Bwindi warrants a five-star rating simply for its incredible forest scenery and the exhilarating opportunity to track mountain gorillas in the wild. Arguably, it is the single most reliably rewarding wildlife adventure that East Africa has to offer.
Gorilla trekking here is very well-managed and extremely organized. This is partially because the Ugandan government recognizes the financial value of gorilla tourism. Conservation rules are strictly observed. The maximum number of tourists allowed into the park per day for gorilla tracking is 176, considering that each of the 22 families cannot be visited by more than 8 tourists per day. This is a big contrast compared to the likes of Serengeti and Masai Mara where over 3,000 tourists pour in per day. It does feel more like an authentic and personal experience.
The activity (gorilla tracking) starts with assembling at the park headquarters early morning for a briefing on the DOs and DON’Ts of the adventure. Thereafter, you are allocated groups according to your level of fitness. That way, people who wish to trek fast aren’t slowed by those who wish to take a relaxed pace. You will be assigned two ranger guides who will lead your group for the activity as destined to the nominated gorilla family. We have been lucky enough to see gorillas here on numerous occasions. Watching them is like staring at a wild version of yourself in the mirror taking into account that they are almost human. They are, for the most part, beguiling, gentle, and chilled.
During your trek, you will be allowed to take stopovers whenever the need arises such as when you are exhausted. The wow factor with Bwindi is that its cost of gorilla permits is still at $700, unlike Volcanoes where it shot up to $1,500 a few years back.
Bwindi also has enormous potential as a birding destination as well, boasting over 330 species including Albertine endemics.