What Happens If I Don’t See Gorillas on My Trek?

What Happens If I Don’t See Gorillas on My Trek?

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, specifically in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you might be wondering: what happens if I don’t see the gorillas on my trek? It’s a common concern for travelers, and understandably so, considering the time and money involved.

The High Chances of Seeing Gorillas

The good news is that the chances of seeing gorillas during your trek in Uganda are extremely high—over 99%. Gorilla trekking is one of the most well-organized wildlife activities, and for over two decades, trekkers have had an overwhelmingly positive experience, rarely failing to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Why It Might Happen: Nature’s Influence

Although the chances of seeing gorillas are very high, nature can sometimes be unpredictable. Factors like heavy rain, gorilla movements, or unexpected changes in their behavior can occasionally make it more difficult to spot them on your trek. However, this is all part of experiencing wildlife in its natural environment.

Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Guarantee

If, for some reason, you don’t see the gorillas during your scheduled trek, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offers a helpful solution. UWA will compensate you with a free additional trekking day, allowing you to try again for the next available trek. This ensures that your trip is not in vain and that you get another opportunity to witness these incredible creatures.

How Gorilla Trekking Works in Uganda

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, trekking begins early in the morning. Advanced trackers enter the forest ahead of time to locate the gorillas’ last nesting site from the night before. These trackers then communicate with guides to direct trekkers along the best routes to find the gorillas. With this system, the likelihood of encountering gorillas is greatly enhanced, and the trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours.

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe and interact with them. During this time, you can take photographs, ask your guide questions, and learn more about the gorillas and their behavior.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A Biodiversity Haven

Bwindi Forest is not just home to gorillas; it is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and boasts a diverse ecosystem. The park is home to over 350 species of birds, 310 species of butterflies, 120 species of mammals, and several primate species, including chimpanzees and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. Half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas—approximately 532 individuals—live in Bwindi, spread across 15 habituated gorilla families. Each group is assigned 8 permits per day, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience for visitors.

Gorilla Trekking in the Four Sectors of Bwindi

Bwindi is divided into four main trekking sectors:

• Buhoma (northern part)
• Ruhija (northeastern part)
• Rushaga (southern part)
• Nkuringo (southern part)

Each sector is home to different habituated gorilla families, and Rushaga has the largest number of families. Bwindi is conveniently located near Queen Elizabeth National Park, so combining gorilla trekking with a safari for game viewing is easy, especially if you’re trekking in the Buhoma or Ruhija regions.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost?

The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda depends on your residency:

• USD 700 per person for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 600 per person for East African Residents
• USD 70 per person for East African Citizens

This permit grants you access to one hour with the gorillas once located.

Popular Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tours

If you’re planning your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, we offer several popular packages:

• 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour
• 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience
• 5-Day Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
• 5-Day Uganda Gorillas and Game Safari
• 7-Day Best Gorilla Trip in Uganda
• 8-Day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari
• 9-Day Uganda Primates and Hiking Adventure
• 10-Day Uganda Primates and Game Safari

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, securing your gorilla permit in advance is a must. The permits are required to access the gorillas and are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the process.

Where to Purchase Your Gorilla Permit

You can buy your gorilla trekking permit directly from UWA at their offices in Kampala or Kisoro. If you’re flying into Entebbe, it’s recommended to purchase the permit in Kampala, as it is more convenient. However, if you’re coming through Kigali, you can purchase your permit at UWA’s office in Kisoro, which is about 1-2 hours’ drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Alternatively, you can let Trek Africa Expeditions take care of the entire process for you. We are one of Uganda’s most trusted gorilla safari companies, and we can secure your gorilla permit well in advance, even on short notice. Here’s how it works:

1. Share your preferred trekking dates with us via email or WhatsApp.
2. We’ll tentatively reserve your permit online.
3. Once we send you the invoice, you make the payment.
4. Once we receive your payment, we’ll confirm your permit and send you scanned copies for your records. This will guarantee that your gorilla trekking is officially booked.

What Happens If I Don’t See the Gorillas?

While the chances of seeing the gorillas are over 99%, sometimes factors like weather or the gorillas’ movements can affect your chances. If, by chance, you don’t see the gorillas on your trekking day, Uganda Wildlife Authority will offer you a free additional trekking day to try again. This ensures that you don’t miss out on the experience.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, June, July, August, and early September. The weather during these months makes it easier to travel to the park, and the reduced rainfall helps ensure clearer views of the gorillas.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

When preparing for your trek, it’s essential to dress appropriately. Here’s a helpful packing list:

• Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers: The park can be chilly in the mornings and evenings.
• Waterproof hiking boots: The terrain can be muddy and slippery.
• Gardening gloves: These are helpful when holding onto branches or trees during the trek.
• Raincoat: Bwindi is a rainforest, and rain showers can be unpredictable.
• Hat and sunglasses: Optional, but helpful on sunny days.
• Binoculars: To spot birds and other wildlife in the forest.
• Camera and extra batteries: Capture the moments, but remember to keep the flash off to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
• Mosquito repellent: To protect yourself from insects.
• Sunscreen: Depending on the season, it can get quite hot, so it’s good to protect your skin.

Avoid wearing bright colors as they might scare off the gorillas, and black or blue can attract Tsetse flies. Stick to neutral tones like green, brown, or khaki.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Where you stay depends on which sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park you’re trekking in. Here are some accommodation options:

Southern Bwindi (Rushaga & Nkuringo Sectors):

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Lake Mutanda Resort

Northern Bwindi (Buhoma & Ruhija Sectors):

• Buhoma Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Agandi Eco Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

All of these lodges are conveniently located near the start points of your gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation activities.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a local, expert tour operator that specializes in tailor-made gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here’s why you should book with us:

• We offer personalized services with a team that responds to queries within 20 minutes.
• Our professional tour consultants will help create a custom travel plan, addressing all your questions and ensuring all bookings are made in advance.
• We provide experienced safari guides who speak a variety of languages.
• We guarantee a smooth and hassle-free experience throughout your gorilla trekking adventure.

Ready to book your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda? Contact us today, and we’ll help you plan a trip of a lifetime!