There are four sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where gorilla trekking is conducted, and there are gorilla families in each sector. The sectors are taken into account when obtaining a gorilla permit, and the family you are allocated on the day of the hike is determined by the sector you were given at the time of booking. The Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga sectors are part of the Bwindi area.

Ruhija sector: There are four habituated gorilla families in the Ruhija sector, one of which is dedicated to research. The coldest weather is found in Eastern Bwindi, which is home to the Ruhija sector. Ruhija is home to several gorilla families, including the Bitukura gorilla family, which is thought to have the most peaceful 24 members; the Oruzongo gorilla family, which was founded in 2011 and is led by Tebikikwata; the 15-member Kyaguriro gorilla family, which is led by Zeus and has been set aside for research purposes; the 13-member Mukiza gorilla family, which is also referred to as Kyaguliro B; and the Kyaguliro family, which has eight members and is led by Rukina.

The Buhoma sector is situated in the northern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and it offers easier access for visitors arriving by air due to its proximity to Kihihi Airstrip. Because it is only a 4 hour drive from the Ishasha sector, it is also the most accessible trek for visitors from Queen Elizabeth National Park and the easiest hike for elderly persons. The Rushegura Gorilla family, which has 19 members and is led by Mwirima, is one of the gorilla families that can be found in the Buhoma sector. Led by Munguri, this family of Habinyanja gorillas was established in 1997 with 17 members. There are seven gorillas in the Katwe family.

Nkuringo sector: Situated in the southern region of Bwindi, the Nkuringo sector boasts some of the best views of Mount Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo and is home to three habituated gorilla families. Nkuringo is the most difficult trip among the others because of the high heights in the region. Three hours' drive separates Nkuringo from Kisoro town. There are three gorilla families there: the Nkuringo family, which was established in 2004 and has 19 members, including two silverbacks; the Bushaho family, which split off from Nkuringo and is currently led by the silverback Bahati; and the nine-member Christmas gorilla family.

The Rushaga area is home to the greatest concentration of habituated gorilla families and is situated in the southern region of Bwindi. After a three-hour trip from Kigali, it is easily accessible. Among the gorilla families in the area is the Nshongi gorilla family, which as of 2010 had 26 individuals and was the largest group in the Rushaga sector. The Mishaya gorilla family, consisting of ten members, is headed by Mwine. Three gorilla families split out from the Nshongi group: the 13-member Kahungye family, the 7-member Busingye family, and the 13-member Bweza family.

Regardless of the season of travel, any travelers wishing to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi must get a gorilla permit, which is a legally binding document given by UWA. The cost varies based on the type of visitor you are, for instance, $700 for non-resident foreigners, $250,000 for inhabitants of Uganda and East Africa, and $600 for residents of other countries. Every day, 136 gorilla permits are issued for Mgahinga and Bwindi, so travelers are recommended to make reservations at least six months in advance.

Once you have discovered the family to which you have been assigned, you can spend an hour with the gorillas thanks to your gorilla permit. You can schedule the gorilla habituation experience, which takes place in Bwindi with habituated gorillas, at the same time as your gorilla trekking trip. You get to observe the gorillas' behavior for at least four hours. The gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 per person per day, which is a little more.

Although they are usually accessible, gorilla permits must be obtained in advance in order to engage in a gorilla trekking safari. You can get gorilla permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority's official website or with assistance from Dav Safaris. The first step is to get in touch with us and let us know your preferred trek dates as well as any personal details, including your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Next, we determine whether the gorilla permits will be available on the day you have selected. For instance, if you intend to go trekking in January, we will first inquire about availability before sending you an email with our findings. If you accept, payment information (bank account details) will be sent to you, as no reservation is confirmed without payment in advance. Full payment is required, as this is the only guarantee that you will be spending your birthday with the gorillas of Bwindi. The remaining gorilla trekking safari payment must be made at least three weeks prior to your scheduled departure date, following complete permit payment.

Since no one is allowed to engage in gorilla trekking without a gorilla permit, a copy of your permit is emailed to you, and you will need to present it before you can enter Bwindi. The guide will give the original permit to the park guides on your behalf; they always have it.

