Gorilla trekking
Experience the thrill of encountering mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat, found only in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, making it the top destination for gorilla trekking.
The mountain gorilla, classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and the Virunga Mountains in three adjacent national parks: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC.
These apes are intelligent and friendly, living in social groups with distinct roles such as silverbacks as leaders, fully developed female gorillas as caretakers, and young gorillas playing and climbing in the trees. Trekking to see these gorillas can take anywhere from 1-9 hours, depending on their location, the terrain, and the weather. The tracking is done on foot through the lowland and montane forests of Bwindi and Virunga.
In Bwindi, there are 14 habituated mountain gorilla groups available for tourism, while in Rwanda there are 10. During the trek, you can observe the gorillas feeding on foliage, epiphytes, and fruits, and building nests in the trees.
There are strict rules in place to protect the gorillas and their habitat, including restricted visiting hours, no smoking or eating / drinking, and no flash photography or use of flashlights. Visitors are also required to maintain a distance of 5-7 meters from the gorillas at all times and keep noise levels low to minimize disruption to the gorillas’ daily routine. AA Safaris can help you obtain the necessary permits for your gorilla trekking experience.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla trekking itinerary
Day 1 and 2: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla trekking, Batwa community visit
On the first day of the tour, an AA Safaris guide will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast for the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic view of the green countryside and the beautiful hills that surround the area. You can also stop at any time to take photos.
After enjoying lunch in Mbarara, you will arrive at the park in the late afternoon and check in at your lodge. Here, you can relax and listen to the sounds of the birds and water flowing through the forest, depending on the accommodation you have chosen.
On the second day, it is recommended to have an early breakfast before being driven to the Bwindi park headquarters office for a briefing and registration with the rangers. The guides will then lead you on a trek to track the gorillas through the forest, pushing through the undergrowth and thick creepers. When the gorillas are sighted, you will be guided to within 6 meters of the apes and have the chance to sit and observe them for an hour, looking into their big eyes. These magnificent creatures can weigh over 250 kilograms and are powerful.
A reasonable level of fitness level and sturdy walking shoes are required for the trek, which can take anywhere from half an hour to 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. You can also request a walking stick to assist with the muddy and steep conditions of the terrain. After the trek, you can enjoy a packed lunch before visiting the Batwa community in the late afternoon. Here, you can listen to folk stories, learn about their traditions, purchase locally made arts and crafts, be taught how to make art pieces, and dance to folk music.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages
Day 3: Departure
After a hot morning meal, you will begin your transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kampala, stopping for lunch along the way. You may also choose to make a stop at Mbambire drum makers to purchase drums. Your tour guide will then continue the journey to Kampala.
- Meals included: No meals
- Accommodation: No accommodation