Gorilla trekking
Time with a habituated mountain gorilla family, guided by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
Uganda · South-western Uganda
Bwindi
A morning in the forest with mountain gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park protects steep, forested hills in south-western Uganda and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a large share of the world's mountain gorillas, and several families have been habituated to visitors.
- Country
- Uganda
- Known for
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- From Entebbe
- 8–10 hours by road, or a flight
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 nights
The place
Bwindi, at a glance.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi starts with a ranger briefing in the morning. Small groups then walk into the forest with rangers and trackers to find a habituated gorilla family. Once found, you spend a limited time with them, usually up to one hour.
The park has several trekking sectors, including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Your permit is for a specific sector and date, so we plan accommodation around it.
Planning notes
- Official name
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Region
- South-western Uganda
- Known for
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- From Entebbe
- 8–10 hours by road, or a flight
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 nights
- Combines well with
- Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Murchison Falls
The appeal
Why visit Bwindi?
Forest walks
Guided walks to waterfalls and through the forest, depending on the sector.
Community visits
Communities around the park offer cultural visits and walks.
Wild encounters
Wildlife of Bwindi.
Mountain gorillas, forest monkeys and a rich birdlife, including species found only in the Albertine Rift. Wildlife is free-ranging, so sightings vary and can never be guaranteed.
Portrait of a mountain gorilla in thick vegetation 
Young mountain gorilla among broad green leaves 
Young gorilla sitting among bright green leaves 
Small blue flycatcher perched on a forest branch
Before you book
Gorilla permits and trekking rules.
Each habituated gorilla family can be visited by a small number of people per day, so permits are limited and should be secured early, especially for the drier months.
Trek lengths are unpredictable. Sightings are very likely but never guaranteed, and time with the gorillas is limited to protect them.
Travel through the year
When to visit Bwindi.
Trekking runs all year. The drier months are usually more comfortable, but it can rain in the forest at any time.
Jun – Aug
One of the drier periods; popular, so book permits early.
Dec – Feb
Another drier period, with good trekking conditions.
Mar – May · Sep – Nov
Rainy seasons. Treks still run, but trails are more slippery.
Your way of travelling
Ways to experience Bwindi.
Optional activities are arranged separately and may cost extra.
01
Gorilla trekking
A ranger-led trek to find a habituated mountain gorilla family, then up to an hour in their company.
02
Forest and waterfall walks
Guided walks through the forest, including trails to waterfalls in the Buhoma area.
03
Community and Batwa visits
Cultural visits with communities around the park, including Batwa people, whose ancestors lived in the forest.
04
Birdwatching
Bwindi is a key site for Albertine Rift endemic birds, best with a specialist guide.
The way there
Getting to Bwindi.
By road
About eight to ten hours from Entebbe or Kampala.
By air
Scheduled flights from Entebbe serve airstrips near the park, such as Kihihi and Kisoro.
Finding your pace
How long to stay.
2 nights
Arrive the day before trekking and leave the day after.
3 nights
Allows a second activity, such as a forest walk or community visit.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Bwindi.
Lodges and camps for this destination are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, budget and preferences.
Trip ideas
Short trip
3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking SafariEntebbe / Kampala → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park → Entebbe / Kampala
Combine it
5 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife SafariEntebbe / Kampala → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi → Entebbe / Kampala
The long way
15 Days Best of Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife SafariEntebbe → Ziwa → Murchison Falls → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Ishasha → Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi → Lake Mburo → Entebbe
8 safaris
Safaris that include Bwindi.
- Gorillas & primates
3 days · Uganda · Private or group
3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari
One day with mountain gorillas
Primate safari · Mid-range
The shortest overland gorilla safari: drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, spend a day trekking to a habituated mountain gorilla family, then return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Price on request
- Gorillas & primates
3 days · Uganda · Private or group
3 Days Luxury Fly-In Bwindi Gorilla Safari
Fly in, trek, fly out
Primate safari · Luxury
A luxury gorilla safari that replaces the long drive with domestic flights between Entebbe and an airstrip near Bwindi, leaving more time to rest before and after your trek.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates12 days · Uganda · Private or group
12 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five Adventure
Uganda in depth, ending at Lake Mburo
Primate safari · Mid-range
Twelve days covering rhinos at Ziwa, two nights at Murchison Falls, Kibale's chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth, a gorilla trek in Bwindi and a final night at Lake Mburo.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates5 days · Uganda · Private or group
5 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Safari
Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
Primate safari · Mid-range
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi, in five days.
Price on request
- Gorillas & primates
7 days · Uganda · Private or group
7 Days Uganda Wildlife, Gorillas & Chimpanzees Safari
Primates and savannah at a gentler pace
Primate safari · Mid-range
A week covering Kibale's chimpanzees and Bigodi wetland, two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates8 days · Uganda · Private or group
8 Days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big Five Safari
Murchison Falls to Bwindi, in comfort
Primate safari · Luxury
A luxury Uganda circuit: rhino tracking at Ziwa, Murchison Falls, chimpanzees in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Price on request
Gorillas & primates10 days · Uganda · Private or group
10 Days Uganda Primates & Big Five Safari
The full Uganda circuit, overland
Primate safari · Mid-range
Ten days overland: Ziwa's rhinos, Murchison Falls, Kibale's chimpanzees, two nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park and a gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Price on request
- Gorillas & primates
15 days · Uganda · Private or group
15 Days Best of Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Two weeks from the Nile to Lake Bunyonyi
Primate safari · Mid-range
Our longest Uganda safari: Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Kibale, three nights around Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, two restful nights at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo.
Price on request
Beyond Bwindi
Where to next?
Ways to travel
Before you go
Practical notes.
Permits
Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in limited numbers. Availability is confirmed before booking.
Minimum age
Gorilla trekking has a minimum age, currently 15. Ask us about the current rules before booking.
Health
Do not trek if you are unwell. Gorillas can catch human respiratory illnesses.
What to bring
Waterproof boots, long sleeves, gloves, a rain jacket and water. Porters can be hired locally.
Common questions
Bwindi, explained.
How hard is gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
It varies. Some treks take an hour; others take most of the day on steep, muddy slopes. A reasonable level of fitness helps, and porters are available.
How long do you spend with the gorillas?
Usually up to one hour once the group is found.
Are gorilla permits included?
We arrange gorilla permits as part of our Uganda safaris, subject to availability on your dates. Your written quote states exactly what is included, and we confirm the permit before your booking is finalised.
How many people visit each gorilla family?
Visitor numbers per habituated family are limited each day, usually to a small group of around eight, which is why permits sell out.
What should I wear for gorilla trekking?
Long trousers and sleeves, sturdy waterproof boots, gardening-style gloves for vegetation and a rain jacket. Bring water and a snack.
Can I fly to Bwindi?
Yes. Scheduled flights from Entebbe serve airstrips near the park, such as Kihihi and Kisoro, saving a long road journey.
A little more clarity
Plan with confidence.
Your Bwindi journey
Ready to see Bwindi for yourself?
Explore safaris that include Bwindi, or tell us how you would like to travel.