The United States of America is located a couple of miles from Uganda; nevertheless, visitors from the United States can embark on a gorilla trekking experience. Among the many visitors Uganda receives as a gorilla destination, most of them come from the United States of America. Uganda stands at the core of gorilla trekking in the entire region, with the largest population of mountain gorillas.
Such a factor pushes Uganda to the forefront of gorilla trekking and a hotspot and target for visitors from all over the world, and most specifically the United States. This is highly anticipated for the conclusion of spotting the endangered mountain gorillas in a seamless manner.
What do United States citizens need to know about gorilla trekking?
Traveling from the United States to Uganda for gorilla trekking is one thing; however, do you know what gorilla trekking is in the first place? Gorilla trekking is a popular tourist activity of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitats for an hour.
Among the many tourist activities in Uganda, gorilla trekking is without a doubt one of the activities that has sold this country to the world as a destination. Though you cannot sell what you don’t have, that was Uganda’s first assignment, which she passed. Uganda hosts over 550 mountain gorillas, accounting for close to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.
At a global scale, no gorilla country comes close to Uganda in the population of mountain gorillas. To paint a unique and more realistic picture of what a visitor can expect on a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, think of this: a place of complete wilderness with man’s closest wild cousins wandering freely. If you think that having a close encounter with the wild is by visiting a zoo, then you are mistaken.
Uganda, as a gorilla destination, passes the limit of adventure by bringing you on a close encounter experience in the gorilla habitats. Here, the gentle giants have an upper hand as you watch them go about their daily chores unbothered by your presence. In this one hour you spend with these mountain gorillas, trust me, there is nothing like what you have ever experienced, it’s pure nature and unique encounters.
Is Uganda safe for United States citizens?
Yes, Uganda is very safe for United States citizens to have a seamless gorilla trekking. It is a no-brainer that the United States issues travel advice for its citizens through the country’s travel advisory departments to embassies across the world, including Uganda. However, sometimes the advisory is overestimated, though it may as well be true.
Uganda has been safe and secure for over 45 years, both internally and externally. This country is actually an enclave of peace amidst the volatile region. The country may have a few security scares from petty crimes like theft; however, they are dealt with decisively. Americans are more than assured of their security and their property while in Uganda for a gorilla trekking experience.
The country also has unmatched medical facilities and apparatus to handle any medical emergencies across the country. This is evident in the country’s recent fight against the Ebola disease outbreak that was coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This assured visitors of a safe and continued gorilla trekking experience amidst the Ebola scare. This asserts the fact that Uganda is the safest gorilla trekking destination in the region and the best for United States citizens.
How to get to Uganda from the USA for gorilla trekking?
Uganda is a landlocked country in the heart of the East African region, meaning it can only be accessed by air transport. Uganda has one international airport called Entebbe International Airport, located in Entebbe town, a few kilometers from the capital, Kampala. There are limited direct flights from the United States to Uganda; however, many use connecting flights.
Many international airlines operate flights into Uganda, either direct or on connecting flights. Uganda has a national carrier called Uganda Airlines, but it does not operate in the United States, only in the United Kingdom at Gatwick International Airport and other parts across the world. So this is how Americans can fly into Uganda for a gorilla trek.
Getting to Uganda is one thing, and accessing the mountain gorilla protected areas is another. The gorilla destinations in Uganda can also be accessed by both air and road transport. Accessibility of gorilla installations in Uganda is very easy with the development of both road and air transport networks. There are designated airstrips across the gorilla national parks, meaning one can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to the Kihihi airstrip or Kisoro airstrip, which are located close to the parks.
United States citizens who would like to go by road to the gorilla destinations in Uganda can have an 8-9 hour drive from the capital, Kampala. This drive takes place along the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro highway. Traveling by road is the cheapest means of transport to the gorilla destinations in Uganda.
Gorilla destinations in Uganda for gorilla trekking
Cutting across the region in a sea of untamed gorilla trekking experience, Uganda sails through with ease, hosting two parks crossed by the Virunga Conservation Area. These destinations include the following.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
As a US citizen, put Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on your radar for gorilla trekking. Bwindi is the region’s iconic gorilla destination, recording the most visits per year, specifically from US citizens. This park reigns over the highways of southwestern Uganda with dense tropical jungles. This park has a registered population of over 450 mountain gorillas, and no other destination in the region comes close. These gorillas are scattered in the vast 331 square kilometers of this park across the sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. These gorillas live in over 50 gorilla groups, with over 26 habituated and can be spotted daily.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Situated south of Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another gorilla destination. Popular for both gorilla trekking tours and golden monkey trekking experience, Mgahinga is the smallest park in the country with just 33.7 square kilometers. This is one of the results; it hosts over 100 mountain gorillas with just a single gorilla family. It is the closest gorilla destination to Rwanda, forming an extension of the Virunga Massif.
What are the costs involved in trekking gorillas in Uganda from the USA?
Visitors require a gorilla trekking permit to gain access and embark on a gorilla trekking experience. This permit is one way of contributing to the conservation efforts since a small percentage of the paid permit costs goes to community development and gorilla and habitat protection. A gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 for foreign residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, USD 500 for the rest of Africa, and UGX 300,000 for nationals and East Africans. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is the responsible body for issuing gorilla permits, and only through a registered tour company like Monteero Safaris.
Lastly, gorilla trekking in Uganda from the United States of America is an iconic travel experience that will leave you with lasting memories. Through us, Monteero Safaris, a crafted gorilla trekking experience, is no longer a dream but a profound reality.