A Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Of the four trekking areas, is by far the most frequented by tourists, something that’s also reflected in the number of lodges found in the area. Treks that depart from Buhoma reliably deliver exceptional sightings, making it a great choice for first-time travellers to Uganda. Visitors to Buhoma also have easy access to the gorilla groups located in Ruhija – this essentially brings variety into the trekking experience for those looking to do two or more treks.

With only a handful of lodges in this region, Nkuringo really is the ‘hidden gem’ of Bwindi. For those looking to get off the beaten track, this is the place to go! Lodges such as Nkuringo and Clouds have panoramic views over the extinct Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura volcanoes – some of the most dramatic views in Uganda! Gorilla sightings here are also very reliable, and visitors can add a bit of variety to their trekking experience by visiting Rushaga.

In Rushaga, the Uganda Wildlife Authority has introduced one of the most exciting opportunities available to gorilla enthusiasts: the Gorilla Habituation Experience. The area’s Bikingye gorilla group is still becoming accustomed to the presence of humans. For those wanting to spend more than the standard one hour with the gorillas, the habituation experience provides the perfect answer.

Setting out on foot in the early morning, a group of up to four people will discover where the gorillas nested the previous night and proceed to track them from there. Once the family has been found, visitors can spend four hours with the group, at a respectful distance that doesn’t invade the gorillas’ comfort zone. If the group moves, visitors will move with them, ensuring a truly unforgettable morning spent with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Habituation is a process of making gorillas comfortable with human presence, and takes between two to five years to complete. It’s a process that takes a long time because while it is not aligned with their natural instincts, it is vital for their continued existence.

It can be a bit of a paradox for the gorilla. In effect, they must pay for their own survival – by going against their nature and learning to trust the species that threatens them the most! If the national park is successful, the gorillas will remain protected. So any trip you make to see the gorillas helps fund and sustain their conservation in a very real way.

Ruhija is home to four gorilla groups, and the treks here are often undertaken by guests staying in Buhoma. There are a few lower-end lodges currently located in this beautifully scenic area, at the highest point in Bwindi. We would usually recommend that clients use Buhoma as a base for Ruhija treks. However, this will change in 2026 with the opening of Erebero Hills Asilia. This is a much-anticipated new property from a company with an exceptional portfolio, and certainly one to look out for.

A maximum of eight people are permitted to trek to any one given group per day, with the cost of a permit being $800 per person as of July 2020. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old, and permits are non-transferable once purchased.

It is worth noting that, besides the gorilla treks, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the surrounding areas have a wealth of other activities on offer. The area is home to the Batwa Pygmy tribe, and an afternoon experiencing the ways of the Batwa is a fantastic way to learn about a culture that, in the past, has been suppressed. Hikes from Buhoma to Nkuringo are also a possibility, through stunning volcanic terrain. The Ivy River Trail hike is particularly beautiful and an option I’d recommend, allowing you to spend more time in the rainforest. Visitors to Lake Mutanda can also go on canoe trips to remote places rarely seen by tourists.