Gorilla trekking in Uganda is fantastic compared to any other experience in Africa. The environment of the trek through the jungle is unbelievable. With each movement one’s expectations develops and the reward of sighting the remaining few gorillas in the world is amazing.
The location, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is confirmed one of the most fascinating in all of Africa. It was gazetted as national park in 1991 with the Mubare group as the first group of gorillas in 1993. It has been confirmed that as a result of poaching, there has been a reduction in the number of gorillas all over the world.
Mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Worldwide, Uganda contains of 50% of the total mountain gorillas left with about 450 of them living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi is well known for gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and it is located in the south-western part of the country and its one of the most popular national parks in East Africa.
Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma sector, Nkuringo sector, Rushaga sector and Ruhija sector. These sectors have an impressive array of luxury lodges and campsites as well as restaurants, craft stalls and guiding services.
Trekking begins at park headquarters where you show up for gorilla briefing with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. After that you are divided into small groups of about 8 members and are assigned to different gorilla groups. The group number is small because groups are easy to manage and they do not scare the gorillas. Once in their starting points, tourists are supposed to follow their respective ranger guides who will lead them through the thick forest. Armed guards are also provided for security.
Coming across these gorillas can take the time interval of one to five hours or even more because you have to figure out where the gorillas have moved to day by day. The gorilla trek is relatively hard but tourists in a good body shape and health would enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda so much. But if a tourist is uncomfortable carrying their luggage during the trek, you can hire some of the local porters from surrounding villages at a cost $15.
After finding the gorillas, you are expected to observe, ask questions, take photos and videos of the apes though eating or drinking and flash photographs are prohibited. You should not walk closer than seven meters to the gorillas because they are highly considered to be susceptible to human diseases. This is to ensure your safety while trekking the gorillas.
After a full hour with them, you are supposed to trek back through the forest because too much time of staying with the gorillas can make them suspicious and uncomfortable about the environment. Pick your certificate from headquarters as a thank you for supporting the survival of these apes.
Gorilla trekking is done throughout the year and gorilla trekking permits ($700) are issued day by day but most tourists enjoy trekking during the dry months of the year which is January-February and June-September. During these months, the land is drier though some little rain drops are experienced but it’s more comfortable for the tourists due to the less muddy conditions and clear sky.
