Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Bwindi, Best Gorilla Tours 2024, Price
Guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda. Nothing sparks travelers’ nerves like meeting a massive group of mountain gorillas or a large silverback relaxed in the wild. It is an indescribable experience, but in simple terms, gorilla trekking is a life-changing adventure. Discover the best of Uganda with Flawless Adventure Planners (info@premiumafricasafaris.com) on 3 days gorilla safari or more days. Immerse yourself into the African jungles to meet with mountain gorillas.
Find Everything You need to know about Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
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Where should you go for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
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When is the best time to go Uganda gorilla trekking?
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Book gorilla permits early -Uganda safaris -How much is a gorilla permit?
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What or how you should pack for a Uganda gorilla trek?
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How long is a gorilla trek in Uganda?
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How many days should you spend on Uganda gorilla tour?
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How can I get to Bwindi and Mgahinga for a gorilla tour?
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Where can I stay on gorilla tour in Uganda?
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Which month is best for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
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Is Uganda gorilla trekking safe?
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Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
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Is gorilla trekking in Uganda difficult? How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Where should you go for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
10 National Parks, 12 Wildlife Reserves plus other protected are all in Uganda. But gorilla trekking is only carried out in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These are the two Uganda safari parks offering the best of gorilla trekking, a lifetime experience. It is in these two spectacular protected areas where over half of 1063 mountain gorillas freely roam.
Uganda alone consists of 21 habituated gorilla groups; these are all open for gorilla trekking. 20 gorilla families are set for tracking in Bwindi alone and in Mgahinga, there is only one.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park -BINP for gorilla trekking
There are several opportunities for tourists to make their dream come true on gorilla safaris in Bwindi National Park. 4 sectors in Bwindi can be visited for gorilla tracking and they include;
- Buhoma sector/region, located on the Northern side of Bwindi. Buhoma gorilla families to track: Katwe, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Mubare.
- Ruhija regions, the Eastern sector with habituated gorilla groups: Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaguriro, and Bitukura.
- Rushaga sector, the Southern gorilla tracking region in Bwindi and has the biggest number of habituated gorilla families. The Rushaga gorilla families are; Rwigi, Nshongi, Busingye, Mishaya, Kutu, Mucunguzi, Kahungye, Bweza, and Bikingi.
- Nkuringo trailhead, the Southern sector with incredible families: Bushaho, Nkuringo group, and Christmas.
Mgahinga National Park gorilla trekking
Located in Kisoro, the extreme Southwestern is splendid Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is a home to only Nyakagezi gorilla family and here, there are also golden monkeys. 3 of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes make Mgahinga National Park a special hiking spot. The volcanoes in Mgahinga: Mount Gahinga (3474m), Sabyinyo (3645m) and Mt. Muhabura 94127m).
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is just 10kms away from Kisoro district and this area is close to Rwanda and Congo. It takes at least 3 days gorilla safari in Mgahinga for you to enjoy the best of Uganda gorilla trekking tour.
When is the best time to go Uganda gorilla trekking?
Uganda enjoys a tropical-like climate and the higher chances are, it can rain at any time of the year. Each year, the country experiences two dry and wet seasons. They translate into peak/high season and off or low season. Excellent weather conditions/dry season is experienced from June, July, August, and September, December, January to February.
The low season begins in March, April to May and October to November. The wet or low/rainy season is when gorillas have plenty to feed on and it takes can a shorter time to find these massive creatures. The disadvantage though is that the ground can be slippery/muddy due to heavy rains.
Book gorilla permits early –Uganda safaris
There is high demand for gorilla permits in general and it is important to book one early. Get in touch with your gorilla tour expert Premium Africa Safaris to have your permit booked. We recommend that you book your Uganda gorilla permit at least 6 months prior to the actual date for gorilla trekking.
Whether it is peak or low season, the standard price for Uganda gorilla permits as of 2022 is USD700 (for foreign non-residents), USD 600 (foreign residents). Both Ugandans and the rest of the East African citizens are issued permits at UGX250,000.
What or how you should pack for a Uganda gorilla trek?
