Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is generally an amazing experience but it requires you to have some physical wellness. It is a distinct primate adventure unlike the unusual game drives or tour at a zoo. Trekking to see gorillas involves holidaymakers navigating through an elevation of between 2500 and 3000 meters.
During gorilla treks, tourists also hike through dense vegetation, steep slopes and the overall experience can be exhausting but so rewarding. A gorilla trek isn’t a mere walk but rather it is unpredictable adventure taking trekkers from 2 to 6 hours. While on gorilla trek, altitude and rain are some factors that one should also put into consideration.
Before considering traveling to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo, we advise all our visitors to be well-prepared. Be ready for the unpredictable weather conditions, challenging altitude among other factors. Although gorilla trekking is considered difficult, at least 98% of trekkers find themselves make a complete trek. Remarkably, some trekkers find gorilla trekking thrilling especially when they venture into lush rain-forest or unknown territory while on a search for gorillas.
While gorilla trek is regarded as difficult, on the other hand it is very interesting. There is opportunity not only to view mountain gorillas but also you get to sight some interesting birds, primates, other mammals and the beautiful sceneries from the different protected areas where gorilla trekking is conducted.
Gorilla Trekking Difficulty in Bwindi
Trekking to see gorillas in the wild is entirely an active adventure. The day gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park involves navigating through the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is a challenging adventure and requires some moderate level of fitness in order for you to have a complete trek with mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
Altitude of the Area
Trekking gorillas in Bwindi involves conquering altitudinal range of about 1160m to 2607. The highest peak of the park lies Ruhija sector and best referred to as Rwamunyonyi peak. Conquering the 2607m elevation to Rwamunyonyi is perfect for visitors on gorilla trekking tour in Ruhija sector, the Eastern gorilla sector in Bwindi National Park.
While trekking with gorillas, there is possibility of encountering steep slopes and perhaps muddy grounds. All these require some level of fitness level if you are to have a complete walk through the park to find a gorilla family allocated to you.
Bwindi National Park’s landscape is mountainous and has thick vegetation cover but with some stamina, you can be guaranteed of a successful trek. Considering the nature of this primate adventure, early preparation is key to acclimatize you with the high elevation.
How long does a trek to see gorillas take?
The length of gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo isn’t predictable like it is a case with game drive. In an estimate, the whole trek can take between 2 and 6 hours. This begins immediately you are done with briefing on gorilla trekking rules and after you have been allocated a gorilla group.
When you finally come across a gorilla family then you will have an hour with gorillas, take photos and have an in-depth learning about their behaviors. The longer you stay the higher chances you have to explore different habituated gorilla groups in Uganda, Rwanda or DRC. Uganda alone has 2 gorilla parks with 21 habituated gorilla families set for gorilla tourism. These are distributed within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rwanda and DRC comprise of 10 and 8 habituated mountain gorilla groups respectively.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s parks like it is in Volcanoes Park in Northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in DRC comes with its own difficulties. Trekking gorillas in Bwindi for instance involves navigating through streams, dense vegetation and rivers. The best for you to have unforgettable gorilla trekking experience is to ensure you adequately prepare for your gorilla trek.
Firstly, ensure you pack essential items including hand gloves, rain-jacket, waterproof hiking boots, sun glasses, insect repellents, hat, long-sleeved shirt, daypack, sweater, walking stick (walking sticks are available at the park headquarters). Others include first aid kit, bottle of mineral water, energy giving snacks. For trekkers who are elderly, there are sedan chairs for hire. Porters are available to carry such persons and even persons with disabilities. Generally, this may cost you US Dollars 500 and everyone who is not fit enough, it is advisable that you hire a porter to help in carrying the heavy luggage.
How you can enhance your fitness level for gorilla trekking?
It is possible for you to enhance your fitness level before the actual date of your gorilla trek. Firstly, do some exercises, walk around to ensure you familiarize yourself with the terrain so that you manage to tackle the terrain in Uganda or Rwanda on a gorilla trek.
How Prepared Should you Be?
Before you board a plane to Entebbe Airport to start your gorilla safari holiday in Uganda, first, make sure that you do some exercise to keep you fit. You can do sit-ups, hiking, and more. This should be done right from the day your tour operator informs you that your gorilla trip or gorilla permit has been booked.
Aside from getting fit, you also require essential gear only for you to have a successful gorilla trekking experience. Your gorilla trekking packing list/gear should comprise of waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, daypack, a camera, first aid kit, a sweater, long trousers, snacks, water, and others.
Who Should go to trek gorillas in Bwindi
15 years and above is the recommended minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park –Uganda and other gorilla safari destinations. Besides age, the interested visitors also need to be free of illness or sicknesses like colds, flu, chickenpox, and yellow fever –which you need to vaccinate against before the actual visit to Uganda to enjoy up close with a family of endangered mountain gorillas.
Hire a porter or sedan chairs
If your levels of fitness can’t allow you trek throughout, especially the elderly or persons with disabilities, there are options including hiring porters, sedan chairs and you can be carried to your gorilla family the park official assigns to you. Alternatively, you can request to visit a family that is not demanding.
When is the Best Time to visit
When you plan to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to trek gorillas also matters a lot. If it is your first time or in case you are a repeat visitor, the best time to experience the most of Bwindi gorilla trekking adventure is during the dry season; June, July, August, September and December, January to February.
The dry season is usually a period when there is limited or even no rain recorded leaving the park relatively drier. With these conditions, it becomes a bit easier trekking through the forest and steep slopes with no worries of muddy paths or slippery steep slopes. It is not a case with wet or rainy season which comes with heavy rainfall, dense vegetation, slippery steep slopes/terrains, and muddy ground.