Visiting Endangered Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Park Are Gorilla Habitat
Feb 20, 2009
The world's small remaining population of about 700 wild mountain gorillas lives in the dense jungles of western Uganda, eastern Congo, and northeastern Rwanda. Because of political instability in Congo and Rwanda over the recent two decades, tourists who want to track mountain gorillas have headed to two parks in Uganda, where gorillas can be viewed.
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The two parks that are home to the mountain gorilla are close to each other in western Uganda. Of the two, Bwindi is the more popular choice, despite having been the site of the kidnapping and massacre of tourists in 1999. Bwindi has four groups of habituated gorillas, as opposed to Mgahinga's one group. (A habituated group means that the gorillas will not flee at the first sign of humans, but will tolerate being approached. Rangers are working on habituating a second group in Mgahinga.) In addition, the gorillas in Bwindi stay solely within Uganda, whereas Mgahinga borders both Rwanda and Congo, and sometimes, the Mgahinga gorillas ignore human borders and stray over the border, where tourists are not allowed to follow them.
Permits to track the gorillas are extremely limited. Only 24 daily permits are given in Bwindi; 8 permits are available in Mgahinga. Permits go on sale two years in advance, with 80 percent of the early-bird permits reserved for Ugandan tour companies. Individuals can purchase the remainder on a first-come first-served basis from the Ugandan Wildlife Authority in Kampala. Some permits are available for short term bookings, and are released on the first day of each month.
Tips for Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Uganda
- The parks are about a 6 – 9 hour drive from Kampala. A range of accommodations is available, from lodges to tent-sites, and can be booked either directly or through an outfitter.
- The park cannot guarantee a gorilla sighting. The vast majority of trekkers do see gorillas, but some don’t. There is no “rain date” for the groups who don’t see the gorillas.
- Gorilla tracking starts from the gorillas’ last known position, usually where they were last seen on the previous day. The gorillas leave matted vegetation on the forest floor where they stopped to rest, and broken branches, which show their direction of travel.
- Gorilla tracking means following gorilla trails – not people trails – so it can be difficult and strenuous, with steep muddy climbs through the jungle. Hikers should be in reasonably good shape, because the treks can range from an hour (or less) to a full day of tough hiking.
- Hiking boots or shoes with good traction are essential; hiking sticks are a big help.
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen, a hat, bug repellent, water, snacks, and binoculars (available for rent from the park offices).
- Flash photography is not allowed, and the light is very dim. Set your camera on a high ISO. Professional photographers will want a tripod; others can brace cameras on tree branches.
- Too much activity stresses the gorillas: Speak quietly and don’t move suddenly.
- Try to stay at least 15 feet from gorillas, backing away slowly if one approaches too closely.
- Follow the guide’s instructions: They will know if a gorilla is acting uncomfortable or threatened.
- Park rules prohibit guests with colds or other communicable diseases from visiting the gorillas, due to the fact that human diseases can decimate the already fragile population.
Seeing the majestic mountain gorillas in their native habitat is worth the effort it takes to get to central Africa. Tourists can also take pleasure in knowing that fees paid contribute to gorilla conservation, habitat preservation, and local education and economic development.
More on Uganda travel: Mt. Elgon, Uganda Adventure Travel.
More on East Africa Travel: List of Resources on East Africa.
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