Which Side of Bwindi Is More Accessible for Gorilla Trekking?

Which Side of Bwindi Is More Accessible for Gorilla Trekking?

Are you planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda and wondering which side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the most accessible? Bwindi is divided into four main sectors: Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, and Buhoma and Ruhija in the north. Accessibility largely depends on your starting point and the activities you have planned.

If you’re traveling from Kampala or Entebbe, the northern side (Buhoma and Ruhija) is generally easier to reach for gorilla trekking and other activities. Conversely, if you’re coming from Kigali, Rwanda, the southern side (Rushaga and Nkuringo) is more accessible.

Best Areas for Gorilla Trekking

The best area for gorilla trekking in Bwindi depends on your itinerary and the activities you want to enjoy. If you’re interested in visiting nearby attractions such as Lake Bunyonyi for a boat cruise, Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing, or Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, the northern side is more convenient.

On the other hand, if your plans include visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey trekking or exploring Lake Mutanda after your trek, the southern side would be the better choice.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Located in the southern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is renowned as one of only two national parks in Uganda where you can trek to see the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it a prime location for trekking.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park features four regions for gorilla trekking: Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Trekking typically starts at 7:00 AM with a briefing on guidelines for interacting with the gorillas. After the briefing, park guides and rangers lead you into the forest to locate the gorillas. Once you find them, you’ll have one hour to observe these incredible creatures before returning to receive a certificate of completion for your trek.

Watching gorillas is a truly amazing experience, as they share about 95% of our DNA. To ensure their conservation, only eight visitors are allowed to see each habituated family per day, as per Uganda Wildlife Authority policies. Additionally, participants must be at least 15 years old to trek, as younger children can be harder to manage in the wild and may pose health risks to the gorillas.

What Is the Cost of Gorilla Permits in Bwindi?

When planning your 3-day gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, understanding the cost of gorilla permits is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

• Gorilla Permits:
  • Non-Foreign Residents: USD 800 per person
  • Foreign Residents: USD 700 per person
  • East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person
• Gorilla Habituation Permits:
  • Non-Foreign Residents: USD 1,500 per person
  • Foreign Residents: USD 1,000 per person
  • East African Citizens: UGX 750,000 per person

The gorilla habituation experience allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas, observing their movements, feeding habits, and family interactions.

Keep in mind that even though Uganda offers a substantial number of gorilla permits, they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons like January, February, July, August, September, and December. When you contact us with your desired trek dates, we’ll check the availability of permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system. If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Upon receiving your payment, we will secure your permits and send you a receipt with a booking ID to confirm your trek. Knowing the cost of these permits is essential when budgeting for your 3-day gorilla tour to Bwindi National Park.

What Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, specifically from June to October and December to March. During these months, you’ll experience mild rainfall, making treks easier and more enjoyable. The vegetation is less dense, offering clearer views and fantastic photo opportunities.

Conversely, the wet seasons—April, May, and November—can lead to taller vegetation, which may obscure sightings. However, during these months, the treks tend to be shorter because the chimpanzees and gorillas usually remain closer to their food sources in the forest.

Despite the varying conditions, you have a 99% chance of spotting gorillas in their natural habitat any time of year, thanks to the well-organized nature of these treks.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we are dedicated to making your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park unforgettable. Our team will guide you through the booking process and offer a range of safari packages, from budget to luxury, tailored to your needs.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see feedback from our satisfied clients. With our commitment to excellent service and customer satisfaction, you can trust that your Ugandan safari holiday will be memorable.

Our knowledgeable tour consultants are always ready to answer any questions you may have about your safari. Contact us today to start planning your gorilla tour in Bwindi and discover which side of the park is most accessible for your adventure!