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Gorilla Trekking Uganda
One of the most selling and most attractive tropical tourism activities on the African continent is gorilla trekking. Whenever you search about gorilla trekking, you are likely to have three countries on the fore front; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo. But before we go any further; what is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a hiking activity that rotates around a walk in a gorilla habitat to spot gorillas so that you may see, and also learn about how mountain gorillas spend their normal days interacting with each other, feeding, fight, mating and any other activity that might be part of their life.
Though today you may have a total assurance of seeing mountain gorillas on any given day; you are not assured of seeing them fighting, mating, breast feeding among some other uncommon activities. Instead you are likely you see them grooming, feeding and the babies playing around.
How much does it cost to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Tour operators often quote the gorilla trekking Uganda safari without flights. They usually quote for you accommodation, meals, Transport and park entrances. The park entrance fees which in this case are simply the gorilla trekking permits are a constant regardless of which class of trip or holiday you wish to have.
Therefore, when you look at the costing of a gorilla safari in Uganda, you might have to class accommodation and meals. These two can shot your gorilla trekking budget to even more than double what some people are likely to spend.
When it comes to transport, most of the people opt for road transport of about 9 hours from Entebbe international airport. To reduce on this journey, there are often two options; you either connect to Uganda through Rwanda or take another flight from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip. This would save you more than 5 hours.
However; due to the long distance, itinerary planners often place a few activities along the way to avoid simply driving straight to Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park.
With the above three determinants in perspective, you are likely to spend not less than US$1200 per person on only gorilla trekking considering accommodation for the night before gorilla trekking, gorilla trekking permit, meals, government taxes and ground transport.
Why is Gorilla trekking so expensive?
It is common knowledge that a gorilla permit in Uganda costs US$700 throughout the year. The cost of the permit contributes over 70% of the cost of your gorilla trip. Therefore the right question to ask would be why are gorilla permits so expensive?
There are mainly two reasons why gorilla permits are so expensive; there are only three countries that offer mountain gorilla trekking in the whole world. That is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo. Apparently; Democratic republic of Congo is not as stable as it two counter parts.
With Rwanda charging US$1500 for gorilla trekking, Uganda is left with no option by to charge a rate that may seem lower but still high for an average traveler.
Until other gorilla destinations like Gabon, Central African Republic and the others up their game in terms of the road network and accommodation, Uganda and Rwanda will continue to charge relatively high for gorilla trekking due to what seems like a monopoly zone in the market.
Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
Gorilla trekking is the most expensive holiday activity in Uganda. This raises a number of questions among those who plan to do the same activity in future; is gorilla trekking in Uganda worth the money.
The short answer to the above question would be yes. There are mainly three items that make gorilla trekking worth it; endangered mountain gorilla conservation, responsible tourism for the communities, and the trekking experience itself.
Through gorilla trekking, Uganda has seen the rise in the population of mountain gorillas to more than 500 in Uganda only. But this has been possible only by the contribution that comes in through gorilla trekking.
The Batwa people were some of the inhabitants of the forests where mountain gorillas are found. In the quest to preserve the mountain gorillas, some of them have had to relocate from the forests. But through gorilla trekking, a percentage of the money from the permits contributes to the well being of these people who are still oblivious to the modern way of life.
The trekking experience has never failed to yield satisfaction apart from among those who assume gorilla trekking is like a game drive or unfit to hike for more than 3 hours. But anyone that has physically prepared for this activity has not only enjoyed the trek but also the beauty of watching the mountain gorillas go about their daily business without minding anyone.
How much is a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?
You can never mention gorilla trekking in Uganda without mentioning the price for the permits. As of July 1st, each gorilla permit goes for US$700 throughout the year. This grants you park entrance, guide and rangers that walk along the team of trekkers with guns to protect you from any wild animals.
Is Gorilla trekking in Uganda safe?
Whenever safety is mentioned on trips, there are three things involved; safety during the activity, accommodation safety and safety before activity or during transfer to either Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park.
When we consider safety during the activity, it is often said that it safer to go gorilla trekking than to walk on any street of an East African city. During gorilla trekking, you walk along a team of armed rangers that ensure your security during the trip. It is also for the same reason that no kidnaps for ransom have happened during gorilla trekking.
