Guide to Gorilla trekking to Uganda

GUIDE TO GORILLA TREKKING TO UGANDA

This Mountain Gorilla trekking guide to Uganda provides information about Mountain Gorillas which are an endangered primate species that can only be found in the Forested areas of the Virunga Massif stretching from Uganda, Rwanda to DR Congo. In Uganda, there are two protected national parks where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in southwestern Uganda.

The current mountain gorilla population stands at about 1004 individuals, half of which are found in Uganda. Gorillas are gentle Giants and are closely related to humans since they share up to 96% of their DNA composition with Humans. Unlike the lowland Gorillas, the mountain gorillas have never been able to survive in captivity and therefore no mountain gorillas are found in Zoos outside of Africa.

Gorilla in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla Tourism and Conservation

To see the Mountain gorillas, you must come to Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo and trek through the dense tropical rain forests the Mountain gorillas call home. In the late 1960s-80s, the Mountain gorilla population reduced drastically due to poaching, disease, civil wars and encroachment of the gorilla habitat by Humans. However, with efforts through Gorilla Tourism and Conservation, with the creation of protected areas and national parks, the mountain gorilla population has been increasing steadily over the years. In the 1990s, the protected areas were opened up for Gorilla tourism and some of the mountain gorilla families were habituated to allow tourists to trek them. At the moment, there are close to 20 habituated mountain gorilla families in Uganda, which are all available for tourists to visit.

Gorilla trekking permit

In order to visit the Gorillas, you are required to purchase a Gorilla trekking permit and this has to be done in advance to ensure that your slot is guaranteed. The gorilla trekking permit can be purchased through a local tour operator, or directly through the Uganda wildlife authority if you are already in Uganda. The Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $700 dollars for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents and Shs 250,000 for East Africans. The Uganda gorilla habituation Permit Costs $1,500 dollars for foreign nonresidents, $1,000 for foreign residents and Shs 750,000 for East Africans which money greatly helps with the Gorilla conservation. The government of Uganda uses proceeds from the sale of gorilla trekking permits to further conservation and intervention efforts as well as building infrastructure.

The local communities also receive a percentage of this money through the Uganda wildlife Authority, as well as allocation by the government to the local governments in areas where the national parks are found. Therefore, by coming for Gorilla trekking in Uganda, you greatly impact the conservation of these great species of primates.

When to Visit the Gorillas

Gorilla trekking can be done all year round, however, the most recommended period is during the Dry season months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During this period, there is very little rainfall and therefore the conditions are conducive for hiking through the densely forested landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

You can combine your Uganda wildlife safari with a Gorilla trekking Safari to the mountain Gorillas and visit other national parks within Uganda for an authentic African wildlife experience. Other popular national parks in Uganda are Murchison falls national Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo national park, Semuliki National Park, Rwenzori Mountain National Park, Mt. Elgon National Park.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Vs Rwanda, Vs Congo

The only three countries in the world where you can see the mountain gorillas are Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. However, visiting the Gorillas in Uganda is more recommended than gorilla trekking in Rwanda or DR Congo because of two main reasons, the permit price in Uganda is $700 while the Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit costs $1500 for the same experience! This makes Uganda the better option as compared to Rwanda.

On the other hand, the DR Congo Gorilla permits cost only $400. However, due to civil wars and guerillas near the Virunga national park, it is not safe and therefore Uganda is still better than Congo as your security while on a gorilla safari is guaranteed unlike in Dr Congo’s Virunga.

Accommodation and transport

There are a lot of accommodation options near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. These range from Camping, basic budget, Average to luxurious lodges and therefore, every tourist is sorted based on their Budget. As for transportation you can reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by road or fly, Charter with internal flight providers. Accommodation, Transport and Gorilla permit booking can all be arranged for you by MuAfrika Adventures Limited.