GORILLA SAFARI TREKKING GUIDE ON BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK IN UGANDA

Bwindi Park Introduction - Location, Wildlife & History

As you crouch a few feet away from a massive silverback in the lush environs of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you’re filled with awe, wonder, and just a tinge of fear as an adorable baby gorilla clambers all over the giant adult. This is only one of the thrilling moments you’re likely to experience on your primate safari vacation in Uganda’s southernmost reserve. Standing on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, Bwindi is known for the amazing biodiversity of its rainforests, which date back more than 25,000 years, making them possibly the oldest in the world. This conservation area received gazetted status as a national park in 1991, earning the distinction of UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994.

Key Takeaways

• Uganda’s southernmost reserve
• Part of the Albertine Rift Valley dating more than 25,000 years, possibly the oldest forests in the world
• Dedicated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994

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Travel Guide Content - Start Here

1. What Beautiful Landscape & Diverse Habitats Exist In Bwindi?

2. What Are The Distinctive Primate & Wildlife Experiences Of Bwindi?

3. Overview On The Gorilla Safari At Bwindi Including Permit Prices

4. Which Sectors In Bwindi Are The Gorilla Families Seen?

5. What Kind Of Fauna (Animals) & Flora (Vegetation) Exist In Bwindi?

6. History Of Bwindi & Its Ancient Lore

1. What Beautiful Landscape & Diverse Habitats Exist In Bwindi?

Key Takeaways

• Extending over an area of 331 square kilometers
• Diverse ecology featuring a range of landscapes including rocky ridges, dense rainforests, deep valleys, lakes, and a multitude of waterfalls
• Famous for mountain gorillas, one of the 10 species of primates that thrive here

With altitudes ranging from 1160 to 2607 meters above sea level, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers an area of 331 square kilometers. Sprawling over lofty highlands, it features a range of landscapes including rocky ridges, dense rainforests, deep valleys, lakes, and a multitude of waterfalls that contribute to the five rivers that emerge from the reserve and travel into Lake Edward. Thick mists cover a forest canopy so lush that sunlight scarcely filters down to the forest floor, making it a mystical place to explore (best time to visit Bwindi for a gorilla safari). This forest haven is home to the magnificent Bwindi mountain gorillas, one of the 10 species of primates that thrive here. Others include black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys etc.

2. What Are The Distinctive Primate & Wildlife Experiences Of Bwindi?

Key Takeaways

• Tracking one of the 20 distinct gorilla families numbering over 450 members in all
• Opportunity to view 200 butterfly species, and various other insects, reptiles, and amphibians
• Sightings of some of the 120 mammals and 350 species of birds including 23 endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley

As you tour Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you may also come across some of the 350 species of birds, of which 23 are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. You will also receive an introduction to the 400 kinds of plants, 120 mammal species, and 200 butterfly species present in the park, along with various reptiles, amphibians, and insects that make up the rich biome of this superb landscape. Of course, the highlight of this reserve is certainly the mountain gorillas, which number over 450 and live in 20 distinct families. They often wander among the upper inclines of Bwindi highlands, and that’s where you will find them on your gorilla trekking safari.

3. Overview On Gorilla Safari At Bwindi Including Permit Prices

Key Takeaways

• Tracking and spending time with the gorilla family assigned to you
• Each family led by the alpha silverback male
• Standard permits for $800 to spend one hour observing a gorilla family
• Advanced permits for $1500 to spend 4 hours observing a semi-habituated family
• Additional activity fees and charges for guides and porters applicable

Aside from its immense beauty, the most exciting highlight of travel in Bwindi Park is undoubtedly the gorilla-viewing experience. A full-grown adult male – or silverback, as he’s often called – is up to three times as hefty as a normal full-grown human, and the shaggy coat he typically sports adds to the impression of bulk, making him look exceedingly large and scary. However, as your tour guide will explain, these primates are gentle and peaceful creatures and are not easily provoked. They are more likely to display aggression to warn intruders away when they feel threatened or think that their family is in danger, but the likelihood of them actually hurting anyone is quite low.

