Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — Local services in Kisoro

Gorilla trekking is an activity thousands of tourists participate in every year and is the main reason most people visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Although we don't regret our visit to see the gorillas, the experience is a bit romanticized and we did not completely feel it was worth the cost. Your group size is unknown until you arrive but I think there is a cap of 8 which does not include the multiple guides, porters, trackers, and armed guards that accompany you. This doesn't seem like a lot of people until you begin trekking through the jungle and divert from the main road. The park officials advertise the experience as though you'll be tracking the gorillas yourself when in reality, the park staff closely monitor each of the habituated groups and pretty much know where they are from morning until night. That is the job of the gorilla trackers, to go out early in the morning before your trek starts so your guide can lead you right to them. This is of course to guarantee tourist satisfaction and sighting of the gorillas. The distance you have to trek varies based on the gorilla family you are assigned. Our particular guide was not very engaging and had to be prompted to provide more information about the gorillas and their behaviors, family history, etc. They state an observation distance of 7m from the gorillas at all times but I can confidently tell you our group was often closer than that and actively encouraged by park staff to stand closer to get a better photo. As a result of standing so close there were two instances when the gorillas moved very quickly past us, not leaving much time to safely move out of their way. The entire experience felt more like being in a zoo with no fence. I appreciate the conservation work and efforts to employ the local people but I had wished the experience would have felt a bit more authentic rather than like a Disneyland ride. Was it cool to see the gorillas, see them in their natural habitat, and take a few photos? Of course! Would I do it again? Likely not. I might rather stay at the Engagi Lodge or take a tour around the Buhoma Village in hopes of a gorilla...

some really steep climbs, lottsa tangled vines underfoot but worth the effort because once you are amongst the gorillas it is very special. They do their thing without much acknowledgement you are there. Two particular events stick in my mind . When we first came upon the group a monstrously large male was descending a slanted branch in front of us. All I could think of this truly King Kong moment was , "What have I gotten myself into ?" Then a mother and baby came down from a tree slightly behind me and to the right and came right down a path in the tangled undergrowth towards me. I glanced at the ranger without moving or making a sound and we speechlessly agreed I should stand still and not move. The gorilla mom with baby on her back brushed my legs as she moved past without ever acknowledging me . We spent an hour with the group , saw one aggressive incident between two males , watched a dethroned silverback try to get his bulky body comfortable without really succeeding . Mostly they stripped leaves and kept eating without stopping . We were quiet and snapped photos . We intermingled but didn't interact , a bit surreal ; two species in close proximity sorta staring at each other. No hands...

Wanted to leave a note on the total price and planning, as it's something I could not find easily myself.

For around 3 million you can get your permit and driver combined, if you arrange in town. Often day before is fine. If you want to book earlier it'll be more expensive, maybe 850-900 dollars if you're coming to Kisoro yourself. It's quite easy to reach either from Kampala or Kigali by bus.

When you arrive, there's native people doing a dance and song for a donation. You can choose to hire a porter to guide you and carry your things, this is 20 USD minimum and creates a job opportunity for the local community. Personally my group was just fine helping each other out as well.

Then there's the people who track the gorillas, our guide said we had to give them 25 dollars minimum each. And then there's of course the 3 guides and your driver expecting something similar.

Of course you don't have to do it like the above, but thought to share what they tell you to give. Personally I find it too much out of proportion and didn't do that much, but still something as they're not paid all too much.

It's an amazing experience that if you can afford, I definitely recommend...