Reasons for seeing gorillas in Uganda.

Uganda is one of the privileged countries that host a large number of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking provides a rare but memorable opportunity for travellers to sit in silence, in the dense equatorial forest for an hour to observe the gentle giant primates. Uganda leads in mountain gorilla conservation, protecting over half of Africa’s remaining great apes.

The world’s remaining mountain gorillas reside in  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and along the Virunga volcanic mountain ranges that stretch across Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Below are some of the reasons why you would consider trekking gorillas in Uganda.

Meet Half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Uganda has the highest number of mountain gorillas residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. In 2019, researchers and environmentalists revealed that there are approximately 1063 mountain gorillas in the wild.

It is estimated that over 459 mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The other gorillas in Mgahinga National Park are estimated to be 100 individuals, but this number is not reliable because they move to other parks in the Virungas.

Bwindi impenetrable National par was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an appreciation to its incredible biodiversity, other 120 mammal species, and a large number of endangered species that call it home.

Mgahinga National Park , another mountain gorilla home in Uganda covers 13 square miles is part of the large Virunga massif that covers 168 square miles into Rwanda and DR Congo. The park is home to three striking Virunga mountains that is Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo and Mount Gahinga( from which the park derives its name).

Contribute to the  gorilla conservation efforts  and support the local  community

 Uganda’s tourism industry has become one of the country’s rewarding sectors because of the mountain gorillas. Trekkers are advised to look for ways to give back to the community close to the parks. The funds collected from the gorilla permits, which cost $800 per person, are used to monitor gorilla health, facilitate habitat protection, and create a safe environment for the gorillas. The funds are also used to pay rangers to guard the gorillas and other wildlife creatures against poachers and animal traffickers.

Another way to support the local community is to hire a porter. Porters are always residents who help carry trekkers’ luggage, guide trekkers when crossing rivers, and hike through steep and muddy terrain throughout the trek. Porter prices are $15- $20 per trek, and this helps them to support their families.

In Mgahinga, the community elders lead you along the Batwa trail to meet members of the local community as they explain more about the park, their background, and how the existence of the park has helped to sustain their lives. Your donation to them helps to improve their living standards.

Affordability of gorilla trekking permits

Another reason as to why you should trek gorillas in Uganda is that the gorilla permits are cheaper compared to their neighbours.  Gorilla trekking permits to Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and 300,000UGX for East African citizens.  In contrast, this cost is almost half of Rwanda’s cost, which is $1500. In addition to this, Uganda at times offers discounted gorilla permits, particularly in the low season in March to May and October to November (rainy seasons). Trekkers are therefore advised to book their permits in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences, as there are always many people who long to visit the great apes in their habitat in the peak season.

The Nature of the trekking experience (Less challenging terrain)

The southwestern part of Uganda is covered by green terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes. Such terrain extends to Rwanda and Congo. This altitude is so challenging when compared to Bwindi’s terrain, which is a bit lower.  For adventure lovers, trekking to the mountain gorillas is always challenging. however, watching gorillas in Uganda is a true reflection of the African jungle experience.  As the park’s name states, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is only traversed on foot. The terrain varies and there are no used foot paths. But with the help of trackers and park ranger guides who move with machetes, they will clear the path where necessary, and you will finally meet the human cousins. You will not only have the jungle experience but also appreciate the beauty of Uganda in the wild.

The gorilla habituation experience

Apart from the gorilla trekking that allows trekkers to spend one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas, Uganda offers a unique gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This is an activity where a limited number of trekkers(only 4 per trek) are allowed to join trackers and researchers to watch how the mountain gorillas are trained to get accustomed to human presence. You will spend four fruitful hours with the amazing apes, an opportunity that gives you a veritable of the species as they are introduced to different crowds in the wild, thus a magnificent wildlife experience.

Alternative  gorilla tracking destinations

Unlike other mountain gorilla tracking destinations, Uganda gives you a chance to watch mountain gorillas in two parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Trekkers have a chance to choose the best park for their adventure. Those who prefer hiking to higher elevations and fewer crowds will choose Mgahinga National Park and those who don’t wish to hike so high but feel the experience of nature and biodiversity, the misty equatorial forest of Bwindi is the solution. However, whichever park you opt for, the experience is equally rewarding.

Alternative tracking sectors and the number of gorilla families.

Uganda is a gorilla tracking destination where travellers have a chance to choose where to have their experience. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four tracking sectors, namely Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Each sector has specific headquarters where trekking starts, and also different gorilla families. Mgahinga has only one park center, Ntebeko, and one gorilla family. a combination of all the gorilla families in Uganda adds up to 21 habituated gorilla families.  The park sectors have varying terrain, so trekkers can make the best choice depending on their fitness levels. This makes Uganda so favourable and more attractive for gorilla trekking.

Safety

Uganda is perfectly safe for travel. Whether its gorilla trekking or any other wildlife adventure safari, you are in the right destination. When trekkers are going for gorilla tracking, they are  first taken through a briefing that guides them on how they will move and behave while in the park jungles. They are also accompanied by armed game rangers who help to guard them in case they find dangerous wild animals or poachers.by doing so, all trekkers are guaranteed safety.

Other Primates and wildlife in the  gorilla parks

Uganda’s gorilla parks are not only home to mountain gorillas but also other primates, mammals, and reptiles. Mgahinga National Park is home to golden monkeys, another group of endangered primates that are commonly spotted in the bamboo forested zones. You can also engage in golden monkey tracking in this park, another challenging activity, but it makes your trip a great one.

A  guided nature walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will introduce you to more primate species, including black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, galagos, L” L’hoest monkeys, unhabituated chimpanzees, baboons, and many others. Walking through the park is a thrilling activity that exposes you to the beautiful green nature of African forests.

Classic wildlife viewing safaris

Besides gorilla trekking, Uganda offers the best wildlife safaris. From gorilla trekking, one can proceed for adventurous game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park,  visit Murchison Falls National Park for game drives and watching the thunderous Murchison Falls, enjoy climbing the Mountain Rwenzori, and many other interesting and adventurous destinations. Combining a gorilla safari with a savanna game drive is an awesome experience of a Uganda safari.

Best time for gorilla tracking in Uganda

Gorilla tracking in Uganda can be done throughout the year since the procedures are well organized. Many travelers prefer tracking gorillas in the dry months from December to February and June to September. During this time, travelling is easier, and the vegetation cover is not fully grown, so the gorillas can easily be spotted. However, visitors should know that the gorilla parks are found in dense equatorial forests where rain is expected at any time of the year; hence should come with the appropriate trekking gear. Travellers who opt for travelling in the wet season have a chance of seeing gorillas after a short walk, as the gorillas rarely go deep into the jungle to feed.

What to pack for your gorilla safari in Uganda.

Travelers who wish to participate in in gorilla tracking should pack some essential items including,  pairs of trousers, long sleeved shirts, warm sweaters, water proof jackets, good sturdy hiking boots, insect repellents,  garden gloves,  long socks, gaiters,  face masks, sunscreen, a hat, hair bands, cameras, binoculars and back packs among others.