Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Found the Gorillas!
Gorilla trekking has been on my bucket list for years so I was too excited to finally do it! Trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed by any nature lover or adventure seeker. The country is home to over half of the world's population of mountain gorillas, and trekking through the dense jungle to see these gentle giants up close is an unforgettable experience.
The trek itself can be challenging, as it takes place in the rugged terrain of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (which is where I was) or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, but the effort is well worth it when you finally come face to face with a family of gorillas. The gorillas are habituated to human presence, meaning they are used to being around people and are not frightened or aggressive towards them. This allows for a unique and intimate encounter with these magnificent creatures.
Before embarking on the trek, you will receive a briefing from a park ranger on the dos and don'ts of gorilla trekking. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of both yourself and the gorillas. You will also be assigned to a specific gorilla family to visit for the day, and given a strict time limit of one hour to spend with them.
When you finally reach the gorilla family, the sight of them going about their daily activities is truly breathtaking. You will be able to observe the dominant silverback male, the females, and their young ones as they eat, play, and rest. It is important to remember that these gorillas are wild animals and should be respected as such. Keep a safe distance and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements to avoid disturbing them. I caught the eyes of a silverback too long and was terrified for about five seconds before slowly walking away!
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is not only an opportunity to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat, but it also helps to support conservation efforts. The money generated from gorilla trekking permits goes towards protecting the gorillas and their habitats. By choosing to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you are not only fulfilling your own personal dream but also helping to protect these endangered species.
I’m not much of an animal person, I always say “When Animals Attack” is a show for a reason but I do love extreme adventures involving them, scared and all! This was definitely an experience like no other. It offered the chance to see gorillas in the wild, in their natural habitat, and to contribute to their protection. It may be challenging, but the rewards were worth it. This is a journey that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
