How long does Gorilla Trekking in Africa Take
How long does Gorilla Trekking in Africa Take , As the gorillas are constantly migrating through the rain forest, the timing and conditions of your gorilla trek will also depend on how long it will take and how difficult it will be. Always be ready for anything; weather conditions can shift suddenly. There are no designated trails, and the terrain is frequently rather steep. Please ensure you are in the best possible physical condition before beginning the hike; it could be as short as a couple of hours or as long as an entire day of hiking in hot, high altitude circumstances.
You may expect to spend around 6 hours total on your gorilla trekking adventure, as the distance covered can exceed 9 kilometers, or about 3 hours, just to locate the gorillas. The gorilla hike will begin at 8 in the morning and end at 3 in the afternoon. Please be aware that this is only for the standard walk; going gorilla trekking can, on occasion, take an entire day, depending on the weather and the whereabouts of the primates in the jungle.
Concerning gorilla trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of only four national parks globally that shelter the endangered mountain gorillas, alongside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bwindi Forest National Park is among Africa’s oldest forests, exhibiting a rich biodiversity that encompasses 350 bird species, 310 butterfly species, 200 tree species, 51 reptile species, 88 moth species, and 120 mammal species. The park also hosts several primates, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and notably, the Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1,064 individuals, with half residing in Bwindi Forest. The park hosts around 15 habituated gorilla family groups available for tracking, with eight permits granted to each group daily.
Directions to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking
The distance to Bwindi by road varies depending on the sector of the gorilla hike. Bwindi can be reached via the major highway from Entebbe/Kampala, which takes roughly 8 to 9 hours to drive. Access to the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma is achieved by diverting from the Kabale-Kisoro road, where a sign indicating the Uganda Wildlife Authority will guide you to the appropriate sector for your trip. The southern parts of the Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads are accessible via the route that diverges at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro Highway.
The distance to Bwindi by air can be covered by flying from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip for the southern sections of Rushaga and Nkuringo, and then to Kihihi airstrip for the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma. Scheduled and charter flights are provided by the domestic airlines Aero Link and Fly Uganda. You must coordinate with your tour operator for a transfer from the airstrip to your reserved lodge.
In which locations inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is Gorilla Trekking conducted?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park occurs in four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. The Buhoma sector is situated in the northern region of Bwindi, while the Ruhija sector is located in the northeastern area of Bwindi. Both sectors are in proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park, facilitating the combination of gorilla trekking with game viewing for those trekking in these sectors. The southern region of Bwindi include the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, situated near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, renowned for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. Each sector features distinct habituated mountain gorilla families available for hiking, with the Rushaga sector hosting a greater number of families than the others.
What is the cost of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?
Concerning Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. A Gorilla Permit is priced at USD800 for Foreign Non-Residents, USD700 for East African Residents, and USD80 for East African Citizens each trek. This Gorilla permit grants you the opportunity to engage in a one-hour interaction with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest, contingent to locating them during your hike.
In which location within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the Gorilla Habituation Experience conducted?
Gorilla habituation in Bwindi Forest occurs in the southern region, specifically within the Rushaga sector and the territories connecting Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. If you wish to participate in the Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi, you must reside in lodges located in the southern region, specifically at Nkuringo or Rushaga. The gorilla habituation experience entails trekking through Bwindi Forest to locate semi-habituated mountain gorillas. Upon discovery, participants will engage in a four-hour interaction aimed at acclimating the gorillas to human presence, facilitating their eventual normal trekking. The gorilla habituation experience allows for an extended duration of interaction with mountain gorillas, providing four hours instead of the standard one hour during regular tracking. Gorilla habituation is in high demand, as only four permits are available daily, and tracking is limited to four individuals per day. Therefore, it is advisable to get your permit at least two to three months in advance. A Gorilla Habituation permit is priced at USD 1500 per individual per trek for non-foreign residents, USD 1000 for foreign residents, and USD 220 for East African citizens.
What distinguishes Gorilla Trekking from the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi?
What is the duration of gorilla trekking? The primary distinction lies in the duration of the encounters: Gorilla trekking allows for a one-hour interaction with mountain gorillas upon locating them in Bwindi Forest, while the Gorilla habitation experience extends this interaction to four hours. Additionally, gorilla trekking is conducted in groups of eight tourists per gorilla family, whereas gorilla habitation is limited to groups of four tourists tracking a specific semi-habituated gorilla family. Both activities occur in Bwindi Forest National Park and commence in the morning. Participants must be physically fit, as these activities can be hard, particularly when hiking through the forest.
What is the best time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
The optimal period for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest is during the arid months of January, February, and from June to early September, as this facilitates access to the park and provides a clearer view of the gorillas due to reduced foliage density.
What items should be packed for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
During gorilla tracking, it is essential to wear a durable and comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are typically quite muddy during rainfall. There are inclines that may be significantly steep and arduous. Wearing a long-sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers is recommended to safeguard against undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants. Recommended items to bring for gorilla trekking in Bwindi include:
- • Insect Repellent
- • Torch/Flashlight – with Additional Batteries
- • Moist Towelettes
- • Hydration Vessel
- • Camera, lenses, etc.
- • Comfortable walking or trekking boots and socks
- • Horticultural gloves for gorilla tracking
- • Sandals, flip-flops, walking shoes
- • Headwear and Sunblock
- • Raincoat
- Sweater or fleece
- • Swimming attire
- • Binoculars (for gaming or avian observation)
Which region is optimal for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
Numerous tour operators and tourists regard the Rushaga sector as the premier location for gorilla tracking in Bwindi due to the abundance of habituated gorilla families and the relative ease of obtaining tracking permits compared to other sectors. Nonetheless, considering the terrain and elevation, Buhoma is deemed the superior sector for gorilla trekking, as treks can sometimes conclude within 3-4 hours, with some trackers finishing by 11 AM. Of all the sectors, Nkuringo sector possesses the highest height, rendering the treks arduous. Regardless of the sector in Bwindi Forest for which you are booked for gorilla trekking, you will have a 99% likelihood of encountering mountain gorillas, as this is a meticulously organized activity.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park occurs in the northern regions of Buhoma and Ruhija, as well as the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. In Rushaga, accommodations include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nsongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo, accommodations include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Lake Mutanda Resort, all of which are in proximity to the commencement point for Gorilla Habituation and Gorilla Trekking.
In the northern region, namely in the Buhoma sector, accommodations include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, and Ride 4 a Woman, among others. In Ruhija, options comprise Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp, among others.