Sites for Gorilla Watching Safaris in Uganda- Where to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

On your Uganda safari, you can only visit gorillas in only two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga.

Here is their detail:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable national park Uganda offers the best experience for African safari gorilla trekking tours. This lovely UNESCO world heritage site, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds almost half of the 1,093 wild Mountain gorillas on Earth!

Gorilla tracking safaris in Uganda Bwindi are done on over 19 habituated gorilla families found in 4 sectors of the park including:

• Buhoma in the north- the best area to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park
• Ruhija in the east and,
• Rushaga and Nkuringo in the South

Gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park take about 2-8 hours from the park headquarters. Usually, this depends on the movement of these gentle giants.

While trekking Mountain gorillas in Bwindi, expect to encounter amazing wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Among these include forest Elephants, Duikers, rare L’Hoest monkeys, etc.

For bird lovers planning to trek gorillas in Bwindi, never miss undertaking a birding experience! This forest is the heart of Uganda bird-watching tours.

Bwindi national park offers the highest number of gorilla permits in East Africa!

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga national park is another fascinating destination for mountain gorilla tours in Uganda. It’s home to one Mountain gorilla family (Nyakagezi gorilla group), with 9 members.

Nyakagezi gorilla group is renowned for its fascinating Silverback numbers, 4 of them!

Gorilla expeditions in Mgahinga Park start with a briefing at 8 am at Ntebeko Park Headquarters.

Usually, travelers undertaking gorilla safari trips in Mgahinga accompany volcano hiking tours and golden monkey trekking experiences. It’s also a paradise for Uganda birding tours.

Please note that: The Nyakagezi gorilla group in Mgahinga Park is transboundary. It can cross all parks in the Virunga Mountains counting Volcanoes in Rwanda and Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, this is very rare!

Among national parks in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only place to spot track Golden monkeys or enjoy golden monkey tracking from!

In Mgahinga Park, you can enjoy a mountain hiking safari to any of the 3 striking Virunga Mountains there (Mgahinga, Sabinyo, and Muhabura Mountain).

Are there Gorillas in Uganda?

Yes, there are gorillas in Uganda! In fact, Uganda is the best place to go gorilla trekking in Africa.

This lovely country is home to almost 50% of the 1,063 Mountain gorillas on Earth. Gorilla expeditions in Uganda take place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Uganda?

Among all national parks whether Bwindi Impregnable National Park or Mgahinga, 2-8 hours is the duration to trek gorillas.

The above duration depends on the movement of the allocated gorilla family. It’s possible to spot a gorilla group in just 30 minutes trek from park headquarters, especially in the Buhoma region of Bwindi.

This time is the same even while on the Rwanda gorilla trek

Rules and Regulations to Follow While Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

There are gorilla trekking rules and regulations to follow during your gorilla trekking tours in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park. These cuts across even in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Generally, these rules are set to conserve the endangered Mountain gorillas as well as the life of humans as they visit them.

Below are the gorilla tracking rules to follow:

1. Always carry your gorilla permit with you as you come for the gorilla trek
2. Visitors having contagious diseases (flu or cough) are not allowed to visit gorillas.
3. Only travelers above 15 years are allowed to purchase a gorilla permit in Uganda. Tour operators can highlight you more on this!
4. Only 8 people are allowed to visit a gorilla group

Other guidelines to follow when you encounter a gorilla family:

5. Keep a distance of 7m on encountering Mountain gorillas
6. Don’t eat, smoke or smoke near Mountain gorillas during your gorilla treks
7. In case you sneeze, always cover your mouth or turn your face away from Mountain gorillas.
8. You’re only allowed to spend one hour with a gorilla group.
9. While taking photos, flash cameras are strictly not allowed! These stress these gentle giants.
10. You should always follow the ranger’s instructions while on gorilla treks.

What Is the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? | Can Children Go Gorilla Tracking in Uganda?

According to Uganda Wildlife Authority, only travelers above 15 years are allowed to undertake a gorilla trek in Uganda.

Here are the reasons why:

• Children can’t contain it when Mountain gorillas charge! Running away and screaming makes Mountain gorillas charge more!
• Also, young chaps might not be fit for the strenuous challenging hike.

