Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects roughly half the world’s mountain gorillas in a dense, ancient rainforest in Uganda’s southwest — and, with Uganda’s permits more affordable than Rwanda’s, it is one of the best-value places to track them.

Permits

A gorilla-tracking permit is required and issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Daily numbers are capped, so book well ahead, especially in the dry season. Each permit allows one hour with a habituated gorilla family once it is found.

The trailhead sectors

• Buhoma (north) — the original sector, with the most lodges and access from the north.
• Ruhija (east) — higher and cooler, good for birding as well as gorillas.
• Rushaga & Nkuringo (south) — the most habituated families, and closest to Kigali for those flying into Rwanda and crossing the border.

Fitness, what to bring, when to go

• Treks range from one to six-plus hours over steep, muddy terrain at altitude; porters can be hired and are worth it.
• Bring sturdy boots, gaiters, gloves, rain gear and layers — the forest is wet and cool.
• The drier months (June–August, December–February) make trails easier, though rain is possible any time.

Bwindi or Rwanda?

Both offer a genuine hour with mountain gorillas. Uganda’s permits are cheaper and the park has more sectors and families, but Bwindi is a long drive from Entebbe. Rwanda’s permits cost considerably more, yet Volcanoes National Park is only a few hours from Kigali — worth weighing against your budget and how much driving you want.

Beyond the gorillas

• A longer, pricier gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga sector gives up to four hours with a semi-habituated family.
• The Batwa cultural trails, sharing the heritage of the forest’s first people.
• Superb birding — Bwindi is one of Africa’s richest forests for Albertine Rift endemics.

Most trips route through Kampala or Entebbe, or in via Kigali. See places to stay near Bwindi and in Kampala to plan your route.