Gorilla Safaris in Uganda

Gorilla Safaris in Uganda – Expert Tours with Trek Africa Gorillas

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. Whether you’re looking to explore the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Virunga National Park in Congo, we’re here to help plan and book your dream adventure. Let us know which destination excites you the most and we’ll handle the rest!

Our Uganda gorilla safaris can also include visits to other amazing national parks for wildlife viewing, boat cruises and enriching cultural experiences.

Where to Go for Gorilla Safaris in Uganda and Beyond

Gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo, each home to a national park that protects the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park all offer incredible gorilla encounters.

In addition, Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park provides an opportunity to see lowland gorillas. To trek in any of these parks, a gorilla permit is required. Since permits sell out quickly, especially during peak season (June to September), we recommend booking your gorilla trek at least 5 months in advance to secure your spot. New Year treks can also be booked directly or through a trusted local tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.

Gorilla Permit Costs and Booking Process in Uganda

In Uganda, the cost of a gorilla permit varies based on your residency:

• Foreign non-residents: $800 per person
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African citizens: $80 per person

This permit allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to 17 habituated gorilla families (16 in Bwindi and 1 in Mgahinga), which means there are 136 permits available each day.

For a more immersive experience, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, available only in Bwindi. This permit costs $1,500 and lets you spend up to 4 hours with the semi-habituated gorillas, guided by researchers and trackers.

Gorilla permits in Uganda can be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or through a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas.

What’s Included in Your Gorilla Permit and Trekking Experience

Planning to visit Africa to see the majestic mountain gorillas in the lush jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga in Uganda? Don’t wait—contact us today to secure your gorilla permit and ensure a spot on this unforgettable adventure.

A gorilla permit is an official card issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that grants access to the mountain gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. The permit allows you to spend one hour with a specific gorilla family, capturing photos and videos. The permit is valid only for the date booked and once expired, it can’t be used, so make sure you’re available for your trek day.

What’s Included in Your Gorilla Permit:

• One Hour with the Gorillas: This is your chance to interact with a habituated mountain gorilla family and observe their behavior.
• Photography & Videography: You’re welcome to take still photos and simple videos during your encounter.
• Guide and Ranger Services: A knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the trek, providing information about the gorillas and the forest. Additionally, a tourism police officer and a ranger will ensure safety, with the ranger carrying a weapon for protection against any wild animals in the area.
• Park Entry Fees: Your permit also covers park entry fees for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park for a 24-hour period.

Be sure to follow all “dos and don’ts” while with the gorillas to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals.

Affordable Gorilla Trekking Tours Tailored to Your Budget

Trek Africa Gorillas offers pocket-friendly gorilla trekking tours tailored to suit all budgets. Whether you’re after a short getaway or an extended adventure, we’ve got you covered with options in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. You can even combine treks across all three countries for a truly unique experience.

Most of our safaris start and end in Entebbe but you also have the option to start your journey in Kigali, Rwanda and explore both Uganda and Congo during your trip. Check out our detailed safari packages on our website for more information.

When to Book Your Gorilla Safari for the Best Availability

The best time to book your gorilla safari is at least 3 months in advance. For peak seasons, such as New Year’s Day or during the dry months (June to September), we highly recommend booking well in advance to ensure availability.

Once we have your trek dates, we’ll check the availability of permits and inform you as soon as possible. If you decide to go ahead with your booking, you can make payments through bank transfer or via credit/debit card (subject to a surcharge).

To secure your gorilla permits, we ask for full payment upfront and the balance for your tour can be paid 3 weeks before the safari begins. This approach helps give you peace of mind, knowing your permits are secure.

Trek Africa Gorillas has access to the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s permit database, meaning we can instantly check availability and hold permits for you. We’re one of the few operators with this level of access, ensuring a smooth and stress-free booking process.

What’s Included in Our Uganda Gorilla Safari Tours

All of our Uganda gorilla trekking packages are fully inclusive of your gorilla permit, accommodation and transportation between Entebbe or Kigali and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We handle every detail of your trip to ensure you have a seamless and worry-free experience.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Safari in Uganda

Trek Africa Gorillas partners with a selection of lodges around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering accommodations to suit various budgets. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options, deluxe choices or luxurious stays, we’ve got you covered. Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo and we can recommend top accommodations in each area.

We personally inspect the lodges annually, ensuring their quality and we keep an eye on customer reviews. Just let us know your budget and we’ll provide tailored recommendations. Reach out to us by phone or email for more details.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Transport Options

Trek Africa Gorillas operates a fleet of 4×4 vehicles, including luxury Land Cruisers and customized safari vans. Our vehicles are designed for Africa’s rugged terrain and come equipped with drinking water for your comfort. Whether you’re opting for a more luxurious ride or a comfortable, budget-friendly option, our professional local driver guides will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Flying to Uganda or Rwanda for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

You have the option to fly into either Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe (Uganda) for your gorilla trek. Many travelers prefer flying into Kigali to avoid long drives from Entebbe, as it’s closer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

For those flying into Entebbe, you’ll be treated to a scenic drive through Uganda, with stops at notable sights like the Equator Crossing and the unique long-horned cattle of the Kigezi region. Either way, we’ll assist with airport transfers and transport to and from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Why Choose Trek Africa Gorillas for Your Gorilla Safari Experience?

Trek Africa Gorillas is a trusted tour operator with years of experience organizing authentic, value-for-money gorilla treks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. We’re dedicated to providing you with accurate, timely information and exceptional service. Whether you’re planning your gorilla trekking adventure for New Year’s Day or at another time, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist you with any questions. For more information and to explore our tours, check out our TripAdvisor page for reviews and more details on Gorilla Safaris Uganda tours.

Ready to book your gorilla trek? Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today!