Uganda Wildlife Safaris: Gorillas, Chimps, Game & Adventure

GORILLA TREKKING GUIDE IN UGANDA

Uganda is one of the best places in the entire World to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Sighting these Giant Apes in the wild is something that every primate lover looks forward to and interestingly, there are few things more breathtaking in this World than getting up close and personal with these creatures in their home. To help you plan the ideal safari to spot these gentle, shy, and peaceful creatures, we have put together this gorilla trekking guide in Uganda that provides elaborate information on the best time to see them, what to pack, where to see these creatures and so much more.

When is the perfect month to see mountain gorillas in Uganda?
The perfect month of the year for trekking the mountain gorillas in Uganda is between June and September or December to February, whereby rainfall levels have reduced and forest trails are drier, less muddy, or slippery. The wet season, months of March to May and October to November are usually marked by heavy rains, dense vegetation, as well as muddy and slippery trails. This is the main reason why travelers avoid these months. However, these Giant Apes can be trekked all year round. More so, the weather of Uganda’s gorilla trekking destinations is sometimes unpredictable hence it sometimes rains or shines when you least expect it. It is therefore important to be prepared at all times.

Where are mountain gorillas found in Uganda?
There are only two places where you can trek and spend time with the mountain gorillas in Uganda. These places include;

Bwindi National Park
Known as the ultimate gorilla trekking destination, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is usually ranked as the best gorilla trekking location in the World. This is mainly because of the highest concentration of these Giant Apes and the largest number of habituated gorilla families. Over 460 mountain gorillas (almost half the World’s population of these creatures) are found here, and over 20 gorilla families are habituated for trekking. This means that over 160 gorilla permits are issued each day by Uganda Wildlife Authority for the four trekking regions/sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Also, provided in this Park is the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where visitors get to spend up to 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas instead of the usual one hour during standard gorilla treks.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
At 34 square kilometers, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest National Park in Uganda but what always blows visitors’ minds away is the fact that it shelters part of the World’s Mountain gorillas. Only one gorilla family (named Nyakagyezi) is found here, hence only 8 permits are issued each day. While gorillas are the main attraction here, golden monkeys can also be spotted in addition to over 100 bird species. Also, the slopes of three of the eight Virunga Volcanoes (namely Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga) are protected by this tinny National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Tips
Mountain gorillas are susceptible and sensitive to disturbances hence it is always important to avoid making noise while trekking or watching them.
Be sure that your camera doesn’t have a flash while photographing because it startles them and risk charging from the silverbacks.
Make sure your hands are well washed with water and soap before entering the forest to track the endangered mountain gorillas.
Visitors with flue and cough are advised to cancel any plans of trekking the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat because these Giant Apes are susceptible to communicable diseases, which also include measles and Tuberculosis. If you love them and mean well for their future, then you will cancel or postpone your gorilla trekking adventure.
Maintain a distance of 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas when watching and photographing them as they go about their daily routines.
One hour is the maximum time you will spend with a habituated gorilla family in Uganda, but if you are a photographer that wishes to spend more time, then you will have to book the Gorilla Habituation Experience that allows up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family.
Eating, smoking, and drinking in the presence of mountain gorillas are totally prohibited.
You will only be allowed to trek the mountain gorillas in Uganda when you are of age- at least 15 years and above. There is no maximum age limit for trekking these Giant Apes because there have been records of 85-year-olds trekking these beautiful creatures.

What to bring for gorilla trekking in Uganda
For your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, don’t forget to pack lightweight safari pants, a rain jacket or a poncho, a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, gardening gloves, comfortable hiking boots with enough grip for maneuvering through the rainforest, hiking higher slopes and slippery trails while searching for the mountain gorillas, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, a backpack, sunscreen, a good camera, energy-giving snacks, pair/s of binoculars, travel documents (passport, visa, e-ticket and travel itinerary), first aid kit and toiletries among others.