A Gorilla trek is a highlight of a successful Uganda Safari. Gorilla trekking involves hiking the Ugandan tropical forests to see the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. The best place to have an adventurous trekking is in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazetted as a National Park in 1991 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.It is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the western Rift Valley. The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of Uganda’s ancient and most biologically diverse rainforests that dates back to more than 25,000 years. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to 50% of the global population of mountain gorillas which is estimated to be approximately 1100. A lot of visitors from all over the globe visit these parks to see these endangered species.
Gorilla trekking is quite adventurous as it involves climbing steep terrains in search of these creatures that live the thick tropical forest. There are a few habituated gorillas that have been trained to withstand human presence and are not likely to attack. These habituated gorilla families can be tracked by visitors for a limited time after acquiring permits which cost $600 for a full day experience.
Although famously known for mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also offers shelter to other wildlife which include 120 mammal species (e.g Chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, baboons, elephants and antelopes), 51 reptile species and over 200 tree species. It also has about 350 bird species including 24 Albertine rift endemic bird species among them African green broadbill and bar-tailed trogon.
What to wear while trekking
Because of the steep terrains and cold weather good quality boots, warm clothes, long sleeved shirts, a jacket and gloves are recommended while going on the trek.
Accommodation Options
Some of the accommodation options available while on a safari here are Rushanga Gorilla Camp, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Lodge and Clouds Lodge.
