Bwindi endangered mountain gorillas trekking

Trekking Bwindi endangered mountain gorillas is among the famous wildlife activities in Africa. This is an amazing experience that takes you through dense forests to track the primates that behave and resembles humans. These primates are endangered and only about 1000 individuals remained on earth. The Bwindi impenetrable forest is among the few remaining habitats for mountain gorillas. This park holds half of the remained mountain gorillas, the rest is shared by Mgahinga national park of Uganda, Virunga national park which lies in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Its dense forest provides shelter and food to mountain gorillas which helps them to grow well.

In 1991 is when Bwindi impenetrable national park was established but it is now among the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uganda. It was formed to protect mountain gorillas. Although Bwindi is popular as one of the habitats of the few remaining mountain gorillas also gorilla trekking started here. When Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) realized that this activity can attract more tourists and get money from them to protect the mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking also provides jobs to the local people around the park hence helps to keep gorillas safe.

Gorilla trekking plus the money collected from tourists have favored the total population of mountain gorillas which is about 1000 in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. In Bwindi forest, there are 52 gorilla families and about 19 among them are already habituated for tourism plus two gorilla group for those who are interested in gorilla habituation experience. Other gorillas are not yet habituated so they are not familiar with the presence of the human. Bwindi forest is too larger so, it is divided into 4 sectors that is Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Every sector has different gorilla families. To do gorilla trekking in the Bwindi forest you must have a gorilla permit, which allows you to track gorillas. This permit costs 700USD per person per trek. A gorilla permit can be purchased from either Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or you can book with Africa Adventure Vacations.

If you want to do gorilla trekking in the Bwindi forest, it is better to book your gorilla permits like 3 months before the traveling dates because there is high demand for gorilla permits in this destination. You can book with Africa Adventure Vacations or by yourself while sending inquiries at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) through their websites. But the best way, if you want to enjoy this experience with no disturbance is to book with Africa Adventure Vacations. We help you to do all the planning as you concentrate on air tickets and visas. At Africa Adventure Vacations, we also help you to get a gorilla trekking permit, booking accommodation and providing transport, help you with the booking of local and international flights, and others. Many important things that you might not be aware of while organizing a trip yourself. Africa Adventure Vacations also advise you on what to consider on your packing list and other tourist activities to combine with gorilla trekking such as bird watching, nature walks, and community walks to make your tour excellent.

The action of seeing Gorillas in Bwindi forest.

You are required to reach the park headquarters at exactly 7:30 am with your gorilla permit and passport. All the tourists of the day gathered in one area for briefing at 7:30 am where they will get to known various topics like the history of the park, what to expect, all information about the gorilla families. Then after there, you will present your gorilla permit and passport to be confirmed. The allocation of the gorilla family is basing on the fitness of the tourist and age. But you have a right to ask for an easier or harder trek. Porter is also available at the park offices so those with heavy luggage can hire one and their services cost between 10USD-15USD.

Only 8 people are allowed to trek a gorilla family every day. After all your ranger will lead you into the forest. The difficulty of the hike depends on the location of the gorilla family and the steepness of the park. This is an amazing experience because it gives you a great opportunity to see other attractions in the park while trekking, other tourist attractions are small primates like monkeys, a lot of bird species, reptiles, tree species, and butterflies. Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi forest can be done between 2-6 hours depending on the speed of trekkers and the assigned gorilla family. You’re given only one hour after meeting them.

In most cases, a dominant silverback is the first gorilla to see because he always moving around to check for any danger to other members. When the silverback sense that there is no danger, then you can start to observe them. You will find them resting of the mothers feeding their younger ones. The infants always stay close to their mothers while the adolescents like so much to play. But when you’re observing a gorilla family it is important to follow instructions of the Rangers and never attempt to get closer to infant to avoid annoying the silverback and mother, do not touch on a gorilla even though it gets close to you, and keep a distance of 7 meters from the nearest gorilla. Also, stay focused for a good shot of the gorillas.

After one hour of observation, the ranger will take you back to the headquarters. Tourists who managed to complete this activity they rewarded with a certificate of completion. These certificates present the appreciation for participating in supporting gorilla conservation activities.

The price of trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest.

The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda does not include ground transportation, accommodation, meals, allowance for guide/ driver tour, company profits, and government profits. The cost for gorilla trekking also depends on whether you will be traveling on luxury, mid-range, or budget lodges. Gorilla tour for 1 day in Bwindi costs 970USD per person, the 2 days for gorilla tour goes at 1150USD per person while the 3 days gorilla tour costs 1350USD per person. Luxurious tourists pay more than mid-range and budget. Please note, these costs do not include the visas, flights plus other expenses like tipping staff.

Possibility of seeing mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest.

The chances of seeing mountain gorillas in the Bwindi forest are 98%. The rules of nature are the reason why we cannot say that is 100%. But after buying a gorilla permit expect to see the gorillas.

