Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is only one of two destinations in Uganda that are home to mountain Gorillas; the other is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. However, Bwindi is the primary destination for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
Located in southwestern Uganda in the Kigezi hills, along the Congo border and on the eastern edge of the western Rift valley, Bwindi, a UNESCO world heritage site, is considered to be one of the most biodiverse forests in Eastern Africa.
The terrain is very rugged, consisting of narrow valleys intersected by rivers and steep hills. The altitude ranges from 1,190m to 2,607m (3,904 to 8,553 ft) above sea level, and 60 % of the park situated above 2000m (6,600 ft).
In addition to being home of almost half of the world’s population of mountain Gorillas, Bwindi also has about 120 mammals that reside in the national park, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, African elephant, colobus monkeys and many more.
The park begins right where the plains and mountains meet, giving it a rich collection of flora and fauna. The forest has over 200 trees, 200 butterflies, 100 ferns, and 350 bird species. Some of which are endemic to the park. The surrounding communities are mostly agricultural and produce some of the best arabica coffee in the region.
Bwindi has a tropical climate with annual temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7 to 15 °C (45 to 59 °F) and a maximum of 21 to 27 °C (68 to 81 °F). The annual rainfall ranges from 1,400 to 1,900 mm (55 to 75 in).
Two types of seasons characterize Ugandan weather; the dry seasons are June to August and December to February and the wet seasons when record rainfall occurs.
The dry months offer ideal conditions for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda. In the wet months, the ground is often damp and muddy, making trekking more challenging.
According to the last census, about 459 individual mountain gorillas consisting of 50 groups and 13 individual gorillas inhabit Bwindi.
For the sake of preserving the park, 18 gorilla families have been habituated and are available throughout the year for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
However, to visit the gorillas, you need to purchase a gorilla permit at the Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala.
Bwindi is approximately a 9-hour drive from Kampala or a 4-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda, in a private vehicle. It’s even longer using public means. However, there is no appropriate public transportation to the park.
Most buses from Kampala stop in the nearest towns to the park: Kihihi in the north, Kabale in the southeast, and Kisoro in the south. It’s another 2 hours’ drive from each town to the park, and you can only get there by employing a private taxi or motorcycle (bodaboda), which most times are in lousy condition and hard to find.
If you want to avoid Kampala’s long drive, you can also take a shuttle flight from Entebbe International Airport, which takes about an hour.
It is not possible to go gorilla trekking on the same day you travel to Bwindi, due to the time it takes to get there. It’s a nine hours drive from Kampala and a four hours drive from Kigali.
If you are traveling from Entebbe or Kampala, you need to set aside a minimum of 3 days. Two days of travel and one day of trekking. If you are traveling from Kigali, you can pull it off in 2 days: drive to Bwindi on the first day, trek the second day and drive back to Kigali after your trek.
There are four different locations in Bwindi that you can go to for Gorilla Trekking, but not all are ideal for you. You can track four families in Buhoma in the north, four families in Ruhija in the east, eight families in Rushaga in the south, and two families in Nkuringo in the southwestern part of the park. To determine the best place to stay, you need to consider the following.
If you are traveling from Entebbe or Kampala, it is better to stay in Ruhija or Rushaga. They are the closest gorilla trekking locations from Kampala. If you are going from Kigali, Rushaga, and Ruhija are the nearest locations for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
If you plan to take a wildlife safari in Uganda before or after Gorilla Trekking, then Buhoma is the right location for you. It’s the closest to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking.
If yes, then you need to stay in Rushaga or Nkuringo, because only these two locations have gorilla families that offer the gorilla habituation experience.
Click here to learn more about each location.
Once you have determined where in Bwindi you want to stay, then purchase a gorilla trekking permit. You need a gorilla trekking permit to visit any of the Gorilla families in Bwindi, and you can only buy it at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kampala.
The gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $600 and gives you access to track and visit only one gorilla family on a specific date in a particular location in Bwindi. Make sure you obtain a Gorilla trekking permit whose designated destination corresponds with your preferred one.
You are not at liberty to choose a gorilla family of your choice. You can only select the Bwindi location, and on the day of the trek, the Uganda Wildlife Authority designates a gorilla family to you in that location. However, if you favor tracking a particular gorilla family, it is essential to work with a knowledgeable and experienced tour operator who usually can influence the rangers to designate a gorilla family that fits your preferences.
