The exhilarating double gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park involves a visitor locating and spending time with 2 different habituated mountain gorilla groups. Double gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be done in one or two of the four sectors in the park — Nkuringo, Ruhija, Buhoma and Rushaga. The double gorilla trekking allows you to observe differences in behaviors between 2 gorilla groups. A double gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be done throughout the year. But the dry season is the best time to go for this tour experience. The dry season runs from December to February and also from June to August, with July and August being the driest months. During this time, the gorilla trails are dry and passable, thus making the trek easier compared to that during the rainy season.
How to acquire a gorilla permit for your double gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Each of the gorilla treks requires you to have a separate gorilla permit, only issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A gorilla permit is a legal document to allow someone at least 15 years of age to locate and spend an hour with a habituated gorilla group in the wild. The cost of acquiring a gorilla permit is US dollars 800 and it is recommended to get the permits at least 3 months prior to your proffered trekking dates. This is because the permits are limited per day and the demand for them is quite high. Make your reservations through Monteero Safaris, since we are a registered local tour operator with established connections to help secure your gorilla permits even during peak seasons. We at Monteero Safaris guarantee a hassle-free acquisition process of your permits, and subsequently a smooth double gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
How double gorilla trekking in Bwindi is done
At around 07:00, you must be at the park headquarters or trailhead to attend a mandatory briefing by a park authority. You will be equipped with the trekking rule and also insight regarding the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. You will also be included in a group of 8 and assigned a habituated gorilla group to locate. An experienced tracker and armed ranger will lead you into the dense forest to locate your gorilla group. Overall, the trek will take 4 to 6 hours or more depending on the location of the gorilla group and your ability to hike on uneven terrain. Once you see them, take hundreds of beautiful photos for an hour while noticing the different ways they interact with each other and their environment. Afterwards, you will hike back to the starting point to complete your first day of the double gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
The second day of your double gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park will also involve a briefing at the park headquarters or trail head at around 07:00. You will also attend another briefing conducted by a park authority. This time they will provide insight about another habituated gorilla group in the forest. You will be included in a different group of fellow visitors with the maximum number of individuals being eight. Like the previous trek, you will be led by an experienced tracker and armed ranger to locate the allocated mountain gorilla group in the dense forest. Once you find them, observe them and take photos of them. After an hour you will be led back to where you started from to complete your double gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
How to travel for double gorilla trekking in Bwindi
To access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a double gorilla trekking safari, air or road transportation are the only available options for you. A road trip from Kampala city to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers over 503 kilometers south westwards. The scenic ride takes a duration of 9.5 to 11 hours depending on the road condition and traffic. The alternative is to use a faster means of transportation which is air transportation. A domestic flight is arranged from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro (northern part) and Kihihi (southern part). These daily flights by AeroLink offer aerial views of Uganda’s diverse physical features for 1.5 to 2 hours. After arriving at either airtstrip, a driver guide from Monteero Safaris will welcome you and drive you to the park headquarters or your booked accommodation.
What to pack for a double gorilla trekking in Bwindi
You are guaranteed to enjoy your double gorilla trekking in Bwindi by confirming that you have packed the following crucial items,
- Strong pair of hiking shoes or boots
- Gaiters
- A pair of garden gloves
- Raincoat or poncho
- Snack box
- Refillable water bottle
- Warm sweater
- Light clothes
- Sun protection items including sunglasses, sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat
- Scarf
- Insect repellent
- Basic first aid kit with bandage, antiseptic wipes and personal medication etc.
- Backpack
- Camera and binoculars
- Extra cash
For more information of what to pack and the best time to go for a double gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park feel free to contact us at Monteero Safaris.