The Binyindo gorilla group is located in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which was established as a national park in 1991 and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species.
The park is renowned for its population of about 459 mountain gorillas, almost half of the total remaining in the wild.
The park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, and Binyindo is the newest gorilla group in the Buhoma sector.
The group was formed by a dominant silverback named Binyindo, from whom the group also derived its name.
Binyindo gorilla group currently consists of 9 members: 1 silverback, 5 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 1 infant.
Trekking the Binyindo Gorilla Group
Trekking the Binyindo gorilla group begins early in the morning at 7 a.m. at the Buhoma park headquarters with a briefing on trekking rules and regulations.
Tourists are then grouped into teams of eight and led by a park ranger into the wilderness to search for the gorillas.
The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours, and once the group is located, tourists are allowed to spend 1 hour with the gorillas.
All tourists trekking gorillas must have a valid gorilla permit.
Cost of Binyindo Gorilla Permit
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents per person
- USD 700 for foreign residents per person
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
How to Access the Binyindo Gorilla Group
- By Road: Tourists can drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Kabale or Kisoro, taking about 9 to 10 hours, before heading to the northern region of Buhoma sector. The distance from Kampala to Buhoma is approximately 550 km. Alternatively, tourists can travel from Kigali, Rwanda, passing through the Cyanika border, which takes about 3 hours, and then connect to Buhoma to access the Binyindo gorilla group.
- By Air: Tourists can book flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield and land at Kisoro Airstrip. From there, they can connect to Buhoma by road, which takes about one and a half hours.
Best Time to Visit the Binyindo Gorilla Group
The best time to visit the Binyindo gorilla group is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February.
During this period, the trails are dry, making trekking easier.
The Binyindo gorilla group is a unique group with members that are comfortable around humans, offering an unforgettable trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.