August 29, 2023 | Bujo Safaris
Uganda the pearl of Africa has naturally been blessed with diverse natural features ranging from great lakes and rivers, beautiful and rare animals and birds to beautiful landscapes. There are a variety of activities to enjoy once you visit the country and gorilla trekking is among the most popular ones. Uganda is home to the largest number of mountain gorillas in East Africa and the world at large, and it’s one of the two countries where gorillas can be trekked in East Africa. Over half of the world’s total population of mountain gorillas which is over 1000 stay in Bwindi Impenetrable forests and Mgahinga National Parks.
Gorilla trekking is a unique experience that has become popular among tourists, this activity involves hiking to the natural habitat of these primates. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that can only be enjoyed in the best and most affordable area in the world which is Uganda.
Up to 1060 mountain gorillas are known to only exist in the Virunga Mountain region and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In Uganda, the gorillas are located in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park which is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and they are almost half of the total mountain gorilla population. Gorillas love high-altitude areas and it is one of the reasons why they are found in these regions and nowhere else in the world. 21 habituated gorilla families are ready to be visited in Bwindi while Mgahinga only has one great family.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is more than just meeting the primates in the wild, the people who make this activity a possibility have been able to earn from it and hence it has reduced cases such as poaching, deforestation that destroys their habitat, and human settlement in the park that causes the animals to stay in the colder regions of the park that have less vegetation and are so cold hence causing death to the animals. However, whenever you purchase a gorilla trekking permit, you have to support the veterinary doctors, game rangers, anti-poaching patrols, and the communities such as the Batwa who stay close to the park as a portion of the payment is distributed to all the different involved sectors. Therefore, the more tourists visit the gorillas, the more the endangered species are conserved, and therefore gorilla trekking is more of a conservation effort.
Besides gorilla trekking, there are other activities you can combine with it or even do after the treks such as hiking the Gahinga mountain, nature walks in Bwindi in which you can learn and discover the hidden medicinal plants in the forest, can also enjoy bird watching at both destinations.
Gorilla trekking is a challenging yet rewarding activity, it involves walking for 30 minutes - 8 hours on steep, rugged terrains that lead you to where the gorillas are currently staying. The difficulty of the treks is mostly determined by the physical ability and fitness of the trekkers and, the location of the designated gorilla group since some are so close to the starting point while others love the very high-altitude areas, this will determine the distance and time spent during your gorilla trek. Once you find the gorillas, you are expected to spend an hour observing and capturing unforgettable moments with the largest primates on earth.
The trek has rules to follow which you will get to know during the briefing done before the trek starts you are always accompanied by a game ranger and only 8 people are allowed to visit a particular group per day. You also need to wear appropriate clothing and carry enough water and snacks to keep you energetic during the trek.
Gorilla Habituation involves a process of Introducing Mountain gorillas to human presence in their natural habitat. Gorilla habituation is an element of gorilla conservation since travelers spend more hours (4 Hours) with the mountain gorillas compared to gorilla trekking where travelers only spend 1 hour of experience.
The Habituation process takes about 4 years while the researchers visit the gorillas daily and learn about these individuals which in time get used to researchers. Once the gorillas are used to people, that particular gorilla family is then opened for trekking.
Gorilla Habituation Experience is only done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which consists of large mountain Gorillas in the park. This is sometimes known as a one-lifetime adventure.
A gorilla Habituation permit costs USD 1500 per head for foreign Non-Residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents, and UGX 700,000 for East African citizens compared to gorilla trekking which is more affordable and Common.
There is not much difference between Gorilla trekking and gorilla Habituation. However, the length and cost of the experience become the matter as follows.
Travelers participating in Gorilla Habituation spend a period of 4 hours with the mountain gorillas while those doing gorilla trekking spend a period of only 1 hour. Gorilla trekking permits are more affordable where a permit costs USD 800 per head for foreign Non-Residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens compared to gorilla Habituation where a permit costs USD 1500 per head for foreign Non-Residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents and UGX 700,000 for East African citizens. Since gorilla trekking is easier, it can be done by a Knowledgeable guide compared to gorilla habituation where tourists are led by researchers and rangers.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can be booked directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices, you can also acquire them through a trusted tour operator who can purchase them on your behalf where they require your passport. However, it is more advisable to book through a reputable tour operator who shall organize your whole gorilla trekking experience and African safari experience.
Gorilla trekking permits cost USD 800 per head for foreign Non-Residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Uganda is affordable compared to Rwanda where permits cost $1500 per head, DR Congo is the cheapest offering permits at $400 per person. The difference in the prices was determined by several factors like infrastructure, security, and quality of service each country provides.
Seeing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is best during the dry season which runs from June to August and December to February when the roads and trekking trails are clearer and more accessible. However, gorilla trekking can also be done during wet seasons though it is challenged by wet and slippery trekking trails.
A traveler can do last-minute Gorilla trekking and this is done in Mt. Mgahinga National Park in the southern part of Uganda. This is due to the presence of available Gorilla trekking permits in the Region. However, it is advisable to book your gorilla trekking safari in Advance to avoid uncertainties and have a memorable Gorilla trekking experience. For a traveler planning a gorilla trekking safari in Africa, you can combine Gorilla trekking and wildlife safari for an extraordinary adventure in Africa in Uganda’s Savannah national parks including Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.
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