Binyindo Gorilla Family in Bwindi: Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas live in the southwestern part of Uganda, specifically in the Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there is about one habituated gorilla family, while in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are about 20 gorilla families. In Bwindi, the gorilla families are located across all sectors of the park, including Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija.
The Binyindo Gorilla Family is one of the families that travelers encounter in the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is situated in the northern part of the park. The Binyindo family is named after the silverback Binyindo, who was the family leader. It is one of the newest gorilla family groups, having been habituated in 2018. This group was monitored by park authorities for three years. Binyindo Gorilla Family consists of nine members, including one silverback, and is among the most interesting families to track in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This family is commonly spotted along the Ivy River trail and at the border point of the Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit to see the Binyindo Gorilla Family?
As you plan a gorilla trekking safari to encounter the Binyindo Gorilla Family, you must obtain a gorilla permit. This is a legal document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. To secure a gorilla permit, travelers should use reliable and licensed tour operators. Uganda Wildlife Authority sells gorilla permits solely to licensed tour operators. The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is 800 USD for foreign non-residents, 700 USD for foreign residents, 500 USD for other African residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African residents.
What to pack for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
While planning a gorilla trekking safari, you should pack several essential items to ensure a successful experience. These include:
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
- Sturdy hiking shoes.
- Hiking sticks.
- Light jackets.
- Trekking gloves.
- Binoculars.
- Water bottle.
What are the gorilla trekking dos and don’ts?
When engaging in gorilla trekking, travelers should follow several important guidelines:
- Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas.
- Always maintain a distance of at least 7 meters while observing the gorillas.
- A group of eight people should visit one gorilla family.
- Travelers are not allowed to feed the gorillas in the jungle.
- No spitting on leaves during the trek.
Where to stay during gorilla trekking safaris to visit the Binyindo family?
While planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda to visit the Binyindo family, several accommodation facilities are available within the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ranging from budget to luxury options.
Some of these facilities include Sanctuary Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Ride 4 Woman Lodge, Buhoma Community Lodge, Mahogany Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Gorilla Conservation Camp, Bwindi View Bandhas, and many others. You should book early to ensure availability during their safaris.
Other activities done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
While in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see the Binyindo family, travelers can participate in various other activities. Some of these include:
Community visits or tours: In the Buhoma sector, several communities, such as the Batwa and Bakiga, reside near the park. These community visits provide insights into their lifestyles, involving activities like coffee roasting, banana brewing, cultural dances, folk songs, and tasting local cuisine. Travelers are encouraged to respect the ethics, beliefs, and norms of these communities.
Nature walks: This activity allows travelers to explore the park on foot and encounter its wildlife under the guidance of a ranger to ensure safety. Several trails are available for nature walks, including the Buhoma-Nkuringo Trail, River Ivy Trail, Rushura Hill Trail, Waterfalls Trail, and Munyange Hill Trail. During nature walks, wildlife sightings can include black-and-white monkeys, vervet monkeys, colobus monkeys, and many bird species.
How can I access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to track the Binyindo family?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed via both road and air transport. By road, you can expect an 8 to 9-hour journey from Kampala through the Kampala-Kabale Highway. Alternatively, you can cross via the Katuna or Cyanika borders from Kigali, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. For air transport, you can use domestic flights from either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to several airstrips around Bwindi, such as Kisoro Airstrip or Kihihi Airstrip.
