Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Uganda offers the most affordable and intimate trek experience alongside the bulky mountain gorilla and chimpanzee in their pristine rainforests homes. Often dubbed a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”, the trek experience brings you into a face-to-face encounter with these two of the biggest apes. It’s a thrill and personal experience hard to express in words, as you observe and watch human-like expressions and interactions of these apes within their natural habitats. That feeling of recognition or rather acceptance felt a face to face encounter with gorillas or chimpanzee is personal and leaves lifetime memories.
Below are tips and general information you need to know as you prepare that ultimate trek adventure alongside the two closest to man’s ape relatives.
Where to track Mountain gorillas in Uganda
Uganda protects half of the global population of the endangered mountain gorilla in the UNESCO heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP and Mgahinga Gorilla NP set on the slopes of Virunga Ranges. Across these rainforests, only up to 20 gorilla families are habituated and available for daily trekking experience.
Where to track Chimpanzee in Uganda
Uganda hosts a large population of the eastern chimpanzee split across various rainforests where a few communities are habituated and offer daily trekking experience. Chimpanzee are smaller, more mobile than the mountain gorillas, occurring in large communities averaging over 120 individuals controlling large territories. They occupy a wide range of forest types in Uganda from montane rainforests to lowlands and riverine extending even onto savanna woodlands. Chimpanzee trekking experiences occur in the following selected sites named according to the quality of sightings and chances on the experiences.
- Kibale NP is the Primate’s Capital with 13-species of primates
- Budongo Forest boasts the highest population of Chimps in the country
- Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Kalinzu Forest close to Queen Elizabeth NP
- Ngamba Islands in Lake Victoria
What is the best time to Track Gorilla and Chimpanzee in Uganda
Mountain gorillas and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda is an all-year-round activity, however it is best achieved during the the dry months between June to September and December to February. The wet months from late March to early May, and late September to November brings in more rains, making forest trails slippery and therefore gorilla tracking tough. That said, the wet months attract low traffic of travelers to trekking, making the experience even more personal. More so, during the wet season, the rainforests have abundant food making the terrestrial feeding mountain gorilla more predictable as they don’t need to move a lot and far for food.
With that in mind, its important to note that these are rainforests; it can rain anytime of the day! As a guideline however, average temperature is usually tempered by high altitude and daily maximum of 19-27C with minimums of 12-18C.
Chimpanzee tracking on the other hand happens throughout various mid-altitude area which receives less rains compared to the montane regions making tracking all year round regardless of season however proper clothing is advised.
How to obtain a Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permit in Uganda
Gorillas and Chimpanzee tracking permits are high demand and ought to be booked and paid in full in advance before a safari begins. Permits can be booked and paid through registered operators or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Ordinary gorilla trekking permit cost 800 USD, Habituation Experience costs 1500 USD.
Chimpanzee permits too require booking in advance especially when tracking in the primates capital of Kibale National Park, Africa’s prime Chimpanzee tracking location. Permits cost 250 USD for ordinary trekking, 300USD for habituation experience. Other tracking points require no booking in advance and vary in cost.
Chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a unique eco-system of underground tropical forest in the middle of the golden savanna, permit cost is 100USD park entrance excluded.
What is the fitness levels to track Gorillas and Chimpanzee in Uganda
Mountain gorillas range over higher altitude range from 1060m all the way to above 4000m where the terrain is diverse, from sharp ridges and moist valleys therefore requiring average fitness. Given the altitude where mountain gorillas ranges, one is required to seek advice from their private health doctors before the trip. The experience largely varies to what season one chooses to trek in – the rain season is challenging with wet and slippery trails, with drizzling at night and late afternoons. The dry season is better but corresponds with a tourist peak season with scarcity of permits therefore early planning and booking is essential.
Chimpanzee tracking on the other hand, happens in several mid to low-altitudes forests lying on gentle forested hillsides but still average fitness is required.
What is the difference between Gorilla Habituation vs Ordinary Trekking Experience
Uganda offers two trekking options along the endangered gorilla and chimpanzee that differs in experience and of course price. On habituation experience, only a small group of tourists (4 maximum) are allowed to trek with researchers along a gorilla families undergoing a habituation process. The slow habituation process involves a long trek deep in the forests usually very early in the mornings and takes longer than Ordinary Tracking. It’s important to note that such gorilla families, tend to be mobile making trekking longer and harder (depends on the range and territory) are not yet used to human presence and are very shy and protective, making them less predictable than the fully habituated families.
Ordinary Gorilla tracking involves visitors to gorilla groups that are fully habituated (used to human presence) whose territories are well known and offers great viewing experience. Usually, visitors get to spend strictly one–hour with gorillas and chimpanzee.
NOTE: The same options are offered on Chimpanzee tracking experience.
How big are Gorilla and Chimp Tracking groups
On a trekking day, visitors to gorilla and chimpanzee tracking experience report to a trail-head where after a briefing session, are distributed into an 8-person groups to visit a designated family led by a ranger guide. Visitors on habituation program join smaller groups up to 4 individuals where they join researchers t trek to a semi-habituated chimp/gorilla group.
How long is the Gorilla/Chimpanzee tracking Experience
A gorilla and chimpanzee tracking duration varies daily; depending on where the family ranges/territory plus the tracking point. However, the duration ranges from as short as 2/3hours for the Chimpanzee and 5-7 hours for Gorillas.
What is the age limit for Gorilla and Chimp tracking in Uganda
Currently the age limit for gorilla tracking in Uganda is 15 years old. Age limit for the chimpanzee tracking is 12 years.
Do I need a Helper/Porter during a Gorilla tracking experience
Hiring a porter for the gorilla trek is highly recommended. The porter will help carry that heavy backpack and even support you across and along difficult terrain in these rainforests. Porters are available at all trailheads and always the ranger guides will ask if you need one. Remember they come from the communities surrounding these fragile eco-systems, and this another way to directly support these communities. They come at a minimum fee of 15USD.
Should I Tip on a Gorilla or Chimp tracking in Uganda
Although tipping is NOT mandatory, visitors to Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking are encouraged to give an appreciation to the staff involved in these activities given that most of them come from the surrounding communities around these protected eco-systems. How much…..is a heart-issue; but what a difference it makes!!
What to pack for Gorilla and Chimp tracking in Uganda
When preparing for a mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking expereince it is important to note that these endangered primates dwell in typical rain forests and across high attitude ranges ranging from 1650 to over 3000m. If you come from low-altitude countries, make sure to consult your general practitioner (GP) for advice on altitude related challenges. On clothing, nature blending colors are advisable except military camouflages.
The packing list therefore includes;
- Raincoat or poncho is essential for you and your cameras regardless of the season
- Gardening gloves, helpful as there will be lots of grabbing and handling
- Long pants and shirts will be necessary on a trek
- Comfortable waterproof walking or hiking shoes are essential
- Insect repellent
- Extra pair of long stocks