Gorilla Safaris: Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours

Uganda gorilla tours offer gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park, which is the most popular activity during all comprehensive safaris in Uganda.

Gorilla tours in Uganda are on every tourist’s bucket list who wishes to visit Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa.” Gorilla tours to Uganda will take you into the montane rain forests of Uganda in search of the mountain gorillas and meet them in their natural habitat.

There are two kinds of gorillas, i.e., mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas, though Uganda has only mountain gorillas.

The Uganda gorilla trekking Adventure is unbelievable, as it will leave you with marks of immense happiness and memories. A mere look at a silverback is a lifetime experience.

It is through Gorilla Holidays that you get to meet the mountain gorillas face-to-face. Uganda is the best country for mountain gorilla holidays, as it has half (50%) of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas, which is around 1,063 individuals.

Most of the Ugandan gorillas are habituated, and others are wild mountain gorillas. These giant apes are found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Bwindi National Park) and Mgahinga National Park, which has only 1 gorilla family.

Other gorillas are within the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Virunga Mountains.

The endangered mountain gorillas that you trek with are close to humans and have a DNA similarity of over 98%. Indeed, every tourist’s Uganda trip should include gorilla tours for an enhanced African safari experience.

On your gorilla tour to Uganda, you can enjoy gorilla habitat in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and

Combine it with wildlife safaris. The nearest Savannah Park is Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions ; you can also go to Murchison Falls National Park.

A gorilla tour can be combined with other Uganda primate tours where you can go for chimpanzee tracking (chimpanzee trekking) as well as golden monkey tracking.

Where can I see gorillas in Uganda?

Where can one go gorilla trekking during a Uganda gorilla tour? The endangered mountain gorillas are wonderful creatures that cannot survive in captivity or in zoos around the world. Only three bordering countries are home to them: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which also hosts lowland gorillas.

However, although wild mountain gorillas are in Uganda, these beautiful creatures are not everywhere in the country. They are only present in 2 parks and these are

a. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)

b. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Gorillas In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best place for Uganda Mountain Gorilla tracking trips. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwest of Uganda, encompasses a montane and lowland forest that spans 131 km².

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it has outstanding biodiversity and several endangered species that call the forest home. This forest park has 459 mountain gorillas, making it almost half of the world’s surviving gorillas (1063).

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are 19 habituated gorilla families; one can trek following the 4 trailheads.

These trailheads are in different directions of the park, and there are Nkuringo (south), Rushaga (south), Buhoma (north), and Ruhija (east), all of which have park headquarters.

All 19 families are available for trekking, increasing the chances of seeing the apes to 99%.

Gorillas In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another excellent destination for those seeking to go on gorilla tours. It is located in the extreme southwest of Uganda, on the border of Uganda and the Republic of Rwanda.

This park is sitting in the clouds, as it is within the Virunga Mountains, and it covers an area of 33.7 km². It has one habituated transboundary gorilla group, known as “Nyakagezi.” It usually crosses to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park.

The Nyakagezi family, consisting of nine members, is accessible to tourists via the Ntebeko trailhead, which begins at the park headquarters.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also the only park in Uganda to have golden monkeys, which makes it a popular destination for golden monkey trekking.

Gorilla Trek Cost/Price in Uganda

Gorilla Trek Permit Cost Uganda: To enjoy gorilla tours in Uganda, you need to have a gorilla trekking permit, which primarily costs $800 for foreign nonresidents. Foreign residents receive a discounted rate of $700, while East African citizens pay UGX 250,000.

This gorilla permit is inclusive of park entrance fees in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and allows you to see a gorilla family.

How Many Gorilla Permits Are Available In Uganda?

Uganda is the best destination for gorilla watching. This is because it has the highest number of habituated Ugandan gorillas that can be trekked.

And, since Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) has 19 habituated gorilla families and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has 1 family, it totals 20 families. Each day, 8 tourists can trek with a family.

This statistic means that 160 gorilla permits are available in Uganda per day, making it the highest number among other destinations for gorilla tracking holidays.

How Do I Book A Gorilla Permit In Uganda?

A gorilla permit is a legal document that the Uganda Wildlife Authority issues, allowing you to trek with mountain gorillas. However, many tourists ask themselves how to book a gorilla permit in Uganda.

