Gorilla Tracking: An Exciting Wildlife Adventure In Africa

By Author: Jazeera Suwani
Total Articles: 19
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Gorillas are Africa’s great apes who survive in what remains of their natural habitat! The natural environment and the gorillas' welfare are both well-preserved in Uganda's Bwindi National Park.

The most life-changing and intimate animal encounter in Africa is without a doubt spending time with gorillas in the wild.  A face-to-face encounter with these great apes in the gorilla parks of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo will give you soul-stirring memories. It will never fade from your mind!

Uganda's prime gorilla hiking season 

Uganda is a unique travel destination that can be visited all year-round year. It happens due to its proximity to the equator and adoptive climate. Trekkers prefer the dry season because it helps them discover more and go deep into the jungle. 

The wet months are mid-March to May and October to November. You can still see the gorillas in the rain, but you'll probably feel more comfortable when it's drier.

It means the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is June through September and January or February. If keeping to a tight budget is your top priority, traveling ...
... between March and May or October and November will enable you to do so.

Don't worry about the gorillas or their families.  The animals are still roaming free in the national parks, which are still open for business.

How to Obtain Visas and Permits 

No matter how you decide to go trekking, a visa is necessary to enter Uganda. You must have a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months after you arrive in Uganda. 

It is recommended to stay near the Sanctuary or the forest camps. They take care of arranging the permits and everything needed for gorilla trekking ( https://safariseekersafrica.com/travel/3-days-gorilla-trekking/ ) for you. It is really very helpful! Do you still fail to get a permit? It is highly recommended to book through a tour operator.

A vaccination certificate representing your yellow fever immunization is also required. Lastly, you’ll need your passport-size photo for further paperwork. Ultimately you will get the permit.

What to Expect

You have to start your journey early for Gorilla trekking. You should wait for everyone to arrive. Once you’ve gone through the jungle, you get to the gorilla family. Your guards and the guide will approach the gorillas. Your guide will give you one more briefing before you visit the gorillas!

The general locations of the different families are very known to guides! The guides monitor Gorillas very closely. They are in touch with them every day. They know where the different gorilla families are! You probably have a 99% chance of seeing them. It is very rare that travelers don’t find apes during a gorilla trekking expedition.

Since the gorillas are wild creatures, they might exhibit unpredictable behavior. Make sure to keep a safe distance at all times, let them control any interaction, and do not, by any means, touch them.

Staying close to such primates is so exciting. It is mesmerizing about being in close proximity to these creatures. Gorillas are some of our closest relatives in the wild. Spending and being with them in the wild is an honor.

Gorilla trekking was one of the most real, yet raw-wildlife experiences you ever have had in this universe. There is no cage in between you and the animals. There is no fenced-off park where you would expect to see the mount gorillas. They roam freely throughout the forest & accustomed to humans, 

Booking Your Trip

As mentioned, you can book directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority! But tour operators are also a great option because backpacking through Uganda can be tricky, especially for solo female travelers. Leading safari operators such as Safari Seekers provide fantastic experiences for travelers looking to experience this incredible part of the world. It is an amazing experience, and it should be booked quickly. There are limited spots for trekkers each day! If you know your dates, book ASAP!