Because mountain gorillas are an endangered species, the Ugandan government and the Uganda Wildlife Authority developed guidelines that hikers must abide by in order to preserve and safeguard the gorillas of Bwindi. These guidelines include:

1. In order to prevent illnesses, trekkers are expected to maintain a 7-meter gap between the group and the gorillas.
2. The minimum age requirement for trekking in Bwindi is 15 years old. In order to incorporate more youth, the Uganda Wildlife Authority recently enacted modifications that will last for 12 years. Please take note that special requests for children under the age of 12 will no longer be accepted due to the change in the age limit.
3. No trash should be left in the national park; it will be collected and stored until your journey is complete.
4. After finding the gorillas, groups of eight can spend an hour with them. To improve control and prevent upsetting the gorillas' behavioral routines, the groups' size is restricted.
5. It is not permitted to eat or drink when among gorillas.
6. Since smoking has an adverse effect on gorillas, it is not permitted.
7. Try not to disturb the gorillas by speaking quietly and, if at all possible, turning off your phone when you are among them.
8. Remain in the group at all times to prevent straying due to the presence of other wildlife species within the national park.
9. Refrain from putting on sunglasses, touching the gorillas, and staring them in the eye.
10. Pay attention to all the instructions that the guides tell you when you are approached by gorillas, especially the silverbacks.
11. You must stay at least 200 meters away from the mountain gorillas in order to consume food, beverages, or smoke. You must also keep your voice down during this time.
12. When the gorillas approach, do not try to flee as this puts you at greater risk of being attacked. They are acclimated gorillas, yet in their natural environment, they are still wild animals.
13. To reduce the danger of infection, volunteer to stay back if you become sick or have a contagious disease after entering Bwindi Ihe national park. You will be offered a refund or an alternate trek day.
14. When taking pictures of the mountain gorillas, turn off the flash on your camera.
15. When one of the gorillas urges you to cough or sneeze, turn aside.

The purpose of these guidelines is not to make the trekkers' lives more difficult, but if they heed the advice of the trek guides, you will unintentionally help to preserve Bwindi and the critically endangered mountain gorillas. You run the danger of having your hiking privileges in the national park terminated without refund if you don't abide by these restrictions.

One of the most crucial things to think about when preparing a gorilla trekking safari for your birthday celebration is packing appropriately. It is important to pack according to a list so you can enjoy your safari without worrying about making mistakes or carrying big bags that will make you travel more slowly.

Neutral-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, a waterproof rain jacket, a warm sweater, sturdy hike boots that fit well and are ankle length, thick socks to keep you warm and adjustable gaiters, garden gloves to protect your hands from scratches, wet wipes, toiletries, insect repellent because of the many bugs in the forest are some of the items you need to pack for your birthday celebration with the gorillas of Bwindi. You will be provided with sunscreen, a sunhat, a walking stick if necessary, as well as various devices such as cameras, extra lenses, extra batteries, lens cleaners, tripods, smartphones, binoculars, valid documents, snacks, and re-usable water bottles to help carry all the essentials you might need for your trek.

In addition to spending your birthday with the gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can enjoy other activities, such as birdwatching, cultural visits with the Batwa people, and guided primate walks where you can see L'Hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and black and white colobus monkeys, among other species.

The best months to visit Bwindi for a gorilla trekking are June, July, August, September, December, January, and February—also referred to as the "dry months." Since Bwindi is a jungle, it is simpler to access the gorillas and use the hike trails during the dry months when the vegetation is less dense. On the other hand, if you are on a tight budget and do not mind the rain and slick roads, the wet months of March through May as well as October and November are also excellent times to travel to Bwindi for a gorilla trekking safari. Rainfall occurs in Bwindi's tropical rainforest, even in the arid months.

Make your reservations with Dav Safaris to celebrate your birthday amidst the gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We will assist you with gorilla permit arrangements, we can also plan your birthday safari to Bwindi using one of our many package options, which include luxury, mid-range, and affordable alternatives. For comprehensive itineraries and booking details, send an email to info@davsafaris.com or davsafaris@gmail.com to reserve an amazing gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Travelers can also contact +256701412430 and +256757795781 by phone call or WhatsApp for individualized assistance.