TRACKING SILVERBACK MOUNTAIN GORILLA IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA – DAY TREK

Last Updated on April 1, 2019 by

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TRACKING SILVERBACK MOUNTAIN GORILLA IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA – DAY TREK

This blog is about my experience of tracking silverback mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa. The blog also lists important information such as where to stay, how to reach and best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

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The silverback mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

THE HEART-STOPPING MOMENT AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

She brushed past me as she appeared from deep bushes on my left, her body rubbing against my legs. I froze and so did my camera. Her young offspring though remain seated nonchalantly on her back.

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The mountain gorilla and her child who brushed past me at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

The gorillas acted cool and unperturbed as if we did not exist! As if, my leg was a branch.

There was absolutely no acknowledgement of our presence. Our excitement to see a Gorilla family was not reciprocated. The family comprised of a giant male, also known as Silverback, his spouse female gorilla and their only child. The child left her mother’s back and started eating the leaves. So did the adult gorillas. Gorillas usually eat fruits, epiphytes and foliage.

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The mountain gorilla child and mother at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

I noticed the fur of mountain gorillas is thicker than other primates. The guide also told us that they also have more body fat so that they can survive colder temperature since they prefer living in High altitude regions of Africa.

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The mountain gorilla child at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

Instead of making us follow them through a very dense, at times thorny forest and stepping on slippery stems, the gorillas allowed us to have a good look by staying at one place and dining to their heart’s content as we regained control on our breaths and cameras. The armed park ranger who accompanied us at all times looked on without expressions.

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The armed park ranger at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

MOUNTAIN GORILLAS – ONE OF THE MOST ENDANGERED ANIMALS OF THE WORLD!!!

It was a surreal moment. It was for the first time that I saw a real Gorilla; not counting the lonely sad Gorilla in Mysore Zoo long ago. I have not been to a Zoo since and that poor Gorilla has passéd away anyways. Constantly under the threat of encroachment, civil war, deforestation and hunting, the Gorillas are one of the most endangered animals of the world. Only 880 mountain gorillas survive in wild. I hope the conservation efforts change that.

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The massive silverback mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

THE MAJESTIC SILVERBACK MALE GORILLA – BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

The silverback male gorilla transported me back to a King Kong Movies and Planet of Apes series. Huge, powerful, menacing and majestic, the gorillas knows that you are looking at them without blinking an eyelid! Much like the Tigers of India in national parks, they do not even care about your presence. It was awe inspiring to be so close to the gorillas all of whom were a bit too gentle towards us. We stayed there for close to an hour, just watching them unhurriedly eat away the leaves of the bushes around them.

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Can you see the silver patch on the back. This is why it is called the silverback mountain gorilla. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

We were staring at 3 of the only 400 gorillas present in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.  There were few more scattered around the area, some lazing under a canopy made up of bush, some ‘monkeying around’ on trees.

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We all cheered for her when Her Excellency sportingly completed the trek with success. She did a great job of it! The silverback mountain gorilla. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

 

400 is a small number but my perspective changed when the officials told us that it is half of the world’s population of the severely endangered mountain gorillas. We stared for some more time.

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The fragrant tea gardens just at the start of the silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

CLIMATE AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

I had imagined it to be a mere walk in the bush. It turned out to be 3 hours long adventure through dense rainforest. As soon I, the Indian Film Industry delegation, the High Commissioner of Uganda in India and Ugandan journalists disembarked from the MI-17, we sensed a change in climate. We travelled across the length and breadth of Uganda for 8 days and experienced amazing diversity and different weathers.

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Me, the entire Indian film industry, local co-travelers and the High Commissioner of Uganda in India.

This was unlike anything we had seen in Uganda before. It was humid and wet.

We had been warned of rain. Fearing further damage to my burned thumb and fingers and my camera, I requested the officials at the reception for a raincoat. Unfortunately, none of us carried a raincoat which is a mistake.

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The Indian film industry representatives disembarking from the Russian made MI -7. This was how we arrived for the mountain gorilla trek at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

It can rain anytime in The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. So, always carry a light raincoat. However, we were plain lucky to not have any rain during the Gorilla Trek. Just my good karma, eh! Carrying a mosquito repellent is also a good idea.

 

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The locals nearby. Mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

HOW IS GORILLA TREK IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA DIFFERENT FROM GORILLA TREKS IN RWANDA AND CONGO, AFRICA?

