Gorilla Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park; Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi can be done in the four regions all found inside Bwindi National Park including; Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla tracking areas. Though Buhoma and Nkuringo regions both found in the south of the park only authorized sectors for Gorilla trekking. The most famous and liked gorilla sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Buhoma and it was the first to be established for gorilla trekking under the ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority. Buhoma region has the easiest trekking trails that make search for gorillas easy as you can be accompanied by the park ranger and have chances of viewing various bird species and primates within the forest. More so, visitors can also do community walk to enjoy the wonderful cultural performances in songs and dances, meetings the traditional healer and other activities to participate in craft making thus leaving you with unforgettable life experience at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Nkuringo region is also an interesting area that lies in the southwest of Bwindi just next to Buhoma. As you trek through the forest in search of these giants, expect to encounter other primates like colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, animals like elephants as well as colorful birds. Furthermore, Nkuringo region has got habituated gorilla families like; Orozogo, Kyaguriro and Bitukura.
In generally, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda is one of the most renowned National Park where you can trek the unique endangered mountain gorillas. Therefore, one to be able to trek these gorillas must obtain a valid gorilla permits which can be booked in period of three months before your trek and you will as well have to book your Gorilla Trekking Safaris to Uganda. Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits can be bought directly or contacting ‘’UWA’’ Uganda Wildlife Authority. But the best option is to book with safari company who will help you to organize your gorilla trekking permit that qualifies you to go for gorilla trekking. However, you should note that gorilla trekking can be done with maximum of eight people who are allowed to trek a gorilla group in particular day. The age limit starts from 15 years therefore no one below fifteen years of age is allowed for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Gorilla trekking is once life changing experience that takes you in thick forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Virunga volcanoes of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda and Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo. More facts, gorilla trekking activity starts very early in the morning at 7am with a briefing at the park headquarters with well trained park guide who will brief you about the rules and the regulations of trekking gorillas. The trekking can last in 30 or 7hours depending on the movement of gorillas. Once the gorilla family you’re assigned too, you will be given an hour to stay with gorillas as you study their behaviors, feed, play, capturing videos as well as taking photography.
Rules and Regulations of Gorilla Trekking;
Do not get closer to the gorilla once you ill or have cold
Do not mimic the gorillas because they may make them angrier and more aggressive.
Do not litter anything’s to gorilla’s inhabits
Avoid feeding the gorillas once you reach there and see them
When you see gorillas do not make noise because you may make them aggressive
Carry enough drinks and snack into the jungle to avoid getting dizzy while there.
Where can I trek gorillas in Uganda?
Uganda is gifted with two National Parks where primates’ lovers can go to trek the mountain gorillas; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, most tourists prefer to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This is because Bwindi hosts the highest number of mountain gorillas that still remains in the wild and also with affordable accommodations for the clients who stay in the park for extra day.
For the tourists who may like to trek in Bwindi, you are given a chance to choose which sector you would like to trek in.
Bwindi has got four gorilla sectors which includes; Buhoma sector, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija. Each sector has got different group families of gorillas where clients wish to trek. For example, Buhoma sector has got; Mubale, Rushegura and Habinyanja.
Nkuringo sector has got; Bushaho, Nkuringo, Christmas and the Posho
Rushaga sector; Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye and Mishaya
Ruhija sector; Oruzungo, Bitukura, Kyagulira, Mukisa
When is the best time to go for gorilla trekking?
Uganda has got two seasons – low and high season which is referred to rainy and dry season. From the months of March to May can be high rains. Therefore, the clients for trekking the mountain gorillas are always very few because of the conditions in the park. Is that the trekking trails can be slippery, very cold and rainy weather.
Dry seasons; Happens from the months of October to November and these months attracts a lot of clients who come for trekking in the forest because the weather is always conducive.
Take note; If you are to do gorilla trekking safaris, we advise you to book in advance for at least 3 to 6 months before your time of arrival. This is because the gorilla permits are fixed all year around despite the fact that some seasons are rainy and others are dry.
How long is a gorilla trek?
The gorilla trekking lasts 1 to 8 hours depending on the location of a gorilla family your assigned too. If you have heavy luggage, you can hike a porter to help you carry the luggage in case you’re tired.
The age limit of the mountain gorilla trekker
Take note, gorilla trekking involves hiking to look for the gorilla families, meaning it requires mature people who are energetic and they should be 15 years and above. Those below 15 years are no allowed to hike in search for the gorillas because they might get scared of their huge size.
What to wear on a gorilla trek?
Bwindi National Park is a tropical rain forest which makes the area so cold at night. Therefore, you have to prepare yourself and carry what to help you during those moments including;
Long sleeved shirts and trousers
Long cotton stockings
Remember to carry rain coats and umbrellas
Remember to carry gloves to help you from the thorns and cutting grass in the jungle
Water proof gumboots and shoes that will you move in the rainy time without feeling any water.
Are mountain gorillas dangerous?
No! but they can be dangerous when they are threatened.
How much is a gorilla permits?
Uganda Gorilla Permit costs USD700, Rwanda’s Gorilla permit costs USD1500 and Congo ’Virunga National Park cost USD400 per person per trek.
Where to stay while trekking in Bwindi?
Bwindi National Park has got classic safari accommodation ranging from Luxury, Mid-range and Budget including; Buhoma Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bisate lodge, Four Gorilla lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven among others.
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