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Gorilla Safaris in Uganda
Uganda has vast forested lands that accommodate a wide range of primates with the Mountain Gorilla being one of the biggest highlights. The country boasts of more than half of the world's remaining Mountain Gorilla population making it your ideal destination for Gorilla tracking safaris and tours.
These gentle giants are found in southwestern Uganda in the two of the only four national parks in the world reserved for Gorillas and Gorilla tracking. These two are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Of the two parks Bwindi Impenetrable is the favorite for gorilla trekking with more groups of habituated Gorilla groups/families than Mgahinga National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has ten gorilla groups/families (Nshongi, Nkuringo, Mubare, Habinyanja A, Habinyanja B, Mishaya, Rushegura, Ruhija, Kahungye and Oruzongo). On the other hand Mgahinga National Park has only one Gorilla group (Nyakagezi) which is however unreliable as it keeps on shifting to Virunga National park in DR Congo or Volcanoes national park in Rwanda.
For more than five years each of these gorilla groups have undergone an extremely delicate process - gorilla habituation - that has been gradually getting them to tolerate the presence of human beings but have allowed only a limited number (8 people) to interact with them briefly in their natural habitats through gorilla tracking.
What to expect in a gorilla tracking safari
In spite of these Gorillas being habituated, do not be fooled, they are no means tame.
They are completely wild animals that they tolerate human presence for an hour a day utmost.
Only experienced guides will accompany you on your Gorilla tracking expedition, many of who have been involved
in the gorilla habituation process themselves. These guides will brief you in detail upon your arrival
on the various aspects of Gorilla Tracking Etiquette
. For instance:
do not get as close as 5 meters, do not surround them as a group, do not use
flashing cameras, do not smoke or eat around them, and do not make loud noises or
make sudden movements among others.
When a gorilla permit is purchased a gorilla family is assigned to the tourist in order to evenly distribute all visitors towards the gorilla families available. A picture of all the gorilla members and their names is given and this is to help you in tracking the different family members. Gorillas can easily be identified by their fascial features that like humans vary from individual to individual.
The trek starts as early as 8.30am from the park headquarters. Gorilla trekking is done in groups of eight in the company of a guide and aides who carry your luggage. The gorillas cover large distances overnight and they are never constantly in one area. The guides will use their knowledge of Gorilla habits and information from the previous day to locate the group's whereabouts. Because of this the time period taken to track the gorillas vary enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours. No matter how much time you take trekking, you are guaranteed to find your assigned gorilla family.
The terrain is extremely difficult with steep slopes covered in dense vegetation, no wonder one of the parks in called impenetrable.
Once the gorillas are located your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour
to interact with them but please take note of the Gorilla Tracking Etiquette
you were given at briefing lest you spoil this memorable once in a lifetime experience.
Important to note is that only persons of over the age of 15 years are allowed to track Gorillas.
How do I go on a gorilla tracking safari trip?
We at African Adventure Travellers cater for all your necessary safari requirements. You just have to select one of our Gorilla tracking safari packages that interest you or we help you customize one that suits your aspirations and we do the necessary preparations.
Our Pre-arranged Gorilla Tracking Safari Packages
(Click any package to view full itinerary)
We go through all the protocols and formalities of getting your gorilla tracking permit and keeping it secure.
We do all the necessary accommodation arrangements in advance, all this and more to make sure you get a memorable Gorilla tracking experience.
For transport our driver picks you up for the trip from any place that you choose convenient, be it your residence and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to and from your safari.
How do I prepare for a Uganda gorilla tracking safari trip?
Please note that there are lots of protocols and formalities to follow to acquire gorilla tracking permits hence endeavor to book for your Gorilla tracking safari trip early enough.
Just as the name Mountain Gorilla, these gentle giants are found in mountainous areas so to speak hence tracking them can be extremely strenuous. One ought to ensure they are physically fit before engaging in this muscle stretching adventure.
Ensure you put on tough shoes, jungle boots to be specific as tracking paths are quite rough and challenging.
These two gorilla tracking parks are rainforests hence chances are it will be wet during your gorilla tracking expedition thus ensure you have a jacket on you.
You are also likely to tire up very first during the gorilla tracking expedition if you have luggage on you so we suggest you hire an aide to carry your luggage along. There are locals at these parks who will charge you a small fee for that.
Please endeavor to carry a walking stick on your gorilla tracking adventure; it will help you in many ways during your trek. These are usually provided at your accommodation facilities at no cost.
Gorillas are very susceptible to catching human illnesses especially flue so ensure you are flue free or its under control as the parks officials might block your trek in case they suspect you have such illnesses.
And the last but most important point, ensure that the tour company taking you on this expedition has your gorilla tracking permits with them to avoid any inconveniences that result when you reach the gorilla tracking destination without them.
Items to carry along on a gorilla tracking safari
- Raincoats/Jackets as the possibilities of rain a high
- An insect repellant spray
- Walking sticks for support
- A hat to shelter your hair from small particles falling off trees
- A camera and sound recorder to capture the moments
- Hiking boots
- Binoculars
Reservations & Enquiries
Tel: 256-414-597257, 256-782-118037
Email: info@uganda-safaris-tours.com
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