Is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Safe?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: A Haven for Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, situated in the southwestern region of Uganda and sharing borders with Congo, is a must-visit destination for those seeking to witness the splendor of the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. As one of the two parks in Uganda where these majestic creatures can be found, Bwindi offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of nature.

The park is renowned for being home to over half of the world’s remaining population of Mountain Gorillas, making it one of the top locations for gorilla trekking. This UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is also one of the oldest forests in Africa, with its dense vegetation providing a perfect habitat for these endangered apes.

Gorilla trekking is conducted in four sectors of the park – Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo – with each offering an equally exciting experience. The chances of seeing gorillas are high, with a 98% probability, and visitors are allocated eight individuals per habituated gorilla family per day. This ensures that you have a chance to visit the gorillas any time of the year.

With safety as a top priority, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Exploring Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Embarking on a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an unforgettable experience. The trek begins at 7:00 am with a briefing at the park headquarters in each region. During the briefing, visitors are educated on the dos and don’ts when in the forest and in the presence of gorillas. The park guides, rangers, and trackers then lead visitors into the forest to find the gorillas. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed one hour to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat before returning to the starting point to receive a certificate for their successful trek.

Gorillas are a wonder to watch, as they share 95% of human DNA. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has a policy that only eight visitors are allowed to view each habituated gorilla family per day, in order to conserve the gorillas. Visitors must be aged 15 and above to participate in the trek, as minors may not be easily controlled in the forest and may potentially transmit diseases to the gorillas.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a safe destination for gorilla trekking, with policies and guidelines in place for conservation. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we ensure that visitors are well-informed of these policies and guidelines while planning their gorilla trekking trip. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!

Safety of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Are you eager to witness the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Africa, but concerned about safety while trekking in the jungle? Fear not, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda offers a secure and safe environment for gorilla trekking.

Bwindi is among the leading destinations to observe these awe-inspiring creatures, as it is home to half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas in the world. Your experience here promises to be unforgettable as you witness the gorillas in their natural environment.

Discover the Rich Diversity of Gorilla Families for Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is home to 18 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. In addition to the one gorilla family available for trekking in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda boasts a total of 19 habituated gorilla families.

Each of the four sectors in Bwindi has named gorilla families allocated for trekking, with each family offering a unique and thrilling experience. The Buhoma sector is home to Mubare Gorilla Family, Habinyanja Gorilla Family, Rushegura Gorilla Family, and Katwe Gorilla Group. In the Ruhija sector, visitors can trek the Bitukura Gorilla Family, Oruzogo family, Mukiza gorilla family, and Kyaruguriro Gorilla Family. The Rushaga sector is home to Nshongi Gorilla Group, Mishaya Gorilla Group, Bweza Gorilla Group, Bikyingi gorilla family, Kahungye Gorilla Family, Busingye Gorilla Family, and Mucunguzi gorilla family. Finally, in the Nkuringo sector, visitors can trek the Nkuringo Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla family, and Christmas Gorilla Family.

With such diverse and captivating gorilla families, trekking in Bwindi National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Book your gorilla trekking adventure today and discover the rich diversity of gorilla families in Bwindi National Park.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, offers 144 gorilla trekking permits per day. The permits are sold through the Uganda Wildlife Authority and cost USD800 per person for Non-Foreign Residents, USD700 for Foreign Residents, and Shs.300,000 for East African Citizens. The permit allows visitors to spend one hour with the gorillas in their natural habitat.

During high season (January, February, July, August, September, and December), gorilla trekking permits sell out very quickly. To secure your permit, contact Trek Africa Expeditions with your planned trek and desired dates. Our team will check the availability of permits in the online system for Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available, we will send you an invoice to make the payment, and once we receive payment, we will book and secure your permits. If permits are not available, we will help you choose other dates with permit availability.

We strive to make the process of acquiring gorilla trekking permits easy and transparent for your booking of a gorilla trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Contact us to secure your permit and start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

When planning for a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, it is important to consider the best time to visit. While the park experiences rainfall throughout the year due to its tropical climate, the best time to trek gorillas is during the drier months of January, February, June, July, August, and early September. However, weather conditions can be unpredictable and vary from day to day.

It is worth noting that gorillas can be viewed at any time of the year, and some people even prefer visiting during the rainy season. This is because there is an abundance of food due to the rain, making it easier to spot the gorillas. Regardless of the time of year, gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly, and it is recommended to book them in advance. With proper planning and preparation, a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi can be an unforgettable experience.

The Ultimate Guide on Accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a must-visit destination for gorilla trekking enthusiasts. Getting to the park is quite easy and there are various options available to visitors.

If you prefer road travel, the park is approximately 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala/Entebbe. The journey is full of beautiful sights and you can stop for photographs at the Equator and enjoy lunch in Mbarara. Our 4×4 vehicles are comfortable and our experienced driver guides ensure your safety during the trip.

Alternatively, you can fly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips which serve Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The flight takes about 1-2 hours, and then you can drive to your hotel or lodge. Daily flights from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip are available, and you can choose between scheduled or chartered flights based on your budget and travel plans.

Another option is to fly into Kigali International Airport and then drive to the park through Cyanika or Katuna Border, which takes only 4-5 hours with immigration procedures at the border. We recommend that visitors acquire the East African Visa, which allows multiple entry into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda at a cost-effective fee of USD 100, available online or on arrival. Single entry visas can also be obtained, with the Rwandan Visa costing USD 30 and Uganda Visa costing USD 50.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is easily accessible and a safe destination for gorilla trekking. Choose your preferred mode of transport and start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience today!

Where to Stay on Your Gorilla Trekking Trip in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a range of lodging options to suit every budget for your gorilla trekking adventure. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we can assist you in booking your preferred hotel/lodge. We recommend staying in the sector where you will be trekking to ensure easy access to the park headquarters. In the Rushaga sector, you can choose from Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, or Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge. For those trekking in Nkuringo, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge are great options. In the Buhoma sector, you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, or Gorilla Forest Camp. In Ruhija, Trekkers Tavern Lodge and Bakiga Lodge are good options, or you can opt to stay in Kabale town or Lake Bunyonyi. With so many choices available, it’s important to book your accommodations in advance, especially during high season. At Trek Africa Expeditions, we prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our clients and ensure they receive excellent service during their stay.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a locally owned and operated tour operator based in Uganda, specializing in sustainable tours and life-changing experiences across East Africa. As members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and registered by the Uganda Tourism Board, we offer reliable and trustworthy service to our clients.

We have a long-standing relationship with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, making it easy for us to secure gorilla permits and plan your gorilla trekking safari. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has earned us high ratings on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings.

When you choose Trek Africa Expeditions, you can trust that your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable journey.