Chimpanzees in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Chimpanzees in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Do Chimpanzees Live in Bwindi?

While Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is world-famous for its mountain gorillas, it is also home to wild chimpanzees. However, unlike chimpanzees in Kibale National Park or Kyambura Gorge, the chimpanzees in Bwindi are not habituated for tourism. This means they are not accustomed to human presence and are more elusive. If you’re lucky, you might spot them during your gorilla trek, especially in the Buhoma and Nkuringo sectors of the park.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the most biodiverse and historically rich forests in Africa. The park is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the top gorilla trekking destinations in the world.

Bwindi was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site due to its unique biodiversity and ecological importance. Trekking here provides a rare opportunity to witness these endangered apes in their natural habitat.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing visitors to hike through the dense rainforest to observe mountain gorillas in their natural home. The trek begins at 7:00 AM with a briefing at the respective sector headquarters, where visitors are given guidelines on how to behave in the forest and around gorillas.

After the briefing, park rangers and guides lead groups into the forest in search of the allocated gorilla family. Once found, visitors are allowed one hour to observe and take photos before heading back. After the trek, participants receive a certificate of completion for successfully tracking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi has 23 habituated gorilla families spread across four trekking sectors:

• Buhoma Sector: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe
• Ruhija Sector: Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaruguriro
• Rushaga Sector: Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Bikyingi, Kahungye, Busingye, Mucunguzi
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo, Bushaho, Christmas

Each gorilla family is visited by a maximum of eight tourists per day, as regulated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This ensures minimal disturbance to the gorillas and a more intimate experience for visitors.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Although gorilla trekking is available year-round, the best months to visit are January, February, June, July, August, and early September. These are the drier months, meaning the trails are less muddy, making trekking easier.

However, some travelers prefer the rainy season (March to May and October to November) because there is plenty of food in the forest, and gorillas don’t move as far, making them easier to find. Additionally, some lodges offer discounts during the rainy season.

Regardless of when you visit, it’s best to book your gorilla permits in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak months.

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Reaching Bwindi by Road

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible by road and air. If you’re traveling from Kampala or Entebbe, the drive takes approximately 9-10 hours. Though long, the journey is scenic and rewarding, with stops at:

• The Equator for photography and souvenirs
• Mbarara town for lunch
• Several stunning viewpoints showcasing Uganda’s lush landscapes

For a comfortable trip, we use 4×4 safari vehicles, and our professional driver guides ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Flying to Bwindi – Quick and Convenient

For those looking to save time, flying is the best option. Domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip land at either:

• Kihihi Airstrip (for Buhoma and Ruhija sectors)
• Kisoro Airstrip (for Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors)

The flight takes about 1-2 hours, followed by a short drive to your lodge near Bwindi. You can choose between scheduled or chartered flights, depending on your budget and preferences.

Traveling to Bwindi via Rwanda – A Shorter Drive

Another convenient route is flying into Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) and then driving to Bwindi through the Cyanika or Katuna border. This route takes 4-5 hours, including immigration clearance at the border.

For travelers visiting multiple East African countries, we recommend getting the East African Tourist Visa ($100 USD), which allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Alternatively, you can get single-entry visas:

• Uganda Visa: $50 USD
• Rwanda Visa: $30 USD

Regardless of your travel route, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is safe and easily accessible for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Trip

Bwindi has a variety of lodges and hotels catering to different budgets, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly options. We recommend staying in the same sector where your gorilla trek is scheduled, ensuring easy access to the park headquarters.

Recommended Lodges by Sector

Rushaga Sector

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Nkuringo Sector

• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Buhoma Sector

• Buhoma Lodge
• Mahogany Springs Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Gorilla Forest Camp

Ruhija Sector

• Trekkers Tavern Lodge
• Bakiga Lodge

Alternatively, you can stay at Lake Bunyonyi or Kabale town, which offer more accommodation choices. Lodges in Bwindi get fully booked during peak seasons, so we recommend booking in advance for the best experience.

Why Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari with Excursia Adventures?

Excursia Adventures is a trusted Ugandan tour operator specializing in gorilla trekking and customized safaris across East Africa. With over 15 years of experience, we provide unforgettable wildlife adventures and sustainable tourism experiences.

Registered & Reliable – We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and recognized by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).

Trusted by UWA – We work directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for seamless gorilla permit bookings.
Excellent Reviews – Highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings for exceptional service.
Expert Guides – Our professional and friendly guides ensure a safe, informative, and memorable safari experience.

Get in touch today to plan your dream gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi!