Mountain Gorillas are found in the south-western part of Uganda and are commonly known as gentle giants, and spending an hour seeing them in their natural habitat is the most spectacular animal experience that everyone should put on their bucket list.
Though formerly critically endangered, their status has changed in recent years that have seen an increase in population, with a population of 1000 mountain gorillas in number.
Mountain gorillas are found exclusively in the tropical forests of East and Central Africa, including along the chain of the dormant volcanic Virunga mountain range in Volcanoes national park Rwanda, Uganda’s dense vegetation of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Mgahinga gorillas National Park in Uganda, and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain Gorilla PHOTOGRAPH on Flickr BY Jonathan Wisner
Bwindi impenetrable forest alone is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. they are an endangered specie of the great apes family that is why you will never see mountain gorillas in the zoo .In the language of the land (Rukiga), Bwindi means “impenetrable”. As the name suggests, it is challenging to navigate the tangled forest, slippery valleys, and high ridges, which makes this trek much more rewarding. The park has an incredible range of biodiversity and is home to countless endangered species.A 3 days Uganda Gorilla trekking safari is the least number of days to complete a gorilla trekking safari starting from Kampala others would like to enjoy a trek with other activities to include Gorillas and lake Bunyonyi on a 4 days , 5 days gorillas and wildlife safari , 11 days Uganda wildlife and primate safari while on a safari to Bwindi: Mountain gorilla tracking is a thrilling and fulfilling experience that you will not forget any time soon and a gorilla trekking can take up to 8 hours. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park has got seven habituated Gorilla groups that you can view on a mountain gorillas safari/ trek. Three of these groups are found in Buhoma and one at Nkuringo. Bwindi impenetrable national forest has a large number of sectors where Gorilla tracking takes place, and many species of Gorillas and chimpanzees can be seen.
These sectors in bwindi include the following.
Nkuringo, which is one of the many sections for gorilla trekking, can be found close to the Buhoma sector. Nkuringo and Bushaho are some of the families in the sector. The Bushaho family is the one that is giving the gorillas a habitation experience.
Ruhija is the most remote sector and quite famous for its birds and bird watching experiences. You can also visit the Mubwindi swamp while trekking for our closest relatives in the wild. Gorilla species found there include Ruhija, Bitukura, and Kyaguriro. The Rushaga sector has the highest number of gorilla families including; Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, Busingye, and Bishaho. This sector is in Kabale and Nkuringo as you come from Ruhija or Kampala. The Buhoma sector is found ten kilometers from the Nkiringo sector if you are traveling by road. Gorilla trekking is also very famous in the area.
Mother and daughter: Sabyinyo group of Mountain Gorillas. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Photo on Flickr by Carine06
Mgahinga gorilla national park covers the northern slopes of Virunga and includes three of the eight major Virunga peaks: Mount. Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo. Mgahinga offers gorilla trekking in the park, hiking the Virunga Volcanoes, and golden monkey tracking as the main activities. Mountain gorillas in this park are habituated in the Nyakagezi group. The group consists of 9 members including 2 silverbacks, 3
adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.
Volcanoes National Park is a must-stop call for all Rwanda gorilla safaris. Sheltering the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area, it spans some 160 square kilometer area. Situated in northwestern Rwanda, this park has become the world’s most attractive mountain gorilla sanctuary. With fewer than 700 of this species left, tourists can catch a rare glimpse of the gorillas as they can nowhere else in the world. Volcanoes National Park has ten groups/families of habituated. These include;
The biggest group usually found high up on Mount Karisimbi is Susa Group, with about 40 individuals. The Karisimbi Group split from the Susa group a few years ago and looms in the Mt. Karisimbi area.
The Amahoro group found between the Karisoke and the Visoke peaks of the Virunga volcanoes. This group has about 17 gorillas. Together with the Umubano group of 11, they are the furthest from the park headquarters.
The Sabinyo Group found between Mt. Sabinyo and Gahinga with about 12 individuals, with a couple of silverbacks in the group. And Agashya Group, formerly referred to as Group Thirteen, is often found close to the Sabinyo group and has about 25 gorillas, including two silverbacks.
Others are Kwitonda, Hirwa Group, Bwenge Group, Ugende Group.
Susa group, mountain Gorillas. Photo on Flickr by Dave Proffer
Gorilla Trekking Permits and guidelines
The gorilla permit gets you a full hour with a family mountain gorilla. The mountain gorillas living endangered makes having strict controls in place necessary to ensure the gorillas stay healthy and wild—starting with the gorilla trekking permit process. Uganda's gorilla permit price is $ 600, and Rwanda's gorilla permit goes for $1500. In July 2020, a permit in Uganda will be increased to $ 700.
Your safety and the safety of the Uganda Gorillas are very significant. That is why guidelines are necessary so that you know how to behave around gorillas. These majestic creatures with a DNA 98% match with human DNA, are susceptible to human infections. Their immunity is not as strong as that of humans, so even the slightest infection, such as a common cold can be life-threatening to the gorilla. A few of these gorilla tracking rules include;
Only a single group of tourists can visit the Uganda gorillas each day, and you can only spend an hour with them.
Going for gorilla trekking with a cold, flu, or any other contagious infection is not permitted.
7 meters is the recommended distance to keep from the gorillas, and if the gorillas try to get close, try to move further away.
Ensure that you make sudden movements while in the presence of the gorillas and keep your voices low, to maintain a relaxed atmosphere for the gorillas.
Do not eat or drink when around the gorillas on gorilla tracking
Photographs are one of the best ways to keep memories of this breathtaking adventure, but it’s critical to remove the flash and the shutter sound.
Gorilla trekking safaris can be a strenuous walk; carry along appropriate gear including, thick sturdy shoes, with sufficient traction suitable for steep muddy slopes, thick gloves to protect your hands from the thistle as you track, rain gear, sunscreen, and a hut. You will also need to bring drinking water, a walking stick, a journal, a camera, binoculars, some money to pay porters who will carry your backpack, and a few other things.see more of the Gorilla tracking rules and regulations in this 3 days Uganda gorilla safari.
Rwanda Mountain Gorilla
Photo on Flickr by Joachim Huber
Twist Africa offers Uganda Gorilla Safaris and Rwanda Gorilla Safaris with a Twist and also can tailor make for you an itinerary according to your preference. The list of Twist Gorilla Trekking safaris includes,
3 Days Gorilla trekking Safari Rwanda
4 Days Gorilla trekking and and lake bunyonyi tour
11 Days trekking and adventure tour
3 days gorilla trekking bwindi impenetrable national park