What are the chances of seeing Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
Mountain gorillas are the rarest and most severely endangered primate species in the world. Both Uganda and Rwanda are home to a considerable number of mountain gorillas, which means that the odds of sighting gorillas in these two countries are quite high.
As a consequence of this, Uganda and Rwanda are among the few nations from where it is possible to watch mountain gorillas in their native environment without risking your safety.
What factors contribute to the high likelihood of seeing gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?
The existence of multiple gorilla families that are well-habituated and used to the presence of people is one of the reasons why the likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda is high. Both nations contain a number of gorilla families among their populations. They are not going to flee when they are in the company of people because of this.
The following explanation is that both Uganda and Rwanda have made investments in the training of their trackers and ranger guides. These individuals are responsible for discovering these gorillas in the woods and directing you to the location where they will be on the day that you are traveling to see them.
In addition, it is essential to take into consideration that in Uganda and Rwanda, the rate at which visitors travel is determined by the one who is the slowest in the group. This indicates that the ranger guides will be patient with you until you reach the gorillas, regardless of whether you are a slow person or someone who is not very fit.
It is also essential to be aware that the distribution of gorilla families in Uganda and Rwanda is contingent on the level of interest and physical health of the persons involved. If you believe that you would want to have a family that is easier to reach, please make a request for it, since this will enhance the likelihood that you will see gorillas.
Hiring porters or sedan chairs is another aspect that will increase your chances of spotting gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Both of these countries are located in Africa. Porters are people that will help you out on the journey by carrying your bag and providing you with a push or pull as you make your way along the trail.
The elderly and others who are not physically fit have the option of using stretchers or sedan chairs, which allow them to be transported to the gorillas. There is an additional fee associated with this, but it guarantees that you will encounter mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National location in Uganda is the ideal location in which to do mountain gorilla trekking. This park is situated in the southwestern portion of the nation and is home to nearly half of the mountain gorillas that are still alive in the world. This is closely followed by Mgahinga National Park, which is home to a single family of habituated gorillas.
Mountain gorillas may be found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which is home to fifteen families that have been acclimated to the park.
Uganda and Rwanda both provide travelers with the opportunity to participate in supervised gorilla trekking safaris, which include hiking through the woods and seeing gorillas in their natural environment. Even though it is not possible to promise that you will encounter gorillas in both countries, the success rate for gorilla tracking is normally very high, coming in around 99%. This is due to the fact that the trip is well planned and coordinated.
While in Uganda and Rwanda, the likelihood of spotting mountain gorillas is contingent upon a number of different conditions. Gorilla trekking offers almost a one hundred percent possibility of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Mountain gorillas, on the other hand, are quite likely to be seen in the wild, in contrast to other wild creatures, whose sightings in the wilderness are only a possibility. These wild creatures may be found in a certain location for an extended period of time, and their migration is not very quick. Their bodies are cumbersome and heavy, making it difficult for them to move at a high speed.
It is necessary to get a gorilla trekking permit from either the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board in order to be granted permission to look at the mountain gorillas. On a daily basis, only eight gorilla permits are made available for booking by the general public for each gorilla family.
For reasons related to conservation, the number of gorilla permits being issued is restricted to a maximum of eight customers. It is possible that the very sensitive mountain gorillas would get upset by the big crowds and go into hiding when the number of people who are visiting the area exceeds that threshold threshold.
The northwestern region of Rwanda is where you’ll find this unique park. This is the only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas may be found living. In order to get access to the mountain gorillas, it is necessary for every passenger to buy a gorilla permit from the Rwanda Development Board.
There are just fifteen gorilla families that are now available for tourists to see in Rwanda; however, as the mountain gorilla conservation effort continues, it is anticipated that additional gorilla families may become accustomed to tourists.
There are a variety of primates that can be seen at Volcanoes National Park. Some of these primates include golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and others.
When it comes to birding in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the greatest place to go since it is home to more than 300 different kinds of birds, and the list is continually growing. There are birds in Volcanoes National Park that are on the IUCN red list. These birds are found in the park. There are other indigenous species of the Albertine Rift that may be found in this park, such as the Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turraco, Dusky’s Crimsonwing, Acher’s Robin-chat, and others.
Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Muhavura, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Bisoke, and Mount Sabyinyo are the five high-elevated volcanoes that can be seen from Volcanoes National Park. The park also offers a breathtaking view of these volcanoes. Eight hours of a day might be spent on a hike that is a return trip.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in the southwestern portion of Uganda is where you’ll find Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas are found in this park, which is located on the African continent. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was chosen as a world heritage site in 1994 because of its exceptional biodiversity, which makes it a destination that is really one of a kind because to its exceptional location.
