In a difference of one week, Uganda has received birth of new baby gorillas from two gorilla families that is to say Nshongi gorilla trekking family on 9th May 2022 by female Kebirungi. Another addition infant baby gorilla has been born to Christmas gorilla trekking family on 16 May 2022 by female Kizza.
At the moment, excitement from the Uganda wildlife rangers and the entire conservation fraternity in Bwindi impenetrable forest is in high gear as this is top notch conservation achievement.
As holiday seasons all over the world is around the corner, travelers with gorilla trekking on there bucket list are eager to make memories by visiting the new mothers. It’s becoming common to meet the adult mountain gorillas in the wild but meeting new infants on a gorilla trekking safari is exclusive.
During the Lockdown, Uganda received a gorilla baby boom where over 10 Baby mountain gorillas were born. This is attributed to ample time given to the mountain gorillas to make babies with little human interference. This is also one of the explanations why only one hours is allowed to tourists to be in the presence of mountain gorillas during gorilla trekking.
Where Are These Mountain Gorillas Found in Africa
Uganda is home to almost half the number of the world’s entire mountain gorilla population that Bwindi Impenetrable Forest harbors. The new infants that have been born in Uganda are residents in this pristine forest with there families.
Bwindi forest being a vast forest is divided into two parts the Northern sector and southern sector each having its own gorilla families. Both Nshongi and Christmas gorilla trekking families are in the southern sector of Bwindi so this season the south will be the to go to sector.
You can go by road to the southern part of Bwindi which is about 8 hours on the road from Entebbe Airport. Drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Masaka to Kabale and Nkuringo. Nkuringo is 105km from Kabale driving through Kisoro.
The road from Kisoro is winding 35 km taking about 1hour and 15 minutes. Although public transport is available, it’s not recommended especially for first time traveler because of the risks involved. You may loose your baggage or arrive late night because at times the buses break down before enroute.
When Is The Best Time To Do Gorilla Trekking In Southern Bwindi Forest
All year round gorilla trekking is available however the drier months are more favorable for any safari activity in Uganda. June to September and December to Feb Uganda experience drier conditions all factors left constant.
During the drier months, the roads and trails in the forest are more accessible with less chances of sliding. The wet months in Uganda that is March to May and November the roads to Bwindi Forest are water logged and trails soggy. It gets more tiring walking over such conditions wile gorilla trekking since the topography of the area is mainly volcanic.
There are 99% chances of seeing the mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest. During gorilla trekking. This is because they are less mobile compared to other smaller primates in the forest because of there bulky bodies.
Also each morning the scouting ranger guide team rises up early to follow the gorilla groups that are to be trekked that day and provide feedback to the ranger station.
None of our clients has ever returned without seeing the gorillas. The difference is with time taken to see the gorillas where some may take 2 hours while others 6 hours.
After briefing at the ranger station, a ranger guide leads his group of a maximum of 8 tourists to the trail where the gorillas were last seen the previous day. For quicker location of these primates.
In Uganda the gorilla trekking permits are sold according to areas of Bwindi Forest that is to say Buhoma area, Ruhija gorilla tracking area, Nkuringo gorilla trekking area, Rushaga gorilla area.
All areas are accessible to tourists as long as they have accompaniment of a knowledgeable ranger guide. Each area has gorilla trekking families to which you are allocated to after briefing. Trekking gorillas starts from the trail leading to the area where the gorillas were seen the previous day.
The Bwindi gorilla trekking area is generally volcanic requiring you to hike and slope some plateaus. Going passed slippery slopes, walking over laid walking boards and experiencing all the forest drama.
Every area has fun on its own depending on what your purpose of the gorilla trekking safari like the Ruhija gorilla tracking area is known for unique birding expeditions in Uganda.
Packing light is helpful while on safari in case you wish to be comfortable.
Hiking boots are so important so as to overcome the slippery slopes that are regularly watered by rain without warning.
Long trousers and long sleeved shirt keep your skin safe from biting insects and stinging nettles.
Insect repellants to be applied on your skin for safety while walking the forest.
Energy bites o keep you going while in the forest. Do not forget drinking water to rehydrate while thirsty.
A poncho or raincoat to cover you up from getting wet as it falls without warning.
A light water proof bag to safeguard your belonging from getting wet.
Garden gloves for holding a tighter grip on creeping plants that you walk by.
Only people aged 15 years and above are allowed to do gorilla trekking. This is because of the nature of the terrain which may be challenging to persons below this age.
Even self-control while with the gorillas is vital as they are very observant. First sight of the gorillas may stimulate some adrenaline but one is required to be able to control it. Once the gorillas notice your freight, they assume you are an enemy who should be acted upon.
How To Book Gorilla Trekking safari
Dreaming meeting the great silverback and its family is on most people’s bucket list but you need to enjoy the entire experience with great plan.
At Arch safaris And Tours, our safari team is ready to put together a great dream come true gorilla trekking trip. Send us your Enquiry through info@archsafarisandtours.com and we shall get back to you.