Gorilla Trekking Safari
An incredible adventure that will leave you with many memories is the Gorilla Trekking Safari. You will have the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas and learn about their lifestyle.
Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, situated around 530 kilometers from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, in the country’s southwest. The primary park in Uganda that protects mountain gorillas in the wild is one of the biggest montane lowland forests in Africa.
We will help you realize your dream of tracking gorillas in Africa. The details for your gorilla trekking expedition in the Bwindi forest are provided below.
The lowland gorillas in the zoo are mountain gorillas, which are only found in forests.
Only three nations are home to mountain gorillas: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Eleven gorilla families may be found in Bwindi, spread over various gorilla trekking regions such as Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Be mindful of where you want to journey from when purchasing your gorilla permit.
Thousands of people who travel will never regret it, and mountain gorillas are worth the trip. The cost of gorilla trekking is USD 800.
Make travel plans in advance.
You should arrange your gorilla trekking safari at least six months before the date of your trip. This will assist you in booking or ordering your permit, which is one of the factors you may take into account to have a successful gorilla trekking expedition.
Obtain a permission
Before starting this gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi, a permit is required, and it must be obtained through a tour operator. You can start the gorilla trekking expedition as soon as you reserve your permit. Through the travel companies, the Uganda Wildlife Authority distributes them in Uganda. The only option is to go first come, first served, as there may be a lack of gorilla permits.
Prior to purchasing a permit, interest
As previously said, the location of your trekking in the sector and your lodging are determined by the permission you already possess.
The following sectors in Bwindi can influence the type of gorilla trekking safari you will have:
I suggest trekking in Ruhija or Buhoma for individuals who require a straightforward excursion.
Trekking through the Rushaga section is preferable for those who require a strenuous hike.
Trekking through the southern sector should be avoided if altitude is an issue. Therefore, before scheduling your permit, get in touch with the tour operator.
Which area are you interested in trekking?
Where one wishes to trek determines how to trek across Bwindi. There are various regions in Bwindi, and each of these areas has a separate family to trek. For example, Buhoma has three families, Ruhija has three families, Rushaga has five families, and Nkuringo has one family. As a result, the permission establishes where one can trek in each sector.
How does one go gorilla trekking?
You must get up early, get ready, and eat breakfast before the Gorilla Trekking Safari begins. After picking up your packed lunch from the restaurant, your guide will take you to the park’s main office. Here, you will receive a walking stick and receive a briefing about the Gorilla Trekking Safari.
Depending on which gorilla family you wish to walk, you will begin the journey. After that, you will be split up into groups of eight, each of which will trek a certain family accompanied by a guide and a ranger.
One may have the opportunity to see chimpanzees, elephants, birds, other tree species, and white Colobus monkeys when hiking through the jungle.
Depending on where the mountain gorillas live, the hike can take anything from 30 minutes to 6 hours.
Lastly, you are only permitted to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas and an additional hour to have your packed lunch. To obtain your certificate, you will then need to return to the park headquarters for a gorilla ceremony.
When you return to the resort, the guide will be prepared to drive you there.
Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking
The number of mountain gorillas should increase rather than decline as a result of your visit. There are just 800 mountain gorillas left in the world, according to the 2013 census.
In essence, you should be aware that eight people visit each gorilla family.
The distance between one and the wild apes must be seven meters.
In any case, don’t dump trash because it could lead to the gorillas eating it and dying.
Anyone who has a contagious illness, such as the flu or a cough, should avoid seeing mountain gorillas. Keep your eyes away from the flash cameras and the gorillas. The best course of action is to do as your guide and ranger instruct.
The best time to go mountain gorilla trekking.
Although gorilla trekking safaris can be done all year round, it is preferable to travel and trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during the dry months of June, July, August, and September since the jungle is easier to navigate.
Permits are more expensive during the dry season than they are during the low season, when they are only USD 800. April, May, and November are considered the wet season, and customers typically steer clear of the slick, steep slopes.
Walking sticks and porters
To make trekking on these hills and steep slopes easier, it is recommended to use a walking stick. There are walking sticks available in the lodges; if you can’t find one, you can go to the park headquarters.
It is recommended that you travel with a porter if you are not fit for the gorilla training safari. The porter will push or pull you when you are no longer able to do it.
Additionally, this porter will assist you in carrying big baggage and items you are not allowed to carry. There are certain things you must not have while you are near mountain gorillas. For instance, pack a lunch because gorillas might come up to you and try the food. This might become a difficult situation, which would be bad for the expedition.
Mountain Gorilla attire and packing tips.
One must prepare what to wear because the forest is dense with steep slopes. A shelter, glasses, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and pants, gloves because some shrubs might itch, energy-boosting meals, bug repellent, and a camera since you might have a lot of opportunities to shoot photos are all necessary.
Transportation and Lodging
Prior to selecting your lodging, determine which side or sector best meets your interests. The tour operator needs to be aware of the type of lodging that best suits your needs; the lodges are categorized as budget, mid-range, and luxury.
Transportation is no exception. Depending on your budget, you can choose to travel in land rovers, super customs, or land cruisers. The alternative is to take a flight.
Note: The people of Uganda are amiable and respectful of their culture.