Gorilla trekking Permits: To go gorilla trekking in Bwindi, you will need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit. These permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and need to be booked in advance. It’s advisable to make your permit reservations well ahead of time, as they are in high demand.

Trekking Experience: On the day of your trek, you will join a group of fellow trekkers and be assigned a gorilla family to visit. Each group is led by experienced guides and trackers who are knowledgeable about the gorillas’ behavior and the forest. The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are assigned to and their movement patterns. It can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours of hiking to reach the gorillas.
Meeting the Gorillas: Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend a precious hour in their presence. You will have the opportunity to observe them from a close distance, usually within 7 meters, while they go about their daily activities, such as feeding, playing, grooming young ones and interacting with each other. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience to be so close to these magnificent creatures.

Guidelines and Regulations: There are strict guidelines and regulations in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both gorillas and visitors. These include maintaining a minimum distance, avoiding direct eye contact, and not touching the gorillas. These guidelines help protect the gorillas from human diseases, as they are highly susceptible.

Other guidelines and Regulations include;

Trekkers are not allowed to feed the Gorillas
keep minimum silence while in the forest to avoid disturbing the gorillas
keep in your groups and do not wonder off alone
flash lights are prohibited when taking photos of gorillas as this may cause the gorillas to charge
keep a distance of 7meters way from the gorillas
do not litter he forest, make sure you collect all the bottles, papers and all other items that you have carried with you when living the forest
In case you will need to ease yourself, inform the guide/ranger and he will make arrangements for you. you are required to dig a hole of about 30 meters deep and when your done, you will cover it up.
In case you feel sick from cold or flu, you are advised to stay back and first recover before you can track the gorillas. your money will be refunded or they can make other arrangements of when you can re track the gorillas.
when sneezing, you are required to cover with your elbow to avoid transmitting infections and viruses to the gorillas, gorillas are Vulnerable animals and can easy contract human infections. among others.

Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, as it involves hiking through steep and sometimes challenging terrain. It’s recommended to be in reasonably good physical condition and to wear appropriate trekking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, long pants, and a waterproof jacket. You may also consider hiring a porter to help carry your backpack and provide additional support during the trek.

Conservation Impact: The revenue generated from gorilla trekking permits plays a crucial role in gorilla conservation efforts and the protection of their natural habitat. By participating in gorilla trekking, you contribute directly to the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers a rare opportunity to witness the incredible biodiversity of Uganda and to encounter one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. It’s an adventure that leaves a lasting impact and creates lifelong memories.

on the day of gorilla trekking; you are required to rise up early for morning breakfast then you will head to the park’s headquarters for briefing, which is conducted by UWA (Uganda wildlife Authority) expert guide. you will be briefed about the Rules and Regulations that must be followed at all times by the trekkers while in the forest for Gorilla trekking. After briefing, you will then be divided in groups of 8 people per gorilla family headed by an experienced rangers and Guides. depending on the gorilla family you are given, some of them ma be harder to track and other you may spend less time, but the experience is much rewarding. Gorilla trekking can last from 1-6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Note that Gorillas are wild. you are also required to have your packed lunch, snacks and enough drinking water incase the hike gets tougher.