Gorilla trekking from Japan is possible and well organized for travelers who want to enjoy one of the most special safari experiences in Africa. Gorilla tracking is often described as a once in a lifetime activity, and many visitors from Japan travel to Uganda and Rwanda to see mountain gorillas in the wild.
Travelers can begin their gorilla trekking journey from many cities across Japan. These include Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kobe, Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Kawasaki. Japan has several international airports that connect easily to Africa through major transit hubs. Common departure airports include Tokyo International Airport, Narita International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and New Chitose Airport.
Flights from Japan to Uganda or Rwanda are available through major international airlines. These include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Most flights connect through the Middle East or Europe before reaching East Africa. Travelers flying to Uganda arrive at Entebbe International Airport, while those traveling to Rwanda arrive at Kigali International Airport.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Rwanda, trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park. Each trek is guided by trained rangers, and visitors are allowed to spend one hour with a gorilla family.
Japanese tourists need a valid visa to enter Uganda or Rwanda. Uganda tourist visas allow visitors to stay for about three months and can be single or multiple entry. Travelers who wish to stay longer should apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Headquarters in Kampala before the visa expires.
Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. However, the best time for Japanese tourists is during the dry seasons from June to August and from December to February. During these months, forest trails are easier to walk on and weather conditions are more stable, although light rain can still occur.
Gorilla trekking from Japan offers a smooth travel experience and a rare chance to meet mountain gorillas in their natural forest home.
