Preparing for Gorilla Safari in Uganda?

After confirming your gorilla safari in Uganda, it is important to take the courtesy of knowing what is required to achieve a successful dreamlife safari in Uganda. Gorilla trekking experience is one of the great wanders of the world and it is everyone’s dream to meet the mountain gorillas that have been listed among the endangered primate apes. Mountain gorilla’s species are found in only three African countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and DR-Congo.

However, Uganda offers the most fascinating and unique gorilla safaris at an affordable rate to all tourists. Gorilla trekking activity is one of the major key activities that doesn’t not miss on the highlights of a Uganda safari. Uganda hosts two national parks that are famous homes to the endangered mountain gorillas which include, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park harbors almost half of the remaining mountain gorilla individuals in the world which is one of the reasons to it is ranked the best destination for gorilla trekking safaris in the world. It has about 19 habituated mountain gorilla families that have been made available for gorilla tourism whilst there are only two habituated gorilla families in Mgahinga gorilla national park. on this note the total of the habituated gorilla families in Uganda is about 21.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda can be combined with other wildlife activities that allows you a thrilling safari experience in the pearl of Africa. Such gorilla trips can be arranged by Mumwe safaris Uganda one of the leading safari experts in organizing extremely rewarding gorilla trips in both Uganda and Rwanda.

In this article, we offer you important tips when preparing for a gorilla safari in Uganda as follow;

Gorilla trekking permit

For any one to meet the mountain gorillas in their natural habituated in Uganda, you are required to purchase a gorilla trekking permit. A Uganda gorilla permit is a document or card issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) allowing you to participate in the Mountain gorilla trekking experience in either Bwindi forest or Mgahinga national park.  UWA charges 700 USD per person per single trek.

To acquire a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda, you can book with a tour operator or contact the UWA reservation team to assist you with the booking of your permit. But don’t call them in the afternoon hours since they are always busy attending to other clients in offices thus, they might not pick your call.  However, for a stress-free gorilla safari, we advise travelers to book with a professional and experienced local tour operator like Mumwe Safaris Uganda, that can help arrange the entire gorilla tour. we assist you book you a gorilla permit, organize transportation as well as arrange the suitable accommodation. 

What to pack for the gorilla safari in Uganda

Strong hiking boots

Gorilla trekking exercise in Uganda requires some level of hiking or trekking, therefore for easy movement, we advise travelers not to forget their hiking boots.

Strong waterproof rain jackets

It is important to note Bwindi forest and Mgahinga national park are dominated by tropical rainforests that are receive a lot of rainfall through out the year, therefore respective of whether dry season or rain season, rainfall is always is expected any time of the day. Packing a waterproof jacket helps you incase it rains while trekking.

Garden gloves

These are useful gears for protecting your hands during the trekking. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi strenuous but the experience is extremely strenuous, there are some points where you will need to hold yourself on tree branches just to support your hike on the steep and slippery areas of the park before you locate a gorilla family. Therefore, don’t forget your garden gloves to protect you from germs and thorny trees and bushes.

African Hat and Sun Glasses

The hat and sun glasses protect your head and eyes from direct strong sun rays during the dry season.

Long sleeved shirts/Tops and trousers

This protects your skin from the thorny bushes and trees during trekking. Both Women and men, we advise that you tack in your trouser in your gums which also protects you from wild insect bites. Also mind about the color of your clothing, these should be Kachi or grey trousers that blend with the natural environment rather than the bright colors that scare wildlife in the park. 

Cameras and extra batteries

Photography is one of the things that makes the safari memorable when you go back home, therefore ensure to charge your camera batteries or carry extra batteries to allow you take a lot of photography as you can in jungle forest with the mountain gorillas.

Enough water and energy giving snacks

Remember gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest can take about 30 minutes to eight hours of the day and this is one the reasons why the activity requires some level of physical fitness. The energy snacks and water act as supplement push to the success of your trek. You can as well request lunch boxes from accommodation lodge before you head out for the gorilla trekking experience since its hard to tell when will you be return at the lodge to have a meal. The water is important to quench off your thirsty since you are using a lot of energy to trek.

A pair of binoculars

Gorilla trekking experience allows you an insight to sight numerous colorful bird species found in the park, therefore, carry along your pair of Binocular to enjoy birding along the trekking adventure.

Hire a porter for your gorilla trek

Porters are local people that can be hired at extra fees from the surrounding local communities. These can be of help by assisting you carry your backpacker luggage or offer you a push when hiking becomes so tough while hiking. They earn by tip that you give them after the end of the trekking and this is another way, they do survive their life.

For more information and inquiry regarding preparation for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, simply contact our friendly and experienced travel consultants by sending an email on info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.