Best Places for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Best Places for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda and want to know the best places to go, you’re in the right place. Uganda is home to two of the world’s best parks for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In this guide, we’ll help you decide which park suits your preferences by breaking down what each one has to offer.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of only four places in the world where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas. Nestled in southwestern Uganda, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a biodiversity haven. The park is home to over 350 bird species, 310 butterfly species, and 120 mammal species, including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

What makes Bwindi truly special is its large population of mountain gorillas—around half of the world’s 1,064 mountain gorillas live here. Bwindi offers 15 habituated gorilla families that are available for trekking, with only 8 permits per group each day. This ensures an intimate and personalized trekking experience.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

While Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, it offers a unique and exciting trekking experience. Located on the border with Rwanda, it’s part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. Mgahinga is made up of three extinct volcanoes: Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo.

Mgahinga is home to both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, offering a diverse wildlife experience. The park’s unique terrain—featuring bamboo forests and volcanic slopes—provides stunning views during your trek, making it a memorable alternative to Bwindi for those seeking a more intimate and quieter trekking experience.

Key Differences Between Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park

When deciding between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there are a few key factors to consider:

1. Trekking Experience & Vegetation
   • Bwindi: The trekking experience here is through dense tropical rainforest, making it a more challenging hike due to thick undergrowth and uneven trails. However, the lush jungle adds to the adventure, and the sight of the gorillas in this stunning environment is unforgettable.
   • Mgahinga: The gorillas here live in a more open bamboo forest, which makes for slightly easier trekking. The visibility is generally better, and you can expect clearer photos of the gorillas. The terrain is also less dense compared to Bwindi, so it’s easier to spot the gorillas.
2. Accessibility
   • Both parks can be accessed by road or air.
   • Road Travel: From Kampala or Entebbe, it takes 8–9 hours to reach Bwindi, or about 9 hours to reach Mgahinga via Kabale or Kisoro.
   • By Air: There are daily flights to Kisoro for Mgahinga or Kihihi for Bwindi, significantly reducing travel time.
   • Another option is to travel via Kigali, Rwanda, where the drive to either park is just 4–5 hours, making it a convenient option for international travelers. With the East African Tourist Visa, you can visit both Uganda and Rwanda on the same trip.
3. Accommodation Options
   • Both parks offer a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget to luxury. However, Bwindi stands out for its range of luxury lodges, some of which are internationally recognized for their exceptional service.
   • Notable lodges in Bwindi include Gorilla Sanctuary Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Buhoma Lodge, which provide an upscale experience amidst the jungle.
   • Mgahinga offers comfortable lodges as well, but the options may be more modest compared to the luxury offerings in Bwindi.

4. Gorilla Families in Bwindi vs. Mgahinga National Park: What You Need to Know

   When it comes to choosing between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking, one of the key differences is the number of habituated gorilla families available for trekking.

   • Bwindi has 19 habituated gorilla families, which means 152 permits are available each day for gorilla trekking. This makes it easier to secure a permit, even during peak seasons.
   • Mgahinga, on the other hand, has only one gorilla family, so only 8 permits are available each day. As a result, getting a permit for Mgahinga can be more challenging, especially during high-demand periods.

   Gorilla Trekking Distance: What to Expect

   The distance you’ll need to trek to see the gorillas depends on the specific gorilla family allocated to you on the day of your trek. In both Bwindi and Mgahinga, the park authorities consider your physical fitness and preferences when assigning a family.

   • If you prefer a shorter trek, you can request a gorilla family that’s located closer to the starting point.
   • However, keep in mind that gorillas are wild animals and their behavior may lead them to move further into the forest. This means you might need to walk longer distances, even if you’re initially assigned a shorter trek.

   Accessibility: Proximity to Other Parks

   In addition to gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers more options for combining your safari with visits to nearby parks. For instance:

   • Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its Big Five wildlife, is just 2 hours away by car.
   • Kibale Forest National Park, famous for chimpanzee trekking, is only 4 hours away.

   This makes it easier to include additional wildlife and adventure experiences in your itinerary when staying in Bwindi.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are open for gorilla trekking year-round. However, because these parks are located in tropical rainforests, rain can occur at any time, making trekking conditions occasionally challenging.

• Best Months for Trekking: The driest months, from June to August and December to February, are the ideal times to visit. During these months, rainfall is lower, and the trails are less slippery.
• Low Season: From March to May and November, rainfall is higher, which may make trekking more difficult. However, you can take advantage of discounted rates at some lodges during these months.

Why Choose Excursia Adventures for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience?

At Excursia Adventures, we organize affordable gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Our eco-friendly approach ensures that every safari helps preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife, and uplift local communities. We offer a range of experiences, from chimpanzee trekking and Big Five safaris to mountain hiking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters.

Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly adventure or a luxury safari, we tailor each experience to your preferences, ensuring a memorable African journey.

Ready to book your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda? Contact us today to learn more about the top spots for gorilla trekking in Uganda and begin planning your adventure!