Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda are done in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Gorilla trekking tours provide exhilarating journeys into the dense rainforests to find and observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner traveler, gorilla trekking tours require cautious preparation to ensure success. Therefore, you have to follow certain tips that will facilitate both your safety and that of the mountain gorillas

and their habitat. These tips are several and include the following. 

Wear a strong comfortable pair of shoes or hiking boots to successfully walk through the uneven steep terrain of the dense forests. The shoes should also have good traction to offer a firm grip on the wet floor while you trek.

Ensure to pack energy-giving snacks and water before heading for the gorilla trekking to avoid going hungry and thirsty. This is because gorilla trekking adventures are quite intense and may last for up to eight hours.

Make sure that you wear appropriate clothing suitable for a hiking adventure in a jungle. Pairs of trousers/pants and long-sleeved shirts are most appropriate for the activity. These can be complemented by a raincoat or rain jacket to protect you from getting wet in case it rains. This is because gorilla trekking occurs in tropical rainforests that are characterized by unpredictable weather patterns.

A wide-brimmed hat is very essential since this is a daytime excursion that exposes you to sunlight. The hat will ensure that your face, eyes, ears, and neck are shaded from direct sunlight. This is complemented by sun cream to avoid sunburn.

Between the two gorilla tracking destinations Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular compared to Mgahinga. This is because the former has about 450 mountain gorillas and 24 habituated gorilla families that can be located. On the other hand, Mgahinga National Park has only one habituated gorilla family. This makes it the least visited of the two thus offering more intimate gorilla tracking tours.

Gorilla permits should be secured in advance since acquiring one is quite competitive, especially if you are interested in a gorilla trekking tour during the peak season of June to September and December to February.

A gorilla permit is booked through a registered tour company. This can inform you about the best gorilla trekking sector and time. Additionally, a registered tour company ensures that you get the best tour packages that include transport, meals, accommodation, and tours among others. 

Engaging in the physically demanding gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda demands that you have a certain level of fitness. Be sure to disclose any cardiovascular issues to the ranger guides so that you can be assigned to a hiking group that suits your fitness level and pace.

Since gorilla trekking tours are significant tourist activities that support the conservation and protection of endangered mountain gorillas, ensure respecting the conservation efforts. Follow all the conservation guidelines and practices like not littering in the forests. In case you would like to use the toilet, ask the ranger guide to assist you dig a hole in the ground that you will cover after that.

Pre-trekking briefing sessions are very significant for any person going on gorilla trekking in Uganda. These are conducted at the starting point at the park offices in the morning before trekking the gorillas. During the session, the park authorities will educate you on the precautionary measures to take while locating and being in the presence of the mountain gorillas. Endeavor to pay close attention and also ask questions if needed.

Upon coming across the mountain gorilla family, maintain at least 7 meters from them to avoid them from feeling anxious about your presence. This is also important to prevent the spread of any contaminable disease from humans to the primates.

While gorilla tracking, avoid making noise that may disturb the gorillas or any wild animals residing in the forest. This might provoke them into a frenzy or simply disrupt them. Stay quiet or speak in a low pitch and avoid unnecessary movements to avoid gorillas from feeling uneasy.

When a mountain gorilla approaches you, ensure to stay calm while also avoiding direct eye contact with it. Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a threat by the mountain gorilla and may lead to defensive behavior.

Hire a local porter to carry your bag or any other gear you have while hiking in the dense forest. This is a direct support to the local communities as they receive some income from you. They are also experienced with the terrain and therefore can guide you to less challenging paths.

Since you have a high chance of having memorable moments while tracking gorillas in Uganda, ensure that your camera or smartphone is fully charged. You can also consider traveling with an extra battery to capture the endless beautiful moments that will last forever.

For stability and balance during the hike to locate mountain gorillas, you should have a hiking stick. This is because the adventure involves hiking on steep slopes, muddy trails, and crossing streams of water among others.

Gorilla tracking tours are limited to a maximum number of only eight individuals in a group to ensure that the chances of sighting the mountain gorillas are higher. This is because large numbers of people might scare off the primates. This measure also ensures the safety of mountain gorillas against contagious diseases from humans.

Best time for Gorilla trekking in Uganda

The best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking adventures is during the dry season. However, for those looking for less crowded and intimate gorilla tours, the wet season is ideal. The wet season is generally experienced during March to May and September to November. However, you should ensure that you are prepared to move on more muddy and slippery trails.