Walking · Wildlife
Gorilla Trekking
Travel into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a mountain gorilla trekking experience. This forest encounter forms part of selected Uganda itineraries and can be combined with other wildlife experiences on the same journey.
Gorilla Trekking
Travel into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a mountain gorilla trekking experience. This forest encounter forms part of selected Uganda itineraries and can be combined with other wildlife experiences on the same journey.
The experience
Trekking to a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the reason most travellers come to Uganda. It is a guided walk into steep, dense forest, following trackers who have located the family that morning.
Permits are limited, issued for specific dates and forest sectors, and allocated in advance. In practice the permit fixes the date and the rest of the itinerary is built around it.
Several of our Uganda routes combine Bwindi with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, or with the savannah and waterways of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
What to expect
Expect a briefing at the park headquarters, then a trek that can last from under an hour to several hours each way depending on where the family has moved. Ground is steep and often muddy, at altitude.
Time with the gorillas is limited by park rules, and group sizes are capped. A minimum age applies, and porters are usually available to carry daypacks.
Who it suits
- Travellers with reasonable fitness for steep forest walking
- Guests building a trip around one defining wildlife encounter
Where to experience it
The destinations in our catalogue where this runs. Open one for its landscapes, places to stay and the journeys that include it.
In pictures
Scenes from the destinations and camps connected to this experience.
Journeys featuring this experience
Itineraries in our collection that already build this in. Each one sets out its destinations, transfers, stays and inclusions.
- From $5,170
- Per Person Sharing
- 6 Days
Uganda’s natural beauty comes alive in this journey through its most famous national parks. Travelers experience a perfect mix.
Destinations:
Kampala City | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Sector | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- From $4,790
- Per Person Sharing
- 7 Days
Uganda offers a rare chance to see the world’s most powerful primates and classic savannah wildlife in one week..
Destinations:
Kibale Forest National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi & Ishasha) | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Kazinga Channel
- From $8,700
- Per Person Sharing
- 9 Days
Uganda’s diverse landscapes come alive in this comprehensive expedition across the country’s premier national parks. The journey connects the.
Destinations:
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Murchison Falls National Park | Kibale Forest National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector)
Places to stay nearby
Camps, lodges and hotels close enough to make this straightforward to arrange around your other plans.
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Bar / Lounge
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Eco-Friendly
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Family Rooms
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Free Parking
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Kids-Friendly
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Laundry Services
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Restaurant
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Wildlife Viewing
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Eco-Friendly
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Family Rooms
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Free Parking
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Kids-Friendly
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Restaurant
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Swimming Pool
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Wifi
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Wildlife Viewing
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Eco-Friendly
-
Family Rooms
-
Free Parking
-
Kids-Friendly
-
Restaurant
-
Swimming Pool
-
Wifi
-
Wildlife Viewing
-
Bar / Lounge
-
Eco-Friendly
-
Kids-Friendly
-
Laundry Services
-
Restaurant
-
Room Service
-
Wifi
-
Wildlife Viewing
Timing and arrangements
Trekking runs year round. The drier months generally mean firmer trails and are the busiest for permits; wetter months can be quieter but harder underfoot. Share your travel window early so we can check availability.
How long to allow: Permit-based forest trek, one to several hours each way
Check the activity, location, season and inclusions against your chosen itinerary. An experience described here is not automatically included in every safari.
Before you book
The details that help you decide whether this belongs in your itinerary.
Is this included in every safari?
No. Check your chosen itinerary and final proposal. Optional activities, separate excursions and local operator arrangements should be confirmed before you book.
Where can I arrange gorilla trekking?
The linked destinations below show the places supported by JohnBow’s existing catalogue for this experience. Tell us which destination and dates you are considering so we can confirm the actual activity, operator and inclusions.
How long should I allow?
Permit-based forest trek, one to several hours each way. Check how the activity fits with your accommodation, other excursions and transfers when planning the day.
How do I add it to my itinerary?
Mention this experience in your enquiry, together with your dates, party size and chosen route. We will discuss the relevant programme and make its inclusions clear in the proposal.