Many tourists wonder about what happens if one fails to see the gorillas during a gorilla safari in Uganda. Though the success rate of seeing the gorillas on a single trek is 99%, on a bad day, some tourists have failed to see the gorillas. Then what can be done to save the day? What happens if I fail to see the mountain gorillas? We try to answer this commonly asked question so that you can book your next gorilla safari in Africa when you are in the know.
For cases where a trekker fails to view mountain gorillas when he or she is already in the forest, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) can improvise where need be. In case she or he has adequate time the following day, he or she shall have a second chance to trek. But note, this rarely happens!
For trekkers try their best to hike through the jungles and steep slopes to search for mountain gorillas. In this process, some tourists do not make it due to many reasons. Some of the reasons include physical wellness or illnesses, old age and the movement of gorillas.
On most occassions, old or less fit clients, tourists can be allocated gorilla families that are expected to be close to the starting point. At times, when the trek has already started, visitors can be taken back to where they started their trek and then hike to the nearby gorilla groups that is if there is any. Such trekker will be required to give his or her details concerning the physical abilities to park ranger or official. This is to help the park officials find the best alternative for such category.
Where to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda
A glimpse at mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a lifetime experience. In Uganda, you can be part of this thrilling experience only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park which are all set in southwestern Uganda. The two parks offer refuge to over half of all the 1004 mountain gorillas that the world today boast of. There are over 21 gorilla families available for tourism and research purposes. In Bwindi National Park, treks usually start in anyone of the four trekking regions; Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga or Buhoma area, each of these has habituated families and only one will be assigned to you to trek in a group of 8 trekkers. You will be accompanied by a professional park ranger guide and in case of heavy luggage you will hire a porter to help you carry.
Gorilla permits in Uganda
A gorilla permit is an essential tool every trekker should have if he or she is to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. In Uganda, you can obtain one at $600 if you are a foreign non-resident, $500 for foreign resident and shs. 250000 for East African citizens. However, starting 1st July 2020, gorilla permits in Uganda will cost $700, $600 and shs.250000 respectively. A gorilla permit at hand gets you about 99 percent chances to see mountain gorillas. Normally, trackers are sent to the field to ascertain the whereabouts of these incredible creatures before the next group of trekkers set off something that easies and also reduces hours of hiking to see mountain gorillas.
How to obtain gorilla permits in Uganda
Gorilla permits in Uganda can be obtained either through a reliable, trustworthy tour operator in Uganda or through a reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Visitors on gorilla safari to Uganda or Rwanda are advised to secure their gorilla permits earlier before embarking on actual trip since the demand is high. If you plan to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking, you need $1500 to secure a gorilla permit and you can do so through a ground tour operator or a reservationist at Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
In summary, a trek to see mountain gorillas is a life changing experience that any traveler on African safari shouldn’t miss out.