Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda - An Unforgettable Adventure
Uganda offers a special adventure with gorilla trekking, making it a great choice for a unique and unforgettable experience in Africa. Uganda takes a lead in conserving mountain gorillas, safeguarding more than half of Africa’s remaining great apes. The thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda is unmatched, allowing tourists to sit with a wild mountain gorilla family for an hour, a profound experience compared to observing wildlife from a safari truck. Thousands of visitors come to Uganda yearly to embark on this heart-pounding adventure.
With just over 1000 mountain gorillas left globally, they are heavily protected in two regions in East Africa. Uganda is the prime location to witness these gorillas, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park housing over half of them. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only protects mountain gorillas but also preserves pristine virgin forest plants, various primates, more than 120 mammal species, and numerous endangered wildlife. Mgahinga, with its three Virunga mountains, provides an additional opportunity to extend the gorilla tour with a hiking adventure.
Together, Bwindi and Mgahinga offer 20 human-habituated gorilla family groups in five tracking sectors. This includes four around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. For those seeking the chance to trek gorillas in their natural habitat, Uganda stands out as the ultimate destination.
Before Gorilla Tracking Guidelines
A maximum of 8 tourists per day are allowed to visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in Uganda. This ensures minimal disturbance to the gorillas and reduces the risk of exposing them to human-borne diseases. Additionally, remember to wash your hands before the tracking exercise.
During the Gorilla Trekking Guidelines
During the trek, maintain a hushed tone to respect the gorillas and enjoy the diverse bird and wildlife. Preserve the park's cleanliness; carry out all your waste. Follow guides to last day's gorilla spot, tracking their trail and spotting nesting sites. Be prepared when guides signal gorilla proximity.
Important Gorilla Trekking Rules
Always maintain a 7-meter distance from gorillas for their comfort. Stay close together in a group, speak quietly, and avoid smoking, eating, or drinking near them. Follow the guide's lead during gorilla charges, never run. No flash photography, move slowly when taking pictures. Never touch the gorillas, and limit visits to one hour. Keep voices low until 250 meters away after the visit.
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Accommodation Options
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
From US$230 per person with meals
High on Nteko Ridge, the lodge offers stunning views of Bwindi and the Virunga Mountains. It's a charming, award-winning destination.
Buhoma Logde (Mid-Range)
From US$250 per person
Buhoma Lodge is in Northern Bwindi, close to the park. It's a great place to stay for gorilla trekking and exploring the jungle. Easy access to the park from here.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
From USD 350 per person with meals
This Luxury lodge has a main building and seven guesthouses made from local stone, featuring local art and rugs.
Buhoma Community Haven Logde (Budget)
From USD 200 per person
This Lodge has six private rooms and a family cottage with bathrooms. Choose from various staying options at this community haven.
Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
A gorilla permit is like a special card that lets you meet mountain gorillas in Uganda. You get it from a safari company, like Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd, which buys it from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Each permit costs $800 per person. With a permit, you can spend one hour with a gorilla family. The money you pay helps protect gorillas.
Gorilla Habituation Permits:
Gorilla habituation is when wild gorillas get used to people being around. It’s important for gorilla tourism, so guests can safely be with these amazing animals. Gorilla habituation permits cost more, $1500 each, but they let you spend four hours with gorillas instead of one. You’re part of the extra time to make gorillas comfortable with humans. This helps keep both people and gorillas safe. It also makes sure gorilla tourism doesn’t harm gorillas too much.