On the morning of your trek, tourists will be given a briefing at the park headquarters about the rules for trekking mountain gorillas.

During the trek, a park ranger will guide you. If there are any signs of unusual gorilla behavior, the visit may end early to prevent any danger.

Other Gorilla Rules and Regulations

Before going gorilla trekking in Africa, tourists should be in good health, because mountain gorillas can catch human diseases easily. These infections can be very dangerous, since gorillas are critically endangered.

When near mountain gorillas, you should look away if you need to sneeze. If you are sick, you may not be allowed to trek with the gorillas.

Do not use cameras with flash, because the light can upset the gorillas. If you use a phone with a flash, please turn it off.

Tourists must keep at least 7 meters away from the gorillas and avoid touching them, as they are wild animals.

Visitors are not allowed to smoke, eat, or drink within 200 meters of the gorillas. This helps prevent dropped food from spreading disease.

When watching the gorillas, stay quiet or speak softly. Loud noises or shouting can scare them.

During the trek, stay close to your group and stay calm if a gorilla charges at you.

Trekking With Gorillas

Gorilla trekking can be done in Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The cost of trekking is different in each country. Uganda charges $800, Rwanda charges $1,500, and Congo has the lowest price, at $400.

Gorilla trekking usually begins in the morning. After the gorillas are found, tourists are allowed to spend one hour with them.

Recommended Packing List

When planning a tour, remember that mountain gorillas live in high areas that often have rain.

You will need to hike to find the gorillas, so bring waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, long sleeved warm clothes, raincoats, plenty of drinking water, and insect repellent. See our full gorilla trekking packing list for more detail.

Understanding Mountain Gorilla Groups

Mountain gorillas live in groups of 5 to 30 members. One silverback leads the group and decides when to eat, where to go, and when to build nests.

Mountain gorillas are shy and gentle, but they can become aggressive if they feel scared or disturbed. They show warning signs first, like beating their chests, making loud grunts, tearing plants, and throwing leaves or branches.

The post Why You Can’t Make Eye Contact With a Gorilla When Trekking appeared first on Gorilla Tours Africa.

If you react the wrong way, the gorilla may attack and hurt you. Because of their great strength, this can even lead to death.

In this article, we explain everything clearly and in simple terms.

Understanding Gorilla Behavior

Mountain gorillas are not usually aggressive unless they feel threatened. They are shy and gentle but can become dangerous if disturbed.

Gorillas do not normally attack people right away. Before an attack, they give warning signs. These include loud groans, grunting, tearing and throwing plants, chest beating, standing on two legs, pretending to charge, and showing their teeth.

If someone ignores these signs, the gorilla may charge. When it does, it uses its strong arms, sharp teeth, and powerful bites. It may also beat its chest loudly.

What to Do If a Gorilla Charges

If a gorilla charges at you, never run. You cannot outrun a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat.

Do not scream or shout. This makes the situation worse. Stay calm and quiet.

If a gorilla grabs your hand, try to gently move your hand and start grooming it. This may help calm the gorilla.

Do not look the gorilla in the eyes. Look away and act relaxed. Eye contact may make the gorilla think you are challenging it.

You can also crouch down and act like another ape by pretending to eat plants. This shows that you are not a threat and may help calm the gorilla.

Following the Trekking Rules

The best way to avoid a gorilla charge is by following all the trekking rules and instructions given during the briefing before your trek.

If the guide sees signs that a gorilla may become aggressive, they may end the visit early for safety.

Why Guides Matter on Every Trek

Every gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is accompanied by trained rangers and guides who understand gorilla behavior and know how to read the early warning signs before a charge happens. Their presence is one of the main reasons gorilla trekking has such a strong safety record despite the animals’ strength.

Before setting off into the forest, guides brief every group on the rules of the trek. These include keeping a minimum distance from the gorillas, keeping your voice low, avoiding sudden movements, and following the guide’s instructions at all times, especially if a silverback becomes agitated.

Trekkers who stay calm, follow instructions, and trust their guide’s judgment rarely encounter serious problems. Most charges recorded on treks are bluff charges, meant to test or warn rather than to harm, and they typically stop once the gorilla is satisfied that the group poses no threat.

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Uganda has 18 habituated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi, and each family can be visited by up to 8 tourists per day.

These families are distributed across the four sectors of Bwindi National Park: Ruhija sector, Rushaga sector, Buhoma sector, and Nkuringo sector.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park currently has only one habituated gorilla family.

