Altitude Sickness in Bwindi – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is home to over 459 mountain gorillas, almost half of the world’s population of these magnificent creatures. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most biologically heterogeneous places in the world. Bwindi consists of steep ridges and valleys, located at an altitude of 1190m to 2607m above sea level.
The park’s topography and climate have encouraged a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 310 butterfly species, 27 frog species, 200 tree species, and 104 species of ferns. The main tourist attraction is the mountain gorillas, but the park also hosts other primates such as colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and baboons.
The first gorilla family opened for trekking was the Mubare gorilla family in 1991. Other gorilla families include Nshongi, Rushengura, Nkuringo, Habinyanja, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mishaya, and many others. The park has undergone several conservation efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in partnership with international organizations, working tirelessly to protect its biodiversity. Many dangers to wildlife, like poaching, diseases, and habitat loss, have been curbed.
Altitude Sickness
When it comes to gorilla trekking in Bwindi, the park’s steep slopes and high altitude (2000m to 3000m above sea level) can be challenging. Some tourists develop altitude sickness, with symptoms such as throbbing headaches, nausea, dizziness, and chest pressure. Trekking up the steep slopes requires a certain level of fitness and energy. Age is also a factor, as the minimum age for trekking is 15 years and the maximum is 65 years, both of which can be highly affected by altitude sickness.
Gorilla trekking occurs in two phases. The first phase involves a simple hike to the jungle and national park boundary, generally on gentle slopes, taking about half an hour. The second phase is more challenging, occurring on the steep slopes of Bwindi and can take about 2 to 4 hours depending on physical fitness and hiking speed.
What to Pack
- Gorilla permit
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Walking stick
- Long trousers
- A hat
- Gloves
- Camera
- Rain jacket
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Snacks
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
- Hiking boots
Best Time to Visit Bwindi
The park can be visited all year round, but the best times are between June to August and December to February. These months are dry and have the best chances for sunny skies, but being a tropical rainforest, showers are always possible. Visitors are advised to plan ahead as gorilla trekking is less favorable during heavy rains.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits are issued by governing bodies to tourists to access gorilla national parks. In Uganda, gorilla permits are offered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. To book a gorilla permit, a passport is required for non-Ugandans to confirm the date of birth, as there is a minimum age requirement for gorilla trekking. Gorilla permits in Uganda cost about USD 700.
Accommodation
- Cuckooland Tented Lodge
- The Rustic Gorilla Cabin Bwindi
- Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge
- Gorilla Heights Lodge
- Bwindi My Home
- Ruhija Gorilla Guest Home
- Bwindi Forest Lodge
- Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Ultimately, prior training is required to meet a certain level of fitness to overcome altitude sickness, but gorilla trekking is an exceptional experience.
