FAQs
A list of frequently asked questions.
If yours remained unanswered give us a call at +256772072909
When should I track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year round. However some tourists are affected by summer and winter, Coincidentally during the times of winter, many tourists travel to Africa and this is the time where you will find a high demand of gorilla permits.
Also note thet while mountain gorillas can be trekked throughout the whole year, it is more pronounced during the drier months of June, July, August and early September then December up to February since these are the dry months and thus most preferred for gorilla trekking.
When should I book my Gorilla Tour?
Gorilla permits sell out fast and during the peak months, your booking can be easily turned down since there is sometimes no availability of gorilla permits. Therefore you should make booking well in advance so that the gorilla permits should be purchased at least 3-6 months in advance to shortage most especially during the high season. The date you wish to travel should known by the tour company you wish to travel with. Booking your gorilla permit early also gives you an upperhand to choose the best sector for your gorilla trek.
What is gorilla habituation experience?
The Gorilla habituation experience is an activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National park where tourists are allowed to stay four hours with mountain Gorillas after paying USD 1500,00 for a gorilla habituation permit. The Gorilla habituation safaris are currently taking place only in Rushaga located in southern part of Bwindi Forest. This activity needs an early booking since there are only 4 travelers who can undertake this activity a day.
What's the climate like?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are located in the tropics. However the forests can be moist most especially in the morning.
Also note that given the high altitude, the areas can be cold. You should therefore carry the right clothing to keep you warm during your trip.
Where will we stay?
We have a collection of the best safari lodges where you can stay during a gorilla trek in Uganda. From budget lodging to luxury safari lodges, we have compiled the best comfortable accommodation that we include in our itineraries. We continuously pay attention to the reviews of the lodges from our clients so that we can maintain a good network of lodges we use on our trips.
Are Your Trips all Inclusive?
Yes, all our trips are Fully Inclusive Tours (FITS). The price given to you will include all the items that make the trip all inclusive i.e accommodation, transportation and all activities mentioned in the itinerary.
Gorilla Trekking is one of the top highlights for visitors to Uganda and Rwanda but many questions linger in the minds of travellers about this extraordinary gorilla safari adventure. We therefore bring you some of the frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking and their answers to make it easier and more exciting to book your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of meeting face to face with the Giant Apes in their natural environment.
What is the process of gorilla trekking?
The Process of gorilla trekking can be understood by the act of searching for endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environments. These environments are mountainous and lowland as well as heavily forested. This process applies to all the four sub-species of gorillas-Western lowland, Eastern lowland, Cross River and Mountain gorillas. The search for these Giant Apes in their natural habitat takes several hours and is common in five places-Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga National Parks of Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda as well as Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks of Uganda.
Which country offers the best gorilla trekking experiences?
Another frequently asked question about visitors concerns what country offers the best gorilla trekking experiences and the answer lies in the hands of potential trekkers. First, three countries in Africa (DRC, Rwanda and Uganda) offer organized gorilla trekking safaris and each of them has a competitive advantage over the others. Uganda offers the highest number of gorilla families and permits, provides more activities to travellers. Rwanda is the most expensive of the three countries but is the most accessible (just three hours’ drive from the Capital) and is usually considered the gentlest to hike. The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the cheapest option and trekking in seclusion but is taunted by its prevailing security concerns.
What is Gorilla Habituation?
There is no exact definition of Gorilla Habituation but is simply the process of training mountain gorillas to get them used to the presence of visitors. This training process is done for all gorilla groups before they are open for trekking but in Bwindi National Park, travellers are provided the option of joining researchers and Park rangers undertaking this training process. This guarantees more time (four hours) instead of one hour provided during standard gorilla treks for a reasonable fee ($1500 per person for permits).
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly challenging as it involves hiking through steep slopes, rugged terrains and dense vegetation/forests for several hours. Just imagine how challenging it can be to hike to an area of 2500 to 4000 meters above sea level and therefore the minimum age limit is 15 years, participants are required to be physically fit and of good health. Altitude sicknesses should be expected and so should insects as well as other unpleasant vegetation. However, even the elderly and disabled visitors are offered the chance to trek mountain gorillas through the provision of Sedan chairs at an extra cost.
Are mountain gorillas dangerous or aggressive?
Mountain gorillas are one of the most peaceful and gentlest wild animals but like any other wild animals, these creatures are prone to being irritated or becoming aggressive. To avoid angering them, visitors are therefore advised to follow set rules and regulations that include maintaining the 7-meter distance from the Giant Apes, not making noise while observing, avoiding the use of flash cameras and avoiding direct eye contact among others.
When is the ideal time of the year to go gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking tours are undertaken throughout the year but the most ideal time of the year to undertake these tours is the dry season from December to February and June to August. This time of the year is considered the most ideal because forest trails and Park roads are drier thus easier accessibility as well as walking through the forest. However, there is no 100% guarantee that downpours will not be experienced because these forests sheltering gorillas experience Equatorial climate. Besides, the wet season-March to May and October to November also offers wonderful gorilla trekking opportunities that include shorter treks and clearer skies for best photography.
How much do gorilla permits cost and how can they be booked?
Gorilla trekking permits prices vary according to country and go for $400 per person for Democratic Republic of Congo, $700 for Uganda and $1500 per person for Rwanda. These permit prices include Park entrance fees, one hour with the mountain gorillas if found and Ranger guide. They are on high demand and therefore 3-6 months are recommended for booking them to avoid last-minute disappointments. Bookings can be made via the issuing body (ICCN for Congo, RDB for Rwanda and UWA for Uganda) or via a tour operator.
What is the recommended dress code for gorilla trekking adventures?
The recommended gorilla trekking dress code is long sleeved shirt/blouse, long and comfortable safari pants, long cotton socks for tucking-in pants to prevent insects from entering into pants, gardening gloves, sunglasses and hat for sun protection, strong waterproof hiking boots, warm sweater, backpack for storing camera, binoculars, snacks, drinking water and insect repellant), to mention but a few.
What is the age limit to go gorilla trekking?
The age limit to go gorilla trekking is 15 years and this is done because young children are unpredictable and might not be able to contain themselves when the gorilla charges. The physically demands of gorilla trekking cannot be achieved by young children hence likely to slow gorilla treks.
What guidelines should be followed during gorilla trekking?
Some of the essential gorilla trekking guidelines to be followed include;
- Keep voices low to avoid startling gorillas and other residents of the forest.
- Leave the Park free from rubbish to avoid spreading diseases.
- Avoid direct eye contact with the mountain gorillas.
- Keep a distance of 7 meters when observing and photographing the Giant Apes.
- Never leave your group at any point.
- Sick travellers are cautioned against trekking gorillas.
- One hour is the maximum time provided for viewing and gorilla photography.
- A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to trek a habituated gorilla group each day.