How to plan gorilla trekking in Uganda? Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place at Bwindi impenetrable forest national park located in south western Uganda in Kisoro district. Embarking on gorilla trekking tour in Uganda is adream for many nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Gorilla trekking can also be done at mgahinga national park though it is rare, while in these two national parks you can encounter number of mountain gorillas, and seeing other wildlife, primates like monkeys, birds. Planning such an extra ordinary experience requires careful consideration and preparation.
Tips of planning for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Getting gorilla trekking permits. This is the first step in order be able to trek gorillas in Bwindi national park you have to be having permits and the permits costs are foreign non residents 800USD,foreign residents 700USD and east Africans 300000UGX and one can get from Uganda wildlife headquarters, they have to be booked on because there are few numbers allowed to do trucking so the availability of gorilla permits is always less and the gorilla habituation is at 1500USD for foreign non-residents,1000USD and for foreign residents, east Africans 50000UGX.
Choose the right time for trekking
Trekking can best be done during the dry season in the months of June August September December and February because the rains are less during these months making the trails easily passable and the vegetation is not much, during the dry season the park can easily be accessed since the roads are marram roads so when it rains the mud is a lot making accessibility hard.
You have to be physically fit
Do not go for gorilla trekking when you are not fit because gorilla trekking involves hiking in forests and challenging terrains, so if you can not manage choose the terrain you can manage do not force yourself on some thing you can not manage because it may be challenging.
Book your accommodation in advance especially in peak season
It is one of the most important things when planning for gorilla trekking in Uganda, in order to have a comfortable stay while in Bwindi national forest book early to avoid missing out and you sleep where you wish not to sleep.
Book your travel
Book a car that will take you to Bwindi national park in order to be comfortable book a Landcruiser because the roads are not so stable for other types of cars or fly to kihihi airstrip which will help you cut the distance short.
Choose the trekking location
Bwindi national park has four sectors so you have to choose one sector where you wish to trek because you can trek all of the and these sectors include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga and they all offer different trekking experience and have different gorilla families. Or one can decide to trek in mgahinga national park.
Understand the rules and regulations before trekking
Follow the guidelines that are provided before trekking like feeding animals it is not allowed, making noise, using flash light to take pictures, maintain a safe distance and many others
Respect wildlife don’t beat them or threaten them in any way.
Consider additional activities
Wildlife safari, consider seeing other things like birds and visiting other parks like queen Elizabeth national park to see one of the big four animals.
Cultural experiences engage with the local people in their communities like the Batwa and take the activities they do like making crafts.
Plan for what to pack while going for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Long sleeved shirts and trousers. Since you going to walk in the jungle where insects can give nasty bites wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers is recommended because they help from sharp plants and insects.
Hiking shoes. Since you going on hiking it is better you put on hiking shoes because some terrains are challenging to make the hiking simple and easy.
Rain jacket. Whether it is in rainy season or dry season south western Uganda is cold and rain can come at any time so it is better you carry your rain jacket.
A pair of binoculars. While on gorilla trekking tour carry your binoculars because you may encounter some birds so to view them well you have to be having your binoculars.
Insect repellent. Protect yourself from mosquito bites and other insects in the forest.
What should a visitor expect during the trek
The trek duration. It is 2 to 3 hours for gorilla trekking and 4 fours for gorilla habituation with the help of porters and guides you will have the best experience.
Gorilla are un predictable where they are so you need to be physically fit and prepared not to get shocked in the forest.
Interaction with gorillas they are like human beings so once you reach them keep- a safe a distance because they contract same diseases as human beings.
Planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is an exciting and rewarding adventure that requires thoughtful preparation and readiness, you will not only have a chance to see mountain gorillas but see other natural beauty things that God gifted Uganda with like the land scape, wildlife the people of Uganda who are so welcoming. Get ready for the journey that will leave you with lasting memories of Africa’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.
