When you think of gorilla safari in Africa, think not beyond Uganda! Uganda is remarkably one of a few most exceptional safari destinations in Africa and the world at large that offer you a great deal to catch a glimpse at the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. If your dream has always been to catch a glimpse at these unique creatures then you have a million reasons why you should indulge yourself in Uganda’s jungles. It is one of the 3 countries in the world where these creatures thrive from and the other two include Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Regardless of this fact, the choice you make does matter a lot when it comes to this primate safari adventure and that is why Uganda should be a must to include in your travel plan this coming holiday.
Mountain gorillas thrive within the tropical rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern DRC. Today, these incredible primate species are fewer than 1004 worldwide a significant increase from 254 individuals that thrived in 1981. For any plans to catch a glimpse at these dramatic creatures, consider Uganda a must in your travel plan and you won’t regret in life. Among a thousand reasons why Uganda should be your first choice for gorilla trekking include;
Uganda is a host to largest number of mountain gorillas
With only 1004 mountain gorillas that are left on earth today, about 500-604 of them call Uganda their home and hence making it one of a kind destinations for you to embark on gorilla trekking adventures. This means over half of these endangered apes are all confined in this magical country. Because of huge numbers, Uganda also boasts of many habituated gorilla families which have been set for visitors to track each day-one factor that also sets this country apart from other gorilla destinations. About 17 gorilla families have been habituated in Uganda and readily available for your exploration.
Besides, to track mountain gorillas in Uganda, two destinations all offer visitors a great opportunity to be part of this life changing experience. Gorilla treks in this spectacular country are conducted in only Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is conducted in its 4 main areas-Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo each of which has its own habituated families. Habituated families in Buhoma sector include Mubare, Habinyanja, Katwe and Rushegura; Ruhija-Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro; Nkuringo has Nkuringo and Christmas while Rushaga comprises of Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye and Bweza. In Mgahinga, it is only Nyakagezi that is set for visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to track. The continued increase in the number of these creatures in Uganda is attributed to strict conservation measures that have been set for every visitor on gorilla safari to observe while in the wild in search for these special creatures.
Affordable gorilla permits
Ever been scared of high cost for gorilla trekking? If your dream is to trek gorillas while on Africa, consider Uganda a must to visit. This magical landlocked still offers relatively cheaper gorilla permits thus making it a few affordable gorilla destinations for you to realize your dreams. Compared to Rwanda, gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 per person and this applies for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East African residents. Note, in order for you to track mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park, you must have a permit at hand and it is what allows you to track only 1 habituated family in a group of 8 visitors. You can obtain a permit in Uganda through a trusted, reliable and recognized ground tour operator or through a reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Support local residents to help save gorilla habitat
The success registered in gorilla conservation is entirely a collective effort from all stake holders and if one side is left out then positive results may not be realized and that is why your visit to Uganda matters a lot when it comes to survival these creatures and safety of their habitat. Today, these creatures face several threats one of which is habitat loss which is impacted by various human practices including among others farming, human settlement. This is also as a result of increased poverty and population in the adjacent communities around the parks where these creatures thrive. A visit to Uganda for gorilla trek doesn’t mean only to view gorillas but also for you to take part in a number of activities for instance village walks, cultural encounters especially in the Batwa and Bakiga communities that reward travel endeavors with authentic African cultural experiences.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an adventure of a lifetime
A gorilla trek in Uganda takes you to southwestern side whose landscape or terrain is characterized by terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes thus rewarding you with magical views over this country’s breathtaking landscape. By embarking on a hike through this challenging terrain while on gorilla safari is undoubtedly a lifetime adventure. To get to your assigned gorilla family on the other hand equally requires some physical wellness in you as it involves hiking through the dense tropical rainforest and steep slopes while in search for these magnificent creatures.
Enjoy more than just primates
Need to catch a glimpse at variety of wildlife species? If so, then Uganda is that one destination you need to consider a must to include in your travel plan. Besides mountain gorillas, you also have a chance to view a number of creatures including L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys as well as chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo forest while on safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Besides, don’t miss to catch a glimpse at varied savanna dwellers including the big game-Elephants, buffaloes, lions plus tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, leopards, rhinos as well as giraffes, zebras, warthogs, topis, birds especially shoebill storks, African green breasted pitta, African green broadbill, Great blue turaco and others;
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