Why is Gorilla Tracking in Uganda Underrated

Gorilla safaris to see the rare mountain gorillas isn’t done anywhere in Africa, except only in the 3 countries; Uganda, Rwanda and D.R. Congo. Gorilla tracking in Uganda is amazingly the most memorable primate experience, a bucket-list adventure when it comes to safaris in the Pearl of Africa. Over half of 1063 endangered mountain gorillas survive in the tropical forest-dominated parks in Uganda.

Despite the huge concentration of mountain gorillas, gorilla tracking in Uganda remains underrated. There are reasons why gorilla trekking in Uganda is underrated and include factors such as prices of gorilla permits, location of gorilla safari parks from the city centre and services, etc.

Where Uganda gorilla tracking safaris are conducted from?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga are the prime locations in Uganda where you can encounter mountain gorillas face-to-face while in the wild. These two parks offer refuge to almost half of the remaining mountain gorillas and comprise of 20 fully habituated gorilla groups. Each of Uganda gorilla group families is visited by maximum of eight tourists per day.

Bwindi & Mgahinga National Parks are lying in the extreme Southwestern part of Uganda and these occupy compact areas. Bwindi National Park spans 331s.km and Mgahinga covers only 33.7sq.km of land areas, featuring five gorilla tracking sectors including Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Ntebeko.

Why is gorilla tracking in Uganda underrated?

Here are some of the reasons why Uganda gorilla trekking is underrated.

Low funding on mountain gorilla conservation

Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorilla conservation and protection is costly and requires a lot of support to ensure that these large apes survive today and for future generations. Unfortunately, there is low funding provided on gorilla research regardless of the huge concentration of mountain gorillas in Uganda. Funding is required to support the work of trackers, researchers and scientists who engage in habituating gorilla families. The reason why Rwanda Development Board (RDB) hiked the cost of gorilla permits is currently USD 1500 is to help park authorities meet the cost of conserving mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.  Unlike Uganda, there is much research done on gorillas in Rwanda.

Home to several gorilla groups unlike other destinations

Uganda alone hosts almost half of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas, plus over 21 habituated gorilla families which survive in Bwindi National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Visiting most of these gorilla families regularly, the authorities are forced to cut down on the cost of gorilla permits yet the cost shouldn’t attract mass tourism. Habituated gorilla families must be visited regularly for them to remain familiar to human presence.

Gorilla research is still demanding

Uganda is home to mountain gorillas but research on these apes isn’t as robust as it is in Rwanda. In Rwanda, Dian Fossey set up the Karisoke Gorilla Research base that still conducts research activities on mountain gorillas –the project Dian Fossey began. On the other hand, important courses such as bachelor of tourism and conservation biology haven’t been embraced by the sector which would boost wildlife conservation. Other mountain gorilla conservation programs haven’t collected enough data about these unique apes which means Uganda’s gorilla trekking is still under research program.

Limited support by government

Mountain gorilla conservation isn’t to its fullest by Ugandan government. The funding is still low and often the conservation practices are done by private funders yet they can’t also cover the entire expenses. On the other hand, the rates for the gorilla permits are still low with each costing USD 700 for foreign non-residents, USD 600 for the foreign residents & only Shs. 250,000 for East Africa citizens.

Low domestic support for gorilla trekking

Gorillas in Volcanoes

Ugandan domestic tourism isn’t as robust as it is some countries and not many visit Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park for gorilla trekking. The campaign for locals to embrace domestic tourism began recently, following effects of COVID-19 but numbers haven’t changed that much. Ugandans and other East African citizens pay UGX 250,000 per gorilla permit and you get a chance to visit a single gorilla family.

Hours spent to find a gorilla family

When it comes to gorilla trekking in Uganda, often most some visitors think it can take you long to locate gorilla groups compared to Rwanda. But the fact is the length of trek depends on a number of factors including visitor speed of walking/fitness levels, season/nature of the habitat, and others.

Distance of gorilla parks from city center/towns

Accessing Bwindi or Mgahinga from Kampala city or Entebbe requires a long day drive unlike 2-3 hours’ drive to get to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Despite this, driving to Bwindi NP or Mgahinga never leaves you bored, Uganda is a rich country when it comes to natural attractions and beauty. En-route to gorilla parks, you can make stopovers to areas like the Equator crossing, Mpambire Drum Makers, and other protected areas.

How to book gorilla permits

Gorilla permits in Uganda are available for reservation by visitors above 15 years, and you can book one through your reliable tour operator Maranatha Tours and Travel via info@silverbackgorillatour.com, info@trekrwandagorillas.com, info@adventureugandasafaris.com or info@rwandasafaribooking.com.

When to visit Uganda for gorilla tracking 2023/24

Uganda gorilla trekking is an open adventure all year round, but the ideal time to get to the park is during the dry season. The drier months to visit Bwindi/Mgahinga for gorilla tracking: June, July, August, to September or travel during the short drier months: December, January to February.

What to pack regardless of the season

Important items to carry for gorilla tracking include valid gorilla permits, waterproof daypack, hiking boots, rain jacket, gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, snacks, and bottled drinking water.

Where to stay

In Bwindi: Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Lodge and others. Mgahinga lodges: Mutanda Lake Resort, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Traveller’s Inn, Iwacu Community Camp and others.