Is it possible to do Gorilla Double Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?

You can do Gorilla Double Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and this means you go hiking twice into the rainforest to see mountain gorillas. Bwindi is in Uganda, in the Kanungu District. It’s a special place because it’s home to many different animals and plants, including half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

During Gorilla Double Trekking, you get to visit gorilla families two times. Bwindi has different areas where gorillas live, called sectors. So, you can choose to visit the same gorilla family twice, visit two different gorilla families in the same sector, or even visit gorilla families in different sectors on different days.

For example, if you visit a gorilla family called Mubare in one area on the first day, you could decide to visit them again on the second day. Or, you might choose to visit a different gorilla family, like Habinyanja, in the same area. You could even go to a different area, like Rushaga, and visit a gorilla family called Nshongi.

Double Gorilla Trekking is a great way to spend more time with the gorillas and learn about them. It helps you understand how they live, how they act, and what they look like. If you visit the same gorilla family twice, you might become really familiar with them.

But remember, Gorilla Double Trekking can be expensive because you need to buy two permits to visit the gorillas. However, it’s an exciting and unique experience for those who can afford it.

Double Gorilla Trekking Permits

In double gorilla trekking, you need permits to visit the gorilla groups. Each permit allows one person to trek a particular gorilla group once per day. A normal gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, 300,000 shillings for East African citizens, and $700 for foreign residents. For double gorilla trekking, you’ll need two permits, costing $1600 for foreign non-residents, 600,000 shillings for East African citizens, and $1400 for foreign non-residents. These permits can be bought from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices, but it’s wise to book in advance as they sell out quickly.

Double Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Double gorilla trekking covers two days of trekking gorillas. Let’s say you have a 4-day double gorilla trekking trip in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 1: Departure and Arrival

You’ll depart from Kampala or Entebbe, making a stop at Kayabwe to see the equator. Then, you’ll continue the journey, which takes about eight to ten hours, passing through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and finally reaching Bwindi. Upon arrival, you’ll book accommodation in the region where you plan to trek gorillas, like Buhoma sector.

Day 2: First Gorilla Trek

Wake up early, have breakfast, and head to Buhoma headquarters for briefing. Trekking starts at 8 am after the briefing. Trekking can last 2 to 4 hours, depending on where the gorillas are. You’ll spend an hour with the gorilla family (let’s say Mubare group), then head back to the park headquarters for a certificate and return to your accommodation.

Day 3: Second Gorilla Trek

Wake up early, have breakfast, and go to Buhoma headquarters for briefing. If you’re trekking the same gorilla family as yesterday (Mubare), you’ll be grouped and trekking starts at 8 am. If you’re trekking a different gorilla group, like Rushegura, your trek starts after briefing. Spend an hour with the gorillas, then return to your accommodation.

Alternative: Trekking in a Different Sector (Ruhija)

If you’re trekking in a different sector on day 2, like Ruhija, you’ll transfer to an accommodation facility there after trekking in Buhoma on day 1. Wake up early, attend briefing at Ruhija headquarters, trek, spend an hour with the gorilla family (e.g., Bitukura group), then return to your accommodation.

Day 4: Return Journey

Wake up, have breakfast, and return to Kampala, which takes about 8 hours. It’s better to double trek in the same region to save time and money. Plus, trekking the same gorilla family helps you familiarize with them better.

Trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The park has trails that trekkers use to reach tourist attractions and connect to other points. Some trails include River Munyaga, Waterfall, River Ivy, Birding, Bamboo, Habinyanja, River Ruizi, Kashasha River, Buniga Forest, and Suma Waterfall trails.

Accommodation Facilities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

When planning a double trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s essential to consider the accommodation options available in the different trekking regions. The park is divided into four sectors, each offering unique gorilla trekking experiences. Accommodation facilities in these regions cater to various budgets, ensuring everyone can find suitable lodging.

Buhoma Sector

Located in the northwestern part of Bwindi, the Buhoma sector is the park’s oldest area for gorilla trekking. It is home to several habituated gorilla families, including Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, and Muyambi. Accommodation options in this sector include:

• Buhoma Lodge
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Engagi Lodge
• Sanctuary Gorilla Camp
• Gorilla Forest Camp
• Bwindi View Bandas

These facilities offer amenities such as fully stocked bars, restaurants serving local and international dishes, comfortable beds, sitting rooms, bathrooms, and laundry services.

Ruhija Sector

Situated in the eastern part of Bwindi, the Ruhija sector boasts four habituated gorilla families: Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguliro (dedicated to research), and Mukiza. Accommodation options in this sector include:

• Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp
• Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite
• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Bakiga Lodge

Visitors to the Ruhija sector can enjoy similar amenities offered in other sectors, ensuring a comfortable stay during their double trekking adventure.

Rushaga Sector

Located in the southern part of Bwindi, the Rushaga sector is renowned for having the largest number of habituated gorilla families. These include Nshongi, Bikingi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Bweza, Mucunguzi, and Rwigi. Accommodation options in this sector include:

• Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
• Ichumbi Lodge
• Wagtail Safari
• Rushaga Gorilla Resort
• Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge

Additionally, visitors can observe the Kutu gorilla family, which is still undergoing habituation in this sector.

Nkuringo Sector

Found in the southern part of Bwindi, the Nkuringo sector is home to three habituated gorilla families: Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas. Accommodation options in this sector include:

• Chameleon Hill Lodge
• Mutanda Lake Resort
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Similar to other sectors, visitors can also encounter the Posho gorilla family, which is undergoing habituation.

Other Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In addition to double gorilla trekking, visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can engage in various activities to enhance their experience. These include:

• Boat Riding or Canoeing on Lake Mutanda: Enjoy a serene experience on the water while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
• Mountain Biking or Riding: Explore the park’s trails and paths on two wheels, experiencing nature in a unique way.
• Forest Nature Walks: Immerse yourself in the jungle of Bwindi, witnessing its diverse flora and fauna, including different bird species, animals, and primates.
• Village Walks: Interact with the locals, learning about their cultures, traditions, and way of life. Visit schools, projects, gardens, and plantations to gain insight into community life.
• Encounter with Batwa People: Learn about the indigenous Batwa people’s heritage and culture through songs, dances, and storytelling.

Best Time for Double Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

For optimal trekking conditions during a double gorilla trekking adventure, it’s advisable to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during the dry season. The months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and December offer favorable weather conditions with minimal rainfall. Dry days make pathways more accessible, and vegetation less dense, ensuring better visibility of gorillas.

While double trekking can be undertaken during the wet season (March, April, May, October, November), visitors should be prepared for challenges such as impassable pathways, colder temperatures, and overgrown vegetation. Despite these challenges, Bwindi’s beauty and wildlife remain captivating year-round, offering visitors a memorable experience regardless of the season.