Gorilla Trekking Tips For The Elderly
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is not only for youths but also for elderly persons too. Let your age not be a hindering factor because it is very possible for the old to also take part in a trek to see mountain gorillas.
How gorilla safari for the old is planned
Get in touch with our reservation team and we shall arrange for you a gorilla safari in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Most tour operators can also plan for you a gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park as well as the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. To enable everyone to have an enjoyable gorilla adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo regardless of his or her age, there are set guidelines to observe. Very old tourists can embark on a short gorilla trek.
Talk to the tour operator before embarking on the actual trek
When planning a gorilla trip for the elderly, we make sure that if the old person can walk, our guides will explain it to Uganda Wildlife Authority management to ease the process of assigning him or her easier gorilla group to trek and also to enable park ranger guide to move at a pace favorable to him or her. Please do not shy out from telling the park ranger guide that he or she to slow down. You are therefore advised to talk to our reservationist in advance so that we explain it to park authorities earlier.
Hire sedan chairs/porter
In case of need for push or pull, there are porters at the park headquarters to give a hand of help although you need to hire one at $10-$20. Alternatively, you will be carried in sedan chairs for disabled persons. You will be carried by a group of 4 porters and this may cost you about $400.
Exercise before gorilla trek
Before embarking on a gorilla trek, make sure you do some physical fitness. This is to help you familiarize yourself with altitude so that you do not face challenges on the gorilla trek. Remember gorilla trekking is all about hiking through the dense vegetation and steep slope while in search of mountain gorillas. A trek to see mountain gorillas can take you about 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of mountain gorillas, the nature of the habitat, and your physical wellness.
Carry adequate drinking water and energy-giving snacks
Have adequate drinking water and energy-giving snacks to help keep strong and fit to make a complete trek. In your packing list, bottled water and snacks are some of the essential items not to miss out on.
In summary, gorilla trekking can also be perfectly done by elderly tourists on a safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda is not only for youths but also for elderly persons too. Let your age not be a hindering factor because it is very possible for the old to also take part in a trek to see mountain gorillas.
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Suggestions for an Eastern Uganda Road Trip
The Eastern region is one of the four regions in the country of Uganda. The region boasts some of the tourists’ jewel in the crown. An intoxicating blend of adrenaline adventures and superb scenery makes eastern Uganda a must on any East African journey. Here the mighty Nile begins its epic journey north. White-water rafting the Nile River is the main draw for adventurers seeking a wild ride, but there’s also the subtler, sweatier pleasure of trekking through Mt Elgon National Park or relaxing with a visit to the stunning Sipi Falls.
The regional capital of Jinja offers a charming and friendly base on the shores of Lake Victoria where travelers can spend a few days or more enjoying the chilled atmosphere and top-notch outdoor activities. Going on a road trip to Uganda in the eastern region? Below are some of the key attractions you should not miss to visit:
Jinja City:
Jinja is a city in eastern Uganda and it comprises so many attractions. On your way to the city is the beautiful Mabira Forest which you can visit and engage in so many tourist activities like zip-lining, and so many others. In Jinja, there are also so many tourist activities to be done such as white water rafting (at the source of the Nile), kayaking, visiting the source of the world’s longest River – River Nile, and so much more.
Mountain Elgon:
Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya, north of Kisumu and west of Kitale. The mountain’s highest point, named “Wagagai”, is located entirely within Uganda. It is one of Uganda’s major attractions and it is the second-highest mountain in Uganda after the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Hiking this snow-capped mountain is an experience to remember. The Mountain is protected in the Mountain Elgon National Park that also boasts so many other attractions like wildlife species and bird species which you will also enjoy viewing during your hike.
The Sipi Falls:
Located close to Mountain Elgon National Park, the beautiful and romantic Sipi Falls is another attraction to fond of in eastern Uganda. The Sipi Falls is so beautiful and eye-catching and once you land in this area, there are so many memorable tourist activities waiting for you.
