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The main attraction in Bwindi is its mountain gorillas which generates much revenue for Uganda Wildlife Authority. The gorilla population is approximately 400 individuals, half of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas, with more than 100 habituated. Tourists wishing to track gorillas must first obtain a permit.

UWA and research authorities have habituated selected gorilla families to human presence. They control the number of visitors to prevent risks to the gorillas and degradation of the habitat. The gorillas seldom react to tourists. There are strict rules for tourists to minimize the risk of diseases passing from them to the gorillas.

Twelve habituated mountain gorilla groups are open to tourism in four different sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and the Nkuringo, all under the management of Uganda Wildlife Authority.

 

Buhoma Sector

1. Mubare group (named after the Mubare hills) was the first group habituated in 1991 and received its first tracking visitors in 1993.

2. Habinyanja group – This was habituated in 1997 and received tracking visitors in 1999.

3. Rushegura group – This was habituated in 2000 and received tourists in 2002. Split from the larger Habinyanja group. These gorilla families crisscross each other’s territories and co-exist peacefully.

 

Ruhija Sector

1. Bitukura group- habituated in 2008

2. Oruzogo – habituated in 2011.

 

Rushaga Sector

Eight families and two under habituation (48 permits and four habituation permits issued per day)

1. Nshongi group- This is the biggest habituated group in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with 25 members.

2. Mishaya group – following a family dispute, ten members of this group split from the biggest group, the Nshongi group.

3. Busingye group – let by Rumanzi silverback, from Kahungye family, with 10 Members.

4. Bweeza group – habituated in 2011

5. Kahungye – reviewed as one of the best to track in this region, with 12 Members

6. Bikingi Gorilla family – habituate din 2012 with 18 members

7. Rwigi Gorilla Family – newly available for tracking and a break away from Kahungye with 10 members

8. Mucunguzi Gorilla family – a break away from Bweza family with 10 members

 

Nkuringo Sector

3 Habituated gorilla families with 24 permits issued per day in the Nkuringo region.

1. Nkuringo Group has 19 members and is the most challenging hikes, although worthwhile, as it is the most pleasing. Habituated in 2004.

2. Bushaho Group – its original members were part of Nkuringo and now with 8 members forage around Bushaho area led by silverback Bahati.

3. Christmas Group – also started by a former member and son of Nkuringo, Christmas, with 9 members.

                 

                 Safety Tips while in Bwindi Forest

 

The star attractions to Bwindi Impenetrable forest are the Mountain gorillas which are, in essence, gentle giants. They show very little aggression toward each other, and their overall vibe is incredibly peaceful. There is always potential for danger when you are close to wildlife, but you can limit the risks significantly by exercising caution and safety measures and following park rules.

• Keep a safe distance from the Gorillas and other wildlife in the forest.

• Do not visit the park when you are ill or with an infectious disease.

• Burry any human waste 30cm deep

• Do not use flash photography.

• Back away slowly if the animal approaches you.

• In the forest, the path or trail does not belong to you. Never block the animal’s path.

• If a gorilla charges, follow the guide’s example – crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes, and wait for the animals to pass.

• Don’t make any quick movements.

 

In our opinion, the safety in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is comparable to most parks and reserves. It’s one of the most secure forest reserves in the country, with little or no incidents in a long time. The list of people you will encounter on one of your hikes in the park includes armed game rangers in camouflage uniforms, UWA guides and staff, camps and tour operators, and other tourists such as yourself.

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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is now a safe and stable adventure destination with well-trained armed rangers and guides accompanying every tour group.

Medical practitioners recommend that you take anti-malarial medication and apply mosquito repellent because there is a high risk of malaria transmission during the rainy season (March to May and October to December). However, mosquitoes are rarely present due to the altitude where mosquitoes don’t survive easily.

Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts, sturdy boots to prevent bug bites and your ankle.

