Staying with mountain gorillas in the misty-filled forests of Uganda for 1 hour- 60 minutes is arguably one of life’s greatest privileges. There are approximately 1000 mountain gorillas in existence, with the biggest numbers found in Uganda, and gorilla trekking provides you with a rare opportunity to observe the everyday interactions of the mysterious yet gentle primates.
In the world, mountain gorillas are only found in the dense vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Mountain range that stretches across Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The population of mountain gorillas is steadily rising thanks to conservation and research efforts; environmentalists estimated that there were only 254 mountain gorillas in 1981. Since these gentle and endangered creatures can not survive in captivity, the only way they can survive, and you can see them, is by trekking up to their natural habitat, the misty cloud forests that lie on the altitudes of 14,763.
Here are the 5 reasons to plan your incredible gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda.
You will be where Half of the World’s Mountain Gorilla Live
Uganda has two gorilla trekking spots, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which gives the country a great advantage compared to other gorilla countries such as Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Read more.
Mountain Gorillas know nothing about the political border, which is why it is common for them to cross the Virungas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, with over 400 individuals. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, also known as The Place of Darkness due to its dense forest cover, is an ancient, montane and lowland forest spanning 128 square kilometres; the park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its incredible biodiversity and the large number of endangered species protected in the area.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the second gorilla park in Uganda. It is located in the Southwestern region, the same as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Mgahinga forms part of the 13 square miles of the larger Virunga habitat, also known as The Virunga Conservation Area, which stretches across 168 square miles into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park comprises three of the eight major Virunga Peaks: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo.
Contribute to Fighting Habitat Destruction by Supporting Community Enrichment
The main threat to the survival of mountain gorillas is habitat destruction, which is carried out by communities around the gorilla parks. These areas are heavily populated, which creates demand for land. The residents of these communities have traditionally used the land around national park boundaries for farming or logging.
Tourism greatly contributes to Uganda's economy. With most of the tourists coming to see mountain gorillas, trekkers are encouraged to seek out ways to give back to the communities they visit; this way, they can also benefit from tourism and take protecting the gorilla habitats in high regard.
One of the popular ways you can contribute to the local community as a tourist is by hiring a porter; these people are always local residents and occasionally reformed poachers. The landscape within Bwindi and Mgahinga is unpredictable and different; porters will help guide you (trekkers) through river crossing and up steep, muddy inclines.
Another way to support the local community is by participating in community–led cultural initiatives; in Bwindi village, there is Bwindi Bar which trains disenfranchised young adults in hospitality through rigorous classes and work experience.
Around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the elders of the pygmy Batwa Tribe lead visitors on a forest tour along the Batwa Trail, explaining how they lived in the forest harmoniously with the forest creatures, including mountain gorillas and house they traditionally used medicinal plants to cure different illnesses.
Find More Affordable Trekking Permits
Uganda offers more affordable trekking permits, which makes even a budget traveller able to afford a gorilla trekking adventure.
To make sure the gorillas stay healthy in the wild, strict regulations are put in place, starting with the gorilla trekking permits. Daily views of each gorilla group are extremely limited to 8 people per group per day, so trekkers should apply in advance to get their desired dates.
In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs US$ 700, which is cheaper in contrast to gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda, costing $ 1,500. Read more about Gorilla permits.
Take on a Challenging Terrain
Mountain gorilla trekking provides a challenging terrain which is perfect for travellers seeking an adventurous experience; Uganda’s gorilla parks are found in the Southwestern region, which comprises green terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes. Also, the region lies at a high altitude, which makes hiking a not-for-faint-hearted activity. Hiking in Uganda promises a lifetime adventure.
Reaching the gorillas is hard work, which requires navigating uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns, and roots. This rhymes with the name “impenetrable” for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is only accessible by foot. There are no permanent paths, no signs, no direction and no clearing; during the trek, the path is made by park rangers who always carry machetes. However, the reward is worth the hard work.
Encounter Other Primates
Uganda is a private lover’s dream destination with over 14 primate species that you encounter on an Uganda gorilla trekking safari. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to golden monkeys, which are an endangered species. The beautiful creatures live high up in the bamboo forests, and tracking them is similar to mountain gorillas, but their trek is not quite as challenging.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to other primates, including L’hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys, which you will encounter on your gorilla safari.
Uganda is also home to a huge population of primates found in Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.