Uganda; The Best Destination for Gorilla Tracking
Have you ever wondered why most trekkers flock into Uganda for mountain gorilla trekking and not anywhere else not even Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo? Whereas mountain gorillas are found in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda’s trekking adventures for these Great apes is exceptional and you shouldn’t miss while on safari to Africa. There are several reasons to answer this amazing question as listed below;
Safety
For so many years, Uganda has enjoyed peace and stability which attracts most visitors to come and engage in mountain gorilla trekking. Visitor safety and security is very key when it comes to tourism sector and given the serene that has prevailed in the country, most destinations are safe and secure for visitors experiences including Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park where gorilla trekking in conducted in Uganda. The government employs Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and arm as well as other agencies that are working together to ensure that peace prevails in the country.
Uganda has the largest population of mountain gorillas
Across the world, Uganda features the largest number of these tremendous apes in the wild. It is estimated that Uganda offers refuge to more than 480 individuals of mountain gorillas and all of these thrive in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Given the huge numbers in the Great apes, over 12 gorilla habituated gorilla families are available for visitors to track each day. This means that the more habituated gorilla groups the more chances for tourists to realize their dreams in the destinations. In addition, Uganda offers visitors with two options to track mountain gorillas (Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park) compared to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo that come with single national parks.
Besides, it is only in Uganda in the whole world where Mountain gorilla Habituation Experience is also conducted which allows visitors to enjoy a total of 4 hours on a face to face encounter and the whole day to be with gorillas compared to the usual treks where only one hour is given to visitors. Habituation experience is conducted during the off season (March, April, May and November) and permits cost $1500. There are only two gorilla families that have been set for this adventure and they include Bikingi and Bushaho. For this remarkable experience, you can visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and you will be rewarded with extra-ordinary experience.
Gorilla permits in Uganda is also relatively cheaper
For mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, permits are obtainable at $600 per person compared to $1500 for Rwanda. Permits are a must to have when it comes to gorilla trekking whether in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda offers about 96 gorilla permits for visitors to track gorillas compared to the 80 in Rwanda and 64 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Visitors can easily incorporate mountain gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris in Uganda
Unlike other destinations, Uganda offers tourists a chance to explore its biodiversity by combining gorilla trekking and other wildlife encounters from other national parks as well as other exciting experiences. The areas of interest for most visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park include the chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, wildlife viewing and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park for the rare tree climbing lions and other big game, Murchison Falls National Park for the big four game and the mighty Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo National Park for giraffes and zebras, Lake Bunyonyi the second deepest Lake in Africa which is free from bilhazia, hippos and crocodiles and suitable for water sports.
Alternatively, add bird watching to mountain gorilla trekking and enjoy over 1074 distinct bird species that confined in Uganda. Most of these can be sighted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where over 360 birds thrive from and Mgahinga where 115 birds call it their home.
In conclusion, Uganda should be one of the must to include destination in your bucket list for mountain gorilla trekking. There are more things to enjoy in addition to mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.