However, note that:

1. Travelers below 15 years can only be allowed to trek gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest due to its relatively good terrain. He will be allocated a closer gorilla group.
2. To track Uganda Mountain gorillas below 15 years, your parent will have to sign a consent form.

Experienced tour operators can highlight you more on this. Feel free to email us!

Packing List for Gorilla Tracking – What to Pack for Gorilla Uganda Tour

As you plan to undertake a gorilla safari in Uganda, you must be well-equipped for a notable experience:

Here is the packing list for your mountain gorilla adventure in Uganda

Below is the packing list for your gorilla trekking tours in Uganda:

1. A camera– so ideal for taking photos while on your gorilla watching adventure.
2. Insect repellents- ideal even on Rwanda gorilla trek
3. Hardy gloves protect your hands as you trek Mountain gorillas
4. Sunscreens, sunglasses as well as a sun hat- protects you from sunshine
5. Comfortable hiking boots
6. A backpack helps to keep your essentials such as insect repellents, snacks, a camera, and bottled water.
7. Energy giving snacks
8. Enough drinking water- keeps you hydrated while trekking mountain gorillas

What to Wear for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda?

• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts help to protect you from biting insects and scratches in the jungle as you trek Mountain gorillas. It’s ideal even as you trek Rwanda gorillas.
• A rain jacket with a hood- protects you when rain gets you in the forest as you trek Mountain gorillas. This is ideal even on the Rwanda gorilla trek.
• A sunhat protects you from direct sunlight during the dry season
• Comfortable hiking boots- are ideal while hiking on hilly slopes.

Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda- How Much Does It Cost to Trek With Gorillas in Uganda?

The Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is charged according to nationality and below it is:

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 700
• Foreign Residents: USD 600
• East African Citizens: (Ugx)250,000

Please note that:

1. There’re no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda! Also, you’re advised to book in advance since these permits are limited in number. If interested in knowing much about discounted gorilla permits in Uganda, email us now!
2. The above rate includes the park entrance fees

How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

You can buy gorilla permits in Uganda from the offices of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Alternatively, your tour operator (tour company) can help you book a gorilla permit from Uganda Wildlife Authority as you plan a gorilla safari in Uganda.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are in Uganda?

Currently, Uganda is home to about 20 habituated gorilla family groups. Therefore, it holds approximately 160 gorilla permits every day.

19 habituated gorilla families live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park while 1 is in Mgahinga national park.

There’re no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda Vs Rwanda- Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

Many travelers are inquisitive about whether to undertake a gorilla trek in Uganda or Rwanda. This is a bit challenging to compare!

However, as experts, we have made some comparisons below between gorilla expeditions in Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trek:

1. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 while that of Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park is $1500. Therefore, gorilla trekking holidays in Uganda are fairly cheaper!
2. Uganda boasts 20 habituated gorilla families found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park only has 12 habituated gorilla families.
3. Destination Uganda is the only place to enjoy the Gorilla habituation experience in Africa. This is only possible in the Rushaga sector in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The gorilla habituation experiences allows you to stay for more time with Mountain gorillas.
4. Gorilla tours in Uganda can easily be combined with wildlife safaris unlike in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. In Uganda, you can enjoy a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to tree climbing Lions.
5. Rwanda Volcanoes national park is easily accessed from Kigali airport however, Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is very far from Entebbe airport (about 8-9 hours drive).
6. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda Bwindi holds a lovely terrain than that of the mountainous Rwanda Volcanoes national park.

Note that:

1. If interested in double gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, you should apply for the East African Tourist Visa.
2. Permits for trekking gorillas in Uganda are issued by UWA whereas, in Rwanda, it’s Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

How Much Does A Gorilla Safari Cost in Uganda? | How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

How much does it cost to see gorillas in Uganda? There’s no fixed price for a gorilla trip in Uganda! This is because its rate is influenced by numerous factors counting the class of accommodation you wish to use, travel means, and the number of people you’re traveling with. Experienced tour operators can highlight better on this!

Note that, this rate includes the cost of the gorilla tracking permit which is constant. There’re no discounted gorilla permits in Uganda.

