Is it Safe to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Is it safe to go gorilla trekking in Uganda?  YES, gorilla trekking in Uganda is very safe and you do not need to worry about anything. Whereas many potential travelers have continuously asked whether Uganda is safe for gorilla trekking, we repeatedly say YES, the Pearl of Africa is generally safe and so is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.  The Uganda government together with Uganda Tourism Board, Ministry of tourism and Uganda wildlife authority have put safety measures and conservation rules which govern gorilla trekking ensuring safety of travelers and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Why Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Is Considered Safe

Tourism Police and patrol

Uganda government has enforced the Uganda tourism police who patrol gorilla National Parks and all other tourism destinations across the country.  These armed police men patrol the gorilla parks day and night ensuring tight security from any rebel attacks or any kind of terrorism. This guarantees security and safety of gorilla trekking in Uganda

 Professional Ranger and Guide Protection

At the start of every gorilla trekking session, travelers are assigned two-armed professional ranger guides to escort them to and from the gorilla trek. These ranger guides are trained by Uganda Wildlife Authority, and they have full knowledge of gorilla movements, gorilla behaviours and general conservation, Also, these rangers are trained on how to handle emergencies ensuring safety of travellers in the jungle. The guns that these people have are not to shoot but rather to scare wild animals in case of any wild behaviours. Ranger guides shoot empty bullets in the air scaring wild animals away

Habituated Gorilla Families

Travelers are only allowed to visit “habituated” gorilla families in Bwindi impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.  These gorilla families undergo a 2–3-year habituation /training process which tames them to be familiar and comfortable with people. Habituated gorillas are so fun being around since they keep calm since they do not feel threatened by people’s presence. However, travellers are reminded to keep and observe the rules and regulations as guided at the start of the trek

 Strict Conservation Rules

The Uganda wildlife Authority has enforced strict conservation rules which are a “MUST” follow for anyone visiting the endangered gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Whereas these rules sound tough, they are highly emphasized for the safety of gorillas and even travelers. At the state of every trekking day, travelers are briefed on these rules and reminded to respect them. These include

Limited visitor numbers per day. UWA only allows eight people to visit each gorilla family per day. The 8 people go at once in a group

Strictly an hour with gorillas. YES, travelers are allowed to spend only an hour with the gorillas. Whereas you can spend several hours searching for the gorillas. You are only allowed to spend an hour in their presence. This hour is counted from the moment you meet the allocated gorilla family

Seven-meter distance. Travelers are also commanded to keep seven meters away from the endangered gorillas. The distance is to avoid very close encounters which can be a threat to the gorillas. At times when gorillas come close, travelers are reminded to step back and ensure distance.

Health screenings.  Travelers are first screened to ensure no one is sick. Those with cold, and cough are nit allowed to trek gorillas to avoid human wildlife disease transitions. Also, travelers are asked to wear masks if possible, to avoid catching some diseases from the gorillas also, If a gorilla has flu or cough, travelers can catch it

Gorilla trekking regions

This is in Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park where four gorilla regions have bee fully established. These regions are Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Each region offers a different feel of gorilla trekking and travellers can choose which region they want to visit. Hiking trails, ranger posts and park head quarters have been well established in each gorilla region making it easy for travellers

Local community involvement

Overtime, Uganda wildlife Authority has embraced local community involvement in conservation programs in and around gorilla parks. This has created positive relationship between local people and park management, hence sneering safety.  The employment of local people as rangers, local guided and porters make them feel as part of the conservation team changing their initial attitude towards gorilla conservation

Risks to expect in Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga is not a walk away activity but rather an adventurous that come with certain risks. These include

Challenging Terrain

Bwindi impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga are mountainous regions with rugged terrains. Hiking uphill to see gorillas is physically straining and a no joke.  The slopes can be stee, and grounds muddy and slippery but its all worth it. Travelers are advised to wear hiking boots, hire porters to carry bags and support them in hiking and also carry enough drinking water to keep them hydrated.  The feel of looking into the brown eyes of the gorillas is magical and worth the effort!

Human–Gorilla Disease Transmission

Mountain gorillas are man’s close relative who share over 98% of human genes. This makes them susceptible to human diseases especially the communicable ones.  In cases, when travellers have any kind of flue or cough, gorillas can catch it which is so risky for the endangered primate.  For this case, travellers with any kind of respiratory disease are not allowed to visit gorillas. Wearing a mask and keeping a distance is highly recommended to a void this risk

Un predictable Weather Conditions

The weather in gorilla pers especially Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park is very unpredictable.  Rain showers can be received at any time of the day regardless of the season, Travelers are therefore reminded to carry rain jackets to be safe in case it rains. Also, forest grounds are mostly muddy and slippery, you need covered shoes.

 How You Can Stay Safe During Your Trek

• Keep a distance from gorillas
• Do not trek when sick
• Carry enough drinking water
• Hire a porter
• Bring rain gear
• Dress smartly for the jungle. Long sleeved shirt and long pants
• Follow every instruction from your guide

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth It?

YES, Uganda gorilla trekking is worth every penny and effort. Whether its a costly gorilla permit or the strenuous gorilla treks, a close encounter with the endangered gorillas is lifetime experience worth it.