There are two national parks in Uganda dedicated to gorilla treks. That is Bwindi Impenetrable national and Mgahinga gorilla national park. The whole process of gorilla trekking starts with making up your mind on whether you are going to trek gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest or Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Both national parks provide remarkable gorilla trekking safaris. But to better understand what each park has to offer; here is what you need to know about gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Gorilla Trekking Permits
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four major sectors. Nkuringo sector, Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector and Rushaga sector. All gorilla trekking permits in this park are issued according to sector.
Each gorilla permit goes for $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for Africans, and Ugx 300,000 for East Africans. All foreign non-resident permits can only be purchased through a licensed local tour operator. The other permit categories can be bought by anyone who has the supporting documents such as a work permit and proof of residence.
If you are travelling within the busy months such as June, July, August, September, and January; it is recommended you book at least three months in advance. Gorilla trekking permits are fond of selling out quickly in those months.
Gorilla Trekking Accommodation
One of the essentials on any gorilla trekking trip is accommodation. But before you book accommodation, it is recommended to first secure gorilla trekking permits. Once you have finished securing your gorilla trekking permit for a specific sector in Bwindi, then you can proceed to book accommodation in the corresponding sector.
It is close to impossible to book accommodation in the Buhoma sector and then trek gorillas in the Rushaga sector. The distance between the tour sectors would require you to set as early as 4:00 am to make it to the Rushaga sector before 7:30 am
Gorilla Trekking Weather Recommendations
The best time to trek gorillas in Uganda is often early January. It is one of the driest months in Uganda. Since the country is located at the Equator, the weather is more or less the same throughout the year. It can rain for an hour and then shine for the rest of the day whether it is a dry season or a rainy season.
Traveling during the dry season (July, August, December, and January) reduces the chances of your trip being interrupted by rain. But again you should expect some rain during your trip. A dry season in Uganda refers to a time of the year when it rains not more than 3 times in the whole month. And when it rains, the impact of the rain is often minimal.
On the other hand, the wet season refers to the time of the year when you can expect a major rain shower at least once a week.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Experience
Though the same type of gorillas are found in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the gorilla trekking experience is never the same. Mgahinga has a lot of bamboo forests making the gorillas more visible.
Trekking gorillas in Bwindi’s impenetrable forest always involve rangers clearing bushing to help you get a clear view of the gorillas. If you find the gorillas resting, then Bwindi will give you a good gorilla trekking experience but if you find the gorillas on the move, then Bwindi’s trekking experience is often affected by the thickness of the forest.
Overall, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and witness one of the world’s most incredible wildlife experiences. It’s an adventure that leaves a lasting impression and fosters a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these remarkable animals for future generations. The above tips will save you a lot of time in trying to figure out what gorilla trekking is and what you need to trek gorillas in Bwindi.