Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking –Uganda Safaris
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla trekking is highlight activity on Uganda safaris that attracts millions of visitors a year to come see these rare creatures, which can only be seen in three countries Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. However, gorilla trekking is all about hiking in the tropical forest of Africa in order to see these endangered mountain gorillas in their nature habitats. In Bwindi, mountain gorillas are stipulated in four gorilla trekking sector comprising of 21 habituated gorillas group in either Ruhija ,Rushaga ,Buhoma and Nkuringo sector .Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park has become one of the world’s best attractive safari destination because of this beautiful endangered mountain gorillas which attracts many to come and visits them .The park is located southwestern regions of Uganda estimating 9 to 10 hours’ drive from Kampala or Entebbe or else you can use a domestic flight ‘’aero link Uganda’’ to fly you to Kihihi airstrip in just 1 hour .Since Bwindi is located in cool areas ,visitors are advisable to carry essentials that fits their comfortable stay such essentials are warm clothes ,comfortable hiking shoes ,rain jackets ,sweaters ,insect repellent ,long sleeved trousers and shirts among others
Highlight of Gorilla Trekking Experience /What to Expect on A Gorilla Safari
On your trekking day expect to leave your comfortable beds early enough for the breakfast and after you will be picked up by your driver guide to drive you to the park headquarters for the briefing at 7:30 am. After briefing at 8:00am, you will be grouped in a group of eight individuals and be led by the guide in search for gorillas. As your trekking, you will be able to see monkey species, butterfly species and mammals. But expect to be muddy at the end of the experience. This activity can take 30 to 7 hours’ trek depending on the location of the gorilla group you assigned in. Once you allocate them an hour is given to you to take photos with your digital camera, enjoy the memorable life style of gorillas, the activity is just worth the money. After trekking, descend back to your accommodation or opt for another activity could be cultural encounter to Batwa pygmies.
What is the best time to go for gorilla trekking?
The best time to go for Bwindi gorilla trekking is during dry months of June, August, September and December during this time of the year it simplifies the hike since the tracking trails can be out slippery. Though you can still trek gorillas in wet season in the months of March to May and November and October where you can do it on a discount fee and at certain time accommodation facility becomes low and park can be out of crowd.
Where to Stay on Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Destination
Bwindi Impenetrable national park boosts with lots of perfect accommodation facilities ranging between luxury to budget at a small extent the choice depends on visitor’s wallet.
Luxury accommodations facilities in Bwindi include; Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge among others.
Mid-Lodge Accommodation facilities in Bwindi include; Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla camp, Silverback Lodge Bwindi many more.
Budget accommodation facilities in Bwindi include; Broadbill Forest Camp, Wagtail Eco Safari camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Gift of Nature Resort, Nshongi Gorilla Resort among others.
What is the cost of Uganda Bwindi Gorilla Trekking?
Bwindi forest gorilla trekking goes at USD700 per person per trek for foreigner nonresidents, USD600 for foreigner residents of East African and UGX 250,000 for East African Citizens. It’s advisable to book your permits in advance in not less than 3 or 6 months before your time of arrival. Bwindi gorilla trekking permits can be booked direct to Uganda Wildlife Authority or through help of reliable tour agent.
What to pack for your gorilla trekking safari Uganda?
They include; water proof hiking boots
Bottled mineral water
Comfortable hiking boots
Digital camera
Binoculars
Light weight rain jacket
Insect repellents
Day packs
Waterproof hiking boots
Warm clothing
Sweater
Packed lunch boxes
Hand Gloves which protects you from sharp instruments
Long sleeved shirt and trousers
How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking?
There are certain factors that influence the gorilla trekking difficulty, the commonest of all is your physical fitness. To others might be the weather in the place or the weight of your luggage’s. But you can request to trek a gorilla group that matches your fitness levels. A porter is important who goes at small rate of money to help carry your luggage’s. Gorilla trekking is bit tricky or hard. But we see some people who have grown up in age of about 60’s and 70’s has made it successful. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has steep slopes in some areas that might harden the experience of gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking experience is unpredictable can take 30 to 7 hours while searching for them, depending on the gorilla family you’re assigned in and trackers are grouped in eight individuals, accompanied by park guide who leads you to previous location from where you last saw them.
Gorilla Tracking Rules and Regulations
Overall, mountain gorillas share 98% of our genes meaning the possibility of being transmitted by human diseases is high like the airborne diseases making Covid 19 also a big threat to the survival of the gorillas ,flu ,diarrheas ,cough among others.
Rules include;
Ill people are not allowed to trek mountain gorillas
Trekking gorillas you might be 15 years and above
Keep a distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas
Avoid sneezing near gorillas
Wash your hands before your head out for gorilla trekking
Follow the instructions of the guide
Wear face masks
Always keep a distance of 6 to 7 hours away from gorillas.
Stay in tight groups
Avoid loud voices because you can scaring them