Tourists can always book their gorilla permits by calling the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The reservation department is always open, and they will give you an online form to fill out and transfer the gorilla permit funds.

You can pick up your gorilla permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices upon your arrival in Uganda. The system truly works, but it is ideal to utilize the services of a tour operator.

Uganda tour operators will do an impressive job of getting you the gorilla permits, which will keep you away from the hustle. They can get you last-minute gorilla permits, which may be hard for you, especially in peak season.

Furthermore, if possible, a tour company can acquire discounted gorilla permits for you, allowing you to visit a gorilla family.

How Much Does It Cost To See Gorillas In Uganda?

Are you wondering how much a gorilla safari costs in Uganda? Or, how much does it cost to trek with gorillas?

The cost of the gorilla-watching holiday in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park depends on several factors, and all of them combined add up to a gorilla safari cost.

Below are the factors that affect the cost of a gorilla-watching trip in Uganda:

1. Gorilla permit cost: For you to go on gorilla tours in Bwindi National Park, you need to have a gorilla trekking permit, which goes for $800 for foreign nonresidents, $600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens.

2. Mode of transport: Usually the mode of transport used is road transport, though others can book chartered flights and head for safaris. The best vehicles to use are the 4×4 vehicles and the small ones range from $80 to $100.

The modified Land Cruisers cost $150–$300 per day. All the prices are exclusive of fuel.

3. Accommodation: You cannot take part in gorilla-watching tours in Uganda without spending a single night in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. The accommodation you choose determines the cost of the gorilla tour.

Budget accommodation ranges from $30 to $90 per night; midrange is from $100 to $180; and luxury accommodation is from $200 to $500 or even beyond.

4. The cost of items on the mountain gorillas packing list and what you will pack for the gorilla trip also determine a lot. Could you please let me know how many items you plan to pack and their estimated costs?

5. Cost of porters: for the elderly, if you are to use porters, keep in mind that they range from $10 to $20 per trek. There is no need to hire a guide or ranger, as the gorilla permit already accounts for him.

6 Tips for rangers, guides, drivers, or hotel staff: A small tip you give for the excellent service received makes people happy, and the Gorilla family can also account for the money you give.

Cheapest Way To See Gorillas In Uganda

People often ask themselves, “How can I see gorillas on a budget?” One can go on a gorilla walk in Bwindi National Park & Mgahinga Park on a budget and get a lifetime experience. Many tourists fear going on gorilla trips, thinking that they are too expensive and not knowing that they can also see gorillas on a budget.

The question would be: What is the cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda? Below, we are going to give you the necessary tips to guide you toward seeing gorillas in their natural habitat on a budget.

1. Target The Low Season

This is the most cost-effective way to visit gorillas in Uganda. The low season runs from March to May and from October to November. This phase is when the hotels, camps, and lodges offer discounted rates.

If lucky, you can get discounted gorilla permits as well.

2. Consider Budget Accommodation

Apart from the cost of the gorilla permit, accommodation can make the gorilla vacation expensive. However, choose budget accommodation that is of quality and will not make you regret it.

Choose a friendly budget safari lodge that at least has en suite bathrooms, mosquito nets, and a welcoming, clean environment.

3. Use Public Transport

Using private means is a bit costly, as you have to hire a driver or vehicle and even buy fuel. But if you use public means, you save a lot of money, meaning that you can see the gorillas on a budget. Please remember that you need a Ugandan or East African tourist visa to enter Uganda and tour around it.

4. Join A Group Tour

Participating in a group tour enables the group members to share expenses, thereby reducing the cost of travel and gorilla trekking for everyone.

How Many Hours Can One Spend With Mountain Gorillas?

Gorilla treks in Uganda take about 1–8 hours, and you trek to mountain gorillas in the tropical rain forests of Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The gorilla treks start at the park headquarters. You can only spend an hour with the gorillas, despite the long trek to see them.

You will remember this hour with the gorillas as you watch them play, eat, and care for each other. The size of the silverback will captivate you, making this the perfect moment for you to capture photographs. However, avoid using the flashlight.

However, if you want more time with the apes when on your Gorilla Trek holidays in Uganda, then you can engage in the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This activity gives you four full hours to be with the gorillas.

How long are gorilla holidays in Uganda?

How many days do you need for gorilla trekking? Regardless of your desire, you cannot complete a gorilla walking holiday in Uganda in a single day.

Gorilla treks and gorilla habituation experience safaris take a minimum of 3 days, as this is the best if you are to enjoy your safari. Typically, the first day involves a transfer to either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga, a distance of approximately 507 km and an 11-hour drive.

So you cannot trek on the first day due to the length of the journey and the start of mountain gorilla tracking at 8 a.m. You will then trek on day 2 ; day 3 is for transferring back to Kampala or Entebbe.

What Time of the Day Are Gorillas Most Active?

Gorillas are most active during the morning and late afternoon hours ; that’s why gorilla tracking is done early in the morning, which is the best time for gorilla sighting. We do this to ensure you witness them in their natural moods as they awaken after sunrise.

In the mornings, they actively search for food and feed for several hours, with the leader guiding the family to the feeding points. At around midday, the gorillas, especially the adults, rest in nests, while the young ones continue to play, often wrestling with each other.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To See Gorillas In Uganda?

Which month is the best for gorilla trekking in Uganda? For those wondering when the best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is, one can go on gorilla tracking safaris and gorilla habituation experiences to meet the gorillas at any time of the year. However, the best time to go trekking with gorillas is during the dry season, which is from June to August and December to February.

During the dry season, the gorilla treks are dry, making them accessible, and photography is rewarding as there is enough lighting. However, in the dry season, there may be long hikes as the gorillas move deeper into the forest in search of food.

In the wet season, the rains are heavy, making the trails and other roads impassable as they become slippery. The wet season is from March to May and from September to November.

Additionally, since fewer tourists go gorilla trekking in Uganda during this season, you can take advantage of discounted prices. Additionally, the gorillas tend to be closer, and the abundance of food makes the treks shorter.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Are you wondering what to wear for gorilla trekking tours in Uganda? There are clothes you can choose to put on so that your gorilla treks are successful. Below is what to wear for a successful gorilla trek:

Light hiking boots; they should not be heavy, as you have long gorilla treks in the forest. Hiking boots will safeguard your ankles at all times, shield your feet from piercings, and keep them dry.

It is recommended to wear long-sleeved light trousers and shirts; avoid wearing bright colors, as they can reflect danger and stress the gorillas. We highly recommend wearing khaki or brown for gorilla tracking and gorilla habituation.

Furthermore, they keep you protected from insects and bugs and keep you warm on cold days.

Garden gloves: Since you are trekking mountain gorillas, you may touch thorny, itchy plants, but the gloves will keep you protected at all times.

You should wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes from direct sunlight during gorilla tracking. The hat is to keep your head protected from direct sunlight.

In tropical rainforests like the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga, rain can occur at any time of the day. The rain jacket or poncho will keep you dry with all your belongings in case it rains when trekking mountain gorillas.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trips in Uganda?

When going on gorilla-watching safaris in Uganda, there are essential items you need to carry with you, and these include

Gorilla permits are the first thing to remember, as you must show them at the park HQ before tracking or habituating gorillas. If you booked with a tour company in Uganda, your guide will present the gorilla permits.

A useful camera with extra batteries is for taking pictures and videos of your favorite moments during gorilla tracking.

Binoculars: During your gorilla-watching experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will encounter other wildlife, such as birds, primates, and other wild animals. You can get clear views of the wildlife with the help of binoculars.

The poncho/rain jacket will keep you and your other items protected from getting wet when it rains during the entire gorilla tracking experience.

Insect repellents will keep insects and bugs from biting you when in search of gorillas.

Bottled water is to keep you hydrated when you go gorilla walking.

Backpacks help you keep your essential items in one place like sunscreen, insect repellents, travel documents, etc.

Walking sticks give you extra support, especially on slippery trails when you go trekking with gorillas.

Snacks, a packed lunch, and drinking water are essential during gorilla treks in Uganda, particularly during the gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation experience, as the apes can travel long distances. The journey can span between 2 and 8 hours, during which time the packed lunch and snacks become indispensable.