The flora and wildlife of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park may be linked to the park’s long history of existence and the fact that it managed to survive throughout the ice age. It is estimated that the forest has been there for more than thirty thousand years and has amassed a diverse collection of flora and wildlife.
Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys are just few of the primate species that call the Bwindi forest home. There are over ten total primate species that call this forest home.
Within the boundaries of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are now 18 gorilla families that are accessible to tourists among the mountain gorillas. The Buhoma region, the Rushaga area, the Nkuringo area, and the Ruhija area are some of the gorilla trekking places that may be found within these sections.
More than three hundred and fifty different kinds of birds call Bwindi Impenetrable National Park their home. A total of seven species of birds that are on the IUCN red list are found in this forest, which is home to virtually the greatest bird population in Africa.
There are a variety of species that may be seen at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including the Red-faced Woodland Warbler, the Rwenzori Batis, the White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, and the Western Green Tinkerbird, amongst others. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the highest concentration of birding opportunities may be found in the Ruhija region, particularly in the Mubwindi marsh.
The Bwindi forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including 51 species of reptiles, over 310 kinds of butterflies, 88 months, and other animals.
Mgahinga National Park
The three of the six Virunga ranges are located in the southern portion of Mgahinga National Park, which is located in Uganda. This park encompasses around 33.7 square kilometers of land and is home to a number of mountain gorillas that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The Nyakagezi family is the only gorilla family that is now available for tourists to see. At this time, there is just one gorilla family.
Because it is less frequented than other national parks, Mgahinga National Park still retains its natural vegetation. When one goes on a trek to one of these volcanoes, they will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking flora cover that has developed over the course of time. There is also the possibility of climbing the dormant volcanoes in order to stand on the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo all at the same time.
In addition, Mgahinga National Park is home to a number of other primates, such as golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, black and white colobuses, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and a few more.
Birding at Mgahinga National Park is a fantastic experience due to the fact that this park is home to over 115 different kinds of birds, including endemic species that are only found in Albertine Peninsula. The Dusky’s Tutle Dove, the Rwenzori Turaco, the Lagden’s Bush Shrike, the Malachite Sunbird, the Montane Double-collared sunbird, and a few more species of birds are included among those that you may be able to see.
In Uganda and Rwanda, how much does it cost to go on a gorilla trekking safari?
There is just one fee that is consistent across all safari packages, and that is the cost of the gorilla trekking permit. This includes the cost of the Luxury, Midrange, and Modest safari packages. Additional aspects to take into account while determining the cost of gorilla trekking expeditions include
The total number of days spent on a gorilla trekking camp safari
A larger gross cost would be incurred for a gorilla trekking safari that lasts for a longer period of time. The vast majority of service providers charge a daily rate, and the gross cost will increase proportionately with the amount of time you spend on safari.
The time of the gorilla trekking safari is such that if you book your gorilla tour during the peak season, the cost will be high. On the other hand, if you book your safari during the low season, you may be able to draw lower pricing from service providers such as hotels, car hiring, and other suppliers.
The number of individuals who pay to participate in the gorilla trekking safari means that the cost of the safari per person decreases in proportion to the number of people who book the gorilla trekking safari. A number of safari charges, including vehicle rental, driver guide, and a great deal more, are yours to split.
When you combine gorilla trekking with a number of other activities, the cost of the trip will often climb. A variety of activities, including climbing, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife drives, launch voyages, and visits to the source of the Nile River, are among the options available to you.
What Does the Price of a Gorilla Permit Consist of for the Countries of Uganda and Rwanda?
Gorilla trekking licenses in Uganda cost $800 per person, per trip. This is the cost of the permits. It costs $1500 per person for each expedition to get a gorilla permit in Rwanda. In addition to the above, the cost of gorilla trekking permits includes the following.
The costs charged by the ranger guides
For any party that is going to undertake gorilla trekking, there must be at least two ranger guides who are providing the direction. In the course of their careers, these rangers have amassed a wealth of mountain gorilla expertise. They get a deeper understanding of the mountain gorillas’ way of existence by doing research, participating in in-person visits to the gorillas, and attending refresher courses.
They provide this information to you, and everyone is interested in receiving the most up-to-date and accurate information on the mountain gorillas that they are hiking. The rangers have earned the right to get their salary because of all the work they perform to protect the mountain gorillas and other animals that live in the forest.
