One hour. One deeply humbly experience and a non-refundable permit. Here’s how to make it count.
Nearly half of the world’s 1,063 remaining mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in south-western Uganda. For one regulated, pre-booked hour, you can be among them. Here is what you need to know before you go trekking with mountain gorillas in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking permit is essential
A gorilla trekking permit costs USD $800 per person, and should be booked well in advance. Permits sell out months ahead during peak season and the permit price is non-refundable. Treat it like your flight and tour bookings, not a tentative reservation.
– A gorilla trekking permit costs USD800 per person and is valid for one-time use only
– Book through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (ugandawildlife.org) or a registered operator such as Nkuringo Safaris
– Permits sell out months ahead during peak season and are non-refundable
– Want more time? The Gorilla Habituation Experience allows up to four hours in the field and costs USD1,500
The four sectors of gorilla habitat
Bwindi covers 321 square kilometres of ancient rainforest, divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Between them, 27 habituated gorilla families are roaming free in the areas which are open to visitors.
Each sector has its own character, with the terrain varying depending on where the gorillas are located.
Expect to spend anywhere between one and six hours trekking, plus the time spent with gorillas. Nkuringo is steep and deeply forested and hiking sticks are highly recommended.
What to take gorilla trekking
A comprehensive briefing is provided before embarking upon a trek which explains guidelines and safety aspects for both the gorillas and trekkers. Carry drinks and snacks in a backpack, and expect to be hiking for a number of hours.
– Rain jacket – Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, so expect that it will rain.
– Solid hiking boots with ankle support – the terrain descends steeply and you may not be walking on trails.
– Long-sleeved shirt – to protect against stinging nettles and thorny undergrowth.
– Gaiters – to keep ants out of your boots and socks
– Gloves – to protect hands against thorns
– Walking stick – to assist with the steep terrain
Porters are available to help during the trek
Hiring a porter is an optional extra and is highly recommended.
Porters – both male and female – come from local communities alongside Bwindi’s boundaries. These villages are enhanced by tourism income which translates directly into school fees, medical care, and improved livelihoods. The terrain descends steeply into the valley and most trekkers find a porter invaluable. Besides helping to make a direct economic contribution, it offers a chance to talk with someone who actually lives in the area and provides an insight into local people and their culture.
Guidelines for gorilla trekking
– A detailed briefing outlines what to expect from your gorilla trek
– Trackers leave early to locate the gorilla families, relaying position by radio back to guides. There is no mobile signal inside the park.
– Follow the directions of your guide, both for your own safety and the safety of the gorillas
– Once you reach the gorillas, the clock starts: one hour with the group.
– Maintain the ten-metre distance rule – gorillas share 98.4% of human DNA and disease transmission goes both ways.
– No flash photography.
– Wear a face mask – this is mandatory.
– If a gorilla charges, stand still, drop your gaze, and do not run.
The best time to see mountain gorillas
– Dry season offers the most reliable and drier conditions underfoot (June–September and December–February)
– Wet season means muddier trails, but better permit availability (March – May and October – November)
– The gorillas are in the park year-round.
What it costs to trek with mountain gorillas
Kampala’s Entebbe International Airport is the usual entry point into Uganda for air travellers. From there, you can transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road or by air. Book with a reputable local operator such as Nkuringo Safaris to ensure that all the logistics are taken care of.
International flights, Sydney – Entebbe return, varies, but expect to pay approx. AUD3,500
AeroLink, Entebbe – Kisoro return flight USD500 -700
Ground transfer, Kisoro – Nkuringo return USD300 – 400
Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, 3 nights full board (per person sharing) USD1,215 – 1,725
Gorilla trekking permit USD800
Uganda e-Visa (single entry) USD50
Additional items that you should budget for include travel insurance with adventure activity cover, yellow fever vaccination (mandatory requirement), anti-malarial medication which is available on prescription from your GP.
For more on Uganda, visit Explore Uganda and learn more on our Focus on Uganda feature.
The writer, Fiona Harper, travelled as a guest of the Uganda High Commission, Canberra and the Uganda Tourism Board. All images are credited to Fiona Harper