Is gorilla trekking safe?

Is it safe to trek with gorillas in Uganda? Yes, trekking gorillas in Uganda is safe, as the mountain gorillas you trek are fully habituated, meaning that they recognize human presence.

If you are accompanied by armed rangers who can shoot to startle you in the event of a gorilla or other animal attack, you are completely safe. Furthermore, there is an 8-meter gap left between you and the mountain gorillas, making it more secure.

To avoid being a victim, just listen to your guide and ranger. Respect the wild, as it is the home of the gorillas, and you are just a visitor.

Is gorilla trekking in Uganda worth it?

Is gorilla trekking worth the money? Yes, trekking with gorillas in Uganda is absolutely worth it, and it’s worth the money. No price can equal the sighting of gorillas.

When you trek, mountain gorillas will leave you mesmerized, giving you remarkable memories and making it worth it. You will witness the gorillas feeding and tending to each other, and the smile of the silverback is indescribable.

Additionally, Uganda uses the funds from gorilla treks to conserve gorillas and other wildlife. This makes it worth the money.

How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking? How Difficult Is the Gorilla Trek in Uganda?

How hard is gorilla trekking in Uganda? Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the top highlights of a Ugandan tour, but it is not like a normal game drive. The gorilla trek indeed involves hiking through terrain, thick vegetation, and hills and valleys, making it a bit challenging.

It may be exhausting when the gorillas move deeper in the forest and you have to travel long distances. Everyone can go on gorilla trekking holidays, though it takes some physical fitness since you will be going around hills.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is challenging, but when you meet the gorillas, you’ll forget all about the challenging hills. You will enjoy a full hour with the gorillas.

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations for mountain gorilla trekking are in place to protect both you and the gorillas. Tourists should listen carefully and follow the lead and instructions of the park rangers.

There are rules before you go gorilla trekking in Uganda and those you should follow when you meet the gorillas apply to the gorilla habituation experience.

Before you set out:

Always make sure that you carry your payment receipts and Gorilla permits. These are the main essential items that you have to show to the officials so that you are permitted to go gorilla trekking in Uganda or to engage in the fabulous gorilla trekking experience.
In case you have a cold or any kind of infectious illness, please do not go track gorillas.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is only for those over 15 years old.
If you want to help yourself, make sure that human waste is buried 30cm (12 inches) deep.
Additionally, a gorilla group can only accommodate 8 visitors.

When you meet the gorillas,

Make sure that there is a 7-meter (21-foot) distance between you and the gorillas.
You should not smoke, eat, or drink when with the gorillas. It helps reduce the transmission of diseases to gorillas.
Always cover your mouth and nose or even turn away if you sneeze or cough. Coughs and colds have the potential to infect gorillas.
Only one full hour is available for tourists to interact with the gorillas.
When you are photographing the apes, ensure not to use a flash.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda vs. Rwanda: Is It Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking? Both Uganda and Rwanda are top destinations for gorilla tour holidays, though each country is unique in its own way.

Rwanda has Volcanoes National Park, which is just 113.1 km from Kigali International Airport, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive. This proximity allows visitors to easily reach Volcanoes National Park for Rwanda Gorilla Trek tours, enabling them to experience the gorillas in just one day.

However, for Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park are located over 500km from the Entebbe International Airport, which requires more than 1 day to enjoy the gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to 10 gorilla families, resulting in the issuance of 96 gorilla permits daily for visitors to see the gorillas. In contrast, Uganda boasts 20 habituated gorilla families, issuing 160 gorilla permits per day.

Additionally, the Rwanda Development Board charges $1500 for tracking Rwandan gorillas, while the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800. This means Uganda is better for the gorilla trek, especially for those on a budget.

Rwanda’s only savannah park, Akagera National Park, combines gorilla trekking safaris with wildlife safaris, while Uganda boasts four amazing savannah parks.

Uganda has more safari lodges where one can stay during gorilla tracking trips, and they are cheaper compared to Rwanda. If you wish to enjoy Rwanda gorilla trek safaris, keep in mind that most of the lodges are high-end in Volcanoes National Park.

