Will I see the Gorillas in the Wild in Uganda? What are my Chances?
A question often asked: What are my chances of seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?
What Are My Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas in Uganda? If you are considering a trek to see Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas, the likelihood of encountering them is exceptionally high—virtually guaranteed. Based on over a decade of trekking experience, approximately 99% of participants successfully spend time with a gorilla family. Notably, only one client had not spotted gorillas on the first day, but they could see them on a subsequent trek.
Gorilla treks in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are meticulously organized to enhance your chances of a sighting. These expeditions are not left to chance; experienced guides and trackers are crucial in locating the gorillas, ensuring a memorable experience for trekkers.
In summary, trekkers commonly witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas are awaiting your visit. Your aspiration to see them up close will likely become a reality with suitable planning. You can embark on your Trek with confidence, knowing that an encounter with these magnificent creatures is highly probable.
What are my chances of seeing the Mountain Gorillas?
1. Why seeing the Gorillas is a 99% Sure Thing:
What are my Chances of seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda? The likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas during a trek in Uganda is exceptionally high. Gorilla trekking is a fundamental aspect of Ugandan tourism, contributing significantly to the economy and attracting visitors from around the globe. To participate in this remarkable experience, a trekking permit, typically priced at $700, allows for one hour of observation with a family of gorillas.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has refined the process of gorilla trekking over the years, ensuring that the experience is not only rewarding but also highly successful. Their expertise means that sightings of gorilla families are almost guaranteed. The popularity of this activity speaks volumes about its safety and feasibility; if there were considerable risks involved, it would not be a favored pursuit among tourists.
In fact, trekkers enjoy an impressive 99% chance of spotting gorillas during their excursions. This high success rate explains the scarcity of negative reviews and highlights why gorilla trekking is so widely appreciated. This engaging experience is also crucial in generating essential funds for gorilla conservation efforts, supporting local communities, and sustaining livelihoods within the tourism sector. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure while contributing to vital conservation initiatives.
2. A Pre-Tracking Team is out locating your Gorilla Family before you hit the trail:
Before going on your Gorilla Trekking Day, a dedicated team of Pre-Trackers undertakes crucial preparation to enhance your likelihood of encountering the Gorillas. These Pre-Trackers begin their day in the early morning hours, often. At the same time, it is still shrouded in mist and proceeds to the last known locations of the Gorilla families.
Utilizing advanced tools such as GPS and satellite phones, the Pre-Trackers adeptly navigate the terrain to pinpoint the exact locations of the Gorilla family you will be visiting. Gorillas typically have a limited range, moving no more than 2 to 3 kilometers each day, enabling the Pre-Trackers, who are highly trained in tracking techniques, to monitor their movements effectively.
Once the Pre-Trackers locate the Gorilla family, they relay this information to the Rangers at the Park headquarters. The Rangers will then act as your guides, expertly leading you to the Gorillas during your Trek. This entire process is conducted while you are still at your lodge, sleeping or enjoying breakfast, highlighting the Pre-Trackers’ essential role in ensuring a successful Gorilla trekking experience.
3. The Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger Guides will lead you to the Gorilla Encounter:
The skilled rangers accompanying participants on a Gorilla Trek are trained professionals dedicated to providing an exceptional trekking experience. Before the Trek begins, pre-trackers locate the gorilla family in the forest, allowing the rangers to guide trekkers to the exact spot.
Typically, a gorilla trek lasts between three to five hours, during which participants can spend one hour observing the gorillas, creating memorable moments.
While the rangers and trackers are often recognized for the Trek’s success, it is important to acknowledge the vital role of the pre-trackers. These individuals work diligently behind the scenes to ensure that gorilla trekking is reliable and enjoyable, effectively reducing the uncertainty of locating the gorillas.
Visitors are encouraged to show appreciation for the pre-trackers through tips or gratuities, as they often receive less recognition for their crucial contributions.
Although rangers lead the Trek, the pre-trackers provide an impressive 99% chance of encountering a gorilla family, with the group rarely moving after being located. The success of the gorilla encounter results from effective teamwork and coordination among pre-trackers, rangers, and trackers, ensuring a rewarding experience for all involved.
4. Things that will stop you from seeing a Gorilla Family on the Day of the Trek:
When planning a trek to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild, several factors could affect your chances of a successful encounter. Suppose you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms such as a cold, cough, or gastrointestinal issues. In that case, it is vital to prioritize the health of both fellow trekkers and the gorillas.
Gorillas share approximately 98.4% of their DNA with humans, making them susceptible to illnesses that humans can transmit, such as the flu or COVID-19. Therefore, if you are sick, you must cancel your Trek to prevent the spread of disease. Be sure to inform your driver-guide and the Uganda Wildlife Authority about your condition, and they will assist you in rescheduling your Trek.
Surveys indicate that many trekkers do not disclose their illnesses on the day of the Trek, which can pose risks to both themselves and the gorillas.
While physical fitness does not guarantee seeing the gorillas, being in good shape can enhance your overall experience. Hiring a porter is an option for those who may have difficulty walking. Porters can assist you and provide walking sticks to help you navigate the terrain. Additionally, if you have a disability, you can be accommodated with a team of porters who will carry you in and out of the forest using a portable sedan chair, ensuring you can still enjoy the Trek.
What are my chances of seeing the Mountain Gorillas?
Will I see the Gorillas in the Wild in Uganda?
When planning your gorilla trek, you must know you are 99% likely to encounter your assigned gorilla family. However, unexpected occurrences can happen since these magnificent animals are in their natural habitat. Occasionally, gorillas may relocate without prior notice, though such cases are rare.
It’s common to hear stories from fellow trekkers who may have missed seeing the gorillas on their scheduled day, often shared on review platforms like TripAdvisor. It’s crucial to understand that these instances are exceptions rather than the rule; over a decade of operation, only one client has not seen the gorillas.
With a high success rate of 99% for trekkers who see the gorillas, it’s emphasized that most experiences will be positive. In the rare event that you do not see them, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has measures to address the situation and ensure it is appropriately resolved.
