When tracking Gorillas in Uganda (or Rwanda for that matter) you are not guaranteed a sighting, but if you manage to get some face time in with these unique primates it will be something you remember for life
Since the 1600’s European culture has been rife with the tales of the dark continent, and later stories by authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs (the author of Tarzan), and films – especially from the 40’s and 50s, helped cement the image of an untamed wilderness filled with exotic creatures and an element of danger in the ‘western’ psych.
While those of us living in the mordern world realise that these images that have been conjured up for generations are more fantasy than reality, a trip to Africa is always exciting, especially for the first time traveller. They know they are going to encounter a part of the world unlike that in which they live, and while there they may have the chance to encounter a number of things they wouldn’t at home. From the larger animals like Elephants, to smaller monkeys, birds and reptiles.
Some of these wildlife encounters though are not something that you are going to be able to do on the fly. Especially if you want to see the Gorillas. These days the best Gorilla sightseeing is in Uganda and Rwanda, occurs in only a few parks and even then the number of visitors and time allowed to be spent near them is limited, and the permits often sell out months in advance. Add to that fact that if you want to do 2 days of Gorilla Tracking and 1 day of Chimp tracking you are looking at spending up to US$1200 per person on permits alone. So, if you want to head to Africa – be it Uganda or Rwanda to track Gorillas, then you should always plan it out as far in advance as possible so that the chances of you being able to do it when you want is more likely.
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Chimpanzee
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Gorilla
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Golden Monkey
The three major draw cards of primate sightseeing in Uganda are the Gorillas, the Chimpanzees and the Golden Monkeys, and as it has been stated planning your trip in advance is worthwhile. The planning though is for much more than just what you want to see, but for where you want to stay.
Why? because where you stay can have as much of an effect and imprint on you as the sightseeing and trekking itself, each camp, lodge or hotel has its own atmosphere, element and feeling, and can lend or detract from your trip. For an example let me introduce you to a property near Bwindi that will only enhance your trip to Uganda .. The Clouds Mountain Gorilla Resort
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