The Wonderful Moments with Mountain Gorillas – Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Nothing in this world can clearly explain the magical experience with the encounter of the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda offers visits to meet these apes in their natural habitat in the rolling hills of south western Uganda covered with moist dense and tall forest ecosystem, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla forest national park these two Uganda parks house almost a half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world over 450 out of 900 mountain gorillas left in the world live in Uganda only. Tracking mountain gorillas in the virungas or Bwindi impenetrable national park ranks among the absolute highlight of African travel. The excitement of first setting eyes on a wild mountain gorilla is difficult to describe however it’s regarded as a moment in life very difficult to forget.

During the 20th century, there was fear that these species will face extinction following the trends of historical relics that are no more. This was a result of habitat loss, spot hunting, poaching, war conflicts among other factors was among the major challenges that would see this assumption become a veracity and as a result gorilla safaris to Uganda would be no more. Gratitude should go to the government, ministry of tourism, the ranger guide who monitor these endangered apes on the daily basis and the local community especially those who live near the parks for the continued conservation towards the survival of these few remaining apes in the world.

Mountain Gorillas are huge animals up to three times as bulky as the average man, their size exaggerated by a shaggily thriving coat. Despite their fearsome appearance, gorillas are markedly peaceable creature and they can be tracked safely in their natural habitat without any harm caused to human since they are habituated to human standards, they are visited daily by tourists deep in their homes. Almost everybody who visits the gorillas experiences an almost spiritual sound, gorillas are also eager to study the human visitor; a gentle giant will softly look into the eye of a human as if seeking a connection. Gorilla tracking is known as a remarkable and rewarding moment that travelers on a gorilla safari in Uganda can comfortably enjoy. Tracking in Uganda‘s Bwindi takes place at around 1,500m above sea level, but in the Virungas the gorillas are often encountered at almost 3,000m.

Gorilla tracking is rewarding although a bit challenging as meeting them depends on where they spent their last night from, the trails sometimes involve passing through muddy and steep slopes and thick forest, ounce tired don’t be afraid to ask your guide to stop a few minutes whenever you feel tired for snacks, or to ask the guide to create a temporary walking stick from a branch in case you didn’t carry one from the park headquarters. Don’t forget to put on your sturdiest walking shoes for the trek, and wear thick trousers and long sleeves as protection against vicious nettles. It’s often cold in the forest so bring a sweater or jersey. Ounce they are met you will forget all the difficult you’ve gone through and utilize the one hour you are only allowed to stay with these giants. Take as many photos as you can although a flash camera is not allowed.

Uganda is a home to 12 habituated gorilla groups, one group Nyakagezi lives in Mgahinga gorilla national park; though it is prone to wandering off into Rwanda for long periods. The remaining 11groups are all located in Bwindi impenetrable national park, tracking can be done in four sectors of the park including Buhoma with three gorilla family including Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanya, and Buhoma is located in the north side of the park. Ruhija sector has also three gorilla family including Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro it’s located in the northeast of the park. The Rushaga side of the park also has five gorilla families including Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingy, its located in the south side of the park, Nkuringo is located in the south western side of the park with one gorilla family known as Nkuringo. Tracking in all these groups is conducted every day with tracking beginning by reporting at the park headquarter, eight members are only allowed to visit these apes per group with an armed ranger guide. The cost for tracking is currently at usd$600 in the high season and usd$400 during the low seasons in the months of April, May and September. The price includes park entrance fee and guide fee, porters are available at the park headquarters if needed but subjected to pay from usd$ 10-20. Come we take you where you have not yet reached.