Trekking Gorillas in Uganda - Your Complete Guide For 2023

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Trekking gorillas in Uganda or gorilla trekking in Uganda is certainly one of Africa’s most sought-after bucket-list safari experiences.

Described by many as a life-changing experience, your Uganda gorilla trekking safari takes you deep into a verdant rainforest world where the rare giant mountain gorillas share their home with monkeys, butterflies, and hundreds of unique bird species.

About 1063 mountain gorillas are left in the entire world, and Uganda is home to more than of half of this population. The rest of the mountain gorillas are found in the neighboring countries of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These gentle giants only live in the forests of the Albertine rift region. Unlike other gorilla species, Mountain Gorillas cannot survive in zoos. The only way to see them is by trekking into their natural habitat.

here Is Everything you need to know about Gorilla trekking in Uganda:

Where to see gorillas in Uganda? Where To Go For Uganda Gorilla Tours?

Uganda has two national parks that offer mountain gorilla trekking. These Uganda gorilla safari parks are situated in the highly scenic southwestern Uganda about 8 to 10 hour’s drive from Kampala. You can visit either of them with Tulambule Uganda Safaris.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The best place to see gorillas in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of mountain gorilla trekking in Africa.

This 321 km² (32,000 hectares) jungle paradise is also one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. Its misty Afro-montane rainforest shelters over 500 mountain gorillas. Gorillas live in families of usually 5 to 30 members.

Bwindi is a proud home of about 50 gorilla families and 22 of them have been habituated – trained gently over 2-3 years to become used to the presence of humans – while the remaining 38 families are completely wild and cannot be approached.

Gorilla families of Bwindi reside in the 4 different sectors of the park which include Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. Each of these sectors act as is a self-standing gorilla trekking destination.

Apart from the mountain gorillas, Bwindi contains a wealth of endemic birds, primates, orchids, majestic trees, shy ungulates, brightly coloured butterflies and enchanting waterfalls.

READ MORE About Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park accounts for 33.7 square kilometers of the larger Virunga Conservation Area that which stretches across 435 square kilometers into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This Uganda’s smallest national park includes 3 of the 8 major Virunga Volcanoes: Muhavura (4,127 m), Gahinga (3,474 m), and Sabinyo (3,645 m). It hosts around 80 mountain gorilla, one habituated gorilla family and troops of golden monkeys.

READ MORE About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

What is the habitat of the Mountain gorillas?

As their name suggest, Mountain Gorillas live in forests high in the mountains. These forests sit at elevations of 2,500 to 4,000 m (8,000 to 13,000 ft).

Mountain gorillas are primarily herbivores. Their diet mainly consists of plants such as roots, shoots, wild celery and fruits, all of which flourish in the cool and moist montane climate.

READ MORE: What Do Gorillas Eat?

Uganda Gorilla Permit

You need a permit to trek the gorillas in Uganda. The permits for trekking gorillas in Uganda are available for purchase, up to two years in advance.

Currently, the Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 700 for a foreign nonresident, USD 600 for a foreign resident, and UGX 250,000 for East African citizen. Although this might seem expensive, it is a bargain compared to the US$1500 permit fee for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

You can buy the gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which is in charge of protecting Uganda’s wildlife inside the National Parks. However, it is recommended that you buy your Uganda gorilla permit through a registered Uganda tour company.

You can purchase your Uganda gorilla trekking permit for any of the trekking region or sector. You have to specify in which region or sector you would want to trek gorillas. Once you have decided on a date and region/sector for your Uganda gorilla trek and availability has been confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of 30% is required to reserve your gorilla permit.

Your Uganda gorilla permit is held with UWA until you have paid in full. According to the current regulations, the latest this can be done is one month prior to the trek date.

What to expect on a gorilla trek Uganda Tour?

1. Pre-gorilla trekking briefing

Gorilla trekking in Uganda starts very early in the morning with a briefing. There is a limit of one trek each day per gorilla family group.

During the pre-trekking briefing, guests are divided into suitable groups for trekking each gorilla family. This is arranged by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). (Read More About Gorilla Trekking for the very old and disabled) They are also briefed on essential rules that help protect both primates and people.

A maximum of 8 visitors are allowed to trek one gorilla family, at a time.

If you wish to see a specific mountain gorilla family, a nearby family or interested in a short trek, you can make a special request, although this cannot be guaranteed. Please be sure you notify your safari guide of these needs. They will liaise with UWA on your behalf.

Gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks are territorial. And your briefing guide will discuss where each gorilla family has been roaming ‘recently’.

As such hopefully, you’ll be given an estimate of how long the trek will take to find them, although this is not always the case.

2. Actual Gorilla Trek

The actual gorilla trek commences at around 8.00 am.

The trekking pace is relaxed – expect frequent stops to admire the incredible views or identify a bird. But high humidity and steep hills take their toll – you should be fit enough to walk for 2-6 hours at a relaxed pace.

UWA staff manages all aspects of trekking gorillas in Uganda.

You’ll be accompanied by local security personnel, a ranger guide, and trackers, with optional porters – who walk with you until a gorilla family is located.

