Why are Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris popular? – why Uganda is Unique and Famous? – Popular gorilla trekking safaris – Why gorilla trekking in Uganda is life changing? – Why you need to visit Uganda on a gorilla safari?
Why are Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris popular? – Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris are Uganda’s most popular tourist activity for travelers seeking to experience the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in two national parks; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park the latter being the most popular gorilla trekking park in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking tourism in Uganda only dates back to 1993 when gorilla trekking was officially commissioned Uganda’s premier gorilla trekking park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park.
Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris are relentlessly becoming the most popular gorilla trekking experience for many tourist yearning to indulge in gorilla trekking in Africa.
WHY ARE UGANDA GORILLA TREKKING SAFARIS POPULAR?
Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris are well-liked for a number of varying reasons as we are about to mention to you below;
Uganda is safe, secure, and affordable: Unlike her competitors (Dr. Congo & Rwanda), Uganda has emerged as a safe, secure, and affordable country to visit for gorilla trekking Safaris. Yes, there was an incident in the start of gorilla trekking in Bwindi in March 1999. A force of between 100 -150 Interahamwe former Rwandan guerillas infiltrated across the Ugandan border from the DR. congo, kidnapping 14 foreign tourists and their Ugandan guide from the park headquarters eventually releasing six and murdering the remaining eight with machetes and clubs. Several victims were reportedly tortured, and at least one (01) of the female victims was raped. The Ugandan guide was doused with gasoline and lit on fire. This attack was reportedly intended to “destabilize Uganda” and frighten away tourist traffic from the park, depriving the Ugandan government of foreign income from tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The park was forced to close for several months, and the popularity of the Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris suffered badly for several years.
It’s from this that the government learned not to take security matters so lightly. Security at all Ugandan borderlines and at tourism site was beefed up, and till to-date no such occurrence has been heard of in Uganda. An armed guard team of Uganda Wildlife Rangers do carry weapons while escorting you into the forest for protection while on your Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris as a precautionary measure against the previous incident and or anti-poaching enforcement. Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris have since then gained world popularity because of the prevailing security of the state.
The price of gorilla permits: In comparison to our counterparts in Rwanda, a Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs US$800 in for all seasons. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs US$1500 both low & high season.
Game, wildlife & Bio-diversity: Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris in Uganda majorly take place in Bwindi Forest. However, this forest has more than just gorilla trekking to offer. Bwindi’s prolific bird life will leave you wanting, the trees are beautiful and even inside the forest are trails; River Munyanga trail, Buhoma–Nkuringo forest walking trail, all amazing experiences.
Uganda unlike her neighbors Rwanda & DR.Congo boasts of wildlife diversity. With up-to 10 National parks; Queen Elizabeth, Murchison falls, Kibale Forest, Lake Mburo, Semuliki, Mt.Rwenzori, Mt.Elgon, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the far-flung Kidepo Valley National park. Each of the parks allows for a perfect stitch to gorilla trekking in Bwindi, a typical 3 Days Budget Gorilla trekking Safari can be stitched with and extra 3 days to Queen Elizabeth National Park allowing you 6 Gorillas, lions and Chimp trekking in Kyambura gorge | 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Safari could also be stitched-up with extra 5 days to visit Kibale forest and Murchison Fall National Parks.
For persons who fancy flying safaris, you could do all 10 National Parks including gorilla trekking in the Bwindi forest in just 2 weeks flying safari.
Community-based Tourism: Uganda is considered a “Virgin destination” still very young on matters of tourism, you will see that when you visit. However, despite her being an infant at tourism, the players in the sector do embrace the love and passion for community development through community involvement. All lodges in Uganda employ locals, buy fresh food from the locals’ gardens, sell locally handmade craft pieces at the lodge and also allow local dance cultural performances every evening at the bonfire. This earns the locals some tourism money, something that we at Great Adventure Safaris are proud to be associated with while on safari with us.
The people: The people of Uganda are irresistibly very welcoming to tourist and they are happy all the time. This makes it very easy for you as a foreigner to enjoy your visit to Uganda. Most Uganda gorilla trekking Safaris bring you up-close and personal with the communities that live around the park, you will often hear people say “Mzungu” (white person), save them your ugly face and simply smile they are not racist, they are just happy to see you in Africa. Little kids might even follow you through at the end of the trek to the car, not asking for handouts but just wanting to touch your skin it’s new to them just enjoy the remoteness of Africa.
The reasons for the rising popularity gorilla trekking Safaris listed above are of shared opinion from the team at Great Adventure Safaris and the clients that have booked their Gorilla trekking safaris with us before. However, we are eager to hear from you our beloved reader(s) about your thoughts and inquiries on gorilla trekking Safaris.