How Safe is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

How Safe is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda?

Embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda is a highly safe and secure experience. The well-being, safety, and security of visitors are paramount considerations while tracking the majestic Mountain Gorillas in the heart of Africa.

Governments of Uganda and Rwanda view gorilla tourism as a significant investment. Visitors contribute by obtaining gorilla permits, ranging from USD800 to USD 1500, and every effort is made to maintain the safety and security of gorilla trekking enthusiasts. For more information about the increase in gorilla permits in Uganda, refer to the respective government announcements.

Safety takes precedence during gorilla trekking, with the presence of military police and armed park rangers accompanying trekkers. Additionally, Uganda boasts a Tourism Police department to enhance security measures.

The park rangers in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are highly motivated to ensure the safety and security of gorilla trekking. Conservation efforts in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emphasize both the protection of gorillas and the well-being of visitors.

Gorilla tracking stands out as the primary tourist activity in Uganda and Rwanda, highlighting the importance of safety and security for those undertaking this remarkable experience. Mountain Gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, as well as Virunga National Park in the DRC.

Despite the challenges posed by the civil war in the DRC, concerted efforts have been made to enhance security in the region. The presence of a United Nations peacekeeping force, along with deployments from Uganda and Rwanda at respective border posts, contributes to regional stability.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla trekkers receive escorts from Uganda Tourism police and armed rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This ensures the safety and security of tourists during their gorilla walk, especially for early-morning treks to the starting point.

Addressing security concerns, it’s essential to clarify that gorilla tracking, as an activity, is inherently safe. Tourists visit habituated gorilla families, a process that takes 2-3 years of habituation, including mock exercises, before opening to tourists. Following the instructions of guides and rangers ensures a trouble-free experience.

The forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park are home to various animals, including unhabituated mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and buffaloes. To mitigate potential encounters, tourists are escorted by armed rangers and tourism police, ensuring that any hostile wild animals are deterred through non-lethal means, such as firing shots in the air.

Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is a safe and well-organized adventure, with advanced teams of rangers ensuring the location of gorilla families before trekkers begin their journey. This heightened level of preparation increases the likelihood of seeing these magnificent creatures, making the experience accessible to anyone, including notable figures like Bill Clinton and Bill Gates who have successfully trekked gorillas.