Nyero Rock Painting:
The Nyero rock paintings are located in eastern Uganda in Kumi District, 8 km west of Kumi town, about 250 km from the capital city Kampala. The Nyero rock paintings are among the most important rock art in Uganda. It is another beautiful attraction you should visit in your self-drive car in Eastern Uganda.
Primates Tracking In Uganda
Unlike other East African countries, Uganda is a primate capital. It is surely the best country to see the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons and many other primate species. It is one country where no one can fail to spot a primate.
Uganda’s cool climate and the dense rain forests have attracted several species dwelling in here. Uganda is a home to about 300 mammal species and almost 20 of them are primates, making it a popular safari destination in Africa.
When it comes to primate safaris in Uganda, you have a wide array of where you can go, what you can see and what you can do with these mighty primates. And if found anywhere in or around Uganda, you better be sure of spotting these apes depending on your itinerary.
Mountain gorillas in Uganda. These are the prime attractions in the country, big numbers of tourists come to the pearl of Africa just to trek the gorillas in their natural habitats and have up close encounters with the mighty silverbacks. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda head to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park, homes to almost three quarters of the world’s total population of the mountain gorillas. A journey to see these great giants of the forests might also expose one to the tree climbing lions at Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park, the Batwa pygmies, Lake Bunyonyi and other different attractions that are simply beautiful to behold.
Chimpanzees in Uganda. These are our closest cousins in the forest with almost an equal DNA to humans. More than 5000 chimps live in Uganda, it being with vast rain forests that are important homes to these primates. The prime home to Uganda’s chimps in Kibale forest national park also referred to as the primate capital of the world with almost 1500 chimps. Most travelers to this park have trekked or habituated them and had lifetime experiences with these bright primates. Other chimps in Uganda can also be found in Kalinzu Forest reserve, Kyambura gorge and Budongo forest reserve.
The Golden Monkeys. These are only found in Mgahinga national park, the only place where silver meets with gold. Travelers to this park can trek both the gorillas and the golden monkeys. Walk through the bamboo trees of the forest, on the lower slopes of Mgahinga volcano, with a hand stick as the only support, and finally meet the beautiful golden monkeys, watch them play with each other, jumping from one tree branch to the other and also taking many pictures of these impressive creatures.
Olive baboons. These live in savannas, forests and steppes, so they can be spotted in any park of forest reserve in Uganda except the montane region parks like Mgahinga national park, Rwenzori Mountains and Mountain Elgon national park. They usually live in groups and the commonest destination to spot them is Kibale forest national park, though you can still find them in Murchison Falls national park, Kidepo valley national park and many other places.
Still you can find different monkey species anywhere and anytime, as long as it’s a natural place. In Uganda every day can be a primate day. Black and White Colobus and colobus guereza are probably the commonest and widespread forest monkeys in Uganda, on every safari in Uganda, you can never fail to spot one. Whether in Entebbe Botanical gardens, Lake Mburo national park or even Rwenzori mountains, you can meet these monkeys anywhere in Uganda.
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7 Top Things To Do In Uganda
Whether you are a backpacker or luxury travelers, Uganda welcomes everyone with open arms on safari Africa. Uganda is that one African state that rewards travel endeavors with variety of exciting adventures, rare experiences that leave lasting memories at the end of the day. Is it hiking/mountaineering, wildlife safari, cultural encounters, nature walks, primate adventures that you need to engage in or city tour? Well, for any plans to visit Africa this coming season, consider this magical country a must on your bucket list. With a lot more that awaits for you to enjoy while safari in Africa, below are the seven amazing things you must do on a tour in Uganda.
Game/wildlife viewing
When you think of a safari in Africa, it is one of the main notable experiences most tourists get involved and Uganda is that one magical country that rewards travelers with excellent views of wildlife while on game drive. It has some most remarkable national parks that are ideal for wildlife safaris and they include among others Murchison Falls National Park in the northwestern side of the country, Kidepo Valley National Park-northeastern Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park in the west, Lake Mburo National Park and others. While on game drive in Uganda, you get a chance to encounter the big game-African elephants, lions including the tree climbing lions, leopards, cape buffaloes as well as numerous savanna grassland dwellers.
