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Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Are you dreaming of seeing mountain gorillas in Africa? The gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers you a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. If you’re concerned about safety in the jungle, rest assured that Bwindi is one of the safest and most reliable destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa. Home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi guarantees an unforgettable adventure with these endangered primates.
About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda near the border with Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of only two parks in Uganda where you can trek to see mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, making it the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking.
Bwindi is one of Africa’s oldest forests and offers four trekking sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Each sector provides the same thrilling experience, allowing you to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
With a 98% success rate of seeing gorillas, Uganda is an exceptional destination for gorilla trekking. Bwindi has 18 habituated gorilla families, each visited by just eight people per day, ensuring an intimate and memorable experience. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a safe and once-in-a-lifetime adventure, making it a must-add to your travel bucket list.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi begins early in the morning at 7:00 a.m. with a briefing at the park headquarters. During the briefing, rangers and guides explain the dos and don’ts for the trek and the encounter with the gorillas. Afterward, you’ll set off with your guides and trackers into the forest to locate the gorilla families.
Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat—an experience that is truly awe-inspiring. After the trek, you’ll return to the starting point and receive a certificate to commemorate your successful gorilla trek.
Gorillas share 95% of their DNA with humans, making their behavior and interactions fascinating to observe. Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations allow only eight visitors per gorilla family per day to help conserve the gorillas and their habitat. Visitors must be 15 years or older to participate in gorilla trekking to minimize disturbances and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Bwindi’s safety policies and strict conservation guidelines ensure that both visitors and gorillas are well-protected. At Excursia Adventures, we provide all the necessary information and guidelines to make your gorilla trekking trip seamless and enjoyable.
Gorilla Families in Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to 18 habituated gorilla families, while neighboring Mgahinga National Park has one family. Here’s a breakdown of gorilla families by sector:
- Buhoma Sector: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe Gorilla Families
- Ruhija Sector: Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, and Kyaruguriro Gorilla Families
- Rushaga Sector: Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Bikyingi, Kahungye, Busingye, and Mucunguzi Gorilla Families
- Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas Gorilla Families
Each family is unique, and visiting them offers a glimpse into the lives of these incredible creatures.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices
To visit the gorillas, you’ll need a gorilla trekking permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Permit prices are as follows:
- Non-Foreign Residents: USD 800 per person
- Foreign Residents: USD 700 per person
- East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person
Each permit grants you one hour with the gorillas.
Permits are in high demand, especially during the peak seasons of January, February, July, August, September, and December, so booking in advance is essential. At Excursia Adventures, we can help you check permit availability, secure your permits, and guide you through the booking process.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical forest with rainfall throughout the year, but the best time for gorilla trekking is during the drier months: January, February, June, July, August, and early September. These months experience less rain, making hiking trails easier to navigate and offering a more comfortable trekking experience.
However, gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, and some visitors prefer the rainy season, as the abundance of food during this time means the gorillas are easier to spot. If you plan to visit during the high-demand dry season, we recommend booking your gorilla trekking permits in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.
How to Access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is accessible by both road and air, depending on your preference and budget:
By Road
The journey from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi takes approximately 9–10 hours by road. While the drive is long, it’s an enjoyable experience with several stops along the way. Highlights include:
- A stop at the Equator for photos.
- Lunch in Mbarara, a bustling town.
- Scenic views of Uganda’s beautiful countryside.
We use comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles for road trips, and our experienced drivers ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
By Air
For those who prefer a faster option, you can fly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips, which serve Bwindi. Flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip take about 1–2 hours, followed by a short drive to your lodge or hotel near the park. Daily scheduled and chartered flights are available based on your budget and itinerary.
From Kigali, Rwanda
Another convenient option is to fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, then drive to Bwindi. The journey from Kigali to Bwindi through the Cyanika or Katuna border takes about 4–5 hours, including border immigration formalities.
If traveling through Rwanda, we recommend acquiring an East African Tourist Visa for $100. This visa allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, offering cost savings compared to buying single-entry visas. Alternatively, you can obtain a Rwandan visa for $30 or a Ugandan visa for $50.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is easily accessible and a safe destination for gorilla trekking.
Where to Stay During a Gorilla Trekking Trip to Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury lodges. To make your trekking experience seamless, we recommend staying in the same sector where your gorilla trekking permit is allocated.
Recommended Lodges by Sector:
- Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla 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, or accommodations near Lake Bunyonyi or in Kabale Town.
Given the high demand during peak seasons, we advise booking your accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred lodge. At Excursia Adventures, we ensure that all accommodations meet high standards to provide a comfortable and safe stay for our clients.
Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Trip with Excursia Adventures?
At Excursia Adventures, we are a locally-owned and operated tour company based in Uganda with over 10 years of experience. Our team organizes sustainable and life-changing tours across East Africa, including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Certified Expertise: We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are registered with UTB (Uganda Tourism Board).
- Strong Partnerships: We have a long-standing relationship with UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority), ensuring smooth booking of gorilla trekking permits and safaris.
- High Ratings: Our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings speak to the quality of our services.
Whether you’re visiting Bwindi for the first time or returning for another adventure, we’ll help you plan a seamless and unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Contact us today to start planning your trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!
