Together with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Uganda’s western region is the habitat for one of the most extra ordinary and special species of animals – the Mountain Gorillas (lat.: Gorilla gorilla beringei beringei).

The population of the “gentle giants” at the moment is about 750 animals and is slowly rising.

The DNA of a human being shows the third-biggest homology with gorillas, right after chimpanzees and bonobos. In numbers, the degree of relationship between gorillas and human beings is 97, 7 %.

Uganda
In Uganda, five families of gorillas can be observed in guided tracking-tours in two National Parks:

4 groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Mubare-Group
Habinyanja-Group
Rushegura-Group
Nkuringo-Group

1 group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
Nyakagezi-Group

8 visitors per day and per group are allowed.

Rwanda
Gorilla Trackings are also possible on the Rwandan side of the Virunga Mountains. The maximum number of visitors admitted per day and per group is 8.

Since the Ugandan tracking-tours are often fully booked or not enough permits are left, a visit on the Rwandan side is a good alternative to enable all travel companions to do the Gorilla tracking as a group and therefore share the same unique experience.

Democratic Republic of Congo
Due to the security situation EWS at the moment does not offer Gorilla tracking in the DRC. However, as soon as security allows we will resume offering this service.

Please study the following rules and regulations carefully. In the name of the animals, they were developed by international organizations such as the WWW (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) to protect animal interests.

On your way to the Gorillas:
Do not aggravate the gorillas in any way, listen and follow instructions of your designated guide. Do not try to touch, or feed the animals, this is to help to keep the risk of infection with / for the animals on contagious human sicknesses as little as possible. Please wash your hands before you start the Gorilla tracking.
Also try to be as quiet as possible which also contributes to the chance of exploring – apart from the gorillas – the extraordinary variety of birds in the National Park. Do not leave any garbage in the Park and take everything that you brought back to the camp with you: next to the gorillas, other animals might infect themselves. In the beginning you will be guided to the place where the group was seen the day before from where their traces are tracked: carefully watch your environment to the right and left: you might be the first to see the gorillas! Once you have found the group, your guide will tell you when to get your cameras ready.

Being with the Gorillas:
Do always keep a distance of at least 7 m (21 feet) from the closest animal to protect them from human infections; the further you are the more relaxed the animals. The group of visitors has to stay together closely. Try to be as quiet as possible and whisper when addressing the ranger with your questions. Do not eat or drink while you are with the gorillas since parts of the food/ drinks can drop and transmit sicknesses . Sometimes the gorillas start moving in your direction: in this case follow the actions of the guide, lower your body, lower your eyes and never stare into their eyes, wait until they have passed and until then do not try to touch them, do not take pictures or try to run away which could be risky. Move slowly and do not use a flash when taking photos: use a light-sensitive film to ensure the quality of your photos. Never try to touch a gorilla since they are wildlife! they look cute but… In general your stay with the gorillas will last about one hour: however, in case the group becomes nervous, your guide will immediately advice for break of the visit. After the stay with the gorillas please remain quiet until you have reached a distance of at least 300 m.

Health Demands
For your own benefit, a good health condition is required since the tracking can be tiresome and take some time. Gorillas are very prone to human illnesses and infections. It is therefore necessary to ensure certain behavior to minimize the risks. Respect the limitation of visitors per day which contributes to keeping the risk small and avoids too much stress. In case you feel sick, please decide to stay away from these precious animals and enjoy the tracking another day or receive a refund of your money. In case you need to sneeze or cough please turn away from the direction of the animals and cover your nose and mouth (with a handkerchief) to minimize the risk of infection. In case you suddenly have an “urgent concern” please do not be shy and tell your guide: he will then dig a whole of about 30 cm which you can use as a toilet.

Gorilla-Permits
Since the 1st of July 2007 the price for the Gorilla tracking is $ 500. The acquisition of permits for Uganda is only possible at the headquarters of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Kampala or via a tour- and travel agency such as Equatorial Wild Safaris. The same counts for Rwanda.

It is allowed for one to buy permits for Gorilla tracking up to two years in advance.

The fee for the Gorilla tracking is refunded in the following cases:

• in case the visitor has to leave Uganda and go to her/ his home country due to health reasons,
• in case the tracking is not possible due to e. g. health reasons as advised on by the ranger,
• in case the transport for visitors from neighboring countries can not be guaranteed/ fails.

Visitors, who have tried tracking the gorillas for a whole day but failed to see them, get a refund of 75% of the tracking fee. The refund will be given in the UWA-office in Kampala.

The following counts for any other cancellation:

• 0 - 8 days before the tracking - no refund
• 9 - 45 days before the tracking - 25% refund
• 46 - 90 days before the tracking - 50% refund
• 91 days and more before the tracking - 75% refund

Equipment for the Gorilla Tracking

• closed hiking shoes with good profile
• camera and/ or video camera WITHOUT flash
• sufficient spare films
• trousers out of good material (against thorns etc.) with long sleeves
• raincoat
• backpack or bag for your equipment
• food and drinks for the trekking
• handkerchiefs

In case you have a lot of equipment and/or do not want to carry it yourself, a carrier can be hired for a small tip.

EWS regularly organizes Gorilla tracking in both Uganda and Rwanda. We would be happy to have you as our guests on a memorable Gorilla tracking tour. Gorilla tracking is a unique and special experience in the life of all friends of nature and animals – experience these wonderful animals in their original habitat.

For booking and any inquiries, please contact us:
office@equatorialwildsafaris.com.

Yours- EWS Team