Before You Go Trek Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). These gentle giants are found in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Bwindi Forest NP is located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the primary destination for gorilla trekking in the country. It is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park has several gorilla families that are habituated, meaning they have undergone a process of acclimatization to human presence, allowing for safe and monitored visits.

On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the Virunga Mountains on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another place where you can find mountain gorillas. The park is home to one habituated gorilla family called the Nyakagezi group.

Gorilla trekking permits are highly sought after due to the limited number of visitors allowed per gorilla group per day. However, the experience of coming face to face with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is truly priceless and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Before you embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, there are several important things to keep in mind. It’s important to note that the number of permits available each day is limited to only 8 per Gorilla family to ensure the conservation of the gorillas and their habitats. Therefore, it is advisable to book your permit well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they can sell out quickly. When booking your gorilla permit, you will need to provide specific details such as your preferred date of trekking, the number of people in your group, and your passport information. It’s recommended to book your permits through a tour operator or directly with the UWA to secure your spot and ensure a smooth gorilla trekking experience.

Here are some essential tips to help you prepare:

  1. Obtain a Gorilla Permit: Gorilla trekking requires a permit, and it is advisable to secure your permit in advance. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and are limited in number to ensure the conservation of the gorillas. It’s recommended to book your permit well ahead of time, as they can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.
  2. Choose the Right Time: Uganda can be visited year-round for gorilla trekking, but the best time is during the dry seasons, which are from December to February and June to September. During these months, the trails are more accessible, and the weather is generally favorable. However, be prepared for unpredictable rain showers even during the dry season.
  3. Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense forests and steep terrain, so it’s important to be reasonably fit. The trek can range from 1 to 4 hours or more, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking. Regular exercise and endurance training beforehand can greatly enhance your experience.
  4. Packing Essentials: Make sure to pack essential items such as sturdy hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a waterproof jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a backpack for carrying your belongings. A good pair of binoculars and a camera with extra batteries are also recommended to capture the incredible moments.
  5. Follow Safety Guidelines: Gorilla trekking involves close encounters with these endangered animals, and it’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by the park rangers. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and the gorillas. It’s important to maintain a safe distance, avoid direct eye contact, and follow the instructions of your guide at all times.
  6. Respect the Gorillas and their Habitat: When observing the gorillas, it’s important to respect their space and behavior. Do not touch the gorillas, feed them, or litter in the park. Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, so if you are feeling unwell, it’s advised to refrain from participating in the trek to protect their health.

Gorilla trekking is an incredible and rewarding experience that allows you to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. By following these guidelines and respecting the gorillas and their environment, you can contribute to their conservation and have a memorable adventure in Uganda.

Top Places to go for Nature Safaris in Uganda

Uganda is known for its incredible natural beauty and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature safaris. The country is home to numerous national parks and reserves that offer opportunities to explore its stunning landscapes and observe a wide range of wildlife species, including primates, big game animals, and colorful birds. Here are some of the top nature safaris you can experience in Uganda:

  1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Trekking through the dense forest to encounter these majestic creatures is an unforgettable experience.
  2. Queen Elizabeth National Park: Situated in western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a diverse ecosystem that encompasses savannah plains, dense forests, and crater lakes. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and over 600 species of birds.
  3. Murchison Falls National Park: This is Uganda’s largest national park, located in the northwestern part of the country. The park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful waterfall. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris along the Nile, and hiking to the top of the falls.
  4. Kibale National Park: Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale National Park is a haven for chimpanzee trekking. It also houses 12 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Nature walks and birding are popular activities in the park as well.
  5. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Located in the Virunga Mountains on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another great destination for gorilla trekking. The park also offers opportunities for golden monkey trekking and hiking to the peaks of the Virunga Mountains.
  6. Kidepo Valley National Park: Situated in northeastern Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most remote and less-visited parks in the country. It is known for its untouched wilderness, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, and various antelope species.

These are just a few examples of the nature safaris you can enjoy in Uganda. Each park offers a unique experience, and it’s possible to combine multiple parks in an itinerary to make the most of your visit. It’s advisable to book your safaris with a reputable tour operator who can arrange permits, guides, transportation, and accommodations to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure in Uganda’s wild landscapes.

Ugandan Government trades tourism for hydro power generation

On 7th June 2019, a notice was issued through the press by Electricity Regulatory Authority acknowledging receipt of intended application for license from a company known as Bonang power and energy Ltd. Bonang is a South African energy firm that intends to generate and sale electricity from a hydro power plant proposed to be established near Murchison Falls in an area shared by Kiryandongo and Nwoya districts. The real location of the proposed power plant was revealed to be the same coordinates of the great natural resource in one of the national parks in Uganda that is Murchison Falls National Park and this is where the insight on the Murchison falls sprung from. Bonang power energy continued to extend the plan of undertaking the feasibility study in details and other actions resulting into the development of the above “rejected” power project. Bonang power and energy (pty) limited in the agreement, explains that the generated power was to be sold to the Uganda electricity transmission company limited and fed to all national grid.

However, despite the excuse given by the government of Uganda about the allegations concerning the issue of Murchison falls, over 4900 people protested the above proposal by writing as below;

Members of Association of Uganda tour operators downplayed the excuse of the government that the dam in Murchison falls is not a done deal. So they sat a press conference in Kampala and an online campaign entitled “Save Murchison Falls” and criticized the plan of converting Murchison falls dam into a power station to generate about 360 megawatts of power. All the tour operators under AUTO urged that the deal would result into a big blow to the tourism sector yet tourism is the biggest foreign exchange earner for Uganda’s economy.

The chairman of AUTO told reporters that tourism is one of the biggest sectors in Uganda and it accounts for 10% of the Gross Domestic Product and 24% of the foreign exchange inflow, meaning it is the single biggest foreign exchange earner of Uganda. He went on and said that waterfalls offer visitors an incomparable sight and experience, and that is why more efforts are needed to preserve Murchison Falls National Park for the future because it is among the most visited tourist destinations in Uganda, this is not because of wildlife since it can be found in other National Parks in Uganda but majorly due to Murchison Falls, it is where the longest river in the world “River Nile” goes through a narrow gorge of 7m wide, the sight of the falls is memorable.

Lilly Ajarova, Chief Executive of Uganda Tourism Board said “this is madness, who in their right mind would want the destruction of Murchison Falls? An iconic feature that is spectacular and none like it elsewhere”, she posted on Facebook. She said the ecosystem of Murchison Falls National Park has both endemic and endangered species that if destroyed will not only affect the Nation but the global community with species extinction, climate change among others. There are other options for the required development, Murchison Falls must not be destroyed.

 

Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom opposed government’s proposal to construct a hydro power dam in Murchison Falls National Park and Prime Minister Mr. Andrew Byakutaga wrote a letter to the chief executive officer of ERA   that said “the park is a unique landscape with several components that are crucial for enhancing the social-ecological resilience of the people of Bunyoro and neighboring districts. Building a hydro power dam along River Nile within Murchison fall will disrupt the physio-chemical and biological processes of the river. The river and adjacent riparian landscapes host several flora, fauna and cultural landscapes revered by the people of bunyoro and used in several cultural and royal rituals the letter reads in part.

 

Mr. Byakutaga said the park has several sacred sites that are critical in the cultural identity of the kingdom, building a dam  on the proposed site will affect Murchison Falls either through changes in the flow regime or sediment transfer, this will affect the flora and fauna and the site yet this is the main tourist attraction in the park.

Alluded to the above, many more people wrote for example ministers, conservationists, tour operators, political leaders, and hoteliers.

 

Ugandans rejoicing after Government halts proposed hydro power project on Murchison Falls

Later on, after two months, Uganda’s cabinet halted the proposed construction of the 360 megawatts power project on Murchison Falls. The Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister, Professor Ephraim Kamuntu disclosed the cabinet decision at the weekly cabinet briefing at government owned Uganda media center. The decision comes 2months after environmental activists launched the save Murchison falls campaign, which brought together political leaders, hoteliers, conservationists, and tour operators to ensure that the proposal doesn’t go through. This came after the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Uganda announced that a South African firm, Bonang power and energy limited had applied for a license to construct a hydro power dam on Murchison falls. Cabinet took decision at its latest sitting that there will be no dam construction at Murchison Falls, Kamuntu told AFP (Agency France Preese), and he continued and said that definitely we still need more electricity to power our expanding economy, but this project can go elsewhere not in the park.

About Murchison Falls National Park

This park is located 305km North of Kampala the Capital City of Uganda. It lies at the North end of the Albertine Region of the Rift Valley 46 km from Masindi town, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles in vast, palm dotted savannah. It was first gazetted as a Game Reserve in 1926 and as a National Park in 1952. It is Uganda’s largest and oldest Conservation Area hosting 76 mammal species and 451 bird species. It is bisected by the Victoria Nile which plunges 45m over the remnant rift valley wall forming the world’s greatest waterfall. Murchison Falls is considered the most powerful waterfall in the world with colourful rainbows and variety of birds at the falls.

Stay Safe in the Jungles of Uganda

When exploring the jungles of Uganda, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to stay safe:

  1. Hire a Knowledgeable Guide: It is highly recommended to hire a knowledgeable local guide or join a reputable tour operator for your jungle excursions. They have valuable expertise about the terrain, wildlife behavior, and safety protocols, which will enhance your safety and overall experience.
  2. Follow Park Regulations: National parks and reserves in Uganda have specific regulations in place to protect both visitors and wildlife. It’s essential to adhere to these rules, including maintaining a safe distance from animals, following designated trails, and respecting park closure times.
  3. Stay in Groups: When venturing into the jungles, it’s safer to travel in groups. Stick together with your guide and fellow travelers, as it reduces the risk of getting lost and ensures that help is readily available if needed.
  4. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Dress appropriately for the jungle environment. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors that blend with the surroundings. Long sleeves and pants are recommended to protect against insects, thorny vegetation, and sun exposure. Don’t forget to wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes.
  5. Stay Hydrated and Carry Snacks: Jungles can be hot and humid, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Carry an adequate supply of water and drink regularly. Additionally, bring energy-rich snacks to maintain your energy levels during hikes or treks.
  6. Use Insect Repellent: Insects, including mosquitoes, may be present in the jungle. Apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing to minimize the risk of insect bites and potential diseases.
  7. Take Precautions Against Wildlife: While encountering wildlife is an exciting part of jungle exploration, it’s important to maintain a safe distance and respect their space. Follow the instructions of your guide and avoid any sudden movements or aggressive behavior. Do not attempt to touch or feed wild animals.
  8. Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Jungle weather can be unpredictable. Carry a waterproof jacket or poncho to protect yourself from rain showers. It’s also advisable to bring a small backpack with essentials like a first aid kit, sunscreen, a hat, a flashlight, and a fully charged mobile phone.
  9. Inform Others of Your Plans: Before heading into the jungle, inform someone trustworthy about your itinerary, including the park you’ll be visiting, the duration of your excursion, and when you expect to return. This way, someone can raise the alarm if you encounter any difficulties or don’t return on time.
  10. Respect Local Customs and Communities: Be respectful towards local communities and their customs when visiting or passing through. Seek permission before taking photographs of individuals or their property and avoid any activities that may offend or disrupt their way of life.