How do I prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Are you planning to visit gorillas in Africa, in Uganda and you are trying to search online about how do I prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda, in this article we explain to you in detail how to prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda even if you are not fit enough or you have problems with knees, back and other body parts? Gorilla trekking is made easy for those who are not fit enough, old and unable to hike up to see the gorillas. There is no maximum age for gorilla trekking provided on can travel to the Park, though there are options to help the elderly to get to see the gorillas. You can opt to pay for a Porter who helps you carry your bag pack and also gives you a hand as you hike through the forest, there is also a sedan chair which helps to carry the elderly to see the gorillas, and this goes for about $300 per person be carried to and from the forest. We have had visitors aged 70’s and 80’s be able to trek and see the gorillas. Gorilla trekking is a life time experience that you shouldn’t miss out.

How do I prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda? In case you are of middle age but relatively unfit, it is important to prepare in advance by hiking around your house. If you live in a forest, mountainous or hilly area, use the chance to move about to prepare your body for your tour. Other activities that can help you prepare for gorilla trekking include strolling, climbing, light running and walking for long distances.

About gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park is located in the southern part of Uganda sharing border with Congo, it is one of the only two national parks in Uganda where you can trek and see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat in the world, it is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild making it famous and best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Forest National park is divided into different sections/sectors where you can do the Gorilla tracking experience namely Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija and Nkuringo sector.

Bwindi Forest National Park has different habituated gorilla families open for gorilla tracking experience, each gorilla family has different gorilla individuals, and each gorilla family is headed and controlled by the dominant male gorilla the Silver back. For you to go on the trek, you are required to have a Gorilla permit valid for trekking that day. Gorilla permits are limited in number per day given it is only 8 people allowed to trek per gorilla family per day in Bwindi Forest National Park. Book your gorilla life time safari with Eco Adventure Safaris.

Important things to consider when preparing for gorilla trekking in Uganda

Booking your gorilla permits in advance

When preparing to visit gorillas in Uganda we recommend you book your gorilla permits at least one month prior your gorilla safari date. Even though permits tend to be available some dates still sell out especially tourists travelling in big groups who at times buy in bulk. So it is always better to secure your trekking in advance to avoid inconveniences. You need a gorilla permits to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas in Rushaga, this costs USD700 for Foreign non residents, USD600 for Foreign residents and 250,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi. Contact us here for more details on how to book gorilla permits for tracking in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in advance.

Booking your accommodation in advance

This is very important to consider when planning a trip to visit gorillas, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari it is always good to book your hotel where to stay during gorilla trekking in advance to avoid missing out on the good ones.

Booking your travel

You should consider travelling in 4×4 Land cruisers this will give you comfort on the road. There is also an option of flying to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip which are both close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, this will help cut the long drive from Entebbe/Kampala which is normally 8-9 hours drives to only 1 hour drive that you spend from Kihihi to your lodge in Buhoma.

What to pack for Gorilla Trekking?

How do I prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda? You might be probably wondering what to wear for your trek, below is a compiled list on what to wear;

• A long armed sweater since the park gets cold
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• Water proof hiking boots
• A hat and sun glasses depending on the weather though this is optional
• Cameras and long lasting batteries since photography are very important to keep your memories alive. Always remember to keep our flash off.
• A pair of Binoculars. This will help you to see the vast birds Bwindi impenetrable forest has among other primates
• Gardening Gloves; these will help you when you a holding onto trees are branches through the trek.
• A rain coat; Since Bwindi impenetrable forest is  rainforest, the rain is unpredictable so to be on a safer side, you will be required to carry along  a coat.
• A mosquito Repellent; since it is a forest, it has different dangerous insects so its advisable to carry it along or wear it
• A sun screen; Well this is optional but depending on the season, it might get too hot and you end up getting sun burns on your skin so to avoid that, you will need a sun screen.
• You should not wear very bright colors since this will charge or scare away the gorillas.
• Black and Blue colors are also not recommended since they attract Tsetse flies So I would recommend neutral colors.

How to get Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

By Air: You can get to Bwindi by air which is faster and less tiresome. Aero link is a domestic airline offering both schedule and charter flights to Kisoro Airstrip from where you connect to Rushaga. There is no direct flight to Rushaga but you can be dropped off to Kisoro where you will be picked up by our professional guide and dropped at your lodge. The drive time from Kisoro to a nearby lodge in Rushaga is approximately 2 hours. Passengers are always required to check in 90minutes before the scheduled departure time on you flight. It is also important to note that aero links baggage is 15kilograms per person and an excess is charged at 3usd per kilo. There also private charters available for client’s that have different timing requirements and different routings too. You might also want to travel with your kids which are free for an infant below 2years old. Children above 12years are carried at 70% of the adults fare.

By Road: Bwindi can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will pass through Kabale town and proceed to Rushaga. The Park can also be accessed from Kigali, Rwanda which is approximately 4-5 hours drive.

Best time for gorilla trekking.

Bwindi impenetrable forest is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.

Why book gorilla trekking in advance with Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris takes pride in customizing tailor made safaris. It has a very diligent and trust worthy team. Your queries are answered within 30 minutes by our team of professional tour consultants. These consultants will make you a travel plan for you, answer to all your questions and make sure all your services are booked in advance for you to avoid inconveniences. We also have very knowledgeable safari guides depending on your language preferences. There some Budget Gorilla safaris packages to Rushaga and these include; the 2 days Budget Gorilla safari, the 3 day Budget Gorilla safari, 4 Day Budget Gorilla Safari, it all depends on your preference. Feel free to contact us here about how do I prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda.