Uganda is a pearl of Africa and it has too much to offer. This makes it unique from other destinations. Among the attractions in Uganda, there is that one activity that rarely miss on the bucket list of what to do in Uganda. Going on a gorilla safari in Uganda is a life time memorable experience. When you secure a gorilla permit and prepare for the trek, many questions will be running into your mind on how these gentle creatures next to humans behave in the wild. They are intelligent animals and live in groups, have the leader the silverback, females taking care of young ones and the blackbacks. This is almost the same setting with humans.
The mountain gorillas in Uganda, can be tracked in two National parks, Mahinga National Park which is part of Virunga massif shared between two other countries, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. And Bwindi Impenetrable Nationals which is a home to almost Half of these gentle primates. Gorilla permits are on Demand Most especially in High season Months, booking in advance is crucial, approx. a year prior. Once you miss getting a permit from Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga can be an option.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This park is found in the western Uganda, having the biggest number of Mountain gorillas in Uganda. It has four sections/regions or entrances to the park and each has Headquarter where all the activities start from. The different regions include, Rushaga having more gorilla groups, Ruhija, Buhoma this was the first section or entrance to be established, and Nkuringo. You can secure gorilla permit from any of those regions depending on your Itinerary and availability issue.
Gorilla Tracking is the main activity in Bwindi National Park and each gorilla family is entitled for 8 visitors per day. Very early in the morning, head to the park headquarter for briefing before starting the activity.
Other activities to do in Bwindi
The park has diversity of other attractions this makes it to have more to explore. Before heading to another destination, do Nature walk in Bwindi where you may encounter water falls, different types of monkeys, and etc.
Batwa experience: This activity can be done in Rushaga region. The Batwa were the native people who used to stay in forest before it was gazetted into a national park. They live around the park. Spend time with these people as they entertain you with different songs, Dance and more other expressions.
Birding: Bwindi is rich with many bird life here some of them are Albertine Endemic rift. Forest species and etc. Good guides for birding are available. All activities done in this park, you will be escorted by the ranger or park guides to ensure safety.
Accommodation
Bwindi Impenetrable national park has types of Accommodation. Each region has where to sleep. Among the luxury lodges, some of the examples include, Mahogany springs, clouds gorilla lodge, chameleon hill lodge, 4 Gorillas, Ichumbi gorilla lodge and etc.
How to access Bwindi
Bwindi can be accessed by road. This will be in our spacious 4×4 safari land cruisers with experienced driver guide, its approx. 10-11 hours’ drive from Kampala/Entebbe.
It can also be accessed by air, Domestic flight companies run daily scheduled flights to the western Uganda to different air fields. They include, Kihihi air field and Kisoro air field.
Mgahinga National Park
This is important National Park in Uganda it is located in south western Uganda bordering Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s located in Virunga which is shared between the mentioned countries. This is near to Volcano national park of Rwanda, Virunga National Park of Democratic republic of Congo. This park is known by its habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi and the main activity here is Tracking Mountain gorillas. The terrain and the landscape slightly resemble that of Volcano National Park of Rwanda because it’s the same Forest after all.
Other activities to explore in Mgahinga
Besides gorilla tracking, aim higher and do the Volcano Hiking here. This park is composed of 3 volcanoes Mt Muhabura Mt Gahinga where the park derived its name and Sabyinyo which is the most popular among the 3. Daily hikes are organized by park guides and rangers. The experience is amazing most especially with Sabyinyo when you reach its peak, you will be between 3 mentioned countries without having Visa.
Batwa Experience
These are the Twa people known to be among the shortest people, in Uganda, but now this truth is fading away due to intermarriages between other tribes around. Since these people were staying in this park and they were evicted after gazetting it, the government/ Uganda wildlife Authority thought of a plan of how these people should benefit directly from the park. The activity is Conducted by these people trying to give you a light of how they used to stay in this park. Collecting honey, hunting technics, Hiding skills for instance in Garama cave. All these are accompanied by different songs and Dance with meaning.
Golden Monkey Tracking
These are rarely seen elsewhere. The activity can be done only in two national parks in East Africa, Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. They are residents in Mgahinga and this activity can follow gorilla tracking. They are unique with their Golden color. The park guides will explain their behaviors and way of life. Enjoy them jumping around the tree tops.
Where to sleep in Mgahinga
Mgahinga National Park is surrounded by accommodation facilities ranging from Budget, Midrange and Luxury. Among the luxury lodge here include the Gahinga lodge where you can relax and spend the nights before connecting to other destination.
Accessibility
The park can be accessed by road, have an international flight to Entebbe international airport, you will be picked by our safari guide and then head to south western Uganda.
Alternatively, it’s possible to land at Kigali International airport, picked by our safari guide and then transfer to Uganda by crossing the border of Kisoro. The Driving Distance here is not long compared from landing at Entebbe. Remember Mgahinga is bordering Rwanda.
Another option is by air. After landing at Entebbe airport, there are different domestic flights to western Uganda. Landing can be at Kisoro airfield then be picked by our driver guide in a safari van to the park.
