There are very few privileges that you get to experience in this lifetime, and sitting in silence on the cold ground of an Uganda forest for 60 minutes is one of them. With fewer than 900 mountain gorillas in existence, gorilla trekking in Uganda provides the rare opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking tours in Uganda are planned to enrich your lives with the experience of watching these majestic creatures. The two parks that inhabit the 18 families of mountain gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Since these creatures can only survive in the wild, the only way to see them is by trekking to their natural habitat to misty cloud forests that can reach altitudes of 14,763 feet.
5 Reasons Why You Need To Book Gorilla Tours In Uganda Now!
1. You will be where half the world’s gorillas live
Bwindi alone is the home to half of the world’s gorillas. Gorillas don’t pay heed to political borders, so the population across Virungas is relatively fluid. It is an ancient lowland forest spanning 128 square miles. The region is named a UNESCO world heritage site due to its spectacular biodiversity and the large number of endangered species that call it home.
2. You can help fight habitat destruction
The main threat to mountain gorillas is habitat destruction. Uganda gorilla tours help fight it by organizing these treks and encourage tourists to seek out a way of giving back to the communities they visit. One of the methods is by hiring a local guide who is a resident and maybe a reformed poacher.
3. Finding more affordable trekking permits
The strict regulations are in place to protect the gorillas and ensure they stay healthy and wild. Daily viewing of each gorilla group is very limited, so visitors should apply at least six months before their actual visit. The cost of the permit varies depending on the season.
4. You can take on a challenging terrain
Southwestern Uganda’s green hills and rolling volcanic slopes is an area of the country, not for weaklings. Adding in the high altitude and the challenging terrain, gorilla trekking in Uganda holds the top position in your adventures of a lifetime. Reaching the gorillas will be hard and requires navigating uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns and roots.
5. You will see other primates as well
Uganda is a dream come true for all primate lovers. Mgahinga is home to other species as well, like the golden monkey. Trekking golden monkeys is very similar to trekking gorillas, except that the trek is relatively easy-going. Bwindi has L’hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys.
Uganda has a lot more to offer as well and can spice up your visit to no end. It is an all-rounder trip for the adventurer and thrill-seeker in you!
