WHAT TO EXPECT ON A SELF-DRIVE TO SEE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN UGANDA.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A SELF-DRIVE TO SEE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN UGANDA.

Uganda is famously known to the world because of its gigantic Lake Victoria, the largest fresh water lake in Africa, the most breathtaking wildlife diversity, the misty mountains, beautiful sceneries all satisfying the name, “the pearl of Africa”.

In this rapidly growing tourism era, Uganda mostly boasts in its big number of endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga national park. Being among the only three African countries with these critically endangered species, several tourists flock the country to trek the elusive gorillas in their natural habitats.

But if on a Uganda safari, and taking a self-drive to see the gorillas in Mgahinga or Bwindi, there are countless attractions that can be met on the road trip to Bwindi or Mgahinga the fact that they are all located in south western Uganda, you almost use the same route.

The equator. On the way to Bwindi, this is the closest attraction that tourists encounter. Located at Kayabwe, along the Kampala – Mbarara highway connecting the capital to the western region, the equator line divides the world into two hemisphere, the north and the southern hemisphere. Here watch the water experiment where water swirls in different directions of the opposite hemisphere. This could be also a beautiful lunch stop over since its midway Bwindi or Mgahinga and Kampala.

Lake Mburo national park. For a day or two days, this park is the most awesome park to visit in Uganda. Besides its proximity to the capital, it also has a wide diversity of wild animals ranging from buffaloes, elephants, zebras, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and many others. Here travelers can still have a boat ride on Lake Mburo to spot different bird species, crocodiles and hippos. Have great opportunities to take exceptional photographs of the wildlife and the interesting colors of the park.

Still as you proceed to the western region for a gorilla safari in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth national park is another spot that most travelers pass by to or from Bwindi. This park has a variety of flora and fauna with more than 90 mammal species calling it a home. For birders, it’s still a haven homing 612 bird species. Its unique vegetation and wildlife made it the most liked park by tourists. In just a few minutes of the drive, visitors spot the Uganda kobs, waterbucks, lions, leopards, elephants, warthogs among others. Also have a boat ride on the Kazinga channel joining Lake Edward and Lake George, the renowned channel with the largest concentration of hippos. The park is simply one spot all travelers shouldn’t miss on their road trips to see the gorillas.

The beautiful sceneries. Any road trip can never be exciting if it’s not flexible. And western Uganda being the most nature gifted region in the country, a journey through it is an experience of its own. Nothing is sweeter than a comfortable drive with beautiful sceneries and views of the rift valley escarpments, Kigezi hills, and mountains of the moon plus the green savanna lying on the road sides. And note this, if it excites you, stop and go for it, this is the major importance of flexibility on a road trip.

On reaching Bwindi impenetrable national park, or Mgahinga national park, this is another explosion of adventure. Trekking the critically endangered mountain gorillas in a natural setting is a once in a lifetime experience. Watching the juveniles play from one tree branch to another, seeing the silverback jealously protect its troop and taking pictures of this awesome moment, all just sum into a lifelong memory.

For any adventurous traveler that had not yet added a road trip safari to see the gorillas in Uganda, it’s the right time, visit Uganda for un imaginary experiences.