The most popular safari activity in Uganda is mountain gorilla trekking. This pastime, which was introduced to the country over 20 years ago, has drawn a large number of visitors to the country throughout the years to witness these famous apes. Mountain gorilla trekking was founded to promote mountain gorilla conservation in the East African area, as gorillas are among the world’s most severely endangered mammals. Trekking activities were designed to provide people with access to gorillas and to help them understand the value of gorillas to humanity and the overall environment.
To suggest the notion hasn’t worked is to minimise the efforts of the many authorities who have made it a reality thus far. As of 2022, the several gorilla habitats in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo collectively house about 1500 individual gorillas, a significant increase from around 800 individuals ten years ago.
What exactly is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda entails visiting one of the country’s two mountain gorilla habitats, climbing the terrain, and finally encountering the gorillas in their habitat.
Where can you find mountain gorillas in Uganda?
Both mountain gorilla habitats in Uganda are located in southwestern Uganda. These environments include Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Bwindi National Park is home to three-quarters of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
When can you go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Mountain gorilla hiking is available in both habitats throughout the year in Uganda. However, the peak seasons for the activities occur during the dry seasons, which last from June to August and December to February.
How long does it take to go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda takes one day, which is the duration of the activity. It normally begins at 7 a.m. with a briefing, after which trekkers enter the jungle in search of gorillas. this hike takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the park you are trekking in.
After that, you spend an hour with the gorillas before descending the mountain to your next destination. The descent takes around 3 to 4 hours. The mountain gorilla safari, on the other hand, can last anywhere from two to four days, depending on where you enter the parks and your overall safari itinerary.
What are the rules for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda?
The rules for mountain gorilla trekking are the same all over the world, and they include, but are not limited to, not trekking while sick because you can spread your illness to the gorillas, keeping a 7-meter distance between you and the mountain gorillas while on a trek, not engaging in anything that can harm the mountain gorillas, not feeding the mountain gorillas, and not coughing or sneezing directly into the gorillas, among other things.
How much does it cost to go mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The cost of mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is just the cost of permits, which is $800 USD per permit per person. This permit provides or offers you the opportunity to hike mountain gorillas in either of the country’s two habitats.
