How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

How to Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda? This guide, crafted by Trek Africa Expeditions, will help you prepare and successfully book your adventure. Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws travelers from around the world. While it can be costly and physically challenging, the opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo makes it all worthwhile. Watching these majestic creatures up close in the wild is one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters you can have.

What is Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forests to find habituated mountain gorillas. Once you locate them, you’ll spend one hour observing their behavior, taking photos, and learning about their habits. Uganda is home to more than 50% of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it a prime destination for this experience. Since mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity, trekking into their natural environment is the only way to see them.

Where Can You See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?

In Uganda, mountain gorillas can only be found in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: Located in southwestern Uganda, this park is home to 19 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. These families are spread across four main sectors: Ruhija and Buhoma in the north, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Situated in Kisoro District in far southwestern Uganda, this park is part of the Virunga Mountain range and shares borders with Rwanda and DR Congo. Mgahinga is home to two gorilla families: Nyakagezi and Hirwa. Trekking is primarily done with the Nyakagezi family, as Hirwa is known to be more elusive.

Rwanda or Uganda: Which is Better for Gorilla Trekking?

Choosing between Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking is subjective, but there are key differences. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is just a 2-3 hour drive from Kigali, making it more accessible, and the gorillas tend to be easier to spot. However, Uganda offers a more affordable option with its permits being less expensive, and there are now shorter travel routes to Bwindi via Kigali, reducing the drive to around 4-5 hours.

Many travelers now opt to land in Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda, taking advantage of the East African Tourist Visa, which allows access to both countries. Uganda offers a broader selection of trekking regions within Bwindi, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. You can choose your preferred gorilla family based on factors like group size, number of silverbacks, or family dynamics, depending on availability at the time of booking.

Gorilla Trekking Permits and Family Selection

Previously, Uganda allocated gorilla permits according to specific families, but now, permits are allocated by region. Whether you’re interested in families with multiple silverbacks or those with many young members, your permit will determine the region where you will trek. Your physical fitness level also plays a role, as some areas of Bwindi are more strenuous to hike than others.

How to Spend More Time with Mountain Gorillas

If you want to maximize your time with the mountain gorillas, consider booking the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This unique activity is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Unlike regular gorilla treks, the habituation experience allows you to spend up to 4 hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, participating in activities that help these wild gorillas get accustomed to human presence. The cost for this incredible experience is $1,500 per person per trek.

Alternatively, you can extend your time with the gorillas by booking multiple standard treks on different days, giving you more opportunities to observe and interact with these magnificent creatures.

Best Park for Gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda?

When deciding between Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking, it’s important to know that both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, offer exceptional gorilla trekking experiences.

The key difference lies in the environment. In Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park, the gorillas live in the Virunga mountain range, surrounded by bamboo forests, which tend to be less dense and make photography easier. In contrast, Bwindi is a tropical rainforest with lush, thick vegetation, offering a more diverse natural setting. Despite these differences, your chances of seeing gorillas in any of these parks are excellent, with a success rate of around 98%. Whichever park you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda typically lasts between 3 to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas that day, their movements, and the weather conditions. Sometimes, the trek can take a full day. The adventure starts at 7:45 AM with a briefing on the rules and guidelines for trekking and being in the presence of the gorillas. Afterward, you’ll be assigned a ranger guide who will lead your trek. Once the gorillas are located, you’ll be allowed to spend one hour observing them up close.

How Many People Can Visit Gorillas Each Day?

In both Uganda and Rwanda, only 8 people are permitted to trek each gorilla family per day. This limit is set to minimize the impact on the gorillas’ natural behavior and reduce the risk of spreading diseases to these endangered animals.

What is a Gorilla Trekking Permit?

A gorilla trekking permit is a document that allows you to visit mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. The permit gives you access to a one-hour encounter with the gorillas and is valid for a single day. If you want to trek on multiple days, you’ll need to purchase additional permits. Each permit is issued with a unique booking number and is specific to a particular trekking region.

How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost?

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is:

• $800 per person for foreign non-residents
• $700 per person for foreign residents
• $70 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan)

This permit grants you one hour with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

In Rwanda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is $1,500 for foreign non-residents.

By understanding the differences in trekking locations, permit costs, and available experiences, you can make an informed decision and have an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

What is Included in a Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Permit?

A gorilla trekking permit grants you a one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The permit includes several key elements:

• Park entrance fees
• Ranger guide services provided by the park
• Conservation contributions: A portion of the fee goes directly toward conserving the mountain gorillas and their natural habitats.

Where to Purchase a Gorilla Permit in Uganda and Rwanda

In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits can be purchased through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and in Rwanda, through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). However, the easiest and most reliable way is to book through a trusted tour operator, such as Trek Africa Expeditions.

To book through a tour operator, you can review their TripAdvisor feedback, then send an email with your preferred trekking dates. The operator will check permit availability with the UWA or RDB, confirm, and proceed with the payment and permit purchase on your behalf.

Can Elderly or Disabled Individuals Trek Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

Yes, elderly or disabled individuals can participate in gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda. Sedan chairs are available for those who may find the trek too physically demanding. These chairs, carried by porters, ensure that anyone who is unable to walk can still experience gorilla trekking. The price for hiring a sedan chair ranges from $400 to $500 and can be arranged either in advance or on the day of the trek.

Minimum and Maximum Age for Gorilla Trekking

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years. This restriction is in place to ensure safety, as children’s unpredictable behavior may disturb the gorillas, and they are more susceptible to diseases that could be transmitted to or from the animals. There is no maximum age, but fitness levels should be considered.

Best Time to Trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the best time to visit is during the drier months from January to March and June to early September. During these periods, travel to the parks is easier, and the gorillas are more visible since the vegetation isn’t as overgrown. The rainy months of April, May, and November can make trekking more challenging due to muddy trails and dense vegetation.

What to Pack and Wear for Gorilla Trekking

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable trekking experience. Here are some recommendations:

• Sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes that can handle muddy conditions
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against nettles and insects
• Insect repellent
• Rain jacket and sweater/fleece for varying weather conditions
• Gardening gloves to grip foliage during the trek
• Hat and sunscreen for sun protection
• Camera with extra lenses and memory cards
• Water bottle, wet wipes, and torch/flashlight with spare batteries
• Binoculars for bird watching
• Swimwear, in case your accommodation has a pool

Why Book Your Gorilla Trek with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions offers tailor-made gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. We specialize in eco-friendly, high-end safaris that not only provide unforgettable wildlife experiences but also support local communities and conservation efforts. Along with gorilla trekking, our itineraries can include:

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Big 5 safaris and game drives
• Mountain hiking and boat cruises
• Cultural encounters

We offer the best African safari experiences in top destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, and Namibia, ensuring that your trip is both memorable and sustainable.

By booking with Trek Africa Expeditions, you contribute to wildlife conservation and help uplift local communities while enjoying a seamless, well-organized safari experience.