Mountain Gorillas FAQs | Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Mountain Gorillas FAQs | Uganda Gorilla Trekking: Generally, Uganda has two places where these mountain gorillas may be seen. Firstly; Mgahinga Gorilla, stunning park and component of the virunga. It is also a chain of towering volcanoes that extend into Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Lastly, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park famous for the highest concentration of gorillas in the world.

Why Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is among the most visited national parks in the country. This park is popularly known as home of mountain gorillas which are among the endangered species in the world today. Records show that thousands and thousands of tourists travel from all the parts of the world specifically to come and see these endangered gorillas.

This is basically during the Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours and besides gorillas, there is a great diversity of other wildlife. The park is located in south western Uganda and is divided into four regions. These include; Buhoma in the North, Ruhija in the East, Rushaga in the south and Nkuringo in the west. If you are to trek gorillas in Bwindi, then you need to mind about a specific region where you are going. Otherwise, this will affect the lodge to be booked, gorilla permit as well as your transport. Therefore, to avoid inconveniences, contact Great Nest Image Safaris for details about Bwindi gorilla treks and holidays.

How close are gorillas related to man?

Gorilla’s hands and feet resemble the human ones more than those of other Apes. They spend more time on the ground than other Apes; hence their feet are more suited of walking. The genetic material of Apes is identical to that of humans to a very large degree. Differences are especially small in nuclear DNA.1.2% between humans and chimpanzees, 1.6% between humans and gorillas.

How often do mountain gorillas give birth?

Female gorillas are sexually mature at around 7 to 8 years of age. However, they don’t usually reproduce until they are 10 years old. Males mature later than females and are strong and dominate enough to reproduce before 15 to 20 years of age.

How big are the giant apes?

Gorillas are the largest species of primates and the males are often twice as big as the females. The males grow to around five and a half feet tall and weigh around 400 pounds. On the other hand, the females grow to (4.5) feet tall and around 200 pounds. These animals have long arms, even longer than their legs and they use their long arms to walk. Thereby using the knuckles on their hands to walk on all fours. They are mostly covered with brown hair, however, from different areas may have different colored hair. The western gorilla has the darkest while the western low land gorilla has the grayish color and red colored forehead. When the male gorillas get old, their hair turns white on their back and those are called Silver backs.

Fun facts about gorillas

Gorillas have hands and feet like humans including opposable thumbs and big toes.
Some gorillas in captivity have learned to use sign language to communicate with humans.
Generally, gorillas live in small groups called troops or bands.
Surprisingly, gorillas live around 35 years.
They basically sleep in nests.

What do they eat?

Gorillas are herbivores and they feed on plants i.e. leaves, steam pith, fruits as well as bamboo.

What is gorilla trekking?

This is an activity whereby tourists go searching for gorillas in the wild and this is currently available in three African countries. These include; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The process of gorilla trekking normally starts with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters. Later, a hike or walk into the forest following the trail used by Mountain gorillas and ounce found, you spend only one hour with them. Afterwards, you will return back and be offered a certificate as a way of welcoming you back. The trek may take up to 30 minutes or three quarters of the day but guaranteed 98% of coming across one of the gorilla families.

What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?

Age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years and above and authorities are very strict on this. Therefore, make sure all clients and children are 15 or older in order to avoid any sad incidents. On the other hand, the age limit of trekking chimpanzees in Uganda is 12 years old. Besides, children 10 years above are allowed to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

How many people per gorilla family?

Only a maximum of 8 people are allowed to trek or visit a given gorilla family in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes. Bwindi has about 14 habituated gorilla families and thus each family is allowed only 8 people per day per hour. When it comes to gorilla habituation, its only 4 people allowed to spend 4 hours with the Mountain gorillas.

What are the chances of seeing mountain gorillas?

We gladly confirm that chances of seeing gorillas either in Bwindi or volcanoes is 98%. More so, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes in Rwanda is organized. This is in a way that there is an advanced team of trackers who wake up every morning to find where these gorillas are. Once they find them, they will then communicate to the park headquarters. Afterwards, your ranger guide of the day will let you know of the whereabouts of these gorillas. You will then start your trek from where the gorillas would have slept the previous night up to when you find them. However, the advanced team will keep communicating with your guide to make sure you don’t get lost.

What should I pack for gorilla trekking?

The trekking clothes are the same for Bwindi, Mgahinga as well as Volcanoes National Park. Items to pack include; trousers, long sleeved shirts or blouses, long socks, garden gloves, a hat. Sun glasses, hiking boots, rain jacket, cameras and extra batteries, insect repellents, energy giving foods, etc.

When is the best time to trek gorillas?

Mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda can be trekked throughout the year but most especially done in drier months. Uganda being crossed by the Equator has a modified equatorial climate with two rainy seasons. Because of this people tend to associate these rainy seasons with the best times to trek gorillas. When it is raining, it becomes hard to hike and trek because of the heavy rains which makes the trails too slippery. Besides that, vegetation tends to grow thick with reduces chances of proper visibility and photography. In conclusion, the best time is in June, July, August, early September, part of October, December up to February. However, because of global warming it is even becoming very hard to predict when it is going to rain or not.

What is the price of a gorilla tour in Uganda?

When looking at the price of a gorilla tour in Uganda, you need to consider the three main components. These include, the gorilla permit, accommodation and transport to and from the park. A gorilla permit price in Uganda currently costs $800. Accommodation rates range from $50-$500 and more for luxury lodges per person sharing.

When do I need to book a gorilla permit?

Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly so it is always advised to book your gorilla permit in advance. At Great Nest Image Safaris, we advise that you book your gorilla permit in 3-4 months in advance. Gorilla permits tend to run out during the high seasons of June, July, August, September, December, January and February each year. Please contact Great Nest Image Safaris for details about availability and cost of securing gorilla permits.

How much is a gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda?

The trekking takes place in Bwindi and Mgahinga and one requires permission in order to watch or view mountain gorillas. This therefore means that you will purchase a gorilla permit to allow you see mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. A gorilla permit is an electronic document/card that is obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is also the card that you will take to Bwindi park headquarters on the day of gorilla trekking. Once it is checked and found valid, you will then be allowed to trek gorillas. Therefore, in Rwanda a gorilla permit costs $1500.00 (Non-residents) while in Uganda it costs $800.00 per permit. Foreign residents with a valid working permit pay $500.00 and East African citizens pay Uganda shillings 300,000 only ( $100).

When should I book my gorilla permit?

You are advised to book your gorilla permit at least three months in advance especially during high season. Please contact us with the date when you intend to trek and we will advise availability of permits.

How should I book a gorilla permit?

Uganda Wildlife Authority is the body mandated to sell or issue out gorilla permits. This is because they are the ones in charge of all parks in Uganda including Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park. Before you book a gorilla permit, you have to first identify the year, month and date when you intend to trek gorillas. Once you have that in mind, then contact us and we will check availability and let you know if it is possible. Booking a gorilla permit must be done with cash and thereafter, we will invoice you for full payments. Afterwards, you will have to provide us with your passport details as they are required by Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Reasons why Uganda Wildlife Authority needs your passport?

They would like to know if indeed you are eligible or have the right age allowed to trek mountain gorillas. As a matter of fact, the age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years and above.
The next reason is to establish if you are a foreign resident or none resident or even East African. This basically helps them know the category of gorilla permit you are paying.

The fact that we book gorilla permits in the absence of our clients who mostly book in advance, we have to scan and send them a copy. However, the original copies are handed over to you at your arrival at the airport. Note that; do not charge anything for booking a gorilla permit if client books an all-inclusive tour with us.

What is included in a gorilla permit?

A gorilla permit allows you one hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park. Included in the cost are park entry fees, services of park guides/rangers who will escort you to the forest, etc.

How long is gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking exercise can take from twenty minutes to three quarters of the day so one needs to prepare for both. This depends on several factors which include;

Mountain gorilla movements, where the gorillas stayed the previous night and the mood of the gorillas.
It may also depend on the people in your group since the rangers move following the slowest person in the group.

Is it possible to trek Uganda gorillas via Kigali?

Yes, it is now possible to trek Uganda or Bwindi gorillas through Rwanda by flying through Kigali International Airport. With the introduction of the East African tourist visa, one can now visit both Uganda and Rwanda. East African tourist visa costs USD 100.00 and allows you to visit three East African countries. These include; Uganda, Rwanda as well as Kenya. Please contact Great Nest Image Safaris for details about Bwindi gorilla safaris through Kigali Airport.

What is gorilla habituation experience?

Generally, this is an activity in Bwindi whereby tourists are allowed to stay 4 hours with mountain gorillas. This is basically done after paying USD1500.00 for a gorilla habituation permit. In general, this was introduced in 2014 to cater for tourists that want to spend more hours with gorillas. Tourists are able to see gorillas while participating in activities geared to making these wild mountain gorillas get used to human beings. Gorilla habituation safaris are currently taking place only in Rushaga located in south. Here, only 4 people are allowed to see these gorillas in Bwindi and we do organize gorilla habituation experience safaris at affordable prices.

Do you have any questions about gorillas?

Please send us an email and we will answer all your questions concerning gorilla trekking. This will basically to enable you prepare a memorable experience with us.

Mountain Gorillas FAQs | Uganda Gorilla Trekking