Gorilla Trekking Uganda, Gorilla Safaris, Uganda Gorilla Tours

Mountain gorilla trekking Uganda safaris take you to enjoy a lifetime adventure with the gentle giants- (endangered Mountain gorillas) within the lush green & misty montane forests.

Uganda gorilla safaris take place only in two national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park– all in southwestern Uganda within the Albertine Rift Valley region. All tourists interested in Uganda gorilla treks must have a gorilla permit which costs $800 and should be booked in advance.

As you come for your Uganda gorilla tours, expect to spend one hour watching these mighty great apes- (humanlike) in their natural habitat. Visitors are allowed to take photos and videos of these giant cousins of man with flashless cameras. Along the gorilla trek, it’s hard to miss spotting other wildlife species such as colorful birds, amazing reptiles, amphibians, and wonderful plant species.

For an extraordinary Uganda gorilla trekking safari vacation, complement other activities on your trip for instance; wildlife viewing tours in Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park to mention but a few. Mountain climbing, Chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking, game walks, bird watching, and cultural encounters are possible also.

Tourists coming for African safari tours with the interest of tracking gorillas can do it as well in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park or Virunga park in Congo. However, Uganda gorillas safari offers the best gorilla tracking experience.

You can do a gorilla safaris in Uganda year-round, but the gorilla trek is friendlier within the dry season as the trail is drier.

Destinations for Trekking Gorillas in Uganda- Where to Trek Gorillas in Uganda?

In this country, visitors can only trek Mountain gorillas in two national parks; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Globally, the other gorilla parks include; Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of the Congo Virunga park in Central Africa.

Sites for gorilla watching in Uganda;

A.       Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

For the best gorilla tours in Uganda, tourists should visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This park in southwestern Uganda is a great biodiverse UNESCO World Heritage Site holding over 144 mammal species and about 350 birds with 90% Albertine Endemic bird species.

Though Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds many animal species, it’s popularly known for its healthy Mountain gorilla population. The park is home to over 459 Mountain gorillas and this is around half of the 1,063 population of Mountain gorillas on Earth.

In the past years, Bwindi National Park has received several newborns for Mountain gorillas, therefore, its population is estimated to be beyond the mentioned! This park holds about 22 habituated gorilla families found within 4 gorilla trekking sectors; Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija.

Most of the gorilla safari tours in Uganda take place in Buhoma due to its lovely terrain, offering the easiest gorilla trek in the East African region.

Note:

• In Africa, Bwindi is the only site to have a gorilla habituation experience. Travelers undertaking gorilla habituation experience spend more time with Mountain gorillas (4 hrs.) unlike gorilla trekking which is strictly for one hour.
• Travelers on Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris can spot Forest Elephants, Bushbucks, Duikers, and other primates during the trek on lucky days
• It’s easy to combine Bwindi gorilla treks with wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

B.      Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Despite having only one gorilla family, Mgahinga National Park is also a prime destination for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda.

In most cases, visitors undertake gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda Mgahinga park when the gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi National Park are fully booked. Also, it’s an ideal place for travelers interested in Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tours since it’s close to Kigali International Airport, and gorilla permits in Uganda are cheaper than Rwanda’s gorilla permit.

Mgahinga park gorilla family- the Nyakagezi gorilla family features over 9 members including 4 silverbacks cohabiting!

Normally, visitors that come for gorilla treks in Uganda Mgahinga National Park also do golden monkey trekking. The Golden monkeys are the cutest primates in Africa. Volcano climbing & birding tours are also possible in this park.

There is no gorilla habituation experience in Mgahinga park.

Cost for Gorilla Permits in Uganda- How Much Is the Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

The gorilla trekking permit is the only pass for you to embark on the gorilla trek in any gorilla park in Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga park. It’s issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Most tourists coming for gorilla safaris in Uganda book their gorilla permits through tour operators.

Below is the cost for gorilla permit in Uganda inclusive of the park entrance fees;

1. $800 for foreign residents
2. $700 for non-foreign residents
3. 300,000 UGX for East African Citizens

When we compare the cost of gorilla permits in Uganda and the cost of a Rwanda gorilla trek, the fees for Uganda gorillas expeditions are cheaper. The gorilla permit to trek Rwanda gorillas is $1500. The Congo gorilla permit is the cheapest costing $400 giving you room to track Lowland gorillas as well.

In all destinations for gorilla trekking safari holidays in Africa, you can’t have discounted gorilla permits as some tour operators might say. So, don’t be fooled that there are discounted gorilla permits in Africa.

It’s possible to do a Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tour.

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations in Uganda for Tourists

Before you embark on a gorilla trek in any park on your Uganda safari, you’ll first be briefed on the guidelines to follow while on a gorilla tracking adventure. These rules were put in place to protect visitors as well as the lives of the endangered Mountain gorillas.

