All about gorilla trekking in Uganda
All about gorilla trekking in Uganda, In Uganda the notably places of safety to the endangered mountain gorillas are Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park these parks are situated in the south western part of Uganda.
Many visitors pay a visit to these unique destinations to fully immerse themselves in the adventure that involves hiking through dense tropical rain forests to observe and watch gorillas interacting, playing, feeding themselves in their natural habitat.
Tourists to engage in to this once-life time experience should possess a valid gorilla trekking permit, obtained from any 
trusted tour operator or direct from the Uganda wildlife Authority offices. Located at Kamwokya in the central division of the city of Kampala at plot 7 Kira Road in between the Uganda Museum to the west and the British High Commission to the East.
These are the charges concerning gorilla trekking permits
- International tourists, pay US$ 800
- Foreign Residents pay US$500
- Individuals using other African Passport pay US$ 500
- East African Citizen pay US$ 80
- Tourists going in for gorilla habituation pay US$1500
The mentioned charges exclude individual wants, flight charges, tips, porters fare among others it includes the fee for tour guide, armed rangers, entrance fee on that particular day of trekking.
The gorilla trekking permit expires immediately that very day after trekking is done, tourists are reminded to be at the trekking point early to avoid any inconvenience.
When best to go for gorilla trekking experience
Gorilla trekking can be done throughout the whole year however the best time is during the during the dry season of the year that typically runs in the months of December to February and from June to September.
During the dry season the trail heads are drier and wildlife viewing is easier allowing tourists to fully immerse themselves in to unforgettable experience.
The rainy season always happen in the month of March to May and from October to November during this period rainfall is received in plenty. Tourists are advised to carry heavy clothes and the trail heads are slippery and muddy few clients are in for trekking so it is low season.
Below are rules and regulations that govern the gorilla trekking experience
- Avoid trekking when sick
Do not carry out gorilla trekking experience in case you are sick. please volunteer to stay behind in case the warden does not notice your disease because in case one gorilla get affected it can affect most of them to die hence reducing on their numbers in the forest
- Follow your guide’s lead
Follow guides instructions always during trekking. listen carefully to the guides words and follow his instructions
- . Obtain valid gorilla trekking permits
Always obtain your permits from an authorized authority for example the Uganda wildlife Authority offices and ensure they have clear dates for trekking to avoid disappointment on the last day of trekking.
- Avoid touching gorillas
Avoid touching the gorillas Resist the urge to come close and touch the gorillas. Human contact can transmit diseases easily and cause gorilla unnecessary stress.
- Maintain low voice
Always maintain a low voice stay calm in the forest avoid sudden movements and respect gorilla environment during trekking
- Avoid looking direct in the gorilla’s eyes.
Do not make direct eye touch with gorilla because they are shy creatures this makes them feel uncomfortable insecure and when disrupted they can charge aggressive at you to defend themselves, Against enemies
- Avoid the use of cameras with flashing lights
Do not make use of direct flash camera for photography during trekking because it scares them away
- Ensure you leave the environment clean.
Avoid leaving rubbish behind during trekking like the polythene bags empty bottles because they will make the gorilla environment dirty hence affecting them healthy wise
Ensure that you move in groups of 8 or less and maintain a distance of at least seven- ten feet away from the gorillas for easy monitoring and safety purpose
- Carry enough eatables and drinks.
Carry enough packed water and food during trekking because at times it is hard to find gorillas
- Avoid eating, smoking and drinking near gorillas.
12.Refrain from smoking, eating or drinking near gorillas as this may increase the risk of diseases transmission to avoid contaminating their habitant and follow the designated protocols for waste disposal during trekking.
what to expect on the day of trekking
All about gorilla trekking in Uganda, This stunning activity always begins with briefing session at the park headquarters conducted by an experienced tour guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) who equips tourists with the dos and don’ts concerning the adventure.
Then after the briefing session guests are divided in to small groups of maximum of eight people being led by the tour guide and armed ranger, they fully immerse them self in the forests the role of the armed ranger is to ensure protection in case of any emergency attack in the wilderness.
Expect to walk through the flourishing vegetation, passing through different trail heads in search for the gorillas. The duration for gorilla trekking varies it can take one to six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking.
once you find these darling admirable creatures you will spend one magical hour watching them feed, play, as well as seeing 
them interacting with each other. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so be sure to take photos for lasting memories. so, you are reminded to carry your camera with extra batteries and a pair of binoculars.
Visitors are advised to make sure they take photos without flashlight and maintain a safe distance by staying at least 7-10 meters (20-30) feet away from the gorillas.
Tourists are granted with the opportunity to sight at various primate species such as white and black colobus monkey’s, blue monkeys, Lhoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons to mention but a few.
Expect to see the lush flora and fauna species such as giant forest hog, African civets, sitatunga, bush back, black fronted duikers, honey badger, sided jackals, African golden cats, warthogs, elephants to mention but a few hence an amazing experience in the wilderness.
The gorilla trekking experience grant’s opportunity to guests to sight at some beautiful bird species namely blue turaco, Rwenzori batis, African green Broadbill, Handsome francolin, Shelleys crimson wing, purple breasted sunbirds, black kites, Grauer’s warbler and many more hence a memorable experience.
What to pack for gorilla trekking experience
Below are some of the item’s trekkers are advised to carry while going for gorilla trekking experience.
- Insect repellant such as Deet, Permethrin, Neem oils among others.
- A portable camera with extra batteries
- A portable water roof bag to carry your personal items,
- sunscreen
- A pair of binoculars
- Lavatory papers
- pack enough drinks and eatables
- Face Masks
- hiking gloves and pair of socks
- Waterproof sturdy hiking shoes
- Hat and sunglasses to avoid direct sunlight
- First aid box
- Clothes such as rain jacket, long pants, long sleeved blouse and t-shirt avoid wearing clothes with bright colors like orange pink they always scare away animals
- Walking trekking stick to mention but a few
Where travelers can stay and eat from
Tourists can stay at accommodation facilities near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and those at Mgahinga National Park as analyzed below.
Accommodation Facilities at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Exclusive
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Buhoma Lodge
- Bwindi Lodge
- Mahogany Springs
Upmarket
- Engagi Lodge
- Silverback Lodge
- Trackers Safari Lodge
Moderate
- Crested Crane Hotel Bwindi
- Gorilla Valley Lodge
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Forest Safari Lodge
Budget
- Bwindi Community Homestay
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Ruhondeza Lodge and Campsite
Facilities at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Upmarket
- Travelers Rest Hotel
Moderate
- Kisoro Tourist Hotel
Budget
- Supa’s Guesthouse
- Sawasawa Guest house
- Countryside Guesthouse
- Golden monkey Guest house
- Ban Hotel
- Virunga Hotel and campsite
Shoestring
- Heritage Guesthouse
- Mubano Guesthouse
- Ian Point Motel