The Uganda gorilla tracking experience is the highlight of all visits done in this beautiful country in East Africa. Mountain gorilla trekking is the major reason as to why very many people visit Uganda. Gorilla trekking is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Wanderlust Adventures organizes the Uganda Gorilla tracking experience trips all year round. The best time to go gorilla trekking in during the months of June, July, August, September and December. This is because there are less rains and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorillas.
In Bwindi the average temperature throughout the year is 11°C/52°F in the morning and 23°C/73°F in the afternoon. January and February: Low season offering less huge crowds. Very little or no rain.
March, April and May: Its rains a lot during these months. Most challenging during the trek, the slopes are slippery.
June, July & August: Peak season, it’s important to buy your permits early since they run out.
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
Uganda has 2 sections for gorilla safaris namely, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In total there are 18 gorilla groups or families and you can only track only one group a day.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 17 gorilla group making it the best place or park where you can see the gorillas in the wild. Bwindi tours gives you access to 90 mammal species, 11 primates including the black and white colobus monkey.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Groups
- Ruhija Trek: with gorilla families, Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura and Kyaguliro
- Buhoma Trek: Habinyanja, Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura
- Nkuringo Trek: Christmas, Nkuringo, Bushaho
- Rushaga Trek: Kutu, Bikingi, Mishaya, Bushigye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Bweza, Nshongi, Mucunguzi
Mgahinga Gorilla Family
In Mgahinga Park, you can track the Nyakagezi group which is surrounded by the Slopes of Virunga Volcanoes, Mt. Muhavura(4,127m) Mt Gahinga (3474m) Mt. Sabinyo(3645m).
Packing List for the Uganda Gorilla Tracking Experience
- Waterproof hiking boots.
- Day pack.
- Insect repellents.
- Light weight rain jacket.
- Poncho
- Binoculars,
- Bottled water
- Boots: hiking boots,
- Gloves, old pair of gardening gloves
- Long pants or trousers
- Energy snacks.
Gorilla Tracking Rules
- Observe a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas.
- Age limit of 15 years or more stands.
- You are allowed only 1 hour to see the gorillas
- Wearing of masks is important
- Avoid sneezing.
- Sanitize and observe other SOP guidelines.
What to Expect On a Gorilla Safari?
On the day of your trek, expect to leave your comfortable bed early enough, am move to the briefing point by 7:30am. After briefing, tourists will be allocated different tracking routes, each 8 tourists. Head to the forest accompanied by guides and rangers as you begin you search for gorillas.
In the forest, you may see monkey species, butterfly species, mammals and so much more. Sometimes the forest is challenging and a good level of fitness will be required. At the end of the day, expect to be muddy and sweaty.
Once you see the gorillas, it’s okay to take photos with your camera or iPhone but avoid flash or else the gorillas might charge. You will spend between 40 minutes and 1 hour in company of these gentle giants. It will be such a life changing experience. After the trek, head back to you accommodation or opt for a cultural village experience of the Batwa pygmies.
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