Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Finding these apes in the dense forest is no easy task, and gorilla trekking tours here can last 4 – 5 hours or more. Gorilla trekking can be conducted all year around in Uganda but the best time to go gorilla trekking is during the months of June, July, August, September and December. This is because there is less rain and the parks are drier, making it simple to hike and see the gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has 20 gorilla groups making it the best place or park where you can see the gorillas in the wild. It also gives you access to 90 mammal species, 11 primates including the black and white colobus monkey while on the same trip. This means that as your jungle to look for the great apes, the chances are 99% that you are going to see other primates and mammals making it the best place to see gorillas since it gives you opportunities for other tour elements birds inclusive.
The permit goes for $700 and it offers you one hour with the mountain gorillas in a group of 8 people. In case you are threatened by the price look at it in this point of view that you are contributing to the conservation of mountain gorillas and as a form of thank you, you will be rewarded with an hour in the midst observing and enjoying their company. There are also habituated groups where the permit goes for $1500 and this will allow you four hours while enjoying the company of the apes.
Keep in mind that just 80 people are allowed to see the gorillas in their natural habitat each day. Because their habitat is very fragile, every time you walk in this forest you leave a footprint. Conclusion, Uganda is the best place to see gorillas.
Since the gorilla groups are many, it is possible to ask for a gorilla group that will march your fitness levels. A porter is important, Gorilla Trekking is not very hard, and some people in their 60’s and 70’s have done it.
On the day of your trek, expect to leave your comfortable bed early enough, and move to the briefing point by 7:30am. After briefing, tourists will be allocated different tracking routes, each 8 tourists. Head to the forest accompanied by guides and rangers as you begin you search for gorillas.
Once you see the gorillas, it is okay to take photos with your camera or iPhone but avoid flash or else the gorillas might charge. You will spend between 40 minutes and 1 hour in company of these gentle giants. It will be such a life changing experience. After the trek, head back to you accommodation or opt for a cultural village experience of the Batwa pygmies.
You are strongly encouraged to book your gorilla permit with us for the perfect trip; the worst mistake is to book a gorilla family which is far away from your choice of accommodation! The routes to Bwindi and its various regions are often tricky; this is a remote area. If you would like to do the gorilla trek on your own so as to save costs, you might end up incurring more.
