The Ultimate Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda was an amazing experience! Nothing quite like making eye contact with something that visually looks so different but has 98% same DNA as you without barriers at a zoo. Gorillas are thriving at home in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are only about three countries in the world (Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo) that even have gorillas in the wild so you cannot do this just anywhere!
Congratulations on signing up for a gorilla trek, you are going to love it!
I am going to walk through everything you need to prepare: overview, difficulty, timing, outfitters, and packing. You can also see some of my favorite photos from the trip on my photography page or on Instagram, and additional posts: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Uganda.
Overview
My gorilla trek was part of this G Adventures tour that included Ugandaβs Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is split up into four sectors. Bwindi is home to several mountain gorilla families. Each gorilla family is visited by one tourist group per day. Each trekking tour group has a maximum of eight people.
The trek included a safety/welcome briefing, trekking pole, about two hours trekking to the gorillas, one hour with the family observing, and about three hours trekking back (stop for a lunch break). Rangers track the gorilla families – but this is wildlife – wildlife moves, especially since there are no cages in a national park. As a result, the start and end points can be different, this was the case for me. Most of the time, there was no trail – the park rangers used machetes to cut through and create a path. You are truly off the grid!
You will also have the option to hire a porter (USD $20 base rate) – do it! It was 100% worth it! Using a porter also supports the local community. Some porters end up becoming rangers.
Difficulty
I am an active person, but I was still worried about how physically demanding gorilla trekking would be. People train for other physical challenges – races, etc – so that is exactly what I did. I added hikes into my routine on the weekends. At the gym, I incorporated the ski machine and more uphills on treadmills and walking routes with my dogs. At Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, there were three options: easy, medium, hard. I was in an βmediumβ group but it ended up being significantly more difficult than I thought! I am so glad I did some training, it helps! Staying hydrated throughout the walk is important!
Timing
Timing can impact your trek as well. I went in July, and there was some mud and a few tricky areas (a porter is a big help for this). I would not go during the wet seasons because the mud and rain will make it worse, I have heard of and read about multiple instances of injuries from sliding and mud in the wet season. Dry season runs June-August and December- February.
Packing
Clothes
For clothes on the gorilla and chimpanzee trek, I wore lightweight water resistant hiking pants, and a lightweight full sleeve shirt. Lightweight and layers in natural colors are the way to go because it protects you against the elements and helps you stay comfortable throughout the day. Mornings are cooler but it warms up quickly. You are advised at multiple times by guides and park rangers to wear natural colors (earth tones – think tans and greens) to blend in with the jungle environment. I was surprised how some completely disregarded this – donβt be that traveler. π The rest of the trip (for other parts of Uganda and Rwanda), I wore a t- shirt and lightweight hiking pants (I brought a few pairs). I also wore long socks over my pants.
Last thing is a mask for the gorilla and chimpanzee trek, you should pack one to ensure optiminal comfort. If your guide should be able to help find to purchase, in case you forget.
Shoes
For trekking, I used waterproof hiking shoes. I packed sandals as well, because there were other regions of Uganda and Rwanda I visited. Some people brought hiking gaiters. I did not. Looking back, I was fine without it. Since I went during the dry season, the mud was minimal.
Bug spray
100% you need bug spray, I used Jungle Juice which you can find at REI or buy on Amazon. You likely took the Yellow Fever vaccine and malaria pills – so you should know there are mosquitoes and other bugs in Uganda. Donβt take chances with your health!
Sun protection
You should also pack sun protection in the forms of sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses for gorilla trekking.
Water/Food
You should consider protein/granola bars or some easy to pack snack in case youβre hungry. You take your packed lunch with you in your day pack to eat after the gorilla interaction (you cannot have food out during the one hour near the gorillas). I also brought my water bladder and used that in my day pack. It was very convenient and allowed me to stay hands free as much as possible.
Masks
Park rules require you to wear a face mask when you are in close proximity to the gorillas only (not the entire trek). Rangers will stop when you’re near the gorilla family and tell you to put the masks on. The Covid pandemic is over, so you might be wondering why…
This is for health, safety and conservationβ¦ because gorillas have ~98% same DNA as humans – and sickness could spread from one to the other. This is especially true for respiratory illnesses – like the common cold or Covid.
Tech
I kept my camera on my neck and phone in my zipper pocket. I kept the phone on airplane mode so I could use the camera and not have the battery drain.
