Information | Visit Bwindi Gorillas

5 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Gorillas

Gorillas are among the intelligent primates the world host today. When it comes to primate safaris, gorillas should be a must see! They are intriguing animals and worthy seeing! They are capable of using tools like sticks, stones and pods among others. They use sticks to scoop termites from the ground, stones for defense and pods to collect drinking water from the streams. During a gorilla visit in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or the Virunga Region, you will come to learn about the life of the mountain gorillas and how they survive in the wild.

Gorillas Live in Families

Gorillas are known stay together in large groups known as ‘troops’. Each troop consists of members ranging from 5 to 40 depending on the size of the habitat. The largest gorilla group in history existed in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Who Takes Care?

The females take good care of their young ones and they communicate with each other in a variety of ways. They not only warn their troop members of the approaching dangers, but also warn others to stay away from them.

Male gorillas are also important in grooming the young ones. On many occasions, you will find male gorillas interacting with the young and juveniles, teaching them the way things can be done e.g crossing rivers, building nests etc.

Maturity of Gorillas

A male silverback Gorilla, an adult of 13 years or more, is the head of each group. Only this Gorilla is allowed to mate with the female gorillas of the troop.

The other male members leave the troop once they mature and go on to form their own troops.

Females also leave the troop after maturity, in order to find a suitable silverback so that they can be a part of his troop.

Diet of Gorillas

The usual diet of a Gorilla consists of flowers, fruits, leaves, stems, bamboo, etc. The eastern lowland gorillas however, indulge in ants and other small insects, alongside vegetal matter.

Makeshift Homes

On a gorilla trek through the impenetrable forest, you will look out for the nests that they build daily for their stay. Upon meeting the nests, it is evident and clear that you are close to encountering a gorilla family. The size of the nest also differs with the composition of members.

Gorillas do not sleep in one nest twice….. Gorillas sleep in nests, which they build on the ground or in trees, depending on various variables, such as the vegetation and the security situation. Every evening mountain gorillas construct a new nest, even if it is only a few meters from the nest they used the night before. Each animal builds its own nest; only infants sleep in the same nest as their mothers. About half an hour before it gets dark the gorillas settle in the nest. Occasionally, they also build nests for the midday rest.

To build a ground nest, the animals pull the branches of bushes and other plants into the centre, layer them and anchor them to each other. Other plants are bent in to form the nest rim. Tree nests are built mainly in forks of branches or similar structures. The nest has to be constructed in such a way that it can carry the weight of the gorilla. Females and young animals prefer to sleep in trees, whereas silverback males hardly ever do.

Gorilla Trekking: What If I Fail to See the Gorillas

Many tourists wonder about what happens if one fails to see the gorillas during a gorilla safari in Uganda. Though the success rate of seeing the gorillas on a single trek is 99%, on a bad day, some tourists have failed to see the gorillas. Then what can be done to save the day? What happens if I fail to see the mountain gorillas? We try to answer this commonly asked question so that you can book your next gorilla safari in Africa when you are in the know.

For cases where a trekker fails to view mountain gorillas when he or she is already in the forest, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) can improvise where need be. In case she or he has adequate time the following day, he or she shall have a second chance to trek. But note, this rarely happens!

For trekkers try their best to hike through the jungles and steep slopes to search for mountain gorillas. In this process, some tourists do not make it due to many reasons. Some of the reasons include physical wellness or illnesses, old age and the movement of gorillas.

On most occassions, old or less fit clients, tourists can be allocated gorilla families that are expected to be close to the starting point. At times, when the trek has already started, visitors can be taken back to where they started their trek and then hike to the nearby gorilla groups that is if there is any. Such trekker will be required to give his or her details concerning the physical abilities to park ranger or official. This is to help the park officials find the best alternative for such category.

