Can You See Gorillas in Uganda?

Can You See Gorillas in Uganda? A Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, you might be wondering if you’ll actually get the chance to see the majestic mountain gorillas. The good news is, the chances of seeing gorillas in Uganda are over 99%! In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and how you can maximize your chances of seeing these incredible creatures.

How Likely Are You to See Gorillas in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular and organized tourist activities in Uganda and for the last two decades, no trekkers have reported failing to see the gorillas. The process starts early in the morning, with advance trackers going into the forest to locate the gorillas’ last known location. They track the gorillas as they feed, interact and relax in their natural habitat. These trackers communicate with your guide, who will then take you along the best route, making your trek smoother and more efficient.

The time it takes to find the gorillas can vary, ranging from 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on their location. Once you find them, you’ll have one hour to observe them, take photographs and learn about their behavior and lifestyle.

What Happens If You Don’t See Gorillas on Your Trekking Day?

Understandably, many travelers are concerned about missing out on the gorillas despite their efforts. Since gorillas live in the wild, anything can happen—weather conditions like heavy rain or the gorillas moving to a different location can impact the trek. If you fail to see the gorillas on your scheduled day, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offers a free second trekking opportunity. You can return for another trek, which ensures that you get another chance to see the gorillas.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

In Uganda, gorilla trekking is primarily done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—the two national parks that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Other gorilla trekking locations include Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to over 50% of the world’s mountain gorillas. It is an ancient forest rich in biodiversity, housing 350 bird species, 310 butterflies, 51 reptiles and 120 mammal species.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, located in the far southwestern corner, bordered by Rwanda and the DR Congo. It is part of the Virunga volcanic mountain range and also home to the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

How Is Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. These sectors are spread across the park and each offers unique trekking experiences.

• Buhoma and Ruhija are located in the northern and northeastern parts of the park, respectively. These sectors are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine a gorilla trek with a game viewing safari.
• Nkuringo and Rushaga are located in the southern part of the park, near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offering an opportunity for combined treks to see both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Rushaga sector is known for having multiple habituated gorilla families, increasing your chances of finding a group.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Cost?

• Gorilla Permits for foreign non-residents cost USD 800 per person per trek.
• For East African residents, the cost is USD 700 and for East African citizens, it’s USD 80.
• The permit grants you one hour with the gorillas once you locate them during your trek.

If you’re looking to book a 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Rwanda, the cost is approximately USD 1,290 per person, which includes the gorilla permits, accommodation, transportation and other safari-related services.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Booking a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda begins with securing your gorilla permit. The permit is essential for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be purchased either at their headquarters in Kampala or Kisoro.

• If you’re arriving in Uganda via Entebbe, it’s recommended to purchase your permit at the Kampala office.
• For those coming through Kigali, you can purchase your permit at Kisoro, which is just a 1-2 hour drive to Bwindi.

Alternatively, Trek Africa Gorillas makes it easy for you to secure your gorilla permits. Once you share your preferred dates with us via email or WhatsApp, we will reserve the permits for you online. After payment is confirmed, we will immediately purchase the permits and send you scanned copies for your records. This process ensures your gorilla trekking experience is smooth and stress-free.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: When to Plan Your Trip

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry months, from January to February and June to early September. These months make travel to the park easier and the vegetation is less dense, offering clearer views of the gorillas. The dry season also reduces the chances of heavy rainfall, which could otherwise make trekking more challenging.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Wondering what to wear for your trek? Here’s a list of essentials to help you prepare for the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest trek:

• Long-sleeve sweater: The temperatures can be cool, especially in the morning.
• 2 pairs of long trousers: These will protect your legs from scratches and insects.
• Waterproof hiking boots: These are essential for navigating muddy and slippery trails.
• A hat and sunglasses: Optional but helpful for sun protection.
• Camera and extra batteries: Photography is an important part of your experience. Make sure your camera’s flash is turned off to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
• Binoculars: For a closer view of the forest’s wildlife, including birds and other primates.
• Gardening gloves: Handy for holding onto branches and trees during your trek.
• Raincoat: Since Bwindi is a rainforest, rain is common. It’s wise to carry a waterproof jacket.
• Mosquito repellent: Protect yourself from insect bites in the forest.
• Sunscreen: Depending on the season, it can get sunny, so it’s good to protect your skin.
• Neutral-colored clothing: Bright colors may disturb the gorillas, while black and blue can attract Tsetse flies. Stick to earth-toned clothing like khaki or brown.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

There are various accommodation options near the gorilla trekking starting points in both Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Here are some top choices:

Rushaga Sector (Southern Bwindi)

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Gorilla Valley Lodge
• Karungi Camp

Nkuringo Sector (Southern Bwindi)

• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Lake Mutanda Resort

Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi)

• Buhoma Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Ride 4 a Woman

Ruhija Sector (Eastern Bwindi)

• Trekkers Tavern Cottages
• Agandi Eco Lodge
• Gift of Nature Lodge
• Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Broadbill Tented Camp

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Gahinga Lodge (Luxury)
• Lake Chahafi Lodge
• Lake Muhele Lodge (Midrange/Budget)

These lodges range from budget to luxury and are all located close to the trekking start points, making your journey to the gorillas even easier.

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves on offering customized gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Our professional and reliable team is always ready to assist you. Here’s why you should book with us:

• Fast response: We respond to your inquiries within 20 minutes.
• Expert guides: Our knowledgeable safari guides are available in multiple languages to ensure you have an enriching experience.
• Tailor-made itineraries: Whether you’re traveling from Kigali or Entebbe, we’ll craft a personalized itinerary to suit your needs.
• Stress-free booking: We handle all the details, from securing permits to arranging accommodation and transportation, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.

Book your gorilla trekking tour with Trek Africa Gorillas today and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Contact us now to learn more about Uganda’s gorillas and start planning your dream safari.