Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking is one of the best wildlife experiences in the world. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is blessed to host almost half of the remaining total population of the mountain gorillas. Bwindi is a home to 420 mountain gorillas (2016), just over half the world’s remaining population of this critically endangered ape. The gorillas are completely wild but have become used to seeing a few humans after years of habituation. Many of the expert guides have been involved in this process since the beginning , and are able to explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback . This is an opportunity afforded only to select few, as just eight visitors are allowed to view each group everyday.

There are currently 14 habituated mountain gorilla groups open to tourism; Mubare , Habinyanja and Rushegura near Buhoma

Tracking through dense forest with steep slopes means that participants do need to be physically fit. Once the gorillas are located , you spend a maximum of an hour with them before returning back to camp. Please note only children aged 15 and above can track the gorillas. Guests taking part in this activity must have permit.

There are currently nine habituated mountain gorilla groups open to tourism;

• Buhoma: Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura
• Ruhija: Bitukura and Oruzogho
• Nkuringo
• Rushaga: Rushegura – Mishaya, Nshongi and Kahugye in Bwindi south.

Tracking through dense forest with steep slopes means that participants do need to be physically fit. Once the gorillas are located , you spend a maximum of an hour with them before returning back to camp. Please note only children aged 15 and above can track the gorillas. Guests taking part in this activity must have permit.

Things to Know When Planning a Gorilla Safari

In a lifetime everyone has the right to encounter something out of the world, an experience that they will wish to take home with them, and just boastfully narrate to their relatives and friends in form of a deeply captivating story. Deciding to embark on a Uganda gorilla safari results in one of the few experiences that many people desire to have. The few who have experienced this still tell the same story but in different versions every day.

Yes for many, the climax of the gorilla safari is standing still and gazing into the eyes of that mountain gorilla, for others it is taking a “selfie”, with the mountain gorillas in the background, and sharing it with jealous friends. At that point, all your preparations have held truth; and all the nights of anxiety are no more. But what are those little things that might make the entire Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari even more gratifying? Here is my short list.

Make sure you travel at the right time of the year. If you are not so sure about your fitness levels, I advise traveling during the dry season when the soils aren’t boggy. The best months of the year to track the gorillas would be December to late February and from June to September during the dry season.

Remember to book your permit in time, preferably before you set off. Due to the high demand, over 70 people travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park daily for the Uganda Gorilla Safari experience, while others are placed on hold. You surely don’t want to be among the miserable lot that has to wait.

All Bwindi’s gorilla tracking trailheads are traversed on foot, with some hikes lasting 8 hours. As humans are playful, the gorillas might decide to play hide and seek so hikers should check that they are basically fit to climb through the jungle even for long duration like these.

The rains are rarely predictable, so tourists should pack a pair of solid shoes, preferably jungle boots, a jacket and an umbrella. On a sunny day I would advise you to travel with a fine cap or hat, sun glasses (in case you find that you need them), smear yourself with sunburn lotion, and also come along with a good insect repellent.

The other thing to mind about when planning your Gorilla Safari in Uganda is choosing the right tour operator. The criterion for choosing the tour operator is somewhat crazy, but basically a company with a good customer reputation would be a good choice. With the right tour operator you won’t have to worry about sleeping uncomfortably, or arriving later than 8am when the gorilla trekking exercise has commenced. These are just a few things that will complement your holiday and make it more enjoyable.