The Ultimate Gorilla Experience is located in southwestern Uganda in Kanungu district but also shares other districts like Kisoro and Kabale, along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the Albertine Rift edge. The park was gazette in 1942, upgraded to a national park in 1992 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 because of its biodiversity and importance to overall ecology. The park covers a total area of 321 square kilometers and is majorly compromised of montane and lowland forest (home to over 163 tree species) that makes the park only to be accessed while on foot. Bwindi is a water catchment area that feeds off numerous lakes and rivers that flow and pour in Lake Edward; River Ishasha, River Ivi, River Munyanga, River Ihihiza, River Ntengyere and other rivers that pour in both Lake Mutanda and Bunyonyi.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a home to a number of wildlife species with the most common being Mountain gorillas since these endangered apes live in tropical forests and mountainous areas; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanos National Park and Virunga National Park. In Bwindi the highest number of mountain gorillas are recorded with more than half of the world’s total gorilla population being here. The park has over 490 gorilla species including 15 habituated gorilla families open for gorilla trekking in the four sectors; Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija. The park also features a diversity of other species that call this place home; over 30 forest elephants, 324 plant species, over 120 mammal species, over 310 butterfly species, over 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and many endangered species not forgetting over 350 bird species including 14 species not recorded in any other national park plus migratory birds. The people who live here are Bafumbira.

WHAT TO DO IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK Gorilla trekking This is the main and famous activity done in this park, in different sectors guided by an experienced ranger. The activity involves hiking into the forests in search of these endangered great apes depending on their location and only 8 people per gorilla group per day are allowed, given only one hour to spend in their presence as you enjoy their daily activities like the juveniles playing around and climbing trees, mothers breastfeeding their young ones and more. After this adventurous activity, you will head back to the park headquarters where you will be rewarded with a gorilla certificate to take back home for remembrance.

Nature walks and Hiking These nature walks are done through created trails whereby tourists get to experience and acquire information about the park, bird, animal and plant life which you will see with the guidance of an experienced ranger as you hike. Some of the hiking trails in Bwindi include; River Ivi trail, the Habinyanja trail, the Bamboo zone trail, the waterfall trail and the Kashasha river trail.

Bird watching Since this park harbors over 350 bird species including 14 that are endemic to the park, birders will have an opportunity to see a number of them that are hard to find in any other part of the country. Some of the birds to encounter here include; the Kivi ground thrush, Crimson-wing, Dusky crimson, White-tailed blue monarch, Bar-tailed trogons among others. The best trails for birdwatching are the Bamboo zone trail, the Buhoma waterfall trail and the Mubwindi swamp trail.

Cultural encounters Bwindi once had natives that lived and solely depended on this forest and these were the Batwa. These people were however evicted from the park and relocated to settlements outside the park. It is this group of people that started sharing their ancient life history and way of life back then when they still co-existed with the forest and were hunt gatherers. Tourists who get involved in the Batwa cultural encounter have a lot they will learn, from medical plants that you least expected to dances and songs shared.

SECTORS IN THE PARK AND THEIR HABITUATED FAMILIES 

1. Buhoma sector: This is located in the northern part of Bwindi and is one of the most visited areas. This was also the first sector where tourism was done when the first family “Mubare” was first habituated in 1992. This sector is close to Queen Elizabeth National Park passing through Ishasha sector getting a chance to see the tree climbing lions. Other activities to carry out while in this sector include; hiking waterfall trails like Munyanga, Ivi and rushura trail, visiting the Bakiga, visiting the Batwa and bird watching. The gorilla families in this sector are;

