GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Gorilla trekking In Bwindi Forest National park takes place in four (04) regions; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and the far-flung Nkuringo region. Bwindi Forest National Park boasts of having the highest number of habituated gorilla groups open for tourism. There are currently 18 habituated groups which translate into 144 gorilla permits spread through all four regions each day.
However, travellers Intending to go gorilla trekking ought to have booked and fully paid for a gorilla permit. A Gorilla permit to trek gorillas in Bwindi Forest costs USD600 per person and will increase to USD700 per person after 01st/July/2020.
How to book a gorilla permit to trek gorillas In Bwindi Forest
The recommended way to book a gorilla trekking permit to see gorillas in Bwindi Forest is through a local tour operator. However, before you decide on which tour operator to work with on getting your gorilla permit reserved, ensure that the company you intend to deal with is a current member of the Association of Uganda tour Operators – AUTO. You can confirm this by visiting the AUTO website, email them; admin@ugandatouroperators.org or even call them on +256 414 542 599 / +256 702 542 599.
Some notable gorilla safari companies you may consider contacting include; Realm Africa Safaris™, Kisoro tours Uganda and Great Adventure Safaris – all locally owned and operated Gorilla Safari companies. For a wider range of other Companies, see our trusted list of Uganda tour operators.
Where to stay on a Gorilla Safari to Bwindi Forest
Bwindi Forest as earlier mentioned has four (04) designated gorilla trekking regions; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo. All four offer varied categories of accommodation ranging from basic low-budget, Mid-range to high-end properties.
Recommended places to stay based on region:
- Buhoma Region.
- Ruhija Region.
- Rushaga Region.
- Nkuringo Region.
The final choice on where you decide to Stay on your gorilla safari is entirely up to you. However, for an in-depth( more to detail) insight into what to expect of the accommodation(s), we would recommend working with a local tour operator (see: Best Gorilla Safari Companies)
Best time to go Gorilla trekking In Bwindi
Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Forest National Park can be done all-year-round. However, the best times to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest is in the dry season months of June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience and photography will be easier.
What to wear/bring on for your gorilla Safari to Bwindi
What to wear on my gorilla trek.
- Sturdy Lightweight walking shoes. the lighter the better. Extra weight on the trek is not good.
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers to provide extra body protections against thorny shrubs.
- Long socks that allow you tuck you pants in to avoid bugs from climbing into your pants while on the trek.
- Rain jacket in case it rains. Remember you are trekking in a tropical rain forest.
- Gaiters (Optional). Don’t spend On new ones. These can well be substituted with long socks to serve the same purpose.
What to bring on your trek.
- A camera for your photographic needs. Don’t spend BIG on a camera. if you own an iphone, they too take amazing pictures especial under limited forest light.
- Binoculars (optional). They might come in handy when spotting some forest birds. Your ranger will have a pair that he is willing to share.
- A hat (optional). This is to keep branches and leaves let alone bugs from falling into your hair.
- Drinking water. Its a norm for tour operators to provide the guests with Water. check with them to ensure they will provide.
- Packed Lunch. Its a norm for tour operators to provide the guests with Water. check with them to ensure they will provide.
- A Day Pack to carry all your personal items while on the trek.
IMPORTANT ADVICE: KINDLY DON’T IGNORE THIS!
** We recommend using a local porter to assist carry your bag and also give you a hand on the trek to the gorillas. This however, costs EXTRA. (See: Why Use a porter on your gorilla Trek)