Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are both amazing activities to experience the awe -inspiring presence of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. If your planning to have a gorilla safari, Africa has various national parks which protect gorillas;
- Mgahinga National park- Uganda.
- Bwindi national park-Uganda.
- Volcanoes National park -Rwanda.
- Virunga National park-along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo.
Gorilla trekking and Gorilla habituation.
Gorilla trekking.
This involves observing and hiking through the dense forest while searching out for the gorillas. Trekking usually takes 1 hr as your guided by your local ranger who will be leading you to the beginning and end point. Gorilla tracking is considered to be most amazing activity than wildlife viewing in Africa. Gorilla trekking can be all year round. However, it’s advisable to trek during dry season. In Uganda, Rwanda and Congo has both seasons dry and wet. The first dry season which starts from December to early March. The second season is from June and ends in October.
Gorilla habituation.
This activity involves the gorillas being more closely relating with human beings. Usually the habituation is done by specific kind of people for example trackers, researchers, conservationists. Habituation gives you a chance to feed gorillas, observe females breast feeding young ones .Its known that gorillas are usually in groups and each group is being led by a silverback. The major responsibility of a sliver is to protect its family from all kinds of intruders.
Gorilla feeding .
Is there a difference between Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation?
Yes, there is a difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation;
- Gorilla habituation takes longer hours than gorilla trekking.
- Habituation is more expensive the trekking.
- Trekking is more adventurous, while habituation is more educational.
- Gorilla trekking is of less impact than habituation
What to carry when having gorilla experience.
Hiking Boots: These are important elements during the hike, ensuring your comfort and safety when trekking.
Rain Jacket: Since these places which harbour gorilla have different weather conditions; so it will you help from sudden rain showers while tracking gorillas.
Hiking stocks: These make a huge difference and simplicity during the gorilla trek safari, they will help you keep your feet comfortable and blister free.
Insect repellent: In case you have any skin allergic reactions, it will prevent the reactions.
Camera and binoculars: Help you capture amazing and memorable pictures and video of the gorilla trek or habituation.
Garbage Bag: This can be used to put waste .
Best Places to do a Gorilla a safari in Uganda
Bwindi impenetrable National park.
Bwindi impenetrable national park one is bale to do both gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation. The park is located in the southwest of Uganda covering 331km. A habitat of 120 species of birds,310 species of butterflies 29 frogs and many other endangered species. During your gorilla safari you will also have a chance to see different species; black bee eater, black tailed monkey, bar tailed trogon, handsome spur fowl, African harrier hawk and many more.
Mgahinga national park.
The park is covered by three extinct volcanoes mount Sabinya, Mount Gahinga, mount Muhavura and its known to be the smallest park in Uganda. Located in the southwestern of Uganda bordering Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga National park doesn’t only have gorilla activities but also other activities like hiking, volcano climbing, nature Walk, Batwa cultural tours.
A tourist can have gorilla habituation and gorilla trekking in different places which include Bwindi impenetrable national park, Mgahinga national park,Volocanoes national park .
3 day Murchsion Falls National park
3 days Queen Elizabeth National park