Porters are from the surrounding local communities, rotated for revenue sharing which goes directly to them. We highly recommend at least one porter each trekker. Usually, porter fees are additional to your Uganda gorilla trekking tour, and paid direct.

Your Tulambule Uganda Safaris Guide does NOT accompany you when trekking gorillas, unless you have arranged and would like to pre-purchase him a gorilla trekking permit.

You probably have a 99% chance of seeing Gorillas in Uganda. We haven’t ever heard of a tourist group being so unlucky as to not see gorillas on a Uganda gorilla trekking tour.

Gorilla trackers head off at dawn every day to locate gorilla families and radio the co-ordinates back to headquarters. So, that means that before you even begin your trek the trackers have a good idea of where your allocated gorilla family is or will be.

3. The Face To Face Encounter With The Gorillas

On encountering the gorillas, your ranger guides only take you closer to the gorillas. And your viewing time begins – which is a maximum of 1 hour.

The strain of early start and a relatively difficult hike (that may go for hours along slippery, twisting mud paths through stinging nettles) rapidly evaporates when you look into the liquid brown eyes of one of our closest living relatives.

Mesmerizing to watch, your permitted hour flies by as they carry on their daily business of eating, sleeping, preening and playing, usually paying little attention to onlookers.

Youngsters chase each other, swing in trees, laugh and squeal just like children. Mums dote on babies, suckling and cradling them, and big daddy silverback watches over them all.

What are the rules for Trekking Gorillas In Uganda?

Mountain gorilla trekking rules are crucial for protect the health of the gorillas.

Sharing about 98% of human DNA, gorillas are extremely susceptible to human diseases. Additionally mountain gorillas will be stressed if there are so many visitors or if visitors behave inappropriately.

1. Feeling sick?

If you show any sign of illness on the day of your gorilla trekking adventure, please let your guide or the park staff know.

They may decide to prevent you from trekking gorillas on that day.

Exposing mountain gorillas to disease may be catastrophic for the entire population of these highly endangered primates. Also, if you are near the gorillas and need to sneeze or cough, please look away and cover your mouth and nose with a cloth.

2. Group Size And Frequency:

Each gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is visited daily – only once. The trekking group size is limited to a maximum of 8 tourists. And the interaction with the mountain gorillas is limited to one hour.

3. Minimum Visitor Age:

The minimum age for trekking gorillas in Uganda is 15 years old. This is to prevent exposing the mountain gorillas to childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, etc. There is no maximum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

4. Photography:

Flash photography is not permitted when photographing the mountain gorillas. The flash may frighten them or provoke an aggressive reaction from the gentle giants.

5. Minimum Distance:

You must remain at least 7 metres (21 feet) from the mountain gorillas. However gorillas may approach you. In this case, you should retreat slowly if possible.

6. Stay Together:

Try to remain in your trekking group. This will make it easier for your guides to manage the situation and to prevent the mountain gorillas from feeling threatened.

7. Your Behavior While With Gorillas:

Remain seated or crouching and keep your arms at your side when spending time with gorillas. Keep quiet – even when filming a selfie. Shouting, standing or gesturing with your arms may be perceived as a threat by gorillas.

Silverback gorillas (the adult male gorillas) have been known to beat their chests, roar and even charge at visitors.

If this happens, remain seated, calm, and avoid eye contact with the gorilla. These threat displays look and sound scary but the gorillas soon calm down and go about their business without harming anybody.

8. Eating, Drinking And Smoking:

You should not eat, drink or smoke near the mountain gorillas. This may attract their attention, leading to unwelcome close encounters. Your food can also be bad for health of the gorillas.

9. Toilet Activities:

Make sure you go to the bathroom before you set out on a gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi or Mgahinga. If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, you’ll need to dig a deep hole to bury your faeces and fill the hole up afterwards. Your guides will lend you a machete for this purpose. But you will need to bring your own toilet paper.

10. Litter:

Please keep all of your rubbish in your backpack and deposit it back at your lodge after the gorilla trekking adventure.

What is the weather like on a gorilla trek?

Trekking gorillas in Uganda takes place at high altitudes in high rainfall areas. The weather here can swing from clear and hot to torrential rain and cold in minutes.

Which month is best for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

The best months for gorilla trekking in Uganda are June to September (which is the long dry season) and December to February, which is the short dry season months.

However, the tropical rain forests where gorilla trekking is done are situated near the equator and there may still be a shower or two in the dry season. But is generally drier, which makes the ground less slippery.

The dry season months are also the best time to enjoy a game viewing in Uganda, since the bush is less dense, making spotting wildlife much easier. It is also the best time to enjoy chimpanzee trekking or rafting adventure on the historic Nile River in the town of Jinja.

Read More About The Best Time To Visit Uganda

Is Gorilla Trekking Safe? How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking In Uganda?

Yes – gorilla trekking is safe both for you and this most majestic animal, so long as you follow a few basic rules and listen to your trek guide.

And Uganda is arguably one of the safest countries to visit in Africa (read more about how safe is Uganda). The local people are warm and welcoming towards visitors.

