Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the few remote environments in Africa where mountain gorillas, who are distinct primates, may be found. This is located in the southwest of Uganda and was initially included in the gazette in 1991 as a national park before being elevated to a UNESCO world heritage site by 1994 as a means of safeguarding the critically endangered mountain gorilla species. One of the most unique experiences to have when visiting the Pearl of Africa is a wonderful meeting with the gorilla species. Bwindi is one of the most popular locations for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda since it is home to half the population of mountain gorillas, who live in the bamboo forest area of the national park.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mountain gorillas live in groups of up to 20 individuals, each of which is headed by a male silverback. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors: Nkuringo, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Rushaga. The family typically consists of a silver back, juveniles, black backs, females, and young gorillas. These herbivorous creatures eat plants, herbs, fallen tree trunks, mushrooms, and sporadically insects like termites. Baby gorillas are reared by their parents until they are two years old. Gorillas are distinguished by their huge coats, powerful physique, friendly nature, and brown eyes. They eat on the move and are always in motion. Bwindi is the major destination for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
Mountain gorilla tracking in the wild is not an easy process; depending on how far they have travelled, it might take all day or as little as two hours. The action starts early, around 8:00 am East African time. The walk into the forest, which is done in groups of eight per gorilla family, may seem tiresome at first, but it is ultimately a beautiful experience. Getting close to the primates is such an awesome heart-melting sight that one hour is granted while with the mountain gorillas. The tracking activity is conducted in accordance with gorilla rules and regulations, such as maintaining the 7-meter distance rule, prohibiting guests under the age of 15 from tracking, prohibiting visitors with contagious diseases like the flu from entering the forest, requiring that human waste be buried two metres beneath the surface, and forbidding loitering in the forest.
Gorilla permits are purchased for $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for residents, and 250, 000 shillings for Ugandan citizens. In order to enjoy a gorilla trekking safari, it is important to take into consideration packing warm clothes, rain gear, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, insect repellents, waterproof hiking boots, hand gloves, gaiters, and any other necessary items.
Depending on where you are staying, it is advised to reserve permits ahead of time. Each sector of the national park has lodging options, ranging from cheap to luxurious. A few examples of these facilities are Bwindi Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
A continuation of the great Virunga volcanic region, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest protected areas. It is situated in the southwest of the country, straddling the border with Rwanda, and is home to three of the eight tallest mountains in the rift valley. These mountains are Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabinyo, and Mountain Muhabura. The national park is situated in the Kisoro district. A subspecies of the eastern gorilla beringei, mountain gorillas are free to roam the wild without being captured.
One habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, resides in Mgahinga National Park. Up before the Hirwa Gorilla Family from Volcanoes National Park joined the jungle, this group of gorillas had a nomadic existence. The number of gorilla family groups increased to two as a result. The tribes are commanded by a male silverback and live in families of up to 20 people. Depending on how far the gorilla families have travelled, the exercise is completed in 2–8 hours in groups of eight per gorilla family. You should think about your physical fitness if you want to complete the difficult hike. The Uganda Wildlife Authority crew conducts a morning training on how to behave around mountain gorillas.
Gorillas are mobile and are regarded as friendly primates. They enjoy hopping about the tree climbing plants while building their nests on the ground. At the conclusion of the day, you will receive a Gorilla Trekking in Uganda certificate after tracking the beautiful animals. Any time of the year, but particularly between December and February and June and September during the dry season, is good for tracking gorillas. These are the driest months of the year, and the wildlife tracking site is conveniently located. Long sleeved clothing, bug repellents, waterproof phone and camera cases, hiking boots, ponchos, gaiters, and any other personal things are recommended for visitors to bring in preparation for the inclement weather.
There is lodging available near the national park that ranges from the finest value to luxury. Travellers can choose to lodge in Kisoro or close to the conservation area. A few examples of amenities include Kisoro Travellers, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge. Tracking golden monkeys, birdwatching, mountain climbing, and the Batwa Cultural Experience are some of the additional park activities.