Census shows Mountain Gorilla Population increases to 1063 individuals

Mountain Gorilla Population Census results of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and contiguous Sarambwe Nature Reserve released on the 16^th of December 2019 shows an increase from 400 members to 459. This brings the global total population of Mountain gorillas to 1,063 from 1004 from the last survey in the Virunga National Park.

The survey was conducted by the conservation Authorities within the protected areas within Ugandan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It involved over 75 trained survey members working under the transboundary framework of the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration. Partners who supported the survey include the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), a coalition of Conservation International, Fauna & Flora International, People’s Postcode Lottery and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The gorilla families are stated to have increased from 36 to 50 with 13 solitary individuals. The increase in mountain gorilla numbers within Bwindi forest undoubtedly came in as good news. There is lots of excitement not only for conservationists but the whole tourism industry and travelers as well. Uganda gorilla safaris are getting better and therefore a perfect time to take a tour to Bwindi to trek gorillas.

Last year the increase of the mountain gorilla population to 1,004 was a success story as this saw the specie moved from critically endangered to endangered. The population of Mountain gorillas has gradually been increasing with the 2002 census showing an improvement by approximately 7% to 320 individuals, about 380 in 2006 with Bwindi alone having about 314 individual in 2006. At this time there were 5 habituated gorilla groups with a total of 76 individuals, 25 unhabituated groups with 227 individuals and 11 solitary silverback males.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking rules and regulations

• Do not visit the gorillas if you have a cold or other infectious illness
• Human waste should be buried 30cm deep
• Maximum number of visitors is eight persons per gorilla group each day
• Maintain a 7m (21ft) distance from the gorilla
• Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted on the tour
• If you must sneeze or cough cover your face and turn away from the gorillas, as they can catch coughs and colds from humans
• Visits are limited to one hour per gorilla group per day
• Do not use flash photography

Best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda 

The best time of the year for a gorilla tracking safaris is during the dry season months of June –August and December –February which makes it easy to go through the trails. When trails are drier, gorilla trekking is easy since trails are passable and the park is accessible. It is best advisable to track gorillas during the dry season since it’s easy to trek gorillas as well as view wildlife. However, the dry season is actually the peak or high season therefore early booking is recommendable since permits can easily get fully booked as well as accommodation.

How to book for a Uganda gorilla trekking safari

Booking for a gorilla tour Uganda can be one of the complicated trips to plan, however just find the right tour operator to do this for you. Wild Jungle Trails Safaris and Gorilla Trail Safaris have expertise in planning gorilla trips in Uganda and can do all the best planning.

Save Murchison Falls – Murchison Falls National Park

There have been lots of controversies on Murchison Falls and the heated debate led to the save Murchison Falls campaign. Recently, the cabinet gave the south African energy company Bonang Power and Energy (pty) Ltd a green light to undertake feasibility studies on the Uhuru falls. Uhuru falls are just a few meters about 500 away from Murchison Falls and both pour and continue flowing to the same direction.

How it all started 

In a letter dated June 20^th to the Ministry of Water and Environment through National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) from Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), there was an application for a feasibility study for a proposed power dam near the Murchison Falls by a South African Company, Bonang Power Limited.

According to the Electricity Regulatory Authority, Bonang Power Limited was planning to build new hydropower dams at Ayago, Uhuru, Kiba and Murchison Falls to generate 2,550 MW of electricity.

This proposal faced resentment from the time many Ugandans came to know about it especially those from the tourism industry. Amos Wekesa one of the tourism enthusiasts, rejected the proposal and referred to it as nonsense.

“Europe is getting rid of hydro power dams. Uganda lies on the Equator. Why can’t we explore solar. Are these people (Bonang Power Limited) even Ugandans? Do they care?” Wekesa bitterly queried on a statement with soft power.

Many more individual bitterly rejected the proposal and at least 2,533 people signed a petition to stop the planned construction of a power dam near Murchison Falls after the Electricity Regulatory Authority published the proposal for public views.