If you desire to visit more than one gorilla family, you will need more days in the park since you only can track one family a day, and you will need to purchase multiple gorilla permits. We recommend visiting families in the same region of the park, which minimizes the cost of your trip and also minimizes the travel time.
Once you have determined the location and obtained a gorilla trekking permit, it’s time to find a suitable lodge. Avoid unnecessary travel on the day of your trek by choosing a safari lodge situated in the same location as your gorilla trekking permit.
Each of the four gorilla trekking stations in Bwindi has several lodge establishments with varying comfort and price levels. See the lodges we recommend in each location.
Due to Bwindi’s remoteness and primitive road network, there is no direct route by public transportation. Trying to get to Bwindi on your own is often exhausting, stressful, and time-consuming. We recommend hiring a tour operator for roundtrip transportation to and from Bwindi.
The right gear is essential for a pleasant gorilla trekking experience. See our packing list to determine what to wear and equipment to carry for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is strenuous and requires you to have a moderate level of fitness. The total trekking experience can last anywhere between 2 to 8 hours and involves hiking up and down steep hills. We recommend incorporating exercise routines, running, or hiking as part of your trip preparation.
No matter the gorilla family you track, trekking in Bwindi is strenuous, and you need to be fit. However, indeed, the trekking experience in Bwindi can slightly vary depending on the gorilla family you trek.
Some groups are situated at higher altitude regions of the park (Nkuringo), making the trek more difficult. Other groups are also known to travel frequently within the park, leading to longer trekking distances and time.
However, even families (i.e., Rushegura, Bitukura, Bweza) generally known to be situated closer to the edge of the park; they too sometimes can wander off and travel further in the forest on the day of your trek. Therefore, do not bank on a short trek, physical fitness is essential for a pleasant gorilla trekking experience.
It is also essential to organize your trip with a tour operator with excellent knowledge of the park and its gorilla families. Although not guaranteed, choosing the right tour operator and planning your trip six to eight months in advance, gives you the best chance of tracking a gorilla family with the shortest and less strenuous trekking experience.
There are five central locations for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Four of them are in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and one is in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Although each of the five locations offers a similar gorilla trekking experience, it is helpful to know the geographical location of each region and the gorilla families in the area, so that you plan your safari better.
Buhoma is located in the northern boundary of the park. It was the first gorilla trekking outpost to be established in Bwindi. It has since experienced a lot of development, growing into a small town, and is now the most established destination in Bwindi.
The area also has the most number of lodges in the park.
Four gorilla families are available for tracking in Buhoma. These are;
Buhoma is on a lower altitude than the other locations; as a result, Gorilla trekking in this location is considered slightly less strenuous than trekking gorillas in the other three areas.
Some of the gorilla families are sometimes closer to the park boundaries, hence leading to a shorter trek.
It is also about a two hours’ drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park. Buhoma’s proximity to Queen Elizabeth, and other attractions in southwestern Uganda makes it the ideal destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda if you also plan to take a safari or visit Chimpanzees in Kibale.
Located in the southern sector of Bwindi, Rushaga is home to eight gorilla families. Rushaga has the highest number of gorilla families available for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
It is the most likely destination for travelers who decide to trek gorillas with only a few weeks to their departure date. Since gorilla trekking permits are on high demand, Rushaga is usually the last location to run out of gorilla permits.
Rushaga is also the only destination in Africa for travelers seeking to spend more than the standard one hour with the gorillas. Rushaga has the Gorilla Habituation program, which offers travelers the opportunity to visit a gorilla group and spend up to 4 hours watching the family feed, play, mate, and nest.
The cost for the Gorilla Habituation Experience is $1500 per person, and it’s best for Mountain Gorilla enthusiasts desiring more time to spend with these magnificent creatures.
Lastly, since Rushaga is in the south, it’s an excellent destination for travelers coming from Kigali to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking.
Gorilla families in Rushaga are:
Located in Bwindi’s eastern sector, Ruhija is a gorilla trekking outpost for four gorilla families. Ruhija is also the closest destination from Kampala, with the driving taking 8 hours.
The town is also the second nearest destination to Queen Elizabeth national park, after Buhoma. If you are interested in visiting Lake Bunyonyi, Ruhija is the best place to stay for your gorilla trekking, since it’s only a two-hour drive from the lake.
