The Top 2 Best Places To See Gorillas In Uganda : Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the best two locations in Uganda to see gorillas. A major source of revenue for Uganda’s tourism industry is its gorilla population. Although Uganda’s top two gorilla viewing locations have helped to draw tourists, the nation also offers a variety of other activities, including chimpanzee trekking, white-water rafting, nature hikes, bicycle tours, and beach excursions, among others. Winston Churchill dubbed Uganda the Pearl of Africa for its abundance of wildlife diversity and natural beauty. The following are the best two places to see gorillas in Uganda:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
One of the top two locations in Uganda to visit gorillas is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Over 321 square kilometers of land are included in the park. The park is close to both the plains and mountain forests in south-western Uganda.
Over 1,000 mountain gorillas roam the wild, with about 460 of them living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Only the eastern and western gorilla subspecies are found outside of Africa. Nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is home to about 400 of them. 14 gorilla families have been trained to welcome visitors. There are four areas where visitors can undertake gorilla trekking in this 128-square-mile park.
In addition, there are many butterflies, birds, and diverse tree species in the park, including over 160 different tree species, which attracts a wide range of people. There are four sections of Bwindi National Park where one can undertake gorilla trekking, and they are as follows:
Buhoma Sector
Due to its lower elevation of roughly 1350 m above sea level, the Buhoma section of Bwindi National Park is the most popular and often visited area where gorilla tracking is made easier. The Buhoma sector is situated in the park’s northern region. The Mubare family, which also includes the Katwe, Rushegura, and Habinyanja gorilla families, is the first habituation family of gorillas to live in Buhoma. In addition to gorilla trekking, the tourist industry also involves learning about and connecting with the local communities, such as the Bakinga, who predominate in this region, and the Batwa, who are a minority in this area.
Nkuringo Sector
The second-most frequented section in Bwindi National Park is the Nkuringo sector. After ten years since the Buhoma region to the north of the park was opened, this phase was completed in 2004. It is home to some of Uganda’s most fascinating and inaccessible gorilla populations. One of Bwindi’s most well-known dominating silverbacks receives protection from this area, which is another reason for its fame.
Rushaga Sector
The Rushaga sector is in the southern region of Bwindi National Park, and it is here where 400 apes are claimed to live in 5 different groups, including the Bweza, Busingye, Nshongi, Mishaya, and kungye.
Ruhija Sector
There are four habituated gorilla families living here: the Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguriro, and Oruzogo families. Of the four sectors, it is one of the coldest. Along with gorillas, the park also has elephants and monkeys. These activities include nature walks, mountain biking, birding, and cultural encounters with the Batwa people. Bwindi is one of the top two locations in Uganda to visit gorillas due to the variety of gorilla trekking areas available.
All gorilla tracking operations are in the hands of the park staff. You will always be accompanied by the main guide, two rangers, two armed military rangers, and a few other tourists. The total number of tourists in the party may range from 6 to 10.
- Mgahinga National Park
The other prime gorilla viewing location in Uganda is Mgahinga National Park, which is situated in the country’s southwest. The main activity that takes place in this national park is gorilla trekking. Where “gahinga” refers to the mounds of volcanic stones that have been taken from farms at the foot of volcanoes, and the term “Mgahinga” is derived from that word.
The fact that this park encompasses 33.7km makes it the smallest park in Uganda. In 1930, the British government designated the area as a game sanctuary; it was gazetted as a national park in 1991. There are about 80 mountain gorillas living in the park, two of which have been used by human visitors. It is a national park that covers 13 square miles in the broader Virunga Mountains. This national park is also home to a variety of other unusual species, such as birds, wild animals, and golden monkeys, which adds to its allure and excitement.
GETTING THERE: ACCESS TO UGANDA GORILLA NATIONAL PARKS
There is about an equal likelihood of seeing gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Here’s information on how to get to Uganda’s top two gorilla viewing locations.
