Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda

Embark on an Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda – Affordable Adventures in Africa

Discover the magic of Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda with Trek Africa Expeditions, offering budget-friendly Gorilla tours in the heart of Africa. Experience the thrill of encountering mountain gorillas in the breathtaking landscapes that span Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These majestic creatures, distinguished by their larger size, darker coats, and the leadership of a dominant male silverback, inhabit the mountainous borders, particularly in the mountainous borders between the mentioned countries.

The Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience

Embarking on Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda opens the door to a unique adventure with wild mountain gorillas. While sightings are not guaranteed, the success rate exceeds 90%, promising an awe-inspiring encounter with these gentle giants. The mountain gorillas, residing in dense jungles at high altitudes, feed on foliage and showcase a peaceful demeanor. Unlike lowland gorillas, they constantly move to new feeding grounds, constructing nests for the day. The western world first glimpsed mountain gorillas in 1902 when German explorer Von Berenge spotted them in Rwanda’s Mount Sabyinyo, revealing them as a distinct and larger species.

Gorilla Tracking Timings and Conditions

Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda entail varying timings and conditions as the gorillas traverse the rainforest. Adequate preparation is essential, considering the steep terrain and the absence of marked paths. The trek can range from a couple of hours to a full day, demanding physical fitness due to hiking in hot, high-altitude conditions. Visitors are granted an hour with the gorillas once sighted, and given the strenuous nature of tracking, an overnight stay before and after tracking is highly recommended, ideally spanning 2 to 3 nights to fully immerse in the region.

Guides & Porters – Your Companions in the Wilderness

A Uganda Wildlife Authority guide accompanies you during gorilla tracking, guiding you through the forest. For added convenience, consider hiring a porter, assisting you in carrying essential items in a day pack. Porters, often from the local community, are well-acquainted with the terrain and can offer support during the trek. While porters involve an additional fee (approximately USD15-20 per porter per day), their assistance proves invaluable. It’s essential to retrieve belongings from your bag before the viewing point, as porters are not permitted to accompany you to the gorilla viewing area.

What to Pack on the Day – Essential Gear for Gorilla Trekking

Preparation is key for a successful Gorilla trekking safari. Pack the following items:

• Plenty of water (1-2 liters per person)
• High-energy snacks, in addition to the packed lunch provided by the lodge/camp
• Spare film and batteries for cameras
• Gloves (gardening type recommended)
• Waterproof bag for photographic equipment
• Hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and band-aids
• Lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho
• Walking sticks (provided at the start of the trek for steeper and slippery tracks)

Gorilla Trekking Age Limits

Note that the age limit for gorilla tracking, chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys is 15 years, strictly enforced by authorities.

Videos & Photography – Capturing Memories in the Wilderness

Personal filming of gorillas and surroundings with personal video, digital, or SLR cameras is free of charge. For professional photographers, filmmakers, or media, advance notice is crucial, as special procedures and costs apply for photographing and filming.

Other Activities on a Gorilla Trekking Safari

Explore additional attractions during your Gorilla trekking safari, including:

• Buhoma Community Village Walk: Support the local community while visiting various places of interest.
• Bwindi Community Hospital: Learn about its role in improving lives in the surrounding areas.
• The Batwa Tradition: Gain insights into the early lifestyle of the Batwa during a guided walk.
• Batwa Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the Batwa’s forest life, participating in their daily activities.

Discover Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

For a captivating Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, explore Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled in the southwestern region. Encompassing approximately 33.7 sq kilometers, this park is a haven for mountain gorillas, attracting visitors from around the globe. The thick rainforest, rich in diverse tree species, provides an ideal habitat for these rare primates. With a moderate number of gorillas easily observed in their natural setting, Mgahinga stands as a premier tourism site in Uganda.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park

Choose the optimal time for Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park during the two dry seasons: mid-December to the end of February and June to October. These periods offer easier access to the park, with less muddy paths facilitating exploration. While gorilla tracking is possible throughout the year, these dry seasons ensure an enhanced experience.

How to Get There

Reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by road from Kampala via Kabale to Kisoro, approximately an 8-hour journey. Alternatively, take a short flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, providing quick access to the park within an hour.

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in organizing Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda and Rwanda, ensuring an enriching and unforgettable experience for every traveler.