Where To Do Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

The destinations where to do gorilla trekking in Uganda are only two primeval Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and prehistoric Mgahinga National Park. The two dense rain forests are home to almost half the total population of mountain gorillas

Naturally, mountain gorillas can only survive in the Virunga area that is world over they are living in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.Congo nowhere else.

The search to find the mountain gorillas has some challenges however these can be overlooked because the jungle has trails that connect different spots of the park. At times draping vines from the tree trunks or ridges obstruct the way but with trimming a path can be created to access the other side.

Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

As the largest gorilla trekking destination in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosts almost half the total number of mountain gorillas in the world. This puts Uganda in better opportunity to finding and booking a gorilla trekking permit despite their scarcity world over.

Over 20 gorilla trekking families are confirmed as residents of pristine Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but booking permits is according to the 4 areas under which the park is divided that is Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo.

Even when booking accommodation to use on gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable national Park consider the Bwindi area where your gorilla permit is booked. This is because most areas of Bwindi have hard to crossover features in case you have to transfer from one to another remember you have to report to the ranger station in time.

After allocation a gorilla trekking family to each tourist, start searching for the mountain gorillas but stay close to other trekkers so that you are not lost in the dense woods.

Maximise time allowed with the mountain gorillas because this is a once in a lifetime adventure hard to replicate because of gorilla trekking’s authenticity and raw display every time.

Mgahinga National Park

As the smallest Uganda National Park, Mgahinga National Park is also home to the endangered mountain gorillas even though so far one gorilla family is open to the public that is Nyakagezi.

Beyond gorilla trekking, Mgahinga forest is home to endangered golden monkeys a monkey species with rare golden brown hairs at the lower bottom and a physical body larger than normal monkeys. Trekkers can take on a golden monkey trekking trip to meet up with these charming primates.

Ornithologists have a lot to enjoy in Mgahinga forest as more than 115 bird species are confirmed as residents of the forest including rare Albertine rift endemics.

Best Uganda Gorilla Trekking Destination Of Bwindi And Mgahinga National Park

• Mgahinga National Park gorilla trekking is in an untamed environment as the park is not frequented by tourists which keeps them with compromised character. Bwindi impenetrable National Park gorilla trekking is in an untouched environment too but the gorillas atleast are regularly visited which puts a slit shift in their character.
• Bwindi impenetrable National Park has more than 22 gorilla trekking families open to the public providing more options to choose from. Mgahinga National Park so far hosts one gorilla trekking family called Nyakagezi.
• The terrain of Mgahinga National Park is steeper suitable for those desiring a more challenging gorilla trekking experience. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is rugged to resulting from volcanic forces that swept through this area.
• A variety of accommodation facilities to use during gorilla trekking are open in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park categorized into Luxury, mid-range and basic while Mgahinga National Park has limited accommodation facilities to use during gorilla trekking.
• It is easier to connect From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to other Uganda safari destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives the distance is about 64 kilometers part.

Note: no matter where you go for gorilla trekking in Uganda, each gorilla family is charming and showcases a different characteristic of its members. Open your mind to enjoying the presence of the mountain gorillas.

Guide To Booking Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit

• Temporary or permanently choose a date or period for the gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. Note the number of eligible trekkers likely to travel with for gorilla trekking safari.
• Check gorilla permit availability to establish how many you can purchase. It is safer to book the gorilla permit as soon as possible because of their overwhelming demand with limited supply of maximum 8 per day.
• Forward some personal details to be added to your gorilla trekking permit card including nationality, date of birth, passport expiry date and more.
• Each tourist must present a gorilla permit card to be verified on gorilla trekking day together with other personal identification documents.

Bwindi Accommodations To Use on Gorilla Trekking Safari

Bwindi Accommodations include Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla safari Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Silverback lodge, Lake Kitandara National Park, Chameleon Hill Lodge and more.

Cross check the area where your gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi forest is booked so that you can reserve accommodation within or closer to the area of Bwindi where your gorilla permit is reserved.

Mgahinga National Park Accommodation

Gahinga Lodge so far is the most outstanding accommodation facility open around Mgahinga National Park. More accommodation choices are available in Kisoro town which is about 30 minutes drive from Ntebeko the main headquarters of Mgahinga National Park.

Note: For both Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park accommodations, do cross check for inclusions in the rate package before travelling for gorilla trekking in Uganda so that you can plan for extras.

How To Get To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Or Mgahinga National Park For Gorilla Trekking

Road transport is the main means to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park driving at a distance of approximately 530 kilometers or 540 kilometers respectively.

Different routes lead to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it is best to know atleast a few alternative routes because some turn impassable during severe weather conditions sometimes.

Having a professional knowledgeable and experienced drive guide for your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is n added advantage because he or she offers service beyond expectations. This also makes this African safari enjoyable.

Flights to Bwindi forest or Mgahinga forest can also be arrange on request making it a fly-in gorilla trekking safari. You can choose to join the public daily scheduled flights to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips or privately charter to either air strips for gorilla trekking.

Do not forget to book a transfer vehicle from the airstrip to Bwindi impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park which is a bot 2 hours drive.