Where to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda

A glimpse at mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a lifetime experience. In Uganda, you can be part of this thrilling experience only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park which are all set in southwestern Uganda. The two parks offer refuge to over half of all the 1004 mountain gorillas that the world today boast of. There are over 21 gorilla families available for tourism and research purposes. In Bwindi National Park, treks usually start in anyone of the four trekking regions; Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga or Buhoma area, each of these has habituated families and only one will be assigned to you to trek in a group of 8 trekkers. You will be accompanied by a professional park ranger guide and in case of heavy luggage you will hire a porter to help you carry.

Gorilla permits in Uganda

A gorilla permit is an essential tool every trekker should have if he or she is to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. In Uganda, you can obtain one at $600 if you are a foreign non-resident, $500 for foreign resident and shs. 250000 for East African citizens. However, starting 1^st July 2020, gorilla permits in Uganda will cost $700, $600 and shs.250000 respectively. A gorilla permit at hand gets you about 99 percent chances to see mountain gorillas. Normally, trackers are sent to the field to ascertain the whereabouts of these incredible creatures before the next group of trekkers set off something that easies and also reduces hours of hiking to see mountain gorillas.

How to obtain gorilla permits in Uganda

Gorilla permits in Uganda can be obtained either through a reliable, trustworthy tour operator in Uganda or through a reservationist at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Visitors on gorilla safari to Uganda or Rwanda are advised to secure their gorilla permits earlier before embarking on actual trip since the demand is high. If you plan to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking, you need $1500 to secure a gorilla permit and you can do so through a ground tour operator or a reservationist at Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

In summary, a trek to see mountain gorillas is a life changing experience that any traveler on African safari shouldn’t miss out.

Gorilla Trekking in Mishaya Group of Bwindi

Many travelers wonder about how to choose a location for gorilla tracking within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Forest. Though many travelers would like to track where multiple groups, many zero down on tracking one gorilla group. Remember only eight tourists are allowed to track a particular habituated gorilla group! Though there are ten habituated gorilla groups (as per 2014) that get visited each day, Mishaya is one of the interesting groups that our correspondent visited on his recent gorilla tour within Uganda.

MISHAYA GORILLA GROUP

Mishaya is one of the most exciting gorilla family in Uganda that are available for gorilla watching all year round. Located in the Rushaga area, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest- southern section, this is one of the gorilla families with interesting history. The Mishaya Gorilla family separated from Nsongi group due to conflicts that cropped up amongst the family members. Then Miyasha led an uprising and split from the major group with close to 8 gorillas left Nshongi family. It is now 4 year since Mishaya group was habituated in July 2010- it is one of the new gorilla families in Bwindi forest.

In February 2014, the Silverback gorilla that led this group was found dead on the morning of February 3rd, 2014 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) trackers on patrol in the forest. At just 28-years-old, Mishaya, the dominant leader of the Mishaya Gorilla Group in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was reported dead on the morning of February 3rd, 2014 by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) trackers on patrol in the forest. Mishaya died after a short illness, according to the top wildlife officials.

Otherwise Mishaya was a strong and healthy silverback, with no history of illness, no evidence of injury or previous medical interventions and his sudden death was impossible to explain without further investigation. The Gorilla Doctors later carried out a necropsy study to find out what killed the old Mishaya! Surprisingly, blackback Mwine managed to fill the leadership role in Mishaya group for the time being to keep the females together and the infants safe.

Currently there are 7 members of the group. The Mishaya Family Members include; Bakunzi the adult female, Mwiza the adult female, Rutaro a juvenile, Mize a juvenile, Mwiza Baby 1 an infant, Mwiza baby 2 an infant, Bakunzi baby an infant, Unknown infant 1, and Unknown infant 2.

Have you visited the mountain gorillas in person? You can easily learn more about gorilla travel in Uganda by getting in touch with one of the adventure travel company in Eastern Africa.

Briefing on Gorilla Trekking

It’s a process of preparing clients before set off for gorilla trekking. It is a very important process to prepare trekkers for the task of searching for gorillas in their natural habitat. Briefing occurs in the morning at the park headquarters by the ranger guides who are experienced about the gorilla behaviors.

