Is a mountain gorilla trekking permit the same as a chimpanzee trekking permit? No! They are two different permits. The mountain gorilla trekking permit allows you to trek the mountainous forest for mountain gorillas and the chimpanzee trekking permit allows you to trek the rain forest for the chimpanzees. Though they are all permits issued for trekking the trekking activities for each primate species are different and happen in two separate locations. Mountain gorilla trekking happens in mountainous forests, and you usually trek to high altitudes to find the mountain gorillas. Well as chimpanzee trekking happens is fairly mid altitudes and you usually just trek deep into the forest to find them. The time you spend on each trek is also different; because mountain gorilla stay in high altitudes deep in the time you take to get to them is longer than the time you take to get to the chimpanzees in the rain forests. As stated the chimpanzees stay in fairly moderate altitudes. Also on trekking experiences its quite easy to find chimpanzees because they stay in larger groups compared to the mountain gorillas. A group of chimpanzees has about 60 or more individuals, so they occupy a larger area and you can easily see the individuals. A mountain gorilla group on the other has about 15 to 30 members, so you have to really be close to the family to observe them and enjoy their company. The mountain gorillas like to move deeper and higher into the forest so on a mountain gorilla trek, you will have to go on for a while before you reach the gorilla family; yet for chimpanzees they stay longer in places, for as long as the ranger knows where they are, you can almost always find them there, its in rare cases that you find the chimpanzees have moved. Because the mountain gorillas as the name state stay in mountainous forests, trekking their trails is harder than the trails of the chimpanzees in the rain forests. In fact in some cases persons who wish to do mountain gorilla trekking, are required to physically fit because of the strenuous climb. Especially the Uganda gorilla trails are rough compared to the other gorilla trekking trails. That said the rules that govern both the chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking experiences are the same and they include but not limited to:- - A person should not trek the primates when they have any communicable disease of any kind. This because you can easily spread the disease to the primate - One trekking permit is valid for one individual and for one trekking experience only. - Trekking is done in a group so always stay in your group, when you are trekking don’t wonder off - Do not litter the primate’s habitat; make sure you leave it as clean as you found it. - Do not engage in any activity or behaviour that can cause harm to the primates - Do not use flash photography with the primates - Do not feed the primates - Do not touch the primates - Do not stare in the eyes of the primates - Keep a 2 meter distance or more from the primates Primates that are the mountain gorillas and the chimpanzees in East Africa are found in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic republic of Congo. Chimpanzees are found in Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the DRC and mainly in Kibale National Park in Uganda.

10 facts about Uganda

10 facts about Uganda : There is so much to know about Uganda before visiting the country and below is some information about the country

Ugandan Currency

The currency which is used for transactions around Uganda is the Uganda shilling (UGX) and it is issued by the Bank of Uganda.

The Uganda shilling is in different denominations of coins and notes which include the 100 shillings coin, 200 shillings coin, 500 shillings coin and 1000 shillings coin. The 1000 shillings of Ugandan currency is also in a note.

Other denominations of Uganda shillings in form of notes include 2000 shillings note, 5000 shillings note, 10000 shillings note, 20000 shillings note and 50000 shillings note.

Official language

The official language which is used in Uganda is English. However many other languages are commonly spoken around the country including Luganda around central region and Swahili is also spoken by Ugandans.

Many other tribes exist in Uganda which has over 56 tribes and the country is also known for its diversity. Tourists during their tours around the country can interact with these different tribes and get to know more about their culture and way of life.

Climate of Uganda

Uganda experiences tropical climate and also equatorial climate in different parts of the country. There are two dry seasons and two rainy seasons experiences during the year in the country.

The dry season in Uganda is experienced during the months of June, July, August and September and also around October, December, January and February. This time of the year is considered the best time to visit the country for safaris.

The rainy season in Uganda on the other hand is experienced around March, April and May as well as in November. During this time of the year, fewer tourists visit the country for safari.

Longest river in the world

Uganda is also where the longest river in the world can be found and this is the Nile River which flows in different parts of the country.

Along the River Nile in Uganda, many activities are carried out including boat rides, bungee jumping, white water rafting, kayaking, tubing, horse riding among other activities.

There are many other rivers and lakes which can be visited during tours around Uganda and they include Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Kyoga, Lake George, Lake Edward, Lake Katwe among others found in different parts of the country.

Half the world’s population of mountain gorillas

Uganda is also home to half the world’s population of mountain gorillas which can be seen in destinations which include Bwindi national park and also Mgahinga gorilla national park.

The mountain gorillas in Uganda can be visited during gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences around the country. The cost of visiting the gorillas in Uganda is 800 USD for gorilla trekking permits and 1500 USD for gorilla habituation permits.

There are many other primates which can be seen when visiting Uganda including golden monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, L’hoest monkeys among others.

Bordering countries

Uganda is a landlocked country which is bordered by different countries including Kenya to the east, Sudan to the north, Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Rwanda and Tanzania to the south.

Tourists visiting Uganda can also engage in tours across other countries which are found in East Africa by flight or by crossing using the land borders which include Cyanika border (Uganda-Rwanda border), Gatuna border (Uganda-Rwanda border), Bunagana border (Uganda-Congo border), Busia border (Uganda-Kenya border), Mutukula border (Uganda-Tanzania border), Nimule border (Uganda-Sudan border).

Capital city

The capital city of Uganda is Kampala city which is located in the central region of the country which can be visited during city tours.

Kampala city is located on seven hills which include Kololo hill, Nakasero hill, Namirembe hill, Makerere hill, Old Kampala hill, Rubaga hill, and Kibuli hill.

The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs catering to different taste and Kampala city is known for its lively music scene. When visiting he restaurants in the city, tourists can try our local food such as matooke and luwombo among others.

10 facts about Uganda : Entebbe airport

Entebbe International Airport is the main international airport which is used when visiting Uganda and it is located in Entebbe a town situated on the shores of Lake Victoria.

The Entebbe International Airport is a hub for both domestic flights and international flights. Tourists visiting Uganda can fly from Entebbe to destinations around the country by booking scheduled or charter domestic flights.

Uganda’s airport is operated by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).

10 facts about Uganda : 10 national parks of Uganda

There are 10 national parks found in different parts of Uganda and they include Bwindi national park which is home of the gorillas, Kibale national park which is home of chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth national park which is the second largest national park and home of tree climbing lions in the country, Kidepo valley national park which is one of the remote safari parks of the country, Lake Mburo national park which is one of the smallest national parks in the country.

Other national parks to visit during tours in Uganda include Semuliki national park which is famous for the Sempaya hot springs, Murchison falls national park which is the oldest national park also known for the powerful waterfalls, Rwenzori mountains national park famous for hiking, Mount Elgon national park in eastern Uganda, Mgahinga national park which is home to golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.

10 facts about Uganda : 12 wildlife reserves

Uganda also has different wildlife reserves found around the country which include Pian Upe wildlife reserve, Karuma wildlife reserve, Ajai wildlife reserve, Kabwoya wildlife reserve, Bokora corridor wildlife reserve, Bugungu wildlife reserve, Katonga wildlife reserve, Kigezi wildlife reserve, Kyambura wildlife reserve, Matheniko wildlife reserve, East Madi wildlife reserve, Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve.

Many wildlife species can be seen in the wildlife reserves around Uganda which also make up part of some national parks in the country.