Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
Mountain gorillas are undoubtedly the main reason why so many people travel to Uganda, and a gorilla trek is the highlight of any safari to this country. Gorilla trekking refers to hiking into Africa’s tropical forests to see this family of the great apes in their natural habitats. Gorilla trekking safaris are done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO Heritage site with over 19 gorilla families found in different sectors of the park to say, Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo gorilla sectors. Each sector of Bwindi offers a unique gorilla trekking experience. Whereas Mgahinga Gorilla Park is another gorilla destination where gorilla lovers can go for a gorilla safari to trek the only Nyakagezi gorilla family.
Visitors are allowed to encounter Mountain gorillas for one hour in Uganda after purchasing a trekking permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority, an agency overseeing all protected areas and wildlife of Uganda. A gorilla permit costs 800$ for foreign non-residents, 700 for foreign residents, Rest of Africa 500 and 300,000 UGX for EA Citizens
Africa Adventure Vacations has been at the forefront of making mountain gorilla encounters unforgettable for our clients for the past decade (we have reviews to show off), and we continue to take pride for this achievement by taking our guests through the thick, misty, wet, and impenetrable jungles Uganda and Rwanda’s volcanoes to spend those special sixty minutes with our mighty giant cousins.
Where to Track Gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Forest is a large tropical forest that stretches to the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Virunga Mountains in Kanungu district in southwest Uganda, along the edge of the western Albertine rift. The indigenous term Mubwindi, which means darkness, is whence the name Bwindi originates.
The world’s largest population of mountain gorillas is found in Bwindi Forest. Elephants, buffaloes, duikers, bush pigs, chimpanzees, olive baboons, blue monkeys, l’hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and birds are among the creatures that call the forest home. There are 120 species of mammals, 10 species of primates, 348 species of birds, and 220 species of butterflies in the forest.
There are around 1000 plant species in Bwindi Forest, including 104 fern species and 160 tree species. African brown mahogany trees, Newtonia buchananii, cecropia trees, Aningeria adolfifriederici, ceiba trees, Symphonia globulifera, Podocarpus, and ebony trees are among the tree species found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The following plant species may be found in Bwindi: Xymalos, Neoboutonia Macrocalyx, Monospora, Teclea nobilis, Newtonia, Strombosia schefflera, Symphonia globulifera, Myrianthus holstii, East African yellow wood, and Allophylus abyssinicus.
In the Bwindi Forest, gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity. Thousands of tourists visit Bwindi Forest because it is home to the greatest number of mountain gorillas in the world. To trek any of the 19 gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest, you must get permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Gorilla trekking begins at a separate park headquarters where rangers instruct the trekkers on the many rules and regulations of the trekking activity. Only 8 persons are grouped together and guided by armed ranger guides over several park trails in search of these great apes. Trekkers spend 2 to 7 hours in search for gorillas and along they may encounter various park species of birds, and vegetation. After trekkers allocate the gorilla family, they get an hour to spend with them,
which they will observe their daily routines, learn about their habits, as they snap pictures.
When to go Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda?
In Uganda gorilla trekking can be done throughout the year. However, June, July, August, September, and December are the best months to go gorilla trekking. Trekking and seeing the gorillas is made easier by the dryness in parks and less rain. The average temperature in Bwindi is around 11°C (52°F) in the morning and 23°C (73°F) in the afternoon throughout the year.
January and February: Off-peak months with less crowds. very little.
March, April, and May: These receive a lot of rain and the slippery slopes pose the biggest challenge during the trek.
June, July, and August are regarded as the Peak season as permits are scarce during this time, so it’s essential to purchase them in advance.
Visitors can take advantage of discounts on accommodation and various forest activities during the wet season. However, during the rainy season, there is a lot of rainfall, which makes the walking routes muddy and slick. The park’s roads are inaccessible, the foliage is thick, and it is difficult to see the forest creatures. Because the park is home to migrating birds, birdwatchers may visit Bwindi Forest during the rainy season to see a wider variety of birds.
Gorilla Safaris to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The smallest national park in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is situated in the country’s southwest and spans 33.9 km². One of the few national parks in the world that is home to mountain gorillas is this one, which was established in 1991. The park is also fortunate to have Golden Monkeys, a rare species of primates that are also present in Volcanoes National Park.
Unique features like Mount Sabinyo and Mount Muhavura, which are located in the Virunga Ranges that border Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, are another blessing of Mgahinga National Park. When tourists hike these Virunga mountains, they are often ecstatic.
The only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga National Park that is accessible to trekkers is the Nyakagezi family. Because of its habituation, tourists have a significant advantage when it comes to interacting with the endangered gorilla species in their natural habitat. Since every gorilla family is made up of different people, Nyakagezi is made up of nine members: two female adults, one adolescent, four silver, and two young. Each of these dominating silverbacks has a distinctive moniker that varies based on the generations and occasionally the persons that deal with them, particularly for research and habituation purposes.
Among the places in Africa where endangered mountain gorillas are found are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DR Congo. At the park headquarters, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park begins in the morning with a briefing on the park’s policies. Following the briefing, you will begin hiking into the forest with a knowledgeable guide. Depending on the location of the mountain gorillas, which prefer to roam around in quest of food, this process might take anything from thirty minutes to seven hours.
Other primate species, birds, various plant and tree species, and more can all be seen while trekking. After the gorillas are located, you are allowed to spend an hour with them in their natural habitat, where you can observe their habits, behaviors, and play as well as take pictures and document the moments.
Where to Stay on your Gorilla Trekking safari to Bwindi
Buhoma sector: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Buhoma Rest Camp, Haven Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, and Ride 4 Women Guest House.
Rushaga sector: Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, and Rushaga Gorilla Lodge.
Accommodations in the Nkuringo sector include the following: Virunga Campsite, Nshongi Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, and the Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel.
lodging options in the Ruhija sector: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge, and Trekkers Tavern
Mgahinga region
Lake Mutanda Lodge