Mountain gorillas are the biggest living primates in Uganda. They are large, more powerful and have thicker, longer fur than other gorilla species allowing them to survive in harsh environments at high altitudes and in extreme cold. Like human thumbprints, the mountain gorillas have nose prints unique to each individual. They also have larger lungs and hearts than lowland gorillas which allows them to cope with the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
These mountain gorillas can only be found in the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Travelers usually visit gorillas in Uganda because of their fascinating features that are so different from the low land gorillas in Congo (kahuzi Biega national park). Before elaborating on reasons why travelers visit gorillas, the following are some of the interesting facts about mountain gorillas;
Social Behaviors. Mountain gorillas live in social groups called troops led by a dominant silverback male. The silverback is responsible for protecting the troop and is the largest and strongest member of the group. The troop consists of several females, their offspring, and sometimes one or two subordinate males. The females in the gorilla group are closely related to each other and they play an essential role in the social dynamics of the group.
Mountain gorillas have highly developed social skills and they communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions and body postures. They also use grooming as a means of bonding and socializing.
Diet and Feeding Habits. Mountain gorillas are mainly herbivores and their diet consists mainly of leaves, shoots and stems from a variety of plants. They also eat fruits, flowers, and sometimes insects. They spend a significant amount of time each day foraging for food and they have been observed using tools to extract food such as using sticks to extract ants from their nests.
Mountain gorillas have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from fibrous vegetation. They have large intestines and a long digestive tract which enables them to break down tough plant material. They also have a multi-chambered stomach that ferments the plant material which helps to extract more nutrients.
Physical Characteristics of Mountain Gorillas. Mountain gorillas are the largest of all primates with males weighing up to 400 pounds and standing up to 5 and a half feet tall when upright. Females are smaller weighing up to 200 pounds and standing up to 4 feet tall standing upright.
Mountain gorillas have longer hair which helps them to survive in the cold temperatures of their high-altitude habitat which is not so to the low land mountains They also have a distinctive saddle-shaped patch of silver hair on their backs which gives them a unique appearance.
Mountain gorillas have hands with opposable thumbs which allow them to grasp objects and use tools. They also have large canine teeth which they use for defense and dominance displays. Despite their intimidating appearance, mountain gorillas are generally peaceful and prefer to avoid confrontation.
Mountain gorillas have a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to communicate with each other and locate food. Are you planning to come to Africa for gorilla trekking and your still confused of where to go and visit gorillas? Nature Adventure Africa Safaris recommends you to choose Uganda as the best destination because of the following reasons;
Uganda Wildlife Authority sells its gorilla permits at a cheaper price of US$800 as compared to that of Rwanda of US$1500 and this this gorilla trekking so cheap. Uganda and Rwanda offer the same satisfaction to travelers but Uganda is more affordable and it provides good services. Travelers before visiting gorillas have to be first permitted and the permission can only be granted when you buy a gorilla permit. Permits can be got by the help of Nature Adventure Africa Safaris after making a deposit on our account. This deposit helps us to come that you are really interested to come and visit gorillas so as we can check for the availability of the permits. We can send to you a scanned document of the permit after you made a full payment as a clear indication that you have been granted to come and visit gorillas.
Uganda has the highest population of mountain gorillas. It is clear to say that Uganda has the most mountain gorillas in Africa which will give you the opportunity to access the habituated gorilla families in Uganda by participating in gorilla trekking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and maybe also in Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 12 families which large number of members and hence making gorilla trekking very easy since a small group of people can be distributed to different gorilla families in different sectors so as not keep them waiting for other members to come back from the jungle and Mgahinga National Park has one group family called Nyakagezi and it can also be easily trekked.
Uganda gives an opportunity to travelers to go for gorilla habituation experience at a fee of US$1500. For gorilla habituation experience in Uganda after coming up close to these giants, travelers are given about 4 hours of watching gorilla feeding their young ones, observe their habits and behaviors and also take some photographs for unforgettable memories unlike in Rwanda where little time is given yet the habituation is done at the same price with that of Uganda.
Uganda has wonderful warm climate. If you take a look at the climate of the three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, you will agree that Uganda has so far the best climate any tourist to Africa would love and enjoy. Since trekking mountain gorillas involves hiking through areas of thick vegetation, unclear trails and muddy trails, Uganda offers the most unique destination for the activity due to good and conducive climate. It is undeniable that the rainy season is always not preferred for gorilla trekking but it should also be known that it usually shines immediately after raining thus not disrupting the activity.
It is very possible in Uganda to combine a gorilla safari with other wildlife safaris. Uganda being known as a Pearl of Africa is not just a joke but because of its diversity of wildlife species. On top of gorilla trekking, you can also go for nature walks within the same park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, game drives in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park where species like giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, Topis, elands, Uganda Kobs, impalas, lions, leopards and hyenas can be spotted.
Uganda is a very safe country to travel. Security in Uganda is tight and this makes it one of the safest places to see gorillas in their natural habitat.
In Uganda mountain gorillas come close to visitors and a period of one hour is given to visitors so as they can watch these giants in their natural habitat which is not so in other countries like Rwanda and Congo. It is always a great experience visiting gorillas in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park given the fact there is always a close encounter with the gorillas.
Easy accessibility. Another reason for visiting gorillas in Uganda is because of different ways(routes) to access destinations for gorilla trekking in the country. Tourists can choose to fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park or to drive using the 4×4 vehicle to reach destinations. The airstrips used for domestic flights for gorilla trekking destinations include Kisoro and Kihihi airstrip.
Kisoro airstrip can be can be used by those going to trek in Rushaga and Nkuringo sector and also those heading Mgahinga National Park. Kihihi airstrip can be used by those going to trek in Ruhija and Buhoma sector.
Rich cultural heritage. Uganda is known for cultural diversity and gorilla trekking experience, tourists can enjoy interactions with tribes such as the Bakiga and Batwa people. Tourists enjoy interactions with the local communities and get to know about their way of life and culture and enjoy traditional dance performances among other exciting activities. The locals benefit from tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Readily available Gorilla Trekking Information. Whenever you do a google search about gorilla trekking in Uganda, you will realize that most of the gorilla trekking content is pinned to Uganda. This implies that you can easily access all necessary information when planning your gorilla trekking trip in Uganda than when you are planning a gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda or Congo.
Self- guided gorilla trekking trip. Unlike in Congo where you are required to sign up with Virunga foundation to go for gorilla trekking, in Uganda, it is possible to simply hire a car for self-drive and still afford to for a gorilla trek without any restrictions. With this flexibility, it becomes easier to cut your gorilla trekking expenses in terms of transport and accommodation considering the option of rooftop tent camping.
Variety of Accommodation Options. When you check out Uganda safari lodges, you will realize that there are several lodges in and around Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. The beauty with these two national parks is; accommodation ranges from budget to luxury. Thus, you have a wide range of lodges to consider for your accommodation during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking with camping Experience. There are several reviews regarding the gorilla trekking camping experience. Some have been out of motorcycle adventures coupled with camping, others have been self-drive hires coupled with camping while others have been tailored made gorilla trips organized by tour operators like Nature Adventure Africa Safari.
Regardless of the trip type in Uganda, it is very possible to go for camping with a rooftop tent, ground tent or glamping as a form of accommodation during your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda. This implies you can save big time on accommodation in Uganda compared to Congo and Rwanda.
