Reasons You Need to See Gorillas in Uganda
Resting quietly on the chilly earth of a Ugandan forest for an hour could be one of the most remarkable experiences life has to offer. With fewer than 900 mountain gorillas remaining, gorilla trekking offers a unique chance to witness the daily lives and interactions of these gentle, enigmatic primates.
Mountain gorillas inhabit the lush greenery of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the serene slopes of the dormant volcanic Virunga mountain range, which spans Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In 1981, environmentalists estimated there were only 254 mountain gorillas left in the world, but the small population is gradually increasing due to dedicated international conservation efforts. To witness these critically endangered creatures, one must embark on a journey to their natural habitat: the enchanting misty cloud forests that soar to heights of 14,763 feet.
Discover 5 compelling reasons to choose Uganda as your starting point for this remarkable expedition.
You’ll find yourself in the realm of half the world’s mountain gorillas.
In Uganda, you can explore two incredible gorilla trekking locations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorillas roam freely, unbothered by human-made boundaries, allowing their populations in the Virungas to move and interact with ease. Uganda stands out, as Bwindi is the sanctuary for half of the globe’s mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, known as “The Place of Darkness” because of its thick canopy, is a timeless expanse of montane and lowland forest covering 128 square miles. The area earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its remarkable biodiversity and the multitude of endangered species that inhabit it.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park encompasses 13 square miles of the expansive Virunga habitat, which extends across 168 square miles into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The national park features three of the eight prominent peaks of Virunga: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo.
Join the battle against habitat destruction by empowering local communities.
Habitat destruction poses a significant danger to mountain gorillas. Communities surrounding the parks are vibrant and bustling, with residents historically engaging in farming or logging on the land adjacent to national park boundaries.
With tourism becoming Uganda’s most profitable industry, and the mountain gorillas drawing in the majority of visitors, trekkers are inspired to find opportunities to contribute to the communities they explore. One exciting choice is to engage a porter, who is typically a local resident and sometimes a reformed poacher. The terrain in the parks is full of surprises and challenges; porters assist trekkers as they navigate river crossings and ascend steep, muddy slopes.
Another possibility is to engage in community-driven cultural initiatives. In Bwindi village, the Bwindi Bar immerses disenfranchised young adults in the world of hospitality through intensive classes and hands-on work experience. Around Mgahinga, the wise elders of the Batwa tribe guide visitors on an exhilarating forest tour along the Batwa Trail, sharing fascinating insights into how their self-sufficient, forest-dwelling tribe traditionally utilized medicinal plants.
Discover a wider range of budget-friendly trekking permits.
There are essential regulations in place to ensure the gorillas remain healthy and untamed—beginning with the gorilla trekking permit process. Opportunities to observe each gorilla group are quite rare, so it is advisable for visitors to plan ahead and apply well in advance of their preferred dates.
In Uganda, the costs for permits change with the seasons. During the months of April, May, and November, permits cost $650. The remaining months of the year, they are priced at $800. On the other hand, permits in Rwanda are now priced at $1,500 throughout the year.
In Uganda, trekking unfolds in Bwindi, featuring various starting points and numerous gorilla families to discover. Guided by park rangers, small groups of eight embark on an unforgettable experience, quietly observing the majestic gorillas for one hour, all while maintaining a respectful distance for safety.
Embrace the thrill of conquering rugged landscapes.
One glance at southwestern Uganda’s lush terraced hills and undulating volcanic slopes reveals that this region is not for the timid. With the elevation and the rugged landscape, gorilla trekking in Uganda guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Reaching the gorillas requires determination and effort. It involves traversing steep inclines and declines amidst dense entanglements of vines, thorns, and roots. The aptly named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park invites exploration on foot alone. With no paths, no signs, no directions—and frequently, no clearings (which explains why the park rangers carry machetes)—the journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The exciting news? The reward feels even more exhilarating after all the effort put in.
Other primates are bound to appear in your journey.
Uganda is a paradise for those who adore primates. Alongside the majestic mountain gorillas, Mgahinga also shelters another rare gem of the wild: the golden monkey. These playful, amusing monkeys thrive in the lofty heights of bamboo forests. Following golden monkeys offers an experience akin to tracking gorillas, though the journey is a bit less demanding.
Beyond the horizon, Bwindi is home to L’hoest monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys. In Kibale Forest National Park, the chimpanzees take center stage. Patas monkeys wander through the wilds of Murchison Falls National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to blue monkeys and red-tailed monkeys, along with a variety of other wildlife, including lions and elephants.
Explore the majestic mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with National Geographic.
