Welcome to Uganda and do not miss to visit Bwindi Forest National Park that is so colorful and spectacular right from Entebbe International Airport up to the Park headquarters at Buhoma. The entire route from the airport to Bwindi is very spectacular and amazing as you will view a variety of things such as the Uganda Equator, Igongo Cultural Centre, Royal Drum Makers, Lake Mburo National Park and the fantastic Lake Bunyonyi which is a perfect place for luxurious moments. Contact any Ugandan approved tour operator, in advance, to book for you a good safari vehicle and a gorilla permit – which is needed to go track the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.
About Bwindi – Ultimate Gorilla Experiences
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, nestled in the southwestern parts of Uganda, is a very recognized refuge of the endangered mountain gorillas, which are only resided in four national parks and three countries all over the world. The gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi are very marvelous than anywhere else in the world as the park protects more mountain gorillas than any other place on earth. The tracking of the mountain gorillas is the major attraction in Bwindi and the Park comprises of 19 habituated mountain gorilla families/groups – are open to gorilla trekkers.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park takes place in its four sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo and each of them protects different habituated Gorilla groups. Among the all habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, Mubare gorilla family was the first one to be habituated – to be accustomed to human beings. The Mubare gorilla family is located in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi and the sector is the most wanted one by trekkers among the other sectors.
The gorilla trekking expeditions are first conducted with briefings which take place very early in the morning (07:30am), and hence trekkers are advised to reach the park earlier such that they attend the briefings and also get the gorilla family to trek.
After the briefings, you will start the trekking session at 08:30am and you will track the gorillas for about 3-4 hours, which involves hiking in the thick mountainous forests. When the gorillas are found, you are only allowed to spend one hour with them but the experience and joy achieved from that one hour lasts longer and longer – a memorable adventure!!!
Gorilla permits
A gorilla permit in Uganda is an affordable one to buy as compared to some of the other gorilla trekking countries like Rwanda. A Uganda gorilla permit costs US$ 700 and it can easily be got through your tour agency, which will purchase it for you after you have sent the sum of money to buy it and it is on your arrival in Uganda that the permit will be handed over to you. After you have got the gorilla permit, you can then just drive, in your private hired car, straight to Bwindi and enjoy the unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences.
Accommodations in Bwindi
On your road trip to Bwindi expect to sleep in an exquisite accommodation as the Park consists of various beautiful and elegant accommodations in its four sectors (Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo) and some of them include: Trackers Safari Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Trekkers Tavern Cottage, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Eco-marvels Gorilla Resort, Silver back Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Broad bill Forest Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, among others.
Meanwhile you are emphasized to identify the sector where your gorilla trekking expeditions are to take place from and then know the close and best accommodations found there and choose those which exactly suit your budget.
