How best to organise your planned trip to Africa
Are you guaranteed to see Gorillas in Rwanda?
In this article, we explain the Tips for Planning the Perfect Gorilla Trek in Uganda. Planning the perfect gorilla trek in Uganda is an exciting adventure that requires careful preparation to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Here are some Tips for Planning the Perfect Gorilla Trek in Uganda:
Obtain permits:
Gorilla trekking permits are limited and in high demand, so it’s essential to book your permits well in advance. You can obtain permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a reputable tour operator Eco Adventure Safaris.
Choose the right time:
Uganda’s dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are the best times for gorilla trekking because the trails are less muddy and visibility is better.
Physical fitness:
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, as you may need to hike through dense forests and rugged terrain. Be prepared by maintaining a good level of physical fitness.
Dress appropriately:
Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing in layers. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended to protect against insects and thorny plants. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are crucial.
Pack essential items:
Bring a backpack with essentials like water, snacks, rain gear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and spare batteries. Porters are often available to carry your bag during the trek.
Hire a local guide:
Local guides are highly experienced and knowledgeable about the gorillas and the forest. They will lead your trek and help you navigate the terrain.
Respect the gorillas:
Maintain a safe distance of at least 7 meters (about 21 feet) from the gorillas to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Follow your guide’s instructions closely.
Keep quiet and minimize noise:
Gorillas are sensitive to noise, so speak in hushed tones and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that might disturb them.
Stay healthy:
Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, so if you’re feeling unwell on the day of your trek, it’s essential to inform your guide and consider rescheduling.
Follow ethical guidelines:
Responsible tourism is crucial to the conservation of gorillas. Ensure you follow all rules and guidelines provided by the park authorities to minimize your impact on their habitat.
Be patient:
It may take several hours of hiking before you encounter the gorillas. Be prepared for a long day and keep a positive attitude.
Photography:
When taking photos, turn off the flash and use only non-intrusive cameras or smartphones without making direct eye contact with the gorillas.
Support local communities:
Consider visiting nearby communities and purchasing locally made crafts or products as a way to support the local economy.
Check visa requirements:
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Uganda. Ensure you have the necessary travel documents well in advance.
Travel insurance:
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations, especially if you’re planning an expensive trip for gorilla trekking.
How to book Bwindi gorilla permits?
Once you have your planned dates of travel confirmed we will need you to send us an email at info@ecoadventuresafaris.com so that we check for the availability of gorilla habituation permits online with the Uganda Wildlife Authority once we confirm permits are available for your planned dates we will let you know so that we can send you an invoice for you to make payment for the permits. Once the payment is done and we have received it on our account we will go ahead and purchase your permits immediately and send you a scanned copy of the permits for your records and perusal, this will confirm you are booked for Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest National Park. Booking permit for gorilla trekking is advised to book your Gorilla permits in advance at least 2-3 months prior your visit given the fact few permits are available per day and sell out very quickly on first come first serve basis.
Cost and Getting Gorilla Permits in Uganda
The Gorilla permit in Uganda Costs $700 Per person per trek for Foreign nonresidents, $600 Per person for residents and $70 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan), this allows you to spend one hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda has over 20 habituated gorilla family groups with 16 found in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga this means 136 Gorilla permits are available every day for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda also gives you an option to spend more time with the mountain gorillas through Gorilla habituation experience which is only done in Bwindi forest, gorilla habituation permits costs $1500 per person allowing you to spend 4 hours encounter with the semi-habituated mountain gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers as opposed to one hour for the normal trekking. Getting gorilla permits in Uganda can be done directly by booking them through Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator in Uganda like Eco Adventure Safaris Limited.
Where else is Gorilla Trekking Done in Africa?
Gorilla Trekking is done in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo which host the four national parks that are home the only remaining mountain gorillas. These include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo. In Congo you as well have an opportunity to see the Lowland gorillas which are found in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. In order to trek at any of the mentioned national park a gorilla permit is required for you to be allowed to go for gorilla trekking. With this once you have you planned dates of gorilla trekking we recommend you start booking your gorilla trip immediately given the fact services and permits sell out very quickly especially if you plan to do the trek in the peak season of June to September, it is always better to book atleast 5 months in advance prior travelling. Gorilla Trekking at the mentioned parks can be booked directly or through a trusted Tour Operator Eco Adventure Safaris.
What is the age limit for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
The minimum age limit for Gorilla Trekking is 12 years. Gorilla trekking for elders is now made possible especially in Bwindi Forest through provision of sedan chair carriers, these chairs are used to carry those who feel unfit and are unable to walk into the forest at the time of their trek, you will be carried by potters to and from the forest during your trek, hiring the sedan chair can done in advance or at the day of the trek and price ranges from 400-500 dollars.
What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is done throughout the year and the best time to do a gorilla trekking in Africa is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown.
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy in the forest when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
How to get to Bwindi Forest National Park
By Road; The southern sector of Bwindi Forest National Park can be accessed through the main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. You will need to turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the sign post of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow upto to your booked lodge for accommodation in either Rushaga or Nkuringo sector.
By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the Park
Booking Uganda Gorilla Tour Through Eco Adventure Safaris.
At Eco Adventure Safaris we provide personalized service with the utmost dedication to the safety and enjoyment of our clients. We are committed to the well-being of our staff and guests as well as to having a positive impact on the communities and wild places that our operations reach. On all our operations and safaris, we embrace the environmental ethic “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints” all our packages are eco-friendly. Contact us here about the Tips for Planning The Perfect Gorilla Trek in Uganda.