Gorilla trekking in UGANDA – what you need to know
If you want to get up close to mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, then Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best places in the world.
Sitting quietly in the presence of these incredible primates as they go about their day – eating, grooming and playing…will be one the highlights of your life!
There are 20 mountain gorilla family groups in this spectacular national park. It is possible to trek to and observe 8 to 11 of these family groups. The other family groups have not been habituated for conservation reasons.
When is the best time to trek? During the dry season December to February and June to September. The rainy season is from March to end May (long rain), October to November (short rain). NOTE – Trekking is possible all year round.
What is the average temperature in the forest? 07 – 15°C (45 – 59°F) to 20 – 27°C (68 – 80.6°F)
How many people in my group? Maximum of 8 visitors a day per gorilla family group.
How many hours is the trek? The longest trek to gorilla families that are located further away, could take up to 8 hours. But every effort is made to match your hiking ability and fitness with the estimated location of the gorilla families and so the average trek is about 3-4 hours. If you are not mobile enough, you can be carried on a local sedan chair. (Booked in advance, at an additional cost.)
How tough is the trek? Parts of the trek could go through dense forest with thick undergrowth, thorny bushes and slippery rocks. Relatively good physical fitness is required.
How long do I spend with the gorillas? Once located, you are allowed to spend 1 hour observing the gorilla family.
Can I do more than one trek? It is possible to book 2 treks. But you cannot trek twice on one day. Your second trek needs to be the next day.
Porters – Make use of the porters (approximately USD 15 per trek). They carry your pack and help you up the steep parts. Porters come from the local community and so you are contributing to sustainability.
Remain calm – Be respectful when you see the gorillas, be silent and submissive. Stay calm and do as your expert guide directs you to do – this way, the gorillas will be unperturbed by your presence.
Water and energy snacks – Your lodge should supply these, but if you have a particular energy treat that you like, it is worth bringing along.
Gratuity guidelines – USD 15 per person for porters and USD 5 – 10 per person for park guides.
Mobility issues – If you might find this terrain too challenging, we can arrange for you to be carried in a local sedan chair. (Booked in advance, at an additional cost.)
Photographers – You’ll be close up to the gorillas, so long lenses aren’t necessary, plus they’re heavy. A mid-zoom lenses such as a 24-70mm is a good. Be aware that lenses can mist up due to the humidity levels. Flash photography is not allowed, so make sure you have the correct light settings. Keep your camera in a waterproof bag to avoid it getting wet.
Spend up to 4 hours with researchers and Uganda Wildlife Authority as they follow a gorilla family group, getting to know the dynamics, while the gorillas become used to humans. This experience needs to be booked in advance through your expert travel planner.
There are 20 mountain gorilla family groups in this spectacular national park. It is possible to trek to and observe 8 to 11 of these family groups. The other family groups have not been habituated for conservation reasons. Uganda Wildlife Authority experts spend approximately two years habituating a family group, allowing them to become acquainted to human visits. The mountain gorilla family groups are scattered among four areas in the park and just like humans, their group structures and numbers change.