Mountain gorilla trekking expectation
Mountain gorilla trekking expectation, Gorilla trekking this is a most desired Eco-friendly activity that involves hiking through dense tropical rain forests to observe and watch gorillas interacting, playing, feeding themselves in their natural habitat .it involves walking on foot through steep hills, dense forest, and water streams searching for the gorilla families.
The pearl of Africa offers the best gorilla trekking experience these great creatures can be sighted to up close in different national parks namely Bwindi impenetrable National Park which is situated in the south western part of Uganda with in the districts of Kanungu, Rubanda, and Kisoro and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is nestled in Kisoro District in the southern western part of Uganda.
In Uganda our most tourism selling point are Mountain gorillas many people travel from different localities to engage in to the ultimate gorilla trekking experiences.
The gorilla trekking adventure always starts with briefing session at the park headquarters led by a well-trained knowledgeable tour guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) who ensures tourists with rules and guidance that govern the trekking experience
Afterwards tourists are divided in to small groups of maximums of eight people being led by the tour guide and armed ranger they fully immerse them self in to the tropical rain forest in search for the endangered mountain gorillas. The duration for gorilla trekking varies can take 1-6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking.
Tourists expect to pass through different trailheads once you find mountain gorillas 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.
Photography is allowed but always make sure you take photos without flashlight and maintain a safe distance by staying at least 7-10 meters (20-30) feet away from the gorillas.
During the trek tourists have high chances of encountering different primate species in their haven such as blue monkeys, white and black colobus monkey’s vervet monkeys, Lhoest monkeys, olive baboons
As well as sighting at different flora and fauna species such as sitatunga, warthogs, black fronted duikers, elephants, giant forest hog, bushbuck, honey badger, African civets, sided jackals, African Clawless otter, African golden cats among others.
The gorilla trekking experience grant’s chance to tourists to sight at some notable 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 unforgettable experience.
The essential items to bring and pack while going in for gorilla trekking experience
Tourists are reminded to always remember to carry these items for a well-organized trekking experience to avoid any disturbance
- Insect repellant such as Deet, Permethrin, Neem oils among others.
- A portable water roof bag to carry your personal items,
- sunscreen
- A portable camera and 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
The best time to go for Gorilla Trekking Experience
This ultimate adventure can be best done during the dry season of the year that happens in the month s of December to February and from June to August in the peak season allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in to unforgettable wilderness experience
However, it can be done in the rainy period in the low season that typically happens from June to September and from December to February during this time there are few numbers of tourists trekking this works good for clients who need privacy
Accommodation facilities near the national parks where gorilla trekking is done from.
Tourists can have their over night stay using the facilities near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and those at Mgahinga National Park as analyzed below.
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