Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda, the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is during the drier months, from December to February and June to early September. During this period, Uganda experiences mild rainfall, making travel to the park easier. The reduced rainfall also means vegetation is less dense, providing better visibility for spotting gorillas.

However, even during the rainy season (April, May and November), there are benefits to trekking. The rain nourishes the forest, ensuring an abundance of food for the gorillas. This can make for easier treks as the gorillas tend to move shorter distances in search of food and sightings can often be clearer with a shorter walk.

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, so no matter when you plan your trip, you have over a 90% chance of seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat.

Top Locations for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two main locations: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both parks are in southwestern Uganda and can be accessed from Entebbe International Airport.

• Road Transport: You can drive about 9-10 hours from Entebbe/Kampala through major towns such as Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale to reach Bwindi and Mgahinga.
• Air Travel: Alternatively, you can fly into Kisoro Airstrip for the southern part of Bwindi or Kihihi Airstrip for the northern part of the park. There’s also the option to fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and cross the border at Cyanika or Katuna, which takes about 4-5 hours, depending on immigration processing.

We recommend acquiring the East African Visa, which allows multiple entries into Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for USD 100, offering better value than individual visas for each country. Alternatively, you can choose single-entry visas—Rwanda’s costs USD 30 and Uganda’s is USD 50.

How to Book Gorilla Permits in Uganda

To book a gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, the first step is securing a gorilla permit. The cost for a permit is as follows:

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

We can help you secure the permit for your chosen dates. After finalizing your travel plans, we’ll check availability with Uganda Wildlife Authority and reserve your spot. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an invoice for payment. After receiving your payment, we will finalize the booking and send you a copy of your permit.

Note that there are 36 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and only 288 permits are issued daily, with just 8 visitors allowed per group. It’s highly recommended to book your permit at least 3 to 5 months in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

Gorilla Trekking Safari Costs: Budget to Luxury Options

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda varies based on your travel style—whether it’s luxury, mid-range or budget—and the length of your trip. The biggest expense is the gorilla permit but other costs include accommodation, transport and guide services.

For example, a 3-day budget safari with gorilla trekking in Bwindi includes:

• Solo traveler: USD 1,600
• 2 people sharing: USD 1,290 per person
• 3 people sharing: USD 1,270 per person
• 4 people sharing: USD 1,250 per person

These prices include your gorilla permit, accommodation (budget), transport in a 4×4 safari van, an English-speaking driver-guide and drinking water. Additional costs may include tips, Uganda Visa, flights and alcoholic beverages.

Top Lodges and Camps Near Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

Where you stay during your trek depends on which sector of Bwindi you visit. Accommodation options are available in both the northern and southern regions.

• Southern Sector (Rushaga & Nkuringo):
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Gorilla Valley Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo)
• Northern Sector (Buhoma & Ruhija):
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages (Ruhija)
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

These lodges are all close to the starting points for your gorilla trek, offering a range of comfort levels to suit your needs.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Safari?

Trek Africa Gorillas organizes memorable gorilla trekking safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and offer a range of packages to suit your budget, from luxury to budget-friendly options.

Our safari experiences include a combination of gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, cultural experiences and eco-friendly adventures. Our team ensures that your trip helps preserve biodiversity, supports local communities and contributes to wildlife conservation efforts.

Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Uganda adventure!