Frequently Asked Questions About Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

1. What is Gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is an adventurous activity that involves hiking within the thick forests searching for Gorillas. This activity can take 2 to 7 hours depending on where the Gorilla Family you are looking for is located on that particular day. Mountain Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

2. What is a Gorilla trekking permit?

A gorilla trekking permit is a legal document that is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to a traveler that gives him or her permission to trek the mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park.

3. How much is a Gorilla permit in Uganda? And where can I get it?

A gorilla permit is 700 USD in Uganda and you can get it by booking directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or with the help of a trusted tour operator.

4. What is included in the Gorilla permit?

A Gorilla permit is inclusive of access to one of the four sectors of Bwindi impenetrable National park to track one gorilla family and spend 1 hour with the Gorillas once found. It is also inclusive of park entrance fees, a guide, and game rangers who will guide you along this trek.

5. What is the age limit for trekking mountain Gorillas?

The minimum age for tracking mountain Gorillas is 15 years. Children below the age of 15 are not permitted to visit Gorillas because they are easily distracted and might not follow the guidelines. Children also might not be mentally able to handle their emotions when they meet Gorillas and can cry, shout or run away which might cause the Gorillas to respond negatively. Also, the Gorilla trekking activity can be tedious sometimes taking up to 7hrs of hiking in hills and thick forests which children might not be able to sustain.

6. When should I book my gorilla permit?

It is advisable to book your permit at least 3 to 6 months before your travel date. This will help you avoid missing out on a permit because they are in high demand and can easily get sold out, especially during the peak season.

7. What is the best time to do Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi can be done all year round, although there are high and low seasons. The high seasons are in the months of January February June July August and December.

The low seasons are for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November

Most people prefer to travel in the dry months although it should be noted that it can rain anytime in Bwindi even in the dry seasons.

8. How long does Gorilla Trekking take?

Gorilla trekking can take 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of the Gorilla family you are assigned to visit on that particular day.  The Gorillas move within the forest in search of food and so they keep changing location.

9. What should I pack for Gorilla trekking?

In this activity, you expect to move through thick forests on a long hike. This shall require you to pack well-appropriate clothes for this activity. You will need long trousers, long-sleeved shirts or a t-shirt, good hiking boots, and a rain jacket. Remember to carry your camera so that you do not miss out on capturing the beautiful moment you will encounter.

10. What is Gorilla Habituation Experience?

Gorilla habituation is a process of gently introducing wild Mountain Gorillas to the sight and presence of humans for research, care, and conservation purposes. Here tourists are allowed to be part of this process by spending 4 hours with the Gorillas as they are being habituated.

11. How many people are allowed to visit a gorilla family?

A maximum of 8 people is allowed to visit one gorilla family per day.

12. What are the chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Bwindi?

The chances of seeing Gorillas in Bwindi are at 99% on a single gorilla trek. Uganda has recorded the highest number of habituated gorilla families that is 21 out of the 50 families in the forest are habituated thus putting the chances of meeting the Gorillas high.

13. Other activities besides Gorilla Trekking?

Well as Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in Bwindi impenetrable, there are other activities that tourists engage in during their visit to the park. Bwindi has other animal species like Elephants, Monkeys, chimpanzees, and over 300 bird species. Birding, nature walks, hiking, sightseeing, community walks, and Batwa community experience are some of the very interesting activities to participate in while in Bwindi.