Uganda Gorilla Tours : Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is a breathtaking destination that is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. However, it holds a treasure that draws adventure seekers from around the world: the chance to see the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. For those looking to embark on this unique journey, Uganda offers unforgettable gorilla tours that promise not only a close encounter with these magnificent creatures but also a rich tapestry of experiences across its stunning landscapes. Uganda is home to two destinations housing these fascinating creatures, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park respectively. Besides Uganda, mountain gorillas can also be found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. with Uganda hosts half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda starts early in the morning at 8:00am with a briefing about the rules and regulations as well as the expectation while in the forest. After the briefing you’ll be located an armed guide who will lead you to the forest to search for the gorillas in tire natural habitat.
During your gorilla trek, you’ll also have the chance to meet with other creatures that dwell n the park such as birds, primates, animals, Batwa communities as well as stunning plants species. Once you have found these fascinating primates, you will be allowed1 hour interaction with them as you watch how they do with their daily activities such as feeding, breast feeding, playing and interacting with each other among others.
The chances of seeing the gorillas in Uganda is 98% since it has half of the world’s population of these great endangered apes. There are 18 habituated gorilla families found in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga containing one habituated group. Every gorilla family is allocated 8 visitors per day which gives you an opportunity to visit the gorillas any time of the year.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. The was designed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its dense, misty forests and diverse wildlife. This park is home to over 459 mountain gorillas, divided into four habituated groups, making it an ideal spot for gorilla trekking. These families include, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga gorilla family. Amazingly, the park holds roughly half of the world’s population. The park also boasts over 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Bwindi is also home to atleast 200 butterfly species including the eight Albertine rift endemics. Also, a home to many reptiles.
During your gorilla trekking tour here, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle, with the distant calls of birds and the rustling of leaves underfoot. The gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi is nothing short of exhilarating, as you hike through the forest, led by experienced guides, in search of these gentle giants.
As you trek, you can expect to walk for several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, and the terrain can be challenging, with steep hills and muddy paths. Once you have found these fascinating mountain gorillas, you will spend one hour watching them interact, play, and feed in their natural habitat. The guides will provide you with insightful information about the gorillas, their behavior, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. Besides gorilla trekking, Bwindi offers other exciting safari activities, such as birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park, and guided nature walks, where you can explore the forest and discover its secrets.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The park situated in the southwestern corner of Uganda. It was designated a national park in 1991 and has a radius of 33.7 square kilometers, making it the smallest national park in Uganda, yet equally stunning destination, offering an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. It is well-known for being a haven for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. As well as being important for primates, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled. Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery. The park is home to one habituated gorilla group, the Nyakagezi group, which has been thrilling visitors with its energetic and playful behavior. As you venture into the park, you’ll be struck by the breathtaking scenery, with the Virunga Mountains towering above, and the scenic valleys and gorges below.
Mgahinga gorilla national park also houses over 76 mammals which include elephants, giant forest hog, bush pigs, bush back. Buffalos, leopards, A bird checklist of over 180 species including the 14 endemic Albertine rift notably the Kivu ground thrush and turaco. During your gorilla trekking tour, you will also have chance to meet with this wildlife roaming in their natural habitat.
The gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga is similar to Bwindi, with guides leading you through the forest, in search of the gorillas. However, the terrain in Mgahinga can be more challenging, with steeper hills and more uneven paths. The reward, however, is well worth the effort, as you encounter the gorillas in their natural habitat, watching them forage, play, and interact with each other. Besides gorilla trekking, Mgahinga offers other exciting activities, such as golden monkey tracking, where you can spot these rare and endangered creatures, and volcano hiking, where you can climb to the summit of Mount Muhabura, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Batwa trail experience where you will have the chance to interact with this indigenous communities who have co-exited with the park’s wildlife for centauries.
While gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Uganda, there are plenty of other safari activities to enjoy. Visitors can explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species. You can also take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos lounging by the shore and crocodiles basking in the sun. You can also embark on a chimpanzee tracking tour in Kibale Forest National Park, where you ‘ll have the chance to trek through the lush forest in search for habituated chimpanzee family. Once you find them be fascinated to observe how they carry out their daily activities such as feeding, playing and interacting with each other among others.
For those seeking a more cultural experience, a visit to the local Batwa communities offers insight into the rich heritage of the region. Engaging with the locals through traditional dances, storytelling, and handicraft demonstrations can provide a deeper understanding of the land and its people.
How much is a Uganda gorilla trekking permit
A Uganda gorilla trekking permit cost $800 per person for foreign non residents, $700 for foreign residents and 300,000 Uganda shillings for East African Resident. For habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable national park costs $ 1,500 per person for foreign non residents, $1,000 for foreign residents and 750,000 Uganda shillings for East African Resident. This permit allows you to see these gorillas in their natural habitat.
Best time to go for a Uganda Gorilla Tour.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a year-round activity, but many believe that the best time to visit is during the dry season. This peak season typically runs from December to February and again from June to August. The other months, from March to May and October to November, are considered the wet season, and tracking gorillas can become a bit more difficult during this time due to thick vegetation and muddy paths.
Where to stay while on a Uganda Gorilla Tour
Best accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park includes majambere Iwak Camp, Volcano Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge, Bird’s Nest Bunyoni Resort, Bunyoni Overland Resort, Kisoro Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Countryside Guest House, and Mountain Gorilla Safari Hotel mong others
Best accommodations in Mgahinga gorilla national park includes Mount Gahinga Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Lake Chahafi Resort, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mgahinga Rest Camp, Ntebeko River Camp, Golden Monkey Guesthouse among other
In summary, Uganda’s gorilla tours are captivating adventures that connect travelers to nature and culture in extraordinary ways. Whether trekking through dense forests or exploring wildlife-rich savannahs, each moment promises to be unforgettable. The magic of Uganda awaits those who seek to embark on this life-changing journey.
