Bwindi gorilla trekking from Jinja
Bwindi gorilla trekking from Jinja: Everyone in any part of the world deserves to trek mountain gorillas which are said to be close relatives to human beings. These apes are said to have 98% human DNA and in Uganda, tourists can only find them in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi has the highest number of these mountain gorillas with over 23 families open for visits while Mgahinga still has one mountain gorilla family open for trekking.
Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris from Jinja are organized for tourists who could be staying in Jinja or those on short visits who would love to trek mountain gorillas before leaving the country. The safari enables tourists to meet the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in their natural habitats doing different activities.
Tourists from Jinja who would love to have a Bwindi mountain gorilla safari simply need to contact any licensed local tour operator to organize the safari or book them gorilla trekking permits if it’s a self-drive safari. Gorilla trekking is possible in all park sectors Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija for only tourists who have gorilla trekking permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi
On the day of mountain gorillas trekking, tourists will need to wake up very early in the morning and drive to the sector headquarters where they will all gather for a briefing from the rangers. These teach the dos and don’ts of the activity before grouping trekking not exceeding 8 and giving them armed ranger guides to guide them inside the jungle.
Trekkers are driven to the starting points of the trek where they are left with the rangers to go into the jungle and search where the mountain gorillas could be. The search goes through a number of trails for 2 to 4 hours and while searching they get an opportunity to see different forest attractions like mammals, primates, and birds.
When the mountain gorillas are spotted, trekkers are given 1 hour to be around the members and this comes with an opportunity of learning their habits. Mountain gorillas are said to have 98% of human DNA and at times they act like human beings. Trekkers are also allowed to take photos and record moments around the mountain gorillas for future memories.
After mountain gorilla trekking, it’s always late and difficult for tourists to drive back to Jinja. Tourists can choose to visit Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation or Lake Mburo National Park to see the different wildlife species that live there. A mountain gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi is a once in a lifetime experience that every traveler who loves primates needs to do.
What is the cost of a Bwindi gorilla permit for tourists from Jinja?
Uganda Wildlife Authority sells gorilla trekking permits to foreign non-residents who are tourists from outside Africa, foreign residents who are not nationals not with working permits, and Citizens of East African member states. From Jinja, foreign non-residents pay $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 Rest of Africa, and UGX300,0000 citizens of East African Member States.
To get a gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi impenetrable forest national park you need to go through a licensed local tour operator that is known by Uganda Tourism Board. We advised tourists to book their gorilla permits in advance to avoid last minute bookings. Tourists from Jinja need to first secure the permits before traveling to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park for gorilla trekking.
The best time to have a Bwindi gorilla trekking safari from Jinja
Tourists can have Bwindi gorilla trekking safari from Jinja at any time of the year however we recommend the dry season. June to September and December to February is when tourists can go on this safari because there is little rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The roads leading to the park are very dry and in good condition which means that the tourists reach the park in time.
While carrying out gorilla tracking, trekkers will find dry and passable trekking trails which makes them locate the gorilla family on time. The vegetation will be short and scattered with good views of the mountain gorillas and other forest attractions. The rainy season season can still be used to visit Bwindi from Jinja but it has plenty of rainfall.
getting to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park from Jinja
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district. From Jinja to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park it can be a whole day of driving and this means that tourists who intend to travel need to start the journey very early in the morning. The route to Jinja goes via Kampala, Mpigi, Masaka, Lyantonde, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Kabale, or Kisoro to the park.
