5 REASONS WHY UGANDA SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR GORILLA TREKKING

Not sure of which country to visit for gorilla trekking? If yes, then think not beyond Uganda! This is incomparably one of a few most exceptional travel destinations in the world that gets you that great deal to catch a glimpse at the rare mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. There are only 3 countries in the world where these creatures thrive from and Uganda is one of them. Others include Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite this fact, the choice you make does matter a lot when it comes to this primate adventure and that is why Uganda has a million reasons for you to consider for this life changing experience. In Uganda, they are confined within the dense tropical rain-forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in southwestern, Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern DRC. Currently, they remain fewer than 1004 worldwide a significant increase that has been recorded compared to about 254 individuals in 1981.

Below are some of the reasons why you should trek mountain gorillas in Uganda

Home to the largest number of mountain gorillas

About 500-604 mountain gorillas are all confined within Uganda, one reason you need to consider it a must to explore while on gorilla safari in Africa. Due to huge numbers, Uganda also boasts of many habituated gorilla families which have been set for visitors to track each day-one factor that also sets this country apart from other gorilla destinations. Over 17 groups have been habituated in Uganda and readily set for your exploration. Gorilla treks in Uganda the pearl of Africa are conducted within only Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is conducted in its 4 main areas (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo) each of these has its own habituated families. Buhoma sector has groups like Mubare, Habinyanja, Katwe and Rushegura; Ruhija-Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro; Nkuringo has Nkuringo and Christmas while Rushaga comprises of Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye and Bweza. In Mgahinga, it is only Nyakagezi that is set for visitors on Uganda gorilla safari to track. The continued increase in the number of these creatures in Uganda is attributed to strict conservation measures that have been set for every visitor on gorilla safari to observe while in the wild in search for these special creatures.

Cheaper gorilla permits

If your dream is to trek gorillas in Africa, Uganda should be a must to visit. This magical landlocked country still offers relatively cheaper gorilla permits thus making it a few affordable gorilla destinations. Compared to Rwanda, gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 per person and this applies for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250000 for East African residents. You can obtain a permit in Uganda through a trusted, reliable and recognized ground tour operator or through a reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)

Support local residents to save mountain gorillas and their habitat

The success in gorilla conservation is entirely a collective effort from all stake holders and if one side is left out then positive results may not be realized and that is why your visit to Uganda matters a lot when it comes to survival these creatures and safety of their habitat. These wild creatures still face several threats one of which is habitat loss which is impacted by various human practices including among others farming, human settlement. This is also as a result of increased poverty and population in the adjacent communities around the parks where these creatures thrive. A visit to Uganda for gorilla trek doesn’t mean only to view gorillas but also for you to take part in a number of activities for instance village walks, cultural encounters especially in the Batwa and Bakiga communities that reward travel endeavors with authentic African cultural experiences.

A trek to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is a lifetime experience

A gorilla trek in Uganda takes you to southwestern side whose landscape or terrain is characterized by terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes thus rewarding you with magical views over this country’s breathtaking landscape. By embarking on a hike through this challenging terrain while on gorilla safari is undoubtedly a lifetime adventure. To get to your assigned gorilla family on the other hand equally requires some physical wellness in you as it involves hiking through the dense tropical rain-forest and steep slopes while in search for these magnificent creatures.

Visitors have variety to enjoy in Uganda

Uganda best described as the pearl of Africa for many reasons. Ideally, it is a host to nearly all that Africa has to offer to the world. Besides mountain gorillas, you also have a chance to view a number of creatures including L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys as well as chimpanzees at Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo forest while on safari to Murchison Falls National Park, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Besides, don’t miss to catch a glimpse at varied savanna dwellers including the big game-Elephants, buffaloes, lions plus tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, leopards, rhinos as well as giraffes, zebras, warthogs, topis, birds especially shoebill storks, African green breasted pitta, African green broadbill, Great blue turaco and others;