Gorillas in Uganda : Uganda has more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population found on the Virunga Mountain slopes in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are two species of gorilla recorded only in Africa: The Eastern and Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). Uganda’s mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the Eastern gorilla, found only in the east-central African rainforests. As their name hints, they live only in the mountains at elevations between 8,000 and 13,000 feet. According to a recent publication in 2018, over 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining on Earth. Some of the mountain gorilla population lives in the rainforests of the Virunga mountains in central Africa. The other almost half roam the montane jungle floors of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Where do mountain gorillas live?
These gentle giants live only in high-altitude montane and bamboo forests, between 8,000 – 13,000 feet (1,400 m to 3,800 meters), surrounded by human agriculture and settlements. Mountain gorillas only live in the dense vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. here’s an overview of these incredible primates and their habitant in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is situated in the southwestern province of Uganda. Its is UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biological diverse areas on the planet. Bwindi impenetrable national park is encompassing of dense tropical rainforest, lush vegetation and steep slopes. The park ‘s names “Impenetrable” reflects the thick vegetation and rugged terrain which makes trekking through the jungles of the forest a physically demanding experience. The park is famous of its exceptional mountain gorillas with over 400 individuals, and one of the main highlights of Uganda’s tourism industry. Bwindi national park is a home to half of the remaining large population of the mountain gorillas on planet, making it a prized attraction and the stronghold for the conservation efforts. the park is home to several habituated gorilla families with over 25 recorded which allow for regulated gorilla trekking experiences that provide visitors with the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Such gorilla families include Mubare gorilla family, Habinyanja gorilla family, Rushegura gorilla family, Rushegura gorilla family, Rushaga Sector Groups, Bweza gorilla family, Nshongi Gorilla Family, Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Oruzogo Gorilla Family, Bitukura Gorilla Family among others
In addition to the mountain gorillas, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including other primates’ species like chimpanzees, L’hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, forest elephants, duikers, giant forest hogs, buffaloes, bushbucks as well as captivating birds including Albertine’s rift endemics such as turacos, barbets, sunbirds, and numerous species of cuckoos, robins, and warblers among others.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga National Park is situated in southwestern part in Uganda and its part of the Virunga conservation area, stretches Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While in Mgahinga National Park one of the smallest national parks in the country, famous for its exceptional population of the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is a home to one habituated gorilla family, known as the Nyakagezi group, this is consisting of several mountain gorillas including the silverback named Mark. Gorilla trekking in mgahinga national park offers opportunities to visitors to see these fascinating primates in their natural habitants as well as opportunities to have a close view of the exceptional Virunga mountains. The park is a home to three of the eight Virunga mountains such as Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.
In addition to mountain gorillas here, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a home to a number of primates species including golden monkeys, blue monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, and the rare L’Hoest’s monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers, bushbucks as well as thrilling bird species such as Rwenzori turaco, dusky crimsonwing, white-necked raven and crowned hornbill among others.
Are mountain gorillas Aggressive and dangers?
Mountain Gorillas are generally calm, gentle, peaceful, social, shy, reserved and friendly towards people because of the fact that they spend a lot of time around them such as guides and researchers. These Gorillas are not necessarily dangerous but they only become aggressive depending on how people handle and approach in their territory. People may threaten and tend to disturb the peace of the gorillas with an aim of assuming danger. Yes, it is true that mountain gorillas will be aggressive and dangerous if they are provoked and threatening movements more particular Silverback (male gorillas) who is the head of the gorilla family will react with a horrific hooting or a roar. Mountain gorillas in Uganda as well as Rwanda and the democratic republic is Congo have been habituated to the human’s presence, this allows visitors to observe them close in their natural habitat
How difficult to see gorillas in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through the jungles of the dense rainforests and rugged landscape, some times in challenging conditions eighth steep slopes, mud and thick vegetation. While trekking distances can vary, ranging from relatively short to several hours. gorilla trekking needs an individual with high body physical fitness.
Who much does it cost to see mountain gorillas in Uganda?
The cost of see this mountain gorillas in Uganda costs US $800 Per Person for foreigners, US $700 for foreign residents and UGX300,000 for East Africans and it’s issued from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or authorized tour operators like Focus East Africa Tours
What should in bring for gorilla trekking?
Well!! There are essentials items to bring for gorilla trekking including trekking gear like sturdy hiking shoes, long light weight pants and long – sleeved shirt, Waterproof rain jacket, hat or cap, garden gloves, enough drinking mineral water and snacks, camera, binoculars, hiking stick, sunglasses, insect repellent, First aid kit, hand sanitizer, gorilla trekking permit, valid passport among others.
Contact our trusted tour operator for more information, inquiries about Uganda safaris and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on a safari in the country.
