Tata Africa Safaris • Uganda

Gorilla Trekking Sectors of Bwindi

Compare Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo before choosing where to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Four Gorilla Trekking Sectors of Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four main gorilla trekking areas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The sector you choose affects where you stay, your road transfers, the trailhead you report to and the gorilla permits available for your travel date.

Tata Africa Safaris recommends checking permit availability before confirming your accommodation. Gorilla family numbers, permit availability and habituation arrangements can change.

Northern Bwindi

BuhomaGorilla Trekking Sector

Buhoma is the historic northern gateway to Bwindi and one of the park’s best-established gorilla trekking areas. It combines particularly well with Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kihihi.

Habituated Gorilla Families 6
Potential Standard Permits / Day 48
Gorilla Habituation NO
Bwindi Location Northern Bwindi

BuhomaGorilla Permit Prices

Foreign Non-Resident US$800
Foreign Resident US$700
Rest of Africa US$500
East African Citizen UGX 300,000

Permit prices and availability are subject to the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff and inventory applicable to the traveller's trekking date.

Gorilla Habituation is currently set to NO for this sector.

Standard gorilla trekking remains available subject to permit availability. If Uganda Wildlife Authority changes the sectors used for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, Tata Africa Safaris can update this page directly from the WordPress dashboard.

How to Get to Buhoma

Buhoma can be reached by road from Kampala or Entebbe through southwestern Uganda. It also combines well with the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travellers flying from Entebbe can use Kihihi Airstrip followed by a road transfer.

Best Weather for Buhoma

June to September and December to February generally provide relatively drier trekking conditions.

Wetter & More Challenging Periods

March to May and October to November can be wetter. Trails may become muddy and slippery, although gorilla trekking operates throughout the year.

Planning Tip

Confirm your gorilla trekking sector before choosing accommodation. Staying close to the correct trailhead helps avoid unnecessary early-morning transfers on your trekking day.

Things to See & Do Around BuhomaBesides Gorilla Trekking

  • Buhoma waterfall walk
  • Birdwatching
  • Forest nature walks
  • Community experiences
  • Batwa cultural experiences
  • Combine with Ishasha wildlife viewing

Where to Stay in Buhoma

Buhoma Lodge
From $400 - $600

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Gorilla Bluff Lodge
From $120 - $200

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Ride for a Woman - community lodge
From $100 - $150

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Eastern Bwindi

RuhijaGorilla Trekking Sector

Ruhija lies in eastern Bwindi and is known for its high-altitude forest, impressive scenery and excellent birding opportunities.

Habituated Gorilla Families 4
Potential Standard Permits / Day 32
Gorilla Habituation NO
Bwindi Location Eastern Bwindi

RuhijaGorilla Permit Prices

Foreign Non-Resident US$800
Foreign Resident US$700
Rest of Africa US$500
East African Citizen UGX 300,000

Permit prices and availability are subject to the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff and inventory applicable to the traveller's trekking date.

Gorilla Habituation is currently set to NO for this sector.

Standard gorilla trekking remains available subject to permit availability. If Uganda Wildlife Authority changes the sectors used for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, Tata Africa Safaris can update this page directly from the WordPress dashboard.

How to Get to Ruhija

Ruhija is normally approached through Kabale and the eastern side of Bwindi. A 4x4 safari vehicle is recommended, particularly during wetter periods.

Best Weather for Ruhija

The relatively drier months of June to September and December to February can make hiking more comfortable.

Wetter & More Challenging Periods

The wetter periods can make mountain roads and forest trails more challenging. Ruhija can also feel cool because of its elevation.

Planning Tip

Confirm your gorilla trekking sector before choosing accommodation. Staying close to the correct trailhead helps avoid unnecessary early-morning transfers on your trekking day.

