bwindi gorilla trek

• Rushaga Sector
• Nkuringo Sector
• Buhoma Sector
• Ruhija Sector
• Lake Bunyonyi
• Lake Mutanda
• Bwindi Altitude
• Getting There
• Buhoma Community Development Association
• Buhoma Community Tour
• Buniga Forest Walk
• Nkuringo Community Tour
• Nkuringo Cultural Center
• Nyundo Community Trails
• Rubuguri Village Walk
• Ruhija Community Walk
• Day Trip to Bwindi Gorillas
• 2 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek
• 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Habituation Experience
• 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari
• 3 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas (2 Treks)
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi
• 4 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Nature Walks
• 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Wildlife Safari
• 7 Days Ultimate Gorilla Safari
• Mountain Gorillas
• Chimpanzees
• Batwa People

Gorilla Trekking

• Gorilla Habituation
• Hiking & Trekking
• Batwa Cultural Experience
• Coffee to Cup Experience
• Bird Watching
• Accommodation
• Tour Operators
• Altitude & Acclimatization
• Gorilla Trekking Rules
• Is Gorilla Trekking Safe?
• Gorilla Tracking Rules
• Packing for a Gorilla Safari
• Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking
• Packing for Gorilla Trek
• When to Visit Bwindi
• Cancellation of Gorilla Permits
• Responsible Travel

Perfect and less marketed, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is still a super cheap gorilla trekking destination for mountain gorillas in Africa. Tracking gorillas twice in Bwindi forest through the lush rain forest, different tree species is an amazing experience full of life time memories. You can easily get a gorilla permit at only $700 per day including park entrance, park rangers, and great memories in general. Food, transport and accommodation can’t cost much as long as you have the main park gate pass at hand.

The park retains much of its rich treasures through conservation and local community support so whoever tracks mountain gorillas support the community and the park mountain gorilla conservation. You may be surprised to find free coffee at the main coffee center Buhoma a welcome prize prepared using Uganda locally made coffee for every guest to park as a way of saying thank you for supporting mountain gorilla conservation.

This is the finest park for tracking gorillas twice at a pocket friendly price that you won’t find anywhere in the region. Experience rural ancient life by meeting up with the gorillas twice in a unique gorilla trekking park -Bwindi forest and later mix with locals for updates on Uganda traditions and culture. The amazing adventure offers opportunities to be with mountain gorillas for two hours of photography and observation a thing every primate tourist will love.Besides Bwindi impenetrable forest is a home to one of the richest ecosystems in Africa and one of the most populated gorilla destinations for mountain gorillas.

The gorilla trekking experience is one of the most stunning activity which would not be missed by any traveler to Africa. The mountain gorillas are among the rare primates that travelers look for on their holiday in Africa. Mountain gorillas are found in three African countries i.e. Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo (former Zaire). Within these countries, thee are several habituated gorilla groups that permit tourist visits. In all these countries there are uniform rules and regulations that are followed by tourists taking gorilla trekking expeditions such as

• There are few habituated groups to be visited by tourists.
• Only 8 clients are allowed to visit a particular group a day.
• Travelers with communicable diseases are not allowed to visit the gorillas.
• Tourists should keep a distance of at least 8 metres.

Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The Mountain Gorillas are among Uganda’s top tourist attraction. While trekking these great creatures, the experience and excitement you encounter while with them is really worthwhile. Tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest can be conducted all year round. Most gorilla trekkers prefer visiting the mountain gorillas from June to September as well as from December up to February. You can visit Bwindi at any time of the year, the low season calls for cheaper gorilla permit price but generally there is slight difference in the seasons.

Please note that you only have one hour with these gorillas;

• You should keep a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas. Although of course the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, if such an incident happens you should try to move away. You should also listen to the guide’s advice on how you should behave whilst gorilla trekking.
• While gorilla trekking, always keep in your group and endeavor to maintain your voices low so that the visited gorilla family remains relaxed.

All About Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking is a unique, thrilling and fulfilling experience! It is a journey leading one to appreciate the hidden treasures of Uganda. There are over 36 gorilla groups within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park but only 17 families can be visited for gorilla trekking in the park. The remaining gorilla families are still wild though some are still undergoing the gorilla habituation process. Visiting one or more habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is worth as each of them tells different stories. At the end you will be rewarded with unforgettable experience of a lifetime that will never fade out of your memory. The habituated gorillas are now used to humans but they are still wild. So anything unexpected can happen! Always follow the guide’s rules so that you can rest assured of safety. Normally you do not have to eat or drink when you’re with the gorillas.

The D-Day for Gorilla Trekking

The typical day for gorilla trekking begins walk to the briefing point where the park officials will instruct you what to do and don’ts while in the mist with or not yet with apes and later with your guide follow the trail to search for the group allocated too.

Tips for Trekkers / Hikers

• On your trek carry the packed lunch and bottled mineral water, sun screen, hut, insect repellent and rain gear. Some hikers come with socks for both legs and hands.
• when you meet the gorillas you calm down as you spend your allowed one hour with the apes.
• You can have your lunch but not in the provoking way to the gorillas.
• Feel free to ask the guide all your questions concerning the primates.

After this tiresome activity return to the lodge and welcoming and friendly staffs will be at your service as you wait for African cuisine dinner and stunning overnight in the African setting camps which blends with nature.

After your long and strenuous adventure day Bwindi provides other perfect activities eligible to adventurous travelers like the community walk which leads you to the local healer, pygmy/Batwa cultural performances local villagers making banana wine, craft shops or take the Nkuringo walk or visit the Manyanga River falls. Therefore we recommend our visitors to stay more days longer and do the gorilla tracking, nature walks or Community Walk which are much fun and educational conservation criteria, through benefit sharing hence protecting the habitats of mountain gorilla.

Plan & Book Your Safari

For a traveler to enjoy this adventure, there are three important factors (accommodation, booking agent and guide services) that should be in your minds. While planning your gorilla safari to any of the gorilla parks, it is advisable to plan in time given that the gorilla permits are always prebooked in time. In some parks such as Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park, it is advisable to book gorilla permits atleast 3 months to your tracking date most especially if you are looking to take your trip during the peak months of June – September.

Most gorilla tours offered by tour operators are tailor made safaris guided by professional guides within spacious trucks. For independent travelers it is advisable to arrange for your accommodation through a local travel agency. There are several safari lodges within the perfect locations that offer travelers overnight accommodation. These lodges are found in strategic sectors near the different habituated gorilla groups to trek the gorillas.

What are the Best Months to track gorillas in Bwindi forest

To enjoy cheap budget gorilla trekking tours, book your trip in the months of April, May and November when Uganda gorilla permit prices are lower than the usual $600.Save $300 on the two gorilla permits that can cater for transport, meals and accommodation on your gorilla trek. You can also use the same cash to engage in other park tourists activities like a community tour to the Batwa people known as people of the forest, nature walk to the park or even support the Bwindi community charity projects for children, women, community Education, health at Bwindi hospital and many others.

After tracking mountain gorillas in the jungle, you free to explore other nearby attractions like Lake Bunyonyi Island, Queen Elizabeth national park and also add memories on your primate safari. Booking a gorilla safari featuring two treks is just like any other tour holiday though in this case you buy two gorilla permits instead of one. Usually tour agents ask for trip deposit just enough to clear your permits and the rest is paid upon arrival but in this case you make a deposit that covers two gorilla permits for your trek.

Gorilla Tracking is Done in Habituated Gorilla Families

Since Bwindi Forest has multiple gorilla trekking families and sectors, tracking gorillas twice depends on ones interest since all gorilla families and sectors are open for trackers each day. One can chose to track different gorilla families in different park sectors or different gorilla families in the same park sector. Each gorilla family is unique with several attractive features including multiples members, baby gorillas and slow forest movement. However, tourists make different choices of different gorilla families according to their favorite interest. Some tourists love trekking for long distances while others love the opposite, some love seeing many baby gorillas and their mother and experience the true family behaviors of primates in the jungle unlike others. Early booking for both permits provide greater opportunities for one to book their favorite gorilla families. Spare two days for the two treks since each starts in the morning with a briefing from park rangers and ends at any time that ranges between 2- 6 hours. However, you can check out some other mountain gorilla destinations in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Frequently Asked Questions on Gorilla Trekking

What physical fitness level is required for gorilla trekking.

All visitors intending to come for this lifetime experience, you need to ensure that you are physically well. The trek involves hiking through the thick forests and steep terrains or even the muddy slopes. The treks to see a group of mountain gorillas are usually at the higher altitude. Mountain gorillas live within altitude 3000 to 4300 meters above sea level.

Mountain gorilla trekking is conducted within the natural environment and not in the zoo. This means that you do not have 100 percent chances of viewing them but at least you get 95 percent chances. To enhance the process, trackers are sent to the forest to ascertain the location of mountain gorillas before the next group of visitors are set off for their trek. They are aided by use of radio and GPS coordinates. Even on a single day gorilla trek , the chances to see the mountain gorillas are over 98% in any of the four gorilla parks.

How long will I take to be with a group mountain gorilla?

Magical encounters with a group of mountain gorillas is only one hour but for habituation experience visitors have all the four hours to be with gorillas. The one hour magical hour allows you to explore more about the apes as well as take as many photos as possible.

How close do I need to be from the gorillas?

While you are in the forest with the group of gorillas, you are advised to keep a distance of about 8 meters from the gorillas. The rule applies to all visitors to any gorilla destination. The mountain gorillas share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans and they are very susceptible to human infectious diseases. To avoid body contact and spread of human diseases to these endangered creatures, a distance of eight meters should be observed.

How best can I visit gorillas?

To track mountain gorillas in Africa, you have only 3 options and these include Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo. To take part on this adventure you have to be physically fit as the hike takes you through thick rain forest and steep slopes. The best way for you to explore these rare creatures is by booking your trip with a recognized tour operator.

How long does the trek last?

The treks to see mountain gorillas involves you getting up early enough then join others at the park headquarters for briefing. This adventure may take you about 2 to 8 hours depending on your hiking speed, nature of gorilla habitat and location of gorillas.

How are gorilla trekking permits?

The cost of permits differ from country to country. In Uganda, you can obtain a permit at $600, in Rwanda at $1500 per person while in DR Congo at $400. The revenue that is collected from gorilla permits is used to aid a number of conservation works.

What are the major threats to mountain gorillas?

There are many threats that have affected the lives of mountain gorillas. They include poaching, habitat loss, spread of human infectious diseases and others. These creatures have a very low reproductive rate compared to any kind of creatures.

Do I need a porter for my gorilla trek?

Hiring a porter isn’t a bad thing but depending on how much luggage you have, a porter service may be of use. He will help carry heavy baggage especially camera equipment, rain gear, snacks, bottled water and others. You will then simply concentrate on your adventure with less weight. You can hire one at $10 to $15 and usually found at the park headquarters!

Do I need to be fit for gorilla trek?

Gorilla trekking is a strenuous primate adventure that demands some physical wellness in you. Therefore, you have to be prepared not only gear wise but also physically fit to hike through the steep slopes and dense vegetation in search of these amazing creatures. Note that mountain gorillas live at altitude of about 2200 to 3000 meters and hiking through the jungles of Africa to see them may take you about 2 to 8 hours.

Is it a guarantee that you will see mountain gorillas?

The fact that these are wild creatures, they are never in the same point and so, they move from one place to another. This means that, it is not a hundred percent that you can see them but your permit gives you 98 percent chance.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park » Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla Trekking  is an experience where a group of people get to hike/trek throught the thick forests in order for them to capture a glimpse of what gorillas look like and be able to view the environment in which gorillas stay.

Gorilla Trekking in Africa takes place in 4 national parks in the world which are located in 3 countries in Africa which include Uganda ( Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Forest), Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and in Congo (Virunga National Park).

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park , located in the southwestern region, on the edge of the rift valley. Tourists have a choice of  Uganda gorilla trekking and Rwanda gorilla trekking experiences in a single itinerary. Such trips can begin either way depending on a client’s preference making it possible to do Gorilla trekking in Bwindi from Rwanda – about (4 – 5 hours drive) from Kigali.

Where To Go for  Gorilla  Trekking in Africa.

Mountain Gorillas inhabit in three countries in Africa and these include Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republican of Congo. And there are few national parks that inhabit mountain Gorillas including Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park , Volcanoes National park and Virunga National park is an endemic forest of the Albertine Rift in Eastern DRC. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National park in Rwanda, Virunga Mountains in three National parks in Democratic Republican of Congo.

Rwanda Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in the volcanoes National park which is located just 3 hours from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda at the border of DRC and Uganda. The park hosts 150 habituated mountain Gorillas which are split into 12 Groups which are 96 permits sold daily to trekkers.

Rwanda inhabits the oldest habituated Gorilla group.  Rwanda is bet for high end low impact tourism which doubles the cost of Gorilla trekking which doubles the Uganda permit and four times the cost in DRC. The Rwanda tourism strategy has always been to attract the most exclusive resorts and promising higher income and the local communities at the edge of the Volcanoes national park where the Gorillas live.

Uganda Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga National Park is part of the congo which is part of the Virungas National park and Volcanoes National Park. It has only one habituated Gorilla family. The rest of Gorilla groups are inhabited in Bwindi impenetrable National Park with a maximum of 500 mountain Gorillas that are split into 37 social groups, the 36 are in Bwindi, the 11 habituated Gorilla groups are visited day and 1 group is kept for research and habituation process.

The park has four Gorilla sectors including Ruhijah, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma, a maximum of eight people is allowed to trek each Gorilla family and permits is charged at a cost of 700 USD per each person.

It takes a maximum of 9 hours to reach the park and 11 hours depending on the traffic jam on the road however up countries there is no   traffic jam to you will drive smoothly as you spot a number of things including the rolling hills, of kigezi, cattle grazing, the area is normally referred to as the Switzerland of Africa.

Uganda is the only country where trekkers can decide to go for a habituation process and the ticket costs 1500 USD. Habituation takes place only in Uganda Rushaga sector of Bwindi.

You can as well as the Tour operators in Uganda to use a private charter in order to arrive early with 30 minutes.

DRC Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in DRC was closed in May 2018 when there was a lot of war waging in the country. This became more worse when two British tourists were kidnapped and their guide killed however trekking of Gorillas will resume very soon.

The country still faces political stability since there many wars and unrest on the sides of Goma where the Virunga National Park is found. Virunga National park is the game of Africa with many features. Highest biodiversity in the world is the oldest one in Africa. Nyiragongo Mountain can be optioned after trekking the mountain Gorillas, view the boiling lava, smoking cone it’s the largest lava lake in the world.

The Gorillas have increased to over 300 today; the park has welcomed 17,000 visitors since when it was reopened in 2014. There 6 habituated Families in DRC although the number keep changing since new families keep flocking and created.

The permit in DRC costs $400 for international trekkers well $150 for Congolese.

To trek the mountain Gorillas you must contact first a tour operator who will be in charge of purchasing a Gorilla permit , accommodation and organize the rest of you trip to trek the mountain Gorillas. A gorilla permit is an identity that is issued and allows you to trek the mountain Gorillas from the Authorities that are in charge of Wildlife in every country.

Each country has different charges for gorilla permits. Uganda charges 700 USD, Rwanda 1500 USD, DRC 400 USD. The permit allows on to trek the mountain Gorillas. Gorilla Trekking takes approximately 30 minutes to 7 hours and this depends on the location of the Gorillas assigned by the park rangers. Early morning, travelers have a briefing session at the park headquarters. You will be divided into 8 people per gorilla family in the sector chosen. The permit fee is to help on the conservation of the environment and improve on health of the mountain Gorillas.

The rules and regulations to consider while on a Gorilla trekking trip are put in place in order to protect the Mountain gorillas in their habitant environment from encroachment. You’re allowed only to stand 7 meters away from the Gorillas. Uganda, DRC and Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking rules remain the same. Visitors are not allowed to consume and drinks or food in front of the Mountain Gorillas. You will have your packed lunch by the lodge and food is a must since the time for trekking the Gorillas is unpredictable. Do not litter anything in the forest. Carry all your plastics back to the lodge or rubbish bins to the park head quarters. The forest is cherished since it’s a home to the mountain Gorillas in Africa.

