The Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi Forest
What are the Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi? -Over 99%
What are the Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Deep in the heart of Uganda lies a natural treasure with diverse species to be explored –the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Most popular for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, this inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site shelters over half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Love primate encounters that leave lasting memories? Then embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to strike your imagination as you live to reality as you interact with the actual massive mountain gorillas lazing in the lush tropical rainforest.
Always imagined seeing silverback gorillas in the wild? It is that opportune moment to get actual encounters. So What are the odds of seeing gorillas in Uganda? Up to 99% of Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi National Park are worth every penny, effort, and time.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a spectacular rainforest park in Uganda offers 99% chances of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural environment. This is something beyond anyone’s imagination but real. The 1% is just to cater for unavoidable circumstances in the jungle.
Explore our complete guide as we unveil the secrets of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, getting you every detail of what makes Bwindi’s chances of seeing gorillas so high plus other tips.
Get to know the ideal gorilla trekking locations in Bwindi, access to the park, where to stay, and different gorilla trekking rules & regulations. Here is your ultimate guide to Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Hint: Gorilla Trekking undoubtedly offers unmatched thrill in the jungles. Embarking on a gorilla trek in Bwindi is a lifetime experience and fun adventure.
The gentle mountain gorillas exist only in the 4 Parks but having up to 99% chances of encountering these giants in Bwindi, is something unusual. The rest of the gorillas reside right in Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), and Virunga National Park (Congo).
Success Rate of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi during mountain gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park guarantees up to 99% chances of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild. The highest success rate of spotting these apes makes Bwindi National Park, the favorite destination to spend a gorilla holiday. It builds ultimate confidence and the possibility of you spotting a silverback gorilla with its family members all relaxed in their natural environment.
How it works
The actual gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park begins with verification and briefing at the specific gorilla sectors. At around 7:00 am visitors are expected at the park offices to meet the park official to get insights into the different guidelines to follow during gorilla trekking.
Half an hour of pre-gorilla trekking briefing includes allocation of gorilla groups, park ranger guides, and for you to also hire a porter. At around 8:00 am, be ready to hit the jungle in search of mountain gorillas in the wild.
The extensive gorilla trekking session is expected to run for 2-6 hours. What a special journey! You then get absolute an hour to interact with a group of mountain gorillas in their habitat. It is this special period for you to utilize to observe every detail of how these apes behave and take pictures.
Treks on already Habituated Gorilla Families
Yes, your adventure has become easier than what you have always imagined. The actual trek to see gorillas is done on already habituated gorilla groups. Luckily, no destination beats Bwindi in numbers when it comes to gorilla families.
A total of about 24 fully habituated gorilla families reside across the 4 sectors in Bwindi including Ruhija to the East, Buhoma to the North, Nkuringo, and Rushaga to the South.
Habituated gorilla families mean they are accustomed to human presence and not scared when you come across them like wild gorillas. The comfort behind interacting with these apes is one factor why Bwindi offers 99% chances of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild.
The work of trackers
The efforts and role of the park trackers shouldn’t be underestimated. The gorilla trackers often visit gorillas earlier during their daily monitoring exercise to observe their behaviors.
In the course of monitoring, they keep track of their location and get back to the park ranger guides. The park ranger guides are directed to where these gentle giants live at a particular period thus increasing chances of seeing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Early Booking to Increase The Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi
First things first- yes, your gorilla trekking success starts with booking a gorilla permit and tour in advance. With the high demand for gorilla permits and gorilla trekking adventure, securing your slot in advance puts you on a higher chance to engage in this thrilling experience.
Preparedness
Gorilla trekking is a whole energy-demanding adventure that requires proper preparation. Getting yourself fit enough before the actual trek is 100% the best way to start your adventure.
You have higher chances to have a round trek and a close interaction with gorillas in the wild. It takes 2-6 hours to have a complete trek with gorillas something that requires you to be fit enough.
Favorable weather conditions
Timing is very important when if you are to achieve your higher chances of spotting gorillas in the jungles of Bwindi. Bwindi is an all-year-round destination but the dry season offers the best weather conditions for gorilla trekking.
The peak dry season starts from June to September (the longest dry months) and December to January (short dry months of the year).
Use of Signs Increase The Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi
As you embark on the gorilla trekking adventure, you notice that your guide will be using certain signs to ascertain the existence of gorillas in the particular area. Using signs like feces and nests can guide where the gorillas are.
Many gorilla locations & gorilla families
Bwindi is the only park with 4 sectors for visitors to start their treks from. Each gorilla region has a habituated gorilla family whereby Buhoma has the Mubare group, Muyambi, Habinyanja, Rushegura gorilla group, and Katwe.
The Rushaga region in the South has families such as Bikingi, Rwigyi, Mishaya, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bweza, Mucunguzi group, Busingye, and more.
Nkuringo gorilla families include Nkuringo, Christmas, and Bushaho. At the Ruhija sector, expect to visit Mukiza, Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, and Bitukura.
Useful Tips to Guide The Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi
Book a place to stay in or near the gorilla location. In the Buhoma sector, gorilla safari lodges to stay include Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Mahogany Springs, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Bwindi Lodge.
Ruhija sector lodges include Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Trekkers Tavern, and others. Rushaga sector gorilla lodges include Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge.
Other lodges in the Rushaga sector include Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge. Avoid accommodation facilities that are found a bit far from where you intend to start your trek.
Choose the right time.
Not all seasons favor gorilla trekking. To have a successful gorilla trekking tour, consider traveling during the peak dry season. The longest dry months extend from June to September and December to February which mark the short dry season.
What to wear or take
Only essential items are needed during a gorilla trek and include long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a camera, a first aid kit, waterproof hiking boots, a daypack, and more.
Conclusively, the Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi can be determined by a number of factors including fitness level, weather conditions, location of gorillas, and more.