Is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Safe?

Is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Safe?

Yes, gorilla trekking in Uganda, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is very safe. It is one of the country’s major tourist activities, and a lot of attention is given to ensuring the safety of visitors. The parks are well-organized, with strong security measures in place to guarantee your protection throughout your trek.

While Bwindi shares borders with both Rwanda and DR Congo, which may raise concerns for some travelers, rest assured that the region is closely monitored. The tourism police and park rangers keep watch to prevent any unwanted intrusions, including from wild animals or potential security threats. Additionally, each trek is accompanied by two rangers equipped with AK-47 rifles, which are used to protect you in the unlikely event of encountering wildlife or other safety concerns.

Before you head out, an advanced team of rangers scouts the forest to locate the gorilla group for the day. They track the gorillas’ overnight location, ensuring that your trekking route is secure. This way, you can confidently embark on your trek knowing you are in safe hands.

Preparing for Your Gorilla Trek in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can vary greatly depending on where the gorillas are on that particular day. The terrain is often steep and can be challenging, especially with the unpredictable weather. Some treks can last for a few hours, while others may take up to 8 hours of hiking. Therefore, it’s important to be physically prepared for the challenge. The altitude can make it more strenuous, and the trail may not always be clearly marked, so fitness is key.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi is one of only four national parks worldwide that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Along with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DR Congo, it is a critical sanctuary for these magnificent creatures. Bwindi is also one of Africa’s oldest forests, with a rich biodiversity. It is home to 350 species of birds, 200 tree species, 120 mammals, and various primates, including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The park is home to over half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas—approximately 1064 individuals.

Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. These sectors offer different trekking experiences, and each has multiple habituated gorilla families available for trekking.

How to Get to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

By Road

Traveling to Bwindi by road typically takes around 8-9 hours from Entebbe or Kampala, depending on which sector you’re trekking in. The northern sectors of Buhoma and Ruhija can be reached via the Kabale-Kisoro road, with clear signage to guide you to the appropriate sector. The southern sectors, Rushaga and Nkuringo, are accessible via the Kabale-Kisoro highway, turning off at Muko.

By Air

For those seeking a quicker route, you can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to either Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips. From Kisoro, you can easily access the southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo), while Kihihi serves as the gateway to the northern sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija). Regular scheduled flights are operated by domestic airlines such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda. Once you land, you can arrange for a transfer to your lodge.

Where Is Gorilla Trekking Done in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi takes place in the following sectors:

• Buhoma: Located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma is the most famous sector, home to the Mubare family, which was the first to be habituated.
• Ruhija: Situated in the northeastern part of the park, Ruhija is another fantastic sector for gorilla trekking, offering a slightly quieter experience.
• Nkuringo: Located in the southern part of Bwindi, Nkuringo is known for its challenging terrain, but it offers a rewarding trekking experience.
• Rushaga: Also in the south, Rushaga is home to the largest number of gorilla families, and it is the only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Bwindi?

A standard gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi costs:

• USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for foreign residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

This permit allows you to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas once you locate them on your trek.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is a unique opportunity available in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. This activity allows you to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group, helping researchers to further acclimatize them to human presence. It’s a more immersive experience compared to traditional trekking and is highly sought after due to its limited availability (only 4 permits per day).

The permit prices for Gorilla Habituation Experience are:

• USD 1500 for foreign non-residents
• USD 1000 for foreign residents
• UGX 220,000 for East African citizens

This experience is ideal for those seeking a deeper, longer interaction with the gorillas and a more personal trekking adventure.

Gorilla Trekking vs. Gorilla Habituation Experience

The key difference between these two activities is the time spent with the gorillas:

• Gorilla Trekking: You spend one hour with the gorillas, in a group of up to 8 people per family.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: You spend four hours with the gorillas, in a smaller group of just 4 people, and you assist in habituating the gorillas to human presence.

Both activities involve hiking through Bwindi’s lush, challenging forest, so fitness is essential for either option. The trekking conditions can sometimes be strenuous, especially when navigating steep terrain.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest is during the dry months of January, February, and from June to early September. These months make traveling to the park easier, and the vegetation is less dense, offering better visibility for spotting gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

For an enjoyable gorilla trekking experience, packing the right gear is crucial. The terrain can be muddy and challenging, especially if it rains, so wearing the right clothing and shoes is essential. Here’s a list of recommended items to pack for your trek:

• Comfortable hiking boots (for muddy and uneven paths)
• Insect repellent (to ward off bugs)
• Flashlight/torch (with spare batteries)
• Wet wipes (for quick clean-ups)
• Water bottle (staying hydrated is important)
• Camera and lenses (for capturing the experience)
• Gardening gloves (to protect your hands during the trek)
• Sandals or walking shoes (for comfort)
• Sunscreen and hat (to protect against the sun)
• Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
• Sweater or fleece (for chilly mornings or evenings)
• Swimwear (if staying at a lodge with a pool)
• Binoculars (for bird and game watching)

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi takes place in different sectors, each offering unique accommodation options. In the Rushaga sector, you can stay at places like:

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Karungi Camp

In the Nkuringo sector, options include:

• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Lake Mutanda Resort

In the Buhoma sector, you can find lodges like:

• Buhoma Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp

The Ruhija sector offers accommodation at:

• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Agandi Eco Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

All of these lodges are conveniently located near the starting points for your gorilla trekking adventure.

Which Sector is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

While Rushaga sector is popular due to its larger number of habituated gorilla families, the Buhoma sector is often considered the best for those seeking a less strenuous trek. With its lower elevation, trekkers in Buhoma may complete their trek in just a few hours, often by 11 AM. On the other hand, Nkuringo sector has a higher elevation, making the trek more challenging.

Regardless of which sector you choose, all sectors offer fantastic chances of seeing mountain gorillas, with a 99% success rate for sightings. Each sector is well-managed, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions makes booking your gorilla trekking adventure seamless and hassle-free. We offer a range of safari packages, from budget to luxury options, including permits and accommodations. Our team of knowledgeable consultants will guide you through the booking process and provide tips for an amazing trip.

With glowing reviews from satisfied clients on Trip Advisor, you can be confident that we’ll deliver an exceptional experience. Book with us today for a memorable safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo!

For more information about your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Forest, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime!