Lion Tracking vs Gorilla Trekking Experience

January 6, 2025

What is the Difference Between Lion Tracking and Gorilla Trekking Experience?

Lion Tracking vs Gorilla Trekking Experience. Uganda is famous for having the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world. In recent years, the country has also been famous for having a rare group of lions. One can track these lions with a ranger. The lions for tracking are in the Kasenyi sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park. These rare lions have become a popular attraction as many people will want to visit Queen Elizabeth to have a glance at these peculiar lions. It’s because of that growing demand that people keep wondering what is the difference between gorilla trekking and lion tracking experiences. They also wonder which of the two adventures is better or if they have to drop one. And if so, they ask themselves which they can drop on any given safari.

Lion Tracking and Gorilla Trekking experiences are totally different. Each gives you a unique adventure in its own right. During the gorilla trekking experience, your involvement is great. You trek yourself into the forest to find the gorillas. Meanwhile, during the lion tracking experience, your involvement is minimal. Say, you just have to sit in the car and enjoy the views of the lions. To help you further understand the difference between lion tracking and Gorilla Trekking experience, we are going to break for you what each experience is and everything about it in the text below:

Lion Tracking

Lion tracking is the activity that involves using a tracker to find lions. When you find them you spend some time viewing them as they rest on the tree branches or climb the trees. This is a guided activity so a tracking guide will go with you and specifically operate the tracker. A tracker will help him to seek out the lions as you watch on. Like any other game drive you will be in the game drive car as all this happens. This whole experience will take about 2 to 3 hours of your time.

This will be the case especially If the lions are near you and not in trees so far away from you. You will watch them take pictures, and enjoy the surrounding flora, birds etc. After viewing the lions you can head back to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can continue on the game drive to see other animals in the park. It’s that simple, the guide will do all the heavy lifting. Therefore, your job is just to sit and view the lions.

Lion Tracking In Uganda

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking on the other hand is a real involvement adventure and a guided experience. A mountain gorilla trekking ranger guide leads you into the forest. He/she will guide you to where the gorillas are. He/she will also ensure you trek up and down the mountainous forest safely. Also, he’ll make sure that you adhere to the rules of Gorilla trekking as you trek. The experience takes most of your day which is different from lion tracking. Here you also trek the forest yourself instead of staying in a car and watching as is the case with lion tracking.

Mountain gorilla trekking therefore is the process of trekking the forest to find the famous apes the mountain gorillas. The trek takes about 6 to 8 hours and the time of viewing the gorillas is strictly one hour. When viewing the gorillas you are near the gorillas only a 7-meter distance between you and them. So, you have the opportunity to admire and study them up close. In lion tracking, however, you have to be quite far from the lions. After one hour of viewing gorillas, you will slope down the forest back to your accommodation or your next stop. You realize since you are doing the trekking yourself, you get to experience the forest personally seeing the different tree species, the birds, and butterflies as you enjoy the mountain terrains, it’s a unique experience all together.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Lion Tracking vs Mountain Gorilla Trekking Destinations

Where in Uganda Does Mountain Gorilla Trekking Take Place?

Lion Tracking vs Gorilla Trekking Experience- Gorilla Trekking Destinations. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda only takes place in the 2 major primate parks. We explain them below:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a haven for over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Trek through the Bwindi rainforest which has four sectors; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers unique trails and varying difficulty levels catering to trekkers of all abilities. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has about 23 gorilla families ready for gorilla trekking. 8 people visit a gorilla family each day. This means that there are about 184 gorilla permits available for trekking every day. However, this does not guarantee gorilla permit availability. This is because they’re in high demand and sold on a first come first serve basis. You therefore need to book early enough so that you don’t miss out on this exhilarating experience.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Smaller but no less captivating, Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family. The park’s volcanic landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for your trek with opportunities to conquer the peaks or observe playful golden monkeys. The park is in the Virunga Massif, so expect fascinating views as you trek to see the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

How to Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure: Step-by-Step Guide

Lion Tracking vs Gorilla Trekking Experience- planning your gorilla trekking adventure. Obtain Your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit: A gorilla permit is a must-have for trekking gorilla and permits are limited in number hence they must be booked well in advance especially during peak seasons(June, July, August, and September). The current cost of a Uganda Gorilla Permit is USD 800 for foreign non-residents. Consider booking through a reputable tour operator like Safari Vacations and Travel Services to streamline the process and ensure a smooth experience.

Choose the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the dry seasons (December to February and June to September) generally offer more comfortable trekking conditions. However, each season has its charm. So consider your preferences when choosing the best time for your adventure.

Select Your Accommodation and Transportation: Bwindi and Mgahinga offer various lodging options ranging from luxury lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Book one close to the trekking starting point. Transportation can be arranged through tour operators or independently with options including flights, private vehicles, and public buses.

Pack Your Gorilla Trekking Essentials: Prepared for varying weather conditions as the rainforests can be unpredictable. Pack sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, long-sleeved shirts and pants, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture your unforgettable moments. A comfortable daypack is also essential for carrying your essentials during the trek.

Where is Lion Tracking Done In Uganda?

Lion tracking in Uganda is only done in Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in Western Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is a top destination for lion safaris and is home to over 250 lions. Lion Tracking is done in two sessions that is in the morning and late afternoon.

What is the Cost of Lion Tracking and What is the Best Time to Go?

The cost of lion tracking is $100 for international tourists. The best time to go for lion tracking is during the dry months of June to September and December to February.