Here is an estimate of the cost of a gorilla tour in Uganda:

• A 1-day gorilla tour in Uganda costs about $1000. It includes the gorilla permit cost.
• 2 days gorilla trip in Uganda costs about $1300, inclusive of a gorilla permit.
• 3 days gorilla watching safari in Uganda will cost you about USD 1500 with a gorilla permit cost inclusive.

How Difficult Is the Gorilla Trek in Uganda?  | How Hard Is Gorilla Trekking Uganda?

How difficult is Gorilla trekking in Uganda? Normally, most travelers planning to take gorilla-watching trips are always inquisitive about the gorilla tracking difficulty in Uganda!

Please note that Mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda are relatively difficult but, this depends on one’s physical level of fitness. It involves hiking through challenging terrain, hilly and thick misty forest as well as valleys.

For a rewarding experience, it’s recommended to make some physical exercise before your gorilla watching trip. This helps to raise your fitness level.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth It? | Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money in Uganda?

Yes, the gorilla tracking permit in Uganda is worth the money!

Here are the reasons:

1. A Mountain gorilla cannot live in captivity!  Therefore, a portion of the revenue from gorilla tours is used to conserve their natural habitat.
2. Lots of money is needed to pay park rangers- These guys help to monitor and protect these gentle giants in the jungle
3. A percentage of money is returned to develop surrounding communities around national parks holding Mountain gorillas. For example, the Batwa communities that initially inhabited these rain forests.
4. Also, this experience is considered one of the best adventures in Africa. It’s worth undertaking!

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe in Uganda? | Is It Safe to Visit Gorillas in Uganda?

Is gorilla trekking in Uganda safe? Unquestionably, all gorilla expeditions in Uganda are safe and for the past year, no mishap has ever happened.

Here is how safe are gorilla tours in Uganda:

1. While on gorilla treks in Uganda, you’ll be escorted by armed ranger guides that ensure your safety.
2. Daily, park rangers patrol the forest to avoid any possibility of poachers.
3. Gorilla tours in Uganda take place on fully habituated gorilla families, familiar with human presence.
4. There’re rules set to follow while on gorilla treks. For example, keeping a 7m distance from these gentle giants.

What Is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas in Uganda? | Which Month Is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

You can undertake gorilla tours in Uganda at all times of the year but, as experts, we recommend dry months, June to early September and December to December.

During these months, minimal rainfall is expected in tropical rainforests counting Bwindi national park and trails are drier, and easier to hike.

March to May and October are wet months in Uganda. However, note that in these months, Mountain gorillas hardly move to higher elevations as food is plentiful in the forest. Usually, gorilla treks take a shorter time!

13.  How Do I Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The best way of preparing for your gorilla tracking tour in Uganda is by doing some physical exercise before your due date for the gorilla watching trip. This helps your body to get fit for the fairly strenuous trek.

Also, you should ask your gorilla tour operator (tour company) whether your gorilla trekking permit, transportation, and accommodation are ready!

This applies as you plan to visit Rwanda gorillas.

Always book your gorilla permit in advance!

Prominent Safari Activities in Uganda to Accompany on Your Gorilla Trip

For a wonderful safari experience in Uganda, it’s ideal to accompany other amazing Uganda safari activities on your gorilla watching trip.

Here are the most captivating Uganda safari activities:

1. Wildlife Safaris in Uganda

Uganda wildlife tours allow you to spot most of the amazing wild animals in Uganda counting all the Big Five (Lions, cape Buffalos, Elephants, Leopards, and Rhinos). Others include Giraffes, Zebras, giant Nile Crocodiles, Hippos, Hyenas, Cheetahs, and beautiful Antelopes.

These animals are spotted on game drives, launch trips, nature walks, etc.

Normally, Uganda wildlife safari tours are mostly done in:

• Murchison falls park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Lake Mburo Park and
• Kidepo Valley National Park

A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park allows you to spot the rare tree climbing Lions.

2. Chimpanzee Trekking Tours

Chimpanzee tracking tours offer you a golden opportunity to visit the amazing humanlike primates, the chimps in their charming natural habitat.

Chimpanzees share about 98-99% of human DNA, therefore, they’re considered as the man’s cousins.

