Silverback Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: 7 Must-Know Tips

Gorilla trekking is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These gentle giants are a rare sight, and seeing them up close in their natural habitat is something that should be on everyone's bucket list. Not only is it a truly memorable experience, but it also contributes to the funding of habitat conservation in Uganda. In fact, gorilla tourism supports about 80% of the national budget for conserving natural habitats throughout the country. With only 1000 of these magnificent creatures remaining on Earth, it is now more crucial than ever to contribute to their conservation efforts. The journey can be a bit difficult, depending on different factors, but it is definitely worth it to spend an hour with these incredible animals. If you're planning to go on a trek to see silverback gorillas in Uganda, make sure to keep reading for some useful tips that will make your experience even more memorable.

Tip One

Before embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure, it's important to note that you will need a permit. The government closely monitors the number of visitors to protect the natural habitats of the gorillas, so it's essential to book your permit well in advance. The permit costs $700 per person, but the experience of seeing these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat is truly priceless.

Tip Two

The length of the trek can vary from 1-6 hours, depending on the agility and movements of the gorillas. These creatures are surprisingly quick and can change direction at any moment, adding to the length of your trek. Your hotel will provide you with a packed lunch box and water so you are prepared for a longer trek. Be prepared to carry this yourself or you can hire a porter between 5-10USD a hike.

Tip Three

Be prepared for bugs, snakes and spiders. Silverback Gorillas live in dense untouched jungle which is home to many other animals so insects and reptiles are pretty unavoidable. The best thing to do is to wear long trousers that you can suck into your boots and socks plus a long sleeve top. Guides will be on the lookout for snakes however one did dash across my feet as we were descending after seeing the Gorillas so is important to remain calm.

Tip Four

During your trek, you will probably have to take a nature toilet break. If you have to go to the toilet, a guide will show you where is suitable and away from running water. It's important to be respectful of the environment and to leave no trace of your presence. On our 2-hour trek, I luckily didn't need to go, but just be prepared for this.

Tip Five

Once you finally reach the gorillas, you will have a maximum of 1 hour to spend with them. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and can communicate with the gorillas. If they sense irritation or aggressive behavior, they will end the trek early. The gorillas won't necessarily stay still, so you may be climbing through the jungle with them until they find a resting point.

Tip Six

Wear appropriate clothing for warm, humid climates. We trekked during June, which is winter in Uganda, so luckily it was not too hot. However, the walk often involved steep inclines, so you will still get hot and sweaty. Make sure to wear long trousers and ideally long sleeves, preferably made of breathable fabrics with stretch. Additionally, walking boots are essential, as well as a lightweight poncho in case of a downpour. I wore the Sweaty Betty Glisen top, NorthFace Exploration Trousers, and hiking boots from Fatface. It is also recommended to bring gardening gloves, as I did get several scratches on my hands from thorns and branches.

Tip Seven

Gorilla trekking safaris are often booked as a package with transport, accommodation (which includes food and soft drinks) and your trek. While the cost of the permit remains the same accommodation can vary depending on budget. We stayed in Mahogany Springs Lodge but for something more luxurious stay, I would opt for Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or a budget option Buhoma Community Rest Camp.

Embarking on the thrilling journey of Silverback Gorilla trekking requires physical ability and a good level of fitness. However, this challenging experience offers an enchanting adventure, perfect for adventurous individuals eager to explore the mysterious charm of Africa's less explored areas. In these lush jungles, you will discover the breathtaking beauty of Uganada’s lush scenery, the chance to meet a Silverback Gorilla and immerse yourself in the local culture.

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