Uganda – Gorilla Trekking Experience

Uganda, also referred to as the Pearl of Africa is a unique small country located in East Africa. After a 15 year cycle of dictatorship and war by Idi Amin after independence, the current government has shown a remarkable recovery and great recognition in Africa and the world. This country offer immense natural attractions which range from mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, wildlife and cultural tours. Gorilla trekking has made Uganda the most exciting wildlife encounter in the whole of Africa. out of the 700 Gorilla remaining on earth, half of them are found in this country.

Tracking of the Gorilla is done in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park and the Viruga Volcanoes in the border of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mhaginga National Park is located in the south-western side of Uganda. It is the smallest park in the country with an area of 34 kilometers square. This park consists of three slopes of the extinct Viruga Volcanoes (Muhavura, Gahinga, Sabinyo). The climatic changes of these mountains has provided good refuge for the mountain Gorilla, wild animals and plants for ages. Gorilla tracking is the most thrilling activity in the Mhaginga National Park. Gorilla family in this park is called Nyakagezi and it consists of 2 Silver back, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers an area of 200 kilometer square. The inaccessibility of the this thick rain forest has preserved the endangered mountain Gorilla, chimpanzee and other primates. This forest has also ensured the preservation of deep river gorges and high ridges for many years. There are 23 Gorilla groups living within this park but, only three groups are habituated by humans. A part from the endangered primates, this impenetrable forest is home to 350 bird species, 90 different mammals, a huge number of butterflies and 200 different types of trees.

Tracking of these endangered mammals is a very intensive experience and can take hours or even a whole day. the primates have no fixed routine and tracking them will require a qualified guide. Tracing the primates through the jungle and the thick forest is the most incredible wildlife experience you can ever have. The conservation of this park has improved the living standards of the neighboring communities through employment and better agricultural practices. Visitors are recommended to follow all rules and regulations given by the guides. Watching these endangered mountain Gorilla is one of the most interesting experience in Uganda.