Read our recommendations about the Mountain Gorilla Trekking Destinations in Uganda and Rwanda
Uganda
Uganda offers diverse gorilla tracking experiences across two unique locations in the country’s southwestern corner.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi protects roughly half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas. The name perfectly describes the dense ancient rainforest with rich biodiversity including over 120 mammal species.
The Four Trailheads of Bwindi
We recommend to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Divided into four distinct gorilla trekking sectors which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. These four sectors offer the flexibility for one to engage in double gorilla trekking. Which memans visiting two different gorilla families on two consecutive days. It also means that you can select a location that perfectly aligns with your physical fitness. Along with your preferred accommodation style, and overall Uganda itinerary.
Buhoma Sector (North)
Buhoma, located in the north of the park, is the oldest having pioneered the activity in 1993. It serves as the park headquarters. Gentle slopes at the altitude ranging between 1,160-1,500 meters above sea level awaits you. Visitors often recommended Buhoma as the easiest sector for trekking. Making it a popular choice for first-time trekkers and older visitors. Here you will find a wide range of luxury and mid-range accommodation. Most of them are located next to the park’s edge. Beyond gorilla encounters, Buhoma offers excellent non-trekking activities. Which includes the informative Batwa Pygmy community experience, various nature walks like the Muzabajiro Loop and the Waterfall Trail. Do not miss the superb birdwatching opportunities along the Munyaga River. Its northern location also makes it the most convenient sector for combining gorilla trekking with a wildlife safari. For example in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. You may also fly in to Kihihi airstrip.
Ruhija Sector (East)
Perched high in the park’s eastern region at an altitude of 2,340 meters. Ruhija is known for its breathtaking panoramic views and a colder weather. Trekking in Ruhija can be challenging which makes the sector appeal to visitors seeking a quieter, more remote experience. The area is home to three habituated gorilla groups. Bird watchers love this place for its fantastic opportunities to observe Albertine Rift endemic bird species. Visitors can access the beautiful Mubwindi Swamp trail where the African green broadbill and the strange weaver are often spotted. Due to its central-eastern location, it serves as a great bridge for travelers coming from or heading toward Lake Bunyonyi.
Nkuringo Sector (South)
Nkuringo is situated in the rugged southwest, sitting on the high Nteko Ridge. The terrain here is characterized by steep valleys and high altitudes. Demanding a high level of physical fitness. However, Nkuringo boasts spectacular views across the Kashasha River Valley toward the distant Virunga Volcanoes. Furthermore it is a good place to visit for a keen photographer. Nkuringo is also accessible from Kisoro municipality, providing an easier route for visitors traveling from Kigali, Rwanda. Besides, the area supports community walks and cultural engagements with the Batwa people at the Buniga Forest Trail. Which allows the visitors to learn about their history and traditions. There are four gorilla families and the total number of permits is 23 available for booking daily.
Rushaga Sector (South)
Rushaga is located in the southern part of Bwindi. It is close to Nkuringo and holds the distinction of having the highest number of 9 habituated gorilla families. This includes two for the unique Gorilla Habituation Experience (GHE). Thus offers the largest daily quota of trekking permits. The GHE allows a very limited number of 4 visitors to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family. Rushaga offers stunning views of the Virunga chain. And is perfectly suited for visitors planning to trek gorillas multiple times.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Part of the greater Virunga conservation area, Mgahinga is famed as the place “where gold meets silver.” It is the only park in Uganda where both Mountain Gorillas and the endangered Golden Monkeys can be tracked. Its landscape is defined by the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes including Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabinyo. Mgahinga offers one habituated gorilla family and the visitor numbers tend to be lower. You might be lucky to trek the family with two or four people besides the rangers.
The journey to Uganda’s southwest is an adventure in itself, offering travelers numerous sights along the way. The scenic drive cuts through Uganda’s spectacular Western Circuit. Which provides you with the opportunity to explore other major parks. Such as Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Visitors can enjoy rewarding boat safaris and game drives that showcase Uganda’s culture and breathtaking scenery.
Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills
Volcanoes NationalPark (Parc National des Volcans PNV), located in the northwest, PNV is synonymous with Dian Fossey’s historic research. One of the most convenient trekking experiences in the world due to its short travel distance from Kigali. So it needs only a a to-hour drive from the Kigali capital city to get there. This ease of access combined with its highly efficient logistics and stunning volcanic landscape makes it a perfect choice for travelers. If you seek a more concise gorilla safari itinerary. There are 10 gorilla families to be seen. Including those that can be accessed right from the lodge without going to the Kinigi park visitor center.
Colobus Monkey Trekking in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe National Park offers a unique primate viewing experience. It primarily focuses on the striking Rwenzori black-and-white colobus monkey. The national park is one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests. Nyungwe is home to one of the largest known troops of Angolan Colobus monkeys, numbering over 400 to 500 individuals. It is an exceptionally rare sight in the primate world. You can see two primary groups which include Gisakura Group with over 60 individuals. These are easier to locate and the activity is mostly done in half a day. Uwinka Super group with 500 individuals, tracking it can take a full day due to constant movement. The monkeys are relatively easy to spot high in the canopy. Given that they prefer secondary forests along the park boundary.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
Uganda is celebrated globally as one of the best places for chimpanzee trekking. The country is a critical stronghold for over 5,000 endangered Eastern Chimpanzee. Visitors can track these intelligent primates at several key destinations.
