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Planning Your Trip to See Mountain Gorillas: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you dreaming of a trip to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat? At Excursia Adventures, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whether you’re planning a trek during the busy high season (June to September) or a quieter time, we make it easy for you to secure your gorilla permit. With our expertise, you can rest assured that your trip will go smoothly, and you won’t miss out on the adventure of a lifetime.
Where to See Mountain Gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two of the country’s most famous parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks are part of a select group of only four national parks worldwide that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The other two parks are Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse forests, home to not only mountain gorillas but also 350 bird species, 200 tree species, 310 butterflies, and a variety of other wildlife, including chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Bwindi is home to about half of the global mountain gorilla population, which numbers around 1,064 individuals. With over 18 habituated gorilla families, Bwindi offers an incredible opportunity for gorilla trekking, with 8 permits available for each group per day.
Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is offered in four distinct sectors within Bwindi: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Buhoma and Ruhija are located in the northern and northeastern parts of Bwindi, both near Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine your gorilla trek with a game viewing safari. In the southern part of Bwindi, you’ll find Rushaga and Nkuringo, both close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which also offers golden monkey tracking. Rushaga is particularly popular due to the large number of habituated gorilla families available for trekking.
Gorilla Trekking Costs in Uganda
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda varies depending on your residency status:
- USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
- USD 700 for Foreign Residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens
This permit grants you access to one hour with the gorillas once you find them during your trek—a truly magical experience.
How to Purchase Your Gorilla Trekking Permit
Gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Permits can be purchased directly at UWA’s headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro (for travelers arriving through Kigali). For those traveling via Entebbe, we recommend buying permits in Kampala, while travelers arriving via Kigali can buy permits in Kisoro, just a short drive from Bwindi.
Excursia Adventures makes securing your gorilla permit hassle-free. We can purchase your permits in advance or on short notice. Simply confirm your travel dates with us via email or WhatsApp, and we will reserve your permits online. Once payment is received, we’ll finalize the purchase and send you the confirmation and scanned copies of your permits, ensuring everything is set for your trek.
When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months of January, February, and June to early September. These months offer the most favorable conditions for trekking, with drier trails and clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense. While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the dry season makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
What to Wear During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Preparing for a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda can be exciting, but knowing what to wear is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a handy list of what to bring along for your trek:
- Long-sleeve sweater – Temperatures can be chilly in the forest, so a warm sweater will keep you comfortable during the trek.
- Two pairs of long trousers – Opt for durable, lightweight trousers that are easy to move in and will protect your legs from the forest undergrowth.
- Waterproof hiking boots – A sturdy pair of waterproof boots is essential to navigate the muddy and sometimes slippery trails.
- Hat and sunglasses – These are optional but can be helpful if you’re trekking under the sun.
- Camera and extra batteries – Capturing memories of your gorilla encounter is a must, but remember to turn off your flash to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
- Binoculars – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to many bird species and primates, so binoculars are perfect for spotting these creatures from afar.
- Gardening gloves – These will help protect your hands when holding onto branches or trees during the trek.
- Raincoat – Since Bwindi is a rainforest, rainfall is unpredictable. A waterproof raincoat will keep you dry in case of a downpour.
- Mosquito repellent – The forest is home to various insects, so bringing or wearing mosquito repellent is advisable for your protection.
- Sunscreen – While the forest can be cool, the sun can also be strong, so a good sunscreen is recommended to avoid sunburns.
- Neutral colors – Avoid wearing bright colors, which can disturb the gorillas. Black and blue are also not recommended as they attract Tsetse flies. Stick to neutral shades like khaki or brown for the best experience.
Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two main regions: the northern part of Bwindi Forest (Buhoma and Ruhija) and the southern part (Rushaga and Nkuringo). There are several comfortable lodges and camps to choose from, depending on which sector you’re trekking in.
- Rushaga Sector: Stay at popular lodges like Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Havens Lodge, or Gorilla Safari Lodge.
- Nkuringo Sector: Options include Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Lake Mutanda Resort.
- Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi): Choose from Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, or Ride 4 a Woman.
- Ruhija Sector: Stay at Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Agandi Eco Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, or Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.
All these lodges are conveniently located near the starting points for gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences.
Why Book Your Mountain Gorilla Trek with Excursia Adventures?
Excursia Adventures is a local, trusted tour operator in Uganda, specializing in customized safaris tailored to your preferences. Our dedicated team ensures that your trip is seamless, answering your queries quickly (within 20 minutes), and making all the necessary bookings to avoid any last-minute stress.
We also provide knowledgeable safari guides who speak a variety of languages, ensuring you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout your journey. Our team will work with you to design the perfect travel plan, whether you’re interested in a short 2-day trip or a longer 4-day safari.
Explore our Mountain Gorilla safari packages, including the 2-Day Gorilla Fly-In Safari, 3-Day Gorilla Fly-In Safari, and the 4-Day Gorilla Fly-In Safari, or let us know your preferences, and we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Contact Excursia Adventures today to start planning your unforgettable journey to see mountain gorillas in Uganda!
