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Gorilla trekking In Uganda | Uganda gorilla safaris | Uganda gorilla tours | uganda gorillas tours & Safaris 2024
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is simply one of the top safari adventure activity to do while on the Uganda safari . The mare mention of gorilla trekking rings alot of bells coupled up with thrills. Taking part in Uganda gorilla safari surely will leave one in awe and safatisfaction. Gorilla trekking / gorilla trekking safari in Uganda takes part at Bwindi forest National park which is shared by the districts of Kanungu , Kabale , Kisoro in south Western Uganda and Mgahinga gorilla national park still located in Kisoro district . We are about offering great Uganda gorilla trekking safari as well as wildlife experiences, chimpanzee trekking, hiking trails ,honeymoon trips, city tours among others.
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Become more acquainted with Uganda Also Known as the pearl of Africa, whisk yourself away to Uganda on a Uganda safari as a holiday as well an opportunity to know Uganda and its popular culture. Our safaris feature thrilling activities such as gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife tours , nature walks, birding excursions , hiking trails in the various mountains, city tours , cultural encounters, culinary experiences, white water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping among others. The possibility of the mentioned Uganda safari activities is made is attributed to the multiplicity of national parks distributed across the country totaling up to 10 national parks topped up with several other travel destinations.
Our safaris are tailored to suit all types of clients such as family excursions and getaways, private safari holidays and tours, large and small group tours, solo travelers among others, our Uganda tours/ Uganda safaris range from 1- 3 days tours, 4-6 days tours and long safari spanning 6 and more days . We strive to deliver to the client’s expectation by carefully crafting our packages to suit the client’s specification and needs whilst recommending the best according to our experience.
Experience the great gorilla trekking
Frequently asked gorilla trekking question
Gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting wildlife encounters on the planet and by definition, gorilla trekking is a wildlife activity offering a face-to-face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-life time journey involves hiking through the dense central Africa’s rainforests, steep hills, dense forests, rivers and water streams. The hike is strenuous as it includes walking through steep hills, dense forest, rivers and water streams in attempts of finding a gorilla family you are trekking.
In the thick forests, there are no permanent trails as pathways are made by the park rangers using machete through the foliage.
Gorilla trekking is an expensive safari experience when compared to other African safari experience like game drive, this is because it offers you an encounter with rare and endangered creatures that resembles and behave like humans. Also, the process of habituating and protected of the mountain gorillas is costly.
The Mountain gorillas are endangered primates and rare as well, the gorillas share 98% of the human beings DNA which makes them more appealing for tourists to visit. Visitors are only allowed to spend one hour in presence of mountain gorillas marveling at their behavior and family arrangement which is so familiar to humans. You will see stubborn and cheeky juveniles climbing from one tree to another, female gorillas breasting feeding, adults grooming each other and a dominant silverback protecting the family.
As per gorilla behavior, they spend much of the day feeding and resting, the day ends with each member of the group making a nest for the night except for the mothers who sleep with their infants.
Each gorilla family is led by a dominant silverback who decides who protects the family from any kind of intruders and attackers including wild animals like leopards, lions, poachers and fellow gorillas most especially silverbacks from other groups trying to snatch away gorilla members most especially females.
The Silverback gorilla has sole rights to all the female gorillas in the group.
Where to go for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is arranged in many countries of Africa, however, you have to decide on which subspecies of gorillas you are interested in.
- Western Lowland gorillas are found in the swamps and rain-forests of West/ Central Africa
- Cross River gorillas are only found in Cameroon and Nigeria
- Estern Lowland Gorillas – the largest gorilla subspecies are only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Mountain gorillas are found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorilla trekking is generally the most secure gorilla trekking and is done in only 4 parks found in three countries that is Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda are generally safe for gorilla trekking.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park are considered the best places to see gorillas.
- Among the gorilla species, only western lowland gorillas can be seen in zoos. The other three subspecies that is Mountain gorillas, Cross River Gorillas and Eastern Lowland gorillas can only see in the wild.
- Gorillas are rare creatures that is why, it is an exciting experience to see them in the wild. All gorilla are considered endangered species which makes spotting them more special.
- Gorilla trekking is very important as it contributes to gorilla conservation, all the money collected from gorilla permits is used to pay park rangers, fight poaching and build infrastructures for communities living close to gorilla parks.
