Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris, Best African Gorilla Tours in Bwindi

Mountain gorilla trekking tours in Uganda offer you an opportunity to go gorilla trekking in Uganda- the most memorable wild adventure among Uganda safari tours.

Gorilla safaris in Uganda allow you to encounter face-to-face the biggest primates on Earth- the Mountain gorillas.

Globally, only 1,063 wild Mountain gorillas only exist! They live in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and within Virunga Mountains which spans Uganda Mgahinga Park, Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bwindi holds the highest number of Mountain gorillas in comparison with any park!

Travelers interested in trekking Lowland gorillas can visit them in Kahuzi Biega National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These giants are bigger than Mountain gorillas!

Normally, travelers undertaking gorilla tours in Uganda top up wildlife safaris in national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mburo Park, etc.

In the above parks, you’ll look for various wild animals in Uganda such as Lions including the tree climbing Lions, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, etc.

Other must-not-miss adventures include chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking/golden monkey tracking, bird watching, Mountain hiking, and community visits, among others.

As you plan to have gorilla tours in Uganda, there best tour operators to book with, you shouldn’t just book with any tour company!

For a memorable gorilla watching tour in Uganda, talk to our travel expert for any inquiries!

BELOW ARE MORE DETAILS ABOUT GORILLA EXPEDITIONS IN UGANDA

Where to Go for Mountain Gorilla Holidays in Uganda? | Where to See Gorillas in Uganda?

In Uganda, visitors can only go gorilla trekking in only 2 national parks i.e. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park- all found within southwestern Uganda.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mountain gorilla expeditions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offer the best experience for gorilla safari tours in Africa. Bwindi National Park holds the highest concentration of Mountain gorillas on Earth i.e. 50% of the remaining endangered Mountain gorillas in the entire world.

Gorilla tours in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are done in 4 regions; Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Normally, most gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest take place in the Buhoma sector as it has lovely terrain.

During the gorilla trek in the jungle, lucky visitors will encounter wonderful wildlife in Bwindi National Park for instance, Bushbucks, Duikers, Forest Elephants, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, as well as various bird species.

Within East Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds the highest number of gorilla permits. It boasts more gorilla families than any other park even Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the only place to have gorilla habituation experience in Africa.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Not only is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park known for gorilla-watching tours but, it’s also another lovely site for Golden Monkey trekking. Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda Mgahinga National Park are done on one habituated gorilla family- the Nyakagezi gorilla group which has 9 members, 4 being Silverbacks.

Mgahinga National Park gorilla trekking tours start from Ntebeko Park Headquarters with a briefing at 8 a.m. Other wonderful Uganda safari activities in Mgahinga Park that can be supplemented on your gorilla-watching adventure include; volcano hiking, nature walks, bird watching, and the Batwa cultural experience.

Note:
• Mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda Mgahinga National Park are taken by travelers from Rwanda
• This park is part of the Virunga Conservation Area which spans other national parks like Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Are there Gorillas in Uganda?

Uganda holds Mountain gorillas and you can only spot them in only 2 national parks. These include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi National Park is the best place to go gorilla trekking in Uganda as it holds many gorilla families- over 19 gorilla families.

How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Uganda?

In all gorilla Uganda parks, i.e. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Park, the gorilla treks take about 2-8 hours. The time to trek Mountain gorillas depends on the movement of these cool giants in their natural habitat. There are some gorilla groups for instance, in the Buhoma sector which can be spotted within 30-minute walk.

This duration is the same on the Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.

Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

As you come for your gorilla holiday in Uganda for instance, in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, keep in mind that there are guidelines you must follow.

These rules help to protect the health of the Mountain gorillas and the lives of visitors undertaking gorilla expeditions.