To view the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you need to acquire one of the two types of permits available. At your discretion, you may tip the guides, rangers and trackers. The cost of hiring a porter, if you need one, is extra. Standard permits cost about $800 and allow you to spend one hour with the gorilla family allotted to you. For the price of $1500, you could spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated group from the time they are first spotted; that is, one still undergoing the habituation process. A single group with a maximum of 4 guests are allowed each day on these treks.

4. Which Sectors In Bwindi Are The Gorilla Families Seen?

Key Takeaways

• Buhoma sector for Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura families
• Rushaga sector for Bikingi, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, and Shongi families
• Ruhija sector for Rukara (Kyaguriro A), Mukiza (Kyaguriro B), Bitukura, and Oruzogo families
• Nkuringo sector for Bushaho and Nkuringo families

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the proud home of 20 gorilla families, totaling over 450 individuals that exist in Uganda. These gentle primates spend their time wandering the hillsides of the reserve, foraging for food and shelter. As you will learn during your safari vacation, gorillas mostly restrict their activities to specific territory, normally with a 16 square miles (41 square kilometers) radius. You will be able to visit particular families based on the location where you’ve set up base.

Buhoma

The Buhoma sector is ideal for meeting the Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe and Binyido groups. The Mubare family was first habituated to guests touring the region in 1993 with the habitation that started in 1991. This sector is also famous for the nature walks you can undertake to visit three of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You can also spend time with the Batwa community and visit Bwindi Community Hospital.

1. Mubare Gorilla Family
2. Habinyanja Gorilla Family
3. Rushegura Gorilla Family
4. Katwe Gorilla Family
5. Binyido Gorilla Family

Rushaga

Should you choose to begin your excursions from the Rushaga trailhead, you might encounter the Shongi, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye, Bikingi (semi-habituated), Mishaya, Kutu or Mucunguzi groups. Not only does this locale have a large number of gorillas, but it’s also known for forest elephant sightings.

1. Shongi Gorilla Family
2. Kahungye Gorilla Family
3. Bweza Gorilla Family
4. Busingye Gorilla Family
5. Bikingi Gorilla Family (Semi-habituated)
6. Mishaya Gorilla Family
7. Kutu Gorilla Family
8. Mucunguzi Gorilla Family

Ruhija

Guests staying over at the Ruhija sector may be able to visit the Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguliro or Mukiza families. Other interesting activities that visitors to this sector can participate in include bird-watching and exploring the bamboo forests and wetlands nearby.

1. Bitukura Gorilla Family
2. Oruzogo Gorilla Family
3. Kyaguliro Gorilla Family
4. Mukiza Gorilla Family

Nkuringo

If you’ve booked accommodations in the Nkuringo sector, you can expect to meet the Nkuringo, Bushaho or Christmas gorilla families. While you are in the area, you’ll want to take the time to enjoy the Buniga Forest Walk and mingle with the Batwa tribe that lives here, all while enjoying spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

1. Nkuringo Gorilla Family
2. Bushaho Gorilla Family
3. Christmas Gorilla Family

Safari holidaymakers who have opted to stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may be able to meet the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

5. What Kind Of Fauna (Animals) & Flora (Vegetation) Exist In Bwindi?

Key Takeaways

• Park assigned the UNESCO World Heritage site status
• 10 species of primates including rare mountain gorillas, L'Hoest's monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and others
• 120 species of mammals including small predators and herbivores
• Over 400 plant species, 104 types of ferns, and 163 kinds of trees
• 200 kinds of butterflies, 28 types of reptiles, 28 kinds of amphibians, and 27 kinds of frogs
• 350 bird species including 23 native to the Albertine Rift Valley and 7 IUCN red data listed species

