The Uganda gorilla trekking from United States of America offers a perfect time to spend with man’s closest relatives. In the wild, you can track and see a habituated group of mountain gorillas in their wild authentic homes. With their DNA containing over 98% of ours witness their unique wild behaviors, which might differ from our own. Also notice that their physical appearance is quite distinct from ours.
Where to do Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda gorilla trekking from United States of America happens in 2 forested destinations. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its 459 mountain gorillas, which is almost a half of the global total. They have found a worthy place they can call shelter in this 331 square kilometer forest. Then, there is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a 33.9 square kilometer lush forested destination. This is found in the Virunga Conservation Area, a place known to shelter 604 mountain gorillas. Both destinations are found in southwest Uganda.
How to do Gorilla Trekking?
Your Uganda gorilla trekking from the United States of America is done every day from the trailhead. By 8:00 a.m. you must be already there waiting for a brief session conducted by the park rangers. This is so important because everything you need to know about you and the gorillas’ safety during a trek is told. Under the guidance of rangers, track habituated gorillas on foot in the forest.
A lot of clues are left behind by the gorillas to show their most recent movements. Find their food leftovers, footprints, broken branches, dung and nests. In a few minutes, or hours meet the mountain gorillas. While quiet, watch them for an hour. Afterwards, you can now leave them and head back to the trailhead. Here debriefing happens and a certificate is awarded to you. However, take notice of the entire gorilla trek: it takes 2-6 hours to complete.
When to do Gorilla Trekking?
A Uganda gorilla trekking from the United States of America safari is available throughout the year. Nevertheless, this is a type of activity best done when the weather conditions are quite dry and atmospheric temperatures cooler. These conditions are offered in the dry months of the year. Experience these from June to late September and from December to February.
Coming in these periods offers quite dry gorilla trails to ensure you avoid slipping during the trek. Also, clear views are guaranteed because the forest vegetation are less dense thus unable to fully cover the gorillas. But, a Uganda gorilla trekking from the United States of America tour can also be done in the wet season. This is a thriller gorilla trek because the season comes with heavy rainfall and relatively higher humidity.
This causes quite challenging adventures since you move on wet muddy gorilla trails, that slows down your movement. Also, views in the forest are less clear because the vegetation is denser than usual. A level of mystery is introduced by this, thus a fun time for some visitors. However, the crowds are less since this is the low season thus more intimate gorilla watching is offered. Also discounts on the gorilla treks, accommodation and transport exist.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking?
Uganda gorilla trekking from the United States of America costs only $800 per person. This amount ensures that you purchase a permit, that also covers the cost for entrance and guiding. You can book or purchase a permit from the United States from Uganda Wildlife Authority. However, they can only allow foreign nonresidents to do this through a licensed tour operator like us. We as a licensed operator advice that you get a permit in advance, preferably 3 months before your trek. In the peak season, you need to get the permit even earlier, like a year prior.
Make sure you are at least the age of 15 years, with a valid identity card. As soon as you communicate to us about your intention we shall check the availability of the permit with UWA. Once this is confirmed we give you the feedback, then wait for your initial or full payment. Upon receipt, your permit is bought and soft copy sent to you. The permit will be presented on the day of the trek.
Transportation for gorilla Trekking?
Travel by road or air while on a Uganda gorilla trekking from the United States of America safari. In our well-maintained safari car, transportation from Kampala to Bwindi covers 502 kilometers. Meanwhile, Mgahinga is only 499 kilometers away from Kampala. The air transportation option is mostly from Entebbe International Airport to any of Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips. Both domestic flights take 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is from the airstrips where you reach the parks by road transport. On the road, you take at most 2 hours.
What to come with?
Pack a number of valuable items and gear on your Uganda gorilla trekking from United States of America tour. During the planning stage, ensure that you have a daypack to store first aid kit, water bottle and lunch box. You need long-sleeved shirt, pair of trousers, wide-brimmed hat, light rain jacket, hiking gloves and warm sweater. Your legs and feet need hiking shoes/boots, socks, and gaiters. Never forget your gorilla permit, identity card, and immigration documents etc.
