Introduction
I have always been passionate about travel, especially when it involves natural and wildlife experiences. This is why much of my content revolves around ecotourism, safaris, and adventures into the wild. Today, I want to share the best experience of my life: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda.
If you’re wondering what gorilla trekking is like, how physically demanding it is, the costs involved, and which travel company to book with, you’re in the right place. This blog will take you through every aspect of my adventure, providing you with essential insights to help you plan your own journey.
Why Gorilla Trekking?
I have been a wildlife enthusiast my entire life Well, for me, it was a dream come true—a journey that had been in the making for my entire life. I have always been fascinated by wildlife, and gorillas, in particular, have captivated me for years. Their close resemblance to humans allows for a profound connection, making this experience an emotional and awe-inspiring one.
Beyond my personal passion, I was also drawn to the history of gorilla ecotourism. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, pioneering naturalists, including the legendary Dian Fossey, laid the foundation for gorilla trekking. Their efforts have allowed travelers to visit wild gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, all while supporting conservation initiatives that ensure the survival of these incredible primates.
Best Time to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa
Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, timing your visit can significantly impact your experience. Below is a seasonal breakdown to help you plan the perfect gorilla safari.
Ideal Months for Gorilla Trekking
The best time to trek is during the drier months:
- June to September
- December
Why?
✔ Less rainfall = easier hiking and clearer trails
✔ Drier conditions = better visibility for gorilla encounters
✔ Comfortable temperatures:
- Bwindi’s average temps: 11°C/52°F (mornings) to 23°C/73°F (afternoons)
Seasonal Guide
1. January & February
- Low season = fewer crowds
- Weather: Minimal rain, great for quieter treks
2. March, April & May
- Rainy season = challenging conditions
- Drawbacks:
- Slippery trails
- Heavy rainfall may disrupt hikes
3. June, July & August
- Peak season = high demand
- Pro tip: Book permits early—they sell out fast!
- Best for: Optimal trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
4. September to December
- September: Still dry (great for trekking)
- October & November: Short rains return (less crowded)
- December: Dry season resumes (ideal for year-end trips)
Final Tips
- Permits: Secure yours months in advance, especially for peak seasons.
- Packing: Waterproof gear (even in dry months—weather can change!).
- Flexibility: If you prefer solitude, consider shoulder seasons (Jan-Feb or Oct-Nov).
Ready to meet the gorillas? Plan smart, and your adventure will be unforgettable! 🦍
The Importance of Ecotourism
Ecotourism is something I am deeply passionate about, and it played a huge role in my decision to embark on this journey.
The money generated from responsible tourism helps fund conservation projects and benefits local communities living near protected areas. Supporting sustainable tourism ensures that these breathtaking environments and their inhabitants remain protected for future generations to experience and appreciate.
Arriving at Rahija
Our first stop was Rahija, one of four gorilla trekking checkpoints in Bwindi. These checkpoints are where tourists begin their treks to find assigned gorilla families. Rahija is known for its high elevation, making the trek more challenging.
We stayed at a Lodge, which was fantastic—
Understanding Gorilla Trekking Checkpoints
In Bwindi, there are four main checkpoints where tourists begin their gorilla trekking expeditions. Each checkpoint offers different trekking routes and difficulty levels:
- Buhoma – The most popular starting point, featuring flatter and easier trekking trails. Most accommodations are located here.
- Ruhija – The highest elevation checkpoint, making it one of the more challenging trekking locations. This is where our journey began.
- Rushaga & Nkuringo – Other trekking areas with varying levels of difficulty and different gorilla families.
For those looking for an easier trek, Buhoma is the ideal starting point. However, for adventure seekers willing to embrace the challenge, Ruhija is a fantastic choice.
| Checkpoint | Difficulty | Trek Time | Best For |
| Buhoma | Easy | 1–3 hrs | Families, first-timers |
| Ruhija | Hard | 3–6 hrs | Adventure seekers |
The Itinerary: A Wildlife Adventure in East Africa
Our primary motivation for visiting Uganda? The gorillas. We spent a full week in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the few remaining habitats of the wild mountain gorillas.
Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Our adventure began with a flight into Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s primary international gateway. From there, we embarked on an exhilarating nine-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in the southwest corner of the country. The journey itself was an adventure—winding roads, scenic landscapes, lush tea plantations, and warm, welcoming smiles from locals along the way. Although the drive was a bit bumpy, it was an incredible experience in its own right.
The Start of the Trek: Meeting the Guides and Trackers
We arrived at the Ruhija checkpoint at 8:00 AM, where all trekkers gather before heading into the forest. This is where we met our guide, trackers, and porters, who play an essential role in ensuring a safe and successful trek.
- Guides provide key information about the gorilla family you’ll be visiting.
- Trackers venture into the forest early in the morning to locate the gorillas and communicate their location.
- Porters are available to carry backpacks, camera gear, and other essentials for a small fee of $15 USD. those who need it.
