Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered primate species that can only be found in the forested expanses of the Virunga Massif, which stretches from Uganda through Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in south western Uganda, are two protected national parks where you can view endangered mountain gorillas.
The current mountain gorilla population is estimated to be at 1004 individuals, with Uganda accounting for half of them. Gorillas are gentle giants who share up to 96 percent of their DNA with humans, making them closely related to humans.
Mountain gorillas, unlike lowland gorillas, have never been able to thrive in captivity, hence they are not found in zoos outside of Africa.
To see mountain gorillas, travel to Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo and trek through the lush tropical rain forests where they live.
Conservation and Gorilla Tourism Due to poaching, sickness, civil conflicts, and human encroachment on gorilla habitat, the Mountain gorilla population plummeted in the late 1960s and early 1980s.
The mountain gorilla population, on the other hand, has been continuously rising since the establishment of protected areas and national parks.
A lot of conservation work is being done to bring gorillas back from the verge of extinction. Protected areas for gorilla tourism were established up in the 1990s, and some mountain gorilla families were habituated to allow people to view them.
There are currently close to 20 habituated mountain gorilla groups in Uganda, all of which are open to tourists.
To see the gorillas, you must first obtain a Gorilla Trekking Permit, which must be purchased ahead of time to ensure that your slot is assured.
If you are already in Uganda, you can obtain a gorilla trekking permit from a local tour operator or directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is $700 for non-residents, $600 for residents, and Shs 250,000 for East Africans, all of which go towards gorilla conservation.
Proceeds from the selling of gorilla trekking licenses are used by Uganda’s government to support conservation and intervention initiatives, as well as infrastructural development.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority distributes a portion of the funds to local communities, as well as government allocations to local governments in areas where national parks are located.
As a result, traveling to Uganda for gorilla trekking has a significant impact on the conservation of these magnificent animals.
When Should You Go See the Gorillas? Gorilla trekking can be done at any time of year, but the dry season months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February are the best.
Because there is little rain during this time, the conditions are ideal for hiking through the deep forested landscapes of Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks.
For a true African wildlife experience, combine your Uganda safari to see the mountain gorillas with a visit to one of Uganda’s other national parks.
Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are among Uganda’s other popular national parks.
Uganda vs Rwanda vs Congo Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the only three nations in the world where mountain gorillas can be seen. However, seeing gorillas in Uganda is preferable to gorilla trekking in Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This is due to two main factors: the Ugandan permit costs $700, whereas the Rwandan permit costs $1500 for the identical experience! As a result, Uganda is a better choice than Rwanda.
The DR Congo permit, on the other hand, is only $400, but it is not safe owing to civil wars and guerillas near the Virunga national park, therefore Uganda still wins because your safety while on a gorilla safari is guaranteed.
Transportation and lodging Near Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks, there are numerous lodging alternatives.
These range from low budget lodges to deluxe lodges, so every tourist is catered for. Bwindi can be reached by car or by flying with one of the local airlines.
Local outfitters can organize for your lodging, transportation, and Gorilla permit booking.
