In the southwest of Uganda, on the border with Congo, an unforgettable experience awaits you. A fairy-tale setting reminiscent of Tarzan forms the backdrop for your encounter with the gorillas. From Queen Elizabeth National Park, the route planner directs you about 1.5 hours off the main road before your arrival. After passing through a few villages, the road steadily ascends. As you climb, all you see are more mountains covered with trees. The name of the park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, becomes entirely clear. Occasionally, you still come across tea fields, but green is the dominant color here.
Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning. Armed with a guide and a walking stick, you embark on the quest to find the gorillas. This journey can be quite strenuous, and the duration varies. Some level of fitness is required. It is highly recommended to bring a ‘porter.’ A porter is a local resident who assists you during the hike, significantly easing your journey. Additionally, this provides employment and contributes to local support for gorilla protection, helping to reduce poaching.
Once you find the gorillas, the clock starts ticking, and you have 1 hour to spend with them. This is to avoid overwhelming the gorillas and to keep the excursions ethical and sustainable. Whether it’s the impressive silverback gorilla making the most impact or the adorable baby gorilla excelling in cuteness, it’s an extraordinary experience and a beautiful intimate moment with nature.
Gorillas are a conservation success story in recent years. They have come back from the brink of extinction, and their numbers are increasing again. Such excursions are crucial to continuing this trend. An additional benefit of this activity is the positive impact on the conservation of these magnificent animals.
While the permits are costly, a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a must. These gorilla permits are fully included during our self-drive. For African safari enthusiasts, this is undoubtedly the absolute highlight of a journey through Uganda.
