Few have enjoyed an encounter with the rare Mountain Gorilla species. If you have never enjoyed this memorable experience, Uganda should be your next drop off destination.
Popularly known as the Pearl of Africa, this amazing destination is one of the three localities that treat visitors with an incredible gorilla safari encounter. It is located in East Africa and home to two gorilla National Parks that host more than half of the world’ Mountain gorilla total population.
One of these two Parks is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable forest is tucked far in the South western part of Uganda. Most of its area is occupied by the impenetrable rainforest. This stretch of trees, shrubs and other vegetation types is home to not only Mountain Gorillas, but also to Wildlife, different Bird species, insects and reptiles.
There are many reasons why most tourists consider Bwindi Impenetrable forest for Gorilla Trek other than Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. One of them is the wider-angle of Gorilla families. Almost 95 percent of Uganda’s gorilla population is found in the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The trekking is offered in four sectors that include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo sector. Each sector is home to not less than three Gorilla families. With this variety, you can do multiple trekking expeditions by visiting a different Gorilla family per day. For the best gorilla photos, this is your destination.
For one to be able to track these gentle creatures, a tracking permit is a must have and at the moment its costs US$700 per person per day alongside a clear bill of health. Physical fitness, age (you must be 15 years and above) and free from infectious diseases. Apart from Normal Gorilla trekking which allows only 1 hour of public viewing, below are some of the other interesting activities to keep you occupied while in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National park for a few more days.
Gorilla habituation experience; Only Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park offers this exceptional treat to spend more time with Gorillas in the Jungle. It is almost similar with Gorilla trekking, but what differs is the time spent in the viewing, in the company of the gorillas and cost for the permit. For habituation gorilla experience, visitors are allowed to spend about four hours in the company of the gorillas, as they move, they are allowed to follow their movements in the Jungle for only 4 hours. This time is enough to take multiple photos and videos of these apes. The tracking permit for this experience at the moment costs $ 1500 USD per person per day which is more than twice the normal gorilla experience.
Bird watching; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a mecca for bird watchers. It is recorded with hundreds of unique bird species. Therefore it easy to understand why most birders prefer it while in Uganda. One of the major hot spots you shouldn’t miss for birding is the Mubwindi swamp. It is advised to arrange for these excursions either early in the morning when these species are dispersing or in the evening when there are congregating for night stays.
Batwa community visit; the Batwa community visit is another interesting activity to do in Bwindi impenetrable forest National park. This pursuits lets you to meet with the Batwa people also known as people of the forest in their communities as they share their experience through cultural performances like singing and dancing. This activity is offered to the Batwa community. These people were forest dwellers and hunters, but where later relocated to the local community by the Government of Uganda. Apart from traditional performances, it also covers walks to different villages, basket weaving for ladies, agricultural, and demonstrations of use of traditional music instruments and hunting tools.
Forest Walks; later in the evening or for those with a free day don’t miss the forest walks in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. These guided expeditions are offered in groups following the well-established trails with a guide to give an insight about the numerous wildlife and plant species within the forest. Forest walks in Bwindi Impenetrable forest are not only good for your health, but also award in panoramic views of rolling hills, towering volcanoes and different species of tress, reptiles, insects and so much more.
