Must-Haves for Gorilla Trekking: Supporting the Local Community

Essential Guide to Hiring a Porter at Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Uganda 2024/2025

Embarking on a Gorilla Trek? Budget Wisely with Our Comprehensive Cost Guide

When planning your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi, understanding the costs associated with hiring a porter is crucial for a realistic budget. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you prepare effectively:

1. Porter Costs:

Fee: +/-$25 (inclusive of tip)
This fee supports the local community and encourages conservation efforts, as it provides essential income to those who might otherwise turn to poaching.
We recommend hiring a porter, especially for the steeper trails in the Ruhija area. Each porter serves one person and typically treks once a week, ensuring fair income distribution among villagers.

2. Additional Gear:

Walking Sticks: Free at most lodges and available starting point.
Gardening Gloves: These gloves are useful for handling vegetation and rocks during your trek and can be purchased for under $10. Consider gifting them to your guides or porters after your trek as a token of appreciation.

3. Tips and Gratuities:

Porters: Already included in the +/-$25 fee.
Rangers: A typical tip is around $10 per person, offered as a group, but this is at your discretion. Ranger fees are included in your gorilla permit.
Stretchers: For those who may need assistance during the trek, stretchers are available starting at $300, varying by the size of the person and the trek length.

Payment Tips:

Paying in Ugandan Shillings (UGX) is preferred, as it directly supports the local economy.

Pro Tip:

Bring a pair of gardening gloves for the trek; they’re invaluable for comfort and protection. Gifting these to your guides or porters at the end of your journey not only assists them but also fosters goodwill.

Porter and tourist navigating Uganda’s gorilla habitats with a walking stick in Bwindi Forest. This guide aims to help you prepare financially and logistically for your unforgettable adventure in Bwindi, enhancing both your experience and the well-being of the local community.

Equipping yourself with these must-haves for gorilla trekking — a knowledgeable local porter and a sturdy walking stick — prepares you for the challenges of the Ugandan wilderness. These essentials not only secure a safer and more pleasurable trek but also support local communities and conservation efforts. Gear up for an unforgettable exploration of Uganda’s natural beauty and its remarkable gorillas. Join us and discover not only Uganda’s hidden recesses but also a part of yourself you never knew existed. Our expert guides will lead you through every leaf and stone, making this journey not only a physical one but also an opportunity for personal growth.