Chances Of Seeing Mountain Gorillas In Uganda-Uganda is a country blessed with diverse wildlife, which makes it one of the most popular tourism destinations. One of the highlights of visiting Uganda is the chance to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are one of the rarest and most sought-after primates in the world, and Uganda is one of the few places where they can be found. In this article, we will discuss the chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda.

Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

The mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla and are found in two regions, the Virunga Mountains, which straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. According to recent surveys, there are only about 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the world, making them one of the most endangered species on the planet. Of these, over half are found in Uganda, making it the best place to see them.

Permits to See Mountain Gorillas

To see the mountain gorillas in Uganda, you must first obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The cost of the permit is currently USD 700 per person per day, and it allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family. The cost of the permit may seem high, but it is necessary to ensure that the gorillas are protected and their habitat is conserved. The permits are limited to a maximum of 8 people per day per gorilla family, and they sell out quickly, so it is essential to book early.

Chances of Seeing Mountain Gorillas

The chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda are quite high, but they are not guaranteed. The gorillas are wild animals, and their movements are unpredictable. However, the UWA rangers and trackers have a good understanding of the gorilla’s movements and are in constant communication with each other to ensure that visitors have the best chance of seeing them.

The trek to see the mountain gorillas can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are visiting. The terrain can be challenging, and visitors should be prepared to hike through dense forests and steep terrain. However, the trek is worth it when you finally get to see the gorillas up close.

The best time to see mountain gorillas in Uganda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During the dry season, the vegetation is less dense, and the gorillas are more likely to be out in the open, making them easier to spot. However, it is still possible to see them during the wet season, but the trek may be more challenging, and the gorillas may be more difficult to find.

Conservation Efforts

The mountain gorillas in Uganda are under constant threat from poaching, habitat loss, and disease. However, the UWA and other conservation organizations are working tirelessly to protect them. The UWA rangers and trackers monitor the gorillas daily and ensure that they are safe and their habitat is conserved. Additionally, a portion of the money generated from gorilla permits goes towards conservation efforts.

Tourism is also an essential part of gorilla conservation in Uganda. By visiting the gorillas, tourists are helping to provide income for the local communities, which in turn reduces their reliance on illegal activities such as poaching. The income generated from tourism also helps to fund conservation efforts and supports the local economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chances of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda are quite high, but they are not guaranteed. The gorillas are wild animals, and their movements are unpredictable. However, with the help of UWA rangers and trackers, the chances of spotting the gorillas are greatly increased. It is important to book permits early and prepare for a challenging trek through dense forests and steep terrain. The best time to see the gorillas is during the dry season, but it is still possible to see them during the wet season.

It is also important to note that visiting the mountain gorillas in Uganda is not only a thrilling experience but also a responsible one. The money generated from gorilla permits goes towards conservation efforts, which help to protect the gorillas and their habitat. By visiting the gorillas, tourists are also supporting the local communities, reducing their reliance on illegal activities and helping to promote sustainable tourism.

In summary, Uganda offers a unique opportunity to see one of the world’s rarest and most sought-after primates in their natural habitat. While the chance of seeing mountain gorillas is not guaranteed, visitors can greatly increase their chances by booking permits early and preparing for a challenging trek. By visiting the gorillas, tourists are also contributing to the conservation efforts that are necessary to protect these magnificent animals and their habitat. A visit to Uganda to see the mountain gorillas is truly an experience of a lifetime.