Gorilla Trekking Uganda: Best Guide for Bwindi & Mgahinga National Parks. Uganda is an East African country that covers any kind of safari preference that any tourists would want. From the magnificent landscapes such as the Mount Rwenzori and the source of the Nile that leave tourists mesmerized to the endemic wild species like the mountain gorillas that are found in the tropical rainforests in Western Uganda.

Gorilla trekking safari is an ideal adventure that involves venturing through nature (tropical rainforests and mind blowing scenic views) to where a group of the mountain gorillas are congregated. The main site for the gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda is the Bwindi Impenetrable Park that is situated in the Southwestern area of the country however trekking the mountain Gorillas in Uganda is also done in the Mgahinga national park. Uganda is one of the countries   that has the largest   population of the mountain gorillas globally.

Why Choose Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

• Since Uganda has a large population of the mountain gorillas, travelers have a higher chance of spotting these overwhelming creatures in Uganda compared to anywhere else.
• Hikers  also get a to immerse themselves  in the breathtaking landscapes of Uganda such as the Virunga mountains in Mgahinga park and the  astonishing green jungle of the  Bwindi Impenetrable forest.
• This experience is a more undisrupted venture compared to other experience such as game viewing safaris that are usually crowded.
• During this experience, travelers get an  opportunity of a once inn lifetime  cultural adventure to dive into the culture of some of the indigenous tribes of Uganda such as the Batwa people that are renowned for their hunting and food gathering practices that they share with their visitors.
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda is more affordable in Uganda in comparison to other countries that offer this experience.

When is the best time for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda?

The months of June, July, August, September and then from early December, January to February is the ideal time for gorilla trekking in Uganda because during this period the skies are more clear hence most of the scenic landscapes are visible and also the thick bushes are more scattered because of this period and it is at this time when it is also the dry season Uganda hence the mountain gorillas can easily be tracked down. The activity of gorilla habituation during the gorilla trekking safaris is also more enjoyable during this time as the mountain gorillas are livelier during this period.

 

 Worst time for gorilla trekking Uganda?

Anyone would want to delight in  uninterrupted gorilla trekking safari experience, however during the months of March, April , May and from late September through October to November Uganda experiences  ample rains and because of this the trails in either Bwindi Impenetrable park or the Mgahinga national park become slippery making it had for the people  who track the gorillas to traverse through  and more time is consumed as the tourists move to where the gorillas are  congregated and in some cases these wild species might have moved to another location.

 

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking Uganda safari tours

• Travelers should physically prepare for this safari like taking short runs in order to be ready for the hiking.
• Vaccination and health checkups are required so s to prevent disease transmission and for the health safety of the mountain gorillas.
• One should carry a sun screen to reduce the sun impact on their skin.
• One should pack hiking boots to easily navigate the different trails of the Bwindi Impenetrable Park.
• A gorilla trekking permit is a must in either Bwindi Impenetrable Park or the Mgahinga national park, without this there’s no way one will be involved in this adventurous adventure.
• The hiking involves holding onto different woodlands for support therefore one should have hand gloves on in order not to get wounds from the thorny woodlands.

Safety Guidelines for Uganda Gorilla Trekking tours

• Follow the tour guide’s instructions and do not move away from the trail pathways.
• Do not touch or feed the mountain gorillas for your safety.
• Keep a distance of 7m from the mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Park.
• Do not take pictures with flashlights as it might disrupt the behavior of the mountain gorillas.
• Do not dump any waste materials like polythene bags in either Mgahinga national park or the Bwindi Impenetrable national park during gorilla trekking safaris.
• While gorilla habituation, tourists should not look directly in the eyes of the mountain gorillas or make un necessary noises as it might trigger the wild behavior of these animals.

NOTE; gorilla trekking in Uganda in either Bwindi Impenetrable park or Mgahinga national park  is safe and  visitors normally move in groups of 8 people with  game  rangers that are  put people’s safety first.

Top Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Uganda

1. Bwindi Impenetrable Park – Gorilla trekking Uganda

This park has over 1000 mountain gorillas making it one of the largest mountain gorilla habitats in the world. It is located in the Southwestern region of Uganda around, Kanungu, Kisoro and Kabale district. Here are some of the hiking and trekking trails used in the Bwindi Impenetrable Park.

• Kashasha River trail

This trail is takes traveler’s about 5 hours and through this pathway, visitors get a chance to observe breathtaking scenic views such as the Kashasha River.

• Mubwindi Swamp Trail

This trail avails hikers with an opportunity to only spot the mountain gorillas but other animals such as the chimpanzees, elephants and the golden monkeys.

• Bamboo trail and it takes at least 4 hours.

