Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Uganda Gorilla Trekking with Trek Africa Expeditions

When it comes to gorilla trekking, Uganda stands out as the premier destination. Trek Africa Expeditions has extensive experience organizing unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, and we confidently recommend this beautiful country over Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering an incredible opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

The lush, hilly tropical forests of southwestern Uganda are where you’ll find these incredible primates. With a staggering 98% chance of spotting gorillas during your trek, Uganda’s reputation as the leading destination for gorilla tourism is well-deserved. There are 19 habituated gorilla families available for trekking in the country, primarily located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Each gorilla family is permitted to accommodate only eight visitors per day, ensuring a more intimate and rewarding experience.

Managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, gorilla trekking activities prioritize visitor safety and conservation. As you explore Uganda, you’ll find a wealth of other attractions and activities to complement your gorilla trek, and Trek Africa Expeditions is here to help you plan a memorable vacation that showcases the best of what Uganda has to offer.

What to Expect During Your Trek

Gorilla trekking involves venturing into the forest to observe gorillas in their natural habitat. Your day begins at 7:00 AM with a briefing on the dos and don’ts while in the forest and during your time with the gorillas. Experienced park guides, rangers, and trackers will then lead you into the forest in search of these incredible animals.

Once you locate a gorilla family, you’ll be allowed one hour to observe and take photos. After your trek, you’ll return to the starting point and receive a certificate commemorating your successful gorilla trekking experience. With approximately 95% of our DNA shared with these majestic creatures, witnessing their behavior and interactions is an awe-inspiring experience.

To participate in gorilla trekking, visitors must be 15 years or older. This policy is in place to help maintain the safety of both visitors and gorillas, as younger children may be more difficult to manage and could pose health risks to the gorillas.

Where to Trek in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda primarily takes place in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Each park offers unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

As the birthplace of gorilla tourism in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This ancient forest is one of the oldest in Africa and offers a variety of trekking experiences across its four sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Each sector provides an equally enjoyable experience, with unique views and habitats.

Mgahinga National Park

Located within the Virunga Mountain range, Mgahinga National Park borders both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While it’s Uganda’s smallest national park, it is renowned for its stunning volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife, including the golden monkeys. Mgahinga offers the chance to trek the Nyakagezi gorilla group, the only habituated gorilla family in the park.

How Many Gorilla Habituated Families Are in Uganda?

Uganda boasts 19 habituated gorilla families available for trekking—18 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and 1 in Mgahinga National Park. Each sector in Bwindi has its own designated families, such as:

• Buhoma Sector: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe
• Ruhija Sector: Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaruguriro
• Rushaga Sector: Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Bikyingi, Kahungye, Busingye, Mucunguzi
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo, Bushaho, Christmas

What is the Price of the Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are not only affordable compared to those in Rwanda but also highly sought after. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit is as follows:

• Non-Foreign Residents: USD 800
• Foreign Residents: USD 700
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000

Permits are issued for both Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, allowing one hour of gorilla viewing.

Due to high demand, especially during peak seasons (January, February, July, August, September, and December), permits can sell out quickly. To ensure you secure your permits, contact Trek Africa Expeditions with your preferred trekking dates. We’ll check availability in the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system and assist you through the booking process. Once payment is received, we will confirm your permits and provide you with a receipt and booking ID.

Embark on a life-changing adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions and experience the wonders of gorilla trekking in Uganda. Your journey promises not just a glimpse of these majestic creatures but an unforgettable encounter with nature.

How to Spend More Time with the Mountain Gorillas

If you want to maximize your time with the mountain gorillas, consider booking a gorilla habituation experience. This exclusive opportunity is available only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda. During this experience, you’ll spend four hours with semi-habituated mountain gorillas, engaging in activities designed to help these wild animals become accustomed to human presence. The cost for this unforgettable experience is $1,500 per person per trek. Alternatively, you can book multiple standard treks on different days to extend your encounters with these incredible creatures.

Which Park is Best for Seeing Mountain Gorillas: Uganda or Rwanda?

When it comes to viewing mountain gorillas, both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, offer exceptional experiences. There’s not a significant difference in what you’ll encounter at the end of your trek. However, it’s worth noting that the mountain gorillas in Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks inhabit the Virunga mountain range, which features predominantly bamboo vegetation. In contrast, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to a rich variety of tropical rainforest flora.

