How To Plan For A Gorilla Trekking Safari In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

We have put together the ultimate guide for how to plan for a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A Uganda gorilla trekking safari isn’t just a mere safari, most probably not a one-day tour but the best African safari. There’s a need for prior planning and this is why this article is here to give you all the tips

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known to be home to the biggest number of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas (more than 50%).  Mountain gorillas live in the African tropical rainforest. Bwindi impenetrable forest has an altitude of about 8000–13,000ft (1,500m-4000m above sea level).

The other mountain gorillas are found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The three countries are close and the gorillas are transboundary within what is known as the Virunga massif.

There are two options for a gorilla safari in Uganda, it can either be a one-hour gorilla trekking safari or a 4-hour gorilla habituation experience.

Prior Planning For A Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

To have a gorilla trekking experience, a tourist needs to book a Uganda gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi which costs $600 in Uganda. These permits are booked prior to the gorilla trekking activity, it’s advisable to book your permit at least 6 months before the actual safari.

Booking for gorilla trekking in Uganda is best done by a local Uganda tour operator. If there’s a personal plan to book the permit in Uganda a tourist can go to Uganda Wildlife Authority prior to the Uganda gorilla safari. Make sure to pick the permit before going trekking because it will be required before you go for the activity.

The height of the gorilla habitats should not scare away either the elderly or unfit tourists from enjoying gorilla trekking Uganda tours, since porters and trekking sticks can be hired from the start of the trek point.

Book your Uganda safari accommodation hotel or lodge prior to the safari. Safari accommodation caters to all tourist budgets ranging from Luxury/up-market, and mid-range to budget/basic accommodation.

What To Wear For A Gorilla Trekking Tours In Bwindi

Wear light neutral colored safari clothing long sleeve clothing from shirts to trousers is the best option for protection from thorns, insects, soldier ants, and anything that could affect your skin.

Carry a rain jacket for the altitude, remember you trekking in a tropical rainforest.

Wear leather or gardening gloves for hand protection. As you trek uphill, there could be a need to hold on stems, and to avoid the discomfort of nettles pricking your hands, the gloves help out.

A large brim hat for sun protection from the scorching sun and protection from anything that would fall from the branches.

A Guide To What To Wear For Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Extra clothing to pack for after gorilla trekking activities

Carry along casual clothing like long light trousers, shorts and short sleeve shirts for the men and a dress or jeans for ladies. In the evening you could decide to sit at the hotel fireplace or have time with other tourists.

Carry a light sweater, at the foothills of the mountain it’s cold.

For comfort after the trek, carry light casual shoes for the evening, 1 pair is enough.

Shoes To Carry For A Gorilla Trekking Safari

Waterproof quality lightweight hiking boots as well as a pair of gaiters or heavy stockings are recommendable. When trekking you can tuck your trousers into your socks to avoid anything from getting into your trousers.

Hiking boots give good ankle support, grip, stability, and balance as you trek up the forest.

When something is rare and you take time to encounter it then you join the few extraordinary travelers. Take time to meet the mountain gorillas and have an unexpected experience that you alone can tell us.