A guide to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

From the forest floor, thick with tangled vegetation, to the towering trees as tall as skyscrapers, exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s not as simple as hopping into a 4×4 and venturing through this cloud forest, as much of your journey needs to be done on foot.

But stepping out of your comfort zone and into the wild world of southwestern Uganda is an opportunity like no other. Here, you’ll have the chance to see some of the world’s most diverse wildlife, including endangered mountain gorillas.

You don’t have to head in blind either, as our guide covers all the essential details you need to know. With these insider tips in hand, you’ll be able to visit Uganda in complete confidence.

A brief history of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This primordial stretch of forest in southwestern Uganda is thought to date back more than 25,000 years and holds over 1,000 species of plants. The park spans over 127 square miles (330 sq km) and offers a vast range of elevations and ecosystems.

Since 1994, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring the region’s preservation for future generations. On the fringes, simple Batwa villages crouch beneath terraced tea plantations, which in turn give way to hills shrouded in lush flora. Dotted with waterfalls and ravines, this landscape is as wild as it is enticing.

The moist climate is perfect for vegetation to thrive, and around 350 species of birds have been recorded in the national park. While chirping birds and tropical vegetation immerse your senses, it’s the endangered species that make this such a unique destination. Some of these rare species include the mountain gorilla, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and chimpanzees.

With many luxurious lodges and expert guides to help you explore the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve, you won’t fall short of ways to get to know this magical forest. That also means you’re spoilt for choice, so let’s dive into some insider tips to help you plan your dream vacation to Uganda.

Insider tips for visiting Bwindi Forest National Park

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

There are a couple of ways you can get to Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest. Regardless of the way you choose to travel, you’ll most likely need to fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB). From there, you could either travel:

• By road: If you are already on a natural and cultural tour of Uganda and at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll need to drive south for just over four hours. If you depart from the capital, Kampala, it will take you around eight hours to reach Butogota, just 10 miles (17km) from the park entrance. A daily bus service operates from Kampala to Butogota, or you can opt for private transport to the park.
• By plane: If you want a slightly shorter trip, you can always fly to Bwindi from Entebbe International Airport (EBB). The park has three airfields you can fly into: Kihihi and Kayonza airfields in the north, and Kisoro in the park’s southern region.

While flying is a slightly quicker means of transportation, the fees can be very expensive. As such, traveling by car is generally the best option.

When is the best time to visit Bwindi, Uganda?

Now, cloud forests are technically rainforests, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll escape the rain. That said, this Ugandan rainforest still has its wet and dry seasons (even the dry seasons still get a fair amount of rain).

March to May and October to November are the rainy seasons in the Bwindi Cloud Forest. This means there will be lower visibility, and many of the roads throughout the park will require you to use 4×4 vehicles.

As such, visiting from June to September and December to February is ideal for lower rainfall and better road conditions. These months also perfectly align with summer and winter breaks across the Northern Hemisphere.

Do you need a Bwindi gorilla trekking permit?

If you hope to go gorilla tracking, you will need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits are fairly pricey, but they are necessary to help ensure that regional conservation efforts are maintained.

Your local expert can help organize permits on your behalf. However, they will need a copy of your passport when applying for the permit. You’ll also need to apply for the permit between two and three months in advance of your anticipated trekking date. These permits currently cost $800 (2,934,609 UGX) for foreign tourists – costs which can be factored into your private gorilla trekking tour.

The best regions of Bwindi to see mountain gorillas

There are four fantastic sectors within Bwindi where you can see gorillas in their natural habitat. These include:

• Buhoma Sector: Located in the northern regions of Bwindi, this is the most visited area of the park. It’s home to three famous gorilla families: Mubare, Habinyanja, and the Rushegura family. It’s extremely accessible thanks to the Kihihi airstrip and its distance from the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Rushaga Sector: This is another popular region located in the southern parts of the park. It also hosts the greatest population of gorilla families, including the Nshongi, Kahungye, Busingye, Mishaya, and Bweza families.
• Ruhija Sector: Found in the eastern parts of Bwindi, Ruhija is a lesser-visited sector. Despite this, it has three distinct gorilla families that you can see: the Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguliro families. This sector is predominantly used for research and isn’t tourist-heavy.
• Nkuringo Sector: Last but certainly not least is the western Nkuringo Sector. This region is home to only three gorilla families: the Nkuringo, Bikingi, and Bushaho families. This sector is emerging as a popular spot for gorilla trekking experiences.

Of these four regions, Buhoma is arguably the best and most popular. It’s home to the best Bwindi Impenetrable National Park accommodation, ranging from eco-lodges to rustic camps.

Which is the best Bwindi gorilla family to see?

