Is it Safe to Track Mountain Gorillas in December?

Tracking mountain gorillas in December is safe for travelers on a vacation holiday in Africa. However, it is essential to consider a few factors such as the dry season where December falls which makes trekking easier due to drier trekking trails thus attracting a larger number of tourist inflows. Since gorilla trekking has been safe for travelers, mountain gorillas are one of the most inspiring creatures that one would not miss out on an African safari making the experience an outstanding one. Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary experience that allows tourists to have a close encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This experience involves trekking through the dense forests and the steep terrains.

Where to Track Mountain Gorillas

The endangered mountain gorillas can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This makes mountain gorillas rare species in Africa and the rest of the world. Uganda has the largest population of mountain Gorilla individuals which is almost half of the world’s total population. The majority reside in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Encounter the magnificent mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with four tracking regions (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo) or Mt. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with only one tracking region Nyakagezi. Uganda boasts a population of about 400 gorilla individuals which is almost half of the world’s total population.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda is the most popular trekking destination in East Africa since it is the most accessible of all destinations that offer gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is only done in Volcanoes National Park with over 150 habituated mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Congo.

Gorilla trekking in the democratic republic of Congo is done in Virunga National Park which is home to over 250 habituated mountain Gorillas. Gorilla trekking in this region is strictly a run gorilla conservation project based on Gorilla protection and Safety.

What is the best place for Gorilla trekking in December?

Most tourists on an African safari always opt to have a memorable and sustainable experience in Africa making Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park the Best choice to track mountain Gorillas and interact with the locals. Below are some of the best safari destinations for gorilla trekking in December;

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park stands out as the best place to go gorilla trekking in Africa since it consists of many habituated gorillas thus attracting a large number of tourists. The park is a world UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the southwestern part of Uganda covering an area of about 321sqkm. The park boasts about 163 tree species, 104 ferns, 350 bird species, 27 frogs as well as the Magnificent mountain Gorillas.

Safety Concerns for Gorilla Trekking Safari in December

Whereas gorilla trekking is safe for travelers on a safari to Uganda, several factors should be considered before embarking on a gorilla Safari.

Health: Mountain Gorillas share about 98% of their DNA with human beings thus susceptible to Human diseases. Travelers should make sure they do not exhibit symptoms of illness.

Physical preparedness: The Gorilla trekking experience is a physically demanding one thus, trekkers are advised to be prepared for hikes that may take up to 6 hours. Prior to the safari, one is encouraged to do physical fitness that will enable them to navigate the trekking trails more comfortably.

Rules and Guidelines when observing the Mountain Gorillas to ensure the safety of the visitors.

Observing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring moment that comes with a lot of causations to ensure the safety of visitors on an African Safari.

Guided gorilla trekking: Gorilla trekking is done in small groups and typically led by the Uganda Wildlife Park Rangers who are more knowledgeable about gorilla behaviors. Upon encounter with the gorillas, a safe distance between tourists and the gorillas is required to avoid stress on the gorillas and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

·         Do not use flashlights when taking photographs

·         Maintain a 10-meter distance with the gorillas

·         Maximum number of visitors is 8 persons per gorilla Family

·         Feeding gorillas is prohibited or eating your packed lunch while observing the gorillas.

What to pack for Gorilla trekking?

·         Long-sleeved shirt

·         Long pants

·         Sturdy hiking boots

·         Thick socks

·         Light waterproof jacket

·         A wide-brimmed Hat

·         Face Mask

·         Sunglasses

·         Gloves

How much is a Gorilla trekking permit in December?

Having a gorilla trekking permit is like assuring yourself an extraordinary experience as well as investing in the future of mountain Gorillas. The cost of Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo differs respectively.

In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs USD 800 (Foreign Non-Residents), USD 700 (Foreign Residents), and UGX 300,000 (East African Citizens)

In Rwanda, a gorilla Permit costs USD 1500 (Foreign Non-Residents), USD 500 (Foreign Residents), and USD 200 (East African Citizens).

In Congo, a gorilla permit costs USD 400 (Foreign Non-Residents) USD 200 (East African Citizens), and USD 20 (National Residents).

Venture Beyond Gorilla trekking with optional Gorilla Habituation in December.

Gorilla Habituation involves introducing human beings close to the majestic mountain gorilla’s sightings. Unlike Gorilla trekking, Gorilla Habituation is a special experience that offers a unique unforgivable adventure where visitors spend 4 hours encountering the gorillas. However, this experience comes at a higher cost. The gorilla Habituation experience is a conservation effort that is essential for protecting these endangered mountain Gorillas and their natural habitat.

How much is a gorilla habituation permit?

One would wonder where to have this experience from but well, the Gorilla Habituation experience is only done in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Rwanda and Congo only offer gorilla trekking, not gorilla Habituation thus making Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park the best gorilla destination and travelers’ choice on an African Safari.

A Gorilla Habituation Permit Costs USD 1500 (Foreign Non-Residents), USD 1000 (Foreign Residents) and UGX 700,000 (East African Citizens). Gorilla habituation experience requires one to have a certain level of fitness since it involves navigating through dense forests and hiking steep slopes. Therefore, a tourist planning Uganda primates and gorilla safari should have physical preparedness.

How to book the gorilla tracking Permit in December?

Both gorilla trekking and Gorilla Habituation require a careful process and right documents (Gorilla trekking and Habituation permit). One can book directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority website or physically visit their offices. Alternatively, Bujo safaris is a repeated tour operator for gorilla trekking and all East African Safaris. Therefore, our reservations team can help you organize your gorilla trekking and Habituation Experience provided you have the right documents.

How to access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of Uganda’s premier destinations for gorilla trekking and habituation experiences. Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be an Adventure Itself since it involves traversing through the rough dusty roads and lush green vegetation of Uganda. The park can be reached by both air and road transport. A traveler opting to go gorilla trekking by air can board a flight from Kajansi airstrip to Kihihi airstrip and connect to the park by road transport according to the sector that is posted on your permit.

Alternatively, one can access the park by road transport from Kigali International Airport to Entebbe International Airport. The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours from Entebbe airport with a stopover at the Uganda Equator for souvenirs and lunch in Mbarara. The chance to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat should not just be a bucket list experience but a life-changing adventure with respect for gorillas and other wildlife species which makes it safe for tracking gorillas in all seasons.