Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi from Fort Portal Town

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi from Fort Portal Town

Are you planning to embark on an unforgettable journey from Fort Portal to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? With Excursia Adventures, it’s not just possible—it’s an experience of a lifetime. Fort Portal, which gained city status in July 2020, is a beautiful hub for tourists, often referred to as the tourism capital of the Rwenzori region. Its strategic location near several national parks, including Semuliki, Toro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Mountain Rwenzori, Kibale Forest, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, makes it a fantastic starting point for your adventure.

Fort Portal is located in Kabarole District, Western Uganda, within the Toro Kingdom. The journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes about 5 to 6 hours by road, offering scenic views along the way. Alternatively, you can opt for a quicker route by flying from Kasese Airstrip, which is close to Fort Portal, to Bwindi. This flight lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Activities to Enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations, offering a variety of activities for every adventurer. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Bwindi. This park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, providing visitors with a remarkable 98% chance of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You can choose to trek in one of four sectors of the park: Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, or Ruhija and Buhoma in the northeast.

To participate in gorilla trekking, securing a gorilla permit is essential. These permits must be purchased in advance, ensuring your spot on the trek according to your travel dates and availability. Each gorilla family can accommodate a maximum of eight visitors, so early booking is advisable. When you book an all-inclusive gorilla road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Excursia Adventures, simply provide your preferred trekking dates, and we’ll check the availability of permits for you. Once confirmed, we’ll reserve your permit and send you a payment invoice. After payment, we will secure your permit and provide you with scanned copies of your receipts from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Gorilla Habituation Experience allows you to spend up to four hours with mountain gorillas that are still in the habituation process. Limited to just four visitors, this activity requires advance booking for your gorilla habituation permit.

The habituation experience takes place in the southern regions of Bwindi, particularly in Rushaga and Nkuringo. During this unique encounter, you’ll observe gorillas that are not yet accustomed to human presence, allowing you to witness their natural behaviors as researchers and guides help monitor their activities.

Bird Watching in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting a wide range of unique bird species, including many endemic to the Albertine Rift. Notable birds to spot during your birding adventure include the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Dwarf Honeyguide, African Green Broadbill, and many more. We offer specialized birding packages led by professional guides who can assist you in identifying these fascinating species.

Cultural and Community Experiences

When planning your visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural experiences that the area offers. Once home to the Batwa people, often referred to as pygmies, Bwindi is a place where history and nature intertwine. Although the Batwa were relocated to surrounding communities to support mountain gorilla conservation efforts, their heritage and traditions remain vibrant.

A road trip from Entebbe to Bwindi provides a unique opportunity to learn about the Batwa’s traditional ways of life, including their skills in harvesting wild honey and hunting in the forest. Engaging with the community, you can enjoy traditional dances and hear stories about their transition to life outside the forest. Additionally, visiting local women’s groups that craft and sell handmade goods, as well as community schools, can be a rewarding experience. If you wish to make a positive impact, consider bringing donations of clothes or educational materials for the children.

Nature and Forest Walks

Nature walks are a highlight of any visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This tropical rainforest is one of the oldest in the world, dating back over 250,000 years, and is home to ancient tree species, some of which are unique to this ecosystem. Known for its dense canopy, Bwindi offers fantastic opportunities for exploration.

On your nature walk, you’ll have the chance to learn about various tree species, spot unique birdlife, and possibly encounter rare forest elephants, monkeys, and baboons. We offer tailored nature walking packages that can take you from the Buhoma sector to Nkuringo, crossing the Ivy River along the Kashasha trail. These walks allow you to connect with nature while discovering the stunning waterfalls and rivers in the park. Choose a package that best suits your interests and enjoy the beauty of Bwindi!

Where to Stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Starting your safari from Fort Portal, you’ll want to spend at least two nights in one of Bwindi’s four gorilla regions: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, or Rushaga. Each area offers a range of accommodations to suit your preferences, from budget-friendly options to luxury lodges.

For example, in the Buhoma sector, you can opt for Buhoma Community Camp for budget accommodations, Buhoma Havens Lodge for mid-range comfort, or indulge in luxury at Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, or Gorilla Forest Camp. In Rushaga, choices include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Camp, while Nkuringo offers Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

Why Book with Us for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi from Fort Portal Town?

At Excursia Adventures, we create customized packages for your adventure to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tailored to include a variety of activities. Our office in Entebbe is easily accessible for cash payments and inquiries, and we offer complimentary pickups from Entebbe International Airport, which is conveniently located near our offices.

Our strength lies in our dynamic team of passionate Ugandans, from energetic young staff to seasoned managers and directors, all dedicated to providing you with an authentic experience. We are proud of our excellent ratings on TripAdvisor, where you can read reviews from fellow travelers who have explored with us.

Ready to experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi from Fort Portal Town? Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable adventure!