Mountain gorillas are surviving in only three countries; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Only 1000 mountain gorillas population is remaining in the world and Bwindi impenetrable forest alone hosts half of the world’s population. The park is found in the southwestern direction of Uganda. Bwindi is a famous spot for a spectacular gorilla trekking experience and it is a UNESCO-designated world heritage site with a rich and unique ecosystem. It is comprised of both montane and lowland forest and it is only accessible on foot.
Most tourists visit Bwindi National Park for gorilla tours. The park has over 13 habituated mountain gorilla families which are open to visitors for trekking every day. Before it was an impenetrable forest reserve under the colonial administration in 1932, it was then named Bwindi impenetrable national park in 1991 under the current government.
While trekking the mountain gorillas; the experience and excitement you encounter while with them is really worthwhile. And note that you only have an hour with these gorillas from the moment they are sighted.
Travelers are advised to keep a 7m distance from the gorillas though they will often get very close since they are unaware, therefore the traveler in this case is supposed to remain calm and not to move away. And while trekking, stay in your group and endeavor to maintain your voice as low as possible so that the group remains relaxed.
Gorilla trekking is an encounter one has to go through to discover the hidden treasures of Bwindi impenetrable forest. It has 36 gorilla groups but only 13 are so far habituated. Therefore visiting one of the habituated gorilla families in Bwindi is worth it as each gorilla family tells a different story which rewards travelers with unforgettable experiences of a lifetime.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park is affordable. The gorilla permit of Bwindi impenetrable national park as well as Uganda is at 600 USD per permit including park entrance fees, park rangers/guides, and great memories in general.
Now the question is, is this money worth it? The answer is yes. Because Uganda wildlife Authority gets money from gorilla permits to fund conservation activities. The gorilla permit money is used to conserve the remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest so that also the next generations can get a chance to see them. Therefore whoever treks mountain gorillas in Uganda supports gorilla protection efforts as well as conservation of their habitats.
The Bwindi impenetrable national park has four sectors; namely, the Buhoma sector, the Ruhija sector, the Rushaga sector, and the Nkuringo sector. All these sectors protect gorilla families and gorilla tours are carried out in individual regions. Only 8 people are allowed to trek a group of gorillas in Bwindi every day.
This park is the only finest destination where travelers trek the mountain gorillas at a pocket-friendly price, an encounter not found elsewhere in the region.
Visiting Bwindi impenetrable forest during your Uganda safari gives you a chance to experience gorilla trekking in the world’s largest colony of mountain gorillas. Encounter the mountain gorillas face to face in the wild and enjoy an hour photographing, watching, and learning about these great apes that are only found in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda