What is it like to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda

To trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, tourists explore the forest on foot but sedan chair service assistance as an alternative for those with physical disabilities.

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Gorilla trekking in Uganda happens in two primeval forested national parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Both parks lie in southwestern Uganda in an ever misty surrounding.

To do a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, one is required to present a permit issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority only but one can use the assistance of a registered tour company to make the permit booking and other necessary safari accompaniments.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National park are issued according to the four areas under which the park is divided that is Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Note that currently Uganda has over 20 gorilla trekking families open for tourism with Bwindi hosting the biggest gorilla trekking families.

What happens during Briefing On Gorilla trekking day

On gorilla trekking day tourists gather at the ranger station for document verification and briefing about what is expected of every tourists while on the search and when with the gorillas.

The ranger guide allocated to the tourists group of not more than 8 trekkers leads the way following the trail heading where the mountain gorilla family was last seen. To locate the mountain gorillas, the ranger guide uses some clues provided by early trackers too. Tourists are requested to participate in locating the mountain gorillas using the little clues they leave behind.

Tourists may hire a porter to assist with carrying the gorilla trekking gears at a fairly affordable cost of about $20 to $30 plus depending on the weight of the content. The Porter may give you a push in case you are challenged by steeper spots or give you a hand to cross a stream.

Note that trekking mountain gorillas is quite challenging because of the nature of the topography of the Virunga area with remains from massive volcanic actions that affected this area. At time tourists are required to hike to the slopes or slid down to the valley where the mountain gorillas may be feeding or lounging.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is in untamed forests with abundant vegetation in a seemingly forgotten jungle that has accumulated its content for over a period of 25000 years. The dense network of rivers and streams that crisscross the forest condition its ground leaving it soggy and boggy most of the time.

Other than the mountain gorillas, both Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi impenetrable National Park are home to other inhabitants including about 9 primate species, over 350 bird species, more than 88 months, over 200 tree species and more. While trekking to find the mountain gorillas, you may encounter some unique species like forest elephants, giant forest hogs and more. Contact our team for more information.

What happens when with the mountain gorillas in Uganda

As you draw closer to the gorillas, the sounds of there murmurs are heard before facing them. In a distance of about 200 meters from them, the ranger may request you to complete chewing or sip a cigarette in case you desire to have one. 

Every tourists is required to wear a clear face mask before getting face to face with the mountain gorillas as a measure adopted to prevent spreading possible infections to these vulnerable primates.

It is very hard not to feel anxiety and get mixed feelings about the mountain gorillas at first sight but you are pulled into there adorable trap the more you look at them. Watching the family go about their like eating, juvenile tumbling in the vines, mothers feeding taps into the forgotten history of human evolution.

Use the camera and eyes concurrently so that you do not miss out on important moments of the gorilla trekking experience. Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas so that they can be left alone to carry out their daily activities.

Stealthily get away from the gorilla family without appearing suspicious.

Can mountain gorillas rage During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Mountain gorilla get mood swings too just like humans even those they are known for being calm primates. During gorilla trekking, the gorillas may show some odd traits but you are encouraged to keep a cool face as you await new instructions from the ranger guide.

When agitated, the mountain gorillas may hoot, do chest beating, slap the ground and more drama however this does not call for an impulsive reaction from you or else the forest may run into chaos.

The ranger guides as professionals may try to find the cause of the matter and direct you on what to do so you are required to abide. Sometimes you may need to show submission, pretend to eat celery, produce a calming sound and much more. This is done to try and put down the rage and reassurance to the gorillas that you come in peace.

How Long is the Walk to find the Gorilla During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Time to take on the walk to find the mountain gorillas in Uganda depends on a number of factors. Some tourists have registered seeing the mountain gorillas in 2 hours whereas others spend more time but the end goal is exciting and rewarding no matter when you locate the gorillas.

To keep the vibe of gorilla trekking safari up, tourists are encouraged to look out for other interesting features in the forest instead of focusing on only seeing the gorillas. Both Bwindi and Maghinga National Parks in Uganda host several bird species including Albertine rift endemics, other primates, amazing land forms and more.

It is fun taking the gorilla trek with strangers because you get to keep sharing your past adventure experience but at a low tone. The more the merrier and when stranded, fellow tourists are present to support you to make it.

Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas when you locate them. This is to minimize on the chances effects if over staying with these primates. The presence of humans interrupts the daily life of the mountain gorillas.

How Easy Or Hard Is The Gorilla Trek In Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is quite strenuous because of the nature of the topography of Bwindi or Mgahinga forests. These forests are situated in a highly mountainous area and at times the gorillas relocate to the deep valley or on the steep ridges which necessitates bearing some level of fitness.

