Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is arguably the most popular tourism activity in Uganda, taking you for a special encounter with mountain gorillas, the critically endangered primates. Mountain gorillas are only found in four national parks in the world in the rainforests of Central-Eastern Region; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR.Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Uganda is the only country in the world where mountain gorillas are found in two populations (national parks).

Located in Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also known Bwindi Forest National Park is arguably the best place to see mountain gorillas. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is called impenetrable because of its thick tree canopies that prevent sunlight from penetrating the ground. There are 21 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is the highest anywhere. Because of its location close to other best tourist attractions in Uganda including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is possible for visitors to combine a gorilla safari with spotting the Big Five and tracking chimpanzees.

A gorilla permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs $ 800 which is less than $ 1,500 charged in Rwanda. It is important to note that the price of a gorilla permit does not include expenses on accommodation, Visas, transport, food and flights. The overall price of a gorilla tour can range from $1,150 to $ 5,000. Also, the cost of gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi will also depend in the number of days and category of accommodation one is interested in.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not just about mountain gorillas. Visitors can also visit the Batwa pygmy community, take guided forest walks, bird watching and view other primates like chimpanzees. Bwindi impenetrable National Park is one of the few national parks in the world where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees live together harmoniously

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four main sectors – Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma and Ruhija Sectors where gorilla trekking takes place.

For visitors interested in Gorilla Habituation Experience, Rushaga Sector is the part of Bwindi to visit. This experience allows visitors to study a particular gorilla group more closely for four hours under the guidance of researchers under habituation process. A gorilla habituation permit costs $ 1,500 per person per trek and only 8 permit are available daily.

If you are an elderly person, gorilla trekking for elderly people is available and very interesting.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is possible all year round, however the best time to visit gorillas in Bwindi is during the dry season which coincides with the peak season. The dry months are the December to February and June to August. The wet season is in March to March and October to November.

Tracking gorillas during the rainy season is more challenging because of the overgrown vegetation and muddy trails. However, visitors should not be discouraged from booking your Gorilla Trekking Tour during the rainy season as they get to enjoy discounts on accommodations as well as gorilla permits. Also there are less crowds in the park hence allowing visitors more valuable time with the gorillas. It is important to note that Bwindi is an rainforest, one should expect rain at any time regardless of season.

For visitors with a busy schedule or less time on their hand, we have designed 1 Day Gorilla Safari to Bwindi and 2 Days Gorilla Safari for a short but immersive gorilla trekking experience.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can be accessed by road or by air. The journey by road from Kampala takes about 8 hours while a flight takes at most 2 hours, some travelers avoid the long journey by road from Kampala by arriving through Kigali. This route from Kigali in Rwanda to Bwindi takes 4 hours.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest starts with briefing at park headquarters at around 7:30 am. Visitors are advised to wake up early and head to the park, after briefing you will be assigned a gorilla family to trek in groups of 8 people, park guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, two armed rangers and porters move with each group. The guides are very experienced, knowledgeable and well trained. While leading tourists to the gorillas, they will share information about the gorilla family and other animals found in the forest.

The time taken tracking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park depends on the gorilla group one is assigned to. It can only take 30 minutes to locate some groups while others can take hours. A team of trackers normally go a head of the group to identify the location of the gorilla family, they them inform the lead Guide by radio call of the exact location of the gorilla family. These advance trackers know where to the gorillas are, there is no guarantee of seeing gorillas but chances of spotting them is over 98% in Bwindi Forest.

Once you spot the family, you will be allowed only one with them, this is done so that they don’t start getting uncomfortable. Watching gorillas can be an extremely emotional event as gorillas behave like humans and share about 98 percent of our DNA. Take your time to observe their behavior and different personalities while taking some great photos and videos. Follow the rules and regulations for gorilla tracking such as not smoking or eating within sight of these gentle primates. Do not run away when a gorilla charges at you, just lie down with your heads down as a sight of submission.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

There are several accommodation options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Note: Choosing the right accommodation is very paramount. There are several luxury, midrange and budget accommodation options available. The final choice depends entirely on your personal choice, preference and budget.

These accommodations include Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite, Volcanoes Safari Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge among others.