A gorilla safari together with a white water rafting in Uganda will make your trip a historical and memorable one due to the excitement and enjoyment you will equip from them. Uganda has two national parks protecting the rare endangered gorillas thus Uganda itself protecting half of world’s gorillas in its two parks. The only two Parks in Uganda keeping the rare endangered mountain gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which are all found in the western parts of the country.
The amazing gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda are best done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park because it protects approximately world’s endangered mountain gorillas (over 500 gorillas) however it can also be done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is the smallest Ugandan park but blessed with over 100 mountain gorillas and the park has only one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi. There are over 14 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi which are tracked in four different sectors of the Park (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo).
Rushaga looks to be the good sector to track the mountain gorillas from due the fact that you will be able to see almost 7 habituated gorilla families which exist in the sector though Buhoma is the mostly famous sector and it is where most gorilla trekkers track from due to its easiest accessibility and because it has an historical habituated gorilla family (Mubare gorilla family) which is the most attractive family to the gorilla trekkers in Bwindi and it is the oldest in the Park.
Most gorilla trekkers who make it to Buhoma sector may by chance view the amazing tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park since Buhoma is too close to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park where these amazing lions are seen from hence attracting many trekkers to make it to Buhoma sector.
A gorilla permit in Uganda is sold at US$ 600 for both parks and only individuals above 15 years qualify for the gorilla tracking. Gorilla tracking is done quietly and calmly however if the gorillas are found you are emphasized to stay with them for only one hour but you must keep at least 7 to 8 meters for your self-defense since the primates are wild though habituated and also not to spread diseases to the primates. The Mountain gorillas will be found on the ground thus you will not be disturbed in taking photos like for the chimpanzees which jump from tree to tree however you are recommended to not use flashlight cameras while taking photos. Before going for the tracking, you will first be briefed at the head offices of the park where your activity will have taken place and all activities will be guided with qualified and professional park guides/rangers who will help you to find the primates easily and also protect you.
Both parks have accommodations of good quality which are self-contained comprising of restaurant, bar, swimming pool and many more. Bwindi Forest National Park’s accommodations include; Buhoma lodge, Clouds lodge, Engagi lodge, Silver back lodge, Bwindi community Banda’s, Chameleon hill lodge, Buhoma haven lodge and many others well as Mgahinga national park include; Amajambere Iwacu community camp, Kisoro traveler rest hotel, Mount Gahinga lodge, Kisoro tourist hotel and many others. Advance booking is essential whenever you are to have gorilla safari tours in any of Uganda’s gorilla protecting national parks.
White Water Rafting in Uganda:
Uganda is really a pearl of Africa!!! Uganda has many different things which can make you relaxed and joyous besides its distinct national parks. River Nile is another great thing that Uganda owes and apart from being Africa’s longest and world’s second longest, many other luxurious activities are done on the River which attracts many whites and blacks from various continents and countries to go in Uganda for the various activities which are done at the River of which one of the interesting activities done at the River is the white water rafting in Uganda which takes place at the Owen falls dam in Jinja.
The River Nile passes through Jinja and it is where the Owen falls dam is found, here many Ugandan tourists go there for the white water rafting for enjoyment and relaxation after doing the tiresome activities in Uganda’s parks such as gorilla tracking in Bwindi and Mgahinga, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, Mountain hiking in Mountain Elgon National Park and Rwenzori Mountain National Park among others.
Before going for the white water rafting you will first wear a life jacket and helmet such that you will be protected from sinking into the River if something bad happens to the boat. Therefore, if you get an accident, they will quickly come to rescue you when you just floating with nothing bad happening to you. Rescue boats are always there to help those who might have got accidents. This activity will only take you few hours and you will be able to continue with your other destinations in Uganda shortly after the activity.