Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Incredibly close to "The Gentle Giants"

We walked for one and a half hours before we found the gorillas. They kept moving and was in a dark part of the forest. It was a photographic challenge. Eventually they appeared in a sunlit glade and sat down to eat. All too soon, our hour with the gorillas passed and we had to go back. We were back in one hour.
It was an amazing experience to be so close to the animals and really be in the jungle. It takes effort to go through the jungle but if you are in normal shape it is no problem. It is possible to make all the breaks you want on the way out there and on the way home. We needed to keep pace with the gorillas when they moved, but it was not that hard.
The day with the gorillas, I will never forget.
The only thing I think could have been better was if we had had the energy to see more of the forest and its other inhabitants. We were all (tourists and guides) so focused on gorillas that I did not see other animals on the 4-5 hours I spent in the forrest.

Bwindi was an excellent, if expensive, experience. I'm often asked if it was "worth it" and honestly that's a tough question. The price tag is really high, no doubt. It was an incredible day though and I justify it to myself as voting for conservation.

A Truly Unique Experience

Tracking gorillas in Bwindi was unlike any other travel experience I've had. Being just feet away from gorillas that could easily hurt you with a swipe or a toss was absolutely amazing. Since they are accustomed to humans watching them, and we had guides and security, at no moment was I fearful. Though the cost is very high for one hour of viewing, when you understand how many gorillas there are left in the world and where the money goes - it makes it all the more worthwhile. I stayed at Mahogany Springs resort right outside of the park, and it was amazing. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, and the hotel had a great food, was clean and the views were fantastic.

Rangers are very considerate of tourist experience - among the best in the business.

Excellent experience!

Everything was perfect..
accommodations (at border of the Park.. really exciting) was comfortable and very nice
The experience of meeting Gorilla was fantastic

Gorillas-gorillas-gorillas!

We just did the gorilla trekking at Bwindi, which was truly the highlight of our 3-week-roadtrip! We came up close with the gorillas (this family was one of the first to be habituated to humans), and could observe their behavior for an hour.
The scenery is stunning as well, especially in the morning light! There are some walks (only guided) in the park as well, but we didn't do any of these.
We spent the night in the Buhoma Community Rest Camp, planning on pitching our tent, but we decided to go for a banda as it was pouring rain. This was 100$ per person, which is steep compared to other parks, with shared bathroom and toilet. Besides this, the staff was very friendly and helpful and the food delicious (though quite pricey, too)!

Gorillas. two days of gorilla. all i need to say

Well worth the trip off the beaten path. I stay at Broadbill lodge which is a tent overlooking the rainforest. Their hospitality was excellent. Meals were good and the accommodations provided a real coming feel. It rained at least twice a day. The vegetation was marvelous. A lot of Ephiphytes on the tree trunks. We trekked about 12 km roundtrip to see the Gorilla's on steep hills. Be prepared to bring rain gear because we were drenched on the way back. Also be ready physically because trekking can be quite a challenge. Birding was limited because of the tree cover in the Jungle I am sure that would be a separate trip altogether given the time frame of my visit. The Ugandan Wildlife Authority rangers are very versed and professional, and very informative throughout.

The meeting with the Mountain Gorillas!

A big highlight to be amongst the Mountain Gorillas, hard walking at times (steep, slippery) but then to see the amazing Gorillas up close made all the uphill work worth every step.