“To your right is Congo and on the left is Rwanda.” Being a border junkie, that got me excited. Also, the fact that Gorillas can be found in wild in only 3 countries, Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

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The Indian Film Industry bigwigs delighted on spotting the silverback mountain gorilla and family at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

Fortunately, Gorilla trek in Uganda is not as expensive as in Rwanda and the country is peaceful unlike Democratic Republlic of Congo (Virunga National Park). Uganda, thus is your best option when it comes to Gorilla treks. These 3 are the only nations in the world where you can see a mountain gorilla in the wild. I would personally like to explore Gorilla treks in all the 3 nations.

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The mother and the child at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

THINGS TO DO AND NOT TO DO AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park also known as BINP has professional trackers who track the movement of gorillas and inform the trek leader over walkie-talkie. As we entered the main gate of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, we were given a briefing by officials of the austere building.

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We saw around 5-6 gorillas. The leg of a lazy mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

How to behave in front of gorillas?

How to change camera lens when the gorillas are around?

How to react when the Gorillas beat their chest aggressively?

Luckily, we had a pleasant experience.

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The mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA HABITUATION OR TRAINING AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

“The chosen gorilla families undergo a process of habituation or training for 2 years before being roped in for a Gorilla trek.”, the local trek leader who was same age as mine, told us. The process is done in order to get the gorilla families used to human presence. In southern Bwindi in the Rushaga region, you can even spend time with the gorilla families who are a part of the habituation process, which is more expensive than regular Gorilla treks.

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The silverback mountain gorilla doesn’t brush his teeth. At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

COST OF GORILLA TREK AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

For regular mountain gorilla treks, the fee varies from season to season. The permit price during the high season is USD 600 per person while during the low season it is USD 350 per person which is way lower than what the neighbouring countries offer. Permits for a gorilla habituation experience are much higher. It will make you poorer by USD 1500 per person.

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Sumit and Vishal doing a gorilla chest beating ‘ritual’ after completing the trek successfully. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

BEST TIME TO GO FOR GORILLA TREK AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

December to March and June to October are the best months for both regular Gorilla Treks and for being a part of Habituation programs. In the month of January, the mountain gorillas alongwith other animals congregate around water bodies making themselves easily visible.

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The beginning of the mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

SOUL WINDOW TIPS WHEN VISITING BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

  • If you are below the age of 15, you need to wait. It is not allowed for you and rightly so!
  • Stand still, if the silverback or other gorillas start beating their chest!
  • Behave when you are around Mountain Gorillas. Do not be very close to them and stay together in a tight group.
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The quaint villages we saw at the start of the silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa
  • Loud noises, music and hooliganism is a big no-no. Do not bring disgrace to the human race by doing so.
  • Wear full length shirts and pants in mellow colors or pastel shades. Bright colors are a big no-no. Apply mosquito repellents on your exposed body parts.
  • Eating, drinking, smoking on the Gorilla trek is not allowed.
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Mr. Bharat Dhabholkar, Mr. Ramakrishnan, Mr. Bharat Shah and Her Excellency taking some rest during the mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa
  • Make sure that your group does not surround the gorillas from all sides.
  • Do not step on the stems beneath your fit or be prepared to fall every now and then. Beware of thorns as well.
  • If you have a communicable disease, like viral, diarrhea or the flu, inform the staff. You will not be allowed due to the fear of transmitting these diseases to the mountain gorillas.
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The mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa
  • Photography tip: Change your lens beforehand. If you still have to change during the trek, do not keep it on ground. Ask your friends or guide to hold the other lens while you do it. Otherwise, the gorillas can take it away and it will be difficult or impossible to get it back.
  • Flash photography is not allowed, respect it!
  • Do not try to play with the offsprings of Gorilla
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The mountain gorilla child at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa
  • Wear good sturdy shoes.
  • Carry a raincoat at all times
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Bahubali producers Mr. Srinivas Saiprasad Devineni and Mr. Naga Sobhanadri Yarlagadda and Mr. Vishal listen attentively as our guide talks about the mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa
  • There are not many shops selling food and water nearby. Carry small snacks and at least 2-3 liters of water per person. If you forget to carry the same, then request the locals for bananas and sugarcane juice or better still the banana beer! Keep all the edibles in a bag if you are around the gorillas. Even drinking water in front of the gorillas is not allowed.
  • Carrying a walking pole helps even if you are fit. If you forget one, pls ask your local guide to make one for you from tree branches.
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Me. After successfully spotting the silverback and other mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa. Pic by: Sumit Chaturvedi

THE GORILLA NEST AND ASSORTED POOPS EXPLAINED BY GUIDE OF BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA:

The guide showed us the nest of Gorillas with poop on various types. I didn’t have a modicum of idea that gorillas make nest! The guide showed us the temporary nests which gorillas make and mark their territory by pooping on it. The silverback males sleep always on the nests made at ground level while the females and the offspring sleep on the trees. The nests are made daily by each individual.