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has rightly earned the distinction of a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to the variety of flora and fauna it hosts. As you travel through the reserve, you are likely to encounter some of the more than 350 species of birds present in the park, of which 23 are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. In addition to the famed mountain gorillas, the park has 10 species of primates including L'Hoest's monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, red colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and several nocturnal species that have not yet been identified. Among the 120 large and small mammals that live in Bwindi Impenetrable Park, you have an opportunity to spot the forest elephant, various antelope, and giant forest hog, along with predators such as the African golden cat, side-striped jackal, and African civet. Of the mammals that inhabit the park, 49 are large animals and 71 are smaller. If your safari trip in Bwindi includes nature walks through the forest, your guide will help you identify some of the more than 400 varieties of plants, 104 types of ferns, and 163 kinds of trees present in the park. Some of these species are unique to the area, and regions including the northern lower altitudes host rare varieties, such as the Brazzeia longipedicellata and brown mahogany.

It may interest you to learn that Bwindi Park also has species that have not received scientific names. There are over 200 kinds of gorgeous butterflies present here, as well as 28 types of reptiles, 28 kinds of amphibians, and 27 kinds of frogs. And be sure to spare the time to meet the human residents, too – the local people who live just outside the reserve.

Bwindi ’s rich diversity includes a superb variety of birdlife in Uganda that you may be able to see on hikes designed for bird-watching. In all, the region supports more than 350 species of birds, of which 23 are native to the Albertine Rift Valley. These include 7 of the IUCN red data listed species, the blue-headed sunbird, and the short-tailed warbler. The prime bird-watching areas are along the Buhoma Waterfall Trail, as well as the bamboo forests and Mubwindi Swamp Trail in the Ruhija sector. Here, you can see the white-tailed crested flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, red-faced woodland warbler, yellow-streaked greenbul, francolin, chestnut-throated apalis, western green tinkerbird, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, and various others.

Visitors should also keep a sharp eye out for the red-headed bluebill, African blue and white-tailed blue flycatchers, common bulbul, and African emerald cuckoo, all of which thrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Lucky bird-watchers may even get a chance to see the elusive Shelley’s crimsonwing and African green broadbill. Ornithologists say that the reserve has 76 of the 144 species of the Guinea-Congo forest biome, along with 68 of 86 of the Afro-tropical highland biome varieties.

6. History Of Bwindi & Its Ancient Lore

Key Takeaways

• Getting insights into the origins of the park’s name, from the Mubwindi Swamp, “mubwindi bwa nyinamuraki”
• Ancient mysticism and folklore that relates the story of the sacrifice of Nyina Muraki
• Originally established in the year 1932 combining Kayonza Crown Forest Reserve and Kasatora Crown Forest Reserve covering an area of 298 square kilometers
• Gazetted status assigned in the year 1991 combining Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve, Rwenzori Mountains Reserve, and Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve
• Specifically designed for the conservation of the last natural habitat of the rare mountain gorillas

Just as fascinating as the varied denizens of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is its ancient lore and history. You’ll hear more about its many secrets when you spend time in the reserve on your safari vacation in Africa. Legend has it that the park takes its name, “Bwindi,” from the term used for Mubwindi Swamp, “mubwindi bwa nyinamuraki,” which is found in the southeast section.

About 100 years ago, so the story goes, a family traveling from the Kisoro area was trying to cross a swamp that seemed impossible to traverse. After praying to the spirits of the swamp for guidance, they were asked to sacrifice their loveliest daughter in exchange for safe passage. Faced with the prospect of returning to the south, the family opted to drown their daughter, Nyina Muraki, so that they could cross safely. As people learned about their sacrifice, they began to call it “mubwindi bwa nyinamuraki,” which translates as “dark place of nyina muraki.”

Fast forward to more recent times: Bwindi came into being in 1932 and received gazetted status in 1991. At the time, the reserve was composed of the northern block, also called the Kayonza Crown Forest Reserve, and the southern block, which was dubbed the Kasatora Crown Forest Reserve. Combined into the Impenetrable Central Crown Forest in 1942, the reserve covered a total area of 298 square kilometers.

