Which national parks are good for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Uganda is the only destination in the world with 2 National Parks where mountain gorillas live. They include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These two parks protect over half of the world’s rare mountain gorillas and hold the highest concentration of habituated gorilla families.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park features 4 key sectors where tourists can begin their treks to see the massive mountain gorillas in the wild. That is Buhoma sector in the North, Ruhija area, Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors in the Southern side of Bwindi National Park. A total of more than 459 mountain gorillas are confined within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.
Location, size & gorilla families
Bwindi National Park is found in Southwestern Uganda, and was officially gazetted in 1991. In 1993, its first gorilla family/group opened for gorilla trekking that is Mubare gorilla group. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park extends up to 331sq.km and protects over 22 habituated gorilla groups that live in its four regions.
Habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Katwe gorilla family, Mubare gorilla family, Rushegura group, Binyindo group, Bitukura, Kahungye gorilla group, Mucunguzi gorilla family, Rwigi, Nshongi, Busingye, Bweza, Bikingi, Mishaya, Habinyanja, Muyambi, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, and more.
Available accommodation in and around Bwindi.
Bwindi is a complete gorilla destination, featuring wide range of accommodation options including budget, midrange and luxury. The numerous accommodation options in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Chameleon Hill Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, Buhoma Lodge,
Ichumbi Safari Lodge, Mulehe Safari Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and others.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the other exceptional mountain gorilla safari park in Uganda. Located in Kisoro, Southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga features only on habituated gorilla family –Nyakagezi group. The treks in Mgahinga start from Ntebeko area with an experienced park guide.
Accommodation in and around Mgahinga
Mount Gahinga Lodge –This is the luxury gorilla safari lodge set right at the park entry point of Mgahinga. This lodge has the best restaurant, a fully stocked bar, fire place, suite bathrooms, flush toilet, showers, and other facilities.
Traveler’ Rest Hotel Kisoro –Accessible 14km off from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this hotel property boasts of its breathtaking views of scenic flora and surrounding volcanoes and River Mucha. It has 10 en-suite bed rooms, restaurant, twins and double rooms, lounge, and others.
Mgahinga Rest Camp –This camp comprises of 9 grass thatched bandas, 3 tents. It is strategically set in an area where you can easily connect to other destinations like Rwanda or D.R. Congo.
Kisoro Tourist Hotel –Located in Kisoro town, Kisoro Tourist Hotel is a budget-friendly property with self-contained rooms. It has internet access, gift shops, restaurant, lounge, conference, fitness room, and fireplace.
Mutanda Lake Resort –Accessible 14km off from Kisoro town, Mutanda Lake Resort takes its name from the scenic Lake Mutanda.
Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp – Reachable within 12km off from Kisoro town and comes with breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes –Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga in the surrounding.
Cost of Uganda gorilla permits as of 2026/2027
Gorilla permits are a must-have whether you intend to visit Bwindi or Mgahinga to see Uganda gorillas. A valid gorilla permit in Uganda can be booked at ease at USD 800 per person. Permits for trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi/Mgahinga National Park must be obtained in advance at least 2-6 months prior to actual visit to the park/Uganda for your holiday.
Best time to go trek Uganda gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is generally an all-year-round adventure but the most preferred time to enjoy it is around the dry season. The first phase of dry months of the year run from June, July, August, September and lastly, the second phase occurs from December, January, to February. It is during these months when the two parks experience relatively low rainfall and the ground is kept relatively drier.
Trekking through the forest and steep slopes during the dry season is slightly simple compared to wet season when heavy rains are recorded.
What to carry
The essentials to consider on your Uganda gorilla tour packing list include energy giving snacks, a pair of trousers, toiletries, a lightweight and water proof hiking boots, long sleeved shirts, a pair of socks, first aid kit, gardening gloves, a camera which is free of the flashlight, enough bottled drinking water, a rain jacket, a tin of an insect repellent, a rain jacket or poncho, a waterproof daypack, a sweater, and many others.
Getting there
Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are all found in Southwestern Uganda and getting there is possible by road or air. Using road transport, you can begin your trip from Entebbe city or Kampala. Driving for 8-9 hours via Masaka city, Mbarara city or drive off from Kigali capital via Katuna or Cyanika border to Bwindi/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
If you opt for air transportation, expect to spend around 2 hours and flights set off from Entebbe International Airport or Kajansi airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi airfield. From these airfield, connecting to Bwindi or Mgahinga is easier using a 4×4 tourist vehicle.
Besides gorilla trekking
Aside from trekking mountain gorillas, there are plenty of other experienced worth including into your gorilla safari package that is in Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. The additional experiences to consider on your gorilla package include golden monkey trekking, gorilla habituation experience, Volcano hiking, cultural experience, birding, hiking/forest hikes and golden monkey habituation experience.
In summary, both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi National Park guarantee primate enthusiasts unusual gorilla trekking experiences. Combining the two allows you experience something distinct and of a lifetime.
