Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda

Home of world's most endangered Gorillas

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park is arguably the most popular tourism activity in Uganda. The activity takes you for a special encounter with Mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas can be found in four national parks – the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi impenetrable forest in Uganda. Uganda hosts half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. Uganda is also the only country where mountain gorillas can be found in two different national parks.

Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park

Located in Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park is arguably the best place to see mountain gorillas. A UNESCO World heritage site, the park is called impenetrable because of the thick tree canopies found in the park that prevent sunlight from penetrating to the ground. There are 17 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi which is the highest anywhere. Bwindi is a convenient park to visit because it is located close to some of the best tourist attractions in Uganda. These include Queen Elizabeth national park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Kibale National Park and more. It is therefore possible for visitors to combine a gorilla safari with spotting the big five. A gorilla permit in Bwindi costs $700 which is less than the $1500 charged in Rwanda. At $400, Congo gorilla permits are the cheapest but the instability in DR Congo has slowed the growth of gorilla tourism. It is important to note that the price of a gorilla permit doesn’t include expenses on accommodation, Visas, transport, food and flights. The overall price of a gorilla tour can go between $1150 to $5000. The cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi will also depend in the number of days and category of accommodation one is interested in.

cheapest but the instability in DR Congo has slowed the growth of gorilla tourism. It is important to note that the price of a gorilla permit doesn’t include expenses on accommodation, Visas, transport, food and flights. The overall price of a gorilla tour can go between $1150 to $5000. The cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi will also depend in the number of days and category of accommodation one is interested in.

Bwindi impenetrable forest park is not just about the gorillas. Visitors can also visit the Batwa pygmy community, take forest walks, spot birds and view other primates like Chimpanzees. Talking about chimpanzees, Bwindi is one of the few national parks in the world where mountain gorillas and chimpanzee live together. The chimps may be sighted while tracking the gorillas

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Gorilla watching in Bwindi is done throughout the year but the dry/peak season is the best time to visit gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The peak season falls in the dry months of December to February and June to August. The wet season is in March to May and October to November. Tracking gorillas during the rainy season is more challenging because of the overgrown vegetation and muddy trails. However, visitors shouldn’t be discouraged from booking tour during the rainy season. The rainy /low season attracts discounts for gorilla permits. There are also less crowds in the park hence allowing visitors more valuable time with the gorillas. It is important to note that Bwindi is a rain forest. One should expect rain at any time regardless of season.