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How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Planning a gorilla trekking adventure to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda? Whether you’re organizing a 3-day road trip or looking to explore the park for longer, here’s everything you need to know about booking your gorilla trek.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in the southern part of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shares a border with Congo and is one of only two places in the world where you can trek and see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best destinations for gorilla trekking.
Bwindi is divided into several trekking sectors, including Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Each sector is home to different habituated gorilla families, led by a dominant silverback male. Only 8 trekkers are allowed per family per day to ensure conservation efforts. To go on a trek, you’ll need a valid gorilla trekking permit for that specific day.
How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Choose Your Dates: Once you’ve decided when to visit, contact Trek Africa Gorillas to check the availability of permits for your chosen dates.
- Permit Availability: We will check availability for your trek with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Gorilla permits are limited and sell out quickly, so it’s best to book 2-3 months in advance, especially during the peak season.
- Payment: After confirming permit availability, we’ll send you an invoice. Once we receive your payment, we will book and secure your gorilla trekking permit and send you a confirmation receipt and permit details.
- Final Confirmation: Upon successful booking, you will receive your permit and all the details for your trek, including tips and guidelines for your adventure.
Gorilla Trekking Permit Costs
The cost of gorilla trekking in Bwindi includes the gorilla permit, which is required for each person to go on a trek. The cost of the permit depends on your residency status:
- USD 800 for Non-Foreign Residents
- USD 700 for Foreign Residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens
For those interested in a more immersive experience, there is the Gorilla Habituation Permit, which allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas, observing their behavior and interactions. The cost of the habituation permit is higher:
- USD 1,500 for Non-Foreign Residents
- USD 1,000 for Foreign Residents
- UGX 750,000 for East African Citizens
Keep in mind that permits are limited and can sell out quickly, especially during the high season (January, February, July, August, September and December). Contact us as soon as possible to check availability and secure your spot.
What to Expect on Your Gorilla Trek
Your gorilla trekking experience starts early in the morning, around 7:00 am, with a briefing on the rules and guidelines for the trek. Afterward, you’ll head into the forest with guides, rangers and trackers to find your assigned gorilla family. Once located, you’ll have one hour to observe the gorillas—watching them feed, rest and interact.
Due to the gorillas’ close genetic similarity to humans (95%), the encounter is an awe-inspiring and humbling experience. The trek is a physically challenging adventure but the reward of seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild makes it truly unforgettable.
Transportation Costs to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
When planning your trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, understanding the transportation costs is key to estimating the total cost of your 3-day gorilla safari. Transportation includes fuel for the round trip, vehicle hire and driver guide fees.
- Transportation Costs: Prices for transportation can range from USD 150 per day, depending on the number of travelers in your group. If you’re traveling with more than two people, the cost per person may reduce.
- Fuel: The fuel cost for a round trip to Bwindi is approximately USD 280.
- Driver Guide Fees: A guide allowance typically costs USD 50 per day. These fees may vary based on the length of your stay and additional destinations on your itinerary.
We use 4×4 safari vehicles for transport, ensuring a smooth ride across all terrains. Our professional and knowledgeable driver guides are well-versed in the local fauna and flora, offering you insightful commentary throughout your journey to and from Bwindi.
Accommodation Costs in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
During your visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you’ll spend two nights in the area. The cost of your accommodation will vary depending on the sector where you’re trekking the gorillas and the level of comfort you prefer.
To make your stay more convenient, we recommend booking lodges located within the specific gorilla trekking sector. Here are some options:
- Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge
- Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge
- Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Havens Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Ruhija Sector: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp
Accommodation in Bwindi is in high demand, especially during the high season, so it’s essential to book in advance.
- Luxury Lodges: USD 400 – 1,000 per person per night
- Mid-Range Lodges: USD 150 – 300 per person per night
- Budget Lodges: USD 70 – 100 per person per night
How to Book a Road Trip to Bwindi at a Fair Price
Booking your road trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is simple and affordable with Trek Africa Gorillas. We offer flexible packages that can include a variety of tourism destinations and activities or just the gorilla trekking experience.
You can book your gorilla safari via email for easy record-keeping or through WhatsApp for quick communication and responses. Our team will work with you to create a package that fits your budget and interests.
Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari?
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable gorilla safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Our dedicated team has years of experience planning authentic safari experiences with a perfect blend of young, energetic staff and seasoned managers who are passionate about delivering the best experience.
We offer discounted packages for gorilla safaris from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi and can also arrange cultural experiences for a deeper connection to the local heritage.
With Trek Africa Gorillas, you’re in good hands—our service is highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, with glowing reviews from travelers who have experienced our exceptional service.
Contact us today to learn more about booking your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi!
