How Far is Bwindi from Kampala?

How Far is Bwindi from Kampala?

Planning a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kampala for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience? Wondering how far the park is from Kampala? The distance between Kampala and Bwindi is approximately 500 kilometers, and it takes around 8 to 9 hours to drive, depending on the sector you are trekking in and the road conditions.

For a quicker option, you can fly to Bwindi, with flights departing from Entebbe Airport, taking about 1 to 2 hours to reach either the Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips. From there, your driver-guide or hotel shuttle will pick you up for the final leg of your journey to Bwindi.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we can help you choose the best travel option to suit your budget and preferences.

Getting to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking from Kampala

• By Road: The road distance from Kampala to Bwindi varies based on which trekking sector you visit. The drive from Kampala to the northern sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija) takes around 8-9 hours, with access via the Kabale-Kisoro road. For the southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo), the drive is along the Kabale-Kisoro Highway.
• By Air: You can also take a flight from either Kajjansi Airfield or Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips. These flights are operated by domestic airlines like AeroLink and Fly Uganda, with the flight time of about 1 to 2 hours. Once you arrive, we can arrange transfers to your lodge for a seamless journey.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the only four national parks in the world where you can see endangered mountain gorillas. It is located in southwestern Uganda and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, which is estimated to be around 1,064 individuals. Bwindi also offers incredible biodiversity, with over 350 bird species, 310 butterflies, 200 tree species, and 120 mammal species, including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Each sector has several habituated gorilla families, and there are permits available for gorilla trekking in each area.

Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is conducted in four sectors:

• Buhoma: Located in the northern part of the park.
• Ruhija: Situated in the northeastern part, close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a chance to combine gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari.
• Nkuringo and Rushaga: Located in the southern part of the park, these sectors are close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, making it possible to combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking.

Each sector has its own set of habituated gorilla families, and some sectors, like Rushaga, offer more options for trekking.

Gorilla Trekking Costs in Bwindi

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800 per person per trek
• East African Residents: USD 700 per person per trek
• East African Citizens: USD 80 per person per trek

The permit grants you a one-hour encounter with the gorillas once you find them during the trek.

How to Buy a Gorilla Trekking Permit for Bwindi

Gorilla trekking permits are available through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). You can buy your permit directly at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro. However, if you are traveling through Kigali, you can also purchase permits at UWA’s Kisoro branch. To make the process hassle-free, Trek Africa Expeditions can help you book your permit in advance, ensuring you get the best availability for your preferred dates. Simply contact us via email or WhatsApp, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

For those seeking a deeper gorilla experience, the Gorilla Habituation Experience is available in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. This experience allows you to spend up to 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group, helping researchers with the habituation process. There are only 4 permits available per day, so it’s essential to book at least 2 to 3 months in advance.

• Non-Foreign Residents: USD 1,500 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents: USD 1,000 per person per trek
• East African Citizens: USD 220 per person per trek

What’s the Difference Between Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation?

The main difference lies in the duration and experience:

• Gorilla Trekking: Spend one hour with the gorillas and is done in a group of up to 8 trekkers.
• Gorilla Habituation: Spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas, tracking semi-habituated groups, and limited to just 4 trekkers.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking is during the dry months, from January to February and June to early September. The roads are easier to navigate, and the vegetation is less dense, offering better visibility during treks.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense, sometimes steep terrain. Be sure to bring:

• Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots
• Long-sleeve shirts and pants
• Gardening gloves (to protect hands while trekking)
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Water, snacks, and a camera
• A rain jacket and layers for variable weather

How Challenging is Gorilla Trekking?

Trekking can be physically demanding, as it involves navigating steep, muddy, and rugged terrain. You should be prepared for a trek that could last several hours, and at times, up to a full day. Fitness and endurance are key, so ensure you’re in good physical condition before your trip.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi offers a variety of lodges near the trekking sectors, including:

• Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Gorilla Valley Lodge.
• Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, and Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
• Ruhija: Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, and Broadbill Tented Camp.

Which Sector is Best for Gorilla Trekking?

While all sectors offer fantastic opportunities to see mountain gorillas, Rushaga is often favored due to the higher number of habituated gorilla families. However, Buhoma offers relatively shorter treks, and Nkuringo, located at a higher elevation, presents a more strenuous experience.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we pride ourselves in arranging seamless gorilla trekking experiences. We offer personalized packages, including permits, accommodation, and transport, to ensure your trip is unforgettable. Our team is dedicated to delivering excellent service and ensuring your safety and satisfaction. Contact us today to start planning your ultimate gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda!