GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

• GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda through Bwindi impenetrable national park and mgahinga national park. Bwindi impenetrable national park began as forest reserve in 1942 and later became a national park in 1991. It was later reorganized by UNESCO by its abundant biodiversity especially having an abundant endangered mountain gorilla. Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the south Western part of Uganda and boarders’ countries like the democratic Republic of Congo and also situated near the border of Rwanda. Mostly Bwindi impenetrable protects approximately 459 endangered mountain gorillas. The park is situated in the districts of kabale, Kanungu and Kisoro. Bwindi impenetrable national park is not only home to mountain gorillas but also a variety of bird species over 350 namely great blue turaco, black bee-eater, fly catchers, African green broadbill, sun birds and many more. The diverse terrain enhances the park eco system which enhances flora and fauna. Besides gorilla trekking, there is over 120 mammal species such as the baboons, elephants, forest antelopes to mention a few making the Park unique on its own. Bwindi impenetrable national park has four sectors of doing gorilla trekking including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector has its uniqueness in terms of the good terrains, availability of the gorilla families. so, the best sector depends on the availability of the permits or sometimes the individual preferences. Cost of gorilla trekking ? Each individual going to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park pays $800 per person foreign nonresidents, $700 foreign residents per person, East Africa UGX 300,000 which is far less than $1,500 charged in Rwanda. Part of the money collected is channeled for conservation program and supporting local communities. Gorilla permits are acquired from Uganda wild life authority and are booked by tour operator like Express Safaris so they help you check availability of the permit and book your permit in advance. It’s highly advisable to book your gorilla trekking permits in advance since gorilla permits be on a high demand. Getting To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. By road Bwindi impenetrable national park can be accessed through the road which takes 502.6km to reach the park using a 4-wheel drive. While longer trip this gives you an opportunity to see the diverse biodiversity of Uganda natural beauty. the journey will take like approximately 8 to 10 hours to reach Bwindi impenetrable national park. If you are flying from Kigali international airport and driving for gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park, using the katuna boarder it’s very possible. This drive will only take approximately 176.6km to reach Bwindi impenetrable national park. By air Exploring Uganda gorilla trekking activities can be also done by booking domestic flights with aviation companies such as aero link or booking a private charter. the journey takes roughly 2 hours to land either in kihihi or Kisoro. there after drive like approximately 2 hours in a 4-wheel safari vehicle to reach the parks lodge. Other Attractions In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bird watching Bwindi impenetrable national apart from gorilla trekking is blessed with abundant wildlife which is a premier spot for bird watching including the blue headed sun-bird, African green broadbill, black billed turaco, black bee-eater, and many more. In addition, Bwindi impenetrable is a place for migratory birds that visit the park in specific seasons especially in the rainy season. Cultural experiences. Batwa experience will show you how they lived in huts made of grass, trees and many more. Hike with the Batwa they will show you and get the chance to visit the forest, see how they hunted in traditional way. visiting the homestead of the Batwa will give you the opportunity to see how they prepare their local dishes and later given a sample of food prepared. Batwa people apparently are now living in the districts of Kisoro, kabale, Kanungu and many other places. Nature walks Besides gorilla trekking that you will enjoy in Bwindi impenetrable national park also having nature walk that have well maintained trails which are good for physical and fitness. Gorilla habituation Gorilla habituation refers to activity where clients spend 4 hours with the gorillas compared to gorilla trekking which is strictly 1 hour. This involves researchers, guides, rangers who move with clients to see the habituated gorillas. A gorilla habituation permits costs $1,500 per person for foreign nonresidents, $1,000 per person for foreign resident and UGX 750,000 for East Africans. In Particular, what to Carry During Gorilla Trekking Includes;Thick stocks
• Long sleeved shirt and trousers
• Hiking boots
• Water proof rain jackets
• Hard wearing gloves
• Hat
• Binoculars
• Sun screens
• Face masks

Best Time To Do Gorilla Trekking ? gorilla trekking is year round ,best from June to August, December to February for dry forests and better viewing chances. As well in the wet season there are many migratory birds and can be easily located in this season. Accommodation In Bwindi impenetrable National Park. Accommodation in Bwindi varies from budget to luxury including Buhoma Rest Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill and more