Gorilla trekking in Uganda travel guide; Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary activity in Uganda that attracts big numbers of visitors and it involves moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated gorilla families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks that is Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Gorilla trekking is also done in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Democratic republic of Congo.
Where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park
Bwindi impenetrable national park is the most visited gorilla destination in Uganda located in southwestern region in Kanungu district. Bwindi impenetrable national park is famously known for harboring the highest number of mountain gorillas and a home of over 22 habituated gorilla families which are found in four sectors namely Buhoma sector in the north, Rushaga sector in the south, Ruhija sector in the East and Nkuringo sector in the south.
Bwindi impenetrable national park is also known for offering gorilla habituation experience where the wild mountain gorillas are trained to get used to human presence for trekking. The habituation experience takes a period of 2 to 3 years to be complete and travelers who engage in the experience get an opportunity to spend four hours with the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Mgahinga gorilla national park is another gorilla destination in Uganda located in southwestern region in Kisoro district bordering with Virunga national park in Congo and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Mgahinga gorilla national park is a home of one gorilla family called Nyakagezi that is open for trekking on a daily basis.
Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will be subdivided into groups of 8 people where each group will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with trails in the forest. Trekking of gorillas in Uganda takes about 2 hours to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other wildlife species, birds, plant and tree species among others. Once the mountain gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their habitat which gives you a chance to learn about their behaviors, habits, lifestyle, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, playing, grooming young ones, take photos and record videos to show people back home.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of june to September and December to February because during this period there is less rainfall in the national park therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable which make gorilla trekking easy compared to the rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits are legal cards or documents that are issued to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit habituated gorilla families and spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. A gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can be booked through a tour operator like Achieve global safaris where you will contact us with the date, month, year and gorilla destination that you wish to visit. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability on your preferred dates and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once the payment has been made, we will be able to acquire the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park should however be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they are competitive and usually get sold out quickly especially during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February therefore to avoid last minute disappointments, you are advised to book in advance, Gorilla trekking in Uganda travel guide
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
There are a number of accommodation facilities in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Four Gorillas Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Wagtail Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Cuckooland Tented Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Jungle View Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Mutanda Lake Resort, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Travelers Rest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Mount Gahinga Rest Camp, Mucha Hotel among others.
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
When going for gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park, there are a number of items that you should pack including hiking shoes, long sleeved shirt and trouser, insect repellent, warm sweater, waterproof rain jacket, camera and extra batteries, energy snacks and drinking water, a pair of binoculars, facemasks, walking stick, backpack among others.
Gorilla trekking is a must do activity in Uganda that can be combined with game drives, boat cruise, sport fishing, horseback riding among others in Lake Mburo national park to make your safari unforgettable. For more information about gorilla trekking in Uganda travel guide, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris.