The vegetation of Bwindi forest and Mgahinga forest is thick, tangled and trees have a cathedral  like canopy that allows less sunlight to filter through the layers of large leaves. Both forests receive untimely rains that leave the ground wet and boggy most of the time which creates a challenging atmosphere.

Vines and creepers drape down the plateaus and ridges obstructing the way but the ranger guide with a machete may try to trim them or else you have to creep under to get to the other side.

Despite the challenges surrounding gorilla trekking, when tourists finally locate the mountain gorillas, many tend to forget all this and even wish to redo gorilla trekking. Being with the mountain gorillas leaves unforgettable memories and ignite a quest for another moment with these human relatives.

How secure is gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is secure because the park is regularly patrolled to protect its boundaries and inhabitants from possible intruders.

Mountain gorillas are still on the list of highly endangered primates in the world and so protecting their safe space is inevitable.

For very gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, ranger guides must accompany the tourist and no one is allowed to enter the forest without an escort from Uganda Wildlife Authority. One of the ranger guides carries a machete and another a rifle in case of an emergency. The ranger guide follows the pace of the slowest trekker so that none is forgotten in this endless jungle.

Before staring the gorilla trek, every tourists is required to attend briefing where rules of gorilla trekking and most current information for the research about them is communicated in details. Among the rules of gorillas trekking is the request not to stare deep into the eyes of the shy gorillas because this may appear suspicious.

Personal safety is recommended during gorilla trekking in Uganda so keep atleast 8 meters from the gorillas when you locate them to prevent chances of rubbing shoulders with the very sensitive primates. At times out of curiosity some gorillas may reach out to touch you but keep your cool. Stay in a tight group so that you do not end on the wrong path.

Carry some protective gears like safari boots, rainproof gears, sunscreen, sun glasses, convertible trousers, insect repellents and more to protect yourself from the rough environment in the jungle.

How to get to the gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda

From Entebbe or Kampala, several routes lead to Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga National park. At this the roads in the countryside get messy and impassable so you need to use other alternative routes. Having a 4x4 wheel drive vehicle that is terrain resistant is recommended

A few routes to Bwindi impenetrable National park or Mgahinga National Park include:

Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi- Buhoma

Kampala-Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma

Kampala-Kabale- Nkuringo

Kampala -Kabale-Kisoro

Do not expect a smooth ride because the roads are bumpy and winding because of the nature of the terrain of this area. The distance from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 530 kilometers.  The distance from Entebbe or Kampala to Mgahinga National park is about 540 kilometers. In general drive time to these primate destinations is about 8 to 10 hours.

Charter and scheduled domestic flight services are available at your convenience and the flight time is about 1 hour and a half or 2 hours to the upcountry airstrips but you have to transfer to the park. The flights commence from Kajjansi or Entebbe Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips and vice versa.

What are the rules of gorilla trekking in Uganda

• Protecting the mountain gorillas is number one goal even during gorilla trekking safaris and the below rules are in place but every tourist is expected to adhere.
• Volunteer to stay behind in case you catch a communicable infection like flu, covid-19, cough and more. The mountain gorillas are highly susceptible to human communicable infections and may end in massive death of these primates.
• Avoid surrounding the mountain gorillas as this may seem suspicious so remain in a tight group. Do not litter or dump garbage in the forest because this alters the nature of the forest where the mountain gorillas and other inhabitants thrive.
• Maintain a distance of approximately 8 meters away from the gorillas to prevent chances of contacting them. Even when they try to approach you out of curiosity get away slowly without appearing suspicious.
• Wear a clean face mask when you approach the mountain gorillas as this was adopted to prevent chances of spreading any infection to these primates.
• Spitting on vegetation or soil is forbidden because this may pass infectious germs to these mountain gorillas.
• In case you wish to sneeze or cough do this in the folded arm or in a handkerchief but without facing the gorillas
• Burry the fecal materials   well beyond recognition to avoid the curiosity of the forest inhabitants that may try to exhume it.
• In case you wish to eat or smoke do it at a distance of about 200 meters away from the mountain gorillas.
• Age limit for gorilla trekking is 12 years and beyond
• No making noise before or when with the mountain gorillas void sudden movements as this may scare the mountain gorillas. These primates are highly suspicious of unfamiliar noise.
• No using flash photography when with the gorillas because they may run into hiding.
• Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas when you locate them. These primates are habituated to be Infront of humans for just that time.

For more information about trekking gorillas in Uganda, Contact our team.