Gorilla trekking in Uganda is not only a dream come true tour to many adventure lover but also a moment to appreciate nature. It is the reality of some cartoons and films like “lion King”, “Gorillas In the Mist”, “lions guard” that seem to be only acted and unreal.
Walking in Bwindi forest National Park in Uganda is like entering another world full of wildlife freedom that is naturally thriving. The organized chaos in the forest with none of the animals or birds stepping in the space of another is amazing.
No matter where your entry point into Bwindi Forest is starting from, everything you focus eyes on is amazing. The enchanting troupes of monkeys that hope from one branch to another entertain you throughout the search. Some of the common monkeys include black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and so much more.
Chimpanzees are residents of Bwindi Forest but are wild and so you are not allowed to trek them in Bwindi Forest.
Birds linger the forest all day some building nests, collecting food, singing and so much more activity. Bwindi forest is the prime birdwatchers destination in Africa with over 350 bird species including about 90% of those on the IUCN red data list of all the Albertine rift endemics. An experienced birder can identify about 100 bird species in a day.
Bwindi being a prehistoric forest with over 25000 years of existence hosts fully grown old trees with entangled vegetation. Over 200 trees form the dense canopy which you can clearly see on a hike to the close by hill tops.
Others occupants of Bwindi forest include over 51 reptiles, more than 350 species of butterflies, over 88 months,
A dense network of Rivers form the water catchment for this area. A number of rivers have there sources starting from the forest. Amazing water falls beautifully flow down the volcanic ridges to create an amazing scenery.
You stop by to take some photos with such a natural background. Trails like Waterfall trail lead you to 3 sparkling water falls going beneath tree ferns, orchids, epiphytic ferns and so much more.
The topography of Bwindi forest makes it exceptional creating one of the most beautiful natural forest Canopies. When you stand at one side of the hills close to the park, you capture a beautiful thick tree top arrangement. During gorilla trekking you have all this to see. Hiking some of the ridges during gorilla trekking puts you on top of the world
A gorilla permit is the absolute confirmation to a gorilla trekking safari. In Uganda, you need to check availability of the permits based on the day of your interest.
The call line to booking office in Uganda Wildlife Authority is always busy as several other activities like chimpanzee permits, park entrance fees, game drive payments are processes here. A lot of patience is required as the time of locating the gorillas is not known.
When you finally secure a gorilla trekking permit, know in which area it has been booked so that accommodation arrangements can be made right away. Spending the night closer to the area where your permit has been booked is convenient especially briefing time
It may take about 2 hours to three quarters of the day to find the gorillas because of the mobility as they search for a meal for the day. Sometimes they go into fights with other wild gorilla families pushing them into deeper ends of the forest.
Which Is The best Area to Track the mountain gorillas in Uganda
No matter where your gorilla permit is booked, the experience is the same but in case you wish to see particular forest occupants you have to advise in advance. For keen birders, requesting to book your gorilla permit in Ruhijah area exposes you to several birds than other areas.
All year round gorilla permits area available for each day but the number of trekkers per gorilla family is restricted to 8 gorilla permits per day.
Sometimes discounted gorilla tracking permits are offers by Uganda Wildlife Authority but it is not guarantee that they are available each year.
How Many Trekkers are allowed to Visit the gorillas per day
In a group only 8 trekkers are allowed access to a particular gorilla family per day. This is because the gorillas have been habituated to be in the presence of humans just for an hour per day.
What Are the Requirements For A gorilla Trekking Safari In Uganda
Securing a gorilla permit prior to starting your tour makes it a confirmed Uganda gorilla tracking tour.
Packing the right gorilla trekking gears is comfortable since you don’t need to borrow or run around like a chicken to collect gears.
Fully vaccinating before gorilla trekking and carrying your Corona virus immunization card makes you comfortable while trekking with other. Carrying a mask too gives you extra protection too.
Securing accommodation with in the area where your permit is booked makes it easier for you to get to the briefing point in the morning.
A game drive to close by Queen Elizabeth National park after gorilla trekking exposes you to other interesting wild game like tree climbing lions, herds of elephants, herds of Buffaloes, water bucks, bush bucks, warthogs, mangooes, thousands of birds including foreign migrant ad so much more.
Chimpanzee trekking is Kibale forest National Park for primate lovers is a good option after gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The drive is about 6 hours apart but scenic too as you drive through lovely vegetation and amazing landscape.
Birding in Bwindi forest can also be arranged upon request. Ruhija gorilla trekking area is the center of birding in Bwindi where you may have the chance to spot over 100 bird species in a day for fanatic birders.
Mountaineering after gorilla trekking is a moment you can take advantage of especially if you continue to Lake Bunyonyi. You get to stand on top of the series of mountains like Mountain Muhabura, overlooking the border of Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.Congo.
Climbing mountain Rwenzori can also be arranged if you want to test your fitness but you need a lot of time.
launch cruises to the famous lakes within different parks also relaxes your mind and expose you to variety of wild animal that grace the shore. Kazinga channel launch cruise, River Nile Launch cruise, Lake Mburo boat ride, Lake Victoria sun downer to mention but a few.