Popular Mountain Gorilla Groups in Uganda

The popular Ugandan mountain gorilla families and groups include the following.

Nshongi Gorilla Family

The Nshongi gorilla family is found in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The family is named after the Nshongi River, where rangers first spotted them. At the time of habituation, the family had 35 members, but the number later reduced to 25 after Mishaya broke off with 10 members to form his own family. The group split again when Bweza left to form another family. The current dominant silverback is Nshongi.

Rushegura Gorilla Family

The Rushegura gorilla family is led by the silverback Kabukojo. This group was formed after splitting from the Habinyanja gorilla family following the death of the dominant silverback, Mugurisi. This group is easy to trek in Bwindi and is often seen near the park headquarters, Batwa villages, and Buhoma camp.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

The Nkuringo gorilla family is in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi National Park. The group was initially led by the silverback Nkuringo and later by his son Safari after Nkuringo’s death. This is one of the gorilla families in Bwindi that has twins.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

The Habinyanja gorilla family is one of the oldest in Bwindi National Park. The group was habituated in 1997 and opened for tourism in 1999. The family is named after the swampy area, Nyanja, where rangers first spotted them. The group was initially led by the silverback Mugurisi, meaning “old man.” Mugurisi’s son, Mwirima, later broke off to form the Rushegura family.

Mubare Gorilla Family

The Mubare gorilla family is the oldest habituated gorilla family in Uganda. The group was first habituated in 1991 and opened for tourism in 1993. This family can be trekked in the Buhoma region of Bwindi National Park. The family is named after the Mubare hills, where rangers first spotted them.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family

The Oruzogo gorilla family was opened for tourism on June 20, 2011. It can be trekked in the Ruhija region of Bwindi and is led by the silverback Tibirikwata. The family has 23 members and includes twins born in 2012 to the female Kabobe.

Bitukura Gorilla Family

The Bitukura gorilla family is found in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi National Park. This group is led by a young silverback named Ndahura, which is uncommon, as older silverbacks usually dominate gorilla groups.

Mishaya Gorilla Family

The Mishaya gorilla family was formed when the silverback Mishaya broke away from the Nshongi family with some females to form his own group. Mishaya is known for fighting other groups to expand his family.

Busingye Gorilla Family

The Busingye gorilla family was formed when the silverback Busingye left the Kahungye family to start his own group. The group was opened for tourism in 2011 and is found in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi National Park. The name “Busingye” means “peace” in the local language.

Kahungye Gorilla Family

The Kahungye gorilla family was opened for tourism in 2011 and can be trekked in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi National Park. The family is named after the Kahungye hills, where they were first spotted. The group initially had 27 members but later reduced when Kahungye broke away to form his own family. The group is now led by the silverback Gwigi.

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only habituated group in Mgahinga National Park. The group was initially dominated by Bujingo but is now led by Mark, assisted by Mafia. The group currently has 10 members.

Other Ugandan Gorilla Groups

Other mountain gorilla groups include the Katwe, Christmas, Mukiza, Muyambi, Mucunguzi, Posho, Binyindo, Kutu, Bikingi, Bushaho, Bweza, and Hirwa gorilla families.

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With over 15 mountain gorilla families, below are some of the most popular gorilla families you’ll trek in Rwanda.

Rwanda Gorilla Groups List

Below are some of the popular groups in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.

Bwenge Gorilla Family

The Bwenge gorilla family derives its name from a local word that means wisdom. This is also the group that featured in the movie “Gorillas in the Mist.” Bwenge gorilla family was formed when the dominating silverback, Bwenge, broke away from his family in 2007 to form his own group. Bwenge can be trekked from the slopes of Karisoke, between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.

Ugyenda Gorilla Family

The Ugyenda gorilla family derives its name from a local word that means “on the move.” This is because the family is always moving from place to place, making it even harder to trek. The group wanders around the slopes of Karisimbi and is composed of 11 members, including two silverbacks.

Hirwa Gorilla Family

The Hirwa gorilla family was formed by a combination of members who split off from the Sabyinyo gorilla family and the Agashya gorilla family. This is one of the lucky gorilla families to have a set of twins, born in 2011.

