Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in Southern Uganda near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, about 331square kilometers, established as a park in 1991. Bwindi Impenetrable is one of the most important conservation areas in Africa, on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a place of immense natural and cultural significance. Understanding its core characteristics is the first step in appreciating what makes it so special. UNESCO World Heritage Status. Inscribed in 1994, this status recognizes Bwindi’s exceptional biodiversity and its importance as a refuge for endangered species, most notably the mountain gorilla.

Main Attraction: Gorilla Trekking

Cost: As of 2026, the permit for foreign nonresidents is a fixed $800 USD per person. This is a direct contribution to the conservation of the gorillas and the development of local communities.

Permits are strictly limited to protect the gorillas. They must be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a licensed tour operator

How to get a gorilla permit?

  • All gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
  • Contact UWA reservations office
  • Check availability for specific dates
  • Book permits for your clients, this can be online
  • You must know the trekking sector
  • After confirming availability, you send a booking request to UWA with
  • Tourist name
  • Nationality
  • Passport details
  • Preferred trekking date
  • Trekking sector

NOTE: To confirm the permit, you must pay the full amount, which is currently $800 USD per person for non-residents, and payments are made to the Uganda Wildlife Authority bank account. The permit is confirmed after payment is received. After payment, UWA sends official permit confirmation, trekking number, and trekking sector allocation.

  • Trekking rules
  • Maximum age is 15 years
  • Maintain meter distance
  • No trekking if sick

The Gorilla Habituation Experience

 For those seeking more than a one-hour visit, Rushaga sector offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This unique activity allows you to join the researchers and rangers who are slowly acclimating a wild gorilla family to human presence. You spend up to four hours with the gorillas, observing as they go about their day, completely unaware of the process unfolding. This permit costs $1500 USD per person and offers an unparalleled insight into gorilla behavior and conservation.

Sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable

Buhoma Sector

It’s in Northern Bwindi

It’s about 460km from Kampala, driving about 8 to 9 hours

Route

Here roads are mostly tarmac until near the park

Ruhija sector

Its in Eastern Bwindi about 470 km from Kampala and driving about 8 to 9 hours

Route

This is very scenic with mountain roads and good for bad watching trips

Rushaga sector

It’s in southern Bwindi about 490km from Kampala driving for about 9 to 10 hours

Route

This is long but smooth, popular for the gorilla habituation experience

Nkuringo sector

 It’s in southwestern Bwindi, about 510 km from Kampala, driving for about 9 to 10 hours

Route

This sector has steep mountain roads and very beautiful views of the Virunga mountains. Or Air travel, which takes about 2 hours from Entebbe to airstrips near Bwindi like Kihihi airstrip and Kisoro airstrip

WHY GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI

  • Bwindi has a large gorilla population
  • To protect endangered gorillas
  • Controlled tourism instead of harmful tourism activities
  • Research and education

Other activities in Bwindi Impenetrable

  • Bird watching with over 350 bird species
  • Nature and forest walks with unique plants and trees
  • Batwa cultural experience
  • Community village tours

Distance of Bwindi from other parks

ParkDistance(km)Time(hours)
Kibale3506 to 7
Queen Elizabeth16o4 to 5
Lake Mburo2505 to 6
Mgahinga Gorilla401 to 2
Murchison falls5109 to 10
Lake Bunyonyi802 to 3