Uganda is one of the few blessed countries to possess the famous mountain gorillas. The species is enlisted among the most critically endangered species existing on earth right now. Statistics show that just above 1000 mountain gorillas exist in the wild and Uganda shelters almost half of the surviving gorillas in its designated gorilla destinations of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park.
This makes it an enormous blessing for the tiny East African country. The mountain gorillas draw numerous visitors each year to the Pearl of Africa for a chance to encounter these beautiful giants in their natural abode. Over 20,000 guests visit Uganda’s parks of Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga to achieve their goal of meeting the mountain gorillas. A live encounter with a gorilla family is described by many as one of the best experiences to relish before living on earth.
Mountain gorillas as their name suggest residing in a region of high altitudes of approximately 7,000 to over 13,000 feet covered with thick montane forest. They are characterized by an enormous body frame covered in thick black fur that aids them to adapt to a harsh humid environment that even sees temperatures reaching the freezing point. This furthermore makes the meeting of these gentle giants a bit challenging but enhances the experience even more.
Where to find Mountain gorillas in Uganda.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda are located in the two national parks of Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga national park. Both of these are found in the southwestern region of Uganda. Most of this region is characterized by a humid mountainous environment that favored the colonizing of a small area by the mountain gorillas. The gorillas in these two national parks are capitalized. This means they are accustomed to human presence though they are still wild.
What you need to encounter gorillas?
In Uganda for a visitor to encounter the mountain gorillas, a few small things have to be met for a wholesome experience. A few of these include the age of the guest where one must be at least 15 years of age, their health condition with trekkers required to be fully healthy and free from any contagious diseases like flu or colds plus covid 19. However, one of the key requirements one needs to encounter the gorillas is a gorilla trekking permit.
What is a gorilla trekking permit?
A gorilla trekking permit is a document that permits a qualified guest or trekker to explore and have a personal mountain gorilla experience. This includes hiking through the thick montane forest under the guidance of professional guides in search of an assigned gorilla family. The process lasts from 2-6 hours depending on the movement of your allocated gorilla family. After meeting the family, trekkers are entitled to one hour of relishing the beauty of these creatures.
There are two types of gorilla permits in Uganda. The first type is the basic mountain gorilla trekking permit which goes for 700 US dollars while the second is the gorilla habituation permit which goes for 1500 US dollars.
The habituation permit is slightly different by allowing guests interested in spending more time with the gorillas and assisting researchers in accustoming the wild gorillas to the presence of humans. However, both experiences are exhilarating adventures and guarantee one of the best highlights on a Ugandan safari.
How to book gorilla permits in Uganda?
Visitors interested in trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda can easily book their permits in two different ways. The first is booking your gorilla trekking permit through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) the managing body of wildlife in the country. The second option is booking gorilla permits through a registered and trusted safari company.
However, it’s better to use a travel company as it is simpler, faster and less stressful as the company handles the whole booking process and assists you in arranging your travel, accommodation, and other experiences. All the guest has to do after booking through a safari company is to wait for their trekking day and enjoy their mountain gorilla experience. Book a gorilla permit and enjoy East Africa’s most cherished tourism experiences.