Mubare gorilla family: This was the first family to be habituated in Uganda 1992, with 18 individuals and was open to tourists in 1993. It was named after the gorgeous Mubare hill where it was first seen with its leader Ruhondeza who was attacked by a wild group which even took away some of the females. Ruhondeza died in his sleep in 2012 which led to a successor Kanyonyi to takeover. The Mubare group is much adorable due to the increase of numbers; it received two babies in the same year 16th October and 7th November 2019. Habinyanja gorilla family It drives its name from a rukiga word “Nyanja” which means “place of water”. The family was first seen near swamp ponds in Bwindi; was habituated in 1997 and tourists first visited it in the year 1999. This group was led by a dominant silverback named Mugurusi whose name means “old man’s teeth” though he later passed on due to old age. After his death, the sons took over; Rwansigazi and Mwirima who shared power. Rwansigazi was an adventurous gorilla who liked travelling while Mwirima liked his dad so much so he preferred to always stay back. Later on, the two silverbacks decided to separate in 2002 without any fights; Rwansigazi maintained Habinyanja while Mwirima formed Rushegura. Rushegura gorilla family This family has 19 members and it separated from its former family Habinyanja in 2002 which was led by Mwirima who loved staying at a close range with his family members. Mwirima died in the year 2014 so, Kabukojo has to take over. This family also used to cross to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and back until it settled in Bwindi. This is one of the calmest families seen wondering around the lodge gardens and does not shy away from visitors.

2. Rushaga sector Located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, this sector is uniquely positioned as the only area permitted for the gorilla habituation experience, allowing tourists to spend four unforgettable hours with the majestic mountain gorillas. Tourists can also enjoy bird watching, exploring the forest’s diverse avifauna, Batwa cultural encounters, learning about the traditional ways of the indigenous Batwa people, and forest walks, embarking on guided hikes through the lush forest. Notably, Dorotia’s Bwindi Eco Tourism Resort, our luxurious and eco-friendly resort, is conveniently located in this sector, offering comfortable accommodations, delicious dining, and exceptional service to enhance your Bwindi experience. The habituated gorilla families here include;

Nshogi gorilla family: This gorilla family derived its name from “omushongi” meaning honey. It was habituated in the year 2007 and was officially launched to tourists in the year 2009. In the year 2010, this gorilla group decided to split into two making Nshogi and Mishaya groups.

Mishaya gorilla family: This family was part of the Nshogi group but in 2010, it decided to form its new family consisting of 12 individuals but Mishaya, the silverback was known for his aggressiveness that he fought and was seen in many battles with other groups. Mishaya was involved in a heated fight with an unhabituated gorilla family which left him with injuries and lived only foe 28years and later on lost his life 2014 where he was found dead with no injuries. After his death, Tinfayo took over power. Bweza gorilla family This one also started with Nshogi gorilla family which was the largest among other families but split into many groups because of the misunderstandings between the members. This family had many fights and Bweza, the silverback opted to break from the rest of the families so that he can start his own group.

3. Nkuringo sector: Nkuringo sector is located in the western part of the park and is home to the famous Nkuringo and Christmas families and here you need to be physically fit when hiking since this area is on higher altitude. Gorilla families here include; Nkuringo gorilla family The name of this family was derived from a rukiga word “Nkuringo” meaning a “round hill” and it was the first group to be habituated in the whole of the southern sector of Bwindi in the year 1997 and later opened for tourism in 2004. The family is a group of 17 individuals and was led by an elderly silverback Nkuringo who died in 2008 leaving behind two silverbacks; Safari and Rafiki. Nkuringo family was the first group to welcome a set of twins; Katungi and Muhozi but unfortunately Katungi died at 1.5yeras due to illness. Christmas gorilla family. This Christmas gorilla family is a group of 8 members who split from Nkuringo family. The group is led by a dominant silverback Christmas who is believed to have been born on Christmas.

4. Ruhija sector Located in the eastern part of the park and it’s the coldest area in Bwindi. This sector is also recognized in the Important Bird Area for Global Conservation Importance. Some of the habituated gorilla families here are; Bitukura gorilla family This was named after River Bitukura, habituated in 2007 and was open to tourists in the year 2008. Bitukura is a peaceable family with few silverbacks with their leader Ndahura who is the second youngest silverback. Oruzongo gorilla family This gorilla family is led by a dominant silverback named Tibirikwata and was open for tourism in 2011. The family is one of the most visited families by tourists and this is because of the playful and energetic juveniles and toddlers in the group. What makes it even more special is that it received a set of twins in 2012.

