Gorilla Tracking in Uganda is the major highlight as to why visitors come and visit this country. They are found in two National parks, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. Uganda has many to offer and it’s a suitable destination for long holidays. The big five is a commonly used word meaning the 5 important wild animals: Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, Lions and Buffaloes. They are termed as Big five because they used to give difficulties the long-ago Hunt men to catch them. Uganda has the big five which can be seen in many National parks. There is only one of the big five (Rhinos) which is not in the national parks, it can be seen in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary on the way to Murchison falls national park or Kidepo valley national park
It is possible to combine the two major activities in one Itinerary? visiting Mountain gorillas and the big five. This is possible in the below National parks of Uganda.
Gorilla Tracking in Uganda.
Gorilla Tracking is one of the activities that will not leave you the same, the experience and the happiness of standing before the close relatives of humans, the silver back that can weigh 5 times like humans is life time. That’s why Mountain gorillas are one of the breathtaking attractions in the Virunga mountains. This activity is done in 2 National parks in Uganda. They all located in western Uganda. The parks are Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla National parks. Visitors choose where they prefer to track or they are given advise by the consultants according to the flow of the Itinerary.
Bwindi forest is comprised of 4 regions, Ruhaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Buhoma (which was the first park entrance to be established). Each region has different mountain gorilla families which are allocated from the park headquarter on the day of gorilla tracking.
Mgahinga National Park is one of the smallest National parks in Uganda, it is also a home to Mountain gorillas. It has one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi. It’s not only the gorilla tracking activity done here, there are others like the Batwa cultural experience, Golden Monkey Tracking and the Volcano Hike.
The big five in Uganda.
These are elephants, lions, leopards, Buffaloes and Rhinos. They can be seen in Ugandan National parks like Murchison falls National Park, Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth and others. From Tracking Mountain gorillas in western Uganda, you can head Northern Uganda for the big five Tracking. Transfer to Kidepo National Park.
Kidepo National Park is the open tree savanna with a lot of wildlife diversity. It is located in the Eastern corner of Uganda. In the game drive in kidepo, expect to see animals like spotted hyena, lion, leopard, wild dog, elephant, giraffe, zebra, African buffalo, bat-eared foxes, Rothschild’s giraffe. other activities include nature walks, Lonyii summit hike, guided night drives and bird watching.
This park can be accessed by road from different places. If from Kampala or Entebbe it’s a full day drive approx. 10 hours. The park is also connected by domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport, which land at Kidepo Airport.
Murchison falls National Park: This is the biggest National Park in Uganda with animals like elephants, leopards, lions, Buffaloes, elephants, Giraffes, Antelopes and etc. Adding on the above, the park is known for one of the famous falls in Uganda, the Murchison falls where it derived its name. As the river Nile flows to the north, it encounters an obstacle which made the formation of the falls.
On the boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, it will reward you with view of the crocodiles alongside the river, Hippos, many different species. Visit the top of the falls by hiking or by safari vehicle and enjoy the spectacular view of the falls.
Murchison falls National Park can be accessed by road or by domestic flight to pakuba air field. The park is approx. half day drive from Entebbe. Ziwa can be visited on the way to the northern Uganda parks or heading back.
Ziwa Rhino sanctuary.
It can be visited on the way to Murchison falls National Park or Kidepo valley. This is where you can find the Rhinos in Uganda making the list for the big five viewing complete. They are tracked on foot guided by the rangers. They are white rhinos; they move around the Ranch which is fenced and protected. Other creatures to see here include birds, antelopes, shoe bill. And etc. The rangers will identify and explain the attractions you see.
Suggested Itinerary
12 Days fly in style Uganda gorilla safari
Enjoy visiting major National parks in Uganda with this Itinerary. Some of the parks to be visited include, Bwindi National Park, Murchison falls, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale National Park