Some Of the rules and regulations for gorilla trekking :

• One should be clean and always wash their hands before heading for Gorilla trekking.
• Always keep your voices low during the trek and always observe or keep an eye on the park habitants such as bird life, primates, mammals, geckos, reptiles and many more in the forest.
• You’re not supposed to live rubbish in the park and therefore keep rubbish in your bag & whatever you carry should be taken back with you.
• Early morning you will be briefed about Gorilla trekking rules and regulations and will after be put in groups of 8 people and set off to the forest with a ranger.
• When you approach the mountain Gorillas, the rangers and guides will inform you about them or you will hear the noise in the forest. However do not make noise out of excitement, remember their friendly primates but also wild animals and they can changer anytime.
• Read More…

Uganda Wildlife Authority is an empowered force that regulates, protects and gives security to the mountain Gorillas. Through the Vigilant monitoring of tourism to the Gorilla habitat the Wildlife sectors are able to set a stress free life for the Mountain Gorillas.

Mountain Gorillas were once endangered because of habitat loss, poaching which was due to encroachment by farmers and local hunters. This led to the displacing the Batwa people/pygmies from the park .The forest is under 24 Hour watchful eye and visitors without gorilla permits are not allowed. Poachers are delt with by the rules of the low.

There is a lot to spot during the mountain Gorilla trekking. This includes birds, trees, wildlife, waterfalls, geckoes, reptiles and many more. Enjoy trekking the mountain Gorillas   as you spot a number of things in the jungle. Gorilla safaris in Uganda , Rwanda and DRC range from tracking Gorillas and other wildlife.

CHEAP GORILLA TREKKING TOURS

There are a number of budget trips including budget Gorilla trekking tour packages with very low comfortable facilities.

Gorilla trekking on budget trips does not mean one gets less facilities. One acquires almost the same facilities and the only difference might come in on the accommodations since some are prefer budget accommodation from luxury accommodation.

Regarding transportation, gorilla trekking safaris the tour company may decide to use their own tour vehicles.

There many affordable Gorilla trekking packages, including visiting during low seasons, when the accommodations are lower in terms of charges/pricing.

The discount offered doesn’t affect the price of permits. In Uganda Permits cost 700 USD, Rwanda 1500 USD and Burundi 400USD. One has to book and pay for their permits pro to 3 months of travel since their sold on first come first serve basis by the Authorities in Charge of Wildlife in respective countries that inhabit the mountain Gorillas.

Rwanda’s permit is high however Rwanda is the top luxury Gorilla trekking sector in all countries that inhabit the mountain Gorillas in the world.

The best option for budget safari Gorilla trekking/tours is Congo and Uganda.

Travel during low season to get a discount on accommodation facilities, March to May and October to November though during this season there is much rainfall.

Choose the best gorilla trekking company in order for you to be able to have a smooth trip.

Contact us for more information about the cheapest Gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa.

GORILLLA TREKKING SAFARI  

The clients are advised to book their gorilla trekking safaris three months before the date. One also needs to be physically fit for the trek. However, you will feel a little daunted at the same time, be well prepared for the trek.

On the day of the trek wake up early morning, have breakfast and our guide will drive you to the park headquarters for a short briefing about gorilla trekking. U will then meet the local guides and rangers who will trek with you and give you etiquette of the whole gorilla trekking safari. Hike through the forest trails where you will spot the mountain Gorillas in their wilderness.

Trek from 1 to 6 hours of the day as you climb to high altitudes, the forest is slippery, rough and at times muddy.

The hike needs physical fitness, as you trek you will view the surrounding sceneries that will make your trek worthy.

When one finally meets the gorillas the fatigue is all gone and forgotten, the experience is unforgettable in your natural history of the world.

There after you’re provided with picnic lunches as a result you might take a lot of water since you will use a lot of energy and power.

Speed film cameras are allowed however do not use flash lights when taking pictures. Since these are forest areas it tends to rain every now and then hence carry waterproof cloths  and  zip lock  bags for cameras and film.

Where is Gorilla trekking is better, Uganda or Rwanda ?

Mountain Gorillas are the same everywhere all habits are the same. And one can’t be sure that they will see mountain gorillas when they decide to trek. However, it’s rare for clients to be disappointed. The best chance for gorilla trekking is to trek during the dry seasons of April, May and November.

The accommodation is available and superior in Uganda than in Rwanda. There is a better chance of finding the Gorillas. The authorities  regulate the rules that incase the Gorillas haven’t been found by 2pm ,the trekkers are asked to return to the park headquarters  to avoid trekking in the darkness.

There is no refunds unless if the trekker falls sick before the trek after the senior of the headquarter finds out that you’re not eligible to trek.

The lowest age to trek the mountain Gorillas is at the age of 15years this is due to their physical fitness and transmitting of childhood diseases to the gorillas. The age limit is strictly observed since the passport details are always followed including the date of birth which is required at the time of booking. Requirements of the age is a must proof before you trek the mountain Gorillas.

Trekking with the right cloths.

One should carry the strong hiking boots with good ankle support and some garden gloves. Dress in long sleeved shirts in order to protect your arms against scratches from thorns, long pants to minimize the insect bites on the legs.

Dress in layers in order to put them off in case you sweat. You will be provided with picnic lunch and carry a lot of water from the lodge together with high energetic snacks.

Note that the parks are located in rain forest areas and it can rain anytime therefore its advisable carry waterproof cloths ,zip bags for cameras and filming.

Photographs using flashlights are not permitted. Fast speed films are not recommended. Take along your daypack and carry your needed items for the trek, sweater and tops, basic items and flashlights.

The porters  are available to carry you however they are hired at the park headquarters. Guides are armed during the trek, since it’s a must for all the trekkers to be accompanied by the guides, porters and UPDF soldiers. National park guides and soldiers are armed for safety purposes.

BEST GORILLA TREKKING COMPANIES IN UGANDA

Gorilla trekking companies help one to be able to book an organized trip. Before one chooses a gorilla trekking company to use for his/her gorilla trekking safaris, one ought to be knowledgeable about a number of things.

The best Gorilla safari company must be part of the country association. In Uganda there many tour operators but before anyone books a trip, they should first confirm if the company is registered under the umbrella of Tour operator Associations , that is a member of Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and if at all the company is licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board to carry out business. There many companies that are engaged into frauds and that have stolen the clients money which later becomes hard to recover their money however if you book with a company which belongs to an association it will be easy to claim your money back.

We recommend to always following up with reviews of the previous clients on safari booking or trip advisor . These are some of the sites where clients who have used the tour company write about their Gorilla trekking testimonies and experiences.

Search the company website on all platforms to see if there is any relevant information about gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Visit the official website , contact one of the consultants.

Test their response rate, send inquiries to two or more tour companies and establish the one who responds first.

Go through all that has been sent to you at a speedy response, sometimes there issues of time differences which cannot be avoided.

Look for the good price and also look at the way questions are replied.

Find out how other travelers how have fared with the company you wish to trek with.

When you go through the reviews you will learn how much it’s important and what you should always expect from the company your contacting for your gorilla safaris.

Read through the reviews of the clients and see how many recommend the company your intending to contact.

Explore the company website, do a great research on the company, and ensure that it will meet your expectations.

Ask questions about Guides, prices, Safari cars, Accommodation, Guides, meals.

Response time, the time taken while responding to the client is very important factor when choosing a tour company.

Responding on time, if the reply is not efficient enough in handling their much activity. If it takes a day with no response from the tour company one needs to try other tour companies.

Gorilla trekking needs a lot of planning and you’re always advised to book three months before departure.

After booking the company will take you through the next steps and they will check for the availability of the permit date which is required for your trek.

The company will the send you an invoice with quotes and payment details.

After payment upon agreement you will have to show up on the agreed date.

Frequently asked questions about gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park

Frequently asked questions about gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi national park ; gorilla habituation experience is one of the adventurous activities in Bwindi impenetrable national park that involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated mountain gorillas and once found spend four hours with them in their natural habitat. Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in south western part of Uganda and is one of the destinations that harbour the endangered mountain gorillas. Below are some of the frequently asked questions by travers about gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park with their answers.

Where to do gorilla habituation experience

Gorilla habituation experience is only done in rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park.

How long does gorilla habituation take?

Gorilla habituation experience takes a whole day and when the gorillas are located, you will be allowed to spend four hours with the mountain gorillas in their natural environment which gives you an opportunity to learn and monitor their behaviours, engage in the naming process, watch them carry out their daily activities, take photos and record videos.

Cost of gorilla habituation permits in Bwindi impenetrable national park

A gorilla habituation permit in Bwindi impenetrable national park costs 1,500 USD per person for foreign non residents, 1,000 USD per person for foreign residents and 750,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.

How to book gorilla habituation permits?

Gorilla habituation permits in Bwindi impenetrable national park can be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact us with the date, month and year when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. After contacting us we will check for permit availability through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and if there are permits available on your preferred dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit.  When the payment has been made, we will purchase the permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.

How many people are allowed to do gorilla habituation experience?

Gorilla habituation experience allows a maximum number of 4 people to visit the mountain gorillas daily unlike gorilla trekking which allows 8 people to visit each habituated gorilla family daily.

What is the age limit for gorilla habituation experience?

The age limit for gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park is 15 years and this is due to the fact that the habituation experience takes a whole day and children may not be fit enough, children might not follow the rules and regulations by the park rangers and mountain gorillas are vulnerable to human diseases while children easily get infected with communicable diseases like cough and flu.

When is the best time to do gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park?

Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less or little rainfall in the park therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes gorilla habituation experience easy compared to the wet/ rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which makes gorilla habituation difficult.

What is the different between gorilla habituation experience and gorilla trekking?

The different between gorilla habituation experience and gorilla trekking is that travellers spend four hours with the mountain gorillas during gorilla habituation while during gorilla trekking, travellers will only spend one hour with the mountain gorillas.

What to pack for gorilla habituation experience?

When planning a gorilla habituation safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park, there are a number of essential items that you should pack/ carry including insect repellent, garden gloves, hiking shoes, long sleeved shirt and trouser, waterproof rain jacket, warm sweater, camera and extra batteries, energy snacks and drinking water, walking stick, a pair of binoculars, face masks, back pack among others.

How to get to Bwindi impenetrable national park

Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in south western Uganda and can be accessed by air transport means where you will book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe international airport to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to rushaga sector by road.

Bwindi impenetrable national park can also be accessed by road transport means where travellers will drive from Kampala via masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then to rushaga sector which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive in a safari vehicle.

You can as well access Bwindi impenetrable national park from Kigali Rwanda where visitors will fly to Kigali international airport and then connect to rushaga sector via cyanika border in Kisoro or katuna border in Kabale which takes about 4 to 5 hours’ drive.

For more information about gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various safari packages.

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How to plan a gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Going on a gorilla trekking in Uganda is an experience of a lifetime. These are the do’s and don’ts when planning your trek at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

My legs were already exhausted as my group went deeper into the jungles of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda . Even though we could not see them yet, we all knew gorillas were somewhere around us. The sounds of bushes and trees shaking, the silent look from side to side of our ranger, and the distant growl of young gorillas calling their mothers, were signs that we were about to experience our first gorilla encounter.

No more than one minute later, the ranger stopped us, gave us a short briefing on how to behave, and told us that a family of more than 12 gorillas was just a few meters in front of us.

The first time you see wild gorillas is an experience to never forget, and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best places to do gorilla trekking. It has not only the largest amount of mountain gorillas in the world, but it’s also one of the safest and most exciting places to do it.

What else should you keep in mind before going on a gorilla trekking in Uganda? This is what this article is about.

Understanding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

There are two places for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park . While both parks have built a name for seeing these giants, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest stands out as probably the best place in the world to see gorillas.

With approximately 300-400 gorillas living in Bwindi, more or less half of the gorilla population in the world lives in this park. Additionally, it is the home of the largest number of habituated gorilla families in Africa. Travelers visiting Bwindi have a 99,9% chance of seeing gorillas in the wild. Due to the number of daily permits and families being tracked and protected, it is also one of the few places where gorilla trekking can be adapted to your fitness level and personal wishes.

Bwindi is enormous, and gorilla treks happen in four different park sectors. However, most operators considered the northwestern part of the park the best place to go. Here, you can stay in the region of Kanungu and find accommodation for all budgets and restaurants, bars, and craft shops. Development is also increasing in Kanungu. Local communities are trying to develop tourism by offering tours and meetings with the Batwa, one of the ethnic groups living inside the national park.

Most tour operators will take care of organizing your accommodation, permits, schedules, and activities. However, if you travel to Bwindi independently, these are the best lodges to stay in Buhoma – Bwindi nearest town:

• Trackers Safari Lodge (Kanungu’s only 5-Star lodge)
• Buhoma Lodge (Mid-class lodge located next to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
• Haven Lodge Buhoma (4-Star lodge with excellent panoramic views)
• Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (Budget-friendly lodge with ideal location)
• CTPC Gorilla Conservation Camp (Budget-friendly lodge that focuses on conservation and community development)

The average price for accommodation in this part of Uganda is 100 USD a night. Budget accommodation can cost 50 USD for a double bedroom and luxury accommodation starts at 300 USD per night.

INSIDER TIP: Unless you have your own 4×4 vehicle, visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest independently is extremely expensive and complicated. Roads are in large sections in terrible shape, and therefore car rentals charge ridiculous prices to independent drivers. Being part of a private tour is the most comfortable and inexpensive choice if you want to see gorillas. Tour operators will take care of everything and can quickly adapt an itinerary according to your budget and needs.

Read more: Where Is The Best Place To Do Gorilla Trekking In East Africa

How expensive is a gorilla permit in Uganda

When it comes to gorilla trekking in Uganda, the first thought on everyone’s mind is the price. Gorilla treks in East/Central Africa are considered one of the most expensive activities globally and something only a few people can afford in their lifetime.

Even though these permits are costly, the money raised by them is used to protect the gorillas from trafficking and poaching, as well as to help the communities around to grow up and see tourism as an opportunity to move forward.

The cost of a single gorilla permit in Uganda is 700 USD per person. With this permit, you can enter the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and participate in a one-hour gorilla trekking tour.

Tours do not have any additional cost. However, a tip of 20-25 USD per person is expected by the rangers and guides working at the national park.

Additionally, the Uganda Wildlife Authority only issues 152 gorilla permits every day for the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and 8 permits daily for the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Read more: Why You Need To Do A Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

All prices for a gorilla permit at Bwindi and Mgahinga are:

• 700 USD for foreign tourists for one-hour gorilla trekking.
• 1500 USD for foreign tourists for a four-hour gorilla habituation tour.
• 600 USD for foreign residents for one-hour gorilla trekking.
• 1000 USD for foreign residents for a four-hour gorilla habituation tour.
• 250.000 UGX (around 70 USD) for East African citizens for one-hour gorilla trekking.
• 750.000 UGX (around 210 USD) for East African citizens for a four-hour gorilla habituation tour.

While I was doing my gorilla trek in Uganda, there were 24 people divided into 3 groups. To create a minimal impact on the habituated family and make a more memorable experience for the traveler, Bwindi only allows a maximum of 8 people in every group.

INSIDER INFO: There are 19 habituated families in Bwindi and only 1 habituated family in Mgahinga.

Read more: Kwita Izina – A Ceremony To Name Baby Gorillas

Furthermore, the more groups available during the day, the more flexibility you can have on how long you want the trek to be. The time with the gorillas is always exactly 60 minutes. However, the trekking time depends on how far the family of gorillas is and how long you want to hike.

During my tour, I got the option of choosing between a 15-minute trek, a 60-min trek, or a 150-minute trek – of course, I went with the long one. 

NOTE: Gorilla permits must be obtained beforehand from Kampala’s UWA ( Uganda Wildlife Authority ) office. You can get more information by contacting the UWA by e-mail or call. You will be denied entry if you don’t arrange a permit before. A more comfortable and more accessible choice is getting it through a tour company – with most companies, the application for the permit is free if you take part in one of their tours.

Whether you plan to get your permit independently or with a tour operator, it is recommended to apply for your permits as soon as you have your travel dates set. Permits can get fully booked up to 6 months in advance in the high season. Even though COVID has heavily affected the number of visitors arriving daily in Uganda, try to arrange your permit as soon as you can to avoid any disappointment.

Read more: What to bring and wear for gorilla trekking

How does a gorilla trekking in Bwindi tour goes

Before the gorilla trekking.

Gorilla treks start early. The first briefing began at 7 am at the principal office of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , and we had to arrive there 15-20 minutes before to sign in and get our permits controlled.