Here are the rules to follow on gorilla trekking tours in Uganda:

1. Carry your gorilla permit to the park headquarters. You can’t go gorilla trekking (on the gorilla trek) without a gorilla trekking permit
2. Travelers with any transmissible diseases are not allowed to track Mountain gorillas
3. Visitors of at least 15 years and above are allowed to go gorilla watching in Uganda
4. 8 people are allowed to visit a gorilla family a day. Therefore, book your gorilla permit in advance to avoid disappointment
5. Guests must follow the guidelines of the park ranger along the gorilla trek
6. It’s illegal to litter the park while gorilla tracking
7. On spotting the gorilla family, you must keep a 7m distance from Mountain gorillas
8. It’s illegal to smoke, eat, or drink in the presence of Mountain gorillas during the gorilla treks
9. In case you sneeze in the presence of gorillas, you must cover your mouth and turn away
10. Visitors are strictly limited to one hour with Mountain gorillas
11. It’s illegal to take photos with a flash camera. The flashlight scares Mountain gorillas and can make them charge

The above gorilla tracking rules must also be followed on the Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They also apply as you track East lowland gorillas.

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

Uganda Wildlife Authority only allows travelers having at least 15 years and above to go gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Reasons for this:

• In case the Mountain gorillas charge, the kids can’t contain it! They will scream and these will make these cool giants charge more
• Kids might not manage the strenuous hike for tracking gorillas

For your child to track gorillas in Uganda, you must sign a consent form. We suggest they trek Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as its terrain is friendly.

Tour operators can guide you more on this!

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Packing List- What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

As you are planning to go gorilla trekking in Uganda on your African tour, we have brought you key items you should have. Make sure you pack light!

Below is the park list for gorilla trips in Uganda:

1. Camera for photo shooting on your Uganda safari
2. Insect repellents- are of help even on the Rwanda gorilla trek
3. Sturdy hiking boots
4. Hardy gloves- protect your hands from thorny materials as you go gorilla tracking
5. Sunscreens, sunglasses as well as a sun hat- protect you from sunshine
6. Bottled drinking water to keep you hydrated when trekking Mountain gorillas
7. A backpack to keep your day's essential items safe. For instance, insect repellents, cameras, bottled water & snacks

What to Wear for Gorilla Tracking in Uganda?

1. Comfortable hiking boots- so helpful as you walk on hilly slopes
2. Long trousers & long-sleeved shirts- cover well your body and protect you from biting insects and cuts in the jungle. It is well ideal as you trek Rwanda gorillas and Lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo
3. Rain jacket having a hood- It will help just in case of rain finding you in the jungle when tracking gorillas. The rain jacket is great even on the Rwanda gorilla trek
4. Sunhat- In the dry season, the sunhat keeps you from direct sunlight

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

How much does it cost to see gorillas in Uganda? The fees for Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Uganda include even the park entrance fees and these gorilla permits are charged according to the nationality of the traveler.

Below is the cost for gorilla permits in Uganda:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800
• Foreign Residents: $700
• East African Citizens: (Ugx) 250,000

Note:

Just like it is in other gorilla destinations, Uganda doesn’t offer discounted gorilla permits. For more info about discounted gorilla permits, talk to your tour operator.

Book in advance the gorilla permit as these gorilla permits are limited in number.

How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

Tourists planning to take gorilla Uganda safari tours can book directly their gorilla permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through tour operators- the most common way of booking a gorilla permit.

As you book your gorilla expeditions in Uganda, look for a dependable tour operator.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are in Uganda?

Over 160 gorilla permits are available on the market in Uganda every day. There are about 19 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi National Park and one in Mgahinga Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park holds many gorilla permits and it’s mostly visited for gorilla treks in Uganda. In Uganda, discounted gorilla permits are no longer issued.

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

How much does a gorilla safari cost in Uganda? Gorilla safari tours in Uganda have no fixed cost! The reason is, that this Uganda safari vacation is affected by various factors such as trip duration, transport means you are to use, accommodation class you opt to use, as well as your group size, etc.

Below, we have brought to you an estimate of the cost of a gorilla safari in Uganda:

• 1-day gorilla trek in Uganda is about USD 1000. This rate covers your gorilla permit
• 2-days gorilla safari in Uganda costs around USD 1300- covering the gorilla permit
• 3-days gorilla watching trip in Uganda costs over USD 1500 with a gorilla permit

Uganda has no discounted gorilla permits.