Eventually, in 1991, Impenetrable Central Forest Reserve, Rwenzori Mountains Reserve, and Mgahinga Gorilla Reserve merged to become Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with a total combined area of 321 square kilometers. The park was specially designated as a protected mountain gorilla viewing destination for tourists in April 1993, and even today is operated as a forest reserve and wildlife sanctuary under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Perhaps the only downside of instituting the park in its present status is the effect that had on the Batwa Pygmy people, who have been removed from the forest boundaries and are no longer allowed to use its resources as a means of livelihood.

What Gorilla Safari Attractions & Tour Activities To Experience During Your Bwindi Visit?

Key Takeaways

• Exploring the habitat of the rare mountain gorillas that are found in these lofty mountains
• Nature walks through the forest over the Munyanga River Trail, Rushura Hill Trail, Waterfall Trail, Muzabajiro Loop Trail, and Bamboo Trail to view the incredible diversity of flora and fauna
• Possibility of spotting many of the 350 species of birdlife that exist in Bwindi
• Cultural interaction with the Batwa Pygmy people to learn about their sustainable lifestyle
• Unique mountain bicycling tours with Ride 4 A Woman program

Imagine the lush environs of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and the first thought that comes to mind is probably the famed mountain gorillas. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you are probably aware that these magnificent herbivorous apes are found only in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Although most safari travelers visit the reserve with the hope of viewing its most famous denizens, they are often delighted to learn how many other wonders abound here. The reserve has a rich diversity of plant life, with species that are hardy enough to have survived the last Ice Age, and some are more than 25,000 years old.

As you follow the trails through Bwindi National Park, your safari guide will introduce you to the many wonderful varieties. You may also be able to spot some of the 350 species of bird life present here, along with a wide range of insects, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals if you are lucky. Your safari guide will also spearhead your nature walks for you along various trails in the forest, each of which delights hikers with a new aspect of the reserve’s diverse landscapes. You can opt to follow trails including the Munyanga River Trail, Rushura Hill Trail, Waterfall Trail, Muzabajiro Loop Trail, and Bamboo Trail, to name a few. Some of these safari walks offer a sample of the park’s immense natural beauty, while others present great opportunities for birdwatchers in Uganda to observe some of the amazing avian life that is present in the park’s varied habitats. The expert guide accompanying you will help identify the species you encounter and explain interesting facts about their behaviors. They will also be able to tell you about the symbiotic relationships between the park’s wildlife in this beautifully balanced biome. Visitors have the opportunity to spot some of the 350 species on their holiday in the reserve.

There’s more to a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park than flora and fauna. For many, the opportunity to visit the local communities living on the outskirts of the park is another highlight. Your cultural trip in Uganda will no doubt be enriched by a glimpse of their traditional living styles, which are intertwined with – and spring from – a deep respect for nature. You’ll gain an understanding of the Batwa Pygmy people’s hunter-gatherer way of life and learn how they draw on indigenous plants for medicine. You’ll see how they use the forest resources for food, art, and crafts, taking only what they need and wasting nothing. Those interested in legends will enjoy hearing about the ancient mysticism and historical lore of their environs.

A visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers various recreational opportunities, as well – all the better to enjoy this fabulous environment. For instance, you could enjoy a canoeing trip to explore Lake Mutanda, or perhaps opt for a mountain-bike cycling tour. Hiring a bike to ride into the Buhoma sector helps support the ‘Ride 4 a woman’ program, which empowers local women by helping them learn new skills so they can better care for their families and improve their lives.

