Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: The Bwindi Forest

In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in south-western Uganda, trackers lead a small group through steep green hills to a habituated family of mountain gorillas. You are allowed one hour with them. It stays with you for life.

Uganda offers more than gorillas: chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and boat trips on the Kazinga Channel among hippos and elephants.

When to go

Trekking is possible all year. The drier months, June to August and December to February, make the forest paths easier. The rains in between bring fewer visitors and a lush forest.

How we would plan it

Gorilla permits are limited and sell out, especially in the dry months, so we secure them first and build the journey around them. Bwindi's trekking areas are hours apart by road, so we choose a lodge close to the one where your permit is.

Light-aircraft flights from Entebbe to airstrips near Bwindi save a long day on the road. We pair Bwindi with Kibale for chimpanzees, or cross into Rwanda for a second trek in the Virunga volcanoes.

Good to know

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

Fifteen, set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

How fit do you need to be?

Treks can take anything from under an hour to most of a day on steep, muddy slopes. Porters can carry your bag and give you a hand, and groups are matched to fitness where possible.

How long do you spend with the gorillas?

One hour, once the trackers reach the family. The rule protects the gorillas and is strictly kept.

Should we choose Uganda or Rwanda?

Rwanda can be quicker to reach, while Uganda gives us more flexibility to combine Bwindi with chimpanzees and savannah. We will tell you plainly which suits you.

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