Uganda

Facts About Gorilla Trekking In Uganda.

Kanye West & Kim Kardashian Gorilla Trekking

Things To Known About Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

For a couple of years, Gorilla trekking has been among the topmost booked pursuits by travelers on Wildlife Safaris in Africa.

Gorillas like Mountain Gorillas, Eastern Lowland Gorillas are rarely seen, and therefore this is the best opportunity to expose you to these giants of the Jungle.

You may be not sure of where to delve into this account, but with this article, all the frequently asked questions about Gorilla trekking in Uganda are answered.

If your main interest is the Gorillas, then you can find them in the Eastern and Central part of Africa.

Countries to pack for Gorillas in Eastern Africa include; Uganda Rwanda and in the central part there is only Democratic Republic of Congo, but among all the one offered in Uganda is exceptional. You not only see a variety of the species but Uganda its self is a destination you feel like you are at home.

Starting from welcoming locals, stable security, favorable conditions to ease of accessibility, Uganda is a destination ticked for unrivalled Gorilla encounters.

To all those choosing Uganda as their destination to have this lifetime experience, below are the top facts you should know before you pack.

Percentage of Gorillas.

Among the three Gorilla hosting destinations, Uganda is recorded with the biggest percentage of Gorillas remaining in all World. Uganda provides lush habitats to almost half of the Gorilla population.

Where to go for Gorillas.

This Pearl of Africa has two National Parks that are inhabited by the rarely seen species of Mountain Gorillas.

These protected areas include Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in the Southwestern part of Uganda. Of the two, the highest numbers of Gorillas are found in Bwindi.

How to get there.

Both Parks are situated in the same region, and you can get there by the same routes from Kampala – it is via Kampala – Masaka – Mbarara highway.

It takes about 8-9 hours for the drive from Kampala up to Bwindi or Mgahinga, but it usually depends on stopovers included, routes and speed used.

Alternatively, you can land in Kigali – Rwanda a gateway to the Western part of Uganda. Traveling from Kigali even takes less time than from Kampala.

How many Gorilla families.

Out of the remaining Gorillas in Uganda, only nineteen families are habituated and open to Gorilla trekking expeditions offered in Mgahinga and Bwindi. Bwindi is recorded with eighteen Gorilla families in its four sectors, and Mgahinga has only one Gorilla family.

Price for Gorilla permits.

Gorilla Trekking requires a permit, and this is a must-have. In Uganda, this permit costs USD 700, and it is valid for use by one person in the respective dates.

Permits are only issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It is more convenient and secure when you book through a local tour operator.

How many people are allowed to Trek?

Each Gorilla family is allowed to be visited by a group of eight people plus the park ranger guides.

Time taken for the Trek.

The time taken and distance moved in the Jungle often depends on where exactly these apes spent their last. After discovering them, you are allowed to be in their presence for only one hour while seeing them play, feed, laugh and more.

Age limit for Gorilla Trek.

In Uganda, for anyone to trek must be fifteen years and above. If you are less by that age, then don’t expect to get a chance of seeing the Gorillas otherwise just be calm and wait until you make the required years.

When to Trek.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is feasible all year round but more fantastic during low season when there are low rainfall drops.

Then for travel season; in the peak season, Parks are crowded with tourists, therefore, those who fancy crowd-free adventures you should consider trekking in the low season of travel.

How many times can you Trek.

Even if you want to trek one hundred times it is possible though you can do one trek each day.

Can I do a habituation experience in Uganda?

The answer is yes, actually Gorilla habituation in Uganda is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Rushaga sector and its permit cost USD 1500 per person.

What sub species of Gorillas?

Uganda is home to subspecies of Mountain Gorillas only. You cannot find any other species. These Gorilla species are black in color and the second largest after the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

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