While all travelers arrive, there are dances and cultural presentations taking part. We could also taste some of the local coffee, see some of the crafts the women in this part of Uganda make, and learn more about the Bwindi National Park in a small museum right at the information office.

You can also have a quick breakfast at this time. However, most operators and hotels recommend you to take breakfast for the trek and wait until the ranger makes a break for the whole group to eat.

Eating inside the national park is taboo, so the rangers will only allow it in designated spots. You will also have to carry any kind of trash with you (including fruit rests) and not dispose of anything in the forest.

The first briefing is about the trek itself and the families living in this part of the forest. After the groups get divided, and a ranger for your group gets selected, you can start the trek into the deep jungle of Bwindi.

Drinking water is allowed at any time during the trek. However, once you are next to the gorillas, you will have to wear a disposable mask, and you are not allowed to drink anything.

The idea of using a disposable mask started during COVID. However, rangers informed us that they will probably keep this policy indefinitely, as gorillas can easily catch diseases from humans.

Read more: Turning animal poachers into wildlife conservationists

During the gorilla trekking

During the gorilla trekking, your ranger will inform you about gorilla behavior, the family you are visiting, and how rangers communicate and track gorillas. The rangers have a lot of knowledge of these creatures and can answer every question you have related to the tour.

My gorilla trekking tour in Uganda was one of the longest. We arrived at the national park at 7 am, started the time around 8 am , trekked for more than 2 hours, spent 1 hour with the gorillas, took a break for 30 minutes, and hiked 2 hours back to the information center.

The whole activity took a bit more than half a day, and it was one of the best experiences in my life.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

What other activities can you do in Bwindi?

With tourism being considered an option to develop the smaller communities around Bwindi, there is a lot of offer for activities to do. No matter what budget you have or what kind of traveler you are, there is something for you.

These are some of the best activities you can do outside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

• Coffee tours – Here, you will learn how to collect, dry, roast, and prepare Ugandan coffee
• Tea plantation tours – These tours offer an insight into the tea industry of Uganda. From its extensive plantation visits to the final preparation of this drink
• Visit a craft market – Just outside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park entrance, there is a small market with 10-15 shops selling crafts.
• Bar hopping and street food tasting in Buhoma – Ugandans understand how important it is to make a visitor feel welcome, and the bars in Buhoma are the best place to hear about local life and meet new friends.
• Batwa cultural village – Batwa communities have been displaced over the past decades. With these tours, you can learn more about their traditions and support their integration into modern society.
• Pay a visit to the CTPC Gorilla Conservation Camp – This is a great place to see the more significant impact your contribution makes in the community. You can learn at the CTPC how gorillas are being protected and how whole villages benefit from them.

Read more: How to plan a chimpanzee trekking in KIbale’s National Park

Read more: The Batwa People Of Uganda – A Tribe On The Edge Of Disappearing

I traveled to Uganda using a private company. Rafiki Safaris Uganda not only helped me plan the perfect itinerary, but they also informed me about all these additional activities I could do. Even though traveling independently would have given me way more flexibility, I think my whole trip would have been more expensive without Rafiki Safaris.

They do not only plan tours to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest but also take care of your whole stay in Uganda. From hotel bookings in Kampala and airport transfers to day trips around the city and transfers to the border if you plan to cross from Uganda to Rwanda or Congo overland.

Read more: Which are the best national parks in Uganda

Planning a trip to Uganda independently is fun. However, if you want to arrange everything with tour operators beforehand from the comfort of your home. SafariBookings is the best platform for it.

They have the largest database of tour operators in Africa and you can simply send a request and negotiate a tour and a price directly with the operator. You don’t have to pay any additional fees.

These are some of the most popular tours at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest at SafariBookings

MY FAVORITE NATIONAL PARKS

Saxon switzerland national park, masai mara natural reserve, bwindi impenetrable forest, white desert protected area, victoria falls national park.

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Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park

A mountain gorilla safari is a truly special experience that becomes all the more magical when done within the confines of  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park  in  Uganda . Located in South-Western Uganda, Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and  boasts some of the highest numbers of endangered mountain gorillas in the world . The high population can be attributed to long-term gorilla conservation efforts carried out by rangers and the support of communities in the area.

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

Great measures have been taken to revive populations of mountain gorillas,  which were once on the brink of extinction. Today, you can also find mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in  Rwanda  and   Virunga National Park  in the  Democratic Republic of Congo . However, the price tag of gorilla safaris is much higher in Rwanda’s national parks, and the populations of mountain gorillas are much lower in the Congo. In fact, to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the permit alone costs over twice as much as it does in Uganda.

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

The Time To See Mountain Gorillas On A Uganda Gorilla Safaris Is Now!

Gorilla Trekking Uganda

Uganda is the  second most popular destination for Mountain Gorilla trekking  in the world. It’s safe, it’s affordable, and as a destination, it offers a variety of activities aside from gorilla trekking. 

There are  15 habituated mountain gorilla groups in Bwindi National Park in Uganda , spread across three different sections of the park. Five habituated groups are located in the Rushaga sector, three in the Buhoma sector, two in the Ruhija sector, and one group can be found in Nkuringo.

Gorillas in  the Buhoma sector are the most accessible , making this the best destination for Uganda gorilla tours for those who don’t fancy hiking for hours. Buhoma also offers some nature walks to nearby waterfalls and an opportunity to visit the Batwa community. 

Rushaga is home to the most gorilla groups , but to get to them, you must be prepared for some hiking through the forest. The last two only have a couple of gorilla groups and thus are less popular with visitors.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits

A gorilla trekking permit  in Uganda costs $ 700 /person,  and although in previous years, it was possible to score a low season discount (50% off), this discount was eliminated in 2018.

Similar to  Rwanda ,  gorilla permits  in Uganda need to be arranged well in advance , especially now that the price increase in Rwanda is expected to bring a significant increase in the number of visitors to Bwindi. For gorilla trekking, Uganda consistently ranks high on lists of desirable destinations, so be prepared to have everything planned well in advance – from scheduling your gorilla permit to booking a spot with a tour operator.

How Difficult Is It To Track Gorillas In Uganda?

There are  no hard and fast rules for how difficult it will be  for you to track gorillas in Uganda. The difficulty of the trek is determined by how deep within the park your assigned gorilla family is and the terrain in which you have to pass over to get there.

That being said, sometimes habituated Uganda gorillas  can be found hanging out at the park’s edge . In this case, it takes no time at all to find them. 

On the other hand, a group that is deep within the forest could take upwards of 4 hours to reach. More  often than not, participants spend an hour or two trekking  before finally coming across these beautiful mammals. 

Uganda gorilla safaris are no Everest, but they  do require participants to be in decent shape . The group moves only as fast as its slowest walker along the worn paths of the National Park. There is no off-path action on the trek towards the gorillas, but the park definitely lives up to its ‘impenetrable’ description.

In Uganda, if you do not want to carry your daypack on one of the gorilla safaris,  you can hire a local porter  to carry it for you.  Porters are former animal poachers,  so by hiring a porter, you are supporting ongoing conservation efforts inside the park.

Aside from carrying your pack, the  local porters have been known to help navigate or lend a hand  to people during swathes of difficult terrain.

What To Expect: Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

Typical Uganda gorilla  trekking tours  begin at 7 or 8 in the morning . All safari-goes will gather with the park ranger within Bwindi National Park. 

The  ranger will give everyone an initial briefing  on how the trek is supposed to progress, as well as the rules, then split everyone into smaller groups and assign their gorilla families. Groups are no larger than 8 people because anything bigger might agitate the gorilla families.

The  rangers usually have a general idea of how far within the park the gorilla families are . So, if you prefer a particular length of trek, this is the time to ask. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, and all the groups may be deep within the forest that day.

There are several gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but only about half of them can be visited for gorilla trekking. The remaining families are wild, with some undergoing the habituation process. 

The rangers also have knowledge of how many silverbacks or babies are amongst the individual clans. The  babies are always a joy to watch !

Ensure you  follow the rules which are designed for your safety and the safety of the gorilla group . They are enforced by your Uganda gorilla safaris guide. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, new protective measures have been put in place in order to protect the gorillas. The endangered species is very susceptible to human viruses, especially COVID. Visitors are required to take a COVID-19 rapid test before they are allowed to enter the park, and wear a mask when you get to the gorilla family. Before you travel to Uganda, it’s best to check up on current precautionary measures, as they may change. Your tour operator is a great source of information – they’ll know exactly what you need to do. 

Here are some other rules and tidbits to keep in mind for your gorilla trek:

• Gorillas are curious animals, especially the little ones, and they may approach you. However, you  must keep a  10 -metre distance  between the gorilla group and yourself at all times.
• 1 hour  will fly by but for the sake of the gorilla group that is the  maximum time  Uganda gorilla tours can observe the animals
• Do not participate in Uganda gorilla safaris if you are ill. To protect them from human diseases,  do not cough, sneeze, or spit  next to the gorillas. 
• You are free to have a snack along the way but  no drinking, eating, or smoking  is permitted near the animal groups.
• You must  disable your flash  on your camera or video.

READ NEXT:   Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

How To Prepare For Gorilla Trekking In Uganda

To make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible, we recommend  planning this trip no less than 6 months out . This will give you plenty of time to set up lodging and secure permits.

Where To Stay

Most travellers include gorilla tracking in their  Uganda itinerary organised by one of the many safari companies  in the region. If you do it this way, then lodgings and permits will be taken care of for you, and it will be a weight off your shoulders.

If you are looking for a good safari tour operator in Uganda,  we recommend   Crystal Safaris  (ask for Jonna as your driver/guide).

If you would prefer to organise the trek yourself, that’s an option, too. If that’s the case,  your planning needs to start with the lodges.  There are numerous lodges conveniently located outside of Bwindi National Park in Uganda, but this is our recommendation:

Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Safari Lodge  is one of the first lodges in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi National Park and is  conveniently located just a 5-minute walk away from the trailhead . It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the park and save on transport time on the day of your gorilla tracking.

The lodge offers full board accommodation starting at $250/night in lovely eco-style cabins. There is no pool on-site, but the cabins are set up to help you  fully immerse in the lush environment .

Since the lodge is located just outside of Bwindi National Park, the Wi-Fi connection is limited but enough to stay in touch with friends and relatives. The lodge staff can help you  organise gorilla trekking permits, hikes in Bwindi National Park, community visits and other activities  in the area. They can also give you a realistic expectation of what your total gorilla safari cost will be.

An amazing excursion that the Gorilla Safari Lodge can help arrange is the  Gorilla Habituation Experience . This is more involved than a typical gorilla safari – it’s a more intimate experience where you get to spend up to four hours with the gorillas. You’ll be accompanied by porters, guides, and researchers who aim to habituate the gorillas to the presence of humans.

Learn more about Gorilla Safari Lodge and book your stay here

What to bring on your gorilla trekking experience.

Your gorilla trekking in Uganda is  first and foremost a hiking trip, so dress the part . We suggest wearing lightweight and breathable   hiking pants  and a long-sleeved shirt. Complemented by   good hiking boots  and  gaiters  for comfort and protection. 

Regardless of what the sky looks like the morning of your Uganda safari, bring a   rain jacket  and   rain pants  just to be safe.  Biwindi is a rainforest and the weather changes on a dime . 

We always bring our   collapsible hiking sticks , on hiking trips like this one, and found them very useful for the terrain within the park. However,  if you forget yours at home, you can purchase a pair or rent hiking poles from the park ranger .

Sunblock, eco-friendly   insect protection , a hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks are essentials. Pack at least 1-2 litres of water for the journey.

Of course, you will want to remember this experience, so bring a camera along. Not only will you see mountain gorillas, but  you will more than likely see smaller primates, a variety of birds, and interesting flora en route  to your assigned family. 

It took us a long time and lots of trial and effort before settling on the cameras we use in our travels, so we compiled a list of the best travel cameras based on our experiences here.

While everything we’ve said so far is important, it’s just as important to remember this:  you can’t fully prepare for this wildlife experience .

No matter how prepared you are, seeing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat will take your breath away.

Other Things To Do In Bwindi National Park

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a popular destination for gorilla trekking, but there is so much else to explore and see in the park. 

You can  go for a scenic hike along the Kashasha River , through a bamboo forest, to the Munyanga Waterfall – you are spoilt for choice when it comes to trails.

The  Batwa Cultural Experience  includes a hike to the local Batwa village, where you’ll learn about the forest’s original keepers. The Batwa people will teach you how they hunt, gather honey, use herbs for medicine, and build dwellings in the forest. 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is considered to be  one of the best birdwatching destinations on the continent . To date, there are 348 recorded bird species at Bwindi, including three species that are last of their kind. 

READ NEXT:   Ultimate Uganda Safari Guide

Other National Parks To Visit In Uganda

Queen elizabeth national park.

Located about 4 hours north of Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park is an amazing savanna park and home to  rare tree-climbing lions . Over half of Uganda’s bird species can be found in this park, and game drives give visitors a chance to see leopards, giraffes, elephants, and more.

Mgahinga National Park

Just a couple of hours away from Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another popular destination for gorilla trekking.  Home to three dormant volcanoes , this park is a great hiking spot. While the hikes can be strenuous in spots, no special equipment is required and they can be completed in under 8 hours. 

Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in northern Uganda, Kidepo is the most isolated national park in the country, making it a great place for wildlife viewing. Wildlife species that you can see during a safari include Rothschild giraffes, African buffaloes, and elephants.

Murchison Falls National Park

Home to the famous Murchison Waterfall, this park has attracted many notable visitors and even served as the setting for the 1951 film  The African Queen , starring Humphrey Bogart. This is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, with the Victoria Nile River squeezing through an 8-metre wide gorge and plunging over a rift valley wall. 

Would You Like To Experience One Of The Uganda Gorilla Safaris? Who Would You Take With You?

Disclaimer:   Our trip to Bwindi National Park and our stay at Gorilla Safari Lodge was provided courtesy of Crystal Safaris, but all opinions expressed in this article are our own. 

READ NEXT:  Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Congo (DRC) 

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

3 thoughts on “guide to gorilla trekking in uganda’s bwindi national park”.

Thank you for sharing with the world this amazing information about gorilla trekking in Africa. A small update: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hosts now 14 habituated gorilla groups. There is also a new adventure – Gorilla Habituation Experience where travelers can spend a maximum of 4 hours with the gorillas. This activity costs USD1500 per person.

Thank you for the update. That’s wonderful news!

Hi, Thanks for the article, very useful! 🙂 Just one comment: the permit in Uganda is $600 not $750. We just booked our trek there for July 2018. Cheers, Emma

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BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Bwindi uganda gorilla trekking - uganda gorilla tours & gorilla safaris.

Enjoy Uganda Gorilla Trekking – Visit the Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi impenetrable national park and enjoy the ultimate gorilla experience. We offer tailor made and scheduled Gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda at unbeatable prices all inclusive. Alongside your gorilla trek , we combine other interesting activities such as chimpanzee trekking , game viewing, mountain hiking, community tourism,  white water rafting and so much more depending on the interest of every traveler. At Adventure in the Wild Safaris, we strive to ensure that you enjoy the most memorable Adventure in East Africa. Contact us to plan your Adventure safari !

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Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours

Gorilla trekking is one of the most ranking activity that travelers give priority while planning their African safaris.   In the whole of Africa this exception gorilla activity can only be experienced in only three countries. These countries include Uganda the pearl of Africa, Rwanda the land of the seven hills and the democratic republic of Congo where you will expect to sight both famous mountain gorillas and lowland gorilla species which are interesting with their gigantic size.

Uganda is famously known as one of those countries that conserve and protect the rare endangered mountain gorilla species in the wild. It therefore operates the popular mountain gorilla tours for the whole year since Uganda’s permit for gorilla trekking is quite affordable at $ 600 US dollars compared to that of Rwanda which is $ 1500 US dollars.

In addition, besides the Uganda Gorilla Trekking permit being cheap and affordable according to the gorilla statics for the three countries, Uganda has the biggest numbers of these endangered mountain gorilla species compared to remaining two countries. Living other factors constant Uganda is in position to out compete other countries as selling Uganda gorilla trekking tours gives it a market position.

In addition to other factors, these are some of reasons that Uganda’s economy has an advantage to receive a large number of visitors annually travelling to come see the precious mountain gorillas species.

