BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK (BINP)
This lush but foggy forest with undulating topography is one of the best scenes for an authentic mountain gorilla tracking experience. BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK sits on the edge of the Rift Valley, southwest of Uganda. That is 550 Km away from Kampala and an estimated driving period of 9 - 12 hours. There is an option into Kisoro (South) and Kihihi (north) for flights to/from Entebbe Airport and connecting flights to/from other Parks. Size-wise, this biologically diverse forest is one of the largest Afromontane forests in East Africa covering an area of 331 sq. km.
Its varied flora forms a dense undergrowth rendering it untraversable. This earned it the moniker ``impenetrable``. This unique habitat is well known as the home to a staggering 300 Mountain gorillas. They are estimated to account for about 50% of the world's population, hence the tag 'endangered species.' The same reason why the National Park was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in December 1994, three years after its initiation.
This distinct ecosystem is comprised of 400 plant species, a further 120 mammals including several primate species like baboons and chimpanzees as well as elephants and antelopes, around 350 bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, and more than 310 butterfly species (including two endangered species of swallowtails).
Tracking one of the nine habituated gorilla families found here is a satisfying adventure. This can be done in any of the following 4 distinct sections:
• The Buhoma (Northern) Sector
• Ruhija (Eastern / Central) Sector
• Rushaga (Southern Sector) Sector
• Nkuringo (Western / Central) Sector
NOTE: The rugged terrain makes gorilla trekking strenuous, thus, visitors should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking (good physical fitness is a must).
A trip to Bwindi can also be combined with a short visit to Ishasha area in Queen Elizabeth National Park, about 60 Km away – the home to the famous tree-climbing lions
Other activities available in the area include:
• Nature walks along the Muyanga River trail, the Waterfall train, and Rushura hill trail among others.
• Cultural tours – The indigenous Batwa pygmies is a tribe of hunter-gatherers believed to be the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled.
GORILLA TRACKING & ENCOUNTER:
The day starts at the Park Headquarters, at each of the sector of the Park, where guests are allocated their gorilla group and guide before being briefed on essential rules that help protect both primates and people.
Sharing 98% of human DNA, gorillas are extremely susceptible to our infections (a common cold could kill them) so visitors are asked not to trek if they are ill. Only eight people are allowed to track each gorilla family, staying for just one single hour in their presence. Rules also state that visitors should never proceed to within 7m of the giant apes, but occasionally the gorillas will cross this threshold and approach you to almost stroking distance. However, always resist the temptation to touch them. Although usually calm, they can easily be startled by flash photography, loud voices or sudden movements.
Some groups are just a short walk from the Park Headquarters but others can take as long as five hours to reach. Bwindi is called the Impenetrable Forest for a good reason: a dense jungle spanning 321 sq km, it makes hiking a challenge, with tangled vines and vegetation sprawled across steep muddy terrain. Porters are available for around US$ 20, to carry bags and help visitors negotiate the tough, slippery trails (highly recommended).
Notes on Gorilla Tracking
- This is a strenuous activity and visitors should be physically fit to enjoy this safari. Professional guides will accompany groups.
- The minimum age allowed is fifteen years.
- Anyone with signs of communicable disease will not be allowed to trek.
- While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of trekking, it cannot be a guarantee of a sighting. However, the chance of sighting is high ‐ 95% or more.
- Maximum time allowed with the gorillas is one hour at a minimum distance of 7 meters.
- No flash photography is allowed and fast film is therefore recommended (minimum 400‐1600 ASA).
- Personal DVD recorders are allowed.
- Clothing recommendation for Gorilla tracking: a breathable and lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, long‐sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well-worn footwear), leather gardening-type gloves, sunscreen, cap or sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum number of personal items.
- Please note that Gorilla tracking is date specific, permits are booked on a “first come first served” CASH basis.
