Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the southwestern corner of Uganda, it is the most visited conservation area of Uganda due to its resident species the mountain Gorillas, they live within the forest freely together with other park creatures, and half of the world’s population is found in the forested area, the park was confirmed a national park in the 1991 and declared UNESCO world heritage site by the 1994. The park is bisected into 4 sectors Nkuringo Rushaga Buhoma and Ruhija each of these has habituated gorilla families for tracking and experiencing the biodiverse ecosystem.
Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the eastern gorillas, gorilla beringei they are characterized by their thick fur bodies, live in families of up to 20 members led by a silverback, they feed on forest plants, tree backs, stems, mushrooms, occasionally insects, they are territorial in nature and nest on the ground, baby gorillas live under the care of their parents until the age of 2 years old. Gorillas are rated one of the critically endangered species of the world according to the IUCN Red List, thanks to the continued conservationists, and strict rules on gorillas these have grown in number so much,
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park is the main activity of the conservation area, it takes place beginning at the park headquarters with a morning briefing from the park rangers, they will tell you how to conduct yourself while with the primates, the hike is not a so easy one which will require you to prepare for it, it takes 2-9hours doing the activity depending on how far gorilla families have moved. Upon finding the gentle brown-eyed species you are allowed an hour with them to interact, take pictures as long as you avoid flush photography, and keep a 7-meter distance rule. Gorilla trekking on Bwindi’s impenetrable national park is a once on lifetime experience coming face to face with the gorillas is wonderful, to enjoy it better it is important to pack right for your safari including warm clothes, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellants, gaiters, and any other items of personal nature.
Trekking mountain gorillas will require you to have a permit, permits are purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, charged $700 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents, and 250,000shillings for East African citizens, for travelers who would love to spend more time than just an hour with the gorillas one should consider the gorilla’s habituation process goes for $1500. There are few permits as only a group of 8 travelers is allowed to track per gorilla family it is important to buy these prior to tracking to avoid inconveniences and missing out. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park is done all year round but best during the dry season between the months of December -February and June to September.
There is available accommodation in each of the sectors, it is important to book accommodation where you have gorilla permits purchased. Example facilities include Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge to mention a few.
