Best area to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most popular and unforgettable tourism activities in Uganda. This remarkable experience offers a rare opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are only found in four national parks globally: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population and is the only country where gorillas live in two separate parks—Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Located in the southwestern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is widely considered the best destination for gorilla trekking. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its dense and ancient rainforest that creates a thick canopy, making the forest feel truly impenetrable. The park is home to 17 habituated gorilla families, the highest number of any park in the world.
Bwindi’s strategic location makes it ideal for travelers wishing to combine gorilla trekking with other popular tourist activities. Nearby attractions include Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions and boat safaris, Lake Bunyonyi for scenic relaxation, Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, and Mgahinga for volcano hikes and golden monkey tracking.
One of the advantages of trekking in Bwindi is its affordability compared to other destinations. A gorilla permit in Bwindi costs $800, significantly less than the $1,500 charged in Rwanda. While Congo offers the cheapest permits at $400, security concerns in the region have hindered the growth of its gorilla tourism industry. It’s important to note that the permit cost only covers the tracking experience. Visitors must also budget for accommodation, transport, meals, visas, and flights. Depending on the length of the tour and the type of lodging chosen, the overall cost of a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi can range from $1,150 to $5,000.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Bwindi offers more enriching experiences. Visitors can explore the cultural heritage of the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, nature lovers, and primate enthusiasts. Remarkably, Bwindi is one of the few places on Earth where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees coexist, and lucky trekkers may spot chimpanzees along the way.
Choosing the Best Sector for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Selecting the ideal sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be a bit challenging. While you typically don’t get to choose the exact gorilla family you’ll track—especially during the busy dry season—you can request a specific sector if you book early. Gorilla family allocations are made on the morning of the trek during the briefing, with factors like your age, physical fitness, and hiking ability considered.
Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors, each offering a unique experience. To determine the best one for your preferences, it’s ideal to explore each of them if possible.
Buhoma Sector
Situated in northern Bwindi, Buhoma is the park’s original gorilla trekking hub. The first habituated gorilla family here was introduced in 1993. Today, families like Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Katwe, and Bunyindo are available for tracking.
Advantages of Buhoma:
Easily accessible from Kampala or Entebbe via an 8-9 hour drive, or a short 1–2-hour flight to Kihihi Airstrip followed by a brief drive.
Perfect for travelers coming from Rwanda via the Kyanika or Gatuna borders—especially for a budget-friendly 3-day gorilla safari.
Ideal for combining a trip with Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Offers various nature and birding trails including the Muzabajiro Loop, River Ivy Trail, Munyaga River Trail, and Rushura Hill Trail.
Home to numerous accommodation options such as Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Silverback Lodge, and more.
Disadvantages of Buhoma:
Its popularity means high demand, so permits should be booked at least 6 months in advance.
Although accessible from Rwanda, it is not the most convenient sector in terms of distance from Kigali.
Ruhija Sector
Found in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija is the nearest sector to Buhoma and features four habituated gorilla families: Mukiza, Bitukura, Kyaguliro, and Oruzongo.
Advantages of Ruhija:
Offers a more peaceful and intimate trekking experience due to fewer visitors.
Unique for hosting elephants and other wildlife species like antelopes.
Elevated at 2,500 meters, the sector offers incredible scenic views of Bwindi and the Virunga Mountains.
The highest point in the park, Rwamunyonyi Peak (2,607 meters), is located here and can be hiked.
Close enough to Buhoma for trekkers to stay in one and hike in the other.
Ideal for adding Lake Bunyonyi to your itinerary.
Great for those seeking a more challenging trek.
Offers additional activities like bird watching, Batwa cultural walks, and nature trails.
Disadvantages of Ruhija:
The terrain is steep and physically demanding, so it may not suit everyone.
Accommodation options are fewer, though camps like Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge are available.
Rushaga Sector
Found in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park near Kisoro, the Rushaga sector neighbors the Nkuringo sector. It is one of the most popular sectors, boasting eight habituated gorilla families: Bweza, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bikingi, and Mishaya among them.
