Reasons for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
In this article, find out the reasons for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Mountain gorillas in Uganda live in the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The survival and continuity of these endangered primates is dependent largely of tourism.
The gorillas are clustered into groups spread across the different sectors of Bwindi forest. Gorilla visitors pay a courtesy call to these endangered primates daily in trekking groups of 8 persons.
Walking adventurously in the jungle to reach actual venue of the mountain gorillas in Uganda is outstandingly among the life memorable moments. There are fewer than 900 mountain gorillas in existence, and gorilla trekking provides a rare opportunity to observe the everyday interactions of these gentle, mysterious primates.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda only live in the thick jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Outside Uganda, the primates are found along dormant volcanic Virunga mountain range that stretch from the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mgahinga is part of the Virunga corridor
Today, about 1000 mountain gorillas are estimated by environmentalists to be living in the four gorilla national parks. This is high a number compared to about 255 mountain gorillas that lived in the world by 1981. Thanks to all the tourism and gorilla conservation efforts that have been taking place in these parks.
We give you the major reasons for visiting Uganda and enjoy this incredible gorilla adventure encounter.
Bwindi has half the population of the World’s Mountain Gorillas
Unlike Rwanda and Congo, Uganda has two gorilla tracking parks including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This means you have higher of seeing gorillas since there are many trekking spots. With Bwindi having half of the world’s mountain gorilla numbers, give Uganda an edge over other countries.
Bwindi also dubbed as ‘The Place of Darkness’ due to its dense nature is a montane and lowland forest covering 331 square miles in south western Uganda. The park also one of the 3 World Heritage Sites in Uganda is characterized by an incredible biological diversity as well as many endangered species that inhabit it.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covering 33.9 square Kilometers of the larger Virunga territory, shares boundary with Rwanda and Congo. The park has one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Group.
You Can Fight Habitat Destruction by Supporting Community Enrichment.
Destruction of habitats to the mountain gorillas is the leading risk to their lives. Areas near the parks are hugely populous and dwellers have habitually utilized land near national park boundaries for agriculture as well as logging.
Since gorilla tourism is Uganda’s high-earning sector, part of the proceeds of the safaris go to the communities. Trekkers are also advised to give back to the populations once they visit. For instance hiring local porters, tipping entertainment troupes or buying handicraft from the near the park are among the ways of supporting humanity. Supported communities later join efforts of conserving the primates due to the benefits from them.
Other available options is to take part in the community-led cultural creativeness. For instance, around Mgahinga, Batwa tribe elders lead guests on a forest expedition along the Batwa Trail, enlightening on how their self-reliant, forest-dwelling tribe conventionally used curative plants.
Uganda has Affordable Gorilla Trekking Permits
Uganda has got affordable gorilla trekking permits. Over 160 permits are available in the Bwindi daily. There are strict rules and regulations in to ensure the primates remain healthy. The day to day visiting of each gorilla family is exceptionally restricted to 8 persons. This means prospective trekkers secure permits in advance through their chosen tour operators.
A gorilla permit in Uganda cost $800 throughout the year and in Rwanda, similar permit for trekking gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park goes for $1500.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most visited gorilla park in Uganda since it has many gorilla families. Visitors are led by park rangers during the excursions in the jungle. Once the group finds the gorillas in the forest, members are allowed to keep around the endangered species for 1 hour.
A challenging Terrain Adventure is worth it
Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are in southwestern Uganda characterized by terraced hills and undulating volcanic slopes. These geographic features are not for the faint-hearted but for the bravely determined ones. The challenging topography is what makes gorilla trekking a lifetime adventure.
Walking to see the gorillas, charming hard work is a necessity. You have to navigate downhill and uphill via the dense twists of creepers, prickles and outgrown roots. The word impenetrable matches well with the name Bwindi Forest National Park. The forest is accessible by foot. Footpaths have to be cleared with machetes to attain a smooth progress. However, despite the challenging hike, the rewards of finding the endangered primates and stay in their midst is worth it.
Expect other Primate Species while trekking Gorillas.
Uganda is a primate destination. Besides gorillas, Mgahinga is a habitat for a similar endangered species, the Golden Monkeys. These comical monkeys live in bamboo jungles. Golden monkey tracking is similar to that of the gorillas those the trek is not much thought-provoking. There are L’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys and gray-cheeked mangabeys in Bwindi Forest. There are chimpanzees in Kibale and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
Chance to Tour Other Tourist Attractions in Uganda in Uganda
Besides Bwindi and Mgahinga, there are 8 more national parks and several wildlife reserves in Uganda. The country’s lakes, rivers, forests plus cultural places are quite amazing. Before or after visiting the gorillas, you have a chance to tour several other tourist destinations in the Uganda. This will make your entire holiday tour in Uganda an enjoyable one.
Having read the reasons for gorilla trekking in Uganda, visit the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park with Animal Safaris.