How likely am I to see gorillas? This is a question that arises most of the time during the gorilla safari planning stage. Your chances of seeing gorillas on a guided gorilla trekking experience are 99%. This is especially so in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Not encountering the gorillas is highly unlikely because in both Uganda and Rwanda, an advance team of trackers is sent to locate the habituated gorilla families, which travelers are allocated soon after their briefing. You are thus guaranteed to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
Your chances of seeing the gorillas are also high because of the significantly high population of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which hosts more than half the world population of mountain gorillas in the world.
Why are chances of seeing gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda High?
As mentioned above, one of the main reasons why chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda are high is because of the population of mountain gorillas in these rainforests, which are well habituated to accommodate human interaction. Given the complete habituation process, the gorillas do not shy away from humans once heard or encountered.
Both Uganda and Rwanda have highly invested in the conservation, protection, and habituation of these gorillas.
Both countries have also invested heavily in training and equipping trackers and ranger guides. These are in charge of locating the gorillas in the wilderness and are the same people who accompany you whilst gorilla trekking in Uganda and/or Rwanda. So yes, they will take you to where the gorillas are, and you are thus 99% sure to see the gorillas.
Even if you are not very physically fit and are slow trekking, this does not reduce your chances of seeing the gorillas. This is because the speed of the slowest member is the pace that is followed during gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The trekkers and guides shall be with you during your slow trek till you meet the gorillas.
Hiring porters and sedan chairs for travelers that ease your trek is another way to increase your chances of seeing the gorillas. Porters help you with a pull or push during trekking, as well as carrying you or even your bag so you can easily trek the terrain. The sedan chairs are available for travelers with limited mobility or who are older than 70 years to successfully trek all the way through. All these increase your chances of seeing gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking is an activity that has travelers escorted, bringing them up close with the gorillas. Even if encountering the gorillas cannot be guaranteed, the success rate is very high, at 99%, because the experience is well organized.
While other wildlife is a chance encounter in the wilderness, you are quite sure of seeing the gorillas. This is because the gorillas stay in particular areas of the mountain with limited movement over the parks, due to their bulky bodies.
To see the gorillas, you need to purchase gorilla trekking permits. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and in Rwanda from the Rwanda Development Board in Rwanda. A group of 8 persons per gorilla family trek per day. This makes gorilla trekking permits limited, especially during the peak season of travel. Booking well in advance to secure yours is highly advised.
What is included in the Gorilla Permit Cost?
The gorilla permit cost or price is $800 in Uganda for trekking, and is $1,500 in Rwanda. This price of a gorilla permit includes ranger guide fees, gorilla medication, gorilla habituation support, and local community support. While you’re enjoying gorilla trekking, know that you are supporting a great deal in the conservation and protection of the gorillas and the host communities.
Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the highest gorilla population in the wild. The park has more than half the remaining world population of mountain gorillas. The flora and fauna, bird species, and definitely gorillas make it one of the best and most sought after Uganda safari destinations.
There are more than 20 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, distributed across the four sectors of the park, which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors. Other primates to look out for include chimpanzees, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and red ailed monkey.
Over 350 birds inhabit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including seven listed under the IUCN Red List. A gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is quite rewarding, offering so much more than the gorillas.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second place in Uganda where gorillas inhabit a natural habitat. This small park covers only about 33.7 square kilometers and hosts a considerable population of mountain gorillas. Mgahinga is not as much visited as the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because of this, its vegetation is still quite virgin. Apart from gorilla trekking, you can enjoy golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga, as well as hiking any of the park’s volcanic mountains, rewarding you with amazing views!
Volcanoes National Park
This park is in the northwestern part of Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is the only park in Rwanda that hosts the endangered mountain gorillas. Travelers after luxury gorilla trekking safaris do opt to visit Rwanda. Apart from the gorilla permit being higher at $1,500, the park has some of the most beautiful luxury safari lodges.
Apart from gorilla trekking, one can enjoy birding to look for the over 300 birds in the park, including a couple of them on the IUCN Red List, and volcano climbing.
When Is the Best Time to Book Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda?
The best time to book gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda is in the months of June to September and December to February, when it is the dry season. This is because the paths are more passable and less muddy. Nonetheless, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is open all year round.
The dry season is the peak season of travel as well. If you want to travel then, booking your gorilla safari well in advance, even 6-12 months prior, is highly recommended so that you can secure your gorilla permits and preferred accommodation.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
For a successful gorilla trekking experience, and to increase your chances of witnessing the up-close encounter, packing right is important. Below are the different items to pack for your gorilla trekking safari.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, in safari-friendly colors of khaki, tan, and those that do not easily collect dirt.
- Comfortable socks that you can tuck into your trousers to keep insects away
- Comfortable safari boots with a grip
- Waterproof backpack to carry your valuables, including passports and gadgets.
- Poncho or rain jacket to wear in case it rains whilst still gorilla trekking
- Camera with enough battery and storage
- Insect repellent
- Garden gloves to protect your hands in case you hold on to prickly plants.
- Energy giving snacks
In conclusion, gorilla trekking is one of the most amazing activities, and the likelihood of you seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat is really high, at 99%. Rest assured, you shall see these gentle giants on your gorilla safari in Uganda and/or Rwanda. Get in touch with us to plan and book your ultimate gorilla safari.
Experienced webmaster and copywriter with 16 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. Jerome possess excellent knowledge about gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and accommodations across major destinations in East Africa.
