Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park stands out as a thrilling experience that draws many visitors to Uganda. The experience offers a unique opportunity to meet Mountain gorillas up close. Mountain gorillas inhabit four national parks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Uganda is home to a significant portion of the world’s mountain gorillas. Uganda stands out as the sole destination where mountain gorillas roam freely in two distinct national parks.

Nestled in Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park stands out as an exceptional destination for encountering mountain gorillas. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is known for its dense tree canopies that create a mysterious atmosphere, blocking sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Bwindi is home to 17 habituated gorilla groups, the highest number found anywhere in the world. Bwindi is an exciting park to explore for Gorilla Tracking, as it is situated near some of the most captivating tourist attractions in Uganda. These encompass Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Kibale National Park, and many others. Visitors can seamlessly blend a gorilla safari with the thrill of spotting the big five. A gorilla permit in Bwindi is priced at $700, a more affordable option compared to the $1500 fee in Rwanda. At $400, Congo gorilla permits are the most affordable option, yet the ongoing instability in DR Congo has hindered the expansion of gorilla tourism. Keep in mind that the cost of a gorilla permit does not cover expenses such as accommodation, visas, transportation, meals, and flights. The cost of a gorilla tour typically ranges from $1150 to $5000. The price of gorilla trekking in Bwindi will vary based on the duration of your stay and the type of lodging you choose.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park offers so much more than just gorillas. Guests have the opportunity to explore the Batwa pygmy community, embark on forest walks, observe birds, and encounter other primates such as Chimpanzees. When it comes to chimpanzees, Bwindi stands out as one of the rare national parks globally where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees coexist in harmony. Encountering the chimps is a thrilling possibility while following the trail of the gorillas.

tracking gorillas in Bwindi, UgandaBwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four main sectors: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija, each offering unique experiences waiting to be discovered. Rushaga and Buhoma boast a greater number of gorilla families compared to other sectors. They have gained significant popularity for tracking gorillas. For those eager to embark on an unforgettable journey, the gorilla habituation experience awaits in Rushaga. Our 3 Days gorilla habituation experience package invites visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of a specific gorilla group for four hours, guided by expert Researchers. At the moment, there is just a single gorilla group undergoing the fascinating process of habituation. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is $700, while the gorilla habituation permit is priced at $1500. Each day, just four permits are granted for the gorilla habituation experience, while more than 170 permits are up for grabs for regular trekking adventures. Explore an intriguing article that delves into the differences between Gorilla Trekking and Habituation in Uganda. If you’re a senior, you may discover our article on gorilla trekking for older adventurers quite captivating.

Exploring the wonders of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla watching in Bwindi is an experience available year-round, but the dry season offers the most favorable conditions for exploring the wonders of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The prime time to explore is during the dry months of December to February and June to August. The rainy season unfolds from March to May and again from October to November. Following gorillas in the rainy season presents a thrilling challenge due to the lush vegetation and slippery paths. However, travelers shouldn’t hesitate to book a tour during the rainy season. The rainy season brings enticing discounts for gorilla permits. The park offers a more tranquil experience, giving visitors the chance to spend meaningful moments with the gorillas. Bwindi is a vibrant rain forest, teeming with life and excitement. One should be prepared for rain at any moment, no matter the season.

We offer an exciting 1-day gorilla safari to Bwindi, and visitors can also opt for the thrilling 2 or 3-day packages. Our 1 day gorilla safari package in Bwindi is crafted for those with a packed agenda who are eager to make the most of their limited time. For those with a bit more time on their hands, the 3 or 2 days Bwindi gorilla tour package is an excellent choice.

Journeying to Bwindi Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park invites exploration by air via Kajjansi/Entebbe or by road from Kampala. The road trip from Kampala spans roughly 8 hours, whereas a flight will get you there in just about 2 hours. Some travelers choose to skip the lengthy road trip from Kampala by flying into Kigali instead. The journey from Kigali in Rwanda to Bwindi spans 4 hours.

The journey of gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest kicks off with an exciting briefing at the park headquarters at approximately 7:30am. Guests are encouraged to retire early the night before their tracking adventure and rise by 5am to enjoy breakfast before embarking on the journey to the park office. Following the briefing at the park office, the trekkers are divided into smaller groups of 8, ready to embark on their journey. Every group of eight follows a specific gorilla family. Some gorilla families reside close to the park offices, while others embark on journeys to more distant areas. The Park Guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, accompanied by two armed rangers and porters, journey alongside each group. The Guides are incredibly skilled, insightful, and expertly prepared. As they guide tourists to the gorillas, they will unveil fascinating insights about the gorilla family and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the forest.

