What is Gorilla Trekking? Define Gorilla Trekking Adventure:
Planning a Uganda gorilla safari? Learn what is gorilla trekking and understand its key components from safety tips to packing list to best gorilla trekking tours.
Gorilla trekking is an eco-friendly wildlife experience where tourists trek into a jungle to encounter and observe the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment of Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Gorilla trekking/tracking is an adventure associated with mountain gorillas, these are a subspecies of Eastern gorillas and can only be fund in 3 countries in the whole world, that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Get to know what to expect, how to prepare for the physical challenge of trekking gorillas and other tips on how to get the most out of your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Is it Gorilla Trekking or Tracking?
Although both terms are used in reference to locating mountain gorillas, their application makes them different from each other. Gorilla tracking is term used on park rangers who locates and trails a specific mountain gorilla family while protecting them as well as directing tourists on the which route to take in order to encounter the gorillas.
Trekking on the other hand is done by tourists following trails of the gorillas and also the advise of the park rangers on the where the gorillas might be heading. Tracking is done at night yet gorilla trekking is done during day in the morning hours.
Anyone can go on a gorilla trekking safari provided they acquire a gorilla permit worth $700 for foreign tourists, $600 for foreign East African residents or UGX 250,000/- for East African residents (a gorilla permit is an ticket from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to trek gorillas). Gorilla tracking is done by only the experienced park rangers.
You may also like to know what is gorilla trekking cost in Uganda.
Who can Trek Gorillas?
Any individual who is at least 15 years old is legible of trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda. You are just advised to be free from any communicable disease that may spread into the gorilla community and cause mayhem.
For individuals 12 to 14 years, there is a special pass for you provided you are travelling with some elders and inform the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a local tour operator. about your plans to trek gorillas, you can be granted special pass. Contact Us for further guidance.
What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking Experience?
Gorilla trekking can be both a thrilling and demanding experience, the trek itself normally takes around 2 to 8 hours (depending on the movement of the mountain gorillas) and involves trekking through thick forests, steep terrain or muddy ground whilst tracking down the assigned gorilla group.
After locating a family of the gorillas with the help and guide of park rangers, you will be allowed to spend a full hour observing these rare primates. The mountain gorillas are generally peaceful and are referred to as the “gentle giants” due to their humble nature and overwhelming size.
Take photos and videos or observe them live their life with respecting, do not use camera flashlights while taking photos nor should you move closer than 8 meters – read the the full list of gorilla trekking rules to follow.
You must be prepared for extreme changes in weather, so wear appropriate clothing and pack insect repellent, water and snacks, this takes us to our next question.
What Gear Do I Need for a Gorilla Trek?
It is recommended that you come prepared with the right equipment for your gorilla trek in order to make sure you are safe and comfortable as you trek through the thick forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga parks.
Due to the terrain, you may need to carry sturdy walking boots or shoes, long pants and shirts rain gear, hats, sunblock, water bottles, a light snack especially energy giving snacks, binoculars and a camera. Don’t forget to bring your passport and a gorilla permits or any other fees that you may need on the trip.
Just like any other traveler, after understanding what is gorilla trekking, the next quest would be about the best places where gorilla gorilla happens in the world.
Where are the Best Places to Spot Mountain Gorillas?
Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are renowned as the only African counties that offer gorilla trekking experience safaris.
In each of these East African country, you’ll find thriving national parks and protected areas where mountain gorillas can be spotted in their natural habitats (forests).
In Uganda, head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; in Rwanda trekkers should look to the mountain slopes of Volcanoes National Park; and finally, Virunga National Park is the destination for those on gorilla tours in Congo.
When is the Best Time of Year to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
The best time of year to on gorilla trekking safari depends on the season, your budget, preference and goals of your gorilla trip. Generally speaking, the dry seasons between June and September and December and February are the best times to visit Uganda to see gorillas.
When it is dry season, the trekking trails are dry and walkable, the forest is brighter hence good for photography and there are many tourists for you to make friends with. The wet season (March to May and October to November) and associated with heavy rains, discounted lodges, plenty of birds and lower trekking periods as the gorillas move less.
Which Gorilla Groups are Available for Trekking?
Mountain Gorilla trekking is available year-round in Africa’s some of the largest national parks and reserves. There are currently 44 known gorillas groups open for tracking which are spread out over Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Each gorilla group is carefully monitored by researchers and tourists are given individual permits to report each time they plan to visit a particular group.
What is Gorilla Trekking Experience Associated with?
When you go on a gorilla trek safari in Uganda, you can get the chance to also enjoy other amazing experiences such as canoe riding on lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda, Batwa cultural trail, birding in Bwindi forests and lakes around, visiting caves or mountaineering on Mount Gahinga.
Why Gorilla Trekking?
Trekking is the one of the best ways to promote eco-tourism and since mountain gorillas are still endangered, promoting responsible tourism is ideal for the conservation process. Trekking to see gorillas has less to no impact on the habitat of the these gentle giants.
Hope now you know what is gorilla trekking and why you should trek gorillas in Uganda!
What is Gorilla Trekking Best Tours in Uganda:
- 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
- 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Tour.
- 3 Days Gorilla Habituation Experience Safari
- 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari
- 7 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primates Safari Adventure
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