Uganda Beyond Mountain Gorillas
Uganda is a beautiful country located along the equator. It is often called the “Pearl of Africa” because of its lush environment. This destination is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. These gorillas live in the conservation areas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei) roam freely in the forest. They are mostly herbivores, eating plants and mushrooms. These animals live in groups of up to 20 individuals in each gorilla family. Each national park has groups of habituated gorillas for visitors. Tracking is done in groups of eight. The time spent depends on how far the gorillas have moved. Visitors get one hour with the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Gorilla tours in Uganda are a key attraction. They set the country apart from its neighbours. Uganda is home to many gorillas. It helps the country earn money from selling gorilla permits. This also benefits other wildlife tourism. Often, gorilla tour packages include wildlife tours. Routes are chosen carefully. This way, you can see the mountain gorillas and enjoy other attractions along the way.
Beautiful Scenery
The landscape near the conservation areas has unique scenery. It has beautiful rolling hills and mountains.
There are lakes and rivers.
You can find banana and tea plantations.
The area also has large grassy savannah national parks. Most of the landscapes were created by volcanic activity. They formed the western rift valley. Uganda has conservation areas such as Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. These parks are found in the Albertine Rift Valley region.
National Parks
Savannah National Parks are home to many birds, animals, and plants. Popular animals include the African big five lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants. Other mammals you might see are Jackson hartebeests, oribi, Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras, elands, and topi. You can also find primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and l’hoest monkeys.
The parks have many colourful birds. Some of these birds include the piacpiac, African green broadbill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, African eagle, herons, and ducks. Reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies are also present in these parks. Uganda has a rich variety of plant life. This includes bushy grasslands, acacia woodlands, tropical rainforests, and swampy areas. It is heaviest in the south and scattered in central and northern Uganda. These areas are home to many animal and bird species in the conservation zones.
Uganda Beyond Mountain Gorillas – Weather
Uganda has good weather. You can visit it all year, but the best times are from December to February and from June to mid-September. It is a season when routes are easy to access. However, during the dry season, it can rain sometimes. It is not always dry. It is best to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Bring boots, gloves, and warm clothes for highland areas. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and any other personal items you need for a safari.
