Gorilla trekking in Uganda-Prime Uganda Safaris & Tours Safari updates

Great Gorilla Safari ; If you like the outdoors, don’t mind sweating and getting a bit dirty, and have an interest in seeing one of the most magnificent animals on the planet, read on. Seeing the gorillas in the wild is an once-in-a-lifetime experience that I wouldn’t mind doing again.
On the recommendation of a friend’s parents (who at a 60+ years young had a great time – although to be fair they are big bicyclers and generally very active/in shape), 3 friends and I travelled to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see the famous (and endangered) mountain gorillas. For a number of reasons, this was one of the most amazing and surreal experiences of my life.
We were met at the airport in Entebbe by Amos. “Born and bred” in Uganda, Amos was to be our driver, guide, comedian, and all around good sport for the next 3 days. He put up with our bad jokes, incessant American chatter, diverse musical choices and post-trekking stench like a champ. We booked the whole trip through prime Safaris and were very happy.
We stayed at the Gorilla Resort in Bwindi – it was quite nice and Samuel, the manager, took care of us well. The food was excellent, beers cold, beds comfortable, and showers hot, and view stunning. The rooms (well, they’re tents actually) reminded me of something straight from “Out of Africa”, although instead of Meryl Streep I was stuck with my buddy Greg…
In what can only be described as breathtaking (both in terms of the scenery and what it did to me physically), our hike on day 1 lasted a little over 2 hours. I don’t think I will ever forget first seeing one of these big boys in the wild. A bit shy with massive bellies and deep red eyes, they were magnificent, each unique in his or her own way. I won’t say too much more because I don’t want to ruin it for you.
The hike on day 2 was, in my humble opinion, a bit more strenuous than the previous day. I recommend doing 2 days of trekking if you can afford it (permits are US$500/day) – the first day we only saw 4 gorillas and the second day we saw many more, including young ones. Day 2 saw more machete hacking, more mud, and more thorny bushes. Maybe this is a good time to mention that gorilla trekking, while an undeniably amazing experience, is best suited for those that are in decent (preferably good) shape. For the less mobile, apparently there is a ’991 Program’ whereby you can be carried by 4-8 people (depending on how many big maces you’ve eaten in the past 6 months) in a stretcher to see the gorillas.

On the flip side, if you are a serious or semi-serious hiker, this is your Mecca. One to tell the grandkids about. Next year, instead of going back to Yosemite, go to Bwindi.
 

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