking boots with enough ankle support as well as gaiters, binoculars, rain jacket for protection against unexpected rains during gorilla treks, toiletries, thick sweater, cotton socks, gardening gloves, camera (remember flash photography is prohibited), water bottle, First aid kit and insect repellant among others.
