Have you ever dreamed of witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat, immersed in the lives of a gorilla family? If gorilla trekking is on your bucket list, you’re not alone. While the experience comes with a considerable price tag, it is undoubtedly worthwhile. This unique adventure not only enriches your life but also contributes positively to the mountain gorilla population and the livelihoods of local communities living in proximity to them.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking

Uganda and Rwanda stand as the premier destinations for gorilla trekking. Situated in Central Africa, the habitat of these magnificent creatures spans these two nations along with the Democratic Republic of Congo. After careful consideration, I chose Uganda and could not have been more pleased with my decision. The country is abundant with wildlife across its numerous national parks, making it an ideal locale for those seeking to observe elephants, lions, and gorillas in their natural surroundings.

Best Time to Go

The optimal time for a visit is during the dry season or just before the onset of the rainy season. The park features dense forests, and trekking to the gorilla families can become quite treacherous when heavy rainfall occurs, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Fortunately, your guided expedition will include porters and trackers who ensure your safety throughout the journey.

What to Expect

Early in the morning, you will gather at the main headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a hub for gorilla trekking adventures. Here, various tour groups convene, with each trek typically limited to around eight participants. Your tour company will handle all logistics, including arrival times, packing essentials, and often providing a boxed lunch. The fees paid for the trip contribute directly to the Gorilla permit.

Following check-in, guests are treated to a performance by Ride for a Woman, a nonprofit organization providing empowerment to women who are widows, survivors of abuse, or living with HIV. This initiative fosters healing and income generation through the production and sale of handmade items, alongside the rental of bicycles to tourists.

The performance consists of vibrant dances and songs from local Ugandan tribes, creating a captivating atmosphere. Subsequent to the performance, trekkers receive a briefing about what to anticipate during their trek, alongside guidance from trackers and armed park rangers for safety against wildlife such as forest elephants.

While porters carry daypacks for those who require assistance, they are primarily invaluable for ensuring trekkers navigate safely across the rugged paths, providing support as needed. The main tracker explains this assistance as respectful, enhancing the trekking experience.

Within the vast forest reside multiple gorilla families, with some acclimated to human interactions while others remain more elusive. Each family has regular monitoring, enabling trackers to collect vital health data contributing to conservation efforts and the stabilization of these endangered species.

Depending on individual fitness levels, trekkers can choose to visit a family closer to the starting point or embark on a more challenging hike deeper into the forest. Regardless of your choice, the unique adventure awaiting is sure to be unforgettable.

An Unforgettable Journey

My trepidation of joining three couples, along with porters, a tracker, and two armed rangers, dissolved quickly, especially as we opted for the more arduous trek that rewarded us with glimpses of not just one, but two gorilla families.

The trek was demanding, characterized by elevation changes and high humidity, leaving me thoroughly drenched upon arrival at our intended family. Early on, other trackers had ventured out in search of the same family unit but instead located the largest group consisting of eighteen gorillas.

Hiking in the impenetrable forest presents a set of unique challenges. Proper attire is essential; ensure that your pants are tucked into your socks, wear good quality hiking shoes, and opt for long sleeves to protect against fire ants, mosquitoes, and other insects.

Upon approaching the first family, around halfway into our journey, we initially believed we had reached our destination. Observing the family from a distance took my breath away, but this was merely the prelude to the extraordinary encounter that awaited.

Upon arriving at the designated family, you hand off your backpack to the porters while taking only your camera. It is mandatory to wear a face mask to safeguard these wild mountain gorillas from human diseases during your visit. The trackers will then create a pathway through the dense vegetation, leading you directly into the heart of their morning feast.

Incredulously, I watched as a juvenile sat merely 10 feet away, enjoying leaves, while another gazed down from a nearby tree. The trackers delicately moved aside the foliage, allowing us an unobstructed view. The gorillas appeared indifferent, treating us as mere observers of their natural behavior.

