Uganda Gorilla Trekking

The Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Gorilla trekking in Uganda unfolds within two extraordinary settings: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a sanctuary for nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and Mgahinga National Park, nestled within the Virunga Volcanoes shared with Rwanda and DR Congo. Both parks protect diverse ecosystems and the highest number of animal and plant species, offering breathtaking backdrops for your adventure. Bwindi, with its numerous habituated gorilla families, boasts affordability and a high chance of encountering these gentle giants.

To reach these gorilla havens, fly into Entebbe International Airport, situated near Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria. Choose a scenic 10-hour drive through Uganda’s lush highlands, or opt for a short domestic flight to a nearby airstrip, placing you just a 2-hour drive from Bwindi’s wonders.

Gorilla treks happen every day in four distinct sectors of Bwindi (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga), plus one sector in Mgahinga, each offering a unique gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla permits are essential and must be booked in advance through a reputable tour operator like Sarit Gorilla Safaris. After securing your permit, choose suitable accommodation near your chosen trekking sector to rest before your early morning adventure.

Your day begins with a briefing from the Park Superintendent, where you’ll receive guidelines and be assigned a gorilla group based on your physical fitness. A team of expert guides and rangers will lead your group of eight deep into the rainforest. Hike through dense undergrowth, the air alive with anticipation, following the gorillas‘ trail. The duration of your trek is unpredictable – it may last from a few hours to a whole day – adding to the thrill of discovery.

Finally, the moment arrives. Encountering a mountain gorilla face-to-face is an awe-inspiring experience that will forever resonate within you. Cherish this precious hour, observing their interactions and recognizing our shared ancestry. Your unforgettable Ugandan gorilla adventure has just begun.

Uganda Gorilla Permit

Securing the Uganda Gorilla Permit is the key to unlocking a once-in-a-lifetime experience – trekking through lush rainforests in search of majestic mountain gorillas. Permits can be obtained through reputable tour operators like Sarit Gorilla Safaris, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.

The cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda varies depending on your residency status. Foreign non-residents pay $800 per person, while foreign residents with work permits pay a slightly lower fee of $700. For African passport holders, the price drops to $500, and East African citizens benefit from the most affordable rate at UGX 300,000 (approximately $80 USD).

NOTE: These prices tend to change according to Uganda Wild Life Authority

Remember, gorilla permits are highly sought-after, and availability can be limited. Booking well in advance, particularly during peak season (December-February and June-August), is crucial.

Partnering with our reliable tour operator guarantees assistance with securing permits, arranging transportation, and booking suitable accommodation near your chosen trekking sector.

Where to See Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda’s mountain gorillas live in the epically named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a cloak of tangled green that covers the country’s south-western mountains. It’s a day’s drive (about 10 to 11 hours) from the capital Kampala or a quick (but more costly) charter flight – so you’ll work a little harder to get there than in Rwanda, but it’s worth it!

Bwindi is a World Heritage Site of both montane and lowland forest that provides a verdant habitat for about 120 species of mammals, 350 bird species, 220 butterfly species, plus many more reptiles and amphibians.

Thanks to the income generated from tourism, the park’s endangered mountain gorilla numbers have seen positive growth to about half of the world’s population. And, if you’re interested in seeing primate species other than gorillas in Africa, Bwindi will offer fantastic encounters with colobus monkeys and chimpanzees during your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure.

When to Go: Best Time to See Gorillas in Uganda

The country experiences two dry and two wet seasons in a year. Although a Uganda gorilla trekking expedition is considered a year-round activity, most visitors prefer the drier months of June to September and December to February, when trekking conditions are more favorable.

Uganda’s parks are less crowded and accommodation facilities are more affordable due to the few visitors during the low seasons (March to May and October to November). This is the best time for budget-conscious visitors interested in a Uganda gorilla trekking safari trip.

Gorilla Trekking Guidelines

Stay home if you’re sick: Gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses. Even a simple cold could be dangerous for them, so it’s crucial to reschedule your trek if you’re feeling unwell.
Be prepared for a challenge: Hiking trails can be steep and navigate through dense vegetation.
Ensure you have a good level of fitness for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Leave no trace: The gorillas’ habitat is pristine. Help keep it that way by burying all human waste at least 30cm deep.
Give them space: Maintain at least a 10-meter distance from the gorillas. Admire them from afar to ensure their comfort and safety.
No snacks or drinks on the trail: Eating and drinking near the gorillas is strictly prohibited. Keep your snacks and water packed away until you’re outside the gorilla habitat.

