Trekking in Uganda

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Trekking the Great Gorillas of Uganda

Gorillas have captured both the hearts and imaginations of humans for decades. A great deal of research has been conducted on their behaviour both in the wild and in captivity. Some of this research reveals that apart from gorillas being the largest of the primates in the world today, they share many characteristics with humans. Gorillas are highly intelligent and charismatic, they display their emotion and devotion to those within their group and are caring and loving to their offspring. Koko, a Western lowland gorilla has learned to use sign language and according to American researcher Francine 'Penny' Patterson, Koko is able to communicate through using 1000 signs based on American sign language.

Gorillas in Grave Danger
The dismal reality is that humans have played an active, albeit ignorant, role in the near extinction of mountain gorillas. It is the responsibility of humans to change the way they are destroying the natural habitats of mountain gorillas. With only 720 mountain gorillas alive today, they populate the mountainous regions of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South West Uganda

Almost half of the living mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi, a World Heritage Site, which is 200 square miles of dense rain forest, inhabited by 4 gorilla groups.

- The Nkuringo group - 19 Gorillas and 1 silverback(male)
- The Mubare group (‘M’ group) -10 gorillas and 1 silverback
- The Habinyanja group (‘H’ group) -21 gorillas and 2 silverbacks
- The Rushegura group (‘R’ group) -10 gorillas and 1 silverback

Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking tours can be organised for 3-9 nights through various safari operators and it is highly advisable to research reputable agencies and book in advance to ensure your spot. Before any of these costs, such as accommodation and transport, are taken into account, a mandatory permit needs to be purchased for $500 per trek. The permit costs are re-introduced back into the forest for conservation preservation and protection of the habitat of the endangered gorillas.

Buhoma

Buhoma is the tourism hub of the Bwindi Forest with many gorilla trekking trails beginning in the area. The Muzabajiro Loop Trail is a magical trail that goes up to the summit and offers the most beautiful and awe-inspiring views of the Virunga volcanoes, the western rift valley and the beautiful draped terrain of the forest. The Buhoma locals are always eager to show you how they live, and offer cultural tours and even a trip to local brewery to sample the delicious traditional beer.

The Gorilla Tracking trails begin at 8.30 am. The tour guides divide people in groups of 6 and begin debriefing groups about expectations, accepted behaviour and safety rules. Mountain trekking does expose you to many dangers and it is highly advisable to insure yourself.

Trekking in the dense terrain is somewhat tricky and it is always advised to stay close to members of your group and have the correct hiking gear. If you are ill, you are forbidden to take the trail as Gorillas are highly susceptible to human disease such as measles and flu. Apart from that, one needs to be in good health and physically fit, as you trek up steep mountainous hilltops at high altitude.

Trekking can take up to 12 hours and is a tiring exercise but the rewards are unparallelled. The moment of truth arrives and the tour guides signals that the gorillas have been located. You put all your belongings down, grab your camera, ensure you keep a safe distance of seven meters and observe a scene that is out of a storybook: a Silverback scratching his back with a branch, a mother with her baby on her back caressing her child, and gorillas playfully swinging from branches. That very moment of physical contact with such a rare animal in its natural habitat is truly remarkable and a life changing experience.

Gorillas, who have a rich history in both research and anthropological theory, are now at risk and have an uncertain future, so if you go trekking with gorillas you may experience something that your grandchildren will never have the opportunity to experience.