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The poop of the child looks different. Nest of the mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

One nest fits only one gorilla and made by himself/herself. The gorillas settle in the nest before it gets dark and spend the night here, sleeping. Sometimes, they also build nest for sleeping during the day. A fresh nest is made every day by the gorillas by pulling down the branches of bushes. The layering and anchoring of branches by the highly intelligent gorillas make it a very strong nest, I examined. It seemed fit to handle the immense weight of the gorillas.

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Adult poop. And this is how the nest (ground) of the silverback mountain gorilla looks like. At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

Gorillas also make nests on tree nests where females (along-with infants) prefer to sleep. My guide could easily tell if the poop belongs to male, female or an infant after taking a quick look at the different poop shapes and size on the nests.

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The start of the mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

TERRAIN OF GORILLA TREK AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

It was an easy trek for me but if you are not used to treks, unlike me, it can be quite challenging. The gorilla trek route is through very dense forests. There are many routes depending upon the movement of the gorilla family.

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The Bahubali team Mr. Srinivas Saiprasad Devineni, Mr. Naga Sobhanadri Yarlagadda and Mrs. Latha Kovelamudi halfway through the silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

But if you are taking the route which I did, you will be climbing only in ascending order from the start point as you live easier terrains, passing kids playing basketballs and tea estates. A Church marks the start of the trekking trail.

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The Church at the stat of the mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS TO BUY AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA:

Just after the tea estates, you will come across the locals selling Gorillas made from local wood and other handicrafts from Uganda, Africa. The wooden gorillas they were selling were carved very nicely and were of great quality. Due to lack of time, I failed to buy one thinking I can buy it anywhere in Uganda.

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There are many coffee plantations throughout the beginning of the trek. Do not leave Uganda before buying 2 coffee packets. The mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

However, none of us were able to find a similar piece. I settled for another wooden gorilla in a shop near the equator, which was not as good as the one we saw at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. So, if you like it, just pick it up. It comes in various size and price range.

 

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Local kids selling hand-painted silverback mountain gorilla for INR 100 each at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

You will also see many local kids selling Gorilla paintings costing INR 100 per piece. Those are cute and makes for a wonderful souvenirs back home. I was running out of local cash, otherwise I would have picked 3-4 just to support local community. The painting of a fat gorilla with ‘I am happy’ written in the dialogue box was my favorite.

What else to buy at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Banana beer and local bananas.

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Do not forget to buy these at the start of the silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

ECHUYA BATWA AKA PYGMIES OF BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

“The primates found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are Chimpanzees, colobus monkey, Mountain Gorillas and humans (Pygmies aka Echuya Batwa people)”, the local guide told us, anticipating chuckles from us. One pygmy woman aka Echuya Batwa woman crossed our path as we maneuvered our way through the uneven tracks of the trail. She mumbled something in her language, which seemed like unpleasantness at our presence.

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A pygmy or Echuya Batwa woman we met during the silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

We came across a resting place midway through the Gorilla trek, near which was an Echuya Batwa home. The minority pygmy or Echuya Batwa people used to stay in the zones which are protected now. They had been rehabilitated long ago to strengthen the security of gorillas, however, their simple but sturdy hut built with grass and sticks has been retained as an attraction for the trekkers.  I peeped in and saw a small plain room with a space for kitchen.

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Pat Robert Larubi resting near the preserved home of a Batwa / Pygmy family. Pat is a seasoned Uganda based investigative journalist and a travel writer and photographer with Soft Power News. He is also an award winning disability rights activist advancing the right of people with Albinism across East Africa. En route the silverback mountain gorilla trek at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

Unfortunately the indigenous people today are as endangered as the gorillas. People belonging to the Batwa tribe are hunter-gatherers who migrated from Ituri forest of Democratic Republic of Congo long ago, looking for wild animals for hunting purpose. Bafumbira, another indigenous tribe also lives here.

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Explaining about the gorillas to the Indian Film Industry and TAFI members. Just before the silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

WHERE TO STAY AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

The Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge and Silveback Lodge are good options. Silverback Lodge in association with The African Wildlife Foundation promotes conservation tourism. Budget Rooms, luxury hotels, lodges and tented camps are available near Buhoma entrance gate.