Gorilla trekking Guide

Where to trek the mountain gorillas in uganda.

In Uganda, there are two protected and conserved national parks which are famously known for these endangered primate species. Traveler coming to Uganda should expect to visit Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and mountain Mgahinga national park in the western part of the country which are popularly known destinations for mountain gorilla tours.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

Bwindi impenetrable national park has been ranked as one of the world’s number one primary gorilla trekking destinations. The park has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1994 due to its great ecological biodiversity.

Bwindi will give a traveler an exception and unique experience of the mountain gorillas since the park has 35 known gorilla group although only 17 groups have been habituated for research and open for tourism.

Bwindi covers an area of 321 square kilometers and it has four sectors for gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation. These include Nkuringo sector, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija, two groups are found in Nkuringo sector and gorilla habituation experience which is done in Rushaga sector as travelers are permitted to spend 4 hours with the gorilla family if found.

According to the gorilla rules and standards in Uganda for both Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mountain Mgahinga national park the law recommends a maximum of 8 people to stay with the mountain gorillas for one hour per gorilla family.

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park,

Out of the 18 habituated groups in Uganda, 17 groups are found in Bwindi and only one group has been habituated in Mgahinga national park and it called Nyakagezi group which is much easier to trek since it has now settled in the park though it has been having notorious movements crossing to Rwanda and Congo.

It is important to note that the mountain gorilla trekking might be a bit difficult especially Bwindi impenetrable national park as it will require to hike, climb through rough steep terrain hills and you will have to go deeper into the forest so as to locate and trek these gorilla groups in the wild as the trekking becomes fascinating and adventurous activity in the African wild

  On the hand, some gorilla families in Bwindi have settled near to the headquarters thus it may take you less than two hours to sight them, so it not a must for every group you will need to a lot of hiking and for Mgahinga it granted that can easily be located it will not require only physically feet people to participate in the activity.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda will always start with briefing at 7:00 at the headquarters to take you through about the dos and don’ts before you begin the trekking. At the same gorilla trekking permits have to be booked in advance before you start the tour. It always advisable to organize your gorilla trekking tour with a tour operate to assist you planning and have a perfect gorilla safari.

Although the two parks are known for the famous mountain gorilla trekking , there as unique activity a traveler can choose to include on their Uganda gorilla trekking tour. Bwindi and Mgahinga are known also to be habitants for the golden monkeys which a may not found elsewhere in Uganda national parks.

 The surrounding areas are occupied by the Batwa local people who originally used to start in park forest but later they were forced to leave the national park and the government settled them around the park as they adopt the life of a normal human being. The Batwa are the shortest people(pygmies) in the world, these were fruit gatherers, hunters in the forest before they left. Their traditional lifestyle is so amazing that you can’t choose to miss a visit to the Batwa community while on your gorilla tour.

There are also other activities like mountain climbing, exploring the Batwa caves, bird watching and will be in position to spot other forest mammals.

The cost of gorilla trekking is the same for both national parks as a gorilla permit will cost you $ 600 US dollars per person. The permit is inclusive of entrance fees and gorilla trekking activity. However, if you are planning to travel next year 2020, there are some changes that a traveler needs to note on the gorilla trekking permit from $ 600 US dollars to $ 700 US dollars per person.

Where to stay while on a Uganda gorilla trekking tour

As mentioned earlier that there are four sectors in Bwindi impenetrable national park, each with different gorilla groups, these sectors have various accommodation facilities ranging from budget lodges to mid-range lodges and luxury lodges where you can choose to stay while on gorilla trekking tour in Uganda.

Some of these lodges include, Trekkers Tarven found in Ruhija sector and it’s a budget accommodation facility, Rushaga Gorilla Haven lodge which is also a budget accommodation facility found in Rushaga sector, Iachumbi gorilla lodge found in Rushaga and its amid range accommodation facility , gorilla mist camp is a mid-range accommodation facility found in Ruhija sector, Nkuringo Bwindi gorilla  lodge found in Nkuringo sector is a luxury accommodation facility, Rushaga gorilla camp is also a luxury accommodation found in Rushaga sector among other accommodation.

There are also lodges in Mgahinga gorilla national park which range from budget lodges, mid-range and luxury accommodation such include Mucha hotel in Kisoro which is a mid-range accommodation, travelers rest hotel in Kisoro is also mid-range facility among others.

How to access the two national parks for gorilla trekking?

From Kampala via Mbarara it is 8-9 hours’ drive to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, and from queen Elizabeth national park via Ishasha it’s 3-4 hours’ drive to Buhoma in Bwindi and it is about 64km on road transport using a 4×4 vehicle. However, a traveler can also choose to use air transport from Entebbe airport to Bwindi impenetrable forest land in Kihihi or Kayonza to trek gorillas in Mishaya, Nkuringo and Nshongi.

To access Mgahinga national from Kampala via kabale-kisoro it is a distance of about 510km and it an 8 hours’ drive. The park can also be accessed from Bwindi via Rushaga and Nkuringo which is 14 km to Mgahinga and it a 4 hours’ drive. Although a traveler can opt for a flight from Entebbe airport to Kisoro airfield.

• Uganda Safari

Uganda has over 10 National Parks and reserves making it one of the interesting destinations to visit in Africa. A Safari in Uganda offers you an opportunity to do several activities including Gorilla / Chimpanzee trekking, Game viewing Safaris, Hiking / Nature walks, Adventure sports, launch cruises and so much more.

Map of Uganda Showing National Parks

Bwindi Uganda Gorilla Trekking : Gorilla trekking information and FAQs

Gorilla trekking uganda cost.

While planning your Uganda gorilla trekking safari, you may wonder what is included in the total quoted cost. Its therefore important to note that the following items are included in the Gorilla tours;

• Gorilla trekking Permit – The gorilla trekking permit costs $600 per person per trek, and this is normally included in the total cost for the Gorilla Safaris we offer.
• Accommodation and meals – The cost for the lodging is also one of the major things that determine the total cost for your tour. There are three categories of lodges, budget, Mid-range and luxury, each having its own price range. All the lodges we offer for our gorilla safaris are ensuite and are booked according to the sector where the gorilla trekking is to be done.
• Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle – We provide four wheel drive safari vehicles equipped with enough fuel, a professional driver / guide and drinking water.
• All activities on the itinerary: The cost of all activities included on your itinerary are usually included on the total cost unless otherwise stated as optional and a price indicated as extras.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Vs Rwanda

The Gorilla trekking activity in Uganda and Rwanda is similar, however there are other factors before and after the trek which one can look at before determining where they should do there gorilla trek from as follows: For starters the Gorilla trekking permit for Rwanda costs $1500 USD while that of Uganda costs $600 USD, this therefore creates a very big difference between the total cost for the Gorilla safari in both countries.

Secondly there is a difference between the distances from capitals / airport to the gorilla national parks. The drive time from Kigali Rwanda’s capital city to Parc national des volcans where the Rwanda mountain gorillas are found is only two hours, while the drive from Kampala Uganda’s capital to Bwindi impenetrable national park is over 8 hours and thus very tiring.  These days however you can land in Kigali and drive to Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

However in conclusion it should be noted that in terms of accommodation, security, hospitality and other factors, these two neighboring countries are very much the same and therefore the above mentioned two major differences are what you may consider if you are undecided about where to do your gorilla trekking tour from between Rwanda and Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda From Kigali

Given that the distance from Entebbe to the Bwindi impenetrable national park requires over 8 hours of driving, and the price of the Rwanda Gorilla trekking permits is twice that of Uganda ( $1500 USD vs $600), a new trend where tourists land in Kigali and drive by road to the Bwindi impenetrable forest for gorilla trekking has emerged. The driving time from Kigali to Bwindi is four to five hours. This allows you spend less time on the road, but also enjoy lower rates for the same gorilla safari experience.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Bwindi

The Bwindi impenetrable national park is home to half of the remaining mountain gorilla population in the world. According to the 2018 census, its estimated that about 1000 mountain gorillas are left in the world with the population increasing ever since the conservation efforts where started. In Uganda, gorilla trekking can be done in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla national park. The Bwindi impenetrable national park is divided in four sectors, Rushaga, Ruhija, Buhoma, and Nkuringo with 15 habituated mountain gorilla groups available in Bwindi for tracking.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda What To Pack

To fully enjoy your gorilla trekking safari, here are some of the things you need to park and come with for the gorilla safari; Hiking Boots, poncho, camera and accessories, energy snacks, long sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellant, hat, walking stick.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Permit

The gorilla trekking permit for Uganda costs $600. Its usually recommended that you book your gorilla safari atleast four months in advance such that the gorilla trekking permit is secured on time as there is too much competition for the gorilla trekking permits especially in high season. The Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) is the body which issues out the gorilla trekking permits . A tour operator ideally helps you secure your gorilla trekking permit, however if you happen to be in Uganda already, then you can buy the permit by yourself from the offices of UWA.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Minimum Age

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to track the gorillas as the trek might be strenuous for them and also since they are not mature enough to handle themselves in case of any incidents with the gorillas.

Affordable Gorilla Trekking Uganda

At Adventure in the wild safaris we offer several affordable trip options for gorilla trekking in Uganda. You can send us an inquiry and we get back to you with the quotes as per your requirements. Our tours are designed to fit in the budget of each and every traveler.

Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking allows you explore the primate world in depth. You can start with a visit to Kibale forest national park, home of the chimpanzees and 13 other primates species.  Or you can track the chimps in Kalinzu forest or Kyambura gorge, Queen Elizabeth national park then proceed to Bwindi impenetrable forest for gorilla trekking. The Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking Uganda safari requires five days if you are to enjoy it very well.

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If you didn’t see the mountain gorillas in their natural wild, you haven’t yet gone to Uganda. Gorilla Trekking is the most popular of all adventure activities done in Uganda. This interesting adventure can be done in two national parks; Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Gorilla trekking is a very captivating activity. Every year hundreds of visitors visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national to visit the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – an activity referred to as gorilla trekking or gorilla tracking.

Gorilla tourism was introduced in Bwindi Impenetrable National park in 1993 and the Mubare gorilla group was the first habituated family for gorilla watching to tourists in April 1993. Currently there are 18 habituated gorilla groups habituated for tourism, and one group for research. These groups are distributed over four sectors that are Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.

From the middle of the 1990s, Bwindi has been the number-one place to go gorilla tracking in Africa attracting all kinds of tourists including the celebrities like the world’s richest people like Bill Gates, Singer Akon, and more. The popularity and reputation of the park suffered a little setback after the murder of eight tourists in March 1999 by the Interahamwe rebels from Rwanda, but the government of Uganda swung in to beef the security along its borders. Today Bwindi is the most safe destination in the world for gorilla trekking.

Mountain gorillas of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park are Uganda’s main tourist attractions. And visiting gorillas is a great safari on which to hang your travel stories and fully comprehend the pearl of Africa Uganda’s must do wildlife experience.

Despite gorilla trekking being the main highlight of any safari to Uganda , some travelers mind about other attractions. Because there are lots of adventures to do on a safari such as chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, mountain climbing, rafting, birding, it can be hard to remember that you did not see the gorillas.

But believe it or not at the end of the gorilla trekking safari, you’ll feel like your visit to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park was much worth than the rest of trips you’ll ever take in Uganda. For all you’ll live to remember are the life changing memories of spending one hour with habituated gorillas in their natural habitat often seen feeding, playing and grooming each other.

Are Day Trips Possible?

Uganda is one of the 3 East African countries that boast of having the mountain gorillas a feat that it shares with Rwanda and Congo. Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found and trekked from the great Bwindi impenetrable forest which lies in the western part of the country a whopping 560 km. So truth be told no one can drive this distance and go gorilla trekking in a single day. So a one day gorilla trekking in Bwindi only caters for people living around this forest in areas of Kisoro, Kabale or Kihihi especially volunteers.

Requirements for Gorilla Trekking

For one to go gorilla trekking, must first of all have a gorilla trekking permit attained from Uganda wildlife authority situated in Kampala at only US$700 USD in high season and $ 350 USD in low season. So if at all one wants to go gorilla trekking on a self-drive vacation already equipped with your permit and having already a hired car from one of the local car rental agencies.

A gorilla trek in Bwindi requires good prior planning. From the physical fitness levels of the trekker to proper planning of a gorilla safari , one needs to plan early enough in order to have a successful adventure through the impenetrable forest. Remember a gorilla trek involves walking in the wilderness, climbing up hills and sloping in search of these great apes that live high in the mountains.

Planning a Gorilla Trek in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable Forest can be a challenging activity, therefore ensure  a considerable degree of physical fitness. Eight people are permitted to visit one gorilla family per day. There are twelve habituated gorilla groups available for viewing by tourists within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one gorilla group for research.

The gorilla family you are to trek is indicated on your gorilla permit and thus will automatically determine the section of the park where you will be residing. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sections located within the southern and the northern side of the park

If you are going to trek one of the following gorilla families of Nkuringo gorilla family on Nkuringo Side, Nshongi, Kahungye, Mishaya, Bweza, Busingye gorilla groups in Rushaga gorillas. All these families are found in the southern section of the park so you are expected to be residing in the towns of Kabale or Kisoro and if at all you are going to trek one of the gorilla families of Rushegura Gorilla Group, Habinyanja and Mubare gorilla families. Other gorilla families that can be trekked from Buhoma include Oruzogo and Bitukura,you need to be residing in the northern part of the park in areas around Kihihi or Butogota.

So on your trekking day irrespective of where you stayed, you will rise up very early in the morning and have your breakfast. Then armed with your packed lunch at exactly 6:00am you will drive your hired vehicle for a distance of over 50 km to the park headquarters for briefing and allocation of gorilla families. From here you will enter into the forest with the guides who will lead you in the search for these gentle apes beginning from where they were left the previous day.

The time you will spend in the forest will depend on how fast or how long you will take to find these primates. After finding these primates, you will be given one hour amidst them as you take your best shots of photographs with your flash switched off. After finding this search totally full of this life time experience, you will go back to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking certificate.

By now you will be totally exhausted and it will be already evening whereby you will just have to drive back to your place and this will mark this one day gorilla trekking experience.

Read about gorilla trekking in Bwindi

• Bwindi Gorillas
• Habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest
• Gorilla Permits – How to Secure Your Gorilla Pass
• When to Go Gorilla Trekking
• Where to stay on a gorilla trek

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MAIN NATIONAL PARKS FOR YOUR 5-DAY BEST OF UGANDA WILDLIFE SAFARI FOR GORILLAS, WILDLIFE

Bwindi impenetrable national park.

The park is located in southwestern Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale Districts. It is situated in a hilly country-side that, together with some remnant lowland forest outside the boundary constitutes an important water catchments area for many rivers, supplying the agricultural land of the surrounding region.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a true equatorial jungle, inhabited by four gorilla groups. Amongst the dense vegetation the columbus monkey jumps from branch to branch, chattering its warning to its fellows hidden by the foliage. Chimpanzees, in families of 20 or 30, make the rounds, searching for fruit and edible plants.

It is situated in a hilly country-side that, together with some remnant lowland forest outside the boundary constitutes an important water catchments area for many rivers, supplying the agricultural land of the surrounding region.

The best time to visit Uganda is late December to late February, and from June to September, as the weather at this time of year is generally dry, and warm. Temperatures average at around 25 degrees Celsius.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Queen Elizabeth National Park provides an unforgettable and unique experience for your Uganda safari in search of beautiful scenery and the BIG-5 - lions, leopard, bufallo, hippos, elephant and hyenas.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is 1,978 Km2 in area and is situated astride the Equator in the Western Rift Valley of South West Uganda, close to the southern-most tip of the tabled, mist-covered "Mountains of the Moon - Rwenzori Mountains and is contiguous with Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is a region of varied habitats including, open grassland with thickets, thick bush, forest, swamps and lake-shore. Queen Elizabeth National Park together with Virunga National Park in (DRC) completely encircles Lake Edward which is connected to Lake George by the Kazinga Channel.

THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE

Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, for the last 14 years, no one has trekked the gorillas and failed to see them in Uganda. Certainly, you won't be the one with bad luck! On the trek, once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed an hour with the gorillas and you can only go not more than 6 meters from them.  As the gorilla tracking can sometimes take a full day, you will need to go with your packed lunch and lots of drinking water when trekking to the gorillas.

Gorilla trekking timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths.

TIPS FOR THE BEST GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE IN UGANDA

 secure gorilla trekking permits early.