You are more likely to get a permit and embark on a gorilla hike in Bwindi since it has more gorillas than Mgahinga. The chances are the same, though, regardless of the Bwindi Park or area, as each party is planned to trek with a specific gorilla family on the particular day.
Depending on the location, they could offer a somewhat different hiking experience, but overall, they are all similar. Some people assert that hiking in Mgahinga may be a little easier, but as with other things, this depends on the day and the location of the gorillas.
Gorillas are incredibly rare, and they live in a remote area of the world. Going there is also a reasonably typical activity. As a result, you cannot simply venture into the bush on your own in search of the gorillas possibly with permission, it would be incredibly difficult and possibly risky.
The only way to see gorillas in the wild is to obtain a permit and take a certified gorilla expedition. The Uganda Wildlife Authority oversees all of these activities in Uganda, and reservations for permits are required in advance. Before you fly to Uganda, be sure your gorilla trip is arranged. A tour operator such as Focus East Africa tours will probably make the arrangements for you if you book with them.
The cost of the bush trackers who follow the gorilla family’s movements to improve your chances of seeing the gorillas is also covered by the permit, as are the costs of the park rangers who accompany you.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN OBTAINING A GORILLA PERMIT
Here is how to obtain gorilla trekking permits to the top 2 gorilla viewing locations in Uganda. In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits must be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The majority of tourists have their tour operator buy their gorilla trekking permits as part of their trip, and the price is the same as if they had done it themselves. If you’re traveling alone, you can make reservations on this part of the UWA website. Make sure to call or email the number shown on the page to check on availability before making a reservation.
You should be aware of and confirm the cancellation policy before making a reservation. In general, you will receive 75% of your money back if you cancel more than 90 days before your trek; 50% of your money back if you cancel between 46 and 90 days and 9 to 45 days prior to your trek; and nothing if you cancel within 8 days before your trek date. Therefore, it is important to check the cancellation policy again at the time of booking because it can have changed.
Every tourist who wants to hike in a national park must have a permit, but they are hard to come by and in high demand, so it’s better to book well in advance. The permits support conservation efforts while also ensuring a sustainable and controlled approach to gorilla tourism.
If you want to view gorillas in the wild, you must obtain a permit. This makes it possible for countries to control the number of tourists that visit gorilla groups. Furthermore, it makes it possible for national parks to raise the money needed to protect these critically endangered primates. The permits include a trip and an hour with the gorillas.
A single gorilla permit costs $700 for each person in Uganda. However, the price of gorilla permits varies by country. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has the cheapest permits ($400), but Rwanda has the most expensive ones ($1500) for foreign non-residents.
Although the costs are prohibitive, you should be conscious that they go toward the protection of Uganda’s gorillas and other endangered species. Some of the money also goes to the community to help with gorilla conservation initiatives. Mountain gorilla populations have grown in recent years, and trekking permit-supported, regulated tourism and conservation efforts are largely to blame for this growth.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GORILLA TREKKING
Here is the information you need to know about going gorilla trekking because you already know the top 2 gorilla viewing locations in Uganda.
It should be mentioned that while viewing mountain gorillas is feasible without engaging in strenuous activity, such as trekking, doing so is uncommon because the gorillas rarely leave the forest. In order to see gorillas, you must obtain a permit and take a guided hike.
The number of gorilla families that can be visited may change if they relocate because gorillas aren’t aware of things like park or country boundaries. Since they are wild animals, there can be no assurances.
There is a danger that the park’s bush trackers, who leave very early every day to look for the gorillas, won’t be successful because they don’t have tracking equipment. But this is uncommon.
GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE
Mountain gorillas live in isolated, densely forested regions of Uganda. There are still many branches and thorns to watch out for, even though tourists have, over time, cut out a few narrow trails through the jungle.
When you approach the gorillas, it is usually essential to deviate from the path and enter the jungle itself. It can be challenging to pass, even though the rangers and trackers will have enormous machetes to help clear the road. It can be quite hot, rainy, and humid in addition to being exceedingly muddy.
