Facts About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Facts about gorilla trekking in Uganda, gorilla trekking safaris provide tourists with thrilling experiences, particularly in the mountain gorilla habitats of Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. It is also common to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 8 people can visit each gorilla family in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on daily trips, which are known to contain half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population.
Witnessing untamed mountain gorillas in their natural setting is an amazing experience. Although it is advised that visitors keep a minimum of 7 to 10 metres away from these animals, they get shockingly nearby. However, these excursions are led by knowledgeable and amiable guides who make the journey pleasurable. Bwindi forest is one of the best places to go mountain gorilla trekking is Uganda, which offers permits for around half as much as Rwanda, one of the only other countries with an exceptional gorilla experience.
What is Gorilla Trekking
Hiking through thick forests to witness mountain gorillas in their natural environment is known as “gorilla trekking.” Gorilla trekking takes place in four national parks spread over three African nations (Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda). Treks in Uganda are mostly located in the southwest, in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On a single trip, visitors can undertake gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda. From Kigali, it takes roughly four to five hours to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To locate a gorilla family, gorilla trekking entails trudging through thick forests, steep slopes, rivers, and streams. Park rangers lead this task, clearing trails using machetes. Gorilla trekking is regarded by many as one of the greatest wildlife experiences in Africa.
What is Gorilla Habituation- Facts About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla habituation is the practice of teaching mountain gorillas to live closer to people or to become accustomed to their presence. Compared to regular gorilla trekking, this tour is more unique since you get to spend more time with the gorillas. Four people can take part in the activity because this technique is only available to one group. Gorilla habituation is a wonderful opportunity to get to know these beautiful, endangered animals, allowing individuals to interact closely with rangers, researchers, or trackers.
Where can I see mountain Gorillas in Africa
Mountain gorillas are located in three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Furthermore, only a few numbers of national parks are home to mountain gorillas, including Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Virunga National Park, which is an endemic forest of the Albertine Rift in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the three national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that contain the Virunga Mountains.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s National Parks
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- Facts About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
More than half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, an endangered species, can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. According to Conservation Through Public Health, since the park’s founding, gorilla population counts have been conducted. The number of mountain gorillas has increased from 242 in the 1980s to 1,004 in 2018, with 459 in Bwindi-Sarambwe and 505 in Virunga. About 1,063 gorillas are thought to exist; the other half are located in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In contrast to Bwindi, where there are approximately 459 mountain gorillas split up into many social groups, Mgahinga is home to just one habituated gorilla family. Of these, more than twenty-one habituated groups are available for visitation, while one is set aside for habituation and study. Ruhijah, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma are the four areas of the park where, for a $800 permission fee, up to eight individuals can trek each gorilla family. The drive to the park, which offers breathtaking views, can take up to nine or eleven hours. For a ticket fee of $1,500, Uganda provides a distinctive habituation experience in the Rushaga area. It is also possible to arrange private charters for expedited access.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Trekking Adventure- Facts About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Get up early on the day of the trek, have breakfast, and then follow your guide to the park headquarters for a briefing about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Local rangers and guides will greet you and go over the proper conduct for the walk. Depending on the terrain, which could be muddy and slippery, the trek through the dense forest could take anywhere from 45 minutes to 5 hours.
Although the trek is physically demanding, the breathtaking view makes it worthwhile. Upon encountering these gentle giants, you will spend an hour seeing and studying these gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience of meeting the gorillas is unique and justifies the effort. However, to avoid disappointment and to ensure their physical and mental well-being, visitors are urged to book gorilla trekking permits 3 to 4 months in advance. It may feel intimidating, but it is advisable to be ready and plan.
Conclusion
In addition to gorilla trekking, Uganda has many other activities to offer. The country has a variety of primates, with Kibale National Park being a great place for chimpanzee trekking and monkey viewing. National parks like Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls provide excellent game drives with sightings of lions, buffalo, elephants, and various antelope species. Uganda is also known for its stunning scenery, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers.