Advantages of Trekking in Rushaga:
Rushaga stands out as the only sector in Bwindi where gorilla research and habituation experiences are conducted.
It’s ideal for those interested in both traditional gorilla trekking and the more immersive gorilla habituation experience.
Accessible by both road and air from Kampala or Entebbe.
The sector is reachable from Rwanda via the Kyanika border in approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Offers additional activities such as guided nature walks, birdwatching, and community visits.
Convenient stopover options include Lake Mutanda, where travelers can enjoy scenic boat rides.
The area features a broad selection of accommodations, second only to Buhoma. Options include Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Haven Lodge, and Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge.
Disadvantages of Trekking in Rushaga:
The journey from Kampala or Entebbe can be lengthy, taking roughly 10 to 11 hours by road.
Due to its location, connecting to other national parks may be more challenging.
The landscape in Rushaga is rugged, and the hikes can be demanding, especially for less experienced trekkers.
Nkuringo Sector
Also situated in southern Bwindi and bordering Rushaga, the Nkuringo sector is less frequented by tourists, making it a quieter option. The first habituated group in this sector was the Nkuringo family, followed by the Christmas and Bushaho gorilla families.
Advantages of Trekking in Nkuringo:
Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a more strenuous and physically demanding trek.
Offers breathtaking views of the Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo volcanoes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Accessible from Rwanda through the Kyanika border via Kisoro town, with a travel time of about 5 hours.
Provides easy access to beautiful lakes such as Lake Mutanda and Lake Mulehe, ideal for boat rides and relaxation after trekking.
Disadvantages of Trekking in Nkuringo:
Gorilla families tend to live in higher altitudes, which can be especially difficult to access during rainy seasons.
The terrain is notably steep and challenging, requiring good physical fitness.
Fewer lodging options are available in this sector compared to Rushaga and Buhoma. Accommodation choices include Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, and Virunga Campsite.
Best time to go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The best time to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons, which occur from June to September and December to February. These months offer the most favorable trekking conditions because the trails are drier, less slippery, and easier to navigate. Visibility is also better during the dry season, and you are more likely to get clear views for photography. Additionally, gorillas tend to stay in lower elevations during the dry months, making them easier to locate.
The dry season is also considered peak tourist season, so permits tend to sell out quickly. It is advisable to book your gorilla permit several months in advance, especially if you plan to trek in popular sectors like Buhoma or Rushaga.
That said, gorilla trekking is available all year round, and visiting during the rainy or low season — March to May and October to November — has its own advantages. During these months, Uganda’s forests are lush and green, offering stunning scenery. Fewer tourists mean a more intimate trekking experience, and accommodation rates may be discounted.
However, trekking in the rainy season can be more challenging due to muddy and slippery trails, and you’ll need to be prepared with waterproof gear and proper hiking boots. Regardless of the season, encountering mountain gorillas is a memorable and life-changing experience.
How to book a Gorilla Trekking Permit
Booking a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is a crucial step in planning your safari, as the number of permits is limited and demand is high, especially during peak seasons. A gorilla permit allows you to visit a specific gorilla family for one hour in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The easiest and most reliable way to book a permit is through a licensed local tour operator like Kenlink Tours. They handle all logistics including checking availability, securing the permit, and arranging transportation, accommodation, and guides. You can reach Kenlink Tours via email at info@kenlinktours.com or by phone at +256 789 210 067.
To book through Kenlink Tours, provide your preferred travel dates and passport details. Once availability is confirmed, you’ll be asked to make a deposit to secure the permit. After payment, a confirmation of your permit will be sent to you.
Alternatively, you can book directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), though this process is more complex for international travelers and does not include help with the rest of your safari.
A gorilla permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. It is advisable to book your permit at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you wish to trek during the dry season or in a specific sector like Buhoma or Rushaga.
