Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda is home to approximately 460 mountain gorillas — over half of the world’s entire remaining population. The park has 10 habituated gorilla families that can be visited by permit-holding trekkers. The 1-hour encounter with a gorilla family — observing a silverback, mothers with infants, and juveniles at close range — is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) gorilla permits cost $800 USD per person and must be booked in advance. Visit Horn of Africa handles all permit arrangements. We recommend booking 3–6 months ahead for peak season (June–August, December–February).
Trek duration varies from 1 hour to a full day depending on gorilla family location. The terrain is genuinely “impenetrable” — steep, dense forest requiring reasonable fitness. Visit Horn of Africa provides full pre-departure briefings.