GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA

While on a Safari in Uganda most travelers have interacted with various primate species but the most exciting of all the primates in Uganda are the Gorillas in Uganda.

The Gorillas, in their peaceful habitat the Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda continue to be one of the most increasingly threatened kingdom of primates in Uganda given the loss of their lush habitat from a wide range of factors i.e Poaching, conversion of land for agriculture among the many.

Given the realization of the importance of Tourism in Uganda, numerous customs have been adopted by Uganda Wildlife Authority and other structures to conserve these rarest large mammal species (Gorillas in Uganda).

From Gorilla Trekking expeditions in Uganda to Gorilla Habituation experiences in Uganda many other activities have been created with in the main habitats of these beautiful mammals (Gorillas in Uganda) with the aim of protecting and conserving these gentle giants.

Travelers looking to do a safari in Uganda are advised to always include either a Gorilla trekking or Gorilla Habituation Experience activity to their itinerary.

Below is a guide to travelers who intend to do gorilla trekking in Uganda or involve in a gorilla habituation experience in Uganda;

Frequently asked Questions & Answers about Gorilla trekking in Uganda

What is Gorilla Trekking?

This refers to a guided trek into the thick habitat of the gentle giants (Gorillas in Uganda) either in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park; that lets you close and personal to the large mammals for a regulated time frame.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda; primarily begins with a briefing from the head guide of the day presented on behalf of Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The briefing mainly hints on the gorilla trekking practices i.e behavior with the gorillas, what to carry while on the gorilla trekking in Uganda, history of the gorillas etc.

After the briefing you will then be allocated a group/family of gorillas that you will be trekking in a particular sector of either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park.

There various sectors with in the different Parks

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

There mainly four sectors in this park namely Buhoma Sector, Ruhija Sector, Rushaga sector and Nkuringo sector in the North, East, South &West respectively.

All the above sectors have different family groups that are all trekked in the search of these mighty gentle giants (Gorillas in Uganda).

After the group/family allocation, you will then begin your gorilla trekking in Uganda

How old do you have to be to see Gorillas in Uganda?

Of course not all ages can trek the Gorillas in Uganda, this is given the nature of the environment that includes the trekking terrain, weather conditions and high hiking altitudes etc.

The recommended minimum age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is 15 years; as is directed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

However there likelihoods of a child below 15years trekking the gorillas in Uganda, namely;

1. If the child below 15 years is days/months away to celebrating his 15^th birthday and is of sound health and strong enough to carry on with the trek of the Gorillas in Uganda. Although this decision is 100% dependent on the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
2. If the parents express the willingness of their child’s interest in the gorilla trekking activity in Uganda; this is inform of writing to and requesting Uganda Wildlife Authority to waive the age limit factor and accept a waiver and liability release request from the parents of the child.

Is Gorilla trekking hard in Uganda?

Given the fact that the Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves hiking the impenetrable forests and lush habitat of these gentle giants; it can be quite challenging for all travelers found to be unfit.

The vertical hills that will most likely be muddy and the thick impenetrable vegetation that require a ranger to clear before you can make your way through the forest will qualify the gorilla trekking in Uganda to be hard.

However this should not prompt a traveler interested in doing a gorilla tour in Uganda to miss the opportunity, since most of these travelers are required to book their gorilla expeditions in Uganda early enough; this will help them work on their physical ability & performance for their intended gorilla safari in Uganda.

It is also important for the traveler to note that while on their gorilla trekking Safari in Uganda they are given an option of hiring a porter; who will assist the traveler during this expedition. 

Is Gorilla trekking worth the money?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is worth the money you are required to pay; given the fact that it is considered to be a once in a life experience for any traveler that is planning a Safari in Uganda.

The memories that come with trekking the gorillas ie. The effort, the glance at the magnificent landscapes and the precious moment of being almost 2meters from these beautiful creatures for close to an hour is enough to create a memorable safari experience for all travelers.

And lastly the favorable price of Gorilla permits; the price of trekking the Gorillas in Uganda is 700$, this is way cheaper than for example trekking the Gorillas in Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda include a Gorilla permit, a fully Safari Customized 4X4 vehicle to get you to the preferred trekking destination, accommodation in the preferred sector etc. All this can easily be arranged with Dillard Tours and Travel

Speak to a consultant now 

When is the best time to see the Gorillas in Uganda?

Trekking to see the Gorillas in Uganda is a memorable experience regardless of the time of year.

However all travelers intending to do a Gorilla Safari in Uganda should note that the dry seasons in Uganda transpire between December to February and also between June and September.

All travelers should also note that it is not a requirement to travel to see the Gorillas in Uganda during the dry season, however trekking the Gorillas in Uganda during the dry season has its advantages.