Our recommendation – pack simple but with essentials and the following should be a must. Uganda gorilla trekking packing list: waterproof walking/hiking boots, clear camera free of the flashlight, sweater, rain jacket/poncho, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirt or t-shirt, daypack (waterproof), long pants, trousers, pair of socks, safari hat, snacks, bottled water, first aid kit, toiletries, sunglasses, etc. These and more come in handy while on any of our 5 Days Uganda gorilla tour or 7 Days Uganda Safari, chimpanzees, and wildlife safari.
Be physically fit to conquer the high altitude
Your physical fitness level plays a significant part for any successful gorilla safari in Uganda to be experienced. Gorilla trekking isn’t predictable, depending on your speed of walking and other factors, expect to spend 2-6 hours in the forest while searching for gorillas. Our piece of advice, do adequate exercise such that you conquer the high altitude.
How many days should you spend on Uganda safari?
A normal Uganda safari to enjoy gorilla trekking in either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park should be 3 days and more. It is possible to combine other interesting African safaris in Uganda safari parks especially game drives or boat cruise in the top destinations such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, or Murchison Falls National Park. This means you will need 5 days or 7 days + to enjoy a combined gorilla and wildlife safari in Uganda.
If you are interested in both chimpanzees and gorillas, it is also possible to arrange a package. 5 days Kibale and Bwindi gorilla safari can work best – day 1 is for you to travel to Kibale National Park, day 2 go track chimpanzees & Bigodi wetland walk, day 3 connect to Bwindi via Ishasha (enjoy the sight of tree climbing lions), day 4 actual gorilla trekking. Lastly, day 5 you return to Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda. Never shy away from asking your expert about any safari of your interest – we are the answer to every travel question in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking rules
- 8 visitors are allowed to track any of the 21 habituated gorilla families in Uganda
- One hour is a standard time for a magical encounter with mountain gorillas.
- During the photo taking, flashlights should be off or come with a flashlight-free camera.
- No touching gorillas – watch them at a distance of 8-10 meters.
- Don’t shout – keep low your voice.
- Wash your hand before setting off to see gorillas.
- No eating/smoking/drinking while with gorillas – this is prohibited 100%
- Littering in the gorilla habitat is unacceptable behavior.
- Cover the mouth when coughing and the nose in case of sneezing.
Best places to book for an overnight stay – Gorilla safaris in Uganda
Best gorilla safari lodges in Uganda – Luxury options: Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Forest Lodge. Midrange gorilla safari lodges: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge.
Getting there
Gorilla tracking in Uganda is carried out in only the Southwestern side of the country – Bwindi & Mgahinga. Getting here is easier by road: from Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara to Kabale or Kisoro it is a journey of about 8-9 hours. From Kigali via Chanika or Katuna borders, drive for 4-5 hours. By air, scheduled or charter flights are also available taking tourists on gorilla safaris from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips.
How much is the gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?
A valid gorilla trekking permit in Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) 2024/2025 costs USD 700 per person for all foreign non-residents, USD 600 for all foreign residents and Uganda (East African citizens) at shs. 250,000 per person.
Which month is best for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The best months of the year to consider for gorilla trekking in Uganda run from June to September and December to February. These are the best months of the year and come with favorable weather conditions for guests to enjoy the best of treks to see gorillas.
Is Uganda gorilla trekking safe?
YES -100% trekking gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga NP is very safe and secure. There are safety measures that have been implemented and should be observed by everyone on a gorilla trek including maintaining a distance of 8-10 meters away from gorillas, no running when a gorilla charges at you instead follow what your guide tells you.
Is it better to see gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?
Uganda and Rwanda all present remarkable opportunities for tourists to enjoy gorilla trekking. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park features bamboo forest and has 12 habituated gorilla families. In Uganda, treks are done across 5 regions and a total of 21 habituated gorilla families are all open for gorilla trekking.
Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
Gorilla trekking is absolutely worth every the penny. Trekking for hours and finally you find a group of massive silverbacks and their members is the most mesmerizing part of the entire gorilla trek. These apes are available only in the 4 parks and trekking them in Uganda is a lifetime opportunity and also it means you have supported conservation efforts to save them in the wild.
Is gorilla trekking in Uganda difficult? How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Uganda gorilla treks require moderate physical fitness level. The parks feature altitudinal range of 2500-3000m with Rwamunyonyi being the highest peak of Bwindi located in Ruhija