A Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
A Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda : Gorilla trekking is quite once -lifetime experience that every traveler wouldn’t miss to add on Uganda Safaris or Rwanda Safaris. One adventuring these unique primates up close in their nature habitant, play with each other just like us humans play with our children, enjoy their thrilling behaviors, feed and memorable photography. Well, the half remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the world are found in Uganda and in the world, there are few countries to see these great animals roam freely in the closest viewing includes; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Public of Congo. Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to know before you go for gorilla trekking in Uganda and ranks one of the most affordable places to encounter these wild great mountain gorillas roam free in their natural environment.
Here are some of guideline you need to know before you go for Gorilla Trekking Uganda ;
Among all the ‘’3’’ three countries, Uganda having affordable permit to go gorilla trekking with the gorilla trekking permit which costs USD700 per person. Congo, sounds as the cheapest destination, despite that travelling there seems to be more expensive due to how remote it is, safety and more so, because of conflicts makes it more difficult and expensive to travel to, Congo gorilla permits costs USD400 per person.
Note; Uganda Gorilla Permits costs USD700 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD600 per person for foreign residents and 250,000 Ugandan -East African Members.
If you are looking for the best country to go for gorilla trekking, we highly recommend you Uganda ‘’Pearl of Africa’’. Take note, the country has a relatively good tourist infrastructures and leave alone that, Uganda hosts the most hospitable and welcoming people to everyone. Therefore, visiting Uganda on your gorilla safaris you won’t regret.
Other things to add on your Gorilla Trekking Tour Package include ; a visit Queen Elizabeth National park a home to unique tree climbing lions and diversity of wildlife as well as hoven for birders among others , Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking ,Visit Lake Bunyonyi to cool up your mind away from the noisy place , Murchison Falls for game drive , adventuring the world’s most powerful waterfall ‘’Murchison Falls’’ ,visit Kibale Forest NP for chimpanzee trekking experience among other tourist attractions that are easily accessible and offers you with a more variety of things to do after your gorilla trekking trip. There are no worries of where to stay – perfect lodges and Hotels are available depending on budget and your preferences.
There are two possibilities to start your Gorilla trekking Experience to Uganda;
You can decide to land at Kigali International Airport, where you can meet our professional guide at the Airport, welcomes you and briefs you about the tour, then drive to Kisoro or Bwindi. From Kigali International Airport to connect to Bwindi in Uganda through border crossing takes 3 to 4 hours drive. Other things to do along the way includes; Kigali City Tour, Cultural Experience or A visit to the Batwa, birding among others.
From Uganda to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest begins with an early morning pick up at your accommodation in Kampala capital or Entebbe and the journey takes 8 to 9 hours’ drive to access the main visited place. Along your way, you will have a stopover at the equator monument where you will sun set, stand on two the south and western hemisphere and above all, enjoy unforgettable photography. After visiting the equator, continue to drive to Bwindi as your drive through beautiful countryside, tea plantations among others thus making it more gorgeous.
Where can you see Gorillas in Uganda?
This is a commonly asked Question by a traveler; Where can you see gorilla in their natural inhabitant. There are quite number of gorilla species in wild but the most sought gorilla species are the mountain gorillas.
Currently, there are only around 1,200 individuals and they are only found in three countries; Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic Congo In the wild, only two species of mountain gorillas left in the world. The first group lives in the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanic mountains in East Africa. While, the gorilla population are scattered in groups across Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The second gorilla population lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Part. According to the current safety issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo and most visitors prefer visiting mountain gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda.
Well, Uganda has two national parks where to see mountain gorillas that is, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Both national parks are located in southwestern region of Uganda, offering the same opportunity to see mountain gorillas in the wild;
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park home to around 150 mountain gorillas, with two habituated gorilla families.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 650 mountain gorillas half the world’s population. It hosts 23 habituated gorilla families splintered into four gorilla sectors; Buhoma, Rihija, Rushaga and Nkuringo gorilla sectors. Remember to book your gorilla permit in advance Bwindi since it hosts a great number of gorilla families that available for trekking. Therefore, more permits available. You can choose to book your gorilla permits in Uganda directly to ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority or book a tour through an operator.
Note; Gorilla trekking is done in a group of eight people on that particular day.
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking Uganda, Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking is good all year around though the perfect time is in dry season and Uganda has got two dry season that is December to February and even from June to September. Generally, during this period wildlife viewing is rewarding and fantastic.
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