Why is Uganda Still the best Gorilla Trekking Destination?
Why is Uganda Still the best Gorilla Trekking Destination?
Wondering why is Uganda still the best gorilla trekking destination? Discover what makes Uganda the best country for gorilla trekking in Africa. There are countless reasons why Uganda is still the best gorilla trekking destination in Africa which go beyond safety.
We have covered all the reasons that make Uganda the best gorilla trekking destination in this article. When it comes to mountain gorilla trekking, Uganda is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional destinations in Africa that you must visit before you die.
Uganda is a home to mountain gorillas currently listed as the endangered species in the world by IUCN. These apes are only found within three (3) countries, mostly in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Why is Uganda still the best Gorilla Trekking Destination in Africa
Two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda holding the highest concentration of mountain gorillas
There are fewer than 1063 individuals left in the entire world 459 of them can be found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The rest of the endangered mountain gorillas are in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro district, Southwestern Uganda; Virunga and Volcanoes National Park.
The two conservation areas are found in southwestern Uganda and they are the only best spots for visitors to strike their imaginations with these impressive wild creatures while in their natural habitat.
These Great Apes share about 95% of their DNA with humans. A face to face encounter with them in the wild is incomparably the most thrilling experience of lifetime.
The close encounter with these apes also allows you to make comparisons between these unique creatures and humans.
However, they are very susceptible to human diseases. Visitors are always advised to keep a distance of about 7 meters away from them during the face to face encounter.
Mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda have become one of the most sought after adventures in the world today. Only one hour is allowed for you to strike your imaginations with these Great Apes in their natural environment.
Highest Number of Habituated Gorilla families to trek
About 50 gorilla groups are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but only 24 have been habituated for this lifetime experience.
Only one group is available for you to catch a glimpse of these dramatic creatures in Mgahinga National Park making Uganda one of a must to visit destination for you.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Uganda features as the only spot in the entire world where Gorilla Habituation Experience is conducted where visitors enjoy all the 4 hours with the Great Apes. This experience is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with originally two groups (Bushaho and Bikingi gorilla family) set for this extraordinary adventure.
Currently gorilla habituation is enjoyed in Rushaga sector still only in Bwindi and you can combine it with normal gorilla trekking.
Recently, over 40,000 trekkers visited Uganda which offers refuge to over half of the rare mountain gorillas that thrive in the world. Since 2007, the total population of tourists in Uganda has nearly doubled to 1.3 million.
This is as a result of a boost from over 18 international airlines that are currently flying into Entebbe International Airport including among others Qatar, Emirates, Brussels and KLM.
Besides, the prevailing peace and security in Uganda compared to rest of other war zone countries in Africa has enabled this country one of the best destinations for tourists to track the mountain gorillas.
Visitors can also safely enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, the most welcoming people, comfortable lodges and mouthwatering food including local (traditional) dishes.
The first gorilla group to open for gorilla trekking lives in Uganda- did you know about this?
Gorilla trekking safaris started in late 1990s mainly to give an alternative employment to illegal hunting.
In Uganda therefore, 20% of the trekking fees in the national parks or wildlife safari destinations are given back to the local communities which represents about $180 per tourist.
This revenue is aimed at supporting local community projects which in turn enhances their livelihoods.
As well, the local residents have also been employed in various lodges and other accommodation facilities in and around the parks, while others have got jobs as drivers, park rangers, guides and porters.
With this practice, besides the continued poaching and habitat loss, there has been a gradual change in the Great Ape population compared to the past.
Looking at 1989 and 2011, the number of these endangered creatures increased from around 620 to currently about 1063. These are only thriving in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda.
Others are confined in Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park. However, respective gorilla destinations have different costs for tourists to realize their dreams with these amazing primates in the wild.
The most affordable gorilla trekking destination in Africa
In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits are obtainable at $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for foreign residents and shs 300,000 for East African residents.
In Rwanda, permits are sold at $1500 per person and in the Democratic Republic of Congo they can be purchased at $400 but it is the least visited area amongst all the three destinations since it is still recovering from insecurity. Overall, Uganda is the most affordable mountain gorilla trekking destination in Africa and the world.
Trek mountain gorillas in any of the 5 sectors
Gorilla trekking starts with early morning briefing at 7:00am and the actual trek begins at 8:00am in your respective sectors. There are four main sectors in Bwindi National Park and they include Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija sector.
During the briefing, visitors are only assigned to one habituated group in groups of eight people per day. Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has been eased with the modern technology.
The park trackers who are also always sent to the forest to ascertain the location of gorillas before the next group of visitors is sent to the field to track them.
The fifth gorilla trekking sector is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In terms of access, note that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are 9 to 10 hours’ drive from Kampala city center on road. But there is an option of getting there from Kigali via Katuna or Cyanika border crossing.
Enjoy other unique experiences
Before you reach the main gorilla trekking destination, be rest assured of incredible experiences to enjoy.
En-route stopovers, especially via Ishasha sector-Queen Elizabeth National Park, you get a chance to watch the tree climbing lions or embark on normal game drive.
You can also visit Kibale National Park which offers refuge to over 13 distinct primates including over 1500 chimpanzees out of over 5050 individuals that are believed to be living in Uganda’s most stunning forests.
In Kibale, you can encounter chimpanzees during the normal chimpanzee trekking or chimpanzee habituation experience.
Abundant accommodation options to choose from.
For overnight stays in the parks, the notable lodges include the Silverback Safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge for luxury, and Gorilla Safari Camp.
Other comfortable lodges include Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Chameleon Hill, Mount Gahinga Lodge, and Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp.
Enjoy more than mountain gorillas
Whereas most trekkers come mainly to view a group of mountain gorillas, for those who make it up to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park will be thrilled with spectacular views of the surrounding, primates, other mammals and not to forget bird species.
Over 360 species of birds are in Bwindi and include the rare African broadbill, Bright crimson wing, Yellow chests, blue headed sunbird, Short tailed warbler, African emerald cuckoo and Dark caped bulbul.
Other avifaunal species include White tailed blue flycatchers, Red headed bluebill, Kivu ground thrush and many more.
For cultural enthusiasts, they are never left out while on their gorilla safaris in any of Uganda’s gorilla zone.
Batwa encounter is something not to be missed out in life as it allows you to meet, interact and explore more about these unique creatures. They lived in the forest for over 500,000 years making them the forest dwellers.
The Batwa pygmies co-existed with the forest for centuries while hunting and gathering but left with no negative environmental effects.
While in Batwa community, explore their hunting and gathering technique and above all do not miss the most thrilling Batwa traditional dances and musical performances.
In conclusion, with over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population confined in Uganda’s two protected areas, you certainly have a reason to visit this stunning country that Sir Churchill described as the “Pearl of Africa.”
A face to face encounter with these rare apes in the wild is incomparably the most thrilling experience that comes once in a lifetime.
To get the best out of this lifetime experience it is advisable that you take note of the wet and dry season.
The dry season starts from June to September and December to February and it is also regarded as the peak season.
The wet season for this adventure starts from March to May and October and November.