HOW IS BRIEFING DONE?

Tourists from different parts of the world who bought their gorilla permits in advance, gather at the park headquarters. They are requested to register their names. The rangers start equipping them with the rules and regulations governing gorilla trekking. They also let them know the ease and difficulties experienced during the process of Gorilla trekking.

Failure to follow the rules and regulation governing gorilla trekking, the clients can be expelled from the activity at none refund penalty. After briefing, tourists are grouped into eight to visit each Gorilla family. A maximum of eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla family.

REASONS FOR BRIEFING

Briefing is done purposely to protect gorillas and their habitat for future generation.

Briefing is done to overcome harm from Gorillas. It should be noted that, Gorillas are wild animals and if not handled well, they can fight and cause harm.

It is done to enable trekkers interact with each other. In most cases, they are requested to introduce themselves to each other.

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING GORILLA TREKKING

A maximum of one hour is allowed to chat, take photos/ films of Gorillas. It is done to avoid over stressing the gentle giants.

Each Gorilla group/ family is visit once a day. Gorillas are wildlife which does not need presence of man for a long time.

A maximum of eight people are allowed to visit each gorilla family. Many people may suffocate the gorillas making them upset.

Do not litter in the park. All dust should be put in the bins.

Do not dump waste products anywhere in the park. Request the ranger guides to dig for you a hole and burry after.

Avoid noise while amidst the Gorilla family. It can force Gorillas to fight you.

If Gorillas charge, please leave the group.

Maintain 7 meter distance between human and Gorillas.

Do not touch and engage gorillas. They are tough and do not want to be challenged.

When Gorillas charge, please reduce the height and move away.

HOW GORILLA TREKKING IS CONDUCTED AFTER BRIEFING?

After briefing, each group of eight trekkers moves to encounter different gorilla families. They walk through the forests under the guidance of rangers. Rangers are assigned the task of answering all questions to ensure informative and enjoyable experience.

Depending on the location of a gorilla group, trekking may take 3-6 hours and sometimes a full day when Gorillas move far away from the park headquarters.

When they meet gorillas, trekkers take photos/ films and so on for the maximum of one hour before leaving Gorillas in peace.

The experience is somehow tough because of the difficulties gone through while trying to search but the thrill obtained while with Gorillas erases a way all the bad memories went through in trying to meet them.

Gorilla Permits: What Is Included & Excluded

Gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo are frequently considered expensive because of the gorilla permit cost. And most independent travelers resort to booking their own permits directly other than paying the all-inclusive packages sold by the tour operators.

Yes this is quite a smart idea, it may save you some few bucks if booked with the local tour agencies. But in which ever case, booking through a professional tour operator presents a much convenient, secure and all – inclusive and informed packages that meet all traveler’s expectations, than when booked directly.

Gorilla permits cost 600 USD, 1500 USD and 400 USD in Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo respectively. This amount summed up with other trip inclusions like accommodation, transport and meals makes the whole tour package some how expensive and in most cases double the cost of the permit. However, still what is a gorilla trip without supporting services?

In Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo, the gorilla permit costs cater for different services that you will find worth of the prices in each country. Actually the inclusions of a gorilla permit don’t so much differ in all these destinations where gorilla watching is conducted.

In all the gorilla homes, a permit includes visiting any habituated gorilla family in the park. On that cost, trekkers are allowed to walk in the forest at their own pace and convenience in search of the humble forest giants. Upon meeting them, spend an hour in their midst as you watch how they play and fight each other, jumping from one tree branch to another. There is nothing more amazing than coming face to face with the great silverback in Africa.On that same cost, travelers have all the freedom of taking as many photos of the gorillas as they want without any limitations, provided the camera doesn’t have a flash. Remember photos are the major signage of memories, what would be a gorilla safari without photos of cherished moments?