GORILLA FACTS 

• They are most active during the morning hours.
• • Each gorilla builds a nest from surrounding vegetation to sleep in and constructing a new one every evening.
• They leave their sleeping sites when the sun rises of around 6am except when it is cold or rains, they tend to stay longer.
• Their arms are longer than their legs
• Gorillas move by knuckles-walking supporting its weight on the backs of its curved fingers rather than its palms.
• Can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park, Mgahinga gorilla forest national park, Virunga national park and Volcanoes national park.
• Mountain gorillas have fur which is thicker and longer than that of other gorilla species which enables them to live in cold temperatures.
• Adult males are called silverbacks because of the saddle grey hair which develops on their backs with age.
• The hair on their backs is shorter than on most other body parts and their arm hair long.
• They are highly stable and live in relatively stable cohesive groups held together by long term bonds between adult males and females.
• They appear to be naturally afraid of certain reptiles and insects
• Gorillas spend 8 hours a day eating, about 34 kilograms for males and 18 kilograms for females.
• Gorillas are primarily herbivores and they feed on leaves, stems, fruits, shoots and roots.
• Although strong and powerful, they are generally gentle and very shy.
• They also face a risk of being infected that’s why they separate them from tourists with a 7 meters distance.
• They are afraid of water and they will cross streams only if they can do so without getting wet such as crossing over fallen longs.
• They bark most frequently while traveling and indicate the whereabouts of individual group members. They may also be used during social interactions when disciple is required.

DOs AND DON’Ts OF GORILLA TREKKING 

Before gorilla trekking

• A maximum number of 8 tourists will see a group of habituated gorillas in a day as this minimizes the risk of behavioral change and exposure to diseases
• Only people of 16 years and above will be allowed to do gorilla trekking. There are porters to help the elderly and the frail.
• Ensure that you have clean hands as you head out to the gorillas, wash them before if needed.
• Always keep your voices low to watch out for other forest wildlife and bot to scare the gorillas.
• Don’t drop any rubbish in the park; ensure that you carry all the trash you move with like the water bottles.

While with the gorillas 

• Keep a distance of about 7 meters away from the gorillas; the further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be and more chances to have the experience. This limits the risk of diseases and hence saving for the future.
• The maximum time with the gorillas is 1 hour however, if the gorillas are agitated, the ranger will advise to leave early.
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Please adhere to this.

• Stay in the company of your group members
• Keep your voices down at all times, but it is okay to interact with the guide and also ask questions.
• Flash photography is not permitted and dangerous; when taking pictures, you can move slowly and carefully.
• Do not attempt to touch the gorillas, they are wild animals like any other.
• When heading away from the gorillas, try to keep your voices low until you are 200 meters away from them.

WHAT TO CARRY ON A GORILLA SAFARI

• Gorilla permit and valid passport
• Hiking boots of good quality
• Waterproof jacket, rain jacket and sweater
• Long sleeved shirts, long socks and long trousers (avoid the red color)
• Gloves
• Headband and hair ties
• Camera with strong battery and memory
• Binoculars
• Walking stick
• Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen lotion
• Insect repellent
• Snacks, packed lunch and enough drinking water
• Porter for extra luggage
• Tips for rangers and porters

SILVERBACK FACTS 

• The dominant silverback generally determines the movement of the group.
• He is the center of attention during rest sessions and young gorillas frequently stay close to him and include him in their games.
• If the mother dies or leaves a group, the silverback is usually the one who looks after her abandoned offspring even allowing them sleep in the nest.
• He also meditates conflicts within the group and protects it from external threats.
• When the group is attacked by humans, wild animals or other gorillas, the silverback will protect them at the cost of his life.
• When a new silverback joins the family group, he may kill all of the infants of the dead silverback.

ROUTES

• Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma which is approximately a 10-hours’ drive
• Kampala-Masaka- Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro-Rushaga which is approximately 10 hours.
• Kampala-Ntungamo-Rukungiri-Kihihi-Buhoma and this is the direct route from Kampala which is also approximately 10 hours
• The park can also be accessed from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the northern part of the park.
• You can also opt for air transport from Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi Airfield to Kisoro.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT 

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the dry season which occurs from June to August and December to February and this is when it’s easier for gorilla trekking. The wet season from March to May and September and November are best for the bird watching activity.