Guide to Trekking Gorillas In Bwindi will provide you with knowledge about the best time to visit gorillas and how are do gorillas feed and with this knowledge you will be able to do Bwindi trekking commonly called gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest on a primate safari. Let’s start with What is gorilla trekking? Gorilla trekking is a major highlight for a number of tourists on their visit to Bwindi making it debatably the most popular attraction in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable in the South-west of Uganda has half of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas that will give your lifetime experiences as you penetrate deep into the park’s lush vegetation.
Bwindi gorilla trekking sectors.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park has 4 sectors of Buhoma (North), Rushaga (South), Ruhija and Nkuringo each with specific gorilla families or groups, accessibility and uniqueness from which a tourist can choose from.
Best time to visit gorillas in Bwindi.
Gorilla trekking is done throughout the year but preferably in the peak season. This season lies in the dry months of December – February and June – August that makes the forest easily penetrable and conditions are conducive which limits accidents. However, wet months of March- May and October – November are not highly recommended because the roads get muddy and slippery.
Note: You are argued to book your gorilla permit 3-4 months earlier because the permits tend to sell out especially in the peak seasons through Uganda Wildlife Authority to connect you to Chosen Expeditions and Tours.
Only 8 tourists are allowed to trek a given gorilla family and it restricts children below the age of 15 years because they can get problems during the trek.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is cheaper that of Rwanda. It costs an individual 700 USD per day
How long is a gorilla trek?
The exact duration for gorilla trekking is still debatable but this whole activity depends on the movement of the gorillas. Some of the gorillas move deep into the forest like Mubare group especially in the dry season as they look for fruits to feed on. You will therefore use 2-8 hours to have an up close of these gentle and yet intelligent creatures with the help of a ranger guide.
After finding the mountain gorilla family that you were assigned to trek, you will be allowed to stay with them for 1 hour as you watch them. Exceeding this allocated time makes the gentle giants uncomfortable hence calls for habituation
How mountain gorillas feed.
A big percentage of about 85 of the gorilla’s diet is made up of leaves, shoots and also stems. They also feed on snails and roots. Per day, the adult gorillas feed on 18 kgs of food and take less of water because the food they feed on contains enough water required for their survival.
How fit should i be for the gorilla trek?
Since the jungle has steep and hilly surfaces, one ought to be physically fit and vigorous for a successful trek. Besides, people with health problems and the elderly are not eligible for the activity because their health status is not certain.
Gorilla trekking pack list.
Gorilla trekking activity gets even more fun when the tourist has appropriate requirements that match perfectly well with the weather condition. These include waterproof gumboots and shoes, long sleeved trousers and shirts, raincoats, umbrellas, drinking water, sunglasses, skin repellants and gloves. A camera with a durable battery is a must have to capture beautiful moments during the encounter.
Rules and regulations of gorilla trekking.
Just like any other destination, Bwindi Impenetrable National park has it’s rules and regulations concerning gorilla trekking. These include:
- Avoid mimicking and feeding the gentle creatures when next to them.
- Throwing rubbish in the gorilla’s trekking area should be avoided.
- Close contacts with the gorillas should be avoided because they can easily catch a cold hence a distance of 7 meters is recommended.
- Avoid putting on camera flash lights when taking pictures because they scare the gorillas.
- Noise and overcrowding when next to the gorillas should be avoided because they can become aggressive.
Accommodation during gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
While enjoying your major safari highlight of gorilla trekking, do no worry about where to stay because the park has a variety from which you can choose from depending on your trekking sector and finances. These range for luxury, midrange and budget.