Cameron and Natasha have traveled to over 50 countries worldwide. In 2017, while in Uganda, the couple visited Bwindi for an unmatched gorilla-trekking experience. After walking through the dense forest for a couple of hours, they spotted a gorilla family enjoying lazy times. Watching mountain gorillas, the only kind found in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, is a surreal experience for the couple. The guide gave a quick briefing on gorilla trekking in Uganda, but the couple was lost in their beauty. Watching the grown-ups is exciting. But the children were capturing their attention.

In this blog, we will explore the gorillas in Bwindi and gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, when to visit, other things to do, and tips to consider before visiting the park.

Mountain gorillas are found in only three countries: Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. But Uganda has more than half of the whole population.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the top activities for travelers. The price is also lower than in other countries.

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is June to August and December to February. During the dry season, the weather remains sunny and good for viewing.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the top activities tourists can do. It’s filled with adventure and spectacular experiences. Uganda has two gorilla trekking spots: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi is home to one of Africa’s most famous animals, the mountain gorilla. The species was once near extinction, but its numbers are rising steadily.

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda is comparatively low. Foreign nonresidents have to pay $700, and $600 for foreign residents of East African countries. The price is higher in the other two countries.

As mountain gorillas are on the verge of extinction, there are several precautions before you can take a tour. Only some have the chance to visit gorilla families in Bwindi. Their movements are carefully monitored and controlled. As many as eight people can spend a maximum of one hour with a gorilla family. The number decreases for certain gorilla families.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in southwestern Uganda. It is spread over three districts: Kisoro, Kabale, and Kanungu. Sitting on the edge of the Albertine Rift, the reserve is about 331 square kilometers. 

The park contains nearly 160 trees and over 100 fern species. Bwindi means  “a place full of darkness”, the name derived from the Runyakitara word Mubwindi. The forest is always filled with the lively chatter of forest birds. The dense treelines and bamboo thickets truly portray the word “Bwindi”.

It has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Over 120 mammal species, 348 bird species, 220 butterflies, and 27 frog species are also the residents here. UNESCO listed it as one of the World Heritage Sites. But Bwindi is mostly known for its mountain gorillas. Uganda is home to about 60% of the world’s total mountain gorilla population. And, Bwindi shelters most of them.

The park was established in 1991. The National Environment Management Authority of Uganda is in charge of it. Bwindi has 4 sections:

1. Buhoma
2. Ruhija
3. Rushaga
4. Nkuringo

Buhoma is the most visited part and also the largest. On the other hand, Nkuringo is the most beautiful. But it has a rough trekking path, only suitable for physically active tourists.

Uganda is filled with natural wonders. Gorilla trekking is the ultimate adventure and one-of-a-kind experience for any tourist visiting Uganda. Apart from Bwindi National Park, there is another range where you can get a similar experience. 

Mgahinga National Park in the western part of the country offers gorilla trekking. It is also recommended as it boasts its own offerings of diverse mammals and bird species.

Bwindi offers more than gorilla trekking. Though gorillas are the key attractions in Bwindi, its vast collection of wildlife offers a lifetime experience. It is the only location where both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees coexist.

The park has nine species of primates. Apart from gorillas and chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, Ugandan red colobus, red-tailed and blue monkeys, golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervets, and vulnerable L’Hoest’s monkeys are found in Bwindi. 

You’ll also see forest elephants, duikers, forest hogs, bush pigs, golden cats, jackals, civets, and other animals. Birds and butterflies are among the exceptional features of Bwindi. So, you won’t miss anything during your adventure time in Bwindi.

Bwindi is open for tourists to visit throughout the year. But the best time to visit is June to August and December to February. During this period, the weather remains dry and sunny. So, the trails are drier and not impassable.

Bwindi only accepts tourists after a close inspection of your health. A simple cold for you can extinguish the whole pack. So, there are a few precautions to consider before visiting Bwindi. 

If you travel to the Pearl of Africa, especially close to the natural spectacles, there are some tips to consider:

1. Gorilla trekking demand is high, so you should book your trip and permits long before you visit Bwindi.

2. Pick the perfect time. You should prefer the dry season to visit there as the trails will be less muddy and the weather will be sunny for viewing. So, pick a time between June and August, and December and February.

3. You should pack your clothes and essentials accordingly. Get a pair of waterproof boots, a rain jacket, long pants, etc.

4. You can hire a porter to carry the essentials like water, medicine, bags, and all. This will keep you away from being distracted and enjoy the trek fully.

5. Be fit physically. Trekking needs some stamina and also the ability to endure. So, prepare yourself as treks can be up to 8-10 hours long.

6. Finally, enjoy your time there. This is a lifetime moment for anyone visiting Bwindi. Capture the moment, collect memories, and cherish them for the rest of your life.

Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the best activities for a visitor. While visiting the park, you will also be able to experience the ultimate wildlife experience here along with natural views.

As mentioned already, mountain gorillas are found in three countries. In Uganda, more than half of the resides in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park. And, you have to visit their native forests to see them. Mountain gorillas cannot survive in other places. The beauty lies in seeing them in their natural habitat.

So, make your plan, pack your bag, and set out on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Uganda.