YES, trekking to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is safe and undisturbed. How safe is Uganda for gorilla trekking has been a concern for most travelers in recent days. However, we gladly assure all travelers coming to visit gorillas in Uganda that the Pearl of Africa is safe and gorilla trekking is well done. For the past many years, Uganda has no record of any gorilla traveling lapses, which assure travelers of their safety in the jungles of Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks and so in all tourism destinations in Uganda. The joint security force of military, tourism police and armed rangers guarantee travelers of safety during their gorilla tour in the Pearl of Africa. The comfort, safety, and security of clients tracking to see mountain gorillas is a concern for all tourism, conservation and gorilla lovers In Uganda. With no doubt, gorilla tours are one of Uganda’s big investments, which contribute greatly to the economic development. The government and all stakeholders, therefore, do all it takes to make gorilla watching as safe as possible. The sale of gorilla permits each at &600 per day is the best business Uganda can ever have. Most of the rangers in gorilla parks are former poachers who converted to conservation committed to doing all they can to fight any criminal act against gorillas. Gorilla tourism and conservation is at the forefront of Uganda and hence travelers safety is everyone’s concern in the pearl of Africa.
How is safety guaranteed?
Various measures have been talked to ensure travelers to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga gorilla national parks are safe. Among these measures are:
Armed ranger guides
After briefing on the day of gorilla trekking, each group of travelers (eight) is assigned two armed ranger guides.
Armed park rangers in Bwindi Forest Uganda
These keep with clients during the entire gorilla trek and ensure that travelers are safe from any harm. No visitor is therefore allowed to hike into Bwindi forest or any other gorilla national park in Uganda and Rwanda with no armed escort. One ranger leads the group while the other one moves at the back of the group. The speed of hiking is determined by the lowest person in the group and that what ranger guides move at. The reason why ranger guides have guns is to scare away wild animals in case of an attack. These shoot in the sky to chase wild animals when attacked mainly by forest elephants and other un habituated wild animals in the forest. Travelers are advised to adhere to all rules and guidelines as told by their range guides. Among the gorilla trekking rules include keeping a seven-meter distance away from gorillas, speaking at a low tone, avoid flashlight cameras whole taking photos and crouching down submissively incase silverback charges.
Tourism police
In addition to park rangers, the Uganda government introduced tourism police in gorilla parks and all other national parks all over the country. The role of Uganda tourism police is to patrol through the parks day and night making sure no rebel groups and other criminals hiding in the park. At certain points, the police camp deep in the jungle to ensure travelers are very safe. If you are tracking gorillas and come across army men, do not fear them, they are there to protect you.
What about at the lodge
Lodges and camps within the jungles of Bwindi forest
Bwindi Forest Lodge in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi
and Mgahinga gorilla national parks also have tight security. There are armed guards at all lodges day and night to protect the lodge and ensure travelers safety. These guards are mostly ex-military men and others trained with various security companies to provide security services.
What about Rwanda?
Just like in Uganda, Rwanda is safe for gorilla trekking. No rebel attacks have been heard in Volcanoes national park for many decades now. Rwanda is one of the safest travel destinations that guarantee travelers safety and their property. The country is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga conservation area sheltering 10habituated gorilla families for trekking. Also, Rwanda ranks as a luxury gorilla tour destination selling the most expensive gorilla permits at $1500 for an hour’s interaction with gorillas.
Is Congo safe for the gorillas?
Unlike Rwanda and Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains unsafe for gorilla tourism. The park was closed for 8 months since May 2018 to Feb. 2019 due to insecurity in the park associated with kidnap and killing of park rangers in the park. Gorilla trekking is done but travelers are highly advised to be careful during their visit in Virunga national park.
Gorilla trekking remains the best wildlife encounter in the world. Book a gorilla safari to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo today, meet the gentle giants in the jungle and be part of this memorable adventure.
