My First Gorilla Tracking Experience in Uganda

My First Gorilla Tracking Experience in Uganda

Embarking on my first gorilla tracking experience in Uganda marked a day eagerly awaited, a day when the dense jungles of Uganda would reveal the rare and endangered Mountain Gorillas. This extraordinary adventure unfolded on my inaugural visit to Uganda, where Bwindi Impenetrable Forest welcomed me with its majestic mountains and the enchanting mist enveloping the landscape, casting an aura of scenic beauty in the heart of Africa.

Fondly nicknamed “the Misty Mountains” due to the sometimes ethereal mist that cloaks the peaks, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park became my haven the day before the trek, with a minimum of three days to fully immerse myself in the experience. Staying in the vicinity until the early hours of the next day, I prepared for the short drive to the Gorilla tracking trailhead, fueled by anticipation and the allure of Africa’s darkness.

The morning of my Gorilla tracking adventure commenced with a briefing on the trek’s rules. The cardinal rule: maintain a respectful distance of at least 7 meters from the Mountain Gorillas, ensuring their tranquility and minimizing the risk of transmitting diseases. Given the striking genetic similarity of Mountain Gorillas to humans, any sign of illness warranted refraining from visiting these gentle giants. Equipped with these guidelines, I was offered a hiking stick to ease the journey before climbing into the vehicles destined for the Gorilla tracking trailhead. Alternatively, if assigned a Gorilla family near the briefing point, some began walking ahead of the trailheads.

Embarking into the Impenetrable Forest itself was a mesmerizing experience. Wandering through the jungle, absorbing the sights and sounds of diverse bird species, added to the allure of the trek. During the dry months, the paths and trailheads provided relatively easy navigation, and the incline was gentle. The ranger guide offered continuous updates on the Gorilla family being visited, keeping us informed about their current location.

As we ventured further, the hike transitioned into a more demanding phase. No longer guided by clear trail paths, the guide skillfully wielded a machete, carving a path through the dense shrubbery. Despite the increasing challenge, the ranger guide provided assistance, and porters were available for those seeking extra support with backpacks or navigation.

Spotting the first Mountain Gorilla, whether nestled in a tree or resting on a branch, stirred a profound sense of fulfillment, realizing that the long-awaited dream was coming to fruition. Within a short time, the entire Gorilla family came into view, though the one-hour limit with them served as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of this encounter.

The descent from the hill toward the trail path signaled the conclusion of this extraordinary experience. Witnessing the majestic silverback, watchful and ensuring the safety of his females and offspring, added a memorable touch to the adventure. As the designated hour drew to a close, bidding farewell to the Gorilla family, we commenced the hike back to the Park offices.

The return journey mirrored the scenic beauty of the initial trek, albeit with the added challenge of an uphill ascent. Around halfway, a well-deserved break offered a chance to savor snacks from packed boxes. Reaching the waiting vehicle confirmed that my meeting with the Mountain Gorillas exceeded all expectations, creating a lasting memory of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For those seeking to embark on their first gorilla tracking adventure in Uganda, contacting Trek Africa Expeditions ensures a seamless and memorable journey with a trusted safari company.