Can I Trek Bwindi Gorillas Twice? Yes, you can trek gorillas in Uganda twice on the same safari trip! Many travelers choose to do this because one encounter simply isn’t enough. The experience is thrilling, and going twice gives you more time to observe gorilla families up close. You get to study their social structures, behaviors, and physical traits in ways that a single visit rarely allows.
Gorilla trekking happens once per day, so you need enough days set aside for your Uganda holiday. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four main trekking areas: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each permit ties you to a specific area, so you must plan your two treks carefully. You can trek in one area on day one and another area on day two. However, this means you need to adjust your accommodation between areas. Driving in the dark to reach a morning briefing in another area can be risky and may get you disqualified from the trek. To avoid this, many travelers request two different gorilla families within the same area on separate days.
While in Bwindi, you can also try the gorilla habituation experience. This is different from a standard trek. During habituation, you follow researchers and trackers into the forest to spend time with a semi-habituated gorilla family. You get four hours with them instead of one, making it a deeper and more personal encounter.
What You Need to Trek Twice
The requirements are simple. You must be at least 15 years old and physically fit. Most importantly, you need two separate gorilla trekking permits. Book them in advance because permits sell out fast, especially during peak seasons.
How to Book Two Gorilla Permits
You can book your two permits through Anthill Safaris, a trusted local tour operator in Uganda. Send them an email with your preferred dates. They will check availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the government body that manages all wildlife tourism in Uganda. Once they confirm availability, they send you payment details. After you pay, they secure the permits and handle the rest, including accommodation and transport.
When booking, let them know if you want to trek the same gorilla group both times or visit two different families. This helps them book the right accommodation for each day.
Permit Prices for Two Treks
Each gorilla trekking permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, so two permits come to $1,600. Foreign residents pay $700 per permit, totaling $1,400 for two. East African residents pay UGX 300,000 per permit, bringing the total to UGX 600,000 for two treks.
The permit price covers park entrance fees, security, government tax, community support, gorilla conservation contributions, one hour with the gorillas, and a trekking certificate. It does not cover transport, accommodation, porter fees, or tips.
How Hard Is It to Trek Twice?
Trekking with gorillas twice requires moderate physical fitness. The forest terrain is uneven, and you will walk for several hours each day. Doing it back-to-back without a rest day in between can tire your muscles. If you are not a regular hiker, consider exercising for at least a month before your trip. However, the trek is manageable for most healthy adults. Porters are available for hire at $20 each and can carry your bag and support you along the trail.
Why Two Days Are Needed
Each gorilla family receives a maximum of eight visitors per day. This rule protects the gorillas from stress and keeps the ecosystem intact. Because of this, each trek happens on a separate day. After arriving in Bwindi, you can do your first trek on day one and your second on day two. Alternatively, you can space them out with a rest day in between. A minimum of four days is needed for a double gorilla trekking safari. Two of those days cover travel from Entebbe or Kampala to the park, and two days are for the actual treks.
How Long Does Each Trek Take?
The length of each trek varies. It depends on where the gorillas are feeding that day, the weather, the pace of your group, and other factors. Some trekkers find gorillas within two hours. Others spend most of the day in the forest before locating them. Stay patient and enjoy the journey. The forest holds many other wonders, including birds, waterfalls, and other primates. Rangers always follow the pace of the slowest person in the group, so everyone stays together throughout.
Are Gorillas Dangerous?
Can I Trek Bwindi Gorillas Twice? Gorillas look intimidating, but they are naturally calm and shy. They only show aggression when they feel threatened. If a gorilla thumps its chest, pulls up grass, hoots, or stands on one leg, stay calm. Do not panic or run. Wait for your ranger guide to assess the situation. The behavior may have nothing to do with your group. Rangers know how to handle these moments and will guide you safely.
Best Time to Go
Can I Trek Bwindi Gorillas Twice? You can trek gorillas throughout the year. However, the dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best conditions. Trails are less muddy, walks are easier, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Book your permits early during these months because they fill up quickly.
Where to Stay in Bwindi
Can I Trek Bwindi Gorillas Twice? Accommodation in Bwindi ranges from luxury to budget. Always book a lodge near the area where your permit is valid. This avoids early morning drives in the dark to reach the briefing point. Popular lodges include Gorilla Forest Camp and Mahogany Springs in Buhoma, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge in Ruhija, and Clouds Lodge and Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge in the southern sector.
Is It Worth It?
Can I Trek Bwindi Gorillas Twice? Absolutely. Trekking with gorillas twice is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences on the planet. Every penny you spend supports gorilla conservation and benefits local communities. Book your two permits with Anthill Safaris today and start planning an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Bwindi.
