Trekking Bitukura Gorilla Family in Bwindi
Trekking Bitukura Gorilla Family in Bwindi: Bitukura gorilla family is one of the gorilla groups habituated for tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Bitukura gorilla family is located in the Eastern part, the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where they were habituated for tourists to have ample time with them in their natural habitat.
Research shows that these mountain gorillas are among the closest cousins of man because they share 98% DNA with humans. This group is known for being peaceful, and its habituation process was completed in a short time from 2007 to 2008. However, most gorilla families take 2-3 years to habituate, but Bitukura took only 1 year.
Bitukura Gorilla Trekking Experience
The Bitukura gorilla family has 4 silverbacks, with Ndahura as the leader. Named after River Bitukura, the family was first seen in the Ruhija sector. It started with 24 members but now has over 14 individuals. To trek with this family, you need gorilla trekking permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Like any other gorilla family, trekking Bitukura gorilla family is similar in the dense jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The trekking activity begins at the park offices where visitors arrive early at the briefing in the Ruhija sector where trekkers are briefed about the dos and don’ts of the exercise before the trekking activity.
After, trekkers are grouped into 8 members with ranger guides who lead the group into the jungle. Trekkers arrive at the park offices at around 7:00am to 7:30am and the trekking starts at 8:00am. The armed ranger guides lead the trekkers throughout the whole trek as they pass through steep slopes and rugged terrain.
The search for mountain gorillas may take from 45 minutes to 6 hours in relation to the trekkers pace. Upon meeting the Bitukura gorilla family, trekkers are given 1 hour to keep around these mountain gorillas study and watch them do their daily activities such as breastfeeding, eating, hunting, nesting, coupling, and others. While in the jungle, trekkers will meet different park mammals such as primates including monkeys and several birds.
Bitukura Gorilla Trekking permits
Trekking the Bitukura gorilla family requires gorilla trekking permits, which are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority but can also be acquired from a respectable local tour operator.
People can spend an hour with mountain gorillas, see their daily activities, learn about their habits, and capture pictures for their homes if they have a gorilla trekking permission.
Only eight trekking permits are available for Bitukura family group, and they are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. For East African citizens, a gorilla trekking permit for the Bitukura gorilla family costs $800 for non foreign residents, $700 for foreign residents and Shs300,000; for East African Citizens. Reservations must be made in advance, and visitors must inform local tour operators of the gorilla families they want to trek.
Rules and regulations of trekking Bitukura gorilla family
The Bitukura gorilla family trek starts early in the morning with a lecture at the Ruhija sector headquarters, where trekkers are taught the rules for trekking gorillas, including:
- Sanitizing is crucial before starting your gorilla search in the jungle
- Maintain the 7 meters distance away from the gorillas
- Infected visitors with signs of transmitted diseases are not allowed to trek
- Trekkers must stay in their group to avoid danger
- Littering in the park is strictly prohibited
- Trekkers must avoid looking directly into the eyes of mountain gorillas
- Keep your voices low to avoid distraction of these gorillas
- Cameras that have flash are not allowed when photographing mountain gorillas
- If a trekker wants to cough or sneeze, they must turn away from the gorillas
- In case a trekker wants to pee, seek permission from the ranger to dig for them a hole after using it they must cover it.
When to trek Bitukura gorilla family?
Although certain months are better than others, trekking with the Bitukura gorilla family is available all year round. The dry months of June through September and December through February are perfect for trekking the Bitukura gorilla family because they have well-maintained roads leading to the park, short, scattered vegetation that offers clear views of the gorillas, and little to no rainfall, which leaves the trekking rails dry.
During the rainy season, tourists can save a lot of money on lodging by trekking with mountain gorillas of the Bitukura gorilla tribe. Due to heavy rainfall during the rainy season, which spans from June to September and December to February, the roads leading to the park are in poor condition, the vegetation is dense, making it difficult to observe the park animals, and the trekking trails are muddy and slick.
Accommodation while trekking Bitukura gorilla family
When travelling to Bwindi and walking with the Bitukura family, guests must choose accommodations in the Ruhija section of the park. There are numerous places to stay in the area, including Cuckoo Land Tented Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Oruzogo Safari Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Trekkers Tavern, Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge, and Bakiga Lodge.
Things to Pack for Bitukura Gorilla family trekking
For trekking with the Bitukura gorilla family, it is advised to bring waterproof hiking shoes, a rain jacket, cotton stocks, long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, insect repellents, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, binoculars, sanitiser, a facemask, a drinking water bottle, energy-boosting snacks, and long-sleeved trousers.
