Uganda is an essential place for gorilla trekking tours if you are planning to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their pristine natural environment. The country harbors more than half of the global mountain gorilla population. Gorilla tracking tours are enjoyed in only two destinations, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks both in southwestern Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has at least 50 gorilla families with only 24 families habituated and ready for trekking. It covers a total mass area of about 321 square kilometers. Nestled in the Albertine Rift region, Bwindi has the most mountain gorillas in Uganda and they reside in its tropical rainforests. The park has a wide range of habitats that encompass hills, valleys, streams, and others. These lie on altitudes ranging from 1,160-2,607 meters above sea level.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is relatively smaller than Bwindi, with at least 33.9 square kilometers of land. It is located in southwestern Uganda and is part of the Virunga Conservation Area. Mgahinga harbors several volcanic mountains of Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura which are home to the mountain gorillas and other wildlife species.

Booking Gorilla Permits

There are at least 24 habituated gorilla groups in Uganda, with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park having only one of those and the rest found in Bwindi. These are available for trekking throughout the year. This implies only 8 trekking permits are available for each day for each gorilla family making them highly competitive to acquire. The best way of ensuring that you get one is by booking in advance, at least 3 months before your Uganda gorilla trekking tour.

Booking permits in Uganda can only be done through a trusted and registered tour company like ours. If booking with us, you need to contact us, to check for the availability of the permit with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Upon confirming that the permit is available for your desired tracking date, we will communicate and send you an invoice. This will require you to make a particular minimum payment to secure your permit. Once your payment is received, we will purchase the permit and send you a scanned copy for confirmation.

What is the cost of gorilla permits?

To purchase a gorilla trekking permit for your tour, note that each costs USD 800 per person if you are a foreign non-resident and USD 700 per person if you are a foreign resident. East Africa citizen gorilla permits cost UGX 300,000. Note that each permit is for only one trek and if you want more than one, you must book accordingly.

Best time to Trek Gorillas

The dry seasons are generally the best if you are considering having a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. The dry seasons fall twice in a year, from December through February and the second from June to August. The dry seasons are usually marked by relatively elevated temperature conditions compared to the rainy seasons. The vegetation cover is also less dense in comparison, to facilitate visibility and less challenging location of the mountain gorillas. The chances of rainfall are also low thus ensuring uninterrupted adventures and more comfortable navigation on the trails.

However, it is important to note that gorilla tracking in Uganda can be done throughout the year, and there are merits to undertaking these tours in the wet seasons too. The wet seasons are considered the low seasons, thus offering less crowded adventures for hikers who desire such experiences. The low seasons also ensure that prices for accommodation and other tour activities are offered at discounted rates, thus favoring budget travelers.  During the wet seasons, rains are relatively more frequent than during the dry seasons. Thus the

significantly high precipitation in the tropical rainforests.

This results in muddy and slippery trails or roads and subsequently invites only the adventurous and bold travelers to pass through. The vegetation is also much

denser thus making it more challenging to encounter mountain gorillas in the

jungle. However, this makes encountering them much more special and memorable.

What to Pack for gorilla trekking safaris

·        A rain jacket or raincoat to cater to the unpredictable weather of the rainforest environment, where frequent and abrupt downpours can occur.

·        Carry clothing that helps cover your skin from insect bites and direct sunlight. These should be long-sleeved shirts and trousers or pants. These should be made of dull-colored material to blend with the surrounding environment, such as brown, khaki, or green among others. This ensures minimal disturbances to mountain gorillas and other wildlife species in the forests.

·        Strong hiking boots or shoes that have a firm grip to enhance the hiking adventure on rugged and wet terrain.

·        Binoculars are handy since you might need them for spotting wildlife at a longer distance, such as birds and monkeys.

·        Have your gorilla permit with you, since this is a mandatory document for gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda.

·        Hiking sticks are extremely indispensable since you will be navigating steep terrain, and sometimes crossing streams.

·        A camera, though may be optional, but you cannot deny its necessity for capturing memorable photos.

·        Since gorilla tracking is an outdoor activity, you will need sun protection items like sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin, eyes, head, ears, and neck from the negative impacts of direct sun rays.

·        A basic first aid kit is handy for any minor accidents or personal medication.

·        Also, carry some emergency cash with you since you might want to buy souvenirs, tip someone, or even hire a porter to carry some of your items while tracking mountain gorillas.

·        You need insect repellent since they are highly essential in a country that experiences a tropical climate. This is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos or any other insects known to spread diseases like malaria.