Mountain Gorilla trekking is a favourite activity everyone should not miss while in Uganda for a special, escorted or self-drive safari vacation. This involves starting a trekking journey in a group of about eight people heading into the thick and impenetrable forests of Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park following the permanently established trails in search of these shy endangered Mountain Gorillas very excited to experience their ways of living through watching them when they are feeding, playing with young ones, laughing and more.
These black herbivorous ground dwelling apes which feed on young bamboo shoot, stem, foliage, flowers and some fruits are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosting the most part of Uganda’s Gorilla population with over sixteen gorilla families for trekking and research in its four sectors named Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo sector with each sector having more than two Gorilla families except Nkuringo sector which has only one gorilla family. In the past years mountain gorilla trekking was at a low rate but currently it is gaining velocity day by day because of the following influential factors listed below.
Availability of Varieties of Gorilla Species
Uganda is ranked to be hosting most part of World’s Gorilla Population in its two major National Parks named Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which are both located in the Western part of Uganda. Uganda has over sixteen gorilla families habituated for gorilla trekking tours and research which favours most of the visitors to see gorillas since they like and interested in seeing variety which is not the case to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in western Uganda is the only destination where you go with 100% assurance of seeing these shy endangered grounds dwelling Mountain Gorillas.
Increase in Prices of Rwanda Gorilla trekking permits
In the past years the prices of permits for trekking Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda was costing $750 USD per person but in 2017 Rwanda development board increased the permits from $750 USD per person up to $1500 USD per person but this seemed to be more expensive to most of the clients since the prices were doubled. After a great increment in Rwanda’s permits clients interested in Mountain Gorillas resorted to crossing borders via Cyanika or Katuna for Mountain Gorillas either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Well established trails in the Jungle
When it comes to trekking in the Jungle Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park are mostly known to be with permanent well-established routes which are free from thorns & hooks, mud and not slippery during rainy season.
Ease of getting Ugandan Tourist Visa
Traveling to Uganda you must apply for a tourist visa which issues you permission for entry, getting this Visa is easier in Uganda when compared to other countries like Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cheap Gorilla Trekking Permits
Trekking these gorillas, you must buy a permit which is valid for one day and comparing Uganda’s permit which costs $600 USD per person with that of Rwanda which costs $1500 USD per person, Uganda seems to be cheaper and cost efficient which attracts more clients who cannot afford Rwanda’s luxurious permits.
Favorable Climatic Conditions
Uganda experiences both rainy and sunny seasons, in some countries travelers find it difficult to travel during rainy seasons due to unfavorable factors like unpassable roads which is not the same case to Uganda, with its favorable factors travelers are able to travel or visit different destinations in all seasons without any difficult.
