Gorilla trekking Vs lion Tracking : Mountain gorilla trekking and lion tracking are some of the most done activities on Ugandan safaris, one because they are such exciting activities but yet again the locations of these activities are close to each other, Mountain gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park, which are all about 2 to 3 hours from queen Elizabeth national park. So it’s very easy to do both activities.
So what exactly is the difference between mountain gorilla trekking and lion tacking.
- Mountain gorilla trekking is done in the mountainous forests, you trek to high altitude places to find the gorillas. And the lion are tracked on the savannah grassland, just normal ordinary bush grasses where the lions live.
- On a mountain gorilla trek, you are looking for the mighty gorillas well as on the lion tracking experience you are looking mainly for the unique tree climbing lions.
- The mountain gorilla trekking experience is a very involving experience, you actually trek yourself into the forest to find the gorillas. On a lion tracking experience you are not as involved per say, you just have to sit in the car and enjoy the views of the lions.
- The mountain gorilla trekking experience takes about a day the whole trekking and observing of the gorillas. Yet the lion tracking experience takes just a couple of hours depending on your preference.
- For the mountain gorillas there is a rule that you cannot be in their presence for longer than an hour because, they can really get familiar with humans or contract diseases and habits from the humans. The lions on the other hand are not affected by the human presence, so you can be in their presence for as long as you want. (of course in the safety of your car)
- Because the lions are carnivorous, its advised that during a tracking session you stay in your car and observe the lions from the comfort of your car, if you are in an open roof safari car, it’s okay to hang your head out to get a clear view of these mammals. However, on the other hand for the mountain gorillas you have the luxury of being in close proxy with them observing them, even taking close up images with the gorillas.
- for the mountain gorilla experience you have to book the trekking permits way in advance because, they are very competitive to get plus there needs to be planning in advance; what gorilla family you will trek, which ranger will take you on your trek among other things. For a lion tracking experience, you can even book are day before the experience and get the opportunity to track the lions.
- For mountain gorilla trekking you need a specific attire to trek, like hiking boots, durable clothes, gloves and hat among other things, you also pack water snacks and other things to help you on the trek. On the lion tracking experience you don’t have to have a specific attire just wear neutral colors to not disrupt the animals, you can also carry snacks just for you self.
Well those are a few differences between these experiences. You can have a lion tracking experience anytime of the year in the ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth national park and mountain gorilla trekking any time of year in Bwindi national park and Mgahinga National Park.
