UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI

Uganda Gorilla Safari (Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda)

A gorilla safari to Uganda is an African safari to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Uganda is a wonderland in all senses from the great apes that rule the impenetrable forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla forests to a wide range of wildlife and aquatic.

Uganda gorilla safaris offer an exceptional mountain gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. Gorilla trekking involves travelers on a Uganda safari hiking into the thick tropical rain forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga in search for the mountain gorillas accompanied by armed game ranger guides.

Mountain gorillas are some of the rare creatures living in families (groups) that can be found in the Virunga massif living a unique lifestyle. Before you pack to embark on this captivating lifetime experience, you may also need to prepare your mind and that is why we have provided you with useful information and tips to help you on your trip.

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 Where to go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking can be done in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park while on your Uganda gorilla safari. These two parks combined contribute to more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world making Uganda a prime destination for gorilla trekking.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Uganda at the edge of the Great Western Rift Valley in the highest parts of the Kigezi Highlands. The park is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi has got 11 gorillas families and 4 gorilla trekking sectors that are further elaborated below in this article.

Besides mountain gorillas that rule the forests, the park also has a variety of wildlife at your exposure although some might be hard to spot. Other wildlife in Bwindi impenetrable national park include among others; forest Elephants, Baboons, Antelopes and a range of bird species such as the rare shoebills, and kingfishers.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also located in the southwestern part of Uganda in the Kisoro district. The park is one of Uganda’s gorilla safari destinations with one gorilla group. It is wealthy to the country since it also contributes to the huge number of mountain gorillas found in Uganda besides the Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

Mgahinga Gorilla national park is also a spot to a large variety of other wildlife like the threatened Golden Monkeys, and bushbucks among others. While trekking for mountain gorillas in the forest, bird watching will be an added adventure enriching your Uganda gorilla safari. This safari park is also popular for its large concentration of the Batwa (pygmies) communities offering amazing cultural encounters to visitors.

Mountain Gorilla Groups in Uganda

Uganda as of today has 14 habituated gorilla groups/families ready for tracking and one group is allowed for research (habituation). Embarking on a Uganda gorilla safari helps you discover a few facts about these incredible creatures such as their families.

Today Mgahinga Gorilla national park has got 2 gorilla families available for mountain gorilla tracking on a daily basis, Mgahinga gorilla national park originally had 1 gorilla family (Nyakagyezi gorilla family). However, the park acquired a second gorilla group after Rwanda’s Hirwa gorilla group migrated to Uganda. Hirwa gorilla group moved to Uganda in October 2019 and settled around the slopes of the Mt. Gahinga region in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

The following are the mountain gorilla groups in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda

Mubare Group, this family is found in the Buhoma sector with 8 individuals including 1 silverback. This gorilla family is the oldest habituated gorilla family in Uganda opened in 1993 for trekking; the family derives its name from Mubare Hill deep in Bwindi Impenetrable forest where the primates were first sighted.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family, this family was established in 1997 and first visited in 1999; its name comes from Rukiga word ‘Nyanja’ meaning a place with water.

Rushegura Family, this gorilla family is located in Buhoma with 19 individuals including 1 silverback, its name is derived from the place where the separation of this group from the big family of Habinyanja took place in February 2002.

Bitukura Gorilla Group, this family has 14 individuals including 4 silverbacks located in Ruhija; this family was named after a river where it was sighted first, River Bitukura. This family was opened for tourism in October 2008 but its habituation started in 2007.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family, located in Ruhija with 25 individuals including 2 silverbacks, is the second habituated gorilla family living in the Ruhija area. The group consists of 23 individuals and is led by silverback Tibirikwata, Oruzogo Gorilla Family was opened for tourism in mid-2011

Nkuringo Gorilla Family, located in Nkuringo with 19 individuals including 2 silverbacks, habituation process was in 2004. Its name means round hill in Rukiga. This gorilla group was first sighted around the hill.

