Uganda is one of the best safari destinations in Africa and the best safari destination for mountain gorilla safaris in Africa. Striding across the equator, Uganda has an extra ordinary variety of landscapes, sought after unique fauna and flora that make Uganda Safaris the best safari holidays to take in Africa.
Dubbed “the pearl of Africa”, Uganda is located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It is bordered by Sudan to the north, Democratic republic of Congo to the west, Kenya in the east, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south. It should be noted however that Uganda is a land a locked country and lies in the East African region.
With its beautiful National parks and wildlife reserves, Uganda has got an attractive country side with tremendous mountain ranges –Rwenzori mountains in this case, lakes-Lake Victoria as the largest, rivers-River Nile, waterfalls-Murchison falls, and rich cultures among the people of Uganda that have made it a home away from home.
In Uganda, the history of gorilla tourism started 1991 the government gazetted Bwindi Impenetrable National Park under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Uganda hesitated to launch tourism as during the 70s tourism was prohibited and national parks considered hunting areas by the Dictator Idi Amin and no conservation was even possible at all. During the 80s the country was in civil war until 1986 when finally the National Resistance Army won the battle for the power in Kampala. After few years for restoration of the rule of law and the reconstructions of the public institutions of the state, Uganda in the beginning of the 90s was ready to cover the gap with other countries where gorilla tourism has already resumed.
The first action carried out in Uganda was the habituation of the Mubare Gorilla family, where the silverback Ruhondeza proved to be of good character interacting with humans therefore paving the way forward for gorilla tourism. Mubare Gorilla group was first open for gorilla tourism in 1993.
In 2004, Uganda has four habituated Gorilla families open to tourism in Uganda with Mubare family, Rushagura Group, Habinianja family and Nkuringo Gorup which was open on that same year. Gorilla permit was sold at 360 each.
In 2012 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park counts now nine gorilla families habituated with the opening of two new trekking points known as Ruhija (Central area of Bwindi) and Rushaga (South-Eastern part of Bwindi).
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits in Uganda are sold at US$800 per permit. Permits can be booked at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices at Kamwokya or through a local tour operator.
Why You Track Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Uganda is the pearl of Africa and is also scenic with the lush scapes , the flowering rivers, lots of wildlife, the ;lakes, and the mountains that are also covered with the dense rain forest. The country is also known for its friendly people and it’s also safe for travel. Uganda gives fantastic game viewing, cultural and heritage, chimpanzee trekking, adventure tourism that is added to gorilla tracking tours that makes it a great experience destination with in Africa.
Uganda’s main tourist attraction is the mountain gorillas and are found in Bwindi impenetrable National park. The country is also home to the many chimpanzees found in Kibale National park that have also attracted many tourists to trek them. Queen Elizabeth National park is also a great destination with lots of game viewing and the bid species.
The gorilla trekking industry in Uganda is also been in existence since the early 90s and is also benefiting the local communities that live near Bwindi forest. The population of gorillas is also stable and ever increasing in the recent years. We also thank the effective management of the national parks and the concerned conservation efforts. The forest also gives the walking trails that help in providing good spectacular views, waterfall visits and bird watching. The tourists can also tour exploring the local villages like the Buhoma so as to meet and acquire a taste of life in the rural areas.
The political stability is also vital to consider when deciding where to go for the gorilla tracking safari, these also include the local political conditions in these three countries and the availability of gorilla permits. Uganda is also stable and safe and this is because it has rebuilt itself after the many years of conflict and the unrest most especially in the northern Uganda. It also known that traveling to the southern part of the country is also safe and the country is also peaceful.
Rwanda in the recent years is also politically stable after trying to recover from the genocide that took place in the early 1990s. The volcanoes National park is also safe and well managed by Rwanda development Board, more so the gorilla permit system is effective. More so gorilla trekking tours are so safe and enjoyable in Uganda.
The country of Uganda has got over 13 gorilla families and these are enjoyed the tourists that are to trek the gorillas. Some of these groups also include; Habinyanja, Mubare, Rushegura, Nshogi, Busingye, Mishaya, Kahungwe, Bweza, Nkuringo, Buitukura, Kyaguriro and Oruzogo. Mgahinga also has one gorilla family.
Where is Gorilla trekking done in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; both national parks are located in the southwestern part of Uganda which can be accessed from Entebbe/Kampala and from Kigali, Rwanda.
What is the Best time for Gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best time to do a gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown. However, even during wet season of April, May, November, gorilla tracking experience is good since there is much food and the gorillas tend to be nearer, there by enhancing the experience due to less time taken on trekking.
Where to stay on a Gorilla tracking Safari in Uganda
Gorilla tracking Safari in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Each sector has different categories of accommodations that range from basic, mid range, luxury to high end lodges. Lodges near Mgahinga Gorilla National park include Gahinga Lodge which is inside the park and other lodges outside the park, requiring 30 minutes to one hour drive. If you book your gorilla safari through a tour operator, you will be helped with the best accommodation option depending on which sector the permit will be secured.
How to get to get to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking
By Road; This will depend on which sector you will be doing your gorilla trek in Bwindi Forest; Bwindi can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which approximately 8-9 hours drive. The northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma can be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the sign posted of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to the designated sector for your trek. The southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro High way.
By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo and then to Kihihi airstrip for the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your Lodge you are booked for your stay.