Mountain gorillas can only survive in the wild, making trekking into their native forests the only way to see them. Uganda is home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks, along with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park, form the only habitats for these majestic creatures.
Uganda is Home to half of the World’s Mountain Gorillas
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, often referred to as “The Place of Darkness” due to its dense tree cover, hosts more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. This ancient rainforest, located in southwestern Uganda, is a prime destination for gorilla trekking.
The high population of gorillas in Bwindi means that the likelihood of encountering them during a trek is over 99%, making Uganda the best place for gorilla trekking.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the larger Virunga habitat, covers 13 square miles of the 168-square-mile Virunga range. The park is home to the Nyakagyezi gorilla family and offers a more private and exclusive trekking experience. It includes three of the eight major Virunga peaks: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo, making it a scenic and tranquil trekking location.
Uganda’s First Habituated Gorilla Family
The first gorilla family in Uganda to be habituated was the Mubare family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park between 1991 and 1993. Located in the Buhoma sector, this family has attracted many trekkers, some of whom have developed sentimental attachments to the group.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Unlike standard treks that allow one hour of gorilla observation, Bwindi’s Rushaga sector offers a unique gorilla habituation experience where visitors spend up to four hours with the gorillas. This experience is led by gorilla experts and caretakers who facilitate the habituation process.
Other Primate Encounters
Uganda is a primate-lover’s paradise. Apart from mountain gorillas, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to the endangered golden monkey, which thrives in the park’s bamboo forests. Bwindi also shelters L’Hoest’s monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys, offering additional wildlife encounters during treks.
Affordable Gorilla Trekking Permits
Uganda offers more affordable gorilla trekking permits compared to Rwanda. Cost of the permit yearly is: $800 per permit
In comparison, Rwanda’s permits are significantly higher, making Uganda a more budget-friendly option.
The Challenge and Reward of Gorilla Trekking
Trekking to see the gorillas requires navigating steep hills, dense vines, and thick undergrowth. The aptly named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is accessible only by foot, with no clear paths or signage. Park rangers use machetes to clear the way, making the trek a challenging but deeply rewarding experience. The effort involved makes the moment of encountering a gorilla family all the more special.
Uganda’s combination of a high gorilla population, diverse trekking experiences, and affordable permits make it the best destination for gorilla trekking.
