Gorilla Trekking is a unique African experience. The jungle trek offers an amazing atmosphere. One’s excitement increases with every stride, and witnessing one of the world’s remaining gorillas is an amazing experience. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Africa is the forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. In 1991, it was declared a national park, and in 1993, the Mubare group became habituated as the first gorilla group. The number of gorillas worldwide has been confirmed to have decreased as a result of poaching.
There are 1000 mountain gorillas in the world, with Uganda housing half of them, according to the 2018 census. Because visitors may see the gorillas in their natural environment, they make for incredibly interesting observations. Thus, take advantage of the opportunity to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, home to the greatest number of mountain gorillas in the world.
Any Gorilla Trekking in Uganda excursion revolves around the gorillas. The centrepiece of conservation efforts is the amazing presence of mountain gorillas. Observing these gentle giants in their natural environment allows visitors to see their family relationships and be in awe of their innate beauty and strength. Adventurers searching for gorilla trekking in Uganda can look forward to a lifetime of unique adventures, including gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation, and interactions with gorilla families.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi, a region in southwest Uganda, is well-known for its thick, old rainforest. There are four regions in Bwindi where habituated gorilla families reside, making trekking there convenient. Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo are the four sectors. That’s where the best lodging is located, close to the hiking hubs. You join a group of fellow hikers (maximum group size of 8) for a guided trip into the forest to look for one of the 11 habituated gorilla families. The group hikes depart at one of the four trailheads on the forest’s perimeter. As you go to the gorillas, you will learn about the forest’s biodiversity and the shifting terrain under the guidance of knowledgeable Uganda Wildlife Authority guides. The group of trackers who have been following the gorillas since dawn are in contact with your guides. Your guides follow the trackers’ instructions to get you to the gorillas.
Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Buhoma
With four habituated gorilla groups, this is the most well-known area for trekkers. Rushegura, Habinyanja, Nkuringo, and Mubare are the gorilla groups. Some of the well-designed and comfortable lodging options in this area are Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Conservation Camp, and Silverback Resort.
Nkuringo
Gorilla families such as the Nkuringo, whose name comes from a Rukiga term meaning a round hill, are found in this region. Accommodations in this sector include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, and Chameleon Hill Camp.
Ruhija
Named after the river where they were first seen, the bitukura group, which consists of four silverbacks out of a total of 12 individuals, is located in the Ruhija region. There are two further gorilla groups: Kyagulilo and Oruzogo. There are several places to stay in the vicinity, including Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Resort, and Trekkers Tavern Mist Camp.
Rushaga
Guests can stay at the Gorilla Safari Lodge or the Chameleon Hill Lodge. Rushaga is home to the Nshongi gorilla family, the Mishaya family, the Kahungye family, and the Bweza family group.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park is a well-liked choice for cross-over itineraries with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park because of its proximity to the Rwandan border. It’s also the only location in Uganda where trekking with golden monkeys is possible. Combining a gorilla trek at Mgahinga with a gorilla trek in Nkuringo (Bwindi) is a common choice. Compared to Bwindi, Mgahinga is more remote and offers easier trekking. Here, fewer permits are available.
The Nyakagyezi family is the only habituated and exposed family of gorillas at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The crew has been in Uganda for nearly three years now, having previously visited Rwanda and the Congo. Gorilla safaris in Mgahinga are the best because the park is less crowded. It is possible to sell up to eight gorilla licences in a single day with only one habituated gorilla troop. It is advised that visitors reserve gorilla permits several weeks in advance at the Park offices in Ntebeko or the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala.
Best time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
A gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda is always a good idea, regardless of the weather conditions. You may tailor a vacation to your own specific interests, which is the finest thing about making a reservation with us. With hardly any seasonal variations, gorilla tours in Uganda and Rwanda are possible year-round. Nonetheless, the two dry seasons, which fall between December and February and June and August, are when the nation is most favourable for trekking mountain gorillas and taking traditional wildlife safaris in Uganda.
During this period, as well as in February and March and from September to early October, when a lot of animals may be observed near waterholes, game viewing in national parks is also excellent. All year round, Uganda is a great place for bird watching excursions.
Although mountain gorillas can be trekked year-round in both nations, it is useful to know when is the best time to go on a gorilla safari because each season has pros and cons of its own. Blessed with two distinct rainy seasons, one lasting from mid-March to May and the other lasting from October to November are Uganda and Rwanda. Although it is challenging to predict the seasons due to the current fluctuations in weather patterns, the following months are dry.