Gorilla Trekking in Uganda; Mountain Gorillas, are the most attractive and unique endangered apes that can only survive in the rain forests. In Uganda they are inhabited in two national parks, that is Bwindi national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Both lie in the southwest direction of Uganda and are home of over 400 mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the best-done activity in Uganda safaris and is the most enjoyable experience you will encounter in life. Uganda’s tourism hub has become popular because of the endangered mountain gorillas and a number of tourists do participate in this activity on a daily basis. You should book in advance in order to start your reservation arrangements.
The park has four sectors Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Buhoma and all are habitats for gorilla families. Gorilla families are located in different trailheads within the bamboo rain forest where tourists carry out gorilla trekking from. According to gorilla trekking in Uganda, 8 people are allowed to be part of the trekking, and more than 8 people are not allowed to engage in this exciting experience.
While tourists are in the wild trekking, they give them 1hour when they find the gorillas, to stay with these gorillas to learn about their lifestyle and observe their behaviors.
Gorilla trekking is best done in the early mornings. Therefore, you will need to wake up early, have breakfast. You will be given packed lunch since this activity is approximately 1-7hours in the wild. Our guide will be able to drive you to the park headquarters on time for a short briefing about gorilla trekking in Uganda. After the briefing, you will meet the trained and experienced ranger who will accompany you to the gorilla trekking trailhead in the bamboo rain forest of Bwindi national park Or Mgahinga. And as you trek, one has many chances to see a number of beautiful bird species, tree species, primates, mammals and many more.
Uganda’s mountain gorillas do not live in any mire place or even the zoo because they cannot survive in such places. Mountain gorillas only survive in rain forests and can only be found in the African continent that is in only three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, there are 786 mountain gorillas that are remaining in the world, of which half of the mountain gorillas are habituated in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park found in “Uganda” East Africa county.
In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits can be only bought at the governing body which is in charge of the protected areas known as the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits cost USD600 per person per day. All you need in order to get gorilla permits in time is to email your tour operator as early as possible through sending a copy of your passport as a starting point for your reservation arrangement.
It’s better a traveler book your accommodation in advance with us to Achieve global safaris or email your tour operator in order for them to book for you the hotel room that is favorable to your budget.
The best time for gorilla trekking is in the dry season when the trailheads are dry enough and that is in the months of June to September and December to February. These rainforests receive rainfall at any time though.
Rules and regulations of Gorilla trekking in Uganda:
- You should wash your hands before you go out for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
- Always keep your voice low.
- They allow a maximum of 8 people per group per day.
- Children below 15 years are not allowed to be part of the gorilla trekking activity.
- Do not leave the rubbish in the park, you are requested to go out of the park with your rubbish.
- When you are with the gorillas, Tourists are requested to keep a distance of about 5 to 6 meters away from the apes.
- Stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas.
- Your voices must be at a low level.
- Flash photography is not allowed, when taking pictures take them with care.
- You should not look directly in the eyes of the apes.
- Do not touch on gorillas.
Where to stay?
When the traveler is doing a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, they can sleep in comfortable hotels and lodges ranging between luxury, budget, and midrange. Some of these include Karungi camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Bwindi backpackers lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla safari lodge, Gorilla valley lodge, Silverback lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, The Gorilla Resort and many more. All provide great views of the valley, hills, forest, and primates.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed from Kampala the capital city in about 7 to 8 hours by road. Alternatively, you can choose to fly to and from Kajjansi to reduce your driving hours to the airstrip kihihi airstrip for only 2 hours 30 minutes by Air.