Mountain gorilla trekking
With fewer than 1004 mountain gorillas that are left on earth today, a trek to see these forest dwellers in the jungles of Uganda rewards travel endeavors with life changing experiences. About 500 individuals of these world’s critically endangered creatures call this magical country their home and they can be tracked only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park which are suitably located in the extreme southwestern side. To be part of this lifetime experience in Uganda, you need $600 to secure a permit that offers you opportunity to have magical encounters with these dramatic creatures for only an hour after winding through the tropical rainforest and steep slopes for 2-8 or more hours.
Chimpanzee trekking
This is another most amazing primate adventure you need not to miss while on Uganda safari. About 5000 chimpanzees call Uganda their home and they are distributed in various parts of the country including Kibale Forest National Park-a renowned primate capital of the world that consists of over 13 distinct primate species of which chimpanzees are part comprising of over 1500 individuals, Budongo forest, Kalinzu forest, Semuliki national park a mention but a few.
Cultural encounters
Culture is that one unique tourism product Uganda boasts of and still remains untapped hence guaranteeing you authentic African experiences. This wonderful country boasts of its diverse cultures that make it a true melting pot of cultures. While on cultural safari in Uganda, you get a chance to engage in different aspects right from cultural dances, music performances, have a taste of traditional dishes and many others. Most interestingly, you can cultural encounters on your bucket list while on safari in any of the parks. In Kidepo Valley National Park, make sure that you pay a visit to the Karamojong community and explore the manyattas, Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park-consider visiting the Batwa and Bakiga community a must and many adjacent communities in other protected areas of your choice.
Explore the mighty River Nile
If you love exploring then Uganda is that place you need to visit. Visiting the mighty River Nile is one thing you need not to miss out while on safari in this renowned pearl of Africa. While on your vacation in Uganda, head to Jinja just a few kilometers from Kampala city center. Jinja is a source of the mighty Nile and while here, there are variety of adrenaline adventures you have to be part of and they include bungee jumping, kayaking, white water rafting, jet boating, horseback riding in nearby communities, boat cruise a mention but a few.
Birding
With over 1080 distinct species of birds that await to excite you, Uganda is undoubtedly a birder’s paradise. These incredible creatures are amazing, inspiring and widely distributed in various parts of the country. They can be spotted in most of parts of the national parks where most of the safaris in Uganda are conducted and they include Murchison Falls National Park with over 450 bird species, Kidepo Valley National Park with more than 470 avifaunal species, Kibale National Park consisting of 350 bird species including the rare green breasted pitta, Queen Elizabeth National Park with over 620 bird species, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Rwenzori Mountain National Park; forests, wetlands, swamps, Lakes and others.
Hiking
Uganda isn’t only ideal for game viewing but also for you to embark on thrilling hiking experiences. The main areas that reward with incredible hiking experiences include the Sipi falls in eastern Uganda, the Rwenzori mountain range which may require you to spend at least 7 days or more to have a complete hike, Mount Elgon, Gahinga Volcano, Muhabura volcano and many others.
In conclusion, there are many distinct safari activities in Uganda that you can engage in while on African safari and each of them rewards you with rare experiences.
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An Unforgettable Gorilla Expedition in Bwindi
I don’t say it lightly when I say that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the most beautiful place I have ever visited. The jungle, the misty mountains, the people, and the gorillas make it an amazing place to be.
We stayed in the town of Buhoma, which is just about 10 meters outside of the Bwindi National Park. We spend a lovely few days there hanging out with the locals and buying cheap but very well-carved, souvenirs, visiting orphanages and watching them sing, dance, and drum, and of course the mountain gorillas was an experience unmatched in nature for me. I treasured every second that I was there.
This is a good experience with the mountain gorillas. I have visited the mountain gorillas myself; you must visit them as stated here. If you need to compare prices and costs and make a decision as to which country to visit the gorillas (Rwanda or Uganda), read this comprehensive article on organizing a gorilla trekking safari in Africa.