Nshongi Gorilla Family, located in Rushaga with 26 individuals including 4 silverbacks, the named derives from the river close where the family was first seen. It was opened for tourism in September 2009. This was the largest gorilla group ever habituated with 36 individuals, including 3 silverbacks, seven black backs

Mishaya Gorilla family, located in Rushaga with 12 individuals including 3 silverbacks, this group most recent habituated among habituated gorilla families in Bwindi National Park. This family was opened for tourism in April 2011

Kahungye Family, located in Rushaga with 13 individuals including 3 silverbacks opened up for tourism in October 2011 but in a less year it split up to create a new family which is Busingye

Bweza Gorilla Family, located in Rushaga with 9 individuals including 1 silverback, this group was the ever largest group ever habituated, but in July 2010 silverback Mishaya decides to start his own family, two years later also the gorilla Bweza, another silverback preferred himself from the rest of the group

Busingye Group, located in Rushaga with 9 individuals including 1 silverback, Busingye means ‘peace’ which is quite surprising since this ambitious silverback is known for its legendary fights with other silverbacks from other gorilla families

Nyakagezi Family, located in Mgahinga National Park with 10 individuals including 3 silverbacks, this group is led by Mark the dominant silverback who keeps on crossing borders between DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda

Kyaguriro Gorilla Group, located in Ruhija with 15 individuals including 2 silverbacks, this group is for habituation however tourists have visited it until now. This group is mainly for research

Hirwa gorilla family is one of the gorilla groups that roam around the Virunga conservation area, the conservation area is shared by Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park in DRC and Mgahinga national park. Hirwa means “the Lucky one” in the native Kinyarwanda however the family came into existences when Munyinga the dominant silverback got some miss-understandings with Susa family, for over mating the females in the family, he then decided to leave the family with two females and he inhabited Mt. Sabyinyo collecting other females, initially the group is regarded the lucky one as its first birth resulted into a set of twins making it one of the few mountain gorilla groups with twins.

The gorilla group has been observed crossing borders, it originally migrated from Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and settled in Volcanoes national park (Volcanoes Safari Package) around the slopes of Mt. Gahinga regions in Rwanda. In October 2019, it shifted to Uganda and settled in Mgahinga gorilla national park around the slopes of Mt. Gahinga regions where it has been observed update.

NOTE: Just like any other wildlife statistics, the information provided here about mountain gorillas’ group size, location in the forest, births and leading silverbacks might change without notice. By the time you book your Uganda gorilla safari or reading this article, the statistics may be different on the ground, so gorilla groups’ information is valid or invalid due to circumstances.

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What Are The Gorilla Trekking Sectors In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park hosts over 480 mountain gorillas, which is almost half of the remaining world’s mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is done in 4 sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga) that are distributed in the north, south, and east of the park.

Each sector has gorilla families that have been habituated and there is no gorilla group that can be trekked in more than one sector. All trekking sectors are different in terms of location, accessibility, altitude and trekking experience. Despite the differences, transferring from one sector to another is easy and fast. The following are the 4 gorilla trekking sectors in detail that make up Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.

Buhoma gorilla trekking sector           

The Buhoma sector is the most visited and trekked sector compared to other gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Buhoma was the first sector to be set up for mountain gorilla trekking safaris in 1992 after the establishment of the park in 1991. The sector is located in the northern part of the Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park south of the Ishasha sector Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Gorilla families available for tracking in the Buhoma sector include the Rushegura gorilla family habituated in 2000 and the Habinyanja gorilla family habituated in 1993. Some of the luxurious lodges in the sector include Buhoma lodge, Bwindi forest lodge, Mahogany springs lodge among others. Besides mountain gorilla trekking in the sector, one can also enjoy visiting Batwa and Bakiga communities at the edge of the Bwindi forest.

