Gorilla trekking in Uganda absolutely a unique and the most captivating wildlife safari experience. It comes second after game drives on most of the travelers’ bucket list experiences. Treks to see mountain gorillas are done only in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Uganda is found in East-Central Africa and it is comprised of about half of all the remaining mountain gorillas that make up a total of 1004 in the world today.
Where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the two gorilla destinations in Uganda the pearl of Africa where visitors on gorilla safari can visit to trek to see mountain gorillas in the wild. The two gorilla trekking destinations are found in southwestern Uganda about 8-10 hours’ drive from Entebbe or Kampala and 4 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda. Visitors on Uganda gorilla safari have a chance to trek one of the 21 habituated gorilla groups which are distributed in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is done in anyone of the four major regions; Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Each of these trekking areas consist of habituated families with Nkuringo comprising of Nkuringo, Christmas, Bushaho group; Buhoma region with Katwe, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Mubare family; Ruhija sector in the east consists of Mukiza, Oruzongo, Bitukura, Kyaguriro group. In Rushaga area has gorilla groups like Kutu, Nshongi, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bikingi and Rwingi. Nyakagezi group is the only habituated family set for gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park.
Best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking
Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda can be done at anytime of the year. However, the dry season is considered the best time to trek these massive creatures in the wild since low rainfall is experienced and the ground remains relatively drier. The dry months of the year in Uganda start in June, July, August, September and December, January, February. The wet/rainy season is equally essential when it comes to gorilla trekking safaris. The wet months of the year in the pearl of Africa begin in March, April, May and October, November. This season comes with heavy rainfall which makes the habitat muddy and slippery. Trekking to see mountain gorillas during the rainy season at times becomes more challenging but it is enjoyable because there is plenty of forage for these apes to feed and trekkers on Uganda gorilla safari can spend less hours to search for them. Given the nature of these creatures’ habitat, you are advised to pack appropriately to make your adventure memorable.
What to pack on Uganda gorilla trekking safari?
Visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park should be appropriately starting with essentials first. Your packing list should comprise of bottled water, energy giving snacks, valid passport, visa, waterproof daypack, waterproof hiking boots, no flashlight camera, long sleeved shirt/t-shirt, socks, sun screen, sun hat, walking stick (you can get one at the park headquarters), rain jacket/poncho, sweater, insect repellent, toiletries, first aid kit to mention but a few.
Cost of gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
Gorilla trekking permit is a must-have tool for every trekker on Uganda gorilla safari. It is what allows trekkers to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Currently, gorilla permits in Uganda are issued at $600 but starting 1st July, 2020 the cost will change to $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East African residents. You can secure your permit through our reservation team or reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) an organ in charge conservation of wildlife in Uganda. Please secure your gorilla permit in advance to avoid last minute things that come with lots of disappointments.
Gorilla trekking etiquette
Before embarking on actual gorilla trek, visitors gather at respective park headquarters to be briefed on the set gorilla trekking etiquettes. They include among others; persons above 15 years are considered eligible to purchase gorilla permit, only 8 visitors are allowed to trek one habituated families, always keep a distance of 7 meters away from mountain gorillas, in case of sickness, you may not be allowed to trek gorillas, flashlight cameras are highly prohibited, visitors are given only one hour to strike their imaginations with gorillas. Briefing starts at 7:00am and actual treks begin at 8:00am. Mountain gorillas share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans and this makes them our closest relatives and also very susceptible to human infectious diseases. The set gorilla trekking etiquette or guidelines are a must to observe by every trekker on Uganda gorilla safari and they are aimed at safeguarding these large apes from human infectious diseases.
What is gorilla trekking in Uganda like?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves hiking through the lush rainforest and steep slopes for you to search for the assigned habituated family. It is a strenuous primate adventure that requires some physical wellness. The entire trek may take you about 2-6 hours and that is why we encourage our clients to do practice prior embarking on actual trek.
Accommodation choices
There are many gorilla safari lodges for visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to spend a night prior or after embarking on gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park. They range from luxury to budget. In Bwindi, they include
Chameleon Hill Lodge/Mahogany Springs Lodge/Buhoma Lodge (Luxury); Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Mist Camp/Bakiga Lodge (Midrange), Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Wagtail Eco Safari Camp/Lake Mutanda Resort (Budget).
In case you have plans to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking the available accommodation choices include Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp (Budget); Mucha Hotel Kisoro/Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro (Midrange), Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury).
In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Uganda is a bucket list adventure experience in most travelers’ travel plans and you too can be part of this exhilarating experience that won’t leave you the same.