Gorilla trekking in Uganda is definitely a unique primate outdoor adventure. What is unusual about gorilla trekking in Uganda is that visitors have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is home to almost half of the 1,063 mountain gorillas on the planet today. Trekking to observe mountain gorillas in the wild is very fascinating.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a rare experience where visitors actively walk or trek through natural rainforest to spot mountain gorilla families. These apes do not exist in zoos, only in natural rainforests. In Uganda, there are multiple options to ensure the ultimate encounter with the wild mountain gorilla troop that you are already familiar with.
Where to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is all about searching for endangered mountain gorillas, observing their daily behavior, and taking photos. Mountain gorillas can be caught in two national parks. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and mugahinga national park.
Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park are Uganda’s two main destinations for gorilla trekking and are home to more than half of the world’s remaining 1,063 mountain gorillas. Overall, there are five areas in Uganda suitable for gorilla trekking, four of which are in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking explores groups of habituated gorillas on major trails such as Luhya, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma. Each gorilla track (sector) has a family of already familiar gorilla groups. Bwindi gorilla groups include Rwigi, Olzogo, Mukiza gorilla group, Habinyanja, Mbale, Bitukula gorilla group, Nshonggi, Mishaya, Businge, Bushaho, Katwe group, Nkuringo group, Kyaguliro, Kutu, Mukunguzi and Christmas .
Mgahinga National Park contains the Nyakagezi gorilla group. Nyakagezi gorillas are fully accustomed to gorilla trekking and are the only family open to gorilla trekking. All gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga is carried out in the presence of experienced Uganda Wildlife Management Authority guides. The park will educate you on gorilla behavior and help you safely trek with mountain gorillas in the wild.
What is it like gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda begins with an explanation at each park office, which is conducted by park staff. Uganda Wildlife Authority officials will assign a group of gorillas and a park ranger guide. A park ranger guide will accompany you throughout the trek. Gorilla trekking is a bit more difficult overall as it requires navigating through rugged ridge and valley terrain. A typical day of gorilla trekking is expected to take approximately 2-6 hours, including an hour for up-close and personal encounters with a family of mountain gorillas in the wild.
The length of Uganda’s gorilla treks is generally unpredictable and depends on the visitor’s hiking speed, the nature of the habitat, and the location of the gorillas on that day. Rest assured, you can spend an hour with mountain gorillas to spot a family of great apes.
When is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Access to Uganda is as follows: gorilla safari Any time of the year. However, the dry season is the best time to visit Uganda to see gorillas due to favorable weather conditions. The advantage of the dry season is that during this period there is little or no precipitation. This keeps the ground relatively dry and makes it easier for trekkers to move through their natural habitat in search of gorillas.
Heavy rains often begin in March, April, May, October, and November. It’s an ideal month for backpackers looking to enjoy a Uganda gorilla safari on a budget. Fortunately, this is a special month where it can rain, but you can continue your trip for a short time. The downside for gorillas is that heavy rains can make their habitat muddy and steep slopes slippery, making it difficult to navigate through the vegetation and rainforest in search of gorillas.
Obtaining a valid gorilla permit
When it comes to gorilla safaris in Uganda, a valid gorilla permit is an essential tool. Visitors must obtain advance permission prior to the day of the gorilla trek. Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued for $800 per person. In addition to planning your gorilla trip, you can also contact local experts to obtain permits in advance. Due to high demand, we recommend obtaining your gorilla trekking permit at least 2-6 months in advance.
What to bring and wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda
All you need for a gorilla trip is proper packing. This includes choosing the right equipment to wear on your gorilla adventure in Uganda. Must-have items to include on your packing list include waterproof hiking boots, a daypack, long-sleeved shirts, long socks, long pants, sweaters, rain jackets, insect repellent, first aid kit, and gardening gloves.
Rules and regulations that gorillas must follow
When visiting gorillas in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park, it is essential to comply with the regulations in place. Below are some rules to follow when observing gorillas.
- All visitors are required to meet and observe the gorilla family for up to one hour.
- Do not trek without a park ranger guide.
- Do not use a flashlight camera to take photos.
- From the gorillas it is necessary to observe at a distance of 7-8 meters.
- Gorilla trekking must be done by people who are not sick or sick.
- Only 8 visitors are required to visit each gorilla group.
- Gorilla trekking is only allowed once a day.
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda is only available to travelers over the age of 15.
Fitness level suitable for gorilla trekking
Wondering how suitable you are for gorilla trekking? Yes, your fitness level is essential for tracking gorillas in Uganda. This adventure includes walking through highlands where mountain gorillas live. Mountain gorillas live in mountainous rainforest regions between 2400 and 3500 meters above sea level. A certain level of fitness is required to fully trek with gorillas. Consider practicing early before actually visiting Bwindi or Mgahinga for gorilla trekking.
What accommodations are available in Bwindi and Mgahinga?
If you are visiting Uganda gorilla trekkingthere are many accommodation options available to book for the night. Includes low-budget, mid-range, and luxury items. Popular lodges to consider booking an overnight stay on your Uganda gorilla trip include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Lodge, and Buhoma Community Rest Camp. Lodges where you can book your stay in Mgahinga include Travelers Rest Hotel, Mt Gahinga Lodge, Amajambele Iwaku Community Camp, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, and Mt Gorilla Rest Camp.
How to go to Bwindi and Mgahinga to trek the gorillas
Getting to Bwindi and Mgahinga for gorilla trekking is easy by road or air. By car, you can travel from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga in a 4×4 safari vehicle. The journey takes 8-9 hours. There are several stops on the way to Bwindi/Mgahinga, including the Equatorial Crossing in Kayabwe and the Igongo Cultural Center.
Still, you can access Mgahinga or Bwindi National Parks in southwestern Uganda from Kigali via the Katuna or Chanika borders by road.
Airplane – This is the best option for visitors planning to shorten their long stay by taking road transport to get to Bwindi or Mgahinga. By plane, it takes 1-2 hours to reach Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips from Entebbe or Kajjansi airfields. At these two airstrips, your driver-guide will pick you up and transfer you to a lodge in Bwindi/Mgahinga or surrounding areas to relax.
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