Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda is a nation of diversities. From the dry, grasslands
of the savannah, to the dense, luscious rainforest, to the vast expanse of Lake
Victoria and the snow-capped peaks of the
Rwenzori Mountains, there is
so much to discover here. Natural attractions include spectacular scenery,
nature reserves and national parks teeming with wildlife and immaculate
rainforest.
As one of the last remaining habitats of endangered mountain
gorillas, Uganda is a prime destination for gorilla trekking. The lush, verdant
landscapes of national parks such as the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale National
Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park provide a remarkable backdrop to view a
whole host of incredible wildlife, including rare mountain gorillas, offering a
once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of Africa. Trekking through dense
forests, you’ll encounter not only mountain gorillas but also chimpanzees and
countless other species roaming through their natural habitat.
If you’re thinking about gorilla trekking and would like to
know what to expect, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore
what gorilla trekking is, where to see gorillas in the wild, the best time to
visit, what to expect during your gorilla trek and more. Read on for all you
need to know about one of Africa’s most unique and profound wildlife
experiences.
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an adventurous wildlife activity that
involves hiking through dense forests to observe mountain gorillas in their
natural habitat. This experience takes place in several countries on the
continent of Africa in protected areas such as national parks, where gorilla
populations are carefully monitored and conserved.
As their name suggests, mountain gorillas live high in the
mountains at elevations of 2,500 to 4,000m. Experienced guides play a crucial
role in the gorilla trekking experience, leading trekkers deep into the forest
to track mountain gorillas, ensuring safety while navigating challenging
terrain and educating groups on how to behave around the animals.
Where can you see gorillas in the wild?
Mountain gorillas are found in only two locations in Africa,
of which a little more than half live in the Virunga Mountains, a range
of extinct volcanoes that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and
Uganda. The remainder can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in
Uganda. Here, wild mountain gorillas can be found in high-altitude montane and
bamboo forested habitats.
Our blog on the
mountains in Uganda, is packed full of information on the mountainous areas and highest peaks of this spectacular country.
Where is the best place for gorilla trekking?
In our opinion, the best place for gorilla trekking is
Uganda. In particular Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, is the best place for
gorilla trekking in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a unique jungle, home
to a wide variety of primate species. The dense, mist covered forests provide a
unique backdrop for trekking, and the park offers various trails for
encountering these magnificent creatures making it a top choice for gorilla
trekking.
When is the best time of year for gorilla trekking?
It’s possible to go on a Uganda gorilla trek all year round,
but you’re likely to experience lots of rainfall during certain times of year.
Uganda’s climate is largely tropical and the best time to visit the rainforests
is during one of the two dry seasons. The first of the dry seasons runs from
the middle of December to the end of February and the second from
early June to late August. These periods are the most comfortable
for trekking, but conditions are still very humid and wet.
At Kandoo, we run gorilla trekking trips every month throughout
the dry seasons of June to August and December to February. During these
months, the weather is more stable and the trails are typically less muddy,
making the trekking experience a bit easier, though it can rain at any time of
the year. These dry seasons also offer clearer skies and better visibility,
improving the chances of spotting the gorillas in their natural habitat.
What to wear gorilla trekking?
On a gorilla trek you hike through thick tropical rainforest.
The trails are steep and slippery and at times you have to scramble over logs
and rocks and wade across streams. So, with that being said, you need to be
properly kitted out for your gorilla trekking adventure. Here is our list of
gorilla trekking clothing to help with your packing. For further information on
everything you need to pack for a gorilla trek, check out our gorilla
trekking guide.
Headgear
- Sun hat – preferably wide-brimmed for protection
- Sunglasses – high UV protection
- Headlamp (plus extra batteries)
Upper body
- Long sleeve shirt/t-shirt – light or medium weight, moisture wicking
- Short sleeve shirt/t-shirt – lightweight, moisture wicking
- Fleece or softshell jacket
- Insulated jacket – down or primaloft
- Waterproof and windproof hard shell outer jacket
Legs
- Trekking trousers – light or medium weight,
convertible trousers work well
- Lightweight trousers – linen trousers are cool
in the heat
- Waterproof hardshell trousers
- Gaiters
Feet
- Trekking boots – some people choose to wear Wellington Boots instead of trekking boots due to the extensive mud on the trail
- Training shoe – to wear around the huts
- Mid-weight trekking socks
Other items
- Small rucksack (30-40 litres) – to carry water and personal items
- Duffel bag (70-90 litres) – max weight when full should be no more than 23kg
- Trekking poles
- Water bottle or hydration bag – must be able to carry 1.5-2L of water
Are gorilla sightings guaranteed?