Kwitonda Gorilla Family

The Kwitonda gorilla family can be trekked on the slopes of Mount Muhabura. The group derives its name from the dominant silverback, Kwitonda, which means “Humble One.” The group is said to have migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Agashya Gorilla Family

The Agashya gorilla family, also known as Group 13, is dominated by Agashya, the silverback who took over leadership from Nyakarima. The group can be trekked around Mount Sabyinyo. Agashya is known for taking his family into higher slopes when he senses danger.

Sabyinyo Gorilla Family

The name Sabyinyo means “old worn-out teeth” in the local language. The group derives its name from Mount Sabyinyo, one of the Virunga ranges. The Sabyinyo gorilla family is dominated by Guhonda, the famous reigning silverback and the heaviest silverback in Volcanoes National Park. The group inhabits the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga and is one of the easiest gorilla families to trek in Volcanoes National Park.

Umubano Gorilla Family

The Umubano gorilla family was formed when Charles broke away from his natal group after several fights with Ubumwe, who dominated the group. This group derives its name from a local word that means “Living together” and is composed of 13 members and two silverbacks.

Amahoro Gorilla Family

The Amahoro gorilla family can be trekked from the slopes of Mount Bisoke. The group derives its name from a local word that means “peace.” The group is one of the most peaceful families in Volcanoes National Park. They have even lost some members to the Umubano gorilla family.

Karisimbi Gorilla Family

The Karisimbi gorilla family, also known as Susa B family, broke away from the Susa A gorilla family in 2008. This is the hardest family to trek in Rwanda, inhabiting the higher slopes of Mount Karisimbi. The group is composed of 16 members with 2 silverbacks.

Susa Gorilla Family

The Susa A gorilla family was one of the most interesting gorilla families in Rwanda, with 42 members at the time of habituation before the group separated. This group was also thoroughly studied by Dian Fossey and was one of the lucky families to have twins, Impano and Bwishimo. The group can be trekked around the Susa river, in their home range on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi.

Titus Gorilla Family

The Titus gorilla family is one of the groups researched by Dian Fossey. The dominant silverback lost his family, including his father, to poachers. Dian Fossey noted that he had difficulties breathing and seemed underdeveloped but overcame this. The group derives its name from the silverback, Titus.

Other Rwanda Gorilla Groups

Other gorilla groups in Rwanda include the Igisha, Isimbi, Noheli, Kwisanga, Kigoma, Muhoza, and Urwego gorilla families.

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However, there is much more to do in this park apart from gorilla trekking. Other activities include bird watching, wildlife viewing, guided nature walks, and cultural encounters.

Bwindi is not only home to gorillas but also 120 mammal species, 351 bird species, over 1,000 flowering plants, 220 butterfly species, and 13 other primate species.

The park also has trees as old as 200 years and as tall as 60 meters.

Cultural Encounters in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Cultural encounters in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can be experienced by visiting the Batwa villages located at the park’s borders.

A highlight of your visit to Bwindi should be meeting the Batwa people, also known as the Pygmies.

These people used to live in the forest, depending on it for food, shelter, and medicine, but they were evicted when the area became a national park.

The Batwa people are far from modern lifestyles, offering tourists an authentic African cultural experience.

A Batwa guide will lead you into the forest and demonstrate how they survived there. At the Batwa homes, you will be entertained with traditional dances and songs that will remain in your memory long after your visit.

Tourists can also visit the Nkuringo Cultural Center in the Nkuringo sector to learn how to cook local meals, weave baskets, make banana beer, and take part in traditional dances.

Additionally, you can visit traditional healers who treat various ailments using herbs collected from the forest.

The Bakiga people, farmers living around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, also welcome visitors to learn about their way of life, which is quite different from that of the Batwa.

Cultural encounters in Bwindi National Park can be enjoyed all year round. However, for those who want to combine cultural encounters with gorilla trekking tours, the best time to visit is from June to September and December to February, when the weather is favorable for trekking. Gorilla permits cost $800 per person per trek.

Buhoma Community Tours

A community walk is one way to meet the local people in Bwindi National Park and learn about their way of life. The walk takes you through the countryside, allowing you to observe local farmlands and enjoy wide views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Buhoma is one of the four sectors of Bwindi, located in western Uganda. The park is home to half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas and also boasts 13 other species of primates, 120 species of mammals, 351 species of birds, over 1,000 flowering plants, 400 tree species, 220 species of butterflies, and more.