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The mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

HOW TO REACH BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

The park is located in a remote location. You can either drive down or hop on a chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport, Uganda to airstrip at Kisoro.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is just 2-3 hrs away from Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.

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This is how thick and slippery the forest was. Bahubali producer Mr. Srinivas Saiprasad Devineni returning from the silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

You can also board the daily bus from Kampala for Butogota via Rukungiri and Kihiihi. The drive from Kampala, via Mbarara, takes 6 to 8 hours. The southern is close to Kabale town (1-2 hours).

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The making of Banana Beer aka Sorghum at the start of the silverback mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

BANANA BEER AKA SORGHUM AND TEA ESTATES AT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

Just as we embarked upon the trekking trail, a beautiful tea garden vied for our attention. I had seen tea gardens of India and Sri Lanka only. Seeing one in Africa was unexpected as I had heard only about the famed African coffee. We moved on, passing many banana trees.

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Many families live at the beginning of the silverback mountain gorilla trek route at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

Our trek-mates even offered us some fresh bananas from this region. The trek leader stopped at one point to show us the area where banana beer was being processed few days ago. The ash were a tell tale sign. You can read here if you want to know the process of making banana beer which is quite popular in East Africa.

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Large wooden Utensil used in the making of the Banana Beer aka Sorghum. The silverback mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

We marched on hoping to sip some banana beer on return. A small kid peeped at us curiously from behind his/her home.

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The child who saw and ignored us at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA

  1. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is super rich in bio diversity. It is home to 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 120 species of mammals and 27 species of frogs. Reptiles like geckos and chameleons are also found here.
  2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located South western part of Uganda.
  3. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shares border with Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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    A small briefing before the silverback mountain gorilla trek starts. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa
  4. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a part of Bwindi Impenetrable forest.
  5. I saw many huge ferns during the gorilla trek. No wonder 104 species of ferns are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park along-with 163 species of trees and 1,000 species of flowering plant.

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    The Indian Film Industry delegation along-with TAFI members at the entrance of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa. From here, we took a jeep to arrive at the starting point of the mountain gorilla trekking trail. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa
  6. Gorilla treks are allowed in the regions of Ruhijja, Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga with the supervision of Uganda Wildlife Authority.
  7. 14 families of gorillas have been trained for Gorilla Treks.
  8. Peak rainfall season at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is from March to April (I went in 1st week of March) and September to November.
  9. Some other animals, butterflies and birds found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are African elephant, small cream-banded swallowtail, African green broadbill, antelope species, the giant forest hog, common chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkeys, vervets, black and white colobus, African golden cat, African civet and side-striped jackal.
  10. The conservation at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has been successful as number of gorillas in this region is rising over the years.

Disclaimer: I was invited on a Fam trip organised by Embassy of Uganda in India. The participants of the trip were Indian Film Industry stalwarts and TAFI members. The aim of the trip was to scout locations for shooting Indian movies in Uganda and of course, promoting Uganda in India. My co travelers were veteran actor Mr. Bharat Radhakant Dabholkar, producers of the blockbuster Bahubali film Mr. Srinivas Saiprasad Devineni, Mr. Naga Sobhanadri Yarlagadda and Mrs. Latha Kovelamudi, Line producer Mr. Ramakrishnan Natarajan, actor Mr. Jeetu Verma, TAFI members Mrs. Aditi Ramakant Bhende, Mr. Bharat Kirankumar Shah, Mr. Jayesh Manharlal Tharani, Mr. Vishal Saria, vice consul of Uganda in Mumbai and Mr. Sumit Chaturvedi  – Anchor

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The local guide helping us understand how Banana Beer aka sorghum is made. Beginning of the silverback mountain gorilla trek trail at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

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The jeeps we used for short transfers. The silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

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Did you notice the silvery back? The absolutely majestic silverback mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

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Vishal, Mr. Ramakrishnan Natarajan, Mr. Jayesh Manharlal Tharani and Mr. Bharat Shah take a breather during the silverback mountain gorilla trek at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

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Locals gathered to see when our Russian made MI – 17 helicopter made a dramatic landing near the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

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The silverback mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

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The innocent Gorilla Child. The silverback mountain gorilla at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

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The sugarcane juice shop. At the entrance of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, Africa

