Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the once-in–a-lifetime adventures and a remarkable signature experience that allows primate enthusiasts to have personal and up-close encounters with the giant apes, in their natural environments. We lead travellers to two magnificent safari destinations; Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, situated in the south-western corner of Uganda.
Gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda are open for all travelers who are 15 years and above. The experiences involve walking through the jungles in the company of experienced guides leading travellers through the Park, in search of the habituated gorilla families.
Uganda is haven to about half the entire World’s mountain gorilla population, trekked in 20 habituated gorilla families and for this reason, over 160 permits are available each day. Travellers who have undertaken gorilla trekking have described it as a life-changing experience and the fact that you have only one hour with the mountain gorillas even make it more admirable.
Destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the more popular option, with about 20 fully habituated gorilla families but only 19 are open for trekking while one is reserved for gorilla habituation and research purposes. These trekkable gorilla families are found in four different trekking regions/sectors. They include; Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, Nshongi, Kahungye, Muyambi, Busingye, Kutu, Rwigi, Bikingi, Mishaya, Mucunguzi, Bweza, Christmas, Nkuringo and Bushaho.
For Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, only one gorilla family has been habituated for trekking and this is called ‘Nyakagezi’, known for foraging on the lower slopes of Virunga Volcanoes thus making it easier to trek than most travellers actually believe.
Permits for enjoying this outstanding signature experience cost only US $700 for foreign non-resident travellers, $600 for the foreign resident travellers and UGX 250,000 for East African resident travellers. You can contact us to book for your gorilla tracking permits.
For the perfect time to enjoy this riveting signature experience, the dry seasons of June to September and December to February, are recommended. This is because during this time, the forest trails are less muddy or slippery due to reduced precipitation rate.
To have the most unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, it is important to always pack light and right and in this circumstance. Make sure that you have long sleeved shirts, breathable safari pants, lightweight rain jacket, rainproof backpack, gardening gloves, a re-usable water bottle, well-fitting hiking boots, and cotton socks. Don’t miss out on gaiters, wide-brim safari hat, toiletries like toothpaste, hair comb, toothbrush, hand and body lotion, wet wipes, and nail clips, to mention but as few, first aid kit and many others.
You will also need to consider knowing the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking.