Two more gorilla groups opened for gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Two more gorilla groups opened for gorilla trekking in Bwindi: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is still the leading gorilla destination in the world. The national park located in the south-western part of Uganda at the edge of the rift valley is home to the highest population of mountain gorillas in the whole world. This park has more than half of the mountain gorilla population in the world living in the thick impenetrable forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has the highest number of mountain gorilla families in the whole world, allowing over 200 tourists to trek the endangered primates every day. These mountain gorillas are found in Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija sectors of the park. Each sector has different mountain gorilla families fully habituated for mountain gorilla trekking every day.

In April 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority announced two more gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. These are now open for gorilla trekking, and they have led to an increase in gorilla permits within the park. Each gorilla family is trekked by 8 people per day, and with the opening of these gorilla families to the public, it means 16 permits have been added in this park.

The newly added mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are Happy in Buhoma sector, and Nsahjare in Rushaga sector. Buhoma now has 6 gorilla families with 48 trekking permits, while Rushaga has 10 families and 80 trekking permits. The increase in gorilla families will enable more tourists to trek mountain gorillas within this park.

Even though more gorilla families have been open for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, tourists are advised to make early bookings. Tourists are required to book their permits 6 months or even more before the trekking date. This is done to avoid last-minute disappointment and to assure tourists of the activity.

How many gorilla families are in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has 25 mountain gorilla families fully habituated and 1 mountain gorilla family semi-habituated as of 2026. The fully habituated mountain gorilla families are 5 in Ruhija, 10 in Rushaga, 6 in Buhoma, and 4 in Nkuringo. One mountain gorilla family still undergoing habituation is found in Rushaga sector.

How many gorilla permits are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park now has 200 gorilla trekking permits and 4 gorilla habituation permits every day. 40 trekking permits are in Ruhija, 80 trekking permits in Rushaga, 48 trekking permits in Buhoma, and 32 trekking permits in Nkuringo sector. Rushaga has more gorilla habituation permits for the one gorilla family, which is open for habituation.

What is the cost of gorilla permits for Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking permits used by tourists who would like to be around the fully habituated mountain gorillas for 1 hour cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for the Rest of Africa, and UGX300,000 for citizens of East African member states. Gorilla habituation permits $1800 for foreign non-residents, $1600 for foreign residents, $1000 for the Rest of Africa, and UGX750,000 for citizens of East African member states.

Starting 1st March 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced low-season gorilla trekking for all travellers to afford trekking in April, May, and November. It costs $600 for foreign residents, $500 for foreign residents, and the Rest of Africa, while citizens of East African member states still pay UGX300,000.

When is the right time to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park?

The driest months of the year are the best to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. They are characterized by little or no rainfall and plenty of sunshine, which is perfect weather for gorilla search. From June to September and December to February, trekkers will find dry and passable trekking trails, vegetation will be short with good views of the mountain gorillas, and the roads to the parks will be dry and passable.

Tourists may still use the low season to trek the mountain gorillas of Bwindi; however, there will be plenty of rainfall and little sunshine. From March to May and from October to November, the tourists will benefit from low-season permit prices and discounted accommodation prices. Trekking is, however, challenging due to slippery trails, and the vegetation is tall with unclear views of the gorillas.

Seeing mountain gorillas of Bwindi

To see mountain gorillas of Bwindi, one needs a gorilla permit, which is presented at the sector headquarters. Early in the morning, trekkers gather for a briefing to learn the rules and regulations of the activity, and also hire porters in case of excess luggage. Gorilla trekking is carried out by a maximum of 8 people, while gorilla habituation is done by a maximum of 4 people.

Gorilla trekking is done by armed ranger guides who know the right trails to use and locate the mountain gorillas. The search involves going through different trails, which come with an opportunity of spotting forest mammals, primates, and birds. After hours of searching and locating the gorillas, trekkers get an opportunity to watch them carry out activities, learn about their habits, and take photos or videos.

Seeing mountain gorillas in the world is a dream come true for most travelers, as they are the closest relatives to human beings. After a successful trek, the trekkers are awarded trekking certificates for participation in a challenging activity and are recognized for their support for conservation.