Gorilla Trekking

In the tropical rainforest of Uganda and Rwanda lives the rare Mountain Gorilla. Gorilla trekking can be a tiring activity though adventurous. This calls for physical fitness. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, there are different gorilla groups such as Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura and one Nkuringo in Kisoro. In Parc National des Volcans, North of Rwanda, there are about 300 mountain gorillas. There are four habituated gorilla families – Amahoro, “Group 13”, Sabinyo and Susa – each of the groups allows up to 8 participants per day. You can track gorillas, climb the Visoke volcano, track the golden monkeys or visit the Karisoke Research Centre, which Dian Fossey the famous grammatologist set up, or visit local villages.

Mountain Gorilla trekking
Mountain Gorilla trekking

All tours are available in up market, mid-range and Budget accommodation. There are also tailor-made safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, personalized to cater for your specific interests.  Family safaris are not really suitable for gorilla trekking safaris as a result of the minimum age requirement of 15 years old.

GORILLA SAFARIS IN UGANDA

Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Uganda – Points to Note :

Once you are physically fit for gorilla trekking your chances of seeing the gorillas are 97%.  Professional tour guides will accompany groups of trekkers but no porters are available to carry personal belongings.

  • People above 15 years are allowed to do the trek. 
  • Anyone with signs of infectious disease like cough or runny nose will not be banned from trekking until it cures.
  • While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of trekking, it cannot be a guarantee of sighting.However the chance of sighting is high – 97% or more.
  • Maximum time allowed with the gorillas is one hour at a minimum distance of 7 meters.
  • Flash cameras are not allowed during the activity and a fast film is therefore recommended (minimum 400-1600 ASA).
  • Personal DVD recorders are allowed.
  • Special arrangements need to be made for professional film makers, and filming permits are required for commercial photography and filming.
  • For prerequisite, we sturdily counsel a  lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, leather gardening-type gloves, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well worn footwear), long-sleeved shirt and trousers, cap or sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items.  Cameras and video cameras are allowed, but bring film and batteries from Kampala.

For more information about Gorilla tours, Please feel free to contact us through [email protected]