Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

A thrilling adventure into the heart of the rainforest to see magnificent mountain gorillas in their native habitat is provided by gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. Visitors can get astonishingly near to these gentle giants and observe their everyday behaviour in the wild at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because mountain gorillas are so uncommon and can only be seen in the wild, not in cages like other gorilla species, this encounter is truly unique. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is roughly 331 square kilometres in size and is situated in southwest Uganda, was formally gazetted in 1991. More than half of the world’s surviving mountain gorilla population is protected there, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s best places to see wildlife. 

Where to go for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Gorilla trekking is conducted in four primary sectors of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. Because gorilla families have been accustomed to each of these locations, tourists can have secure, well-supervised interactions with mountain gorillas. 

Famous gorilla groups including Oruzogo, Bitukura, Mukiza, and Kyaguriro may be found in the Ruhija sector, which is situated in the eastern portion of Bwindi. Each group is visited by a maximum of eight individuals per trek in order to safeguard the gorillas and guarantee a high-quality experience. This restricted access provides a close-up and unforgettable animal encounter while supporting conservation efforts. 

For quick access to the trailheads, it is preferable to reserve lodging within or close to eastern Bwindi if you intend to do gorilla trekking in the Ruhija region. In and near Ruhija, there are a number of cosy places to stay that fit a variety of price ranges. Gorilla Mist Camp, Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge are some of them. By staying close by, you may have a leisurely and well-planned hiking experience while cutting down on travel time. 

Gorilla trekking in Uganda has a long history in the Buhoma sector, which is located in the northern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The renowned Mubare gorilla family, the first to be allowed gorilla tourism after completing habituation in 1993, calls it home. More trekking alternatives are now available to visitors as a result of Buhoma’s expansion to include several more habituated gorilla families, including as Habinyanja, Katwe, Rushegura, and Muyambi.

There are many accommodation choices in and around the Buhoma trailhead, suitable for different budgets. Silverback Lodge, Crested Crane Bwindi, Bwindi View Bandas, CPTH Gorilla Conservation Camp, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, and Engagi Lodge are a few of them. 

In the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Rushaga sector provides great gorilla trekking chances. There are more trekking alternatives and flexibility for visitors in this area because it is reputed to have the biggest number of habituated gorilla families in the park.  

Rushaga is home to several well-known gorilla groups, including the Mishaya, Nshongi, Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye, Mucunguzi, and Rwigyi. Rushaga is a well-liked option for tourists looking for a fulfilling and rich gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi due to the high concentration of gorilla families. 

If you plan to trek gorillas in the Rushaga sector, it’s best to book accommodation in the southern part of Bwindi for easy access to the trekking points. Popular lodges for an overnight stay include Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nshongi Camp, and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge. Other good options are Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge, all offering comfortable stays close to the park. 

The Nkuringo sector, also in southern Bwindi, is another excellent area for gorilla trekking. It is home to habituated gorilla families such as Christmas, Bushaho, Nkuringo, and Posho. Accommodation choices in Nkuringo include Bwindi Backpackers, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and the luxury Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. 

Cost of permits for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, Uganda

One of the cheapest places in Uganda to go gorilla trekking is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A valid gorilla permit is required in order to visit the gorillas. The cost of a permit is UGX 300,000 for East African nationals, USD 800 for foreign non-residents, and USD 700 for foreign residents. With the use of these licenses, tourists can have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their native environment. 

What are gorilla trekking addons in Bwindi Forest Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only location in the world where tourists can participate in a guided mountain gorilla habituation experience, in contrast to standard gorilla treks. Beginning in the Rushaga area, this unique experience gives visitors extra opportunity to look for and observe a family of semi-habituated gorillas. Those who opt for this trip can spend up to four hours in close proximity to the gorillas, making it an extremely unique and fulfilling experience. 

In addition to gorillas, Bwindi is home to more than 120 different kinds of mammals. Chimpanzees, forest elephants, African buffalo, golden cats, duikers, huge forest hogs, colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys are among the other animals that visitors may come across. With approximately 350 different bird species, including as Shelley’s crimsonwing, African green broadbill, Rwenzori batis, and the magnificent great blue turaco, the park is also well-known for its avian diversity. 

hiking paths that offer excellent views of nature. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers amazing hiking experiences in addition to gorilla trekking. Numerous beautiful nature paths, including the rather difficult Habinyanja Trail, Munyaga River Trail, Rushura Hill Trail, Waterfall Trail, Muzubijiro Loop, Kashasha River Trail, and several more, are scattered throughout the park and provide breathtaking views of the forest and wildlife.  

absorption in culture following a gorilla trek. Beyond simply exploring the forest, a trip to Bwindi offers significant cultural engagement. Following a mountain gorilla walk, visitors can interact with local populations by going to see the Bakiga or Batwa pygmies to learn more about their customs, way of life, music, and legacy. 

The Bwindi Forest gorilla trek experience

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a typical gorilla trekking experience starts with an early morning briefing. Visitors meet Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) representatives at the sector headquarters at one of the park’s four main trailheads for this orientation. Before entering the forest, hikers are given a specific gorilla family and a knowledgeable ranger guide during the briefing. 

Depending on where the gorillas are on a given day, the actual hike may take two to six hours. With plenty of opportunities for photography, this time includes a magnificent hour of up-close encounter, enabling guests to witness the behaviour, social dynamics, and daily routines of the mountain gorillas at a near but secure distance. 

Walking speed, terrain conditions, and individual fitness levels all have a significant impact on how long a trek takes. Because of the hike’s steep hills, thick vegetation, and irregular forest paths, it is strongly advised to physically prepare in preparation.

Bringing the appropriate equipment for your trip is equally crucial. Energy-boosting snacks, insect repellent, a good camera, long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against insects and thorny plants, a lightweight daypack, a basic first-aid kit and other personal essentials are necessary for a successful and comfortable Bwindi gorilla trek. 

When to trek gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi NP

Gorilla hiking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is best done during the main dry season, when trekking conditions are more comfortable and forest pathways are easier to follow. Typically, this time frame spans the year’s long, dry months of June through September.  

Another option is to schedule your gorilla safari for the brief dry season, which runs from December to February. Favourable weather, more navigable paths, and fantastic opportunities for life-changing interactions with Bwindi’s mountain gorillas are all provided throughout these months. 

How to get to Bwindi Forest (Uganda)

Be ready to travel the nine to ten-hour Mbarara-Kabale trip from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi. Alternatively, you could go from Kigali City to Bwindi in four to five hours by crossing the Chanika/Katuna border. Flying from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kisoro/Kihihi Airfield is one way to quickly reach Bwindi by air. 

How to plan your safari to Bwindi Forest

Use a professional like Maranatha Tours & Travel to reserve your gorilla trekking trip to Bwindi Forest. We provide fantastic packages that allow you to embark on a guided gorilla trekking safari and discover the best of Bwindi.