Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a wildlife adventure activity that involves moving on foot or hiking through the dense jungle to have a close encounter with the endangered, magical gorillas in their natural habitat. This activity is typically carried out in the four protected sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Bwindi is Africa’s leading destination for gorilla trekking, with almost half the world’s gorilla population located in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi has over 459 mountain gorillas out of over 1000 individuals, with 24 habituated gorilla families and one family reserved purposely for research and habituation. These gorilla families are visited daily by travellers, and the gorilla groups are tracked once a day.
From Kampala, it is an 8-hour journey to reach the park headquarters, depending on the traffic on the road. According to Uganda Wildlife Authority, gorilla permits are charged $800 for foreign non-residents per person, $700 for foreign residents per person, 300,000 for East African citizens, and $1500 for gorilla habituation, which takes place in Bwindi’s Rushaga sector.
Why are gorillas considered Endangered
Mountain gorillas are considered endangered because local hunters are poaching them and encroaching on their habitat. This led to the expulsion of the Batwa people, “Pygmies,” from the park. The woodland is under regular surveillance, and entry is restricted to only a gorilla permit. The rules of the law also apply to poachers.
Regulations for gorilla trekking
The Uganda Wildlife Authority is a powerful organisation that oversees, guards, and protects mountain gorillas. By closely controlling tourism to the gorilla habitat, the wildlife sector ensures that mountain gorillas live stress-free lives.
The rules and regulations that one must abide by when embarking on a gorilla trekking excursion are in place to keep mountain gorillas in their natural habitat away from encroachment. It is mandatory for travellers to maintain a distance of 7 metres from the gorillas. It is forbidden for tourists to eat or drink in front of the mountain gorillas.
Since the timing for gorilla trekking is variable, you will have your packed lunch with you from the lodge. Keep the forest free of rubbish. Return all plastic items to the lodge or place trash cans at the park headquarters, since the forest is valued because it is home to mountain gorillas.
After receiving an early morning briefing on the rules and regulations pertaining to gorilla trekking, you will be divided into groups of eight and escorted by a ranger into the jungle. The rangers and guides will tell you about the mountain gorillas as you get closer, or you may hear noises coming from the forest. But avoid making noise out of enthusiasm; keep in mind that they are not just friendly primates but still wild animals, and that they could change at any time.
During gorilla trekking, always keep your voice down and pay attention to the park’s inhabitants, including the bird species, reptiles, primates, animals, geckos, and many more in the forest. Keep trash in your bag and return anything you have with you, since it is not appropriate to litter in the park.
What to see during gorilla trekking
During the mountain gorilla trek, there is a lot to see. In addition to many other things, this includes bird species, tree species geckos, reptiles, waterfalls, and insects. Enjoy seeing a variety of sights in the jungle while trekking with the gorillas on the mountain. Besides gorilla trekking, other exciting activities include hiking, Batwa community experience, nature walks, birdwatching, and research making, in addition to the unique and unforgettable experience of tracking mountain gorillas in their native habitat.
Why is Bwindi the best destination for Gorilla trekking
Mountain gorillas
There are only 1000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, and over 459 of them are in Uganda alone. Of these, 26 families are located within the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Sector, which increases the likelihood of hiking with these primates. You have a unique opportunity to witness these amazing, gentle giants up close and help with their protection by tracking them in their natural habitat.
Cheaper Gorilla Tracking Permits
Uganda offers significantly lower-priced gorilla permits compared to Rwanda. Rwanda charges $1500 for the same activity, while Uganda charges around half that price, or $800. You may use the money you would have saved to upgrade your vacation or add a few extra days to your traditional Uganda safari.
In this hallowed land where every rock and tree tells a story, you will find your soul lifted, your intellect stilled, and your heart forever changed as you embrace the magical experience of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and every moment is a celebration of life’s endless wonder.
What to pack for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Use long-sleeved shirts and avoid sleeveless tops to shield your arms from stinging nettles, tree branches, safari ants, and weeds that scratch; binoculars, cameras and extra batteries; hiking shoes; long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially khaki zip-up pants; boots; and thick cotton socks; a light backpack for easy carriage; thick and light jackets for use during temperature variations; and a water bottle, among others.
Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Although travellers can visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest all year round, the dry months of June, July, and August are the ideal ones. However, September, the peak season, is considered a wet, rainy season. More still, late December through early January and early February are also ideal months to explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Conclusion
Besides the renowned gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ultimately offers a variety of popular activities, such as Batwa community encounters, birdwatching, hiking and nature walks, among others. Other wildlife species to see in the jungle include forest elephants, forest hogs, bushbucks, duikers, chimpanzees and other primates
