Mountain gorillas were only discovered in 1902 by Captain Robert von Beringe, and later gained global attention through Dian Fossey’s lifelong research — and her bond with the gorilla Digit, depicted in the film Gorillas in the Mist. Unlike chimpanzees and humans, gorillas are not territorial: each family roams a defined home range that overlaps with two or three other groups.
The Virunga Massif and Greater Virunga Landscape is the richest region for endemic and threatened species in the Albertine Rift — 8 national parks, 4 forest reserves and 3 wildlife reserves spanning Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. It is home to all the world’s mountain gorillas, Grauer’s gorillas and chimpanzees.
Bwindi Impenetrable NP
A UNESCO World Heritage Site housing over 400 mountain gorillas, 350 bird species, 120 mammals and dense ancient rainforest — plus more than 26 unhabituated groups.
Mgahinga Gorilla NP
Home to the Nyakagezi gorilla group and endangered golden monkeys, and culturally significant to the indigenous Batwa pygmies.
Volcanoes NP, Rwanda
Known for Dian Fossey’s research and the annual Kwita Izina baby-naming ceremony.
Virunga NP, DR Congo
Africa’s oldest national park — mountain gorillas, Grauer’s gorillas, hippos and lions.
Bwindi & Mgahinga
| Visitor Category | Gorilla Tracking | Gorilla Habituation |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Non-Resident (FNR) | $800 | $1,500 |
| Foreign Resident (FR) | $700 | $1,000 |
| Rest of Africa (ROA) | $500 | $1,000 |
| East African Citizen (EAC) | UGX 300,000 | UGX 750,000 |
Includes park entrance, guide fee and community contribution. A permit covers a 1-hour visit (tracking) or 4 hours (habituation). East African Citizen rates also apply to Rest of Africa visitors for other activities.
Other Activities & Fees
Bwindi Impenetrable NP
| Birding / Day Nature Walks | $40 | $30 | UGX 30,000 |
| Long Walk (Rushaga–Nyabaremura / Buhoma–Nkuringo) | $60 | $50 | UGX 50,000 |
| Rushura Hill / Bamboo Walk (Ruhija) | $40 | $20 | UGX 10,000 |
| Batwa Experience (excl. entrance) | $40 | $40 | UGX 40,000 |
Mgahinga Gorilla NP
| Gorge Walk | $30 | $15 | UGX 15,000 |
| Volcano Climb | $100 | $80 | UGX 50,000 |
| Golden Monkey Tracking | $60 | $50 | UGX 40,000 |
| Golden Monkey Habituation | $100 | $80 | UGX 100,000 |
| Mgahinga Platform Walk | $10 | $10 | UGX 10,000 |
| Batwa Trail (includes entrance) | $80 | $70 | UGX 50,000 |
FNR = Foreign Non-Resident · FR = Foreign Resident · EAC = East African Citizen · ROA same as FR. Ugandan students pay as low as UGX 5,000 for volcano climbs.
Permits, Payment & Refunds
Booking & Payment
- Within 6 months: 100% payment required
- Beyond 6 months: 50% deposit, balance due 90 days prior
- Failure to pay balance = cancellation and forfeiture
Rescheduling
- One free change if requested at least 14 days prior
- Additional reschedules: 25% surcharge
- Must occur within 12 months of the original date
- No reschedules for complimentary permits or downgrading habituation to tracking
UWA Refund Policy
- 100% refund: illness confirmed by warden, or if gorillas cross to another country
- 75% refund: no sighting after a full day of tracking
Gorilla Groups in Bwindi
Buhoma Sector
Rushegura (~17) · Mubare (~9) · Habinyanja (~17) · Katwe (~9) gorillas
Ruhija Sector
Oruzogo (~23) · Mukiza (~12) · Kyaguliro (~20) · Bitukura (~13) gorillas
Rushaga Sector
Mishaya (~10) · Shongi (~18) · Bweza (~12) · Kahungye (~17) · Bikingi (~15) · Busingye (~10) gorillas
Nkuringo Sector
Bushaho (~12) · Nkuringo (~12) · Christmas (~9) gorillas
Bwindi is also home to over 26 unhabituated gorilla groups whose ranges remain unknown.
Health & Trekking Rules
- 01 Maintain a 5-meter distance from the gorillas at all times
- 02 No flash photography, pointing, or sudden movements
- 03 Speak softly and stay in a tight group
- 04 No eating, drinking, or smoking near the gorillas
- 05 Masks are mandatory near gorillas to reduce disease risk
- 06 If charged: crouch, avoid eye contact, and never run
- 07 Visits last one hour and can end early if gorillas are stressed
- 08 Take out everything you bring in — leave no trash
- 09 Feeling unwell? Stay behind — refunds or alternate visits are possible
- 10 Sneeze or cough into your elbow, away from the gorillas
Trek Kit
- Hiking boots, rain gear, hat & sunscreen
- 1L water & packed food (provided)
- Optional porter — $30
- Trek kit essentials (gaiters, gloves, sanitizer, rain mac, cap) — $40
Sedan Chair Access
For injured or mobility-challenged guests — USD 300 per sedan, carried by trained porters safely through the forest.
Sustainable Tourism
10% of net profits from trek kits go to community projects and conservation. Help preserve gorillas by following the guidelines and booking ethically with Maleng Travel.
Treks start at 8:00 a.m. sharp — late arrivals forfeit the permit and fee. We recommend staying near your designated gorilla family to minimise travel on tracking day.