Introduction
Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s major tourism activity that involves hiking through dense forests to encounter habituated families of gorillas in their natural habitat. This extraordinary experience allows one to come face to face with the gentle giants which is indeed once in a lifetime experience. The chances of encountering these incredible creatures in Uganda are higher compared to other gorilla trekking destinations elsewhere in the entire world because more than half of the remaining gorilla population spreads across two distinct National Parks in this country namely Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Other than the country’s dense gorilla populations, Uganda has five gorilla trekking sectors where one can choose to have the gorilla experience that best suits one’s preferences and fitness levels. Each of the five sectors offers unique trekking experiences, terrain, and topography as well as gorilla families. Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing at the Park headquarters about the etiquette of gorilla trekking. Groupings of eight maximum are made and allocated gorilla families that you will go searching for in their natural habitats. This is followed by an exhilarating journey through the Park’s dense and misty rainforests led by experienced ranger guides while following trails that wind through lush vegetation and across varying terrains. The duration of gorilla trekking lasts for about an hour to 6 hours depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family. After locating the gorillas an hour is allowed about 7 meters close to the gorilla family which is an elating experience to learn about their social lifestyle for example grooming the little ones, feeding, and many more. Flash-less cameras allow you to capture such wondrous wildlife moments in the forests.
A gorilla trekking permit is a must-have for any individual desiring to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda which must be booked in advance more so during the peak seasons. The price of a gorilla permit to both Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park is the same unlike for chimpanzee trekking which varies depending on the chimpanzee trekking destination. Therefore a gorilla permit in Uganda costs 800USD for foreign nonresidents, 700USD for foreign residents, 500USD for the rest of Africans, and 300,000Ug shillings for East African Community citizens per person. Whereas gorilla habituation experience in Uganda now goes for 1500USD for foreign nonresidents, 1000UUSD for both foreign residents and the rest of Africans, and 750,000Ug shillings for East African Community citizens per person.
What caused the price change?
Gorilla trekking prices in Uganda have been increased by the Uganda Wildlife Authority but worth every penny. Mountain gorillas in Uganda are a few of the remaining populations of these endangered apes and below are reasons for the increment in their tracking charges.
The increment in gorilla trekking prices in Uganda is intended the support the efforts to protect and conserve the country’s mountain gorilla populations for future generations. Mountain gorilla conservation efforts are very costly and a few of them include ranger-based monitoring, community and tourism development, transboundary collaboration, habitat conservation, and anti-poaching activities for example strengthening anti-poaching laws, routine patrols to stop as well as reducing hunting of these endangered apes, spreading awareness about the benefits of gorilla conservation to mention but a few. The gorillas are remarkable creatures and are classified as critically endangered species. Therefore supporting the ongoing conservation efforts is critical for the long-term survival of these animals.
The increased fees charged for gorilla trekking in Uganda are also aimed at providing essential funds for Gorilla trekking destination operations like take-home pay for ranger guides and other staff, law enforcement activities, and health monitoring of the gorillas habituated for tourism.
The increment in gorilla trekking prices in Uganda is intended to deter human and wildlife conflicts by creating opportunities for communities around gorilla trekking protected areas. Poverty has been eradicated by creating employment opportunities through building schools, and hospitals and starting up community-based tourism projects that enhance the livelihoods of the local people around the Gorilla National Parks. Therefore the increment in gorilla tracking prices is aimed at funding local communities
What to pack for gorilla trekking
- Hiking/safari boots
- Camera and extra fully charged batteries
- Garden gloves
- Long-sleeved trousers and shirt
- Warmers
- Safari hat and rain jacket
- First aid kit and insect repellants
- Water bottle and energizing bites
- Waterproof backpack and duffel bag
- A pair of binoculars
Where to track gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the country’s premier gorilla trekking destination situated in the southwest known for its vast gorilla populations of about half of the remaining gorillas in the world. This National Park is made up of four gorilla sectors each offering a unique gorilla trekking experience that ranges from the terrain and landscape to the gorilla families themselves. The gorilla sectors include Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern region of the Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park houses over 21 fully habituated gorilla families that are readily available for tracking implying that the Park presents 168 gorilla permits for sale daily. This is also the only National Park in Uganda where one can have a gorilla habituation experience.
Mgahinga National Park is the country’s smallest National Park located in the southwestern region covering an area cover of 33.7 square kilometers. This National Park is made up of one gorilla sector known as the Ntebeko sector which was rendered open for gorilla trekking in 1994 having habituated its first gorilla family in 1991. The Park currently houses two fully habituated gorilla families readily available for trekking namely Nyakagezi and Hirwa gorilla families implying that the Park presents 16 gorilla permits for sale daily.
Best time to track gorillas in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible all year round though the best time is during the dry season in June to September and December to February. During this period the trekking trails are dry and easily accessible compared to the wet season when the country receives heavy downpours. However, for those seeking to spend less on some facilities such as accommodation and meals, the wet season in March to May, October, and November is the best time to track gorillas in Uganda because during this period, the country is experiencing its low season in tourism and thus low guest turnovers. Therefore lodges, hotels, camps, and many other accommodation facilities tend to lower their charges to attract business.