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Why Is Gorilla Trekking Limited to One Hour with the Gorillas?
Are you wondering why gorilla trekking is limited to just one hour with these magnificent creatures? Gorilla trekking offers a rare opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat, but the time spent with them is regulated for several important reasons.
While gorilla trekking involves hiking through challenging terrain, thick vegetation, and crossing rivers and swamps, it’s essential to keep the experience respectful for both the gorillas and visitors. The limited one-hour encounter is designed to protect these endangered creatures, minimize stress, and ensure the safety of both the gorillas and trekkers.
For those who wish to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest, where you can enjoy up to four hours with the gorillas.
Key Reasons for the One-Hour Limit:
- Minimizing Disease Transmission: Limiting the time with gorillas helps reduce the risk of diseases being transferred between humans and gorillas.
- Protecting Gorillas’ Behavior: Long encounters can disturb the gorillas’ natural behavior and may make them more comfortable around humans, which is not ideal for their conservation.
- Preventing Stress: Excessive human presence can cause stress to the gorillas, especially to newly habituated groups.
- Ensuring Safety: Limiting the encounter time reduces the chance of aggression from the gorillas toward tourists.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of only two places in the world where you can trek and see the majestic Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Located in southwestern Uganda, it shares a border with the Congo and is home to over half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla population, making it the best destination for a gorilla trekking adventure.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is one of Africa’s oldest forests, and it offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Gorilla Trekking Locations in Bwindi
There are four sectors in Bwindi where gorilla trekking takes place: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. No matter which sector you choose, you’ll enjoy the same thrilling experience of trekking through the forest and encountering the gorillas.
Each day, 8 visitors are allowed to trek to each habituated gorilla family, which ensures an intimate experience without overcrowding. The chances of seeing the gorillas in Uganda are incredibly high, around 98%, making Bwindi the premier location for gorilla trekking.
How the Gorilla Trekking Experience Works in Bwindi
- The day begins with a briefing at the Park Headquarters, where you’ll learn about the rules and regulations for trekking and interacting with the gorillas.
- After the briefing, park guides, rangers, and trackers will lead you through the forest in search of the gorilla family.
- Once you find the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them and take in their remarkable behavior. Afterward, you’ll return to the starting point to receive a certificate of achievement for completing your gorilla trek.
How Many Gorilla Families Are There in Bwindi for Trekking?
Bwindi is home to 23 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. These families are spread across the park’s four sectors, and each family is visited by only 8 people per day to minimize disturbance. Here’s a breakdown of the families:
- Buhoma Sector: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe
- Ruhija Sector: Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaruguriro
- Rushaga Sector: Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Bikyingi, Kahungye, Busingye, Mucunguzi
- Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo, Bushaho, Christmas
How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost in Bwindi?
Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are available for purchase through Uganda Wildlife Authority. The cost depends on your residency status:
- USD 800 per person for Non-Foreign Residents
- USD 700 per person for Foreign Residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens
Each permit allows one hour with the gorillas, and the permits sell out quickly, especially during high season (January, February, July, August, September, and December).
If you’re planning to trek, Excursia Adventures can assist in checking availability and securing permits for your desired dates. Once your payment is processed, we’ll send you a confirmation receipt with the booking ID to ensure your permits are secured.
What Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? The best time to go is during the drier months, typically January, February, June, July, August, and early September. These months experience less rainfall, making the trekking conditions a bit more comfortable. However, Bwindi is a tropical forest, and rainfall can occur at any time of the year, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for changing weather.
While the dry season is popular for trekking, some travelers prefer the rainy season. During this time, the lush vegetation provides abundant food for the gorillas, making them easier to spot. Gorilla trekking permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak season, so we recommend booking your permits in advance to secure your spot.
How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible by both road and air.
- By Road: The drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi takes about 9-10 hours. It’s an enjoyable journey with scenic stops, including a visit to the Equator for photos and lunch in Mbarara. We use 4×4 vehicles that are comfortable and perfect for the rugged terrain. Our professional driver guides ensure your safety throughout the trip.
- By Air: You can fly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip, which are the nearest airports to Bwindi. Flights take around 1-2 hours, and from there, you’ll drive to your accommodation. There are daily flights from Entebbe International Airport and Kajjansi Airstrip, with both scheduled and chartered flights available, depending on your budget.
- From Kigali: You can also fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and drive through Cyanika or Katuna Border. The drive takes 4-5 hours, including immigration processing. We recommend the East African Visa, which covers Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for USD 100. This is cost-effective compared to buying individual visas for each country. However, you can also opt for single-entry visas if you prefer.
Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, making it easy to find a place that suits your needs and budget. We can assist with booking your accommodation based on the sector where you’ll be trekking, ensuring easy access to the park’s headquarters.
Here are some recommended lodges by sector:
- Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
- Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp
- Ruhija Sector: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, or even accommodations at Lake Bunyonyi or Kabale town.
As the lodges tend to fill up quickly during the high season, it’s best to book your stay in advance. We ensure the highest standards of service to keep you safe and comfortable during your trip.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Excursia Adventures?
Excursia Adventures organizes life-changing safari experiences across East Africa. We are proud members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and are registered by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). Our strong relationship with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) makes booking your gorilla trekking permits seamless and straightforward.
We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, with a reputation for delivering unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we provide expert guidance and personalized services for your gorilla trekking trip.
Contact Excursia Adventures today to learn more about trekking with gorillas in Bwindi and let us help you plan your next adventure in Uganda’s beautiful wilderness!
