Uganda has two gorilla national parks. These are Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Bwindi is divided into four sectors that make up four of the five gorilla trekking places in Uganda.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!It is very common for people to assume that if you choose Bwindi, you will simply travel through the whole national park. That is never the case since the park is divided into four sectors and each sector has its offices. With that at the back of your mind, here are the five places to see gorillas in Uganda.
1. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga gorilla national park has only one habituated gorilla family which is always freely roaming the whole national park. With a gorilla permit for Mgahinga, you are generally signing up for a gorilla experience similar to that of Volcanoes national park.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: A Guide to the Four Main Areas
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
Gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Bwindi, with visitors able to choose from four different areas to track these magnificent animals. Here is a closer look at the four main sectors in Bwindi where you can see gorillas and what each area offers.
2. Buhoma: The Most Popular Gorilla Trekking Area
Located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma is the most popular gorilla trekking area in the park. Visitors can track four different habituated gorilla families in this area, and the trekking experience is generally less strenuous than in other areas.
The trek can take between two and eight hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family and the difficulty of the terrain.
3. Ruhija: The Highest Altitude Gorilla Trekking Area
Ruhija is located in the eastern part of Bwindi and is the highest-altitude gorilla trekking area in the park. Visitors can track three different habituated gorilla families in this area, but the trekking experience is generally more challenging than in other areas, with hilly and rugged terrain.
The trek can take between two and eight hours, and visitors should be prepared for a strenuous hike.
4. Rushaga: The Area with the Most Habituated Gorilla Families
Rushaga is located in the southern part of Bwindi and is known for having the most habituated gorilla families in the park, with over five large groups available for tracking. The trekking experience in Rushaga can be challenging, with a variety of terrain from flat forest floors to steep hills and valleys.
Visitors can expect to spend between two and eight hours trekking through the forest in Rushaga.
5. Nkuringo: The Less Crowded Area for Gorilla Trekking
Nkuringo is located in the southern part of Bwindi and offers a less crowded area for gorilla trekking. Visitors can track one habituated gorilla family in Nkuringo, and the trek can take between two and eight hours, depending on the location of the family and the difficulty of the terrain.
Nkuringo is known for its hilly terrain, making for a challenging but rewarding trekking experience.
Permits and Guides
All visitors to Bwindi who wish to track gorillas are required to have a gorilla trekking permit, which should be booked in advance through a tour operator or the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The permit grants access to a particular gorilla family and the services of a trained guide and ranger during the trek. The guide will ensure visitors’ safety and provide information about the gorillas and their habitat, making for an educational and unforgettable experience.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with one of the world’s most endangered species. The four main areas for gorilla trekking in Bwindi – Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo – each offers a unique and immersive experience that visitors will cherish for a lifetime. With careful planning and preparation, visitors can make the most of their gorilla trekking adventure and create memories that will last forever.