The importance of supporting these communities, is that when they see the benefits of tourism, they are less likely to harm gorillas.
- Gorillas are one of our closest relatives, their DNA is 98% similar to that of humans, seeing them is a special experience as you will be seeing our closest relatives.
Best time for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking can be done all year round, however since the mountain gorillas live in rain forests. The best time to see them is during the drier seasons, Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo where gorilla trekking is done lie close to the equator. This means they experience two rainy and two dry seasons, December to March and June to October are the dry seasons and the rest is rainy season, the dry season is the best time to do gorilla trekking as the trails are relatively dry and the vegetation cover is less thick.
However, you should expect rain at any time of the day which is due to the tropical rainforest cover.
What to know about gorilla trekking
Although gorilla trekking can be done by everyone, you need to be in good shape and fit to complete the hike and enjoy it as well, if you are an elder, unfit or disabled. You can still do the trek, however you will need assistance from the porters.
Also, you need to be mentally and physically prepared for the hike regardless of the challenges that lie ahead. Preparations means that you have to pack right items for the experience, some of the must have items include
- Hiking boots
- Double layered socks
- Gaiters
- Rain jackets
- Insect repellents
- Water proof poncho
- Hat and sunglasses
- Enough drinking water
- Waterproof bag pack
Cost of Uganda gorilla trekking / gorilla rekking in uganda
Gorilla trekking is one of the most incredible wildlife encounters on the planet, this adventurous activity is a once-in- a lifetime journey to see the incredible and endangered mountain gorillas of Central Africa in the thick rainforests. Gorilla trekking as a safari activity involves hiking through the highlands of Bwindi and the Virunga with the intention of observing the endangered gorillas in their natural habitat.
The guided tours take you through rugged, steep terrain, thick jungles and tall, tangled scrubs reaching up to 14,763 feet elevations.
When compared to other safari adventures, gorilla trekking is a bit costly.
The cost of Uganda gorilla trekking safari / gorilla trekking in Uganda is determined by several factors which include accommodation, transportation to and from the park that is either road or air, tips, gorilla permit among others as detailed below.
Where can i do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or simply Uganda gorilla trekking is an amazing activity if not one of those must do things in life, one ought to put into their travel bucket list. Mountain gorillas are inhabitants of the central African rainforest to mention the Virunga ranges as well the Bwindi impenetrable forest national park Uganda. Note that Virunga Masif areas encompasses three gorilla trekking / gorilla safari destinations or national parks to Mention, Virunga national park in Congo, volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.
Back to gorilla trekking or simply Uganda gorilla trekking, it is said that nothing in matches the incredible experience of seeing the Uganda gorillas face to face. A subject that can be put to test and only prove when you indulge or immerse yourself in the Uganda gorilla safari / gorilla trekking in Uganda tour.
Mountain gorilla cannot thrive outside their natural environment, the mountain lives in the dense forest of east and central Africa in the countries of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Since they have been flagged as endangered, the three countries hold them dear and guard them with utmost jealousy hence increasing on the chances of survival as well as creating opportunity for travelers who want to do gorilla trekking safari to visit the and take part in the activity.
The media and the internet is crowded with discussions on which country is best for gorilla trekking exercise or gorilla trekking tour. Nonetheless this debate can only be brough to a logical conclusion based of several factors which includes but no limited to one’s preference of the three nations, financial aspects in regards to obtaining the gorilla trekking permits in the gorilla trekking nations, the security factors and the ease of reach and accessibility to the destination. Needless to say, the trio boasts of each unique gorilla trekking that can only be unearthed through making your gorilla trekking journey to any of them.
Without any bias, Uganda is notably one of those places to do this incredible gorilla trekking exercise. Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers a natural feel of the hike the gorillas something tons of travelers or gorilla trekking enthusiast would definitely want to have a grip of. When we say natural it means the entire awesome hustle of having to hike the forest, cutting reeds, clearing your paths to see you way to the gorilla trekking family or group you have been assigned to track from.
For one to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda, he or she should bare in mind two place or two national park one being Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which has the highest number of habituated gorilla families distributed in four sectors of Buhoma , Ruhija , Rushaga and Nkuringo. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is also carried out in Mgahinga gorilla national park. With this said , we can confortably close the subject of where to go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Uganda gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National park
Gorilla trekking in Uganda at Bwindi Forest national park is always the thrill. Bwindi hosts the largest number of habituated gorilla families as compared to the other gorilla trekking destinations in the three countries. The gorilla families are distributed in the four gorilla trekking sectors of Buhoma , Ruhija , Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each gorilla trekking sectors have got unique experiences in terms of accessibility of the gorilla trekking families and characteristics of gorilla families.