Wednesday 22^nd August, the Minister of State for Environment, Mary Kitutu in a statement to Parliament said that the National Environment Management Authority has not approved the application due to environmental and other socio-economic implications such as tourism.

Kitutu says that after a joint meeting of the ministry of water, NEMA, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Tourism Board, the ministry rejected the plan.

Kitutu says that constructing a dam will result in flooding at the National Park, which will also affect crocodiles, hippos and other animals, birds in the park.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Minerals, Peter Lokeris said a memorandum in cabinet, though not discussed discourages construction of a power dam at Murchison Falls.

The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga asked for an official statement from the Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda on the matter.

Just when Ugandans and conservationists thought Murchison Falls was going to stay intact, cabinet decides to allow the Bonang company do feasibility studies of which everyone in the industry knows where this is heading to.

Why Government should save Murchison Falls 

In the past year Murchison Falls National Park was the most visited destination by tourists on Uganda safaris and this is because of the numerous wildlife and bird life. Not that alone, this is one of the destinations in Uganda where tourists can visit all year round with less climate interference. Uganda birding safaris as well as wildlife safaris in Uganda are all rewarding at Murchison Falls National Park. For its beauty Kanye West and wife Kim Kardashian West visited the park in 2018. This December 2019 Jidenna visited Murchison Falls National Park. This proves how much beauty this park has and income it can generate to the country.

About Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is 3,840km² making it the largest Uganda safari park. With the adjacent Bugungu Wildlife Reserve (748 square kilometers) and Karuma Wildlife Reserve (720 square kilometers) it forms the Murchison Falls Conservation Area.

Formerly known as Kabalega Park, Murchison Falls National Park became Uganda’s first national park in 1952 when the British administration established the National Parks Act of Uganda.

Attractions / what to see in Murchison Falls National Park Uganda

• Wildlife in Murchison Falls National Park

Hosting about 76 mammal species, Murchison Falls National Park is a great Uganda wildlife safari destination. The four of the “Big Five” sought after Africa safari animals; Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards and Elephants can be seen at Murchison Falls National Park. This is the best place to see the giraffes in Uganda and world over, the park has the highest population and can only be seen at Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda.

Several other wildlife species that can be seen in the park include the waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda Kob, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthogs, olive baboons, blue and red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, patas monkeys and many more. Aquatic species found in the banks of the Nile River as it continues to flow northwards include the hippos and crocodiles (Uganda’s largest population).

• Birds in Murchison Falls National Park

With the varied habitats, about 450 bird species are present at Murchison Falls National Park. Bird species include water birds like the rare Shoebill stork, Weaver birds, the Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird), Malachite Kingfishers, the Blue-headed Coucal, Swamp Flycatcher, African Quail-Finch, Squacco Heron, African Jacana, Black-billed Barbet, Sandpipers, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Denham’s Bustard, Black-headed Gonolek, Red-throated Bee-eater, Eastern Grey Plantain eater, and many more .

There also the Budongo forest 59 restricted range bird species which include the Dwarf Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, White-thighed Hornbill and the Great Blue Turaco. With these several bird species in the park it has attracted many avid birders and becoming a top Uganda birding safaris tours destination.

• Murchison Falls

Murchison Falls is the highlight of the Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls is a beautiful feature formed as the Nile River waters squeeze through a narrow 7 meters (23ft) wide gap of rocks then plunge into what is known as the devils cauldron, 43meter (141ft) below with a thunderous roar, water spray and beautiful rainbow. The falls actually lends its name to the park. The spot is so spectacular for photography and sightseeing.

• Kaniyo-Pabidi and Budongo forest chimps

The forest trails of Kaniyo-pabidi and Budongo forests south west of Murchison Falls Conservation Area are host to chimpanzees. Chimpanzees can be tracked in the Kaniyo-pabidi and Budongo Forest with about 800 of them living there and habituated for tracking. Within the forest, there about 24 mammal species, 465 plants and 360 birds enriching all kinds of safaris with great memories.

