Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Your ultimate guide
Gorilla trekking in Uganda ought to be at the top of your bucket list if you’re hoping for an amazing wildlife experience. Imagine going through thick, foggy forests to witness some of the last mountain gorillas left in the world in their native environment. It’s a unique, enchanted experience that you will never forget. Here’s all the information you need to organize your Ugandan gorilla trekking vacation, including when to go, what to bring, and how to get there.
Where can you go gorilla trekking in Uganda? – The best places for gorilla trekking
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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
One of the most well-known and popular locations for gorilla trekking is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwest Uganda. Almost half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas can be found at this UNESCO World Heritage site. The deep and untamed forest provides an exhilarating walking experience that calls for some endurance but offers enormous benefits. Trekking through lush, foggy rainforests and coming across gorilla families accustomed to human presence makes for a memorable and safe experience.
With a range of trekking trails, Bwindi provides a genuine experience, and the park is among Africa’s most biodiverse areas. Your visit will have a social impact because the park’s surrounding community also benefits from tourism.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those eager to see mountain gorillas in the wild. Spanning over 331 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, as well as a rich variety of wildlife, including over 350 bird species and diverse primates. With its dense jungle, steep terrain, and challenging hiking conditions, trekking in Bwindi is an adventure in itself.
Beyond gorilla trekking, the forest is a haven for nature lovers, offering biodiversity, scenic views, and cultural experiences with local communities like the Batwa people. Whether you’re trekking through its misty hills or learning about conservation efforts, Bwindi is a place that offers both a thrilling challenge and a deep connection to nature.
Where can you go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is divided into four trekking sectors; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo: Each offering a unique experience for gorilla trekkers. Buhoma, the most popular sector, is known for its accessibility and offers stunning views, making it perfect for first-time trekkers. Ruhija is quieter, offering more rugged terrain and the chance to see fewer tourists.
Rushaga, located in the southern part of Bwindi, is home to several gorilla families and is a fantastic choice for those seeking a more intimate trekking experience. Nkuringo, perched on the forest’s edge, offers dramatic views of the Virunga Mountains and more challenging treks, making it ideal for adventurous travelers. Each sector provides a different trek, but all lead to the thrilling, life-changing experience of seeing mountain gorillas in the wild.
Where can you stay during gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an unforgettable experience, but where you stay can make it even more special. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious retreat after a day of trekking, a comfortable mid-range option, or a budget-friendly stay close to nature, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit every traveler. Here’s a guide to where to stay during your trek, categorized by luxury, mid-range, and budget choices, so you can plan the perfect trip.
Luxury Accommodations:
Bwindi Lodge (Buhoma)
Located at the edge of Bwindi Forest, Bwindi Lodge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest, providing spacious, well-designed rooms with private verandas. Guests enjoy luxury amenities, a cozy lounge, a bar, and exceptional dining. The lodge focuses on eco-tourism and offers guided nature walks, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking comfort and tranquility after a day of trekking.
The lodge features a pleasant, glass fronted lounge for taking in the park views, making it ideal for safari tourists seeking outstanding facilities and amenities. The nine banda chalets, three with twin single beds and the other six with double beds, are reached along stone paved pathways. Other features that guests will like include a large living area, side tables, area rugs, a patio, and mosquito netting draped from the ceiling. A personal butler is available to help visitors in each room. There are two sinks, a shower, and a hair dryer in the private bathroom.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo)
Offering stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is an exclusive luxury lodge near the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi. It features stone cottages with fireplaces, heated floors, and large windows, combining comfort with nature. The lodge also offers a spa, an outdoor pool, and gourmet dining, making it a perfect choice for travelers looking to indulge in both luxury and adventure.
Constructed from volcanic stone, granite, and wood, the lodge features a cozy lounge room that doubles as the location for the restaurant and bar. The seven cottages, each with a distinct living area for relaxation, are reached by stone-paved steps. Every room features a writing desk, cozy couches, area rugs, and a two-sided fireplace. The walls are decorated with hand-painted local artwork, and the reserve’s breathtaking views are visible through the huge windows. Twin vanities and a shower stall are features of ensuite bathrooms. Each cottage at the lodge has a separate butler and housekeeper to attend to the needs of visitors.
Gorilla Forest Camp (Buhoma)
Set within a forest clearing, Gorilla Forest Camp provides an upscale, tented safari experience right near the park entrance. It combines luxury and intimacy, offering spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, a restaurant, and a bar. The camp offers a peaceful retreat after a long day of trekking, with a perfect blend of comfort and closeness to nature.
Mid-Range Accommodations:
Silverback Lodge (Buhoma)
Located in the Buhoma sector, Silverback Lodge is a comfortable mid-range option with stunning views of Bwindi’s rainforest. The lodge offers cozy rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a welcoming bar, and a restaurant serving delicious meals. It’s an ideal base for trekkers, offering excellent comfort and a relaxed atmosphere, with easy access to the gorilla trekking routes.
Views of the beautiful woodlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park during a mid-range safari vacation stayover. There are just twelve modest rooms, and visitors can select between four double rooms, seven rooms with two single beds, or one room for a single person. The rooms are furnished with area rugs, a side table, and wooden beds covered with mosquito netting. The porch is a great place to relax, and the ensuite bathroom has a curtained-off shower area.
Gorilla Safari Lodge (Buhoma)
Just a short drive from the park, Gorilla Safari Lodge offers a comfortable, mid-range experience with a great location and fantastic views of the forest. Spacious rooms, a lovely restaurant, and a cozy lounge make it a great option for families or groups. The lodge also has a small spa for relaxation, providing a perfect mix of convenience, comfort, and affordability.
The lodge features 18 cabins strewn on a hillside amid beautifully planted gardens that are lit with lanterns at night, as well as a central lobby with a restaurant. Every room features hardwood floors, mosquito netting for the beds, a sloping tin roof, and both inside and outdoor sitting. Vacationers in larger groups can select a cabin with a fireplace and two connecting bedrooms. Some of the ensuite bathrooms have a tiled shower area, while others have a huge bathtub for relaxing.
Nkuringo Gorilla Camp (Nkuringo)
Located in the Nkuringo sector, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp offers a peaceful stay with stunning views over the forest. With well-designed bandas, en-suite bathrooms, a cozy bar, and a great restaurant, this camp strikes a balance between comfort and affordability. It’s ideal for trekkers looking for a more rustic, authentic experience without sacrificing comfort.
Budget Accommodations:
Bakiga Lodge (Buhoma)
Situated in Buhoma, Bakiga Lodge offers affordable and cozy accommodations with a warm, homey atmosphere. The lodge provides basic rooms with private bathrooms and stunning views of the forest. It’s a perfect budget-friendly option for trekkers who want to be close to the action while experiencing the natural beauty of Bwindi.
Nshongi Camp (Rushaga)
In the Rushaga sector, Nshongi Camp offers a budget-friendly, rustic experience in the heart of the forest. The camp features simple tents with shared or en-suite bathrooms, and a dining area offering affordable meals. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, back-to-nature experience close to the gorillas, all while keeping costs low.
Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Rushaga)
Rushaga Gorilla Camp offers simple, affordable cottages and tents in the Rushaga sector, making it an excellent budget option for trekkers. With shared or en-suite bathrooms and a friendly atmosphere, the camp provides a no-frills yet comfortable place to stay while being close to the gorilla trekking routes. It’s perfect for those who prioritize the experience over luxury.
How can you get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking?
From Entebbe:
Air travel is the most efficient mode of transportation. There are regular flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kihihi or Kisoro airports operated by a number of domestic carriers, including Aerolink Uganda. Both are near Bwindi; Kisoro serves the southern area, while Kihihi serves the northern part. The journey, which lasts roughly one and a half hours, offers stunning aerial views of Uganda’s verdant countryside. The Buhoma sector, the park’s most visited gorilla trekking destination, is about a one to two hour drive from Kihihi. You will have an equally quick transfer to the Rushaga or Nkuringo trailheads if you land in Kisoro.
