Gorilla Trekking from Nairobi is an outstanding safari experience for visitors planning to kick-start their journey of discovery and exploring raw wilderness with wildlife viewing in sweeping savannah plains, followed by gorilla trekking tours in the tropical rainforests. Kenya is an incredible country when it comes to wildlife safaris, with the most popular safari destinations being Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve, Amboseli, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare and Mount. Kenya National Parks. Even with over 24 National Parks and about 28 National Reserves, there are no gorillas in Kenya although it is possible to combine your classic wildlife viewing in Kenya with gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda.
These unforgettable gorilla trekking safaris can happen in Virunga National Park – Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Uganda as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Even through this activity is conducted in three countries, gorilla trekking from Nairobi is easier to Uganda than it is with Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo given the fact that Kenya directly borders Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking from Nairobi by air.
Trekkers with plans of seeing the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda can choose the scheduled one hour and 15 minutes’ flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. This is followed by the 8-9 hours’ drive to the incredible Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Travelers also have a choice of flying through with the regional flight from Kenya to Uganda (via Entebbe International Airport) then embark on the domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihiihi Airstrips. These Airstrips are in most cases far from your booked place of stay or even the Park Headquarters hence road transfer of 1-2 hours is required.
Gorilla trekking from Nairobi by road.
There is another option of gorilla trekking from Nairobi, which is by road involving a bus drive from the City of Nairobi to Kampala. Given the long drives (over 12 hours), you will need an extra night in the City of Kampala before continuing by road to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the gorilla trekking experience. This option is filled with magnificent views and perfect for budget travelers. Instead of embarking on another long drive to Entebbe, visitors can instead opt for the 3-4 hours’ drive to Kigali City in Rwanda before flying out via Kigali International Airport.
Price of permits for gorilla trekking from Nairobi.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost about $700 while Rwanda Gorilla Permits are more costly at $1500 per person. The Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permits are the least costly at $400 per person. Given the high demand for gorilla trekking, permits have to be booked at least 3-4 months in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.
When is the best time to undertake Gorilla Trekking from Nairobi?
Gorilla trekking trips from Nairobi, Kenya are all year round adventures although certain months are more comfortable and rewarding than others such as January, February, June, July, August, September and December. These months are marked by drier trekking trails and less dense vegetation hence making it more comfortable and easier to maneuver through in trying to find the mountain gorillas.
Therefore, the best time to undertake gorilla treks from Nairobi is the dry season. There are fewer chances of experiencing rains during these months as it is with March, April, May, October and November when downpours are heavy, trekking trails slippery and difficult to hike through.
Requirements for undertaking gorilla trekking experience from Nairobi.
The East African Tourist Visa is the first must-have requirement for gorilla trekking from Nairobi because with this, you can freely explore Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda with a single Visa that costs $100 and is valid for 90 days. Other things that must not miss on your packing list include long sleeved shirts, backpack, insect repellant, safari pants, camera, first aid kit, binoculars, rain jacket and toiletries.
