Trekking in Uganda

Uganda offers the most spectacular trekking experience in Africa with its diverse landscapes, stunning scenery and incredible wildlife. Trekking in Uganda is an exhilarating experience, from gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to hiking in the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Elgon. You can also find chimpanzee trekking opportunities in Kibale Forest and Murchison Falls National Park in Budongo Forest.

In like manner, trekking involves walking in natural environments often in wilderness areas for several hours a day. It ranges from easy day hikes to multi-day expeditions offering a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the natural world.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzees belong to the family of great apes that include gorillas and orangutans. Because of their close relationship to humans, they have large brains and are very intelligent with great ability to learn new things. Just like gorilla trekking, it involves trekking through the forest in search for the chimpanzees that keep on swinging from one tree to the another.

Trekking might take long hours or less but once you get to the chimpanzees, every group gets to spend an hour with them before trekking back to the camp.  Chimpanzee trekking is mainly done in the Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo forest in Murchison Falls National Park and Kyambura gorge in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Visitors can also spot chimpanzee in zoos and sanctuaries like Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Uganda Wildlife Education Center. Trekking starts very early in the morning, and every trek begins with the tour guides giving tourists the guidelines and rules that need to be followed. While trekking, you are also able to spot other primates and wildlife like the red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys among others.

In Uganda, Kibale Forest is the best place to trek Chimpanzees since the forest is a home for several species of primates and also hosts the overall chimp population. Besides, Budongo forest is the third best place to track chimpanzees in Uganda, found within the Murchison falls national park. The natural mahogany trees found in the forest provides perfect shelter for these amazing apes and other primates.

About 100 habituated chimpanzees are available for tracking at Kaniyo Pabibi out of the total chimp population. Visitors who want to learn more about the chimpanzees can opt for the whole day chimpanzee habituation Experience in Budongo.

Chimpanzee trekking permit

A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal document that will give you access to the chimpanzees. They are processed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and they still remain the property of the Republic of Uganda even after being issued to you. Limited permits are printed per day, and these are only valid for the date that they have been printed.

The reason as to why few permits are printed is to try as much as possible to reduce on the number of people in order to avoid congestion in the forest. A chimpanzee permit in Kibale goes for $250 per person, while in Kyambura and Budongo forest it goes for $100 per person, per day.

Behavioral patterns for chimpanzees

The chimpanzees normally live on the ground level, however, spend most of their time up in the trees, especially at night and when feeding. They are known to be swift at climbing trees, and they use both their hands and toes to make it easier and faster. While on the ground, they use both their hands and toes for walking with half-flexed fingers due to their huge weight.

They normally live-in groups and migrate in groups as well. There is always only one dominant male and if another male wants to take over, they have to fight for the position.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is an unforgettable experience that allows tourists to observe majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. In Uganda gorilla trekking can only be done in Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga National Park. Trekking gorillas in mountainous rainforest often means hours of hiking on steep, narrow footpaths and walking through dense jungle.

In fact, you need to be at least walking fit and properly equipped for a tough environment. Uganda has over 14 gorilla families with one being in Mgahinga National Park and the rest found in Bwindi impenetrable National Park thus making it the best place where you can see gorillas in the wild.

Gorilla trekking permits

Within Uganda, Gorilla trekking is conducted in Bwindi National Park or in Mgahinga National Park, but because of the inconsistency of gorillas in Mgahinga, the majority of the sold permits are for Bwindi National Park. In Uganda, every gorilla permit goes for $800 per person, per day. On a single day, nearly 72 people travel to Bwindi to see gorillas, however only 8 people per group are allowed to see a gorilla family.

Best time to do Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda experiences two significant seasons i.e the dry and wet seasons however, the dry season is the best time for Gorilla trekking when the ground is dry. It starts in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. During the dry season, the habitat is kept dry which makes it easier for trekkers to hike through dense vegetation and steep slopes in search for mountain gorillas. During the wet season when there is plenty of rainfall the ground tends to be muddy and slippery.

The advantage of trekking mountain gorillas during the wet or rainy season is that there is plenty of forage for these great apes to depend. As a result, visitors take fewer hours searching for these Gorillas since they do not move further distances to search for what to feed on in the course of the day.

Behavioral patterns for Mountain Gorillas

Gorillas are diurnal, active from sunrise to sunset with a midday nap. They live in groups led by a silverback male, who plays a crucial role in protecting and guiding the family. They use a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language to communicate, including displays of strength or intimidation.

They spend a significant amount of time foraging for food, which primarily consists of plant matter. At night, they construct nests to sleep in, which are typically made from bent and broken branches. Furthermore, young gorillas are playful and engage in activities like wrestling, chasing, and somersaults. Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species, and their survival depends on habitat conservation and protection from poaching and illegal hunting.

The dominant silverback generally determines the movements of the group, leading it to appropriate feeding sites throughout the year. He also mediates conflicts within the group and protects it from external threats. When the group is attacked by humans, leopards, or other gorillas, the silverback will protect them even at the cost of his own life. He is the center of attention during rest sessions, and young gorillas frequently stay close to him and include him in their games. If a mother dies or leaves the group, the silverback is usually the one who looks after the abandoned offspring, even allowing them to sleep in his nest.

What to carry trekking

For trekking in Uganda especially gorilla trekking, you should pack comfortable and functional clothing, sturdy footwear, and essential gear like a backpack, water bottle, rain jacket, walking stick, hiking boots and insect repellent. Protect yourself from scratches and insect bites with long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Don’t forget energy snacks, binoculars and a camera for taking memorable pictures.

Conclusively, whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting out, Uganda’s trekking trail offers an unforgettable experience. Therefore, Uganda is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiasts.