What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: A Complete Guide

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers you a unique chance to get up close with the majestic mountain gorillas. Whether you’re trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, there are some important details to know before you embark on this unforgettable experience. Here’s everything you need to know, from booking your permits to what you can expect during your trek.

Where is Gorilla Trekking Done in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are located in the southwestern part of Uganda. These parks are home to a number of habituated mountain gorilla families, which are available for trekking.

Gorilla trekking is also offered in Rwanda (at Volcanoes National Park) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (at Virunga National Park). If you’re interested in trekking lowland gorillas, you can visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda

Before you can go trekking, securing a gorilla trekking permit is essential. Gorilla trekking permits are limited and sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons (June to September), so it’s important to book your permit as early as possible. Ideally, plan to book at least 2-3 months in advance to ensure availability.

Booking your permit with Trek Africa Gorillas is simple. Once you’ve decided on your travel dates, send us an email and we’ll check availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Once we confirm your permit is available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. After receiving your payment, we’ll purchase your permit and send you a scanned copy for your records, confirming your booking for your gorilla trekking experience.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda come with different pricing based on your residency status:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person
• Foreign Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens: $80 per person

The cost allows you to spend one hour with the gorillas in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Uganda has 23 habituated gorilla families, with 16 located in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga. This means there are 136 permits available daily for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

If you’d like to spend more time with the gorillas, you can opt for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi, which costs $1,500 per person. This experience allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas under the guidance of trackers and researchers.

What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking

Here’s what you can expect on your gorilla trekking adventure:

1. Hiking Through the Forest
   Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity, as you’ll be hiking through dense forest terrain in search of the gorillas. Depending on where the gorillas are located, the trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. You should be reasonably fit to enjoy the trek.
2. Muddy and Slippery Terrain
   The ground can be muddy, slippery and wet, especially during the rainy season or in the early mornings. Proper hiking boots are essential to ensure comfort and safety while trekking.
3. Encountering the Gorillas
   Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll have an opportunity to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. This is a thrilling and intimate experience, offering a rare chance to see these endangered creatures up close.
4. Trekking Certificate
   After a successful trek, you’ll receive a gorilla trekking certificate as a keepsake to mark the completion of your adventure.

Age Limits for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years and there is no official maximum age limit, though physical fitness is key. Gorilla trekking is made accessible to older guests with the sedan chair service, available in Bwindi. For a fee (typically between $400-$500), porters will carry guests who are unable to trek on foot.

The Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an incredible experience that can be enjoyed year-round. However, the best time to go trekking is during the drier months, which occur from January to February and June to early September. During these months, the trails are less muddy, making the hike easier and the vegetation is less dense, giving you a clearer view of the gorillas. These conditions also make travel to the park more comfortable. While trekking can still be done in the rainy season (from March to May and October to December), you’ll experience more challenging terrain and higher chances of rainfall.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Packing the right gear is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe trekking experience in Uganda’s rainforests. Here’s what you should bring with you:

• Comfortable, Durable Walking Shoes or Boots – The terrain can be muddy and slippery, especially in the rainy season.
• Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt & Lightweight Trousers – Protect yourself from undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants.
• Insect Repellent – Essential to keep bugs at bay.
• Torch/Flashlight & Spare Batteries – For early morning treks and low-light conditions in the forest.
• Wet Wipes – Handy for freshening up during your hike.
• Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is important during the trek.
• Camera & Lenses – To capture the unforgettable moments with the gorillas.
• Gardening Gloves – For extra protection when grabbing branches and vines.
• Socks and Comfortable Hiking Boots – To keep your feet comfortable and safe.
• Sandals/Flip-flops – For relaxing after the trek.
• Hat & Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun during breaks.
• Rain Jacket – Be prepared for sudden rainfall, especially in the rainy season.
• Sweater/Fleece – For cooler mornings or evenings.
• Swimwear – If your accommodation has a pool or you plan to visit a nearby water source.
• Binoculars – For bird watching or spotting other wildlife during your hike.

How to Get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

By Road

The southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed via a scenic drive from Entebbe/Kampala. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours and you’ll follow the Kabale-Kisoro road, turning off at Muko. Look for the Uganda Wildlife Authority signs that will lead you to your booked lodge in the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector.

By Air

For a quicker option, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip. Scheduled and chartered flights are available through local airlines such as Aero link and Fly Uganda. From the airstrip, you’ll need to arrange for a transfer to the park with your tour operator.

Why Book Gorilla Permits with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we provide a personalized, eco-friendly service with a focus on the safety and enjoyment of our clients. We are dedicated to the well-being of our guests and staff, while also promoting responsible tourism that positively impacts local communities and wildlife conservation efforts.

Our company follows the environmental principle: “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints.”

To book your gorilla trekking permits or for more information on how to purchase permits, visit us or contact us directly. Our team will guide you through the process and help you plan an unforgettable adventure in Uganda’s gorilla-packed jungles!