An Overview of Ugandan Gorilla Trekking
An Overview of Ugandan Gorilla Trekking: Every tourist should include gorilla trekking in their Ugandan or Rwandan safaris since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy their exciting activities, food, and striking pictures while getting up close and personal with these unusual primates in their natural habitat. They play with one another in a manner similar to how people play with our kids. Uganda is home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, and just a few nations allow visitors to observe these magnificent creatures roaming freely. The nearest viewing locations are Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. This book has all the information you need to know before embarking on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, which is among the most reasonably priced locations to see these untamed giant mountain gorillas roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Before embarking on a Ugandan gorilla trek, you should be aware of the following guidelines:
With a gorilla trekking permit that costs USD 700 per person, Uganda is the most economical of the “three” countries for gorilla trekking. Congo appears to be the least expensive vacation destination, but because of its distant location, safety concerns, and more importantly, ongoing wars, it is more difficult and costly to get there. Congo gorilla permits cost $400 per person.
Note: The purchase of a Uganda Gorilla Permit is USD 700 for foreign visitors, USD 600 for foreign citizens, and USD 250,000 for Ugandan-East African members.
We heartily recommend Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” as the top destination for gorilla trekking. Besides having a comparatively decent tourist infrastructure, Uganda is home to the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world. Thus, you won’t regret going to Uganda for your gorilla safari.
A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to rare tree-climbing lions and a variety of wildlife, as well as a hoven for birdwatchers, are additional items to include in your Gorilla Trekking Tour Package. To follow rhinos, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.Visit Lake Bunyonyi to escape the noise, go on a game drive at the world’s most powerful waterfall, “Murchison Falls,” and visit Kibale Forest National Park to experience chimpanzee trekking, among other easily accessible tourist destinations that provide you with a wider range of activities to partake in after your gorilla trekking adventure. There are ideal lodges and hotels available based on your interests and budget, so you don’t need to worry about where to stay.
You can begin your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda in one of two ways:
You have the option to land in Kigali International Airport, where our knowledgeable guide will greet you and give you an overview of the tour before you take a car to either Kisoro or Bwindi. It takes three to four hours to drive from Kigali International Airport to the border crossing in Bwindi, Uganda. A visit to the Batwa, a cultural experience, a tour of Kigali City, and birdwatching are some more activities to undertake along the route.
Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from Uganda starts with an early morning pickup at your lodging in Entebbe or Kampala city. The travel to the primary destination takes eight to nine hours. You will stop at the Equator Monument along the trip to witness the sunset, stand on the two hemispheres of the south and west, and, most importantly, take some amazing pictures. Continue driving to Bwindi after visiting the equator, passing through stunning rural areas and tea plantations, among other sights, which add to the area’s beauty.
Where in Uganda are gorillas visible?
Where can you view gorillas in their native habitat? is a question that many travelers ask. Although there are many different varieties of gorillas in the wild, mountain gorillas are the most sought-after.
There are currently only about 1,200 of them, and they are exclusively found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. There are now just two species of mountain gorillas remaining in the wild. The Virunga Mountains, a range of volcanic mountains in East Africa, are home to the first group. Groups of gorillas can be found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park, and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
An Overview of Ugandan Gorilla Trekking
Trekking with Bwindi Gorillas
The National Part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to the second gorilla population. The majority of tourists opt to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda because to the present safety concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the two national parks in Uganda where mountain gorillas can be seen. Both national parks provide the same chance to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and are situated in the southwest of Uganda.
There are two habituated gorilla families and about 150 mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
More than 650 mountain gorillas, or half of the world’s population, call Bwindi Impenetrable National Park home. It is home to 23 habituated gorilla families that have been divided into four gorilla sectors: Rushaga, Rihija, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. Because there are many gorilla families available for trekking in Bwindi, don’t forget to reserve your gorilla permit in advance. More permits are so available. Gorilla permits in Uganda can be purchased directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a travel operator.
Note: On that specific day, gorilla trekking is conducted in groups of eight.
What time of year is ideal for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda?
Although gorilla trekking is enjoyable throughout the year, the best time to go is during the dry season, which Uganda has two of: December through February and even June through September. In general, wildlife viewing is wonderful and gratifying during this time.
