Welcome to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Home to the Last Remaining mountain Gorillas in Africa
This website is the most updated information portal for Bwindi forest national park. Here you can find information on gorilla trekking, gorilla permits, the number of Habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, the Best Sector to trek gorillas in Bwindi, the best time to go gorilla trekking, the best places to stay, the Best way to get to Bwindi, what to pack for your gorilla trek, and we also provide you with a list of registered local Travel Agencies to assist you in planning & booking your gorilla Safari of a lifetime.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park still remains the best place to track gorillas in Africa. The park boasts a large number of gorillas clustered in groups popularly known as gorilla families.
Bwindi has up to 20 habituated gorilla families that roam the large park of approximately 331 km²and at altitudes of 1,160 m to 2,607 m above sea level.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking or tracking is an outdoor active adventure activity that involves hiking up and down mountainous terrain in search of mountain gorillas.
In Africa, there are only three (03) locations where you can trek to see mountain gorillas. These are; Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo. However, trekking gorillas in Congo still remain unsafe because of the ongoing political unrest characterized by abductions, and killing of both locals and tourists included rangers.
Check out our article about Gorilla Trekking In DR Congo.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the drier months of June to August and December to February.
- June, July & August – June and July are the driest months in Bwindi Forest, but it can still rain. By August the rains start to increase. The average temperatures range from 23°C/73°F in the afternoon to 10°C/50°F in the morning. It gets even colder at higher altitudes.
- December, January & February – A short drier spell, but rainfall can occur at any time. The rains slow by December and increase in February. Daytime temperatures average around 24°C/75°F, with morning temperatures around 11°C/64°F.
Learn More about the best time to visit Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking
The Price of Gorilla permits for 01-hour with the Gorillas in Bwindi costs (Group size: Max. 8 persons);
- Foreign Non-Residents pay $700 per person.
- Foreign Residents pay $600 per person.
- East African Citizens pay UGX250,000 per person.
The Price of Gorilla permits for Exclusive 04-hours with the Gorillas in Bwindi costs (Group size: Max. 4 persons);
- Foreign Non-Residents pay $1,500 per person.
- Foreign Residents pay $1000 per person.
- East African Citizens pay UGX750,000 per person.
The 4-hours experience is what is called Gorilla habituation.
- Lightweight (fast dry) trousers.
- Long-sleeved (fast dry & breathable) shirt or t-shirt.
- A rain jacket or waterproof jacket.
- Hair bandana or hat.
- Waterproof, hiking shoes with grip.
- Waterproof backpack.
- Mosquito repellent.
The official minimum age for gorilla trekking In Bwindi is 15 years. However, parents can work with a registered local tour operator to gift their Kids a gorilla trekking experience. For instance, if your kid is 14 years and is turning 15 years on 25th December, a special permit can be arranged through UWA to see to it that your 14-year-old is allowed to enjoy their gorilla trekking gift.
Learn More about;
- Why is the minimum age for gorilla trekking set at 15 years?
- How to organize a special gorilla permit for a child younger than 15 years.