Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Safe?

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Safe?

Yes, gorilla trekking in Uganda is safe. In fact, it is one of the country’s major tourist activities, with great attention given to ensuring safety and security for all visitors. Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are well-monitored and protected by security teams. These parks share borders with DR Congo and Rwanda, which can sometimes cause concerns for potential visitors. However, rest assured that both national parks are closely watched by tourism police and park rangers, ensuring a safe environment.

During your trek, you’ll be accompanied by two park rangers who are well-trained and armed with AK-47 rifles. These rangers are there to protect you in case of encounters with wild animals and to ensure your safety while in the forest. Additionally, an advance team enters the forest ahead of time to locate the gorilla families, ensuring that your trek is guided along a safe and current trail to the gorillas.

While trekking, the terrain can be challenging, with steep, muddy sections that may require physical stamina. However, the safety measures in place, combined with expert guidance, make gorilla trekking a safe and thrilling experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: What to Expect

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of only four places in the world that is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, making it a highly coveted destination for wildlife lovers. The park is not just a sanctuary for gorillas; it also boasts incredible biodiversity, including 350 bird species, 310 butterflies, 200 tree species and 120 mammals, making it a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts. The park is also home to several other primates, such as chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

With over 1,000 mountain gorillas globally, half of them live in Bwindi Forest. The park offers over 15 habituated gorilla families, each open to visitors. A total of 8 gorilla permits are available per day for each gorilla group, ensuring an intimate and respectful experience.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is divided into four sectors:

1. Buhoma (Northern Sector)
2. Ruhija (Northeastern Sector)
3. Rushaga (Southern Sector)
4. Nkuringo (Southern Sector)

Each sector is home to several habituated gorilla families. Rushaga has the most families, making it a popular choice. Depending on your sector, you can combine gorilla trekking with other activities such as game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park if you’re in the northern sectors.

Which Sector is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

While all sectors in Bwindi Forest offer a fantastic chance to see mountain gorillas, some visitors prefer certain sectors based on ease of access and the type of experience they seek:

• Rushaga Sector is popular for its multiple habituated gorilla families, making it easier to secure a permit and enjoy a shorter trek.
• Buhoma Sector is great for those seeking a less strenuous experience with a quicker trek, usually completing the hike by early afternoon.
• Nkuringo Sector has a higher elevation, making the treks more challenging but it offers stunning views and a more remote experience.

Whichever sector you choose, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting the mountain gorillas, with 99% success rates for sightings!

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is straightforward, with both road and air travel options.

• By Road: Traveling by road from Entebbe or Kampala takes about 8-9 hours. You can access different sectors of the park (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo) by turning off the main Kabale-Kisoro road. Depending on your sector, you will follow signposts to the respective trailhead for your trek.
• By Air: You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip, which are closest to the southern and northern sectors of the park, respectively. Scheduled flights are available through domestic airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda. After your flight, a transfer to your lodge can be arranged by your tour operator.

Gorilla Trekking Costs in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• For Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800 per person
• For East African Residents: USD 700 per person
• For East African Citizens: USD 80 per person

This permit gives you the opportunity to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas once located.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi is done in the Rushaga sector and involves trekking to find semi-habituated gorillas. This experience allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas, much longer than the usual one-hour trek. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to participate in activities designed to help the gorillas become more accustomed to human presence.

Due to the exclusive nature of this experience, only four permits are available per day, making it highly sought after. We recommend booking your permit 2-3 months in advance to secure your spot.

• Gorilla Habituation Permit Costs:
  • For Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500 per person
  • For Foreign Residents: USD 1,000 per person
  • For East African Citizens: USD 220 per person

Key Differences Between Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation

When deciding between Gorilla Trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two.

• Duration of the Encounter: During Gorilla Trekking, you spend one hour with the mountain gorillas once you’ve located them in the forest. In contrast, the Gorilla Habituation Experience allows you to spend a more intimate four hours with the gorillas.
• Group Size: For Gorilla Trekking, you’ll be part of a group of 8 tourists tracking a specific gorilla family. The Gorilla Habituation Experience, on the other hand, is more exclusive, with only 4 people per group tracking a semi-habituated gorilla family.
• Trekking Intensity: Both experiences involve trekking through the lush forest of Bwindi, which can be physically demanding, particularly due to the challenging terrain. The difficulty level can vary, so it’s important to be in good physical shape for either activity.

Whether you choose Gorilla Trekking or the Habituation Experience, both activities are conducted in the morning and both offer a life-changing opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the drier months of the year: January, February, June to early September. During this period, the trails are less muddy and the weather is more predictable, making it easier to hike and providing better visibility for viewing the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

When preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure, packing the right gear is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Comfortable hiking boots (sturdy, waterproof and with good traction)
• Long sleeve shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect against undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants
• Gardening gloves to help protect your hands while trekking
• Rain jacket (weather can change unexpectedly)
• Camera, spare batteries and binoculars for capturing the moment and wildlife viewing
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Hat for sun protection
• Water bottle (hydration is key)
• Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
• Wet wipes for cleaning off mud
• Sweater/fleece for cooler evenings
• Sandals or comfortable shoes for resting after trekking

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Accommodation options around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park vary from budget to luxury, catering to different traveler preferences. Here’s where you can stay:

• Rushaga Sector (Southern Bwindi):
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Nkuringo Sector (Southern Bwindi):
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort
• Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi):
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Ruhija Sector (Northern Bwindi):
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages
  • Agandi Eco Lodge
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

Each of these lodges is conveniently located near the start points for the treks, ensuring easy access to your gorilla tracking adventure.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we make booking your gorilla trekking experience easy and hassle-free. From permit bookings to customized safari packages (budget, mid-range or luxury), we ensure that every detail is taken care of. We also provide comprehensive advice on the booking process and trip planning.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our happy clients have to say about their memorable experiences with us. Whether you’re planning a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda or the DR Congo, we guarantee you an unforgettable adventure.

Ready to embark on your gorilla trekking journey? Contact us today for more information and expert guidance on your Uganda safari!