Gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Uganda is in the eastern part of Africa and shares borders with Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Tanzania. This country has half of the world’s gorilla population, hence it’s the best place to go gorilla trekking in the world. While hiking through a deep tropical forest, you will have a chance to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural environment. People who engage in gorilla trekking are able to see mountain gorillas in the wild. There are only two places in Uganda where you can go gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking has helped a lot to protect mountain gorillas since the money collected from this activity goes to patrols that stop poaching, study and track gorillas. It also helps the town grow by giving people jobs, which makes their lives better.
Why should you do gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
Uganda is the best place to go gorilla trekking because of these things.
Number of gorillas: Half of the world’s gorilla’s population is found in Uganda. In two parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. This means that people can see these gentle giants in their natural setting any time in Uganda.
Trekking centre: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is split into four sectors that is Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Nkuringo. However Mgahinga does not have many trekking areas. Note that choosing a trekking area depends on how fit you are and where you want to stay. Every gorilla trekking adventure is different in terms of the gorillas you see and the breath-taking views you take in.
Price of a gorilla trekking permit: A permit to go trekking for gorillas in Uganda costs less than that of Rwanda. The fee to see gorillas in Uganda is USD800 for non-residents and 700USD for foreign residents. Because it’s so cheap, a lot of people can enjoy this amazing eco-adventure in Uganda.
Besides gorilla parks in Uganda, there are other national parks that are great for seeing wildlife like elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo, and many kinds of birds for example Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
Immersion in culture. Gorilla trekking takes place in remote areas of the country where you can get a chance to know the cultures of the local people like the Batwa. You will learn about their practices and customs and the importance of gorilla trekking to the local communities.
Trekking for gorillas is an experience you’ll never forget, and by starting this trail in Uganda, you can help protect the critically threatened mountain gorillas. The only reason why mountain gorillas are still living in the tropical rain forests is because of the tourist.
Where to go gorilla trekking in Uganda
Bwindi Forest National Park
The park is in the southwestern part of Uganda and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is 331 km2 in size. There are four sectors to it: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo and over 458 mountain gorillas live in the park. The mountain gorillas are split into 20 groups, and these include Mubare, Katwe, Mishaya, Rwigi, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Posho, Muyambi, Nkuringo, Bitukura, Mukiza, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Busingye, Oruzogo, Nshongi, Kahungye, Christmas, Kyaguriro, and more. But the park has more to offer than just primate trekking. You can watch birds, hike, take nature walks, and learn about other cultures.
Mgahinga Gorillas National Park
It is in the southwestern part of Uganda and is only 33.75 km2 in size, making it the smallest national park in the country. There is one family of gorillas that lives in the park and three of the five Virunga mountains are in this area. They are Mount Muhavura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. You can do more than just gorilla walking in the park. You can also track golden monkeys, climb volcanoes, and watch birds.
Take note that in Uganda, you can only go gorilla trekking in two places that is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
What to expect on your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda?
The hike starts early in the morning at the park offices, where there is a briefing, registration, and permit checking. During your briefing, you will be given rules to follow when you are with the gorillas. After that, you’ll be split into eight-person groups, and each group will go on a trek for a different gorilla family. Then you are given an armed ranger and a guide to take you through the thick rain forest. The trackers go out very early in the morning to follow the mountain gorillas, and the guides stay in touch with them through radio phones while the walk is going on. This helps the guides find the location of the gorillas. You might see birds, other animals, and beautiful views on the way to see the gorillas. One hour is all you have to spend with your gorilla family once you find them. You can watch the gorillas eat, play, fetch food, and groom each other during that hour. After an hour, you go back to where you started. After your trek, when you get back to the park offices, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will give you a certificate to show that you took part and completed the gorilla trek.
How to make plans for your gorilla trekking trip to Uganda.
First, pick the time you want to go gorilla trekking in Uganda that works best for you. Ask yourself: When is the best time to go gorilla climbing in Uganda?
The best time is from December to February and June to August, when it’s dry. However, trekking for gorillas can be done at any time of the year.
Second, make sure you get your gorilla trekking permit on time. You can do this on your own or with the help of a tour company. Non-resident foreigners pay USD800 for a permit. Note during the peak season, permits are hard to get since they run out quickly, so make sure you book early.
Once you have your permit, you can book your lodging, since it’s best to stay close to where you’ll be trekking. There are many places to stay in Bwindi and Mgahinga, ranging from high-end to moderately priced.
You can get around in a number of ways, such as a car, public bus, or plane. What kind of transportation you choose relies on your budget and personal taste.
What you need to know before going for your gorilla trekking.
Because Mgahinga and Bwindi are both rain forests, the weather can change quickly. You should be ready for both sun and rain.
Do not use cameras with flashes because they bother the gorillas.
It’s nice to thank your staff and guides with tips.
You have to stay 7 meters away from the gorillas so that diseases don’t spread too easily.
Do not throw trash in the park or forest.
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best times to go gorilla trekking in Uganda are from June to September and from December to February. These are the dry seasons, when it rains less. This makes the tracks dry and less muddy, which makes it easy to move around. Since there is no fog at this time, you can see the Virunga mountains right away.
You can still go gorilla trekking during the wet season. The parks are less busy then because the trails are wet. Also, prices for both lodging and transportation tend to be cheap this time of the year.
What to bring on your gorilla trekking trip.
Socks—to keep your feet dry
Long-sleeved shirts—to keep your arms from getting cut.
With trekking boots, it’s easy to get around in the forest.
A jacket—to keep you warm in the morning when it’s cold
Waterproof pants to keep you safe from the scratchy bushes
Gloves—to keep your hands safe from thorns
Backpack—for carrying important things.
For taking pictures, a camera (Smart phone)
Water bottle
Bug spray to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away
Hand sanitizer to clean up quickly
Hat and sunglasses—to shield your eyes from the sun
Where To Stay When Trekking Gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Accommodations
Luxury
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Mid-range
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Buhoma Haven Lodge
Gorilla safari Lodge
Budget
Bwindi Backpackers Lodge
Community Rest Camps
Broadbill Forest Camp
Mgahinga Accommodations
Luxury
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mid-range
Lake Chahafi Resort
Travellers Rest Hotel
Budget
Golden Monkey Guesthouse
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
Best Gorilla trekking Safaris in Uganda
12 Days Rwenzori & Gorilla trekking
12 Day Rwenzori & Gorilla Trekking from Rwenzori Mountains National Park takes you Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wildlife safari. This 12 days Rwenzori & Gorilla trekking safari takes you for gorilla trekking & Wildlife tour & Rwenzori trekking via Central Circuit.
13 Days Rwenzori, Chimpanzees Gorillas
13 days Rwenzori trekking, Chimpanzee tracking & Gorilla trekking safari takes you to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking, then to Rwenzori Mountains National Park for trekking to Margherita peak via central circuit trail, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking experience.
14 Days Rwenzori, Primates & Wildlife
The 14 days Rwenzori trekking , wildlife and primate adventure then ends with Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park. From Kampala, you will proceed for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, thereafter proceed for 7 day rwenzori trek central circuit trail.
14 days Gorillas, Rwenzori & Water rafting
This two weeks’ Whitewater Rafting and Trekking Adventures entail visiting Jinja for a rafting tour on River Nile and Rwenzori Mountains Trekking up to Margherita Peak. The trip would be concluded with a gorilla safari adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.