There is no other wildlife encounter comparable to the thrilling experience of watching the giant mountain gorillas in the beautiful tropical rain forest of Bwindi far in the southwestern region of Uganda. The forest houses about 500 of these endangered species of primates and this makes it home to the highest number of the world’s surviving population of mountain gorillas. To reach this destination, rent a car with a driver and enjoy a guided safari from the capital through some of the big towns like Mbarara also known as the “land of milk and honey” to the rolling hills of Kabale where we also find the deepest lake in Uganda. Our professional safari guides are passionate about the country and have a lot to share and discover with you during the road trip.
With the use of a travel map and GPS, you can rent a car for self drive tour to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park to explore some of Uganda’s hidden treasures. There are four sectors in the park where gorilla trekking takes place, each offering a unique experience to the trekkers. Therefore, when planning to book for a gorilla permit, find how special each of these sectors is to make the best choice for great satisfaction of the desired experience of the safari. Gorillas in all sectors-Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Buhoma are alike with long black fur, majestic and silver colored fur at the back of mature male gorillas which can easily be identified when you meet them face to face during the trek.
While planning for the gorilla safari to Bwindi, whether it’s a guided gorilla tour or choosing to drive privately, it is important to rent a car that is suitable for the trip. Driving from Kampala to Bwindi takes 8-11 hours depending on the location of the destination sector for your gorilla trek. Travelers who don’t want to sit for these long hours can opt to be picked from Kigali airport in Rwanda. Recommended vehicles when traveling to Bwindi include safari vehicles and 4 wheel drive which include Safari extended Land cruiser, Toyota Rav4, Land cruiser VX and Nissan Patrol. Such kinds of cars are also perfect for game drives if the safari is combined with a wildlife safari for example to nearby destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Saloon cars are also effectively used to travel to bwindi for exclusive gorilla tours. We have comfortable Premios, Raum, Toyota Vitz, Corona and Wish given out for adventure tours and other travel purposes at affordable rates.
Bwindi national park has over 30 gorilla families habituated for tourism. Big groups can book for their gorilla permits to this area well assured of easy transportation in safari vans which accommodate 10-14 members and coasters that take up to 30 travelers. Remember to make early bookings for both gorilla permits and the vehicles to secure permits in preferred trekking locations.
Are you interested in knowing more about how the humble apes in Bwindi are prepared and trained to remain calm in the presence of humans? Arrange for a “Gorilla Habituation experience” which allows you to go with researchers and habituators in the forest to do their daily activities regarding habituation of the wild gorillas.
Accommodation in Bwindi
There are a number lodges in Bwindi impenetrable national park and where to stay depends on the sector to do the trek. Rushaga sector in the southern part of the park is a trekking haven and lodges around this place include Rushaga Gorilla camp, Gorilla safari lodge, Ichumbi gorilla lodge and Gorilla Valley lodge among others. Reputable lodges in Nkuringo sector in west of Bwindi are Nkuringo Gorilla camp, Clouds mountain gorilla lodge and Nkuringo Bwindi lodge among others. Mahogany springs lodge, Buhoma lodge and bwindi forest lodge are some of the places to stay at in Buhoma sector. Ruhija is located in the east of bwindi with lodges including Gorilla Mist camp, Gift of nature camp and Trekkers Tavern lodge. Some of these lodges are strategically located on elevated areas where visitors chill and enjoy the breathtaking views of the tropical forest, Virunga volcanoes and other surrounding areas. 4WD vehicles access these lodges with ease.
To hire a car to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park, contact us via [email protected] or make a phone call on +256-700315510