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                Booking Bwindi Gorilla Permits

 

Once you decide you want to have a gorilla tracking experience in the jungles of the Bwindi Impenetrable  forest, your safari expert will book and arrange for your permit considering your itinerary dates. However, a lone traveler can book the Bwindi gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala (the only authority mandated to issue the gorilla permits) or check for availability in the information centers in Kisoro or Buhoma. Ensure you know which section of Bwindi you would like to track the gorillas (indicated on the permit, which is not transferable to another section) and book your accommodation accordingly.

You are, however, encouraged to book permits in advance, mainly permits for the high season (July- December) when most travelers flock to these parts of Africa to catch sight of the magnificent mountain gorillas and many other amazing wildlife the country has to offer.

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           How much is a Bwindi gorilla permit?

 

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs US$700 per person for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents pay US$600 per person, and East African residents pay UGX 250,000 per person.  Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda costs US$1,500 per person.

A Bwindi gorilla permit will allow an escorted excursion into the Bwindi jungle with armed rangers and a guide, and you’ll be able to spend 60 minutes with a habituated mountain gorilla family once tracked and found. The gorilla habituation experience allows you 4 hours in the presence of a wild gorilla family that is semi-habituated.

No one can accurately determine the amount of time spent tracking a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It mostly depends on how early the gorillas woke up from their nests, where they were left by rangers the previous night, and how far they moved foraging. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest terrain is mountainous and dump and will require some physical energy from trackers, so be physically fit before hitting the jungle floor.

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  What to Pack for Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari ?

 

When packing for your Ugandan safari, consider how the weather will influence your choice. If your trip entails a chartered flight, you may be required to pack light since baggage is limited to 10 to 20 kgs. Here’s a simple list of essential things to pack for hiking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

1. The gorilla trekking permit

2. Pack a decent rain jacket

3. Long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and long socks

4. You’ll need gardening gloves

5. Trekking boots are your best friend

6. Pack a tin of Insect repellent

7. Snacks (keep the wrappings in your backpack, it’s illegal to eat near the gorillas and litter the pack)

8. Biodegradable tissue or toilet paper

9. Waterproof backpack and extra batteries

Nevertheless your safari expert will guide you more during your booking process free of charge.

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        OTHER ACTIVITIES AROUND BWINDI FOREST

 

                                          Canoeing

You will enjoy a dug-out canoe ride at Lake Mutanda or Bunyonyi on your way to or from Bwindi. This scenic lakes have marvelous history, views of birds, Virunga ranges, papyrus swamp, and community interaction.

 

                           Batwa Pygmy Experience

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The indigenous Batwa pygmies, evicted from the forest to protect the endangered gorillas, showcase an enacted cultural show in a small forest pocket. A Guide will escort you to see how the Batwa used to live upon trees! A hands-on historical and cultural demonstration will allow you to see the forest through the first people’s eyes, the Batwa Pygmy. They will describe their old way of life as hunter and gatherers, including honey gathering, basket weaving, cave-dwelling, and traditional dancing. so please come along with your dancing shoes

                                  Nature Walks

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Bwindi Impenetrable forest is biologically rich and essential for conserving the Afromontane fauna, especially species endemic to the western rift valley’s mountains. You will marvel at the variety of 200 tree species. The rainforest jungle offers excellent bird watching opportunities with several bird species singing and flying around the forest canopies

 

                                 Community Visits

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You can walk around the rural community that lives around the forest’s border and understands their cultural aspects. They will explain their farming methods, perform cultural dances, introduce their traditional healers and blacksmiths, and the women would explain their weaving skills. You can purchase arts and crafts from the local people, which is an economic uplift for them. You will notice hard-working women tending to their gardens with babies on their backs. There are many community hospitals and schools that have been set up to assist the local community. These hospitals usually rely on donations from sponsors. As part of our social tourism agender, you can visit and support community projects such as donating to a sewing machine, community hospital, primary school, water tank, and many more.

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