Because they travel on their own, the time it takes to visit them can vary from a few hours to almost a whole day, depending on where they are and how long it takes the trackers to discover them. One-way treks might last up to five hours.
Your hike could be shorter or longer, depending on your luck; you might even have to spend the entire day in the wilderness. All of this serves to highlight the need for you to be mentally and physically ready for what could be a trying trip.
The good news is that you can helped by hiring porters before you start your walk. These physically fit locals are available for hire to carry your bags or luggage. Porters can also help you up and down any really difficult areas.
You should still be able to confidently traverse uneven, slick, and unstable terrain as well as ascend and descend steep terrain. Therefore, it is important to examine if you think you could finish the hike even if you have physical limitations or mobility issues before signing up for a hike.
You should still be able to confidently traverse uneven, slick, and unstable terrain as well as ascend and descend steep terrain. Therefore, it is important to examine if you think you could finish the hike even if you have physical limitations or mobility issues before signing up for a hike.
If a less taxing excursion is more your style, you might ask your tour guide to let the rangers know that you would prefer to visit a closer family. You will have a fantastic day trekking in Uganda’s top two gorilla viewing locations. However, I simply want you to be ready so you can practice trekking as soon as possible.
GORILLAS HABITUATION EXPERIENCE
You will encounter a gorilla family as part of the gorilla habituation experience, which is not yet permitted for regular tourists to visit. Gorillas must acclimate to humans over time because they are wild animals. As part of the gorilla habituation event, you will see a gorilla family that has begun the habituation process.
Even though the experience is more expensive, you get to interact with the gorilla family for a much longer period of time. Instead of the typical hour, you get to spend hours—usually more than three hours—with the gorilla family. Like any other regular monitoring activity, a spot on a gorilla habituation expedition can be reserved. In contrast, the current cost of this special trip is $1,500 USD per person.
Despite the higher price, the habituation experience is still in high demand, so if you’re interested in taking part, we recommend scheduling as far in advance as you can due to the limited number of spaces available.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES CLOSE TO GORILLAS
You will experience the many cultures and ways of life of the locals as you visit the top two gorilla viewing locations in Uganda.
The fourth-best activity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa were the original occupants of Uganda and were driven out of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and other forested areas by the government. As part of the Batwa cultural experience, the Batwa people will take you on a trip into the forest if you’re a tourist. They will give you numerous explanations regarding their way of life, including how they hunted and used therapeutic plants from the forest.
To locate mountain gorillas in Uganda, more than just seeing them is necessary. It’s an opportunity to thoroughly immerse oneself in the diverse local culture and traditions of the people who live near the gorilla homes. You should be prepared to experience a cultural journey unlike any other when you visit the gorilla national parks, including traditional dance and local cuisine.
Uganda has begun to encourage community-based tourism, which directly benefits locals when tourists visit. You can contribute to the warm hospitality and rich traditions of the local communities by staying in community-run lodges or buying artisan handicrafts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: THE TOP 2 BEST PLACES TO SEE GORILLAS IN UGANDA
Does Uganda have gorillas?
Yes, Uganda is home to half of the world’s population of gorillas, and the best sites to see them are in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks.
Do gorillas tolerate humans?
Gorillas are non-aggressive creatures and won’t harm you if you go about your daily business.
Which African nation is home to the most Mountain gorillas?
The only African nations where gorillas can be seen are Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What is the best time of the year to trek gorillas in Uganda?
The dry seasons between December and February and between June and August are the finest times to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. Trekking is possible given the current circumstances. People make reservations with Focus East Africa Tours to trek while enjoying an exhilarating safari experience. In conclusion, the two best national parks in Uganda to visit gorillas are Bwindi and Mgahinga. Even though the dry season is the best for trekking, it is possible to go hiking all year round.
