Flying from Serengeti Seronera to Zanzibar
Gorilla trekking Tour before or after a conference in Kigali Rwanda
Are you planning a trip to Uganda to visit Mountain gorillas in Bwindi and you want to know How safe is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park right now? Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is generally safe for tourists to visit any time of the year. The Ugandan government, along with park authorities, takes the safety of visitors very seriously, especially in areas popular for gorilla trekking. The park is well-patrolled by rangers, and strict security measures are in place to protect both tourists and wildlife.
Is it safe to visit and trek Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi?
Yes, it is very safe to visit and trek Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi, many travelers traveling to Bwindi are concerned about it closeness with DR Congo but the park is well-patrolled to make sure those going for the trek are safe in that area. The park rangers visit the Bwindi forest every day before the guides and clients enter the forest for the gorilla trek. During the trek, you are also escorted by armed guides when you enter the forest for further protection in case you meet forest elephants and buffaloes. It is good to follow the ranger guide’s instructions and not leave the trail because you can easily lose your way around.
Are Mountain Gorillas Safe to Visit in Bwindi
When it comes to safety around the mountain gorillas in Bwindi, they are generally peaceful animals and not aggressive. It is therefore safe enough to be in their presence but with some precaution. For example, the gorillas are not used to bright light and so flashes from a camera can easily surprise them and make them defensively violent. But tourists are briefed about all the precautions at the park office before starting a gorilla trek.
How safe is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park right now? The gorillas visited by tourists in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park undergo a habituation process where they get fairly used to human presence and know that being in their presence you are not a danger to them which would normally cause them to attack you in defense.
All in all it is safe to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The security agencies work hand in hand with the park rangers to provide safety of Tourists visiting the parks. The local people are involved in community policing because they know the benefit of tourism in their area.
Sample Itinerary for Gorilla Trekking Tour to Bwindi:
Day 0: Arrive in Entebbe, transfer to Kampala
Day 1: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (8-10 hours drive)
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Day 3: Drive back to Entebbe for drop off at the Entebbe Airport (8-10 hours drive)
End of the Gorilla Tour.
This Tour can be customized and made longer to add a visit to other National Parks based on your budget and time you have.
Where is Gorilla Trekking done in Bwindi?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is done in the 4 sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Buhoma sector is located in the northern part of Bwindi and Ruhija sector in the North Eastern part of Bwindi both sectors are located close to Queen Elizabeth National Park making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing if you are trekking at these sectors. In the southern Part of Bwindi it is where Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are located close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families open for gorilla trekking with Rushaga sector having many families compared to other sectors.
How much is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
A Gorilla Uganda Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Citizens and USD80 for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest once you find them on your trek.
How to purchase a Uganda Gorilla trekking permit
Gorilla trekking permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority, this can be done at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro for tourists arriving in Uganda through Entebbe it is recommended to purchase their gorilla permits from Kampala and for tourists arriving in Uganda through Kigali they can purchase their permits at the branch headquarter of Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kisoro town which is 1-2 hours’ drive to Bwindi. Eco Adventure Safaris is one of the best gorilla safari companies which can purchase for you your gorilla permit in advance and on short notice, once you confirm your dates and share them with us via email or WhatsApp we will first tentatively reserve the gorilla permits for you online and then send you an invoice for you to make payment and once money comes through on our account we will purchase your gorilla permits immediately and send you scan copies of your permits for your records and perusal and this will confirm you have purchase your gorilla permits for your gorilla trek in Bwindi forest for a given date.
What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown
What to pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
During gorilla tracking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are generally very muddy when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous. It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants. Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi include;
• Insect Repellent
• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries
• Wet Wipes
• Water Bottle
• Camera, lenses etc
• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks
• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking
• Sandals/strops/walking shoes
• Hat and Sunscreen
• Rain Jacket
• Sweater/fleece
• Swimwear
• Binoculars (game/bird watching)
Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga lodges, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo lodges you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla trekking.
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