What to Expect on Your Gorilla Trek in Bwindi

What to Expect on Your Gorilla Trek in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an unforgettable experience. This adventure involves hiking through the dense forest on designated trails in search of the habituated mountain gorillas. Once you find these incredible primates in their natural habitat, you’ll have a one-hour close encounter to observe their behavior, take photographs, and learn about their habits. Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it one of the best destinations for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Since mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity, visiting them in their natural environment is the only way to see these endangered apes.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

In Uganda, mountain gorillas can only be found in two parks:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Bwindi is located in southwestern Uganda, bordering the districts of Kanungu, Rubanda, and Kisoro, as well as the Uganda-DR Congo border. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 19 habituated gorilla families spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Bwindi is renowned as one of Africa’s oldest forests and a prime destination for gorilla trekking due to its large population of mountain gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: What to Expect

The gorilla trekking experience begins early, at 7:00 AM, with a briefing at your designated park headquarters. During the briefing, park rangers and guides explain the rules for trekking and interacting with the gorillas. Afterward, you’ll venture into the forest, guided by experienced trackers who locate the gorilla families.

Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one magical hour to observe and photograph them in their natural habitat. It’s amazing to see how closely they resemble us, sharing 95% of our DNA. After the trek, you’ll return to the park headquarters, where you’ll receive a certificate commemorating your successful gorilla trek.

Important Notes for Gorilla Trekking:

• Only 8 visitors are allowed to visit a gorilla family each day to minimize disturbances.
• Trekkers must be 15 years or older.
• Bwindi offers a 98% chance of spotting gorillas, thanks to its high population of these endangered primates.

How Many Gorilla Families Are in Bwindi?

Bwindi hosts 18 habituated gorilla families, each open for trekking year-round. These families are distributed across the park’s four sectors:

• Buhoma Sector: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Katwe gorilla families.
• Ruhija Sector: Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, and Kyaruguriro families.
• Rushaga Sector: Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Bikingyi, Kahungye, Busingye, and Mucunguzi families.
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo, Bushaho, and Christmas families.

Each family accommodates only 8 trekkers per day, ensuring an intimate and sustainable experience.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Bwindi

A gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi costs:

• USD 800 for Non-Residents
• USD 700 for Foreign Residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

Permits allow one hour with the gorillas and are limited to 144 per day. During peak seasons (January, February, July, August, September, and December), permits sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential.

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we can assist in securing your permits and planning your trek. Our team works directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure a smooth process.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the dry seasons: January to February and June to September. These months experience less rainfall, making trails easier to navigate. However, gorilla trekking is available year-round, and the rainy season can also be rewarding, as gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges for food.

How to Access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is accessible by both road and air.

By Road:

• A road trip from Kampala or Entebbe takes about 9-10 hours.
• Along the way, you can enjoy stops at the Equator, Mbarara for lunch, and scenic viewpoints.

By Air:

• Domestic flights are available to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips, both of which are close to Bwindi. Flights take about 1-2 hours from Entebbe or Kajjansi.

From Kigali:

• You can also fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and drive 4-5 hours to Bwindi via the Cyanika or Katuna borders. For convenience, an East African Visa ($100) allows multi-country entry to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Where to Stay in Bwindi

Bwindi offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. We recommend staying in the sector where your trek is scheduled for convenience.

Accommodation Options:

• Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge.
• Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp.
• Ruhija: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge.

To avoid missing out during the high season, book your lodge early. Trek Africa Expeditions can assist in securing accommodations that suit your budget and preferences.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted Ugandan tour operator with over 15 years of experience. Our team specializes in creating sustainable and life-changing tours across East Africa. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and registered with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), ensuring high-quality service.

We offer:

• Hassle-free gorilla permit booking.
• Experienced guides for your trek.
• Personalized itineraries for a memorable trip.
• Excellent customer reviews on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings.

Let us help you plan your dream gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions today to start your adventure!