Watch Video On Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Experiences

Our Top 6 Safari Activities In Bwindi - Things You Can Do & See

Activities Content - Start Here

1. Gorilla Trekking Safari - The Highlight Of Your Bwindi Tour In Uganda

2. Birdwatching Tours In Bwindi Forest

3. Nature Hiking Excursions Through Bwindi Trails

4. Cultural Interactions & Tour Visits To Tribal Communities In Bwindi

5. Mountain Bike Rides In The Buhoma Sector

6. Gorilla Habituation Experience In Bwindi

1. Gorilla Trekking Safari - The Highlight Of Your Bwindi Tour In Uganda

Key Takeaways

• Trekking through the forest to locate the gorilla family allotted to you
• Over 450 individuals found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest living in 19 habituated gorilla families
• Each family lead by a massive silverback male possibly weighing more than 200 kg (440 lbs)
• Only one group of 8 visitors allowed to visit a gorilla family per day
• Opportunity to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect these gentle giants

Scrambling through the dense undergrowth of bushes, creepers, and low-hanging trees is a safari trip for truly dedicated wildlife lovers who are determined to view one of the rarest of nature’s spectacles. The elusive mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are a distant cousin to humans, and there are now over 1050 living in the wilderness of Africa i.e Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. About half of the families live in Bwindi and one also in Mgahinga Park, on the slopes of Uganda’s Virunga Volcanoes Mountains. The largest of these massive primates easily weighs more than 200 kg (440 lbs), yet they are among the most peaceful animals.

The precious hour you are allowed in their company – which is for the protection of the gorillas in Uganda – is likely to seem inadequate at first sight. But if you’re like most safari visitors, you will come away enthralled, awed, and fascinated by the experience of watching their behavior in the wild. Watch the giant family patriarch, known as a silverback, keeping a close eye on his family and leading them away, should he sense even the smallest danger. Marvel at the gentleness and intelligence that these magnificent apes display.

To protect the gorilla families and their habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, just one group of 8 visitors is allowed in the company of each family per day. In all, only 160 permits are issued in Bwindi on any given day tracking one of the 19 habituated families and 1 semi-habituated family, which helps minimize the gorillas’ exposure to humans and limit the possibility of illnesses being communicated to the animals. This program serves the purpose of educating people touring Uganda on the importance of conserving these rare creatures, as well as raising funds that will support ongoing research and protection activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of just three remaining havens left in the world for mountain gorillas.

Ruhija

1. Bitukura Gorilla Family
2. Oruzogo Gorilla Family
3. Kyaguliro Gorilla Family
4. Mukiza Gorilla Family

Buhoma

1. Mubare Gorilla Family
2. Habiyanja Gorilla Family
3. Rushegura Gorilla Family
4. Katwe Gorilla Family
5. Binyido Gorilla Family

Nkuringo

1. Nkuringo Gorilla Family
2. Bushaho Gorilla Family
3. Christmas Gorilla Family

Rushaga

1. Mishaya Gorilla Family
2. Nshongi Gorilla Family
3. Kahungye Gorilla Family
4. Bweza Gorilla Family
5. Busingye Gorilla Family
6. Bukingi Gorilla Family (Semi habituated)
7. Kutu Gorilla Family
8. Mucugunzi Gorilla Family

2. Birdwatching Tours In Bwindi Forest

Key Takeaways

• Habitat of around 350 avian species of which 23 are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley
• Possibility of sighting 100 or more varieties during bird watching excursions
• Visiting prime birding locales like Ruhija and Buhoma

Avid birdwatchers are typically fascinated by the fabulous array of avian life that thrives in the varied landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The reserve hosts more than 350 species of birds, including 23 species of the varieties that are 90% endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley, and not found anywhere else in Africa. As you tour the forests under the supervision of a knowledgeable guide, you may have the opportunity to add up to 100 species to your list. Some of the beautiful specimens you might encounter include the white-tailed blue monarch, dusky crimsonwing, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Kivu ground thrush, gruel’s rush warbler, bar-tailed trogon, rusty-faced woodland warbler, short-tailed warbler, and Wilcock’s honey-guide.

The prime African birdwatching safari locales in Bwindi Forest are Buhoma and Ruhija. Here, you may be able to see and photograph species such as the dusky twinspot, montane double-collared sunbird, yellow-eyed flycatchers, Lagden’s bush shrike, dwarf honeyguide, African green broadbill, Chaplin’s flycatcher, and Oberlander’s ground thrush, making your tour holiday truly memorable.

