How to plan a gorilla tracking safari
Are you planning to visit gorillas in Africa, specifically in Uganda, and are looking for information on how to prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda? In this blog, we will explain in detail how to prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda, even if you are not physically fit or have knee, back, or other body problems. Gorilla trekking is made simple for individuals who are not fit, elderly, or unable to go up to see the gorillas. How to plan a gorilla tracking safari. There is no age limit for gorilla trekking in the Park, although there are solutions to enable the elderly to see the gorillas. You can choose to pay.
You can pay for a porter to help you carry your backpack and give you a hand while you go through the jungle. There is also a sedan chair that serves to transport the elderly to see the gorillas, which costs around $300 to $500 per person. We’ve had tourists in their 70s and 80s go trekking and see gorillas. Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss.
How can I prepare for a gorilla hike in Uganda?
If you are middle-aged yet reasonably inactive, you should prepare ahead of time by hiking around your house. If you reside in a forest, mountainous, or hilly environment, take advantage of the opportunity to move your body in preparation for your tour. Other activities to help you prepare for gorilla trekking include strolling, hiking, gentle jogging, and long-distance walking.
Regarding gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in the southern part of Uganda, bordering Congo. It is one of only two national parks in Uganda where you can trek and see the magnificent Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. It is home to more than half of the only remaining Mountain Gorillas in the wild, making it famous and the best place to trek the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Forest National Park is divided into sections/sectors where you can monitor gorillas: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo.
Bwindi Forest National Park includes several habituated gorilla families available for gorilla tracking. Each gorilla family contains a distinct gorilla individual. And each gorilla family is led and controlled by the dominant male gorilla, the Silverback. To embark on the hike, you must have a valid Gorilla permit for that day. Gorilla permits are limited in quantity per day, with only 8 individuals permitted to trek per gorilla family in Bwindi Forest National Park. Book your lifetime gorilla safari with Abunda Discoveries Uganda.
Important considerations when planning for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Book your gorilla permits in advance.
When planning a gorilla safari in Uganda, we recommend booking your permits at least one month in advance. Even while permits are often available, some dates still sell out, particularly for tourists traveling in large groups who sometimes buy in bulk. To avoid hassles, it is generally best to plan your travel ahead of time. Trekking mountain gorillas requires a gorilla permit.
Contact us here for additional information on how to reserve gorilla permits for tracking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in advance.
Book your accommodation in advance.
This is a key factor to consider when arranging a trip to see gorillas, to have a fantastic experience, and be comfortable throughout your safari. Book your hotel where you will stay while gorilla trekking ahead of time to prevent missing out on the best ones. How to plan a gorilla tracking safari
Booking your travel
You should consider traveling in 4×4 Land Cruisers, since this will provide you with greater comfort on the road. There is also an option of flying to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, which are both close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This would assist in cutting the long travel from Entebbe/Kampala, which is generally 8-9 hours, to only a 1-hour drive from Kihihi to your lodge.
What should you pack for gorilla trekking?
How can I prepare for a gorilla hike in Uganda? You might be wondering what to wear for your trek. Here’s a compiled list of things to pack:
- A long-armed sweatshirt, as the park gets cold.
- Two pairs of long trousers
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Depending on the weather, a hat and sunglasses are recommended; however, this is optional.
- Cameras and long-lasting batteries are essential for preserving memories through photography. Always remember to turn off our flashlight.
- A pair of binoculars. This will aid in observing the numerous birds and primates in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Additionally, gardening gloves will be useful for holding onto trees and branches during the hike.
- A raincoat; Because Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a rainforest, the rain is unpredictable, so bring a coat to stay safe.
- A mosquito repellent; because it is a forest, it has different deadly insects, so it is necessary to bring it along or wear it.
Best time for gorilla trekking.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is open for trekking all year, although it is crucial to remember that it is a tropical rainforest and can rain at any time. The ideal months to follow gorillas are June to August and December to February. Since they have the least rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, if you travel between March and May or November, when there is a larger likelihood of rain, you may be able to get a discount on your lodging from some lodges.
