Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from New York
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an unforgettable adventure for anyone wanting to see these magnificent animals up close. If you’re in New York and dreaming of a safari, this experience is a must! You’ll get to trek through beautiful forests and see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Gorilla trekking is not just a walk in the park; it’s an exciting journey that involves hiking up steep hills and through thick bushes. You will search for mountain gorillas, and once you find them, you will have a chance to spend up to one hour observing these incredible creatures. This moment is special as you will be just a few feet away from them, watching them interact and live their daily lives.
How to Book a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda
To track the mountain gorillas in Uganda, you need a gorilla trekking permit. It is important to book this permit at least three months before your trekking date. You can only buy this permit through a reliable tour operator, like Iconic Africa Safaris, who will purchase it from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The UWA manages all the protected areas in Uganda, ensuring the safety and preservation of wildlife. Because these permits sell out quickly, it is best to secure yours as soon as you can.
When you go gorilla trekking, only eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla family. You will spend a maximum of one hour in their presence. If you want a longer experience, you can try the gorilla habituation experience, which allows you to be with the gorillas for up to four hours. This option provides more time to observe and connect with the mountain gorillas than the regular trekking experience.
Where to Track Gorillas in Uganda
Uganda has two main places for gorilla trekking: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Both parks are located in the southwestern part of the country. Bwindi has four sectors for trekking: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga. Among these, Rushaga is a popular choice because it has many gorilla families. Bwindi is home to over 50 gorilla families, with 24 of them habituated for trekking. In Mgahinga, there is one gorilla family called the Nyakagezi family.
The experience in both parks is quite similar, but there are differences in their environments. The gorillas in Bwindi are found in dense tropical rainforests, while in Mgahinga, they live in bamboo forests. Both locations provide a unique and amazing opportunity to see these endangered animals.
Gorilla trekking can also be combined with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. Chimpanzees are different from mountain gorillas in size and social structure. When you go chimpanzee trekking, you’ll spend about one hour finding them and then another hour with them. This is less time than the four hours needed to reach and spend time with mountain gorillas.
The cost of permits varies as well. For foreign non-residents, a chimpanzee permit costs around $250, while a gorilla permit is $800. For foreign residents, the chimpanzee permit is $200, and the gorilla permit is $700. East African residents pay $500 for the gorilla permit, and Ugandan citizens pay UGX 300,000.
Gorilla trekking can be a fantastic addition to a birdwatching safari. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to over 180 bird species, including unique birds from the Albertine Rift region. Similarly, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park boasts more than 350 bird species, making it an excellent spot for birders while enjoying the gorilla trekking experience.
Best Time to Track Gorillas in Uganda
The ideal time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is from June to October and December to March. During these months, the weather is drier, making it easier to hike through the forests and spot the gorillas. However, trekking during the wet season can also be rewarding because there are fewer visitors in the parks. This low tourist season runs from March to May and October to November. Although it rains heavily during this time, you can find great deals on flights and accommodations.
The wet season is known for lush green vegetation, providing stunning scenery for photography and birdwatching. If you love nature and are looking to capture beautiful images, this can be the best time for your trip.
