Gorilla tracking in Uganda
Mountian gorillas are a big attraction of Bwind and Mgahinga. They are very special animals- rare, gentle, like us yet different. Tracking gorillas is a unique experience- it leads u into a strange land to meet unusual creatures on their own term. This can be humbling and thrilling at the same time.
Gorilla tracking is an intense experience that can take all day. The guide leads you through the gorilla’s world, explaining aspects of their ecology and behaviour along the way.
In this section, we provide basic facts about gorillas, relevant both Bwind and Mgahinga. In both parks, specific groups of gorillas have been habituated to people. The composition of any group changes as individuals are born, die, or transfer, so your guide will be able to give you up-to-date details. Groups are named after the area in which they range. So your guide will tell you which group you will visit.
We must stress that, while you have a very good chance of seeing gorillas, success is NOT guaranteed! They are wild creatures with no fixed routine, and finding them requires the skill and experience of your trackers and guides, as well as luck! The guides and trackers have helped to habituate the gorilla groups and know them intimately. They will take you to the area they left the gorillas the day before. Before leaving they will be able to suggest how long the hike might take. While walking, please ask your guides to slow down if they are going too fast and if you need a rest. Feel free to stop and look at birds of flowers etc., the guide will ensure that you don’t get left behind.
Watch out for safari ants on the trail- they bite and hang on, and if you step in them and get covered, the only solution is to strip! The actual trail you will follow will depend on where the trackers left the group and what signs they find to indicate where the group has gone. They are looking for crushed vegetation, broken plants that the gorillas might eat, and fresh dung. If you find the place where the group slept, you will see the gorilla’s nests which they make fresh each night.
When you find the gorillas, there is no guarantee that you will be able to photograph them. They often range in broken forest where vegetation is dense patient and eventually they will come into view.
Gorilla Safari Main Page
Gorilla Tour Packages
What are Gorillas?
Gorilla Trekking Rules
Growing up as a Gorilla
Visitor Information
What to Bring
Gorilla Habituation
Gorilla Tracking Uganda
Ecology of the Gorilla
