The difference between gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park is very slim but each is a home to the few endangered mountain gorillas there is in the world.
- Uganda is one of the only three countries in the world that are homes to the mountain gorillas and these are living in only Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in south western Uganda.
- Bwindi forest with its vast size of over 327 square kilometers is home to almost over 430 mountain gorillas living in the four areas under which the park is divided. Mgahinga forest may be the smallest in size of all Uganda National Parks that is about 33.7 square kilometers is home to a family of mountain gorillas too.
- Both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks lie in misty southwestern Uganda and are part of the wider Virunga area where Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in D.R.Congo are part.
- Bwindi impenetrable National Park is home to over 22 gorilla trekking families but the number increases as the habituation process is still going on while Mgahinga national Park currently has one gorilla family called Nyakagezi.
- In Bwindi forest, one can do gorilla habituation experience where tourists are allowed 4 hours with the gorilla family while in Mgahinga National Park one can do golden monkey trekking.
- Gorilla permits for Bwindi impenetrable National Park are booked according to the four areas under which the park is divided that is Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija.
- Both Bwindi forest and Mgahinga forests are home to a variety of birds including Albertine rift endemics. Over 350 bird species have so far been recorded are part of Bwindi forest and Mgahinga forest hosts more than 115 bird species. Some of the resident birds of Bwindi and Mgahinga forest include Alpine Chat, Handsome Francolin, Dusky Tutle Dove, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Malachite Sunbird, Montane Double Collared Sunbird and more.
What Is The Cost Of A Gorilla Trekking Permits For Bwindi And Mgahinga National Park
The cost of gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park is currently $800 for international nonresidents, $700 for international residents or other Africans and 300,000shs for East Africans.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has the mandate to manage Uganda National Parks, sell and regulate gorilla permits and more.
Uganda offers discounted gorilla trekking permits sometimes however, these are only opened to the public with confirmation from Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Best time for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park
Although gorilla trekking is open all year, the dry season which is June to September and December to January is most preferred season as less precipitation is expected in the forest.
The mountain gorillas spend most of the day closer to the ground as in the canopies there is competition for the limited food.
The forest trails are quicker to navigate in the dry season while searching for the mountain gorillas with more sunlight sipping through to the ground
Do not ignore the wet season when booking the gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi or Mgahinga because you will still locate the mountain gorillas. The wet season around Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park is March to May and November although rain falls in and around these rain forests any time.
Requirements For Planning Gorilla Trekking In Mgahinga And Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Secure your gorilla trekking permits in advance as lastminute bookings may end in disappointments because they sell out very fast yet supply is limited.
Book in advance accommodation to use during gorilla trekking in Uganda as where you spend the night contributes so much to your final feeling of the safari.
Maintain some level of fitness before gorilla trekking because the terrain of Bwindi and Mgahinga forest is rugged with several highlands where the mountain gorillas spend time.
Secure means of transport to use to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. In Uganda, Road transport is the main means however you need to book a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition. Air transport to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip are open with both daily domestic flights and charter flights.
The age limit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park is 12 years and beyond
Pack the right gorilla trekking gears like safari hat, rain proof gears, long sleeved shirt and convertible trousers, rain proof back pack.
What To Expect On Gorilla Trekking Trip To Mgahinga And Bwindi National Park
- Expect to meet the mountain gorillas however time of finding them varies with factors prevailing in the forest.
- Walking to find the mountain gorillas is the common means used to locate these primates during gorilla trekking however sedan chair and basket services are available for those with physical challenges.
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a shared experience no matter the category of safari package you choose. On Gorilla trekking day, all tourists gather at the ranger station for briefing and each is randomly allocated a gorilla family.
- Each day gorilla trekking starts early morning with each tourist expected to present personal documents for verification to the ranger guides.
- Rain falls in Bwindi and Mgahinga forests any time without warning no matter the season so plan in advance.
- Expect to meet unique forest dwellers during gorilla trekking such as primates, vipers, birds, different plants, amazing sceneries and more. As you carry a camera, bring one with enough capacity to capture and store many photos.
- Bwindi and Mgahinga forests have high humidity almost the entire day with temperatures dropping to about 7 degree centigrade sometimes so carry some warmers.
Safety Measures During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park
- Never enter Bwindi or Mgahinga forests without an escorting ranger guide because the forest has other unhabituated dwellers that may cause harm to you.
- Every tourist is expected briefing before gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National park where safety measures are explained in details plus the most recent information about the forests and cautions to take.
- Wear the right gorilla trekking like sturdy safari boots, apply insect repellant, carry first aid kit and more so as to prevent chances of encountering rough surfaces in the jungle.
- Request for a support stick in case you wish to cross some spots in the wilderness.
- Keep closer to the rest of gorilla trekkers to avoid getting lost in the wilderness.
- In case you wish to eat anything or smoke, do this away from the mountain gorillas in atleast 200 meters apart to avoid creating chances for the gorillas to grab your eats. They are wild animals that must depend on forest supplies. Avoid eating fruits from the wilderness because you are not sure of the hygiene.
- Maintain a gap of 8 meters from the mountain gorillas when around them and keep on your clean face mask.
- In case you notice something odd with the gorilla family, do not panic but wait for the ranger guide to avail new instructions to follow to avoid escalating the situation.
What else do During Safari in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park
Birding in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park
The birding safari in Bwindi and Mgahinga forests is rewarding with chances of spotting over 100 bird species in a vary short time. Mostly forest dwellers, Albertine rift endemics are living in these rain forests with an experienced and professional birding guide, you get to spot a variety of them.
Some of eth resident birds of Bwindi forest and Mgahinga forests include Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing and more.
Guided Nature walks
When in Bwindi or Mgahinga forests, you can do a guided nature walk in dense Bwindi or Mgahinga forests where you get to enjoy other forests dwellers at your own terms. Bwindi and Mgahinga forestst host black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys and more, Mgahinga forest is home to golden monkeys a special monkey specie that is endangered too.
Scenic viewing around Bwindi and Mgahinga forests
While around Bwindi and Mgahinga forests, you may visit some spots where you get to enjoy amazing scenery like when in Ruhija area, you get to enjoy the view of Mafuga forest, lake Bunyonyi and more.
Hiking When On Safari Bwindi And Mgahinga Forests
The three amazing rages around Mgahinga National Park include mountain Gahinga, Muhavura and Sabyinyo. Several highlands form the Bwindi topography and from the lower points of the park, you can enjoy the forest canopy.
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
Gorilla habituation experience where maximum four tourists in company of a team of researchers are allowed four hours with semi-habituated gorilla family. The mountain gorillas are likely to run into hiding during gorilla habituation experience because they are still fearful of human presence.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga forest Golden monkey trekking and habituation experience are open in Mgahinga forest where tourists are allowed an hour with a community of golden monkeys. Four hours of golden monkey habituation experience are allowed with these primates. Golden monkeys are charming and even though they are habituated, they still keep you on your toes and are exciting to watch