Are Gorilla Sightings Guaranteed in Uganda

Are gorilla sightings guaranteed? Mountain gorillas live only in the tropical rain-forests of Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo and viewing them involves hiking through the dense vegetation and steep slopes. Trekking to see these massive apes in the African jungles is without doubt a life changing experience.

Whether mountain gorilla sightings guaranteed in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo or not still remains one area of debate amongst many potential gorilla trekkers. Like any wildlife adventures, trekking to see mountain gorillas in the jungles comes with its own challenges.

But, what is interesting about our gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda is a fact that gorilla trekkers have over 99% viewing success rates. For over 14 years of offering unforgettable gorilla and wildlife experiences, our clients have had successful face to face encounters with the massive mountain gorillas in the wild regardless. This is regardless of whether it is a single gorilla.

Where to go to see mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Mountain gorillas live in only 4 National Parks in Africa, 2 of them are found in Uganda. The important mountain gorilla locations in Uganda include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A total of 5 gorilla trekking regions, 21 habituated gorilla families make Uganda one of the preferred gorilla safari destinations.

Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda begins from Ntebeko area in Mgahinga; Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). Gorilla trekking is a full day adventure or takes an hour or 6 hours and you will require at least 3-5 days or more to have the best of mountain gorilla encounter in Uganda.

Every gorilla trekking expedition guarantees gorilla trekkers a complete 1 hour to enjoy face to face encounter with mountain gorillas in the wild. The one-hour encounter includes an in-depth learning about daily behaviors of gorillas, taking photos, mating habits, copulation and more.

Actual gorilla trek

All Uganda gorilla treks begin with briefing about gorilla trekking rules and this is usually done by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). You depart the briefing for actual gorilla trekking after being allocated to a habituated gorilla group and every gorilla family is visited or trekked by a maximum of 8 tourists.

Before you vacate the lodge for briefing and actual visit to see mountain gorilla family, ensure that you have some few essentials. The essentials to have include waterproof daypack, valid gorilla permit, long sleeved shirt, gardening gloves, walking stick, insect repellents, camera free of flashlight, trousers, passport, waterproof hiking boots or shoes, bottled drinking water, plentiful of energy snacks, sweater and others.

Also, hire a porter (porters are available at the park) and offer essential service particularly carrying visitor luggage hence relieving you from heavy load. During gorilla trek, porters stay back a short distance from where visitors enjoy a magical encounter with mountain gorillas. Hiring in Uganda or Rwanda is pocket friendly, costing between USD15 and USD20 per porter per day.

While on a trek to see gorillas, all trekkers are encouraged to observe a distance of 8-10m and this must be done at all times. No rubbing your body on gorillas, cover the mouth when coughing or nose when sneezing;

Weather & Best Time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking

All Uganda gorilla trekking destinations are open to visitors at any time of the year. But, the dry season is known to offer the most favorable weather and climatic conditions ideal for mountain gorilla trekking. The important dry months of the year to consider when planning for gorilla safari include June, July, August, September, December, January and February.

The wet or rainy months; March, April, May, October, November are open for gorilla trekking but they are characterized by heavy rains. Average temperature rise in Uganda’s gorilla safari parks ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius during the day and evening/night 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.

Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are found in the Southwestern part of Uganda with an elevation range of 1160m to 2607m. In evening, these areas can be chilly and you will require a sweater.

Gorilla permits

To be allocated a gorilla permit, you should be 15 years and above. Each of Uganda permits for gorilla trekking costs USD700, in Rwanda gorilla permits cost 1500 per pax and Congo gorilla permits cost USD450. In Uganda, gorilla permits are easier to book via reliable ground tour operator like Maranatha Tours and Travel.