Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Part of the beautiful verdant swathe of Tropical rainforest that blankets the Rift Valley Mountains running across Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes pride in being one of the most biologically rich forests in the whole of Africa. Interestingly, the forest is not as “impenetrable” as its name.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone is a haven to about half the World’s surviving mountain gorilla population, hence making it the best gorilla trekking destination in the Word. Locating these Giant Apes after hours of trekking them in the thick forest is no easy task and can even take up to 7 hours or more or trekking through varying vegetation and terrains.
Experienced Ranger guides lead visitors through the heart of this biodiverse rich ecosystem in search of habituated gorilla groups then spend one hour with these Great Apes. Although not always guaranteed, the success rate of finally spotting these endangered creatures on a daily basis is put at 95% and this is highly contributed to the effortless conservation initiatives as well as treks that mountain gorilla population is tremendously growing.
Conservationists estimated the number of these Giant Apes at 254 in the 1980s but given the continuous conservation efforts funded by gorilla tourism, their numbers have grown to about 1063 individuals (according to the 2019 census).
However, safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest aren’t just about the endangered mountain gorillas, given the fact that there are over 11 primate species (including chimpanzees, vervet monkeys and olive baboons), several mammals such as forest elephants, leopards, giant forest hogs, duikers, bushbucks in addition to bird species (totalling to 350 species including 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics).
How gorilla treks are conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest begin at 8:00 am after one-hour registration and briefing that starts at 7:00 am from the Park Headquarters.
Treks are also limited to groups of 8 persons, as a way of keeping the endangered mountain gorillas safe from communicable diseases as well as increasing the chances of sighting them, because bigger groups can scare them (given that they are surprisingly calm and peaceful creatures).
From the start, the dramatic southwestern rolling hills and terraced volcanic slopes prove a daunting challenge. Remember that this is the territory of mountain gorillas, hence access to their natural environment requires hectic hiking through the dense vegetation, ascend muddy hills as well as descend down into rugged valleys.
The high elevations, as well as challenging terrains, make gorilla treks difficult, yet the rewards are worthwhile. On making contact with these Giant Apes, you will maintain a silent wait, notice thick vegetation as the Giant Apes edge closer. When these creatures finally emerge from the dense forest, their natural environment characterized by lush forest provides a perfect backdrop for photography. The silence would be broken by the sound of breaking tree branches as they move around and play, hoot, whistle, rest and groom each other alongside hundreds of birds and animals that offer a wonderful soundtrack.
On making contact with the mountain gorillas, visitors have a maximum of one hour to interact (observe and take photos). Travellers who wish to spend more time with the mountain gorillas can book for the unforgettable “Gorilla Habituation Experience” with the chance of spending four hours with the Giant Apes.
Bwindi Impenetrable forest currently offers about 20 habituated gorilla groups scattered across the four trekking regions/sectors (Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo). These groups include Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Christmas, Nkuringo, Katwe, Bikingi, Bushaho, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bweza, Bitukura, Musinguzi, Rwigi, Mukiza, Kyaguliro, Oruzogo, Mishaya, Kutu and Busingye. With a maximum of 8 persons allowed to trek each group, 192gorilla permits are availed each day by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
All intending gorilla trekkers are required to first present a valid gorilla permit before undertaking this adventure and can be obtained from Uganda Wildlife Authority. The current rates for gorilla permits are $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 per person for foreign residents and Shs. 300,000 for East African residents (at the time of writing). Although these permits used to be discounted during the wet season, this is not the case anymore. Even with these gorilla permit rates, gorilla trekking in Uganda is significantly cheaper than in Rwanda where permits are charged $1500 per person.
When to trek mountain gorillas within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Mountain gorillas within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be trekked all year round much as the wet season-March to May as well as late September to November poses more challenging treks.
However, the good side of trekking gorillas during these months is that treks are shorter, given the overgrowth of vegetation hence providing plenty of food for the mountain gorillas.
The majority of gorilla trekkers prefer the dry season-June to August and December to February when skies are clearer and viewing of mountain gorillas easier.
Where to stay when trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an outstanding gorilla trekking destination in Africa with several wonderful accommodation options and has to be booked according to the trekking regions/sectors.
However, the common ones are Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge and many others.
Getting to the incredible Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is set within the south-western part of the country with four magnificent trekking regions-Buhoma in the north, Nkuringo and Rushaga to the south as well as Ruhija to the East. This Park can be reached in two ways-air and road.
For air, travellers embark on chartered or scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi or Kayonza airstrips (For Ruhija and Buhoma sectors) or Kisoro airstrip then drive one and a half to two hours to Nkuringo or Rushaga sector.
For road transport, road trips take 8-9 hours from Kampala/Entebbe, 2-3 hours from travellers coming from Queen Elizabeth National Park through Ishasha sector (famous for tree-climbing lions) and about 5-6 hours when travelling from Lake Mburo National Park.