VISIT GORILLAS IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

A visit to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is arguably every trekker’s dream on Uganda safari. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park incredibly one of the 4 national parks where mountain gorillas only live and it also happens to be one of the 2 parks in Uganda where gorilla trekking safaris are conducted. This 331sq.kms gorilla safari park is sits in Southwestern Uganda and hosts over 459 of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas that still exist today.

Where to track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is such an exhilarating experience one can get on first setting eyes on a massive mountain gorilla in the wild. Mountain gorillas are huge but humble creatures about 3 times bulkier than an average man. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tourists on Uganda gorilla safaris can visit gorillas in anyone of the 4 its major gorilla tracking areas. These include Ruhija in the East, Buhoma in the North, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. The 4 sectors account for 20 habituated gorilla family groups set for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla tracking sectors and their gorilla families

Ruhija sector has habituated gorilla families like Bitukura, Oruzongo, Kyaguriro and Mukiza.

Buhoma sector; Katwe gorilla group, Rushegura, Habinyanja and Mubare gorilla family

Rushaga region has Bweza family, Bushaho gorilla group, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Kutu, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye and Rwigi family.

Nkuringo region is comprised of Nkuringo gorilla family, Christmas and Bikingi family.

What to expect on a visit to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi

A day of tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park starts with briefing on guidelines to be observed while on a search for these apes in the wild. This is usually done at a respective park’s 4 major trekking regions; Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Rushaga depending on where your gorilla trekking permits directs you.

During briefing, some of the important measures the park official will explain to you include maintaining a distance of 7 meters about 23 feet from gorillas, visitors who are sick or ill won’t be allowed to track mountain gorillas, only persons above 15 years shall be allowed to participate on a trek to see gorillas, only 8 visitors shall be allowed to trek 1 gorilla group family, on finding a gorilla family, you will be allowed 1 hour to explore their behaviors, take pictures and many more.

A normal trek to see mountain gorillas can last between 2 and 6 hours depending on how fast you hike, nature of the habitat and location of these primates. Since this is unpredictable adventure, you are also expected to have some energy giving snacks and bottled drinking water to keep you fit. Once you have located gorillas, you will have an hour of magical encounter with them.

What to pack on a visit to see gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On a visit to view mountain gorillas on Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the following items should be a must to include on your packing list for gorilla trekking. They include waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, daypack, first aid kit, snacks, camera with no flashlight, long sleeved shirt, blouses, trousers, bottled drinking water, insect repellent, walking stick which can be found at the park headquarters, gorilla permit, passport to mention but a few.

Cost of gorilla trekking permits

Anyone interested to visit gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on Uganda safaris requires a valid gorilla trekking permit. Every gorilla permit in Uganda costs US Dollars 700 for foreign non-residents, US Dollars 600 for foreign residents and 250000 Uganda shillings for East Africa Community citizens. You can reserve your permit through our reservation team or directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority and you are encouraged to book your permit early before you consider embarking on actual trek.

When to visit gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The best time to visit gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on Uganda safari is usually during the dry season although it is possible for you to conduct gorilla tour at any time of the day due to favorable climatic and weather conditions. The dry season is also known as the peak or high season and it runs starting from June, July, August, September and December, January, February. This is the busiest period and demand for gorilla permits is high and that is why it is important you secure your permit in advance at least 3-4 months prior the actual date of tracking mountain gorillas.

The other option is for you to visit during the wet or rainy or low season which runs from March, April to May and October to November. However, tracking mountain gorillas during this period can be challenging due to slippery and muddy ground given the heavy down pour which is experienced during this period in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Planning a perfect gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also involves you choosing a comfortable gorilla safari lodge for your night stay. The available accommodation options here include among others Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite, Ichumbi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge and Chameleon Hill Lodge.

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is patched at the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and from Kampala via Kabale route; it can take you about 8-10 hours to drive to this park to track mountain gorillas. Alternatively, you can cut down the long hours by starting your journey from Kigali via Katuna/Cyanika border to Kabale/Kisoro then connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your gorilla safari. Your journey can cover between 3 and 4 hours.

There is also an option of flight services from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip and you drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your gorilla safari.