Bwindi National Park Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Bwindi National Park Tours & Trips

• How far in advance should I book a gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi National Park?

  For the best chances of securing a permit at Bwindi National Park plan to book 6-12 months ahead particularly for peak seasons from June through August and December through February. The park's four sectors (Buhoma Ruhija Nkuringo and Rushaga) maintain strict visitor limits with just 8 people allowed per gorilla family each day. A TourRadar traveler noted "we booked our permits through our tour operator 8 months ahead and stayed at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge - the advance planning was crucial for securing our preferred dates."

• How long do you actually spend with the gorillas during a trek?

  The time with gorillas is strictly limited to one hour once they're located regardless of trek duration. This rule applies across all park sectors to protect the gorillas' wellbeing and natural behaviors. While treks can take several hours the observation window remains fixed. As one TourRadar traveler shared "though the trek took us 4 hours to find the gorillas the one hour we spent with them was absolutely magical and well worth the journey through Bwindi's challenging terrain."

• What wildlife besides gorillas can I expect to see in Bwindi National Park?

  Beyond the mountain gorillas Bwindi's diverse ecosystem supports 90 mammal species 23 Albertine Rift endemic birds and 13 primate species including chimpanzees and L'Hoest's monkeys. Visitors staying at places like Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge often spot unique birds such as the African Green Broadbill and Bar-Tailed Trogon. A TourRadar traveler noted "the biodiversity in Bwindi is incredible - we saw numerous bird species and other primates even before reaching the gorillas."

• What cultural experiences are available around Bwindi National Park?

  The park offers encounters with local communities especially the indigenous Batwa people. Visitors can join the Batwa Trail where guides show traditional hunting methods honey gathering and medicinal plant use. Additional activities include tours of Bwindi Community Hospital and village walks near Nkuringo and Rushaga to meet local healers. One TourRadar traveler shared "the Batwa trail experience was incredibly moving offering authentic insights into the forest's original inhabitants and their deep connection to Bwindi."

• How accessible is Bwindi National Park from major cities?

  Travelers can reach Bwindi by road or air from major urban centers. From Entebbe or Kampala choose between a 9-10 hour drive or a quick 1.5-hour flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips followed by a lodge transfer. Some accommodations like Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp provide private airstrip pickup. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We took the flight option from Entebbe to Kihihi which saved time and offered spectacular aerial views of the countryside. The lodge arranged our transfer from the airstrip."

• How many gorilla families can be visited in Bwindi National Park?

  The park features 19 habituated gorilla families available for tourist visits distributed across four sectors: Buhoma Ruhija Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each family receives a maximum of 8 daily visitors to minimize human impact. The Rushaga sector alone offers access to five different families. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our guide explained how each gorilla family has its own characteristics and personalities. We were fortunate to visit the Nshongi family which included several playful youngsters."