Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest (All you need to know for year 2024)

Overview

6 min readJan 29, 2024

Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest (All you need to know), Do you think of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park when you think of any Gorilla Safari in Africa? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the oldest and most famous national parks in the Republic of Uganda. for several decades now, its name has appeared on top of many bucket lists, safari itineraries, and more because of its lush tropical forest cover and its permanent residents, the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, the largest primate species in the world that can only be found on the African Continent.

Bwindi is among the most popular tourist attractions in Uganda. Uganda is a wonderful country! Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo surround this country in East Africa. although being a landlocked country, it stands out for its pleasant climate, unique geography, variety of fauna and spectacular landscapes. Winston Churchill, a well-known wartime prime minister, traveled around Africa and marveled at the beauty of Uganda. He referred to it as “The Pearl of Africa”.

Other Parks

Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Magical Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mountain Rwenzori National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Kibale National Park are the other nine national parks in Uganda.

Bwindi at Glance

At daybreak, Bwindi National Park holds pre-trek briefings in four regions. Advisors recommend reserving accommodations in the area where you will go gorilla trekking to manage the early morning wake-up call. Uganda Wildlife Authority manages Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and other national parks around the country.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in Kanungu, Kisoro and Rubanda districts, at the farthest southwestern corner of Uganda. The Virunga chain of mountains, spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC is located about 25 kilometers south of the park. It ascends from a height of 1,160 meters to 2,607 meters. Over 160 different tree species and more than 100 different fern species are typical of it. The Runyakitara word Mubwindi, which means the “location full of darkness,” and this is the source of its name, Bwindi. It is because of the area’s luxuriant tropical forest, fern cover and swamps, to name a few.

History of Bwindi

In 1991, authorities established Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as a national park, and four years later, in 1994, UNESCO inscribed it on the World Heritage List. Its significance to ecology was the reason for this. Because of its distinctive offerings, the critically endangered mountain gorillas, largest primate species in the world, it has developed into one of Uganda’s top safari destinations over time.

The world’s highest population of mountain gorillas reside there in safety. However, the white and black colobus monkey population is equally astounding, along with other primates like baboons, chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, mammals, butterflies and more.

Gorilla Trekking Sectors / Regions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi National Park is split into four sectors, namely;

Buhoma Sector

The oldest and busiest region is Buhoma. It is close to the Kihihi airstrip and situated in the park’s northern region. This area has five gorilla groups: the Rushegura group, Katwe, Mubare, Muyambi, and Habinyanja families. Due to the less steep terrain, gorilla trekking in this area is possible for both young and old.

Rushaga Region

The Rushaga sector is situated in Kisoro district at the southern tip of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The biggest concentration of gorilla families is found there, and visitors who choose to stay there frequently savor the gorgeous surroundings and far views of the Virunga Mountains.

Habituated gorilla families in this sector are Mishaya, Kahungye, Nshongi, Bweza, Mucunguzi, Rwigi, Bikingi and Busingye gorilla groups. Hiking in this area necessitates a little greater physical fitness.

Ruhija Sector

Scientific researchers prefer this sector since it is easy to access of all other regions and is to the east of the park. It is simple to travel there from Buhoma or Kabale town. While staying in this region of the park, you can enjoy great views of the distant Virunga mountains and more. In Ruhija, there is a chance to see forest elephants, mammals, and numerous monkey species.

Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo sector is located near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in the park’s southern region. The renowned silverback — Rafiki lived here before dying suddenly at the hands of poachers in June 2020.
The Nkuringo sector has four habituated gorilla families: the Bushaho family, the Christmas Gorilla family, the Nkuringo Family, and the Posho gorilla family.

Activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking

The primary activity here is going on a gorilla trek. It is conducted in four areas under the guidance of a knowledgeable ranger guide who will walk with you while narrating the history of Bwindi Forest, the homes of critically endangered mountain gorillas.

Trekking takes about 1 to 8 hours because an additional hour dedicated to photography and information when you meet them.

Gorilla trekking permit costs 800 USD for non-residents (FNR), 300,000 UGX for citizens of East Africa (EAC) and 700 USD for residents (FR) and 500 USD for Rest of Africa. The fee includes park entrance and the payment to ranger guides only.

Bird viewing, cultural tours, guided nature walks, and more are other activities. The Batwa pygmies, who were once hunters and gatherers and whose ancestors spent most of their lives in this forest.

Accommodation in Bwindi National Park

The range of lodging options in Bwindi National Park includes affordable, midrange, high-end lodges and campsites. I recommend booking hotels near the respective trekking points because it saves time.

When to visit?

The best months to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are June through August and December through to March when rainfall is minimal and hiking is easy. However, the park is always open to visitors regardless of the season.

Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime event, one of its kind on any African safari. The Park is open to everyone and is safe all year through.

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