Uganda is one of the countries in East Africa. This landlocked country is known for its primate population which can not be compared to anywhere else in Africa. East Africa is best known for safaris, the most famous being the wildebeest migration that happens in Kenya and Tanzania. Gorilla trekking is the famous famous tourist activity in Uganda. You can do gorilla trekking in Uganda at the Bwindi impenetrable forest and the Mgahinga national park. It has a total of 21 Gorilla families within the two parks. The Bwindi impenetrable forest is the most sought after park for this and thus records a high number of visitors each year. However, trekking in the Mgahinga national parks offers you an opportunity to visit three countries in one hike. Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Uganda has been offering stiff competition to Rwanda for Mountain gorillas safaris clients. The permits in Uganda are cheaper in comparison to Rwanda. Congo is the other countries where you can do gorilla treks but rarely gets visitors due to its political and social instability.
Trekking the jungle for a gorilla is a highly rewarding experience. Except for the gorillas and other primate that you may find there, it is also a great opportunity for bird viewing, nature treks, enjoying the forest sounds and waterfalls and just been totally immersed in nature. The feeling is relaxing and soothing, you come out a better person. Apart from the gorillas in Uganda, this country is also famous for other primates. In fact, Uganda has a total of 24 primates found within 10 national parks and conservancies. This include chimpanzees, olive and yellow baboons, Pottos, golden, Vervet, Red tailed monkeys, black and white Colubus monkeys and more. All these primates need a place to call home. This has increased the need for conservation and controlling the conservation areas away for human inhabitations.
With this in mind, the Ugandan wildlife authority has increased the Gorilla permit fees from the USd“ 600 to Usd 700 per client per visit. This costs though heavier for the client will go a long way in ensuring that the primates live in their habitats. It is also a way of promoting wildlife conservation for the sake of future generations. Despite the increase, the rates are still lower than Rwanda and therefore encouraging for anyone who wants to do Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The dry season is the best time to do the tours. The forests are dry then and this will enable you to walk safely in the slopes without the fear of rain and wet conditions. However, during this time you will trek more in to the forests as the gorillas travel in to the depths of the forest for soft foliage. During the wet season, the treks are shorter as the animals have a lot of forage at their disposal. However, the steep slopes are very wet and slippery and in a way limits people who are unfit. However, porters are always at hand to assist if need be.
The peak season is during the dry months while the low season is during the wet months. During a gorilla treks it is advisable to keep a good distance from the primates. Covid- 19 is here and we are not even sure whether the disease can be transmitted to the animals. We share 98% of our genes, its good to keep safe distance.
It is also advised to cover your mouth if you are coughing and sneezing to minimize the risk of infection.
The new costs take effect from the 1st of July 2020. We hope this new charges increase the chances of promoting and sustaining this tourist attraction in Uganda. Contact us to check for the availability of the permits. We advise you to plan and pay early for the permits.
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[…] to one activity missing in a certain country yet it is available in another. For example, there is gorilla trekking in Uganda but it is not available in Tanzania. Or someone may simply want to have the same […]