GORILLA & CHIMPANZEE TRACKING GUIDELINES – UGANDA

Official visitor conduct, packing guide, seasonal advice, and park comparisons

Gorilla Tracking Rules – Bwindi & Mgahinga

• Valid Uganda Wildlife Authority permit required (present with passport).
• Minimum age: 15 years.
• Do not trek if you have a contagious illness.
• Mandatory ranger briefing before trekking.
• Maintain 7–10 meters distance from gorillas.
• Keep calm, speak softly, avoid sudden movements.
• Avoid direct eye contact with dominant silverbacks.
• Cover mouth when coughing/sneezing.
• Viewing time: 1 hour maximum.
• Maximum 8 trekkers per gorilla group per day.

Prohibitions

• No flash photography
• No eating, drinking, or smoking near gorillas
• No drones or loud devices
• No littering
• No feeding or touching wildlife

What to Wear & Pack – Gorilla Trekking

• Neutral earth-tone colors
• Long sleeves & trousers
• Moisture-wicking quick-dry fabrics
• Layered clothing

• Sturdy hiking boots
• Gaiters
• Gloves
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Hat & buff

• Reusable water bottle
• Insect repellent & sunscreen
• Daypack
• Camera (no flash)
• Binoculars, sunglasses

• Strong scents
• Bright clothing
• Drones
• Single-use plastics

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking

Dry Seasons: June–September & December–February (easier trails, better photos, high demand).

Rainy Seasons: March–May & October–November (lush forest, fewer crowds, muddier trails).

Chimpanzee Tracking Rules – Kibale & Other Forests

• Valid permit required
• Minimum age: 12 years
• No tracking when sick
• Mandatory briefing
• Maintain 8 meters distance
• 1 hour viewing (4 hours for habituation)
• Stay calm, avoid sudden movements
• No direct eye contact

Strict Prohibitions

• No flash photography
• No feeding or touching chimps
• No littering
• No eating/smoking near chimps
• No drones or loud electronics

Chimpanzee vs Gorilla Tracking

Chimps: Fast, loud, unpredictable, more walking, minimum age 12.

Gorillas: Calm, slower hikes, quiet encounters, minimum age 15.

Chimp Tracking Comparison

Kibale: Highest success rate, best for first-time visitors.

Budongo: Fewer crowds, natural experience, combine with Murchison Falls.

Kyambura: Most scenic and adventurous, lowest success rate.