Is Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Safe

Is Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Safe? due to the recent attacks by 4 poachers and the killing of Rafiki the Silver Backhead of Nkuringo group in the southern sector of Bwindi this scared much planning to visit this park, this question has been asked by many potential travelers interested in visiting Bwindi for their gorilla trek. In Uganda Gorilla trekking is only done in two National Parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National and Mghinga Gorilla National Park.  There have been border instabilities between Uganda and Rwanda but this, however, has not affected travel across the border from one country to another given the fact both national parks are located at the border with Bwindi Forest National Park sharing a border with DR Congo and then Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sharing a border with Rwanda.

How safe is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Uganda and Rwanda are both very safe for Gorilla trekking, given the fact gorilla tracking activity is a very well organized and managed activity at Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National Parks from the start to the end. During gorilla tracking you will be accompanied by two well-armed park rangers as well as tourism police to protect you all through your trek against strangers as well as wild animals found in the forests.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Verses Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

The whole truth is that both Uganda and Rwanda have the endangered mountain gorillas and there is no big difference when it comes to the experience obtained at the end of your gorilla trek. The only difference is that Rwanda Mountain Gorillas are in the virunga ranges with mainly bamboo as the main vegetation while in Uganda these mountain gorillas are in a tropical rain forest with varieties of trees and plants. Chances of seeing gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda are 99% so which ever country you visit you will be able to see these great endangered apes in their natural environment. It is however believed that Rwanda gorillas are easy to see because of the montane vegetation which is not very thick compared to the rain forest vegetation but this is in the mind set of people gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is a well organized activity the trek are always great no matter which country you trek in.

Which country is best for gorilla tracking between Uganda Vs Rwanda, this is a very tricky question but many travelers say Rwanda is better option than Uganda, reasons to support this is that Volcanoes National Park is a 2-3 hours drive from Kigali compared to 8-9 hours from Entebbe to Bwindi. People used to avoid gorilla trekking in Uganda because of this long drive but now Eco Adventure Safaris arrange tours to Bwindi via Kigali which then becomes 4-5 hours drive only with this is why you should now choose to book gorilla trekking in Uganda so that you save off by paying USD700 for gorilla tracking in Uganda compared to USD1500 for gorilla tracking in Rwanda helping you save USD800. With this you will land in Kigali use the East African Visa allowing you to visit both Rwanda and Uganda at an affordable price. Contact here for more details

Is it safe to track Gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo?

Is Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Park Uganda Safe. Gorilla tracking in Uganda is safer compared to DR Congo, DR Congo has for continued to suffer from various rebel attacks and diseases majorly Ebola disease that has scared away many travelers.

How long and tough is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, Bwindi Forest National Park

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest depending on the nature conditions at the time of your trek. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be very strenuous it may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions therefore please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible.

How to book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

First step of booking a Gorilla tracking Safari in Uganda is securing and purchasing a Gorilla Permit. You can only purchase this from Uganda Wildlife Authority, a Gorilla Permit costs USD700 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD600 for East African Residents and USD70 for East African Citizens. Contact us and we will help secure the gorilla permit for you. Once you have your planned dates of travel you will let us know and we check for availability of space for Gorilla tracking Experience with Uganda Wildlife Authority and once we confirm availability we will go ahead and book for you tentatively, we will then send you an invoice for you to make payment once this is done you will send us proof of payment so that we go ahead and secure the permit accordingly. After purchase, we will send you a scanned copy of your permits for your records and perusal. Gorilla tracking is done in a group of 8 tourists plus park rangers tracking per group. There are 36 habituated mountain gorilla groups open for gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with this it means they are only 288 permits available for gorilla tracking in Bwindi per day making it hard to get the last-minute booking, it is always better to book your permit in advance at least 3-5 month prior visiting so that you don’t miss out on the few permits available.

Where to stay during Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla tracking 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, 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 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 Habituation.

In the northern part, in Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman among others, In Ruhija you can stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp among others.

How to Access Bwindi Forest National Park for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

By Road; This will depend on which sector you will be doing your gorilla trek in Bwindi Forest; Bwindi can be accessed through the main high-way road from Entebbe/Kampala which is approximately 8-9 hours drive. The northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma can  be accessed by turning off along the Kabale-Kisoro road you will see the signposted of Uganda Wildlife Authority which you will follow up to the designated sector for your trek. The southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads can be reached using the road turning off at Muko along Kabale-Kisoro Highway.

By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip to access the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo and then to Kihihi airstrip for the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators of Aero link and Fly Uganda. You will need to plan with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to the Lodge you are booked for your stay.

Why book with Eco Adventure Safaris your Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your gorilla trekking permits trekking in Uganda contact us and we advice you on the booking process. We as well have different Uganda gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our tripadvisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us. Is Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Safe Yes Bwindi is very safe for gorilla trekking in Uganda?