Are you planning to go gorilla trekking safari in Uganda? We avail important information for those travelers who want top trek gorillas in the tropical rainforest of Africa. Africa Adventure Vacations is here by listing everything you need to know to organize your gorilla tracking safari in Uganda.

Mountain gorillas are endangered species of primates and it’s estimated that there are about 1080 mountain gorillas that are left in the entire world. More than a half of the world’s total population of mountain gorillas can be found in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in south western Uganda. Gorillas are giant apes. The amazing experience you get when you are so near to our closest relatives is an unforgettable experience and it’s hard to describe.

Where can I go for mountain gorilla trekking In Uganda?

Many travelers who visit Uganda come with a main aim of trekking mountain gorillas. in Uganda you can trek mountain gorillas in two national pars of Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest. Bwindi impenetrable forest is the oldest tropical rainforest in Africa with beautiful ridges, steep valleys and waterfalls.

When you visit these two national parks you must be physically fit to hike and you should be ready for slippery trails. Both national parks protect more than a half of the total world’s population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable forest alone has 19 gorilla families in its 4 gorilla trekking sectors that is Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector, Nkuringo sector and Rushaga sector. Mgahinga gorilla national park has only 1 habituated gorilla family that is open for tourism called Nyakagezi gorilla family. Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only gorilla family with the highest number of silver backs in the whole world.

What is the best time for mountain  gorilla trekking

Uganda can be visited all year round and has two seasons that’s the rainy season and the dry season. Uganda receives an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and its rare getting hotter than Uganda can be visited all year round and has two seasons that’s the rainy season and the dry season. Uganda receives an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and its rare getting hotter than 29 degrees.

The rainy season in Uganda starts from March to May and from October to November. While the dry season happens from December to February and June to September. Even rainy season you can travel and trek mountain gorillas in Uganda because it does not rain every day and if it decides to rain it can rain for just few hours and then sunshine will follow.

The warmest regions in Uganda are Murchison falls national park queen Elizabeth national park and very far the northern part of Uganda. The cooler areas are those that are around hills and mountains on higher attitudes like around mountain Elgon, mountain Muhabura, mountain Sabinyo, mountain Gahinga, Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi.

The best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking is December to February and June to September. And these months are called the peak seasons, the parks are crowned, the lodges are full so it’s better if you book your gorilla permit and accommodation in advance. During dry season, the gorilla move deep in the forests to look for food so it is better you come prepared for the hiking of steep slopes.

How to obtain mountain gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

If you are planning to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking, it’s advised that you buy your permits in advance. The Uganda wildlife authority a government body in charge of tourism is responsible for issuing out gorilla permits. The body only gives you a gorilla permit after paying full amount because there is no pre – booking. Gorilla permits in Uganda are purchase at $700 for foreign non- residents and $600 for foreign residents while a chimpanzee trekking permit is $200.

Africa adventure vacations can book for you gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits if you organize an all-inclusive packages with us. For us to book you a permit, we need your passport number, nationality, names and date of birth. We also need the number of people going to trek and the day you are planning to visit the country. After sending us proof of payments we shall purchase the permits on your behalf. You should know that Uganda wildlife authority has no refund policy if there happens any cancellation or alternation in date. You should know that the minimum age for one top participate in gorilla trekking is 15 years.

What to expect on Mountain gorilla trekking day?

You will have to wake up early in the morning take your morning breakfast and out to the briefing center at 7:45 am. The rangers will tell you about the dos and the don’ts followed during gorilla trekking. Trekkers are grouped into 8 and every group is given an armed Uganda wildlife authority guide for your safety while in the forest. If you have big luggage you can hire a porter to carry for you your equipment. The porters are people living around the park communities and they are mostly school children looking for school fees while were once poachers in the park. Don’t fear asking as many questions as you want because these people are well trained they have all information that you need.

After briefing and grouping of trekkers, they head out to the forest and start looking for mountain gorillas. In rainy season the trekking takes less hours because mountains are found near the forest as there is plenty of food and these giant apes don’t move deep in the forest in search for food. Other seasons allocating mountain gorillas takes you 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorilla, nature of terrain and speed at which you are moving. When you finally meet mountain gorillas, you will be given one hour to stay with them while learning about their behaviors, watch them play, breast feed young ones and watch them make nests. Mountain gorillas are wild and Uganda wildlife authority advises you to keep a distance of 7 meters away from these endangered species. The mountain gorillas are only seen for one hour and they are given 23 hours without human beings in order not to get used to human interaction.

Practical guide for your gorilla trekking day In Uganda

If you are planning a mountain gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, you need to consider and pack the following items during your tour to the deep jungles of tropical African forests;

Put on your comfortable hiking shoes in order to pass through slippery slopes

Put on long sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from insect bites

Pack your water, lunch, insect repellents, hat and a water proof jacket in your bag to use during tracking

Move with your camera to take nice photos and record moments with gorillas

Pack your water, lunch, insect repellents, hat and a water proof jacket in your bag to use during tracking

Take some time watching mountain gorillas before taking pictures. Keep your camera away and enjoy. Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and get the memorable experience with Africa adventure vacations.