Many people ask about the safety of Bwindi for tourists. This is largely due to the 1998 Bwindi Massacre where Rwandan rebels attacked a safari camp and killed several visitors. Since this incidence the Ugandan government tightened its security and swept away all the illegal human prescence in the park. Today Bwindi is most safe destination for gorilla tracking and visitors to the park feel safe and secure throughout their trips.
Incidences of Poaching
Due to the recent attacks by 4 poachers and killing of Rafiki the Silverback head of Nkuringo group in the southern sector of Bwindi, this scared many planning to visit this park and this question has been asked by many potential travelers interested in visiting Bwindi for their gorilla trekking adventure. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is only done in two National Parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. There has also been border instabilities between Uganda and Rwanda but this however has not affected travel across the border from one country to another given the fact both national parks are located at the border with Bwindi Forest National Park sharing border with DR Congo and then Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sharing border with Rwanda.
How safe is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Uganda and Rwanda are both very safe for Gorilla trekking, given the fact gorilla tracking activity is a very well organized and managed activity at Bwindi Forest and Volcanoes National Parks from the start to the end. During gorilla tracking you will be accompanied by two well armed park rangers as well as tourism police to protect you all through your trek against strangers as well as wild animals found in the forests. Read More about safety of the gorilla trekking experience
Are the Lodges Safe for Overnight
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National Park is done in the northern part that is Buhoma and Ruhija and in southern part that is Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. In Rushaga, you can stay at Rushaga Gorilla camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and Karungi Camp. In Nkuringo you can stay at Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla lodge, Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge or Lake Mutanda Resort, all these lodges are close to the start point of Gorilla Habituation.
In the northern part, in Buhoma sector you can stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ride 4 a Woman among others, In Ruhija you can stay at Gorilla Mist camp, Agandi Eco Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp among others.