The Number of people in the group allowed to trek a gorilla family in Uganda
Only 8 people in the group are allowed to trek a gorilla family in Uganda. This rule ensures that the experience remains exclusive, with minimal disturbance to the gorillas. Uganda is home to two key places for gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Both parks offer incredible opportunities for encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. In this guide, we will explore these two national parks, the cost of permits, the best time to go trekking, and how to reach both locations. Whether you choose Bwindi or Mgahinga, you will have an unforgettable experience with the endangered mountain gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a famous gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. It is in the southwestern part of the country. The park shelters nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Bwindi offers diverse wildlife, including birds, primates, and various plant species. Its lush forest creates a rich habitat for gorillas.
The park features several habituated gorilla families found in different sectors. The Buhoma Sector has three families. The Mubare Group is the oldest and was named after the Mubare Hills. It became habituated in 1993. The Habinyanja Group is also in Buhoma. This group frequently migrates and has a dynamic structure. The Rushegura Group, another Buhoma family, is peaceful and often forages near lodges.
In the Ruhija Sector, visitors can track three main groups. The Oruzogo Group attracts attention with its playful juveniles. This group is often sighted feeding. The Bitukura Group was habituated in 2007 and is calm by nature. The Kyaguliro Group stands out for splitting into two sub-groups. Kyaguliro A and B are led by different silverbacks.
The Rushaga Sector boasts several families. The Nshongi Group is among the largest and was named after the Nshongi River. The Mishaya Group broke away from Nshongi under a strong silverback’s leadership. The Bweza Group, also a Nshongi split, has approachable members. The Kahungye Group features energetic individuals. Meanwhile, the Bikingi Group is still undergoing habituation.
In the Nkuringo Sector, trekkers can visit three groups. The Nkuringo Group, the first habituated here, offers challenging treks. The Christmas Group was named after its dominant silverback, Christmas. The Bushaho Group is recognized for its adventurous silverback and intriguing dynamics.
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Gorilla Trekking Permits
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry seasons. These seasons occur from December to February and from June to September. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the weather is more pleasant for hiking. The dry season makes trekking easier, especially in Bwindi, where the dense vegetation can become difficult to navigate after heavy rain.
The rainy seasons, which occur from March to May and October to November, are not the best times for trekking. Trails can be slippery, and heavy rain can make it challenging to reach the gorilla families. However, the rainy seasons are also less crowded, which may appeal to some visitors seeking solitude.
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry season is more convenient for most visitors.
How to Reach Bwindi and Mgahinga
Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks can be done by road or by air.
By Road: To reach Bwindi, most visitors travel from Kampala or Entebbe, which is about 8 to 10 hours by car. The journey offers a chance to see Uganda’s scenic landscapes, but the roads can be bumpy, especially during the rainy season. For those traveling to Mgahinga, the trip is shorter, about 6 to 7 hours from Kampala.
It is also possible to drive from Kigali, Rwanda, to Bwindi and Mgahinga, which takes around 4 to 5 hours. Many travelers choose to fly into Kigali and drive across the border to save time.
By Air: For those looking to save time, there are domestic flights to both Bwindi and Mgahinga. You can book a flight from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro, which is the closest airport to Mgahinga. From Kisoro, it’s a short drive to the park.
Alternatively, there are flights available to the nearby Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips, from where you can take a short drive to the park. Flying is more expensive, but it is a quicker and more convenient option for those on a time crunch.
