How Difficult Are Mountain Gorilla Treks In Uganda?

Mountain gorilla treks are one of the most incredible wildlife encounters in Uganda because they involve searching for one of the phenomenal Giant Apes in their natural environment. These places are mainly densely forested and mountainous, meaning visitors will have to brace themselves for challenging times and physically demanding hikes that are surprisingly even very unpredictable. For these adventures, up to 6 hours of walking are expected although visitors sometimes become lucky to have as low as 30 minutes of hiking before the mountain gorillas are located.

Trekking the mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Tropical rainforests of south-western Uganda necessitates participants having moderate levels of fitness, although any healthy person can take up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just picture yourself hiking at elevations of 2500 to 4000 meters above sea level, which obviously means that the air will be thinner hence putting a lot of demand on the lungs. Bwindi, the premier gorilla destination in the country is said to be the most mountainous, densest and therefore calls for a lot of stamina to successfully complete your gorilla safari.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park

The duration of mountain gorilla treks is unpredictable yet groups reach the Giant Apes after half an hour to over 6 hours. Therefore, gorilla trekking is real work that requires determination and patience for success to be achieved. For visitors that arrive at the Park Headquarters on time, it is possible to arrange for sedan chairs (perfect for the elderly and disabled travelers), porters (offer support and carry back[packs), and walking sticks as well as get a chance to join easier and less challenging gorilla treks.

Travelers whose main worry is the terrain difficulty are advised to undertake gorilla treks during the drier months (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December) when the forest floor is less muddy as it is experienced during the wet months of March, April, May, October, and November. However, if you are a passionate photographer then the rain showers should be less of your worry because they provide the best visibility thus wonderful photos of the Giant Apes.

If you are booked for the phenomenal Gorilla Habituation Experience whereby you have up to four hours with the mountain gorillas, then expect more challenging treks than it is with the standard gorilla treks. The mountain gorillas during the Habituation Experience normally take a longer time to find, owing to the fact that they are more timid and distrustful of human presence. Just like ordinary or standard gorilla treks, the total time spent searching for the mountain gorillas varies from time to time, largely dependent on the place where the gorilla family spent overnight in addition to other numerous hints they have possibly left behind. For this, expect anything between half an hour and over 6 hours thus drinking water, packed lunch, and energy-giving snacks are some of the must-have things during the gorilla treks.

Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi

Regardless of how challenging and tiring gorilla treks are, the reward that awaits determined and unwavering participants is immense. Just imagine the excitement of simply catching a glimpse of wild mountain gorillas going about different activities (playing, resting, mating, nursing babies, grooming, and foraging) in the deep forests of Bwindi. It is one of the difficult-to-describe feelings and as you know there is no reward without hard work. Yes, mountain gorilla trekking is difficult and demanding but all the challenges can be well managed with sufficient preparation hence sturdy hiking boots, insect repellant, sunglasses, comfortable and breathable clothing, wide brim hat, gardening gloves, plenty of drinking water, rain jacket, and healthy energizing snacks are a must-have.

By preparation, we don’t mean hiking mountains upon mountains but rather simple jogging, undertaking hikes, walks, and different forms of cardio are recommended to keep the muscles prepared for the task ahead. Searching for the mountain gorillas is a thrilling and memorable experience with transversing through the lush, beautiful, and biodiverse ecosystems adding up to the overall experience.

Conclusively, gorilla treks in Uganda are undeniably difficult because they involve hiking through hilly slopes, rugged terrains, and dense rainforests but the better news is that they are no match to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda. With enough preparations and having the right equipment, you will successfully get a chance to see Giant Apes in their natural environment.