Can you see gorillas in Uganda? Answer is yes! 100% gorillas can be seen in Uganda’s destination. To make things worth, Uganda is gifted with two gorilla trekking places that attractions millions of tourists to come encounter these precious primitives ‘’great mountain gorillas’’ in their nature habitant popularly known as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both located in southwestern region of Uganda, estimating 8 to 9 hours’ drive from Uganda’s capital Kampala to each of these destination. Alternatively, you can choose to use a domestic flight of both carrier’s charter or scheduled flight, ’Aero link’’ from Entebbe International Entebbe or Kajjansi Airstrip to fly you to Kihihi near Bwindi and Kisoro Airstrip near Mgahinga –flies within 1:30 hours, Can You See Gorillas in Uganda? .
However, the possibility of seeing gorillas in Uganda is so high, regards as a year round activity and the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking, is during the country’s two dry seasons that is; January and February and June to September.
Note this, of all the three countries see mountain gorillas; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda is the best destination to be visited with numbery of tourists, above all a country that hosts half world’s mountain gorillas. Which can be encountered in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park known as ‘’The Place of Darkness’’- due to its dense treetops, it is ancient, montane and lowland forest spanning around 128 square miles. The park is a UNSECO World Heritage Site and thanks to its remarkable high concentration of endangered species that call Bwindi their home.
Another place to encounter gorillas in Uganda is called Mgahinga Gorilla National Park that spans 13 square miles of the larger Virunga habitat which extends across 168 square miles into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The national park offers three of the eight major Virunga peaks such as Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo. The main activity done here are; Gorilla trekking activity, Golden monkey tracking, Visit the Batwa people and Hiking.
Before you embark for Gorilla trekking experience, you need to notices strict regulations put in place in order to make sure that gorillas stay healthy and in safe wild. The process starts with the Gorilla trekking permits and we advise our clients to use trust worthy tour operator on ground. In Uganda gorilla permits can be booked or bought direct from Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices. Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits costs USD700 for foreign nonresident, USD600 for foreign resident and UGX250,000 for East African Members per person per trek and Rwanda’s Gorilla permits are bit expensive compared to Uganda’s gorilla permits. Rwanda Gorilla Permits costs USD1,500 individuals, Can You See Gorillas in Uganda? .
How can gorillas be trekked OR is the experience hard to engage in? Gorilla trekking experience seems to be hard but the easy way to enjoy the activity, you need to be physically fit in the body in order to navigate uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns and roots. Although the rewards seem much better after all of the hard work.
Where to stay?
While on gorilla safaris in Uganda, there are many spacious accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with good amenities and very affordable to every one wish to enjoy life out in jungle such lodges include;
Luxury Lodges; Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Buhoma Lodge.
Mid-Range Lodge; Agandi Lodge, Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bakiga Lodge
Budget Lodge; Bwindi Forest Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Buhoma Community Bandas.
Rules and Regulation – Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda
Wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.
Do not leave rubbish in the park, carry back with it.
Keep your voices low when you approach gorillas.
There is a limited number of eight people allowed to trek in a gorilla family.
Keep a distance of 6 to 7 meters away from mountain gorillas.
Do not eat or drink while you’re near the mountain gorillas
Stay in tight groups when you’re near the gorillas.
Do not touch gorillas.
If you’re sick from air borne diseases don’t attempt to visit gorillas.
Flash cameras are not permitted.
Never attempt to have direct contact with gorillas.
Always respect the limited number of people given.
If you want to go for long hole, please ask the guide to dig you hole. After ensure you cover it.
