Uganda gorilla trekking safari in 2022; Gorilla trekking is an adventurous and the most famous activity that shouldn’t be missed during your safari in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in south western region. Gorilla trekking involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Apart from Uganda, gorilla trekking is also done in Volcanoes national park Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda
Bwindi impenetrable national park
Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda in Kanungu district on the edge of the Albertine rift valley. Bwindi impenetrable national park is famously known for harboring half of the world’s mountain gorillas which are found in four sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Mgahinga gorilla national park
Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district bordering with Virunga national park in Congo and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Mgahinga gorilla national park is a home of one habituated gorilla family which is available for trekking daily.
Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow. After the briefing, you will be allocated a habituated gorilla family to trek and a park guide who is well conversant with different gorilla trekking trails. Trekking of the mountain gorillas in Uganda takes about 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where they are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view different bird species, other primates, view plant and tree species among others. Once the mountain gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, grooming young ones, take photos and record the incredible moments.
Best time to go for Uganda gorilla trekking safari in 2022
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the gorilla destinations therefore access roads to the park and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to the wet/ rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
Cost of a Uganda gorilla trekking permit in 2022
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is a legal card that is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a habituated gorilla family in either Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs 700 USD per person for foreign non residents, 600 USD per person for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
How to book a Uganda gorilla trekking permit in 2022
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit in 2022 can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) by contacting the head offices in Kampala via email or telephone calls. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. When booking through a tour company, you will contact us with the dates and gorilla destination you wish to visit. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability on your desired dates and if the permits are available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permits. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of receipt as confirmation.
What to pack/ wear for your gorilla trekking safari in 2022
There are a number of items to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in 2022 including,
- Hiking boots to protect your ankles and also keep your feet dry
- Garden gloves to protect you from germs and stinging nettles.
- Long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm and protect you from stinging nettles.
- Waterproof rain jacket/ poncho to protect you from rainfall as Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mghainga gorilla national park are tropical rainforest which means that it can rain anytime of the day regardless of the season.
- Energy snacks like packed lunch from the lodge and drinking water to keep you hydrated during trekking
- Insect repellent to protect your body from biting insects such as tsetse flies, mosquitos among others.
- Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos during the one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
- Waterproof backpack to carry your trekking items like energy snacks, insect repellent, camera among others.
For more information about Uganda gorilla trekking safari in 2022, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website to book a gorilla trekking package in 2022.
