Why choose a Gorilla Safari in Uganda?
While a gorilla safari in Uganda can be one of the most amazing and moving wildlife experiences you can find today, it is certainly not only that. Uganda has earned its nickname as the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ as it is home to over 50% of the remaining mountain gorillas, and they are generally found in the mysterious, ancient, and misty rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as well as on the summit of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Going on a Uganda gorilla safari can be a very rare and wonderful opportunity to venture deep into the jungle and spend an hour in close proximity to our closest living relatives, the gorillas, in their untouched, natural, and protected environment. In order to have a truly life-changing experience, you will need to follow an ethical tourism standard, trek through the rugged terrain, and connect with the majesty of the gorillas. Therefore, Uganda is the best location for this once-in-a-lifetime journey with Focus East Africa Tours.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is a Most Intimate Experience.
When considering gorilla safaris in Uganda, what first comes to mind is the intimate nature of the experience. To add to the reward of seeing the gorillas, the trek itself is usually a challenging adventure, sometimes requiring several hours of moving up steep and slippery hills as well as through thick undergrowth with the assistance of our expert guides, trackers, and armed rangers.
Therefore, the difficulty of making the trek is much more enticing. As a visitor to the most popular gorilla family known to the gorilla researchers (the habituated family), your time with the family is limited to 60 minutes. During this time, you will be observing the gorilla in silence and likely witnessing the massiveness of a silverback at rest, young juveniles playing and tumbling in the trees, and an experienced mom grooming her baby with extreme gentleness.
Many visitors enjoy the closeness of the gorilla families in Uganda’s national parks, such as Bwindi, and enjoy this time with the gorillas with the utmost respect for the health, safety, and well-being of these majestic animals.
The gorilla families are accustomed to human visitors and therefore present excellent photographic opportunities and allow for excellent direct connections between visitors and these magnificent animals. The moment of being so close to the gorillas, not only because of the photographic opportunities but also the emotional connection to these animals, is a lasting impression for all who visit the gorillas in the forest.
Accessibility and Value For Money:
Uganda offers many advantages when compared to neighboring countries that also host Mountain Gorillas, specifically regarding logistics to the gorilla families and the monetary aspect of gorilla trekking.
Permit Availability:
Typically, Uganda has a larger quantity of gorilla trekking permits available per day across all four sectors of Bwindi and the Mgahinga National Park, even though permits sell out quickly in high season. Having a larger quantity of permits available affords travelers greater flexibility to plan their itinerary.
Cost of Gorilla Trekking:
The price of a permit to trek gorillas in Uganda typically is much less expensive than the equivalent cost of a permit in Rwanda, which is 800 USD per person per trek, allowing more people to experience the gorilla safari experience. In addition, the money received from these permits is used to support the anti-poaching patrols and community conservation programs that protect both gorillas and their habitat, making the full value of the gorilla safari experience available to many more travelers.
Adventure Tourism:
Most travelers who undertake a gorilla safari in Uganda will also participate in other adventure activities while in the country. Most of these activities are physically challenging and very enjoyable. For example, a gorilla trekking excursion through the misty mountains is just one of many activities that take place in Uganda and the mists provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Also, travelers can easily merge a gorilla trekking expedition with chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest National Park, completing the ‘Great Ape’ adventure in a single country.
Wildlife Safari:
Travelers are encouraged to continue their Uganda adventure by continuing their wildlife safari in East African Savanna Parks, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park (known for its tree-climbing lions) or Murchison Falls National Park (home to the largest waterfall in the world) before returning home.
Adrenaline Rush:
The trip has to conclude in Jinja, the historic source of the River Nile, and includes the opportunity to experience world-class white-water rafting on Grade 5 rapids as well as kayaking and bungee jumping in Jinja.
So, not only does Uganda offer an affordable and compact option to see Uganda in its fullest and most unique way, but it also offers the opportunity to experience all that the African continent has to offer through one unforgettable experience with Focus East Africa Tours.
