How Gorilla Trekking is Done at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers an unparalleled chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in their wild, lush habitat. Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity, with roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population residing in this thick forest. Wagatil Safaris guides you through this incredible journey, ensuring you have a safe, organized, and memorable experience.

Each day, small trekking groups of up to eight visitors venture into the dense forest under the guidance of an advanced tracking team. This team heads out early, following where the gorillas were last seen to ease the trek and locate the gorilla family for the visiting group. Gorillas roam long distances for food and water, and, in some cases, they relocate due to encounters with other gorilla groups. The advanced trackers communicate the location of the gorillas to the park headquarters, helping Wagatil Safaris’ guides provide a seamless experience for guests.

The adventure begins with an early morning wake-up, and most lodges in Bwindi prepare packed lunches and ample drinking water for the trek. Walking sticks are available at the park headquarters or can be provided by your lodge. The day starts with a briefing at the park headquarters, where trekkers receive essential information on safety and gorilla trekking etiquette. This includes the guidelines on approaching the gorillas and respecting their space to ensure both visitor and gorilla safety. Afterward, guests are organized into groups based on their physical fitness levels, allowing guides from Wagatil Safaris to select the right trek intensity for each guest—be it a short, moderate, or long trek.

Following the briefing, groups set out into the forest to locate their designated gorilla family. Trek durations can vary widely, ranging from one to six hours depending on where the gorillas are that day. Despite the physical demands of navigating Bwindi’s thick vegetation, participants have a 99% chance of encountering the gorillas. Once located, visitors are granted a remarkable hour to observe and photograph these majestic creatures up close, following strict protocols to maintain a safe distance and avoid disease transmission.

Summary: How Gorilla Trekking Works at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Permit Requirement: A gorilla trekking permit is required and can be booked in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or authorized operators like Wagatil Safaris. Booking early is highly recommended, as permits are limited.

Pre-Trek Briefing: The day starts with a briefing at the park headquarters, where trekkers receive instructions about the gorilla family they’ll visit and guidelines for the trek.

Group Allocation: Visitors are divided into small groups, each assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families to ensure safety and a comfortable experience.

Trekking Journey: Skilled guides lead the groups through the forest, with treks varying based on the location of the gorilla family. The experience also allows visitors to appreciate Bwindi’s flora and fauna.

Gorilla Encounter: Once the gorilla family is located, visitors have a limited time—typically one hour—to watch and photograph the gorillas in their natural environment, following guidelines to ensure their safety.

Return Trek: After the encounter, trekkers return to the park headquarters, often taking a different route back, providing a unique view of the forest.

Debriefing and Certificates: Back at the headquarters, guests can share their experiences and ask questions. Trekkers receive a Gorilla Trekking Certificate from Wagatil Safaris to mark their successful adventure.

Gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an unparalleled experience, one that allows visitors to connect with nature in a profound way. With Wagatil Safaris, every step of this incredible journey is organized for a memorable, respectful, and impactful adventure.