Gorilla Trekking Vs Chimpanzee Tracking in Uganda

In Uganda, gorilla trekking is done in two destinations namely: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The mentioned two gorilla parks are situated in western Uganda and can be reached in a duration between 7-9 hours drive.  You can easily link the two parks and basing on your budget, you can decide to encounter mountain gorillas in both locations.

On the other hand, Uganda offers chimpanzee trekking in five destinations namely: Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest (Murchison Falls National Park), Toro- Semuliki Game reserve, Kalinzu Forest and Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park).

As far as primate trekking is concerned, gorilla trekking is more organized that chimpanzee trekking in the amazing tropical rain forests. Its because, Gorillas form and lives in families unlike chimpanzees which lives in communities but separates during day to avoid high competition for food. To back up my statement, look at the variation in prices: the highest amount of Chimpanzee trekking permit is US$200 compared to US$700 for Gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking receives more attendants compared to chimpanzee trekking. Amidst high cost of Gorilla trekking, statistics shows more sales than chimpanzee trekking per annum.

In terms of convenience, chimpanzees are more convenient than gorillas for the following reasons:

• Uganda keeps captive chimpanzees in Uganda Wildlife Education centre (Former Entebbe Zoo) and at Ngamba Island. For guest who can endure the hustling of walking in the jungle to search for chimpanzees can engage chimpanzees up close while in captivity. On the other hand, strong and fitter guests can move to find chimpanzees in any of the five destinations if not all.
• In terms of transport, most of the Uganda chimpanzee destinations are easily reached: Budongo Forest can be reached between 4-5hours drive, Kibale National park between 5-6hrs drive, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu forest between 6-7hrs drive.
• Chimpanzee trekking competition is a bit lower than that of gorilla trekking. In other words, you can easily get chimpanzee trekking permit than Gorilla pass.
• Chimpanzee trekking is done in two shifts: Morning and afternoon shift especially in Kibale National Park. Gorilla trekking has only morning shift and more restrictions are set.

Mountain Gorillas are among the world’s rare primates compared to chimpanzees. Statistics shows that mountain gorillas are found only in Virunga region and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Good news is that, Uganda has the majority and being rare primates, the country offers a unique gorilla safari experience that is inexpensive and memorable to travelers looking for primate safaris.

A maximum of eight people is allowed to meet each gorilla group in Uganda but chimpanzee trekking permits six people.

Gorilla trekking exercise is highly challenging compared to chimpanzee trekking. The rangers recommend a porter for each trekker. Porters carry guests’ luggage and sometimes carry tourists in case of failure to finish the exercise.

Gorilla habituation is done in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National park while Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale National park. Primate habituation is aiming at making them familiar to human hence facilitating primate tracking. In conclusion, both chimpanzee and Gorilla treks are memorable and one should complement another.

5 Best Safaris in Uganda

Planning for a holiday in Africa but wondering about which place to visit? A safari in Uganda offers tourists with various experiences ranging from gorilla trekking to other adventures like classic wildlife game viewing and cultural interaction experiences.

1. Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

A gorilla tracking safari to Bwindi is one of the must do activities that can be taken by travelers to Uganda. No wonder today, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the number on visited tourist destination in Uganda. This park offers the lifetime opportunity to watch the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. The mountain gorillas are among the biggest of all apes!  They can be found only in three countries in the world; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo. Bwindi Impenetrable Forests hosts nearly half of the total population of the mountain gorillas. For over 2 decades, Bwindi National Park is the best site to track down the family of gorillas.

The tracking experience is challenging with a lot of excitement as you come across other primates like monkeys while also spotting different bird species.The less known Mgahinga National Park is another amazing place to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda. Despite gorilla tracking,  Mgahinga also offers the chance of seeing the golden monkeys within the park, hiking the volcanic mountains, and enjoying the scenic beauty of both Uganda and Rwanda.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

Tracking the wild and noisy chimpanzees of Kibale National Park also gives the best safari experience for Uganda travelers. Located in Western Uganda, Kibale is one of the best places on the African continent to see the chimpanzees. The park has the highest density of chimpanzees and the chimpanzee tracking experience is incomparable to other destination in the world. A chimpanzee tracking safari is one of the exciting safaris that you will not want to miss. Come and track the human-like animal in this forest and have a chance to see the closest living relative of human being that has not evolved. Apart from chimpanzees the park also hosts 13 other primates species that include monkeys, pottos, galagos etc.

3. A Wildlife Safari

A game viewing safari in various savanna national parks offers the amazing experience of enjoying wild game on which you will see the traditional wild animals of Africa. A game drive is one of the best activities that offer you the advantage of seeing the wild games in their natural habitats. Visiting the Savannah National Parks of Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and Kidepo is a better option to view wild game such as elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, various tribes of antelopes etc. Enrich your experience while on your safari visit by seeing the Pride of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, spotted hyenas, herd of buffaloes, giraffes among other. Feel free to enjoy a family safari on one of the wildlife safaris in Uganda.

