Gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park
There are two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda. Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park though the common one and main trekking destination because in Bwindi you can even find habituated families and other gorillas.
These are some of the things you to know when planning for a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is one of the top bucket list activities for many considering primate safari tour in Uganda, how gorilla trekking has age limits so many visitors have to wait because persons under the age of 15 years are not allowed trek the gorillas.
Even though gorilla trekking is one of the best activities to do, one has to be prepared because it is not an easy activity to do so you need to prepare in advance because it includes hiking and moving long distances
Gorilla trekking costs
Foreign residents700USD, non foreign residents800USD, and East African countries 350000UGx.
What you have to pay attention too during beliefing before you set off for trekking in the forest.
Keep a distance of 7 metres away from gorillas because these gorillas share 98 percent of their DNA with humans which makes them our close relatives.
Stand in case the gorilla charges to avoid being attacked.
Only one hour is given to you to have magical encounter with the gorillas after trekking them and you find them.
Gorilla trekking ruling and regulations
Keep a distance of 7 metres away from the gorillas.
No one is supposed to go for gorilla trekking when he or she is under the age of 15 years
Avoid sneezing when you are in the bush trekking the gorillas
Avoid using flash light while taking pictures because it triggers the gorillas
Leave the habitat the way you found it in case you wish to help yourself, the human wastes should be buried 30cm deep.
Do not go for mountain trekking if you are sick, and you diseases like cough and flue cover mouth while coughing.
Keep voices low even after the visit until you are 200 metres away from the gorillas
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda it can be done through out the year, though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August September and December. During the dry season the habitat is dry and the vegetation is short making the trekking easy and during the dry season the park can easily be accessed because the roads are dry.
Gorilla trekking sectors
Buhoma sector
This is the most renowned sector for trekkers consisting four habituated gorilla populations. The gorilla groups are Mubare, Habinyanja, Nkuringo and Rushegura. And these are some of the accommodations in Buhoma silverback resort, Buhoma lodge and many others’
Nkuringo sector
The Nkuringo name it comes from Rukiga word meaning the round hill and the accommodations in Nkuringo include Nkuringo gorilla camp, Nshongi camp, and chameleon hill camp, those are some of the accommodations in case you are trucking in Nkuringo.
Rushaga
This is the most visited and most of the visitors be coming from Kigali and there are 7 individuals kahungye with 17 individuals, Busingye family with 9 members then Bweza with 23 individuals.
Ruhija
It is located in eastern part of the park and it has three gorilla family with 14 individuals oruzongowith 17, individuals and Kyaguliro with 20 individuals
What should one expect while on gorilla trekking safari tour in Uganda
Trekking through the lush forests and rugged terrain of Uganda is an exhilarating experience. Gorilla trekking trails take to a journey of discovery like the rivers and others primates that you may encounter while on your way.
Gorilla trekking tour always begins at a designated meeting location and it always starts from Buhoma which is the most accessible sector and the groups are always divided into 8 people.
Visitors should choose the best sector where they wish to trek according to their desires and where they wish to go.
How long does gorilla trekking last
Finding these gorillas, it can you 2 to 3 hours since the trekkers have to find and locate where the gorillas are because these apes are always in different locations so a visitor has to move until you find them which needs one to be physically fit.
What to do after finding the gorillas
Visitors after finding the gorillas they are always given 1 hour to observe the gorillas and ask any questions they want and take pictures.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda demands moderate physical fitness but most times it is challenging, because trekking destinations are mountainous and covered with thick vegetation, hiking. It advised that those interested in going for gorilla trekking in Uganda should prepare in advance to avoid getting difficulties.
What to carry while going for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Pack comfortable hiking shoes, proper closing do not put on shorts or short sleeved shirts because you injured in the vegetation carry a mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites, sunscreen to protect you from direct sunshine, binoculars that help you spot birds in further distance, gloves. And at the park head quarters you will be given a walking stick for support.
How early must l book my gorilla permit
One should book his or her permit in advance to avoid missing out because the availability is always less especially if you are booking in Bwindi national park because for Bwindi permits always sell out not like Mgahinga national park because you can even get permits at last minute which is not the case with Bwindi national park.
Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly a once in life time experience, having that experience in Uganda puts you with in the conservation mix to save these apes, because if it was not for sustainable tourism mountain gorillas would be no where. So, any visitor out their take part and become the referred Ugandan safari adventurer. Visit Uganda the pearl of Africa and enjoy the true meaning of wilderness, and enjoy the hospitality that we have as a country.