G orilla Trekking is the most popular foreign tourist activity for Uganda.  On every single day, only 128 tourists can trek the gorillas in Bwindi. Uganda has the cheapest gorilla permits prices at USD600 (or USD700 beginning July 2020) for safe gorilla tracking as Rwanda's gorilla permits cost USD1500. This means the competition is quite high for the few gorilla permits in Uganda and it becomes hard to secure gorilla trekking permits a few days to your  Uganda gorilla tour  (although it is often possible with luck more so in the green season months of October, November, April and May).  It is best to have your gorilla trek permit fully confirmed at least 4 months in advance.

Assess your fitness levels 

There is a likelihood you could walk for 3-6 hours on a gorilla trek. Gorillas are located deep in Bwindi forest with thick undergrowth over several steep volcanic slopes. Gorilla groups keep roaming this forest looking for their favorite food. They are never stationed in the same place over days. Your gorilla trek will follow this same trend and it is quite unpredictable knowing how long or tough your gorilla trekking shall be. The longer trek is not necessarily a problem, just something to be prepared for.  A bit of moderate physical fitness is needed for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Guides & Porters for the gorilla trek

You will be guided through the forest on your gorilla tracking by a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide whom you will meet at the departure point in the morning of your trek. Your guide can help you book a porter (or two!) so that you can track without having to carry the few essential items listed below in a day pack which you should bring with you. The porters are from the local community and very used to the local conditions and can assist in pushing, pulling and supporting you during your trek to the gorillas. They are usually an additional fee, over and above your safari cost, and you should budget on approximately USD15-20 per porter per day as a fee with additional tipping being optional.

As the porters do not have tracking permits they will be stopped a short distance from the point you will be viewing the mountain Gorillas. Please remember to take whatever you may need from your bag to view the gorillas and rather leave valuables at the lodge/camp.

You will be allowed up to one hour for viewing of the gorillas from when they are sighted by your group. This is to ensure that the wild animals are not overexposed to human presence. Whilst in their presence you will also be required to keep minimum distances from them – generally between 5-7 metres and your guides will ensure this is enforced.

What to pack on gorilla trekking

• Plenty of water – 1-2 litres per person • High energy snacks in addition to your packed lunch provided by the lodge/camp • Spare film and batteries for videos and cameras • Gloves (gardening type are good) • Waterproof bag to protect photographic equipment • A hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and band-aids might be useful • A lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho • Walking sticks are made available at the start of the trek for some of the steeper and more slippery tracks and may prove to be very handy.

Gorilla Trekking Age Limits

T he age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years  and the authorities are very strict on this! With special written permission however, a 14yr old might pass.

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Gorilla Trekking Guide for Bwindi National Park Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forests in Uganda is a once in a lifetime experience that will exceed all of your expectations. This adventure should be on every travelers bucket list when visiting the country and has to be a part of your Uganda itinerary ! In this article I will share as much information and as many tips so you can plan your Uganda Gorilla Safari accordingly. Prepare yourself for an incredible trekking to see one of worlds rarest wildlife.

This blog post is written based on 3 different gorilla trekkings by the Traveltomtom team: 1 trekking in 2018 and 2x a trekking in 2021! Last one in August 2021 on the Traveltomtom Uganda Group Trip .

As you might know mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered animals on our planet. Its population has endured years of war, hunting, habitat destruction and diseases. Thanks to conservation efforts, the population is rising slowly and because of that they were moved off the ‘critically endangered’ list to ‘endangered’ in November 2018. At the moment, the total mountain gorilla population is estimated to be around 1000 individuals. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park there are 459 gorillas as of August 2021.

This blog is originally written by professional travel photographer Kim Paffen , a member of the Traveltomtom team. She did the gorillas trekking in Bwindi National Park in 2019. Very recently in May 2021 and in August 2021 I, Traveltomtom, went trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest myself. Therefore you will find some additional info throughout this blog with some of my experiences and of course with updated info as per Febraury 2022. 

1. Where to see and find mountain gorillas in Uganda?

The mountain gorillas only live in the dense vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and along the volcanic Virunga mountain range that stretches across Congo, Rwanda and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. As the name suggests in Bwindi you’ll find very thick and sometimes impenetrable forest. Mgahinga is the smallest national park in Uganda and more open and easier to trek through. It’s your choice, but in my opinion Bwindi National Park and its misty hills is a must visit when you travel to Uganda! The trekking in Bwindi is available from 4 different areas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each of these areas have accommodations close to the trekking area.

Nowadays mountain gorillas in Uganda get subdivided into the area where they live: the Virunga gorillas and the Bwindi gorillas. The ones who live in the higher situated Virunga area, like the ones in Mgahinga, are bigger and have a thicker coat. The downside of a trekking in Mgahinga is that there’s a possibility of not seeing the habituated trans-boundary Nyakagezi gorilla group because they trek through the border area with Rwanda and Congo. Bwindi is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological uniqueness and natural beauty. The forest is home to half of the world’s remaining gorilla population and has a lot more habituated gorilla groups. Therefor I recommend a Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Habituated means they are used to human presence and will not run away or hide if humans approach. This process takes around 2 years and is always accompanied by the same ranger. The gorillas remain wild and the interaction takes place under the careful eyes of highly trained mountain gorilla trackers. This is the only way to see wild mountain gorillas! You can’t go into the forest by yourself. It’s protected and because of the dedicated rangers and staff these great apes are able to survive.

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2. Is gorilla trekking in Uganda safe?

There is no doubt that gorilla trekking in Uganda is safe. Uganda is a very safe country for tourists and mountain gorilla trekking is a valuable source of income. There are high security levels on the border regions with Congo and Uganda military, police and armed rangers are there to maintain the tourists and the mountain gorillas’ safety.

RELATED: the Ultimate Uganda Itinerary for 3 weeks .

3. When is the best time to do a gorilla trekking in Uganda?

You can do a gorilla trekking all year round. The hike can be more challenging during Uganda’s two rainy seasons from March to May and November to December. The advantage of a trekking in the wet seasons is that gorillas tend to stick to the lower slopes as there’s enough food and temperatures are milder. Therefore the trekking time can be much shorter.

However wildlife is unpredictable and I recently went on a gorilla trekking myself in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, yes Traveltomtom himself, and in total we walked 7,5 hours through thick vegetation. We had a 1 hour break of course, spending time with the gorillas.

4. Is everybody allowed to do the gorilla trekking safaris?

No, due to the rugged terrain, only those older than 15 years are allowed to go on a gorilla trekking in Uganda. Because gorillas are prone to human related diseases you are also not allowed to track when you’re ill or having a cold. In case you’ll get ill and bring a letter from the doctor you will get a 50% refund.

5. How long is the gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park?

There is no real answer to this question as it is unpredictable. On average it takes about 2 hours to located them, then you can spend 1 hour with the gorillas and then 2 hours back. In total a trekking of 5 hours is pretty normal. However, as said before the Traveltomtom has done 3 trekking over the last years and the length of the treks were: 6 hours, 7,5 hours and 1,5 hour.

Yes in August 2021 on the Traveltomtom Uganda Group trip it only took about 15-20 minutes to find the gorillas.

6. When to buy a gorilla trekking permit for Uganda?

Secure your gorilla trekking permits prior to arrival to avoid disappointment. I advise you to apply for a permit 6 months prior to the date you want start your trekking. Permits from June-August and December and February tend to sell out quickly. Last minute bookings may be possible during low season. I bought my Uganda gorilla permit around 2 months before the trekking (low season).

7. What is the price of a Uganda gorilla permit and where can I get it?

Price of the mountain gorilla trekking permit in Uganda raised to $700 for foreign non-residents (2019) and the 4 hours gorilla habituation experience permit is $1500. However due to the global pandemic prices have temporarily dropped to $400, but are likely to change again back up to $700. I did the gorilla trekking in May 2021 and paid the reduced price of $400. As of February 2022 the price is back up to normal: $700 USD for tourists.

It is an all-day trekking where you will participate in the habituation process. The permits are issued by UWA that markets them through Uganda Tour Operators to the public. Therefor it’s best to book your trekking permit (or a trekking tour) with an operator that is a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators.

8. How high is the chance of seeing the gorillas?

The chance of seeing mountain gorillas in Uganda is almost 100%! There are many gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and it’s very rare that you will not see any at all. On a trekking the rangers try to search until 15.00. If that doesn’t work out you’ll head back, because it gets dark around 18.00. You will get a 50% refund if the mountain gorillas have been located but it’s too hard or late to get to them or you will be swapped to see another gorilla family.

If you go for trekking but fail to reach the mountain gorillas due to fitness issues you will not get a refund.

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know Before Traveling To Uganda .

9. Is it necessary to hire a porter?

You will have the opportunity to hire a porter (around $15) to carry your bag. My experience is that most of the tourists hire one. These porters are often students or locals who earn a little bit of extra money by doing that. That way you also support the local people in that area. They stay with you during the hike and will help you steadying your balance if necessary.

On my gorilla trekking in 2021 I was one of the few people that actually hired a porter. Did I need one? NO! But supporting local economies can't be any easier. You are paying a shit ton of money for a 1 day trekking through the jungle, I am sure you can support a young local with $15.

In the end two older ladies that said they didn't need a 'local helicopter'  were super happy with my porter, because they ended up using them. Don't take the trekking too light, some member of my group said it was the hardest thing they ever did.

10. How to prepare for a mountain gorilla trekking?

• Wear good worn-in and waterproof hiking shoes with ankle support
• Bring gaiters to keep water, stones, mud and sand out of your shoes. The larger ones will even keep the bottoms of your trousers dry
• Dress in layers and choose neutral (nature) colours in moisture-wicking fibres or cool cotton
• Do NOT wear animal prints or military camouflage designs
• Although it’s hot wear long trousers and thin long-sleeved cotton shirts to protect your arms and legs from bugs and scratches
• Hat or/and scarf
• Some people wear gardening gloves to grab onto plants and branches for support. I took them with me in my daypack, but didn’t use them

11. What to bring on a gorilla trekking?

• Packed lunch and enough drinking water
• Rain jacket
• Insect repellent and sunscreen (biodegradable please!)
• Mini first-aid kit with antiseptic, plasters and wet wipes
• Phone and/or camera gear (no flash) including a rain sleeve for you camera
• Small microfibre towel for rinsing hands and face

12. Mountain gorilla trekking rules

• Keep your voice low to not to scare the gorillas or other wild animals
• Don’t drop any garbage inside the forest
• Keep a distance of about 7 meters from the gorillas
• When gorillas become aggressive keep in mind to never look directly into the gorillas eyes and stay still as you wait for them to pass (not run away)
• Flash photography is not allowed, so be prepared to take photos in dark conditions (low aperture and high ISO)

13. My Gorilla trekking experiences

Kim did the Uganda mountain gorilla trekking from the Rushaga area in the Southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and I have met the habituated Bweza gorilla family, which counts 11 members. The youngest was only 6 months (so cute) and the oldest Silverback was 43 (very impressive). The family is habituated for 12 years. Initially this was a joint family with the Nshongi group. Before it split up, they were the biggest family ever to be habituated in the Rushaga area.

This mountain gorilla family was very interesting to watch. I loved the playful juveniles and the cute baby in his mother’s arms. The permits for the Rushaga area tend to run out last and if you’re lucky you will get a group of only 5 people in your mountain gorilla trekking instead of the maximum of 8. This gives you more space to observe and photograph the gorillas during that one hour you’re allowed to stay with them.

Briefing and group assign

A day of gorilla trekking begins early, departing from your lodge during dawn. For the Rushaga area I would recommend to stay at Gorilla Safari Lodge , because it’s only a few minutes away from the headquarter and gathering point. After a briefing about the do’s and the don’ts on a mountain gorilla trekking you will be assigned to a group of up to 8 trekkers plus rangers and porters. Visitors get divided and selected on age and fitness level in relation to the heaviness of the trekking.

There are roughly 3 treks. Trek 1 is very close to the gathering point with gorilla families moving around, trek 2 is further away and a harder hike than trek 1. Trek 3 is the heaviest hike for people with the best fitness level or conservationists. Of course you will never know if Gorilla families move around a lot, so in the end you don’t know exactly how easy or heavy your trek will be. I had bruised ribs due to a fall and mentioned it to the persons who classified the groups. They put me in a group with some of the oldest people who were participating and we got a gorilla family that was easier to trek (depending on where they were last seen and the easy walk to that point).

Hire a porter

Before you leave the gathering point you can hire a porter. I highly recommend doing so! Although you might think your bag isn’t heavy, it will become heavier during the gorilla safari. I carried enough water, packed lunch, energy bars, a rain jacket and my camera equipment, so my bag was pretty heavy. It costs around $15 and you are supporting the local community.

The trekking itself

When everybody has a walking stick (provided for free) and your group is ready to go you’ll either walk or drive to the starting point, nearby the mountain gorilla family you will visit. We drove for about 15-20 minutes and from that point it wiould take you anywhere from one to six hours to find your gorilla family. It depends on where the family was last seen the day before. Because of the huge food supply, they will move at most 0,5 to 1 km, so usually it will take you around one to three hours to find them.

Before entering the thick forest of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park we walked up and down along the forest edge and the river. After an hour we crossed a small wooden bridge over the river into the forest and from there we walked around 15 minutes to a point where we sat and waited one hour for a sign of the rangers.

When they finally found the gorillas it took us another half an hour to get there. Inside the forest we had to navigate uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns, roots and swampy areas. It was very slippery at some points, so please wear closed hiking shoes. Because you can’t find normal paths in the rain forest, the rangers usually follow game tracks of bush elephants or other wildlife. Sometimes the game tracks are already overgrown by fast-growing ground cover. In that case, the ranger in front of the group has to use his machete to cut a way through the thick forest.

The mountain gorilla encounter

Suddenly there’s that moment of truth, when the gorillas emerge from the foliage. That moment you finally see them and hear them communicate is breath taking! From there you’re allowed to enjoy their company for one hour. Yes, one hour sounds very short and although I could easily spend a few hours in their presence, one hour is enough to observe and photograph them and to remember that moment for the rest of your life. If the gorilla trekking permit wasn’t that expensive I would go for a second trek! Compared to the excitable chimps the gorillas are very relaxed animals. They didn’t move a lot and were mostly feeding or dozing.

After 10 minutes it started to pour. Quite normal in a rainforest. The gorillas fled under the leaves and bushes and we had to put away our cameras and put on our rain jackets. I was afraid I would only see the gorillas for 10 minutes but luckily it stopped raining after 15 minutes and the gorillas started to come out again. This time they moved to a more open space where we all had first-class places to watch them interact. The juveniles where very playful and the two silverbacks watched them (and us) very closely. At some point one of the silverbacks made a mock charge; probably to let us know that we were making him uncomfortable because the juveniles came quiet close and one or two tourists were standing between the silverback and the two playful juveniles.

The silverback is the keeper of his family and will necessarily give his live to protect them. One of the young ones was very curious about my camera and wanted to touch the lens, but when he came too close the ranger stopped him by making a particular noise. The rule is to beware a distance of 7 metres, but it’s always possible the gorilla chooses to come closer. After all, they are habituated and used to human presence.

Trekking certificate

After spending one hour with the mountain gorillas, you’ll have to walk back to the starting point. It took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to get back. At the end you’ll have a small ceremony and will be rewarded with a Mountain Gorilla Trekking certificate. It’s absolutely amazing to encounter these wild and gentle primates; an unforgettable experience, which more than repays the effort needed to trek through the forest.

14. Do you need to wear a face mask on the gorilla trekking?

Yes, offcially you will have to wear a mask when doing the gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. During the briefing the rangers explain that the mountain gorillas are prone to getting Covid. Therefore when in close proximity to the gorillas you will have to wear a face mask. However, during the trekking it is fine to not wear a mask and rangers and porters are ok with that.

15. Gorilla trekking vs. Chimpanzee trekking

It is hard to compare both of the primate trekking experiences, but personally I like the trekking with the gorillas much more. Chimpanzees are much more active and they move around much more. You can follow them on their way through the forest, where the mountain gorillas pretty much stay in the same place. As soon as you find the gorillas you will stay with them for 1 hour, but you hardly move positions.

