Gorilla trekking is a lifetime adventure, offered only in the continent of Africa with Uganda being a premier destination hosting over 50% of total population of these magical apes. Uganda is a nation situated east of the continent of Africa. The mountain Gorillas – man’s closest relatives call tropical forests home and attract their relatives to the jungle all year round.
Uganda’s greatest “pull factor” as number one gorilla trekking destination, with large concentration of individual gorillas, better trekking alternatives, cool weather and security are factors justifiable for the large numbers of gorilla trekkers that flock this country year in year out, sometimes more than the available trekking permits. There are about 20 Gorilla groups tracked in Uganda with 8 permits given out for each gorilla family per day.
A gorilla trekking permit is a document issued to all those intending to track the gorillas in their natural habitat. This is compulsory, with a standard price tag and features such as the trekker’s / booking agent’s name, date of tracking, the trekking region and a seal.
Only those aged fifteen years and above, from any part of the world, able or disabled, old or young, with no transmissible illnesses are all eligible to visit. Permits are only used once and during the set trekking time; failure to appear for the tracking exercise as stated the permit will automatically become invalid, thus no refund or postponement.
There are three countries offering gorilla trekking permits, but demand for Ugandan permits is high if compared to other countries, despite the activity being done in two other different destinations. Rwanda offers luxury gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes national park in the northern part of the country. Rwanda trekking permits cost 1500 USD each. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one other destination with two gorilla species – the mountain Gorillas and lowland gorillas in Virunga national park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park respectively. Congo trekking permits cost 400usd each, making it the cheapest of all destinations.
There are about 160 trekking permits up for grabs in Uganda alone, home to over half of the mountain gorilla population in the world. Uganda’s trekking destinations are Bwindi impenetrable national park, the highest concentration of individual mountain gorillas in the chain with four sectors – Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. The other gorilla home is Mgahinga gorilla national park located at the foothills of the vast Virunga Chain Mountains, at the edge of western rift valley. It takes about 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala city (the oldest city in Uganda), 3-4 hours’ drive from Kigali – Rwanda and a 1-hour flight from either Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport.
Why are Ugandan Permits scarce?
Reason 1: expensive gorilla permit cost of Rwanda; so tourists prefer Uganda.
Though Rwanda is one of the famous Gorilla trekking destinations in the world, its high permit cost leaves most trekkers with no option but to get a cheaper and safer destination – Uganda. It’s everyone’s aim that after a trip, the bank is not broken. Uganda offers a wide range of trekking options at a pocket-friendly rate, favoring even budget travelers.
Talking of the cost, availability of cheaper accommodation and transportation offers also matter a lot. One can access Uganda trekking destinations from either Kigali – Rwanda taking 3-4 hours’ drive while from Kampala it takes 9-10 hours scenic drive.
Reason 2: The Good security of Uganda Vs. insecurity in D.R. Congo.
D.R. Congo would be one destination with the most gorilla trekking tourists because of its low trekking permit cost but because of frequent insecurity cases, Uganda is usually considered as an alternative. Every traveler’s first wish is to go for a trekking exercise, spot the apes and return safely.
To be among the lucky people to get gorilla trekking permit on time and with ease, it is advisable to book at least 3 months in advance. This can be done through a tour operator or from Uganda wildlife Authority headquarters in Kitante, Kampala city.
The best months of Gorilla trekking is June to October and December to March. Gorilla trekking is best done in the early hours of the day starting at 8:00 am with a pre-trekking briefing.
A Gorilla trekking trip is a massive one; bringing about endless stories and memories. Though the trekking permits are highly demanded and scarce, yours is there if you book well in advance.
