Mountain Gorillas remain the top tourist attraction in Uganda. Its also believed that Uganda hosts half of the world’s mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. On the other hand, Mountain Gorilla Trekking is the number one tourist activity in Uganda, followed by Chimpanzee trekking among others.
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Gorilla Trekking is done all year round but dry season is the best time. Dry season is experienced from December to February and June to July. In dry season, the tracking trails are not so slipper and low undergrowth for easy movement through the jungles. On the other hand, wet season is from September to November and March to May. Some people decide to go gorilla trekking in wet season to enjoy discounted trips in terms of accommodation and transport among others.
The two famous Mountain Gorilla Trekking destinations include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park . Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) is in southwestern Uganda. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located along the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the Albertine Rift. BINP is Composed of 321 square kilometres (124 sq mi) of both montane and lowland forest. BINP is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-designated World Heritage Site.
Mgahinga National Park is also situated in south western Uganda and the smallest among the three national park in Virunga region of DRC and Rwanda. It was established in 1991 and managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority with a size of 33.7-sq. km and it lies between altitudes 2,227m and 4,127m. It covers 3 of the Virunga volcanoes which are Mt. Muhavura (4,127), Mt. Gahinga (3,474), and Mt. Sabinyo (3,645).
Currently, the cost of Uganda Gorilla trekking permit goes to US$700 and only eight people are allowed to trek each Gorilla permit. The four tracking centres include Nkuringo sector, Rushaga sector, Ruhija sector and Buhoma sector. Each sector has a number of habituated gorilla groups ready for tracking and Habituation (only in Rushaga sector).
Prior booking is recommended and this can be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala or with a reputable Tour agent/operator. Permits can be booked up to two years in advance.
Gorillas display uncanny human characteristics. The close-knit family groups are headed by a silverback – a mature male – who selects places for the group to eat and sleep, and has many privileges, including the right to feed first. This privilege pays off for the rest of the family, as if the group is threatened, the silverback – weighing up to 120kg (260lbs) – will defend them to the death, if necessary.
Generally though, the gorilla is a gentle species. They are considered to be highly intelligent, have been observed using tools like other great apes, and communicate using a variety of vocal sounds.