Gorilla Trekking Add-Ons; What else to do after gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking add-ons are those activities that one can do after a gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda can be done from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A gorilla safari without any add-on is not enough unless of course time is not on your side. Uganda has a lot more to offer if your schedule does allow, it is not named the “Pearl of Africa” for nothing surely. Having add-ons on your gorilla trekking safari will have you experiencing the best the country has to offer from the perfect game drives viewing the Africa Big5s to more primate viewing opportunities and the very best nature. Below are some of the gorilla trekking add-ons any traveler can have;

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is a perfect add-on to gorilla trekking for primate lovers. Uganda has over 1500 chimpanzees and Kibale National Park is the best chimpanzee trekking destination in the country. Chimpanzees in Uganda can also be found in Kalinzu forest, Budongo forest and at the Kyambura gorge in queen Elizabeth National Park. Chimpanzee trekking permits are very affordable at a price of only $200. Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale National Park is also possible as you can spend more time with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Golden monkey trekking

Golden monkey trekking completes the typical primates safari. Having golden monkey tracking as one of the gorilla trekking add-ons will have travelers having the best experience. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has travelers doing golden monkey tracking for the park is where gold meets silver. Golden monkey tracking can also be done after gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as the parks are not so far from each other. Golden monkeys are also listed as endangered species by the International Union of Conservation of Nature. One needs to purchase golden monkey tracking permits at $60 only. A golden monkey habituation experience which sees travelers spending more time with the golden monkeys costs only $100 per person. 

Game viewing

Having game viewing as one of the gorilla trekking add-ons is a great idea and most travelers do have it as such. Game viewing in Uganda gives travelers a typical African wilderness experience. Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park give the very best game viewing experiences in a typical African safari. African wildlife, especially the big5 are what you are to encounter on these game viewing drives. Animals like lions, African elephants, leopards, zebras, Rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, elands, large herds of buffaloes, giraffes, kobs and so many more. Game drives are best done in the early mornings as the animals are out hunting for their prey or in the evening as they are going to retire. Night game drives are a great way of seeing the nocturnal animals, make sure to have a game ranger with you on night game drives. Queen Elizabeth National Park is especially near to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it the best option as it gives shorter drives. Lake Mburo National Park could also be a great option.

Bird watching

Both Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks are great birding destinations and have a variety of bird species. Bwindi alone has over 400 species of birds and a number of them are endemics and can’t be found anywhere else in Uganda. Birds like kivu ground-thrush, common bulbul, African green broadbill, collared apalis, the emerald, and so many others. Typical birders who are keen can spot over 100 birds a day. Carrying one’s binoculars is advised and having the services of a bird guide would help you have an expert taking you just to the right spots. 

Cultural tours

Cultural tours are a great complement or add-on to gorilla trekking. Cultural tours have travelers getting to know and understand the life and way of life of the locals. The Batwa cultural trail is the most opted for by travelers on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. The Batwa were previous occupants of the forests who co-existed with the animals and forest but got evicted in the name of conserving the forests. The Batwa cultural trail has travelers being shown how they lived then and share their skills in hunting, wild honey collecting, fire making with just a stick, how they cooked and what, their foods and the Batwa also point out the medicinal and food plants that any person would otherwise not know of its use. 

Mountain biking

Mountain biking gives a rewarding experience as travelers can get an opportunity to explore the community on a bike. The Ride4 a Woman is a community group that rents out the bikes to travelers. The revenue collected from this is used to enhance the livelihood of the locals. Guides are provided and they are able to share with the riders some of the knowledge of the community and lead them in some of the places that give rewarding views. Prior booking is advised as there are not so many bikes out there.

Lake Bunyonyi and lake Mutanda are also great options for gorilla trekking add-ons. For those that have watched the “Lord of the Rings” movie can have an idea of Lake Bunyonyi. It is dotted with numerous islands with terraced and cultivated fields. Canoe trips, hiking through the islands and chasing after butterflies and watching birds are some of the activities that can be done. These lakes are both bilharzia free and one can have a swim in them. Having one or both of these lakes as an add-on is a great idea as it gives travelers an opportunity to relax and unwind as they look forward to their next drive.

Whereas gorilla trekking is a great experience that can be done solely, having add-ons makes it more amazing. Get in touch with a trusted tour operator to help you plan the best gorilla trekking safari and have any of the above add-ons included on your itinerary.