Lastly, Ruhija is also the closest destination for travelers coming from Kigali to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking. It’s less than 5 hours from Kigali. The gorilla families in Ruhija are:
Nkuringo is on the southwestern part of Bwindi and is the furthest Gorilla Trekking destination from Kampala. However, it is ideal for travelers from Kigali, with the drive taking about 5 hours.
Gorilla Trekking in Nkuringo is considered the most strenuous of all the gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda. There are two gorilla families in Nkuringo for tracking. These are:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is on the southwestern border of Uganda and Rwanda. The park consists of three extinct volcanoes, which are part of the Virunga mountains that lie along the edge of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park is home to one gorilla family known as Nyakagezi. The Nyakagezi family consists of 8 members, including 3 Silverbacks. The family is known to migrate between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Find the family’s availability for trekking from Uganda Wildlife Authority before booking your gorilla permit or safari. Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga is convenient for travelers coming from Rwanda or the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
There are only two lodges close to the park. However, you can also stay in Kisoro town, which is about an hour’s drive by private vehicle to the park.
Here are a few accommodations we recommend:
Gorilla Safari Lodge is a private and secluded upmarket lodge with spectacular views of the Bwindi rainforest and located close to the Gorilla Trekking starting point. The lodge consists of spacious chalets, the main lodge area with a restaurant, and a bar overlooking the Bwindi rainforest and a gift shop. It also has free WIFI available at the main lodge area.
These are chalets, each consisting of a spacious room, a private terrace, and en-suite bathroom. They are beautifully decorated and nicely lit with great views of the Bwindi rainforest. Each room is fitted with large comfortable beds, plush linen, mosquito net wrapping around the bed, lounge furniture, and a fireplace. The bathrooms have flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water.
Meals are all included; 2 breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. The restaurant offers 3-course meals of local and international specialties.
Spacious and nicely-decorated rooms
Great location
Spectacular views of Bwindi rainforest
Elaborate meals and variety of choices
Spacious restaurant
Free WIFI
No WIFI in the rooms
| Pax | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Price per person | $2,125 | $1,754 | $1,692 | $1,661 | $1,642 | $1,629 |
Prices are based on double room occupancy. You can upgrade to a single room for $106 per person.
Rushaga Gorilla Camp is a mid-range mountain lodge located in the south-eastern part of the park near one of the four gorilla trekking starting points known as Rushaga. The lodge has excellent panoramic views of the Bwindi forest and is a 5 minutes' walk to the gorilla trekking starting point. It also has a restaurant that offers a full English breakfast, an a la carte lunch menu, and a choice of 3 set meals for dinner. You can also access free WIFI at the main lounge and restaurant area of the lodge.
These are spacious cottages with large comfortable beds and linen, lounge furniture, and a private terrace looking towards the Bwindi rainforest. All rooms have a spacious private bathroom with flush toilets, solar-powered hot showers, a sink, and a dressing countertop and mirror.
Your stay includes two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. The meals are all made from western or intercontinental cuisine.
Relatively good price
Great location
Spacious rooms
Views of the Bwindi rainforest
Free WIFI
Not nicely decorated
The linen is comfortable but not plush
Limited food items at the restaurant
| Pax | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Price per person | $1,834 | $1,448 | $1,385 | $1,354 | $1,335 | $1,323 |
Prices are based on double room occupancy. You can upgrade to a single room for $146 per person.
Gorilla Valley Lodge is a small, low-budget lodge located in the south-eastern part of the park near one of the four gorilla trekking starting points known as Rushaga. The lodge has a small restaurant that offers a basic continental breakfast and a few options of international cuisine for lunch and dinner.
These are clean and modestly furnished brick and motor rooms consisting of a comfortable bed, linen, towels, and en-suite bathrooms. The bathrooms have solar-powered hot water showers and flush toilets. The rooms also have lighting, power plugs, and mosquito nets over the beds.
Only breakfast and dinner are included in the basic plan. You can order lunch daily at the restaurant.
Affordable and comfortable rooms
Good location
Basic facilities
Small rooms
Limited meal options
Limited views
No internet access
If there are no rooms available at the time of your booking. We will provide a suitable replacement.
| Pax | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Price per person | $1,438 | $1,187 | $1,125 | $1,094 | $1,075 | $1,062 |
Prices are based on double room occupancy. You can upgrade to a single room for $89 per person.
