Is gorilla trekking in Uganda worth the money? Are you considering a Uganda gorilla trekking tour and wondering whether it is worth the money? Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda are among the best rewards you can give yourself. Get your hiking boots on and create a story with the gentle giants of Africa. Gorilla trekking is one of the activities that require some good money to do since one must have a valid gorilla trekking permit to participate. But trust me, every penny you spend on a Uganda gorilla trekking tour is worth it.
As the saying goes, “There is a reason behind every price”, gorilla trekking permits are worth the money. This is because revenue collected from the gorilla permits plays a fundamental part in the conservation of these critically endangered species.
Uganda has gained fame as a must-visit safari destination for gorilla lovers. Could this be you or your friend? It is high time you wore your safari shoes and hit the road. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two safari destinations. These include; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These two parks make up part of the popular Virunga Conservation Area. The area is made up of rainforests and a chain of volcanic mountains. These are perfect homes for the critically endangered mountain gorillas. It is only in this region that one can see mountain gorillas in the whole world.
Uganda alone is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Other than Uganda, gorilla trekking tours are done in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park. On the other hand, gorilla trekking in Congo is done in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
How much does gorilla trekking cost in Uganda?
Back to the main point, is gorilla trekking worth the money? Yes, you will surely enjoy every coin you pay for a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 800 Per person. This amount is inclusive of a ranger guide, park entry fees, conservation fees, and give back to community fees. Once you have paid the amount, you will be given a gorilla trekking permit (a legal document that allows you to spend time with the gorillas). Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda can only be booked through reputable tour operators like Native Africa Tours.
Is gorilla trekking in Uganda worth the money?
To begin with, gorillas are a critically endangered species and they are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. This implies that unless we pay money to conserve these primates, they will be subjected to extinction. This is why a gorilla trekking tour is worth the money. Part of the money you pay for gorilla permits goes to gorilla conservation. Secondly, there are not many places you can see gorillas in the world.
As earlier stated, mountain gorillas can be found in only 3 countries in the world. This implies that gorilla trekking in Uganda is worth the money. Imagine spending one hour in the presence of these rare species. Unlike other wildlife safari activities, gorilla trekking can only be done in two parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Lastly, mountain gorillas are fascinating wildlife species. Did you know that mountain gorillas live in families? Read about gorilla families in Uganda. Mountain gorillas live in groups led by an adult male known as silverbacks. Silverbacks have a responsibility to protect the family and find new feeding and sleeping spots. On the other hand, female gorillas take care of young ones and they mate with males to reproduce and maintain the family. Not so many animals in the world are social like gorillas. Therefore, paying your money to see such is worth it.
During a gorilla trekking expedition, tourists are allowed to spend at least one hour in the presence of a particular gorilla family. It is during such that that you will realize that a Uganda gorilla trekking safari is worth the money. During this hour, you take photos, learn about gorilla behaviors, and watch the gorillas play, mate, and dine. Such events create memories for a lifetime and hence value for money.
What to expect on a Uganda gorilla trekking tour?
Like any other human being thinking of doing something for the first time, you might be wondering what a gorilla trekking trip or tour looks like. Do not fret, we shall paint a picture for you and you get an insight into a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Like most of the Uganda safaris, a gorilla trekking safari starts with tourists arriving in Uganda. In the past, tourists visiting Uganda would only come through the Entebbe International Airport. But presently, a Uganda gorilla trekking adventure can start from Rwanda at the Kigali International Airport. As soon as you arrive at the airport, you will meet our safari guide driver. Depending on your itinerary, you will either spend a night or drive to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
From Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, the journey takes about 8 hours of the day. From Kigali, you only drive for 4 hours to one of the gorilla trekking destinations. The journey to these destinations makes gorilla trekking in Uganda worth the money. It comes with scenic views of endless rolling hills and lush green vegetation. From Kampala, tourists usually make a stop at the Uganda Equator for photography.
Upon arrival at the park, you check in to your booked accommodation facility. Read about lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You have dinner and spend the night over. In the morning, you wake up at about 6:30 am to prepare for the great day. After a cup of coffee or tea and breakfast. Your driver guide leads you to the park headquarters. This is where the briefing is done. The briefing is always about learning the gorilla trekking rules and regulations.
After the briefing, tourists are grouped according to physical fitness and preferences. Each gorilla family can be tracked by a maximum of 8 people. Each group is assigned an armed ranger guide. The adventure begins here. Walking through the rugged terrain and impenetrable forests is somewhat challenging but worth the effort. You immediately spot multiple bird, plant, and primate species. Rangers follow signs like dung, footprints, and leftovers to track the gorillas. It will not take long before you meet a gorilla family. Upon meeting the gorilla group, tourists are allowed to spend an hour in their presence. This is a point where most tourists realize that gorilla trekking in Uganda is worth the money.
Conclusively, gorilla trekking in Uganda is such a rewarding experience that is worth the money. As long as you have done your tour with experienced tour operators, your trip can never go wrong.
