Tips for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi

Tips for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of uganda, about 530km from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The park is one of the largest mountain lowland forests, and Bwindi is the main park in Uganda protecting the mountain Gorillas in the wild.

We will assist you in making your gorilla tracking dream in Africa come true below is the information to guide you on Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest.

Facts about mountain Gorillas they can only be found in the forests and the ones in the zoo are lowland  Gorillas,mountain Gorillas can only be found in three countries Uganda,Rwanda and Congo. of Congo.

Bwindi has 11 Gorilla families  which are located in different sectors, including Ruhija,Buhoma,Nkuringo,Rushaga when buying your permit, you must be careful about where you will trek from.

Mountain Gorillas are worthy of your trip. Of the thousands that go for trekking, you will never hear regret from any of the trekkers. Gorilla trekking is a priceless activity in life with a price of USD 800.

Plan your trip in advance.

when you have aplan of trekking mountain Gorillas plan 6months pro to your trip in order to book your permit, as there are things you can put into consideration and enjoy a successful Gorilla trek.

Purchase a permit.

One needs a permit before trekking in Bwindi and this permit must be booked through a tour operator,once you book your permit, you’re in for the trek in Uganda. They are issued out by the Uganda wildlife Authority  through the tour operators.

There might be a shortage of Gorilla permits so first come, first served is the only way out.

Interest before buying a permit

As mentioned, the permit you’re holding determines where you will be trekking in the sector and the accommodation. Bwindi has sectors and all these sectors can be determined for those who need a simple trek i advise trekking in Ruhija or Buhoma.

If one needs a challenging one, then trekking through the Rushaga sector is better; if one  has a problem with altitude, then trekking through the southern sector must be avoided.

Therefore, contact the Tour operator before booking your permit.

Which sector would you like to trek?

Trekking through Bwindi  depends on where one wants to trek. Bwindi has for regions and also these regions have different families to trek. Buhoma has 3 families, Ruhija 3 families, Rushaga 5 families, and Nkuringo has 1 family; therefore, the permit determines where one is to trek in any of the sectors.

How is Gorilla trekking done?

The whole process of Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning, where you wake up early morning prepare take breakfast, and go to the restaurant to pick up your packed lunch ,the guide will drive you to the park headquarters for a short briefing about Gorilla trekking and then a walking stick.

You will start the trail depending on the Gorilla family you want to trek with; you will definitely be divided into 8 people in every group per family, with a ranger and a guide.

When trekking through the forest, one might have a chance to spot the white colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, elephants, birds, and tree species.

The  trekk takes minutes to 6 hours, depending on where the mountain Gorillas are located, to trek through the forest.

 Finally, when you encounterthe mountain Gorillas you onlY allowed to spend one hour and one more hour to enjoy your packed lunch. after return to the park headquarters for a Gorilla ceremony and to receive your certificate.

The guide will be ready to drive you back to the lodge.

Gorilla trekking rules and regulations

Your visit to the mountain gorillas should not decrease their population; rather, it should help increase it. According to the 2013 census, there are only 800 mountain gorillas left in the wild.

Basically, you need to know that each gorilla family is visited by eight people. Visitors must maintain a distance of 7 meters from the wild apes.

No dumping of rubbish is allowed, as this may cause the Gorillas to ingest harmful substances and die.

Those suffering from infectious diseases such as coughs and the flu, among others, should be avoided. must not visit the mountain Gorillas .Avoid eye contact with the Gorillas and flash cameras; the best thing to do is to follow what your guide and ranger are saying.

The ideal time to trek mountain Gorillas is during the dry season.

Gorilla trekking can be done throughoutthe whole  year although dry months like june,july ,August  and september are more preferred to travel and trek in Bwindi, and the forest becomes easier to trek in.

Although during the dry season the permits are high compared to the low season, where they are sold at a low cost of  USD 700, the wet season includes April,may  and  November and clients tend to avoid the steep slopes, which are slippery.

Porters and walking sticks

One is advised to use a walking stick to help trek on these hills and steep slopes walking sticks are provided at the  lodges if you don’t find them there, then at  the park headquarters.

If you’re not fit for the trek, you’re advised to go with a porter who will give you a push/pul  when you can’t do it anymore.

This Porter will also help to carry your heavy bags  and also things you must not carry with you when you approach the mountain Gorillas their things you must not have, like packed lunch, Gorillas may approach you and want to test the food, which may turn into charging, which is not good during the trek.

What should you pack or wear for a mountain Gorilla encounter?

Since the forest is thick with steep slopes, one needs to prepare what to wear. There you need hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers,you need  glooves some shrubs might itch you.

You should pack a hut, glasses, and energy-boosting foods. You should also bring insect repellent and your camera, as you may have a great opportunity to take pictures.

Transport and Accommodation

Find out first the side/sector that suits your interest, and then the booking of your accommodation will follow.

The Tour operator must know the level of accommodation that suits you; the lodges range according to Budget,midrange and luxury.

The same applies to transport; you may choose to travel in land cruisers, super customs, or land rovers depending on your budget. one can opt to travel using a flight, their daily flights to Bwindi. Note: Uganda is a country in Africa with friendly people who respect their culture.