Trekking to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is a bucket list adventure. An opportunity to walk through misty tropical forests, climb rugged hills and come face to face with wild great apes. It requires planning, physical efforts and understanding how permits, logistics and conservation work. In this guide I walk you through everything you need to know to give you the best chance of a safe, memorable and ethical gorilla trekking experience.
Why Uganda? And which parks?
Uganda is one of the only few countries in the world where you can see wild mountain gorillas and there are two main parks for gorilla trekking;
Bwindi impenetrable national park (BINP), THE LARGE AND MORE POPUALAR OF THE TWO with many habituated gorilla families
Mgahinga gorilla national park (MGNP), the smaller with only one habituated gorilla family with easier access and few crowds.
What is distinctive about each location.
Bwindi; there is multiple sectors, many gorilla habituated families, a variety of trekking difficulty depending on sector from easier to quite challenging
Mgahinga; with only one habituated gorilla family which means very limited permits each day. So because of the limited number of gorilla families and the strict numbers, securing a permit and choosing the park is a critical first step as well
Permit system-How it works, cost and booking.
Foreign non residents $800 per person per trek
East African / Uganda 300,000ugx
Foreign residents $700
There is also a special experience; gorilla habituation experience, this allows spending abut 4hours with semi habituated gorilla family and this remains rarer, limited and more expensive at $1500
Why are gorilla trek permits limited?
Each habituated gorilla family can be visited by only 8participants per day
This ensures minimal disturbances to gorillas, reduces environmental impact and helps manage congestion
How to book
Permits are issued by the official government authority-Uganda wildlife authority which you can apply directly or via licensed tour operator
For peak season, booking permits is done 6-12 months in advance due to high demands
For lower demand periods, booking 3-6 months ahead might suffice
Many tour operators handle entire logistics from permit bookings, transportation, accommodation, porters which is often more convenient especially if you don’t live in Uganda or are unfamiliar with local procedures
Best time to go
June-September
December to march
During periods of these months forest trails are drier and less slippery which makes gorilla trekking easier and safer and visibility is often way better
In the wet seasons of March-May and October-November, its possible to trek duRing these periods but expect muddy, slippery trails and potentially more challenging hiking. On the upside few tourist, a greener forest and perhaps more chances of close wildlife activity as gorillas may move to lower ground
CHOOSING WHEN TO GO?
Dry season is an ideal for easier trekking, clear weather but permits get booked out fast
Wet season offers luch scenery and sometimes easier gorilla sighting but a little difficult terrain and possibility of rain and less certainty
What to expect during experience and realities;
Trek duration and difficulty
Trek can take from 2 to 9hours sometime even longer depending on the distance between the trailhead and gorilla family current location
The forest terrain is often steep, muddy, densely vegetation
Once end and at times slippery and it requires moderate to good level of physical fitness.
Because of the difficulty many trekkers hire porters to help carry back packer and assist in tricky sections. Porters support communities and also make the hike much easier
What happens when you meet gorillas?
Once gorilla group is located, you get to spend one hour wit them while observing and learning their daily behaviors. You will see them playing, grooming, interacting socially, a truly unique wildlife encounter
Strict rules are enforced for safety and conservation; maintain safer distance, No flash photography, minimize noise and avoid close contact
Photography is allowed without flash and a decent camera with zoom lense can help you capture memorable images. Binoculars and a walking stick an also come in handy
What are the inclusions in the permit?
The standard permit fee typically incudes entry to the park, service f trained ranger guide and trackers with one hour of watching gorillas experience.
What is not included is transportation to/from the park, accommodation, meals, porter fees and tips. There are just extra you need to budget for.
How to reach the gorilla trekking park?
If you are coming from kabale or other major town, you often travel by road as many road to the park are rough and can take 8-11hours depending on starting point roads and road conditions.
If coming from Kigali, private SUV is recommend as it takes about 4hours drive
Some opt for chartered flight when available or take scheduled domestic fight which has time travel weekly to reduce travel time but tis adds to cost
Because trailhead are remote, many lodges or operators organize pickups, if self arranging, make sure you organize reliable transport especially if trekking starts early in the morning
Where to stay?
Lodges, guesthouses and camps are available around the park in each tracking location and accommodation option range from budget to luxury lodging
Its wise to book accommodation close to the trekking sector your trekking assigned, this reduces morning travel time to the trailhead, many trekkers choose this strategy to make the whole experience smoother
What to pack for your gorilla trek trip?
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants
Waterproof jacket
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
Day pack to carry for your water, snaks, rain gear, camera and personal items
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Good camera
Binocular
Walking stick though this is always available at all trekking points
Use reliable and legit operator
They handle permits booking, transport, accommodation, meal and logistics
Combine with other other travel plans to maximize value
Because getting to gorilla trekking sites often take time and travel cost, many travelers combine gorillas trekking with other activities such wildlife safaris that primates and bird watch, cultural visits and big five safaris
Conservation and your responsibility as trekker.
Trekking gorillas is not just about an epic adventure, it’s about conservation, respect for wildlife and sustainable tourism which operators like epic Uganda vacation emphasize in their journeys
