Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

If you’re planning to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking, one of the most important decisions is where to stay. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is divided into four main sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each sector offers a range of accommodation options, making it easy to find the perfect place to relax after a day of trekking.

Where to Stay in Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors (Southern Bwindi)

For those trekking in the southern part of Bwindi, the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are popular choices. These areas offer a variety of lodges close to the trekking starting points, making it convenient for trekkers. Some of the top lodges in Rushaga include:

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

In the Nkuringo sector, you can choose from:

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

These lodges are close to both gorilla trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience, providing a comfortable stay after an exhilarating day in the forest.

Where to Stay in Buhoma and Ruhija Sectors (Northern Bwindi)

If you’re trekking in the northern part of Bwindi, the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors also have great lodging options. In Buhoma, you can stay at:

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

For those trekking in Ruhija, consider these cozy and well-situated accommodations:

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

All of these lodges are conveniently located near the start points for trekking, ensuring you’re well-rested before heading into the forest.

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for Gorilla Trekking

Getting to Bwindi by Road

By Road: The journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park takes about 8-9 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala. The northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma are accessible by turning off the Kabale-Kisoro road, following signs for Uganda Wildlife Authority. The southern sectors, Rushaga and Nkuringo, can be reached by turning off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro highway.

Getting to Bwindi by Air

By Air: If you’d prefer to fly, you can take a scheduled or chartered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip (for southern sectors) or Kihihi airstrip (for northern sectors). From the airstrips, you’ll need to arrange for a transfer to your lodge, which can be coordinated by your tour operator.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of only four national parks in the world where you can trek endangered mountain gorillas. The park is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, with more than 15 habituated families available for trekking. Beyond gorillas, the park is rich in biodiversity, with over 350 bird species, 310 butterfly species, 200 tree species and a variety of mammals, including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkey.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: What to Expect

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is available in four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each sector offers unique experiences and the trek itself begins with a briefing from your guides. After the briefing, you’ll venture into the forest with your guide, trackers and rangers to locate the gorillas. Once found, you’ll have one hour to observe them in their natural habitat.

The permit for gorilla trekking allows you one hour with the gorillas and costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents, USD 700 for East African residents and USD 80 for East African citizens.

How to Secure Your Gorilla Trekking Permit

Gorilla trekking permits are essential for your trek and can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). You can purchase permits in person at UWA offices in Kampala or Kisoro or through your tour operator, like Trek Africa Gorillas. We can help you reserve and purchase your permits, ensuring your trek is secure. After confirming your travel dates, we’ll check the availability of permits and book them for you. Once payment is received, we’ll send you a confirmation and your permit details.

Experience the Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is offered in the southern part of the park, specifically in the Rushaga sector and the area between Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. If you’re planning to take part in this unique experience, you’ll need to stay in one of the lodges located in either the Rushaga or Nkuringo areas, as these are closest to the trekking starting points.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience allows you to spend 4 hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas in the wild. Unlike traditional gorilla trekking, which offers just one hour of interaction, this experience involves walking through Bwindi’s dense forest to find the gorillas. Once located, you’ll engage in activities aimed at helping the gorillas get used to human presence, which is a key part of their habituation process. As a result, you’ll have a longer, more intimate encounter with these majestic animals.

Given that only four permits are available per day for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, booking well in advance (at least 2-3 months) is essential to secure your spot.

Permit Costs for the Gorilla Habituation Experience:

• USD 1,500 per person (Non-foreign residents)
• USD 1,000 per person (Foreign residents)
• USD 220 per person (East African citizens)

Gorilla Trekking vs Gorilla Habituation Experience: Key Differences

The key difference between Gorilla Trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience lies in the duration of your encounter with the gorillas.

• Gorilla Trekking: You’ll spend about one hour with mountain gorillas once you locate them. This activity involves a group of up to 8 trekkers per gorilla family.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: You get 4 hours with the gorillas, giving you much more time to observe and learn about them. The experience is more immersive and it’s done in smaller groups of 4 people, tracking a semi-habituated gorilla family.

Both activities take place in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and both require a good level of fitness, as the terrain can be steep and challenging. Depending on the sector, your trek may vary in difficulty but be prepared for a physically demanding adventure.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

The best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the drier months of the year, which are from January to February and June to early September. These months offer easier access to the park and better visibility of the gorillas, as the vegetation is not as thick. However, it’s worth noting that Bwindi is a year-round destination and gorilla trekking can still be enjoyed outside of these months, although weather conditions may be more challenging.

Essential Packing List for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure means bringing the right gear. Here’s a list of suggested items to pack:

• Insect Repellent: To keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay.
• Torch/Flashlight (and spare batteries): For early morning or evening use.
• Wet Wipes: Handy for cleaning up during your trek.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated as you hike through the forest.
• Camera (with extra lenses, memory cards and batteries): To capture the moment (without using flash).
• Comfortable, Sturdy Hiking Boots: Essential for the muddy and hilly terrain.
• Gardening Gloves: Helpful for handling vegetation and protecting your hands.
• Sandals or Comfortable Walking Shoes: For relaxing back at your lodge.
• Hat and Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun.
• Rain Jacket: Bwindi’s weather is unpredictable and it often rains.
• Sweater/Fleece: The weather can be cool in the mornings and evenings.
• Swimwear: If your lodge has a pool or for relaxing after your trek.
• Binoculars: Great for bird watching and viewing other wildlife.

Physical Demands: How Hard is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding. The terrain is often steep, slippery and sometimes challenging to navigate, especially since the gorillas roam through dense forest areas. The trek can range from just a couple of hours to a full day of hiking, depending on where the gorillas are located. Be prepared for the possibility of long, strenuous hikes, particularly in areas with higher elevations, like Nkuringo.

Trekking can be hot and humid and at higher altitudes, you may experience more intense conditions. To enjoy the experience, it’s crucial to be fit and prepared for the demands of the hike.

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, thanks to its many habituated gorilla families. It’s easier to get permits here compared to other sectors and the treks are generally less strenuous.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed trek, Buhoma is a great option due to its lower elevation. Nkuringo has a higher elevation, making the treks more challenging but it also offers a rewarding experience with stunning views.

Regardless of which sector you choose, you have a 99% chance of encountering gorillas on your trek, as the activity is highly organized and well-managed.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves in booking gorilla trekking permits and safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Our team offers a range of safari packages, from budget to luxury and will handle the details, including your gorilla permits and accommodations.

We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and our happy clients consistently share positive reviews about their experiences with us. When you book your safari with us, you can rest assured that you’ll have a smooth, unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda.

To learn more or to book your gorilla trekking tour, contact us today! Let us help you make your dream safari a reality.