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Gorilla trekking
No — touching mountain gorillas is strictly forbidden under Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Rwanda Development Board rules. Gorillas share roughly 98% of human DNA and are highly susceptible to respiratory infections…
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The 7-metre (23-foot) rule protects both you and the gorillas. Mountain gorillas are immunologically vulnerable to human diseases — tuberculosis, flu, and diarrhoea have caused deaths in wild populations. Distance also reduces…
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Habituated gorillas rarely charge tourists, but chest-beating, mock charges, and aggressive displays from silverbacks do occur — usually when a family feels crowded or a juvenile approaches too closely. UWA-armed rangers and…
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If a gorilla moves closer than 7 metres, stay calm, crouch down, look away, and remain still — do not reach out or step back abruptly. Your ranger will softly vocalise or…
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Unprovoked attacks on tourists are extremely rare with fully habituated families under UWA supervision — millions of treks have been conducted since the 1990s with only isolated incidents linked to rule breaches.…
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You must not trek if you have any contagious illness — cold, flu, cough, fever, diarrhoea, or open wounds. Gorillas have no immunity to most human pathogens, and UWA rangers can deny…
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UWA gorilla permits are generally non-refundable once issued, but operators can sometimes reschedule to another date if you provide medical documentation and alternative permits are available — often difficult in peak season.…
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Treks proceed in rain unless UWA closes specific trails for safety — Bwindi's steep slopes become slippery mud, adding 1–2 hours to hikes and increasing fall risk. Pack waterproof jacket, gaiters, and…
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Uganda's green season (April–May long rains, November short rains) brings lush forest, fewer tourists, and UWA's discounted 0 foreign non-resident permit versus 0 standard rate. Trails are muddier and views less predictable,…
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Peak trekking runs June–September and December–February — drier trails, clearer skies, and highest permit demand. Book UWA permits 6–12 months ahead for these months; 0 standard rate applies (no low-season discount). Lodge…
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April, May, and November are cheapest in Uganda — UWA charges 0 per foreign non-resident permit versus 0 year-round standard (Rwanda offers no equivalent discount at ,500). Lodge shoulder rates and fewer…
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June–September and January–February offer the best balance — drier trails mean steadier footing for lenses, less rain on equipment, and occasional sun shafts through Bwindi's canopy. Overcast forest light reduces harsh contrast…
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Sector briefings assemble around 7:00–7:30 AM at park headquarters — not at literal sunrise, because Bwindi's forest blocks early light. After the 30–45-minute briefing and group allocation, trekking typically enters the forest…
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Expect to be at your Bwindi or Mgahinga sector gate by 7:00 AM for registration and briefing; actual forest entry is usually 8:00–8:30 AM once trackers radio in the gorilla family's location.…
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The UWA pre-trek briefing lasts roughly 30–45 minutes at sector headquarters. Rangers cover the 7-metre rule, health screening, what to do if a gorilla approaches, photography limits (no flash), maximum one-hour viewing,…
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After your one-hour gorilla encounter, you hike back to the trailhead where UWA issues a certificate of completion. Most itineraries return to lodge for a late lunch, then afternoon rest or optional…
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Lodges serve an early breakfast (6:00–6:30 AM) before briefing; many pack a trail lunch or snack box because treks can run past midday. Full-board packages include dinner at camp — expect Ugandan…
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Yes — Bwindi and Mgahinga lodges routinely cater to vegetarians and vegans with advance notice. Ugandan cuisine naturally includes plantain (matoke), beans, groundnut sauce, chapati, and tropical fruit; luxury camps like Mahogany…
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