Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is open year-round, though the most popular time to visit is during the dry seasons - June to August and December to February. The drier forests mean less slippery trails and better visibility for photography.

Though the heaviest rainfall occurs from March to May and from September to November, this is an equatorial region, and rain is possible at any time. Consequently, it is essential to waterproof all electronics and photographic equipment, and a good pair of non-slip, waterproof walking boots is vital.

Gorilla trekking typically involves hiking for one to six hours to locate your assigned gorilla family group. Trackers will begin searching for your gorilla group hours before your trek starts, starting from the previous day's last-known position. Once you have located your gorilla family group, you will spend one hour with them. Your trek group size will be limited to eight participants

CLICK HERE for detailed information about gorilla trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sections, named after the surrounding villages, and each hosts habituated gorilla families that are accessible for tourists:

1. Buhoma (northern Bwindi)

The most visited area of the park, Buhoma, is the largest of the four sectors and has the highest density of luxury accommodation options. As the first section of the park to open to visitors, this is where gorilla trekking first started in Bwindi. Visitors can also tour the neighbouring communities, bird watch and hike some of the most spectacular forest trails in Africa.

Gorilla family groups found in Buhoma:

1. Mubare

2. Habinyanja

3. Rushegura

4. Katwe

2. Ruhija (eastern Bwindi)

Ruhija is less frequented than Buhoma and popular with birdwatchers and avid hikers who aim for the top of Rwamunyonyi Peak ("the hill of many birds") - the park's highest point, offering extraordinary views.

Gorilla family groups found in Ruhija:

1. Kyaguriro

2. Oruzogo

3. Bitukura 

3. Rushaga sector (southern Bwindi)

The Rushaga region of Bwindi is famed for its gorilla trekking and the gorilla habituation experience, where tourists spend up to 4 hours with the group rather than the standard 1 hour. The Rushaga sector includes Lake Mutanda, so visitors can set out on a boat cruise for an entirely different perspective of the spectacular scenery.

Gorilla family groups found in Rushaga:

1. Bikingi

2. Bweza

3. Busingye

4. Mishaya

5. Kahungye

6. Mucunguzi

7. Nshongi - the largest of all the gorilla families in Bwindi 

8. Rwigi

4. Nkuringo (western Bwindi)

The Nkuringo sector is the most scenic area to visit in Bwindi. The dramatic topography and breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes do come at a physical cost; this particular region is better suited to more physically active visitors.

Gorilla family groups found in Nkuringo:

1. Bushaho

2. Christmas

3. Nkuringo

4. Posho

1. Gorilla trekking safaris to Bwindi typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the level of comfort and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, the activities described, park fees, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team. In addition, you will pay about $1,500 per trek for gorilla trek permits. Specific inclusions vary by package – contact us for detailed itineraries.

2. You only make your first payment when you book your Volcanoes NP holiday. Your second (last) payment is due about 90 days before you travel.

3. Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside peak season can be arranged 6–9 months in advance, with better rates and availability.

Why book through Africa Geographic?

We have been handcrafting experiential safaris since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?

Booking through a respected tour operator with many years of experience means that all you need to focus on is helping us design your safari and then having a superb vacation. The rest - all the nitty-gritty detail and admin is done while you relax. Our 24/7 concierges take care of problems such as flight changes and missed flights, last-minute road transfer and lodge changes due to unexpected events, and itinerary changes requested by you.

Remember that you will not save money by attempting to book and manage your own safari, but you will inherit mistakes and problems that arise.

Will my money be safe?

Yes, your money is safe. Your payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability. See what travellers say about us.

Yes, by booking your safari with Africa Geographic, you make a significant difference because:

• We donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level

• Your safari supports our conservation publishing efforts, which educate the world about Africa's incredible biodiversity and the local people who protect it

• Our chosen lodges support local community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the nearby villages directly. They also adhere to strict environmental practices, such as limited vehicle numbers and sustainable camp operations, which help protect the ecosystem

YOUR safari choice does make a difference – thank you!