Gorilla Trekking Procedures in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Gorilla trekking procedures in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
Gorilla trekking is a life changing adventure that many travelers dream of experiencing. Each destination park where gorilla trekking is possible has its own set of procedures that visitors must follow.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park stands out as it is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. If you’re planning to take on this incredible journey in Bwindi, here’s a detailed guide of the procedures you need to follow.
Understanding the Trekking Sectors
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided into four sectors for gorilla trekking: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. Each sector offers a unique experience, and trekking any gorilla family within these sectors, there are essential steps to take.
Gorilla Trekking Permit
Securing a Gorilla Trekking Permit
The first and foremost requirement for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is obtaining a valid Gorilla Trekking Permit. This permit is your gateway to an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures. You have two options to secure your permit:
Direct Booking from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): You can book your gorilla permit directly from the UWA. This ensures that you’re dealing with the official authority and can be confident in the authenticity of your permit.
Through a Recognized Local Tour Operator: Alternatively, you can opt to have a recognized local tour operator book the permit on your behalf. This can be a convenient option, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process or prefer to have everything arranged for you.
Permit Pricing
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit varies depending on your country of residence and status:
- Foreign Non-Residents: If you’re a foreign non-resident, the permit will cost you 800 USD.
- Foreign Residents: For those residing abroad but holding a foreign passport, the price is slightly lower at 700 USD.
- Ugandan Residents and East African Community Members: If you’re a resident of Uganda or a member of the East African Community (comprising Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda), the permit is priced at 300,000 Uganda shillings.
Allocating Permits and Preparing for the Trek
Once you’ve secured your gorilla permit, it will be allocated to a specific gorilla trekking sector with designated dates for your tracking safari. In addition to the permit, you’ll need to arrange for other essentials such as transportation and accommodation.
Using a Tour Operator’s Services
To simplify the process and avoid potential challenges, consider using the services of an experienced local tour operator. These operators can handle everything from booking your gorilla permit to arranging accommodation and transportation. They will ensure that your trip to Uganda for gorilla trekking and other wildlife safaris, such as game drives, fishing trips, and cultural tours, runs smoothly from start to finish.
Arrival and Pre-Trek Briefing
On the specified date mentioned in your gorilla trekking permit, you’ll arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Before starting your forest jungle forest walk, you’ll receive a briefing on the rules and procedures to follow. This briefing is crucial to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas.
Assigned Guide and Gorilla Family
After the briefing, you’ll be assigned an armed ranger guide, a general guide, and the gorilla family you’ll be trekking. The armed ranger guide is there to ensure your safety and the protection of the gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
The real adventure begins as you step deep into the forests in search of the assigned gorilla family. The duration of gorilla trekking can vary from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family and your fitness level.
Once the gorilla family is spotted, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to observe and interact with these endangered mountain gorillas for up to one hour. During this time, you can take photos, learn about their behaviors such as feeding and copulation, and ask your guide any questions you may have.
gorilla habituation experiences
Extending Your Gorilla Trekking Experience
For those who wish to spend more time with the gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers gorilla habituation experiences. This allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, providing a deeper and more immersive experience.
Exploring Other Destinations
After your gorilla trekking adventure, you may choose to visit other destinations in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, Kibale Forest National Park offers chimpanzee trekking, and Murchison Falls National Park provides beautiful views of powerful waterfalls. There are countless other attractions to explore before you return home.
Reliable Assistance from Aga Safaris
At Aga safaris, we are dedicated to making your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Our team is available 24 hours a day to guide you, book your trips, and take you to your desired destinations. We take pride in our reliability and commitment to providing exceptional service.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an adventure of a lifetime. By following the procedures outlined in this guide, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures.