GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA:
Gorilla trekking is one of the most captivating primate adventure experiences in Uganda. This unique wildlife experience takes you to see the amazing rare mountain Gorillas. Presently, fewer than 1063 mountain gorillas still live in the wild and only exist in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
WHERE TO GO GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA:
A Uganda safari is never complete without a trek to see mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in only 2 magical parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These 2 premier gorilla safari parks are among the 4 destinations where the endangered mountain gorillas exist. The others include Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are set in Southwestern Uganda. The 2 parks are reachable about 8 to 9 hours’ drive starting from Kampala capital city of Uganda, and 3 to 4 hours’ drive beginning from Kigali capital city of Rwanda. From Kisoro town, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located approximately 10kms.
Of the 1063 mountain gorillas, Uganda is estimated to host over half of the total mountain gorilla population that still exist today and the rest are shared between Rwanda and DR Congo. Visitors on a gorilla tour in Uganda have 21 habituated gorilla groups readily available for tracking mountain gorillas. 20 gorilla families are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and 1 habituated family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 4 regions set for tracking mountain gorillas; Nkuringo and Rushaga in the southern area of the park, Buhoma in the North and Ruhija sector in Eastern side of Bwindi. Every region has habituated gorilla group families with Rushaga region featuring groups like Kahungye, Kutu, Nshongi, Bweza, Busingye, Mucunguzi, Mishaya, Bikingi and Rwingi; Buhoma area consists of habituated families such as Habinyanja, Katwe, Rushegura, Mubare gorilla family; Nkuringo region in the south is composed of Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho gorilla families while Ruhija sector is comprised of habituated groups like Oruzongo, Bitukura, Mukiza, Kyaguriro families. Tracking mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is only possible in Nyakagezi family which is the only gorilla family habituated and set for visitors to trek.
WHEN TO GO FOR GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA:
Knowing the best time to go gorilla trekking is one of the significant factors in planning a successful gorilla safari holiday. Although tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda is possible at any time of the year, the dry season is recommended. The dry months to consider visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking start in June, July, August, September and December, January, February. Tracking to see mountain gorillas is easier during the dry months the fact that low rainfall is experienced making the ground and trails drier.
The wet or rainy season begin in March, April, May and the other phase commences in October, November. During the wet season, there is plenty of food for mountain gorillas to feed on. This is also regarded as a low season and unlike the dry months, at times, it takes less time searching for mountain gorillas since they keep around other than moving to longer distances to search for food.
HOW TO OBTAIN GORILLA TREKKING PERMITS IN UGANDA:
Obtaining a gorilla trekking permit is essential when planning for your Uganda gorilla safari. Due to high demand, we encourage all our clients to ensure they book their gorilla permits in advance, about 3-4 months prior to the actual date of tracking mountain gorillas.
Gorilla permits in Uganda are obtainable at 800 US Dollars for foreign non-residents, US Dollars 700 for foreign residents and 300000 Uganda shillings for East Africa Community citizens. For visitors who are interested in incorporating gorilla treks with gorilla habituation experience, permits can be obtained at 1500 US Dollars.
There are 2 ways to obtain your gorilla permit in Uganda; first and the easiest is through a reliable tour operator or directly through reservation team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
WHAT IS GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA LIKE?
Generally, gorilla trekking in Uganda starts with an early morning briefing on guidelines to be observed while in search of mountain gorillas in the wild. The adventure involves hiking through a lush tropical rain-forest and steep slopes , to see & explore more about the daily behaviors of these rare apes.
A group of 8 trekkers will be assigned to a habituated group of mountain gorillas and a park ranger guide to accompany them. The actual trek begins at 8:00am and the entire experience may take you between 2 and 6 hours depending on your speed of hiking, nature of the habitat and where the family assigned to you is located on that particular day.
GORILLA TREKKING RULES & REGULATIONS:
- A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to trek 1 habituated gorilla family
- Only persons above 15 years are eligible to track mountain gorillas.
- Keep a distance of 7 meters away from gorillas.
- Do not trek mountain gorillas if you are sick or ill. These great apes share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans, making them susceptible to human infectious diseases.
- Leave the gorilla habitat the way you found it or in a better state. No littering.
- Always keep your voices low while on a trek to view mountain gorillas.
- A gorilla permit is a must-have for every trekker on a Uganda gorilla safari.
WHERE TO STAY ON A GORILLA TREKKING TOUR IN UGANDA:
In Bwindi Impenetrable National park, Luxury gorilla safari lodges to consider include Clouds mountain gorilla lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge/Chameleon Hill Lodge/ Buhoma Lodge, the mid-range options include Ichumbi Gorilla lodge/Gorilla leisure lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp/Bakiga Lodge, and for budget travelers, options include Wagtail Eco Safari Camp/Buhoma Community Rest Camp/ Lake Mutanda Resort.
In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park some of the available lodges include Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro/Mucha Hotel Kisoro/Traveler’s Rest Hotel Kisoro (Midrange), Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp (Budget); Mount Gahinga Lodge (Luxury).
WHAT TO PACK FOR GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA:
Ensure you pack appropriately and lightly for your Gorilla safari. Packing list includes waterproof hiking boots, insect repellents, rain jacket or poncho, camera with no flashlight, sun hat, long sleeved shirt, snacks, first aid kit, bottled drinking water, trousers, sweaters, sun glasses, daypack, valid passport, visa and others. With these at hand, you will certainly have the most memorable Uganda gorilla safari experience.