Best Gorilla Trekking Trips in Africa
January 9, 2025
When Is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?
January 9, 2025
Uganda Wildlife Authority Gorilla Permits: Everything You Need to Know
A gorilla permit is an official document issued by governing bodies to authorize access to gorilla national parks and allow visitors to participate in gorilla trekking. In Uganda, these permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Each permit includes a unique booking identification number that confirms your reservation to visit a specific gorilla family.
In addition to Uganda, gorilla permits are managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda and Virunga National Park authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Where Can You Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa?
Gorilla trekking is available in three countries that are home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas:
- Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
- DR Congo: Virunga National Park
In the DRC, you can also trek to see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
For all these parks, a gorilla permit is mandatory to participate in trekking. Given the high demand, it’s advisable to book your gorilla trekking trip well in advance.
Gorilla Permits in Uganda
In Uganda, 144 gorilla permits are available daily for visitors. These permits provide access to 23 habituated gorilla families located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each family is visited by a maximum of 8 people per day.
The distribution of gorilla families in Bwindi is as follows:
- Buhoma Sector: 4 gorilla families
- Ruhija Sector: 4 gorilla families
- Rushaga Sector: 8 gorilla families (the highest number of families)
- Nkuringo Sector: 3 gorilla families
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda
- Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person per trek
- Foreign Residents: $700 per person per trek
- East African Citizens: $80 per person per trek
A standard gorilla permit allows you to spend one hour with a gorilla family.
For a more immersive experience, Uganda offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you can spend up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas alongside trackers and researchers. This unique experience costs $1,500 per person and is only available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
How to Book a Gorilla Permit in Uganda
Booking your gorilla permit in Uganda is a straightforward process but it’s important to secure your permit well in advance as they sell out quickly, especially during the peak season (June to September).
Steps to Book a Gorilla Permit:
- Confirm Your Travel Dates: Once your travel dates are finalized, contact a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Gorillas or email info@trekafricagorillas.com to check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Make Payment: Upon confirmation of availability, you’ll receive an invoice to make payment. Once payment is completed and received, the tour operator will purchase your permit.
- Receive Your Permit: After the purchase, a scanned copy of the permit will be sent to you for your records.
Booking your permit 2–3 months in advance is highly recommended and for peak seasons, consider booking at least 5 months ahead.
When is the Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is available all year round. However, the best time to plan your trek is during the dry seasons, which fall between January and February and from June to early September. These months make it easier to travel to the park, as the roads are more accessible and the forest trails are less muddy. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, allowing for clearer views of the mountain gorillas.
Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years and the maximum age is 85 years, depending on fitness levels.
For elderly or less physically able trekkers, sedan chairs are available in Bwindi to assist with transportation into and out of the forest. Porters will carry the chair during the trek. These can be hired in advance or on the day of the trek at a cost of $400–$500.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Packing the right gear is essential to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience. Bwindi’s terrain is rugged and the weather can be unpredictable, so you’ll need to be well-prepared. Here’s a list of recommended items:
- Comfortable Hiking Boots: A sturdy, waterproof pair of boots is a must for navigating muddy and steep forest trails.
- Lightweight Long-Sleeved Shirts and Trousers: These will protect you from stinging nettles, biting ants and scratches from the undergrowth.
- Gardening Gloves: Useful for gripping vegetation and protecting your hands.
- Insect Repellent: To keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay.
- Rain Jacket: The forest is prone to sudden rain showers, so a waterproof jacket is essential.
- Sweater/Fleece: Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so it’s good to have something warm.
- Hat and Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun while trekking.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial during your trek.
- Snacks: Energy bars or light snacks for the trek.
- Binoculars: Great for spotting birds and other wildlife along the way.
- Camera: Capture your incredible gorilla trekking moments (don’t forget extra batteries).
- Torch/Flashlight: Handy for early mornings or evenings.
- Wet Wipes: Useful for freshening up after the trek.
How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
By Road
Bwindi’s southern sector can be accessed via Uganda’s main safari circuit from Entebbe/Kampala, a journey that takes approximately 8–9 hours by car. If you’re heading to the Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors, you’ll need to turn off at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro road. Look out for the Uganda Wildlife Authority signposts to guide you to your booked lodge.
By Air
You can also fly to Bwindi. Domestic flights are available from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, which is close to Bwindi’s southern sectors (Rushaga and Nkuringo). Airlines such as AeroLink and Fly Uganda operate scheduled and chartered flights. Once you arrive at the airstrip, your tour operator can arrange a transfer to your lodge or directly to the park.
Why Book Bwindi Gorilla Permits and Safaris with Trek Africa Gorillas?
At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, eco-friendly safari experiences. Here’s why you should trust us with your gorilla trekking adventure:
- Personalized Service: We prioritize the safety, comfort and satisfaction of our clients. Every trip is tailored to suit your needs and preferences.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: We uphold the philosophy of “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints.” All our packages are designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
- Community Support: We are committed to positively impacting the local communities by supporting their development and promoting responsible tourism.
Whether you’re booking your Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permits or planning a full safari package, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
