By Eddie Ssemakula
Bwindi Impenetrable forest and park are arguably the most celebrated destination in Uganda. A place with such ecological diversity, comprising butterflies, birds, plant species, and most of all, the gigantic and rare mountain gorillas.
Half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world live in Bwindi, which is in the Kisoro district of south-western Uganda. Gorillas familiar with human interaction can be spotted up close in parts of the park, including Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija.
This is the best place to see primates in Africa, without doubt. Home to over 200 bird species too, the park stands tall because of its relatively low tracking fees compared to neighbouring Rwanda. And if you are looking for the best company for Gorilla safari, you are reading this on the right platform.
Getting close to a mountain gorilla is a lifetime experience. Gorillas in Bwindi have been habituated to meet humans, so all you need in stock is a camera coupled with an enthusiastic guide to help you get up close, see the fur, and hear the growl, not too near, of course!
The Bwindi experience cannot go without featuring the Batwa cultural experience, one of the indigenous minority tribes in Uganda. It’s definitely one of the most authentic activities to undertake in the region, as you get up close, with a tribe that was originally forest dwellers.
Getting to Bwindi has two options, by air to the nearest airstrip in Kihihi, and by road across the awesome vegetation sightings in the western part of the country. Let our tour consultant advise on the best options.
12 families have been located in Bwindi alone and 80 mountain gorillas in Mgahinga, many of these have been habituated for tracking. Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Buhoma are the prime areas as you trek through the impenetrable forest to locate the gorillas.
‘Before you die’ experiences are not many under the sun, and Uganda Experiences is committed to crafting Bwindi gorilla tracking in the Pearl of Africa.