Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Track a habituated mountain gorilla family through ancient rainforest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to roughly half the world's remaining mountain gorillas — easily combined with a Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
Uganda in brief
Uganda is the larger, wilder gorilla-trekking cousin to Rwanda: dense rainforest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, savannah and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and chimpanzee trekking in between.
Entebbe connects easily with Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, so gorilla trekking is a natural add-on before or after a Tanzania safari or a Kilimanjaro climb.
Things to do
Gorilla trekking, Bwindi
A guided trek through dense, steep rainforest to a habituated gorilla family, followed by one hour in their company. Treks can run from under an hour to most of a day.
Half–full day · Year-round
Gorilla habituation experience
A longer, smaller-group permit that follows researchers and trackers still habituating a family to human presence — up to four hours with the gorillas.
Full day · Bwindi only
Batwa cultural walk
A guided walk led by the Batwa, Bwindi’s original forest inhabitants, covering traditional hunting, medicine and a cave visit.
Half day · Year-round
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
A slow boat between Lakes Edward and George in Queen Elizabeth National Park, reliably good for hippo, buffalo and birdlife.
Half day · Year-round
Ishasha tree-climbing lions
The southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for lions that rest in the branches of fig trees during the heat of the day.
Half day · Year-round
Chimpanzee tracking, Kyambura Gorge
A shorter, more accessible chimp trek in a forested gorge between Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth, a good add-on if Kibale isn’t on your route.
Half day · Year-round
Practical notes
- Gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority and are limited per day — book well ahead, especially for June–September and December–February.
- Only travellers 15 and over may trek gorillas; there is no age exception.
- Bwindi is a long road transfer from Entebbe (around 8–9 hours) — many travellers fly domestically or break the journey via Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Porters are available to hire at the trailhead and are worth using on Bwindi’s steep, often muddy terrain.
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main gateway; a Uganda visa or East Africa Tourist Visa can usually be arranged online in advance.
- A yellow fever certificate is required for entry if you are arriving from an endemic country.