Which National Park is Famous for Gorillas in Uganda? This is one of the frequently asked questions about Uganda gorilla trekking safaris. Uganda is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. These critically endangered species live in the rain forests found in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most famous and popular spot for gorillas in Uganda. This park is located at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. More so, Bwindi is the largest protected area hosting mountain gorillas in Africa.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is among the 4 parks in the world where mountain gorillas live. This park was first gazette in 1991. It is part of a chain of volcanic mountains and rainforests that make up the Virunga Conservation Area. Bwindi’s first gorilla family was habituated in 1991 and declared open to trekking.
Furthermore, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into 4 sectors. These are; Buhoma Sector, Rushaga Sector, Nkuringo Sector, and Ruhija Sector. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park was first done in the Buhoma Sector. Until now, these sectors remain a destination to reckon on for a Uganda gorilla safari. No wonder Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for gorillas in Uganda and the world at large.
Which park is famous for having many gorilla families in Uganda?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out as the famous park with many gorilla families in Uganda. The park is home to over 26 habituated gorilla families as of 2025. These families live in the 4 sectors of the park and can be tracked any time of the year. These gorilla families are habituated so that they are used to the human presence. The habituation process takes about 2 years.
Other than doing gorilla trekking, you can engage in a gorilla habituation experience. The activity is done in the Rushaga Sector. The difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation is that you spend more hours with the gorillas during habituation. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also famous for offering an amazing gorilla habituation experience in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not just famous for being home to gorillas, it is also a habitat for other wildlife species. These include birds, species, monkeys, reptiles, and trees. If you must see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, you have to buy a gorilla trekking permit.
Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
While on a safari to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are many safari lodges where you can choose to stay. These lodges are scattered across all 4 sectors of the park. They include Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Ruhija Community Lodge, and many others.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Although it may not be as famous as Bwindi, Mgahinga National Park remains a reliable home to mountain gorillas. This park is also located in southwestern Uganda in the Virunga region. It is the smallest national park in Uganda on the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to one habituated gorilla family. Over the years, Mgahinga has become famous for gorilla safaris and other primate adventure tours. Popular safari activities in Mgahinga Park include golden monkey trekking, mountain hiking, nature walks, community tours, and birding.
Accommodation in Mgahinga Park
While on the safari to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, accommodation should be none of your worries. Some of the best spots for accommodation include Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Gahinga Lodge, Volcanoes Lodge, Lake Mulehe Lodge, and Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp.
How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda?
The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is 800 USD for foreign nonresidents, 700 USD for foreign residents, and 300,000 UGX for East African residents. On the other hand, a gorilla habituation permit goes for 1500 USD for foreign nonresidents, 800 USD for foreign residents, and 750,000 UGX for the East African residents.
What is the best time to visit Mountain gorillas in Uganda?
Uganda is open throughout the year for tourists interested in seeing gorillas. However, the best time to engage in gorilla safaris in Uganda is during the dry season, June to September and December to February, since the park is drier and clearer for seeing the gorillas. Hiking trails are also less slippery in the dry seasons.