As we circled around to observe the other members of the family, a magnificent silverback male ambled past us, entirely unconcerned with our presence. Throughout our hour-long visit among the gorillas, exclamations of awe and wonder persisted as we absorbed the remarkable reality that we were, indeed, amid a group of wild mountain gorillas.

Shock and delight coursed through our group as we witnessed several juveniles interacting with their mothers, including the impressive silverback. Remarkably, at times, the gorillas would shift to new areas, seamlessly traversing between our group members, including one mother and her baby who brushed against my leg as they passed.

The trackers advised us to remain calm and avoid direct eye contact, assuring us that the gorillas would navigate around us. They guided our movements as needed, ensuring our safety. It was remarkable to see how undisturbed the gorillas were by our presence, marking this experience as truly unforgettable.

Gorilla Doctors

As a wildlife veterinarian, I was particularly fascinated by the work of Gorilla Doctors, who actively monitor these incredible animals. My tour guide kindly introduced me to a staff member. Their approach primarily revolves around observational, non-invasive health assessments.

Where possible, they aim to diagnose issues without resorting to anesthesia. Through fecal analyses, they have uncovered that several parasites affecting gorillas can be traced back to humans and domestic livestock. This insight compels them to prioritize human and agricultural health, facilitating projects like livestock veterinary care, clean water initiatives, and human health programs.

The outcomes of these efforts have significantly enhanced the well-being of both the gorilla population in Uganda and the human communities living alongside them. Observing how they maintain the health of these animals while simultaneously benefiting neighboring villages was truly eye-opening.

Initiatives focused on ecotourism and gorilla health monitoring have contributed to population growth not only in Uganda but also in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Furthermore, these programs have transformed livelihoods for those previously reliant on poaching, offering opportunities for work as porters, as they educate the community about gorilla preservation.

Having conversed with a porter during my trek, his happiness despite limited resources spoke volumes. His love for the gorillas and the recognition of their significance resonated deeply. This profound experience, detailing the impact of gorillas on adjacent communities, is one that everyone should encounter.

Practical Information

To Enter Uganda

• You will need to apply for a tourist visa for the duration of your stay. There is a nominal fee for this service.
• Receiving a Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory, and you must present your yellow vaccination card upon arrival.
• Consider obtaining preventive medication for malaria. Consulting a travel clinic can assist in identifying your specific needs prior to departure.

Cost

My week’s experience, including meals, accommodations, permit costs, and visits to additional parks, totaled around $3,000 (not including flights).

Tour Companies

Numerous companies offer gorilla trekking experiences. I traveled with Acanela, unfortunately, I faced disappointment due to their lack of communication prior to and during the trip. Essential information concerning packing lists, entry requirements, and relevant contacts were not provided.

However, the in-country tour operator was exceptional. I highly recommend reaching out to Muky Tours and Safari, who can tailor your experience based on your interests.

The accommodations are all owned and operated by local community members, thereby supporting the local economy. Additionally, the guide consistently displayed generosity, providing water to the personnel overseeing park entrances, and even reaching out after our journey to ensure my return trip was smooth.

Moreover, he possessed an impressive depth of knowledge regarding the wildlife of Uganda, including various bird species and the diverse communities residing there.

What to Bring With You

• Passport/Tourist Visa Confirmation/Yellow Fever vaccination card
• Currency exchange options are available; US dollars are accepted, or you may convert money at the airport for Ugandan Shillings.
• Long sleeved shirts and long pants
• Quality hiking shoes (Salomon’s are recommended. Check out the Salomon Home Page for your perfect fit).
• Insect repellent
• Hiking poles if space permits.
• During the trek, carry ample water and a packed lunch.

Concluding Thoughts

Traveling to Uganda, specifically for gorilla trekking, ranks among the finest experiences of my life. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. The warmth of the people, their dedication to wildlife conservation, and the intricate cultural tapestry left a lasting impression.

For those considering a visit to Uganda, be sure to explore my Guide to Visiting Uganda.