It is not recommended to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda with children, especially those below the age of 15. This is because children are considered immature and incapable of taking gorilla trekking rules seriously. This might cause problems for either themselves or the endangered mountain gorillas. This is because mountain gorillas are fragile primates that can be affected by communicable diseases. They might become a nuisance and make a lot of noise while trekking. They may even stray away from the gorilla trails thus disturbing a lot of wildlife species in the forest and themselves in danger. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for setting the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
However, there are conditions for a person below the age of 15 to be allowed to go for a gorilla trekking tour. They should be in a stage where they have a few days or weeks to celebrate their 15th birthday. Regardless, they need to be guided by their parent or guardian while on the gorilla trekking tour. They should also prove that they have the physical fitness to do the trekking. Additionally, they should be free of any illness so that they can complete the trekking which is very physically demanding.
Where to Trek Gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern side of Uganda in the Albertine Graben. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park sits on a total land size of approximately 331 square kilometers. The park is a key ecosystem for the endangered mountain gorillas since it houses more than half of the global total with approximately 459 individuals. With around 24 habituated gorilla groups, trekking gorillas is a major activity here. Other activities to experience within this forested park include the Batwa trail, forest walks, birdwatching, etc.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda and also in the Albertine Graben. The total land area covered by Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is about 33.7 square kilometers. Since it is part of the wider Virunga Conservation Area, the individual gorillas are included among the 604 that are found in this area. This conservation area consists of parks like Virunga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park itself. There is only one habituated gorilla family available for trekking throughout the year. Other activities to be enjoyed in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park include golden monkey trekking, birdwatching, community visits, forest walks, hiking the volcanoes, and others.
When to Trek Gorillas in Uganda
Trekking gorillas in Uganda can be done throughout the year but you can choose to either do it in the dry season or the rainy season. The season depends on your budget or preference for crowds, trekking difficulties, or suitable weather conditions. The dry season is appropriate if you want to trek in relatively warmer and dry weather conditions. The season is experienced in December, January, February, June, July, and August. The gorilla trails are also drier and much more comfortable to walk through. The trekking adventure is also less likely to be interrupted by rain. This is because the possibility of rainfall is much smaller compared to the rainy season.
If you wish to trek gorillas with a much less crowded but much more challenging terrain to walk on, then the rainy season is the perfect choice. This season is experienced during March, April, May, October, and November. The heavy rains also water the forest thus making the vegetation dense and luxuriant. You can take better photographs when the vegetation offers a much more beautiful background to the gorilla family you have come to witness. You should be aware that rainfall may interrupt your adventure at any time. Nevertheless, enjoy the mystery of locating a habituated gorilla family in the forest during a rainy day.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Each gorilla permit per trek costs USD 800 for a foreign nonresident, USD 500 for the rest of Africa citizens, USD 700 for a foreign resident, and UGX 300,000 for an East African citizen. A gorilla permit can only be acquired from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a registered tour operator like Standard Safaris. Booking in advance is much better since the permits are limited per day and availability is not always guaranteed. This is because of the high demand by tourists from all over the world.
Packing List for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
- Lightweight clothing comprising of dull-colored trousers and shirts
- Strong but comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Raincoat or poncho
- Sweater and hand gloves
- Head socks and layered clothes in case atmospheric temperatures are so low
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, suncream) during a sunny day
- Insect repellent to protect you against insect bites, especially mosquitoes
- Camera or smartphone to take photos
- Binoculars
- Snacks or a picnic lunch in case you feel hungry while trekking
- Refillable drinking water to drink and remain hydrated while participating in the exhausting adventure
- First aid kit and personal medication