Be mindful of coughs and sneezes: If you need to cough or sneeze, turn away from the gorillas and cover your face to prevent spreading possible germs.
One hour at a time: Treasure every moment, but remember your visit with the gorillas is limited to one precious hour per day to minimize disruption to their daily lives.
Keep your movements calm: Avoid any sudden gestures that might startle the gorillas.
Respect their space: Don’t attempt to touch the gorillas, even if they approach you. Maintain your distance and let them move freely.
Avoid flash photography: Flash can be disruptive to the gorillas. Let their natural beauty shine through in your photographs.

Watch a Video of Gorilla Trek in Uganda:

Ready to Start Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure?

Whichever destination you choose, it pays to prepare well for your trek. Hiking through mountainous rainforest can be muddy work. It can be hot and humid with occasional short downpours too, so appropriate clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and gear like trekking poles and gaiters all add up to a more comfortable trek. It’s a bucket-list experience precisely because it isn’t easy to get close to gorillas in the wild but, when you do, you’ll be more than thrilled.

And we can help you get there…

Uganda Gorilla Trekking

The Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Gorilla treks happen every day in four distinct sectors of Bwindi (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga), plus one sector in Mgahinga, each offering a unique gorilla trekking experience.

Gorilla permits are essential and must be booked in advance through a reputable tour operator like Sarit Gorilla Safaris. After securing your permit, choose suitable accommodation near your chosen trekking sector to rest before your early morning adventure.

Finally, the moment arrives. Encountering a mountain gorilla face-to-face is an awe-inspiring experience that will forever resonate within you. Cherish this precious hour, observing their interactions and recognizing our shared ancestry. Your unforgettable Ugandan gorilla adventure has just begun.

Uganda Gorilla Permit

Securing the Uganda Gorilla Permit is the key to unlocking a once-in-a-lifetime experience – trekking through lush rainforests in search of majestic mountain gorillas. Permits can be obtained through reputable tour operators like Sarit Gorilla Safaris, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.

NOTE: These prices tend to change according to Uganda Wild Life Authority

Remember, gorilla permits are highly sought-after, and availability can be limited. Booking well in advance, particularly during peak season (December-February and June-August), is crucial.

Partnering with our reliable tour operator guarantees assistance with securing permits, arranging transportation, and booking suitable accommodation near your chosen trekking sector.

Where to See Gorillas in Uganda

Bwindi is a World Heritage Site of both montane and lowland forest that provides a verdant habitat for about 120 species of mammals, 350 bird species, 220 butterfly species, plus many more reptiles and amphibians.

When to Go: Best Time to See Gorillas in Uganda

The country experiences two dry and two wet seasons in a year. Although a Uganda gorilla trekking expedition is considered a year-round activity, most visitors prefer the drier months of June to September and December to February, when trekking conditions are more favorable.

Uganda’s parks are less crowded and accommodation facilities are more affordable due to the few visitors during the low seasons (March to May and October to November). This is the best time for budget-conscious visitors interested in a Uganda gorilla trekking safari trip.

Gorilla Trekking Guidelines

Stay home if you’re sick: Gorillas are susceptible to human illnesses. Even a simple cold could be dangerous for them, so it’s crucial to reschedule your trek if you’re feeling unwell.

Be prepared for a challenge: Hiking trails can be steep and navigate through dense vegetation.

Ensure you have a good level of fitness for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Leave no trace: The gorillas’ habitat is pristine. Help keep it that way by burying all human waste at least 30cm deep.

Give them space: Maintain at least a 10-meter distance from the gorillas. Admire them from afar to ensure their comfort and safety.

No snacks or drinks on the trail: Eating and drinking near the gorillas is strictly prohibited. Keep your snacks and water packed away until you’re outside the gorilla habitat.

Be mindful of coughs and sneezes: If you need to cough or sneeze, turn away from the gorillas and cover your face to prevent spreading possible germs.

One hour at a time: Treasure every moment, but remember your visit with the gorillas is limited to one precious hour per day to minimize disruption to their daily lives.

Keep your movements calm: Avoid any sudden gestures that might startle the gorillas.

Respect their space: Don’t attempt to touch the gorillas, even if they approach you. Maintain your distance and let them move freely.

Avoid flash photography: Flash can be disruptive to the gorillas. Let their natural beauty shine through in your photographs.

Watch a Video of Gorilla Trek in Uganda:

Ready to Start Planning Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure?

And we can help you get there…