Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest: An Unforgettable Encounter
For many, gorilla trekking is the absolute highlight of any Uganda safari, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands as the premier destination for this incredible experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural, misty rainforest habitat.
What to Expect on Your Bwindi Gorilla Trek:
Your day begins early at one of Bwindi’s four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo), where you’ll receive a briefing on gorilla etiquette and safety guidelines from experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. You’ll then be divided into small groups of up to eight trekkers, each assigned to a habituated gorilla family.
The trek itself can be physically demanding, varying from a short walk of 30 minutes to a challenging full-day hike through dense forest, steep slopes, and potentially muddy trails. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and wearing sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a rain jacket, and gardening gloves is essential. Porters are available for hire, not only to assist with carrying your bags but also to provide support on difficult terrain, directly benefiting local communities.
Once your trackers locate the gorilla family, you’ll spend a magical one hour observing them. This precious time allows for incredible photography opportunities (without flash, of course) and a profound connection with these gentle giants. Witnessing their social interactions, watching infants play, and observing a massive silverback is an awe-inspiring and life-changing experience.
Best Time to Go:
While gorilla trekking in Bwindi is possible year-round, the dry seasons (June to August and December to February) are generally considered the best time to visit. During these months, the forest trails are relatively drier and less slippery, making the trek more comfortable. However, being a rainforest, showers can occur at any time, so always be prepared with rain gear. The wet seasons (March to May and September to November) can offer a more challenging trek but sometimes come with slightly lower accommodation rates.
Gorilla Permits and Booking:
To embark on this incredible journey, you must secure a gorilla trekking permit. As of 2025, a permit for foreign non-residents typically costs USD 800 per person. Foreign residents pay USD 700, African citizens USD 500, and East African citizens UGX 300,000. These permits are highly sought after and limited to eight per gorilla family per day to minimize human impact on the gorillas. It is crucial to book your gorilla permit well in advance, ideally 3 to 6 months ahead, and even up to a year in advance for peak season travel. While direct bookings with UWA are often cumbersome for international travelers, reputable Uganda tour operators can efficiently handle the permit acquisition as part of your safari package.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into different sectors, each with several habituated gorilla families, including well-known groups like Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura in Buhoma, Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Mukiza in Ruhija, and Nshongi, Mishaya, and Busingye in Rushaga, among many others. Your assigned sector and gorilla family will be determined on the morning of your trek.
A gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Forest isn’t just a trip; it’s an immersive, intimate encounter with one of our closest relatives, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.