A road trip is a satisfying substitute for tourists with more leisure. Depending on where you’re going in Bwindi, the drive from Entebbe will take you through Kampala and then onto the Masaka-Mbarara highway, which is about 480 to 500 kilometers long. By private automobile, the trip takes roughly eight to ten hours. You can stop at intriguing places along the journey, such Lake Mburo National Park for a quick safari or the Equator crossing for a picture. Although the final approach to Bwindi might be challenging, particularly during the wet season, the roads going there are usually kept up nicely. For comfort and security, it is strongly advised to rent a 4×4 car.
From Kampala:
The road journey from Kampala to Bwindi takes about 8-9 hours, following a route similar to the one from Entebbe. You’ll pass through towns like Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale. Kampala’s vibrant energy and cultural richness make it an interesting place to start your trip. As with the Entebbe route, hiring a private 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver is crucial for a comfortable journey. The roads leading to Bwindi, particularly the last stretch, are often rough and challenging, especially during the rainy season.
To fly from Kampala, you’ll first need to travel to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi airfield, which is about an hour’s drive away, depending on traffic. From there, you can board a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. While this adds a bit of time compared to starting directly from Entebbe, it’s still much quicker than driving the entire distance.
Book The most exciting Gorilla trekking packages from Entebbe and Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
From Kigali:
Kigali is an increasingly popular starting point for travelers heading to Bwindi. It is much closer to Bwindi compared to Uganda’s Entebbe or Kampala, making it an attractive option for those seeking to save time on the road. While Bwindi’s trekking sectors are located in southwestern Uganda, they are easily accessible from Rwanda’s northern border, with driving times of just 4-6 hours, depending on which sector you are visiting.
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is well-served by international flights, making it a gateway for tourists who want to explore Uganda and Rwanda in a single trip. The journey also offers a chance to explore Rwanda’s stunning countryside and interact with its warm and welcoming people.
The most common way to travel from Kigali to Bwindi is by road, with the entire journey taking approximately 4-6 hours, depending on the sector you’re trekking in:
Kigali to the Cyanika Border:
After a brief tour or overnight stay in Kigali, begin your journey with a scenic 2-3 hour drive to the Cyanika border. The road is paved and smooth, offering spectacular views of Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
From the Border to Bwindi:
Once you cross into Uganda, the travel time varies depending on your trekking sector:
- Buhoma Sector: Approximately 5-6 hours from Kigali.
- Rushaga or Nkuringo Sectors: Around 4-5 hours.
- Ruhija Sector: About 5 hours.
Some packages include a flight from Kigali International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip in Uganda, followed by a quick drive to Bwindi, for tourists who want to reduce their amount of time spent on the road. Custom flights can be arranged by domestic carriers, which makes this option especially appealing to premium travelers.
Book The most exciting Gorilla trekking packages from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a hidden gem and an exceptional destination for gorilla trekking. While lesser-known than Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga offers a more intimate trekking experience and is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, known for its habituated nature and relatively easy access. From breathtaking mountain landscapes to an encounter with endangered mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is a place of magic. Here’s everything you need to know about gorilla trekking in this unique park.
Where can yo go gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park forms part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area, shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This scenic park spans 33.7 square kilometers and features a dramatic backdrop of three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhavura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.
The star attraction of Mgahinga is the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, the only habituated group of mountain gorillas in the park. The family is currently made up of about 10 members, including two silverbacks, adult females, juveniles, and infants. The smaller size of the group and its gentle temperament allow for an up-close, intimate experience during your trek.
The park rangers work daily to track the gorillas’ movements, meaning that while treks start from the park headquarters, the trail you follow will depend on where the Nyakagezi family is located. You can expect lush bamboo forests, dense jungle, and stunning views of the volcanic peaks as part of your journey.