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Did you notice I have not posted much on Twitter and Instagram since November 2018. That’s because I was on a dream trip which included 2.5 months of the incredible North East India, Uganda, my Mumbai, Dapoli and many other places. The magic started at the unlikely place. Basar in Arunachal Pradesh. BasCon aka @basarconfluence is a wonderful initiative which gives a platform to the outside world to interact and mingle with the local tribes and races in a safe environment. I had no idea of how people in this remote part of India ate, lived, partied (in a jungle) and spoke. Few days spent at Basar opened to us the gates to an unknown ‘Shangri La’, we didn’t know existed. So little is known about this region that every single thing about the local lifestyle attracted my attention. During my 2 months long trip to North East India, I had attended 5 festivals! BASCON 3 was a 3 days long affair where artists, travelers, music bands, media persons, photographers, writers and locals congregate to understand and enjoy the local culture, food and drinks. The morning and noon slot was reserved for the local artists to perform. The evening was reserved for both local folk songs/dances and local rock bands (English/Galo/Assamese etc). Pls click the link in bio to read the full blog and see exclusive pictures. Search ‘Basar’ in blog. Follow my blog’s hashtag #ASoulWindow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and never miss my posts Find me on Facebook – Search –A Soul Window Travel Blog Find me on Twitter – @asoulwindow ________________________________________________ #DiscoverIndia #IncredibleIndia #India #Backpacking #Travel #Travelgram #IGTravel #Travelingram #Travelogue #TravelPhotography #TravelBlogger #Basar #BasCon #BasarConfluence #Mechuka #Arunachalpradesh #Adventure #NorthEast #NorthEastIndia #NorthEastIndiaTourism #NorthEastIndian #NorthEastIndiaDiaries #NorthEastIndiaGram #Festival #mopin #Tribal #Tribe #Arunachal #ArunachalTourism

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20 thoughts on “TRACKING SILVERBACK MOUNTAIN GORILLA IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA, AFRICA – DAY TREK”

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  6. Speedway Safaris

    Thanks for the nice article about gorilla trekking in Uganda. Bwindi impenetrable forest has just been named amongst the 23 top most trekking destinations in the world. Uganda has alot to offer in terms of wildlife besides mountain gorilla trekking safaris.

  7. I have seen gorillas in some of the zoos but to see them in their natural habitat is really amazing thing to do. I loved your gorilla trek in Bwindi with all those encounters with locals and how your friends are doing chest thumping. Great tips on how to behave in front of gorillas. I would definitely go for sugarcane juice to keep myself hydrated but never knew about Banana beer.

  8. It must be great to see gorilla and you really had an amazing trek in Uganda. All tips are very helpful especially when you see the gorilla thumping his chest. I have seen gorillas in zoos but not in their natural habitat and one day I would surely go for this trek in Bwindi. I would opt for sugarcane juice to keep myself hydrated but never knew about banana beer.

  9. You’re so lucky to experience an encounter with an endangered species from so close! I have heard about this trek and it’s been on my bucket list for quite some time. After reading this post, I want to do it even more! Thank you for sharing

  10. I considered doing the gorilla trek when I was in Rwanda, but like you said the prices in Rwanda are so much higher than the prices in Uganda that it just didn’t seem worth it. The gorilla trek sounds amazing from the way you described it, although I wonder if the gorilla’s seeming so comfortable around you all was a sign of over tourism at the park? I guess it’s hard to know.

  11. It’s sad to read that there are only less than 1000 mountain gorillas population in the wild. At the same time, you had one of the best trip in the world. At least in my opinion. Reading through your post reminded me of the movie Gorilla in the Mist. That the gorilla are a kind animal.

  12. I would enjoy encountering gorillas up close as you did. I am amazed by their lack of concern or need to protect.

  13. Jane Dempster-Smith

    That must have been an amazing experience. I can’t imagine the feeling that I would have got when the silverback mountain gorilla brushed my leg and just settled to feed. I felt sad to read that there were only 400 left. They are such a majestic animal. Thanks for the information that you have shared. Your photos are amazing.

  14. Thanks for this virtual trek in silverback Mountain. Nice to know these little details about the gorillas which u learnt from your guide. The tea gardens at the start of your trek is also worth visiting. Great job in making the scenes come to life.

  15. Wow. I have been to some wildlife tours, but this beats them hands down. It can’t get more rustic and authentic than this. That surely seems like an amazing experience. Would love to do one such trip someday.

  16. Wow! I’m lost for words. Brilliant post, super informative, and something that one doesn’t get to read about a lot. I’m sure it was one of those ultimate vacations, partly because of your “famous” co-travellers, but also, of course, witnessing the majestic beauty of the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

    1. Thank you for reading. Yes. It was one of my life’s best experiences. The amazing company made it all the more memorable. I wrote a long blog so that the readers can find all the information at one place. 😊

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