Uganda chimp tracking safaris are possible in:

• Kibale National Park- this is the best place for Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.
• Chimp tracking in Kalinzu Forest, near Queen Elizabeth park
• Budongo Forest in Murchison falls park. This is another ideal site for Chimpanzee tracking tours in Uganda.
• Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth NP.

3. Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

Gorilla habituation experience is a must not miss adventure in Uganda, especially if you’re a researcher on gorillas. A gorilla habituation experience allows you to spend more time (over 4 hours) with gorillas, unlike gorilla trekking!

While on a gorilla habituation experience, you’ll join a group of scientists and trackers to encounter a gorilla family undergoing the habituation process.

On your gorilla habituation experience, expect to learn most of the fascinating behaviors of gorillas. The experience is so remarkable!

In Africa, gorilla habituation experience is only possible in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The gorilla permit for Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda is:

• Foreign Non-Residents: USD 1,500
• Foreign Residents: USD 1,000
• East African Citizens: (Ugx) 750,000

More Thrilling Holiday Tours in Uganda Include:-

4. Launch trips in Uganda
5. Bird watching tours
6. Cultural encounters, for instance, visiting the Batwa People.
7. Golden monkey tracking tours. It offers you a chance to visit the beautiful Golden Monkeys.
8. Mountain hiking tours for example Rwenzori hike. Also, you can hike Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Park.

Note that:

For a memorable safari experience, you can opt for double gorilla tracking:

Visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo allows you to spot the Lowland gorillas. In E. Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only destination to spot Lowland gorillas. The Lowland gorillas are bigger than Mountain gorillas

Furthermore, you can go for Rwanda gorillas. You can accompany  Akagera National Park safari on your gorilla watching tour in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Hotels in Uganda, Safari Lodges in Uganda to Use During Your Gorilla Vacation in Uganda

There’re numerous lodges in each destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda whether in Bwindi or Mgahinga national park. These range from budget, midrange to luxury lodges. The option is always yours, however, we are there to guide you!

Here are the:

1. Best Budget Lodges on Your Gorilla Holiday in Uganda
2. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
3. Buhoma Community Rest Camp in Bwindi impenetrable park
4. Amajambera Iwachu Community Camp in Mgahinga Gorilla NP.

b.Recommended Midrange Lodges to Use while Trekking Gorillas in Uganda

1. Traveller’s Rest Kisoro in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
2. Lake Chahafi Resort in Mgahinga park
3. Gorilla Mist Camp in Bwindi Park in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
4. Haven Lodge Buhoma in Buhoma
5. Ichumbi Gorilla lodge in Bwindi
6. Ideal Luxury Safari Lodges to Use on Your Gorilla Vacation in Uganda
7. Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
8. Clouds Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi
9. Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
10. Mucha Safari Lodge in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
11. Mahogany Springs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
12. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

List of the Top Tour Companies You Must Travel With on Your Gorilla Vacation in Uganda

While choosing a tour operator to use on your gorilla viewing trip in Uganda you must consider several factors. Among these include its experience, and reviews from its previous travelers. We are the best Uganda gorilla tour operators in Uganda.

Best Gorilla Safari Packages in Uganda | Uganda Gorilla Trekking Trips

Most of the gorilla packages in Uganda feature wildlife expeditions to national parks like Murchison falls park, Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth Park, etc.

These include:

3 Days Gorilla Safari in Bwindi

3 Days Gorilla Safari in Bwindi & L. Bunyonyi

4 Days Uganda Gorillas and Wildlife Trip

5 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour, Chimp Trekking, & Wildlife Safari

6 Days Uganda Gorillas Tour

7 Days Uganda Safari Tour

8 Days Gorilla Tour in Uganda, and Wildlife Safari

10 Days Safari Uganda  Vacation, Gorillas, Chimpanzee Tracking, and Wildlife Trip

12 Days Uganda Safari 

16 Days Uganda Safari 

18 Days Uganda Safari 

2o Days Uganda Safari

Gorilla tours in Uganda are considered the topmost safari highlights for most trips in this country. This safari experience allows you to encounter the endangered Mountain gorillas in their amazing habitat.

For a thrilling experience, we advise you to accompany a Uganda wildlife safari, chimp tracking, and a cultural encounter on your gorilla trip in Uganda.

EMAIL US TO BOOK YOUR GORILLA SAFARI TODAY!