- Secure gorilla permit
The most important thing while planning for gorilla tracking safari, it is to make sure you secured a gorilla permit before you set your date of travel. Gorilla permits sell like hot cake, there fore ascertaining availability on a short notice may be one of those lucky chances. A gorilla permit costs usd 700 to see gorillas in Uganda while usd 1500 to track gorillas in Rwanda. Mountain gorillas are found in two national park in Uganda namely Bwindi forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. These two national parks are governed and protected by Uganda wildlife authority responsible for availing availability as well issue out gorilla permits. The gorilla permits can be bought directly through reservations with UWA or a trusted tour operator.
Take note, there is limited availability of 152 gorilla permits per day covering both national parks, therefore it’s very important to book your gorilla permit 3 month in advance to the tracking date to avoid last minute disappointment.
- Waking up early
Gorilla tracking as an exercise that requires waking up early and prepare for the day, normal time should be waking up at 6 prepare to have early breakfast and by 7:00 am report to the park headquarters to register and briefing. Depending on the accommodation facility used the park headquarters are a drive away that’s why there is need for waking up early for preparations.
- Pack enough drinking water and snacks
Gorilla trekking is an experience that involves hiking steep slopes, valleys though thick bamboo and crossing water streams. This experience can take about 2- 3 hours or more depending on the movement of gorillas, you therefore advised to pack enough drinking water and a snack for refreshing and keep energized in case the trek takes longer than expected. A small hand bag pack would do better and easy to carry.
- Carry gadgets and extra batteries
Do not forget to carry a rechargeable gadget, be it a phone, camera with extra batteries to capture those moments with the gorillas, there is no way you will create lasting memories when your gadgets let you down. En-devour to put them in your small bag pack before you leave the lodge for briefing.
- Put on the right clothing
Do not forget to put on light clothing easy for hiking, you will need light trousers and long sleeved sweater tops or shirts to absorb heat and sweat. You will also need a rain coat or jacket as the weather in Bwindi is unpredictable. It is subject to rain any time of the day being a tropical rain forest. You will also need good hiking boots if possible water proofs, as there are chances you may have to cross a water stream.
- Be attentive while on briefing
The 7 am briefing takes about 30 minutes and by 8: am every gorilla family has been allocated 8 individuals to track and see them. During briefing, you will be introduced to a short brief history of Bwindi as park as well the gorillas at the particular tracking sector. Bwindi is divided into four tracking sectors Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. You will also be guided on the rules and regulations of gorilla tracking which must be adhered to.
- Prepare to hike
Energize yourself and raise your expectations that you will see the gorillas in their natural habitat. Your level of fitness is required at this moment and if not, you are advised to hire a porter to carry your backup as well give you a hand when the hike gets tough. There is also mobile helicopter for hire, where you will be carried to see the gorillas and back at a cost negotiable with the porters. Mountain gorillas leave in families led by silver back, and you will definitely meet a settled gorilla family going about their day. Make use of every moment and enjoy your gorilla safari.
