Are you planning on a gorilla touring safari in Uganda? Then it’s a list of everything you need to know to arrange your Uganda gorilla touring experience.
Mountain Gorillas are one of the world’s most risked apes and it’s assessed that there are only a bare 1063 mountain gorillas left in the wild. nearly half of the world’s population can be found in Bwindi National Park in Uganda (539). Gorillas are weighty. The spine-chinking feeling that you pick up being so near to one of our closest cousins is hard to describe.
Where can I visit the gorillas?
For numerous tourists visiting Uganda, gorilla trekking is the highlight of their trip. In Uganda, you can visit the Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi is Africa’s oldest rainforest and has beautiful crests, steep valleys, and falls. Be set for some steep hikes however. Both parks protect an estimated 350 mountain gorillas, including 17 habituated groups that can be tracked. There are four departing points Buhoma and Ruhija which are in the northern part of the park, and Nkuringo and Rushaga, which are in Kisoro District in the southeast of Bwindi. Buhoma is the most accessible trekking position, whereas in Rushaga you can find the largest gorilla family. Mgahinga is much less visited, as sometimes the gorillas decide to hop the border to Rwanda. But not to worry, if you don’t find them, you get a replacement ticket for Bwindi.
Best time for gorilla trekking?
Uganda is nice to visit time-round and has a veritably, very pleasant climate. The average temperature time round is about 26 degrees Celsius, and it hardly gets hotter than 29 degrees.
The rainy season is from March to May and October to November. Light downpour occurs around November to December. The climate is sluggishly changing but the normal dry seasons are from December to February and June to August. Indeed, during the rainy season your trip won’t be hindered too much as the rains can be heavy but are generally short and the sun will follow.
The warmest regions in Uganda are around Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and everything farther north(Kidepo). The cooler regions are obviously at advanced altitudes – around Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Bwindi/ Virunga National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.
Alternatively, the best time of the year for Gorilla touring would be December to late February and from June to September. But that’s also peak season. Although the parks don’t feel crowded whatsoever, you have to reserve your auto, gorilla permits, and accommodation numerous months in advance. Despite it being the dry season, it’s always humid in Bwindi, as a gorilla’s live in a montane rain- forest. So be prepared for steep, muddy hikes.
How to gain a gorilla trekking permit?
though, it’s recommended that you reserve the permits well in advance If you’re planning to visit the gorillas or go chimpanzees trekking in Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority(UWA) headquartered in Kampala issues the permits only upon cash payment in full (no pre-booking). Permits costs$ 700 per person. For foreign nonresidents and 600$ for Foreign residents.
What to anticipate on my gorilla touring day?
You probably get up very early to get ready, have breakfast and make sure you arrive at the tracking center at 0745 AM. Depending on where you sleep, that can still be an hour’s drive out-road. The UWA guide will give a preface. Every group consists of a maximum of 8 excursionists and some UWA rangers. You can conclude for a gatekeeper to take your bag. Don’t feel obliged to ask. These are original men and women who can earn some income by carrying your effects.
The trekking starts at 8.30 AM. Depending on where the gorillas were the former day, the tracking can take 2 to 6 hours. Once the rangers have found the gorillas, you can spend 1 hour with the gorilla family. Walk at your own pace. The 1-hour watching starts when the whole group is together, so don’t feel rushed by fellow trekkers who want to reach there quickly. Gorillas are wild creatures and the UWA would like to keep it that way. For they not to get too used to human relations, gorillas are left without any human sight for 23 hours a day.
After the gorilla sighting, you’ll go back to the starting point where you have parked your rental car or where your driver’s guide will be. A tip for the rangers and porters is appreciated.
Some practical tips for your gorilla trekking day
Wear long-sleeved clothes to cover yourself from scratches and insect bites as you’re walking through a thick bush.
get on on good walking/ hiking shoes that are comfortable for handling slippery slopes.
Gloves can be a great addition as you need to grab a lot of twigs and trees.
Put in your bag a waterproof jacket/ wrap, insect repellent, sunscreen, enough water( 2L), and food for during your tracking
Has it rained? Grab a walking stick on the morning of the tracking
Close-ups are very charming, try a close-up of a hand, feet, or face.
Take some time to watch the gorillas without taking pictures. Put your camera away and simply realize where you are and enjoy.