Time spent with gorillas during a trek
Gorillas are endemic to the African continent, therefore the time spent with gorillas during a trek are one of the key things you need to know when planning your safari. Uganda is one of the three most popular destinations for gorilla trekking in the world. It is a paradise to over half of the World’s remaining population of mountain gorillas offering unique and extraordinary gorilla trekking expeditions. It is the best and safest place to see gorillas in Africa.
Gorilla trekking is one of the outstanding reasons why Uganda receives a wealth of tourists from different parts of the World. The activity involves moving in a group following the permanently established trails heading to the Jungle with interest to meet Gorillas in the wild. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes you to bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga National Park which are the only two spots where visitors can trek the gorillas in the wilderness of Africa.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Spanning three districts of Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers a total area of 331 square kilometers. The thick impenetrable forest occupies the entire park area which is home to over 450 individual mountain gorillas. This makes up almost half of all the mountain gorillas in the world. Meeting in the wild for an up close look with these giants is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling moments that take place in this park.
The four sectors of Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Rushaga allow the Gorilla Trekking experience. All these sectors have several habituated gorilla groups totaling to over 21 groups.
Gorilla Trekking Vs Gorilla Habituation
Bwindi Impenetrable National park also offers gorilla habituation which is an exciting activity. It is quite similar to Gorilla trekking , however, it differs in the time spent with the apes in the wild. Visitors spend four magical hours with these majestic creatures. This therefore grants them a chance to follow movements of these apes while taking photos and videos in different localities. Gorilla Habituation Experience is only done in Rushaga sector.
Mgahinga National Park
Located in the South western part of Uganda, Mgahinga National park is one of the prominent parks in Uganda. It is home to the three volcanic mountains which include mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga and mount Muhabura. The Virunga National Park in Congo and Volcanoes in Rwanda also share these 2 mountains.
Apart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tourists can also see Gorillas in Mgahinga. It is home to 80 mountain gorillas. The only habituated group open for tourism is the Nyakagyezi group. This group has settled in Uganda for three years and attracts fewer crowds. In order to give you an ultimate experience, only 8 gorilla permits are sold in a day.
What is the Time spent with gorillas during a trek
Before starting the trek, there is a briefing on how to behave in the wild. Only 8 trekkers visit each gorilla family per day. A restricted time of only one hour is allowed with these great Apes. The time taken and distance moved depends on the location of the Gorilla family you are searching for. Therefore, carry your packed food and drinking water from the lodge.
What is the Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda
Gorilla permits in Uganda cost US$800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents. It costs US$ 700 per person for Foreign Residents and UGX 400,000 for East African Citizens. Only registered Tour Companies like Vibrant Holiday Safaris can purchase these permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices.
When is the best time to trek Gorillas in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is open throughout the year. However, the best time is in the Dry seasons of December to February and also June to September. This is because dry seasons make tracking and viewing wildlife easier. In addition, there are also fewer trekkers therefore less competition for gorilla permits.