4. Cultural Safaris

Uganda is also a culturally diverse destination with over 65 tribes that have got impressive heritage depicted in their unique dances and performances, arts and crafts, ceremonies and festivities and norms and customs. The Imbalu circumcision ceremony for example among the Bagisu is a memorable cultural encounter that can make your stay in Uganda really amazing.

5. Rwenzori Mountain Trekking

The mythical mountains of the moon – the Rwenzoris offers a great hiking experience on the African continent. Located in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border, the Rwenzoris rise to 5,109m. The central circuit trail takes you up to the equatorial snow peaks, the third highest point in Africa. A hike takes you through various vegetation zones moorland, bamboo and rich, moist montane forest. A typical hiking trip takes nine- to twelve-day tour in Uganda!

Go White Water Rafting in Uganda

Jinja town is one of the traditional districts in Uganda and before the Europeans came to the town it was first prominently known as the small fishing village that was located in banks of longest River Nile and with the arrival of the British colonial rule in 1906, the town started to grow very fast. At first as trading Centre as well as river crossing area and later it was turned to an industrial town of Uganda. Currently Jinja which is well known as adventure district of Uganda is one of the interesting historical districts in Uganda endowed with different natural and artificial attraction pulling tourists to book safaris to Uganda.

In the mid-19t^hcentury Jinja town had grown very fast and occupies by different people such as the Indians, as well as Africans, and European. The construction of the Owen Falls dam led to generation of hydro-electricity and this uplifted the statutes of the town into an industrial city in Uganda and it attracted foreigners to take safaris in Uganda to identify investment opportunities.Bad news came during the political crises of the 1970s during the regime of President Amin who decided to push all the Indians who were running the industries in Jinja. This greatly affected the town and hard to pull its development down but today the only town visitors should yarn to visit when on their Uganda adventure safaris is Jinja.

Jinja town is where the source of the longest river in the world is located and also visitors interested in taking a tour to this town has got an opportunity to participate in white water rafting on the Nile.Jinja is point where the rapids stretch up in the Nile and therefore visitors to this place can enjoy spectacular places in the whole of Africa when participating white –water rafting. Rafting in this place is very intense but safety is guaranteed to tourists when carrying out the activity as the team of expert guides have to give you company through the experience. Always rafting trips are followed by a rescue fleet so that for any visitors who find it unbearable can retreat.

Uganda safaris destination of Jinja offers travelers who are seeking adventure experience to enjoy their safaris in the source on the Nile in Jinja town .The adventurous town is blessed with the worldwide best organizers of the rafting activities including Adrift who were among the first people to invest in the adrenaline services and market their products to travelers on Uganda safaris.

Travelers who are non-experts in adventurous activities like rafting in the standard rapid falls are also catered for because there are less extreme options where such travelers can also enjoy and get an interesting wonderful experience and this option even caters for a family float trip.

In addition victors can also have wonderful experience in white water by participating in the adventurous activities like Kayaking. The memorable experience here starts from training course offered to visitors as well as guided trip which is done through the interesting but scaring raging rapids.Besides that visitors on their Uganda safari can also get involved in boat cruises and this means Jinja is really an adventurous district so for any visitor looking for destination to enjoy adventurous activities, he or she confirm safari to Uganda the pearl of Africa.

Holiday Cruise in Uganda

Though this kind of tour is not highly carried out in Uganda and East Africa as a whole, it has of recent gained some momentum in Uganda due to the fact that this country has numerous water bodies surrounding most of the national parks. Rolling hills covered in velvety green jungle are the prelude to soaring volcanoes and shimmering tropical lakes in this beautiful pearl of Africa.

Until you experience for yourself the world-class style that distinguishes every cruising boat on all Ugandan water bodies, you can only imagine the taste of perfectly built cruise boat. Until you experience the pleasure of spending a memorable day in a water fall, then returning to a boat where all the comforts and conveniences you could wish for await you, it will remain just a dream. Come live the Celebrity experience and allow Celebrity to exceed your expectations

Summer is on the way…

The highlight of any visit to Uganda is an encounter with the breathtaking mountain gorillas that inhabit the remote forests, whilst the lively town of Kampala is amongst Africa’s friendliest cities to visitors.

Mountain gorillas hide in the thick forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and sighting them through the trees is something never to be forgotten. You’ll track family groups of these huge primates on foot and get so close you’ll be able to hear their breathing (and your heart hammering!). But keep an eye out for the other 10 species of primate that live here, including chimpanzees, as well as giant forest hogs, leopards and the incredible variety of bird life.

