Question 1

How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Bwindi?

Accepted Answer

Under the UWA tariff running July 2024 to June 2026, a permit costs US$800 for foreign non-residents, US$700 for foreign residents, US$500 for Rest of Africa visitors, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. That fee covers park entrance for the day, the guide, a community contribution, and your tracking certificate. The Gorilla Habituation Experience, which gives you most of a full day with a semi-habituated group, costs US$1,500 for foreign non-residents.

Question 2

What is the best month to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

Accepted Answer

June to August and December to February are the driest windows, with less slippery trails and better road access — June to August is peak season, so permits sell out earliest then. March to May brings the heaviest rains, and late September through November is wet too. Trekking runs year-round and success rates stay high, but pack rain gear regardless: this is a rainforest, and it rains every month.

Question 3

How far is Bwindi from Kampala and how do I get there?

Accepted Answer

It's 480–550 km from Kampala or Entebbe, an 8–10 hour drive via Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale, with the final 95 km to Buhoma on murram roads — a 4WD is recommended. Scheduled light aircraft from Entebbe cut that to 1h15m–1h50m, flying into Kihihi (about an 80-minute drive to Buhoma gate) or Kisoro (35 km, 1–1.5 hours to Nkuringo), from roughly US$333 one-way. Many trekkers instead fly into Kigali, Rwanda, and drive 3–4 hours across the border via Katuna or Cyanika.

Question 4

What should I wear and pack for gorilla trekking?

Accepted Answer

Waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, gardening gloves, and a proper rain jacket — the forest is dense with stinging nettles and it can rain any day of the year. Add a warm layer for cool mornings at 2,000+ m, plus sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, a dry bag for electronics, and 2–3 litres of water. Neutral, earthy colours are the standard kit.

Question 5

How difficult is the gorilla trek, and can elderly or disabled visitors do it?

Accepted Answer

Treks last 2–8 hours over steep, muddy slopes between 1,160 m and 2,607 m, so moderate fitness helps. Hire a porter for US$10–25 to carry your daypack and steady you on the descents, and tell UWA staff about any mobility issues — they can assign a gorilla family closer to the trailhead. Visitors who can't hike can book a sedan chair carried by four trained porters (nicknamed the African helicopter) for around US$300–500, arranged in advance through the sector.

Question 6

How far in advance should I book a gorilla permit for Bwindi?

Accepted Answer

Book 2–6 months ahead through the UWA reservations office in Kampala or a licensed tour operator, since only 8 visitors per habituated group per day are allowed and June–August permits sell out months in advance. Your permit is tied to one sector — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo — and driving between sectors takes hours, so book accommodation near the right trailhead the night before your trek. Note the US$800 permit is generally non-refundable on late cancellation, and UWA says fees can change without notice.

Question 7

How close can I get to the gorillas and how long can I stay with them?

Accepted Answer

You must keep at least 10 metres (32.8 feet) from the gorillas at all times, and your group of up to 8 visitors gets exactly one hour with the family. Flash photography is strictly prohibited, and you can't eat, drink, or smoke during the visit. Don't trek if you're ill — gorillas catch human respiratory infections, and UWA bars sick visitors from tracking.

Question 8

What time does gorilla trekking start in Bwindi?

Accepted Answer

Park gates open 7:00 am–7:00 pm daily, but the trek day starts earlier: be at your sector trailhead by 7:30–8:00 am for registration and briefing, with groups setting off around 8:30 am. You'll be back anywhere from early afternoon to evening depending on where the gorillas are that day. The park is open year-round with no seasonal closure.

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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Trekking: The Complete Guide

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Where to Stay by Sector & Budget

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