Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Experience - 3 Days

Gorilla trekking ranges from moderate to strenuous depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. Expect to hike 2-8 hours round trip through steep, muddy, slippery terrain at altitude (1,160-2,607m) in humid conditions. The forest is dense with thick undergrowth requiring scrambling over roots, ducking under vines, and sometimes cutting through vegetation. You need reasonable fitness - ability to walk uphill for several hours carrying a day pack. However, guides adjust pace to the group, porters assist, and the experience is adapted to participants' abilities. Even those with moderate fitness complete it successfully. The key is mental determination - knowing an incredible reward awaits.

Gorilla sightings are virtually 100% guaranteed. Park authorities have radio communication between trackers who follow gorilla families from dawn. Before your group starts trekking, scouts confirm the gorillas' approximate location. Gorilla families move slowly (only 1-2km per day while feeding), nest overnight, and are habituated to human presence. In 99%+ of treks, gorillas are located successfully. The uncertainty is duration - your assigned family might be 30 minutes away or 4 hours away. Shorter treks are assigned to older/less fit visitors when possible. The system is well-organized. Refunds are not provided if gorillas aren't found (extremely rare), but permits can sometimes be rescheduled.

Gorilla permits cost $700 in Uganda ($1,500 in Rwanda) because: 1) They fund critical conservation efforts protecting critically endangered species (only ~1,100 remain), 2) Revenues support anti-poaching patrols, veterinary care, and habitat protection, 3) Fees benefit local communities through employment (guides, porters, lodges) creating incentives to protect rather than harm gorillas, 4) Limited permits (maximum 8 people per family per day) minimize disturbance ensuring long-term survival, 5) The experience is priceless - an hour with mountain gorillas in the wild is truly once-in-a-lifetime. Permits sell out months in advance, indicating demand exceeds supply at current prices. Your fee directly protects these magnificent creatures.

Yes, you can trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park (permits $1,500) or DR Congo's Virunga National Park (permits $400 but security concerns). Differences: Uganda (Bwindi) is more affordable ($700), forest is denser/more challenging terrain, gorillas are forest-adapted. Rwanda (Volcanoes) is more expensive ($1,500), bamboo forest at higher altitude, terrain somewhat easier, permits include porter, park is closer to Kigali (2 hours vs Uganda 4-5 hours from Kigali). Many travelers do both countries to see different habitats. Both have 99%+ success rates. Uganda offers better value while Rwanda provides more luxury infrastructure.

Gorilla trekking operates year-round with high success rates always, but timing affects trekking difficulty. DRY SEASONS (best): June-September and December-February offer drier trails (less mud), easier hiking, clearer views, but higher demand and heat. WET SEASONS: March-May and October-November bring heavy rain, muddy slippery trails, leeches, difficult hiking, but also advantages - fewer tourists, discounted accommodation, lush vegetation, baby gorillas often born in this period. Bwindi is a rainforest receiving rain year-round, so waterproof gear is essential regardless of season. Book permits 3-6 months ahead for dry season, 1-2 months for wet season.

WEAR: Long pants (tucked into socks to prevent ant bites), long-sleeved shirt (neutral colors - no bright colors/white), sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and good grip, waterproof jacket/rain gear, gardening gloves (protection from stinging nettles), hat. BRING: 2+ liters water, energy snacks, camera (no flash - high ISO needed in forest), extra batteries (cold drains them), insect repellent, sunscreen, personal first aid, plastic bags (protect electronics from rain). OPTIONAL: Gaiters (keep pants dry/mud-free), walking stick (provided free at park). Hire a porter ($15) to carry your bag - excellent investment helping locals and freeing you to focus on trekking.

Mountain gorillas are generally peaceful herbivores, and habituated families are accustomed to human observers maintaining calm behavior. Regulations require maintaining 7-meter (23 feet) distance, but gorillas don't know this rule and may approach you curiously, especially juveniles. If a gorilla approaches, stay calm, avoid eye contact (seen as threat), crouch low, move slowly aside if needed. Never touch gorillas (illegal and disease transmission risk). Silverbacks may mock charge if they feel threatened - stand still, look down submissively, and they typically stop. Rangers with AK-47s accompany every trek (rarely needed, mostly for buffalo/elephant protection). Attacks on humans are exceptionally rare. Follow ranger instructions precisely and you'll have a safe, magical encounter.

No. If you have any cold, flu, cough, diarrhea, or infectious illness on trek day, you will NOT be permitted to visit gorillas. Gorillas share 98% of human DNA and are highly susceptible to human diseases which can be fatal to them. Park authorities enforce this strictly - rangers assess health at headquarters and will deny entry if you appear ill (no refund). This rule protects critically endangered gorillas. If you feel illness coming, notify organizers immediately - permits can sometimes be rescheduled (not guaranteed) or transferred to another person in your group. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering permit costs. Maintain excellent health practices before your trek: avoid sick people, wash hands frequently, eat carefully.