Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Uganda
Bwindi or Mgahinga? Where to go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Guide on where Gorilla trekking is done in Uganda with Superfine Safaris Limited. Planning Uganda gorilla tours and still wondering where is the for-gorilla trekking in Uganda? No worries, we bring you a detailed guide on the two gorilla parks in Uganda and what distinguishes one from the other. Globally, Uganda is recognized as a premier gorilla tours destination which reward travelers with a natural and intimate gorilla encounters. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in only Two National Parks which are Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park in Kabale/Rubanda districts and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro District. Half of the worlds total gorillas is believed to dwell in these two Parks! A double gorilla trek in both parks give you a great feeling and trekking comparison in each Park
Check below for places where gorilla trekking is done in Uganda and what makes destination special and worth visiting
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Situated in southwestern Uganda shared between Kabale and Rubanda districts, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the heart of gorilla trekking tours in Uganda. The ancient impenetrable Foerst is the top gorilla trekking destination in Uganda and the whole world. A combination of dense vegetation, mist-covered valleys, and steep slopes Make Bwindi a unique destination diverse biodiversity. The top reasons to choose Bwindi Forest for gorilla trekking include:
Home to the Highest Number of Habituated Gorillas
YES, Bwindi Forest shelters the world’s highest gorilla population. Over 500 mountain gorillas living in over 20 gorilla families are scattered in the four gorilla sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. These regions are Buhoma sector in the north, Ruhija sector in the East, Rushaga sector in the south and Nkuringo sector in he southwest. Gorilla trekking in each region offers a unique feel taking you through different terrains and difficulty levels. Some of the gorilla families in Bwindi Forest National Park include Busingye family, Habinyanja family, Christmas Family, Katwe, Rwigi, Mubare, Bikyingi, Kyaguliro, Posho, Nkuringo, Oruzogo and Bweza gorilla families. Each gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people per day.
Multiple Trekking Options
Interestingly, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers multiple gorilla trekking options for travellers. These include the normal trek which allow you to spend an hour with the gorillas. The other option is the experimental gorilla habituation experience which allows one to spend four hours in the presence of gorillas. Habituation only take place in the Rushaga sector and only two families are available for the experience. In both options, time is counted from the moment travellers meet the gorillas. The all over trekking time is not specific and can last for between 30 minutes to over 8 hours.
Rich Biodiversity
In addition to mountain gorillas, Bwindi Forest National Park is home to other wildlife which travellers get a chance to see. The Dense Forest was recognised as a word heritage site by UNESCO sheeting over 350 bird species some of which are rarely found anywhere else in Uganda. Its one of the important birding areas in the pearl of Africa and a must visit for all birders. In addition, Bwindi shelters over 200 butterfly species hence a best spot for butterfly watching. Other registered animals include bush pigs, Forest elephants. Lhoest monkeys, baboons and duikers, chameleons and snakes among others
What to Expect When Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Foerst National Park is undeniably a strenuous adventure that you should be physically and mentally ready for. The typical gorilla trekking day in Bwindi Forest begins very early with an assembly at the headquarters in all respective gorilla regions, Each sector has a head quarter where travellers are registered, briefed and allocated gorilla families. Some gorilla families live near while others are located far way in the hills. Gorilla family allocation is therefore done according to one’s fitness hiking abilities and interest. The actual trek starts at 8:00am and e ach group of travellers is given two-armed ranger guides to escort them through the jungle. Trekking can take 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located and the hiking speed
The popular gorilla tour packages in Bwindi Forest include
1 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking starting in Kigali Rwanda
2 Days Uganda gorilla tour from Kigali
3 Days Gorilla habituation experience
Uganda gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Besides, Bwindi Forest, Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park located in the extreme southwestern region of Uganda in Kisoro district. Mgahinga is within the Virunga Conservation Arae sharing borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The forest parks also shelter three of the 8 Volcanoes namely Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo. Gorilla and scenic sighting sin Mgahinga Gorilla park is more open compared to the sister Bwindi Foerst
Trek the Nyakagyezi Gorilla Family
Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park gives you an intimate encounter with the one and only Nyakagyezi family. Travelers who have visited this gorilla family before praise it for being calm and peaceful allowing the to enjoy an encounter with them
Why Choose Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking
Stunning Volcano Scenery
With no doubt, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is a unique feeling from the one in Bwindi Forest. The open bamboo forest and open volcanic ridges allow space for scenic viewing compared to the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi.
Less Crowded and More Exclusive
Give only one gorilla family, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is less crowded compared to Bwindi Foerst with many gorilla families and visitors. The few people allow intimate encounter with the endangered primates in their natural habitats
Golden Monkey Trekking
In addition to mountain gorillas, the bamboo forest of Mgahinga Gorilla Park is home to the playful endangered golden monkeys available for trekking. The 3 Days Mgahinga Park tour combine gorillas and golden monkeys rewarding you with a lifetime primate adventure
Volcano climbing
As said already, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to three volcanic mountains best for hiking adventures. Mount Muhabura standing at 4127 meters above sea level and is the highest of the three. Mount Sabyinyo stands at 3,669 meters above sea level in the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Mount Sabyinyo is the oldest volcano among all the 8. Mount Gahinga stands at 3,474 metres above sea level and is the easiest to hike. Interestingly, all volcanoes can be booked in one day.
How to access Bwindi/ Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
You can access Bwindi Impenetrable Forest/ Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by road or air.
By road, you drive from Kampala or Entebbe via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale or Kisoro route taking you through different towns, farms. Local communities sand rolling hills. The drive time is roughly 7-9 hours
By Air, you use domestic flights from Entebbe to either Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip. The choice o the airstrip depends on the gorilla region you are visiting. Kihihi easily connects to Buhoma and Ruhija while Kisoro airstrip easily connects you to Rushaga, Nkuringo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
In conclusion, the choice of where to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda entirely depend on the traveller. Each perk is unique in its kind offering a magical gorilla encounter. Superfine Safaris Limited is at your service for a customized Uganda gorilla tour to either Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga or Both rewarding you with a lifetime gorilla adventure