Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable & Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking is the first-choice activity that tourists partake in Uganda. If you love apes and primates, don’t hesitate to include it on your travel itinerary.

The gorilla trekking safari is an activity which involves starting a walk following the established routes or trails heading into the jungle with a park ranger in search of these shy endangered mountain gorillas very excited to see them feeding, playing with their young ones, laughing and taking photos of them for memories.

What are Gorillas?

These are herbivorous ground dwelling apes which feed on young bamboo shoot, stem, foliage, tree leaves, and some fruits.

They are black in color, tailless and usually live in groups composed of male and female members named “Troop”.

These groups are usually led by the old dominant male silver backs which are responsible for protecting the group members and looking for what to eat.

Gorillas usually use small temporary huts constructed out of tree leaves and branches for their shelter.

Where to Go for Gorillas in Uganda?

Mountain Gorillas in Uganda are only found in two major National Parks named Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, Uganda is ranked to be hosting most part of World’s Gorilla population.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are both found in the Western part of Uganda with Bwindi hosting most part of Uganda’s Gorilla population with over thirteen habituated Gorilla families for trekking and research well stocked in its four major sectors named Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma sector with each sector having more than two gorilla families for trekking except Nkuringo sector which has only one gorilla family.

Bwindi Impenetrable National park is characterized with strong and thick impenetrable forest where these apes live, due to the rounding up of different bird species in the suburbs of Bwindi makes it to be a good heaven for bird watching.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second Gorilla hosting destination in Uganda if not Bwindi impenetrable national park and is also located in the Western part of Uganda inclusive of the Virunga Massif bordering Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, this park is characterized with a tropical rain forest and bamboo forest where golden monkeys are residents.

It is having the least part of Uganda’s gorilla population with only one gorilla family for trekking named “Nyakagezi gorilla family”, not only gorilla trekking but also is a place where golden monkey tracking in Uganda is only done plus the Batwa Cultural experience which involves visiting these Batwa people in their local communities.

What to avoid for a Successful trekking excursion?

Below are some of the points you should follow or must ensure for the progress of successful gorilla trekking either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

• For Conservational programs if you are suspected to be having any signs of infectious diseases you are not allowed to go for the trekking as you may spread your diseases to these apes.
• When moving in the Jungle please maintain your voice at a low tone as you may scare these apes.
• Move slowly while in the Jungle.
• Please always keep a distance of about seven meters from these apes.
• Do not eat in the presence of these apes.
• Do not run after these apes.
• Do not touch these apes without permission.
• Always do not use flush cameras when taking photos of these apes.

What’s the Best time for Gorilla trekking?

Uganda usually experiences both rainy and sunny season, mostly Gorilla trekking is good in the sunny season because during rainy season the trails in the Jungle tend to be slippery therefore you may find difficulties when trekking since some places are hilly with steps and slopes.

What’s the price & validity for gorilla permits in Uganda?

To go trekking with the gorillas in the jungle you must buy a permit which issues you permission for the activity, gorilla permits in Uganda costs $700 USD per person and it is valid for only the dates assigned to it.

What’s the minimum age for Gorilla trek?

The minimum age for Gorilla trekking in Uganda is fifteen years and above.

Children below this age are not allowed to go the trekking as they may be scared of these apes hence making queasy noise which may force these apes to attack you suspecting to be their enemies.

Where to get the Permits?

Gorilla permits in Uganda are only issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority but the permits are always booked by local tour operators and in advance such that your permit is processed in time before your trekking dates.

For an amazing gorilla trekking safari in Uganda do not go elsewhere. Bwindi impenetrable National park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located in the Western wing of Uganda are the right place to see the shy endangered Mountain Gorillas.