Bwindi remains the flagship destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda, and for good reason. This ancient rainforest covers 331 square kilometers of mountainous terrain along the Democratic Republic of Congo border.

Advantages of Bwindi

• More gorilla families: Over 20 habituated groups versus Mgahinga’s single family
• Better permit availability: Higher chances of securing your preferred dates
• Multiple sectors: Four distinct areas offering varied experiences and trek difficulties
• Accommodation variety: Extensive lodge options from budget to ultra-luxury
• Year-round reliability: Gorilla families remain within park boundaries

Learn more about exploring Bwindi’s sectors and gorilla families.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, despite its modest size of 321 square kilometres, is vitally significant as it harbours the biggest population of critically endangered mountain gorillas globally. The park houses around one-third of the 1,000 individuals now alive, while the remainder resides in the Virunga conservation area, which is jointly managed by Rwanda and Congo.

Bwindi, located on the periphery of the Rift Valley in southwestern Uganda, was founded in 1991 as a conservation initiative to protect mountain gorillas. Three years later, this island of residual forest—one of Africa’s most affluent and ancient, perhaps 25,000 years old—was designated by UNESCO as a natural World Heritage Site.

Permits cost $800, and should be booked well in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Volcanoes Gorilla Expeditions.