Gorilla trekking is popularly carried out in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In today’s article, we delve into what it means to do gorilla treks in Uganda.
The Uganda gorilla trekking experience is defined by one factor that many people find frustrating while other people find thrilling. That is the transfer from Entebbe International Park Airport to either of the gorilla trekking parks in Uganda. In the whole world, it is only Uganda that has two mountain gorilla national parks; Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.
The journey from Entebbe to the gorilla parks often takes between 8 hours to 9 hours on the road. This is quite very exhaustive for some people and for that reason, they often choose to feature other activities on their gorilla trekking safari. These usually feature either Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Mburo National Park.
Due to this long transfer, the most recommended gorilla safari is often between 5 days and 7 days. There are packages for 1 Day gorilla safari, 2 days gorilla safari, 3 days gorilla safari, and 4 days gorilla safari. If you intend to gorilla for a one-day gorilla safari, you will have to fly through Kigali; and cross the border in the dark so that you arrive at the park offices before 8 am.
If you intend to book a 2-day gorilla safari in Uganda, you will start from either Kabale or Kigali. It is not possible to do a 2-day gorilla safari while you are using Entebbe International Airport as your main gateway into Uganda.
The 3-days gorilla safari is quite a popular one. It always envisions driving from Entebbe to the gorilla park on day one, gorilla trekking on the second day, and then returning to Entebbe on the third day. Considering travel issues such as jet lag, the 3 days gorilla safari might not provide you with the best gorilla safari experience. It is why we recommend people to often take at least a 4-day gorilla safari.
During the four-day gorilla safari, you will have the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate on the first day and then transfer to the gorilla park on the following day. In most cases, the journey is broken into two to ensure that you do not drive for more than 5 hours on the road.
Trekking Gorillas In Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. The park has over 20 habituated gorilla families making it the biggest gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. Bwindi is divided into four gorilla trekking sectors; the Buhoma sector, the Ruhija sector, the Rushaga sector, and the Nkuringo sector.
All gorilla trekking permits are issued according to sectors. But this is not the gist of the matter. When planning a gorilla safari to Uganda, the sector will play a great deal in your itinerary planning. For instance, if you are flying in through Kigali, the best option for gorilla trekking would be the Rushaga sector. It is almost impossible to do a one-day gorilla safari if you intend to trek gorillas in the Buhoma sector.
It is also important to note that accommodation must only be booked once you have secured the gorilla trekking permits.
Gorilla Trekking In Mgahinga Gorilla National park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is quite a unique national park. It is the only national park in Uganda that extends into two other countries; Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many people prefer gorilla trekking in Mgahinga because of the golden monkey tracking that can be done a day before or after tracking.
On top of golden monkey tracking, the hike to the borderline of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has continually interested more travelers to stand in three countries without any need for a Visa.
Though many people focus on gorilla trekking alone, the real gorilla trekking experience can easily be garnished with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a hike in Mgahinga National Park. There is always more to offer in these destinations. It is therefore important to always leave room for extra activities. If you need any help planning your gorilla safari to Uganda, do not hesitate to contact your gorilla treks expert today.