Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Your Ultimate Adventure

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, and we firmly believe that Uganda is the premier destination for this thrilling activity compared to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Uganda offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The mountain gorillas inhabit the lush, hilly tropical forests of southwestern Uganda, with an impressive 98% chance of spotting them during your trek. Uganda is home to 19 habituated gorilla families, located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Each gorilla family is allocated a maximum of eight visitors per day, allowing for intimate and responsible encounters year-round.

Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking?

Gorilla trekking is carefully managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which oversees tourism and conservation efforts in national parks and wildlife reserves. Your safety and security during the trek are top priorities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Beyond gorilla trekking, Uganda has a wealth of attractions and activities to explore. Trek Africa Expeditions can help you plan a memorable vacation that includes not just gorilla trekking but also other highlights of this beautiful country.

What to Expect on Your Gorilla Trek

Your gorilla trekking adventure begins early in the morning, typically around 7:00 AM, with a briefing on the rules and guidelines for interacting with the gorillas. After the briefing, experienced park guides, rangers, and trackers will lead you through the forest in search of these incredible animals.

Once you locate a gorilla family, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph them—an awe-inspiring experience, considering that gorillas share 95% of our DNA! To preserve these gentle giants and their habitat, only visitors aged 15 years and older are permitted to trek. This policy helps ensure that younger guests can be managed effectively and that the gorillas remain healthy and safe from disease.

Where to Trek Gorillas in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda primarily occurs in two remarkable parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. Each park offers its unique landscape and experience, making Uganda a top choice for gorilla trekking in East Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned as the birthplace of gorilla tourism in Uganda since 1993. Nestled in southwestern Uganda along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is one of only two parks in Uganda where you can observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Bwindi is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and is designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi is organized across four sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers equally rewarding trekking experiences.

Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the famed Virunga volcanic mountain chain, shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Located in Kisoro District, Mgahinga is bordered by Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the DRC. The park is home to three volcanoes: Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Muhabura. Although it is the smallest national park in Uganda, Mgahinga is known for its diverse wildlife, including the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park features one habituated gorilla group for trekking.

How Many Gorilla Families Are in Uganda?

Uganda boasts 19 habituated gorilla families, with 18 located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one in Mgahinga National Park. In Bwindi, each sector has its named gorilla families, including:

• 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

In Mgahinga National Park, the only habituated gorilla group is known as Nyakagezi.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices

In Uganda, permits for gorilla trekking are more affordable compared to neighboring Rwanda. The costs are as follows:

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

Permits for both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are priced the same. It’s important to note that permits sell out quickly, especially during the high season (January, February, July, August, September, and December). To secure your permit, contact Trek Africa Expeditions with your desired dates, and we will check availability and guide you through the booking process. Once we receive your payment, we will finalize your permit reservation and send you a confirmation.

When is the Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Uganda?

The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry months: January, February, June, July, August, and early September. While trekking is possible year-round, these months tend to have less rainfall. Interestingly, the rainy season can also offer benefits, as the lush foliage attracts more food for the gorillas, making them easier to spot. Regardless of the season, advance booking for permits is crucial, especially during peak times.

Getting to Uganda for Your Gorilla Trek

You can conveniently access Uganda by flying into Entebbe International Airport. From there, you have two options: a scenic road trip of approximately 9-10 hours or a short flight to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips, which are near the national parks. Alternatively, you can fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and drive to southwestern Uganda, which takes only 4-5 hours, including immigration time at the border. For seamless travel, we recommend the East African Visa, which allows multiple entries into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for just USD 100. This is a cost-effective option compared to individual visas.

Accommodation Options for Your Gorilla Trekking Trip

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly lodges to luxury hotels. Trek Africa Expeditions can assist you in selecting the perfect place to stay based on your preferences and budget. Here are a few recommendations:

• Mgahinga National Park: Gahinga Lodge (luxury), Lake Chahafi Resort, and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge (mid-range).
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: It’s advisable to stay within the sector where you will be trekking for easy access. Options include:
  • Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge.
  • Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
  • Buhoma: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp.
  • Ruhija: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, and lodges around Lake Bunyonyi or Kabale town.

With numerous options available, it’s important to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Experience?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a locally owned tour operator based in Entebbe, Uganda. Our team is passionate about creating life-changing experiences and promoting sustainable tourism across East Africa. As proud members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and registered with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), we maintain strong relationships with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to simplify your gorilla trekking arrangements. Our commitment to exceptional service is reflected in our excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Safari Bookings.

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