One of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Uganda is the mountain gorilla trekking. Now endangered specimens, they are only found in some tropical rainforests of this area of equatorial Africa.
Mountain gorillas have been studied and approached by scientists only in recent times, especially thanks to the work of some primatologists, including the very famous Dian Fossey (her autobiography, “Gorillas in the mist”, was published in 1983), who spent many years of her life raising awareness on poaching and the illegal trade of gorillas. Dian Fossey was brutally murdered in her cabin, on the evening of December 26, 1985. The murder weapon was a local tool, called panga, used by poachers to kill the gorillas once they fall into the trap.
National authorities for the protection of natural parks have started approaching some gorilla families, with the intent of gradually making them accustomed to the presence of visitors. Gorilla trekking is a very expensive activity that must be booked well in advance to ensure the required permit.
The duration of the trek is unpredictable; it can go from 1 to 4 hours: everything depends on where the gorilla families that are expected to visit have moved to.
For conservation reasons, the trek activity allows a maximum of 8 people a day for each gorilla family, and you can stay in their company for an hour only, the risk is to make them uncomfortable and they may turn violent.
The gorilla DNA is 98% similar to human DNA. This means that they are very sensitive to our illnesses as well; this is the reason why, during the visiting hour, it is recommended to keep a certain distance for safety. It will be one of the most incredible moments of your life. The way they look at you, their hands, they way they move are really impressive.
For more information about gorilla trekking: http://bwindinationalparkuganda.com/
How to prepare for gorilla trekking
First of all, it is necessary to obtain the permit well in advance. In our case, we had contacted a local operator who helped us plan the itinerary an book accommodation near the park.
The gorilla trek takes place in a tropical mountain forest. It is located at over 2000 meters (on average) above sea level, so you need to be prepared for cool nights and high humidity conditions. The rain here is a common phenomenon throughout the year. We are not able to estimate the time required to reach the assigned gorilla family, since this depends on the free movements of the primates. However, the trek can last from 1 hour to 4 hours. Sometimes it takes place in steep paths on the mountains where the gorillas are located.
You must take with you: trekking boots, a light rain jacket, hat, a pair of long trousers, a long-sleeved t-shirt (and a spare t-shirt for the trekking in Bwindi), and a backpack with water and packed lunch. Long trekking socks are fundamental, both because the trails are often full of water, so it is very easy to get muddy, and also because red ants are always lurking. Gaiters might be an additional protection. At the time, we did not have them with us, so we simply put the long socks over the trousers to keep any unpleasant beast out. Of course, bring a camera.
We recommend you to take the time you need to observe these creatures through your eyes and not the lens. Then spend the last minutes left by taking pictures.