During the Buhoma community walk, you can visit a craft center to see or learn basket weaving and how women make other handmade crafts. You may also stop at a banana plantation to see how locals make traditional gin from bananas.

The community walk also includes a visit to a local traditional healer who uses plants from the forest to treat illnesses like scabies, measles, and more. Please note that this is not a witch doctor but a traditional herbal healer.

You can visit Mukono Primary School, local community villages, and specifically the Batwa people, who lived in Bwindi Forest before it was declared a national park. A Batwa guide will lead you through the forest and show how they used to live, using the forest for shelter, medicine, and food.

On this trail, you can also visit spectacular waterfalls or stop by Munyaga River, where you might see women washing clothes the traditional way, without washing machines. The highlight of this three hour walk is a performance by energetic local dancers.

While on the Buhoma community tour, you can spot bird species, various primates, butterflies, and much more. The money raised from these community walks is given back to the community to encourage locals to conserve and protect Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and its mountain gorillas. The walk provides an insightful look into African rural traditions and lifestyle.

Buhoma community tours also include a visit to Buhoma Community Hospital, a private non-profit health institution. During the tour, you can interact with the hospital staff and learn how they serve the surrounding communities. This visit is free of charge.

The Buhoma community walk typically takes about three hours, starting from the Buhoma Community Rest Camp. Tourists planning to trek gorillas in this sector of the park should book their permits in advance, as they often sell out. Buhoma is the closest sector to Kampala, Uganda’s capital, and offers various accommodation options. It is also where the first gorilla family for tourism in Bwindi was habituated.

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This is why it is strongly advised not to provoke them during your trekking tours in Africa. Containing a charged gorilla can be extremely difficult.

Bite Force and Bone Strength

Mountain gorillas also possess strong canine teeth, with a bite force recorded at 1,300 pounds per square inch.

A silverback gorilla can weigh up to 500 pounds, which gives them a significant advantage over an average man, who typically weighs around 180 pounds. Mountain gorilla bones are three times stronger, longer, and thicker than those of humans.

Mountain gorillas primarily use their hands for walking and supporting their entire body weight, which leads to the development of strong hands compared to those of a human who trains in a gym. Their bones are notably thick and strong, almost twice the size of human bones.

Are Mountain Gorillas Aggressive?

Mountain gorillas are not aggressive animals unless they are threatened, contrary to how they are often portrayed in movies such as King Kong.

Mountain gorillas tend to fight their opponents one by one, so even if you have a group of people, the gorilla will deal with them individually. They can easily break ribs or inflict harm with relative ease.

Dominant silverback gorillas will fiercely fight to protect their families, and even mothers will fight to protect their young, even if it means risking their own lives.

Could a Human Ever Overpower a Gorilla?

If you were planning to confront a gorilla, you should be prepared to face the consequences, as they do not give up easily and will continue until either their attention is diverted or they perceive the threat to be eliminated.

It is very challenging to estimate how many humans it would take to overpower a mountain gorilla, as a determined gorilla will not give up until the threat is neutralized. To defeat a mountain gorilla, it would likely require the combined strength of multiple individuals, which is practically impossible.

While humans have killed mountain gorillas using weapons, there is no record of any human ever defeating a mountain gorilla using their bare hands.

Why This Matters for Your Trek

This is one of the reasons gorilla trekking rules exist. Guides brief every group before entering the forest, and rangers accompany each trek to manage the gorillas’ behavior and keep visitors at a safe distance.

Trekkers are instructed to keep a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas, avoid direct eye contact with a charging gorilla, and follow the lead of the guide at all times. These rules exist precisely because of the physical power gorillas carry, and following them is what makes gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo a safe experience for thousands of visitors every year.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to half of the mountain gorilla population, with the other half residing in the Virunga Region across Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

The park is located in the southwestern part of the country.

Established in 1991, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park welcomed its first habituated gorilla family, Mubare, for tourists to trek in 1993.

The park boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including 13 species of primates, 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, and approximately 400 species of plants.

Gorilla Tourism Advantages

Gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has created employment opportunities. Many people have found employment in the park as game rangers, wardens, and guides.

The lodges where tourists stay have also generated employment opportunities.

Gorilla tourism has contributed to the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla doctors and researchers have been able to study and learn more about mountain gorillas through gorilla tourism. The regular presence of people trekking mountain gorillas also deters poachers.