A medicine for gorillas
Medication for the mountain gorillas is included in the price of the gorilla licenses for the endangered species. In spite of the fact that they are wild creatures who are responsible for finding their own food, the gorilla physicians are occasionally need to provide further help to them.
To determine the gorillas’ overall health, random examinations are performed on them on a regular basis. These examinations include the collection of samples of their feces or blood. Each of these items is sent to a separate laboratory. This is all quite expensive.
Support for the habituation of gorillas
There is a need for financial assistance in order for gorilla habituation to take place. A variety of activities, including the sale of gorilla permits, are responsible for the collection of these monies. The process of acquiring mountain gorillas as a result of the presence of people without causing any changes to their natural state is referred to as gorilla habituation. This method also includes doing study on each mountain gorilla, in addition to a great deal of other things.
Support from the local community
There are instances when the mountain gorillas wander into the village and ruin the food that is being provided. In order to compensate for this, a portion of the yearly earnings that is extracted from the sale of activities that are associated with gorillas is donated to the community.
They utilize this to fund their initiatives, which include the construction of roads, the establishment of schools, the establishment of water sources, and a great deal more. Instead of murdering the mountain gorillas, the people decide to pass on information about them to the authorities who are responsible for their protection.
How Challenging Is It to Go Gorilla Trekking?
Because of the volcanic nature of this region, gorilla trekking is conducted on terrain that is considered to be rough. In addition, mountain gorillas are known to wander to the slopes of neighboring highlands, which means that you will need to search for them there at times.
In other cases, even the most intense rainy seasons might be enough to force mountain gorillas to move to higher elevations, away from the damp terrain. There is a possibility that you would have to search for gorillas on the slopes if you schedule your gorilla trekking safari during the months of high rainfall.
One of the reasons why you need to have a certain degree of physical condition in order to find mountain gorillas is because of this. On the other hand, you do not need to go to the gym in order to be ready for gorilla trekking; nonetheless, you should extend your muscles beyond what is normally done.
In situations when you are in the woods and you need to make your way through dense vegetation in order to reach the mountain gorillas, the ranger guides carry machetes that they use to chop through the vegetation and create a path to the area where the gorillas are spending their time.
With regard to gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, what is the best time to make reservations?
In Uganda and Rwanda, gorilla trekking is available throughout the whole year. You must, however, make sure that you book your gorilla permit in a timely manner. It is recommended that you make your gorilla permit reservation at least six months in advance if you want to go gorilla trekking during the peak seasons, which are from June to September or from December to January. Despite the fact that there are only a certain number of gorilla permits available, this is done to prevent sudden panic at the last minute.
When it comes to gorilla trekking, some people like the drier months since there is less rain in the jungle during those months. On the other hand, even the creatures that live in the forest, such as monkeys, butterflies, birds, and others, are at their most active during the dry months.
It should be noted that the rates of the majority of services are expensive during the peak season due to the demand for them. This is true even for other activities such as game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and other similar activities.
Packing for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda: What You Need to Bring
able to be folded When you are out in the bush, you should wear a safari hat in case you end up falling from the trees.
The clothing used on safari should be in hues that are suitable for the natural environment, such as Khaki, tan, and other colors that do not reveal dirt.
In the event that you do not have anybody to help you, you should have a duffel bag in which you may put your goods so that you can conveniently carry them.
A flashlight that can be used in the dark when the lights go off. The illumination in the majority of these lodges is provided by solar energy.
In order to prevent yourself from being chilly, particularly in the morning and evening when the weather is changing, you should wear a sweater or warmers.
When you are out in the woods, you should wear safari boots to protect your feet from the severe circumstances, such as pricking surfaces.
Insect repellant is a product that prevents biting insects from entering your body and causing damage to you.
You should include an adaptor and charger for your electronic devices so that you may recharge them in case you need to.
Batteries that are fully charged and available for replacement in the event that one of them runs out of power
In the event that it rains when you are visiting the mountain gorillas, you should bring a poncho or a raincoat with you.
You should bring a camera with you so that you may capture pictures and save the memories of your meet with the mountain gorillas.
The lodges provide you with pyjamas to wear at night while you are staying there.
Using bug spray, you may keep insects that could be in your room at bay.
Wearing a mask before going into the woods to encounter the mountain gorillas is recommended. A rule that must be followed by everyone.
Protect your hands from the potentially stinging nettles that may be present in the wilderness by wearing garden gloves.
For the purpose of seeing distant things in the wilderness that could be of interest to you, binoculars.
When you need to make purchases such as souvenirs, you should have some cash on hand to convert into the local currency.