3. Nature Hiking Excursions Through Bwindi Trails

Key Takeaways

• Oldest living forests in the world estimated to dating back to over 25,000 years
• Home to 120 mammal species, 51 reptiles, 88 moths, 310 butterflies, 350 birds, 10 primates, and 400 plan species
• Following the Kajembehajambe Trail for bird watching or viewing a fabulous waterfall or Munyanga River Trail for visiting the Bizenga Creek
• Taking the Waterfall Trail, Rushura Hill Trail, or Muzabajiro Loop Trail each offering different experiences
• Other options like River Ivi Trail, Guest House Nature Hill Trail, and Bamboo Trail

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has one of the oldest living forests in the world, dating back more than 25,000 years. These lush forests support an array of flora and fauna, including some 120 mammal species, 51 reptiles, 88 moths, 310 butterflies, 350 birds, 10 primates, and 200 tree species. The best way to view many of these natural treasures is to go on nature walks. Some of the possible safari hikes are short and can be undertaken on your own. However, the longer ones may require the guidance of an experienced Ugandan guide. Choose your nature walking excursions according to the trailhead where you’re staying in Bwindi. You can begin your travels in the morning or afternoon.

The Rushaga locale allows you to explore the Kajembehajambe Trail, which can be completed in 3 to 5 hours. Two of the trails will take you through forests, while the third leads to a fabulous waterfall. You can also go birdwatching from Rushaga, a tour that lasts about 6 hours. The Buhoma and Nkuringo gates both act as bases for a wide range of hiking expeditions. If you prefer a short stroll along the river bank, try the Munyanga River Trail, which takes only about 15 to 20 minutes and loops around Bizenga Creek.

As the name suggests, the Waterfall Trail in Bwindi Park takes you to see cascades as high as 33 meters. The trail takes about 3 hours to walk, following a half-complete road to Kisoro, with delightful sightings of monkeys and birds along the way. The Rushura Hill Trail takes about the same amount of time but is steeper and a bit more challenging. It takes you to the highest spot in the Buhoma region, Rushura Hill. This walk provides scenic vistas of the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, the Virunga Volcanoes, and the Western Rift Valley. The Muzabajiro Loop Trail is moderately steep and also takes 3 hours. Choose this excursion for incredible views and sightings of age-old ferns, as well as other primates.

Yet another interesting trail in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the River Ivi Trail, which leads you to the southern rim of the reserve and takes about 6 hours to complete. This safari holiday expedition will treat you to encounters with monkeys, various bird species, and duikers. The hour-long Guest House Nature Trail and the 6-hour Bamboo Trail are possible explorations that begin at Ruhija.

4. Cultural Interactions & Tour Visits To Tribal Communities In Bwindi

Key Takeaways

• Visiting the communities of the Batwa and Bakiga people, original inhabitants of the park
• Understanding the traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the Buniga Forest
• Participating in cooking activities and music and dance performances
• Shopping at the souvenir store to buy handicrafts in support of local artisans
• Sampling authentic ground coffee at the village cafe

Local communities of the Batwa and Bakiga people are located just outside the edges of the Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Village elders accompanying you on your walk will describe in detail the hunter-gatherer lifestyle that the Bakigas follow in their traditional territory. You can visit the scenic terraced farms they have created, and learn some of the fascinating ancient lore of the forest. As you listen, you will begin to understand the interdependence between people, nature, and the other inhabitants of this environment.

The Batwa Pygmy people, also called the “Keepers of the Forest,” inhabit the Bwindi and Mgahinga Forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A cultural safari tour will take you to a village where you can learn how to make alcohol from banana leaves and medicines from plants. Each trip takes around 3 hours and also allows you to participate in cooking with forest produce, including mushrooms, wild honey, and yams. You will be treated to music and dance performances given by women and orphaned children, and perhaps even get a chance to try hand-ground coffee in the village coffee shop. Before you leave, stop by the souvenir store to buy small, handmade mementos of your stay in the reserve.

