11 Things To Know About Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Encounter the most incredible mammals of the world; the mountain gorillas who share 98% of human DNA. Considered as the closest relatives of human being the mountain gorillas are fun to watch as they perform many activities that are quite similar to humans, like hugging, kissing and nurturing their babies just like human mothers. There are millions of travellers coming to Uganda from worldwide to enjoy this human-like animal in their natural habitat.

Uganda is the prime country that is a homeland to at least half of the gorilla in the world. The country’s misty lush rainforest and rolling hills are the perfect places for mountain gorillas where the numbers of these primates growing decently in the last few years.

1. Where to see and find mountain Gorillas in Uganda?

The lush green forest on the volcanic mountains of Uganda is home to half of the Gorillas in the world. There are many national parks where you can spot a good population of Gorillas. Here is the list of the national parks where you can spot gorillas in Uganda.

• Bwindi Forest National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

2. Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda safe?

Gorilla trekking is generating huge revenue for both of the country Uganda and Rwanda; hence the government of the respective countries has set up security both internally and at their borders to make the gorilla trek safe for the tourists coming from all around the globe. Gorilla Trekking In Uganda is safe and is a fully escorted experience.  However, travellers need to obey a few guidelines while meeting these huge animals to ensure safety. If the trekkers will adopt all the guidelines properly then it can be the safest once-in-a-lifetime safari in African land.

The guidelines to stay safe while tracking Gorilla in Uganda:

• Keep distance at least 5-7 meters
• Don’t make noise
• Don’t eat or drink in front of Gorillas
• Stay in a group
• No smoking inside the national parks
• Keep your flash off while taking pictures of gorilla
• Don’t dare to attempt touching these huge mammals

3. When Is The Best Time To Do A Gorilla Trekking In Uganda?

Even being close to equator Uganda’s climate is quite cooler. If you are planning a gorilla trek to Uganda its best to make your plan work at the best season so that your visit will be successful and you can enjoy your holiday to the optimum.

4. Is everybody allowed to do Uganda Gorilla Safaris?

The gorilla safari is however considered safe for everyone, still it has some restrictions. The Gorilla trekking is restricted for kids below 15 years age, though there are some exceptions like if the kid is physically fit and above 13 years in some cases, the kid is allowed to go for Gorilla Trekking. Likewise, if the visitor is having flu or any contagious disease he/she might not be allowed to for the trekking as Gorillas can easily catch the disease. 

5. When to buy a Gorilla Trekking Permit for Uganda?

Gorilla permit refers to an official document issued by Uganda wildlife authority and is marketed through primarily the Association of Uganda Tour Operators to the public. The permit allows you to spend time with a gorilla family.

If you are planning to visit Uganda for Gorilla trekking tours, it’s advisable to book your Gorilla permits at least 3 months before your journey. If you have planned your trip long before then it’s highly recommendable to buy your Gorilla trekking permit 6 months before.

6. What is the price of a Uganda Gorilla permit and where can I get it?

Uganda Mountain Gorilla trekking is one of the prime attractions of Africa; there are millions of visitors flowing to Uganda mainly for meeting this iconic species. Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits cost is usually $600 throughout the year.

 Gorilla permits are booked through the trek operators in Uganda. Permits costs are usually included within the tour packages that the travelers book with their tour operators.

7. How high is the chance of seeing the Gorillas?

Encounters with these gentle giants of the forest, the Mountain Gorillas can be spotted in National Parks of Uganda, Rwanda, and on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Uganda is a prime destination to meet these iconic species having the highest concentrations of Mountain Gorillas are spotted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is 60% of the total mountain gorillas left in the world.

There is a 99% chance of meeting Mountain Gorilla and interacting with them in the national parks of Uganda. There are very few travelers who have failed to spot the Mountain Gorillas due to the wrong choice of the season as they choose rainy seasons and due to the heavy rainfall they are unable to spot gorillas. Another reason is if any traveler discontinues the trek from half-way, there is a less chance to meet any Gorilla family. 

8. Is it necessary to hire a porter?

To have the best possible Gorilla tracking experience hiring a porter is highly recommendable as they will carry your entire luggage. The hikes to tracking Mountain Gorilla is usually slippery so trekking with luggage might be hectic and it can faint the charm of meeting Gorilla as you might feel tired a lot.

9. How to prepare for a mountain Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a truly fascinating experience; however one needs to be prepared in the right way before meeting these giant species.  As Gorillas reside in dense forest areas at the foothills of Uganda it’s necessary to dress properly before entering into their home zone.

• Dress in layers
• Choose light natural shades like khaki and soft green color cloths and it’s highly recommendable to avoid animal printed as well as dark color cloths.
• It’s recommendable to bring gaiters to keep your shoes free from mud and small stones.
• Choose long trousers and full-sleeved shirts to protect yourself from bugs biting.
• Don’t forget to bring ran-jacket as you can face ran fall at any time during your trek.
• Use a good pair of trekking shoes while trekking in Uganda’s slopes.

10. What to bring on a Gorilla Trekking?

Are you thinking about what to bring on your trekking day to meet the Mountain Gorillas; here is a list of necessity things:

• Packed lunch and some snacks of your choice
• A portable first-aid kit that includes antiseptic and wet-wipes as there is a chance to get scratches in the forest
• Insect repellent
• Sun-screen and sun-glass
• Gloves (optional)
• Trekking-poles that will support you to trek on the sloppy and muddy rocks
• Camera to capture your experience

11. Know the Mountain Gorilla Trekking Rules

Mountain Gorillas are not dangerous unless provoked however there are some rules you need to follow so that you don’t capture the attention of these huge animals.

• Don’t use flash while clicking the picture
• Don’t leave your garbage in the jungle
• Keep a distance of at least 7 meters
• Don’t talk in a loud voice
• Don’t eye-contact with them and don’t imitate them
• Don’t eat or drink anything in front of Gorillas

A trek to view Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas in your Uganda Safari can be a life-time experience if planned properly with the right trek operator. If visiting Pearl of Africa for witnessing some fun activities of these giant yet harmless mammals then pick eastafricanjunglesafaris.com as your travel partner to have a smooth journey and to encounter the best of wildlife along with Gorilla tracking in Uganda.