Bwindi Gorilla trekking Safari

In Bwindi Forest National Park is the home of gorilla trekking famously known as the African beasts that featured in the famous film “gorillas in the mist”. Mountain gorillas are a special primate specie with a huge size, dark hairy face, walk with a knuckle style and feed on foliage only for there entire life. Mountain gorillas live in 3 parks only that is to say Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Virunga National Park in D.R Congo. 

It is best to take private transport to Bwindi National park because of the several security threats that some tourist have faced while taking public transport which seems cheaper. Ask your tour operator for a guide who will explain to you about Uganda and other places you might like to visit. Most safari guide in Uganda speak  English and  in case you wish to have one that speaks, French, Spanish, Chinese, Deutsch, Kiswahili or any other language of your preference, it is best to advise early enough. 

Gorilla trekking as an activity in Bwindi always starts early in the morning with briefing from the ranger guides. This is only possible if you have a special Card from Uganda Wildlife Authority. Even if you have plenty of money but with no card, you may not be allowed to be part of the gorilla trekkers. This is because only 8 people are permitted to go gorilla trekking a particular family each day. In case there is no availability, it will be hard to join the trekkers although at times you may be lucky and to buy a gorilla tracking permit on ground. This however is not a guarantee. 

Bwindi impenetrable forest is divided into two sectors each having gorilla families that have been habituated for tourism. Each sector has accommodations that are situated close to these gorilla groups and so you need to know which sector you are gorilla trekking in as to choose the right accommodation that will not send you driving so early in the morning for briefing. 

While you track gorillas in the forest, you have a double chance to meet the birds of varies species especially the albertine endemics which are not commonly seen. Primate like black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, grey checked mangabey and several others may cross your way before meeting the gorillas. They are very keen with intruders and although they are known for being serene, they get agitated in case you do what irritates them. When you get to meet the gorillas, you are permitted only an hour in there presence because they are trained to stay in the presence of humans for just that hour. Utilize it profitably and take there pictures, watch them interact and murmur at each other. Only one hour is permitted for your stay in there vicinity.