Nestled in southwestern Uganda shared between Kabale, Rubanda and Kanungu districts, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO world site, home to the world’s highest gorilla population. The lust impenetrable forest is a sanctuary for a multitude of wildlife and is also renowned for its diverse Biodiversity. The Impenetrable Forest was gazetted in 1991 solely to conserve the endangered mountain gorillas and promote sustainable gorilla trekking in Uganda. The ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest shelters over 500 mountain gorillas which makes it a haven for the endangered gorillas. A trek through the dense rainforest to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience.
In addition to mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a hotspot of biodiversity. The forest is a haven for over 120 mammal species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and numerous forest dwellers. The dense forest is also a birder’s haven sheltering over 350 birds some of which are endemic and rarely found anywhere else in the world.
Regarding landscape in Bwindi, the forest is comprised of rugged terrain, characterized by steep valleys, towering ridges, and cascading waterfalls which together create a breathtaking landscape. The dense vegetation, lush undergrowth, and diverse flora and fauna make this park a truly enchanting place.
The park is surrounded by local communities mainly Batwa pygmies and Bakiga who offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions. The Batwa people, the original inhabitants of the forest, have a deep connection to the land and its resources.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
Attracting over 99% of travelers to Bwindi Forest mountain gorilla trekking is the main tourist activity in Bwindi Forest. Yes, a close encounter with the endangered gorillas is a focus for all travelers to Bwindi Forest. 21 gorilla families have been habituated to ease gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Gorilla trekking is done in any of the four gorilla regions which make up the park. Gorilla trekking packages in Bwindi Forest Vary from 1 day of Uganda gorilla trekking to over 10 Days of Uganda gorillas and wildlife safari. We customize our Bwindi gorilla trekking packages to suit every traveler’s interest, time, and budget. You can trek two different gorilla families in different regions for a more intimate gorilla encounter. The allowed gorilla trekking time is strictly an hour
Best Time to Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The dry months of June, July August, December, January, and February, are the ideal times to visit Bwindi Forest. The dry season is characterized by less or no rains which make the trekking trails less muddy and slippery. Also, the chances of rain showers in the dry season are minimal which assures travelers of comfortable and less stressful gorilla encounters. The season is also best for photography. However, gorilla permits end to sell out fast during the dry season due to high demand. Travelers are therefore reminded to reserve permits at least 6 months in advance if possible to avoid disappointments.
For budget travelers, low or wet season in March, April, May, September, October, and November is the ideal time. This season normally comes with discounted offers from lodges, hotels, and other service providers. However, the season is generally rainy which make walking trails muddy and slippery makes it strenuous to trek through
What to Pack to Bwindi Forest
Travelers visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are always reminded to pack the right gear to ensure comfort and less stress. The essential gear to pack for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest include Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, Waterproof jacket and pants, Warm layers for cooler evenings, Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against insects, Insect repellent, Sunscreen, Hat, Water bottle, Snacks, Camera, Binoculars
In addition to the gear, travelers are also required to carry documents such as Passport, Visa (if required), and Gorilla trekking permit
Gorilla Families in Bwindi Forest
As of today November 2024, the total of gorilla families in Bwindi Forest National Park stands at 21. These are shared between the four gorilla regions of Bwindi Forest Park. The habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest include Mubare family, Rushegura family, Habinyanja Family, Nkuringo family, Bweza Family, Katwe Family, Christmas Family, Mishaya Family, Kutu Family, Oruzogo Family, Busingye Family, Rwigi Family, Posho family, Bikingyi Family, Kyaguliro Family, Muyambi Family, Bitukura family, Mukiza Family, Bushaho Family, Kahungye family, Mucunguzi family and Bushaho family among others. Each gorilla family is visited by eight people for an hour
Gorilla Trekking Rules in Bwindi Forest
To ensure the well-being of the gorillas and a positive experience for visitors, gorilla trekking rules and guidelines have been put in place. Park wardens introduce these regulations to travelers at the start of each trekking day. These include keeping a minimum distance of 7 meters from the gorillas, moving slowly and quietly to avoid startling the gorillas, not using flashlight cameras which can stress the gorillas, not trekking when sick to avoid human-wildlife transmission, not touching the gorillas, not eating in the presence of gorillas and not touching the gorillas.
Activities Beyond Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
In addition to gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers travelers with extra experiences to make a complete package. The other activities in the Bwindi forest include:
- Birdwatching: Bwindi Forest is a birder’s paradise, with over 350 bird species, including numerous Albertine Rift endemics.
- Nature Walks: Take part in guided nature walks to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the forest.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit and interact with the Bakiga and Batwa people, the original inhabitants of the forest to learn about their traditional way of life.
- Community Tourism: Visit nearby communities and support local initiatives.
Gorilla Habituation experience
Done in Rushaga sector, south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the gorilla habituation experience is an experience of its kind. The experience is a process of training wild gorillas making them get used to people. The process takes between 2-3 years and a team of rangers, conservationists and gorilla doctors take part in this experience daily for the two years. Four travelers are allowed to take part in the gorilla habituation experience. Two gorilla families are undergoing habituation hence 8 permits are issued each day. The fours encounter with wild gorillas costs $1500 per permit!
How to plan a gorilla safari to Bwindi Forest National Park
For any person planning a gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, ensure the following
- Book Permits in advance: The fact that mountain gorilla permits are limited and offered on a first come first serve basis, you ought to book in advance. The earlier the better for you! Booking Uganda gorilla permits can be done through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Also, Authentic Africa Safaris can help you reserve and book gorilla permits for you! Each gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park costs $1500
- Book Accommodation: You are also reminded to book your accommodation on time. Ensure to book a lodge in the same gorilla region you are trekking from. Bwindi Forest is divided into four regions (Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija). These regions are far apart and travelers are advised to book lodges in the same region they are trekking gorillas from. A range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly campsites to luxury lodges, are available within and around the park. Authentic Africa Safaris can help you book your favorite lodge
- Transportation: 4WD vehicles are recommended to access the park’s remote areas. Bwindi Forest is situated on a higher elevation and roads can be slippery in the rainy season, A 4×4 wheel is therefore recommended for easy access
- Book through a tour operator: Whereas you can book for permits and also travel to Bwindi yourself, booking your Bwindi Gorilla tour via a travel operator is highly advised. At Authentic Africa Safaris, we offer tailor-made gorilla tour packages to Bwindi suitable for all kinds of travelers on every budget. We also have a team of experienced guides Hiring a knowledgeable guide is essential for a rewarding experience
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park
Access to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park can be by either road or air. By air, you fly from Kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips and then connect to Bwindi Forest. Flight time is 45 minutes.
By Road:
Here you can choose to either self-drive to Bwindi or join a tour company that provides you transport and a driver guide to and from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. The drive time is between 9-10 hours.
What you should know
- Having been set for a gorilla trekking holiday in Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park, you are reminded of the following:
- Gorilla trekking begins at 7:00 am with a pore gorilla trekking briefing at the park headquarters.
- After a briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll be transported to the specific trailhead where your gorilla trekking adventure begins.
The exact number of gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can fluctuate over time due to births, deaths, and group splits. However, several well-known families are popular for gorilla trekking:
Conclusively, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the prime gorilla destination in Africa. Contact Authentic Africa Safaris for a customized gorilla tour package to Bwindi Forest
