Gorilla Tracking

Mountain Gorillas are the big attraction of Bwindi and Mgahinga. They are very special animals- rare, gentle, like us yet so different. Tracking gorillas is unique experience – it leads you into a strange land to meet unusual creatures on their own terms. This can be humbling and thrilling at the same time.

Gorilla Tracking is an intense experience that can take all the day. The guide leads you through the gorilla’s world, explaining aspects of ecology and behavior along the way. In this section, we provide some basic facts about gorillas, relevant to both Bwindi and Mgahinga. In both parks, specific groups of Gorillas have been habituated to people. The composition of any group changes as individuals are born.. die  or transfer, so your guide will be able to give you up to date details. Groups are named after the area in which they usually range. Your Guide will tell you which group you will visit.

We must stress that, while you have very good chance of seeing gorillas, success is not guaranteed! They They are wild creatures with no fixed routine, and finding them requires the skill and experience of a tracker and guides as well as luck!

The guides and trackers have helped to habituate the Gorilla groups and know there intimately. They will take you to the area where they left the Gorillas the day before. Before leaving they will be able to suggest how long the hike might take. While walking, please ask  Your your guides to slow down if they are going too fast and if you need a rest. Feel free to stop and look at birds or flower etc., the guide will ensure that you do not get left behind.

Watch out for safari ants on and if you step in them get covered,the only solution is to strip!the actual trail you will follow will depends on where the trackers left the group and what signs they fine to indicate where the group has gone. They are looking for crushed vegetation,broken plants that the gorillas might eat and fresh dung. If you find the place where the group slept, you will see the gorilla's nest which they make fresh night.

When you find the gorillas, there is no guarantee that you will be able to photograph them. They are often range in broken forests where vegetation is dense patient and eventually they will come into view.

What to bring?

Gorilla tracking can be a long and strenuous walk, so go prepared.

·         Wear shoes with good traction, suitable for steep muddy slopes.

·         Carry rain gear, sunscreen and a hat, as the weather is unpredictable.

·         Carry water and food.

·         Carry binoculars - you'll see much more! You can them at the park office.

·         When taking photos, remember that your subjects are black animals in dim light and the flashes are not allowed.

·         Departure is at 8.30 am. If you are late you lose your place. There are usually many people in line for stand-by place.

Good Manners for Gorilla Watchers:

·         Keep your voice down or be quiet. You will see and hear more if you do.

·         Do not point or wave your arms – this is seen as a threat. Move slowly.

·         If approached by a gorilla, back away slowly to keep 5 m separated.

·      Do not use a flash – this could frighten the Gorillas and bother other visitors