+256 781227324 info@paradiseadventurevacations.com
+256 781227324 info@paradiseadventurevacations.com
06Jun
, , , , ,
0

Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours Uganda, Rwanda

A Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda with Paradise Adventure Vacations will take you adventuring into the tropical rainforest jungles of Uganda in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park the Rwanda side to see the elusive mountain giants, the mountain gorilla. Our trips take care of all the hustle and bustle of a Uganda trip including processing the gorilla permit, entry fees & permits, putting together your itinerary, transfers and making sure you are booked in the best accommodation facilities.

Encounter Africa Safaris specializes in tailor-made gorilla tracking safari tours and holidays in Uganda, Rwanda and African safaris in selected East African destinations. A Ugandan Local tour operator; Experts in booking escorted tours, city breaks, hiking holidays, mountain gorilla experiences and more jungle experiences, we can find the perfect holiday experience for you. Wander the mesmerising East African savanna, hike through the rainforest jungles or experience the magic of the African culture – we offer the very best that African safaris have to offer. Speak to one of our experienced and dedicated safari advisors; if you need inspiration or friendly advice our team is on hand to provide personalised customer service and expertise.

Gorillas Habituation in Uganda & Rwanda

Gorilla Habituation Experience is a new and unique way of spending a great wildlife holiday in the African jungles that offers a fantastic opportunity to spend up to four hours amongst a family of the remarkable mountain gorilla. Rather than an all-to-brief 60 minutes in their company, observe and photograph them interact, play and groom one another at a gentler pace paying the same price you would pay in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This is a one time chance to take part in the valuable task of habituating gorillas to the presence of humans.

There are just two gorilla families that are currently being habituated, in the dense foliage of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Trek deep into the trees in search of these sociable creatures, led by highly trained trackers and guides. Pick up the trail of clues that they have left behind as they roam through the forest. After a challenging trek through the green wilderness, eventually reach the family’s location. Approach cautiously, getting close to these powerful yet intelligent creatures.

2020 GORILLA TRACKING OFFERS

LUXURY GORILLA SAFARIS & TOURS IN UGANDA, RWANDA

On every East African Safari traveller’s bucket list is gorilla trekking in the tropical jungles of East Africa. Paradise Adventure Vacations has been in the forefront of creating unforgettable memories of seeing the mountain gorilla in the last decade (we have reviews to show off) and we celebrate this achievement by continuing to take our travelers through thick, misty, wet and impenetrable jungles to spend those memorable 60 minutes with the mighty giant cousin and his family.

We specialize in preparing gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. Check our blog for first hand information on gorilla permits prices and availability, which gorilla family you should track, when is the best time to visit mountain gorillas, what to pack, how to get there and what should be the best choice of accommodation. Take a private or group gorilla safari depending on your budget, include something else on the trip like a classic wildlife safari or take a shorter route through Kigali in Rwanda—choosing the best destination route is quite important for a great gorilla tracking trip.

Mountain Gorilla Familes in Uganda

Uganda has 11 gorilla groups or families habituated for trekking while one is for research. Gorilla families in Uganda include, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Mubare, Nkuringo, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, and recently the new groups called Busingye and Bweza. Kyaguriro gorilla group located in Ruhija is for research. Mountain gorilla habituation take about 2-3 years and below are some of the gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family
Location: Buhoma (ranging from Kahororo to Rubona)
Group size: 17 individuals including 2 silverbacks

Silverback MizanoThe Habinyanja gorilla family was habituated in 1997 and first visited by tourists in 1999. The name “Habinyanja” comes from the Rukiga word “Nyanja” meaning “a place with water”. The reason for this name is because the group was first seen near a swamp in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

At the time of habituation the group was lead by the dominant Silverback Mugurisi, which means “Old man”. After passing away because of old age, the two brothers Rwansigazi and Mwirima shared power but they were so different that it couldn’t continue. Rwansigazi was an adventurous gorilla and liked travelling, while Mwirima preferred to stay at a small range. It was therefore inevitable that in 2002 the two silverbacks decided to separate, without any fights. The group that followed Rwansigazi maintained the name Habinyanja and the members who stayed with Mwirima came to be known as the Rushegura family. Later, Rwansigazi had to give up leadership to Makara who is now the dominant silverback of the Habinyanja family. Sometimes, both groups still come across each other but co-exist rather peacefully.

Sadly, a tragedy happened in June 2011 when the friendly blackback Mizano was found dead with evidence of spear wounds about the shoulders and neck. It is believed that a group of poacher with their dogs ran into the group. Mizano, who naturally defended his family, was speared and died instantly. It was the first poaching incident whereby a gorilla has been killed by poachers since 1995.

 

Great Apes of Uganda Safaris & Tours

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The Impenetrable Forest Reserve was gazetted in 1942, upgraded to the Bwind Impenetrable National Park in 1992 and recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994. in the local Rukiga language, Bwindi actually means ‘Impenetrable.’ This double warning is apt, for Bwindi is all but impenetrable; 327km2 of tangled vegetation draped over a deeply fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys and high, draughty ridges. But if the terrain is far from easy to negotiate, it is well worth the effort. Atrek through this, one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests, in search of the endangered Mountain Gorillas, ranks among the world’s premier wildlife encounters.

Bwindi can be cold especially in the morning and at night, the annual average temperature range is 70C-200C with the coldest period being June and July. Warm clothing is required plus wet weather gear since Bwindi receives up to 2390mm of rain/year. This is concentrated during two wet seasons, short rains in March-May and heavy rains in September-November. Instead of short tropical deluges, rain in Bwindi often falls as long hours of soft drizzle.

For those are planning to do a gorilla tracking safari in Uganda, the following information would apply (as set out in the printed leaflet by the Uganda Wildlife Authority ‘Gorilla Rules’).

About the author

Besides the classical safaris, Tours in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and offers theme-based packages and special interest tours, like Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari tours, honeymoons Safaris, group tours, tribal and homestead tours, white Water Rafting tours, Mountain Hiking Safari Tour school/colleges groups Safari Tours and many more.

Leave a Reply