When going gorilla trekking in Uganda, you should note that in each sector, upon briefing the gorilla trekkers, a total of 8 people is a signed to trek from a single gorilla family. Note that during your gorilla trekking exercise, you will be led by a group of trained Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers / guide who know every detail of the forest to where the gorilla family one you have assigned to trek is found. The rangers also guide you about literally everything from the pace that you have to take while hiking to the behavior you have to exhibit when you meet the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park has got four gorilla trekking sectors or trail heads. they include Buhoma, Ruhija , ruhsaga and Nkuringo . Each bwindi gorilla trekking sector has got its uniqueness during the Uganda gorilla trekking exercise. Each gorilla trekking sector has its trekking points where trekkers are briefed on the do and donts during gorilla trekking activity. Note that that each sector assigns a maximum of 8 people to trek from a Single habituated gorilla family or group. When gorilla trekking in Uganda in the various sector, you to be prepared because the activity is quite strenuous and could take up to 6- 7 hours but on most occasions it takes between 2-3 hours to see the gorillas.
Why is Uganda a popular destination for gorilla trekking?
The incredible Gorilla trekking is the most exhilarating and exciting wildlife encounter on the planet allowing visitors to spend one hour with habituated gorillas in their natural habitat.
The endangered mountain gorillas are only found in the Central Africa’s rainforests on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park found in three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and DR. Congo.
Among the three countries / gorilla destinations, Uganda is the most popular of them all and this is because of many reasons.
Uganda is not only a pioneer in mountain gorilla conservation, but is a home to over half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas – Africa’s Great apes. Also, Uganda offers a breathtaking experience that you should add on your vacation bucket list.
GORILLAS RULES.
Trekking gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the most moving and incredible experiences that Africa has to offer. You will set off from your hotel very early with a packed lunch which will be provided. The amount of time you actually spend trekking really depends on the location of the gorillas, and can take any-where from a half-hour to eight hours. Hiking through the forest especially given the altitude, making a trail through the dense overgrowth with a machete can be physically challenging and requires that you be in relatively good physical shape. Porters are available at the entrance of the park, and we strongly recommend that you have one come with you to carry your bag, their services are usually $10 USD for the day. However do not let this discourage you, if you set off and can’t make it a “helicopter” can be called to come and get you for an additional fee.
What are these gorilla trekking dos and don’ts?
When we talk of gorilla trekking dos and don’ts, we actually mean that while on your gorilla trek, there rules and regulations that you must follow to enable everyone enjoy the trek without breaking any law, being respectful of others and ensuring you are protecting the environment around you which is the home to these gorillas and many other animals. One of the gorilla trekking dos and don’ts is that at all times you should follow the instructions of your gorilla guide. After briefing, each group of tourists is assigned a lead gorilla guide who will take you and your group of 8 total to the forest. This guide will be in charge of all your movements while in the forest and as such, he will be instructing you on how to move, behave before and when with gorillas and after your gorilla trek. Following his instructions is very important due to the fact that you are moving in a National Park with many other animals and plants. These guides are well conversant with the behaviors of these animals including mountain gorillas and as such, you need to pay attention to him.
Gorilla Tracking Regulations
Before you set out:
-Do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness
-Human waste should be buried 30cm (12″) deep
-Maximum number of visitors is eight people per gorilla group
When you are with the gorillas:
-Maintain a 7m (21ft) distance from the gorilla (your guide will instruct you on where you can and cannot go)
-Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted on the tour
-Anything you take in but come back out
-If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans
-Visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day
Things to bring for Gorilla Trekking
- Packed Lunch (will be provided)
- One-two liters of water (will be provided)
- Hiking Stick (will be provided)
- Day Backpack
- Rain jacket
- Gloves and hat (it gets cold!); gloves can be rented from the visitor center
- Light weight long sleeved shirt
- Light weight long pants
- Sunscreen
- Handkerchief,
- bandana
- Waterproof hiking boots
- High socks to pull up over your pants
- Snacks, energy bars, small pieces of candy or chocolate
