Want to see the famous mountain gorillas of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Recently I had the opportunity to learn about a very industrious Ugandan man, Robert, who is carving out a name for himself in the tourism sector of Uganda.

You see, a while ago, a couple from Croatia came to visit us here in Kivumu. They had already arranged for their trip to see the Silverback gorillas and their families that live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park owned by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. All that remained was for them to have transport to Uganda. I offered to take them so that I might learn of this adventure program that was being developed. And I am here to tell you of what I learned...

Robert, their guide and driver for the trek is a very personable fellow. He met us the evening before and told us of the wonderful adventure that lay before them. He explained carefully what to expect and how to dress for the occasion. Robert has made up a package that includes accommodation, an evening meal, a breakfast and a lunch to take on the gorilla trek. He picks up the visitors from a resort that he himself owns on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, a beautiful area in the Southwest corner of Uganda. The views from the rooms at the resort are truly breathtaking and give one a sense of peace and total tranquility. The staff are so warm and hospitable, one immediately feels at home.

We arrived a bit late in the day and, after giving our order for our suppers, we settled into our rooms to wash up after the day’s journey. Supper was accompanied by our choice of drinks (not included in the package price) and we were soon satisfied, tired but happy.

The package that Robert had arranged meant that the visitors from Croatia would be up before daylight, getting on the road to their destination in time for the hike into the mountainous area to see the primates. Everything was well planned and it went off without a hitch.

For those interested in the price, it costs USD $790 per person for the package. This includes the transport from Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, accommodation with food, the entrance cost to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and fees for the trek, as well as transport back to Kabale, a town nearby Lake Bunyonyi where I met the happy returning visitors.

Compare this to Gorilla trekking in Rwanda where the entrance fees alone cost USD$1500 for each person! This is a once in a lifetime experience – to be up close and personal with our mountain gorillas, found only here in Africa.

Now for some useful information on Gorilla Trekking:

1. Keep your distance and be sure you are not infectious: Because we are closely related to the primates, it is important that you keep at least 7 meters distance from the gorillas. And it is equally important that you do not infect the primates with any human diseases, which they are very susceptible to.
2. Be prepared: wearing the right gear is essential. Good hiking boots, long trousers, long socks (to tuck your trousers into…there are sometimes red ants in the forest…), a long-sleeved shirt, a waterproof windbreaker in case of rain, a lightweight backpack with food and water, and perhaps gloves to prevent stinging nettles from entering your palms. A walking stick is provided before the trek and is very useful. Take a camera without flash (this scares the gorillas) and extra batteries as necessary.
3. Hire a porter: if you are not as athletic as you once were, it is a good idea to hire a porter to carry anything heavy, as well as to give you assistance if the going gets a little steep. They are worth the small fee and are very careful to watch for when they are needed. And you can tip the guides and porters at the end of the trek. Even a little is much appreciated.
4. Book ahead: this is most important. You cannot just show up and expect to be included in a group – the number is limited and you must make your arrangements in advance.

So there you have it. If this interests you, then Robert is your man to hire. He makes all the arrangements for you and is very punctual and a wealth of information so ask all the questions you want while you are with him!

There are many reasons to come to Africa and a Gorilla Trek is certainly one of them!

Contact information for BASHIIMA Robert is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Edited by Valerie Kae Ken