Best Locations to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi

Best Locations to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi: A Complete Guide

If you’re planning to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking, you might be wondering, “Where is the best place to trek gorillas in Bwindi?”  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided into four main trekking regions: Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern part of the park, and Buhoma and Ruhija in the northern part. Each section offers unique experiences and accessibility, depending on where you’re coming from and your itinerary.

For visitors traveling from Kampala or Entebbe, the northern sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija) are easier to reach. On the other hand, if you’re traveling from Kigali, Rwanda, the southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo) are more accessible for gorilla trekking and other activities.

Which Section of Bwindi is Best for Gorilla Trekking?

The best section to trek gorillas in Bwindi depends on your itinerary, activities planned, and nearby destinations you wish to visit before or after your trek:

• Northern Sectors (Buhoma & Ruhija):
  These regions are ideal if you plan to visit nearby attractions such as:
  • Lake Bunyonyi for a serene boat cruise and cultural experiences.
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife safaris and game drives.
  • Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking.
• Southern Sectors (Rushaga & Nkuringo):
  Perfect if you’re considering:
  • Exploring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey trekking.
  • Visiting Lake Mutanda for scenic canoeing or relaxation.

All sections of Bwindi are equally rewarding for gorilla trekking, as they all allow you to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places in the world for this unforgettable wildlife experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: What to Expect

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park offers four gorilla trekking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Gorilla trekking begins early in the morning (7:00 AM) with a briefing by park rangers about the rules and guidelines for the trek.

During the trek, you’ll be led by experienced guides and trackers into the dense forest to locate a gorilla family. Once you find them, you are allowed one magical hour to observe the gorillas as they interact, feed, rest, and play.

Here are a few key details to keep in mind:

• Only eight visitors per day are allowed to visit a gorilla family to ensure conservation and minimize disturbance.
• Visitors must be 15 years or older to participate in gorilla trekking.
• Gorilla trekking permits are required and must be booked in advance.

Gorilla Trekking Permits and Costs in Bwindi

To trek gorillas in Bwindi, you’ll need a permit, which varies based on your residency:

• Non-Residents: $800 USD per person.
• Foreign Residents: $700 USD per person.
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person.

For a more immersive experience, you can opt for the gorilla habituation experience, which costs:

• Non-Residents: $1,500 USD per person.
• Foreign Residents: $1,000 USD per person.
• East African Citizens: UGX 750,000 per person.

This habituation experience allows you to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family and observe their natural behaviors more closely.

It’s important to book permits in advance, especially during the high season (January, February, July, August, September, and December) when they sell out quickly.

When is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is available all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:

• June to October
• December to March

During these months, there is less rainfall, making the forest trails easier to navigate. The vegetation is also less dense, improving visibility and photography opportunities.

If you’re visiting during the wet season (April, May, and November), the forest is lush and green, but trails can be slippery. However, gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges during this time due to the abundance of food, so the trekking distance might be shorter.

How to Get to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi can be accessed by road or air, depending on your preference:

• By Road:
  • From Kampala or Entebbe, it’s an 8-9 hour drive to the park.
  • From Kigali, Rwanda, it’s a shorter 4-5 hour drive, making the southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo) more convenient for travelers coming from Rwanda.
• By Air:
  • You can book domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which serves the southern sectors.
  • Domestic airlines such as Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda operate these flights.

After landing, your tour operator can arrange transfers from the airstrip to your lodge.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Here’s why you should choose us:

• We offer customized safari packages to suit your budget, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences.
• We handle all the logistics, including securing your gorilla permits, accommodation, and transport.
• Our excellent team of consultants is always available to answer your questions and provide expert advice.
• We are highly rated on TripAdvisor, with a track record of satisfied clients.

Let us help you plan a seamless and memorable gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. Contact us today to get started!

Embark on a journey of a lifetime and experience the wonder of seeing mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat. Bwindi awaits!