Maybe you have been researching and reading about gorillas with the hope of someday seeing them with your own eyes. Watching them on TV and wondering if they’re as big as they seem to be in pictures. You can only make your dream come true by treating yourself to a gorilla trekking safari.
Uganda and Rwanda are famous for being home to the mountain gorillas, the largest primates. For the best adventure, you have to meet the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. You will walk deep in the jungle for long hours, to and from the forest.
But do you go gorilla trekking in Uganda or trek the primates in Rwanda? No matter the country you choose, you can be sure to have a wonderful experience. To help you decide whether to go to Rwanda or Uganda or better still, both countries, we give you full details on each of these two Gorilla trekking safaris so you can make an informed choice.
Go on, get your hiking gear ready to explore the splendid gorilla empire.
Rwanda gorilla safaris
The famous movie Gorillas in the Mist, which was shot in Rwanda, has made this safari country very popular. The high conservation efforts in Rwanda are making the mountain gorilla population grow steadily and in return, many people are choosing this country as their preferred gorilla trekking destination.
Rwanda safaris at the Volcanoes National Park will start early in the morning. After a tour briefing at the park head office, you’re now ready for the hike. The tourists are divided into small groups of eight people. Each group is provided with armed tour guides. Safety on your safari in Rwanda is guaranteed to incase other animals show up. The guide carries machetes to clear the paths through the jungle.
Once you get deep into the forest, you’ll begin to see the gorillas. Your first glimpse of mountain gorillas is a dream come true. Some will be feeding, and others napping or playing. Surprisingly, you might catch some mating in broad daylight.
Tour guides will take you through the different groups and families of gorillas. Like the Guhonda, which is the giant silverback gorilla. Sabyinyo is Rwanda's most famous gorilla family and consists of 15 members, including the three silverbacks. Make memories of all these experiences by taking as many pictures as you can.
Rwanda gorilla safaris give you a golden opportunity to learn more about gorillas. Did you know that gorillas are close relatives to human beings? We share 98% of our DNA with them.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Uganda tours receive tourists in large numbers, and booking your trip in advance is recommended. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the hotspots to find gorillas in Uganda. To go on a gorilla trekking safari you must purchase a permit at any of these two parks. The parks are accessible by road from Entebbe airport.
Park rangers will lead you from the park to the narrow slippery and steep footpaths. It takes roughly four hours to reach where the gorillas are. This hiking will highly test your fitness levels.
As you get closer to the mountain gorillas, there are many commotions. The gorillas are trying to identify who is approaching. The gorillas are likely to continue with their daily routine as you watch them. The mothers watch the young ones while they play and flop around.
Uganda gorillas live in troop bands of around 10-40. Gorillas feed on leaves, roots, and wild celery and hardly take water. The silverbacks have the responsibility to protect the rest of the troops.
Mostly the gorillas are calm and collected until they are threatened or provoked. There is a way they communicate, and you can quickly tell when they are angry. Keep a distance, talk in low voices and avoid eye contact with them.
Feeding gorillas in the park is prohibited, and touching their young ones can make them attack you. Sometimes, they might gently poke you or even hold your legs. Don't run away or make any sudden movements. Let them be the ones to walk away from you. The guides have learned how to calm and communicate with them through specific gestures and voices.
Uganda safaris in the parks are open all year round because the gorillas don't migrate or hibernate. The gorillas are highly protected, and poaching is illegal. These rules have helped in maintaining a suitable environment for the gorillas.
So, Rwanda or Uganda?
Rwanda and Uganda offer stunning adventure and fantastic gorilla trekking safaris. They differ in charges and some rules.
Uganda has a larger gorilla population making it easier to secure a permit that is issued daily. On the other hand, Rwanda is easily accessible, but the charges are higher than in Uganda.
Visit both countries if you have ample time and resources. You will have the experience of a lifetime and learn more about different cultures. Whether you choose gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, make it a learning experience. It is not fully guaranteed to meet many gorillas on your trekking safari, but the tour guides will try their best to make sure you see just a few on a bad day. The weather can be a significant barrier, and some corners might become unreachable on some days.
Gorillas, just like human beings, experience feelings of joy, frustration, love, and sadness. Be mindful and follow the guidelines of the park to protect them. Take the required precautions to ensure their safety and health are well obtained. If they become playful or try to attack you, remain calm and don’t panic. Sometimes they are in a good mood, and maybe they are trying to interact with you. The tour guide will calm the situation immediately.
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