Trekking with the Chimpanzees is a lot more walking as they are constantly on the move. On my Chimpanzee trekking in August 2021 it felt like we they were playing a game of hide and seek with us. We searched for them and as soon as we found them they would go up in the trees. It was a pretty exhausting trekking to be honest.

16. Best sim card for Bwindi National Park

From my experiences I can tell you that buying an Airtel sim card gives you a much better data connection than MTN. So when traveling to Uganda and the mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi is on your itinerary I recommend you to get a local Airtel sim card. A prepaid Uganda sim card is cheap, check the link for more info. Or click here for a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card at Entebbe Airport on arrival.

17. Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

In 2021 I stayed in the Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge ($$$$) and the Rushaga Gorilla Lodge ($$$). They are pretty much next to each other, but they differ in price a lot. Both places are very near the entrance of the Rushaga Sector. You would pretty much be able to walk a couple minutes in the morning.

18. Visit the Batwa Tribe (Pygmies) near Bwindi Forest

A great extra activity and cool thing to do near the gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is to visit the local communities around, especially the Batwa Tribe. Also known as the Pygmies, these people used to live in the forest together with the wildlife. However, the government of Uganda forced the Pygmies to move out of the forest as it is now a national park.

You can visit their communities on the edge of the forest, but since they do not speak English you will need a local guide, but this can be arranged from every hotel. A 2-3 hour tour around the community costs $20 per person, although most lodges tend to charge more. 

Uganda offers a lot more than encounters with the endangered primates. The pearl of Africa is a great safari destination to spot the Big Five and has mind-blowing landscapes. Read all about it in my ultimate Uganda Itinerary for 3 weeks . For an answer to all your questions about traveling to Uganda, read this article for  33 essential things to know before you travel to Uganda .

May you have any additional questions about mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda please leave me a comment and Im happy to help.

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Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Uganda

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Trekking mountain gorillas is heralded as one of the most exhilarating bucket-list experiences in the world. There can be no better place to experience the gorillas than in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the birthplace of mountain-gorilla trekking.

Allow us to show you the most magical aspects of Uganda. Aside from tracking a family of mountain gorillas, you’ll take time exploring the jungle paradise of Bwindi.

You’ll also spend time with the Keepers of the Forest – the Batwa people, and get to know their culture and history. This safari also allows you to seek out the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and to explore the biodiversity of Entebbe Botanical Gardens.

A bucket-list pilgrimage: mountain-gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Length: 6 Days / 5 Nights Group Size: Flexible – you tell us how many in your party Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park Departure Dates: To suit you

Prices and dates

Price includes:

Accommodation and meals, gorilla-trekking permits, domestic return flight, transfers from the airfield, park entrance fees, guide fees and drinking water.

Price excludes:

International flights, personal insurance, beverages like beers and sodas, laundry and souvenirs

This epic gorilla-trekking safari allows you to explore Bwindi, one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. Bwindi’s misty Afromontane forest is home to a wealth of birds (including Albertine Rift endemics), primates, orchids, majestic trees, shy ungulates, brightly coloured butterflies and enchanting waterfalls.

We offer a range of prices to suit your budget and aspirations. In Entebbe, you’ll stay at Karibu Entebbe (or a similar hotel), which allows easy access to Entebbe Botanical Garden.

Choose our budget option, and you’ll stay at Ride4aWoman, which offers guesthouse accommodation with an authentic Ugandan experience within close proximity to Bwindi’s gorilla trekking headquarters. The lodge is deeply engrained in the local Buhoma and Bwindi communities and helps to drive the local economy by supporting the progress of women and their families in Uganda.

Choose our mid-range option , and for the rest of your journey, you’ll stay at Buhoma Lodge , one of only two lodges set within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda – home of mountain gorilla trekking. The lodge is located a short walk from the trek briefing area.

Arrive in Entebbe, where you will meet an Africa Geographic representative and be transferred to your hotel.

After checking into your room, and taking some time to refresh, you can take a stroll to the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens – a lakeside paradise of blooms, lush vegetation, gnarled trees, and troops of stunning pied colobus monkeys.

Later, you will return to the lodge for dinner, and a brief rundown of what to expect the following day, before retiring to your room for a well-deserved rest. Your evening spent at the hotel will be on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Overnight at Karibu Entebbe or similar.

Shortly after breakfast you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport to catch a light aircraft flight to Kihihi Aistrip (1 hour). On arrival you will be met by an Africa Geographic representative who will whisk you off to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a morning of game viewing.

Located in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephant, leopard, lion, hippo, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds. Featuring both a riverine and savannah habitat, the southern Ishasha area includes the massive Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda, and is home to the tree climbing lions typically found in the area. You’ll also enjoy an afternoon game drive, and continue your search for the area’s fascinating creatures.

After wrapping up your game drives, you’ll head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage Site. Considered the most diverse forest in Uganda, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.

You’ll reach your lodge in good time for a shower and a change of clothes, and then take a well-deserved chance to unwind at the bar or restaurant whilst your dinner is served.

After supper you will be debriefed about the following day’s trek – the single most exciting day of your trip, where your first mountain-gorilla trekking experience is in store.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge or Ride4aWoman.

After breakfast you will be taken on a short drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest headquarters where you will meet with the park rangers, local gorilla-trekking guides and trackers who will lead you into Bwindi’s Mountains for your first trek with gorillas. Before departing, you will be given an informative talk on gorilla trekking etiquette, and assigned to your gorilla family group.

Your gorilla trek commences in the general direction of the last sighting of your assigned family group. The trekking can take between 1–6 hours and you could climb to altitudes above 7,500 feet / 2,300 metres. The terrain in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can at times be muddy and slippery, but your experienced trackers, rangers and porters will ensure that the group progresses at a pace that is comfortable for everyone, with frequent stops and opportunities to experience the views and take photographs.

Although the gorilla-trekking experience can be physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery always makes trekking a worthwhile experience. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten – replaced by the joy and amazement of watching the gorillas go about their daily routine. The gorilla group is likely to be chilled out and eating wild celery, indulging in grooming, or involved in other primal social activity.

After your experience with the gorillas, you will return from your gorilla trek to the lodge for a shower, a change of clothes and a well-deserved relaxing afternoon.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge or Ride4aWoman. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has six main hiking trails that fan out from Buhoma Lodge. Nature walks offer a rewarding adventure that allow you to explore and discover Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You will set off from your lodge with an armed park ranger to protect you and guide you through the wealth of biodiversity that you will find every step of the way. Expect to get up close and personal with a wealth of birds, primates, orchids, majestic trees, epiphytic plants, shy ungulates, brightly coloured butterflies and enchanting waterfalls. A choice of falls has been selected and there are various options available to suit a wide range of fitness levels.

After lunch you will be taken to visit one of the coffee-growing farms that are supported by Gorilla Conservation Coffee, a social enterprise that buys coffee from farmers who live adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – paying a premium price and giving a donation to sustain the critical health and conservation work of Conservation Through Public Health.

Gorilla Conservation Coffee trains coffee farmers to improve their coffee quality and increase production yield, helping farmers protect the forests and thus conserve Uganda’s mountain gorillas. The coffee blend is named after Kanyonyi, the legendary silverback gorilla from the Mubare family.

For thousands of years, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has been home to the indigenous Batwa people. On Day 5, you’ll set out to meet and learn about the Batwa people, their lifestyle, history, traditions and ancestral knowledge of Bwindi.

The original dwellers of this ancient jungle, the Batwa are known as “the Keepers of the Forest.” The Batwa have a long and rich history with the forest. They previously survived off of the forest, hunting small game using arrows or nets and gathering a wealth of plants, berries and fruit. The Batwa lived in huts constructed of leaves and branches, moving frequently in search of fresh supplies of food. The Batwa lived in harmony with the forest and its creatures, throughout Africa’s equatorial forests for 60,000 years or more.

In 1992, the lives of the Batwa changed forever. When Bwindi Impenetrable Forest became a national park and World Heritage Site to protect the 350 endangered mountain gorillas within its boundaries, the Batwa were evicted from the park. They had no title to land, nor compensation. The Batwa thus became conservation refugees in an unfamiliar, unforested world. Many Batwa died during the early years of exile, and the tribe’s very existence was severely threatened. In 2001, medical missionaries purchased land and established programs to improve conditions for the tribe. With the community, they set about building homes, schools, a hospital and clinics, and developing various projects around water and sanitation and income generation, in turn promoting indigenous rights. These activities are now being assumed by the Batwa and other local staff through the Batwa Development Program (BDP).

After spending time with the Batwa, you will return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at your leisure. For those feeling energetic, head out on a mountain biking trail on Bwindi’s trails and tracks. Talk to us to arrange this activity.

After a lazy morning wake-up routine, you will enjoy breakfast and transfer to Kihihi airstrip.

Here you will board your light aircraft to return to Entebbe. An Africa Geographic representative will meet you and assist you to find your way into the International terminal where your outbound flights depart.

*Should your flight depart later in the day, let us know and we will arrange a day-room nearby, or design a final day program - there are plenty of options on offer to tailor-make your last day in Uganda.

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Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park is arguably the most popular tourism activity in Uganda. The activity takes you for a special encounter with Mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas can be found in four national parks – the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi impenetrable forest in Uganda . Uganda hosts half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. Uganda is also the only country where mountain gorillas can be found in two different national parks.

Bwindi impenetrable forest park is not just about the gorillas. Visitors can also visit the Batwa pygmy community, take forest walks, spot birds and view other primates like Chimpanzees. Talking about chimpanzees, Bwindi is one of the few national parks in the world where mountain gorillas and chimpanzee live together. The chimps may be sighted while tracking the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Gorilla watching in Bwindi is done throughout the year but the dry/peak season is the  best time to visit gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park . The peak season falls in the dry months of December to February and June to August. The wet season is in March to May and October to November. Tracking gorillas during the rainy season is more challenging because of the overgrown vegetation and muddy trails. However, visitors shouldn’t be discouraged from booking tour during the rainy season. The rainy /low season attracts discounts for gorilla permits. There are also less crowds in the park hence allowing visitors more valuable time with the gorillas. It is important to note that Bwindi is a rain forest. One should expect rain at any time regardless of season.

There is our popular 1 day gorilla safari to Bwindi but visitors can also choose the 2 or 3 Days packages . Our 1 day gorilla safari package in Bwindi is designed for those on a busy schedule and don’t have much time to spare. Those who have more time can choose the 3 or  2 days Bwindi gorilla tour  package.

Getting to Bwindi Forest

Bwindi impenetrable forest national Park can be accessed by air through Kajjansi/Entebbe or by road from Kampala. The journey by road from Kampala takes about 8 hours while a flight takes at most 2 hours. Some travelers avoid the long journey by road from Kampala by arriving through Kigali. The route from Kigali in Rwanda to Bwindi takes 4 hours.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest starts with a briefing at the park headquarters at around 7:30am. Visitors should sleep early before the day of tracking and wake up by 5am to take breakfast before starting the journey to the park office. After the briefing at the park office, trekkers are separated into smaller groups of 8. Each group of eight track a particular gorilla family. Some gorilla families live near the park offices while others are found further away. The Park Guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, two armed rangers and porters move with each group. The Guides are very experienced, knowledgeable and well-trained. While leading tourists to the gorillas, they will share information about the gorilla family and other animals found in the forest.

Once you spot the family, you will be allowed only one hour with them – so that they don’t start getting uncomfortable. Watching gorillas can be an extremely emotional event as gorillas behave like humans and share about 98 percent of our DNA. Take your time to observe their behavior and different personalities while taking some great photos for your memories. Follow the rules and regulations for gorilla tracking such as not smoking or eating within sight of the primates. Do not run away when a gorilla charges at you – lie down with your heads down as a sign of submission.

Other activities in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park

As already mentioned earlier, Bwindi impenetrable forest park is a UNESCO world heritage site because of its great biodiversity. Visitors to Bwindi can get involved in several other activities which could include any of the following:-

Visiting the Batwa pygmies: To see the original people who lived in Bwindi forest for thousands of years. Unfortunately, they have now been evicted from the forest and forced to resettle outside the park. Visiting the Batwa pygmies is a great opportunity to learn about their culture and get involved in some of their cultural activities. Expect to see traditional dance performances while listening to stories about how they used to hunt and gather fruits in the forest.

Primates watching: Bwindi forest is one of the few forests in the world where one can see both Mountain gorillas and chimpanzee. During gorilla tours in Bwindi, tourists may be lucky to come across chimpanzees and baboons along the way. Other smaller primates that can be sighted in Bwindi include Bush babies, Blue Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys, L’ Hoests Monkeys, Ververt monkeys and Colobus Monkeys.

Wildlife viewing: Gorilla tracking may be the top attraction in Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park but other wild animals can be spotted including Forest elephants, Leopards, Bats, Jackals, Forest Duikers and Giant Forest Hogs.

Birding: Bwindi forest is one of the best birding destinations in Africa and is a birders paradise with over 330 bird species.

Cultural Activities: Such as Buniga Forest walk, village walks, visiting homes of locals and buying local handcrafts crafts.

Accommodation

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest park involve choosing the right accommodation. There are several luxury and budget accommodation options available. The final choice depends entirely on your personal choice, preference and budget. The luxury lodges can go as high as $1500 per night while the budget ones can go as low as $80. Lets briefly look at some of the major hotels and lodges:-

• Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite: They provide budget, mid-range and luxury rooms in Ruhija Sector. There are standard rooms, tents and campsites. Travelers can walk directly from the lodge to the park offices for briefing.
• Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge: This Super Luxury lodge is located near the park offices in Buhoma sector. It takes just ten minutes to reach the park entrance while walking. They have one of the best services in Buhoma.
• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge: Is a mid-luxury lodge located in Nkuringo Sector. Apart from gorillas, the area is excellent for birding.
• Buhoma Community Campsite: Ideal for the budget traveler who still requires spacious self-contained rooms.
• Buhoma Lodge: Is located in Buhoma sector and offers stunning views of the  park.
• Silverback Lodge: This lodge is found in Buhoma sector of Bwindi. They have self-contained luxury and mid-range rooms. The lodge organizes outdoor activities like nature walks to nearby communities for interested visitors the day before or after tracking the gorillas.
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla lodge: Is located in the southern part of the park with eight self-contained stone rooms. Each room is decorated with local artifacts and a fireplace.
• Gorilla Forest Camp: Very conveniently located next to the park entry. The Campsite has over 7 tents with individual bathrooms that are raised and supported by wooden platforms.
• Mahogany Springs: As the name suggests, is built out of Mahogany and offers luxury accommodation facilities including a presidential suit overlooking the beautiful Munyanga river.

What is the cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest?

It is important to note that apart from the gorilla permit, you need to budget for transportation, accommodation and VISA costs. Gorilla permits in Bwindi are on high demand and need to be in advance to be sure especially if you are intending to travel during the peak season. You also need to be aware of which sector you would like to visit. Gorilla permits can be acquired from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala. It is possible to organize your gorilla safari yourself and come to Bwindi driving your own car. However, based on our own experience, we recommend using the services of a good tour company to organize your trip. Experienced Tour operators can help you get permits even during the peak season. They will also help you select/book the right accommodation (near the park), arrange transportation and book other activities among others.

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A mountain gorilla snacks on leaves while perched high in a tree.

5 Reasons You Need to See Gorillas in Uganda

Mountain gorillas can only survive in the wild, so trekking into their native forests is your only chance to catch a peek.

Sitting in silence on the cold ground of a Ugandan forest for 60 minutes might be one of life’s greatest privileges. There are fewer than 900 mountain gorillas in existence, and gorilla trekking provides a rare opportunity to observe the everyday interactions of these gentle, mysterious primates.

Mountain gorillas only live in the dense vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and along the dormant volcanic Virunga mountain range that stretches across Rwanda ’s Volcanoes National Park , Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park , and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo .

An infant mountain gorilla brushes its face against an adult male in the grass of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

In 1981, environmentalists estimated there were only 254 mountain gorillas left in the world, but the small population is rising slowly thanks to intense international conservation efforts. Since these critically endangered creatures can’t survive in captivity, the only way to see them is by trekking up to their natural habitat: misty cloud forests that can reach altitudes of 14,763 feet.

Here are 5 reasons to make Uganda your base for this incredible journey.

You’ll Be Where Half the World’s Mountain Gorillas Live.

