Africa Gorilla tracking for the first time – Complete guide to Planning for a gorilla tracking adventure to Uganda for the first time – Uganda – Rwanda Gorilla Trekking.
Gorilla tracking is one of the most adventurous tourist activities for any traveler planning to carry out a safari through Africa. However, planning for it more especially when you are gorilla trekking for the first time can be a challenge.
This article by Katland Safaris gives you a detailed guide on how to prepare for a gorilla trekking safari for the first time explained in various steps as explained below.
Where to Go when Africa Gorilla trekking for the first time
Uganda is a prime and the most popular destination for gorilla trekking in East Africa. There are two gorilla destinations in Uganda and these include Bwindi Impenetrable national game park and Mgahinga Gorilla National game park.
Planning for your first gorilla trekking safari starts with choosing which National Park to do gorilla trekking from. Bwindi’s impenetrable forest is the most popular known gorilla trekking destination in the whole world because it’s home to more than half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. Bwindi forest has got 18 gorilla families that are situated in different regions of the forest with the most popular ones including Rushaga, buhoma, Ruhijja, and Nkuringo.
When to Go When Africa Gorilla trekking for the first time
After a decision is made on which park to go to for your first gorilla trekking adventure, you then choose what time of the year to do it. Important to note is that gorilla trekking in Uganda can happen any time of the year.
However, the terrains are easier to take on in the drier months of June, July, August, and September. Throughout these months, there is little rain and chances are that the trek will be easy. The months of April, May, and November are the wettest months and the clients avoid them.
Consult a local travel agent when Africa Gorilla trekking for the first time
Katland Safaris at all times advise clients, especially those visiting Uganda or any other East African country for the first time to consult a local travel agent who understands the country and whatever is required for the activity. A travel agent will help you with all the necessary guidance you need and other any questions about all other steps that follow.
A gorilla permit is an official document that gives you access to gorilla trekking in any gorilla destination in Uganda. No visitor treks mountain gorillas without a permit. It gives a full hour with the mountain gorillas on normal trekking and four hours when doing gorilla habituation.
Once you buy the gorilla permits, you are good to go. We at all times advise visitors to contact a local tour operator. They will check and advise you on the availability of the permits. In Uganda, the permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority through the registered tour operators on a first come first serve basis. To keep away from the shortage of gorilla permits, organize this in advance.
Book logistics for your Gorilla trekking safari when Africa Gorilla trekking for the first time
Once you have obtained the gorilla permit, you can determine to be booked for you among many other factors. You have to create your interest and in case you need a simple trek, it’s better to book the permits for either Ruhija or Buhoma. In case you need a more demanding trek, you can go to Rushaga region or Nkuringo. With the altitude problem, then you should avoid the southern sector of the Bwindi Forest since it has got the highest altitudinal point.
After the Accommodation is done, you then book your transport and guide for that safari.
Book Your Flights and pack for your gorilla trekking safari.
After you have booked your gorilla permit and all other logistics like accommodation are put in place, you then book your flight to that destination with a packed safari bag.
What to pack for a gorilla trekking trip.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi is sometimes a challenge because of the thick nature of the forests. Some of the things that can’t miss out on in your safari bag include hiking boots, long-sleeved trousers and shirts, gloves, long stocks, insect repellent, a camera, a hut, sunglasses, and energy-giving food.
Get more information about Your Destination when Gorilla trekking for the first time
After all that is put in order, you can get more information about the country from which you are taking the safari, get to know her political climate, her weather, and other possible safari activities to do besides gorilla trekking
