Why You need The Beginner’s Guide To Gorilla Trekking Africa Tour

Travelling as a beginner to do gorilla trekking in Africa brings mixed feelings which is a normal thing. All you need to first know about mountain gorilla trekking in Africa is that it can only be done in 3 countries Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.Congo. Other countries have mountain gorillas in the zoos or in confines which is not there natural setting.

The first step is finding availability of a gorilla trekking permit or permits depending on the number of people you are travelling with. You need to know that gorilla permit availability changes every time because of high demand worldwide yet few permits are released to the public to buy.

First come first serve basis is used to secure the gorilla permits so reserving an unpaid for gorilla permit is not allowed.

What Is The Cost Price Of A Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

Each gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 as per July 2021. The permits are sold per person per day and every trekker is allowed only one hour after meeting the gorillas. This is for conservation reasons.

Gorilla habituation experience is currently a new experience that you can book and take 4 hours with the mountain gorillas. However the price of every gorilla habituation permit is $1500. During this you participate in helping wild gorilla families get accustomed to the presence of humans with a group of other researchers and experts.

 How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking In Africa Uganda

Gorilla trekking area is highly protected so that the gorillas have a chance to thrive with less interference from humans. Even the local community have been included in the conservation campaign so that they get to understand the benefits of conserving the mountain gorillas.

Several community based projects have been started including sponsoring some children for further studies, building the community Bwindi hospital and others. At the end of the year 10% of the profits accrued from gorilla trekking activities is repatriated back to the community.

What is the Best Time To Book Gorilla Trekking Safari In Uganda

All year round gorilla trekking is open but however the drier months of June to September are more comfortable. The roads to Bwindi impenetrable forest the home of the mountain gorillas are generally dusty and bumpy at times. The prices for other facilities that support the gorilla trekking permits like accommodations get high during these days.

Because of the regular rains, the roads get slippery which requires one to have a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle.

The months of February to May have intense rain fall that makes the treks quite difficult as the ground is always soggy yet the terrain is generally volcanic.

What Is The General Temperature Of Bwindi Forest the Gorilla Trekking Destination

Bwindi can be cold especially in the morning and at night. The annual average temperature range is 7 degrees to 20 degrees centigrade with the coldest period being June and July. Warm clothing is required, plus wet weather gears since Bwindi receives up to 2390mm of rain per year.

This is concentrated during two wet seasons, short rains in March to May and heavy rains in September to November. Instead of short tropical deluges, rain in Bwindi often falls as long hours of soft drizzle.

How To Get To Bwindi Forest National Park

Although self-drive is cheaper, As Arch safaris And Tours we do not advise this for beginners on gorilla trekking safari.  Bwindi forest can be accessed by road from Kampala to Kabale, Kanungu then Buhoma.

Other alternative routes to Bwindi forest include Kampala to Kabale and Nkuringo area. Kampala to Kabale to Ruhija and Buhoma is another route and more routes.

There are domestic flights that leave Entebbe Airport each day and Kajjansi Air strip. One needs to book a seat in advance in case this is the option for getting to Bwindi. Charter flights can also be arranged upon request but all of them land at Kihihi Air strip.

A transfer vehicle from Kihihi Air strip to Bwindi forest is required and some lodges offer this service at a small fee.

Which Accommodations To Book For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Depending on your budget, a variety of accommodations are available for anyone interested in gorilla trekking, birding, hiking and so much more in Bwindi Forest.

Luxury facilities, mid-range and Basic facilities are available for you to book. You need to know the area where your gorilla permit was booked so that you are not disturbed.

The Bwindi area is wide that is why gorilla permits are divided into the Northern and southern area. But each morning after briefing the rangers divide the groups of trekkers into 8 persons to go and visit each gorilla families.

What To Pack For Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

A pair of gloves to use as you are secure a tighter grip on creeping plants when you slide in the regularly soaked ground.

Face masks and hand sanitisers for extra protection against communicable infections that you may have that can be transmitted to the mountain gorillas.

For charging your battery, you need a converter plug If you travel from the US to Uganda. They use the same electrical plugs as the United Kingdom.

• A light waterproof Travel backpack to ensure that your belongings are safe and not scattered in the wilderness. Pack your identification items to fill it with a copy of your passport and travel insurance information, a water bottle, and a light jersey to keep on hand in case it gets a little cold. All your sanitisers and extra mask to change into when with the mountain gorillas.
• Pack Lightweight hiking boots to use in the forest while searching to find the mountain gorillas. Whether you’re climbing mountains or not, having a comfortable pair of hiking boots is great to have for gorilla tracking safari. 
• A poncho or rain jacket to protect yourself from getting wet and cold especially if you travel during the wet season. Being a tropical forest with a mix of equatorial climate it rains without warning
• An Insect repellent that is comfortable for your skin is necessary to pack for gorilla tracking safari. Pack anti Malarias and swallow some prior to travelling as Uganda is a tropical country infested with the mosquitoes that cause it. 
• Sunscreen in case you have additional activities to so in game parks like Queen Elizabeth National park where it suns  Make sure to pack a strong enough SPF (30+).
• Long sleeved shirt and trousers that are camouflaged and can cover up your skin. To get through the forest sometimes you need to slide from the slopes to the valleys or hike to get to the mountain gorillas.

Rules Of Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Wear a mask and handsanitise regularly before meeting the mountain gorillas.

In case you have a communicable disease volunteer to stay behind so that you do not transmit the infection to the mountain gorillas.

When with the gorillas do not surround them so that they do not feel ambushed by the humans. This agitates them.

Stand at a distance of about 8 meters away from the gorillas to reduce on the chances of transmitting any communicable disease.

Use a flash less camera to take photos

Try not to chew anything while seating in front of the mountain gorillas.

Try not so spit on the vegetation which feed the mountain gorillas as they are entirely dependents on foliage for survival.