For most travelers, trekking the Gorillas ranks among one of the absolute highlights of a trip to Uganda, and the spine-tingling feeling that you get being so near to one of our closest relatives is hard to describe.
Mountain Gorillas are one of the world’s most endangered apes and it is estimated that there are about 1060 (approximately) left throughout the world. Almost half of these can be found in Uganda, as well as populations in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These great apes live in two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Of the two national parks, Bwindi is the most popular destination attracting visitors all year round. Bwindi is home to half the world’s surviving population Mountain Gorillas being part of an important scientific conservation programme. The Park is located in south western Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale Districts in an altitude range of 1,160m and 2,607m asl.
According to The Ugandan Wildlife Authority, there is a 95% chance that you will come across the Gorillas on your trek. Your journey will be an exhilarating one: cutting your way through dense jungle, thick bamboo, past local homesteads and up forested hills… Tracking times do vary and can be anything from a little as 30 minutes to 7 hours! But your efforts will be rewarded with your first sighting of the Gorillas, as these gentle giants shyly approach you and you come face-to-face with one of nature’s greatest animals.
Mountain gorillas are among our closest relatives, sharing approximately 98% of our DNA. Observing their behaviours offers a unique perspective on the profound connection between humans and these majestic primates.
Gorilla trekking plays a critical role in conservation. Revenue generated from permits and related tourism activities directly supports the protection of gorilla habitats, anti-poaching initiatives, and community development. For many, this is a significant way to preserve one of the world’s most endangered species while supporting the livelihoods of local communities that coexist with the gorillas.
It is essential to note that gorilla trekking requires physical and mental preparation. The treks can range from easy walks to challenging hikes, depending on the location of the gorilla families on the day of your visit. In the upcoming sections, we provide detailed insights on planning, preparation, and maximising your experience.
