Things To Know Before You Trek Gorillas in Uganda
There are three destinations where you can trek Gorillas, but reasons are many that travelers choose Uganda as their favorite option.
Some of these are the favorable climatic conditions, an opportunity to see a variety of Gorilla species, beautiful accommodation facilities, ease of access to entry permission, welcoming locals and stable security.
Uganda hides in Eastern Africa. It shares borders with Rwanda in the Southwest, Tanzania in South, DR Congo in the West and Kenya in the East.
It records thousands of travelers who come in to explore what it has to offer per year.
Gorilla trekking is amongst those things that tourists don’t want to omit, but before you book a permit for this pursuit, the points listed below are paramount for you to know.
How can I get to Uganda?
Are you planning a visit to Uganda? The best way to get there is by plane. Several international airlines operate flights from different parts of the world to Uganda.
You will land at Entebbe Airport, the only Uganda’s international airfield. This facility is about 35km south-west of Kampala, the country’s capital.
How can I book for a Gorilla Tour?
If you are not sure of how to book for Gorilla Tours in Uganda, here is the best way to go. Get in touch with a local operator like Bwindi Safaris by use of their contact form.
Ask whatever question you may need to know about Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. The agent is ever online to chat with you.
What is needed to see Gorillas in Uganda?
The main things you must have include a Gorilla permit which costs 700 USD per person, hiking gears like shoes, long-sleeved shirts, trouser, shocking, head shocks or huts and gaggles.
The other thing is age, you must be fifteen years and above. This is also important, all tourists appearing for a Gorilla trek must be free from any infectious disease like cough, flue and more.
Where to go for Gorillas.
Not like other gorilla destinations, Uganda has two parks where you can meet Gorillas. These are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
These protected areas are both located in the western part of Uganda. Of the two, Bwindi is recorded with the highest numbers of Uganda’s Gorilla population.
It currently has over nineteen gorilla families that are fully habituated and open to tourists. These families reside in the four sectors of the park that include Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo sector.
Best time to trek Uganda’s Gorillas
Trekking Gorillas in Uganda is one of the most amazing things not to miss. It is more engaging when you choose to do it at the best time of the year.
Seeing Gorillas is usually great when there is low rainfall. For Uganda, you can choose either from July – September or December – February.
Is it Safe to trek the Gorillas?
Yes, it is safer to trek Gorillas in Uganda. This country is more stable and has no threat of rebel attacks.
Its Parks for Gorillas are situated along Uganda’s borders with other countries like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
But all borders are monitored by the Uganda people’s defence force. The army is there to ensure that no rebels cross from DR Congo to Uganda.
Is a one-day Gorilla tour possible in Uganda?
Since Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are very far from Entebbe or Kampala (the country’s capital), the one-day Gorilla tour in Uganda isn’t possible. The least number of days for this adventure is three.
Besides Gorilla Trek what else can I do in Uganda?
If Gorillas don’t appeal, you can do multiple other activities like Golden monkeys, chimpanzee tracking, Game viewing, boat cruise, nature walks, mountain hiking, white water rafting, zip-lining to mention but a few.
Language & Currency used in Uganda.
Uganda has different tribes, so it is no surprise that you will find locals speaking different local languages. English is the main connecting language used in all offices and other different fields.
The national currency is shillings, but international currencies like pounds, euros and US dollars are also used.