When is the best place to enjoy the wonderful Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi forest can be done all year round. Though the best time is during the driest month that is December-mid-March or June-October because during this season there is no or little rain, all the hiking trails are passable, the skies are also clear, and photographing the gorillas is excellent.

However, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is a tropical rainforest, so we expecting rainfall at any time of the year so you’re recommended to be well prepared to avoid inconveniences by carrying a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, hat, hand gloves, packed lunch, and energy drinks since the activity begins very early in the morning.

Please note, when you’re planning to visit Bwindi impenetrable forest national park for gorilla trekking, it is good to book your gorilla permit like 3 months before the traveling dates so that you run the risk of missing mostly those who want to visit during the peak season. Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi are no high demand and they are on basis of first come first serve. In Uganda, gorilla permits purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) you can book with Africa Adventure Vacations.

Other tourist attractions in Bwindi Forest.

Beside trekking the endangered mountain gorillas trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, travalers can engage in a number of safari activities with in and around the forest such as;

Bird watching.

Bwindi impenetrable forest national was listed in 2010 among the best ten birding areas in Africa with over 350 bird species, whereby among these bird species 14 are endemic to the park, and only 23 are found in the Albertine Rift. Some of the species you can see while visiting Bwindi impenetrable forest for bird watching include. Chapin’s Flycatcher, Dusky Twin Spot, short-tailed warbler, Western Green Tinkerbird, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Kivu Ground-Thrush, Africa Green Broadbill, Africa wood owl, Black-breasted Barbet, Handsome Francolin, strange weaver, Collared April and among others.

Tracking smaller primates and mammals.

Bwindi forest is popularly known for gorilla trekking but it is also the best place for tracking smaller primates like vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and bush babies. It is also holding the African forest elephants, forest hogs, leopards, duikers, bats, and jackals.

Nature walks.

This is also among the amazing experience in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. Nature walks are done through natural features like rivers, streams, waterfalls, scenic hills, and valleys. Nature walks also give you a chance to see the forest mammals, butterflies, reptiles, bats, and several monkey species.

Batwa cultural experience.

Batwa people are an indigenous group of people who stayed in Bwindi forest but later they were chased away and the forest turned into a game reserve to a national park. These people are now living outside the forest and they are also known as Batwa pygmies. These people are regarded as the keepers of the forest and hunter-gathers who mostly depending on gathering fruits and hunting wild animals, they also still practicing their ancient lifestyle. On your trip to Bwindi forest, spare some time and visit these amazing people where you will get a great opportunity to see how they build houses using local materials, story-telling, local dance, and drama, among Others.

Where to stay while doing gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest.

Where to stay when trekking Bwindi mountain gorillas is among the important things to consider. There are many safari lodges in and outside the four sectors of Bwindi which ranging from luxury to budget. It is good to do your bookings with a tour operator because will help you to choose the right accommodation which is comfortable and fits your plans. Some of the safari hotels /lodges are:-

Buhoma community campsite.

It is found near the gates of the park and is best for a budget tourist. It features rooms that are self-contained and of good quality on full board person. It is one of the famous accommodation facilities in Bwindi. Activities to do while staying here are gorilla trekking, guided nature walks, visiting the Batwa people, bird watching, and others.

Volcanoes safari Bwindi lodge

This lodge is good for luxurious tourists and it is situated near the starting point for gorilla trekking. It has 9 luxury bands with restaurant and bar with all types of drinks which us already to server. It overlooks the big forest of Bwindi. Activities to participate in while staying here are gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks, tracking smaller primates, and so on.

Gorilla forest camp

It is an expensive lodge but offers high quality of service, it is good for luxury guests with 7 permanent luxury tents. Activities to do while staying here are gorilla trekking, bird watching, and many more.

Mahogany springs.

It is among the best luxury safari lodges in the Bwindi forest. Mahogany Springs is built facing Bwindi forest and river Munyanga. Activities one can do while staying here are the famous gorilla trekking, nature walks, nature walks, and others.

Trekking the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest is one of the best experiences in Africa any tourist should not miss out, as it gives you a big chance to see half of the remaining mountain gorillas on the earth. This activity can be combined with other tourist attractions in Bwindi forest which includes bird watching, guided nature walks, visiting the Batwa community, and tracking the smaller primates.

Reasons for Booking with Africa Adventure Vacations.

Traveling to a new place is so exciting and it is one of the greatest experiences one can ever encounter. You get a chance to encounter the food, culture, and natural resources of the area. Africa Adventure Vacations is the best tour operator that can help you experience all the amazing cultures in Africa plus the authentic wildlife. Africa Adventure Vacations can help you to save money and restless nights trying to look for where to go. We are experienced and well informed and passionate about what we do. Africa Adventure Vacations is locally raised and has got a business license. We are quick to respond to any kind of questions from our clients. We have got the best tour packages and pricing. Our company can afford the group size that you would like to come along with.