Kibale National Park is home to an amazing 13 different species of primate and the rain forests here are rich and beautiful. You might spot chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys as well as small forest elephants during the day. On a nighttime walk seek out bush babies and the slow moving potto.

Lesser known, though no less beautiful, is the Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering game drives and boats cruises with opportunities to spot elephants, hippos, leopard and lions. Lake Mburo National Park is a huge area of wetlands, swamps and lakes that are home to an astonishing variety of birdlife.

Visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best national parks in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Located in South Western Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the four conservation areas protecting the endangered mountain gorillas. Gazetted in the 1990s, the park is host to half of the total remaining population of the mountain gorillas. The park provides a thrilling experience of gorilla trekking; a wonderful journey to see the endangered gorillas in the wild. The trek leads you through undulating hills and small-scale farmlands. It provides a memorable experience when you spend time in the jungle viewing varieties of primates, birds and the giant mountain gorillas.

One of the quintessential Uganda experiences is tracking the giant mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and nothing quite prepares you for the first glimpse of black fuzz amidst the dense foliage. The adrenaline kicks in when you’re up close to the imposing figure of a silverback pounding its chest and it’s all very Dian Fossey-like when curious babies peek through leaves and twist, turn and somersault for your entertainment. Gorilla permits will set you back a hefty US$500 but don’t think twice about forking out for this genuine once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Bwindi being a tropical rain forest will also provide an amazing experience to you all nature lovers.

Keep in mind that a portion of the fee goes to the park and gorilla conservation initiatives, helping to ensure these giant mountain gorillas survive. Also experience the beautiful and hospitality of the local community who showcase their culture.

Planning a Visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking? Here are some of themust know things that you should note;

• In order to track the mountain gorillas, one need to secure gorilla permits. It is advisable to book your gorilla permits at least 3 months before the tour desired tracking date. Remember gorilla permits are available year-round but do sell out fast during the peak season. Many travelers book their permits a year in advance and some even reserve them 2 years before.
• If you are looking to smooth travel experience, it is advisable to book your trip through a tour operator or travel agency. There are several companies that specialize in organizing gorilla safaris in Uganda and the neighboring countries of Rwanda and Congo (former Zaire). Some of the recommended tour operators include Go Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Expeditions, Budget Gorilla Safaris and more.
• When tracking the mountain gorillas, always follow the steps outlined by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, ORTPN or Virunga National Park. These rules are aimed at protecting the mountain gorillas and as well guide the experience of watching the mountain gorillas (Gorilla Tourism) so that it can be a win-win situation.
• Remember children below 14 years are not allowed to track the mountain gorillas.

5 Best Rwenzori Hiking Trails

Uganda is a country endowed with nature and it has a lot to over especially in the hiking adventure. Uganda offers many sites for both the veteran hikers and the day hikers. It is also a great haven for family hiking where you can bring your children and younger members of the family without having to worry about the dangers that might await you in other more rugged terrains.

There is so much with hiking tours in Uganda that it is fairly difficult to begin mentioning a great spot. So we have narrowed down your search into the best day hiking trails in the popular Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda. Here are brief descriptions of what you might see in each site:

Rwenzori Hike.Rwenzori is the third highest mountain in Africa just after Mount Kenya which is the second and Kilimanjaro which is the highest.Rwenzori hiking is not for starters and it needs one with a formidable level of fitness since it is the hardest to climb among all the above mountains that are higher than it.  It is a good introduction to old-growth forests with its display of cedar and fir layers. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets as you enter the Bamboo Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow but not so bad if you are fit Baby Hot Springs Hot tubs out of slabs of logs are welcome treats even for veteran hikers especially during midwinter. It is also great during early spring and late fall. There are several hot and cold springs that adults and children will both like. Clothing depends on the choice of the visitors and people not accustomed to public nudity are advised to choose other spots.The hike to this mountain takes you through various trails that include the following.

Kalalama camp trail -This trail happens on the first day as you are heading to trhe first camp of this hike especially if one is making it to the summit.During this trail,there  are rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and are protected by the virtue of the King or Omusinga or you may hear wild chimpanzee in the distance. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets as you enter the Bamboo Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow but not so bad if you are fit. However the atmosphere and the forest is fantastic as you climb to Kalalama Camp.

Mutinda Trail -This trail meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again and in doing so crosses several small streams and pass close to moss covered waterfalls. You then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river which tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man’s beards hanging from the branches. The trail twists and turns as you climb up the deep valley, which has an enormous variety of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere often shrouded in mist. The trail here is boggy particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We have put several boardwalks across the worst of the bogs and continuing to build more to make it a little bit easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks.