Gorilla tourism in Bwindi has generated revenue through the sale of gorilla permits, which cost $800 per person. Uganda receives a significant amount of money annually from gorilla tourism, making tourism a major foreign exchange earner for the country.

Gorilla tourism has also helped market Uganda as a tourism destination. Through gorilla tourism, many tourists have visited other national parks in the country, such as Kidepo Valley and Queen Elizabeth, with the assistance of tour operators who promote the country.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has led to community development through the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals in the communities surrounding the park.

Mountain gorillas provide benefits not only to Bwindi but also to the ecosystem. They disperse seeds of the fruits they eat throughout the forest. When these seedlings grow, they replenish the forest and support other animals, including gorillas in the forest, as well as humans living near gorilla habitats, because the plants sustain the environment.

How to Get to Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can be reached within 8 to 10 hours from Kampala, the capital of Uganda, a 4 to 5 hour drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and about a 3 to 4 hour drive from the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Luxury or non-adventurous tourists can also fly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi Airfield.

Best Time to Visit Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is an all-year-round destination, but some months are better than others.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September and from December to February. See our full best time to visit Uganda guide for more detail.

Cost of Gorilla Permits

Gorilla trekking permits cost $800 per person, while gorilla habituation permits cost $1,500 per person. Children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to trek mountain gorillas.

Tourists are also advised to book their gorilla permits at least 3 months in advance before arriving in the country, because they are always in high demand.

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The country is also home to many endangered species and two of the most active volcanoes in Africa.

List of Congo National Parks

Congo has eleven national parks, each offering its own special experience. The list of parks is shown below.

Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on the border with Rwanda and Uganda. It covers an area of 7,800 square kilometers.

It is Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925 by King Albert of Belgium as Albert National Park. The name was later changed to Virunga National Park.

Virunga is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, including Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Nyiragongo.

The park is also home to endangered mountain gorillas, which live only in Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is known for gorilla trekking safaris.

It is named after two dormant volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which are found inside the park.

The park was created in 1970 by a Belgian photographer and conservationist named Adrien Deschryver.

In 1980, it was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park covers 6,000 square kilometers and is home to endangered animals like eastern lowland gorillas, forest elephants, forest buffalos, Alexander’s bush squirrel, and the owl faced monkey. It also has many recorded bird species.

This park is a popular place for budget gorilla tours.

Mangroves National Park

Mangroves National Park is the only marine national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It was established in 1992 and covers an area of 678 square kilometers, making it the smallest national park in the country.

The mangroves in this park are different from those found in South Asia.

The park also has many other types of trees, some of which are only found in this area. It is home to various animals, including crocodiles, hippos, bushbucks, reedbucks, snakes, and several primate species.

Maiko National Park

Maiko National Park is located near the border of Rwanda and Congo, between Kisangani and Bukavu. It covers an area of 10,400 square kilometers.

The park was first set up by the Belgian government in 1949 as the Bakumu Hunting Reserve. Its purpose was to protect wildlife and stop mineral exploitation.

The park is home to many animals, including forest elephants, aquatic genets, eastern chimpanzees, leopards, bushbucks, and others.

It is a remote place with no lodges or facilities, so tourists who plan to visit should bring their own camping equipment.

Odzala National Park

Odzala National Park is one of the oldest protected areas in Congo.

It was first marked as a protected area in 1935 and later became a biosphere reserve in 1977.

In 2001, it was made a national park and now covers 13,500 square kilometers.

Odzala National Park is home to many kinds of wildlife, including 100 species of mammals, 4,500 types of trees and plants, 440 bird species, and many primates.

Some animals found in the park include African elephants, forest buffalos, aquatic genets, and primates like gorillas, black and white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and black crested mangabeys.

The park also has many bird species, such as the red capped crombec, grey parrot, African fish eagle, and black dwarf hornbill.

Lomami National Park

Lomami National Park is one of the newest national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was established in July 2016 and covers an area of 8,879 square kilometers.

The park is located in two provinces, Maniema and Tshopo.

Lomami National Park is home to some endangered species, including the rare Dryas monkey, okapi, bonobo monkeys, and Lesula monkey. Other animals in the park include forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, hippos, and crocodiles, among others.

Upemba National Park

Upemba National Park is located in the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It covers an area of 10,000 square kilometers.

The park was established in 1939 and was the largest park in Africa at that time, before its boundaries were changed in 1975.

