The Experience Of Trekking Gorillas With Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

The experience of trekking the endangered Mountain gorillas in their natural habitats itself is rare and unforgettable but the opportunity to do it in the Company of a renowned primatologist, and conservationist is out-of-this-World and indescribable. Thanks to Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), A Ugandan-based not-for-profit Organization that champions health of mountain gorillas and other wildlife, the natural ecosystems and wellbeing/health of humans and their livestock within and around Protected Areas (especially Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), travelers can now get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to undertake a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi with Dr. Glady’s Kalema-Zikusoka.

For many travelers, just the opportunity to trek the gentle and endangered mountain gorillas in the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an experience that doesn’t easily come their way, but an exceptional trek with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka or any other CTPH staff is something to look forward to. With this unique experience, primate lovers get to experience the Giant Apes up close and personal in the company of one of the premier primatologists in the African Continent.

Unlike normal and usual gorilla treks (without Dr. Gladys), trekking the Giant Apes with her is more rewarding, informative and life-changing. Depending on how far the mountain gorilla nests (for the previous night) are from the family, there are high chances of visiting the nests and even collecting fecal samples that will later on be studied at the Gorilla Health and Community Conservation Center hence making it a perfect option for researchers and primate enthusiasts who wish to learn more about them. There is nothing heart-warming like standing just few meters (8) away from the habituated mountain gorilla family as they go about their grooming rituals, play routines, resting sessions, feeding/foraging time or even nursing their infants. The experience of trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi with Dr. Gladys is something that will forever stick to your mind.

How much does it cost to trek mountain gorillas with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka?

First, you will need to book your personal gorilla trekking permit (that will cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 per person if you are a foreign resident and Shs. 250,000 if you are an East African Community Resident). You will be need to pay an extra 1452 per group. This covers her (Dr. Gladys) gorilla tracking permit, accommodation within Buhoma sector and return flight ticket (Entebbe-Bwindi-Entebbe) by Aerolink.

This experience is worthwhile because she not only participates in gorilla trekking but will also spend time with travelers, provide presentation on her conservation journey and the Organization (Conservation Through Public Health-CTPH), the renowned Gorilla Conservation coffee and how it has changed the lives of communities living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as well as the endangered mountain gorillas at the Center. There is also an option of dining or having lunch with her. The Experience of trekking Mountain gorillas with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka is recommended for travelers visiting Buhoma sector but it doesn’t limit to only this sector. Even visitors in other sectors (Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo) can enjoy the experience but it will involve incurring extra costs for her accommodation.

Where to stay while enjoying the Gorilla Trekking experience with Dr. Gladys

Visitors can be accommodated and meals catered for at CTPH Camp (the only budget option at the edge of Bwindi). You get to learn about the Organization (whose proceeds go into protecting the Giant Apes and promoting health/livelihoods of surrounding local communities). However, you can choose to stay in any other Lodge within Buhoma sector such as Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Silverback Lodge, and many others.