Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Gorilla Trekking Uganda: Gorilla trekking in Uganda is unlike any other African experience. The environment of the jungle trek is breathtaking. With each movement, one’s anticipation grows, and the pleasure of seeing one of the world’s last gorillas is incredible. The forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, has been identified as one of the most fascinating destinations in Africa. It was designated as a national park in 1991, with the Mubare group being the first gorilla group to be habituated in 1993. It has been verified that poaching has resulted in a decrease in the number of gorillas in the world.
According to the 2018 census, there are 1000 mountain gorillas in the world, with Uganda accounting for half of the total population. The gorillas are fascinating to observe because guests get to view them in their natural habitat. So take advantage and go gorilla trekking in Uganda, which has the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas.
What is Gorilla Trekking In Uganda
In Uganda, gorilla trekking entails a long trek into the dense forest, such as Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla National Park, in pursuit of gorillas. The hike entails getting a little dirty, and exhausted, and traveling into the jungle with an expert ranger through the “impenetrable” forest in search of a family of habituated gorillas. Gorilla trekking is incredible and provides people with lifelong memories.
Where are Mountain Gorillas in Uganda Found
Mountain gorillas can be found in the Virunga Mountains of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, as well as in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, with approximately 500 of them dwelling in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while 1 gorilla family is found in Mgahinga gorilla national park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is well known for gorilla trekking and is one of the most prominent national parks in East Africa. Bwindi National Park is separated into four gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija. These industries offer a diverse range of luxury lodges and campsites, as well as restaurants, craft shops, and guide services.
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gorilla trekking sectors in uganda
Buhoma Sector
This is the most renowned sector for trekkers, consisting of four habituated gorilla populations. The gorilla groups are mubare, habinyanja, nkuringo, and rushegura. Buhoma community rest camp, sanctuary gorilla forest camp, Buhoma lodge, CTPH gorilla conservation camp, and silverback resort are among the developed and pleasant accommodations in this sector.
Nkuringo Sector
This section is home to gorilla troops like the nkirungo, named after a Rukiga word for a round hill. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, and Chameleon Hill Camp are examples of accommodation in this sector.
Ruhija Sector
The Ruhija sector is home to the bitukura group, which was named after the river where they were first spotted and comprises of 12 members, including four silverbacks. Other gorilla groups are Oruzogo and Kyagulilo. Accommodations in the sector include Ruhija gorilla safari lodge, Ruhija gorilla mist camp, Trekkers Tavern mist camp, and Ruhija gorilla resort.
Rushaga Sector
Rushaga is made up of the Nshongi gorilla family, the Mishaya family, the Kahungye family, and the Bweza family group, and guests can stay at the Gorilla Safari Lodge or the Chameleon Hill Lodge.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has 80 mountain gorillas in total, but only one gorilla family is habituated and exposed to tourists – the Nyakagyezi family. The group used to go to Rwanda and Congo, but they have now been in Uganda for almost three years. Mgahinga gorilla safaris are ideal since the park is less crowded. With only one habituated gorilla troop, only eight gorilla licenses may be sold on a single day. Visitors are recommended to book gorilla permits at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala or the Park Headquarters in Ntebeko several weeks in advance. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700, but a permit in Rwanda costs $1,500.
what to expect while gorilla trekking in Uganda
A typical day of trekking begins at a designated meeting location, such as the Buhoma park headquarters. When guests arrive at any time for a gorilla briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The tourists are then divided into small groups of 8 people and allocated to different gorilla groups. The group size is chosen because small groups are easier to manage and do not frighten the gorillas. The Habinyanja gorilla group comprises 17 gorillas, which makes it the largest habituated gorilla group in Bwindi National Park.
The beginning point is determined by the Gorilla family which you were allocated. Some groups begin their journey from the headquarters of specific sectors (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, or Nkuiringo), while others must drive into the forest as a starting point. In most cases, travelers do not know where their trek will begin until the day of trekking. Tourists are instructed to follow their individual ranger guides through the dense forest once they arrive at their starting sites. Security is also provided by armed guards. check out what is the best sector for gorilla trekking
HOW LONG DOES A GORILLA TREK LAST?
Finding these gorillas can take one to five hours or more since the trackers have to locate them on that particular morning. The walk is somewhat difficult, but travelers in good physical and mental health would thoroughly enjoy gorilla trekking in Uganda. If a tourist is uncomfortable lugging their bags during the walk, he or she can employ porters from adjacent communities for $15.
WHAT DO YOU DO AFTER FINDING THE GORILLAS?
Tourists are allowed to observe, ask questions, and take photos and films of the gorillas after discovering them. Eating or drinking in front of the gorillas and flash photography are prohibited. Since these primates share 95% of their DNA with humans, you are not allowed to get closer than 10 meters to the gorillas. They can easily contract diseases from humans. More to that, close proximity could make the gorillas uncomfortable and cause them to charge at you. This is for your safety while trekking with the gorillas. Tourists are supposed to travel back through the jungle after an hour with the gorillas.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA?
Gorilla trekking is done all year and permits are provided on a daily basis. However, most people choose to trek during the dry months of the year, which are January and February and from June-September. During these months, the area receives less rainfall. Note that since Bwindi is a tropical forest, it could rain at any moment. You are advised to carry a waterproof jacket.
COST OF A GORILLA TREKKING PERMIT
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $700 per person, while gorilla habituation costs $1500 per person. The permits can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority via a local tour operator. The most convenient way to obtain a gorilla trekking permit is to work with a Bwindi impenetrable national park local operator, such as Laba africa. However, travelers are urged to book ahead of time so that we can check the availability of Gorilla Trekking permits and reserve them for you.
WHAT TO CARRY FOR GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA?
Tourists should bring at least two long-sleeved shirts, lightweight and waterproof safari clothing, binoculars, gardening cloves, insect repellant, and a backpack bag to keep all their possessions in. Cameras are also encouraged for taking pictures and documenting your Africa Safari. At the park headquarters, you will be given a walking stick which will be of much help during the trek.
HOW YOUR GORILLA TOUR AIDS IN THE CONSERVATION OF GORILLAS
The funds raised from tourists are used to protect Uganda’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. This has resulted in a recent surge in the number of mountain gorillas. I’d like to emphasize that the only way to conserve these gorillas is for tourists to visit them. A portion of the funds are also distributed to the neighboring local communities in Bwindi and Mgahinga to improve education and food provision.
