It’s of no doubt that trekking gorillas in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! A trip to meet gorillas in Mgahinga and Bwindi allows one to blend in raw adventure by having front row seat as they watch these gigantic primates face to face. Unlike the rugged and vast Bwindi, Mgahinga national park offers shorter gorilla treks though it’s considered to be more hilly than Bwindi national park but less rugged.

Bwindi’s tracking regions include Buhoma in the Northern part of Bwindi, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga and grueling Nkuringo in the south. Each gorilla trekking permit in Uganda go for USD 800 per person. Now this is a steal compared to the neighboring Rwanda that goes for USD 1500 per head. The experience is undoubtedly worth every penny and time. Watching the silverback throwing you that side eye or glance your way or a baby gorilla is such a mind-blowing experience.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks.

No thrill comes close to standing just a few meters away from a gentle shy yet giant mountain gorilla. Watching them munch on leaves or playing with their young ones is a remarkable experience on a Uganda gorilla safari.

Uganda’s leading gorilla trekking leading destination – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is such a vacation hub, home away from home.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the other hand is the second leading gorilla destination and delivers this unforgettable experience that draws adventurers to the dense misty forests to track and locate these beauties. Nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas roam freely in the vast Bwindi national park.

Can you easily trek gorillas in Mgahinga or Bwindi?

It is without doubt that gorilla trekking experience is not a mere walk regardless of how exciting it is. Visitors hike through dense jungles while they dodge roots, and maybe slipping on mud at 2,000 meters above sea level. Both Mgahinga and Bwindi are maneuverable for travelers with decent stamina, sense of adventure, and no big health issues.

One doesn’t have to be a marathon runner to track gorillas. But the whole process demands visitors to be at their best health as treks can last from 2 to 7 hours, this depends on several factors like where gorillas are located as they tend to move in search for food.

It is worth noting that gorilla trekking in Nkuringo sector is the hardest compare to all other trekking sectors in Bwindi national park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is well situated in the breath-taking Virunga Mountains and is often regarded as the “easier” option. Considering its small size, the park is home to just one habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi. The tracking trails in Mgahinga here go through open and bamboo slopes, even though they’re less tangled than Bwindi’s.

Gorillas in Mgahinga national park are sometimes found within a couple of hours.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lives up to its name “Bwindi impenetrable”; think of steep hills, thick vines, and challenging tracking routes. Over 23 habituated gorilla groups are spread across the four gorilla tracking sectors of Bwindi. Bwindi unquestionably offers more chances to trek, but honestly, also more variety in difficulty. On a good day, travelers might just hike for just an hour, while on a normal day, guests are out there almost half a day. Bwindi’s size and ruggedness nature make it tougher than Mgahinga. However, the level of gorilla trekking difficulty varies depending on the sector visited and gorilla family assigned. Some gorilla families are easier to trek than others.

What are the easiest tracking regions in Bwindi National Park?

Bwindi homes only four gorilla tracking sectors and these include Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the South. Each of these regions have their own trekking difficulties.

Buhoma region is situated in the Northern part of Bwindi. This is the easiest sector for most trekkers. The trails are easily accessible, the slopes are gentler, and multiple gorilla groups call this region home, meaning shorter hikes are popular. It is also worth to note that Buhoma has the most luxurious lodges available to welcome you after a long day of trekking.

Ruhija gorilla sector is situated in the Eastern part of Bwindi National Park and takes visitors higher into the cool forests. The paths are steeper, and groups like Kyaguriro might be a longer catch. It’s quieter than Buhoma and hosts fewer trekkers giving you a more intimate experience.

Rushaga tracking region is situated in the South-eastern part of Bwindi and this one is a mixed bag. Groups like Mishaya, Tindatiine, Nshongi are closer on most of the days, while others demand extra longer treks. This is the only region offering the gorilla habituation experience.

Nkuringo on the other hand is located in Southern Bwindi and is the toughest of all the four with most families requiring a minimum of 4 hours’ trek.