How safe is Mountain Gorilla Trekking in East Africa?

Safety is perhaps the greatest of all things when it comes to planning a safari to East Africa; we consider safety a priority for all our travellers.

History of Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked East African country located on the Equator with a tropical climate all year round, in the early years Uganda was faced with a constant military change of power from 1971 to 1986 during the times of Idi Amin and Milton Obote and after 1990 Uganda has maintained peaceful hence boosting massive gorilla tourism, currently, Uganda hosts the highest number of refugees recorded anywhere in the world meaning that the country has become safe custody for all.

Crimes against tourists on safari are very rare making Uganda a perfect destination for holidays, Uganda is also highly recommended by solo travellers due to the friendly nature of the people.

What to bear in mind while planning a gorilla safari to East Africa

Gorilla trekking is a physical activity that involves walking on foot meaning travellers intending to trek the mountain gorillas will ensure they have a certain level of physical fitness.

• Slippery trails

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rainforest meaning it can rain anytime and when it rains the ground becomes wet and sliding can happen during the trek.

What should I do?

Clients are advised to wear hiking boots with very good traction and also hire potters who will give them pull and push when the terrain becomes steep.

• Stinging nettles

Bwindi is home to over 160 species of trees and shrubs and some of these trees discharge itching elements that can cause body reactions during your trek.

What should I do?

We recommend packing garden gloves and wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers to make sure you cover 99% of your body.

• Biting insects

The forest is a hot spot for bees and wasps these insects can bite however they only do that when provoked our most worrying insect during the trek is the safari aunts which can enter your pants and they can bite quite seriously during the trek.

What should I do?

We recommend tucking in your pants into long stockings and covering up with guitars hence giving yourself total protection

• High altitudes

Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park sits at an altitude of about 2000-2600 meters above sea level which sounds relatively low but some people will struggle with it during the trek.

What should I do?

If you have severe issues with altitude and asthma please carry your inhalers with you from home and inform your expedition leader on arrival.

• Unhabituated wildlife

Besides the habituated mountain gorillas Bwindi forest is home to wild mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants which can charge at times during your trek.

What should I do?

During your trek your will have 4 crew members at the start of the trek, 3 will be armed with the famous AK 47 and the lead guide and in case any of these animals appear then they can be shot in the air to despise them and all you need to do is to listen to the trackers and the guides.