Also, gorillas are not dangerous animals, despite their size, fearsome appearance, and unfair reputation. Mountain gorillas are typically shy, gentle giants who usually spend most of their time feeding and looking after their young.

They are even vegetarians (predominantly). So, while gorillas will defend themselves if attacked, they’re not aggressive creatures.

And they are not interested in hurting humans. Moreover, the gorilla families that you visit are habituated – accustomed to the presence of humans.

Also, when you go on a gorilla trek in Uganda you go in the company of a trained ranger guide who is armed in case of an emergence.

So trekking gorillas in Uganda is a safe and thrilling adventure!

What To Wear For Gorilla Trekking Safaris? How Do You Prepare For Gorilla Trekking?

Nature Blending Color clothes: Choose a shirt that’s a neutral color such as khaki, green or light brown.

Strong, waterproof hiking boots/shoes: Gorilla trekking in Uganda occurs on the forest slopes of Virunga Volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The terrain is rugged and the forest floor can be a muddy and sticky dump.

A Pair of Gaiters: Gaiters cover the vulnerable tops of your footwear to protect your feet from the jungle floor elements entirely. They also prevent bugs, water, dirt, and pebble from entering your boot.

Strong gardening gloves: If you like to grab on to things when you walk, we would advise a strong pair of gloves as there are quite a few thorns in the rainforest.

Hooded, Lightweight Waterproof Jacket or Poncho: Mountain gorillas live in tropical rain forests and as such, it rains throughout the whole year.

Long-Sleeved Shirt or Blouse: If your skin is sensitive to nettles and scratches from branches and vines.

Hiking Pants or Trousers: You’re advised not to trek gorillas in shorts or skirts.

Broad-brimmed hat: Broad-breamed hat to protect you from strong equatorial sunshine.

Gear for Trekking Gorillas In Uganda

Camera
A walking stick: You may want a walking stick to assist you on the trek, especially if trekking on a wet day.
Mini first aid kit with antiseptic, plasters & moist towelettes
Water bottle or hip flask: Be sure to keep hydrated, especially at altitude.
A waterproof daypack: You’ll use this to carry all your essentials like your camera and rain jacket.

READ MORE: Easy Guide To What To Pack For A Safari In Uganda

Where To Stay On Gorilla Safaris In Uganda?

If you are planning a gorilla safari in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can set up base at one of the sector trailheads located at Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, or Buhoma.

Various lodges and camps in Bwindi are now open for business around these bases, and you can choose the one that best meets your specifications and budget.

During your stay at any of these accommodations, you will also have the opportunity to interact with the local Bakiga and Batwa Pygmy communities.

Participate in their cultural safari activities as you go on walks around the village and get a taste of their traditional ethos, art, music, dance, and ancient lore, which relates to the history of the magical forests you’ll explore on your visit.

READ MORE about Uganda Safari Lodges, Hotels, and Campsite

How much is gorilla Trek in Uganda?

The cost of trekking gorillas in Uganda is relatively high compared to other wildlife encounters. And the gorilla permit price is just a fraction of the overall Uganda gorilla safari cost.

You still have to consider transportation, accommodation and food, your Uganda visa, air tickets, packing lists, porters and tips for the Guides.

Approximately an all-inclusive 3 Days gorilla trekking Uganda tour costs between $1,200 and $2,900 per person sharing. That is roughly estimating. We will advise you of the exact prices once the discussion about your gorilla trek safari begins.

READ MORE about Uganda Gorilla Trekking Cost Guidelines

Why Is Gorilla Trekking Expensive? Is gorilla trekking worth the money?

Trekking gorillas in Uganda is one of the top Africa wildlife safari experiences.

The encounter is different from classic safari game drive in the Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve or Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

A gorilla trek is special because gorillas look and behave like we humans. They’re our close genetic relatives, highly endangered, and high numbers of travellers are interested in seeing them wild. But, due to shared DNA, our virus and illness can easily spread to them.

It is should be note that if the Uganda gorilla permit cost was reduced considerably, too many tourists would be attracted to visit the gorillas hence affecting the overall well-being of the few habituated gorilla families.

This has forced Uganda government to raise the gorilla trekking permit price. Also gorilla conservation needs significant investments. And the money collected from gorilla permits is used to fund activities related to protecting these endangered giants.

Generally 15 percent of the income from gorilla permits goes to the government, 10 percent to the local communities to limit poaching, and 75 percent to gorilla conservation.

Gorilla trekking Uganda vs Rwanda

Which is best to visit for gorilla trekking Uganda Vs Uganda depends on your safari needs.

This is because Uganda and Rwanda are both great options for gorilla trekking in Africa. They have much in common when it comes to gorilla trekking safaris.

But there are differences too. For example, the permit for trekking gorillas in Uganda is far cheaper than the permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

READ MORE: Is Uganda Or Rwanda Better For Gorilla Trekking?

Photographing Mountain Gorillas

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is dark, and the use of large lenses will be limited. Keep that big lens in your backpack, and use a general-purpose lens on your camera.

Keep a dry lens cloth handy to wipe away dew and raindrops. Please remember that flash photography is not permitted while with the gorillas.