Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Everything You Need To Know

Did you know that each one of us is over 96 per cent gorilla? Yes, it’s true and a DNA-proven fact!

Perhaps this is why gorilla trekking features so highly on so many people’s travel bucket lists and the experience seems to strike a special chord for so many. These Great Apes are one of the rarest animals on the planet. Spending time with them will leave an indelible mark.

Bwindi National Park offers an immersive experience for nature lovers. With some of the lodges inside the park, you are not just visiting the gorillas; you are staying in their world with them.

Costs

The cost of the trekking permits is from $700 per person in Uganda and is more affordable compared to Rwanda.

Gorilla trekking costs will vary depending on when you travel, and where you stay.

The ultimate gorilla habituation experience

The gorilla habituation experience is different from the gorilla treks, as it allows you to spend four hours with a family group of gorillas that the rangers are in the process of habituating. Pairing this with a gorilla trek really is the ultimate gorilla safari!

The Ugandan gorilla habituation is a unique experience, perfect to get a deeper understanding of the gorillas and the levels the rangers go to in order to protect and understand these endangered Great Apes.

You will trek into the forest to find the nests where the gorillas slept the previous night and then track the gorillas through the forest until you find them. Members of a family group that is being habituated are often more hesitant around people, so the whole idea of this experience is that your presence is helping the rangers introduce the gorillas to people.

Age limit

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years old. Guests have to provide a copy of their passport when the permit application is made, and the age limit is strictly enforced.

Preparing for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity, so to be physically fit is an advantage, but there are ways to make it easier.

Planning your gorilla trekking in Uganda with someone who knows the areas and can draw from their own experiences to make suggestions and tailor your safari to fit your requirements is key, and we are experts in this area.

What is the best time of the year to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?

For the best overall experience, during the dry seasons is the best time to trek, so mid-December to early February and June to September. However, the gorillas tend to be slightly high in the mountains when it is dry, so there is a chance your trek might be longer.

In the wet seasons, the rain makes the going tougher in the forest. Paths get muddy and slippery, which can make the treks challenging and less enjoyable if you get caught in a heavy shower.

However, the gorillas are often seen on the lower slopes of the mountains when it rains, so there is a chance your trek could be shorter.

What to wear when gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Some of the lodges provide a few of the essential items so it is worth checking with your consultant. The main items to remember are:

• Long trousers
• Long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt
• Rain jacket or waterproof jacket
• Hat
• Walking boot or shoes with a good grip (ideally waterproof)
• Backpack
• Pair of durable gloves
• As with any safari clothing, wearing colours that match the surrounding environment is best and comfort should also be a priority.

Find out more: https://www.somak.com/uganda