There are two gorilla trekking spots in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorillas don’t pay mind to political borders, so populations across the Virungas are relatively fluid. Uganda has an edge, however, since Bwindi alone is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas live only in the dense forests on and around the Virunga mountains in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (also called “The Place of Darkness” due to its dense treetops) is an ancient, montane and lowland forest spanning 128 square miles. The region was named a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its incredible biodiversity and the large number of endangered species that call it home.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park accounts for 13 square miles of the larger Virunga habitat, which stretches across 168 square miles into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The national park includes three of the eight major Virunga peaks: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo.

A male gorilla shows its teeth as its family lounges in Uganda's Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

You Can Fight Habitat Destruction by Supporting Community Enrichment.

Habitat destruction is the main threat to mountain gorillas. Communities around the parks are heavily populated, and residents have traditionally used land around national park boundaries for farming or logging.

Since tourism is now Uganda’s most lucrative industry, and the majority of tourists come to see the mountain gorillas, trekkers are encouraged to seek out ways to give back to the communities they visit. One popular option is to hire a porter, who is always a local resident and occasionally a reformed poacher. The landscape within the parks is unpredictable and difficult; porters help guide trekkers through river crossings and up steep, muddy inclines.

Other options is to participate in community-led cultural initiatives. In Bwindi village, the Bwindi Bar trains disenfranchised young adults in hospitality through rigorous classes and work experience. Around Mgahinga, elders of the Batwa tribe lead visitors on a forest tour along the Batwa Trail , explaining how their self-sufficient, forest-dwelling tribe traditionally used medicinal plants.

You’ll Find More Affordable Trekking Permits.

There are strict regulations in place to make sure the gorillas stay healthy and wild—starting with the gorilla trekking permit process. Daily viewings of each gorilla group are extremely limited, so visitors should apply well before their desired dates.

A visitor photographs a mountain gorilla inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

In Uganda, permit costs vary depending on the season. In April, May and November, permits are $450. The rest of the year, they cost $600. In contrast, permits in Rwanda now cost $1,500 year-round.

Most trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi, where there are multiple starting points and several gorilla families to track. Visits are led by park rangers and groups of eight are allowed to observe the gorillas for one hour, in silence and at a safe distance.

You Can Take on Challenging Terrain.

One look at southwestern Uganda’s green terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes and it’s clear this area of the country is not for the faint of heart. Add in the high altitude and the challenging terrain, and gorilla trekking in Uganda promises to be the adventure of a lifetime.

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It’s hard work to reach the gorillas. It requires navigating uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns, and roots. The appropriately named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is only accessible by foot. There are no paths, no signs, no directions—and more often than not, no clearings (which is why the park rangers carry machetes). The good news? The reward seems that much better after all of the hard work.

A young mountain gorilla looks at a photographer in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Other Primates Will Inevitably Cross Your Path.

Uganda is a primate-lover’s dream. In addition to mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is home to another endangered species: the golden monkey. These furry, comical monkeys live high up in bamboo forests. Tracking golden monkeys is very similar to tracking gorillas, but the trek itself is not quite as challenging.

Further afield, Bwindi has L’hoest monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys. In Kibale Forest National Park , chimpanzees steal the show. Patas monkeys roam around Murchison Falls National Park . Queen Elizabeth National Park has blue monkeys and red-tailed monkeys (not to mention non-primates, like lions and elephants).

Visit mountain gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park with National Geographic.

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Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Uganda – An Enchanting Encounter

By: Author Corinne Vail

Posted on Published: 9 February 17  - Last updated: 5 March 24

Home » DIY Travel » Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Uganda – An Enchanting Encounter

Bwindi gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once in a lifetime experience. This national park is home to 18 gorilla families. Learn how you can see them.

Our Uganda self-drive had been nothing short of fantastic up to this point, but trekking the endangered mountain gorillas was our number one reason for visiting. It was hard to sleep, because we were so excited.

Wake Up! It’s Time to Track Mountain Gorillas!

Our flashlight lay waiting on the nightstand, and when the alarm went off we struggled through the mosquito netting to reach it. We thought the lights would not go on since we were staying at an eco-lodge. The electricity is turned off between the hours of 10 at night until 7 am. Luckily, the reason people stay here is to track the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, so they did turn on the lights at 5 for us to get ready.

Lake Mutanda is surrounded by poor dirt roads with little signage. Driving in the day before, we only observed one sign pointing to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where the mountain gorillas are located. Luckily, Jarrod, a free lance guide working out of the lodge, offered to drive us for a small fee. We took him up on it.

Even though we love to drive ourselves, we’d paid the hefty permit fee of $700 per person to see the gorillas, and the last thing we wanted to have happen is to get lost and not make it, especially in the dark.

Have you always wanted to go on an African safari? See the best wildlife around the world? Check out these two podcasts and start planning your adventure!

Other drivers came up and saw us there, asked us what we had seen, waited for a few minutes, then left without waiting around to see what would come in next to drink.

It is quite a drive, up and around the mountain, to get to the visitor’s center where you are first checked off on a list that the police have. First hurdle accomplished since we of course had paid for our gorilla permits, we were ushered into a covered area to have a safety briefing.

The briefing is for your safety as well as rules for how close you can get to the gorillas. They explain that gorillas are also very susceptible to human disease and viruses, so you are not allowed on the trail if you are coughing or have other cold or flu symptoms.

There were about 21 people in the briefing with us, but the tracking groups are no larger than eight, so we split into smaller groups going different directions. Jim and I headed out with the other six in our group, our ranger and guide, and one policeman, as well as a few porters to help us carry gear or just help us make it up the hard parts.

Porters are from the local village, and we are encouraged to hire them to keep the locals working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We hired two porters who were both in their twenties still trying to pay for secondary school, and even though we probably didn’t really need them, I felt it was money well spent.

I’m not sure why we had a police escort, but our’s was Eric and he got to do the gorilla duty about once a month, where he hiked and talked with tourists. He loved it. We immediately started downhill, which is one of those bittersweet things.

How Difficult Is The Trek?

I’d expected to climb right away, and maybe would have preferred climbing first instead of on the way back, but we were heading out to meet up with two more rangers who had found the family of mountain gorillas we were going to observe.

The path was just wide enough for one or two people, and it had rained recently, so in some parts it was rather slippery. However the going was rather easy. We hiked for about 25 minutes, just getting going really, when our guide Benson announced that we were there. I have heard of other groups that had to hike for hours before finding a gorilla family, though, so you can’t be certain.

We looked at our surroundings and were surprised, we were at a junction of two tracks, near a river bed, and we didn’t see any gorillas. They shushed us, though, and we could hear something quietly rustling about in the overgrown forest around us.

Slashing Our Way Through the Impenetrable Forest

Everyone started to get excited, whispering, and the eight of us had a hard time following directions. We were told to leave everything with the policeman and porters and only take our cameras.

We also had to put on garden gloves because we were delving into the forest proper, off the path. It seemed to take a long time, all of us hoping that the gorillas weren’t moving on as we got it together, but finally we were ready to follow our two new rangers into the deep, dark forest.

Straight out of “Indiana Jones,” the rangers used machetes to cut us a path deeper and deeper into the dense undergrowth. It is very difficult to see in front of you, because the leaves and branches and vines were so thick. We used both hands to part the branches; grabbing onto thorny stalks to keep our balance. This is where the gloves really came in handy!

All of a sudden our little group came to a halt in our newly carved green tunnel. Those in the front of the pack jostled around and were quickly bringing the camera gear to bear. We had found the mountain gorillas!

The rangers were very aware of where each of us were at any given moment. In fact, they made sure that everyone had a chance to be in the front, that everyone had a chance to get the best possible photos by switching us around every few minutes.

There were a few really special moments during our time with the gorilla family. At one point, a mother carrying a young one on her back walked past me followed by the silverback. He decided to lay down about eight to ten feet from us, and she groomed him for a good 20 minutes. It was very moving.

Is It Worth It?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (aka UWA–pronounced you-ah) regulates the visitors to the park and how many people can see the endangered gorillas. The program is extremely well-managed, the rangers are well-trained, and the utmost care is given to not stressing the gorillas or putting anyone in danger. Therefore, you are only allowed to observe them for one hour. However, this hour does not include your trekking time, only gorilla time.

This seems like it wouldn’t be enough time being near the gorillas, but it was. Gorillas are huge animals, and although our time with them seemed gentle, my heart was beating extremely fast. They are habituated to humans, quite used to having people around, and they seemed to know that we were only allowed an hour.

I’m not sure how long they’d been there before we arrived, but when our time was up, and we were getting ready to move out, when they too left, climbing over the river and up the mountain on the other side. One of them even stopped to watch us gather after traversing the river with our rangers’ help, as if to wave us goodbye or make sure everyone was alright.

Buying Your Gorilla Permit

As soon as you know the dates that you will be going to Uganda, it’s a good idea to purchase or have your tour company purchase your permits. Because they limit how many people can go trekking each day, they sell out very quickly. Our contact asked us for a couple of alternate days we’d like to go, just in case they were sold out on our first choice.

It’s a tough situation, because UWA cannot guarantee you’ll see gorillas on your trek. They are wild animals after all, and your permits are only good for the day you purchased them. No exceptions.Because of this, we met one couple who had purchased permits two days in a row.

Luckily, they saw gorillas both days, two different families. You can purchase the permits from the UWA office in Kampala or inquire with your lodge or tour company, they will usually be able to buy it for you. Permits cost $600 in the high season or $450 in the low season, and you can buy one for any day of the year, even Christmas.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Since it’s early and dark when you go, even if you have your own car, it’s a good idea to hire a driver from the lodge. Either way, be sure and plan for enough time to get to the meeting point safely. There are a number of great lodges very near the park so you won’t have to journey as far on the morning of your trek. We recommend Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge if it’s available. We loved it.

What To Bring For Your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

We each brought a camera, and Jim mostly took video. As far as lenses, we opted for a 70-105 mm zoom. I had heard the gorillas were usually pretty close to you, so I didn’t want a very long lens. On our trek, some folks just used their phones and we were close enough that they got some fantastic shots.

You will also need good garden gloves, hiking boots, rain gear, and a hat. Insect repellent is also a good idea. Don’t forget drinking water! Each trekker must have 2 liters of clean drinking water and a lunch.

Bwindi gorilla trekking in Uganda is certainly a bucket list item, and for us an amazing experiece. We even talk about it more on our podcast highlighting the Top Ten Animal Encounters . Surrounded by a stunning national park, the mountain gorilla families are well taken care of by the rangers. Watching a female gorilla groom her mate is priceless.

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

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stylepackgo

Saturday 18th of February 2017

This just sounds incredible. What a truly once in a lifetime experience. I can't wait to do it myself!

Corinne Vail

Sunday 19th of February 2017

Moira, It was amazing. I hope you get to do it soon!

Cindy Collins

Tuesday 14th of February 2017

That looks like such a great experience and I can't wait to do it one day. Thanks for all the tips. Those gorillas are so beautiful and it must be so amazing to see them in their natural environment. Great photos.

Wednesday 15th of February 2017

Cindy, It takes your breath away to be in their presence. It was amazing.

Rhonda Albom

Saturday 11th of February 2017

That is an incredible experience. I like how you were encouraged to hire extra people from the local community. An income stream into the local community helps put value on the preservation of these great animals thus helping insure their continued existence and protection.

Sunday 12th of February 2017

Rhonda, You got it. The UWA has done a fantastic job with the local communities and really stresses to the tourists how important it is. It was an amazing experience.

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Magical encounters with mountain gorillas in bwindi impenetrable forest.

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Roughly half of the world’s total gorilla population live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorillas can be tracked year-round, although they are easier to track in the dry season. The hike, which requires a reasonable amount of fitness, will be through the spectacular rainforest and bamboo covered slopes of the park, accompanied by expert guides and trackers. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of a magnificent silverback and his family, your journey will be well worth the effort. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within six meters of the gorillas. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest, knowing you are in the company of these rare creatures. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before returning to the base station.

Residing in this stunning “impenetrable” rainforest, Bwindi protects over 300 robust gentle mountain gorillas. Feeding on nutritious roots, leaves and fruits from the park’s tree and fern species, the gorillas form a sublime backdrop amidst lush emerald green foliage and a kaleidoscopic fluttering of birds and butterflies. Ranked as one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests, trekking through this lush abundant thicket is a captivating experience; made all the more spectacular when you silently come upon these majestic beauties. This is a spectacularly humbling experience that you will never forget.

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3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda

This 3 days bwindi gorilla trekking tour will reward you a short memorable gorilla trekking encounter for magical everlasting experience in bwindi forest..

This 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari Uganda takes you to one of the best gorilla tracking destination in Africa for gorilla safaris and primate experiences. Uganda is a home to over half of the remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the world; found in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. This 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour will reward you a short memorable gorilla trekking encounter for magical everlasting experience in Bwindi forest. This gorilla trekking safari package to Bwindi is perfect to visitors who wish to start their safari from either Kampala or Entebbe depending on where you spend your night from. Please note that the journey from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is approximately 8 to 9 hours as opposed to the 4 hours’ drive from Kigali in Rwanda. Visitor taking Entebbe-Bwindi circuit have chances to stop at the equator for photography and experiencing a diversity of local cuisines at Igongo cultural center before checking in at their respective booked hotel in Bwindi. Bwindi is the major gorilla trekking destination in Uganda; attracting a number of visitors to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat with more than 17 habituated gorilla families and several semi-habituated gorilla groups. Other activities that can be done in Bwindi include nature walks, birdwatching and to a visit to Batwa community. Bwindi forest national park is endowed with over 350 bird species, 310 butterflies, 200 trees species and 120 primates including chimpanzees and Black & White Columbus monkeys during gorilla trekking safari and tour. On arrival at the airport, you will be picked by our company driver guide to start your 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda Highlight

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park Day 2: Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari And Batwa Trail Day 3: Transfer Back To Kampala Below is a detailed safari plan for this 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari tour. In case you need to customize this package, we are very open to that. We shall tailor make it to best suit your travel needs.

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park

On this first day of your 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari tour, rise up early and take breakfast, get picked by our company guide and drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south western Uganda. You will have a brief stopover at the equator for photography moments and later drive off to Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara lunch before proceeding to your final destination- Bwindi Forest. Check in to your lodge, relax and get ready for gorilla trekking adventure the next day. Accommodation options Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range) and Ride4awoman (Budget) Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking And Batwa Trail

This is the best day of your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari package. Walk up and have an early morning breakfast and later head to the park headquarters to catch up with the 7:30 am briefing meeting before heading deep into the impenetrable forests of Bwindi in search for giant Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla trekking may take 2 to 8 hours depending on the physical fitness of the trackers and the location of the gorilla family. Return to the starting point to pick your certificate and drive back to your lodge for lunch. Later take an evening cultural experience with the Batwa Pygmies. Accommodation options Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range) and Ride4awoman (Budget) Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Transfer Back To Kampala

On the third day of your 3-day bwindi gorilla trekking safari, have breakfast and start your journey to back to Kampala or Entebbe to catch up with your flight back home with everlasting experiences. We will have lunch in Mbarara and later drive off to the airport for drop off. Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Bwindi gorilla trekking safari package includes;

Gorilla tracking permit Ground transport Bottled water in the safari vehicle Full board accommodation for two nights Service of an English-speaking driver guide All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Bwindi gorilla trekking safari excludes;

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc. Tips to porters and driver/ guide Insurance Visa Flights

Things to carry for this 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking tour in Uganda

Water proof hiking boots Long sleeved shirt/t-shirt and water proof pants/trousers

Sun glasses and a hat to protect you from the sun A sweater An insect repellent A camera Gardening gloves A rain-jacket

How to get to Bwindi for 3 days gorilla trekking safari

Bwindi is among the top exciting national park in Uganda and a travel destination you can’t leave out while on a Uganda safari. Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home to a half of the remained mountain gorilla population with over 400 and other primates such as chimpanzees are found here though rarely seen as well as animal species like forest elephants, antelopes among others. Bwindi is located in Southwestern Uganda just near the escarpment of the western rift Valley covering current districts of Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro. Bwindi impenetrable national park was gazetted in 1991 and declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994 in order to protect the endangered mountain gorilla species under a strict management of Uganda Wildlife Authority. Bwindi is bisected into four sectors of Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo; each with habituated gorilla families for gorilla trekking safari tours. Bwindi is approximately 8 hours’ drive from Entebbe en route Masaka- Mbarara- Kabale- Bwindi route driving through beautiful rolling hills, tea and banana plantations. Visitors can also take chattered flights from either Kajansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport to Kihihi and Kisoro airstrips. The journey is about 1 hour’s flight. More still you can get to Bwindi for 3 days gorilla trekking safari from different routes such as Queen Elizabeth-Ishasha-Buhoma-Bwindi if you are coming from Kasese or northern part of Queen Elizabeth National park and also Kigali-Katuna-Kabale-Bwindi route for those looking to start their gorilla trekking safari from Kigali Rwanda.