Things to See & Do Around RuhijaBesides Gorilla Trekking

  • Albertine Rift birdwatching
  • Forest walks
  • Community visits
  • Photography
  • Highland scenery
  • Combine with Lake Bunyonyi

Where to Stay in Ruhija

Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Gorilla Mist Camp

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Broadbill Forest Camp
From $100 - $150

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Southern Bwindi

RushagaGorilla Trekking Sector

Rushaga is a major gorilla trekking area in southern Bwindi. It offers several trekking opportunities and is particularly important for travellers interested in the Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Habituated Gorilla Families 8
Potential Standard Permits / Day 64
Gorilla Habituation YES
Bwindi Location Southern Bwindi

RushagaGorilla Permit Prices

Foreign Non-Resident US$800
Foreign Resident US$700
Rest of Africa US$500
East African Citizen UGX 300,000

Permit prices and availability are subject to the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff and inventory applicable to the traveller's trekking date.

Gorilla Habituation Experience Available

The Gorilla Habituation Experience provides a longer and more immersive forest experience than standard gorilla trekking.

Habituation Families 1
Habituation Permits / Day 4
Experience Up to 4 Hours
Availability Limited

Gorilla Habituation Permit Prices

Foreign Non-Resident US$1,500
Foreign Resident US$1,000
Rest of Africa US$1,000
East African Citizen UGX 750,000

How to Get to Rushaga

Rushaga is reached through the southern Bwindi and Kisoro region. Travellers can also fly from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip and continue by road.

Best Weather for Rushaga

June to September and December to February generally provide relatively drier hiking conditions.

Wetter & More Challenging Periods

Heavier rainfall during wetter periods can make trails muddy and more demanding, although trekking remains possible.

Planning Tip

Confirm your gorilla trekking sector before choosing accommodation. Staying close to the correct trailhead helps avoid unnecessary early-morning transfers on your trekking day.

Things to See & Do Around RushagaBesides Gorilla Trekking

  • Lake Mutanda
  • Birdwatching
  • Forest walks
  • Community experiences
  • Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga
  • Batwa experiences
  • Volcano hiking

Where to Stay in Rushaga

Gorilla Safari Lodge

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
From $250 - $280

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Southwestern Bwindi

NkuringoGorilla Trekking Sector

Nkuringo lies in southwestern Bwindi and is famous for dramatic highland scenery, steep terrain and rewarding gorilla trekking.

Habituated Gorilla Families 3
Potential Standard Permits / Day 24
Gorilla Habituation YES
Bwindi Location Southwestern Bwindi

NkuringoGorilla Permit Prices

Foreign Non-Resident US$800
Foreign Resident US$700
Rest of Africa US$500
East African Citizen UGX 300,000

Permit prices and availability are subject to the Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff and inventory applicable to the traveller's trekking date.

Gorilla Habituation Experience Available

The Gorilla Habituation Experience provides a longer and more immersive forest experience than standard gorilla trekking.

Habituation Families 2
Habituation Permits / Day 0
Experience Up to 4 Hours
Availability Limited

Gorilla Habituation Permit Prices

Foreign Non-Resident US$1,500
Foreign Resident US$1,000
Rest of Africa US$1,000
East African Citizen UGX 750,000

How to Get to Nkuringo

Nkuringo is normally reached through Kabale or Kisoro. Kisoro Airstrip provides the most convenient scheduled-flight gateway for many southern Bwindi itineraries.

Best Weather for Nkuringo

The relatively drier months generally make steep forest trails easier to negotiate.

Wetter & More Challenging Periods

Heavy rain can make Nkuringo’s steep trails muddy and physically demanding. Good hiking boots and waterproof clothing are recommended.

Planning Tip

Confirm your gorilla trekking sector before choosing accommodation. Staying close to the correct trailhead helps avoid unnecessary early-morning transfers on your trekking day.

Things to See & Do Around NkuringoBesides Gorilla Trekking

  • Forest hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Community experiences
  • Photography
  • Lake Mutanda
  • Batwa experiences
  • Combine with Mgahinga

Where to Stay in Nkuringo

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Lake Mutanda accommodation

Ask Tata Africa Safaris to confirm current room availability and the appropriate rate for your travel date.

Not Sure Which Bwindi Sector to Choose?

Tell Tata Africa Safaris your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and safari style. We can help you check the appropriate gorilla permit options and plan your itinerary around the available Bwindi trekking sector.

Scroll to Top