Gorilla trekking is entirely an all-inclusive adventure. Whether you are pregnant or not, able-bodied, or a person of disability, it is possible to visit Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo to enjoy up close with the endangered mountain gorillas. These are rare creatures and they occur in only 4 parks in Africa- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga National Park – (Uganda), Virunga National Park – (D.R. Congo), and Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda.
Not more than 1063 endangered mountain gorillas still live in the wild, and trekking through the dense forest to see these apes is a dream come true. Pregnant or not, you can safely visit mountain gorillas and return home when filled with lots of lasting memories.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is recommended for women with pregnancies below 7 months. A normal visit to see gorillas involves trekking through the dense forest and your fitness level is key. If you can’t walk for long distances, there is an option of hiring sedan chairs and porters who will carry you through the jungles to see mountain gorilla families. Hiring Sedan chairs for gorilla trips costs between USD350 and USD500.
Plan for flight to and from gorilla destinations - pregnant women with plans to visit Uganda/Rwanda for gorilla trekking can connect to their preferred destinations by air. Reach out to your tour operator on the ground to arrange a scheduled or chartered flight from Entebbe Airport and Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi/Kisoro airstrip.
By road travel - if you are starting your road trip from Kampala to Bwindi / Mgahinga National Park, you will take 8-9 hours. Being a long road trip, you will require some snacks and multiple stopovers to stretch and also catch some sights.
When finding a rental car for your road travel to and from Bwindi/Mgahinga National Park, consider a 4x4 Land Cruiser that provides enough leg room, cargo space, and comfortable seats.
Choose the best gorilla sector & the most accessible gorilla families to visit. Five regions can be visited for gorilla trekking in Uganda alone - Ntebeko in Mgahinga, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma sectors in the Bwindi forest. Moderate gorilla trekking sectors include Buhoma & Ruhija and for the most challenging treks, Rushaga and Nkuringo are the best locations to start your journey to encounter mountain gorillas.
Let your tour operator/agent know early. Always ensure that you communicate with your local tour operator in advance is one way of informing him/her of your condition and he or she can talk to the park officials early too. This will guide you in planning your entire gorilla safari including the allocation of easy-trek gorilla families.
Visit during the dry season. In case of any plans to visit gorillas, always plan your tour during the dry season. During the dry season/months, it is easier to walk through the forests and steep slopes to see gorillas. This is during the long dry months - June to September / December to February. Wet months of the year are characterized by heavy rains and navigating through the slippery slopes to see a family of gorillas isn’t easy.
Choose the right accommodation. Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo have all 3 categories of hotels/lodges - budget, midrange, and luxury. The lodge management should be informed in advance of your condition such that you are allocated a comfortable place for your stay.
What to pack. Consider packing essentials to help you enjoy the most of your African gorilla tours. Valid gorilla permit, waterproof hiking/walking boots or shoes, daypack, anti-malarial tablets, insect repellents, long trousers, rain jacket, sweater, long-sleeved shirt, a good camera, binoculars, etc.