Since the discovery of the mountain gorilla subspecies in
1902, its population has endured years of war, hunting, habitat destruction,
and disease. These threats were so severe it was once thought the species might
be extinct by the end of the twentieth century. However, due to ongoing efforts
by the International Gorilla Conservation programme (IGCP), a coalition of
three international conservation organisations, WWF, Conservation International
(CI) and Fauna and Flora International (FFI), mountain gorilla numbers have
been increasing despite continuous challenges. Along with national and local
partners, the IGCP is working hard to ensure the long-term survival of mountain
gorillas.
Because mountain gorillas are so closely monitored, and
either researchers or trekkers are in touch with them every day, guides know
more or less where different families are, and you have a very high likelihood
of seeing them. Of course, like any trek or safari, nothing is guaranteed and
an overnight thunderstorm or an encounter with a predator may cause a troop to
move unexpectedly. But your guides will pick up their trail again soon. It’s
very unlikely that travellers don’t find the mountain gorillas during a gorilla
trekking tour.
Uganda gorilla treks costs and permits
In order to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda, every
visitor must have a permit. They are important because they limit the number of
tourist access to the parks and also contribute to the conservation efforts of
the gorillas. The cost of a gorilla permit is $800 (£632) in Uganda. With this
permit, you pay to spend one hour in company of one family of mountain
gorillas. It doesn’t matter how long you take to see the gorillas, it is still
the same price and for one hour.
Gorilla trekking FAQs
Can I touch the gorillas?
No, absolutely not. Once you find the gorillas, you will
have to keep a distance of at least 10 metres at all times. First, because
they’re wild animals and thus very strong and unpredictable. Second, gorilla
populations are already under severe threat from logging, poaching and human
encroachment on their environment, plus they’re highly susceptible to human
diseases.
Is gorilla trekking safe?
Despite their size and unfair reputation, gorillas are not
remotely dangerous provided they’re treated with appropriate respect. However,
like any wild animal, they can exhibit defensive behaviour if they feel uneasy.
All gorilla treks are accompanied by expert ranger guides who spend most of
their time with the mountain gorillas, meaning you’re in good hands. Your guide
will recognise the signs and advise you further during the pre-trek briefing.
How fit do I need to be?
This question is hard to answer because it depends on the weather and how long it takes to find the gorillas. In our experience, moderately fit people are unlikely to find a gorilla trek particularly tough. However, older and less fit travellers may find it more challenging. Even so, the odds of locating the gorillas are high and your exhaustion is sure to dissipate when this happens. It’s worth noting that if you are unwell you are not allowed to trek to reduce the risk of infecting the gorilla families.
Where do you stay on a gorilla trek?
On your gorilla trek, you will stay in comfortable safari lodges of a full board basis. Here, you can expect to sample local cuisine such as matoke, cassava, chicken and beef stews, fresh fish and millet bread. Western alternatives are also available in most lodges. For more information on what is included in terms of hotel accommodation, your full day-by-day trip itinerary covers all you need.
Can children go gorilla trekking?
The minimum age of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC is 15 years old. This restriction is in place due to several important factors. While mountain gorillas rarely charge, it can happen if they perceive anyone in the trekking group as a threat and children may find it challenging to remain calm in this situation. Additionally, children may find the trek too physically strenuous.
At Kandoo, we offer gorilla treks in Uganda as open group or
private trips. We run open groups every month during the dry seasons (June to
August and December to February). Our 12-day trip immerses you in the abundance
of wildlife that inhabits Western Uganda. Spending time in the well-known
national parks of Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable and Lake
Mburo, you will have the opportunity to view a whole host of incredible
wildlife, from delicate birdlife to the gentle gorillas that roam across the
forest floor. For more information about our gorilla tours in Uganda, get in
touch with the helpful team at Kandoo HQ who will be happy to help. For more information on Uganda, our
ultimate guide to Uganda and blog on
how safe it is in Uganda are a great start.
