Gorilla Trekking is one of the most popular adventure activities in East Africa. This is a world rated wildlife safari experience that can be done in only three countries in the whole Africa.
Mountain gorillas are one of the most remarkable wild primates found in the thick rain forests of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo still known as DRC. They are very attractive and are said to be only 1000 remaining in the all world .To see these creatures, one must visit either Bwindi forest national park, Mgahinga national park, volcanoes national park, and Virunga national park the current location of their steady home.
When tourists meet these magnificent creatures in their forested home, they get a true experience filled with magical memories that last forever. No one lets go of any minute during the one hour of photography and observation since it’s extremely valued and embraced by tourists, park rangers and conversationalists. Tracking mountain gorillas is overwhelmingly amazing that everyone starts the trek expecting to see a few gorillas but it end up with so much more.
The Moment with gorillas
Gorillas are estimated to be found between 2-6 hours but on many occasions tourist find them in 2hours.The funniest moment is when you sit down to observe them but they end up observing you. The big gorilla families have 16 members and above but it’s more terrific when they chill down in a big circle to gaze at the tourists who instead came to gaze at them. The silver back chest beating will put a smile on your face as you enjoy the swinging movement of baby gorillas in the trees.
Other gorilla family members can be more stubborn than what you can imagine because they keep making tempts of getting close to you but if they happen to make a way close, just put in action all the park rules and regulations though the all feeling is too scary. The life time experience with the gorillas can’t be forgotten because its exception among all the wild encounters on the planet. Make sure you charge your camera, dress appropriate and carry all the essentials. The gorilla trekking bag should have a water proof area to protect your important documents in case rain finds you on the trek.
Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is a well known destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa. This country located astride the Equator is home to nearly half of the remaining 900 mountain gorillas left in the whole world. Mountain gorillas turn out to be major tourist attraction though the country is also a fascinating destination with many other touristic adventures/ activities including white water rafting along the Nile, chimpanzee tracking, game viewing in small groups, mountain trekking and more.
The country has two gorilla national parks and the endangered mountain gorillas can be trekked from Uganda’s hilly and forested national parks basically from Bwindi Impenetrable Natural Forest ( a home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas) and Mgahinga National park in the Gahinga ranges in the South West of Uganda.
Mountain Gorillas
Nearly half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas can be found in the jungles of Bwindi Natural forest and Mgahinga ranges in southern Uganda. Tracking mountain gorillas from Uganda, is an exciting an thrilling encounter/ experience one can ever have. Mountain gorillas too are a close relative of human race, sharing so much character in common like caring for the young ones, eating, and playing among others.
In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Natural Forest hosts the highest number of these endangered species and with 14 habituated gorilla family groups (Mubare Group, Habinyanja Group:, Rushegura Group, Bitukura Group among others) for visitors. In their family groups, a Silverback-a male adult gorilla is usually the head and therefore responsible for the protection of its family members from any sorts of attacks if any.
Visiting the mountain gorillas is such a wonderful experience, however it’s done only in groups of 8 members where 8 visitors are allowed to visit a gorilla family group per day and limited to only an hour’s stay with the animals . During this one hour stay, tourists are permitted to take photos, make videos and even watch them as they play, eat and even tease each other.
For accommodation, its best to book those around and near the established sectors since this gorilla tracking activity starts early mornings. And are various accommodation facilities in both Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla parks such as lodges, camps and cottages with standard bed services and cuisines. Upon making your booking for a gorilla safari you need to get to know the location of the gorilla group prebooked so that you can get possible lodges where you will stay.
The journey from Kampala to Bwindi Forest takes between 7 and 9 hours to drive from Kampala to the two mountain gorilla homesteads in Uganda. During this drive, you can be able to enjoy en route views of the real Uganda’s scenic views as well as enjoying game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo national parks.
Alternatively, you can use charter planes from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips that are near Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks.
Important Tips for those Planning to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
- Plan your trip early enough. There is a high demand for Uganda’s gorilla permits. it is therefore advisable to book your gorilla permit early enough.
How to Book gorilla safari tours
To go on any gorillas safari tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. You need to book a gorilla tracking trip with a specific travel company, expert or friend. This is always done online after various communications by mail. It’s just fine making reserve everything online since distance can be the first limitation of meeting up with your trip organizers. Many travelers have actually booked through websites online and have had fantastic gorilla safari experiences in Africa.
I would advise one to make a deposit of 50% of the total tour cost for securing the trip gorilla permit and other trip essentials them clear the balance in cash the day your trip starts. Gorilla tracking is the highlight for many safari tours in Africa and I would definitely recommend it to whoever loves primates and nature. Explore the hidden treasures of Africa jungle forests on a gorilla trekking tour to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo.