The common gorilla trekking mistakes

There are a few mistakes that folks sometimes make when gorilla trekking. Here are five common pitfalls to avoid when setting out on your gorilla trekking adventure. We also have a bonus tip that relates solely to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest.

Whether you're headed to Rwanda or Uganda for a gorilla trek, you want to avoid these common mistakes which can completely derail or at least hamper the enjoyment of your experience.

Arriving on the wrong day

The second common mistake that visitors coming to see mountain gorillas make is rocking up on the wrong day. Permits are issued for specific dates and are non-transferable. This is because trek groups fill up far in advance. Note that there are also no refunds. 

Not booking permits in advance

Gorilla trekking permits are limited to eight people per group of gorillas per day. While Uganda now has many habituated gorilla groups, trekking to see them has become very popular and the permits can become very limited. You need to book your permit often months in advance. If you show up on the day hoping to secure the permit, you're likely to be disappointed.

Fly into the wrong Airport for Gorilla Trekking

Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s official Airport. It is, however, not the best Airport if you are focused on Gorilla Trekking or the Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Southwest Corner of Uganda.

Kigali, Rwanda International Airport is only 3 hours from Mgahinga Gorilla Park, and the southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is 4 hours drive time. Kigali is the logical Airport to fly into for Gorilla Trekkers and avoid making the 9-hour drive from Entebbe to Southwest Uganda.

Kigali International Airport in Rwanda is the unofficial Gorilla Trekking airport for Southwest Uganda. Many do not realize the Reality and spend the extra time and money flying into Entebbe and driving to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Many of our safaris begin in Kigali and end in Entebbe.

Not bringing your passport on the trek

Visitors must bring their passports on the day of the gorilla trek as park officials check these against permits to ensure only rightful permit holders are admitted to the park. Forget your passport and you may not be allowed into the park! It’s possible you’ll be able to dash back to your accommodation to fetch it, but at the very least that will be stressful. At worst, you’ll miss the trek.

Booking a Gorilla Lodge that is nowhere near where your tracking sector

There are four Gorilla trekking locations in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which are, in some cases, hours apart, and yet the unknowing Gorilla Trekker will book a lodge first before they have a permit in an area such as Buhoma. There Gorilla Trekking Permit is for Rushaga, which is a 5-hour drive away from Buhoma.

Once again, the novice do-it-yourself Gorilla Trekker loses out. There is a reason that Gorilla Tour Operators exist, and the above problem is just one that a knowledgeable operator will avoid.

A Safari that includes Gorilla Trekking is like a tapestry woven together. It has to make sense and be in a logical sequence as part of your Safari.A Gorilla Tour Operator can do just that. You, equipped even with the latest Bradt Guide to Uganda and all the booking services available, the reality is that the uninitiated will make mistakes.

Not using a Porter and Walking Stick

Using a Porter at a nominal fee, Gorilla Trekking will free you to concentrate on the Trek and not on your Day-pack.Using a porter is smart and the right thing for most. Not having one means additional discomfort for the next 3 to 7 hours on the trail.

All of our Luxury Gorilla Safaris have a porter included for the gorilla trekking portion of their Safari. The added plus is that you assist the local community by using a porter.The Walking Stick made locally is another added plus of comfort on your Trek, do not head into the forest without one.

Not wearing hiking boots

Many people underestimate how challenging hiking through the alpine forests of central Africa can be. This is not something that should be attempted in new sneakers. It is important to wear sturdy hiking boots that you have worm in. These will help you remain sure footed over the slippery jungle trails.

Not packing the right clothing

You need to be dressed properly to avoid getting cold, wet, scratched, bitten by insets, or sun burnt. The main items to pack are a long-sleeved top, warm jacket, long pants, long socks, waterproof jacket, hardy gloves and sunhat. And don't forget sunscreen for your face.

Finally, you need to bring along a backpack and sufficient water and snacks to sustain you throughout the hike. A porter can be hired to carry this for you if you like.10 Days Uganda Chimpanzee tracking and wildlife Safari