Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda

Bwindi's gorilla families are spread across four sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. Each permit is for one specific sector, and driving between them can take several hours, so your lodge needs to be near the sector on your permit.

We check availability across all four sectors for your date, then plan the lodge and driving days around the permit we secure.

Bwindi and Mgahinga are in Uganda's far southwest, a long day's drive from Kampala. Plan on roughly 8 to 10 hours depending on the sector. Many travellers break the journey, or combine the trek with Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Bunyonyi on the way.

The last stretch to the trailheads is on steep murram roads that turn to mud after rain, so we strongly recommend a 4x4.

Waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, long trousers and long sleeves (the forest is full of nettles), gardening gloves for gripping vines, drinking water and a packed lunch. Bring your passport too: rangers check it against your permit at the morning briefing.

Porters can be hired at the trailhead to carry your bag and help on the steep sections. It's a small cost that makes the day much easier, and it supports the local community.