How to Purchase a Gorilla Permit for Trekking in Bwindi

How to Purchase a Gorilla Permit for Trekking in Bwindi

Purchasing a gorilla permit is an essential step for anyone planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Here’s how you can secure one:

1. Directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA):
   Gorilla permits can be bought from UWA’s headquarters in Kampala or their branch office in Kisoro. If you’re arriving in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport, it’s best to purchase your permit from Kampala. For those coming via Kigali, Rwanda, you can purchase the permit at UWA’s Kisoro office, which is just a 1-2 hour drive from Bwindi.
2. Through a Trusted Tour Operator:
   Trek Africa Expeditions is one of the most reliable companies for securing gorilla permits in Uganda. Once you confirm your travel dates, simply share them via email or WhatsApp. Trek Africa Expeditions will tentatively reserve your permit online, send you an invoice, and upon payment confirmation, purchase your permit immediately. A scanned copy of your permit will then be sent to you as proof of your booking.

How to Get to Bwindi Forest for Gorilla Trekking

There are two main ways to access Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for your gorilla trekking adventure: by road or by air.

Getting to Bwindi by Road

The driving distance depends on the specific sector of Bwindi where your trek will take place:

• Northern Sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija): These can be accessed via the Kabale-Kisoro road, with clear signage leading to Uganda Wildlife Authority’s offices. The drive from Kampala or Entebbe takes approximately 8-9 hours.
• Southern Sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo): These are reached by turning off the Kabale-Kisoro Highway at Muko. The drive is scenic but can be longer depending on road conditions.

Getting to Bwindi by Air

For a quicker option, you can fly:

• To Kisoro Airstrip for the southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo).
• To Kihihi Airstrip for the northern sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija).

Domestic airlines such as Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda operate scheduled and chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield. Once you land, your tour operator can arrange a transfer to your lodge.

About Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the only four national parks in the world that is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Here’s what you need to know about gorilla trekking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• Diverse Biodiversity: Bwindi is one of Africa’s oldest forests and supports an incredible range of wildlife, including 350 bird species, 310 butterfly species, and 120 mammals.
• Mountain Gorilla Population: Bwindi is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population (approximately 1,064 individuals). The park boasts over 15 habituated gorilla families available for trekking.
• Sectors for Gorilla Trekking: Gorilla trekking is conducted in four main sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Each sector has different habituated gorilla groups and unique trekking experiences.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

A gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi costs:

• USD 800 per person for Foreign Non-Residents.
• USD 700 for Foreign Residents.
• USD 80 for East African Citizens.

This permit allows you to spend one unforgettable hour with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Where to Experience Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi

Gorilla Habituation, which offers a longer and more immersive experience, is conducted in the southern sectors of Bwindi—specifically in Rushaga and areas between Rushaga and Nkuringo. During this activity, you’ll spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family, helping researchers and trackers get the gorillas accustomed to human presence.

• Cost of Gorilla Habituation Permits:
  • USD 1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents.
  • USD 1,000 for Foreign Residents.
  • USD 220 for East African Citizens.

Due to the limited number of permits (only 4 per day), it’s highly recommended to book at least 2-3 months in advance.

Difference Between Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience both offer unique opportunities to interact with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but they differ in terms of the experience and duration:

• Gorilla Trekking: This is the most popular option where you spend 1 hour with the mountain gorillas after finding them in the forest. It’s done in groups of up to 8 tourists per gorilla family. While it’s a shorter experience, it still offers a remarkable opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in the wild.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: This offers a deeper, more immersive experience, allowing you to spend 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. This activity is conducted in smaller groups of 4 tourists. It’s designed to help gorillas adjust to human presence, so it requires a bit more patience and time compared to regular trekking. You’ll participate in the process of making gorillas comfortable with human interaction, which is both exciting and educational.

Both activities take place in Bwindi Forest and require a good level of fitness, as the treks can sometimes be strenuous, especially when navigating through dense vegetation.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest is during the drier months, typically January, February, and June to early September. These months make travel to the park easier and provide clearer views of the gorillas since the vegetation is not as dense. However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round, so you can enjoy it during any time of the year, though conditions may vary depending on the season.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Packing the right gear is essential for a successful and comfortable gorilla trekking experience. Here’s what you should bring:

• Comfortable Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots: The terrain can be muddy, slippery, and steep, so sturdy shoes are necessary.
• Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from bites in the forest.
• Torch/Flashlight: The forest can be dense, and a flashlight can help in low-light conditions.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your trek.
• Camera with Extra Batteries: Capture the unforgettable moments.
• Gardening Gloves: Useful for protecting your hands while trekking.
• Long Sleeve Shirt and Lightweight Pants: Protect yourself from nettles, insects, and thorns.
• Rain Jacket: Be prepared for sudden rain showers in the forest.
• Hat and Sunscreen: For protection against the sun.
• Binoculars: For game and bird watching during the trek.

How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding. The trek’s difficulty varies, as the gorillas move through different areas of the forest. Some treks may last only a couple of hours, but others can stretch up to 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. The terrain is often steep, and there are no marked trails, so hikers need to be prepared for challenging conditions, including high-altitude weather and muddy paths. Being physically fit will make the experience more enjoyable and manageable.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

There are various lodges near the trekking sectors of Bwindi Forest, offering comfort and convenience for your stay. Here’s where you can stay based on the sector you’re trekking in:

• Rushaga Sector: Options include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge.
• Nkuringo Sector: Stay at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, or Lake Mutanda Resort.
• Buhoma Sector: You can choose from Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, or Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
• Ruhija Sector: Lodging options include Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Agandi Eco Lodge.

Make sure to choose a lodge near the sector you’ll be trekking in for convenience.

Which Sector is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

Each sector in Bwindi offers a unique experience. However, many people prefer the Rushaga sector due to its multiple habituated gorilla families, making it easier to secure permits.

• Buhoma (Northern sector) is considered the best for those who prefer shorter treks, as you can complete your trek in as little as 3-4 hours. The elevation is relatively lower here, making the treks less strenuous.
• Nkuringo (Southern sector) offers more challenging treks due to its higher elevation, making it a more strenuous option for trekkers.

Regardless of the sector, 99% of trekkers will see the mountain gorillas, as the activity is well-organized across all sectors.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make booking your gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi easy and stress-free. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Expert Guidance: We guide you through the entire booking process, ensuring your permit is secured and your experience is seamless.
• Tailored Packages: We offer a range of safari packages from budget-friendly to luxury options, all inclusive of gorilla permits.
• Trusted Reviews: Check out our glowing reviews on TripAdvisor to see how we’ve delivered memorable experiences for travelers from all over the world.
• Customer Satisfaction: Our team is dedicated to providing excellent service and ensuring that you have an unforgettable safari experience.

Get in touch with us today to plan your dream gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!