What can you expect during the trek?
Duration of the Trek: Trekking to find the Nyakagezi family usually takes 2-5 hours, depending on where the group is on the day of your visit.
Terrain: The terrain in Mgahinga includes steep slopes, forested paths, and volcanic ridges. While the trek can be challenging, it is generally considered less grueling than some treks in Bwindi.
Proximity: Once you locate the gorilla family, you are allowed up to one hour with them. This time is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch these magnificent creatures as they feed, play, and interact.
Where to Stay During Your Trek
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has several accommodation options that cater to a range of budgets. Most lodges are located near Kisoro Town, which is approximately a 15-minute drive from the park entrance.
Luxury Accommodations:
Mount Gahinga Lodge:
Nestled at the base of the Virunga volcanoes, this high-end lodge offers cozy cottages, incredible views, and personalized service. The lodge supports community-based tourism and provides a cultural connection to the Batwa pygmies.
Gorilla Safari Lodge:
Situated near both Mgahinga and Bwindi, this lodge provides a luxury base with modern amenities and gorgeous forest views.
Mid-Range Options:
Lake Mutanda Resort:
Located on the shores of Lake Mutanda, this charming lodge offers mid-range cottages with sweeping views of the Virunga ranges. It’s ideal for travelers seeking serenity and proximity to the park.
Travellers Rest Hotel Kisoro:
A cozy lodge with historical significance, famously visited by Dian Fossey. It’s a great option for those wanting mid-level comfort and easy access to Mgahinga.
Budget-Friendly Choices:
Kisoro Tourist Hotel:
A simple, affordable option for travelers looking for clean, basic accommodations in Kisoro town.
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp:
Located near the park gate, this camp provides an authentic and affordable experience for budget travelers while supporting community tourism projects.
How can you get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Reaching Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is straightforward with a bit of planning. You can travel by road, air, or a combination of both.
By Road
From Kampala or Entebbe:
The drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Kisoro (the nearest town to Mgahinga) takes approximately 8-10 hours. It is a scenic journey through Uganda’s lush countryside, tea plantations, and terraced hillsides.
If traveling overland, plan for an early start or consider breaking the journey with an overnight stop in Kabale or Mbarara.
From Kigali, Rwanda:
Many travelers start their gorilla trekking journey from Kigali due to its proximity to the park. The drive from Kigali to Kisoro takes about 3-4 hours, passing through the Cyanika border post. This option is ideal for saving travel time.
By Air
For those who prefer to avoid long road journeys, domestic flights are available:
Aerolink Uganda operates flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. The flight takes about 1-2 hours, followed by a short drive of about 30-40 minutes to Mgahinga.
Flights are recommended for luxury travelers or those on tighter schedules.
What additional experiences are in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?
Beyond gorilla trekking, Mgahinga offers plenty of other adventures to enrich your visit:
Golden Monkey Trekking: Mgahinga is the only national park in Uganda where you can trek to see these vibrant and playful primates.
Volcano Climbing: Adventurers can climb Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, or Mount Muhavura for breathtaking views of the Virunga ranges.
Cultural Experiences with the Batwa: Engage with the indigenous Batwa pygmies on guided cultural walks, where you can learn about their traditional forest survival skills and rich history.
Bird Watching: The park boasts over 180 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a truly magical experience. Whether you’re marveling at the Nyakagezi family, climbing volcanic peaks, or engaging with the vibrant local culture, every moment here is unforgettable. With comfortable accommodations, accessible transport options, and breathtaking scenery, Mgahinga is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast.
When can you go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a year-round activity, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons:
- Mid-December to February
- June to September
During these months, the weather is less rainy, which makes the trails easier to navigate. However, gorillas are wild animals and are always moving, so the trek can still be a bit challenging, even in the dry season. The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) are less popular because the trails can get muddy and difficult, but fewer tourists means you might have a more intimate experience with the gorillas.
