Given the number of years these rain forests and vast cushions of mosses have been in existence, One wonders how in such a thick, dark and moist inhabitant gives you the great pressure of adventure. The mere thought of getting into the thick forest walking in nature like the inhabitants of the primates and birds would enhance you with a great experience and adventure. Nevertheless would you expect a fun filled great wildlife encounter.
Most of these rain forests in Uganda inhabit some of humans closest relatives that we do share to utmost 98.8% DNA. An encounter with some of these great apes is one of the most breathtaking and incredible wildlife encounters and ranks one of the must-do in Uganda and Africa. The trekking in these rain forests can be done whether on a guided trip or self drive in Uganda. However the trek is done on foot. Your vehicle can only take you closer to the starting point of the forest before you descend down into the forest for a magical world best experience in which one travels
Uganda has almost half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas. Meaning we have them in plenty in the two inhabitants of Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National park. The Bwindi impenetrable National Park has got the largest number with over ten families and the Mgahinga National Park in Kisoro with one family that borders with Congo and Rwanda that can cross through. Gorillas of Uganda in general are so much friendly and loving.
Trekking these great apes in Bwindi will cost you US$800 per person, low and high season respectively. This money is paid to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) earlier before your due date to have a fairly reserved for you, if you need to visit a given group or family you need to book much earlier given the limited availability of the permits. Please note that each family is visited by a maximum of 8 persons per day, this is a conservation measure to protect the gorillas for future generation.
Securing a permit can be done online by contacting the UWA site reservations and wire the money directly then pick the permits on arrival. The most convenient way of doing so is sending the money to your service provider together with the photo copies of your passport. They can be able to book and paid for earlier, get your permits to prevent the time waste you go through on waiting at the UWA offices or even delay in your itinerary just in case the permits are not available.
In the parks where you find these apes of Uganda there are guides that are much ready to take you through this experience as they are trained specifically to handle that issue. Either in the morning or afternoon shift, you start with a small briefing at the park on the dos or don’ts of the trekking process, what to wear mostly the long trouser and trekking boots, and some sweaters. self drive, guided tour or group tour never be in doubt on this magical adventure .
Trekking doesn’t only stop at gorillas, it also surprises with the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National park. Just like the mountain gorillas, chimpanzee permits are paid for in advance. In the dark forest with huge canopies and great vegetation lives the most closest relatives to human with about 98.8% DNA. The Budongo Forest in Murchison falls National Park and the Kyambura Gorge are some another great forest destinations to trek these closest relatives to human.
Trekking does not only stop in the rain forest but Uganda also offers one of the most extra-ordinary trekking adventures in Uganda. The great hikers have a great deal with hiking and trekking the Rwenzori Mountain with the most rarest vegetation that takes about 8 days in total to accomplish.
The mountain Elgon is another breathtaking as you hike and trek to the Wagagai Peak about 4000 metres as compared to the Rwenzori peak at 5011 meters. The Sipi falls is one other adventurous and scenic trek you do not want to miss out. The spectacular sceneries of the Mount Elgon landscapes coupled with the 100m waterfalls just seals the great trekking adventure.