The Virunga Conservation Area is the remaining mountain gorilla destination in the world. It hosts several destinations, such as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga and Bwindi in Uganda. Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo is also part of this area. All these destinations offer unmatched gorilla trekking experiences. However, one remains undisputed.
Gorilla trekking is a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience to encounter mountain gorillas. This activity involves a guided trek for tourists to track, locate, observe, and study mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. Uganda, as a country, is a suitable tourism destination blessed with several tourism destinations. These destinations harbor various species of wildlife and birds, as well as epic scenery.
Uganda, as an undisputed gorilla destination, hosts over 560 mountain gorillas. This equals more than the total world population. These gorillas are scattered across over 51 gorilla families, but about 26 are habituated. Uganda ticks all the possible boxes of greatness as the best destination to see mountain gorillas.
Where are mountain gorillas found in Uganda?
In Uganda, there are only two gorilla trekking destinations. These are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both are located in the southwestern region of the country. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park comprises the highest number of habituated gorilla families, with over 25 families. Mgahinga comprises only one habituated gorilla family called Nyakagezi.
Due to the variety in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is the best gorilla trekking location in the world. Bwindi offers a challenging experience because of its steep terrain and dense vegetation. However, it offers a worthwhile and adventurous gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu along the Albertine Rift Valley. It covers about 331 square kilometres with thick forested vegetation. The park has a rich biodiversity comprising about 25 habituated gorilla families. Bwindi also hosts over 350 bird species and other forest mammals like elephants. There are also other small primates like unhabituated chimpanzees, monkeys, and reptiles, among others.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was recognized as a UNESCO site in 1994. This was about 3 years after Bwindi was established in 1991. It’s also popular for sheltering the famous indigenous Batwa people. These people initially used to live in the forest before it was gazetted.
Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija.
Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is where the first habituated gorilla family, the Mubare gorilla family, is located. The sector is strategically located near Kihihi airstrip, giving visitors the easiest access from Kampala. The sector has five habituated gorilla families. These include Mubare, Rushegura, Katwe, Habinyanja, and Muyambi, which is the newest to be habituated in this sector.
Ruhija sector in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famously known for the variety of bird species. This makes it a suitable bird-watching spot for birders. This sector has four habituated gorilla families comprising the Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, and Kyaguriro families.
Rushaga sector is the most popular gorilla trekking spot in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is because it accommodates the highest number of habituated gorilla groups. It is also the most visited sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Some of the gorilla families located in this sector include Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Busingye, Muchunguzi, Kahungye, Rwigi, Kutu, and Bikyingi gorilla families.
Nkuringo sector is in the south, which shelters a few gorilla families. These include Bushaho, Christmas, Posho, and Nkuringo gorilla groups. The sector is famous for the three Virunga volcanoes, such as Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura. It is therefore a suitable spot for a hiking experience.
How is gorilla trekking done in Bwindi?
Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning, with the tourists arriving at the visitor centre for a briefing at 7:30 AM. They are entertained by a group of traditional dances to bring them into the trekking spirit. During the briefing, the ranger guides orient tourists on the way of conduct with the gorillas, including the dos and don’ts. The tourists are divided into groups of 8 people after the briefing. Each group is assigned a gorilla family and a ranger to help them locate the mountain gorillas in the jungle.
After the briefing, the trek into the forests starts at about 8 am. It is estimated to last about 4-8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. When you find the gorillas, you will be given strictly one hour to observe and spend time in their presence.
How to book for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
In order to do gorilla trekking in Uganda, you require a gorilla permit to have access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A gorilla permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority through a local tour operator. The gorilla permits cost USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for foreign residents, and UGX 350,000 for Ugandans and East Africans. To get a gorilla permit, you are advised to book earlier, like two months before travelling, through a registered tour operator like Epic Uganda Vacations.
You can book a gorilla permit through a licensed tour operator who will ask for your personal details and your preferred travel time. The tour operator will secure a permit for you to track the gorillas in Uganda. The gorilla permit will be presented at the visitor centre in Bwindi on the day of tracking the mountain gorillas.
What to pack while on a gorilla safari in Uganda
While going for gorilla trekking in Uganda, you are advised to be in a healthy condition and physically fit to walk long distances in the forests. Please inform your tour guide about your health before you start the trek and carry first-aid medication in case of any complications.
Among the packing list, you are required to carry the following items to enhance your experience while on the trek.
The walking stick is crucial to support you while moving in the thick forests in Bwindi. It also helps in climbing the hilly slopes due to the mountainous nature of the park.
Carry waterproof, strong hiking boots, long trousers, a light hat, insect repellents, and long-sleeved shirts with dull colours. Carry some simple snacks to eat while on the trek in the forest and enough water in the water bottle.
Other activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Besides the mountain gorillas, Bwindi has several other attractions that support different activities. For example, there are 350 bird species that support bird watching. Bwindi also offers a hiking experience for tourist visitors due to the presence of the Virunga Volcanoes. These include Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shelters the indigenous Batwa people with a rich cultural heritage. Therefore, it offers a unique cultural tour both in the forests and in the community, comprising music, dance and drama, storytelling, local medicinal healing, among others.
Where to stay while on a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The accommodations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are situated in specific sectors. Therefore, it’s advisable to stay in the sector where you are going to track the gorillas to avoid travelling long distances in the morning while heading to track the gorillas. All the accommodation facilities are classified into categories of luxury, midrange, and budget.
Rushaga sector has accommodation categorised into luxury, such as Four Gorillas. The mid-range accommodation options include Ichumbi Lodge. The budget options include Rushaga Gorilla Havens. In Buhoma sector, the luxury accommodations include Buhoma Lodge. The mid-range accommodation options include Engagi Lodge and Silverback Lodge. The budget accommodation options include Buhoma Community Haven Lodge.
Nkuringo sector has luxury accommodation options, which include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. Midrange and budget options include Crested Crane Bwindi Hotel and Gorilla Heights Lodge. Ruhija sector has accommodation options that include the luxury option Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge, the midrange option Bakiga Lodge, and the budget option Ruhija Community Rest Camp.
In conclusion, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park remains the most desirable and best gorilla trekking location. This is attributed to its several mountain gorillas of about 450 gorillas, the low cost of gorilla permits, and also the number of habituated gorilla families, among other reasons.
