Experience Unique Gorilla Treks in Uganda and Rwanda
With an estimate of about 1060 mountain gorillas left in the whole world, gorilla tracking has merged out as the most outstanding tourism activity on the continent, Africa. Their scarcity and rareness has caused a massive look-out for them and many primate lovers in the whole world travel simply to have a glance at them in their natural habitats.
Both Uganda and Rwanda are the lucky few countries where these elegant primates are found and undoubtedly these countries offer the best trekking experience. When you combine the total number of primates in these two nations, they have over90% of the world’s total number of mountain gorillas. This is why most tourists and researchers interested in them either go to Uganda or Rwanda.
Gorillas can also be found in Democratic Republic of Congo but due to uncertainties and peace related problems, it makes it tricky for trackers to fancy going there when Uganda and Rwanda are better off completely. This leaves one with only two best options for a thrilling gorilla tracking experience and that is none other than Rwanda and Uganda. The tropical rain forests where these elegant species live offer an additional adventure when tracking them and real nature lovers always get the best experience in the forests.
Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
In Uganda, gorilla trekking is mainly carried out in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga gorilla national Park. In these parks, a visitor is assured of encountering the primates in their well-gazatted families making it easier and less stressing to find. There are well demarcated paths in these parks which tourists use while looking for the primates and these are strategically located in areas which offer the best natural view.
Currently, Bwindi has 19 habituated gorilla families which are ready to be trekked making it the number one home for the primates. The park hosts very many visitors on a daily basis who come specifically to spend some quality time with the gorillas and they leave the country with a life-changing story to tell. Apart from gorilla trekking, a Batwa cultural walk in Bwindi is another interesting activity one can enjoy while in the park. This involves visiting the small ethnic group of people who live in the heart of the impenetrable forest of Bwindi. Their rich-cultural setting is worth exploring especially to foreigners who are interested in knowing more about the culture of Africa. In most cases, this Batwa cultural walk comes as an additional activity and it’s mainly done after a gorilla tracking experience.
In Mgahinga National Park, there are fewer families compared to Bwindi but this doesn’t change the fact that it offers a thrilling trekking atmosphere. Its gorilla families are well spaced and easily accessed making the search more convenient and less tiresome.
GETTING THERE: Access to Bwindi –by road, leave Kampala via the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route and spend about 8-9 hours driving. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in Southwestern Uganda and it is possible to get there by air –fly-in tour starts from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrip.
Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
In Rwanda, Gorilla tracking is the leading tourism activity and it has greatly contributed to the development of Rwanda’s tourism industry. This adventurous activity is mainly carried out in the tropical rain forests of Volcanoes National park where the primates live.
The easiness and flexibility one enjoys on the trip is incomparable while in the most breathtaking points of the country. While in the Rwanda Volcanoes, there are other additional activities one can opt for like Dian Fossey grave hike, and golden monkey tracking. These become more thrilling when combined with a gorilla trek.
When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year in Africa, but the dry months (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December) are considered the best for witnessing these magnificent primates in their natural habitats. During these months, rainfall levels are reduced, resulting in less muddy and slippery forest trails.
While trekking is still possible during the wet months (March, April, May, October, and November), visitors often avoid them due to higher precipitation, which makes the trails more challenging. However, considering the impact of climate change, it’s important to be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
Conclusion
Both Uganda and Rwanda are therefore unmatched when it comes to a real primate adventure and a combined safari to these East African countries is a life changing experience.