Gorilla trekking is a guided hike within rainforest jungles of a national park, highlands, through tall tangled ancient trees with heavy boots and thick trousers as you watch and follow a habituated gorilla family. It is such an adventurous activity you should not leave behind in the event that you are paying Uganda a visit.
In contrast to many African holiday destinations, Uganda offers a unique gorilla trekking experience and is a major highlight for her dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla National park.
WHERE TO DO GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Located in south-western corner of Uganda, about 510 kilometers from Kampala city, Bwindi Impenetrable national park sits at an area of about 327 square kilometers and its immediate neighboring districts are Kabale in the east, Kanungu in the north and Kisoro in the south. In addition to the rugged landscape, ridges and slippery valleys, Bwindi Impenetrable national park is home to over 20 habituated mountain gorilla families located in the four regions including Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in east, Rushaga in south east and Nkuringo in the south.
Bwindi impenetrable national park is the main gorilla trekking destination in Uganda and the habituated families can be accessed using the five trail heads at Ruhija, Buhoma, Nyabaremura, Nkuringo and Rushaga. These trail heads vary in characteristics, terrain, levels of difficulty and thickness of vegetation. Maximum number trekkers as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations is eight adults (above 15 years) per gorilla family. This adventure introduces you not only to epic mountain gorillas but also a multitude of forest mammals, plant species and beautiful birds.
Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Just close to the boarder of Rwanda and Uganda, in southwestern/Kigezi region – 493 kilometers from Kampala city, sits the magnificent Mgahinga national park. It is the ideally the smallest national park in Uganda, and as well a reliable destination for trekking mountain gorillas.
Mgahinga national park was previously an “afterthought” gorilla trekking destination after Bwindi Impenetrable national park; however, that has changed for a number of reasons like the rapid rise in the prices of Rwanda gorilla permits, the settling of Nyakagezi family which used to migrate to neighboring countries and outstanding increase in the beauty of the park itself.
Mgahinga national park is home to only one habituated gorilla family by the name of “Nyakagezi” comprising of 5 adult females, three young gorillas and two adult males (silverbacks).
Rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking in Uganda.
- You will be given a full hour to spend with the gorillas as you watch them play, dine and mate.
- Flash photography is not allowed.
- You cannot do gorilla trekking unless you are 15 years or older and fit for it.
The price of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda.
In Uganda, the price of gorilla trekking permit used to vary with seasons which is no longer the case today – prices are now fixed all the year round.
Gorilla trekking permit fees currently stand at $700 per person in both Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable national parks for foreign non-residents, while 600$ for east African foreign residents and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens.
When is the best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Uganda’s equatorial and tropical climate means temperatures and weather do not change so much all year round. Rainfall is all that separates the two seasons. March to May is the longest rainy season and October to November is the short rainy season. Gorillas in Uganda can be visited any time of year, but of course dry season is always preferred for obvious reasons. To avoid last minute inconveniences, you are advised to secure your permit at least five months before making your way to the park.
Essential equipment to pack for your epic gorilla trekking tour in Uganda.
- Waterproof trekking shoes.
- Light waterproof trekking trousers.
- Long socks to pull up over your trousers to keep your skin protected.
- Rain coat
- Long sleeved T-shirt / shirt / blouse
- Gardening gloves to protect against thorns and allow you to push through the more difficult parts of the trail.
Where to stay on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda?
Accommodation while on a visit to either Bwindi Impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park should never be your worry since there are a multitude of lodges and hotels ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury.
While in Bwindi Impenetrable national park, you can choose to stay at any of these accommodation facilities; Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Karungi camp, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights, The Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi backpackers lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, Agandi eco lodge, Ruhija Gorilla safari lodge, Ichumbi gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Safari Lodge, Bweza safari lodge and Rushaga gorilla havens lodge, and so many others.
In Mgahinga Gorilla national park, you can choose to stay at any of the following hotels and lodges; Mucha hotel, Mount. Gahinga Lodge, Travelers Rest Hotel, Amajambere Iwachu camp, Virunga Hotel, Lake Mutanda resort and Lake Mulehe gorilla lodge, to mention but a few.