Bamwanjara pass trail -This trail majorly  Pass high above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks. This area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers and Giant lobelia.This trail offers evacuation pad for a helicopter if one hits a snag. This trail passes down the valley and around the edge of some bogs and thick ever green vegetation, moss. giant groundsel and lobelia.

Kitandara Trail

This trails goes around Lake Kitandara and thus the originality of the name of this trail. This trail begins from the 4^th camp of Hunwick’s down and across the valley floor to Lake Kitandara which is very stunning with deep water and beautiful vegetation. From here you climb up Scott Elliott’s pass then up the ridge to Margherita Camp which is situated between some huge rocks and offering some shelter from the strong winds. This is the very spot where the Duke of Abruzzi camped when making his climb to Margherita Peak in 1906.

Nyamwamba Trail

This trail goes down the Nyamwamba Valley which is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views, moss covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This valley was too impassable and it took over six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough to be used. In 1937 the explorer and geologist McConnell tried to find a way up this valley but failed and have to turn back and search for another route up the mountain but now you can experience this truly beautiful valley.

Boosting Local Tourism Through Bird Watching

In a bid to promote local tourism in Uganda the National Forestry Authority – NFA as well as Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA are planning to let locals enter the national park free of charge and help in identifying as many unknown bird species as possible. This is to enable boost local earnings from Uganda’s tourism.

According to statistics from the Uganda Wildlife Authority the number of tourists to Uganda national parks is mainly foreign non-resident tourists who average about 61,000. This is closely followed by students on field trips who make up approx. 42,000 while only a palty 30,000 are locals.

This project is expected to be conducted with the help of ornithologists as well as the many local bird guides who were recently trained as well as seasoned birders.

The acting director of tourism and business services of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Mr. Stephen Sanyi Masaba this initiative is aimed at helping to promote the bird watching in the Country as well provide information about Uganda ‘s bird species to the international community.

Uganda has over 1047 recorded bird species which is more than half of the bird species found in Africa as a continent. According to Mr. Masaba bird watching in Uganda alone has the potential to generate over Shs 126 billion approx. $45m each given year if only the Country could attract 10,000 foreign tourists to see birds only. At press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, he said that in 2008 compared to mountain gorilla tracking which brought in $3.3 million, Uganda birding watching brought in $6m.

During the event all the birds seen or heard in the wild will be recorded. The birding tours will be carried out in the following selected sites

• Semuliki National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Mburo national park
• Mount Elgon national park and forest
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park

Bespoke Gorilla Flying Safari in Uganda

Enjoy bespoke double Gorilla Flying Safari in Uganda provides a unique and truly spectacular way to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Experience pure adventure with gorilla tours taking you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located far south west of Uganda where you will have the opportunity to track half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the wild. Bwindi forest is home to one of the riches ecosystems in Africa. Mountain gorillas are one of the world’s endangered apes. It is estimated that there are only about 880 left in the world and half of them can be found in Uganda and the other population can be found in the neighbouring Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Bwindi Forest is home 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The national park contains almost one of half of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Mountain gorillas are extremely rare with only an estimated 880 remaining in the wild.

On this safari you will discover Uganda by air, walking, canoeing, trekking and vehicle transfer, from the convenient departure from Entebbe International airport to town of Kisoro and from this you are able to see Uganda’s diversity from high up. Upon arrival, your safari driver will pick you from the Airstrip and drive you up to Rushaga. A short distance that can take two hours to Rushaga Gorilla Camp that offers stunning views looking north over the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The itinerary travels from you lodge after heavy breakfast and drive to UWA park headquarters. Gorilla trekking starts with a detailed briefing about the gorilla conduct while with them. After briefing ready with your hiking boots, long sleeved shirt and trouser, rain jacket, skin repellent, sun glasses, a hut, a camera with extra batteries, bottle of drinking water and paced lunch. The ranger guide leads you into the forest to start the search for mountain gorillas. This activity is strenuous and recommended if one is quite fit and able to walk and climb up relatively steep terrain. Once the gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them.

Would be wise to take a porter on your gorilla trek because they help you carry your backpack and give a helping hand where it is necessary. You also have an opportunity to undertake a full day trekking, accompanied by our local guides. Return back to your lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the evening you can go for a community walk through the local villages surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Optional activities include visit to a traditional home, local orphanage or school, and even meeting traditional medicinal healers.

The itinerary provides a second day gorilla trek safari giving you another chance to trek into Bwindi Forest in search of another mountain gorilla group. Trekking through this forest and tackling steep climbs should reward you with fantastic views of the mountains in their natural habitat. You will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures within a few metres before making you way back to the starting point. Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation plus dinner and an overnight.  The next day fly out back to Entebbe international airport for your flight back home.