Preparing for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda- Top Things To Note
The infamous gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is a thrilling adventure enjoyed by many primate and wildlife lovers that travel to the Pearl of Africa. The adventure activity gives you chance to get to close the endangered giant gorillas in their natural habitat where you spend some time watching these incredible primates. Because they share about 98% DNA with humans, mountain gorillas have some features that look like humans’, for example, the feet and hands. You enjoy watching these gorillas giants while taking their infants, playing around the forest, feeding, and relaxing in their comfortable home.
A guided gorilla trekking safari in Uganda requires some bit of energy and special items to get around the forest of Bwindi or Mgahinga and all this requires preparation in advance. As you plan for your gorilla safari this season, here are the important things you need to know for perfect preparation so you can have a wonderful experience.
Uganda has two gorilla national parks- therefore know where to trek
Today, about 1,060 surviving gorillas are recorded to dwell in the Virunga massif and Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Uganda hosts more than half of this total population and they are found in two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. You can choose to trek in either of the parks depending on the kind of experience you wish to get. Bwindi is the prime trekking destination because it is reliable with more gorillas.
Ensure to have your gorilla permit before traveling
Whether you have chosen to see gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga, you must have a gorilla permit before the trek. The permit should be obtained before the trekking date. Produced and issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority, these permits are normally in very high demand and therefore need to be applied for early enough, at least three months before travel.
Choose a reliable tour operator for your gorilla safari
The list of tour operators doing wildlife and gorilla tours in Uganda is quite long but not all are reliable. You need to book your gorilla safari with a reputable tour operator and this can be well done by checking the following; membership of the company to local associations, the company website, and the company reviews online.
Prepare your body for the trek
Gorilla trekking involves hiking and scrambling through forests. You need some level of fitness since you will be using energy to get around the forest to look for the gorillas. It is therefore important to prepare your body for the adventure by doing physical exercises like jogging, downhill lunges, sit-ups and walking. If you can’t walk, arrange with your tour operator to be carried on a stretcher by porters at an extra cost.
What to pack for your gorilla tour
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in forests with dense vegetation, at a somewhat high altitude, and in a region where the weather is expected to change anytime. You are therefore advised to pack the following items;
- Lightweight rain coat
- Strong hiking shoes
- Long sleeved shirt or blouse
- Trousers
- Cap
- Gardening gloves
- Sunglasses
- Energy giving snacks
- Reusable water bottle
- Surgical mask
The rules of gorilla trekking
For conservation purposes f the endangered mountain gorillas, Uganda Wildlife Authority presents a number of rules that have to be observed by all visitors. Some of these include;
- Trekking is limited to people aged 15 years and above
- Everyone must wear a face mask
- Flash cameras are strictly prohibited
- Don’t litter in the park
- Anyone observed to be sick before starting the trek is not allowed to proceed for the adventure
Best time to go for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is regarded as a year-round activity. However, the best time to go for this adventure is during the dry season; June -September and December to February. These months of the year are known to have little or no rain, so the trails are dry and easily hiked through.
During the wet season (March – May and October – November), the area receives heavy rain which makes trails slippery and the hike strenuous.
For more information about gorilla trekking in Uganda, contact us at info@mumwesafariuganda.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to reserve your safari now and you won’t regret every dollar spent on your road trip.