3 days Gorilla Trekking Safari Rules and Regulations in Bwindi

Avoid eating, drinking or smoking during trekking safari before the gorillas Keep your voices low before the gorillas during your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari however feel free to ask questions to your ranger guide Bwindi gorilla trekking safari can strictly be booked by persons above the age of 15 years Avoid making unnecessary movements during trekking and before a gorilla family. Keep within your group. Keep a distance of about 7 meters at the time before the gorillas on your 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari. Do not go for Bwindi gorilla trekking safari if you feel weak because the activity requires physical fitness Turn off your flashlight while taking photos of mountain gorillas You will spend one hour with the mountain gorillas to take photos and also see them play before heading back to the starting point.

Best time to book a 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari in Uganda

The best time to go gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi: Gorilla tours can be done throughout the year however; the best time to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Uganda is from June to September and December to February. Below is a detailed travel guide for visitors looking for this experience; Generally; Uganda is characterized by pleasant warm and tropical climate with insignificant seasonal variations hence making it the best destination that can be visited through the year. Uganda has wetter months that make some activities very difficult to undertake. Therefore; it is advised to factor in the climatic patterns while planning for your 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari tours in Uganda. Temperatures in Uganda are affected by altitude and the average hotness is about 21.5°C or 71°F and a minimum degree is always at 12°C or 54°F at night time. The country is also crossed by the equator with annual rainfall ranging between 1,000 and 2,000 millimeters.

March to mid-May

We advise visitors looking for mountain gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park to avoid this season due too heavy rainfall received during this period that affects gorilla tracking experiences through making the trails slippery and movements difficult to trackers. The access roads to either Bwindi or Mgahinga tend to be affected by heavy rain down pour as well.

Mid May to mid-October

This is the longest dry season with perfect conditions for gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. We strongly recommend visitors to book their holiday tours during this time. However; this is normally a peak season and prices for accommodation tend to go higher hence affecting the price of packages at times. Yes, it is always dry season during these months but we advise you to pack waterproof clothing because weather is unpredictable in Uganda. Chances of spotting other wildlife in different parks are also high if you intend to extend your trip to other destinations like Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale forest national park and Murchisons falls national park.

Mid-October to November

This period experiences short rains and gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi may be slightly harder due to wet grounds and forest cover however; these are great months for bird watching tours in Uganda as trees and plants tend to flower and attract a number of bird species. It is even possible to enjoy specialist birding tours at the end of heavy rainfall. Also, during this period, photography is also perfect due to blue skies that create some great, clear images.

December to February

This is also another peak season in Uganda characterized by dry climatic conditions good for wildlife sightings and allows outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing. Our preferred months for Bwindi gorilla trekking safari in Uganda are February and September due to available preferential rates and it is less crowded than the traditional peak months of Christmas and peak summer months.

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari Information

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a prime safari destination in Uganda with thick ever green vegetation. Every day when visitors go for the famous gorilla trekking adventure safari in Bwindi; the ranger guides have to cut vegetation for trackers to clear paths in order to meet respective allocated gorilla families. Bwindi is true African jungle with droplets of the sun coming through the think forest cover giving you a feeling of being in paradise with zero pollution from several emissions common to our daily environment; expect to breath in fresh air.

Gorilla trekking permit.

A gorilla trekking permit is a ticket that will allow you access the park for 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris experience. Currently; a gorilla permit goes for $700 per person for both Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. If compared to other destinations, Rwanda charges $1500 and $400 in DR Congo. Uganda is the best option for trekking mountain gorillas especially for the 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari, the activity may be combined with wildlife viewing adventures in other national parks such as Murchison falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Lake Mburo National Park among others.

How to acquire a permit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Uganda:

Gorilla permits are always available for all dates throughout the year. However, booking this 3 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari, we advise you to secure your gorilla permits 3 to 4 months in advance to avoid cases of missing out on a permit for your specific travel dates. At times, permits tend to run out two months prior to their respective trekking dates. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However due to inconsistency of gorilla families in Mgahinga as compared to Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park, tour operators prefer purchasing gorilla permits for Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and a total of 72 visitors may track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park to see gorillas in all the trekking sectors on a daily basis. We therefore advise guests to book and acquire gorilla trekking permits through a safari agent to avoid mistakes such as; booking for permits in a sector far away from your choice of accommodation. Guests intending to make a direct booking with UWA should note that the roads to Bwindi are very remote and are not accurate on google maps, this may be hard for visitors to access the park, or at times may miss out the activity hence incurring unplanned cost like rebooking permits and booking for extra night Contact us today to book for this 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Uganda, we have highly trained safari planners to craft for you customized gorilla tours in Africa!

Where to Stay for Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris?

Bwindi has a number of well-established accommodation properties ranging from camps, lodges and homestays located within the forest and at the outskirts of the park. The cost of staying in Bwindi for a gorilla trekking safari ranges from $70 for lazy camping and standard accommodation and $600 for high end travelers.

POPULAR UGANDA TOUR SAFARIS

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Physical Contact Details

Africa Adventure Vacations Ltd Plot 85 Kanjokya Street, Uganda Phone: +256 752 974500 +256785025022 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

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1 day Short Gorilla trip – Rwanda 2 Days Gorilla Tracking 3 Days gorilla tracking in Rwanda 3 Days Magical Gorilla Tour And Culture 3 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike 3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Tour 3 Days Primate Safari 4 Days gorillas and Lake Kivu tour 5 Days Gorilla Trekking Experience 5 Days Rwanda gorilla safari 6 Days Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Rwanda 6 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour 6 Days Special Package 7 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari Tour 8 Days Best Of Rwanda 8 Days Rwanda Gorilla Holiday Tour 9 Days Expeditions To Rwanda 14 Days Best of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi Tour 15 Days Best Of Uganda Safari Tour 16 Days Remarkable African Safari 19 Days Big Five Safari In Uganda

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6 Days Mountain Gorilla trekking in DR Congo and Rwanda 9 Days Uganda, Rwanda DR Congo Gorilla Safari 10 Days Gorilla trekking Safari in Congo and Uganda 14 Days Uganda and Rwanda safari 15 Days Uganda gorilla safari tour 16 Days Uganda and Rwanda safari tour 16 Days Uganda and Rwanda safari 16 Days Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safari 20 Days Uganda and Rwanda safari

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1 Day Kampala City Tour 2 Days Lake Mburo National Park Tour 3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee tour 3 Days Primate Safaris Rwanda 3 Days Nyiragongo Hike 3 Days Sipi Falls Hiking And River Nile Exploration 3 Days Group Tour To Queen Elizabeth Tour 3 Days Magical Experience In Queen Elizabeth National Park 3 Days Murchison Falls National Park – (2 Nights) 3 Days Experience Murchison Falls 4 Days Tree Climbing Lions And Chimpanzees 4 Days Queen Elizabeth And Lake Mburo Safari 5 Days Kampala And Source Of The Nile Tour 5 Days Green Rwanda Experience 5 Days Kidepo Valley National park tour 5 Days Zebra And Lions’ Tour 6 Days Special Package 7 Days Gorilla Trekking And Tree Climbing Lions Of Ishasha 7 Days and 6 nights wildlife safari to Uganda with Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife And Cultural Tour 8 Days Best Of Rwanda 9 Days wildlife Safari to Uganda 9 Days Visit Rwanda 10 Days Rwenzori Mountains Climbing 10 Days Mountain Rwenzori Climbing expeditions 12 Days Best Karamoja Trip Uganda 13 days wildlife safaris and jinja city tour 14 DAYS Big Five & RAFTING – 14 DAYS (13NIGHTS) 15 days Bird watching Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari 15 Days Uganda Hardcore Forest Birding Safari

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Bwindi Forest Uganda – Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Welcome to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , a one stop guide to planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. This resource is prepared for travelers who would like to visit and go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in South Western Uganda. This website is dedicated to making sure you have and maximize the best of your gorilla trek to Bwindi by educating you in advance on all that the destination has to offer. On this portal, find the best things to do, attractions within and near Bwindi, getting there and around, travel tips and information to help you plan a perfect safari. Whether you are looking to gorilla trekking or just a tour of the park, this guide will help you get the best of your trip.

Created by two authorities on the area with over 7 years of living in Bwindi, this travel resource is unrivaled in the quality of information we give. Please look through the site to see what activities you can engage in as well as our Do’s and don’ts page for information on what to avoid. Also provided is all the information you need to book a gorilla tour in Africa. See you in Bwindi!

Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park  is a UNESCO World  Heritage site  situated in the southwest corner of Uganda. The park is 331 square kilometers and impresses with a truly theatrical landscape and bio-diversity, this  is a region of volcanoes, jagged valleys, waterfalls, lakes and dramatic mountain ranges. Birders come thousands of miles to see the more than 350 species that  live within the area.

There  are  also  rare  forest  elephant, giant  forest  hog  and  eleven  kinds  of  primates , including  red tailed  and  blue  monkey, black  and  white  colobus,  baboons  and  chimpanzee . you  can  also  find  forest  duiker  antelopes  and  bush  buck  antelopes  as  well  as  over  200  species  of  butterflies.

• Park History – When Was Bwindi Forest gazetted as a national park?
• Quick Facts about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Getting Here – Where is Bwindi Located?
• Getting Around – Discover the different sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Top Things to See

Bwindi is a world heritage site with amazing attractions that one should not miss while on holiday in Uganda. We are sometimes asked, “What are the things I must see when I visit Bwindi?” Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is vast and varied, and visitors have different interests and abilities, so there is no one easy answer. However, we have compiled a list of the most popular attractions in Bwindi that we feel will be helpful. Here are the top things to see in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the nearby area.

Within the steep hills covered with thick forested vegetation are the mountain gorillas, rare great apes only found in three African countries.  Bwindi is home to almost half of the mountain gorillas. Read More

Birds of Bwindi

Bwindi is home to amazing birds that include localized Albertine Rift endemics. There are over 350 bird species within the forest, with 14 not recorded anywhere else in Uganda. Read More

There are over 400 species of plants that are protected within the Bwindi Forest. The forest is composed of bamboo, large forest hard woods, ferns, vines and other plants. Read More

Since Bwindi Forest is famous to everyone for wonderful gorilla trekking experience, many travelers tend to wonder what else to do if they had one more day or extra night in park  yet there is much more to see, do and enjoy around the park. There are lots of adventure activities that you can enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. From gorilla trekking to nature walks, you can engage in interesting activities. This guide is designed to serve as a starting point for planning your visit.

Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla tracking is the main attraction since the forest was gazetted. The forest has over 18 habituated gorilla groups that can be tracked from various trailheads in different sectors; Buhoma Sector, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija. Read More

Spend 4 hours with the mountain gorillas on a gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga Sector. This amazing experience comes at just US$1500 per permit.

• Bird Watching

Bwindi is also one of Uganda’s top bird watching destinations. There are over 350 birds species protected in the forest. These include many localised Albertine Rift Endemics.

Community Walks

On your safari in Bwindi, you can take community walks, an experience that will give you an insight into the lives of the local people living beside the forest. Meet the Batwa People and Bakiga Communities that live near the park.

Buniga Forest Walk

A walk through the nearby Buniga Forest with a Batwa guide demonstrates the traditional hunt gatherer existence of Uganda’s oldest extant tribal group.

Nature Walks

There are magnificent trails for nature walks in Bwindi Forest. If you are interested in a true African walk, this is the right place for you. Popular trails include Buhoma Nkuringo Walk, Munyaga Trail etc.

Nearby Activities

There are many other activities one can engage in on a free day around the park. Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is something special and a privilege to meet the beautiful creatures in their receding habitat.

Lake Bunyonyi Tour

You can arrange a tour to Lake Bunyonyi Island in Kabale the known Switzerland of Africa. Find this beautiful lake filled with several islands in a few kilometers from the gorilla trekking park. The lake can occupy your day with water activities, birding, cultural tours and leisure relaxation under the fresh water winds of the lake and the twenty nine punishment islands for virgin girls. While here it’s very easy to drive back to Kampala or connect to Rwanda Kigali for a city tour before leaving for your home flight.

Budget Travel Advice

Do you want to track gorillas on budget or save big on your upcoming gorilla tracking safari?. April, May and November are the best budget gorilla trekking months when gorilla permits are discounted in promotion of gorilla tourism. Alternatively you can use budget accommodation and save big on your gorilla safari any other time of the year.

Suggested Itineraries

Three to five days itineraries are best to make you explore the park’s top tourist attractions and its surrounding possibly with much leisure and relaxation. If your interest is only to see mountain gorillas, the three days are perfect for a short gorilla safari tour in Uganda .However, to track gorillas twice and also experience other a park activities, four-five days are best recommended. But In the window of five days one can explore Bwindi forest and also check out the most visited other parks in Uganda like Queen Elizabeth and see more wildlife. In fact it’s the top desired gorilla trekking trip in Uganda by different travelers with trips titled Gorillas and Wildlife safari Queen Bwindi.

Bwindi forest Transportation advice

When traveling to Bwindi  forest national  park use bus public transport if backpacking or hire a safari vehicle and do a self-driving trip or book a private gorilla safari tour with everything inclusive –Gorilla permit, Transport and accommodation. The park can be accessed by both road and air but even air involves short drives with transfers from Kihihi airstrip to your lodge of residence. Public means is the cheapest option but be ready to share the bus with locals and also adjust your life style for a reason.

About Bwindi

Learn more about how the wildlife, history & human geography of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

How to get to Bwindi

Learn more about tour operators, overland travel & flights for trips to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

When is the Best Time to visit Bwindi?

Learn more about the weather, climate & tourism seasons of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

What to do at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Learn more about gorilla trekking, natures walks & bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Other popular activities in Bwindi include nature walks, bird watching trips, hiking trails & cultural visits such as community walks on the park boundaries.

When to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is visited year round, with park activities such as gorilla trekking taking place throughout the year. The park has two dry seasons which run from June to August & December to February, although it can still rain in dry seasons & weather patterns have become less predictable in recent years. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has busier tourism seasons, generally matching the dry seasons when gorilla trekking permits are sold out further ahead in advance. If possible you can also consider visiting in the quieter seasons, when you may also get discounted safari accommodation, gorilla permits however remain the same price year round. Sunrise over Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Where to Stay in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi national park has a wide range of accommodations that cater for both budget and Luxury travelers so be sure to spend a night before your gorilla trek in comfort and leisure.For budget accommodation options, Buhoma community Bandas, Broadbill campsite, Gift of nature, Nshongi gorilla camp, Trekkers tervan, Bwindi View bandas, Nshongi gorilla camp, wagtail eco lodge among others can fit any budget of tight spenders while sanctuary Gorilla forest Camp,Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge,Gorilla safari lodge, Buhoma lodge, Mahogany springs,Ruhija safari lodge  etc.

• Guide to Self Drive Tours to Bwindi Forest

admin on December 13, 2020

A self-drive tour to view the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is incredibly one best way that you can adventure this magical side of Uganda this coming season. Best described by Sir Winston Churchill as the pearl of Africa, Uganda boasts of breathtaking landscapes and varied tourist attractions with one of star […]

• Top 10 Midrange Lodges in Bwindi Forest

Would you like to go on a gorilla safari in Bwindi Forest of Uganda? Wondering about the best places for your stay? Would you like to stay in something not luxurious but also not budget? There are some midrange safari lodges that we can consider deluxe within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here are the 10 best […]

• Why Visit the Gorillas During the Dry Season

admin on March 27, 2017

Many people prefer tracking the mountain gorillas during the dry season.  In Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the dry seasons attract a considerable number of tourists. This has led to the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February to be refered to as the peak months. Though gorilla tracking […]

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• Gorilla Tracking Rules
• When to Track Gorillas

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A Complete guide to Bwindi Forest National Park. Find things to see and do, where to stay, travel tips and advice. Let us to help you plan a gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Forest, Uganda.

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