The chances of seeing gorillas in all these parks is around 98%, ensuring that your visit will likely be rewarding. It’s often said that the gorillas in Volcanoes and Mgahinga National Parks are easier to spot due to the less dense bamboo forests, making for clearer photography opportunities. Regardless of the park you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Uganda and Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda typically lasts between 3 to 7 hours. The duration of your trek can vary based on the location of the gorillas that day, their movements, and the weather conditions. Sometimes, the trek can extend to a full day, especially if the gorillas are located deep within the forest. The trek starts at 7:45 AM with a briefing on the dos and don’ts for interacting with the gorillas. Afterward, you’ll be paired with a ranger guide to lead you through the forest. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe them.

How Many People Can Visit the Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda Each Day?

To minimize disturbance to the mountain gorillas and reduce the risk of disease transmission, only 8 people are allowed to trek each habituated gorilla family in Uganda and Rwanda. This ensures a more intimate experience while prioritizing the well-being of these incredible animals.

What is a Gorilla Trekking Permit?

A gorilla trekking permit is a document that grants you permission to visit the mountain gorillas in either Uganda or Rwanda. This permit allows for a one-hour encounter with the gorillas and is valid for a single day. If you wish to trek for more than one day, you will need to purchase additional permits. Each permit comes with a special booking number that confirms its validity for a specific trekking region.

How Much is a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda and Rwanda?

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla trekking permit is as follows:

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for foreign residents
• UGX 300000 for East African citizens (from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan)

This fee provides you with a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In contrast, a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 for foreign non-residents.

What Does a Gorilla Permit Include?

A gorilla trekking permit covers your one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The permit includes park entrance fees, ranger guides, and a percentage that supports the conservation of mountain gorilla habitats.

Where Can I Purchase a Gorilla Permit in Uganda and Rwanda?

In Uganda, you can purchase gorilla trekking permits directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. In Rwanda, permits can be acquired from the Rwanda Development Board or through reputable tour operators like Trek Africa Expeditions. When booking through a tour operator, check their reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and email them your desired trekking dates. They will then confirm availability with the relevant authority and facilitate your permit purchase.

Can Elderly or Disabled Individuals Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda?

Absolutely! Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is accessible for elderly or disabled individuals. Thanks to the introduction of sedan chair carriers, those who may find it difficult to walk can still enjoy the breathtaking experience of being with mountain gorillas. These chairs are carried by porters, allowing you to navigate the forest with ease. You can arrange to hire a sedan chair in advance or on the day of your trek, with prices ranging from $400 to $500.

What Are the Age Requirements for Gorilla Trekking?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years. There is no strict maximum age limit; instead, it depends on an individual’s fitness level. Children under 15 are prohibited from trekking due to their unpredictable behavior, which could disturb the gorillas, as well as their susceptibility to diseases that can be transmitted to the animals.

When Is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The ideal time to trek gorillas in Uganda is during the drier months: January, February, June, July, August, and early September. These months typically see less rainfall, although weather can be unpredictable. Interestingly, some people prefer trekking during the rainy season, as the lush vegetation provides plenty of food for the gorillas, making them easier to spot. Since gorilla permits can sell out quickly, it’s advisable to book them well in advance.

How to Access Uganda for Gorilla Trekking

Reaching Uganda is easy! You can fly into Entebbe International Airport and start your journey to southwestern Uganda for your gorilla trek. The drive takes about 9 to 10 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips, which serve Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

You can also fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and drive to southwestern Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna Border, a trip that takes only 4 to 5 hours, depending on immigration processing times. We recommend obtaining an East African Visa for multiple entries into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. The East African Visa costs $100 and can be purchased at the airport upon arrival or online, providing a more cost-effective option than buying individual visas. Single-entry visas are also available: the Rwandan visa costs $30, while the Ugandan visa is $50.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Trip in Uganda

Both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Trek Africa Expeditions can help you find and book accommodations that suit your preferences and budget.

In Mgahinga National Park, consider staying at Gahinga Lodge for a luxury experience or at Lake Chahafi Resort and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge for mid-range options. In Bwindi, we recommend choosing a lodge in the sector where you’ll be trekking for easier access to the park headquarters.

• Rushaga Sector: Stay at Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, or Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge.
• Nkuringo Sector: Options include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
• Buhoma Sector: Recommended lodges are Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, and Gorilla Forest Camp.
• Ruhija Sector: Consider Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, or lodges around Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale town.

Lodges can fill up quickly during peak season, so it’s essential to book in advance. We prioritize safety and quality service to ensure a comfortable stay for all our guests.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a local tour operator based in Uganda, with headquarters in Entebbe. We are Ugandan-owned and operated, specializing in transformative experiences and sustainable travel across East Africa.

As members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and registered with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), we maintain a strong partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), making it easier to secure your gorilla permits and arrange your trekking safari. With excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service.

Contact us today to plan your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda!