An encounter with mountain gorillas is the ultimate wildlife experience. Whereas a safari to spot the big five is great, nothing beats watching mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – Gorillas are our relatives. It is estimated that only about 1000 Mountain gorillas now survive in the wild – mountain gorilla permits sell like hot cake.
Half of these are found in Uganda and the other half shared by Rwanda and DR Congo. Because of their small remaining overall population worldwide, Mountain gorillas are considered endangered by organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is surreal and unlike any other experience in Africa. The atmosphere of the trek through the jungle mist is unreal. With each step your anticipation builds and the reward of seeing the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world is spectacular.
Bwindi is habitat to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Actually there are over 300 mountain gorillas living here. Gorilla devotees for Uganda tours from different corners of the world to enjoy this Ultimate Safari in Uganda – Mountain gorilla tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so.
You will as well be in position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One requires being realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking / trekking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain. From Bwindi transfer to Congo via cyanika border.
Within the Democratic Republic of Congo, the mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park which is also a UNESCO Heritage site. This park is located in the eastern side of democratic Republic of Congo and boarders both Uganda and Rwanda. The park covers an area of 7800 km2 and is home to over 200 gorilla individuals mostly situated in the southern part of the park.
Gorilla trekking in the Virunga national park has some strict rules and regulations that are supposed to be followed by the trackers on their Congo gorilla safari expeditions. These include; group size, the groups to track per day as well as the time allowed spending with the mountain gorillas. This sis also done to ensure the well being of these endangered animals. This is because the gorillas are susceptible to many human diseases due to the great closeness between the humans and the mountain gorilla.
Every sight seer should head out on their Congo safari knowing what they hope to discover. The long and uncomfortable journey on plane, in the 4x4s and the pirogues makes this a worthwhile experience not easily forgotten. Congo is an ever- stabilizing state in the world and it is likely to become more and more accessible and popular to the tourists who seek true African authenticity. Thus the time to visit is now.