Popular Uganda safari packages to Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is indeed one of the most inclusive Uganda safaris destinations with wildlife, waterfalls, bird life within a beautiful savannah plains area and great accommodation facilities. Here are safari packages to Murchison Falls National Park;

• 2 days Murchison Falls safari Uganda
• 3 days Murchison Falls safari Uganda
• 3 days Murchison Falls wildlife safari Uganda
• 3 Day Murchison Falls tour from Kampala
• 3 days Murchison Falls safari

A visit to Murchison Falls Park can be tailored with other destinations in Uganda or also Tanzania safaris, Rwanda tours, Kenya safaris or even long Congo safari tours. For all kinds of travelers including families, groups, solo travelers, Murchison Falls National Park is a rewarding all year round destination that will meet your tour expectations.

Wild Jungle Trails stands for Save Murchison Falls and preserve nature all around Uganda

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Price, cost for Bwindi & Mgahinga tracking permit

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park

Wondering how much a Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs? Gorilla trekking Uganda price is USD 700 for foreign non residents, USD 600 for foreign residents and 250,000 UGX for East Africa citizens. The price for a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is for each individual per trek. The only way to have your permit well booked is to start planning early and work with a high-quality gorilla safari company.

Persons above 15 years of age are eligible to purchase a gorilla permit in Uganda for the only chance of seeing Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla safaris in Uganda are a wonderful opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their own environments. And the trekking or else hiking experience does not stop at seeing gorillas either.

By taking a longer Uganda safari or combining several short trips, you can see many of the other wildlife that appreciates Uganda as their home. To make the most out of your gorilla trek Uganda, you must be organized and ensure you know exactly what costs you will encounter for the whole trip by requesting for a quote from the gorilla tour operator.

Best Way to Plan for Uganda Gorilla Safaris

Great preparation is key for any good safari, therefore, to make sure you have your gorilla safari right, here are tips on how best you can plan prior your gorilla safari in Uganda;

• Start preparing for your trip well in advance, choose the best time to go and make early payment for prior booking. Gorilla permits in Uganda are cheaper compared to those of Rwanda and therefore are highly demanded for and could easily get finished before you purchase one.
• When you receive your quote, check properly what exactly is included in the gorilla trekking Uganda price. Make sure you are aware of the exclusions and prepare some cash for extra purchases especially drinks and any other desired things like crafts.
• If you would love to spend more time with the gorillas, you will have to go for a gorilla habituation experience. Habituation costs $ 1500 per person per trek.
• Ensure your passport is up to date. In case you need to apply for a new passport do this early. Also ensure you purchase your visa to Uganda early just to avoid last minute changes that will affect your Uganda gorilla safari trek.
• At least weeks before coming to Uganda for a gorilla safari, check with your doctor about vaccinations. Yellow fever vaccination is one of the vaccinations you need before you travel to Uganda? Remember there are often long waits and costs involved here as well therefore checking early makes planning easy.
• Check whether you have the right clothing for gorilla trekking hikes in Uganda. If you have the suitable clothing than you are ready to go. Some of the right clothing for trekking includes long sleeved shirts and long trousers, garden gloves and comfortable hiking boots. If you have no appropriate trekking clothing yet, then you can purchase some before the trek. Remember to keep comfortable.

Wild Jungle Trails Safaris Gorilla Trekking tours in Uganda

For many people, trekking to see the gorillas of Uganda is a once in a life time opportunity and at Wild Jungle Trails Safaris, we want you to make the most of that experience. Our gorilla trail safaris and treks including the cost of your accommodation, meal plans, guides, transport and gorilla permits.

Our team is always here to help you with understanding the gorilla trekking Uganda price for Bwindi & Mgahinga and helping to find the right package for you. To see our most popular safaris, for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park treks, check out our packages at https://www.gorillatrailsafaris.com or to speak to a member of our reservations team, call us on +256 414 663 115 or +256 777 690 798.