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Start Planning Your Bespoke Kenya Safari
A Kenya vacation is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Known for its incredible safaris and breathtaking landscapes, Kenya has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking to embark on an epic safari or unwind on the stunning beaches of the Kenyan coast, there’s something for every traveler. Or maybe you’ve always dreamt of hiking Mount Kenya? We’re experts in all things Kenya, offering a wide variety of vacations to suit every kind of explorer!
You can choose from our popular Kenya itineraries or create your own dream trip. Let us know the national parks, reserves, or coastal spots you’re keen to visit, and we’ll design the perfect Kenyan getaway just for you.
Book your Kenya vacation with us and enjoy a truly seamless experience. With our own team based in Nairobi, we’re able to manage every detail of your journey from beginning to end. Our team is a mix of locals and expats who are passionate about Kenya and know it inside out. We promise you the best prices and the highest quality for your Kenyan adventure. See you soon in Kenya!
Kenya Safari Lodges
Kenya is home to some of Africa’s most iconic lodges, offering unparalleled luxury, as well as a collection of hidden gem hotels tucked along its beautiful coastline. Whether you’re seeking an extravagant stay with world-class amenities or a more intimate, authentic experience in the heart of wildlife-rich landscapes, Kenya delivers exceptional accommodation options that cater to both indulgence and adventure. These properties provide the perfect base for exploring the country’s stunning natural wonders, from safaris to coastal retreats.
Uganda Gorilla Safaris
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas, with over 20 habituated families available for trekking. The park is divided into four sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—and permits are allocated according to these sectors. With so many gorilla families, your chances of a successful sighting are extremely high. Popular groups include Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura, Habinyanja, Kyaguriro, Oruzongo, Nshongi, Mishaya, and Nkuringo.
In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African nationals. Due to limited availability, it’s best to book your permit at least six months before your intended trek.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. In Uganda, this activity is primarily conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while in Rwanda, it takes place in Volcanoes National Park. Trekkers are guided by experienced rangers to locate habituated gorilla families, allowing for a safe and educational wildlife encounter.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers visitors the opportunity to spend extended time—up to four hours—with a gorilla group that is undergoing the habituation process. This experience is available in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and provides deeper insights into gorilla behaviors and the efforts involved in acclimating them to human presence.
The optimal time for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons:
- June to September
- December to February
During these periods, trails are less muddy, and the trekking conditions are more favorable. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and each season offers unique experiences.
As of 2024, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is:
- Uganda:
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD 700 per person
- Foreign Residents: USD 600 per person
- East African Citizens: UGX 250,000 per person
- Rwanda:
- Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500 per person
- Foreign Residents in Rwanda and other African countries: USD 500 per person
- Rwandan Nationals and Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states: USD 200 per person
These rates have been extended through December 2024 to encourage tourism and provide more affordable opportunities for African nationals and residents.
It’s advisable to book your gorilla permit at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you plan to trek during the peak seasons (June to September and December to February). This advance booking ensures availability, as permits are limited to protect the gorillas and their habitat.
A gorilla permit typically includes:
- Park entrance fees
- Services of professional guides and trackers
- One hour with a habituated gorilla family (or up to four hours for the Habituation Experience)
It does not cover transportation, accommodation, or personal expenses.
The duration of a gorilla trek can vary widely, typically lasting between 2 to 8 hours. This time frame includes the hike to locate the gorillas and the return journey. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing them.
The likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas during a trek is very high, with success rates over 95%. This high probability is due to the daily monitoring of gorilla groups by park rangers and trackers.
The minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking is 15 years. This restriction is in place to ensure the safety of both the participants and the gorillas.
Essential items to pack include:
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
- Rain jacket
- Gardening gloves (for handling vegetation)
- Insect repellent
- Hat and sunscreen
- Waterproof backpack
- Energy snacks and sufficient water
Proper preparation enhances comfort and safety during the trek.
Rwanda has extended discounted gorilla permit rates through December 2024 for certain categories:
- Rwandan Nationals and East African Citizens: USD 200 per person
- Foreign Residents in Rwanda and other African countries: USD 500 per person
These discounts aim to promote regional tourism and make gorilla trekking more accessible to African nationals and residents.
Yes, it’s feasible to trek Uganda’s gorillas by flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Then drive from Kigali to Bwindi