Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Japan
Nowhere is too far to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, and Japan is certainly not any different. Japan is located in the Asian continent above Africa. Gorilla trekking in Uganda offers jaw-dropping adventures that can only be experienced here and not anywhere else in the country. Gorilla trekking is an outdoor experience that hands visitors an unmatched safari in Uganda’s highlands.
Trekking mountain gorillas is only possible in the Virunga Conservation Area, not anywhere else. The conservation area hosts the remaining mountain gorilla population of the world, hence making these primate species an endangered one. This Virunga Conservation Area stretches from the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo through to the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. Uganda prides itself in having two of its finest parks in this area, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These two gorilla destinations of Uganda combine to craft one of the best tourist adventures known to man: gorilla trekking. This epic adventure is the epitome of any great tourist experience.
What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves visitors from far and wide flocking to the different gorilla destinations in the country. These navigate through tough terrain and thick vegetation to the natural habitat of the mountain gorillas for a chance to spend an hour in their presence. Trekking mountain gorillas allows visitors to watch the primates as they feed, play, and go on with their chores.
The process of gorilla trekking begins with a pre-trekking briefing meant to prepare the visitors for the adventures. The briefing session takes the visitors through the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking so the visitors can understand and not violate them. The briefing also takes the visitors through the expected code of conduct of the visitors when in the presence of the mountain gorillas. After this, the visitors are categorized into groups of 8 people and assigned a gorilla family to trek. This is done in order not to stress the gorillas with many people.
How do you get to Uganda for gorilla trekking from Japan?
Uganda can be accessed by air from Japan due to the improved air transport networks. Uganda is located in the East Africa region bordering South Sudan in the north, Kenya in the east, Tanzania in the south, Rwanda in the southwest, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. Entebbe International Airport is the main gateway into Uganda, and flights can be arranged directly from Japan or connect to the airport from other major cities like Dubai or Amsterdam. Upon arrival into the country, you will connect to the gorilla destinations by road or domestic flights.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the only gorilla destinations in the country located in the southwestern region. Embarking on a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda from Japan requires one to acquire a tourist visit visa.
What is the cost of a tourist visit visa in Uganda?
A tourist visit visa is a gate pass into Uganda as a tourist. The cost of a tourist visit visa is USD 50 per entry for a person. The tourist visa starts its countdown of 90 days from the time it was insured. This tourist visa provides enough time for the visitor to explore the country by also adding other activities to the adventure. Since Uganda lies in the East Africa Community, the acquired visa cuts across the countries in this cooperation and thus can be visited using the same visa. A tourist visit visa in Uganda is only applied for online through the Uganda Immigration Portal.
What other activities can be combined with gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Uganda is an ultimate tourist destination offering a wide range of adventure safaris. Other than the gorilla experiences in Bwindi and Mgahinga, the country has other incredible experiences named below.
Game drives
Game drives in Uganda are offered in most of the savannah national parks in the country. These include Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Kidepo Valley National Parks. Pian Upe Game Reserve also offers game drive adventures. Game drive involve exploring the savannah and wildlife in the comfort of a safari 4×4 vehicle. This experience offers epic encounters with animals like lions, hyenas, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, waterbucks, duikers, oribis, and reedbucks, to mention but a few.
Boat cruise
Uganda boasts various water bodies that can be explored on boat cruise safaris. These safaris enable visitors to relax on the tranquil waters as they observe the various wildlife in the water and also on the shores and banks. Some crater lakes, like Lake Bunyonyi, offer impressive views of 29 islands. These picturesque views leave visitors yearning to return to this untamed wilderness.
Birding
The birdlife in the country totals up to 1,100 bird species, and with these many birds, visitors are assured of an epic birding experience. The country is spotted with designated birding areas that harbor some of the unique species, like the shoebill stock common to the Mabamba Wetland. This bird usually stands out as the main face of birding in the country. Other bird species to look out for include Shelley’s crimson wing, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, western crested guinea fowl, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, African green pigeon, dwarf honeyguide, handsome spurfowl, Rwenzori turaco, regal sunbird, etc.
What to pack for a Uganda gorilla trekking safari?
Gorilla trekking is one of the leading tourist adventures in the country, and its success depends on various factors, including items to pack. Packing essential items helps you to prepare well for the adventure. Some of these items include the following.
- Pair of strong hiking shoes/boots with gaiters
- Light and neutral-colored clothes comprising long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt
- Rain jacket or a poncho
- Waterproof backpack
- Warm sweater
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat/cap
- Insect/bug repellent
- Trekking gloves, head sock, and scarf
- Camera/smartphone and chargers
- Pair of binoculars
- Recyclable water bottle
- First aid kit and personal medication
- Snack box and energy-giving snacks
- Extra cash to hire porters and buy souvenirs
