Rules and Regulations of Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in Uganda show in detail the different guidelines to be followed during gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a popular activity that involves hiking through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to observe and interact with the endangered mountain gorillas.

Rules and regulations of gorilla trekking in Uganda

To ensure the safety of both the gorillas and tourists, there are several rules and guidelines that must be followed during gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Permits:

Gorilla trekking permits are required for all visitors and must be obtained in advance from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Only eight visitors are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day, and permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are advised to book their permits several months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Health:

Visitors who are sick or have any contagious diseases are not allowed to participate in gorilla trekking. This is to prevent the spread of diseases to the gorillas, who share 98% of their DNA with humans and are therefore susceptible to human illnesses.

Age Limit:

Visitors must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla trekking. This is to ensure that visitors have the physical ability to hike through the forest and observe the gorillas without causing any harm or disturbance.

Group Size:

Each group of visitors is accompanied by an experienced guide and a team of trackers. The maximum group size is eight visitors per gorilla family, and visitors are advised to stay together and follow their guide’s instructions at all times.

Distance:

Visitors must keep a distance of at least 7 meters (23 feet) from the gorillas at all times. This is to prevent any potential transmission of diseases from humans to the gorillas, as well as to minimize stress on the gorillas caused by human presence.

Behavior:

Visitors are advised to remain quiet and calm during their interaction with the gorillas. Flash photography is not allowed, and visitors should avoid making direct eye contact with the gorillas, as this can be seen as a sign of aggression.

Duration:

Gorilla trekking experiences typically last between 2-6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas and the difficulty of the hike. Visitors are advised to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate hiking gear for their trek.

How to get Gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable National park Uganda.

To obtain gorilla permits in Uganda, one must follow a few steps. Firstly, identify the dates you would like to go gorilla trekking and which park you would like to visit. Uganda has two parks where gorilla trekking is allowed; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Next, you will need to contact a tour operator or travel agent who will help you secure the permits. The tour operator will require information such as your full name, nationality, passport number, and preferred dates for the trek. It is essential to book in advance as permits are limited and can sell out quickly. After securing the permits, you will need to pay for them. The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 per person for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizens. Payments can be made through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) website or through a tour operator. On the day of the trek, arrive at the park headquarters early in the morning for briefing and allocation of guides. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you will have one hour to observe and take pictures before returning to the park headquarters.

The best time to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi

The best time to visit gorillas in Uganda is during Uganda’s two dry seasons, from December to February and from June to September. During these periods, the weather is generally mild and dry, making it easier to trek through the dense forests where the gorillas live. In addition to favorable weather conditions, visiting during the dry season also increases your chances of encountering gorillas. This is because they tend to stay closer to the ground during this time, feeding on new shoots and leaves that grow in abundance following the rains.It’s important to note that while visiting during the dry season offers several advantages, it’s also the busiest time of year for gorilla trekking in Uganda. As a result, permits can be harder to come by and prices may be higher than during other times of the year. If you’re looking for a quieter experience or hoping to save money on permits, visiting outside of peak season may be a better option. However, keep in mind that rainy season (March-May and October-November) can make trekking more challenging due to muddy trails and slippery conditions.

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National park

By Road; Depending on which sector you will choose to do your Gorilla safari, Bwindi can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which is approximately 8-9 hour’s drive. The northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma can be accessed through the Kabale-Kannungu route. The southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro High way. By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro airstrip to access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Buhoma and Ruhija however, can be accessed through Kihihi airstrip.  There are scheduled chartered flights available daily to these airstrips It is important to note that the rode transfer can turn out tiresome and too long for some travelers so Air transport is the best recommendation for accessing this park. In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Uganda is a unique and unforgettable experience that requires visitors to follow strict rules and guidelines to ensure the safety of both humans and gorillas. By obtaining permits in advance, maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas, and following their guide’s instructions, visitors can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these magnificent creatures while contributing to their conservation and protection.’