3 Day Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park From Kigali
Gorilla habituation experience with UWA rangers and researchers
Many questions are asked for those planning to visit Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking including what time does Gorilla Trekking start and end in Bwindi, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park typically starts early in the morning. Here’s a general timeline for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda:
- 7:00 AM: Visitors arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and guidelines of gorilla trekking.
- 8:00 AM: The trek begins. The duration of the trek can vary significantly depending on the location of the gorilla families and their movements. Treks can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.
- Normal Trek will end by between 1 to 3pm.
What time does Gorilla Trekking start and end in Bwindi. The end time of the trek is flexible, depending on how long it takes to locate the gorillas and spend the allotted time (usually one hour) observing them. Most treks conclude by the early afternoon, but it’s advisable to keep the whole day free for this activity due to the unpredictable nature of the trek.
Which sector is best for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
Many tour operators and tourists choose Rushaga sector as the best sector for gorilla tracking in Bwindi because of the many habituated gorilla families here it is easy to get the gorilla tracking permit here compared to other sectors, however according to the nature/elevation Buhoma is the best sector for gorilla trekking given the fact sometime you can only spend 3-4 hours on your trek and some trackers are already done by 11am in the morning. Among all the sectors it is Nkuringo sector that has a higher elevation making the treks strenuous. For gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest which ever sector you are booked for your trek you will be able to see the mountain gorillas and you have 99% chance of seeing them on your trek given the fact this is a very well-organized activity.
Is it safe for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Yes gorilla trekking in Bwindi is very safe given the fact it is one of the major tourist activity in the country it is given a lot of attention, well organized and with enough security to make sure all tourists visiting the mountain gorillas are safe all through their trek. Given the fact gorilla tracking in Uganda is done in the Bwindi which is a forest and Mgahinga which is a mountain both sharing the border with DR Congo and Rwanda respectively many tourists tend to fear to go for the gorilla trek with fear of attacks from wild animals and terrorists, as noted this is a highly respected activity both national parks are very well monitored by the tourism police and the park rangers to ensure there are no intruders or terrorist then as well during your trek you are accompanied by two park rangers who are well equipped with AK-47 guns to scare away wild animals in case you meet them then as well guard you in case of any uncertainties while in the forest. Before your head out in the forest for gorilla trekking there is always an advance team that goes to the forest first to find out where a given mountain gorilla group spent a night then during your trek you are guided by this team following that trail until you meet the mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest this also determines how many miles the gorilla trek will be that day 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 much is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
A Gorilla Permit costs USD800 per person per trek for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africans and USD80 for East African Citizens. This Gorilla permit gives you an opportunity to spend one-hour encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park once you find them on your trek.
What is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
The best time to do a gorilla trekking in Uganda 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
How to get to get to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking
How far is Bwindi 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 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 sign posted 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 High way.
How far is Bwindi 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 your Lodge you are booked for your stay.
What should you 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-sleeved 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 Habituation and Gorilla trekking.
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.
Why Book your gorilla trip to Bwindi Through Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book for you your gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Forest contact us and we will advise you on the booking process. We as well have different 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 trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. We guarantee you a great gorilla tour in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo with us. Contact us here for more information about What time does Gorilla Trekking start and end in Bwindi.