Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Uganda

Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Uganda: What to Expect on Your Trekking Adventure

If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, you’ll be pleased to know that the chance of spotting the majestic mountain gorillas is incredibly high—over 99%. Whether you’re trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, encountering these incredible creatures is almost guaranteed.

How Gorilla Trekking Works in Uganda: From Tracking to the Encounter

Gorilla trekking is one of Uganda’s most popular and well-organized tourist activities. Over the past two decades, trekkers have consistently had successful sightings of mountain gorillas, making it a must-do experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

The trek begins early in the morning with advanced trackers who head into the forest to locate where the gorillas spent the previous night. They then follow the gorillas as they feed, interact and relax. These trackers stay in constant communication with the trekking guides to ensure you’re on the right path, making the search for gorillas more efficient and increasing your chances of seeing them.

Trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located. Once you find them, you’ll spend one hour with the gorillas—observing their behavior, taking photos and learning more about these endangered species.

What Happens If I Don’t See the Gorillas? Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Guarantee

While sightings are almost guaranteed, it’s understandable to wonder what happens if you don’t see the gorillas on your trekking day. In rare cases, factors like heavy rain or the gorillas moving to more remote areas can affect the encounter. However, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has a policy in place to protect trekkers’ investments. If you fail to see the gorillas on your first day, you’ll be given an extra day of trekking free of charge to try again. This ensures that every trekker has the opportunity to see the gorillas during their visit.

Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? Key Parks to Know

Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two stunning national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks, along with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, are home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to more than 50% of the world’s mountain gorilla population, with over 15 habituated gorilla families open for trekking. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich in biodiversity, including 350 bird species, 200 tree species and other wildlife like chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, shares borders with Rwanda and DR Congo. This smaller park is part of the Virunga volcanic mountain range and is home to several gorilla families, along with the Golden Monkeys.

Understanding Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi Forest is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Each sector is home to different habituated gorilla families:

• Buhoma and Ruhija are located in the northern and northeastern parts of the park, close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making it easy to combine gorilla trekking with game viewing.
• Nkuringo and Rushaga are in the southern part of Bwindi, near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Rushaga is particularly well-known for having several gorilla families available for trekking.

Gorilla Trekking Prices in Bwindi: Permit Costs Explained

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda varies depending on residency:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents (per person, per trek)
• USD 700 for East African Residents
• USD 80 for East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan)

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas once you find them. For those interested in more extensive trekking options, a 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Rwanda starts at USD 1,290 per person, all-inclusive.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Step-by-Step Guide

Booking your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda starts with securing your gorilla permit, which is essential to confirm your trek. Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be purchased in advance either at their headquarters in Kampala (for travelers arriving via Entebbe) or at the UWA office in Kisoro (for those arriving via Kigali, Rwanda). Kisoro is only about 1-2 hours’ drive from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, making it a convenient option for trekkers coming from Rwanda.

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we make booking your gorilla trekking permits simple and stress-free. Once you’ve chosen your dates, you can reach out to us via email or WhatsApp. We’ll tentatively reserve your gorilla permits online and send you an invoice for payment. As soon as we receive your payment, we will finalize the permit purchase and send you a scanned copy of your gorilla permit for your records—securing your spot on this unforgettable adventure.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: When to Visit

The best time to embark on your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda is during the drier months, from January to February and June to early September. During these months, the weather is more favorable for trekking, with less rainfall and clearer views of the gorillas, as the vegetation is less dense.

Essential Gorilla Trekking Gear: What to Wear and Bring

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be physically demanding, so it’s important to wear the right gear. Here’s a checklist of recommended items:

• Warm Clothing: A long-sleeve sweater to stay warm in the cool early mornings.
• Trousers: Two pairs of long trousers to protect your legs from the undergrowth.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: Essential for navigating muddy and sometimes slippery forest trails.
• Hat & Sunglasses: Optional, depending on the weather.
• Camera & Extra Batteries: You’ll want to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Remember to turn off your flash when photographing the gorillas.
• Binoculars: Great for bird watching and spotting other wildlife in the forest.
• Gardening Gloves: Helpful when holding onto trees or branches while trekking.
• Rain Coat: Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, so rain is unpredictable.
• Mosquito Repellent: Essential to protect against insects in the forest.
• Sunscreen: Although the forest can be shady, the sun can be strong at times, so it’s good to be prepared.
• Avoid Bright Colors: Gorillas may get startled by bright colors. Stick to neutral tones.
• No Black or Blue: These colors attract tsetse flies, so it’s best to wear neutral colors.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Accommodation Options

There are several accommodation options for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, depending on which sector you are trekking in.

• Rushaga Sector:
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Icumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge
• Nkuringo Sector:
  • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Resort
• Buhoma Sector:
  • Buhoma Lodge
  • Bwindi Lodge
  • Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Ruhija Sector:
  • Trekkers Tavern Cottages
  • Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Gift of Nature Lodge

For those trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, options include:

• Gahinga Lodge (luxury)
• Lake Chahafi Lodge (mid-range)
• Lake Muhele Lodge (budget)

Why Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are passionate about creating tailor-made gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, including options from Kigali, Rwanda. Our team is knowledgeable, friendly and dedicated to ensuring a smooth and unforgettable safari experience.

We respond to queries within 20 minutes and provide expert advice to help you plan the perfect trip. Our team will handle everything from gorilla permits to accommodation bookings, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish. We also offer multilingual safari guides to accommodate your language preferences.

Book your Uganda gorilla trek with us and enjoy exceptional service, expert guidance and an adventure of a lifetime. Contact us today to secure your permits and start planning your unforgettable trek into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest!