Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves searching for gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi national park is the destination in Uganda where gorilla trekking is carried out. The sectors in Bwindi where gorilla trekking is carried out include Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija.
When visiting Uganda gorilla trekking is also done in Mgahinga national park which is located in the southern part of Uganda on the border with Uganda and Congo. This national park is also known for being home to golden monkeys. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park is done in Ntebeko.
Half the worlds population of gorillas are found in Uganda and other destinations for gorilla trekking include Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Congo. Gorillas are of different types and they include the mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. Uganda is home to mountain gorillas.
Gorilla permits in Uganda
Gorilla permits in Uganda are purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). A gorilla permit in Uganda costs 700 USD for nonresidents, 600 USD for foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda shillings for East Africans. The gorilla permit is to be booked by a registered tour operator and is valid for single use. Permits are sold for different sectors of Bwindi national park.
To avoid missing out on the exciting gorilla trekking experience, tourists are encouraged to pay for their permits in advance. This is because gorilla permits tend to get sold out especially during the high season around June to October.
The gorilla permit is inclusive of park entrance fees, guide fees and community development contribution.
Description of gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an exciting experience that is a process that begins with booking a gorilla trekking tour.
Different tour operators offer tour packages for gorilla trekking in Uganda. And after booking with a tour operator, the experience begins.
Before gorilla trekking in Uganda;
Tourists are driven to the park headquarters for a briefing of the gorilla trekking experience. The briefing is done by the park officials (UWA rangers).
Some of the rules to follow during gorilla trekking in Uganda include no littering, avoiding flash photography, avoiding noise, keeping a distance of atleast 7 meters from the gorillas.
Other rules to follow during gorilla trekking in Uganda include tourists under the age of 15 years are not permitted to participate in gorilla trekking. Those with sickness such as cold or flu are also discouraged from taking part in gorilla trekking.
During Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda;
After briefing of the gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, tourists are divided into groups of 8. Each group is allocated a ranger guide before heading out into the natural habitat of the gorillas.
During gorilla trekking in Uganda, members of each group are encouraged to stay together and avoid wandering off alone during the search for the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a very rewarding experience when the gorillas are found. You can enjoy one hour of recording the gorillas.
After spending 1 hour with the gorillas, tourists return to the briefing point where certificated are awarded to them for successfully completing the gorilla trekking activity in Uganda.
Rangers who move along during gorilla trekking will ensure that everyone is accounted for before returning to the briefing area.
Gorilla families in Uganda include Rushegura, Habiyanja, Mubare, Nkuringo, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, Busingye and Bweza among others.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda
All year round gorilla trekking in Uganda is carried out in Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park.
The dry seasons from June, July, August, September and October is considered the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Usually gorilla trekking in Uganda is avoided during the wet season around November to April because of the muddy trails and rains.
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda
When packing for gorilla trekking in Uganda, some of the items to carry include hiking boots, long sleeved shirts and trousers, thick gloves, waterproof bags, sun hats, ponchos, cameras and extra batteries, insect repellant, sunscreen, water and snacks.
During gorilla trekking in Uganda, lodges provide packed lunches for tourists. Walking sticks are provided as extra support for gorilla trekking. Porters are also available to accompany tourists during their gorilla trek, Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Other activities to do when visiting gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda include hiking, guided nature walks, bird watching, cultural tours
How to get to Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park
Bwindi national park during gorilla trekking in Uganda can be accessed by road and by flight. The drive from Kampala to Bwindi takes about 8 hours and scheduled and charter flights land in Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip, Guide to Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Mgahinga national park is located in Kisoro district and the drive from Kampala to kisoro takes about 10 hours. Flights to get to the park can also be booked to Kisoro airstrip during tours in Uganda.
