Uganda is a beautiful country in Africa and the world at large; well known as the pearl of Africa. The country is located in the Eastern part of Africa neighboring Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, DR Congo and Rwanda. Uganda offers the best experiences of wildlife, nature, culture and gorilla trekking is one of the best and highlight adventure option you need not miss while on your safari.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is offered by only two national parks – Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks both located in southwestern region. The two park are perched near the beautiful Virunga massif but each is unique in its own way.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has almost half of the mountain gorilla population, about 450 individuals and these are well distributed in Buhoma, Ruhija Nkuringo and Rushaga – the four sectors of the park.
Gorilla habituation is also possible but it only takes place in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi forest park. Altogether, there are 20 habituated gorilla families in the 4 gorilla sectors which are always open to tourists.
On the other hand, Mgahinga is one of the smallest national parks in the country covering an area of 31.9 Square kilometers; but surprisingly it hosts both the rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Nyakagezi is the only gorilla family available for trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Gorilla trekking, therefore is an activity that brings visitors in contact with mountain gorillas for only an hour but the whole experience can take between 1 and 8 hours. Only 8 visitors are allowed to trek only one gorilla family per day but like any other park activity, visitors have to attend a briefing before entering the forest.
However, apart from gorilla trekking there is a lot to see in Uganda ranging from culture, wildlife and nature. Therefore, after gorilla trekking, you can engage in any of the following activities / experiences;-
Leisure / visit lakes (Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi).
In case you have short time on your safari, you can visit either Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda which are both located in Southwestern Uganda near these two national parks (Bwindi and Mgahinga). There is a lot to do while you visit these lakes like canoeing/boat cruise, fishing, bird watching, hiking, cycling, visiting the islands and chilling / relaxing at the shores.
Game drives.
You can drive to Queen Elizabeth or Lake Mburo national park, easily from Bwindi impenetrable national park, where you will enjoy epic wildlife experiences. Both park present unequalled array of wildlife ranging from animals, bird species, and tree species among others. Animals that are spotted include elephants, lions, warthogs, olive baboons, zebras, antelopes like Uganda kobs, impalas, bushbucks, waterbucks among others, and birds like ground hornbill, red-faced barbet, eagles, and weaver birds among others.
Boat cruising.
Visiting these two national parks (Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo) after gorilla trekking exposes you to amazing boat cruise experiences at Kazinga channel and Lake Mburo respectively. Visitors are exposed to different wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds among others.
Golden monkey trekking.
It is a great adventure as you trek these rare golden monkeys in Mgahinga national park. This can be done either before or after gorilla trekking.
Just like gorilla trekking, golden monkey tour begins with a briefing and then head to the forest. Spend over 3 hours in the forest or less including an hour in the presence of these golden monkeys while enjoying their shy, acrobatic life.
Cultural encounters.
Head to visit either the Batwa or Bakiga cultures where you will learn and get entertained by these unique cultures. You can taste their traditional dishes, purchase some handmade crafts, and enjoy their energetic traditional music and dances. Uganda has over 50 unique cultures and this will be just one doze.
Hiking.
Take a hike of one of the Volcano Mountains within the Virunga ranges – either Mount. Sabyinyo, Muhabura or Gahinga. At the peak of these mountain, you find a panoramic view of the three countries – D.R. Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. You can also meet gorillas or golden monkeys during the hike if you are lucky enough. The trails are well decorated with different attractions like birds, flora, fauna and you are advised to take enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks.
Birding.
For bird lovers, this is the best way to go spot different bird species in either Bwindi or Mgahinga national parks after gorilla trekking. Among other species, you’ll get to spot Pin-tailed Whydah, Speckled Mouse bird, Stone Chat and Grey-capped Warbler.
There is more to do than the listed above such as cycling, nature walks, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge of Queen Elizabeth National park, visiting the Garama caves among others. Do not hesitate to contact us today and be able to get on the next activity after gorilla trekking in Uganda.