Exploring the Enchanting Wilderness of Bwindi to Encounter GorillasThe duration of tracking gorillas in Bwindi varies based on the specific gorilla group assigned to you. Some groups can be found in just 30 minutes, while others may require hours of exploration. A team of trackers ventures ahead of the group to discover the whereabouts of the gorilla family. They then communicate with the lead Guide via radio, sharing the precise location of the gorilla family. These advanced trackers are aware of the location where the gorilla group constructed their most recent sleeping nests and will move towards that direction. While there’s no promise of encountering the gorillas, the likelihood of catching a glimpse of them is more than 98%.

Once you catch a glimpse of the family, you’ll have just one hour to spend with them – to ensure they remain at ease. Watching gorillas can be an extremely emotional event as gorillas behave like humans and share about 98 percent of our DNA. Enjoy the experience of watching their unique behaviors and personalities unfold, all while capturing stunning photos to cherish later. Adhere to the guidelines for gorilla tracking, including refraining from smoking or eating where the primates can see you. Do not run away when a gorilla charges at you – lie down with your heads down as a sign of submission.

Other activities in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park
As already mentioned earlier, Bwindi impenetrable forest park is a UNESCO world heritage site because of its great biodiversity. Visitors to Bwindi can get involved in several other activities which could include any of the following:-

Visiting the Batwa pygmies: To see the original people who lived in Bwindi forest for thousands of years. Unfortunately, they have now been evicted from the forest and forced to resettle outside the park. Visiting the Batwa pygmies is a great opportunity to learn about their culture and get involved in some of their cultural activities. Expect to see traditional dance performances while listening to stories about how they used to hunt and gather fruits in the forest.

Primates watching: Bwindi forest is one of the few forests in the world where one can see both Mountain gorillas and chimpanzee. During gorilla tours in Bwindi, tourists may be lucky to come across chimpanzees and baboons along the way. Other smaller primates that can be sighted in Bwindi include Bush babies, Blue Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys, L’ Hoests Monkeys, Ververt monkeys and Colobus Monkeys.

Wildlife viewing: Gorilla tracking may be the top attraction in Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park but other wild animals can be spotted including Forest elephants, Leopards, Bats, Jackals, Forest Duikers and Giant Forest Hogs.

Birding: Bwindi forest is one of the best birding destinations in Africa and is a birders paradise with over 330 bird species.

Cultural Activities: Such as Buniga Forest walk, village walks, visiting homes of locals and buying local handcrafts crafts.

Accommodation
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest park involve choosing the right accommodation. There are several luxury and budget accommodation options available. The final choice depends entirely on your personal choice, preference and budget. The luxury lodges can go as high as $1500 per night while the budget ones can go as low as $80. Lets briefly look at some of the major hotels and lodges:-

Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite: They provide budget, mid-range and luxury rooms in Ruhija Sector. There are standard rooms, tents and campsites. Travelers can walk directly from the lodge to the park offices for briefing.
Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge: This Super Luxury lodge is located near the park offices in Buhoma sector. It takes just ten minutes to reach the park entrance while walking. They have one of the best services in Buhoma.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge: Is a mid-luxury lodge located in Nkuringo Sector. Apart from gorillas, the area is excellent for birding.
Buhoma Community Campsite: Ideal for the budget traveler who still requires spacious self-contained rooms.
Buhoma Lodge: Is located in Buhoma sector and offers stunning views of the park.
Silverback Lodge: This lodge is found in Buhoma sector of Bwindi. They have self-contained luxury and mid-range rooms. The lodge organizes outdoor activities like nature walks to nearby communities for interested visitors the day before or after tracking the gorillas.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla lodge: Is located in the southern part of the park with eight self-contained stone rooms. Each room is decorated with local artifacts and a fireplace.
Gorilla Forest Camp: Very conveniently located next to the park entry. The Campsite has over 7 tents with individual bathrooms that are raised and supported by wooden platforms.
Mahogany Springs: As the name suggests, is built out of Mahogany and offers luxury accommodation facilities including a presidential suit overlooking the beautiful Munyanga river.
What is the cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest?
Gorilla Trekking in UgandaEvery traveler intending to go for a Bwindi gorilla trekking safari will at some point wonder about the cost. The bwindi gorilla trekking price includes the cost of a gorilla permit. Bwindi gorilla trekking permits cost $700 which is far less than the $1500 charged in Rwanda. Part of the money collected from gorilla permits is channeled to gorilla conservation programs and supporting local communities living near the park. By paying for the permits, you directly contribute to gorilla conservation and empowering local communities like the Batwa who were affected by their eviction from the forest.

It is important to note that apart from the gorilla permit, you need to budget for transportation, accommodation and VISA costs. Gorilla permits in Bwindi are on high demand and need to be in advance to be sure especially if you are intending to travel during the peak season. You also need to be aware of which sector you would like to visit. Gorilla permits can be acquired from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala. It is possible to organize your gorilla safari yourself and come to Bwindi driving your own car. However, based on our own experience, we recommend using the services of a good tour company to organize your trip. Experienced Tour operators can help you get permits even during the peak season. They will also help you select/book the right accommodation (near the park), arrange transportation and book other activities among others.