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Kilimanjaro & Uganda Gorilla Trek

Trek Description
Locations

Kilimanjaro & Uganda Gorilla Trek

Africa is a continent renowned for its rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. One of the most iconic adventure of all time that should not be missed is Trekking the untouched Mountain Kilimanjaro and the majestic Gorillas of Uganda at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

While on these safaris, you get to witness two extraordinary activities as you get to the highest point in Africa (Uhuru Peak) as well as watch the unique majestic Mountain Gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitats. Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature lover, or someone seeking a life-changing adventure, trekking Mount Kilimanjaro and embarking on a gorilla safari in Uganda will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Mountain Kilimanjaro Trekking

Mount Kilimanjaro elevates to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and prominently known to offer amazing Hiking Adventures to all travelers from around the world. The Mountain is found in Tanzania and a dormant stratovolcano with three volcanic cones i.e Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.

The mountain attracts thousands of trekkers and climbers annually due to its stunning views, varied ecosystems, and relatively accessible trekking routes. To get to the top of the Mountain, hikers don’t require technical mountaineering skills hence making it accessible to most people with good physical fitness and a sense of adventure.

Mountain Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes

There are various routes hikers can take to reach the summit of Mountain Kilimanjaro each offering a different adventure experience. These include:

Marangu Route also referred to as the Coca Cola Route one of the most well-trodden paths and the only route with hut accommodation along the way. It’s also one of the easier routes, although it still presents significant challenges due to the altitude.
Machame Route also known as the Whiskey Route comprises of scenic beauty and higher altitude gain. It is popular for its diverse terrain landscapes hence a bit more difficult to conquer than the Marangu Route.
Lemosho Route: This route is less crowded, making it ideal for those looking for a more peaceful experience. It is often chosen for its gradual ascent, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
Rongai Route: Starting from the northern side of the mountain, this is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the less-traveled direction. It’s a quieter path and offers a unique perspective of the mountain.
Umbwe Route: Known for being the steepest and most challenging route, it is recommended for experienced hikers who are looking for an intense, high-adrenaline experience.

Best Time to Trek Mount Kilimanjaro

The best time to trek Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is during the dry season in the months of June to October and from late December to February. During this time, the weather is clearer, viewing the Mountain and other surrounding landscapes is clear as well as trekking to the highest point Uhuru peak is less challenging.

Trekking Experience and Challenges

Mountain Kilimanjaro is a physically demanding experience as the altitude can cause acclimatization issues like altitude sickness. While climbers don’t need advanced technical mountaineering skills, the trek requires stamina, endurance and mental fortitude. It’s recommended that trekkers take time to acclimatize by spending extra days on the mountain to avoid altitude-related problems.

Throughout the climb, trekkers pass through various ecological zones i.e tropical rainforests to alpine deserts each offering unique flora and fauna, including monkeys, elephants and a variety of bird species.

Other than trekking the highest Mountain in Africa, travelers can also visit destinations like Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga to trek the unique Mountain Gorillas in their natural forest vegetation habitat.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Mountain Gorillas are incredibly intelligent and social animals living in family groups led by a dominant silverback. They are gentle and peaceful in nature unless bothered. Their population is steadily increasing due to the conservation efforts that have been put in place as well as increased birth

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is an exceptional safari adventure to do on holiday vacation as this offers you a chance to trek and watch the rare species of Mountain Gorillas in their natural forest habitat.

Uganda also referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is home to the remarkable Mountain Gorillas that are unique and exceptional to watch as they take you through their livelihood. The Mountain Gorillas are fond of inhabiting the thick forest jungles in the South West of Uganda. Uganda is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population hence an ideal destination to explore while on holiday.

Places to watch Gorillas in Uganda

In Uganda, Gorilla Trekking is done in the South West of Uganda at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as well as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the South Western Part of Uganda close to the border of Rwanda. The Park is prominently known to offer amazing Gorilla Trekking Adventures to all travelers from around the globe. Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is done in various groups i.e 18 Gorilla groups each with unique features.

Trekking these groups requires you to have a valid Gorilla Trekking Permit which costs US $800 per person interested and these are obtained through contacting a valid Tour Operator to book these on your behalf.

Trekking Procedure

At Bwindi Forest, you are welcomed at the park headquarters by rangers who take you through precise briefing on conduct around the Mountain Gorillas. Later, they allocate you into equal groups of 8 with lead park ranger guides who transfer you to the starting point where you leave to enter the green forest to trek the Gorillas. Follow varying trails from one place to another for a period of 3 to 5 hours depending where the Gorillas are as reported by the rangers with trackers. After a while, you shall meet the Gorillas and in an hour you stay in their presence taking many photos to keep.

After trekking the Gorillas, you shall receive a Gorilla Trekking certificate to take with you back home for memories.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the South West and also known to offer amazing Gorilla Trekking Adventures. Trekking Gorillas at Mgahinga is the same as that of Bwindi although here, one Gorilla family (Nyakagezi Gorilla Group). The vegetation at the park includes bamboo and is quite sparse making photography very clear.

Gorilla Trekking Permit also costs US $800 per person.

What to Expect During a Gorilla Trek

Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves a challenging hike through dense, muddy and often steep terrain. Trekking can take anywhere from one to eight hours depending on the location of the gorilla family on that particular day. Once trekkers reach the gorillas, they are allowed to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat, watching them feed, play, or rest.

The experience is incredibly intimate and humbling, as the gorillas often come quite close to trekkers, allowing for unforgettable close-up encounters. A trained guide and ranger accompany each group to ensure safety and respect for the gorillas.

Best Time to Trek in Uganda

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season which lasts from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and trekking conditions are more favorable. However, it’s important to note that gorilla trekking is possible year-round, as the forests remain verdant and green.