5. Mountain Bike Rides In The Buhoma Sector

Key Takeaways

• Guided mountain bike rides founded by Rubalema Denis and Habasa Evelyne sustainability program called Ride 4 A woman
• Participating in programs designed to support and provide a livelihood to the women of the Buhoma Village
• Exploring the forests aboard a bicycle that you can hire for 3 hours

The ‘Ride 4 A woman’ guided mountain bike rides program was originally initiated by Rubalema Denis and Habasa Evelyne in 2009. The program is designed to support the women of Buhoma Village, which lies just outside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It makes bicycles available to tourists who wish to explore the reserve on two wheels. Income from the rentals and bicycle maintenance assists women in earning income and learning new skills that will help them better care for their families.

You can rent a bicycle for 3 hours and cycle safari the forest and communities in the company of an expert guide. The community will also provide helmets for your safety. Since 2012, a team of Australians has been working to expand the bicycle program. They’ve set up additional initiatives that train women in English, sewing, bicycle repair, making crafts, and weaving textiles.

6. Gorilla Habituation Experience In Bwindi

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the habituation process where individual members are given time to become accustomed to the presence of humans
• Spending time with researchers to learn about their conservation activities
• Spending 4 hours with a gorilla family undergoing habituation
• Excursion permits priced at $1500 per person
• All proceeds go toward funding further research and preservation programs

Animal-lovers visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on a primate - gorilla safari vacation in Africa typically have questions about the habituation process and why it is necessary. Habituation is the gradual adaptation of the animals to the presence of humans, which typically takes two to three years at the very minimum. Ugandan park rangers and guides track the families down on a regular basis, giving the animals time to accept the presence of human visitors and not see them as a threat. Over time, the park rangers and guides build a connection with the gorillas, identifying and naming individuals within the family group and even initiating some communication. Through their interactions, the primates learn to relax around the people who travel from around the world to see them, eventually learning to ignore them and go about their daily activities.

Participate in Tracking Specific Families Undergoing Habituation

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a total of 19 gorilla families, which are accessible from four different areas i.e Buhoma sector, Ruhija sector, Rushaga sector, or Nkuringo sector. Of the 19 families, one is only semi-habituated – the Bikingi group, which lives in Rushaga. These groups form part of the Gorilla Habituation Experience program, which was initiated in 2016 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Taking part in this program is a different experience from a regular gorilla trekking trip in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Being a unique activity, the park permit costs $1500 per person.

Understanding the Habituation Process

Should you sign up for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, you will be assigned to a particular group of 4 guests at 7:30 am start time from the trailhead. You should be prepared to navigate very difficult terrain on a full day experience. If you are not fit or have a heart condition, do not attempt to book the Gorilla Habituation Experience. It is very strenuous as it involves trekking for many hours including ascending and descending the mountains of Bwindi Forest. However, the hard work will pay off. You will be able to spend around 4 hours with the gorilla group that is undergoing the habituation process, an activity available only in Bwindi Park (best time to go). Watch and photograph the gorillas as the adults groom one another, look for food, and observe their babies playing together under the watchful of the dominant silverback. You will also develop an understanding of the rangers dedication and the challenges they face when habituating the animals so that adventurous safari vacationers can spend time with them.

During the habituation process, the park rangers may conduct a few trial encounters with the guests who are strangers to the gorillas. If the gorilla family accepts its visitors and is comfortable with them, the ranger and guides will allow more interaction with them. Note that the guides accompanying you may choose to end the experience early if the gorillas start to show signs of being frightened, hide, or behave in a way that is different from normal. The earnings from these visits fund further research and conservation programs that can better protect the famed gorillas. Take part in a typical day in the life of a gorilla in the misty forests. You will find that it is an immersive feeling like no other – and one that you will remember and cherish forever.