Upemba National Park is home to over 1,800 species of wildlife. Some of these include the shoebill, wattled crane, spotted ground thrush, African fish eagle, and strange weaver, among others.

Kundelungu National Park

Kundelungu National Park is located near Upemba National Park in the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park was established in 1970 and covers an area of 7,600 square kilometers.

It is home to many wildlife species, including antelopes, hippos, elephants, warthogs, porcupines, buffalos, monkeys, jackals, and several bird species.

Garamba National Park

Garamba National Park was established in 1938 and covers an area of 5,200 square kilometers.

It is home to 138 species of mammals and 286 species of birds.

In the 1960s and 70s, the park had more than 20,000 elephants, but the number dropped sharply because of poaching.

Wildlife in Garamba National Park includes giant forest hogs, Congo giraffes, okapi, forest elephants, hippos, buffalos, leopards, and many bird species such as the secretary bird.

Salonga National Park

Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest tropical rainforest national park in Africa. It covers 36,000 square kilometers within the Congo River Basin.

The park was first established as Tshaupa National Park in 1956 and later renamed Salonga by a presidential decree in 1970.

Salonga National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. It is home to many animals, including the African golden genet, bush pigs, forest buffalo, long tailed pangolin, Angolan slender mongoose, hippos, Dryas monkey, aquatic genet, Thollon’s red colobus, and others.

Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

Nouabale-Ndoki National Park was created in 1993 and is located in the northern part of Congo. It covers 3,921 square kilometers.

This park is one of the places to visit when touring Congo.

It has about 1,000 plant species and around 300 bird species.

Animals found in the park include elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas, buffalos, leopards, blue duikers, crocodiles, colobus monkeys, and many others.

Best Time to Visit

National parks in Congo can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to go is from June to August, during the dry season.

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The country has beauty that is hard to match in other parts of Africa. Uganda is known for its exotic wildlife, many bird species, diverse cultures, landmarks, and much more.

Uganda is home to the world’s longest river, the Nile, which flows through eleven countries. Its source is in Uganda. The mighty River Nile flows out of the rift escarpment at Murchison Falls National Park, forcing itself through a narrow gorge and then flowing into Lake Albert, forming the world’s most powerful waterfalls.

Uganda also has half of the world’s mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The rest are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo in the Virunga Conservation Area, home to the eight Virunga Volcano Mountains.

There is a lot to see and learn in Uganda, and much of it can be experienced in the country’s national parks. Below is a complete list of Uganda’s national parks.

List of National Parks in Uganda

Uganda’s national parks can be visited all year round. However, the months of June to September and December to February are best for game viewing.

For bird lovers, the best time to visit is from November to April, when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present. Here is the list of Uganda’s national parks.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is in northeastern Uganda in the Karamoja plains. The park is a true wilderness with unique wildlife not found in other parks in Uganda. Kidepo is Uganda’s third largest national park, home to over 400 bird species, including ostriches, and 77 types of mammals, some found nowhere else in Uganda.

Mount Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon National Park is in eastern Uganda, near the Kenyan border. It is named after Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano with the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world.

The park was established in 1992 and covers 1,110 square kilometers. Animals like leopards, elephants, and bushbucks live here, along with birds like Jackson’s francolin and tacazze sunbirds.

The park also offers wide views of the Karamoja plains.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is in western Uganda and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers 998 square kilometers and was established in 1991.

The main activity here is climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” Mount Margherita, one of its peaks, is the third highest mountain in Africa.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is in northwestern Uganda. It has over 76 species of mammals, 400 bird species, and primates in Budongo Forest.

Visitors enjoy boat rides to the base of the falls, where they can see wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most visited parks and is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the main activity, with permits costing $800 for one hour with gorillas.

Gorilla habituation permits, costing $1,500, allow up to 4 hours with gorillas and researchers. Bwindi is also home to 13 primates, 200 tree species, and over 300 bird species.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is the best place in the world for chimpanzee trekking. It has over 1,400 chimpanzees and 351 bird species.

Other primates, like olive baboons and colobus monkeys, also live here.

Semuliki Valley National Park

Semuliki Valley National Park is in southwestern Uganda. It is part of the Ituri Forest in Congo, one of the last remaining lowland tropical forests.

The park is known for the Sempaya Hot Springs, which have an interesting history.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is in southwestern Uganda, near Rwanda and Congo. It is home to 3 of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes and the Nyakagezi gorilla group, which is open for trekking year round.