Nature walks to hiking trails like Muzabajiro loop trail, waterfall trail, River lvi trail, Munyaga trail, and Rushura trail among others. Bird watching safaris are also conducted in this sector where you can view different bird species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Pink-footed Puff back, Waller’s Starling, weavers, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, and Crested Guinea fowl. among others

Rushaga Sector

Rushaga Gorilla trekking sector has 5 gorilla families available for trekking that is Busingye, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bweza, and Mishaya. The sector is situated in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park accessed from Kisoro.

Besides gorilla trekking activities, the sector also offers mountain gorilla habituation experience to Bushaho and Bikyingi that are currently under the habituation process. Other activities include bird watching safaris, cultural encounters to Batwa communities, forest walks, and boat cruises on Lake Mutanda among others.

The best accommodation facilities around the sector include among other Chameleon Hill lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, gorilla safari camp, Ichumbi lodge, Bwindi Jungle, and gorilla safari lodge.

Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector

Nkuringo sector is situated on the higher altitudes of the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Since the sector is located on a higher altitude, it may require trekkers with enough physical fitness like the energetic youth to hike to see the gorilla families. The sector is home to the Nkuringo family and Bushaho gorilla family that crosses borders form Rushaga to the Nkuringo sector.

Accommodations include Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge, Nkuringo gorilla camp, and Nkuringo safari lodge. Other activities done in the Nkuringo gorilla trekking sector include cultural encounters, forest walks, and birding safaris.

Ruhija Gorilla trekking sector

Ruhija sector is located in the coldest areas of the eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park at 2,350 meters above sea level. The sector is home to the Kyaguriro family, the Oruzogo family, and the Bitukura family.

The sector is home to a variety of other wildlife such as African elephants and several primates like cheeky monkeys, vervets, and L’Hoest’s monkey among others. There is also a high number of bird species making your Uganda gorilla safari a lifetime experience and the day to remember. Accommodations in the sector include Bakiga lodge, gorilla mist lodge, Ruhija gorilla safari lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla resort.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is arguably the best mountain gorilla trekking national park since it has a high number of giant apes compared to other national parks in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A Gorilla Group in Uganda

Gorilla Permits In Uganda

A gorilla permit is a card issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority authorizing you to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park in Uganda. Every trekker must have a valid gorilla trekking or habituation permit in order to be allowed entrance. The body responsible for the issuing out of the gorilla permits is the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Uganda gorilla safari offers 8 permits per gorilla group per day. There are 11 gorilla families available for trekking and 1 gorilla family available for habituation (research) in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park has two groups. Each gorilla family is entitled to a maximum of 8 people each day, with approximately 112 Gorilla trekking permits available each day in both parks

Gorilla trekkers are advised to book their gorilla permits 4 months earlier to their actual gorilla trekking date with a deposit of 30% of the actual amount of the permit.

How Much Is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda

Currently, a gorilla permit costs USD600 however, the gorilla trekking permits will cost USD700 each by 2020 with an increment of USD100. Uganda Tourism Board reviewed the price changes in great co-operation with Association Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) who work hand in hand to enhance proper administration on your Uganda gorilla safaris.

The prices tend to decrease during low seasons with a discounted cost of the gorilla permit. Note: The discount is not guaranteed.

Gorilla Permits Validity

A gorilla permit is valid for a day in either national park with only one hour with the mountain gorillas, this one hour is considered and counted when you track the Giant Apes. In rare circumstances such as failure to see mountain gorillas, the trekking permit may be used the following day.

The minimum age allowed on Gorilla Trekking Safaris

The ministry concerned with the national parks such as the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Uganda and the Rwanda national Board in Rwanda among others is very curious about the age limit for gorilla tracking and golden monkey trekking with a minimum of 15 years older. In some instances such as family trips, children close to 15 years may be allowed to track gorillas but the tour agency responsible must write to the authorities asking for permission.