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

Where to trek Mountain gorillas from, Uganda or Rwanda? All these destinations are wonderful for gorilla tours in Africa. Here is a comparison between Uganda & Rwanda gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park:

• The permit for trekking Uganda gorillas is USD 700 while that of Rwanda is USD 1500
• There are more gorilla permits in Uganda than in Rwanda. This is because Uganda holds more gorilla families than Rwanda which has only 12 groups in Volcanoes National Park
• Uganda is the only destination to have a gorilla habituation experience on the African continent. The gorilla habituation experience is a thrilling wild adventure allowing you to spend almost a day with Mountain gorillas
• Unlike in Rwanda, tourists on gorilla expeditions in Uganda can easily combine game viewing and gorilla tracking. In Uganda, you can enjoy game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park- the home to the rare tree climbing Lions. Rwanda only has Akagera National Park for game viewing tours.
• Rwanda gorillas are ideal for short-time travelers, unlike Uganda gorillas. From Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, it’s about a 2-3 hours drive, and from Uganda Entebbe airport to Bwindi it’s over 9-10 hours
• The terrain for tracking Uganda gorillas in Bwindi park is more friendly than that of Rwanda’s volcanoes National Park
Note:
• Travelers interested in Rwanda Uganda gorilla tours should apply for the East African Tourist Visa
• Gorilla permits for trekking Mountain gorillas in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) while that of Rwanda is called Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

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

Gorilla watching expeditions in Uganda can be done by any traveler having a minimum body fitness level.

The gorilla treks generally involve hikes in challenging hill sites, going through misty tropical rainforests, and valleys. For a lovely gorilla tracking experience, just put on appropriately. Study hiking boots, long trousers & long-sleeved shirts are recommended. A raincoat is ideal in case rain finds you on the trail as you trek Mountain gorillas.

You should raise your fitness level before your gorilla-tracking adventure.

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

Although the gorilla permit is relatively expensive in comparison with other wildlife African safari adventures like game drives, and boat cruises, among others, it remains worth it!

Gorilla tracking offers you a rare lifetime encounter with the endangered Mountain gorillas- the gentle giants of the forest within their natural habitat. Money collected from gorilla permits mainly goes back to the conservation of the habitats of these cool giants which are threatened by man.

Therefore, as you track gorillas, you are also indirectly contributing to Mountain gorilla conservation.

Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical?

It’s ethical to track gorillas as revenue collected aids in conserving gorillas as well as their habitats and supports anti-poaching efforts. This money is used to pay park rangers and fund several campaigns that focus on highlighting communities on the importance of gorilla conservation.

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

It’s safe to go gorilla trekking in Uganda as there are guidelines to follow, for instance, never to feed these gentle giants and keep a 7m distance while in the presence of Mountain gorillas. Furthermore, you’ll be while gorilla tracking, you’ll be in the company of armed park rangers who ensure that you are safe in the jungle.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda - Which Month Is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

What is the best Ttiime of year to see gorillas in Uganda? The best time to see gorillas in Uganda is during the dry season.

This period is between June to early September and December to February. Usually, there are fewer rainfall inconveniences but, you should book your gorilla permit in advance since this is the peak season.

March to May and October to November are wet months in Uganda. Within these months, rainfall is often received most hours of the day and the forest can be more humid. Tracking gorillas in wet months is ideal for budget travelers as some safari lodges give out discounts in this low season.

How Do I Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

You should try to raise your body fitness level before your gorilla trip to Uganda. More still, you should get travel documents, and book your accommodation, transportation means, and gorilla permit in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

The above should also apply as you visit Rwanda gorillas.

Popular Safari Activities in Uganda to Accompany on Your Gorilla Tour

Uganda Wildlife Viewing Safaris

Undertaking Uganda wildlife safaris is the best way to spot the game animals in Uganda. The most popular include Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Giant Nile Crocodiles, Hyenas, and numerous Antelope species.

