How to do Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Forest National Park

Gorilla tracking Bwindi Forest National Park first started in 1999 when Mubare gorilla group hosted tourists for a Gorilla trekking adventure for the very first time and with growth of other Gorilla groups, it has since then raised to the top as one of the biggest highlights on a tour to Uganda as Gorillas are considered a worldwide endangered species and yet Uganda alone has 50 % of the world’s Gorilla population. Making it a highly ranked destination for Gorilla trekking. Gorilla tracking Bwindi is done in groups of 8 people at a time to preserve the natural habitat and prevent overuse. Briefing is given before beginning the tracking tour and you’re informed about the dos and don’ts during your Gorilla tracking Bwindi Safari

Gorilla tracking bwindi FOREST NATIONAL Park rules & regulations

When tracking these beautiful creatures, do not come too close to them as they can feel threatened and you yourself could pass onto them an infection because they are a close relative to humans and therefore have a likelihood to get some diseases that humans get
Stay at a distance of about 5m
Flash photography is not allowed
Keep in a group and don’t wander off on your own because it’s very easy to get lost in the thick canopies of Bwindi
No eating, drinking or smoking near the animals and if you do stop for lunch kindly, please do not litter so as to preserve the natural habitat for the animals

What to PACK for your Gorilla trACking Bwindi forest safari

A waterproof bag that can keep your equipment well protected from the unexpected down pour while tracking
Raincoat is a must as the rainfall in this area is quite unpredictable
High performance walking, hiking boots
An effective insect repellent is always a lifesaver in Africa

Cost of gorilla tracking Bwindi Forest National Park

Gorilla trekking permits are always secured and obtained from trusted tour operators or directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority at a fee of $800 per person, and gorilla habituation is at a fee of $1500 per person.

Social and feeding structure FOR MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN BWINDI IMpenetrable FOrest National Park

Gorillas live in a group that could be as large as 30 members, and they are led by an adult silver back of about 12 years and above. Gorillas can be a little shy sometimes but when threatened, they become aggressive and fearless like “the king of the jungle”. The silverback has the duty to protect members of the group and decide various activities like rest, feeding trips and travel.

They feed on mostly vegetation, and the biggest part of their diet consists of fruits, they can eat termites, caterpillars. A male Gorilla consumes 44lbs(18kg) of vegetation per day and it uses its strength to uproot vegetation and eat a particular part without over exploiting the area.

WHAT IS THE Age limit for Gorilla trEKking In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

For someone to partake in the gorilla trekking experience, he/she must be 15 years and above, and gorilla permits are obtained from authorized and licensed tour operators or the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

What makes mountain gorillas unique

These have shorter arms. Mountain gorillas are larger than the lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas also have longer hair on their bodies compared to lowland gorillas.

what are the gorilla trekking sectors in bwindi forfest national park

The park has four main sectors, each containing several gorilla groups: Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija.

Buhoma sector

Where the park headquarters are located has the following groups: Mubare gorilla group, this group opened up the path to gorilla tracking in Bwindi that receiving tourist in 1993. But the area, Mubare was first habituated in 1991. Habiyanja Gorilla group, habituated in 1997 and started receiving tourists 1999. Rushegura Gorilla group, was first habituated in 2000 and then got tourists in 2002

Habinyanja: 17 individuals with 2 Silver backs
Mubare: 8 individuals with 1 silver back
Rushegura: 19 individuals with 1 silver back

Rushaga sector

Nshongi Gorilla group, named after River Nshongi is the biggest habituated Gorilla group in Uganda comprising of 25 members per the time of opening and later 10 members broke off to form the Mishaya group. This group is the most tracked. Mishaya Gorilla group comprises of a group of 10 members that broke away from the Nshongi group. Businge formed in 2017, Kahunge that has 27 members and Bweza

Busigye: 9 individuals with 1 silver backs
Bweza: 11 individuals with 1 silver back
Kahungye: 13 individuals with 3 silver backs
Nshonji: 26 individuals with 4 silver backs
Mishaya: 12 individuals with 1 silver back

Nkuringo sector

Nkuringo Gorilla group, this is the most favorite group to those who track it with a challenging but worthwhile hike, and it offers the best accommodation facilities.

Accommodation options during your Gorilla tracking bwindi forest

Your safari lodge will depend on the group you are interested in tracking, as various groups are affiliated with a given area, and on what kind of trip you are intending to have, i.e., budget, mid-range, or luxury.