Paraa Safari Lodge is an upmarket lodge with the refinements of a 3-star hotel, located in the center of the park looking over the Nile river. Facilities include spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a pool with a bar, and a gift shop.
Paraa safari lodge boasts the best location in the park and offers the conveniences of being so close to the jetty for your boat safari on the Nile river, and close to the game viewing areas of the park. No lodge offers more conveniences for your 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari than Paraa Safari Lodge.
The rooms are nicely lit, decorated with plush linen, and towels. All rooms have a private bathroom with hot showers and a hairdryer. The rooms have a coffee bar, a reading table, refrigerator, complimentary bottled water, and a private balcony.
Meals are all included; two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners. The restaurant offers three-course meals of local and international specialties.
Spacious and comfortable rooms
WIFI available in all rooms
Great location for game drives and boat safari
Elaborate meals and variety of choices
The standard rooms have a ceiling fan, but no air-conditioning. You can upgrade to a deluxe room for $35 per person per room.
Note: If there are no rooms available at the time of your booking, we will recommend a suitable replacement.
| Pax | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Price per person | $1,241 | $902 | $825 | $786 | $763 | $748 |
Prices are based on double room occupancy. You can upgrade to a single room for $106 per person.
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Pakuba Safari Lodge is a mid-range lodge, located on the northern side of the park facing the Albert Nile. The facilities include a restaurant, terraced room blocks and a swimming pool.
The lodge is in an excellent location for game drives and with nicely furnished rooms, offering you better value for your money compared to other mid-range accommodations, making Pakuba the ideal lodge for your 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari.
All rooms have a private bathroom with solar-powered hot showers, a reading table, a closet, and a private terrace. The rooms are all air-conditioned.
This plan is inclusive of all meals. The price includes two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners during your stay. The meals are all made from western or intercontinental cuisine.
Reasonably priced.
Excellent location for game drives
Comfortable rooms with air-conditioning
WIFI at the main lobby and at the restaurant
The lodge is a 45 mins drive from the Paraa jetty, where the boat safari begins and ends.
Rooms lack a coffee or tea bar and Hair dryer.
The linen is comfortable but not plush
Note: If there are no rooms available at the time of your booking, we will recommend a suitable replacement.
| Pax | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Price per person | $1,141 | $763 | $685 | $647 | $624 | $608 |
Prices are based on double room occupancy. You can upgrade to a single room for $146 per person.
Red Chilli Rest Camp is a low-budget camp located in the center of the park on the southern side of the Nile, only 500 meters from the ferry crossing point. You stay in brick and motor, African thatched houses locally known as bandas.
The camp also has a restaurant that offers an a la carte breakfast and lunch menu, and a choice of 3 set meals for dinner. The combination of a great location and a right level of comfort makes Red Chilli Rest Camp the ideal budget accommodation for your 3 Days Murchison Falls Safari.
The bandas all include a double bed or two twin beds with linen and a mosquito net. A few bandas have private bathrooms, but most uses shared bathrooms. All the bandas have lighting, power plugs, and a fan. There’s a limited number of Ensuite bandas. The camp has shared toilets and bathroom stalls with hot water available.
The basic plan includes breakfast. You can buy lunch and dinner every day at the restaurant.
It’s inexpensive and safe.
Even though Red Chilli Rest Camp’s location is better than other budget accommodations, it’s not the best for game viewing. It takes about 30 minutes, including crossing the Nile on a ferry to get to the wildlife. The ferry has set crossing times, and these can limit the amount of time you spend viewing the animals. All the other low-budget camps have the same challenge. None is close to the wildlife.
Electricity is only available at set times of the day, except lights are always on. The set times are from 7 am to 9 am, 11 am to 2 pm, and 5 pm to 10 pm. Outside these hours, guests charge appliances such as phones and camera batteries at the restaurant.
No WIFI
Note: If there are no rooms available at the time of your booking, we will recommend a suitable replacement.
| Pax | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Price per person | $918 | $597 | $520 | $481 | $458 | $442 |
Prices are based on double room occupancy. You can upgrade to a single room for $89 per person.