Then; when we consider safety before the activity, you might have to think of safety during transport/ transfer to the Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park. This can either be through road transport or a flight to Kisoro airstrip. This two means of transport have proven to be safe pushing several tourists who have done gorilla trekking in Uganda to write excellent reviews about their experience.
Due to the long distance between the gorilla national parks and Entebbe international airport, gorilla trekking often has to take a minimum of two days. This also implies, you have to get a place to spend a night; in this sense, accommodation in and around the gorilla parks is also safe not only in terms of assurance from animal attacks in the night but also safe water, and the best meals.
In other words, transport, meals, accommodation and safety during gorilla trekking are always guaranteed if only you organize your trip with a tour operator who is well informed about the industry.
How difficult is Gorilla trekking?
The difficulty in gorilla trekking lies on two frontiers; the age restrictions and physical fitness required to do gorilla trekking in Uganda. The minimum age to gorilla trek is 16 years.
However, besides trekking; you can focus on only seeing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This way, even the lame have the opportunity to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It takes extra arrangements to organize gorilla trekking for people with disabilities since it involve choosing the right sector and paying the extra cost of porters who would carry through during the trekking on a stretcher seat.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Any Ugandan tour operator is likely to recommend June to September was the best time to visit Uganda because these are relatively dry months. But if you are considering low season offers on accommodation and transport, then you might have to consider April, May and November.
Besides the above, the best time to visit Uganda would be January and February. For the case of Kampala, there is lesser traffic in the month of January than in the other months of the year making it one of the best months to visit Uganda.
In regard to gorilla trekking, the best time to visit would obviously be outside the peak season. That is March, April, May, and November.
How to choose the best tour operator for your gorilla trekking in Uganda
There are several factors you might have to consider when choosing a tour operator such as their experience in gorilla trekking safaris, reviews and the quotes. However to choose the best gorilla trekking tour operator; we highly recommend choosing a company with a permanent address, and tax paying.
Booking your gorilla trekking safari with such a company guarantees safety for your money unlike opting for a company that may seem like they are offering a budget safari only to end up defrauded of your money.
To find out whether a company is tax paying, ask for their TIN number and permanent address. Very soon, Uganda tourism board will also be certifying all tour operators that meet the required standards. That might also be a good indicator for an authentic tour operator for gorilla trekking Uganda.
Whats the packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
- Hiking boots
During gorilla trekking, almost any time of shoe can work. Think about it, the porters do not need hiking shoes to carry your luggage during gorilla trekking. Regardless; hiking shoes are recommended because they will keep your feet dry regardless of the weather, and light enough for easy movement.
- Hand gloves
Gloves are recommended necessities to safe guard you against getting your hands dirty during your trek more so when you slide on slippery trails. However you should not be surprised to find people in your trekking group without gloves because they can be foregone.
In case you are wondering which type of gloves to carry; winter gloves and garden gloves can pass for the day.
- Long sleeved shirts and blouses
Long sleeved shirts are recommended to avoid the thorny bush scratches but still they can be foregone in case you have a long sleeved jacket on. If you are really going to be extra conscience in your trip, then Long sleeved shirts or blouses are not really a big deal.
- Rain jackets/Courts
The weather is often unpredictable in the gorilla parks; if there is anything we can highly recommend, is carrying a rain court to avoid your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda from being interrupted by a rainy day.
- Sun glasses and hats
Just like the rain jackets, the sun glasses are recommended on a sunny day though they can be fore gone. To some people, a hat may be highly recommended above the sun glasses.
- Long pants and stockings tacked into boots prevent bites by ground insects
We recommend tacking in your pants into the stocking to avoid insects climbing on you. However; you should not be surprised to find people not dressed in the way described above. After all it is a holiday; people often do as they please.
- Energy giving drink
In case you are not sure of your fitness. We recommend energy giving drinks to take you the long hike.
- Drinking water
One and a half liter of water would be enough for you during this long hike. It is recommended to carry a water bottle that is not disposal as a responsible tourist. However no one will stop you if you carry a disposal water bottle as long as you drop it in the right place.
