Kanungu District
Region
Southwestern Uganda
Best time
Jun – Aug, Dec – Feb
Type
National Park, Forest
Known for
Gorillas & Primates, Nature & Scenery
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
Best months
June, July, August, September, December, January, February
Cooler than most people expect, and it rains in every month. The dry seasons are relatively drier rather than dry. Mornings can be genuinely cold.
Wettest: March, April, May, October, November
Altitude
1,160m to 2,607m
Birding
exceptional
One of Africa's best forest birding sites, with a long list of Albertine Rift endemics.
These are wild animals. We describe how likely a sighting is, and never promise one.
With children
with care
The minimum age of 15 for gorilla trekking is set by UWA and strictly enforced. Younger children cannot trek, though families can stay nearby and do other activities.
Access and mobility
Terrain is steep and often muddy with no formal paths. Sedan chairs carried by porters can be arranged in advance at additional cost, which makes trekking possible for some people who could not otherwise walk it.
For photographers
Difficult light. Dense canopy, frequent rain, and flash is not permitted near gorillas. A fast lens matters more than a long one.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Open larger map ↗Gorillas & Primates
Gorilla Trekking
Track a habituated mountain gorilla family on foot through dense forest, and spend a strictly limited hour in their presence.
⏱ Half to full day
Gorilla Escape
4 days · from $1,650 pp
Uganda Wildlife & Gorillas
7 days · from $2,750 pp
Ultimate Uganda
10 days · from $3,450 pp
Primates & Wildlife
8 days · from $2,950 pp