This comparison of the 2 country destinations for gorilla tour holidays depends on the visitors’ time and budget. Visitors can trek gorillas in both countries when they obtain an East Africa tourist visa.

Why Go For Gorilla Trips in Uganda | Why You Should Trek Gorillas in Uganda

There are many reasons why you need to track gorillas, as Uganda is the best country for trekking with gorillas.

The two national parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Park, contain them.

Below are the reasons why you should go for gorillas in Uganda:

1. Uganda Has Half of The World’s Surviving Mountain Gorillas

Together, these two national parks house a large population of Ugandan gorillas, accounting for half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas. These parks are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest alone has 19 habituated gorilla families, with each group having no less than 8 members or individuals. Mgahinga National Park has only 1 gorilla family, the Nyakagezi, with 9 members.

This makes Uganda the best country for gorilla tour vacations, as it has 160 gorilla permits available per day.

The rest of the mountain gorillas are within Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park.

2. Gorilla Holidays In Uganda Are Cheaper

This advantage is a primary motivation for tracking gorillas in Uganda. The gorilla permits in Uganda are way cheaper compared to those in Rwanda, and the accommodation facilities in Uganda are way cheaper.

Gorilla permits in Uganda are $700, and in Rwanda they are $1500; you can track gorillas only in Volcanoes National Park. The Democratic Republic of the Congo would be cheaper, though it sometimes becomes insecure to travel to.

3. Uganda Is A Safe Country For All Tourists

Many travelers arrive in Uganda for different purposes like business, leisure, tourism, etc., and stay safe until the end of their trip. This means that one can travel to Uganda at any time of the year with their safety assured.

Furthermore, the people of Uganda are loving and friendly.

4. You Can Contribute To Gorilla Conservation And Supporting Communities

The money you use to purchase your gorilla permit in Uganda goes toward gorilla conservation. Only a few mountain gorillas remain, making them an endangered species. Government uses the money to monitor their health and protect them from poachers. Additionally, a portion of the gorilla permit funds local community support.

So, if you go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you have helped in gorilla conservation and supported the local communities.

5. More Primates Along The Gorilla Trek

Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park not only have gorillas but also other primates that one can see during their gorilla trek experience. Other primates include Golden Monkeys, Baboons, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, etc.

6. Gorilla Trips Can Be Combined With Other Uganda Safaris

Uganda is a blessed country, boasting 10 national parks, wildlife reserves, and other safari destinations. Visitors who come for gorilla tours (gorilla treks) can always engage in other safaris, like Uganda wildlife tours, birding safaris, and Uganda culture safaris.

Other safaris to engage in are boat cruise safaris, fishing safaris, etc.

Best Uganda Gorilla Trek Companies

The best gorilla safari companies in Uganda: Several tour operators can organize gorilla holidays for you in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga Park and these include

1. Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd

2. Wild Gorilla Safaris

3. Africa Safaris Tours

4. Safari Uganda Safaris

5. Gorilla Safaris & Tours

6. Gorilla Trekking Uganda

Best Gorilla Safari Packages | Gorilla Safari Tours In Uganda

These gorilla safari packages are the best way to meet gorillas in their natural habitat. They also take you to other national parks of Uganda for memorable African safari experiences.

You will have the opportunity to trek gorillas during the gorilla-watching tours in Uganda; this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to excite you.

Below are the best gorilla safari tours in Uganda:

5-Day Uganda Primates Safari

7 Days Uganda Safari

8-Day Uganda Safari

9-Days Uganda Tour

10-Day Uganda Safari Tour

12-Day Uganda Safari

14-Day Uganda Safari

15-Day Uganda Safari Vacation

16-Day Uganda Safari Trip

18-Day Uganda Safari Tour

In conclusion, gorilla safaris in Uganda are the best way to trek gorillas in Uganda, as they take you into the jungle for gorilla watching and gorilla habituation experiences. You can combine Uganda gorilla trekking safaris with wildlife tours and chimpanzee tracking tours to create unforgettable experiences.

On your safari, you can also visit Queen Elizabeth National Park to sight the tree-climbing lions, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park for amazing wildlife viewing.

Please inquire about booking gorilla safaris in Uganda