Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.

Uganda is located in the eastern part of Africa, and it’s bordered by Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania. The country is home to half of the worlds gorilla population hence making it the top destination for gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking is a unique activity that involves hiking through the deep tropical forest in search of the gentle giants the Mountain Gorillas. The activity offers visitors a chance to have a face-to-face interaction with the mountain Gorillas in the natural environment. Gorilla trekking has greatly helped in the conservation of the mountain gorillas since the funds got for the activity are used for anti-poaching patrols, monitoring gorillas, research and habitat restoration. It also helps in developing the community through providing employment opportunities to the locals in the community hence improving their standards of living. Gorilla trekking is only done in two places in Uganda that is in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking.

These are the reasons why you should choose Uganda for your next gorilla trekking adventure.

 Gorilla population

Uganda is a dwelling to half of the gorilla population in the world, that are housed in two parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Hence giving visitors, a chance to see these gentle giants in their natural environment.

 Trekking Centers

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors that is Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo well as Mgahinga has no sectors. Your trekking sector depends on your fitness level and lodging preferences. Every gorilla trek in Uganda offers a different trekking experience and landscape views.

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Gorilla trekking Permits

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is more affordable compared to that of Rwanda. The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is USD800. This affordability opens up this incredible eco adventure to many tourists.

Rich Biodiversity Beyond Gorilla

Uganda has additional national parks around the gorilla sanctuary which provide an amazing tour for seeing wildlife such as elephants, leopards, lions, buffaloes and many bird species  that is  in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

Cultural Immersion The trekking of gorillas is done in remote areas where one can immerse themselves in the untold cultures of Uganda’s rural societies. By learning about their customs, traditions and the importance of gorilla conservation to the local communities.

Trekking of gorillas is certainly an unforgettable experience and embarking on this trail in Uganda engages you in the conservation efforts of the endangered mountain gorillas. Tourism is the only reason why the mountain gorillas are flourishing in the tropical rain forests.

Where to do gorilla trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The park is a UNESCO world heritage site found in the southwestern part of Uganda, and it covers an area of 331km. It is divided into four sectors that is Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. The park is home to over 458 mountain gorillas that are divided into 20 gorilla families that is Mubare, Katwe, Mishaya, Rwigi, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Posho, Muyambi, Nkuringo, Bitukura, Mukiza, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Busingye, Oruzogo, Nshongi, Kahungye, Christmas, Kyaguriro among others. However apart from gorilla trekking the park offers other activities like bird watching, hiking, nature walks and cultural experiences.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The park is found in the southwestern part of Uganda and it’s the smallest national park in the country with a size of 33. 7km.The park is home to one habituated gorilla family, and it stands at an altitude of 2227m-4127m. It’s home to three of the five Virunga mountains that is Mount Muhavura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga. Apart from gorilla trekking you can also engage in, golden monkey tracking, volcano climbing, and bird watching during your visit to the park.

Note Gorilla trekking can only be done in two places in Uganda that is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

What to expect during your Uganda gorilla trek

The trek starts early in the morning with a briefing, registration and permit checking at the park headquarters. During briefing you are given guidelines to follow while interacting with gorillas. After this you are divided into groups of 8 people and each group treks for one gorilla family. Then you are given an armed range and a guide to lead the trek into the thick rain forest. During the trek the guides stay in touch with the expert trackers via the radio phones who go very early in the morning to follow the mountain gorillas. This helps the guides to know the right path to follow while trekking for the gorillas. While on the trek to the gorillas you can get a chance to see a number of birds, wildlife as well as stunning views. When you finally find your gorilla family you are allowed to only spend one hour with them. During that hour you get a chance to see the gorillas eating, playing, feeding and grooming each other. After that one hour you head back to the starting point. When you get back to the park headquarters, you will receive a certificate of participation from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) after your trek.

Steps to follow while planning your gorilla trekking trip to Uganda.

First of all, choose the time you want to do gorilla trekking in Uganda according to your preference. The best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season that is December to February and June to August. However, gorilla trekking is done throughout the year.

Secondly book your gorilla trekking permit in time this can be done individually or through a tour operator. A permit costs USD800 for foreign non-residents. During the peak season permits run out quickly so book in advance.

After booking your permit you can then go a head and book your accommodation since its better to stay near your trekking point. Bwindi and Mgahinga have a lot of lodging options ranging from Luxury, mid-range and Budget accommodation.

Transportation there are a number of transport options that is private vehicles, public buses and aircrafts. The mode of transportation depends on your preference and budget.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.Additional tips for gorilla trekking.

  • The weather in both Mgahinga and Bwindi is unpredictable since they are rain forests so you should be prepared for both sunshine and rain
  • Avoid using cameras with a flash because it disturbs the gorillas.
  • Tipping your  porters and guides is much appreciated
  • You are required to keep a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas to control the easy spread of diseases.
  • No littering in the forest and park

Best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda.

The best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, is during the months of June to September and December to February that is in the dry seasons in these months have little to no rainfall. Due to this the trails are dry and less muddy hence making movement easy. During this time there is no fog hence offering a clear view of the Virunga mountains.

However, it possible to do gorilla trekking in the wet season, during this season the parks are less crowded due to the muddy trails. And also, in this season the prices trend to be low in terms of accommodation and transportation.

Packing list for a gorilla trek.

  •  Socks -To keep your feet dry
  • Long sleeved shirts -To protect your arms from scratches
  • Trekking boots -for easy navigation through the forest
  • A jacket -To keep you warm during the chilly mornings
  • Waterproof trouser -to protect you from the thorny bushes and scratches
  • Gloves -To protect your hands from thorns
  • Backpack -For keeping essentials like Insect repellent
  • Camera (Smart phone) -for taking pictures
  • Water bottle -In order to stay hydrated
  • Insect repellent -For keeping mosquitoes and bugs away
  • Hand sanitizer -for a quick clean up
  • Raincoat -To keep you dry
  • Sunglasses and Hat -For protection from the sun rays

Where to stay while on your visit

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Luxury

  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
  • Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Mid-range

  • Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  • Buhoma Haven Lodge
  • Gorilla safari Lodge

Budget

  • Bwindi Backpackers Lodge
  • Community Rest Camps
  • Broadbill Forest Camp

Mgahinga National Park

Luxury

  • Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mid-range

  • Lake Chahafi Resort
  • Travellers Rest Hotel

Budget

  • Golden Monkey Guesthouse
  • Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp