GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA

When you think of mountain gorilla trekking, Uganda is that one country you need to consider a must to visit and you won’t left in regrets. A trek to see mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat is best described as a life changing experience. Currently, not over 1004 of these unique creatures still exist worldwide and they thrive in only Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Uganda, this thrilling primate experience is only conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda

In order for you to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda, there are only two options and that is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which are all situated in southwestern side just along the Albertine rift valley at the border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Treks to view these intelligent creatures are only done within habituated groups of which, Uganda is composed of about 17 habituated families. For visitors who wish to take part in this rare primate adventure in Bwindi National Park, you will head to any of the 4 main trailheads where treks usually kick start and they include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors. Each of these regions feature habituated groups  and they include among others the Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Bitukura, Mishaya, Nkuringo, Katwe, Christmas, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza, Nyakagezi a mention but a few.

What to expect on Uganda gorilla trek

While on gorilla safari in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park are the best gorilla places you can visit. This adventure starts early in the morning with briefing on dos and don’ts that have to be followed by trekkers at all time while in search in search of these amazing apes in the jungles. You will be put in a group of 8 visitors to track only 1 habituated family. After, a well-trained park ranger guide is assigned to you who then will take you through this experience. You then set off to the jungles to look out for your assigned group. This adventure may last you about 2 to 8 hours depending on factors like your hiking speed, nature of gorilla habitat and location of these fascinating creatures. Unlike game drives, gorilla trekking is about hiking through the dense vegetation of Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park in search of these remarkable primates while in their natural habitat. Once you find the family that is assigned to you, you have an hour to strike your imagination with these beautiful and humble creatures and that is when you have opportunity to also explore more about their general behavior and body gestures as well as take as many photos as possible. In order for you to be part of this lovely adventure, you must be above 15 years as this is regarded as a legible group to purchase a gorilla permit and because it is a challenging experience, you need to be physically well. Interestingly, besides viewing mountain gorillas, expect to also see variety of other creatures including other primates, birds that make up a total of about 350 or incorporate other amazing activities like hiking, cultural to make your safari a complete one.

Gorilla permits in Uganda

For any plans to take part in gorilla trekking in Uganda, a gorilla permit is a must to have document. Compared to Rwanda, Uganda still offers relatively cheaper gorilla permits with each costing $600 per person. Given the high demand, you are encouraged to secure one early enough at least 3 months’ time before you embark on actual trek. To book for one, you can contact one of the recognized tour operators in Uganda and for this case, we are that one trust worthy, recognized ground tour operator you can deal with and we shall help you secure a permit without you stressing yourself.  Booking a permit through a tour operator is regarded as the best and easiest way for one to secure a permit compared to booking it through reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority although this is another alternative.

How to get to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park

To get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park, you can either set off by road or air. By road, a 4 wheel safari vehicle is the best option and this may take you approximately 9-10 hours.  Your journey starts either in Kampala or Entebbe and you head off through Masaka-Mbarara route. En-route, you have a chance to make a stopover at equator for photo shooting and to have some excitement before proceeding to your destination of choice. The other option is for you to take a flight from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield then you land into Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip where you can easily drive up to a park of your choice.

Best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is regarded as an all year round experience but it is important you take note of the 2 seasons before you embark on your actual trek and that is a dry and wet/rainy season. Each of these seasons comes with their advantages and disadvantages. The dry season kick starts from June to September-this is regarded as the longest dry spell and a short one begins from December to February. The advantage with this season is that, the gorilla habitat remains relatively drier making it a bit easier for one to hike through the dense vegetation and steep slopes in search of mountain gorillas. However, the disadvantage with it is that it is a season when there is scarce food for these creatures to feed on and in most cases, they move looking for what to eat and this also means that you will have longer hours of trek.  The wet season on the other hand, starts from March to May-the longest season and from October to November. The challenge with this season is that the habitat becomes wet/muddy, slippery and hence making it very challenging for one to hike through the dense rainforest and steep slopes. However, it is a period when there is plenty for these creatures to depend on and in most cases; they do not move that far like it is a case when it is a dry season.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options for you to spend a night while on gorilla safari in Uganda and they include Clouds Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge and others.

In conclusion, for any plans to track mountain gorillas in Uganda, you choose between Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Treks to see these creatures in any of the two parks equally reward travel endeavors with lifetime experiences.