Uganda Safari and Gorilla Trekking Experience

Uganda is a blessed country with 10 national parks of which three of the national parks are rich with primates, gorillas and chimpanzees are the most visited among the three primate’s national parks that Uganda has.

There are only two national parks in Uganda where mountain gorillas live, these are;

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK: This is the only park which has the largest number of mountain gorillas in Uganda with 17 gorilla families. Not only that, Bwindi is also famous for having biggest number of mountain gorilla’s population in the whole world. This national park has four gorilla trekking sectors, namely; Nkuringo sector, Buhoma sector, Rushaga sector, and Ruhija sector. The oldest sector is Buhoma, with Rushaga sector being the only area where mountain gorilla habituation takes place. Travelers need to acquire gorilla permits in order to be able to embark on gorilla trekking experience, you can pay permits through registered local tour operator and travelers can book any of Uganda safari tour online through a reputable local tour company that will assist you to organize safari to Bwindi impenetrable National park.

MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK: This park where only 1 habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi.

Nyakagezi is gorilla family with interesting and unique history among gorilla families in Uganda and the only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Nyakagezi gorilla group is an amazing gorilla family living in Mgahinga gorilla notational park in Uganda. This group has been habituated for travellers to visit. The Nyakagezi gorilla family has 10 members include; Mark, Mafia, Rukondo, Ndugutse, Nshuti, Nyirawiza, Mutagamba, baby Nshuti, Fred and Bugingo.

This amazing family is headed by Mark and helped by his brother known as Mafia. Mark took over the leadership of being family leader from Bugingo his father who was still part of the Nyakagezi family before his death in 2019. Usually with gorillas when silverback gorilla (head of family is overthrown they tend to isolate themselves or look for another gorilla family who accept to be with him or die in isolation. Example, in Mumbare family in Bwindi Impenetrable national park when Kanyonyi took leadership from Ruhondeze, Ruhondeze later left the family and lived in an isolated life till he passed away but it’s amazing that Bugingo was still with his family till he died in 2019 and he died at age of 54 years. This makes Safari to Uganda a worthwhile experience.

The name Nyakagezi is derived from area with lot of fruits that are attractive to mountain gorillas called “Nyakagezi” This family is also known as migratory group because they like crossing Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Though its known for migratory behaviors, its considered gorilla family living in Mgahinga gorilla national park and chances of seeing them in Mgahinga their natural home is 95% because they have been settled in Mgahinga gorilla national park in 2012 though they still move place to place.

Many travelers on Uganda safari holiday have visited and got interested in trekking this family, however, visitors are still advised to book for gorilla trekking permits within 24hours to ascertain whether they are within Mgahinga gorilla national park or they have crossed boarders.

Uganda also is blessed with highest number of chimpanzees that can be found in Kibale forest national park. kibale forest national park is located in western Uganda in the district of Kasese just near the mountains of the moon, Rwenzori mountains.

Kibale forest national park is the best place in Africa to view chimpanzees, the park is also rich in fauna and flora. Kibale forest also has other primates such as monkeys, baboons etc. visitors still have chance to spot forest elephants in Kibale forest and this makes memorable safari experience. It also offers cultural experiences, visitors can take a walk around local community and participate on cultural activities. 

Uganda Savannah national parks

We have talked about primate national parks in Uganda but we are to talk about savannah national game parks that Uganda has.

Uganda has 7 other savannah national parks in addition to primate parks to make the total of Uganda national parks to 10. Savannah national parks offer visitors the opportunity to get closer to the big 5 Africa animals during game drives and boat safaris. Notable once include;

1. Murchison falls national park: this is the largest savannah national park in Uganda. In encompasses 3,893 square km. this park is also ideal for bird lovers, the park is rich with variety of birds including Albertine endemic. Hiking to the top of Murchison falls national park gives you a superb view of the Nile river that flaws unto the republic of South Sudan. Murchison falls also offers boat safari experience, which include taking boat cruise to the bottom of waterfalls, here visitors have an opportunity to spot lots of water animals such as crocodiles, hippos, bathing elephants etc. and water birds. Murchison falls was discovered by the British explore sir Samuel Baker in 1860s and today Murchison falls national park is featured in all available Uganda safari packagesthat puts it on the list of making 11 days best of Uganda safari.
2. Queen Elizabeth national Park: this conservation area is name after the queen of England, Queen Elizabeth. This national park attracts big number of tourists and it’s surrounded by Kibale Forest national park, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Lake Mburo national park. game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking are the main activities done in Queen Elizabeth national Park.
3. Kidepo valley National Park: This is where real African wilderness can be experienced. Kidepo valley is an isolated national park. located in East northern Uganda. This park offers authentic Uganda safari experiences. Game drives, birding, historical and cultural experiences are the main activities here. Kidepo valley national park has the largest number of buffaloes, other animals include; giraffes, Hyenas, lions, elephants etc. This where you will get to see almost Avery type of African animal. Driving to this park from Entebbe airport takes the whole 12 hours but worth it. There are also domestic flights that can take approximately 2hours to reach to this hidden treasure of wildlife experience.
4. Lake Mburo national park: This is the nearest national park to Kampala, it takes only 4 hours’ drive. Its located in western Uganda in the Kiruhura district and it’s the smallest national park Uganda has, it offers game drives, boat cruise, horseback ride etc. Lake mburo also offers an incredible foot safari experiences, this walk is good for those who want to stretch themselves. Lake Mburo national park is the best birding destination as it has a variety of bird life. While on safari in lake mburo national park, visitors will have opportunities to spot Zebras, Giraffes, wild pigs etc.

In conclusion:

Uganda is small country and has much more to offer to her holiday makers. The combination of the above destinations will let you enjoy your safari in Uganda and Uganda was named by CNN as the best destination to travel in 2023. Uganda has more than what is listed in this article. Contacting one of the Uganda safari company such as Four Crane Safaris to organize a memorable safari experience is all what you want.