Area321 km²
Altitude1,160 to 2,607 m
Getting thereAbout 8 to 9 hours by road, or a short flight
Best monthsJun to Sep, Dec to Feb
Why go
- The best place in Uganda for a gorilla trek, with one hour spent with a habituated family.
- Some of the best birding in the country, with 23 Albertine Rift endemics among the 350 species recorded.
- Steep ridges and cloud forest that are worth the trip even without the gorillas.
Worth knowing
- Permits are limited, so book early for June to September and December to February.
- Trails can be steep and slippery after rain. Pack a rain jacket and good boots.
What you’ll do here
01
Gorilla trekking
One hour with a habituated family, after a trek that can take anything from an hour to most of the day. Each family is visited by up to eight people a day.
02
Gorilla habituation
Four hours with a family that is still getting used to people. Only in Rushaga, and only a few permits a day.
03
Birding
More than 350 species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. The Mubwindi swamp trail is the highlight.
04
Community walks
Walk through communities on the forest edge with local Batwa and Bakiga guides.
Four trailheads
BuhomaNorth. The original trailhead, with the most lodges.
RuhijaEast. High and cool, best for birders.
RushagaSouth. The most gorilla families, and habituation experiences.
NkuringoSouth-west. The steepest treks, and the best views.
Check permit availability
Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and run out early. Pick a date to see what our team last confirmed with UWA.