Visitors can also enjoy golden monkey trekking and mountain climbing.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park was established in 1954 and named after Queen Elizabeth of England. It has the highest number of bird species in Uganda, with over 600 recorded.

It is also the most visited park in Uganda, with over 95 mammal species.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savannah park. It has 13 lakes, with 5 inside the park. It is a perfect weekend getaway from Kampala or a stopover when traveling to Queen Elizabeth or Bwindi.

The park is home to over 300 bird species and offers activities like horse safaris and boat rides.

The post National Parks in Uganda: Complete List & Guide appeared first on Gorilla Tours Africa.

The Virunga mountains are located north of Lake Kivu, near Rwanda’s northern border. To explore the Virunga mountains, one will need to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo.

These volcanic mountains are shared by three East African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. The name “Virunga” was derived from a local Kinyarwanda word, “Ibirunga,” meaning mountains.

Home to the Mountain Gorillas

One of the most notable aspects of these volcanic mountains is that they are home to the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, which can only be found in Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

The Virunga volcanoes are also situated along the Albertine Rift Valley, which is part of the Great Rift Valley, one of the world’s greatest natural features.

The eight volcanoes include Mount Bisoke, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Mikeno.

The Virunga volcanoes offer great opportunities for gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey trekking, wildlife viewing, and also provide an opportunity to encounter the people living in these areas.

Most interesting are the pygmies, also known as the forest people, who are believed to have lived in these forests for over 500,000 years before the area was designated as national parks.

List of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes

Below is the list of the eight Virunga Volcano Mountains.

Mount Muhabura

Mount Muhabura is shared by Uganda and Rwanda. The name is derived from a local word meaning “Sentinel.”

It is one of the steepest to climb, but the hike is worth it, as you can see a crater near its summit and wide views of Rwanda’s twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo.

Muhabura stands at an elevation of 4,127 meters above sea level. Tourists usually complete the climb in one day.

Mount Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi stands at an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea level, making it the highest of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Mount Karisimbi is where the famous primatologist Dian Fossey constructed her institute, Karisoke, for the study of mountain gorillas. It also provides dramatic views of Mount Nyiragongo at its summit.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi takes two days.

Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most famous of the Virunga Mountains. It is said to have erupted at least 35 times since 1982, making it one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

The last eruption occurred in 2002, causing damage and destruction as lava flowed into the nearby town of Goma.

Mount Mikeno

Mount Mikeno is situated in Congo within the Virunga National Park. It is the second highest of the Virunga ranges and the 13th tallest mountain on the African continent, standing at an elevation of 4,437 meters above sea level.

The mountain is also believed to date back to the Pleistocene Epoch. It is one of the toughest mountains to climb among the Virunga.

Mount Gahinga

The word “Gahinga” is derived from a local word meaning “piles of stones.”

Mount Gahinga is one of the highlights of the Virunga mountains, characterized by bamboo forests and afro-montane forests.

The mountain stands at an elevation of 3,474 meters, making it the smallest of the Virunga massif. Mount Gahinga is well known for its volcanic caves that can be seen while trekking.

Mount Bisoke/Visoke

Mount Bisoke is shared by Rwanda and Congo, standing at an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level.

Mount Bisoke is endowed with a crater at its summit and is characterized by montane forests and bamboo forests, providing wide views across the surrounding landscape.

Mount Sabyinyo

Mount Sabyinyo is serrated at the top, resembling the gums of an old man’s teeth. The name was derived from a local word, “Sabyinyo,” meaning “Old man’s teeth.”

The mountain is shared by Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, offering views of three countries from its summit.

However, Mount Sabyinyo can only be climbed from the Ugandan side, as the sides of Congo and Rwanda are steep.

Mount Nyamuragira

Mount Nyamuragira is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The last eruption took place in November 2011, and the mountain stands at an elevation of 3,058 meters above sea level.

Mount Nyamuragira is said to have erupted 40 times since 1885. It is known to have an active lava lake on its summit, which appeared for the first time in 50 years.

Best Time to Visit the Virunga Volcanoes

The best time for hiking the Virunga mountains is during the months of December to February and June to September, when the weather is dry and favorable.

However, tourists are still advised to carry warm clothing, good hiking boots, and rain jackets, as the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at the top.

The post The Virunga Mountains: A Complete Guide to the 8 Volcanoes appeared first on Gorilla Tours Africa.