What Makes Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Unique
What Makes Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Unique? Which is the best and most unique tourist activity in East Africa? It’s gorilla trekking. But have you ever asked yourself why it is the most desired and exceptional activity? Well, it’s because the activity is conducted in only three countries: Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park).
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
There are currently more than 1,000 mountain gorillas inhabiting the thick tropical rainforests of these National Parks. Gorilla trekking usually begins with a pre-tracking briefing at the Park Headquarters before trekkers head into the jungle to locate the allocated gorilla family.
Be prepared because it is quite demanding. It involves traversing areas of high elevations, thick vegetation with thorns and stinging nettles, muddy/slippery trails (especially during the rainy season), and unclear paths that must be created during tracking.
Gorilla Trekking Activity Duration
The activity usually lasts from 30 minutes to several hours. Once sighted, trekkers are given only one hour to spend with the gorilla family to see them feed, play, and groom. Photos can be taken (with non-flash cameras) to keep the memories alive. Once the beautiful pictures of the giant apes are shown to friends and family, they will also wish to visit to see the mountain gorillas.
Although gorilla trekking is conducted in three African countries, the experience in Uganda is exceptional.
Gorilla Families
Uganda offers a remarkable and unique experience for several reasons. Firstly, there are over 17 habituated gorilla families in Uganda that can be tracked by enthusiastic tourists. These include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Christmas, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, Bishaho, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bikingi, Busingye, Bweza, Nkuringo, and Katwe in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as well as the Nyakagyezi family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Countries with Mountain Gorillas
Based on tourists’ views, Uganda is the best for tracking mountain gorillas, offering an extraordinary experience. But what makes tracking the giant apes in Uganda unique? The answers include:
Two Gorilla Parks
Unlike other countries where mountain gorillas are found, Uganda has two parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, home to the mobile Nyakagyezi family. Rwanda and the DRC each have only one destination, making Uganda unique and the best gorilla trekking destination.
Highest Mountain Gorilla Population
Uganda has the highest population of mountain gorillas, with more than 500 of the total 1,000 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone.
More Habituated Gorilla Families
Uganda is home to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas, with 17 habituated families, 16 in Bwindi and one (Nyakagyezi) in Mgahinga National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Sectors
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into sectors: Buhoma (home to Rushegura, Habinyanja, Mubare, and Katwe families), Rushaga (home to Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, and Bikingi groups), Ruhija (Kyaguliro, Bitukura, and Oruzogo), and Nkuringo (Nkuringo, Christmas, and Bishaho groups). Each sector has specific accommodations.
Combining Gorilla Trekking with Other Safaris
Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, offers diverse wildlife. Besides gorilla trekking, you can enjoy nature walks, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, and game drives in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Parks.
Wonderful Climate
Uganda has the best climate among the three countries. Although tracking involves hiking through thick vegetation and muddy trails, Uganda’s climate is favorable, often shining right after rain.
Affordability and Security
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers affordability but is insecure. Rwanda is secure but expensive. Uganda is both affordable and secure, making it the best choice. Despite the Uganda Wildlife Authority scrapping discounted gorilla permits, Uganda remains a cheaper destination, with permits at $600 compared to Rwanda’s $1500. The DRC, while cheapest at $400, is not preferred due to insecurity.
Conclusion
Intending gorilla trekkers should choose Uganda because it is affordable and secure, has more mountain gorillas and habituated families, offers two gorilla trekking parks, and allows for combining gorilla trekking with other wildlife safaris.
