This was a 2 weeks Uganda trip and organized by 4×4 Car Hire Uganda only to visit the mountain gorillas found in the southwestern part of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park. We stayed at basic campsites with a private toilet and a private shower with hot running water.
It was a perfect trip for last-minute travelers and also travelers on a tight budget seeking to combine a gorilla experience with a typical wildlife safari in Uganda while with our 4×4 rooftop tent jeep and camping gears and to better organize it in advance contact the travel expert.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo’s popularity has more to do with its location, conveniently situated between Kampala and several other national parks. Lake Mburo National Park is located in western Uganda and offers great opportunities to visitors. The park has a lot of wild life including Zebras, Giraffes, buffaloes, Monkeys and many others.
Recently giraffes were trans-locate to Lake Mburo national park from Murchison Falls National Park that is located in the northern part of Uganda to Lake Mburo national park which is in the western part of Uganda.
The whole purpose in doing this was simply ensure survival of these endangered species and the type of giraffes to be brought are unique since also they are to step on the unique lands of Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park is the second smallest park in Uganda, but it’s highlight is the high concentration of zebra whereas the other parks don’t have this feature. Unfortunately spotting wild cats here is extremely difficult unless luck plays its part.
No elephants here either, but plenty of hippos, warthogs, zebra, mongoose, vervet monkey, olive baboon, topi, kob, impala, and various selection of birdlife.
With only certain types of animals here, at least it’s comfortable knowing that so the brain can get lots of rest as Lake Mburo is a very relaxing park compared to Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Landscape here is beautiful with lots of undulating sections and mountainous regions that add to the park’s chilled setting.
The key points here are cycling/walking safari, huge collection of zebras, and overall environment setting that stands out. Most tempting are the horseback safaris, but there are also boat trips and bush walks. Night drives are allowed too.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
We trekked in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on two consecutive days. The first day was Golden Monkeys. We were properly tired with robust walking boots, gaiters, raincoat and walking stick. It was raining on and off throughout the day.
The ground was slippery and there was unfortunately one group of people with us who pushed and were quite loud in demanding what they wanted. Our guide on this day was not as strong as he should be in managing this group who made in more difficult for the other trekkers.
We had one hour with Monkey troop and so enjoyed the experience. We saw them up close, eating bamboo shoots, playing climbing – it was an unbelievable experience. It was over 7 hours in total and we did not stop for any breaks due to the pushy group.
On the second day it was the gorilla tracking. It wasn’t raining and we didn’t have the pushy group. There were only 5 of us plus guide and protection. It was 6.5 hours in total including one full hour with the Gorillas and a short stop for a snack/lunch.
Our Guide was excellent and made sure everyone was taken care off. When we got to the Gorillas we had one hour with a 9 member family group.
We saw 3 silver backs, several females, 3 youngsters and one teenager. We were to be 7 m away from the gorillas – which we were except for the time with the lead silver back decided to move and just pushed past us. This is at 2400 to 3,300m.
It does require fitness but is rewarding. Up-close to the miracles of endangered nature which supporting their protection and the local community through the iconic fee. Very much recommend.