The minimum age is 12 years for chimpanzee tracking with children of 10 years for golden monkey tracking in Rwanda accompanied by an adult. In circumstances where an individual below the minimum age is to track, an elder must accompany him or her.

Minimum age must be observed to avoid disappointments at the entrances. The reasons people under 15 years of age are not permitted to track are; the immune system of children is considerably weak that they may contract diseases easily from the forests or the gorillas themselves. Children’s behaviors are unpredictable and they do things that are considered offensive to the mountain gorillas.

How Many People Allowed For Trekking a Gorilla Group

Mountain gorilla trekking is only to a maximum of 8 people per gorilla family/group in Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Bwindi is the largest park with mountain gorillas of about 14 habituated gorilla families; 8 people per day can visit each group and 1-hour encounter.

Where for visitors who want more time with these great apes, there is Gorilla habituation experience. Gorilla habituation lasts for 4 hours and is done by only four people.

Guidelines And Rules For Gorilla Trekking

• A maximum of 8 people are allowed to visit habituated mountain gorilla group
• Washing hands before going for gorilla trekking
• No littering in the park. Whatever you carry into the forest has to be carried back.
• Always remember to keep a low voice, as you will be in a position to watch the different bird species and other primates in the park
• Following the gorilla trails in the park, you will be in position to see where the guides or rangers observed the gorillas the previous day.
• Do not touch the Mountain Gorillas
• Do not separate from your group when trekking
• Do not smoke, drink, eat, when you are with the mountain gorillas
• Only one hour is allowed with the gorillas
• Be calm as you interact with the gorillas
• Flash cameras are not allowed

What To Come With On Your Uganda Gorilla Safari (Gorilla Trekking Packing List)

• Comfortable hiking boots
• Drinking water plus packed lunch
• Rain gears and jackets
• Insect repellent
• Long-sleeved shirts and trouser
• Lens cameras
• Hats
• Waterproof bags

Other Activities Around Tracking Areas

Tourists on their Uganda gorilla safaris can do several activities alongside Gorilla tracking. Such as:

Nature walk and forest walk, this activity explores you to magnificent scenic views of mammal species like chimpanzees, LHoest’s monkey, and blue monkey baboon, black and white Columbus monkeys including the broad biodiversity in reptiles, moths, tree species, and bamboo forest

Bird watching, hiking through the localized forest Albertine Rift endemics, introduces you to several bird species like white starred robin, grey cuckoo shrike, strange weaver, banded Prinia, brown chested Alethe, slender-billed Greenbul, and yellow streaked Greenbul among others

Cultural encounters and village walk, this activity introduces you to the cultural behaviors of the community and way of living. However, the activity is done in the guidance of a skilled Guide. The places to visit depending on the location such as schools, gardens, traditional healers, local community, orphanage and other community performances like dance, Music, and drama mainly from the Batwa communities.

Best Time to go for a Uganda Gorilla Safari

The rainy season is March-May. The lightweight rain season is November and Gregorian calendar month. Wet seasons square measure March-May & October-November; dry Seasons square measure Gregorian calendar month to Feb & June to August. The best time to fancy Uganda gorilla safari notably the month would really be Nov to Feb and additionally June to Sept. among this point, you’ll enjoyment Gorilla trekking and hiking, wildlife safaris, city tours, and bird-watching safaris among others

The precipitation regime permits 2 planting and gathering seasons a year in most elements of the country, while not the employment of irrigation.

Uganda’s raised topography means that a cooler climate than its equatorial setting suggests however if you are coming up with a Gorilla trekking, it is important to grasp once to travel to Uganda for the simplest Gorilla trekking conditions, though it’s considered a year-around activity, the simplest time to go to Uganda safari for Gorilla trekking is throughout the country’s 2 dry seasons, January and February

Bird viewing safaris are amazing all year spherical however is at its peak between June and April once migrant species are a gift. We’d advocate avoiding a Uganda expedition entirely throughout the significant rains of April

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