Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda
Well, a true exhilarating experience of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda will allow you to come face to face with the largest primates on this planet.You will take a chance of glimpsing gorillas in the wild. With very knowledgeable guides, you will get first-hand information while in Volcanoes national park, Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Where to do Gorilla Trekking from
Roughly 480 of the endangered species of mountain gorillas live in an extinct region of Virunga. In Uganda, there are about 400 of these great apes. Uganda has 2 parks where gorilla trekking is carried out, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks. Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in South – Western Uganda. It is a home to half of the total mountain gorillas in the world and covers about 200 square miles of extremely dense rainforest has been proclaimed a world heritage site. It is a home about 400 mountain gorillas. Mgahinga National park on the other hand is located on the extreme Southwestern corner of Uganda on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains.The Park borders Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo and covers about 28 square miles. If you are to track gorillas in Rwanda, there is only one pronounced park where the activity can be carried out- Virunga National Park which is situated in the North of the country. It covers an area of about 46 square miles. Within this park, Dian Fossey set up her base and research center.
What to take
While on Gorilla tracking safari, you will need to wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes since you will spend a few hours walking to reach the gorillas.We recommend you to carry a pair of gloves aimed at protecting your hands as well as a light rain jacket. Carry along with you a small day pack which containing water supply for the day. Nevertheless, you ought to carry a Camera.
When to travel and what you should expect
Whether you have the opportunity to track mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or the DRC – you need to be prepared. It is a unique experience to track gorillas in their natural habitat since it is a truly unique experience requiring a basic level of fitness and some preparation to ensure a successful and comfortable safari. With only 850 or so Gorillas left in the wild, they have truly been pushed to the margins of habitable environment. The environment stings, burns and is filled with red ants eager to bite. The slopes are steep and most often wet from recent rains. There are lots of factors like this to consider before you have the privilege of tracking these wonderful animals. I hope the tips below will enhance the wonder of your experience.
How to go on a Gorilla trekking safari
Gorilla trekkers need to go through tedious procedures.You may opt to obtain a gorilla permit by contacting UWA’s reservation office through email, acquiring about the availability of the dates you need to track. If your exact dates are not available, you can request Uganda Wildlife Authority to let you know of the nearest dates. Through us, as travel agents you will be required to pay $ 600 per gorilla permit. However, you need to go through the following procedures;
– You need to contact us and let us know of the dates you want to track gorillas and see your gorilla permits.
– We shall of course let you know if the days you want track gorillas are available so that you can tentatively book them with no assurance.
– We shall send you our bank details for you to send money so that we can obtain gorilla permits
– It will take us 16 hours to receive the money from the bank then after, we shall send you an acknowledgement with an official Uganda Wildlife Authority Receipt. You are reminded to pay the bank charges.
– You will be required to send us your passport details so as to register your gorilla permits. We will have to send us names, passport number and your nationality of Origin.
– We shall register your names, get gorilla permits and send you scanned copies of your gorilla permit.
When to go gorilla trekking
Gorilla tracking activity can be done any time of the year in Uganda and Rwanda- Countries where these great apes are found. However, many tourists prefer months from June to September, then December, January and February. In Uganda, the first rains come in March, April and May and this makes it a bit harder to trek the steep terrains. In Rwanda, the situation is relatively similar. The first rains start coming in the late February through March, April and May. Visitors try to avoid these months as they are muddy.
Why a Gorilla trekking Safari to Uganda and Rwanda
Uganda and Rwanda are one of the places in the world where a tourist is assured of viewing the mountain gorillas. This is the reason why all those visitors interested in trekking should visit these East African countries. In Uganda, gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park while as in Rwanda, they are found in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorillas are not kept in captivity or habituated like other animals and you cannot find them in a zoo, meaning that you must trek through the jungle to view them. As you trek through the jungle, a well experienced guide equipped with all the knowledge about the primates will help you all the way. Don’t forget to carry your camera since a photograph taken with a mountain gorilla is a must show when you get back to your home country.
About gorilla trekking
The experience of Gorilla trekking is a wonderful and unique experience. What you need to put on mind that mountain gorillas require a high level of protection, so as to ensure more visitors can enjoy them for generations to come.You are afforded the opportunity to view endangered mountain gorillas while in the wilderness.
