The famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is another primate lover paradise with half of the living mountain gorillas living in the entire world. The forest belongs to the Uganda government though initially it was a home to the Batwa people also called Pygmies who accepted to vacate their traditional home for the conservation of mountain gorillas. Though Bwindi forest National Park is known for outstanding gorilla safari tours, it’s also a very important spot for research and conservation programs.
Perhaps Bwindi forest has always been a great gorilla safari destination though it shares its treasures with Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. You may have heard that seeing mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest is a life changing experience and at the end of the trek the hassles and struggles of the trip are covered up with only wonderful memories and moments. The attractive mountain gorillas are definitely a valuable tourist attraction not only in Uganda but worldwide.
To track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, one must be above fifteen years of age, have a gorilla permit with specific trekking dates of interest and must pay an authorized fee that vary from East Africa Nationals,Foriegners and foreign national residents. Even booking the gorilla permit should be done directly at Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a tour agent responsible for organizing your gorilla trekking tour in Uganda. A three day visit to Bwindi National Park costs from $900-$1500 a price that includes all the trip essentials-Transport, accommodation and gorilla permits.
Besides the park is known for having cheap gorilla permits compared to other gorilla trekking destinations in Africa. Bwindi forest is a place to count on when it comes to budget gorilla safaris in Africa. Try to avoid spending much on gorilla permits by tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda and save money for many other important life needs. If your budget is tight, don’t hesitate to join a group of others that have the same interest or sleeping the dormitory or campsite accommodation and make your dream come true in the Pearl of Africa.
Today Bwindi forest is a home to fifteen gorilla families which others call groups with fourteen ready for tourists every day and one for research purposes. Mountain gorilla families in Bwindi forest include Nkuringo, Bushaho, Mubare, Habiyanja, Rushegura, Mukiza, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, Busingye, Bweeza, Kahungye, Mishaya,Nshongi,and Bikingi.All the fifteen gorilla families live in four different park sectors of Bwindi National Park-Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Tracking gorillas in Bwindi forest is by choice and one can do it any time of the year and some tourists track gorillas twice while others just once.