General Information About Gorilla Trekking In Uganda : General information about gorilla trekking in Uganda are the details of what you need to know before, during and after the gorilla trekking experience.
Uganda offers an amazing gorilla trekking experience with over half the world’s population of mountain gorillas said to be found in the country. Visiting the gorillas is also a popular activity among tourists during their safaris in Uganda. Below is a list of the general information about gorilla trekking in Uganda.
- Where to do gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in different destinations including Bwindi national park and also Mgahinga national park.
Bwindi national park is a gorilla trekking destination which is located in south western Uganda. When visiting Bwindi, gorillas can be seen in the Buhoma sector, Rushaga sector, Ruhija sector and Nkuringo sector.
In comparison to Bwindi national park, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park does not have sectors where gorillas can be seen during tours but the search for gorillas is done around the slopes of the Virunga mountains such as Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Muhabura.
- What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda varies depending on the preference of the tourist and the season of travel. However, the dry season is considered the best time to see the gorillas in their natural habitat.
The dry season takes place in June, July, August, September and October and also in January and December when the weather is favorable and trails leading to the gorillas favor the gorilla trekking experience in Uganda.
Some tourists however prefer to travel during the low season which is also part of the wet season in Uganda in March to May and November when rains are received across the different destinations.
- Where to stay during gorilla trekking in Uganda
There are different accommodation facilities to stay at around the destinations of gorilla trekking in Uganda including budget, midrange and luxury lodges.
Lodges around Bwindi national park include Buhoma lodge, Nkuringo lodge, Rushaga haven lodge, Gorilla safari lodge, Gorilla leisure lodge, Trackers safari lodge, Mahogany springs lodge, Sanctuary gorilla forest camp, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge, Silverback lodge among others.
Lodges around Mgahinga national park include Mount Gahinga lodge, Lake Mulehe safari lodge, Mucha hotel Kisoro, Travelers rest hotel among others.
- What are the gorilla groups in Uganda?
Uganda is home to several gorilla groups, which are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The gorilla groups in Bwindi national park include Mubare group, Habiyanja group, Rushegura group, Bitukura group, Oruzogo group, Nkuringo group, Mishaya group, Nshongi group, Busingye group, Kahungye group among others.
The gorilla group which can be visited during gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park is the Nyakagezi gorilla group.
- What is the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda
The current cost for gorilla permits in Uganda is 700 USD for foreign non-residents, 600 USD per permit for foreign residents and East African citizens, including Ugandans, pay a fee of UGX 250,000 for the gorilla permit.
These gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are required for visitors to track and observe gorillas in their natural habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla permits in Uganda can be booked through licensed tour operators for gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi national park and Mgahinga national park. The permits are used for one gorilla trekking per individual when visiting Uganda.
- What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Packing the right items for the gorilla trekking in Uganda is a crucial part of preparing for the tour.
Some items to carry for gorilla trekking in Uganda include long sleeve shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes or waterproof hiking boots, a waterproof jacket or poncho for rain, a hat, and gloves for when it rains such as in December to February.
A backpack or daypack with a waterproof lining, a water bottle, snacks and energy bars, a first-aid kit with basic supplies like bandages, pain medicines, wipes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are among the personal belongings you should carry with you to Uganda for your gorilla trekking trip.
Bring a camera, additional batteries, memory cards, and other items to capture the moments spent with the gorillas in Uganda.
- What are the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking in Uganda?
To protect the safety and wellbeing of both tourists and gorillas, the Uganda Wildlife Authority set in place a number of rules and regulations that must be followed to by visitors during gorilla trekking tours.
The rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in Uganda include the following:
In an effort to lessen the impact on the gorillas and their ecosystem, only a certain number of tourists are permitted to hike each day.
Eight tourists are allowed to see a gorilla family each day, and these visitors are grouped together following a briefing at the park headquarters.
It is legal for visitors who are at least 15 years old to undertake gorilla trekking in Uganda. Among other things, visitors are not allowed to use flash photography, leave trash, or make noise during gorilla trekking in Uganda.
- What activities can be done after gorilla trekking in Uganda?
There are several activities which can be done after gorilla trekking in Uganda and Bwindi national park, the activities to do include experiences such as gorilla habituation, Batwa community tours, guided nature walks, hiking, bird watching.
After gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park, tourists can also engage in golden monkey trekking, golden monkey habituation, climbing the Virunga mountains, bird watching, guided nature walks and also Batwa community tours.
Tours can also be done to the neighboring destinations around Bwindi national park such as Queen Elizabeth national park, Lake Bunyonyi or crossing to Rwanda for more safari experiences.
- How to get to Mgahinga national park and Bwindi national park for gorilla trekking
Getting to Bwindi national park for gorilla trekking can be done by flying to Kisoro airstrip or Kihihi airstrip and also driving about 8 hours from Kampala.
Mgahinga national park can be accessed by flying to Kisoro airstrip or driving from Entebbe or Kampala which takes about 10 hours.
