Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Asia: Asia may seem a long way to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. However, this is not the case because of the various ways that have made it very possible to embark on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. Gorilla trekking over the years in Uganda has been on the rise, attracting tourists from far and wide, and Asia is no exception. It is on this account that gorilla trekking is a highly anticipated and sought-after tourist activity in the country.
This is also one of the major tourist activities in Uganda. Gorilla trekking involves traversing through the dense forest canopies and undergrowth on an exploration adventure of the endangered mountain gorillas and spending an hour in their presence. The long flight hours from Asia to Uganda are all worth the gorilla trekking experience, and that all unfolds the moment you encounter these primates in the wild.
Where to encounter mountain gorillas in Uganda?
Mountain gorillas in Uganda can be encountered in only two gorilla trekking destinations. These include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the leading gorilla tracking destination, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi carries pride as one of the leading gorilla trekking destinations, harboring almost half of the remaining mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is one of the most breathtaking tourist activities that tourists find exciting and thrilling, yet they always yearn for more. Given the availability of many mountain gorillas in Bwindi, gorilla trekking in this destination is made easier and time-saving. This is because the gorillas are distributed in four gorilla sectors, hence making their trekking easy.
These gorilla sectors are in Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Mountain gorillas are social beings who stay in groups known as families. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 50 gorilla families, and 26 of these are habituated and available to trek. Bwindi Impenetrable National hosts approximately 459 mountain gorillas in its 331 square kilometers land mass area.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second leading gorilla destination in Uganda. Mgahinga was established in 1991, a year after mountain gorillas were first sighted in the park. It stretches for over 33.7 square kilometers in the Kisoro district. It is the best second alternative for exciting gorilla tracking activities while on Uganda gorilla safari tours.
Considering its small size, there is only one habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The habituated family group in this destination is also known as the Nyakagezi family group. It is part of the Virunga conservation area that stretches from Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and to its counterpart, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Is it safe to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda?
Yes, it is very safe and secure to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. With over 40 years of absolute peace and security, Uganda is the epitome of peace and security in the region. The country guarantees you security for yourself and your property. While in the dense forest canopies searching for the gorillas, you are led and escorted by professional armed ranger guides who help to lead you to the assigned gorilla family. It is also important to note that mountain gorillas are gentle primates who are habituated in due time to prepare them for trekking.
Habituation means introducing the wild mountain gorillas to the presence of human beings. Therefore, mountain gorillas cannot attack nor charge visitors because they are used to people. Putting this aside, it is important to always follow the guidelines of the guide rangers and also the rules and regulations noted at the pre-trekking briefing. This is because mountain gorillas are wild species and should never be taken for granted and, thus, always go by the rule book.
How much does it cost to have a Uganda gorilla trekking experience?
One requires a document called a gorilla trekking permit to access the gorilla destinations in the country for a gorilla trekking experience. The trekking gorilla permit is only purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a local registered tour operator. Each permit is costed in range with the nationality and region of the visitors. Foreign non-residents pay USD 800, USD 700 for the foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for the East Africans and Ugandans. Each penny collected here goes to the conservation efforts of the endangered mountain gorilla primates, like paying the guides, giving to the communities, and protecting the primates through awareness conservation campaigns.
When to do a gorilla trekking in Uganda from Asia?
The best period to trek gorillas in both gorilla destinations, Bwindi and Mgahinga, is from June to September and December to March. This is when the terrain is dry, penetration into the thick forests becomes very easy due to the sparse vegetation, and also, you can look for while tracking the gentle giants. These two gorilla destinations lie close to the equator and thus receive a tropical type of climate. This climate is characterized by two dry and wet seasons throughout the year.
However, the wet season that runs from March to May and October to November presents the best time for budget travelers to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda. Since the wet season is the low season in tourism, more benefits like discounted flight and accommodation rates. This is because this season is known for heavy rains and thick green vegetation cover.
