Understanding Bwindi Park Entrance Fees

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Entrance Fees and Gorilla Permits

Understanding Bwindi Park Entrance Fees

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the park entrance fee is already included in the cost of your gorilla permit. This permit serves as your official authorization to trek and visit the mountain gorillas. It is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Uganda, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla Permits in Bwindi

Uganda issues 160 gorilla permits per day for visitors to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There are 20 habituated gorilla families open for trekking, with a maximum of eight visitors allowed per group. The distribution of these gorilla families is as follows:

• Buhoma Sector: 4 gorilla families
• Ruhija Sector: 4 gorilla families
• Rushaga Sector: 8 gorilla families (largest number of groups)
• Nkuringo Sector: 3 gorilla families

Since gorilla permits are limited and in high demand, it is recommended to book well in advance.

How to Book Bwindi Gorilla Permits

Booking a gorilla permit for Bwindi is straightforward. Once you have confirmed your travel dates, contact us at info@trekafricagorillas.com so we can check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. If permits are available, we will send you an invoice for payment. Once payment is received, we will secure your permit and send you a scanned copy for your records. To avoid missing out, we advise booking at least 2–3 months in advance.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda varies based on residency:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person per trek
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person per trek
• East African Citizens: $80 per person per trek (for residents of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan)

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Uganda offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience exclusively in Bwindi. This allows visitors to spend up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of researchers. The cost for this experience is $1,500 per person.

Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, and the maximum age is 85 years, depending on fitness levels. Elderly or less mobile travelers can opt for sedan chair carriers, which allow them to be carried by porters to and from the trekking site. These chairs can be hired for $400–500.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:

• January – February
• June – September

During these months, the trails are drier, making trekking easier, and the vegetation is less dense, offering clearer views of the gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek, consider packing the following:

• Hiking boots (comfortable and durable for muddy trails)
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for protection from undergrowth and insects)
• Rain jacket (Bwindi is a rainforest and can be unpredictable)
• Gardening gloves (to grip onto vegetation and avoid scratches)
• Insect repellent
• Hat and sunscreen
• Binoculars (for birdwatching and scenic views)
• Water bottle
• Camera with extra batteries
• Sweater or fleece (mornings and evenings can be cold)
• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

By Road

Bwindi can be accessed by road from Entebbe/Kampala, which takes approximately 8–9 hours. If traveling via the Kabale-Kisoro road, you will turn off at Muko and follow signs leading to your booked lodge in either Rushaga or Nkuringo.

By Air

For a quicker option, domestic flights operate from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which provides access to Bwindi’s southern regions (Rushaga and Nkuringo). Scheduled and chartered flights are available through airlines such as Aerolink Uganda and Fly Uganda. From the airstrip, we can arrange a transfer to your lodge.

Why Book Bwindi Gorilla Permits with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we are committed to providing personalized, eco-friendly, and responsible safari experiences. Our expertise ensures a seamless booking process and an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. We prioritize conservation, sustainable tourism, and local community support while offering exceptional customer service.

Benefits of Booking with Us:

• Expert guidance on gorilla trekking permits and availability
• Hassle-free permit booking process
• Tailored safari packages combining gorilla trekking with other Uganda adventures
• High standards of health and safety protocols
• Support for conservation and responsible tourism practices

For more details or to book your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari, contact us today at info@trekafricagorillas.com!