Although there are 20 gorilla families to pick from across Bwindi, the Mubare gorilla family is easily top of the list in our book. They’re the best to trek with for many reasons, including their rich history.

They were the first gorilla family to be documented back in 1991. They’ve also had three powerful silverback leaders since then, starting with Ruhondeza, followed by Kanyonyi, who was then superseded by the current leader, Maraya. Although it is a small family, they are among the easiest to track and offer an intimate experience of these giants.

Things to do at Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Park offers far more than gorilla conservation and tracking. From nature walks and bird spotting to experiencing local communities, here are the best things to do in Bwindi.

1. Go Bwindi gorilla trekking

The most famous draw in the park is of course the population of rare mountain gorillas, of which several groups are habituated and can be tracked on a specialist gorilla safari. These incredible and humbling creatures are the source of most of the revenue that is enabling their preservation.

Tracking them as part of a small group on the keenly regulated official treks enables local people to make a living that doesn’t involve destroying the gorilla’s habitat. Whether you want to spend eight days with primates or take a 10-day tour of Uganda with a gorilla trek included, our trip ideas can be customized to your every need.

2. Enjoy nature walks

Among other absorbing options in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, wildlife treks are the most popular. Wildlife walks through the cloud forest will bring you into close proximity to over 120 species of mammals, including 10 primates, 27 frog species, and 220 species of butterflies. There are even elephants within the national park, but due to the dense vegetation, they can be harder to spot.

Taking on a 4×4 game drive of the park can be part of the adventure, but you will most likely miss much of the action. Many of the species you can encounter are very shy, and any loud noises will deter them. In other words, loud cars aren’t the best way to see the park. If you want to explore its biodiversity, a guided nature trek is your best option.

3. See a gorilla habituation experience

Unlike a gorilla trek, a gorilla habituation experience allows you to be part of the process of conservation. While there is no definition for these tours, a habituation experience is the process of training wild gorillas to be accustomed to the sight of humans.

A gorilla trekking tour, on the other hand, usually consists of you visiting already habituated families. While these habituation experiences can be slightly more dangerous than the standard tour, they are a far more memorable opportunity, as you’ll be part of the conservation process.

4. Spend some time birdwatching

Currently, 348 bird species have been recorded within the Bwindi Impenetrable Cloud Forest, and they are all magnificent. Of these species, 25 are restricted to range, with 23 of these being found in the Albertine Rift. From the globally threatened African green broadbill to the endangered Chapin’s flycatcher and the vulnerable Shelley’s crimsonwing, unique birdlife fills this region. You’ll even find the brilliant regal sunbird and the cinnamon-chested bee-eater in the park.

Some of the best areas in the park to take a birdwatching hike include:

• Buhoma Trail: You’ll be able to spot species like the red-throated alethe, great blue turaco, and more.
• Mubwindi Swamp: It’s the best spot to see the African green broadbill and Grauer’s warbler, among others.
• Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors: These regions draw in elusive species like the Archer’s robin-chat and the yellow-eyed black flycatcher.

5. Visit the Batwa communities

While wildlife may be the main event in Bwindi, visiting the local communities is also an unforgettable experience. Community walks include spending time in villages where you can witness local culture and traditions passed down through generations. You’ll meet craftspeople at work, see agriculture in action (entirely non-mechanized), and spend some cash on souvenirs, which will be greatly appreciated. Your cultural tour of Uganda wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Batwa communities surrounding the Bwindi Cloud Forest.

FAQs about the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Before you start planning your visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, consider these common questions and answers.

What are the most important cloud forests in the world?

Every cloud forest is important in its own right, however, some are extremely important for their endangered species. Bwindi is undeniably one of the most important in Africa for its conservation efforts in protecting and preserving gorilla and forest elephant populations.

Is it safe to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

The Bwindi Cloud Forest is generally safe for tourists to visit year-round. The park authorities take extra care to ensure the safety of both tourists and wildlife, especially in more popular gorilla trekking areas.

Is there Malaria in Bwindi?

Although Bwindi offers low risk due to its altitude, the park is still a malaria-endemic region. We highly recommend you pack mosquito repellent and anti-malaria medication, and use mosquito netting when you sleep. These precautions will significantly reduce the chances of you getting malaria while on vacation.

What do you wear for gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

Knowing what to pack for a gorilla trek is essential. Aside from your usual packing list, below is a checklist of must-haves you should bring with you for your Bwindi gorilla tracking experience:

• Long-sleeved clothes
• Thick socks
• Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots
• Gardening gloves (we know it sounds odd, but trust us, you’ll need them)
• Binoculars
• Insect repellent
• Daypack

Make it happen

If our complete guide to exploring Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has inspired you, start planning your dream trip to Uganda by filling in our request form, through which you’ll be connected with a local expert who’ll help tailor-made your ideal itinerary.