Guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda

Guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda;  Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular activities in Uganda which gives visitors an opportunity to explore the tropical rainforest on foot in search of the endangered mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural environment. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks namely Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Gorilla trekking is also done in other destinations including Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in democratic republic of Congo. The guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda will give you an idea on how to plan for your gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. The guide involves where to go for gorilla trekking, best time to go for gorilla trekking, cost of gorilla trekking permits, how to book gorilla trekking permits, where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari and gorilla trekking packing list.

Where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park

Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in southwestern region in Kanungu district and its one of the gorilla destinations in Uganda.  Bwindi impenetrable national park is known for harboring the highest number of mountain gorillas 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.  The national park is a home of over 21 habituated gorilla families which are available for trekking daily.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park

Mgahinga gorilla national park is another gorilla trekking destination in Uganda located in southwestern region in Kisoro district bordering with Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Congo. Mgahinga gorilla national park is a home one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi which is open to tourists 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 at the park headquarters 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 conversant with different trekking trails. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to see other primate species, animals, view different birds, tree species among others and once the gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their environment which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, habits, lifestyle, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, grooming young ones, take photos and record videos.

Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the gorilla destinations therefore gorilla trekking trails and access roads will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to the wet/ rainy season in the months of March to May, October and November when the gorilla trekking 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 by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit any habituated gorilla family in either Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost 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, Guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda.

How to book gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can be booked directly through a Uganda Wildlife Authority a government body in charge of tourism in Uganda by contacting the head offices in Kampala via email or telephone calls inquiring about permit availability.

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can also be booked through a trusted tour company like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact us with the date, month, year and gorilla destination you wish to visit. After contacting us we will check for permit availability on your desired dates and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. We will send you our account details where you will make payments and once we receive the money, we will purchase 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 be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they are competitive and always get sold out quickly especially during the peak season in the months of June to September and December to February therefore in order to avoid last minute disappointments you are advised to book in advance.

Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda

There are a wide range of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations in Bwindi impenetrable national park include Gorilla hills eco-lodge, Buhoma lodge, Rushaga gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi lodge, Sanctuary gorilla forest camp, Clouds mountain gorilla lodge, Buhoma lodge, Mahogany springs lodge, Buhoma haven lodge, Lake Kitandara camp, Engagi lodge, Bwindi guest house, Gorilla resort, Buhoma community rest camp, Gorilla friends lodge, Jungle view lodge, Bwindi view Bandas, Eco marvels gorilla resort, Chameleon hill lodge, Nkuringo gorilla camp, Ruhija gorilla safari lodge, Trekkers Tavern cottages, Cuckooland Tented lodge, Ruhija gorilla mist camp, Gift of nature lodge, Wagtail eco-safari camp, Ruhija community rest camp, Ruhija gorilla friends resort and campsite, Gorilla safari lodge among others. The accommodations in Mgahinga gorilla national park include mount Gahinga lodge, Lake Mulehe lodge, Mucha hotel, Kisoro tourist hotel, Montana guest house, Mount Gahinga rest camp, Kisoro travelers lodge, Muhabura motel, Mutanda Lake Resort, Amajambere Iwacu community camp among others.

Gorilla trekking packing list

After knowing where to go for gorilla trekking, best time to travel, where to stay and acquiring your gorilla trekking permit, the next step to consider is the right or essential equipment’s to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. There are various items that you should carry for your gorilla trekking adventure including Hiking boots to protect your ankles, long cotton socks, garden gloves, long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm during trekking, waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall, camera and extra batteries to take pictures during the one hour with the gorillas, insect repellent to protect your body from biting insects, energy snacks and drinking water to keep you hydrated, sun glasses and hut, a pair of binoculars, walking stick, backpack to carry your gorilla trekking items among others.

Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary activity that can be combined with wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth national park. For more information about the guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various gorilla trekking safari packages.