If you ever think of meeting Gorillas in their natural environment, think about trekking gorillas in Uganda. Uganda is home to over 400 mountain gorillas in its thick tropical rain forest amidst other wild life like bird species, bush pigs, butterflies, waterfalls to mention but a few. Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi forest national park which hosts 16 habituated mountain gorilla families and Mgahinga national parks with 1 habituated gorilla family. It is advisable to visit Uganda for the maximum exploration of Gorillas groups due to the following reasons.
Uganda has two parks hosting mountain Gorillas which gives travelers a chance to explore the best of Uganda. Visitors can either choose to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park has one group called Nyakagezi.
Bwindi forest is impenetrable giving a true African wilderness walking through thick tropical rain forest amidst tree waves, of singing birds, beautiful thousand species of butter flies. Bwindi forest is Purely breath taking, the fresh water from the flowing water falls gives a misty feeling.
Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are cheaper than those of Rwanda at US$ 600 and US$ 1500 respectively. This makes Rwanda gorilla tours quite expensive compared to Uganda. Therefore, clients with low budget are advised to rash for Uganda Gorilla trekking. It should be noted that, Gorilla permits are booked in advance due to their high demand. You can book your permits from your entrusted Uganda Tour operators.
On the way to the home of Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas, visitors are exposed to attractions like the Uganda Equator Monument, Kigezi high lands, Local art and craft shops, true African home stead among others.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has four tracking sectors namely, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma. Therefore, visitors are given opportunity to choose their best trekking point because each has its own unique feature and terrain.
Alongside Mountain Gorillas, Uganda gorilla parks also hosts other attractions like birds, reptiles, waterfalls, unique tree species, vegetation cover, hills and valleys among others. After trekking Gorillas tourists can decide to do any other activity to supplement the trekking through game drive and viewing, launch cruise to mention but a few.
The presence of the Batwa pygmies – once the shortest group of people known as “the keepers of the forest” Due to intermarriages, the Batwa heights have greatly improved but still maintain their traditional cultural norms.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga forest are surrounded with Luxury, mid-range and Budget accommodation – therefore visitors can choose any type of Lodges of their choice.
The parks are greatly guarded and the country at larges. Many security agencies like Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF), Uganda police and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers are ever alert to ensure stability in Uganda making it worth a visit.
Uganda parks are easily accessible – the roads are well constructed which facilitates quick transportation of tourist from one tour destination to another.
Trekkers are given V.I.P treatment in the parks. Each group of 8 trekkers is led by guarded rangers to ensure a safe and informative trek. They are in position to answer all the questions posed by tourists while in the park.
The award given to all successful trekkers in form of certificates is awesome- the trekkers goes back home with an evident story to tell throughout their life time – meeting Gorillas in their natural habitat is a life time experience one should not miss out.
Many Lodges in Uganda Parks are safe and reliable so, clients willing to visit the country shouldn’t worry about accommodation. Clients are given a list of recommended lodges/ Hotels for them to make select the ones they can afford.
The visit to Buhoma Gorilla trekking point through Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha sector rewards visitors with the View of the amazing tree climbing lions. Find them swinging on the fig tree.
