Uganda is a home to several primate species and the famous being the two great apes; Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees. This trip will bring you face to face with these great apes in the rain forests of Kibale national park and the Bwindi impenetrable national park for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking.
Embarking on gorilla or chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is a truly an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on someone’s heart and mind.
For gorilla trekking, the journey begins with a briefing from the park rangers who provide valuable information about the gorillas’ behaviors, the trekking routes and the safety protocols to be observed. Once the trek starts, the paths can be challenging with steep inclines, dense vegetation and potentially slippery terrain especially during the wet season. However, sense of anticipation and the thrill of unknown make the trek all the more exhilarating.
When you finally catch the glimpse of the mountain gorillas, the experience becomes more interesting. Witnessing these primates in their natural habitat carrying out their daily life activities is a privilege that few people in the world have opportunity to enjoy. Observing the intricate social dynamics, the tender interactions between mothers and their young ones and the powerful displays of the silverback males is a truly humbling and captivating experience.
Same to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda offers unique and unforgettable encounter with our closest relatives. As you enter into the jungle of Kibale forests, the sound of the chimpanzees’ boisterous calls and the rustling of the foliage above create a palpable sense of excitement. When you finally spot the chimpanzees, their agile movements, their complex social behaviors and their striking resemblance to humans are truly mesmerizing. Witnessing these intelligent primates in their natural environment is a profound and deeply humbling experience.
Both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking allow visitors about 1 hour of staying in the natural habitat when these primates are finally located. With in this 1 hour, visitors are free to take pictures as long as they are using no flash cameras.
Gorilla trekking permits US$800 while chimpanzee cost US$250 per person and they can all be obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The best time to embark on a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventure in Uganda largely depends on your personal preferences and the specific weather conditions you are willing to encounter. The dry seasons of June to September and December to February are generally considered the most favorable times.
During these periods, the weather is typically dry hence making the trek through dense forests more comfortable and the visibility of the primates is consistent though the viability of permits and accommodation may be limited due to high competition since it is a peak season.
During the dry season these primates are more active and easier to locate. However, the wet seasons can still offer excellent sighting opportunities and the overall experience may be more serene and less crowded.
