Gorilla Safari Uganda
Gorilla trekking is perhaps the most adventurous tourist activity in Uganda. Ist an experience , so unforgettable as you meet these gentle giants, the mountain gorillas.
Uganda is one of the few countries where you can see the mountain gorillas. With half the population of these living in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park, UTA encourages conservation efforts for these endangered species.
Gorilla Tour Preparation.
In order to track the mountain gorillas, you need a gorilla permit which is only issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Please note that only 8 people per day are allowed to trek and its for this reason that you are advised to book your permit at least 3 months in advance. A permit costs USD 500 per person per day and this can be arranged by the various Uganda tour operators listed on this website.
Gorilla Trekking Rules
Before departing on your gorilla safari:
1) A maximum number of 8 visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioural disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
2) Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.
On the way to the gorillas:
1) Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest.
2) DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
3) You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla's trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla's nesting sites along the way!
4) When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.
When you are with the gorillas:
1) A 7 meter (21 feet) distance should tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
2) You must stay in tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
3) Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
4) Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
5) Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
6) Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
7) Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
8) The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
9) After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 metres away from the gorillas.
General health rules:
Remember mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following are ways to minimize the risk your visit might poses to them:
1) Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
2) If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
3) If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
4) Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away form the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
5) Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbour diseases or other contaminants.
6) If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cms deep and fill it in when you are finished.
What to bring on this safari to Uganda
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
- Put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
- Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
- Bring a photo of film camera. Using flashlight is not permitted so we recommend to use films of 400-800 ASA.
Mountain Gorilla Conservation Projects
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitat in Africa. Committed to promoting continued research on their threatened ecosystems and education about their relevance to the world in which we live. In collaboration with government agencies and other international partners, it also provides assistance to local communities through education, training and economic development initiatives.
The International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP)
The aim of the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) is to ensure the survival and long-term conservation of mountain gorillas and medium altitude forest habitats in Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire.
The Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (MGCF) is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the highly endangered Mountain Gorillas in Africa, their habitat, and working with the people around the National Parks.
Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe
For many years Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe, or Mountain Gorilla & Rainforest Direct Aid, has been supporting national parks in Uganda and Zaire where mountain gorillas live, as well as national parks in Zaire where the Eastern lowland gorilla lives. gorilla tour Their work is strictly honorary and we follow a strict policy to channel any funds raised directly into the relevant projects.
The Denver Gorilla Run is a charity fun run with a difference. Everyone who takes part wears a full gorilla costume - from fluffy head to furry toe - and helps raise funds for the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund, the international charity working to save the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas and keeping Dian Fossey’s dream alive for the past 21 years.
PASA - Pan African Sanctuary Alliance The Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, or PASA, is an alliance of sixteen primate sanctuaries from all over Africa. PASA is designed to bring these sanctuaries together to address both short-term and long-term issues in areas such as site management gorilla safari and veterinary care and to enhance the stature of sanctuaries in the professional zoo and primate research communities.
The Tayna Gorilla Reserve The initiative of creating the Tayna Reserve was taken in April 1998 by conservationist Pierre Kakule Vwirasihikiya, with the aim to save the rich and rare habitat found in the Rift Valley Gorilla trekking (northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) from which he himself comes. Two chiefs, Mukosasenge and Stuka, agreed to support his efforts; then intellectuals of the area joined, and finally the population joined in the support, following their leaders.
The Wildlife Conservation Society is the only organization in the world working to protect all three gorilla subspecies: mountain gorillas gorilla tracking , Grauer’s gorillas, and western lowland gorillas.
