Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is conducted in two Parks namely; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is frequently visited since it has 22 Gorilla families in 4 trailheads where as Mgahinga National Park has 1 family. The 4 trailheads are Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Location
Both National Parks are located at the extreme southwestern part of Uganda neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. They can be accessed by both road and air transport. By road from Entebbe International airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma trailhead is 505 Kilometers and 522 Kilometers to Mgahinga National Park. By air, it is averagely 1 hour to both parks in a scheduled domestic flight. Alternatively, is to land at Kigali International Airport and drive to Uganda through Katuna Boarder. The distance is shorter to both Parks compared to driving from Entebbe.
How to get Gorilla Permits
Permits are purchased from Uganda Wildlife Authority who are in charge of all Uganda National Parks. Their Headquarters are located in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb. It is highly recommended that you buy one, months prior the tracking date. This is because of their high demand. Permits can be purchased through the local tour operators to avoid inconveniences.
Cost of Gorilla Permit
Gorilla permit fees are 800 United States Dollars for Foreign Non-Residents, 700 United States Dollars for Foreign Residents and 300,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africans. However, prices are subjected to change depending on Uganda Wildlife Authority ‘s annual Park fees review.
Dress code
You are highly advised to put on Trousers, long sleeved shirts or blouses, closed shoes, hat, gaiters and gloves. All must be nature blending colors. Apply insect repellent before departure.
Carry packed lunch and enough drinking water as the activity may take long depending on where Gorillas are sighted or the terrain.
Best time to track Gorillas
Mountain Gorillas are tracked all throughout the year. However, the best time is in the dry season when the terrain is not slippery. The dry months are January, February, June, July August and September.
Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
While in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are a variety of accommodation facilities to choose from. These are classified in Budget, Mid-range and Luxury lodges and Camps. The Park is comprised of 4 trail heads where Gorilla groups can be availed for trekking, namely; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.
While in Buhoma Trailhead, Buhoma Haven community Lodge is one of the best midrange options whereas Buhoma Lodge stands out as a luxury one. Other lodges are Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Bluff Lodge, Engagi Lodge and Sanctuary Forest Gorilla Camp among others.
In Ruhija Trailhead, Bakiga Lodge, Ihamba Residence and Ruhija Gorilla Lodge are the best options for a midrange accommodation. Other accommodation facilities are Broadbill Forest camp and Agandi Uganda Eco Lodge as budget options.
When Trekking Gorillas from Rushaga trailhead, the accommodation facilities highly recommended are Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Leisure Lodge and Gorilla Safari Lodge. They are both closely located to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with less than 10 minutes’ walk and beautiful views of the forest. Other lodges are Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge and Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge.
In case you are planning on trekking Gorillas in Nkuringo Trailhead, the luxury lodges are Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Midrange lodges include Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort and Echifuuha Resort among others.
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