Tracking Gorillas in Bwindi’s Oruzogo Gorilla Family
Gorilla Trekking remains one of the most magical and rewarding wildlife experiences in the natural world, one that I know is high on the wish list of Uganda’s tourists. An estimated 800 mountain gorillas are remaining on earth, approximately 480 of which reside in Bwindi National Park.
Oruzogo gorilla group is located in Ruhija together with Bitukura, and Kitaguriro (which is the gorilla family dedicated purely for research). This gorilla family can be trekked from Buhoma or Ruhija. The group consists of 16 individuals including 1 dominant silverback (named Tibirikwata) and two babies that were recently born. Although the sex of the two babies is yet to be established, the proud mothers are the cute adult females Birungi and Mutesi. The new babies join the posse of other infants Buchura and Kanywani who is Kakobe’s baby.
Naming all the 16 individuals save for the three infants who are currently known by their mothers’ identities like Mutesi baby or Birungi baby was completed before it was availed for tracking in 2012.
Other individuals in the group include Busungu(Meaning short tampered), Kashundwe, Nyakiina, Kaganga (the giant one), Otaka, Bwoba (the coward) Karimi (tongue) Kiromba, Katooto (the small one) Kanywani(meaning friendly, Kakobe who looks like a monkey and Buchura referring to the youngest or last born before the two newest babies came forth.
Read MoreRhino Tracking In Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Rhino trekking is a recent though an interesting wildlife adventure in Uganda, only done in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
A few decades ago, Uganda was a home to over 700 white Rhinoceros; until massive rhino poaching took the center stage and hundreds of black and white rhinos in Uganda’s wild could not survive the tragedy. Rhinos are one of Africa’s big 5 mammals and a name rhino originates from the Greek words Rhino meaning nose and “ceros” meaning horn.
The white Rhinos aren’t exactly white and neither is black actually. The word white was just merely mispronounced by the ancient Dutch settlers in South Africa from the Dutch word “wyd” meaning wide. But in actual sense the Rhinos both the black and the white are grey in color.
During civil wars and political insurgencies in Uganda in the 1970’s the number of Rhinos reduced dramatically. Currently they are only a few left in Uganda. Only two found at the Entebbe Zoo and the remaining others are under the watchful eye by the Ugandan wildlife Authority in the Ziwa Rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola along Kampala- Gulu highway just 180 km from Kampala the capital of Uganda.
By the support from Rhino fund Uganda and Uganda wildlife Authority, Ziwa sanctuary is a home to over 15 Rhinos making the place a progressive sight that is also visited by different people across the world.
The Rhino is among the big five mammals, including Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos, the buffaloes, Elephants and the lion. The Rhino is also the second largest land mammal in the whole world.
Some of the interesting facts of the white rhino are, it is a social, similarly to the Elephants and they also have small families called the “crash”. The dominant male plays the role of the father and also the protector.
One unique thing is that the Rhino mourns the death of a family member; they have a thick inches skin up to three inches. The ziwa sanctuary is the only place in Uganda that one can have an amazing experience of Rhino tracking.
Enter the territory of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary’s rhinos on foot. Rhino Fund Uganda has well skilled and informed guides that will guide you through the bush to where the rhinos are on the day of your visit. The guides are there to keep you safe from harm so listening to the safety briefing prior to trekking is very paramount. Rhino trekking is preferred mostly as an enroute activity to the Murchison Falls national park, or cutting the long journey short to the North Eastern based Kidepo valley national park.
While at the sanctuary you will also encounter a wide range of other wildlife species including Uganda Kobs, reed bucks, Oribis, rich bucks, hippos and crocodiles.
Other activities include; Bird watching, and the famous Shoe bill canoe ride, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also home to over 250 bird species and is a great sport for serious birders interested in finding those rare African species. Experienced bird guides will enable you enjoy this experience.
The Rhino tracking excursion lasts for about 1-2 hours; Visit this Rhino sanctuary in Uganda and witness these critically endangered species in their natural habitat at a close range, while contributing to their conservation.