Best tips on how to plan Gorilla Trekking in Uganda in 2024

Planning gorilla trekking in Uganda in 2024 is one thing any intending traveler should pay attention to. Tips on how to plan gorilla trekking in Uganda during 2024 amidst the coronavirus pandemic should also be backed by the recent updates on travel from any traveler’s country of origin.

Uganda has a larger number of remaining mountain gorillas and the affordability of the permit and safety in the country offers a great opportunity for trekkers.

Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s only mountain gorillas hosted in 2 habitats which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park all in western Uganda.

To visit either of the parks in Uganda any time of the year, one should prepare very well. To plan or prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda, a person should ensure to find the most suitable and necessary needs for the trip. Here is a guide on what you need to best plan gorilla trekking in Uganda during the 2024 season.

Book through a gorilla tour operator

Planning a Uganda gorilla trekking tour can best be done by a tour operator. Tour companies in Uganda like Acacia Safaris have been customizing gorilla tours for more than 20 years and therefore have great experience in planning the best trips. A tour operator will help you with all bookings of the lodge, meals, transportation, and as well as purchasing a gorilla permit.

Purchase a gorilla trekking permit

Buying a gorilla trekking permit is a key requirement for any individual planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and it is very vital to have the right information on the cost of a gorilla permit, their availability as well as how to book the permit.

A Uganda gorilla trekking permit cost varies for the different categories of travelers that are foreign nonresidents (FNR), Foreign Residents (FR), and East African Residents.

Foreign nonresidents refer to tourists who are not Ugandans and visiting from other countries for Uganda gorilla safaris. Foreign non-residents require US$ 700 to purchase a Uganda gorilla permit.

Note: Until June 2021, Uganda’s gorilla trekking permits are discounted to US$ 400 for foreign nonresidents and US$ 300 for foreign residents.

Pack the right clothing – How to plan Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

In case you are wondering how you will keep safe from insects, bites, and cuts here is what you need to wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda;

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers

Since you are going to walk in the jungle where insects can give nasty bites, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers is recommendable. Wear shirts, long enough to cover your hands to the wrist, and trousers long enough to be tucked into your stocking.

Shorts and vests are not anything to think of when planning to go gorilla trekking. The long clothing should also be comfortable and thick with colors that can’t get stained easily.

Hiking shoes – How to plan Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Since you are going to take a challenging hike to an altitude that is over 2,000 meters above sea level, you will require sturdy hiking shoes.

Ensure to be comfortable such that hiking is made easy and you don’t get bruises. To keep your legs warm, put on cotton stockings inside to keep your ankles safe. It’s recommended to try on your shoes maybe by taking morning jogging before you set out for the trip.

Rain jacket

Whether it’s in the rainy season or the dry season, you need to pack and wear a rain jacket during gorilla trekking. The southwestern part of the country where the gorilla safari parks of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experience colder and rain can be expected at any time of the year. A rain jacket will protect you from rain and drizzles.

Hand gloves/gardening gloves

Since you will have your body covered, your hands will too need protection. You will need to wear hand gloves to protect your hands from thorns as you hike.

In case you slide and would like to have a firm grip on a tree or any kind of plant, you need to make sure your hands are safe. Wear hand gloves for protection.

Choose a means of transport

When planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, how to get to the park, or what means of transport? Planning how to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda either by road or air transport helps to perfectly decide on the cost of your entire trip.

Getting to Bwindi by Road depends on where an individual is coming from. From Entebbe International Airport which is the only international airport in the country, it is about 514km to the park taking a drive time of about 10h 5min via the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route.

There are a few charter flight companies that organize flights to Bwindi but offer these effectively when booked. Close to Bwindi, three airfields serve the park and these are namely Kayonza and Kihihi airfields which are very suitable for travelers taking a Uganda gorilla tour to the northern sector.

Nyakabande airfield in Kisoro is suitable for those going to trek in the southern sectors. To reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park tourists can also go by road or air to Kisoro and then connect to the park.

To best prepare for gorilla trekking in Uganda, ensure to plan early and have all your needs catered for. This also applies when you plan a Rwanda gorilla tour or any other primate tracking tour. We also plan other trips including Kenya safaris and Tanzania tours.