Popular Gorilla Trekking FAQs; 20 Frequently Asked Questions
Get definitive answers to Gorilla Trekking FAQs – frequently asked questions about mountain gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda and have a well-planned and a memorable holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gorilla Trekking:
What is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trekking is the hike through the lush jungles in search of habituated mountain gorillas. Usually, 8 trekkers are assigned to only one habituated family and park ranger will escort them to look out for these remarkable creatures in the wild. It requires some physical wellness in you to be able to make a complete trek.
What is the Best Gorilla Safari Package in Uganda?
The 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi is the best short Uganda gorilla safari and the 10 Days Uganda Safari adventure is the best long safari.
Where Can I Trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These two national parks are all situated in southwestern Uganda about 8 hours drive if your journey starts from Entebbe or Kampala and visitors from Kigali Rwanda can spend about 4 hours on the road.
About half of all 1004 mountain gorillas that live on earth today are confined within the lush rainforest of Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?
Yes, Gorilla trekking is considered safe when conducted with experienced guides and within designated protected areas. Conservation efforts and strict gorilla trekking guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of both gorillas and visitors.
Your safety is a top priority, and professional guides are trained to provide essential guidelines during the trek to make your experience secure and enjoyable. So, with proper guidance and adherence to the rules, gorilla trekking is a safe and healthy adventure.
How Much is Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?
A gorilla permit is a must-have tool if you are to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. You can obtain one at $700 if you are a foreign non-resident, $600 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East African residents.
You can book for your permit in Uganda through a Afrik-Trek Holidays Ltd or reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority.
What is the Best Time to Go for Gorilla Trekking Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an all year-round safari experience. However, the dry season is considered the best time for gorilla trekking. It starts in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February.
This period is characterized by low rainfall with the ground kept relatively drier thus making it easier for trekkers to hike through the dense rainforest to see mountain gorillas.
A wet season on the other hand is ideal for mountain gorilla trekking although it comes with heavy rainfall and the ground becomes muddy. The wet season in Uganda begins from March, April, May and October, November.
It is characterized by heavy rainfall and plenty of forage for mountain gorillas to feed on. As a result, they keep around unlike the dry season where they roam searching for what to feed on.
How Long is Gorilla Trekking?
A gorilla trek unpredictable! It can take you about 2-8 hours and this depends on various factors including among others; your hiking speed, nature of habitat and where mountain gorillas are found in the course of the day.
Once you come across a group of these amazing primates, you are given only one hour to have a face to face encounter with them, opportunity to take as many photos as possible, learn about their behaviors.
What does Gorilla Permit Include?
A gorilla permits is an essential tool every trekker should have if he or she is to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park.
It includes park entry fees, services of park ranger guide, an armed ranger who will take you through your adventure.
What Should I Carry for Gorilla Trekking?
A gorilla trek in Uganda requires you to pack appropriately starting with essential items first.
In your packing list for gorilla trekking, the following should be a must; waterproof hiking boots, camera with no flashlight, gardening gloves, snacks, food, sun glasses, insect repellents, hat, daypack, socks, binoculars, long sleeved shirt/t-shirt, long pants, rain jacket/poncho, sweater to mention but a few.
Who is Eligible to Trek Gorillas?
Only Individuals above 15 years always considered eligible to trek mountain gorillas. Persons below 15 years are considered children however, they can trek mountain gorillas only if arrangements are made with authorities before and on condition that he or she is tall enough and a few months to his or her 15th birthdate.
Can Disabled Persons Trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?
Disabled persons can also trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. There are stretcher carriers/sedan chairs with seat belts and handles to help persons with special needs to also take part in gorilla trekking.
The sedan chairs are made of metal poles while the bamboo stretchers are made of bamboo trees and they are used for carrying trekkers. You can borrow a stretcher or sedan chair from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters and trekkers are carried at $300 depending on the distance, altitude and visitor’s weight.
What are the Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?
Trekkers have about 99 percent chances of trekking mountain gorillas and also to interact with them. It is not easy to ascertain where these creatures are found in the course of the day.
However, park rangers always trek before the guests and track gorillas hence directing guests, you should also book your gorilla trekking permit earlier so that you have higher chances of trekking these special creatures while permits are still available.
What else Can I See in Uganda Besides Mountain Gorillas?
Uganda is more than mountain gorillas, it is a home to big African game; African bush elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions including the tree climbing lions, leopards as well as giraffes, zebras, warthogs, birds (with 10 percent of all the bird species in the world and 60 percent of bird species in Africa), hippos, over 5000 chimpanzees, golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, countless antelope families, crocodiles to mention but a few.
How Much Does it Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
A typical 3 day gorilla safari can cost somewhere between USD 1,190 to $2,500 per person depending on factors such as the time of year, the tour package, number of travelers and accommodation options.
How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking?
Gorilla trek can vary in difficulty depending on the specific gorilla family or group you are visiting and the terrain within the park. While it’s not necessarily a strenuous activity, it does involve hiking through lush forests and sometimes uneven terrain. The duration and intensity of the trek can vary from a few hours to more than half a day.
The trekking difficulty is generally considered moderate, and it’s accessible to individuals with a reasonable level of fitness. However, it’s essential to be prepared for different weather conditions and to follow the guidance of your experienced guides. Porters are often available to help carry equipment, making the experience more comfortable.
Those are the 15 frequently asked question about gorilla safaris in Uganda, feel free to message us any specific question you may posses and we will be happy to answer it.