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Gorilla tourism in Uganda began taking shape when the government gazetted Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in 1991. The two National Parks are managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Uganda as a gorilla safari destination experienced setbacks in its tourism industry’s development, especially when restricted and protected areas were mainly used for poaching during the reign of H.E. Idi Amin.
During Amin’s era, no serious conservation activities were promoted. In 1986, there was a civil unrest when National Resistance Army took over power. It was during this period when some rules/regulations were restored in the public institutions. In the 19th century, the gap between the nation and endangered apes was bridged.
The first gorilla family was habituated in Bwindi and by 1993, it was ready for tracking. This was Mubare gorilla family, making it the oldest gorilla group in Uganda and this is tracked up to date in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at Buhoma sector.
As of 2004, Uganda had a total of only 4 habituated gorilla groups fully open for gorilla tourism. These include Rushegura, Mubare, Nkuringo and Habinyanja gorilla families. During this period, gorilla permits were issued at USD 360 and more groups were opened for gorilla trekking in 2012 where additional 9 in Bwindi were officially open to visitors. Gorilla permit prices also hiked to USD 500.
Gorilla tourism in Uganda to date
Gorilla tourism in Uganda has significantly improved in terms of experience and facilities. Today, Uganda alone has 21 gorilla families open for gorilla trekking -20 groups in Bwindi and one family in Mgahinga N/Park. The gorilla families in Uganda exist in the 4 regions- Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma and Ruhija.
Uganda’s habituated mountain gorilla groups: Mubare, Habinyanja, Katwe, Christmas, Mucunguzi, Bweza, Kutu, Rushegura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, Nkuringo, Bikingi, Nshongi, Bushaho, Busingye, Kahungye, Nyakagezi, Rwigi, and more.
Where to go for gorilla tourism in Uganda
There are 2 amazing places to visit for mountain gorilla tourism in Uganda: Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is sitting in the far Southwestern Uganda, home to the extensive Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is set nearby the Congo border and along the edge of the Albertine rift.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi has its boundaries extend up to 331 sq.km and it is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This park shelters diversity of wildlife including 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 220 butterfly species, 27 frog species, 1000 flowering plant species, 104 ferns and 163 tree species.
Other primates that reside in the dense forest of Bwindi include l’hoest monkeys, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. Other animal species include African civet, giant forest hogs, African elephants, and birds including the African broadbill.
There is easy access to Bwindi by road and air- by road, driving time from Kampala to this park takes 8-10 hours or 4-5 hours starting from Kigali. By air, take domestic flights right from Entebbe Airport and land at Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip where a professional driver can pick you up, transfer you to your respective safari lodges for an overnight stay.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla tourism in Mgahinga allows you to visit the park’s only one habituated gorilla family – Nyakagezi. This park is set high in the clouds at the elevation of 2227 meters and 4127 meters. It was founded in 1991 mainly to offer shelter to the unique mountain gorillas. Besides mountain gorillas, Mgahinga NP is also most popular for its rare golden monkeys.
Young mountain gorilla eating
Mgahinga is the smallest of the Uganda National Parks. Its boundaries stretch covering an area of 33.7 sq.km and also feature 3 of the 8 Virunga volcanoes: Gahinga, Sabyinyo and Muhabura volcanoes.
Where to stay on a gorilla trip in Uganda
Uganda is a complete gorilla tourism destination. The notable accommodation options include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge and more.
Best time To Encounter Gorillas in Uganda
Mountain gorillas in Uganda can be seen at any time of the year. However, gorilla habitats remain drier and easier to walk through during the dry season. The dry months to plan your gorilla safari to Uganda: June, July, August and September, or December, January to February.
