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Gorilla Trekking Areas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest

By December 8, 2016Uganda

bwindi-silverback-gorillaBwindi is an extremely old forest which actually survived the massive plate-shift that lead to the formation of the beautiful western Rift. the word ‘Bwindi’ in the local language means “dark, complex and ferocious place”,  and it was named so to best explain the impenetrable nature of the forest considering in some parts the tree canopy is very thick that light can hardly penetrate down to the ground. this forest is best known for its Gorilla Trekking Safaris, and within this verdant forest you will also find a deep swamp.

On the lighter side, this forest is not very impassable; you can actually track through to see the endangered mountain gorillas which live here. Other wildlife living within this forest include: chimpanzees and this is the only place where you will find the chimpanzees happily co-existing with the mountain gorillas. Others include Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Red-Tailed Monkeys, the Pottos, Duiker Antelopes, Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Civets, L Hoests Monkeys, Blue, Bush babies, Bushpigs, Forest Hogs, Side-Striped Jackals, Clawless Otter, Golden Cats, Genets as well as bats among several others

There are 340 recorded bird species, approximately 310 species of trees several butterflies and ferns. The varied vegetation types including bamboo have made this habitat the best place to trekking gorillas.

Below we have highlighted the specific places or areas where gorilla trekking is done.

 Buhoma Area

This is found on the forest’s lowest altitude and it’s a less demanding area to do this activity.  There are four habituates groups or families of gorillas living within this area and these include:  Mubare Group, Rushegura Group as well as the Habinyanja Group. Occasionally these groups have been said to visit the different accommodation facilities within this area.

Other tourist activities to do here include: village walks, mountain bike rides, as well as guided nature hikes.

Ruhija Area

This is another area within Bwindi were you can trek or hike through the forest to see the mountain gorillas in there natural habitat. Some of the habituated groups here include the Bitukura Group and the Oruzogo Group. This area is found at an altitude of 2350 meters and its 1000 meters higher than Buhoma.  Besides gorilla trekking another commonly enjoyed tourist activity here is bird watching, visiting the different neighboring communities as well as the stunning waterfalls.

Rushaga Area

This part of Bwindi is located within the southern part of the impenetrable forest.  The area has two habituated groups which include the Mishaya group and the Nshongi group. The Mishaya silverback separated from the big Nshongi family and formed and today its the leader of this Mishaya group.  During the promotion of the ‘Friend a Gorilla’ which was conducted not so long ago, this Nshongi family was part of it and fortunately several celebrities attended the launch.

Other tourist activities available within this area include: bird watching trips and guided village walks.

Nkuringo Area

Nkuringo is among the most impressive places within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The area is generally steep and a bit more demanding to trek however when you finally come face to face with the habituated gorillas within this area you will certain accept that it was worthwhile.

Other tourist activities within this area include: treks to the top of the volcanoes, guided walks to the villages during which you will interact with local people and taste the traditionally brewed beer made from sorghum, as well as their traditional food.

There are a number of accommodation facilities available within this area and these range from budget to mid-range and luxury accommodation facilities.

Bwindi Climate |Best time to Visit

Bwindi is a verdant forest that is normally covered with fog / mist very morning all year round. The forest receives heavy rains from April to May as well as from October to November every year. Despite this within the forest it can rain any time. So we recommend that you adequately prepare before visiting this place. Among several other things, you should park a rain jacket which you will wear during this thrilling activity

Gorilla Tracking is an activity that is enjoyed all year round so irrespective of  the time of the year you visit this is am activity you can always enjoy.

What you need to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest

For anyone to be allowed to trek gorillas, you will be required to present a gorilla trekking permit which can be obtained through your tour operator. Gorilla trekking permits cost $600 USD in the high season and USD 450 during the low season months of April, May and November.

However you should keep in mind that only 8 people are allowed to trekking a habituated gorilla group at a time, which limits the number of people allowed to trek gorillas each day. For that reason, we always advise our clients interested in trekking gorillas to book this safari at least three months earlier before their preferred safari date. Prior booking will also give you an opportunity to confirm availability in your preferred accommodation.

Where to Stay in Bwindi National Park

Each of the gorilla safari areas or regions  we have listed above has a wide range of accommodation including budget, mid-range and luxury facilities. All we recommend is that you make your reservation early so as to guarantee availability for at your preferred lodge.

For more information about Gorilla Trekking in Uganda, visit adventureugandasafari.com

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