Gorilla trekking is an experience of a lifetime, a must-do adventure on a Uganda safari trip. It is one adventure that allows you to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are among the few most intelligent primates in the wild and amazingly, our closest relatives share up to about 98% of their DNA with humans. 

Not many mountain gorillas still survive on the earth, about 1063 of them exist and they live only in 3 countries in Africa including Rwanda, Uganda, and D.R Congo. These are hotspots where they freely roam and ideal areas to observe them in their natural habitat. In this guide, we bring you everything you need to know about gorilla trekking in Uganda. 

Where to go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

If you are planning to conduct a gorilla trek in Uganda, then knowing where this adventure is done is essential. For starters, there are only two areas to consider visiting to see mountain gorillas while on a Uganda gorilla safari which includes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds the largest population of these massive apes, about 459 individuals. Other than the two destinations, a section of mountain gorillas also resides in the Virunga National Park in Congo and Volcanoes National Park. 

Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Park are found in the Southwestern part of Uganda. Getting to these gorilla parks is easier by road or by air. By road -expect to take 8-10 hours’ drive from Kampala or 4-5 hours starting from Kigali and by air, about 2 hours flight from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. 

The two parks all provide a lifetime opportunity for tourists to encounter the rare mountain gorillas in the wild. Estimated population of about 80 mountain gorillas is contained within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest National Park with land area measuring about 33.7sq.km. At Mgahinga, gorilla trekking begins at Ntebeko and Nyakagezi group is the only family that is fully habituated. 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park houses about 459 endangered mountain gorillas. This is almost half of the world’s remaining population of these unique apes. A total of 20 habituated gorilla families exist and ready for tracking in the Park’s 4 sectors. These include Buhoma sector with four habituated gorilla groups, Ruhija with 4 groups, Rushaga 9 gorilla families and 3 habituated gorilla groups in Nkuringo sector. 

The number may vary as they freely roam and there is possibility of them crossing country borders or park boundaries for instance Hirwa gorilla family of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda once crossed to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Most habituated gorilla groups live in Bwindi Forest and visiting the park for gorilla tours presents higher chances of finding a group to track. 

Between Mgahinga and Bwindi, which is the best place to find mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Both national parks present opportunities for tourists to see mountain gorillas in the wild. The advantage Bwindi may has over Mgahinga is the fact that it holds many families and this means more gorilla permits thus higher chances of obtaining one. This is not the case with Mgahinga with only one gorilla family meaning a maximum of only 8 gorilla permits are available for booking. 

Looking at the trekking experiences, there is a slight difference depending on the sector you will be trekking. Other factors may include the location of mountain gorillas, visitor hiking speed, nature of the habitat, etc.

Are gorilla permits required for gorilla trekking?

Yes, gorilla trekking permits are an essential document for all travelers with an interest to see mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, and Congo. Ugandan gorilla permits can easily be obtained through the local tour operator because over 80% of the permits are given to licensed tour operators and 20% remain at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). For any plans to visit Uganda’s gorillas, the permits must be obtained early and we recommend that you do so at least 2-6 months before the actual gorilla trekking date. 

How many people can track a single gorilla family?

Mountain gorillas are endangered species and there is need to have them protected for future generations. To achieve this goal, a maximum of only 8 visitors are accepted to visit one fully habituated gorilla group and they are led by an experienced park ranger guide. 

What are the chances of seeing gorillas in Uganda?

According park ranger guide experiences, overall, clients have over 90% chance to see gorillas. Often, some visitors don’t see these apes not because they cannot be found but instead guests decide to walk back before getting to where they are. It involves trekking through the natural forest to locate a family of mountain gorillas in the wild. 

The whole process is a little tedious and requires some level of physical fitness. But visitors’ search for these apes has been made easier since park trackers are usually sent to locate gorillas earlier before guests are let go track. 

How long does a gorilla trek in Uganda take?

The length of the gorilla trek varies depending on important factors such as the location of mountain gorilla families, the nature of the habitats, and the fitness levels of visitors. Overall a normal trek can last for 2 to 6 hours and includes a maximum of one hour that is set for guests to enjoy a close encounter with these large apes in the wild and taking photos. 

How much is a Uganda gorilla trekking permit -2023?

The current rate of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda varies depending on visitor category. The prices are set according to the 3 categories- foreign nonresidents, foreign residents and Uganda/East African citizens. Foreign nonresidents are issued valid Uganda gorilla permits at USD700, foreign residents at USD600 and East African citizens obtain gorilla permits at UGX 250,000. 

When you obtain a gorilla permit, the park entrance fees, park guide, and contribution to local community development programs are all covered on the rate. The price of the gorilla permit excludes the cost of transportation, hiring a porter, accommodation, alcoholic drinks, and many other expenses. 

Gorilla trekking Vs Gorilla habituation 

Standard gorilla trekking is all about visiting already habituated gorilla families, unlike the gorilla habituation experience where semi-habituated groups are assigned to guests and usually done by researchers. 

Gorilla habituation is a process where gorillas are made to get used to human presence and it being a process, it can take 2 years less or more for these apes to be opened for trekking. 

Permits for Gorilla habituation are obtainable at US$1500 per person and like normal tracking permits, they can also be booked through a reliable tour operator or a reservation team at UWA. 

When is the best time to travel for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

While gorilla trekking can be done at any time of the year in Uganda, we recommend that you plan your gorilla tour within the 2 dry seasons. This is the short and long dry spell – the short dry season lasts from December to February while longer drier months occur from June, July, August to September. 

Other than these months, it is possible to travel to any of Uganda’s National Parks to track gorillas during the wet or rainy season. 

What is the minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda or other destinations is 15. This can be verified by your date of birth before you are allowed to visit gorillas, a reason your passport is needed when booking gorilla permits.

Are there gorilla trekking rules to observe? 

Yes, there are safety rules and regulations to be followed during gorilla trekking and guests are briefed about them.

¢ The group size to trek one gorilla family is 8 tourists

¢ Photography or video should be done but using a camera without a flashlight.

¢ One hour is the maximum time available for you to enjoy a close encounter with gorillas. 

¢ No littering the gorilla habitat -keep it clean and don’t leave any garbage

¢ You shouldn’t smoke, eat or drink close to the gorillas. 

¢ Keep low your voice while visiting gorillas. 

¢ All human waste must be buried deep in a hole measuring 30 cm. 

¢ A safe distance of 8-10 meters must be kept away from gorilla families.

What to carry for Uganda gorilla trekking trip

The ideal packing list for gorilla trekking includes waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, cameras, daypack, trousers, insect repellents, long pants, rain jacket, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, safari hat), bottled drinking water, snacks, and more. 

Where to stay 

Uganda has plenty of budget, midrange, and luxury accommodation facilities set for visitors to stay before or after gorilla trekking. In and around Mgahinga Gorilla National Park- available accommodation includes Mount Gahinga Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, and Traveler’s Rest Hotel. 

In Bwindi, the lodges to book include Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi Volcanoes Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge;

Gorilla Mist Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Silverback Lodge. 

In conclusion, always consider the best time of year for a remarkable trekking experience, travel light and book lodges, permits and other services in advance. However, do not forget the cancelation policy since every operator has their own terms.