Gorilla Trekking Uganda Rwanda Guide
Subspecies:
-
Eastern Gorilla – Gorilla beringei beringei (Mountain Gorilla)
-
Eastern Gorilla – Gorilla beringei graueri (Grauer’s Gorilla)
Eastern Mountain Trekking Adventure: An Unforgettable Experience
Gorilla trekking is the quintessential tourism activity in Uganda and Rwanda, offering an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Notably, gorilla trekking is exclusively conducted in two National Parks in Uganda—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—as well as in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Permits: A Vital Requirement
To participate in this extraordinary adventure, it is imperative to secure a trekking permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Importantly, only eight visitors are permitted to visit each gorilla group per day. This strict protocol ensures minimal behavioural disturbance and helps mitigate the risk of human-borne diseases affecting the gorillas.
Booking Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Given the limited daily permits, we strongly recommend booking your gorilla trekking permits well in advance—ideally at least six months prior. By doing so, you can secure your preferred dates and improve your chances of tracking more accessible gorilla families. Ultimately, early booking guarantees a seamless, fulfilling, and well-organized Mountain Gorilla Trekking experience.
Supporting Conservation and Communities
Beyond the adventure, your participation plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. Funds generated from permit sales significantly contribute to the management of National Parks and the broader conservation areas. Moreover, a portion of the park entrance fees is allocated to support local communities living near the parks. Through these efforts, conservation initiatives are strengthened, and sustainable development is promoted within these regions.
Become a Vital Part of Gorilla Conservation
By adhering to established regulations and securing the necessary permits, you play an integral role in supporting mountain gorilla conservation efforts. Your participation not only enriches your personal experience but also helps safeguard the future of these remarkable creatures and their fragile habitats.
Guidelines for Responsible Mountain Gorilla Trekking
To ensure a safe and respectful experience for both visitors and gorillas, please observe the following guidelines:
1. Health Precautions
Visitors displaying symptoms of infectious diseases such as flu or diarrhoea are prohibited from entering the park. This measure prevents potential transmission of illnesses to gorillas.
2. Group Etiquette
Always maintain a tight group formation and avoid standing over the gorillas. Furthermore, refrain from surrounding them, as doing so may cause unnecessary stress.
3. Photography Protocol
When photographing gorillas, remember that camera flashes are strictly prohibited. Therefore, ensure your flash is disabled to avoid disturbing the animals.
4. Behaviour Near Gorillas
Refrain from smoking, drinking, or eating while in the presence of gorillas. These actions can increase the risk of disease transmission.
5. Hygiene Practices
If you need to sneeze or cough, avoid the gorillas, cover your mouth and nose, and practice proper hygiene. Simple steps like these are vital in protecting gorilla health.
6. Waste Management
Human waste must be buried at least 30cm deep, and all litter must be removed from the park for proper disposal. Responsible waste practices help preserve the park’s pristine environment.
7. Age Restrictions
Only individuals aged 15 years and above are permitted to track gorillas. This age policy ensures both visitor safety and gorilla welfare.
8. Noise Level
Avoid loud noises or sudden movements. If communication is necessary, whisper to maintain a calm environment.
9. Duration of Visit
The maximum time to spend with a gorilla group is strictly limited to one hour. By respecting this limit, you help minimise disruption to the gorillas’ natural behaviours.
10. Spitting Prohibition
Do not spit on vegetation or soil. Instead, use appropriate materials to maintain cleanliness throughout your visit.
11. Distance Maintenance
Always maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters (21 feet) from the gorillas. Keeping this distance reduces stress and safeguards their well-being.
12. Response to Charges
If a gorilla charges, remain calm and follow the guide’s instructions. Importantly, avoid direct eye contact and never attempt to run.
13. No Touching Policy
Touching gorillas is strictly forbidden. Remember, they are wild animals and must be treated with respect and caution.
14. Eye Contact
Avoid prolonged direct eye contact with gorillas. A sideways glance is recommended to avoid provoking a defensive reaction.
15. Post-Visit Behavior
After your encounter, keep voices low until you are at least 200 meters away from the gorillas. Maintaining this discipline ensures minimal disturbance to the animals as you depart.
Fascinating Fun Facts About Gorillas
Before setting out on your Mountain Gorilla Trekking adventure, here are some incredible facts to enhance your appreciation of these magnificent creatures:
-
Adult male gorillas typically stand between 1.65 to 1.75 meters tall and weigh between 140 to 200 kilograms. In contrast, adult females are about half the size of silverbacks, averaging 1.4 meters in height and weighing around 100 kilograms.
-
Gorillas possess a unique facial structure called Mandibular Prognathism, where the lower jaw projects forward.
-
Much like humans, almost all gorillas share the same blood type (B) and exhibit individual fingerprints, making each one unique.
Important Notes for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
As you prepare for your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, please take note of the following important guidelines:
1. Visitor Fitness
Visitors deemed unfit for trekking due to illness by the park’s warden-in-charge may receive a 50% refund of the tracking fee. However, this is subject to the current Wildlife Authority policy, and the decision is at the sole discretion of park authorities. Additionally, standard cancellation policies apply if illness occurs before traveling to the park.
2. Refund Policy
While gorilla permits are non-refundable under normal circumstances, visitors who trek the entire day without encountering gorillas are eligible for a 50% refund of the tracking fee, subject to the Wildlife Authority’s prevailing policy.
3. Gorilla Viewing Guarantee
Please note that a gorilla permit does not guarantee sightings. Although the chances are extremely high, nature can be unpredictable, and occasional no-sighting days can occur.
4. Chances of Seeing Gorillas
Fortunately, the likelihood of encountering gorillas during your trek remains exceptionally high—estimated at 98%. Thus, your chances of a successful and rewarding trek are excellent.
5. Mountain Gorilla Trekking Adventure Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age to participate in gorilla trekking is 15 years. This policy helps ensure the safety and welfare of both the visitors and the gorillas.
Mountain Gorilla Tracking Adventure Requirements – What to Pack
To enjoy a smooth and comfortable trekking experience in Uganda and Rwanda, be sure to pack the following essentials:
- Sturdy ankle-level boots: Comfort and grip are key, especially on slippery trails.
- Gloves: Protect your hands when navigating dense vegetation.
- A warm cardigan: Temperatures can drop, especially at higher elevations.
- Thick trousers and a long-sleeved top: Essential for protection against thorny bushes and insect bites.
- Raincoat: Weather conditions can change rapidly in the forest.
- Video filming equipment: Permitted inside the parks but restricted outside them.
- Waterproof container for cameras: Protect your electronics from unexpected showers.
- Binoculars: Optional, but helpful for spotting wildlife at a distance.
- Hat or baseball cap: Ideal for shielding your face from the sun.
- Insect repellent: Highly recommended to fend off mosquitoes and other insects.