We were assigned to track the Oruzogo family, a well-known group of gorillas in the Ruhija sector. To our surprise, due to low tourism rates, our trekking group was just the four of us—essentially a private tour with our guide and a park ranger.
The Trek Begins: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey
Our trek into the jungle was no easy feat. The previous night, a heavy thunderstorm had drenched the forest, making the trails wet, muddy, and slippery. The terrain was steep, and the descent into the valley was challenging. Our guide, Gloria, led the way, skillfully using her machete to clear the dense vegetation ahead.
Jungle trekking isn’t just physically demanding—it’s an adventure where you have to be prepared for unexpected challenges. Branches will hit you, unknown plants may cause blisters, and the humidity is intense.
Essential Trekking Gear
For those considering gorilla trekking, here are a few must-haves:
- Tall socks (to tuck in your pants and prevent ants from crawling up your legs).
- Rain jackets (weather changes quickly in the rainforest).
- Waterproof hiking boots (the trails are slippery and muddy).
- Gloves (to protect your hands from stinging plants and rough terrain).
As we moved deeper into the forest, our excitement grew. Every step brought us closer to the majestic gorillas, making the physical exertion completely worthwhile.
Encountering the Gorillas
After an intense hike through the thick jungle, our trackers signaled that we were close. And then, there it was—the moment we had been waiting for.
Suddenly, through the dense greenery, we caught our first glimpse of a wild mountain gorilla. The sheer grandeur of the moment is indescribable. The silverback, blackbacks, mothers, and playful babies—the entire Oruzogo family was right in front of us. The moment was surreal.
Experiencing the Gorillas Up Close
Visitors are allowed exactly one hour with the gorilla family—no more, no less. During this time, we observed their behavior, interactions, and social dynamics. For the first 30 minutes, the gorillas were on the move, forcing us to keep up with them to maintain our view. However, the experience was beyond anything we had imagined.
Following Safety Protocols
Given the risks of disease transmission between humans and gorillas, we were required to wear face masks at all times. Diseases like Ebola and other viruses, yellow fever vaccine have been known to wipe out entire gorilla populations, making these protective measures crucial.
The rules are strict:
✅ Wear masks (human diseases can kill gorillas)
✅ Stay 7+ meters away
✅ No flash photography
✅ Just one precious hour with them
The Backpacker’s Survival Guide: What Nobody Tells You About Gorilla Trekking Prep
🚨 Permit Panic: The Secret Booking Window
“I almost missed my dream trek because I didn’t know this: While websites say ‘book early,’ Ugandan rangers whispered to me that 95% of June permits are gone by Black Friday. The hack? Target April-May shoulder season when you can sometimes snag permits just 3 months out – but only if you’re flexible on sectors.”
💀 Fitness Truths That’ll Save Your Knees
*”My guide Gloria laughed when she saw my ‘training regimen.’ Here’s what actually prepares you for Bwindi’s reality:
- Stairmaster with sandbags (not cute 5lb weights)
- Balance drills on uneven ground (try local soccer fields)
- Squat holds while watching TV (you’ll thank me when clinging to vines)
The forest doesn’t care about your Peloton stats.”*
☣️ Health Realities They Soft-Pedal
*”Beyond the standard vaccines:
- Carry a hemostatic sponge (those thorns draw blood)
- Prescription altitude pills if prone to nausea
- Electrolyte sachets (trust me, dehydration hits fast at 2,600m)
And yes, you WILL need those waterproof bandaids for blisters.”*
🆘 Last-Minute Permit Hacks
*”When I arrived permit-less (don’t ask), I learned:
- Buhoma HQ sometimes releases cancellations at 4pm daily
- Mgahinga’s 1-hr treks are easier but gorilla sightings are 90% vs Bwindi’s 99%
- Virunga’s $400 permits require bribing…I mean, tipping border guards”*
🌿 Post-Trek Secrets Only Locals Know
*”Skip the overcrowded lodges and:
- Find the Batwa’s hidden honey wine ceremony
- Soak in Mukono’s natural hot springs (ask for Mama Rita)
- Take the backdoor trail to Lake Mutanda’s silent beaches
These moments healed my battered legs better than any spa.”*
This version amps up:
- Danger/Adventure – “Hemostatic sponge” > standard first aid kit
- Local Secrets – Mama Rita’s hot springs, hidden honey wine
- Urgency – Black Friday permit rush, last-minute hacks
- Humorous Realism – Peloton dig, “bribing border guards” wink
Too intense? I can dial back the edge or add more safety reassurances. Want me to include specific gear brands that survived the jungle?
Wrapping Up of Trekking
That hour flew by. One minute we were watching a baby gorilla somersault, the next our guide was whispering “time to go.” I could have stayed forever.
As our hour came to an end, we bid farewell to the Oruzogo family. It was a bittersweet goodbye but an unforgettable experience. Before leaving, we tipped our trackers generously for their hard work in locating the gorillas for us.
After returning to the checkpoint, we received our official gorilla trekking certificates, a memorable keepsake marking this extraordinary journey.