Thinking about going for gorilla trekking in Africa? Uganda is the best destination where visitors can meet the endangered mountain gorillas face to face in their natural home. With two national parks gazetted by the Uganda government to protect the mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable national Park is the most known and here is Why you should take Uganda’s option as the most viable for gorilla safaris in Africa.
The famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park is one of the only four national parks that protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Known as “the impenetrable forest” Bwindi is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the entire world, Bwindi Forest National park is a perfect destination for gorilla trekking holidays in Africa. Whether you want to see only mountain gorillas or visit other Uganda attractions with friends and family Bwindi forest has it all because its conveniently located close to not only Uganda attractions but also to other mountain gorilla parks in Rwanda and Congo.
How to Get There
Fly to Entebbe international Airport either you traveling on budget or luxury and get the trip started right away upon arrival or a day after arrival. It’s the only international airport for Uganda for both domestic and international flights. Better to arrange a pickup with your hotel of residence if your flight is late or with your trip organizer.However, most tour operators offer free pickups and drops especially if you book a trip with them. Entebbe international airport is served by many airlines so you will have plenty of m flight price options to choose from once you ready to track mountain gorillas of Bwindi Forest National Park. However, you free to connect to the park by road on a scenic drive or by air on any scheduled flight to Kihihi Airstrip.
Getting Around Bwindi Forest
Bwindi requires a 4×4 safari vehicle such as a Toyota Rav4, Toyota Land Cruiser that are strong enough to capture hard terrain. If you staying close to the park a day before your trek, you should look at hiring a rental car that will take you for briefing , at the start point for the trek and also to pick you up after the trek since the trek may end in a far distance away from your lodge of residence. However, if you starting your trip from the capital of Kampala better to leave the city with a private hired car. But if backpacking your trip organizer will arrange for a rental car to take you through the entire trek.
Where to Stay in Bwindi Forest
Choosing your accommodation should depend on the gorilla group or family you to trek. Remember, Bwindi forest has four sectors each with different gorilla families and accommodation options. Therefore, you need to check your gorilla permit details before booking any accommodation. If your permit is for Buhoma, book buhoma lodges and campsites, if Ruhija still book Ruhija lodges and campsites and same applies to Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla permits. Would advise you to book only one night accommodation so that in case you want to transfer to another destination after the trek, its flexible.
Plan a Gorilla Trek in Uganda?
Bwindi forest is quiet and cold in the evenings and at night so you need to pack warm wears to deal with the cold weather situation. However, it’s warm during the day when the sun shines. The forest is dump and muddy due to thick vegetation of shrubs and trees so some places can be slippery during the trek the reason we do recommend a walking stick to give you support in case you find difficulties in walking. Even porters are good because they carry the luggage and give you a chance to walk free and light. Expect no bargains on gorilla permits and accommodation if you visit during high season and holiday times like Christmas and New Year. However, the park offers hug discounts on permits during April, May and November. When it comes to cheap budget gorilla tours in Africa, Uganda often gets all the fame and attention. You will prove this once you start planning your gorilla watching trip in Africa.