Karibuni Safaris - uganda
Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is one of the last habitats for the mountain gorilla. It has 350 individuals over half of the surviving mountain gorillas in the world. This park was created in 1992 and it became a World Heritage Site in 1994. Experts believe that the Bwindi mountain gorilla maybe a different species from their cousins in the Virungas. It takes roughly 6 hours to travel from Kampala to the park.
Bwindi is one of the richest areas in Africa for flora and fauna. Besides mountain gorilla tracking, Bwindi national park has a teaming 10 pieces of primates including the chimpanzee, black and white colobus, and olive baboons. Bwindi also harbors forest elephants, duikers, bush bucks and the rear giant forest hogs. Bird watchers will find this a prime destination with an exciting list of 350 birds. The rarities include 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics and endangered species like the African broad bill. Spotting birds requires the help of field guides as the forest habitant makes it difficult for you to spot one.
There 5 groups of habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi, 3 within walking distance from Muhoma where the park head office and accommodation for all budget options. The other group Nkuringo has 19 individuals and located to the south of the park easily accessible from Kisoro. The most recent addition is the Nshongi group comprised of 35 individuals with 3 silverbacks. The groups are Mubare 10, Habiyanja 18 and Rushegura with individuals. We organize gorilla tours to Mugahinga, Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans and Parc National des Virungas in DR Congo as well.
Only 8 tourists per day can visit each family this gives a maximum 40 visitors. Demand usually exceeds supply most of the year and you are adviced to book your gorilla tour well in advance. Gorilla tracking permits cost 500 US dollars. Trips start at 8.30 am, however there is a debriefing session at 8 am. Children below 15 years or anyone with flu or other transmittable disease are not allowed to trek gorillas. Warm clothing is required at night and early morning plus wet weather gear it pours a lot here.
Once your Uganda safari group starts tracking gorillas the chances of seeing them are 95%. The terrain in Bwindi is heavily forested and mountainous tracking can take 1- 4 hours depending on where the group your tracking decided to range and rest the previous night. You’re only allowed one hour in contact with the gorilla keeping a minimum distance of 5 metres. Cameras with flash lights are not allowed.
There are several other activities to do in Bwindi getting close and personal and learning more about this unique and picturesque environment.
Forest walks- UWA offers several walks that take you through Uganda’s most pristine forest and view birds and primates. A half day hike cost 15 US dollars plus the guide fees.
Waterfall trail- this trail lead you through tree ferns, orchids includes a 33 metre waterfall on Munyaga River. This hike is fairly strenuous and takes about 3 hours.
Muzabijiro loop trail- This trail takes you to the summit of Rukubira hill giving you breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes and the western rift the weather permitting. This hike takes about 3 hours.
Rushara Hill trail- this provides spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes and the plains of the rift valley. On clear days the peaks on Mt Rwenzori can be seen.
River Ivi trail- follows an old road through the forest emerging at Nkuringo on the southern edge of the forest. This hike is highly recommended for bird watchers.
Buhoma village walk- Includes a section of the forest and getting up-close with the community. Proceeds from your tour are ploughed back in the community. There are several community handicraft projects and small shops where you can buy a wooden gorilla souvenir.
There are accommodation options for all budgets. The up-market lodges like Buhoma Lodge, Mantana tented camp and Gorilla forest camps cater exclusively for their own clientele. There are midrange facilities at Nshongi River while the Nkuringo and Nshongi group can be visited from the Kisoro town with affordable accommodation in Travellers Inn.