Most of these game animals are spotted during game drives, boat trips, and on nature walks in some areas. Below are the best sites to spot game animals in Uganda:

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

Among parks in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the only park to spot tree-climbing Lions.

1. Chimpanzee Tracking Tours

Chimp tracking is an amazing expedition that gives you a golden opportunity to encounter chimpanzees- the most intelligent apes within their lovely habitat.

In Uganda, Kibale Forest Park offers the best chimpanzee tracking tours as it holds the highest population of chimps in Uganda. Other key areas for chimpanzee tracking safaris in Uganda include Kalinzu Forest, Budongo Forest as well as Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth Park.

2. Undertaking Gorilla Habituation Experience

The gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi National Park gives you a golden chance to spend almost a half day with gorillas. It’s a wonderful African safari adventure ideal for researchers on gorillas.

On this amazing wild venture (gorilla habituation experience), you’ll join a group of scientists and trackers and visit a gorilla family undergoing the habituation process.

Fees for gorilla habituation experience:
• Foreign Non-Residents: $1,500
• Foreign Residents: $1,000
• East African Citizens: Ugx 750,000

More Amazing Holiday Tours in Uganda Include:-

3. Bird watching tours
4. Boat cruises
5. Cultural encounters, the most popular is visiting Batwa People
6. Tracking Golden monkeys. In Uganda, Golden monkeys are only spotted in Mgahinga park
7. Undertaking Mountain hiking tours e.g. hiking Rwenzori Mountain

Uganda Gorilla Safari Lodges

There are various lodges in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks ranging from budget to midrange as well as luxury facilities. The choice of a lodge to use is yours however, your tour operator/tour company will advise you on which to use.

1. Top Budget Gorilla Safari Lodges

1. Buhoma Community Rest Camp in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
2. Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
3. Amajambera Iwachu Community Camp in Mgahinga park

2. Popular Midrange Lodges to Use While Trekking Gorillas in Uganda

1. Haven Lodge Buhoma within Bwindi Park
2. Ichumbi Gorilla lodge in Bwindi national park
3. Lake Chahafi Resort in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
4. Traveller’s Rest Kisoro in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
5. Gorilla Mist Camp within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

3. Best Luxury Safari Lodges

1. Clouds Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
2. Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
3. Mahogany Springs in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
4. Mount Gahinga Safari Lodge in Mgahinga park
5. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
6. Mucha Safari Lodge in Mgahinga park

Top Uganda Gorilla Safari Companies

Despite the fact that there are various tour operators in Uganda, you should book your gorilla tours in Uganda with only dependable tour companies.

Below is a list of the best tour companies in Uganda to book your gorilla tour with:
1. Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Africa Safaris Tours
4. Safari Uganda Safaris
5. Gorilla Safaris And Tours
6. Gorilla trekking Uganda

Best Uganda Gorilla Safari Packages

Most of the gorilla tours in Uganda feature wildlife tours to wonderful parks such as Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Falls Park, Kibale Forest, Lake Mburo Park & Kidepo, among others. Here are the best gorilla packages in Uganda.

• 3 Days Uganda Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• 4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Viewing Trip in Uganda Murchison Falls National Park
• 5 Days Uganda Trip, Gorillas, Chimp Tracking, & Wildlife Safari
• 6 Days Uganda Trip, Gorillas, Game Viewing, and Chimpanzee Tracking
• 8 Days Gorilla Tour in Uganda, & Wildlife Viewing Safari
• 10 Days Gorilla Tour in Uganda, Chimpanzee Tracking, & Wildlife Tour
• 12 Days Uganda Safari Trip- Gorillas, Chimps, and Wildlife Trip in Murchison Falls National Park

Gorilla watching expeditions in Uganda are considered among the most famous safaris in Uganda and offer the best experience for travelers on African safaris. If interested in a gorilla trip in Uganda Africa, let’s plan together your vacation.

Email Our Trip Expert To Organise Your Amazing Uganda Gorilla Trek Today!