Mountain Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is defined as a hike to the tropical forests of Africa to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is home to half the world’s Mountain Gorilla population. Seeing these animals up close in their natural habitat is one of the most impressive wildlife encounters in Africa. Visiting the gorillas directly supports conservation efforts and population growth.
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through difficult terrain, thick vegetation, water bodies, hills and valleys. The activity can be very challenging and strenuous leaving one exhausted and with sore knee especially if they are not used to walking for long hours.
Moreover, the parks where the mountain gorillas live – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda – are particularly well maintained and patrolled. Visitor safety is a top priority at both parks, and experienced trek guides always accompany every gorilla trekking party.
What do gorillas eat ?
Gorillas are herbivorous, predominantly ground-dwelling great apes that inhabit the tropical forests of equatorial Africa. The genus Gorilla is divided into two species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla, and either four or five subspecies. Gorillas stick to a mainly vegetarian diet, feeding on stems, bamboo shoots and fruits. Western lowland gorillas, however, also have an appetite for termites and ants, and break open termite nests to eat the larvae.
Gorilla permit price in Uganda
A gorilla trekking permit in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park costs USD 700 per person for foreign non residents, USD 600 per person for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 per person for East Africa citizens.