These are the guidelines you must follow while on gorilla treks in Uganda Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga park;

• You should be at least 15 years old to go gorilla trekking in Uganda. This also applies for the Rwanda gorilla tour
• Visitors have to present their gorilla tracking permit before they enter the jungle
• Wash your hands before embarking on the gorilla trek. This applies in all gorill trekking destinations including Congo’s Virunga park & Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
• If you have the flu or a cold, don’t go on the gorilla trek
• A gorilla family can only be trekked by eight people at a time
• When you are near wild gorillas, don’t eat, smoke, or drink.
• Always stay away from Mountain gorillas. Keep at least a 7m distance from these giant apes.
• When you cough or sneeze, make sure you cover your mouth and nose.
• While taking photos of these apes, don’t use the flashlight.
• As you experience gorilla trekking adventure, visitors are limited to one hour to watch these great apes after spotting them.
• Travelers must follow the instructions of the ranger during the gorilla hike.

All the mentioned gorilla trekking rules for Uganda also apply in Congo Virunga park and even Volcanoes National Park Rwanda in East Central Africa.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?- What is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas in Uganda Africa?

For the best gorilla trekking tours on Uganda safari or any other destination for example Rwanda Volcanoes National Park and Democratic Republic of Congo Virunga park in Virunga Mountains, visit in the dry season. The dry months in Uganda include; June, July, August, September, December, January, and February.

During the wet season, March, April, May, October, and November, gorilla tracking trails can be slippery due to much rainfall received. The goodness of gorilla watching in the wet season is that the treks take a short time as Mountain gorillas don’t move deep in the woods looking for food.

Being an experienced tour operator, we shall guide you on the best time to come for a gorilla vacation on your Uganda safari holiday or Rwanda gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park.

What to Wear for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

People planning a trip to Uganda should know that not all clothes are appropriate for gorilla watching safaris in Uganda.

This is gorilla trekking safari what to wear for travelers on Uganda safari vacation;

• Hiking boots. Your hiking boots should be light and fit you well
• Have a sweater to keep warm in the chilly mornings
• Sunhat in the dry season
• Safari socks
• Sunglasses
• Raincoat in case of rain
• Long pants as well as a long-sleeved shirt to protect your body from cuts
• Garden gloves to protect your hands from touching nettles in the rainforest

Packing List for Mountain Gorillas Trekking in Uganda- What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking Uganda?

As you come for a gorilla hike in Uganda, make sure you bring these things with you for a rewarding gorilla trekking experience;

1. Insect repellents
2. Camera to take photos
3. Personal medical kit
4. Simple day backpack
5. Personal toiletries
6. Packed lunch and bottled water
7. Your gorilla permit

Best Safari Lodges in Uganda for Tourists on Uganda Gorilla Tour Holidays

There are various lodges in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga park that you can use as you trek Mountain gorillas in Uganda Africa.

Some high-end lodges include; Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Silverback Lodge, and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, etc.

Agandi Lodge, Bwindi Trekkers Tavern Cottages, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, as well as Gorilla Mist Camp among others, are midrange facilities.

Some of the budget facilities include; Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Nshongi Camp, and Bwindi Guest House, to mention but a few.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Uganda Vs Rwanda- Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking Tours?

Is it better to see Mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda on your African safari? This answer is analyzed below.

The easiest way to handle this question is to look at various aspects of the gorilla trekking experience in these two countries;

1. Uganda has two destinations for gorilla tours; Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga park. Rwanda has only one- Volcanoes National Park.
2. In East Africa, Uganda holds the highest number of habituated mountain gorilla families, going over 23 gorilla groups both in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rwanda Volcanoes National Park has only 14 gorilla families.
3. For travelers in a hurry, the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda gorilla trek is the best alternative. Tourists can do a one-day gorilla tour in Rwanda unlike in Uganda.
4. A gorilla trekking safari adventure in Rwanda costs $1500 whereas a Uganda gorilla permit is $800. Therefore, Uganda is a great destination for budget gorilla tour holidays in Africa.
5. Both countries feature wonderful accommodation facilities for all classes of tourists.
6. Gorilla tour expeditions in Uganda offer the best wildlife viewing experience for travelers. Uganda features many parks for game viewing than Rwanda including Queen Elizabeth park- a wonderful site to see the tree climbing Lions in Africa. Rwanda’s only savannah park for game viewing is Akagera National Park- under the control of the Rwanda Development Board.
7. It’s possible to do Uganda and Rwanda gorilla treks if you wish! You just need to buy an East African tourist visa.
8. In both Uganda and Rwanda, there are no Lowland gorillas. These are only found in DTR Congo

Get in touch with us for more details.

FAQs About Gorilla Safari Tours in Uganda

1. How Long Can Visitors Spend With the Gorillas in Uganda?

Visitors on gorilla treks in Uganda are limited to one hour while in the presence of a Mountain gorilla family. Travelers who wish to spend boundless time with Mountain gorillas can choose to go for a gorilla habituation experience which takes over 4 hours.

