How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Uganda and Rwanda?

How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Uganda and Rwanda?

The duration of a gorilla trekking adventure can vary significantly depending on the gorillas’ movements and the terrain conditions. Gorilla trekking is an unpredictable experience as the gorillas are constantly on the move and the weather can change without notice. The terrain can be steep and difficult to navigate, sometimes with no marked trails, making the trek physically demanding.

On average, the distance covered during gorilla trekking can exceed 9 miles (about 14 km) and the trek can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, often taking up to 8 hours or more, especially in high-altitude conditions. Typically, you’ll start your trek at 8 AM and return by 3 PM but this can vary based on the specific conditions of the day.

Key Takeaway: Be prepared for a physically challenging trek, especially if you plan to do a longer journey or if the weather conditions are less than ideal. It’s highly recommended to be in good physical shape before your trek to maximize your enjoyment and experience.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A Gorilla Trekking Haven

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of only four national parks globally where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas. The other parks are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (DR Congo).

Bwindi Forest is also home to a rich array of biodiversity, including over 350 species of birds, 200 tree species and several primates such as chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys. With over 50% of the world’s mountain gorilla population residing here, Bwindi is an exceptional place for gorilla trekking.

The park has 15+ habituated gorilla families and each family has 8 permits available per day, allowing a limited number of trekkers to see the gorillas each day.

Where Is Gorilla Trekking Done in Bwindi? Exploring the Four Sectors

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi takes place in four sectors:

1. Buhoma: Located in the northern part of the park, near Queen Elizabeth National Park, perfect for combining gorilla trekking with game viewing.
2. Ruhija: In the northeastern area, also close to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
3. Rushaga: Found in the southern section of the park, with several habituated gorilla families and the closest to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
4. Nkuringo: Located in the southern part of Bwindi, near Mgahinga for trekking and golden monkey tracking.

Each sector has its own set of gorilla families, with Rushaga being home to the most families, offering more trekking options.

Which Sector Is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

Each sector in Bwindi offers a unique experience but Rushaga is often considered the best for gorilla trekking due to the number of habituated gorilla families, making it easier to secure permits.

• Buhoma is another popular sector for its relatively shorter treks—sometimes, trekkers are back by 11 AM. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a quicker trek.
• Nkuringo has a higher elevation, which can make the trek more challenging but also more rewarding for seasoned trekkers.

Ultimately, regardless of the sector, you’ll have an excellent chance of seeing the mountain gorillas—with a 99% success rate across the park.

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Road and Air Options

By Road:
Getting to Bwindi by road typically takes around 8–9 hours from Entebbe or Kampala, depending on which sector you’re trekking in. The northern sectors (Buhoma and Ruhija) are accessible via the Kabale-Kisoro Road, while the southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo) are reached by turning off at Muko along the same road.

By Air:
You can also take a direct flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip (for Rushaga and Nkuringo) or Kihihi Airstrip (for Buhoma and Ruhija). Domestic airlines such as Aerolink and Fly Uganda operate flights and you can arrange for a transfer from the airstrip to your lodge with your tour operator.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The cost of a gorilla permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is:

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

A gorilla permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas once you find them during your trek.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the drier months of January, February and June through early September. These months offer better trekking conditions, with less rainfall and easier access to the gorillas. The lower rainfall also means clearer visibility, as the vegetation is less dense, allowing for a more enjoyable trekking experience.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

When preparing for gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Rwanda, you’ll want to pack smart to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the trek. Since the terrain can be muddy, especially after rain, it’s important to have the right gear. Here’s a list of essentials:

• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots (muddy conditions are common)
• Long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers (to protect from stinging nettles and biting ants)
• Insect repellent
• Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
• Wet wipes
• Water bottle (stay hydrated)
• Camera and lenses (for capturing those magical moments)
• Gardening gloves (for better grip while tracking)
• Sandals or walking shoes (for relaxing after the trek)
• Hat and sunscreen (protect yourself from the sun)
• Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
• Sweater or fleece (for warmth in the cooler morning hours)
• Swimwear (in case you want to relax by a nearby lake or resort)
• Binoculars (for bird and game watching)

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Your stay during gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest depends on which sector you’re trekking in. The park has two main sectors: northern (Buhoma and Ruhija) and southern (Rushaga and Nkuringo). Here are some popular accommodation options in each sector:

Southern Sector (Rushaga & Nkuringo):

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Nsongi Camp
• Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Valley Lodge
• Karungi Camp

Nkuringo Sector:

• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Lake Mutanda Resort

Northern Sector (Buhoma & Ruhija):

• Buhoma Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Ride 4 a Woman

Ruhija Sector:

• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Agandi Eco Lodge
• Gift of Nature Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Broadbill Tented Camp

These lodges are all conveniently located near the starting points for gorilla trekking or the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas offers a seamless booking experience for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest. Our team will help you secure your gorilla permits and we offer various safari packages to suit your budget and preferences. Whether you’re looking for luxury, mid-range or budget-friendly options, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our Trip Advisor reviews and hear from a community of satisfied customers. Our team of expert tour consultants is dedicated to ensuring your trip is memorable, smooth and stress-free.

With Trek Africa Gorillas, you can be assured of a remarkable Uganda safari experience. We specialize in gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Reach out to us for more details or to book your gorilla trekking safari today!

Contact us here for more information about how long gorilla trekking takes and to start planning your unforgettable adventure.