Gorilla Trekking in Uganda:
The Ultimate Safari Experience
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Among the many attractions, Gorilla Trekking stands out as a truly extraordinary adventure.
This intimate encounter with one of our closest relatives is a bucket list experience for many nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?
- Abundant Gorilla Populations: Uganda boasts one of the highest densities of mountain gorillas in the world. This ensures a high probability of encountering these magnificent creatures during your trek.
- Diverse Ecosystems: In addition to gorillas, Uganda’s national parks offer a wide range of other wildlife, including chimpanzees, elephants, and numerous bird species. This makes it a perfect destination for a comprehensive safari experience.
- Scenic Beauty: Uganda’s landscapes are breathtaking, with lush rainforests, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes. The scenic beauty enhances the overall experience of your gorilla trek.
The Silverback Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
A typical gorilla trek begins early in the morning with a briefing from experienced park rangers. You’ll be divided into small groups and accompanied by a skilled guide. The trek through the dense rainforest is a physical challenge but is rewarded by the incredible sight of a gorilla family.
Once you locate a gorilla group, you’ll be able to observe them in their natural habitat for a limited time. This is a truly humbling experience as you witness these gentle giants interact with each other. It’s important to follow the park’s guidelines to minimize disturbance to the gorillas and protect their habitat.
Best Time to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Trekking
The dry season, from December to February and June to August, is generally considered the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking. However, the rainy season (March to May and September to November) can also offer unique experiences, such as lusher landscapes and fewer crowds.
Choosing the Right Gorilla Trekking Permit
To trek gorillas in Uganda, you’ll need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit. These permits are limited in number to protect the gorillas and their habitat. It’s advisable to book your permits well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Recommended National Parks for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the largest number of mountain gorillas in the world. It offers a variety of trekking options, from short day hikes to multi-day treks.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Located in the Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga offers a more intimate experience with gorillas and is also home to the endangered golden monkey.
Tips for a Successful Gorilla Trek
- Be Physically Fit: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding. Ensure you are in good physical condition before embarking on the adventure.
- Pack Appropriately: Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking boots and bring layers of clothing to adjust to changing weather conditions.
- Respect the Gorillas: Follow the park’s guidelines and avoid touching or feeding the gorillas.
- Hire a Reputable Tour Operator: We, as a responsible tour operator, will plan your trip efficiently and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an unforgettable adventure that offers a glimpse into the lives of these incredible creatures. By choosing Uganda as your destination, you’ll not only have the opportunity to experience the thrill of Gorilla Trekking but also explore the country’s diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes.
Gorilla Trekking Tour Procedure
Gorilla tracking can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. In search of the gorillas, you will sometimes have to trek for several hours through dense vegetation. Good physical condition is required here. However, the effort is worth it. Because at the end, a glimpse of the gorillas in the wild almost certainly awaits.
The gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park starts at about 9 o’clock in the morning! It is recommended to have enough breakfast and to pack snacks and drinks for the long tour. Drinking is very important, because in the dense, warm rainforest you need sufficient hydration.
Before the hike to the gorillas in the Bwindi National Park starts, the group gets a 15-minute briefing from the tour operator. He gives rules of conduct and explains the procedure. At the end there is the question if everyone is healthy enough for the tour and then it goes on the gorilla trek. Please refrain from the gorilla tracking if you have a cold!
Important note: Both the Gorilla Permit and the passport must be handed over to the guide before the tour starts. Please remember this!
Bwindi National Park is where most of the gorilla families live. During the trek the guide will look for the tracks of a gorilla family and try to reach the gorilla group. A tour through the rainforest in search of the animals can take hours. But in the end, you get to stand near the gorillas and marvel at the giants in their habitat.
The rangers recognize the 12 different gorilla families of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park partly already by the prints in the ground. At the latest when the gorilla group is reached, the rangers can tell which gorillas it is.
Sometimes it happens that the gorillas approach the visitors. Now and then the giants curiously touch the newcomers. But even if this does not happen a visit to the gorillas in Uganda is a once in a lifetime experience.
Is Gorilla Trekking dangerous? Gorillas are wild animals. But the gorilla groups in the national parks are used to people. If you follow the rules of behavior the visit to the gorillas is strenuous but not dangerous.
Is there a minimum age?
In order to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority prescribes a minimum age of 15 years. However, there are exceptions, for example when children are traveling with their parents. We will be happy to clarify this for you in advance when we apply for the gorilla permits.
Tips for a successful gorilla tracking experience
Follow the instructions of your ranger
When you are gorilla tracking, you must always follow your ranger’s instructions. This includes keeping a safe distance from the gorillas, keeping noise to a minimum, and not touching or eating anything in the gorilla’s habitat.
Be patient
Gorilla tracking can be a lengthy and difficult experience, so it is important to be patient. It can take several hours to find the gorillas, and even if you do, they may not be very active.
Enjoy the experience
Gorilla tracking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so try to enjoy every minute. Even if the gorillas are not particularly active, just being around them is a great experience.
Gorilla Habituation
An exciting alternative – or a good addition to gorilla trekking can be the Gorilla Habituation. Here, visitors get the opportunity to spend up to 4 hours in the midst of a gorilla family, observing the gorillas in their daily lives in the middle of the jungle. An experience for life. Guaranteed!
Information about the mountain gorillas in Uganda
There are currently 12 gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, listed HERE.
The number of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) living in Uganda was estimated at just over 500 in 2021. About 400 of these live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The remaining mountain gorillas live in Rwanda in the Volcanoes National Park and in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