2. How Long is a Gorilla Trek in Uganda?

In most cases, visitors trek gorillas for about 2-8 hours. But, some habituated gorilla families can be spotted in just 30 minutes especially those in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Hiking duration depends on the movement of these great apes in the jungle.

The gorilla tour expedition starts with a briefing from park headquarters and this can last for 30 minutes.

3. How Long is a Gorilla Safari in Uganda? : How Many days for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Africa?

For a gorilla tour in Uganda, tourists need a maximum of 3 days, but depending on your choice, this adventure can go beyond these days. Long gorilla safaris in Uganda can feature other wildlife safari parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park- (home of tree climbing Lions), Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Murchison falls park. Kibale Forest awaits visitors interested in Chimpanzee tracking safaris.

4. Which Month is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Africa?

The best months for gorilla safaris in Uganda Bwindi Forest National Park or Mgahinga National Park are June, July, August, December, January, and February, the dry months. Within these months, most trails in the park are dry since little rainfall is received. This is the ideal time for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and chimpanzee tracking as well.

5. Is Gorilla Trekking Safe in Uganda?

It is safe to go gorilla tracking in Uganda. There is nothing you need to worry about when you come for this adventure. As you leave the park headquarters to enter the jungle to start the gorilla search, armed park rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority will accompany you. This ensures that travelers are safe.

6. Can Children Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda? : What is the Age Limit for Gorilla Trekking Tour?

Visitors must be at least 15 years old to go on gorilla safaris in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga NP. People younger than this age can’t unless they sign a permission form with their parents or guardians.

7. How to See Gorillas in Uganda Africa?

The only way to see Mountain gorillas in Uganda is to go for a gorilla tracking adventure in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga park. This adventure is one of the best wildlife encounters in Africa. Sights of the mighty Silverback (dominant male in the gorilla group) offer lifetime memories!

8. Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money? : Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth It?

In comparison to other wildlife safaris in Africa, the fees for gorilla tracking are higher. This is because a bigger percentage is put back in gorilla conservation struggles. More still, some revenue is used to develop local communities nearby.

9. Is Gorilla Trekking Difficult? : How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Africa?

A lot of people think that tracking Mountain gorillas is hard, but once they spot them, they’ll forget all about how hard it was. Trekking for Mountain gorillas in Uganda will take you through thick woods, valleys, and hills, which can make the process difficult.

The difficulty of a gorilla hike varies from person to person. It’s better you try to raise your fitness level before the tracking date.

10.      How Do I Prepare for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Preparing for a gorilla tracking experience is easy! Before the gorilla tour, you should try to raise your body fitness level by making some road work or evening walks as well as other workouts. Also, don’t forget to park appropriately! This knowledge is ideal as well for travelers planning to take Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris.

11.      How to Get a Gorilla Trekking Permit in Uganda?

Visitors coming for mountain gorilla tours in Uganda normally book their gorilla trekking permits through a tour company. Though it’s possible, it is rare for visitors to buy their gorilla trekking permits directly from UWA headquarters.

12.      How Many Gorilla Permits Are in Uganda?

Destination Uganda offers around 184 gorilla trekking permits for visitors each day in its two national parks; Mgahinga & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Mgahinga offers only 8 permits and the rest are in Bwindi.

13.      How Much Does a Gorilla Safari Cost in Uganda?

There is no set price for a gorilla safari in Uganda, but keeping all costs in mind, a 3-day gorilla trek should cost around $1500. This includes a gorilla permit, transportation, lodging, and food.

14.      How to See Mountain Gorillas on a Budget in Uganda? : What Is the Cheapest Way to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

There are numerous ways to reduce expenditure on your Uganda gorilla safari tour. Among the many ways include; using budget lodges, traveling as a group, booking your trip with a local tour company, and tracking gorillas in the low season. For more details about budget gorilla safaris in Uganda, email us. We are also in a position to tailor Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safaris.

15.      What to Expect on Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris?

On your gorilla tracking date, expect to wake up early so that you make it to the park headquarters in time for the briefing section at 8:00 am. Then, while in the misty cool jungle, lucky travelers can spot amazing birds, plant species, and wild animals such as Bushbucks, Duikers, primate species, and the forest Elephant.

Since most gorilla safaris in Uganda take you through wildlife safari parks such as Queen Elizabeth park, be expectant to spot numerous savannah game animals of Uganda including those of Serengeti National Park. Among these include; Lions, Leopards, Hyenas, Buffalos, Topis plus numerous primate species such as Baboons.

In conclusion, within the East African region, a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda offer the best experience for tracking Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Unlike other countries, gorilla treks in Uganda take place in two destinations; Bwindi Park & Mgahinga National Park- the home of Golden monkeys as well.

It’s possible to add other game-viewing tours on your gorilla safaris in Uganda such as searching for the Big Five and even chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trips are possible also.

All our Uganda safari gorilla packages can be tailored to suit your budget and interests. Contact us for more details.