Gorillas in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park are two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda. Both Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park offer gorilla trekking in 5 different sectors of the parks. These sectors include Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija in Bwindi, and Ntebeko in Mgahinga, all under Uganda Wildlife Authority. Uganda has 20 habituated mountain gorilla families, and 160 gorilla trekking permits are available daily. Bwindi Forest National Park is known to be the best gorilla trekking location, with half the world’s population. Bwindi is 131 square kilometres (128 square miles) of prehistoric, montane, and lowland forest.
There are many endangered species within the protected boundaries of the park, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s second gorilla park covering 12 square miles of forest, bamboo and mountains. Mgahinga has three major Virunga peaks: Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo. This habitat extends into Rwanda and DR Congo. One can also participate in various other activities in Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, including bird watching, nature walks, community programs, and Gorilla habituation experiences such as bird watching. Gorilla trekking sections will vary depending on where gorilla permits are available when booking your gorilla trekking tour. Permits are scarce during peak seasons, such as June to August and December to February. But the low season allows you to choose which gorilla trekking sector is best for you.

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How Much is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The cost of gorilla trekking in Uganda varies depending on different factors such as the time of the year, and type of accommodation, which varies from Budget camps to luxury and other factors. However, usually, the cost for a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is $700, and it excludes transport to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga National Park, meals and porters. A budget 3 days gorilla trekking tour costs about $1300 based on 2 persons travelling together. The income from often goes towards conservation, supporting local communities, and securing wildlife corridors connecting protected areas such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. 700$ gorilla permit fees are shared like this, 75% goes to conservation, 15% to the government and 10 % goes to the local communities around the parks.

How To Get To Bwindi Forest National Park for Gorilla Trekking

By Air
Bwindi can be reached by a scheduled or chartered flight. Kihihi is the closest airport to the Buhoma and Ruhija sectors, and Kisoro is closest to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Both are about 40km/25 mi from the park, and the drive usually takes about 1½ hours.
By Road
It takes approximately 9-10 hours to drive to the park from Entebbe airport or Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Visitors already in Queen Elizabeth National Park can easily reach Bwindi by driving south for 2 to 3 hours. You can drive through Ishasha on this route to see the famous tree-climbing lions before arriving in the Buhoma or Ruhija sector. If you’re coming up from Lake Mburo National Park, the drive is 5-6 hours.
From Rwanda
The driving distance from Kigali, Rwanda, to Bwindi Forest National Park in Uganda, is about 4 to 5 hours to most of the sectors of the park.

Where To Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Your budget will play a significant role in deciding which or accommodation is best for you. For a double room at some lodges, you can pay up to $2500. However, at budget-friendly lodges, you can expect to pay as little as $50 per night for a double room.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, from $760
Gorilla Height Lodge from $ 700
Mahogany Springs from $ 300
Bweza lodge from $ 90
Ruhija gorilla friends from $ 50

Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in south-western Uganda, near the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are surrounded by one of Uganda’s oldest and most ecologically diversified rain forests, dating back over 25,000 years and containing around 400 plant species. This “impenetrable jungle” also protects an estimated 459 mountain gorillas – about half the world’s total, including many habituated groups that can be followed. Around 120 animals live in this biologically rich region, including various primate species such as baboons and chimps, as well as elephants and antelopes. This woodland is home to over 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda has a total of four gorilla trekking sectors that visitors can during your Uganda gorilla safari and these include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla trekking sectors.

Buhima Gorilla Sector

Buhoma sector, located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is one of the four most fantastic gorilla trekking sectors that you should not miss when on a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda. When it comes to mountain gorilla activities, Buhoma sector is most well-known as the oldest trailhead in Uganda. Buhoma gorilla sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park is a pioneer of gorilla trekking tours in Bwindi Forest and Uganda; with the Mubare gorilla family as the first gorilla group to be habituated in the park in 1993.

Ruhija Gorilla Sector

Ruhija Gorilla Sector is situated in the eastern part of Bwindi forest national park. It is the closet sector to Buhoma and has four gorilla families available for trekking during your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguliro, and Mukiza gorilla families. Ruhija sector, the quietest of the four gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is the best option for visiting Lake Bunyonyi after your gorilla trek, as it is close to Kabale and allows visitors to sleep in Buhoma while still enjoying a private gorilla trekking experience in Ruhija sector due to its proximity.

Nkuringo Gorilla Sector

Nkuringo sector, located appropriately in the southern portion of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is incredibly one of the four primary gorilla trekking sectors in the park. Nkuringo gorilla sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park is surprisingly one of the least popular areas that provide incredible gorilla trekking experiences to travelers on gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. The first ever gorilla family to be habituated in this sector is called Nkuringo gorilla group. Nkuringo sector has two other habituated gorilla families which include; Bushaho and Christmas Gorilla families.

Rushaga gorilla sector

Rushaga Gorilla Sector is situated in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is located in Kisoro District neighboring Nkuringo sector. Rushaga sector in Bwindi forest national park has a total of 8 gorilla families namely; Shongi, Bweza, Kahungye, Bikingi, Busingye, Mishaya, Mucunguzi, and Kutu. This sector is popular for research and is the only sector in Bwindi national park that offers visitors gorilla habituation experience as an activity.

Your Gorilla Trekking Itenary in Uganda

Venture into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda, where you will trek for critically endangered mountain gorillas. There are only about 1000 gorillas left on earth, making this a bucket-list experience of a lifetime. You will also get to meet up with some local people in the nearby Buhoma Village, where you will get an insight into the cultural aspect of this beautiful country.
Your trip begins with arrival at Entebbe / Kigali International Airport. You will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight. The following day, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel then fly by scheduled light aircraft to transfer to Kihihi in southwestern Uganda. Spend 2 nights at your forest camp, nestled deep inside the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Relax on your first afternoon at the lodge and gather your strength for your trekking activity, starting early the following morning. You’ll wake up at 6:00 am and prepare for the unforgettable day ahead. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters (5 mins walk) for a quick brief on your gorilla trek. Then, you will set off into the forest in the footsteps of the Mountain Gorillas, led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes.
Once you find the gorilla troop you are tracking, you will be allowed an hour with the gorillas. Wake up and enjoy breakfast the next day. After your check out, you will be transferred to Kihihi Airstrip to take your scheduled flight back to Entebbe. Overnight in Entebbe and depart the following day.

Hugo Langezaal

Netherlands

We had a great time with Benjamin, he is a great guide, a very good driver and good company as well. He also knows every corner of Uganda and all the animals. In addition to all of this he has a good tatse in music, which proved to be of importance during our hours in the car. Thank you Ben for making or trip unforgettable

Ine Poelmans

Belgium

Travelled more than once with our guide Benjamin and he made our wonderful trip to Uganda even better. He is a good guide, good company and really tries his best to give you the best time. Thanks for all the efforts!

Tereza Junova

Czech Republic

Time of my Life! Excellent service, unforgettable memories

Homero Escamilla

Mexico

This was the BEST unique experience EVER!. Our tour guide (Ben) is the most kind, patient, helpful, supportive person i have ever met. He's my friend now. He always stood for us all the way, NEVER left us alone from airport to airport. Always sharing good attitude and the best advice all the way. All my experience in Africa with Savannah Explore Africa was worth every penny. Never Hesitate to contact Ben if you are planning to go to any African experience. 100% recommended! Follow my socials to look at all the great pictures.

Bert Van Bremen

Netherlands

We were guided by Ben during a two week in July 2023 in Uganda. We had a great time also due to the acknowledgeable and friendly guide Ben turned out to be. We have always felt comfortable and safe during the whole trip. We do look back to a wonderful experience.