The main kind of flora that tourists encounter via this trail are the bamboo woodlands and the great scenic perspective point is at the Rwamunyonyi hill where travelers can catch glimpse of Lake Bunyonyi.

• Rushura Hill trail.

This trail is used in between Uganda and the Democratic republic of Congo and it is one of the best trails in Bwindi Impenetrable Park with astonishing panoramic views like the glaciers at the Rwenzori Mountains and the sparkling crystal waters of Lake Edward.

Where to Stay in Bwindi during Uganda gorilla tours

• Rushaga gorilla lodge; 28$.
• Gorilla Retreat Eco lodge; 54$.
• Gorilla Hills Eco-lodge; 108$.
• Buhoma Community rest camp;149$
• Ruhija gorilla safari lodge; 200$.

NB; Prices are per night for one person.       

 How much do gorilla trekking permits cost at Bwindi Impenetrable Park?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable park costs 800$  for the nonresidents and citizens of Uganda  and other East African countries pa 300,000 Ugandan shillings and o the other hand the residents of the East African countries pay 700$.

What are some of the other experiences travelers can enjoy in the Bwindi Impenetrable Park besides Gorilla trekking?

• Bwindi Impenetrable park has bird species such as the regal sunbird, black billed turaco, handsome spur fowl.
• Nature walks; get to have a combination of flora and fauna adventure experience all in one as you hike through the tropical rainforests of the Bwindi Impenetrable Park.
• Cultural encounters; the Batwa people are welcoming and  hospital people with unique traditions that  one in  life time , one should explore to create unforgettable memories with these people.
• Game viewing. Bwindi Impenetrable park does not only have mountain gorillas it also harbors other wild animals such as the red-tailed monkey, duikers, and the Forest elephants.

2. Mgahinga national park – Gorilla Trekking Uganda

This is another alternative destination for gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and it is located in Kisoro district in the Southwestern region of Uganda. This park is smaller than the Bwindi Impenetrable and it has a population of approximately 600 mountain gorillas.

There different gorilla families in the Mgahinga national park such as the Nyakagezi gorilla family that is the easier mountain gorilla group to track down in this park and the Hirwa gorilla family   that was initially part of the Susa group that is found in Rwanda’s volcanoes national park. There different hikes used in the Mgahinga national park but for gorilla trekking here are the hikes used.

• The sabinyo hike.
• The Batwa trail.

Where to stay when Uganda gorilla tours in Mgahinga national park.

• Coffee pot hotel; 68$
• Yose art& guest house; 49$.
• Kinigi cottage; 145$.
• Virunga inn Resort & spa; 846$.

 

How much is gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park?

The gorilla trekking  cost in  Mgahinga national park for residents of Eat Africa is 250,000 Ugandan shillings,  for the non-residents from foreign countries is 700$ and for foreign citizens   that are residents of Uganda  is  600$.

 

How long does gorilla habituation in Uganda take?

Gorilla habituation takes 4 hours unlike during gorilla trekking when encountering the gorillas only takes 1 hour.

 

How many people are allowed to do gorilla trekking in Uganda?

A maximum of 8 people are arranged in a group plus a guide and like 2 armed rangers.

What is included in the payment for gorilla trekking?

The payment for gorilla   trekking safari comes with to and fro transportation from the traveler’s hotel or safari camp  and at the   gates of either Bwindi Impenetrable park or the Mgahinga national park  the park entrance fees is also covered for. Payments for the services of the safari guide and the armed rangers is also covered in payment of the gorilla trekking. The gorilla habituation experience that usually lasts for a maximum of 60 minutes is also covered for in the gorilla trekking payment.

What does the Uganda gorilla trekking tours involve?

Tracking   a group of the mountain gorillas is the first activity done the gorilla trackers and rangers early in the morning to ease the gorilla trekking for the visitors. Wen visitors arrive they are arranged in groups that have a maximum of 8 individuals and then given a pre-briefing by the safari guide.

After the briefing then trekkers hike from the community land area to the dense tropical forests and it might take hours before the   trekkers find a group of gorillas although the journey is still adventurous. On reaching the site where the mountain gorillas are the tourists are then given more knowledge about their social behaviors by the safari guide and after one hour of staying with the gorillas, the trekkers return back to the next day activities.

How does one obtain a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?

One can either obtain one form the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) or if one has booked a gorilla trekking safari with a tour organization, the tur management usually help them attain them.

What has the government of Uganda done to alleviate conservation of the mountain gorillas?

The money that is paid by tourists who come for gorilla trekking safaris in either Bwindi Impenetrable Park or the Mgahinga national park is put into habit safety programs for these wild species and the local community has been educated about the importance of conservation of the mountain gorillas so as to prevent illegal activities such as poaching. Lastly, the government has provided security to protect the mountain gorillas in Uganda and their habitat.