Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking-Bwindi

Uganda is a re-known Gorilla destination having the highest number of the critically endangered mountain Gorillas and reside in the remarkable National Park of Bwindi Impenetrable (most attractive Gorilla site in all of Africa). It was announced as a national park in 1991 having the Mubare Gorilla family as the first in 1993. Due to poaching it has been confirmed that there is a reduction in the number of these Gentle Giants all over the World. There is basically a total of 1000 mountain gorillas in the World basing on the 2018 census results and Uganda holds 50% of the total Population. It’s such a spectacular moment by tourists to get to view these Mountain Gorillas in their Natural habitats.

What is Gorilla Trekking?

This simply means trying to find a given Habituated Mountain Gorilla Family. This is done through /into the thick forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of these gentle giants. It involves Hiking, getting tired, passing through the Impenetrable forest with the help of the well experienced guides to find this habituated gorilla.

Where are mountain Gorillas, in Uganda

Mountain gorillas do reside in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Worldwide, Uganda having total population of 50% of which 450 of these gentle giants stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National park. Therefore, gorilla trekking is common in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda which by the way happens to be located in the south-western part of the country. There are four sub divided sections in Bwindi. Buhoma section, Nkuringo section, Rushaga section and Ruhija section. All these sections have gotten a line of magnificent and beautiful array of Hotels, lodges, campsites, guest houses as well as restaurants, craft shops and guiding services.

Buhoma section

This is a section famous and popular for trekkers located in the North of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It consists of 3 Gorilla families that is Rushegura, Habinyanja and Mubare. It has also got comfortable Hotels, Lodges to stay in at reasonable prices like Buhoma Community(budget), Buhoma Haven Lodge(MR), Mahogany Springs Lodge(L).

Ruhiji section

It is found in the East of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and it contains Gorilla Families like Bitukura, Kyaguriro, Oruzogo. It also contains accommodation like Trekkers Tavern(B), Gorilla Mist Camp(MR), Ruhiji Gorilla Safari(L), to mention but a few.

Rushaga Section

Rushaga sector is composed of Gorilla families like Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza and Nshongi. It’s located in the South of Bwindi and contains lodges where to stay like Rushaga Gorilla Haven(B), Iachumbi Gorilla Lodge(MR), Chameleon Hill Lodge(L), etc.

Nkuringo Section

This sector has one Gorilla family residing therein and it’s called Nkuringo. It contains Lodges like Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge(L).

How to Access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

From Kampala / Entebbe – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is roughly 8 hrs drive by road. This drive gives you a wide view of African life in areas/ places you come passing through, proceed through the magnificent green Pearl of Africa, cross the Equator (where if time allows can stopover and take photos)

Another alternative is flying from Entebbe to Bwindi of which a round trip Air ticket costs $450 specifically with the Aero link Uganda in about 11/2 hrs. You will fly over the Lake Victoria Islands in the south-western Uganda. Transfer from Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi is about 30 mins-1 hr, depending on your choice to trek gorillas from.

Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Wagtail Eco Safari Camp

This place offers you an extreme approach to experience the Panoramic slopes of Kigezi as you visit the camp and as on your way you can experience the delightful scenery of volcanoes in the immense Virunga.

• Mutanda Lake Resort

This Lake Resort is situated on a private promontory extending into Lake Mutanda, with little islands dabbing the encompassing lake and a scenery of hazy volcanoes in close-by Rwanda and DR Congo, this setting is breath-taking.

• Buhoma community Bandas (offers traditional ‘bandas’)

This place was built using local and natural materials, it commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla, it consists of many rooms accommodating between 2-6 people. Bedding is provided, bathrooms are shared and hot water is available for showers. Buhoma restaurant serves hot and cold beverages and freshly cooked local cuisine giving guests a true taste of Uganda.