Ranger guide fees are also covered in the permit cost. Before every trek in the jungle, trekkers have simple briefings from the local guide on the Do’s and Don’ts while trekking the gorillas. Armed guides then take them around the forest to places where the sought after gorilla family is suspected to have slept the previous night.

These guides are not entitled to any payment from the visitors, unless tips in appreciation of the good services offered. And note that in Uganda this is not a must, it’s an act done out of personal will.

The permit costs also include park entrance fees plus the vehicle parking fees in the park. Don’t expect to pay to enter the park if you have a permit, it’s a guarantee of a direct pass into the park and entrance is valid for an entire day.

Still on the permit, costs for the services of well-trained trackers are covered. These trackers do the in depth inspection of the place where gorillas slept the previous night and inform the ranger guides on which areas to track these gentle apes from.

Mark that accommodation, transport to the gorillas, meals and airport pickups and drop offs are excluded from the gorilla permit costs. All those are your personal expenses, and this is where an all-inclusive travel package from tour operators is recommended for gorilla enthusiasts.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Africa are done in the three prime gorilla destinations of Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo. Visit the Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga national parks in Uganda, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega national parks in D.R. Congo for ultimate encounters with the mighty apes of the jungle.

Buhoma Community Walk in Bwindi

Over 90% of the people who visit Uganda go to Bwindi Impenatrable national park for gorilla safaris. Although gorillas are the leading tourist attraction in Bwindi and Uganda at large, there are other things to do such as Batwa trail, community walks, Natural walks and other primates watch such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, vervat monkeys to others. In this article is mainly talking about the Buhoma community walk. What you need to know?

How long does the walk take?

For the first time visitors, this walk will take you three hours. It is a village walk that unveils tourists to the local community living near the impenetrable forest. The local community can present to you there culture and dance. They will also avail you with their traditional cooking and brewing as well as their herbal medicines. When you’re in Buhoma village it will give you a chance to observe the people who are just adjacent to the Bwindi Impenetrable forest as it is also the best way to direct and support these local communities around the park.

Where does the walk start?

This interesting walk starts at Buhoma Community rest camp. You will be required to be in the company of your guide which is very rewarding. During this walk, you will be astonished at how the resourceful local residents do observe and learn their life style. On your first stop, you will see a group of women making handicrafts and the others weaving the baskets at the community crafts center. You can also buy a or your self

Which attractions will be seen during this nature walk?

Along the nature walk in Buhoma, you will come across a waterfall. This waterfall is located along the farmland. You will see very hardworking women in the nurture of their crops with the basic equipment used for digging which is a hoe and their leaves which are carefully picked by the skillful pickers. There is also tea plantation which has been cultivated and definitely you can carry some back home to enjoy in your country with your friends and families and you will have a reason to remember your experience within and around the Bwindi Impenetrable National park

Which stop overs will you come across during this nature walk?

During this walk, you will come across River Muyaga and while here, you will observe women locally washing their clothes in the customary way and here, they do use their hands to wash. In this village, there are no washing machines which are used to wash. A long the adjacent rocks in this area, you will enjoy a breathtaking sight of several multi-colored butterflies. You will also stop in the center of the Banana plantation with a traditional brewing demonstration that uses bananas.

What else will you come across during this nature walk?

Within this area, you will come across a traditional healer. This healer is not a witch doctor though he keenly knows the resources in the forest uses the forest in the forest. As a tourist, you will certainly be stunned by great knowledge and informative exhibition. The walk will also lead you community Mukono Primary School where you will meet the students with their teachers. In this school, students study without any computer. There is also no electricity and lights though there are marvelous thing in the amazing spirit of the children.

Visiting the batwa people during this nature walk.

Very interesting during this nature walk as you will visit the Batwa people also known as the pygmies. These originally people where originally inhabitants of the forest though they lost their home when Bwindi Forest National park was established. You will be entertained with this tribe which will present you a traditional dance. This dance will take you three hours of a very rewarding and informative pleasurable walk which offers you an opportunity to directly support the batwa people.