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Bwindi Tour

A tour to Uganda is not complete without visiting the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is in the Kanungu District in Southwestern Uganda. Some people choose to only visit Bwindi but we highly recommend combining the gorillas with the Chimps in Kibale and a safari in Uganda. Safaris are in Murchiston Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo.

Here is a comprehensive guide to what a Bwindi tour involves, including activities and permit costs.

Gorilla Trekking

The primary reason to visit Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the unforgettable experience of Gorilla Trekking. A challenging but rewarding trek (hike) through the dense rain forest, led by expert guides. To find one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.

Once you find the family, visitors are allowed to spend exactly one hour observing them in their natural habitat. You can watch the silverback (male leader), mothers, and young gorillas feeding, playing, and interacting.

The trek itself can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours (or more), depending on where the gorillas are located on that specific day.

A permit is mandatory and must be booked in advance. The cost for a single gorilla tracking permit for Foreign Non-Residents is currently $800 per person (effective from July 2024 to June 2026).

Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHEX)

You get to spend four hours (instead of one) with the gorillas, alongside researchers and conservationists. Therefore, a more immersive and exclusive experience. Spending time with a gorilla family that is still being gradually introduced to human presence.

The permit for the Gorilla Habituation Experience is $1,500 USD per person.

Other Activities on a Bwindi Tour

Bwindi’s incredible biodiversity means there are many other activities to enjoy aside from gorilla trekking:

Nature Walks & Hiking:

Explore the ancient forest on guided trails that lead to waterfalls, viewpoints (like the one overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes), and dense swamps. Popular trails include the Munyaga River Trail and Rushura Hill Trail.

Bird Watching:

Bwindi is a renowned birding paradise, home to over 350 species. Including many endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley.

Cultural Encounters & Community Walks:

Batwa Trail Experience:

This is a highly recommended cultural activity where you meet members of the indigenous Batwa (Pygmy) community. They share their ancestral traditions, forest life skills (hunting, gathering, medicine), and culture, which helps to support the local community displaced from the forest.

Village Walks:

Tours of the local Bakiga and Batwa communities to learn about farming, traditional beer brewing, and local life.

Lake Mutanda Activities:

If you stay in the southern sectors of the park (Rushaga/Nkuringo), you can visit nearby Lake Mutanda for canoeing, boat cruises, and relaxing nature walks with stunning views.

What to pack for gorilla trekking:

Waterproof hiking boots, lightweight raincoat, garden gloves (for grabbing onto bush on slippery slopes), and insect repellent.

The Best Time to Visit Bwindi

The dry seasons (June to August and December to February) offer easier trekking conditions with less slippery trails. However, the park is accessible year round.

Getting There

You can drive from Kampala (8-9 hours) or fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to a nearby airstrip (like Kihihi). Many visitors also drive from Kigali, Rwanda (about 3-4 hours).

Bwindi Tour

These are some tours we offer that travel to Bwindi. There are many more so please do get in touch with us so we can offer you the best package.

Are you ready to book your Bwindi safari now?

We do tours to all the highlights of Uganda, so for more information on tours to them, click on these links:
Bwindi Tour
Kibale Tour
Lake Mburo Tour
Queen Elizabeth National Park Tour

Or see our Uganda Tours.