Experience once in a lifetime safari to meet gorillas in the wild in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, you can trek through lush rainforests to encounter these magnificent creatures up close. Here’s what you need to know:

Where to Trek Gorillas in Uganda

You have two main options: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Most people prefer Bwindi because it has more gorillas and offers affordable accommodations.

Choosing a Sector for gorilla trekking

Bwindi has four main areas: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija. Each area has different groups of gorillas for trekking. For instance, in Buhoma, you can find Mubale, Rushegura, and Habinyanja gorilla families. Nkuringo has Bushaho, Nkuringo, Chrismas, and Posho gorilla families. Rushaga offers Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye, and Mishaya gorilla families. Ruhija has Oruzungo, Bitukura, Kyagulira, Mukiza, and more.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas:

Aim for the dry seasons, typically from June to September and December to February, to avoid heavy rains and tricky hiking conditions.

Securing Gorilla Permits:

Gorilla permits are a fixed price, around $700. It’s wise to book early, especially during peak months, to secure your spot.

Gorilla Trekking Duration:

Trekking can take anywhere from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the gorilla family's location.

What to Expect:

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have about an hour to observe and take photos. Remember to follow rules like keeping a safe distance and not feeding them.

Gorilla Diet:

Gorillas mainly eat plants, consuming around 18 kilograms of food per day. They rarely drink water as they get enough moisture from the plants they eat.

Trekking Difficulty:

Trekking can be challenging due to factors like the cost, terrain, and physical fitness required. But it’s a rewarding experience!

What to wear on a gorilla trek

Preparing for a trek in the park is crucial, especially considering the cold conditions, particularly in places like Bwindi. Different parks have different weather, so your preparations should suit the specific conditions you'll encounter.

• Waterproof gumboots and sturdy shoes to keep your feet dry during rainy spells.
• Long-sleeved shirts to protect your arms from itchy leaves and branches in the jungle.
• Light trousers for ease of movement.
• Don't forget raincoats and umbrellas for sudden downpours.
• Gloves are essential to shield your hands from thorns and sharp grass in the jungle

Rules to Follow during Gorilla trekking:

• Don't try to act like the gorillas or mimic their behavior.
• Don't give them any food.
• Turn off the flash on your camera when taking pictures. Flash can scare them and make them angry.
• Keep the trekking area clean by not littering.
• If you're sick, stay away from the gorillas. They can easily catch diseases from humans.
• Stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas at all times.
• Don't crowd around the gorillas.
• Keep quiet when you're near them. Loud noises can make them angry and aggressive, and they might attack.

Sightings Guarantee: While sightings aren’t guaranteed, rangers will do their best to locate the gorillas. If you don’t find them, you may receive a partial refund.

Choosing Between Uganda and Rwanda:

Both countries offer amazing experiences, but Uganda tends to be more budget-friendly.

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that’s worth every moment of anticipation and effort!