Gorillas Crash Uganda Trip: Unexpected Encounters!

An unexpected encounter with a gorilla family in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest became a highlight of a recent trip. These mountain gorillas, with a population of 1,063 as of 2018, are primarily found in East Africa. Uganda presents a more budget-friendly option for gorilla trekking, costing around £600 compared to Rwanda's over £1,000.

Conservation efforts have led to a dramatic turnaround for mountain gorillas. Their numbers, which dwindled to just 250 in the 1980s, have increased significantly. This success has resulted in their downgrade from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List. New census results, expected in 2026, anticipate further positive growth, partly due to increased births during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dian Fossey's pioneering work in habituating gorillas to human presence, beginning in 1966, laid the groundwork for successful conservation and tourism. Today, gorillas are valued alive, with tourism revenue directly funding their protection and supporting other national parks in Uganda. Luxurious accommodations like Clouds Mountain Lodge and WildPlaces Africa properties enhance the visitor experience, contributing to community projects and conservation initiatives.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a longer, four-hour immersion, allowing visitors to shadow rangers and learn tracking techniques. This extended engagement fosters an understanding that humans pose no threat, a vital lesson being passed down to younger generations of gorillas.