How Far Do You Walk to See Gorillas on a Trek?

How Far Do You Walk to See Gorillas on a Trek?

When going on a gorilla trekking adventure, the distance you walk can vary, but it’s common to trek for over 9 miles (approximately 3 to 6 hours) to find the gorillas. Generally, you’ll start your trek at 8 AM and aim to return by 3 PM. However, please note that gorilla trekking is not always predictable—sometimes, it can take an entire day, depending on the location of the gorillas and their movements that day.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, presents diverse and challenging terrain. The forest can be steep and often lacks marked trails, making the trek physically demanding. The weather can change quickly, and the hike could range from just a couple of hours to an intense 8-hour hike at high altitudes. Fitness and preparedness are crucial to ensure a comfortable trekking experience.

About Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the only four parks globally that are home to endangered mountain gorillas. The other parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
This ancient rainforest boasts incredible biodiversity, home to:

• 350 bird species

• 310 butterfly species

• 200 tree species

• 51 reptiles

• 88 moth species

• 120 mammal species

The gorilla population is steadily growing, with half of the world’s 1,064 mountain gorillas living in Bwindi. The park has over 15 habituated gorilla families available for trekking, with only 8 permits per group per day to preserve the experience.

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for Gorilla Trekking

By Road from Kampala or Entebbe

To get to Bwindi Forest by road from Kampala or Entebbe, expect a drive of about 8-9 hours. The road route depends on which sector you’ll be trekking:

• Northern sectors (Ruhija & Buhoma): From Kabale-Kisoro Road, follow signs for Uganda Wildlife Authority to reach your sector.

• Southern sectors (Rushaga & Nkuringo): Take the turn-off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro Highway.

By Air from Entebbe or Kampala

You can also fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield near Kampala to Kisoro Airstrip (for southern sectors) or Kihihi Airstrip (for northern sectors). Domestic flights operated by AeroLink and Fly Uganda are available. Once you arrive, your tour operator will arrange a transfer to your lodge.

Where Does Gorilla Trekking Take Place in Bwindi Forest?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest occurs in four sectors:

1. Buhoma (northern part)

2. Ruhija (northeastern part)

3. Nkuringo (southern part)

4. Rushaga (southern part)

The northern sectors (Buhoma & Ruhija) are near Queen Elizabeth National Park, ideal for combining gorilla trekking with game viewing. The southern sectors (Rushaga & Nkuringo) are close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can also enjoy golden monkey trekking.
Each sector has its own habituated gorilla families, with Rushaga offering the most families for trekking.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Bwindi Forest?

A gorilla permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest costs:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents

• USD 700 for East African Residents

• USD 80 for East African Citizens

The permit grants you one hour with the mountain gorillas once you’ve located them on your trek.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can try the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which is available in the southern sectors of Bwindi, specifically in Rushaga and the area between Rushaga and Nkuringo. This allows you to spend 4 hours with the gorillas as you observe and assist in making them accustomed to human presence.
This experience is in high demand, with only 4 permits available per day, so it’s recommended to book 2-3 months in advance.
The Gorilla Habituation Permit costs:

• USD 1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents

• USD 1,000 for Foreign Residents

• USD 220 for East African Citizens

What’s the Difference Between Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi?

The main difference between Gorilla Trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest lies in the time you spend with the gorillas and the group size.

• Gorilla Trekking: During this experience, you spend 1 hour with the mountain gorillas after locating them. This trek is typically done in a group of 8 tourists per gorilla family.

• Gorilla Habituation Experience: Here, you spend 4 hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. This unique experience involves fewer tourists, with only 4 people per group.

Both activities are done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and begin early in the morning. Due to the often strenuous nature of the terrain, it’s important to be physically fit to participate in either experience, as hiking through the forest can be challenging at times.

What Is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

The best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest is during the drier months of January, February, and June to early September. These months offer clearer views of the gorillas as the vegetation cover is lower, making it easier to spot them. The dry weather also makes the trek more comfortable, as it’s easier to travel to the park without the mud and rain typical of the wet season.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

When preparing for a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi, make sure to pack appropriate gear to handle the challenging terrain. Here’s a list of essentials to bring:

• Insect Repellent

• Flashlight/Torch with spare batteries

• Wet Wipes

• Water Bottle

• Camera with extra lenses

• Comfortable Hiking Boots and socks

• Gardening Gloves for handling dense undergrowth

• Sunscreen and a Hat

• Rain Jacket (it’s good to be prepared for rain)

• Sweater/Fleece for warmth

• Swimwear (if your accommodation has a pool)

• Binoculars (for bird and wildlife watching)

Comfortable, durable footwear and lightweight long-sleeve clothing are essential for protecting yourself from the forest’s undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Bwindi Forest offers a variety of lodges located in the northern and southern sectors of the park:

• Rushaga & Nkuringo Sectors (Southern Bwindi):

  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp

  • Four Gorillas Lodge

  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

  • Lake Mutanda Resort

• Buhoma & Ruhija Sectors (Northern Bwindi):

  • Buhoma Lodge

  • Bwindi Lodge

  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp

  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages

  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

All these lodges are conveniently located close to the starting points for both gorilla trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Which Sector Is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?

Choosing the best sector for gorilla trekking in Bwindi depends on your preferences.

• Rushaga Sector: This is one of the most popular sectors, known for its many habituated gorilla families. It’s often easier to secure a gorilla trekking permit here.

• Buhoma Sector: If you prefer a shorter trek, Buhoma is a great choice. Many trekkers here complete their adventure in just 3-4 hours, and some even return by 11 AM.

• Nkuringo Sector: This area is more challenging due to its higher elevation, making the trek more strenuous. However, it offers stunning views and a more rewarding experience for those seeking a physical challenge.

Regardless of the sector you choose, you’ll have a 99% chance of seeing mountain gorillas, thanks to the well-organized nature of the trekking activity.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Experience with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we make the gorilla trekking process seamless by handling your permit bookings, travel arrangements, and accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a budget, mid-range, or luxury experience, we offer a variety of packages tailored to your needs.

With numerous satisfied clients, as reflected in our Trip Advisor reviews, we guarantee an unforgettable Uganda safari. Our expert team is always ready to assist you with any questions, ensuring you have a stress-free experience from start to finish.

Book your gorilla trekking adventure with us today and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo!